bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocatalyzed de novo synthesis of fused tetracyclic skeletons via stepwise formal [3 + 2]/[4 or 5 + 2] cycloadditions
Authors: Guan Wenjing , Hang Jinlin , Liu Guanru , Qiao Yaqi , Yuan Chengcheng , Liao Lufang , Fan Xiaoqing , Fang Zheng , Liu Chengkou , Guo Kai
Published: October 2024

A visible light-promoted synthesis route to fused tetracyclic skeletons with rich sp3 carbons through stepwise radical cycloadditions and further cyclization of the final radical intermediates with adjacent aromatic rings was developed.
Digital strategies to improve the product quality and production efficiency of fluorinated polymers: 2. Heat removal performance of reactor with internal and external cooling systems
Authors: Zhang Xi-Bao , Zhou Yin-Ning , Chen Hao , Luo Zheng-Hong , Zhou Liyang , Yu Guojun , Liu Wenwu , Zhu Shiping
Published: October 2024

A reactor's heat transfer efficiency can be significantly enhanced and the fluid temperature uniformity can be controlled through introducing cooling water in the agitator and regulating the flow ratio of cooling water in the agitator and jacket.
Advanced diesel from ethanol: a pathway to produce sustainable and high-quality drop-in biofuels
Authors: Restrepo-Flórez Juan-Manuel , Chavarrio Javier E. , Canales Emmanuel , Witkowski Dustin , Subramanian Srinath , Cuello-Peñaloza Paolo , Rothamer David A. , Maravelias Christos T. , Huber George W.
Published: October 2024

In this work, we develop a novel technology for the transformation of ethanol into diesel via Guerbet coupling and etherification.
Atomic layer deposition of Ru nanoclusters on Ba–LaCeOx: a highly efficient catalyst for ammonia synthesis under mild conditions
Authors: Wang Kaiying , Jin Baitang , He Xiaoqing , Liang Xinhua
Published: October 2024

Uniform ∼1.0 nm metallic ruthenium (Ru) nanoclusters on Ba–LaCeOx particles prepared by atomic layer deposition demonstrated high catalytic performance for ammonia synthesis.
On β-titanium alloys: tailoring gamma-ray, and neutron transmission properties for nuclear and biomedical applications
Authors: AlMisned Ghada , Baykal Duygu Sen , Alkarrani Hessa , Güler Ömer , Kilic Gokhan , Mesbahi Asghar , Tekin Huseyin Ozan
Published: October 2024

This study explores the gamma-ray and neutron transmission properties of β-Titanium alloys pivotal for their performance in nuclear and biomedical applications. Utilizing the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP 6.3) simulations, we analyzed a spectrum of Ti-based alloys modified with elements like molybdenum (Mo), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), and hafnium (Hf) to determine their radiation attenuation properties. Key parameters such as mass and linear attenuation coefficients, half-value layers, exposure buildup factors, and fast neutron effective removal cross-section values were computed, revealing significant enhancements in attenuation with the addition of high-Z elements. Specifically, alloys like Ti50Hf50 and (TiZr)40Cu60 exhibited superior photon and fast neutron attenuation due to their high-Z constituents. For instance, Ti50Hf50 showed a mass attenuation coefficient of 0.217 cm2/g and a half-value layer of 2.97 cm at 0.1 MeV photon energy, while (TiZr)40Cu60 demonstrated similar performance with a mass attenuation coefficient of 0.198 cm2/g and a half-value layer of 3.26 cm. These alloys also exhibited effective neutron removal cross-section values of 0.115 cm−1 and 0.130 cm−1, respectively. Alloys with lower-Z elements showed less attenuation, which may be beneficial in scenarios requiring reduced radiographic contrast in biomedical applications. The MCNP outcomes were in strong agreement with standard data, affirming the accuracy of computational methods in predicting material behavior. In conclusion, tailored alloy development is crucial for improving radiation shielding and diagnostic visualization, with broader implications for patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Neue Methode zur portablen Muskelanalyse mittels Ultraschall
Authors: Rosahl Sophie C. , Rittweger Jörn
Published: October 2024

Bei Langzeitaufenthalten in Mikrogravitation unterliegt die Muskulatur einer Dekonditionierung. Das Training an Bord der International Space Station ermöglicht bereits eine zügige Aufnahme der täglichen Aktivitäten nach der Landung, jedoch kommt es nach wie vor zu beobachtbarer Muskelatrophie. Daher ist eine Analyse des Muskels von physiologischer sowie von struktureller Seite vor, während und nach Raumflügen von höchster Relevanz. Eine nichtinvasive, platz- und kosteneffiziente Methode ist dabei der muskuloskelettale Ultraschall. Die Echointensität kann Aufschlüsse über die Binnenqualität des Muskels geben, jedoch sind die Ergebnisse stark untersucherabhängig. Durch Modellierung einer Funktion basierend auf Messungen des Schallwinkels und der Echointensität konnten objektivere Parameter erschlossen werden. Damit lassen sich in Zukunft Echointensitäten zwischen Muskeln vergleichen oder deren Verlauf über eine Periode der Immobilisierung verfolgen, um pathologischen Veränderungen frühzeitig und gezielt entgegenzuwirken.
Evaluating endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition for diagnosis of small pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Katsuda Hiromune , Kobayashi Masanori , Ito Go , Kawamoto Ami , Krimura Susumu , Sato Hiroyuki , Hirakawa Akihiro , Akahoshi Keiichi , Kudo Atsushi , Ohtsuka Kazuo , Okamoto Ryuichi
Published: October 2024

Background and study aims Although small hypervascular tumors are suspected to be pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (p-NENs), their diagnosis and treatment are challenging. This study evaluated the usefulness of endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) for diagnosis of small p-NENs.

Methods All p-NEN lesions that underwent EUS-TA at our hospital between April 2018 and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The diagnostic sensitivity of EUS-TA and the concordance rate of grading with EUS-TA and surgical specimens were examined. The lesions were grouped by size.

Results The diagnostic sensitivity of EUS-TA was analyzed for 82 lesions, of which 44 were compared with postoperative specimens for grading. The definitive diagnosis was neuroendocrine tumor (NET) in 75 lesions, neuroendocrine carcinoma in five lesions, and mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasm in two lesions. Thirty tumors were ≤10 mm, 30 were 10 to 20 mm, and 22 were >20 mm, and the diagnostic sensitivities were 96.7%, 96.7%, and 90.9%, respectively. Concordance rates for grading were 94.4%, 82.4%, and 77.8% for tumors ≤10 mm, 10 to 20 mm, and ≥20 mm, respectively, with Cohen’s kappa coefficients of 0.64, 0.48, and 0.40, respectively.

Conclusions EUS-TA showed adequate diagnostic sensitivity and grading agreement for p-NENs of all sizes, allowing for determination of appropriate treatment.
The 2024 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation: A Viewpoint from a Practicing Clinician's Perspective
Authors: Potpara Tatjana , Romiti Giulio F. , Sohns Christian
Published: October 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex disease requiring a multidomain and (usually) long-term management, thus posing a significant burden to patients with AF, practitioners, and health care system. Unlike cardiovascular conditions with a narrow referral pathway (e.g., acute coronary syndrome), AF may be first detected by a wide range of specialties (often noncardiology) or a general practitioner. Since timely initiated optimal management is essential for the prevention of AF-related complications, a concise and simple guidance is essential for practitioners managing AF patients, regardless of their specialty. Guideline-adherent management of patients with AF has been shown to translate to improved patient outcomes compared with guideline-nonadherent treatment. To facilitate guideline implementation in routine clinical practice, a good guideline document on AF should introduce only evidence-based new recommendations, while avoiding arbitrary changes, which may be confusing to practitioners. Herein, we discuss the main changes in the 2024 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) AF Guidelines relative to the previous 2020 ESC document. Whether the updates and new recommendations issued by the new guidelines will translate in high adherence in clinical practice (and hence improved prognosis of patients with AF) will need to be addressed in upcoming years.
Quantification and assessment of the atmospheric boundary layer height measured during the AWAKEN experiment by a scanning LiDAR
Authors: Puccioni M. , Moss C. F. , Solari M. S. , Roy S. , Iungo G. V. , Wharton S. , Moriarty P.
Published: October 2024

The atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) height plays a key role in many atmospheric processes as one of the dominant flow length scales. However, a systematic quantification of the ABL height over the entire range of scales (i.e., with periods ranging from one minute to one year) is still lacking in literature. In this work, the ABL height is quantified based on high-resolution measurements collected by a scanning pulsed Doppler LiDAR during the recent American WAKE experimeNt (AWAKEN) campaign. The high availability of ABL height estimates (≈2200 collected over one year and each of them based on 10-min averaged statistics) allows to robustly assess five different ABL height models, i.e., one for convective thermal conditions and four for stable conditions. Thermal condition is quantified by a stability parameter spanning three orders of magnitude and probed by near-ground 3D sonic anemometry. The free-atmosphere stability, quantified by the Brunt–Väisälä frequency, is both calculated from simultaneous radiosonde measurements and obtained from the best fit of two of the chosen ABL height models. Good agreement is found between the data and three of the chosen models, quantified by mean absolute errors on the ABL height between 281 and 585 m. Furthermore, the seasonal variability of the convective ABL height model parameters (−15% to +23% with respect to the year baseline) agrees with the variability of buoyancy-generated turbulence caused by the variation in solar radiation throughout the year.
The nonlinear behavior of generic tail fins for small wind turbines
Authors: Khedr Amr A. , Hammam Mohamed M. , Gupta Abhineet , Branlard Emmanuel , Castellani Francesco , Wood David H.
Published: October 2024

This paper describes analysis and measurements of the yaw response of tail fins for small wind turbines. It is based on an extension of unsteady slender body theory (USBT) to cover non-slender fins and high angles of incidence, both of which make the theory nonlinear. We provide three main additions to the substantial literature on linearized USBT for tail fins. First, USBT is extended to high angles by modeling the nonlinear vortex dynamics. Second, the restriction to slender bodies is removed by modeling the chordwise load variation. Third, we consider the effect of time-varying wind speed. The extended theory is compared to wind tunnel measurements of the yaw behavior of delta, elliptical, and rectangular tail fins without a rotor and nacelle. The fins were released from initial yaw angles of −40° and −80°; the latter is of sufficient magnitude to show the importance of the nonlinear yaw dynamics. Generally good agreement was found between the theory and measurements, and the theory was shown to be more accurate than a “polar” or quasi-steady model which uses only the lift and drag of a delta planform. Of the three planforms, the rectangular one showed the lowest accuracy in terms of frequency but the damping was accurately predicted. Overall, the results demonstrate the importance of nonlinearity in the response of a yawing tail fin, particularly for the higher aspect ratio fins at large yaw angles.
Brillouin laser pumped tunable low-threshold mid-IR Kerr comb at 2 μm
Authors: Pathak Kanad , Pant Ravi
Published: October 2024

Optical frequency combs in the 2 μm wavelength region are important for applications ranging from sensing of gases such as CO2 and CO to optical communications, LIDAR, and gravitational wave detection. The development of low-loss waveguides and high-Q microresonators with anomalous dispersion and the availability of tunable narrow linewidth lasers around 1.55 μm have enabled the realization of small footprint soliton combs and low-threshold Kerr combs in this wavelength region; demonstrations of microresonator frequency combs in the 2 μm wavelength region have been limited. Here, we harness an intracavity pumping scheme to demonstrate a low-threshold (<100 mW) microresonator Kerr comb at 2 μm. We exploit Brillouin lasing in a silica microsphere (∼310 μm diameter) to create an intracavity pump, which then generates a ∼140 nm wide Kerr comb in the backscattered Stokes direction. We demonstrate the tolerance of the comb generation scheme to microsphere dimensions and the input pump wavelength by achieving Kerr comb generation in microspheres of diameters ranging from 295 to 318 μm and also at different input pump wavelengths for a particular microsphere diameter. Intracavity pumping opens up opportunities for the development of soliton combs and Kerr combs in the mid-IR wavelength region for applications such as dual-comb spectroscopy, LIDAR, and optical communications.
Femtosecond optical vortex-induced flower-shaped surface relief structures in an azo-polymer film
Authors: Ishihara Kana , Omatsu Takashige
Published: October 2024

We study the formation of surface relief structures in azo-polymers generated via two-photon induced photoisomerization using a femtosecond near-infrared optical vortex laser beam. These structures exhibit exotic flower-like shapes with petals along the azimuthal direction, and they are formed from spatial mode instability, which is associated with third-order nonlinear effects in the azo-polymer. This process is a unique and exotic interaction between light and matter, which may be applied to the development of advanced optical data storage technologies. Here, an additional degree of freedom is offered by the number of formed petals, which themselves are a function of the topological charge of the optical vortex beam.
Effect of crosses and different ages at slaughter on carcass characteristics and meat quality of goat kids
Authors: Firmino Salenilda Soares , Pereira Marília Williani Filgueira , Araújo Thiago Luis Alves Campos de , de Lima Renata Nayhara , de Lima Allison Ferreira , Leite Hélia Maria de Souza , Lima Júnior Dorgival Morais de , Lima Patrícia de Oliveira
Published: October 2024

Context The fate of kids born in dairy goat production systems is a growing concern. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the carcass characteristics and meat quality of Saanen and Saanen × Boer goat kids slaughtered at 30 and 60 days of age. Methods We used 32 entire male goats, suckler and with access to solid food from 30 to 60 days, distributed in a completely randomised design, in a 2 (breed) × 2 (age at slaughter) factorial arrangement. We evaluated animal performance, carcass characteristics, instrumental analyses of the Quadriceps femoral muscle, and consumer perception. Key results There was no interaction between breed and age of the goats (P > 0.05) on the initial and final liveweight, weight gain, cold carcass weight, hot carcass weight, and hot and cold carcass yields. However, age at slaughter influenced these variables (P < 0.05). The breed did not influence pH, meat colour, water-retention capacity, weight loss by cooking, or shear force (P > 0.05). However, shear force increased when goats were slaughtered at 60 days of age (P < 0.05). The muscle pH determined at 24 h after slaughter, and lipid oxidation, were lower in the meat of goats slaughtered at 60 days of age (P < 0.05), but did not differ between breeds. Higher consumer scores for flavour and appearance (P < 0.05) were attributed to the meat of crossbred animals in sensory analysis. Conclusions Slaughtering goat kids at 60 days of age (versus 30 days of age) is an alternative for improving some aspects of meat quality. We recommend crossing Saanen × Boer to increase consumer acceptance of meat. Implications This study is important for Saanen goat kids producers to understand that crossbreeding with the Boer breed improves carcass characteristics and meat acceptance by consumers.
Trends in the environmental impacts of the Australian pork industry
Authors: Wiedemann S. G. , Watson K. , Biggs L. , McGahan E. J. , Copley M. A.
Published: October 2024

Context Over the past four decades, major changes have occurred in Australia’s pork industry, affecting productivity and environmental performance. Aims This study determined long-term changes in greenhouse gas and key resource use efficiency indicators. Methods Life cycle assessment was used to determine impacts at decadal intervals between 1980 and 2010, and are presented alongside results for 2020 and 2022. Key results Over 42 years since 1980, greenhouse gas emissions, excluding land use and direct land use change (dLUC), fell by 74% from 11.7 to 3.0 kg CO2-e/kg liveweight. Land use and dLUC emissions declined by 92%. Fossil energy use decreased from 35 to 13 MJ/kg liveweight between 1980 and 2022. Freshwater consumption and water stress fell from 506 L and 671 L H2O-e in 1980 to 52 L and 43 L H2O-e/kg liveweight in 2022, respectively. Land occupation decreased by 42% from 22 m2/kg liveweight in 1980 to 13 m2/kg liveweight in 2022. Over the analysis period, emissions per kilogram of liveweight fell by an average of 1.8% per year, land use and dLUC emissions by 2.2%, greenhouse gas including land use and dLUC emissions by 1.9%, fossil energy use by 1.5%, and freshwater consumption, stress, and land occupation by 2.1%, 2.2%, and 1%, respectively. Between 2010 and 2020, uptake of covered anaerobic ponds resulted in an annual rate of improvement in emissions (excl. land use and dLUC) of 2.9%, however, the rate of improvement fell to 1.4% between 2020 and 2022. Conclusions Long-term improvements were principally driven by improved herd productivity and feed production systems, and changes in housing and manure management. Herd and system efficiencies led to better feed conversion ratio, resulting in lower feed requirements, reduced manure production and lower feed wastage, which reduced manure greenhouse gas emissions. Concurrently, reduced tillage, higher yields, and a decrease in the proportion of irrigation water used for grain production resulted in lower impacts of feed grains. Implications Ongoing changes and improvements in production efficiency have resulted in large gains in environmental performance in the Australian pork industry but new strategies will also be needed to maintain these trends into the future.
Chapter 5. 🍊🍊🍊: Political influencers as flashpoints for manufactured online aggression
Authors: Seargeant Philip , Giaxoglou Korina
Published: October 2024

In the context of the literature on practices of social media influencers, little attention has been paid, so far, to the emerging category of political influencers. This chapter examines the social media feed of a political influencer as a site of antagonistic political debate generating audience outrage. Drawing on digital ethnography and digital discourse analysis, we focus on a media event centring around a tweet posted by the British journalist Ash Sarkar on the date upon which three people were killed in a terrorist incident in a park in Reading, UK. The tweet unleashed a storm of abuse targeted at Sarkar from people erroneously relating its content to the killings. Our analysis reconstructs how this post and reactions to it created lines of dis/alignment around broad antagonistic and reactionary online discourses as a strategy of weaponizing and communicating outrage against this type of political influencer.
Chapter 6. Cancel Culture and influencers
Authors: Garcés-Conejos Blitvich Pilar
Published: October 2024

The cancellation of Hilaria Baldwin, amid accusations of deception (regarding claims that she was a Spanish woman and Spanish was her native language) and Cultural Appropriation (CAPP), was a complex case, involving language ideologies, authenticity, and the racialization undergone by the Spanish language and related identities in the US, exacerbated by Cancel Culture (CC). While CC has been widely discussed in non-academic literature, recent academic scholarship on the topic largely takes a macro approach. This chapter provides a less frequent examination of cancellation processes at the micro level, analyzing user-generated posts in related YouTube videos. Drawing on discursive pragmatics and Corpus Assisted Discourse Studies, it argues that Hilaria Baldwin’s case is deeply connected to perceptions of Spanish/Latino/Hispanic identity in the US. Despite dissent on CAPP, Hilaria’s dishonesty about her background triggered her cancellation, reenforcing claims about the fundamental link between perceived immoral behavior and cancellation events as well as the high expectations regarding authenticity in influencers’ self-presentation.
Imposing order on a creative chaos
Authors: Byrman Ylva , Nord Andreas
Published: October 2024

It is uncontested that terminologists leading multi-professional terminology projects need a thorough knowledge of the principles and standards of terminology work. However, the softer skills involved in the work have gained less attention. In this paper, we apply interaction analysis to a multi-professional expert meeting led by a terminologist and highlight the communicative and interpersonal work he carries out. Our results show how the terminologist allows for a certain “creative chaos” and makes the team “feel good”, while still keeping epistemic quality under permanent scrutiny and never losing focus on the task at hand. He does this through flexible agenda management — sticking to his meeting agenda, but not rigidly, and allowing for and taking note of useful contributions, even if they come in the wrong phase. He also upholds a sufficient degree of conceptual rigour, by holding back premature decisions but not unnecessarily correcting the other’s erroneous use of meta-terminology.
A novel enhancing method for terahertz imaging of integrated circuits flaw detection
Authors: Liu Jingbo , Mao Qi , Yan Ling , Zeng Letian , Zou Yunhuai , Li Jingzhao , Li Youpeng , Luo Zijiang , Huang Zhaowen , Xiao Wengping
Published: October 2024

This research paper addresses the current gap in understanding the intricate damage types within packaged integrated circuits (ICs). We introduce a novel and multiscale latent low-rank representation (M-LatLRR) methodology, meticulously tailored to enhance the quality of terahertz (THz) IC images and reveal latent features. By integrating THz imaging with our proposed M-LatLRR method, we aim to facilitate the precise identification of damage types within inside the packaged ICs. Firstly, the multiscale Gaussian functions are used to remove the blur and the components are obtained via averaging. Secondly, the image matrices are utilized to extract base matrices and detail matrices. With LatLRR, the multiscale detail matrices are extracted at several representation levels. The final enhanced image is reconstructed by average strategy for dealing with the detail and pre-enhancement parts. The M-LatLRR framework is universal and can be effectively applied to extract multi-level features of packaged IC images. In a comparative analysis, our method demonstrates superior capabilities in determining the failure types of fractured wire bonds, cracks, and delamination of the dielectric layer, outperforming alternative methodologies.
The development of undercut and bulge on a solidified surface
Authors: Pan G Y , Weng C H , Wei P S
Published: October 2024

This study numerically investigates the development of undercuts and bulges parallel to the scanning direction on the surface solidified from a thermocapillary molten pool. The analysis considers various parameters, including power-off time, active solute concentration, beam power and radius, surface tension, liquid thermal conductivity, viscosity, and density. The formation and shapes of undercuts and bulges directly impact the yield, fatigue, fracture strength, and stress concentration in the solidified region. Unsteady two-dimensional fluid flow and heat transfer, which drive surface deformation in metals containing surface-active solutes (e.g., iron with sulfur), are solved using COMSOL Multiphase version 5.6. The development of the undercut, bulge, and molten pool is identified in six stages, based on whether the peak temperature is below the melting temperature, between the melting and critical temperatures, or above the critical temperature during heating and power-off periods. The critical temperature, determined as a function of solute content and temperature, leads to inward surface flow in the undercut near the pool edge, while the bulge in the central region can form due to either inward or outward surface flow. The predicted undercut depth and bulge height align well with previous scaling analyses and experimental data from laser polishing. These findings are relevant to various processes, including welding, additive manufacturing, polishing, melting, and solidification.
Brain–body-task co-adaptation can improve autonomous learning and speed of bipedal walking
Authors: Urbina-Meléndez Darío , Azadjou Hesam , Valero-Cuevas Francisco J
Published: October 2024

Inspired by animals that co-adapt their brain and body to interact with the environment, we present a tendon-driven and over-actuated (i.e. n joint, n+1 actuators) bipedal robot that (i) exploits its backdrivable mechanical properties to manage body-environment interactions without explicit control, and (ii) uses a simple 3-layer neural network to learn to walk after only 2 min of ‘natural’ motor babbling (i.e. an exploration strategy that is compatible with leg and task dynamics; akin to childsplay). This brain–body collaboration first learns to produce feet cyclical movements ‘in air’ and, without further tuning, can produce locomotion when the biped is lowered to be in slight contact with the ground. In contrast, training with 2 min of ‘naïve’ motor babbling (i.e. an exploration strategy that ignores leg task dynamics), does not produce consistent cyclical movements ‘in air’, and produces erratic movements and no locomotion when in slight contact with the ground. When further lowering the biped and making the desired leg trajectories reach 1 cm below ground (causing the desired-vs-obtained trajectories error to be unavoidable), cyclical movements based on either natural or naïve babbling presented almost equally persistent trends, and locomotion emerged with naïve babbling. Therefore, we show how continual learning of walking in unforeseen circumstances can be driven by continual physical adaptation rooted in the backdrivable properties of the plant and enhanced by exploration strategies that exploit plant dynamics. Our studies also demonstrate that the bio-inspired co-design and co-adaptations of limbs and control strategies can produce locomotion without explicit control of trajectory errors.
The Point of Knowledge … is to Make Good Decisions!
Authors: Schulz Moritz
Published: October 2024

Over the last decade or so, there has been a renewed interest in Edward Craig’s question why creatures like us in a world like ours have the concept of knowledge. What purpose does it serve? Craig famously proposed that the point of knowledge is to flag good informants. This proposal competes with more recent accounts according to which (a) knowledge marks the end of inquiry or (b) normally signals a threshold for “actionable” information. A common feature of all these accounts is that they relate knowledge in some way or other to decision-making. What if one were to put the link to decisions first? What if one assumed that the point of knowledge is to make good decisions?
Prescription Opioid Use and Risk of Depression and Worsening Mental Health
Authors: Scherrer Jeffrey F , Salas Joanne
Published: October 2024

Depression is an established risk factor for adverse opioid outcomes. More recent evidence suggests a bidirectional association in that long-term prescription opioid use and frequent use are associated with increased risk for new-onset depression, and patients with depression are more likely to receive an opioid for non-cancer pain and to receive higher doses for longer periods of time. However, the evidence is mixed regarding a causal association between prescription opioid use and risk for new-onset depression. In this chapter, key methodological issues are covered to explain how studies can tease out the chronic pain–depression relationship to measure the link between long-term, frequent prescription opioid use and risk for depression. Many elements of causation have been met with existing studies but it is premature to conclude a causal relationship between opioid use and risk for depression. Providers should screen for depression before and during opioid therapy.
Opioid Taper and Complex Prescription Opioid Dependence
Authors: Lovejoy Travis I , Zaccari Belle
Published: October 2024

This chapter introduces the phenomenon of complex persistent opioid dependence (CPOD) as a form of opioid dependence marked by hyperalgesia and hyperkatifeia symptoms. These symptoms create a double bind for prescribers attempting to support patients on ineffective or unsafe long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) because they contribute to failure of opioid maintenance yet worsen withdrawal symptoms during tapering, sometimes to the point of intolerability. This chapter describes how opponent process theory and the allostatic theory of drug seeking converge in patients with CPOD, leading to chronic negative mood states. The chapter includes the role of depression alongside opioid tapers in CPOD and reviews recommended components of treatment to enhance the likelihood of a successful taper, including antidepressant medication and interdisciplinary, multimodal treatment. Future research should seek to understand patient characteristics associated with those who will benefit from an opioid taper versus those at risk of negative outcomes.
Potential Role for Buprenorphine in the Management of Comorbid Depression Among People with Chronic Pain and Long-Term Opioid Therapy Dependence
Authors: Manhapra Ajay , Rosenheck Robert , Becker William C
Published: October 2024

Although buprenorphine is increasingly recognized as the preferred choice of long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) for chronic pain because of its safety profile, it is also emerging as the treatment for ineffective LTOT and opioid taper, both of which are associated with worsening depression in addition to worsening pain. Buprenorphine utilization to treat both ineffective LTOT/taper is based on its ability to treat maladaptive opioid dependence, the likely etiological driver in such situations, because of its agonist action on mu opioid receptors (MOR) with stronger and longer duration of receptor affinity. The additional antidepressive effects mediated by its kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonism of buprenorphine has led to clinical trials testing its utility as a therapeutic agent in depression. This combination of MOR agonism and KOR antagonism makes buprenorphine a possibly unique therapeutic agent when chronic pain, depression, and LTOT dependence coexist with poor outcomes.
Future Directions in Pain Management
Authors: Ballantyne Jane C , Sullivan Mark D , Scherrer Jeffrey F
Published: October 2024

Where do we go now? As we have discovered, pain and depression are inextricably linked, in ways that go beyond whether depression leads to pain or pain leads to depression. So we should now ask, How should we approach the treatment of these linked conditions, and what can we do to prevent their escalation into hopelessness? What more can future research tell us about these links and about the best ways to intervene and potentially prevent escalation? Are collaborative care models a necessary first step in managing pain with depression? Should we look outside the medical office walls for solutions? Will initiatives aimed at more equitable healthcare provision help? Might modern technology help fill gaps in pain and depression care provision? And, for the elephant in the room, the opioid problem, can these initiatives reduce the opioid prescribing that we now know rarely helps?
Tribalocracy: Tribal Wartime Social Order and Its Transformation in Southern Syria
Authors: al-Jabassini Abdullah
Published: October 2024

This article introduces a new phenomenon in the study of civil war: tribal wartime social order. The proposed theory of tribalocracy, or tribal rule, integrates insights from civil war studies, anthropology, and sociology to provide a nuanced account of social order and its transformation in tribal warzones. Drawing on extensive fieldwork in the Hauran region in southern Syria, the proposed theory explains how endogenous rebel groups, seeking to maximize a wide range of benefits rendered by tribal shaykhs, refrain from establishing a new form of order. Instead, they co-opt, reassert, and operate under a pre-existing order in reserve. In so doing, rebels rule minimally, leaving most of the local affairs in the hands of civilian actors closely monitored by tribal shaykhs. Given the fluid and volatile nature of wartime order, the proposed theory offers a compelling explanatory framework to account for the transition in the forms of wartime social order from a civilian model to one dominated by rebels. The theory and empirical results expand our understanding of the localized and kinship-based forms of solidarity, the origins of rebel organizations, the source of wartime social order, civilian agency, and the roles played by tribal shaykhs under rebel rule.
Radiomics and Clinical Features for Distinguishing Kidney Stone–Associated Urinary Tract Infection: A Comprehensive Analysis of Machine Learning Classification
Authors: Lu Jianjuan , Zhu Kun , Yang Ning , Chen Qiang , Liu Lingrui , Liu Yanyan , Yang Yi , Li Jiabin
Published: October 2024

Background

This study investigated the abilities of radiomics and clinical feature models to distinguish kidney stone–associated urinary tract infections (KS-UTIs) using computed tomography.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on a single-center dataset comprising computed tomography (CT) scans and corresponding clinical information from 461 patients with kidney stones. Radiomics features were extracted from CT images and underwent dimensionality reduction and selection. Multiple machine learning (Three types of shallow learning and four types of deep learning) algorithms were employed to construct radiomics and clinical models in this study. Performance evaluation and optimal model selection were done using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and Delong test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyzed clinical and radiomics features to identify significant variables and develop a clinical model. A combined model integrating radiomics and clinical features was established. Model performance was assessed by ROC curve analysis, clinical utility was evaluated through decision curve analysis, and the accuracy of the model was analyzed via calibration curve.

Results

Multilayer perceptron (MLP) showed higher classification accuracy than other classifiers (area under the curve (AUC) for radiomics model: train 0.96, test 0.94; AUC for clinical model: train 0.95, test 0.91. The combined radiomics-clinical model performed best (AUC for combined model: train 0.98, test 0.95). Decision curve and calibration curve analyses confirmed the model's clinical efficacy and calibration.

Conclusions

This study showed the effectiveness of combining radiomics and clinical features from CT scans to identify KS-UTIs. A combined model using MLP exhibited strong classification abilities.
Brassinosteroid signaling represses ZINC FINGER PROTEIN11 to regulate ovule development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Jiaxin , Shang Erlei , Hawar Amangul , Ito Toshiro , Sun Bo
Published: October 2024

Brassinosteroid (BR) signaling and the C-class MADS-box gene AGAMOUS (AG) play important roles in ovule development in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). However, how BR signaling integrates with AG functions to control the female reproductive process remains elusive. Here, we showed that the regulatory role of BR signaling in proper ovule development is mediated by the transcriptional repressor gene ZINC FINGER PROTEIN 11 (ZFP11), which is a direct target of AG. ZFP11 expression initiates from the placenta upon AG induction and becomes prominent in the funiculus of ovule primordia. Plants harboring zfp11 mutations showed reduced placental length with decreased ovule numbers and some aborted ovules. During ovule development, the transcription factor BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT 1 (BZR1), which functions downstream of BR signaling, inhibits ZFP11 expression in the chalaza and nucellus. Weakened BR signaling leads to stunted integuments in ovules, resulting from the direct repression of INNER NO OUTER (INO) and WUSCHEL (WUS) by extended ZFP11 expression in the chalaza and nucellus, respectively. In addition, the zfp11 mutant shows reduced sensitivity to BR biosynthesis inhibitors and can rescue outer integument defects in brassinosteroid insensitive 1 (bri1) mutants. Thus, the precise spatial regulation of ZFP11, which is activated by AG in the placenta and suppressed by BR signaling in the central and distal regions of ovules, is essential for ensuring sufficient ovule numbers and proper ovule formation.
Foraging bee species differentially prioritize quantity and quality of floral rewards
Authors: Mokkapati Jaya Sravanthi , Hill Michael , Boyle Natalie K , Ouvrard Pierre , Sicard Adrien , Grozinger Christina M
Published: October 2024

Pollinator–plant interactions represent a core mutualism that underpins biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems, and the loss of flowering plants is a major driver of pollinator declines. Bee attraction to flowers is mediated by both quantity of resources (the number of available flowers for exploration) and quality of resources (pollen nutritional value), but whether and how bees prioritize these factors is not well understood. Here, we leveraged a unique plant system to investigate the floral factors influencing bee foraging decisions. Recombinant inbred plant lines were generated by crossing the self-fertilizing Capsella rubella and the pollinator-dependent outcrosser C. grandiflora, to produce plants that varied across floral traits. Using enclosed arenas, we evaluated the foraging behavior of two solitary bee species, Osmia cornifrons and Megachile rotundata, to the isolated inflorescences from these lines. Visits from O. cornifrons were significantly positively correlated with the number of flowers, while M. rotundata visits were significantly positively associated with pollen nutrition, with a preference for plants with higher pollen protein-to-lipid content. Further experiments using artificial flowers confirmed that M. rotundata preferred flowers with higher protein:lipid ratios, while O. cornifrons visits were unaffected by nutrition. These studies demonstrate that, although both bee species collect pollen as their sole source of protein and lipids for themselves and/or their offspring, they differentially prioritize resource quantity (number of flowers) and quality (pollen nutritional content). These studies lay the groundwork for understanding how different foraging strategies evolved, and influence, plant–pollinator ecological networks.
Cost-utility and cost consequence of a telehealth intervention targeting improvement in addictive eating for Australian adults (the TRACE program)
Authors: Skinner Janelle A , Leary Mark , Wynne Olivia , Hay Phillipa J , Collins Clare E , Burrows Tracy L
Published: October 2024

Background

The TRACE (Targeted Research for Addictive and Compulsive Eating) intervention was evaluated in a 3-month randomized controlled trial which demonstrated significant improvement in Yale Food Addiction Scale scores favoring dietitian-led telehealth (active intervention) compared with passive and control groups. This study aimed to determine intervention costs and cost-utility.

Methods

Costs of each intervention (2021$AUD) and incremental net monetary benefit (iNMB; incremental benefit, defined as Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY) gained, multiplied by willingness to pay threshold minus incremental cost) were calculated to estimate differences between groups.

Results

The active intervention (n = 38) cost $294 (95% UI: $266, $316) per person compared to $47 (95% UI: $40, $54) in the passive intervention (n = 24), and $26 in the control group (n = 37). At a cost-effectiveness threshold of $50 000 per QALY score gained, the active intervention iNMB was -$186 (95% UI: -$1137, $834) and the passive group $127 (95% UI: -$1137, $834). Compared to the control group, estimates indicate a 30% chance of the active intervention, and a 60% chance of the passive intervention being cost effective.

Conclusion

Although the overall cost of the active intervention was low, this was not considered cost-effective in comparison to the passive intervention, given small QALY score gains.

Trial registration

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12621001079831.
Effect of lactation feeder design on sow and litter performance, feeder cleaning criteria, and economic return
Authors: Royall Rafe Q , Coble Kyle F , Stephens Karley R , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C , DeRouchey Joel M , Goodband Robert D , Gebhardt Jordan T , Karl Jimmy , Corns Paul J , Bradley Tag
Published: October 2024

A total of 557 mixed parity sows (PIC 1050) were used to evaluate the effect of lactation feeder design on sow farrowing performance, litter growth performance, feeder cleaning criteria, and economics. The experiment was conducted during the summer of 2023 at a commercial sow farm located in northwest Texas. The study used two sequential farrowing groups with approximately 279 sows per group. On approximately days 112 to 114 of gestation, sows were moved to the farrowing house and randomly allotted to one of three feeder types based on parity and caliper score. Feeder types consisted of 1) a dry feeder with a nipple drinker located next to the feeder, 2) a wet–dry feeder with a divider to separate feed and water, or 3) a wet–dry feeder without a divider. The three feeder types were used in one of every three stalls with the same sequence from the front to the end of all rooms to balance for environmental effects. Sows were weighed before entering the farrowing house and at weaning. Sows were provided approximately 1.81 kg per day of a common lactation diet prefarrowing, and after farrowing, sows were provided ad libitum access to lactation feed. There was no evidence of a difference in sow weight at entry or weaning, overall BW change, caliper score at entry or weaning, total litter weight or individual pig weight at birth, total pigs born, or percentage of pigs born alive. However, sows fed with the dry lactation feeder had decreased (P < 0.05) total daily feed disappearance and average daily feed disappearance compared to either wet–dry feeder design. There was no evidence of difference for litter or pig weaning weight, or litter average daily gain. As a result, litter feed efficiency was improved (P < 0.05) for sows fed via the dry feeder compared to either wet–dry feeder. For feeder cleaning criteria, dry feeders had increased (P < 0.05) washing time and washing cost compared to either wet–dry feeder design. In addition, sows fed via the dry feeder had decreased (P < 0.05) total lactation feed cost and feed cost per piglet weaned compared to either wet–dry feeder design. In summary, using the wet–dry feeder design in this study with or without a divider separating the feed from the water increased feed disappearance with no effects on sow and litter performance compared to dry feeders, thus worsening litter feed efficiency and increasing feed cost per sow and litter.
Retrospective cohort study on the postoperative survival rate enhancement of patients with colorectal cancer using three traditional Chinese medicine formulations: evidence from 1,361 cases
Authors: Zhao Kailong , Su Xiaomin , Pang Wenwen , Wang Yijia , Li Hongzhou , Zhang Yi , Jin Leixin , Xue Jun , Liang Weizheng , Feng Zhiqiang , Han Qiurong , Yao Yao , Chen Tianyi , Zhang Qinghuai , Zhang Xipeng , Zheng Wenke , Zhang Chunze
Published: October 2024

Background:

Prior studies have affirmed the safety and effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine in treating colorectal cancer patients. However, definitive evidence regarding whether traditional Chinese medicine can significantly enhance the survival of colorectal cancer patients remains elusive. This study seeks to provide conclusive insights by examining the postoperative administration of Xihuang capsules, Pingxiao capsules, and Zilongjin tablets and its impact on the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates among colorectal cancer patients.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted, involving 1,361 patients selected from the medical center. This retrospective study was carried out at a medical center in Tianjin, China. We assessed differences in postoperative OS and DFS between the control group and the medication group using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards modeling. Additionally, propensity score matching was used to mitigate imbalances in baseline characteristics among patients.

Results:

Before propensity score matching, Xihuang capsules could prolong the 5-year OS (79.9% vs. 81.4%, P = 0.0480) and 5-year DFS (74.9% vs. 79.5%, P = 0.0046) of patients after surgery. Similar conclusions were obtained after propensity score matching: OS (74.8% vs. 78.3%, P = 0.0084), DFS (72.7% vs. 78.9%, P = 0.008). Patients taking Pingxiao capsules showed improved 5-year OS (77.2% vs. 84.0%, P = 0.0383) and 5-year DFS (69.9% vs. 80.0%, P = 0.0157) after propensity score matching. Patients taking Zilongjin tablets showed improvement in the 2-year OS (84.2% vs. 93.1%, P = 0.0390) and 1-year DFS (88.2% vs. 92.0%, P = 0.0320) after propensity score matching.

Conclusion:

Xihuang capsules and Pingxiao capsules significantly improved the 5-year OS and DFS of patients with colorectal cancer after surgery. Zilongjin tablets showed improvement in the 2-year OS and 1-year DFS after surgery for patients.
Reducing Readmissions Using Collaborative Care
Authors: Cawley-Chambers Melissa
Published: October 2024

Purpose of Initiative:

After noting an elevated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease readmission rate for 2022, the inpatient Nurse Navigator at a rural nonprofit, 116-bed acute care facility in the State of Virginia met with interdisciplinary team (IDT) members to identify improvement efforts to decrease 30-day readmission rates.

Primary Practice Setting:

A 116-bed health care facility in Southside Virginia.

Methodology and Sample:

Quality improvement initiative aimed to decrease 30-day penalty readmission rates using a collaborative IDT approach, focusing on patients 65 years or older who are discharged home or to an assisted living facility with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia.

Results:

Compared to the readmission rates obtained in 2022, the 2023 readmission rates among the four diagnoses groups met or were under the disease-specific targets for 2023, supporting the efforts of the collaborative interdisciplinary approach to decrease 30-day readmission rates.

Implications for Case Management Practice:

Addressing community barriers and social determinants of health at the index admission. Collaborating with IDT members for a safe transition of care. Using the community paramedic program to provide additional resources to a rural community.