bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Disambiguation of Heart Rate Control by the Nucleus Ambiguus
Authors: Jalil Maira , Coverdell Tatiana C. , Gutierrez Veronica A. , Crook Maisie E. , Shi Jiachen , Stornetta Daniel. S. , Schwalbe Dana C. , Abbott Stephen B. G. , Campbell John N.
Published: December 2023

The nucleus ambiguus (nAmb) provides parasympathetic control of cardiorespiratory functions as well as motor control of the upper airways and striated esophagus. A subset of nAmb neurons innervates the heart through the vagus nerve to control cardiac function at rest and during key autonomic reflexes such as the mammalian diving reflex. These cardiovagal nAmb neurons may be molecularly and anatomically distinct, but how they differ from other nAmb neurons in the adult brain remains unclear. We therefore classified adult mouse nAmb neurons based on their genome-wide expression profiles, innervation of cardiac ganglia, and ability to control HR. Our integrated analysis of single-nucleus RNA-sequencing data predicted multiple molecular subtypes of nAmb neurons. Mapping the axon projections of one nAmb neuron subtype,Npy2r-expressing nAmb neurons, showed that they innervate cardiac ganglia. Optogenetically stimulating all nAmb vagal efferent neurons dramatically slowed HR to a similar extent as selectively stimulatingNpy2r+ nAmb neurons, but not other subtypes of nAmb neurons. Finally, we trained mice to perform voluntary underwater diving, which we use to showNpy2r+ nAmb neurons are activated by the diving response, consistent with a cardiovagal function for this nAmb subtype. These results together reveal the molecular organization of nAmb neurons and its control of heart rate.
In vivooptimized three-photon imaging of intact mouse tibia links plasma cell motility to functional states in the bone marrow
Authors: Rakhymzhan Asylkhan , Fiedler Alexander F. , Günther Robert , Domingue Scott , Wooldridge Laura , Leben Ruth , Cao Yu , Bias Anne , Roodselaar Jay , Köhler Ralf , Ulbricht Carolin , Heidelin Judith , Andresen Volker , Beckers Ingeborg , Haibel Astrid , Duda Georg , Hauser Anja E. , Niesner Raluca A.
Published: December 2023

Intravital multi-photon imaging of the bone marrow is crucial to the study of cellular dynamics, communication with the microenvironment and functions, however, imaging of deep tissue areas is challenging and minimally invasive methods for deep-marrow imaging in intact long bones are needed. We developed a high pulse energy 1650 nm laser prototype, which permits to surpass >100 µm thick cortical bone and to perform three-photon microscopy (3PM) in more than 400 µm depth in the marrow cavity of intact mouse tibiain vivo. Its unique 3 and 4 MHz laser repetition rates allowed us to analyze motility patterns of rare cells over large fields of view deep within the unperturbed marrow. In this way, we found a bi-modal migratory behavior of marrow plasma cells. Besides, the analysis of third harmonics generation (THG) in the tibia identified this signal to be a label-free indicator of the abundance of cellular organelles, in particular the endoplasmic reticulum, reflecting protein biosynthesis capacity. We found that only one third of the plasma cells in the tibia marrow of adult mice have a strong THG signal and, thus, a high protein synthesis capacity, while the other two thirds of plasma cells display a low THG signal. Finally, we identified an inverse link between migratory behavior and THG signal strength in marrow plasma cells. As in these cells, the protein biosynthesis capacity indicated by a strong THG signal is mainly associated with antibody secretion, we could relate motility to functional states of plasma cellsin vivo. Our 3PM method retains the ability to connect cellular dynamics to protein biosynthesis capacity in various marrow cell types beyond plasma cells, as THG is a ubiquitous signal, opening new perspectives on understanding how tissue microenvironment impacts on cellular functions in the bone marrow.
Discovery of Novel Small Molecule CB2 Agonist for the Treatment of Glioblastoma Tumors
Authors: Kiraly M. , Okwan-Duodu D. , Wong A.J. , Foss J.F. , Giordano T.
Published: December 2023

Malignant brain tumors cause over 15,000 deaths per year in the United States. Survival for over five years is only 36%. Nearly 49% of malignant brain tumors are glioblastomas (GBM), and 30% of them have the ability to diffuse and infiltrate. Treatment frequently includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In case of GBM patients, combining temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy with radiation improved survival over radiotherapy alone (survival by 2 years: 17% vs. 11%; 5 years: 10% vs. 2%). Most primary GBM tumors from pediatric and adult patients express high levels of cannabinoid type II (CB2) receptors, and that expression correlated with tumor grade. Cannabinoids like (−)-trans-Δ9−tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) were shown to suppress GBM tumor growth, trigger apoptosis in GBM stem cells, and slow down angiogenesis, thus cutting GBM cells off of blood supply. These data led to local administration of Δ9-THC in clinical trials in patients with recurrent glioblastomas, although the well-known psychotropic effects of Δ9-THC and related compounds mediated via the CB1 receptors have raised some concerns among clinicians. Thus, the medicinal usage of cannabinoids has been limited. One leading strategy to avoid the side effects is administration of CB2-selective non-psychotic drugs. To create an effective solution, we designed a preclinical study to develop a novel GBM therapy, using NeuroTherapia’s lead molecule, the CB2 agonist NTRX-07. We have already demonstrated that NTRX-07 ameliorates Amyloid β production and deposition in the hippocampus, and thus restored Long-Term Potentiation – the cellular mechanism for learning and memory formation. Consequently, we showed that NTRX-07 has a highly competitive target compound profile, and that is safe in murine models, dogs and humans. NTRX-07 has entered clinical trials for the management of AD as the first orally available CB2 agonist designed to be centrally active. The phase I single ascending dose study in normal volunteers demonstrated targeted plasma levels of the drug after oral administration with no serious adverse events or clinically significant changes in safety examinations or laboratory tests. In this pilot mouse GBM survival study, we found breakthrough evidence that our compound can exert potent anti-cancer activity and significantly extend the survival of GBM animals; even without previously exposing them to radiotherapy or TMZ. Our goal is to bring NTRX-07 into the clinic as a new therapeutic for patients with GBM.
Near infrared spectroscopic characterization of sesamin, a dietary lignan natural product
Authors: Jackson Sara W. , Jang Moon-Hyung , Asani Eliza , Yates C. Ryan , Ng Joseph , Baudry Jerome
Published: December 2023

Sesamin, a lignan component of sesame seed oil, has shown pharmacologic benefits, such as anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory qualities. However, the amount of data available to the field is surprisingly sparse, as for instance there is no known spectroscopic characterization of sesamin. This work provides the first experimental near infrared spectrum of sesamin. Sesamin powder was subjected to experimental Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and the resulting spectrum was compared to quantum chemical calculations of sesamin’s stereoisomers in various hydration states. Major peaks of sesamin were assigned vibrational modes through comparison of computed and observed spectra. Multiple sesamin species may be present in a typical powder sample, coexisting with potential trace hydration.
Implementation of an enriched membrane protein carrier channel for enhanced detection of membrane proteins in mass spectrometry-based thermal stability assays
Authors: Phaneuf Clifford G. , Ivanov Alexander R.
Published: December 2023

In this work, we developed a membrane-enriched stable isotope isobaric-labeled carrier channel (meSIILCC) for mass spectrometry-based thermal stability assay (MS-TSA). A proof-of-concept study demonstrated that the meSIILCC method could modestly improve membrane protein (MP) detection in MS-TSA experiments. An enhancement of 10% in identifications of membrane-proteins was observed in the meSIILCC group. Hydrophobicity analysis of the identified and quantified peptides using the grand average of hydropathy index confirmed the meSIILCC approach enriched for peptides of higher hydrophobicity characteristic of membrane-associated proteins.

To further improve meSIILCC, four membrane-protein enrichment approaches were compared. Using the selected and optimized workflow that utilized isobaric labeling-mass spectrometry, 8,662 protein groups were quantitatively characterized and then annotated based on their subcellular localization. The corresponding reporter ion intensities were used to construct a heatmap, which revealed an increased representation of proteins corresponding to the “plasma membrane” gene ontology term.

In a separate DMSO-only MS-TSA experiment, the optimally performing meSIILCC was added at 10-fold the protein content of the lowest heated aliquot from the MS-TSA, and isotope interference was found to be the highest in the 134N channel, while to a much lesser degree in other channels that were left empty.

To further assess the performance of meSIILCC in the DMSO-only MS-TSA experiment, an over-representation analysis was performed, which demonstrated that proteins exclusive to the meSIILCC group had more than a five-fold increase in gene ontology cellular component terms related to the “membrane” term.

We found 496 proteins from the DMSO-only MS-TSA experiment, which were identified across all replicates and shared between the meSIILCC and control that were annotated with “plasma membrane.” A close to 28% increase in the set corresponding to unique peptides was realized, using the meSIILCC approach, with a median value of 6.3 peptides per protein, compared to 4.7 in the control.
Age-Related Changes of Dopamine D1 and D2 Receptors Expression in Parvalbumin-Positive Cells of the Orbitofrontal and Prelimbic Cortices of Mice
Authors: Dong Jihui , Wei Xiaoyan , Huang Ziran , Tian Jing , Zhang Wen
Published: December 2023

Dopamine (DA) plays a pivotal role in reward processing, cognitive functions, and emotional regulation. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a critical brain region for these processes. Parvalbumin-positive (PV+) neurons are one of the major classes of inhibitory GABAergic neurons in the cortex, they modulate the activity of neighboring neurons, influencing various brain functions. While DA receptor expression exhibits age-related changes, the age-related changes of these receptors in PV+ neurons, especially in the PFC, remains unclear. To address this, we investigated the expression of DA D1 (D1R) and D2 (D2R) receptors in PV+ neurons within the orbitofrontal (OFC) and prelimbic (PrL) cortices at different postnatal ages (P28, P42, P56, and P365). We found that the expression of D1R and D2R in PV+ neurons showed both age- and region-related changes. PV+ neurons in the OFC expressed a higher abundance of D1 than those in the PrL, and those neurons in the OFC also showed higher co-expression of D1R and D2R than those in the PrL. In both the OFC and PrL, D1R in PV+ neurons increased from P28 and reached a plateau at P42, then receded to express at P365. Meanwhile, D2R did not show significant age-related changes in both regions. These results showed dopamine receptors in the prefrontal cortex exhibit age- and region-specific changes, which may contribute to the difference of these brain regions in reward-related brain functions.
A New Advanced Osteoarthritis Treatment Utilizing Modified Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Arthroscopic Guided Intra-Articular Intervention Approach a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tjandra Kevin Christian , Novriansyah Robin , Ar Ardiyana , Rahmawati Nurul Azizah Dian , Sudiasa I Nyoman Sebastian , Dilogo Ismail Hadisoebroto
Published: December 2023

Background

The mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is able to regenerate the cartilage defect caused by osteoarthritis (OA) to prevent permanent disability. Its efficacy may be even greater in combination with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA). Thus, this systematic review aimed to investigate the efficacy of MSCs in combination with PRP and adjusted doses of HA, the best source of MSCs, and the optimal number of applied MSCs to treat osteoarthritis as a cartilage regenerative agent.

Method

The sources included were original articles published from 2013 until 2023 from 4 databases (Pubmed, Springerlink, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar). Studies included were original research of clinical trials or randomized controlled trials. Irrelevant studies were excluded. Then, the ROB-2 taken was used to assess bias. The result was constructed with PICOS criteria within the table created in the Google spreadsheet. MRI score, VAS score, Lysholm score, Cartilage volume, size of cartilage defect, Knee Society Clinical Rating System Score (KSS),and WOMAC index to evaluate treatment’s effication outcomes were analyzed by Revman 5.4. This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines.

Result

nine studies were included in the final screening. The meta-analysis showed a significant (P < 0.00001) elevation of Lysholm score with a pooled mean difference (MD) of (17.89) (95% CI: 16.01, 19.77; I2= 0%, P = 0.56); a significant reduction (P < 0.00001) of VAS score with a pooled MD of (-2.62) (95% CI: -2.83, -2.41; I2= 99%, P <0.00001); Knee society clinical rating system score (KSS) evaluation also showed significant elevation (P< 0.00001) with mean polled (29.59) (95% CI: 27.66, 31.52; I2= 95%, P< 0.0001); and significantly reduction (P<0.00001) of WOMAC score occurred as pooled MD of (-12.38) (95% CI: -13.75, -11.01; I2= 99%, P< 0.0001).

Conclusions

Arthroscopic guided high-dose subchondral application of primary cultured synovial mesenchymal stem cells in popliteal platelet-rich plasma media combined with hyaluronic acid effectively regenerate cartilage defect and increase clinical outcomes in the early stage of osteoarthritis.

Level of Evidence

Therapeutic Level I.
Sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii) food sources and habitat use in Marsh–Savannah‐cultivation mosaics
Authors: Murwanyi Peter Happy , Kityo Robert , Ssekuubwa Enock , Tweheyo Mnason
Published: December 2023

Wetland conversion threatens wetland specialists by reducing their core habitat. The sitatunga is a wetland specialist with declining populations. However, knowledge of sitatunga ecology and threats is limited, particularly outside protected areas. We examined sitatunga food sources, and habitat use in undisturbed Marshes and Marsh–Savannah transition blocks, and a Cultivated (disturbed) block in River Mayanja wetland, central Uganda. We recorded indirect indices and sightings of sitatunga along a 10 km transect in each block, and surveyed food sources in 34 plots along the transects. Our results indicate that the indices and sightings of Sitatunga had lower relative frequency in the Cultivated than in the Marshes and Marsh–Savannah transition blocks. Sitatunga feed on 39 plant species in 13 families and six growth forms; grasses, herbs, sedges, climbers, shrubs and water weeds. Cyperus papyrus, Echinochloa pyramidalis, Leersia hexandra accounted for 58% of sitatunga food sources. There were more individuals and species with Sitatunga feeding activity in the Marshes and Marsh–Savannah transition blocks than in the Cultivated block. Our results show that sitatunga habitat use and food sources are constrained in disturbed habitats while threats are intensified. To maintain wetland integrity and stability of sitatunga populations, stakeholders need to address wetland encroachment.
Oat β‐glucan repairs the epidermal barrier by upregulating the levels of epidermal differentiation, cell–cell junctions and lipids via Dectin‐1
Authors: Jing Rongrong , Fu Mengli , Huang Yuhan , Zhang Kaini , Ye Jiabin , Gong Fanghua , Jihea Ali Naji Nasser Al‐bashari , Xu Xiashun , Xiao Jiali , Yu Guangdong , Lin Shisheng , Zhao Wengang , Xu Nuo , Li Xiaokun , Li Zhiming , Gao Shuang
Published: December 2023

Background and Purpose

Oat β‐glucan could ameliorate epidermal hyperplasia and accelerate epidermal barrier repair. Dectin‐1 is one of the receptors of β‐glucan and many biological functions of β‐glucan are mediated by Dectin‐1. Dectin‐1 promotes wound healing through regulating the proliferation and migration of skin cells. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of oat β‐glucan and Dectin‐1 in epidermal barrier repair.

Experimental Approach

To investigate the role of Dectin‐1 in the epidermal barrier, indicators associated with the recovery of a damaged epidermal barrier, including histopathological changes, keratinization, proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, cell–cell junctions and lipid content were compared between WT and Dectin‐1−/− mice. Further, the effect of oat β‐glucan on the disruption of the epidermal barrier was also compared between WT and Dectin‐1−/− mice.

Key Results

Dectin‐1 deficiency resulted in delayed recovery and marked keratinization, as well as abnormal levels of keratinocyte differentiation, cell–cell junctions and lipid synthesis during the restoration of the epidermal barrier. Oat β‐glucan significantly reduces epidermal hyperplasia, promotes epidermal differentiation, increases cell–cell junction expression, promotes lipid synthesis and ultimately accelerates the recovery of damaged epidermal barriers via Dectin‐1. Oat β‐glucan could promote CaS receptor expression and activate the PPAR‐γ signalling pathway via Dectin‐1.

Conclusion and Implications

Oat β‐glucan promote the recovery of damaged epidermal barriers through promoting epidermal differentiation, increasing the expression of cell–cell junctions and lipid synthesis through Dectin‐1. Dectin‐1 deficiency delay the recovery of epidermal barriers, which indicated that Dectin‐1 may be a potential target in epidermal barrier repair.
Automated and intelligent system for World Health Organization data forecasting
Authors: Soares Felipe Augusto Lara , de Freitas Henrique Cota
Published: December 2023

Technological advances and social transformations have enabled the circulation of a large amount of data in the health area. Analyzing this data becomes more critical and more challenging as the volume of data increases. An alternative to performing this analysis is to use data analysis techniques to process input data sets and build consistent databases for input to machine learning algorithms. Thus, it can forecast future scenarios and collaborate with knowledge discovery. In this context, this work aims to develop a parameterizable system with automated decisions capable of collecting and analyzing many indicators provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). After these analysis steps, the system applies machine learning algorithms for predictions of different indicators to process information automatically, finding different knowledge discovery scenarios. Thus, the contribution of this article is an automated and intelligent system for WHO data forecasting. The efficiency of the system's choices and forecasts was proven with experiments in five different areas of health, obtaining assertiveness by up to 99.92%, root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) by up to 0.0286, and Kling‐Gupta Efficiency (KGE) by up to 0.9988, hitting even the most complex cases, as shown in the confusion matrices. Finally, three case studies were carried out to expand the studies and present the potential of the system in different contexts: anemia in children, age‐standardized suicide rates in men, and number of road traffic deaths.
Bare‐Bones particle Swarm optimization‐based quantization for fast and energy efficient convolutional neural networks
Authors: Tmamna Jihene , Ayed Emna Ben , Fourati Rahma , Hussain Amir , Ayed Mounir Ben
Published: December 2023

Neural network quantization is a critical method for reducing memory usage and computational complexity in deep learning models, making them more suitable for deployment on resource‐constrained devices. In this article, we propose a method called BBPSO‐Quantizer, which utilizes an enhanced Bare‐Bones Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm, to address the challenging problem of mixed precision quantization of convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Our proposed algorithm leverages a new population initialization, a robust screening process, and a local search strategy to improve the search performance and guide the population towards a feasible region. Additionally, Deb's constraint handling method is incorporated to ensure that the optimized solutions satisfy the functional constraints. The effectiveness of our BBPSO‐Quantizer is evaluated on various state‐of‐the‐art CNN architectures, including VGG, DenseNet, ResNet, and MobileNetV2, using CIFAR‐10, CIFAR‐100, and Tiny ImageNet datasets. Comparative results demonstrate that our method delivers an excellent tradeoff between accuracy and computational efficiency.
Phytoplankton thermal trait parameterization alters community structure and biogeochemical processes in a modeled ocean
Authors: Anderson Stephanie I. , Fronda Clara , Barton Andrew D. , Clayton Sophie , Rynearson Tatiana A. , Dutkiewicz Stephanie
Published: December 2023

Phytoplankton exhibit diverse physiological responses to temperature which influence their fitness in the environment and consequently alter their community structure. Here, we explored the sensitivity of phytoplankton community structure to thermal response parameterization in a modelled marine phytoplankton community. Using published empirical data, we evaluated the maximum thermal growth rates (μmax) and temperature coefficients (Q10; the rate at which growth scales with temperature) of six key Phytoplankton Functional Types (PFTs): coccolithophores, cyanobacteria, diatoms, diazotrophs, dinoflagellates, and green algae. Following three well‐documented methods, PFTs were either assumed to have (1) the same μmax and the same Q10 (as in to Eppley, 1972), (2) a unique μmax but the same Q10 (similar to Kremer et al., 2017), or (3) a unique μmax and a unique Q10 (following Anderson et al., 2021). These trait values were then implemented within the Massachusetts Institute of Technology biogeochemistry and ecosystem model (called Darwin) for each PFT under a control and climate change scenario. Our results suggest that applying a μmax and Q10 universally across PFTs (as in Eppley, 1972) leads to unrealistic phytoplankton communities, which lack diatoms globally. Additionally, we find that accounting for differences in the Q10 between PFTs can significantly impact each PFT's competitive ability, especially at high latitudes, leading to altered modeled phytoplankton community structures in our control and climate change simulations. This then impacts estimates of biogeochemical processes, with, for example, estimates of export production varying by ~10% in the Southern Ocean depending on the parameterization. Our results indicate that the diversity of thermal response traits in phytoplankton not only shape community composition in the historical and future, warmer ocean, but that these traits have significant feedbacks on global biogeochemical cycles.
CAPITAL DEPRECIATION AND INDUSTRY COMPETITION: EVIDENCE AND THEORY
Authors: Dang Alicia H. , Samaniego Roberto M.
Published: December 2023

We argue that the rate of capital depreciation is a determinant of competition. We show that the rate of capital depreciation has a robust positive relationship with market power in U.S. data. Then, we develop a general equilibrium model of industry competition where industries vary in their rate of capital depreciation. In equilibrium, optimal savings decisions imply that rapid depreciation is related to higher costs of capital, so that industries with rapid depreciation display less competition than industries with slow depreciation. Depending on parameters, the calibrated model can account for much of the observed dispersion in markups across U.S. industries.
Impact of fiber surface gas treatments on interfacial bonding in SiC/BN/SiC minicomposites
Authors: Chanson Charlotte , Jouannigot Stéphane , Jacques Sylvain
Published: December 2023

BN interphases with different microstructures and a structural gradient were prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) within SiC/SiC minicomposites. The interfacial shear stress (ISS) measured by the fiber push‐out test and the debonding location in the fiber/matrix interface zone during mechanical loading depends on the BN interphase structure. The ISS is higher when the structural organization of the BN interphase is poor, in which case debonding occurs on the fiber side. The Hi‐Nicalon S fiber surfaces were gas‐treated to strengthen the bond with the interphase. BCl3‐based reactive CVD treatments have produced a thin boron carbide layer on the fiber surface, resulting in a 30% increase in ISS. However, the minicomposites are brittle in tensile tests due to fiber bridging by parasitic boron clusters. Short‐time CVD of SiC increases the fiber surface roughness and doubles the ISS, but again the minicomposites are brittle, indicating the need to better modulate the resulting roughness and adjust the interphase. Finally, ammonia treatments have nitrided the fiber surface and increased the ISS by 12%. While the increase in interfacial bonding measured at the microscopic scale was small, this nitriding treatment did not embrittle the minicomposites at the macroscopic scale.
Rheology of a sodium‐molybdenum borosilicate melt undergoing phase separation
Authors: Pereira Luiz , Schuller Sophie , Wadsworth Fabian B. , Vasseur Jérémie , Lancelotti Ricardo F. , Hess Kai‐Uwe , Gossé Stéphane , Dingwell Donald B.
Published: December 2023

During glass production, phase separation can result in the formation of suspended liquid droplets, which can cause changes in the system rheology. In nuclear waste vitrification context, some new glassy matrices may present this phase separation matter, but the mechanisms controlling the viscosity changes have not yet been determined. Here, we measure the viscosity of a sodium‐borosilicate melt containing dissolved MoO3 at different temperatures and subject to different applied shear strain rates. We observe that (i) the viscosity increases sharply as the temperature decreases and (ii) at any constant temperature below 1000°C, the system presents non‐Newtonian response. Using transmission electron microscope observations coupled with viscosity calculations, we interpret the cause of the observed changes as the result of phase separation. We show that the viscosity increase on cooling is in excess of the predicted temperature dependence for a homogeneous melt of the starting composition. The increase is due to the formation of a second phase and is controlled by chemical and structural modifications of the matrix during the loss of the elements that form the droplets. This work provides insights into the rheology of a system composed of two composition sets due to a miscibility gap.
Home visit scheduling for family interventions: a child protection case study
Authors: de Aguiar Ana Raquel Pena , Grassi Inês Clode de Freitas , Gomes Maria Isabel , Ramos Tânia Rodrigues Pereira
Published: December 2023

Family dynamics affect the development of children and youth, which can even endanger young people and lead to the loss of parental rights and subsequent institutionalization. Recent emphasis has been placed on working with families when a potentially risky situation is identified, aiming at developing skills within family members and avoiding institutionalization. Some organizations help to develop the social skills necessary for families to change negative dynamics. The organizations are not for profit and often lack the knowledge to plan their activities efficiently, particularly in allocating human resources to design, implement, and schedule home visit interventions. This work is motivated by one such organization that works with families needing support by regularly making home visits to monitor interventions. Currently, visits are scheduled manually with the technicians trying to coordinate schedules with each other and with the families. The increasing number of families referenced to the organization has made it difficult to keep track of the time intervals between visits, especially since visits are frequently cancelled (e.g., changing availability, attending court hearings). This work proposes an optimization model to help technicians plan home visits. It accounts for the time availability of technicians and families while ensuring a service level based on the time between visits. In addition, the new Mixed Integer Programing model, which is based on the assignment problem, also takes into account technicians’ work–life balance, worktime exemption, and technicians’ visiting time preferences. The results show the model schedules more than 260% of home visits while increasing the capacity used by 25 percentage points, demonstrating its usefulness.
Optimal pricing and warranty strategies of a closed‐loop supply chain under government subsidies
Authors: Li Jinhong , He Shuguang , Zhang Min
Published: December 2023

Both warranty services and subsidy policies are effective strategies for promoting the development of remanufacturing. According to the warranty provider, this paper considers two possible warranty strategies: the manufacturer warranty and the retailer warranty. The optimal pricing and warranty periods are determined by considering the effect of the consumption subsidy policy through Stackelberg game models. Subsequently, this paper investigates the optimal warranty strategy by comparing the economic and integrated performance of the closed‐loop supply chain. The analytical results indicate that the retailer warranty enables the supply chain to obtain a higher economic performance than the manufacturer warranty. Nevertheless, the integrated performance that combines economic and environmental performance depends on the consumption subsidy level. In addition, this paper finds that the consumption subsidy policy enhances supply chain profitability and consumer surplus but may hurt the environment in certain scenarios. Therefore, this paper derives the optimal subsidy level by maximizing the total social welfare, which takes into account both economic and environmental performance. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers in remanufacturing.
Unveiling the potential: Enhancing caregiver knowledge through video education to address topical corticosteroid concerns in children with eczematous dermatitis
Authors: Sitthisan Manassaya , Wananukul Siriwan , Chatproedprai Susheera , Tempark Therdpong , Chantawarangul Karaked
Published: December 2023

Background

Concerns about the use of topical corticosteroids (TCS) in pediatric eczematous dermatitis management often hinder effective treatment. Limited data exist regarding the prevalence of these concerns and the effectiveness of interventions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of TCS concerns among caregivers and determine the effectiveness of video education in mitigating these concerns.

Methods

A single‐center prospective study was conducted from 2022 to 2023, involving caregivers of children under 18 years with eczematous dermatitis. Baseline and post‐intervention questionnaires were administered after a 4‐week period. Caregivers received video education on TCS use, and the TOPICOP score was evaluated before and after viewing the video.

Results

The study included 150 caregivers, 85.3% female and 74% had a child with atopic dermatitis. The prevalence of TCS concerns among Thai caregivers was 62%. Following video education, the prevalence of TCS concerns significantly decreased to 10.7%. Mean belief score decreased from 43.81 ± 13.45 to 31.85 ± 16.56, mean worry score decreased from 56.22 ± 18.27 to 40.41 ± 18.55 and mean total TOPICOP score decreased from 50.02 ± 12.65 to 36.13 ± 13.52 (p‐value <.001). The intervention also resulted in reduced disease exacerbations, duration of the rash, and duration of TCS use. The optimal TOPICOP cut‐off score to predict TCS concerns was identified as 43.06.

Conclusion

Video education effectively alleviated TCS concerns among caregivers, addressing beliefs, worries, disease exacerbations, and side effects. Integration of this intervention into the management of pediatric eczematous dermatitis can yield optimal outcomes.
A developmental logic: Habermas's theory of social evolution
Authors: Oh Keunchang
Published: December 2023

In the paper, I first consider how his theory of social norms is connected to his theory of social evolution by examining the importance of learning in his theory of both social norms and social evolution. Then I turn to David Owen and Amy Allen's critiques of Jürgen Habermas. My aim is to develop their critique of Habermas by elucidating an important but neglected distinction between the developmental logic and the developmental dynamics in Habermas's theory of social evolution. Drawing on this distinction, I claim that Habermas's theory is problematic in that he underestimates the importance of the developmental dynamics. By introducing the distinction between individual learning and social learning, I also question his account of progress as accumulative experience of learning. This is because, unlike cumulative culture at the level of phylogenesis, individuals ontogenetically experience a kind of non‐cumulative social learning. Unlike cumulative culture, each individual has to undergo a kind of non‐cumulative social learning. The problem is that Habermas conceives the learning process too narrowly such that learning does not guarantee social evolution.
Theoretical Study on Falling Film Fin-Tube Dehumidifier Integrated With an Evaporative Cooler
Authors: Kalpana  , Subudhi Sudhakar
Published: December 2023

The current work presents the theoretical analysis of a falling film fin-tube dehumidifier integrated with an evaporative cooler using CaCl2 as a liquid desiccant. In a fin-tube dehumidifier, the fins are provided outside the tubes to sustain the solution temperature during dehumidification. The evaporative cooler is compiled with a dehumidifier to provide cool air over the fins for maintaining the solution and air temperature. The theoretical model examines the heat and mass transfer between the air and the solution, which are moving in a counterflow direction inside the tubes. The study first presents the validation of the theoretical model with the experimental findings. The maximum disparity between theoretical and experimental results for moisture reduction with solution volume flowrate is found to be ±6.2%, whereas it is discovered to be ±13.8% for moisture reduction with airflow rate. The paper then discusses the air and solution parameters variation along the tube height and the impact of air and solution inlet parameters on system performance. The findings indicate that the variation in outlet air humidity ratio with tube height from 0 to 1 m is observed highest, 0.0264 kg/kg d. a. to 0.0233 kg/kg d. a., for a solution volume flowrate of 12.5 LPM and an airflow rate of 0.05 kg/s. The maximum variation in moisture effectiveness with tube height is observed from 0.0045 to 0.292 at 5 LPM solution volume flowrate and 0.05 kg/s airflow rate.
ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN 2023 protocol for paediatric FAPD treatment guidelines (standard operating procedure)
Authors: Gordon Morris , Benninga Marc A , Borlack Rachel , Borrelli Osvaldo , Chogle Ashish , Darbari Anil , Dolinsek Jernej , Groen Jip , Khlevner Julie , Di Lorenzo Carlo , Person Hannibal , Saps Miguel , Sinopoulou Vassiliki , Snyder Julie , Tabbers Merit , Thapar Nikhil , Vlieger Arine
Published: December 2023

Introduction

To date, no international guidelines have been published for the treatment of paediatric functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs), subcategorised into functional abdominal pain–not otherwise specified (FAP-NOS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia and abdominal migraine (AM). We aim for a treatment guideline, focusing on FAP-NOS, IBS and AM, that appreciates the extensive array of available therapies in this field. We present the prospective operating procedure and technical summary protocol in this manuscript.

Methods

Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) will be followed in the development of the guideline, following the approach as laid out in the GRADE handbook, supported by the WHO. The Guideline Development Group (GDG) is formed by paediatric gastroenterologists from both the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, as well as the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Also, one clinical psychologist with expertise in FAPDs is a voting member in the GDG. A final consensus list of treatment options is translated into ‘patient, intervention, comparison, outcome’ format options. Prospective agreement on the magnitude of health benefits or harms categories was reached through a Delphi process among the GDG to support grading of the literature.

There will be a detailed technical evidence review with randomised controlled trial data that will be judged for risk of bias with the Cochrane tool. Recommendations are preferably based on GRADE but could also be best practice statements following the available evidence. A full Delphi process will be used to make recommendations using online response systems. This set of procedures has been approved by all members of the GDG.
Supporting your support staff during crises: recommendations for practice leaders to develop a relational workplace
Authors: Dakin Francesca , Rai Tanvi , Paparini Sara , Greenhalgh Trisha
Published: December 2023

Background

The workload and wellbeing of support staff in general practice has been critically understudied. This includes reception, secretarial and administrative workers who are critical in the daily practice function. Currently, only reception staff are mentioned in the evidence base on general practice working conditions, and all support staff are excluded from studies about the impact of the pandemic on healthcare workers’ work and wellbeing.

Aim

To outline the unique work support staff do, the additional burden it places on them, and how the symphony of crises in 2020–2023 compounded those burdens. Additionally, to provide practical advice for practice leaders on how to support staff wellbeing through developing a relational and psychologically safe working environment.

Methods

These findings are drawn from qualitative research (case studies built through observations, interviews and focus groups) conducted in 2022–2023.

Results

Through theoretically informed analysis, we found that support staff do specialist intersectional guiding work to support patients, other staff, and the practice as a whole. We define this as lay translation, specialist-lay translation, and occupational translation. Under crises, the volume of this work grows, complexifies, and becomes more fragmented. Relational and supportive teams were more able to adapt to these challenges.

Discussion

Support staff should be recognised and enabled to perform these specialised roles. Therefore, we provide a set of recommendations for practice leaders to consider integrating into their own workplaces.
On uniqueness of submaximally symmetric parabolic geometries
Authors: The Dennis
Published: December 2023

Among the (regular, normal) parabolic geometries of type [Formula: see text], there is a locally unique maximally symmetric structure and it has the symmetry dimension [Formula: see text]. The symmetry gap problem concerns the determination of the next realizable (submaximal) symmetry dimension. When [Formula: see text] is a complex or split-real simple Lie group of rank at least three or when [Formula: see text], we establish a local uniqueness result for submaximally symmetric structures of type [Formula: see text].
Kawaguchi–Silverman conjecture on automorphisms of projective threefolds
Authors: Li Sichen
Published: December 2023

Under the framework of dynamics on normal projective varieties by Kawamata, Nakayama and Zhang, and Hu and Li, we may reduce Kawaguchi–Silverman conjecture for automorphisms [Formula: see text] on normal projective threefolds [Formula: see text] with either the canonical divisor [Formula: see text] is trivial or negative Kodaira dimension to the following two cases: (i) [Formula: see text] is a primitively automorphism of a weak Calabi–Yau threefold, (ii) [Formula: see text] is a rationally connected threefold. And we prove Kawaguchi–Silverman conjecture is true for automorphisms of normal projective varieties [Formula: see text] with the irregularity [Formula: see text]. Finally, we discuss Kawaguchi–Silverman conjecture on normal projective varieties with Picard number two.
Bifurcation analysis of macroscopic traffic flow models based on driver behavior
Authors: Ai WenHuan , Zhang YiFan , Xing DanDan , Liu DaWei
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes a novel nonuniform continuous traffic flow model, which takes into account the differences in drivers’ expected headway and further improves the model by incorporating the influences of relative distance and relative velocity of vehicles through linear weighting. Additionally, the model also considers the dynamic response time of drivers for further refinement. With this model, bifurcation theory can also be applied in the stability analysis of traffic systems to study the stability mutation behavior of traffic systems at bifurcation points. Through linear and nonlinear analysis methods, the stability conditions of the model and the KdV–Burgers equation can be derived, the type of equilibrium point of the model can be judged, the conditions for the existence of Hopf bifurcations and the type of bifurcations can be proved, and the traffic flow problem can be transformed into the stability analysis problem of the system. Through numerical simulations in both high-density and low-density scenarios, it is shown that the model can well describe the actual traffic phenomena and can describe the stability abrupt behavior of the traffic system at Hopf bifurcation points and saddle-node bifurcation points through density-time and phase plane diagrams.
Existence of two distinct time scales in the Fairen–Velarde model of bacterial respiration
Authors: Kundu Soumyadeep , Acharyya Muktish
Published: December 2023

We study the bacterial respiration through the numerical solution of the Fairen–Velarde coupled nonlinear differential equations. The instantaneous concentrations of the oxygen and the nutrients are computed. The fixed point solution and the stable limit cycle are found in different parameter ranges as predicted by the linearized differential equations. In a specified range of parameters, it is observed that the system spends some time near the stable limit cycle and eventually reaches the stable fixed point. This metastability has been investigated systematically. Interestingly, it is observed that the system exhibits two distinctly different time scales in reaching the stable fixed points. The slow time scale of the metastable lifetime near the stable limit cycle and a fast time scale (after leaving the zone of limit cycle) in rushing towards the stable fixed point. The gross residence time, near the limit cycle (described by a slow time scale), can be reduced by varying the concentrations of nutrients. This idea can be used to control the harmful metastable lifespan of active bacteria.
Real-time video encryption scheme based on multi-round confusion-diffusion architecture
Authors: Zhi Li-Xun , Zhang Wan-Jing , Zhong Jin , Ma Wen-Chao , Jiang Dong
Published: December 2023

With the rapid development of network and multimedia technologies, the widespread use of images in social networks, military applications, and other fields has led to substantial demands for image encryption. To protect images from potential threats, most protocols perform multiple rounds of confusion and diffusion until a satisfactory security level is attained. However, this strategy is time-consuming and unable to meet the requirements for real-time video encryption. Consequently, many works realize video encryption by simplifying the encryption process, e.g. employing a single round of confusion and diffusion to encrypt each frame. To enhance security to the level of image encryption while ensuring real-time performance, this paper proposes a real-time video encryption protocol based on multi-round confusion-diffusion architecture. It splits the frame into subframes, uses a set of threads to concurrently perform confusion and diffusion. The statistical and security analyses demonstrate the proposed protocol exhibits exceptional statistical properties and is resistant to various attacks. The encryption speed evaluation shows that our method significantly enhances computational efficiency, achieving latency-free encryption of [Formula: see text] 24FPS videos using the Intel Xeon Gold 6226R@2.9[Formula: see text]GHz CPU. Even with the execution of four rounds of confusion and six rounds of diffusion operations on each frame, the average encryption time remains below 30[Formula: see text]ms.
First-principles study of hydrogen capacity in Li2TiO3 crystal
Authors: Li Yan-Wei , Zhang Yong-Shuai , Meng Shuai , Yang Wen , Li Kun
Published: December 2023

Understanding the hydrogen (H) capacity, which represents the tritium capacity in Li2TiO3 crystal has become an important aspect of the tritium release process of nuclear fusion. In this work, a systematic density-functional-theory (DFT) study is performed to investigate the trapping and accumulation of H in Li2TiO3 crystal. In perfect crystal, the H adsorption properties are investigated and the maximum number of trapped H atoms are obtained. In the defect models, by calculating the trapping energy and Bader charge, we find that a Li vacancy can capture four H atoms while the capacity of a Ti vacancy is seven and then other H atoms tend to be trapped by interstitial sites outside the vacancy. Then the H capacity both inside and outside the vacancy in the defect models is studied and analyzed. According to our calculations, crystals containing a vacancy present stronger H trapping abilities than perfect crystals, especially for the crystal with a Ti vacancy. In addition, the increase of H atoms in the vacancy facilitates the formation of the neighboring vacancy so that more H atoms can be accommodated in the crystal with vacancy. Our results reveal the H capacity of different Li2TiO3 models, which provide theoretical support for related tritium release experiments.