bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sharp Hardy’s Inequality for Orthogonal Expansions in $$H^p$$ Spaces
Authors: Plewa Paweł
Published: December 2023

Hardy’s inequality on $$H^p$$

H
p

spaces, $$p\in (0,1]$$

p
∈
(
0
,
1
]

, in the context of orthogonal expansions is investigated for general bases on a wide class of domains in $$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

with Lebesgue measure. The obtained result is applied to various Hermite, Laguerre, and Jacobi expansions. For that purpose some delicate estimates of the higher order derivatives for the underlying functions and of the associated heat or Poison kernels are proved. Moreover, sharpness of studied Hardy’s inequalities is justified by a construction of an explicit counterexample, which is adjusted to all considered settings.
Efficacy and safety of generic pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: a multicenter, open-label, single-arm trial
Authors: Zhou Huixing , Wang Yafei , Chen Jiao , He Aili , Jin Jie , Lu Quanyi , Zhao Ying , Li Junjun , Hou Ming , Su Liping , Lai Xun , Wang Wei , Liu Lihong , Ma Yanping , Gao Da , Lai Wenhong , Zhou Xin , Jing Hongmei , Zhang Jinqiao , Yang Wei , Ran Xuehong , Lin Congmeng , Hao Jianping , Xiao Taiwu , Huang Zhenqian , Zhu Zhigang , Wang Qing , Fang Baijun , Wang Binghua , Song Yanping , Cai Zhen , Liu Bo , Zhu Yanan , Yang Xinai , Kang Xiaoyan , Li Juan , Chen Wenming
Published: December 2023

This multicenter, open-label, single-arm trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05236621) was conducted to confirm the efficacy and safety of generic pomalidomide plus dexamethasone in Chinese patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Total 79 eligible RRMM patients were planned to be included. Patients were treated with generic pomalidomide (4 mg daily on days 1–21, orally) and low-dose dexamethasone (40 mg/day on days 1, 8, 15, and 22, orally; 20 mg for patients aged > 75 years) in 28-day cycles until disease progression with a maximum treatment duration of 2 years. The primary endpoint is the overall response rate (ORR) assessed by the independent review committee per the 2016 International Myeloma Working Group guidelines. A total of 85 eligible patients were included in this study from 32 centers in China, with a median age of 62.0 (range, 39–76) years, a median prior line of therapy of 4 (range, 1–16), and 41.2% patients with high-risk cytogenetics. The ORR was 38.8% (95% confidence interval (CI), 28.44–50.01). The disease control rate was 67.1% (95% CI, 56.02–76.87), meanwhile, the median progression-free survival was 5.55 months (95% CI, 3.68–7.52). Among the treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), infective pneumonia (17.6%) was the most frequent non-hematologic adverse event, while a decrease in neutrophil count (52.9%) was the most common grade ≥ 3 TRAE. The study results indicated that the generic pomalidomide demonstrated consistent efficacy and a safety profile similar to the branded pomalidomide when combined with low-dose dexamethasone in Chinese RRMM patients.

Registration number ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05236621, retrospectively registered on February 11, 2022.
Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of second neoplasms in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia: the PETHEMA-PALG experience
Authors: Sobas Marta , Knopinska-Posluszny Wanda , Piątkowska-Jakubas Beata , García-Álvarez Flor , Díez María Elena Amutio , Caballero Mar , Martínez-Cuadrón David , Aguiar Eliana , González-Campos Jose , Garrido Ana , Algarra Lorenzo , Salamero Olga , de la Serna Javier , Sayas Maria Jose , Perez-Encinas Manuel Mateo , Vives Susana , Vidriales Belén , Labrador Jorge , Prado Ana Inés , Celebrin Lucía , Mayer Jiri , Brioso Joana , de Laiglesia Almudena , Bergua Juan Miguel , Amigo Maria Luz , Rodriguez-Medina Carlos , Polo Marta , Pluta Agnieszka , Cichocka Edyta , Skarupski Marek , Sanz Miguel A , Wierzbowska Agnieszka , Montesinos Pau
Published: December 2023

The most important challenges in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is preventing early death and reducing long-term events, such as second neoplasms (s-NPLs). We performed a retrospective analysis of 2670 unselected APL patients, treated with PETHEMA “chemotherapy based” and “chemotherapy free” protocols. Only de novo APL patients who achieved complete remission (CR) and completed the three consolidation cycles were enrolled into the analysis. Out of 2670 APL patients, there were 118 (4.4%) who developed s-NPLs with the median latency period (between first CR and diagnosis of s-NPL) of 48.0 months (range 2.8–231.1): 43.3 (range: 2.8–113.9) for s-MDS/AML and 61.7 (range: 7.1–231.1) for solid tumour. The 5-year CI of all s-NPLs was of 4.43% and 10 years of 7.92%. Among s-NPLs, there were 58 cases of s-MDS/AML, 3 cases of other hematological neoplasms, 57 solid tumours and 1 non-identified neoplasm. The most frequent solid tumour was colorectal, lung and breast cancer. Overall, the 2-year OS from diagnosis of s-NPLs was 40.6%, with a median OS of 11.1 months. Multivariate analysis identified age of 35 years (hazard ratio = 0.2584;p< 0.0001) as an independent prognostic factor for s-NPLs. There were no significant differences in CI of s-NPLs at 5 years between chemotherapy-based vs chemotherapy-free regimens (hazard ratio = 1.09;p= 0.932). Larger series with longer follow-up are required to confirm the potential impact of ATO+ATRA regimens to reduce the incidence of s-NPLs after front-line therapy for APL.
Childhood community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Meyer Sauteur Patrick M.
Published: December 2023

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common disease in children, and its aetiological and clinical diagnosis are challenging for physicians in both private practice and hospitals. Over the past three decades, conjugate vaccines have successfully reduced the burden of the former main causes of CAP, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b. Today, viruses are by far the most commonly detected pathogens in children with CAP.

  Conclusion: New insights into the aetiology and treatment of CAP in children in recent years have influenced management and are the focus of this review. In addition to reducing diagnostic uncertainty, there is an urgent need to reduce antibiotic overuse and antimicrobial resistance in children with CAP.

What is Known:• Conjugate vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b have shifted the epidemiology of childhood CAP to predominantly viral pathogens and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.• Clinical, laboratory, and radiological criteria cannot reliably distinguish between bacterial and viral aetiology in children with CAP.

What is New:• Test results and epidemiological data must be carefully interpreted, as no single diagnostic method applied to non-pulmonary specimens has both high sensitivity and high specificity for determining pneumonia aetiology in childhood CAP.• This review provides a simple and pragmatic management algorithm for children with CAP to aid physicians in providing optimal and safe care and reducing antibiotic prescribing.
Immunisation with Neospora caninum subunits rsNcSAG4 and rsNcGRA1 (NcSAG4 and NcGRA1 epitopes construct) in BALB/c mice: the profile of the immune response and controlling the vertical transmission
Authors: Fernandes Fidelis Cintia , Silva de Araújo Leandro , Prates-Patarroyo Pablo A. , Martins-Kalks Karlos H. , Licursi de Oliveira Leandro , Vargas Viloria Marlene Isabel , Tafur-Gómez Gabriel A. , Patarroyo Salcedo Joaquín Hernán
Published: December 2023

Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan protozoan that causes neosporosis, which has a high economic impact on cattle herds with no available vaccine. During infection, the secretion of dense granules and the expression of surface antigens play an important role in hosting immunomodulation. However, some epitopes of those antigens are immunogenic, and using these fractions could improve the subunit antigens in vaccine design. This study evaluates the recombinant peptides rsNcGRA1 and rsNcSAG4 derived from NcGRA1 and NcSAG4 native antigens as vaccine candidates produced by a fermentative process in the yeast culture system of Komagataella phaffii strain Km71, confirmed by colony PCR, SDS-PAGE, and western blotting. The assay was conducted in BALB/c mice using the peptides at low (25 μg) and standard (50 μg) dosages in monovalent and combined administrations at three time points with saponin as an adjuvant assessing the immunogenicity by antibodies response and cytokine production. We challenge the females after pregnancy confirmation using 2 × 105 NC-1 tachyzoites previously propagated in Vero cells. We assessed the chronic infection in dams and vertical transmission in the offspring by PCR and histopathology. Mice, especially those immunised with combined peptides and monovalent rsNcGRA1 at a standard dose, controlling the chronic infection in dams with the absence of clinical manifestations, showed an immune response with induction of IgG1, a proper balance between Th1/Th2 cytokines and reduced vertical transmission in the pups. In contrast, dams inoculated with a placebo vaccine showed clinical signs, low-scored brain lesions, augmented chronic infection with 80% positivity, 31% mortality in pups, and 81% vertical transmission. These findings indicate that rsNcGRA1 peptides in monovalent and combined with rsNCSAG4 at standard dose are potential vaccine candidates and improve the protective immune response against neosporosis in mice.
Index admission cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis reduces 30-day readmission rates in pediatric patients
Authors: Pathak Sagar J. , Ji Hyun , Nijagal Amar , Avila Patrick , Dai Sun-Chuan , Arain Mustafa A. , Kouanda Abdul
Published: December 2023

Background

Adult patients with cholecystitis who do not undergo cholecystectomy on index admission have worse outcomes, however, there is a paucity of data of the role of cholecystectomy during index hospitalization in the pediatric population. Our aim was to determine outcomes and readmission rates among pediatric patients with cholecystitis who underwent index cholecystectomy versus those who did not.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of pediatric (< 18 years old) admitted with acute cholecystitis (AC) requiring hospitalization using the 2018 National Readmission Database (NRD). Exclusion criteria included age ≥ 18 years and death on index admission. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with 30-day readmissions.

Results

We identified 550 unique index acute cholecystitis admissions. Mean age was 14.6 ± 3.0 years. Majority of patients were female (n = 372, 67.6%). Index cholecystectomy was performed in (n = 435, 79.1%) of cases. Thirty-day readmission rate was 2.8% in patients who underwent index cholecystectomy and 22.6% in those who did not (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, patients who did not undergo index cholecystectomy had higher odds of 30-day readmission than those who did not (OR 10.66, 95% CI 5.06–22.45, p < 0.001). Female patients also had higher odds of 30-day readmission compared to males (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.31–8.69).

Conclusions

Patients who did not undergo index cholecystectomy had over tenfold increase in odds of 30-day readmission. Further research is required to understand the barriers to index cholecystectomy despite society recommendations and clear clinical benefit.
Efficient implementation on accuracy improvement of the two-dimensional node-to-segment contact approach for explicit dynamic analysis
Authors: Kang Seung-Hoon , Lee Seok-Min , Shin SangJoon
Published: December 2023

The penalty-method-based node-to-segment (NTS) approach is widely employed in the explicit dynamic analysis owing to its computational efficiency and implementation simplicity. However, the classical approach does not pass the contact patch test and results in severe inaccuracies. This study attempts the accuracy enhancement of an explicit dynamic contact analysis with minimum efficiency loss using the NTS algorithm with the modified area regularization technique (NTS-mAR). The computational procedure is compared to an allied modified penalty-method-based NTS approach, i.e., the virtual node-to-segment algorithm passing the patch test (VTS-PPT). Then, an extension to an explicit dynamic analysis framework is attempted, wherein the speed of the contact force calculation significantly influences the overall computational efficiency. The cost of the remaining computation was minimized by employing a lumped mass matrix and a one-point integration rule for the internal force. Elastoplasticity was considered to extend its application. The accuracy improvement compared to the classical one-pass NTS approach was similar for the modified approaches. The VTS-PPT approach requires more than twice the cost of contact force estimation compared with the classical one-pass NTS approach. In contrast, NTS-mAR approach induces a cost increase from 6 to 36% that of classical one-pass NTS approaches. For the given examples, the NTS-mAR approach is beneficial when an improvement in accuracy is desired with minimum efficiency loss.
Ongoing impacts of childhood-onset glomerular diseases during young adulthood
Authors: Furuie Keishiro , Kuraoka Shohei , Ban Hideki , Hidaka Yuko , Nagata Hiroko , Tamura Hiroshi , Nagano Koji , Kawano Tomoyasu , Furuse Akio , Nakazato Hitoshi , Nakamura Kimitoshi
Published: December 2023

Background

Childhood-onset glomerular disease often requires ongoing treatment and follow-up into adulthood. However, few studies have analyzed the associated impact and distress experienced by patients with this condition during the transition from childhood to adolescence and adulthood.

Methods

At three facilities, we recruited patients who developed idiopathic nephrotic syndrome or IgA nephropathy during childhood and were at least 18 years old at the time of study entry. Among them, a questionnaire-based survey was administered to patients who consented to participate, and the results were analyzed in conjunction with clinical information.

Results

Data from a total of 38 patients were analyzed. Of these patients, 15 had idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and 23 had IgA nephropathy. The age of transition from pediatrics to the adult medicine department was correlated with the number of recurrences. Many patients also reported being significantly affected by exercise restrictions and physical decline associated with their diseases and medications. Various impacts, including distress, affected decision-making regarding higher education, with patients engaging in higher education at a significantly higher rate compared with the regional average (66.7% vs. 46.9%, p = 0.028).

Conclusion

We analyzed the impact of childhood-onset glomerular disease and distress during the transition period from pediatric to adult care. This study highlighted the significant impact of medications and exercise restrictions on patients’ decisions regarding higher education. Future prospective studies will be needed to examine patients’ distress in more detail and establish management approaches to enhance patient quality of life.

Graphical abstract
How early should be “Early Integrated Palliative Care”?
Authors: Chelazzi Cosimo , Ripamonti Carla Ida
Published: December 2023

Palliative care, with its focus on comprehensive patient assessment encompassing physical, social, emotional, and spiritual pain, plays a crucial role in modern medicine. Despite its significance, integration with oncology and other healthcare specialties often occurs late in the disease trajectory. Strategies to bridge this gap include considering a “rebranding” of palliative care to “supportive care.” Early initiation of palliative care, although challenging to define precisely, aims to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Studies show some benefits, but the evidence remains limited. An embedded model that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration between oncologists and palliative care practitioners has shown promise. However, it raises questions about training and availability of palliative care specialists. A broader approach involves integrating palliative care principles into medical and nursing education to ensure early recognition of patient needs and empathetic communication. Regular monitoring of patients’ physical and non-physical needs, along with appropriate interventions, can alleviate suffering and improve patient outcomes. Ultimately, the integration of palliative care into oncology and other disciplines focuses on addressing the individual’s needs and understanding their unique experience of suffering.
Comparison of the patient-derived modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale and the European myelopathy score
Authors: de Dios Eddie , Löfgren Håkan , Laesser Mats , Lindhagen Lars , Björkman-Burtscher Isabella M. , MacDowall Anna
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To compare the patient-derived modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (P-mJOA) scale with the European myelopathy score (EMS) for the assessment of patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).

Methods

In this register-based cohort study with prospectively collected data, included patients were surgically treated for DCM and had reported both P-mJOA and EMS scores at baseline, 1-year follow-up, and/or 2-year follow-up to the Swedish Spine Register. P-mJOA and EMS scores were defined as severe (P-mJOA 0–11 and EMS 5–8), moderate (P-mJOA 12–14 and EMS 9–12), or mild (P-mJOA 15–18 and EMS 13–18). P-mJOA and EMS mean scores were compared, and agreement was evaluated with Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ), the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and kappa (κ) statistics.

Results

Included patients (n = 714, mean age 63.2 years, 42.2% female) completed 937 pairs of the P-mJOA and the EMS. The mean P-mJOA and EMS scores were 13.9 ± 3.0 and 14.5 ± 2.7, respectively (mean difference –0.61 [95% CI –0.72 to –0.51; p < 0.001]). Spearman’s ρ was 0.84 (p < 0.001), and intra-rater agreement measured with ICC was 0.83 (p < 0.001). Agreement of severity level measured with unweighted and weighted κ was fair (κ = 0.22 [p < 0.001]; κ = 0.34 [p < 0.001], respectively). Severity levels were significantly higher using the P-mJOA (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The P-mJOA and the EMS had similar mean scores, and intra-rater agreement was high, whereas severity levels only demonstrated fair agreement. The EMS has a lower sensitivity for detecting severe myelopathy but shows an increasing agreement with the P-mJOA for milder disease severity. A larger interval to define severe myelopathy with the EMS is recommended.
Künstliche Intelligenz in der Neuroonkologie
Authors: Nowosielski-Krappinger Martha
Published: December 2023

Künstliche Intelligenz ist in aller Munde, teilweise bemerkt, großteils jedoch unbemerkt, ist sie seit vielen Jahren Teil unseres Lebens. Die Bestrebungen, menschliche Intelligenz zu mechanisieren, bestehen schon seit den 1950er-Jahren. Erst die technischen und mathematischen Errungenschaften der letzten 20 Jahre haben die Anwendung erleichtert, sodass unterschiedliche Institutionen die künstliche Intelligenz in ihrem (Arbeits‑)Alltag nützen. Auch die Medizin bedient sich der künstlichen Intelligenz, im Folgenden exemplarisch dargestellt für neuroonkologische Erkrankungen. Als multidisziplinäres Fach müssen viele Faktoren (Bildgebung, molekulare und genetische wie auch klinische Faktoren) miteinander in Zusammenhang gebracht werden, um den Patient:innen die bestmögliche Behandlung anzubieten. Je größer der Datensatz, desto eher ist man auf eine computerbasierte Unterstützung in Form von künstlicher Intelligenz angewiesen. Wie künstliche Intelligenz funktioniert und in welchen Bereichen sie in der Neuroonkologie Anwendung findet, wird im folgenden Artikel beleuchtet.
A new window Clause for SQL++
Authors: Fang James , Lychagin Dmitry , Carey Michael J. , Tsotras Vassilis J.
Published: December 2023

Window queries are important analytical tools for ordered data and have been researched both in streaming and stored data environments. By incorporating ideas for window queries from existing streaming and stored data systems, we propose a new window syntax that makes a wide range of window queries easier to write and optimize. We have implemented this new window syntax in SQL++, an SQL extension that supports querying semistructured data, on top of AsterixDB, a Big Data Management System, thus allowing us to process window queries over large datasets in a parallel and efficient manner.
Growth Rates of the Number of Indecomposable Summands in Tensor Powers
Authors: Coulembier Kevin , Ostrik Victor , Tubbenhauer Daniel
Published: December 2023

In this paper we study the asymptotic behavior of the number of summands in tensor products of finite dimensional representations of affine (semi)group (super)schemes and related objects.
Identifying and Qualifying Deviant Cases in Clusters of Sequences: The Why and The How
Authors: Piccarreta Raffaella , Struffolino Emanuela
Published: December 2023

Sequence analysis is employed in different fields—e.g., demography, sociology, and political sciences—to describe longitudinal processes represented as sequences of categorical states. In many applications, sequences are clustered to identify relevant types, which reflect the different empirical realisations of the temporal process under study. We explore criteria to inspect internal cluster composition and to detect deviant sequences, that is, cases characterised by rare patterns or outliers that might compromise cluster homogeneity. We also introduce tools to visualise and distinguish the features of regular and deviant cases. Our proposals offer a more accurate and granular description of the data structure, by identifying—besides the most typical types—peculiar sequences that might be interesting from a substantive and theoretical point of view. This analysis could be very useful in applications where—under the assumption of within homogeneity—clusters are used as outcome or explanatory variables in regressions. We demonstrate the added value of our proposal in a motivating application from life-course socio-demography, focusing on Italian women’s employment trajectories and on their link with their mothers’ participation in the labour market across geographical areas.
Definiteness marking in American Norwegian: a unique pattern among the Scandinavian languages
Authors: van Baal Yvonne
Published: December 2023

This paper examines definiteness marking in American Norwegian (AmNo), a heritage variety of Norwegian spoken in the US. The description adds another language to the much-studied variation within Scandinavian nominal phrases. It builds on established syntactic analysis of Scandinavian and investigates aspects that are (un)like Norwegian spoken in the homeland. A central finding is that the core syntax of Norwegian noun phrases is retained in AmNo, while the morphophonological spell-out is sometimes different. Indefinite determiners, for example, are obligatory in AmNo, but some speakers produce them with non-homeland-like gender agreement. One systematic change is observed: double definiteness has been partially lost. The typical AmNo modified definite phrase lacks the prenominal determiner that is obligatory for varieties in Norway. I argue that this is a syntactic change which allows the realization of D to be optional. This is a pattern not found in the other Scandinavian languages. At the same time, this innovative structure in AmNo is not like English, the dominant language of the AmNo speakers. This demonstrates heritage language change that is distinct from both the homeland language and the dominant language.
Ruxolitinib Rescues Multiorgan Clinical Autoimmunity in Patients with APS-1
Authors: Lévy Romain , Escudier Agathe , Bastard Paul , Briand Coralie , Polivka Laura , Stoupa Athanasia , Talbotec Cécile , Rothenbuhler Anya , Charbit Marina , Debray Dominique , Bodemer Christine , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Linglart Agnès , Neven Bénédicte
Published: December 2023

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type-1 (APS-1) is caused by mono- or biallelic loss-of-function variants of the autoimmune regulator gene AIRE underlying early-onset multiorgan autoimmunity and the production of neutralizing autoantibodies against cytokines, accounting for mucosal candidiasis and viral diseases. Medical intervention is essential to prevent or attenuate autoimmune manifestations. Ruxolitinib is a JAK inhibitor approved for use in several autoimmune conditions. It is also used off-label to treat autoimmune manifestations of a growing range of inborn errors of immunity. We treated three APS-1 patients with ruxolitinib and followed them for at least 30 months. Tolerance was excellent, with no medical or biological adverse events. All three patients had remarkably positive responses to ruxolitinib for alopecia, nail dystrophy, keratitis, mucosal candidiasis, steroid-dependent autoimmune hepatitis, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, renal potassium wasting, hypoparathyroidism, and diabetes insipidus. JAK inhibitors were therefore considered an effective treatment in three patients with APS-1. Our observations suggest that JAK/STAT pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of APS-1 autoimmune manifestations. They also suggest that JAK inhibitors should be tested in a broader range of APS-1 patients.
The Purpose of Double Accenting in the Ormulum and a Possible French Connection
Authors: Jakobs Jannis
Published: December 2023

Based on a study contrasting the spellings of the Ormulum’s (Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Junius 1) Hand C with those of Orm, this article proposes that final < tt > did not necessarily indicate a short preceding vowel in the hypothesized spelling system which Orm sought to reform, and that the Ormulum’s double accent marks might serve to prophylactically counteract a spelling habit present in Orm’s house of doubling final < t > following an etymological long vowel. It argues thus against previous explanations which tend to construe the double accents as redundant markers of vowel length. Further evidence is adduced to suppose that the unexpected doubling of final < t > could have been a post-Conquest orthographical tendency arising from the intermixture of English and (Anglo-)French spelling systems.
Do physical fitness and cognitive function mediate the relationship between basic activities of daily living and quality of life in older adults with dementia?
Authors: Barros Duarte , Borges-Machado Flávia , Silva-Fernandes Anabela , Ribeiro Oscar , Carvalho Joana
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) is associated with quality of life (QoL) in individuals with dementia. However, the contribution of physical and cognitive functions to this relationship needs further examination. This study aims to examine the mediating effect of physical fitness and cognitive function in the relationship between independence in basic ADLs and QoL among older adults with dementia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 107 older adults with dementia (74.8% women; age 78.21 ± 7.70 years). Independence in basic ADL and QoL were evaluated using the Barthel Index (BI) and QoL- Alzheimer’s Disease Scale, respectively. The Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale and the Mini-Mental State Examination were applied to assess cognitive function. Physical fitness was evaluated using the 30-s chair stand, 2-min step and the Timed-Up and Go tests. A structural equation modelling (SEM) with bootstrapping estimation was conducted to determine the relationship between all variables.

Results

Independence in basic ADL positively affected QoL and this association was mediated by physical fitness (β = 0.242, p = 0.011). No statistically significant results were observed when testing cognitive function as a mediator between BI and QoL (β = 0.009, p = 0.345).

Conclusions

Physical fitness (i.e., lower body strength, aerobic capacity, and mobility) plays a role in the relationship between basic ADL independence and QoL of older adults with dementia, reinforcing the need to improve and monitor these parameters throughout the disease progression. Future longitudinal studies should explore the temporal relationship between physical and cognitive function and its contribution to basic ADL independence and QoL.
Quantitative measurement of link failure reaction time for devices with P4-programmable data planes
Authors: Franco David , Higuero Marivi , Zaballa Eder Ollora , Unzilla Juanjo , Jacob Eduardo
Published: December 2023

Quick handling of link failures remains a challenging issue in current communication networks, although it is crucial to many routing algorithms. Link failures are the leading cause of packet losses and delays, therefore, failure recovery is tied to stringent requirements for certain services, such as the sub-50 millisecond completion time for carrier-grade networks, which is sometimes difficult to achieve in traditional routing schemes. For this reason, fast recovery strategies are key pillars of modern communication networks. In this paper, we demonstrate the benefits of the devices with Programmable Data Planes (PDP) for fast reacting to link failures. We first review the link failure detection, reaction and recovery procedures and then we discuss the main fast failure recovery mechanisms employed by different types of devices in current communication networks. In addition, we present a novel method to measure the link failure reaction time of an Intel Tofino switch with PDP, as well as the results obtained when measuring such time using real hardware equipment. Our results show that such hardware devices provide a failure reaction time in the order of microseconds, with an average of 472.88$$\upmu $$
μ
s, which poses PDP as a key technology to achieve zero packet loss and zero delay failure recovery.
Objectively measured adherence may affect side effects of mandibular advancement therapy in subjects with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Pahkala Riitta
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine if objectively measured adherence to oral appliance (OA) treatment may affect dental changes and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

The original study group consisted of adults with OSA who were referred for OA therapy. Eight indicators of subjective side effects of using OA (temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and muscle pain, pain in teeth, jaw stiffness in the morning, clicking, dry mouth, hypersalivation, gingival irritation) were evaluated by a questionnaire. Three occlusal indicators (overjet, overbite, molar occlusion) and clinical TMD signs (TMJ pain, muscle pain, clicking, jaw deviation on opening) were evaluated at baseline and at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. In addition, objective adherence monitoring for OA was registered. Statistical analyses included the chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, paired sample t-test, and linear regression analyses.

Results

A total of 58 adults with OSA were referred for OA therapy. Mean (SD) age was 50.7 (11.7) and mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 19.5 (10.0). At 1-year follow-up, the study group consisted of 28 men and 12 women. Overjet but not overbite reduced significantly after 1-year OA therapy. The average nightly wear of OA was related to overjet and overbite reduction, and to TMD signs. Hypersalivation, dry mouth, and tooth discomfort were the most common subjective side effects of OA therapy.

Conclusion

There was a time-dependent relationship with the nightly wear of OA and reduction in overjet and overbite, and clinical TMD signs. With 60% of mandibular advancement, dental changes and TM-disorders were considered mild/minor in the 1‐year study period.
Peripheral MC1R Activation Modulates Immune Responses and is Neuroprotective in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Srivastava Pranay , Nishiyama Shuhei , Zhou Fang , Lin Sonia H. , Srivastava Akriti , Su Chienwen , Xu Yuehang , Peng Weiyi , Levy Michael , Schwarzschild Michael , Chen Xiqun
Published: December 2023

Background

Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a key pigmentation gene, and loss-of-function of MC1R variants that produce red hair may be associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). We previously reported compromised dopaminergic neuron survival in Mc1r mutant mice and dopaminergic neuroprotective effects of local injection of a MC1R agonist to the brain or a systemically administered MC1R agonist with appreciable central nervous system (CNS) permeability. Beyond melanocytes and dopaminergic neurons, MC1R is expressed in other peripheral tissues and cell types, including immune cells. The present study investigates the impact of NDP-MSH, a synthetic melanocortin receptor (MCR) agonist that does not cross BBB, on the immune system and the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in mouse model of PD.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were treated systemically with MPTP.HCl (20 mg/kg) and LPS (1 mg/kg) from day 1 to day 4 and NDP-MSH (400 µg/kg) or vehicle from day 1 to day 12 following which the mice were sacrificed. Peripheral and CNS immune cells were phenotyped and inflammatory markers were measured. The nigrostriatal dopaminergic system was assessed behaviorally, chemically, immunologically, and pathologically. To understand the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in this model, CD25 monoclonal antibody was used to deplete CD25 + Tregs.

Results

Systemic NDP-MSH administration significantly attenuated striatal dopamine depletion and nigral dopaminergic neuron loss induced by MPTP + LPS. It improved the behavioral outcomes in the pole test. Mc1r mutant mice injected with NDP-MSH in the MPTP and LPS paradigm showed no changes in striatal dopamine levels suggesting that the NDP-MSH acts through the MC1R pathway. Although no NDP-MSH was detected in the brain, peripheral, NDP-MSH attenuated neuroinflammation as observed by diminished microglial activation in the nigral region, along with reduced TNF-α and IL1β levels in the ventral midbrain. Depletion of Tregs was associated with diminished neuroprotective effects of NDP-MSH.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that peripherally acting NDP-MSH confers protection on dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons and reduces hyperactivated microglia. NDP-MSH modulates peripheral immune responses, and Tregs may be involved in the neuroprotective effect of NDP-MSH.
Systematic review and integrated analysis of prognostic gene signatures for prostate cancer patients
Authors: An Yang , Lu Wenyuan , Li Shijia , Lu Xiaoyan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Han Dongcheng , Su Dingyuan , Jia Jiaxin , Yuan Jiaxin , Zhao Binbin , Tu Mengjie , Li Xinyu , Wang Xiaoqing , Fang Na , Ji Shaoping
Published: December 2023

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common cancers in men and becoming the second leading cause of cancer fatalities. At present, the lack of effective strategies for prognosis of PC patients is still a problem to be solved. Therefore, it is significant to identify potential gene signatures for PC patients’ prognosis. Here, we summarized 71 different prognostic gene signatures for PC and concluded 3 strategies for signature construction after extensive investigation. In addition, 14 genes frequently appeared in 71 different gene signatures, which enriched in mitotic and cell cycle. This review provides extensive understanding and integrated analysis of current prognostic signatures of PC, which may help researchers to construct gene signatures of PC and guide future clinical treatment.
Production of furfural and levulinic acid from purple Cameroon grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Morado) by a two-stage process
Authors: Ortiz-Cabrera Iván , Conde-Rivera Laura , Piñeros-Castro Yineth
Published: December 2023

The purple Cameroon grass crop (P. purpureum cv. Morado) presents significant potential as a source of raw materials and renewable energy; it has rapid growth, high yield, and low fertilizer demand. During the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass, hemicellulose and cellulose can first be hydrolyzed into five and six-carbon sugars, and then the sugars are converted into furfural and levulinic acid (LA) respectively. In this work, the furfural and levunilic acid production was evaluated in a two-stage catalytic process with a tin catalyst supported on a sulfonated activated carbon. In the first stage, a furfural yield of 23.28% at 170 °C for 3 h. In the second stage, the effect of process temperature and time on LA production's yield and energy demand was evaluated; LA yield of 28.17% was obtained with an energy demand of 0.12 kWh/gLA at 180.47 °C for 1.78 h. These results demonstrate the possibility of obtaining furfural from Cameroon grass.

Graphical Abstract
Is Cannabis Use Associated with Motivation? A Review of Recent Acute and Non-Acute Studies
Authors: Skumlien Martine , Langley Christelle , Sahakian Barbara J.
Published: December 2023

Purpose of Review

Cannabis use has been anecdotally linked with reduced motivation, sometimes referred to as the ‘amotivational syndrome’. In this review, we evaluate research on the association between acute and non-acute cannabis use and motivation assessed with questionnaire or behavioural task-based measures, focusing on studies published in the last 5 years.

Recent Findings

Of the five non-acute studies which used behavioural tasks to assess motivation, three found that cannabis use was associated with higher willingness to expend effort for reward, while the other two found no differences between cannabis users and controls. Only two acute studies have been published to date, both of which found that cannabis reduced participants’ willingness to expend effort for reward compared with placebo. Most self-report survey studies did not find any differences in motivational outcomes between cannabis users and controls, though there was evidence of an association between apathy and cannabis dependence.

While cannabis may lower motivation acutely, recent non-acute studies do not support claims of an amotivational syndrome in people who use cannabis. However, there is some evidence of an association between cannabis use disorder and apathy.
MXene heterostructures based on Cr2C and Cr2N: evidence of strong interfacial interactions that induce an antiferromagnetic alignment
Authors: Gutierrez-Ojeda S. J. , Ponce-Pérez R. , Guerrero-Sánchez J. , Moreno-Armenta María G.
Published: December 2023

In the present work, Cr2C and Cr2N MXenes are stacked to conform 2D heterostructures. The structural, electronic, and magnetic properties were further investigated. Two stackings were treated; the first, Cr2C on top of Cr2N, and the second, Cr2N is on Cr2C. The most favorable configuration is Cr2C/Cr2N, with a vertical distance of 2.35 Å. The antiferromagnetic alignment evidences a possible bias exchange effect. Cr2C MXene preserves its ferromagnetic behavior and changes the top Cr layer polarization of Cr2N form the antiferromagnetic alignment with Cr2C. The bottom Cr layer of Cr2N conserves the intrinsic polarization as antiparallel. Electronic properties evidence a metallic behavior. Although the vertical distance in the MXene heterostructure is comparable with a van der Waals interaction, the 2D charge density maps and electron local function indicate a metallic interaction at the interface, meanwhile the charge density difference exhibits a charge transfer in the interface heterostructure. The new 2D heterostructure and the properties that emerge from it could be interesting to the spintronics community due to their applications in information storage devices.
Consumer Behaviour in a Circular System – How Values Promote and Hinder the Participation of Young Adults in the Swedish Deposit-Refund System for Beverage Packaging
Authors: Kremel Anna
Published: December 2023

This study contributes to the understanding of how values promote and hinder circular consumer behaviour by examining and learning from the Swedish deposit-refund system for beverage cans and PET bottles. We have used the consumption value theory in our analysis, building on the concepts of circular economy, sustainable consumption and recycling. Data was collected from focus group interviews with young adults in order to identify and explore the ways that values promote and hinder participation. Functional values were found to be at the core of sustainable consumption as a result of financial incentives and the fact that consumers value convenience. The study also highlights the importance that young adults place on emotional values, in particular embarrassment, which hinders them from recycling. When it comes to sustainable consumption, young adults are driven by selfish behaviour, prioritising personal comfort. Social settings were also found to promote and hinder participation in the deposit-refund system. The study finds that an understanding of the reasons why different social groups and age groups approve or disapprove of participation in circular solutions may help design solutions to increase participation in circular solutions and circular economies. The results show that it is important to study the combinations of value dimensions to understand consumer behaviour in a circular system fully.
Probabilistic approach for robust design with orthogonal experimental methodology in case of target the best
Authors: Zheng Maosheng , Yu Jie
Published: December 2023

This paper aims to develop a probabilistic approach for robust design with orthogonal experimental methodology in case of target the best on basis of the probabilistic multi-objective optimization. In the treatment, the difference of the target value and the arithmetic mean value of performance indicators of the alternatives is taken one objective to be minimum, and the square root of mean squared error of actual value of performance indicators from the target value of the alternatives is taken as the second objective to be minimum, which contribute their partial preferable probabilities to the alternative individually. As an application example, the probabilistic method for multi-objective optimization is combined with orthogonal experimental methodology to conduct the optimum design, range analysis is used to total preferable probability subsequently, and ranking sequence of total preferable probability of alternatives is used to complete the optimization option.
Superlubricity of molybdenum disulfide film
Authors: Li Hongxuan , Ju Shifan , Ji Li , Liu Xiaohong , Zhou Huidi , Chen Jianmin , Zhao Xiaoqin
Published: December 2023

Superlubricity is an ideal state with zero contact friction between two frictional interfaces. It has become a hot research topic for many scientists in the past 20 years, and the field spans the complex hot research directions of physics, chemistry, mechanics, and materials. The concept of superlubricity was introduced in 1990, and the understanding of the process of realizing superlubricity is vital for controlling the tribological properties of materials and promoting the development of tribology. This review focuses on the fundamental properties of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) films and the influence of the environment on affecting MoS2 films. As a result, some methods for realizing superlubricity by MoS2 films are proposed. The key to achieving superlubricity with MoS2 is summarized. Finally, an outlook on the application of MoS2 films is given.
Monotheism and Divine Aggression
Authors: Cornell Collin
Published: December 2023

The aggression of the biblical God is notorious. The phrase 'Old Testament God' conjures up images of jealousy and wrath, smiting and judging. But is it only an accident that this god became capital-G God, the unique creator and sustainer of three world religions? Or is there a more substantive connection between monotheism and divine aggression? This Element proposes exactly this causal connection. In three case studies, it showcases ways that literarily treating one god alone as god amplifies divine destructiveness. This happens according to two dynamics: God absorbs the destructive power of other divine beings-and God monopolizes divinity such that other beings, even special ones like God's beloved king or the people of God, are rendered vulnerable to divine aggression. The Element also attends to the literary contexts and counterbalances within which the Hebrew Bible imagines divine aggression.
Vice in Ancient Philosophy
Authors: Nielsen Karen Margrethe
Published: December 2023

Ancient philosophers offer intriguing accounts of vice – virtue's bad twin. This Element considers injustice and lawlessness in Plato and Aristotle. Starting with Socrates' paradoxical claim that 'tyrants and orators do just about nothing they want to do' (Gorgias 466d-e), it examines discussions of moral ignorance and corruption of character in Plato's Republic and Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics. Aristotle's account of vice is indebted to Plato's. But his claims have confounded critics. Why is the vicious agent full of regrets when he acts in accordance with his wish? To what extent is vice a form of moral ignorance? Why will the unjust man never get what he wants? These and other questions yield new insights into ancient Greek ethics and moral psychology, as well as surprising perspectives on contemporary debates.
Dominance and transitivity
Authors: Birnbaum Michael H.
Published: December 2023

This article describes a study of transitivity of preference and of transparent dominance with 220 participants who judged each choice problem 4 times. It shows how a true-and-error model with 2 error terms per choice problem can be applied to replicated data, to ask if violations of dominance or of transitivity are ‘real’ rather than due to random response errors. These models allow one to estimate the incidence of systematic violations and of error rates. The new data showed about 3% violations of transitivity, corrected for error. This incidence might be statistically significant, but a skeptic might dismiss it as too small to build a theory upon. Tests of dominance found violations with overall rates from 4% to 18%. As in previous research, violations of transparent dominance appeared almost exclusively among people who systematically prefer ‘safe’ gambles (with low ranges of outcomes) over ‘riskier’ gambles with higher expected values when the ‘safe’ gamble was dominated by the higher-ranged gamble. For those participants and choice problems, rates of violation were 28%–45%, corrected for error. It was theorized that these violations of dominance may be due to a subgroup of risk-averse participants using a strategy in this experiment to find ‘safe’ alternatives, without comparing outcomes between gambles.
Stratified inclined duct: two-layer hydraulics and instabilities
Authors: Atoufi Amir , Zhu Lu , Lefauve Adrien , Taylor John R. , Kerswell Rich R. , Dalziel Stuart B. , Lawrence Gregory A. , Linden P.F.
Published: December 2023

The stratified inclined duct (SID) sustains an exchange flow in a long, gently sloping duct as a model for continuously forced density-stratified flows such as those found in estuaries. Experiments have shown that the emergence of interfacial waves and their transition to turbulence as the tilt angle is increased appears to be linked to a threshold in the exchange flow rate given by inviscid two-layer hydraulics. We uncover these hydraulic mechanisms by (i) using recent direct numerical simulations (DNS) providing full flow data in the key flow regimes (Zhu et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 969, 2023, A20), (ii) averaging these DNS into two layers, and (iii) using an inviscid two-layer shallow-water and instability theory to diagnose interfacial wave behaviour and provide physical insight. The laminar flow is subcritical and stable throughout the duct and hydraulically controlled at the ends of the duct. As the tilt is increased, the flow becomes supercritical everywhere and unstable to long waves. An internal jump featuring stationary waves first appears near the centre of the duct, then leads to larger-amplitude travelling waves, and to stronger jumps, wave breaking and intermittent turbulence at the largest tilt angle. Long waves described by the (nonlinear) shallow-water equation are interpreted locally as linear waves on a two-layer parallel base flow described by the Taylor–Goldstein equation. This link helps us to interpret long-wave instability and contrast it with short-wave (e.g. Kelvin–Helmholtz) instability. Our results suggest a transition to turbulence in SID through long-wave instability relying on vertical confinement by the top and bottom walls.