bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State and Markets: Not Whether But How
Authors: Coyle Diane
Published: February 2024

The public and political demand for simple answers to complex economic problems generates its own supply. Moreover, policy narratives or “missions” can play a useful role in aligning expectations and coordinating private sector actions. However, the standard historical examples of successful missions (such as the Apollo program or the smartphone) involve nuanced and contingent interaction between the state and the market. In the current context of a revival of strategic industrial policies, governments must avoid oversimplified rhetoric that obscures the need for an analytical framework assigning policy instruments to specific identified elements of the strategy. Without such a framework, responsibility and accountability for policy delivery are impossible to allocate.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of State-Guided Innovation
Authors: Yerger Rodney H.
Published: February 2024

A crucial debate exists over the effectiveness of government-guided innovation efforts, which recently through economist Mariana Mazzucato’s arguments for an entrepreneurial state that encourages the public sector’s active role in technological change and value creation, is considerably shaping global policy. This essay addresses a key assertion by Mazzucato that the government is the boldest innovator accountable for the greatest value in society. Through use case analysis, I argue that Mazzucato’s claims of the state providing mission-oriented directionality that drives technology development do not survive the scrutiny of the Supply-Chain Fallacy, the belief that every item in a line of production or chain of events is necessary and causal. I do find occasions of public sector innovation success in the development of military technologies, particularly during times of war, which can have beneficial spillover effects. However, I show that the potentiality of such successes in a persistent peacetime environment is limited by the viability of the public sector entrepreneur.
A Case Study on DARPA: An Exemplar for Government Strategic Structuring to Foster Innovation?
Authors: Yerger Rodney H.
Published: February 2024

Advocates for a mission economy contend that government bureaucracy can be transformed through a strategic structuring that would improve upon the dynamic capabilities necessary to pursue and direct innovation. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is touted as a model organization of strategic structuring for inducing public sector innovation of emerging technologies. Applying economic theory and employing empirical analysis, I objectively examine key factors that are attributed to DARPA’s success, such as the organization’s autonomy, small size, and limited tenure of its program managers, in order to assess the worthiness of the agency’s exemplar status of empowering a mission-oriented approach to innovation. I find that while DARPA undoubtedly provides value for national defense and has distinct advantages over other government organizations, it falls short in representing a sustainable and scalable source of strategic structuring that would befit the entrepreneurial state.
Imaging the Patient with Epilepsy or Seizures
Authors: Bargalló Núria , Krings Timo
Published: February 2024

Neuroimaging plays an ever-increasing role in the workup of patients presenting with seizures, epilepsy, and, in particular in patients with medically refractory epilepsy. Abnormalities that may be amenable to surgery can be present in the latter group in up to 80% and thus the radiologist plays an important role in the interdisciplinary management of this patient population. In the current article, we are describing imaging protocols as well as typical pathologies and their imaging correlated to raise awareness of the spectrum of disorders typically encountered.
Demyelinating Diseases of the CNS (Brain and Spine)
Authors: Barkhof Frederik , Koeller Kelly K.
Published: February 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most important inflammatory demyelinating disorder that affects both the brain and spine. Dissemination in space and time on MRI is not limited to MS and can occur in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with aquaporin 4 antibodies, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-related antibody disease (MOGAD), and a series of other (inflammatory) demyelinating disorders. Spinal cord imaging is an important element of MS (differential) diagnosis and especially relevant in case of possible age-related vasculo-ischemic brain white matter lesions; a negative scan will help to rule out MS. Increasingly, MRI is used to monitor treatment and their complications such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
Evaluation of Myelopathy and Radiculopathy
Authors: Shah Lubdha M. , Ross Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2024

Myelopathy and radiculopathy can be due to extrinsic causes, most often degenerative in origin. Imaging can elucidate an often-confusing clinical picture to guide management and provide prognostic information. For intrinsic causes of myelopathy, the differential diagnosis categories include demyelination, inflammation, infection, vascular, and neoplasm. The combination of clinical symptoms, timing of presentation, and imaging features can help narrow the differential diagnosis.
Spinal Trauma and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Authors: van den Hauwe Luc , Flanders Adam E.
Published: February 2024

The imaging methods for evaluating patients with acute spinal trauma has dramatically changed in the last decade especially with the development of thin section multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and isotropic datasets that provide high-resolution sagittal and coronal reformats. MDCT allows for a comprehensive assessment of spinal column injury that has largely supplanted radiography except in the pediatric population. MRI has become the procedure of choice for evaluation of the spinal cord and surrounding soft tissues when there is a suspected SCI.
Intracranial Infection and Inflammation
Authors: Lim Tchoyoson , Thurnher Majda M.
Published: February 2024

Although uncommon compared to traumatic and cerebrovascular disease, radiologists should recognize the typical imaging features of meningitis, abscess, and encephalitis; and be aware of autoimmune mimics. DWI, SWI, and vessel wall imaging are useful advanced MRI techniques for problem-solving.
Toxic and Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Van Cauter Sofie , Essig Marco
Published: February 2024

Metabolic diseases are mostly congenital inborn errors leading to functional defects in metabolic pathways, whereas toxic and metabolic diseases in adults are usually acquired. MRI is the cornerstone in the assessment of these patients. The final diagnosis is often established in combination with laboratory findings and/or genetic analysis. Imaging patterns are almost invariably bilateral and often symmetric or nearly symmetric. The basal ganglia and thalami are often involved in acquired metabolic and toxic diseases. This chapter focuses on the most common inborn errors of metabolism that can present or persist into adulthood, as well as on the most common acquired metabolic and toxic disorders, relevant to daily clinical practice.
Large charge ’t Hooft limit of $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 super-Yang-Mills
Authors: Caetano João , Komatsu Shota , Wang Yifan
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The planar integrability of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super-Yang-Mills (SYM) is the cornerstone for numerous exact observables. We show that the large charge sector of the SU(2) $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM provides another interesting solvable corner which exhibits striking similarities despite being far from the planar limit. We study non-BPS operators obtained by small deformations of half-BPS operators with R-charge J in the limit J → ∞ with $$ {\lambda}_J\equiv {g}_{\textrm{YM}}^2J/2 $$

λ
J

≡

g
YM
2

J
/
2
fixed. The dynamics in this large charge ’t Hooft limit is constrained by a centrally-extended $$ \mathfrak{psu} $$
psu
(2|2)2 symmetry that played a crucial role for the planar integrability. To the leading order in 1/J, the spectrum is fully fixed by this symmetry, manifesting the magnon dispersion relation familiar from the planar limit, while it is constrained up to a few constants at the next order. We also determine the structure constant of two large charge operators and the Konishi operator, revealing a rich structure interpolating between the perturbative series at weak coupling and the worldline instantons at strong coupling. In addition we compute heavy-heavy-light-light (HHLL) four-point functions of half-BPS operators in terms of resummed conformal integrals and recast them into an integral form reminiscent of the hexagon formalism in the planar limit. For general SU(N) gauge groups, we study integrated HHLL correlators by supersymmetric localization and identify a dual matrix model of size J/2 that reproduces our large charge result at N = 2. Finally we discuss a relation to the physics on the Coulomb branch and explain how the dilaton Ward identity emerges from a limit of the conformal block expansion. We comment on generalizations including the large spin ’t Hooft limit, the combined large N-large J limits, and applications to general $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 superconformal field theories.
Sampling the lattice Nambu-Goto string using Continuous Normalizing Flows
Authors: Caselle Michele , Cellini Elia , Nada Alessandro
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Effective String Theory (EST) represents a powerful non-perturbative approach to describe confinement in Yang-Mills theory that models the confining flux tube as a thin vibrating string. EST calculations are usually performed using the zeta-function regularization: however there are situations (for instance the study of the shape of the flux tube or of the higher order corrections beyond the Nambu-Goto EST) which involve observables that are too complex to be addressed in this way. In this paper we propose a numerical approach based on recent advances in machine learning methods to circumvent this problem. Using as a laboratory the Nambu-Goto string, we show that by using a new class of deep generative models called Continuous Normalizing Flows it is possible to obtain reliable numerical estimates of EST predictions.
Brickwall in rotating BTZ: a dip-ramp-plateau story
Authors: Das Suman , Kundu Arnab
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this article, building on our recent investigations and motivated by the fuzzball-paradigm, we explore normal modes of a probe massless scalar field in the rotating BTZ-geometry in an asymptotically AdS spacetime and correspondingly obtain the Spectral Form Factor (SFF) of the scalar field. In particular, we analyze the SFF obtained from the single-particle partition function. We observe that, a non-trivial Dip-Ramp-Plateau (DRP) structure, with a Ramp of slope one (within numerical precision) exists in the SFF which is obtained from the grand-canonical partition function. This behaviour is observed to remain stable close to extremality as well. However, at exact extremality, we observe a loss of the DRP-structure in the corresponding SFF. Technically, we have used two methods to obtain our results: (i) An explicit and direct numerical solution of the boundary conditions to obtain the normal modes, (ii) A WKB-approximation, which yields analytic, semi-analytic and efficient numerical solutions for the modes in various regimes. We further re-visit the non-rotating case and elucidate the effectiveness of the WKB-approximation in this case, which allows for an analytic expression of the normal modes in the regime where a level-repulsion exists. This regime corresponds to the lower end of the spectrum as a function of the scalar angular momentum, while the higher end of this spectrum tends to become flat. By analyzing the classical stress-tensor of the probe sector, we further demonstrate that the back-reaction of the scalar field grows fast as the angular momenta of the scalar modes increase in the large angular momenta regime, while the back-reaction remains controllably small in the regime where the spectrum has non-trivial level correlations. This further justifies cutting the spectrum off at a suitable value of the scalar angular momenta, beyond which the scalar back-reaction significantly modifies the background geometry.
Status of direct determination of solar neutrino fluxes after Borexino
Authors: Gonzalez-Garcia M. C. , Maltoni Michele , Pinheiro João Paulo , Serenelli Aldo M.
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We determine the solar neutrino fluxes from the global analysis of the most up-to-date terrestrial and solar neutrino data including the final results of the three phases of Borexino. The analysis are performed in the framework of three-neutrino mixing with and without accounting for the solar luminosity constraint. We discuss the independence of the results on the input from the Gallium experiments. The determined fluxes are then compared with the predictions provided by the latest Standard Solar Models. We quantify the dependence of the model comparison with the assumptions about the normalization of the solar neutrino fluxes produced in the CNO-cycle as well as on the particular set of fluxes employed for the model testing.
Diastasis Recti Abdominis Rehabilitation in the Postpartum Period: A Scoping Review of Current Clinical Practice
Authors: Skoura Anastasia , Billis Evdokia , Papanikolaou Dimitra Tania , Xergia Sofia , Tsarbou Charis , Tsekoura Maria , Kortianou Eleni , Maroulis Ioannis
Published: February 2024

Introduction and hypothesis

Despite exercise being the standard approach to diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) rehabilitation, there is no consensus on the most effective exercise routine and adjunct modalities for reducing DRA and improving functional parameters. The present study is aimed at investigating evidence for DRA rehabilitation in postpartum women, as well as knowledge gaps and areas for future research.

Methods

For this scoping review a systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, AMED, CINAHL, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PEDro up to November 2022. Selection criteria included studies investigating exercise therapy interventions both with and without adjunct modalities for postpartum DRA. Sample characteristics, diagnostic criteria, program design, and outcome measures were recorded. Critical appraisal of clinical trials was performed using PEDro classification.

Results

Twenty-eight studies were included: 14 clinical trials, 3 case series, and 11 observational studies. DRA exercises that focused on deep and superficial muscles, pelvic floor muscles, respiratory maneuvers, functional exercises, or alternative interventions (yoga, suspension training, hypopressive exercise) and adjunct modalities showed promising results in reducing the inter-recti distance and related dysfunction. However, there was great variability in diagnostic criteria and methods, DRA severity, time post-birth, and exercise program design.

Conclusions

Reviewed studies provide valuable insights into exercise therapy, but it is important to recognize their limitations, as variability in diagnostic criteria, sample characteristics, and exercise program design hinder the generalizability of the findings. Further high-quality research is needed to strengthen the evidence in this area and provide reliable recommendations for clinical practice.
Effects of congeners of amphetamine on the human heart
Authors: Neumann Joachim , Dhein Stefan , Kirchhefer Uwe , Hofmann Britt , Gergs Ulrich
Published: February 2024

Central stimulatory and hallucinogenic drugs of abuse like amphetamine and most congeners of amphetamine can have cardiac harmful effects. These cardiac side effects can lead to morbidities and death. In this paper, we review current knowledge on the direct and indirect effects of these amphetamine congeners on the mammalian heart—more specifically, the isolated human heart muscle preparation. In detail, we address the question of whether and how these drugs affect cardiac contractility and their mechanisms of action. Based on this information, further research areas are defined, and further research efforts are proposed.
Antegrade flexible ureteroscopy-assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy for staghorn calculi: a prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Qi Yuanjiong , Xing Haonan , Yang Shushuai , Peng Zhongsheng , Chen Yue , Qi Shiyong
Published: February 2024

The aim is to compare the efficacy and safety between single percutaneous nephrolithotomy (sPNL) and antegrade flexible ureteroscopy-assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy (aPNL) for the treatment of staghorn calculi. A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted at the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University. A total of 160 eligible patients were included, with 81 in the sPNL group and 79 in the aPNL group. The study first compared the overall differences between sPNL and aPNL. Then, the patients were divided into two subgroups: Group 1 (with less than 5 stone branches) and Group 2 (with 5 or more stone branches), and the differences between the two subgroups were further analyzed. The results showed that aPNL had a higher stone-free rate (SFR) and required fewer percutaneous tracts, with a shorter operation time compared to sPNL (P < 0.05). Moreover, aPNL significantly reduced the need for staged surgery, particularly in patients with 5 or more stone branches. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the changes of hemoglobin levels and the need for blood transfusions between the sPNL and aPNL groups, and the incidence of multiple tracts was lower in the aPNL group. The two groups showed comparable rates of perioperative complications. We concluded that aPNL resulted in a higher SFR for staghorn calculi, and required fewer multiple percutaneous tracts, reduced the need for staged surgery, and had a shorter operative time than PNL alone, especially for patients with 5 or more stone branches. Furthermore, aPNL did not increase the incidence of surgical complications.
Double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction resulted in better International Knee Documentation Committee objective grading at fifteen year follow-up compared to single-bundle reconstruction
Authors: Seppänen Arttu , Suomalainen Piia , Kiekara Tommi , Mäenpää Heikki , Huhtala Heini , Järvelä Timo
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The aim of this prospective randomized study was to evaluate whether the use of the anatomic double-bundle (DB) method for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction results in better clinical outcomes and a lower incidence of graft failure compared with the anatomic single-bundle (SB) method. The hypothesis was that DB ACL reconstruction would result in a lower incidence of graft failure.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to either the SB group (n = 78) or the DB group (n = 75). Evaluation included clinical testing, subjective assessments, functional testing, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective grading. Surgical techniques were anatomic, and the rehabilitation protocol was standardized.

Results

At 15-year follow-up, information was available on 100 patients (65%), of whom 55 (36%) were accepted in the final statistical analysis. There were almost three times as many graft failures in the SB group, but the result wasn´t statistically significant. Subjective assessments, knee stability (KT -1000 and pivot shift), range of motion (ROM), and functional one leg hop test showed no statistically significant differences between the groups. However, DB ACL reconstruction resulted in better International Knee Documentation Committee objective grading (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

At the 15-year follow-up, double-bundle surgery resulted in significantly better International Knee Documentation Committee objective grading compared to single-bundle surgery.
Influence of temperature and preload force on capacitance and electromechanical impedance of lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric wafer active sensors for structural health monitoring of bolts
Authors: Sahm Daniel , Pak Daniel
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on the effect of temperature and preload force on capacitance and electromechanical impedance of lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric wafer active sensors for structural health monitoring of bolts. We explain the influence of temperature on the basis of the phenomenological thermodynamic theory of ferroelectricity by Landau, Ginsburg and Devonshire. The article illustrates the effect of damping the radial deformation of piezoelectric sensors on the capacitance and electromechanical impedance spectra in structural health monitoring of bolts. We also explains the similarities between the effects of temperature and preload force on the electromechanical impedance spectra. We establish a clear correlation between the mechanical strain in the region of the sensor (here due to a preload force), the capacitance and the electromechanical impedance spectra and thus show that piezoelectric sensors made of lead–zirconate–titanate can be used excellently in areas of variable mechanical strain. The article enhances the understanding of the measurement method and facilitates the transfer of the measurement method to other problems in structural health monitoring. Furthermore, the acquired knowledge serves as a solid basis for verifying the plausibility of data sets containing electromechanical impedance spectra.
Pediatric motor vehicle crashes injuries: A systematic review for forensic evaluation
Authors: Giovannini Elena , Santelli Simone , Pelletti Guido , Bonasoni Maria Paola , Cornacchia Angela , Pelotti Susi , Fais Paolo
Published: February 2024

Children involved in car crashes can experience either direct trauma or inertial injuries resulting from interactions with external objects, such as other vehicles, or with the restraint system. Furthermore, improper use of restraint systems can lead to additional severe injuries. Recent reports from international institutions underscored the persistent prevalence of inadequate restraint systems utilization and this widespread issue increases children’s vulnerability and risk of injuries.

The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review of the literature on injuries sustained in children involved in road accidents describing and analyzing elements useful for forensic assessment.

The literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from January 1970 to March 2023. Eligible studies have investigated issues of interest to forensic medicine about traffic accidents involving pediatric passengers. A total of 69 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were categorized and analyzed according to the anatomical regions of the body affected (head, neck, thoraco-abdominal, and limb injuries), and the assessment of lesions in reconstruction of the accident was examined and discussed.

The review highlights that in motor vehicle accidents involving children, the forensic evaluation of both the cause of death and accident dynamics needs to consider several factors, such as the child’s age, the type of restraint system employed, and the specific passenger seat occupied. Considering the complexity of the factors that can be involved in this road accident, it is crucial that there is a comprehensive exchange of information between the judge and the medical expert.
Convex functions defined on metric spaces are pulled back to subharmonic ones by harmonic maps
Authors: Lavenant Hugo , Monsaingeon Léonard , Tamanini Luca , Vorotnikov Dmitry
Published: February 2024

If $$u: \Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^d \rightarrow \textrm{X}$$

u
:
Ω
⊂

R

d

→
X

is a harmonic map valued in a metric space $$\textrm{X}$$
X
and $$\textsf{E}: \textrm{X}\rightarrow \mathbb {R}$$

E
:
X
→
R

is a convex function, in the sense that it generates an $$\textrm{EVI}_0$$

EVI
0

-gradient flow, we prove that the pullback $$\textsf{E}\circ u: \Omega \rightarrow \mathbb {R}$$

E
∘
u
:
Ω
→
R

is subharmonic. This property was known in the smooth Riemannian manifold setting or with curvature restrictions on $$\textrm{X}$$
X
, while we prove it here in full generality. In addition, we establish generalized maximum principles, in the sense that the $$L^q$$

L
q

norm of $$\textsf{E}\circ u$$

E
∘
u

on $$\partial \Omega $$

∂
Ω

controls the $$L^p$$

L
p

norm of $$\textsf{E}\circ u$$

E
∘
u

in $$\Omega $$
Ω
for some well-chosen exponents $$p \ge q$$

p
≥
q

, including the case $$p=q=+\infty $$

p
=
q
=
+
∞

. In particular, our results apply when $$\textsf{E}$$
E
is a geodesically convex entropy over the Wasserstein space, and thus settle some conjectures of Brenier (Optimal transportation and applications (Martina Franca, 2001), volume 1813 of lecture notes in mathematics, Springer, Berlin, pp 91–121, 2003).
Lateralization of the 5-HT1A receptors in the basolateral amygdala in metabolic and anxiety responses to chronic restraint stress
Authors: Valipour Habib , Meftahi Gholam Hossein , Pirzad Jahromi Gila , Mohammadi Alireza
Published: February 2024

Behavioral and functional studies describe hemispheric asymmetry in anxiety and metabolic behaviors in responses to stress. However, no study has reported serotonergic receptor (the 5-HT1A receptor) lateralization in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in vivo on anxiety and metabolic behaviors under stress. In the present study, the effect of unilateral and bilateral suppression of the 5-HT1A receptor in the BLA on anxiety, and metabolic responses to chronic restraint stress was assessed. Male Wistar rats 7 days after cannulation into the BLA received chronic restraint stress for 14 consecutive days. 20 minutes before induction of stress, WAY-100–635 (selective 5-HT1A antagonist) or sterile saline (vehicle) was administered either uni- or bi-laterally into the BLA. Behavioral (elevated plus maze; EPM, and open field test), and metabolic parameter studies were performed. Results showed that stress causes a significant increase in weight gain compared to control. In the non-stress condition, the left and bilaterally, and in the stress condition the right, left, and both sides, inhibition of 5-HT1A in the BLA reduced weight gain. In the restraint stress condition, only inhibition of the 5-HT1A receptor in the left BLA led to decreased food intake compared to the control group. In stress conditions, inhibition of the 5-HT1A receptor on the right, left, and bilateral BLA increased water intake compared to the stress group. Inhibition of the 5-HT1A receptor on the left side of the BLA by WAY-100–635 induced anxiety-like behaviors in stressed rats. Similarly, WAY-100–635 on the left BLA effectively caused anxiety-like behaviors in both EPM and open field tests in the control animals. In conclusion, it seems that 5-HT1A receptors in the left BLA are more responsible for anxiety-like behaviors and metabolic changes in responses to stress.
Autoimmune thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis: where the twain meet
Authors: Lichtiger Anna , Fadaei Golfam , Tagoe Clement E.
Published: February 2024

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is the most prevalent autoimmune disease. It shares multiple genetic, clinical, and serologic characteristics with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although frequently described as a classic form of single-organ autoimmunity, the AITD disease burden in a subset of patients extends well beyond the thyroid gland. This review explores the complex interaction between the two diseases and the clinical consequences when they overlap. Beyond the well-known effects of AITD on thyroid function in RA, there is mounting evidence of the association of both conditions impacting the presentation and outcomes of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. An increasing number of studies suggest that there are negative effects of AITD on RA disease activity both in the presence and in the absence of thyroid dysfunction. Recent evidence suggests that AITD may not only worsen the cumulative damage of RA through higher disease activity but may also worsen secondary osteoarthritis changes. Less well-known is the significant association between AITD and chronic widespread pain syndromes including fibromyalgia. Importantly, the presence of fibromyalgia, which is increased in RA patients, appears to be further increased when it overlaps with AITD. Lastly, we probe the possible influence of AITD interacting with RA on fertility and clinical depression.Key Points• Autoimmune thyroid disease is the most common autoimmune disease and is frequently associated with rheumatoid arthritis.• Autoimmune thyroid disease can present with osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and chronic widespread pain syndromes.• The co-occurrence of autoimmune thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis may worsen disease activity and exacerbate other disease manifestations including cardiovascular disease, fertility, and depression.• The overlap of rheumatoid arthritis with autoimmune thyroid disease needs further research and should be sought in general clinical practice.
Monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway improve the effectiveness of acute medication—a real-world study
Authors: Rosignoli Chiara , Caponnetto Valeria , Onofri Agnese , Trozzi Vittorio , Tartaglione Lorenzo , Silvestro Marcello , Russo Antonio , Sacco Simona , Ornello Raffaele
Published: February 2024

Background

One of the aims of migraine prevention is to improve response to acute migraine treatments. The aim of the present study was to assess whether monoclonal antibodies targeting the CGRP pathway (CGRP-mAbs) can improve the perceived efficacy of acute treatments.

Methods

We included and followed up patients with chronic or episodic migraine from the Headache Centers of Avezzano-L’Aquila and Naples treated with CGRP-mAbs from March 2021 to December 2022. All patients filled out the Migraine Treatment Optimization Questionnaire (MTOQ), the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), and the Migraine Impact and Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) at baseline and 3–6 months after the start of treatment with CGRP-mAbs.

Results

Sixty-five patients (81.3%) completed the 6-month follow-up. Most patients were female (55, 84.6%), with a median age of 46 years (IQR 39–56). Median MTOQ score increased from 8 (interquartile range [IQR] 4–13) at baseline to 15 (IQR 11–17) at 3 months (p < 0.001) and 16 (IQR 13–17) at the 6-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Median migraine days over 90-day periods decreased from 40 (IQR 24–60) to 24 (IQR 15–30) at 3 months (p < 0.001) and to 20 (IQR 12–24) at 6 months (p < 0.001). Median monthly intake of acute medication decreased from 55 doses (IQR 29–80.5) to 24 doses (IQR 15–40) at 3 months and 18 doses (IQR 11–30) at 6 months (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We showed that 6 months of preventive treatment with CGRP-mAbs led to a significantly better effectiveness of acute treatments, paralleled by decreased monthly migraine days and acute treatment intake.
Human influence on the distribution of cacao: insights from remote sensing and biogeography
Authors: Colli-Silva Matheus , Richardson James Edward , Figueira Antonio , Pirani José Rubens
Published: February 2024

Cacao (Theobroma cacao, Malvaceae) is an important tree crop in Africa and in the Americas. Current genomic evidence suggests that its original range in Tropical Americas was smaller than its current distribution and that human-mediated dispersal occurred before European colonization. This includes regions like Mesoamerica and Eastern Amazonia where cacao is supposedly naturally occurring. In this study, we utilize remote sensing and land use data to examine the influence of human activities on cacao-growing regions and explore patterns between cacao distribution and anthropized areas. By evaluating nearly nine thousand preserved specimen collections, we worked with a comprehensive occurrence dataset that considers taxonomy and distribution. We then analyzed remote sensing images of specimen locations and compared land use profiles of regions into which cacao was introduced with documented native areas. Our findings revealed a clear association between anthropized areas and cacao specimens, with the majority located in areas strongly affected by human activities. Conversely, regions closer to the proposed native range of cacao exhibit less human impact. These results, while accounting for sampling bias, reinforce the idea that humans may have played a significant role in cacao’s dispersal, even in parts of the Amazon where its native status remains uncertain. The discussion on cacao’s native range and identification of introduced areas hold implications for jurisdiction, access to genetic resources, and conservation efforts. Additionally, it is relevant to debates surrounding the repatriation of genetic data of economically important crops. Understanding the historical human influence on cacao’s distribution is crucial for addressing issues of crop improvement, conservation, and sustainable use.
Thermal mechanism-driven microlens formation in Ge–Sb–S glasses by direct laser writing: composition dependent insight
Authors: Smolík J. , Knotek P. , Černošková E. , Kutálek P. , Samsonova E. , Schwarz J. , Kašparová J. , Tichý L.
Published: February 2024

Microlenses were fabricated through a thermal process using laser-induced localized overheating on the surfaces of various bulk Ge–Sb–S glasses. These glasses spanned three distinct groups: (a) stoichiometric (GeS2)1−x(Sb2S3)x glasses with x = 0–0.88; (b) a series with a constant Sb content represented as GexSb0.17S0.83−x, x = 0.13–0.24, and (c) glasses with a constant Ge content denoted by Ge0.18SbxS0.82−x, x = 0.03–0.10. A continuous-wave laser emitting at 532 nm was used in the fabrication process. Both the photo-induced microlenses and the non-illuminated surfaces underwent characterization to determine their topography (via digital holographic microscopy), chemical composition (using EDX analysis), structure (through Raman spectroscopy), and mechanical properties (assessed by Nanoindentation). The influence of the chemical composition was studied to identify parameters that described the characteristics of the formed microlenses, such as the maximum achieved height and the threshold power density for microlens formation. For (GeS2)0.66(Sb2S3)0.34 glass, the effective focal length of the produced microlenses was calculated to be approximately 145–190 µm, potentially aiding in the miniaturization of optical devices that, in the context of Ge–Sb–S, working primarily in the near and/or mid-IR region.

Graphical abstract
Portuguese adaptation of the Behavioral Inhibition Questionnaire (BIQ)
Authors: Fernandes Catarina Cova , Martins Ana Teresa , Faísca Luís
Published: February 2024

Behavioral inhibition (BI) is a temperamental trait characterized by a consistent pattern of behavioral and emotional responses to unfamiliar people and novel situations. BI exhibits moderate stability across development and is considered a risk factor for the emergence of emotional disorders in adolescence and adulthood, making early assessment crucial for understanding this behavioral pattern. In the Portuguese context, there is a paucity of measures specifically designed to assess BI in childhood. To address this gap, we aimed to adapt and examine the psychometric properties of the Behavioral Inhibition Questionnaire (BIQ) in Portuguese children. We obtained BIQ ratings from both parents and teachers of 435 children (average age = 57.1 months; SD = 13.8). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a six-factor measurement model, each factor loading onto a higher-order BI factor. Additionally, we included a method factor to account for reversed items. Full scalar measurement invariance across gender and age groups was supported. Parents and teachers showed good agreement in their ratings of BIQ scores. Comparisons with other instruments revealed good convergent validity. The BIQ scores showed acceptable reliability, although the subscales exhibited limited sensitivity in discriminating between different contexts where BI may manifest. This study suggests that the BIQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing BI in Portuguese children.
Cloud-based disaster management architecture using hybrid machine learning approach in IoT
Authors: Özen Figen , Souri Alireza
Published: February 2024

Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe as a result of global warming. It is critical to take precautions before disasters, to gather and analyze information simultaneously while they are happening, and to make accurate assessments after them given that the deaths and injuries brought on by such disasters both leave lasting traumas in the life of society and damage the economy. Internet of Things (IoT) technology, is a young field that can assist intelligent safety-critical systems with data collection, processing in cloud edge data centers, and application of prediction methodologies for discovering key points and unexpected patterns using 5G technology. With the use of a cloud-based prediction algorithm for disaster management in the IoT environment, this study seeks to quickly process the data that is gathered during disasters and to speed up the analysis that will be done both during and after the disasters. An Optimized Ensemble Bagged Tree (OEBT) algorithm with ANOVA-based feature selection is developed for this aim. The experimental results show that accuracy, F1-Score, precision, and recall of the proposed OEBT algorithm utilizing the US Natural Disasters Dataset are 97.9%, 78.3%, 98.7%, and 78.9%, respectively. Comparisons with decision tree, logistic regression, and the traditional ensemble techniques are made. The suggested algorithm outperforms them all in terms of success rates.
Large neighborhood local search method with MIP techniques for large-scale machining scheduling with many constraints
Authors: Matsuzaki Jin , Sakakibara Kazutoshi , Nakamura Masaki , Watanabe Shinya
Published: February 2024

This study addresses the problem of scheduling machining operations in a highly automated manufacturing environment while considering the work styles of workers. In actual manufacturing, many aspects of the operation must be considered, such as constraints related to the works to be machined in the machining schedule and the states of the workers. To derive good solutions for such a large-scale problem with many constraints within a realistic amount of computation time, we develop an optimization technique based on a mixed-integer programming (MIP)-based large neighborhood local search method for the machining scheduling problem. Then, computer experiments on a problem based on actual machining requirements are performed to verify the validity of the proposed method.
Guinea pig herpes like virus is a gamma herpesvirus
Authors: Stanfield Brent A. , Ruiz Emmanuelle , Chouljenko Vladimir N. , Kousoulas Konstantin G.
Published: February 2024

Guinea Pig Herpes-Like Virus (GPHLV) is a virus isolated from leukemic guinea pigs with herpes virus-like morphology described by Hsiung and Kaplow in 1969. GPHLV transformed embryonic cells from Syrian hamsters or rats, which were tumorigenic in adult animals. Herein, we present the genomic sequence of GPHLV strain LK40 as a reference for future molecular analysis. GPHLV has a broad host tropism and replicates efficiently in Guinea pig, Cat, and Green African Monkey-derived cell lines. GPHLV has a GC content of 35.45%. The genome is predicted to encode at least 75 open-reading frames (ORFs) with 84% (63 ORFs) sharing homology to human Kaposi Sarcoma Associated Herpes Virus (KSHV). Importantly, GPHLV encodes homologues of the KSHV oncogenes, vBCL2 (ORF16), vPK (ORF36), viral cyclin (v-cyclin, ORF72), the latency associated nuclear antigen (LANA, ORF73), and vGPCR (ORF74). GPHLV is a Rhadinovirus of Cavia porcellus, and we propose the formal name of Caviid gamma herpesvirus 1 (CaGHV-1). GPHLV can be a novel small animal model of Rhadinovirus pathogenesis with broad host tropism.
The link between electricity consumption and stock market during the pandemic in Türkiye: a novel high-frequency approach
Authors: Doruk Ömer Tuğsal
Published: February 2024

This article examines the relationship between electricity consumption and the stock market in the Turkish economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. A novel high-frequency model is used, incorporating the hourly energy consumption and Borsa Istanbul (BIST) National stock market index variables. To determine the effect of electricity consumption on the stock market index and vice versa, a high-frequency VAR-based spillover approach, time-varying Granger causality, and time-varying Bayesian VAR analysis are employed. The findings reveal a positive and weak relationship between electricity consumption and the stock market but it has a time-varying nature in an emerging market context in the post-COVID-19 period in the Turkish economy.
Explaining decisions of a light-weight deep neural network for real-time coronary artery disease classification in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Iqbal Talha , Khalid Aaleen , Ullah Ihsan
Published: February 2024

In certain healthcare settings, such as emergency or critical care units, where quick and accurate real-time analysis and decision-making are required, the healthcare system can leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) models to support decision-making and prevent complications. This paper investigates the optimization of healthcare AI models based on time complexity, hyper-parameter tuning, and XAI for a classification task. The paper highlights the significance of a lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN) for analysing and classifying Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in real-time and is compared with CNN-RandomForest (CNN-RF). The role of hyper-parameter is also examined in finding optimal configurations that enhance the model’s performance while efficiently utilizing the limited computational resources. Finally, the benefits of incorporating the XAI technique (e.g. GradCAM and Layer-wise Relevance Propagation) in providing transparency and interpretable explanations of AI model predictions, fostering trust, and error/bias detection are explored. Our inference time on a MacBook laptop for 323 test images of size 100x100 is only 2.6 sec, which is merely 8 milliseconds per image while providing comparable classification accuracy with the ensemble model of CNN-RF classifiers. Using the proposed model, clinicians/cardiologists can achieve accurate and reliable results while ensuring patients’ safety and answering questions imposed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The proposed investigative study will advance the understanding and acceptance of AI systems in connected healthcare settings.
Modelling the industrial production of electric and gas utilities through the $$CIR^3$$ model
Authors: Ceci Claudia , Bufalo Michele , Orlando Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

This work aims to extend previous research on how a trifactorial stochastic model, which we call$$CIR^3$$CIR3, can be turned into a forecasting tool for energy time series. In particular, in this work, we intend to predict changes in the industrial production of electric and gas utilities. The model accounts for several stylized facts such as the mean reversion of both the process and its volatility to a short-run mean, non-normality, autocorrelation, cluster volatility and fat tails. In addition to that, we provide two theoretical results which are of particular importance in modelling and simulations. The first is the proof of existence and uniqueness of the solution to the SDEs system that describes the model. The second theoretical result is to convert, by the means of Lamperti transformations, the correlated system into an uncorrelated one. The forecasting performance is tested against an ARIMA-GARCH and a nonlinear regression model (NRM).
Abnormal Grain Growth and Pseudoelasticity of Industrially Processed Fe–Mn–Al–Ni Shape Memory Alloy Joined by Metal Inert Gas Welding
Authors: Viebranz Vincent Fabian , Bauer André , Hassel Thomas , Niendorf Thomas , Maier Hans Jürgen
Published: February 2024

The effect of metal inert gas welding on the microstructure, abnormal grain growth and the pseudoelastic properties of industrially processed Fe–Mn–Al–Ni shape memory alloy sheets were studied. Square-butt welds were manufactured using similar filler material. The influence of alternating mean arc linear energy on the microstructure of the individual zones is shown. A correlation between the process parameters, the associated heat input, the grain morphology and the α/γ-ratio could be deduced. As the mean arc linear energy increases, the α/γ-ratio in the fusion zone and the heat-affected zone increases. To evaluate the influence of the welding process on abnormal grain growth, a post-weld cyclic heat-treatment was carried out. Although no loss of major alloying elements in the fusion zone was observed after welding, metal inert gas welding has a significant effect on grain growth upon cyclic heat treatment. While abnormal grain growth occurred in the base material, a polycrystalline microstructure characterized by significantly smaller grain sizes was visible in the former fusion zone. Incremental strain tests revealed severe plastic deformation near the grain boundaries in the former fusion zone. However, the grain boundaries of the bamboo-like grown grains in the base material turned out to be more critical for structural failure.
Perspective on Emerging Therapies to Achieve Functional Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Gopalakrishna Harish , Ghany Marc G.
Published: February 2024

Purpose of Review

Advancements in our understanding of the hepatitis B viral (HBV) life cycle have paved the way for novel approaches to treat HBV infection. This review summarizes the various strategies being pursued to achieve a functional cure, defined as loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and absence of viral replication 6 months off-therapy.

Recent Findings

Direct acting antiviral, host targeting antiviral, and immunological approaches are in various stages of development as treatment for chronic HBV infection.

Novel treatments are being developed in pursuit of a cure for HBV. Current evidence suggests a single therapeutic agent alone may be insufficient, necessitating the need for combination therapy targeting HBV and the host immune response. Ongoing research focused on identifying the best therapeutic combination holds promise in achieving functional cure for HBV.
Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vaping on Cardiac and Vascular Function, and Post-myocardial Infarction Remodeling in Rats
Authors: Dai Wangde , Shi Jianru , Siddarth Prabha , Carreno Juan , Kleinman Michael T. , Herman David A. , Arechavala Rebecca J. , Renusch Samantha , Hasen Irene , Ting Amanda , Kloner Robert A.
Published: February 2024

The effect of electronic cigarette (E-cig) vaping on cardiac and vascular function during the healing phase of myocardial infarction (MI), and post-MI remodeling was investigated. Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to left coronary artery ligation to induce MI. One week later, rats were randomized to receive either 12 weeks of exposure to purified air (n = 37) or E-cig vapor (15 mg/ml of nicotine) (n = 32). At 12 weeks, cardiac and vascular function, and post-MI remodeling were assessed. Baseline blood flow in the femoral artery did not differ between groups, but peak reperfusion blood flow was blunted in the E-cig group (1.59 ± 0.15 ml/min) vs. the air group (2.11 ± 0.18 ml/min; p = 0.034). Femoral artery diameter after reperfusion was narrower in the E-cig group (0.54 ± 0.02 mm) compared to the air group (0.60 ± 0.02 mm; p = 0.023). Postmortem left ventricular (LV) volumes were similar in the E-cig (0.69 ± 0.04 ml) and air groups (0.73 ± 0.04 ml; p = NS); and myocardial infarct expansion index did not differ between groups (1.4 ± 0.1 in E-cig group versus 1.3 ± 0.1 in air group; p = NS). LV fractional shortening by echo did not differ between groups at 12 weeks (E-cig at 29 ± 2% and air at 27 ± 1%; p = NS). Exposure to E-cig during the healing phase of MI was associated with altered vascular function with reduced femoral artery blood flow and diameter at reperfusion, but not with worsened LV dilation or worsened cardiac function.