bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of local orthonormal systems Part I: Unconditionality in Lp$L^p$, 1<p<∞$1<p<\infty$
Authors: Gulgowski Jacek , Kamont Anna , Passenbrunner Markus
Published: January 2024

Assume that we are given a filtration on a probability space of the form that each is generated by the partition of one atom of into two atoms of having positive measure. Additionally, assume that we are given a finite‐dimensional linear space of ‐measurable, bounded functions on so that on each atom of any ‐algebra , all ‐norms of functions in are comparable independently of or . Denote by the space of functions that are given locally, on atoms of , by functions in and by the orthoprojector (with respect to the inner product in ) onto . Since satisfies the above assumption and is then the conditional expectation with respect to , for such filtrations, martingales are special cases of our setting. We show in this article that certain convergence results that are known for martingales (or rather martingale differences) are also true in the general framework described above. More precisely, we show that the differences form an unconditionally convergent series and are democratic in for . This implies that those differences form a greedy basis in ‐spaces for .
Serratia‐based toxin cluster elements are associated with a type I fimbria
Authors: Sitter Lesley , Schoof Marion , Glare Travis R. , Cox Murray P. , Fineran Peter C. , Gardner Paul P. , Hurst Mark R. H.
Published: January 2024

A soil bacterium in the Serratia genus, carrying a 153 kb conjugative amber disease‐associated plasmid (pADAP), is commercially exploited for population control of the New Zealand endemic pest beetle Costelytra giveni (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). The main insecticidal elements are an anti‐feeding prophage and the Sep ABC toxin complex (Tc). Homologs of pADAP, encoding variant Tcs, convey different beetle disease phenotypes. To investigate the correlation between variable bioactivity and the Tc variant, 76 Serratia plasmids were sequenced, resulting in the identification of four additional tc variants. All Serratia tc variants were found to be colocated with a conserved type 1 sef fimbrial‐like operon, indicating a conserved sef‐tc genetic island not observed outside of the Serratia genus. The conserved co‐location of the fimbrial and tc genes suggests the fimbriae somehow contribute to the lifestyle of Tc‐producing cells. Expression of the sef operon in a fim‐null Escherichia coli strain revealed fimbriae presence while a constructed sef‐deficient mutant showed no reduction of virulence or host colonization. Although no detectable contribution of Sef to amber disease in C. giveni was observed, the Sef adhesin sequences clustered similarly to the Serratia species encoding it, suggesting Sef has a species‐specific function.
Trendbericht Festkörperchemie und Materialforschung 2024
Authors: Rasche Bertold , Schwartz Heidi Annemarie
Published: January 2024

Schwerpunkte sind die Effizienz von Synthesen, deren Nachhaltigkeit oder Materialien für eine CO2‐emissionsärmere Zukunft. Neben der gesellschaftlichen Dringlichkeit, hervorgerufen durch den Klimawandel, ist dieser Umschwung dadurch motiviert, dass Drittmittel vor allem für Anwendungsforschung vergeben werden. Bei dieser lösungsorientierten Festkörperforschung verschmelzen klassische Chemie, Physik und Materialwissenschaften. Dennoch bleiben Grundlagenthemen essenziell.
Long term cost outcomes among commercially insured patients undergoing bariatric surgical procedures
Authors: Shambhu Sonali , Ma Qinli , Gordon Aliza S. , Pryor David , Karam Joseph A. , DeVries Andrea
Published: January 2024

Objective

Bariatric procedures have become safer in recent years, warranting new data on long‐term costs. This study examined the impact of bariatric procedures on a person's long‐term healthcare costs up to 10 years and if it differed by socio‐economic status (SES).

Methods

This retrospective observational study compared the downstream health care cost of patients with obesity who had undergone bariatric surgery (BS) between 2009 and 2018 to a 1:1 matched group of members with obesity but no surgery.

Results

167,764 individuals from administrative claims data with an obesity diagnosis were included; 83,882 in the BS group and 83,882 in the non‐surgical group. In follow‐up years 2–10, the BS group was associated with lower total medical healthcare cost compared to the non‐surgical group (cost ratios ranged 0.85–0.93, p values < 0.05). When stratifying the BS group by SES quartiles, there were no significant cost differences by SES (cost ratios ranged from 0.96 to 1.05, most p values > 0.05).

Conclusions

BS was associated with lower long‐term follow‐up medical cost and cost savings appeared similar among the SES quartiles in the BS group. The study results may help policy makers and employers in designing benefits and extending coverage for bariatric surgical procedures.
Psychosocial interventions for ovarian cancer survivors: A systematic review
Authors: Yeoh Su Ann , Webb Stephanie , Phillips Anna , Li Lok Sze Katrina , Kumar Saravana
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Ovarian cancer survivorship is complex and is associated with greater symptom burden, fear of reoccurrence, sexual dysfunction, lower quality of life and heightened existential distress in contrast to other cancers. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effectiveness for, and perspective of, psychosocial interventions encompassing psychological, social, and emotional support, tailored to, or involving ovarian cancer survivors at all stages of disease.

Methods

Adhering to the PRISMA‐SR statement guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Library databases, Google, and Google Scholar. Two reviewers independently undertook a two‐stage screening process. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was utilised to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Data were extracted using customised data extraction tools and narratively synthesised.

Results

Thirteen studies were included in this review. Generally positive effects of psychosocial interventions were observed across a range of outcome domains (meaning enhancing, cognitive, social, emotional, and cancer‐specific). However, the characteristics of interventions and outcome measures varied across studies. Psychoeducational interventions were identified as the most common psychosocial approach, while Acceptance and Commitment Therapy showed promise in addressing the disease's high symptom burden. Women's perspectives of psychosocial interventions were described as “useful” and promoted positive self‐regard.

Conclusion

While the evidence base largely support positive effects of psychosocial interventions for ovarian cancer survivors, this finding is constrained by heterogeneity of interventions and modest gains. Future research may explore the standardisation of psychosocial interventions for this demographic, investigating its effects on less explored but prevalent concerns among ovarian cancer survivors such as fear of cancer recurrence and sexual dysfunction.
Lung biopsies in infants and children in critical care situation
Authors: Levy Yaël , Bitton Lauren , Sileo Chiara , Rambaud Jérôme , Soreze Yohan , Louvrier Camille , Ducou le Pointe Hubert , Corvol Harriet , Hervieux Erik , Irtan Sabine , Leger Pierre‐Louis , Prévost Blandine , Coulomb L'Herminé Aurore , Nathan Nadia
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Lung biopsy is considered as the last step investigation for diagnosing lung diseases; however, its indication must be carefully balanced with its invasiveness. The present study aims to evaluate the diagnostic yield of lung biopsy in critically ill patients hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU).

Material and Methods

Children who underwent a lung biopsy in the ICU between 1995 and 2022 were included. Biopsies performed in the operating room and post‐mortem biopsies were excluded.

Results

Thirty‐one patients were included, with a median age of 18 days (2 days to 10.8 years); 21 (67.7%) were newborns. All patients required invasive mechanical ventilation, 26 (89.7%) had a pulmonary hypertension, and 22 (70.9%) were placed under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The lung biopsy led to a diagnosis in 81% of the patients. The diagnostic reliability seemed to decrease with age (95% in newborns, 71% in 1 month to 2 years and 0/3 patients aged over 2 years old). Diffuse developmental disorders of the lung accounted for 15 (49%) patients, primarily alveolar capillary dysplasia, followed by surfactant disorders in 5 (16%) patients. Complications occurred in 9/31 (29%) patients including eight under ECMO, with massive hemorrhages in seven cases.

Discussion and Conclusion

In critical situations, lung biopsy should be performed. Lung biopsy is a reliable diagnostic procedure for neonates in critical situation when a diffuse developmental disorder of the lung is suspected. The majority of lung biopsy complication was associated with the use of ECMO. The prospective evaluation of the complications of such procedure under ECMO, and particularly over 10 days of ECMO and in children over 2‐year‐old remains to be ascertained.
Enhanced Performance of All‐Inorganic Lead Halide Perovskite/MoS2 Heterojunction Photodetectors by Achieving Interfacial Carrier Separation
Authors: Wang Yijun , Li Jinhua , Shi Kaixi , Wang Wanyu , Tan Fengxue
Published: January 2024

A heterojunction interface engineering aimed at improving the performance of all‐inorganic lead halide perovskite photodetectors (PDs) is demonstrated by coupling the two‐dimensional (2D) MoS2 materials with CsPbBr3 used in the chemical vapor deposition method in situ‐grown. The MoS2 carrier extraction layer facilitates electron injection, while the large injection barrier of the CsPbBr3/MoS2 heterojunction depletion layer keeps holes in the perovskite layer, resulting in effective separation of photogenerated carriers at the heterojunction interface. Moreover, the photoluminescence quenching and lifetime shortening of the heterojunction further prove that there is a large amount of charge transfer between the CsPbBr3 and MoS2 interface. As a result, PDs based on the CsPbBr3/MoS2/interdigitated array electrodes (IDA) heterojunction exhibit remarkable performance, such as high photoresponsivity (23.4 A W−1), detectivity (1.48 × 1013 Jones), and switching ratio (1.35 × 105), all of which are an order of magnitude better than pure CsPbBr3 PDs. The heterojunction PD also presents a superior response time (0.07 ms).
Multilayer neurocontrol of high‐order uncertain nonlinear systems with active disturbance rejection
Authors: Yang Guichao , Yao Jianyong
Published: January 2024

Multilayer neural networks can approximate endogenous disturbances with relatively high accuracy. However, for multilayer‐neural‐network‐based control methods of high‐order uncertain nonlinear systems, hard to handle large exogenous disturbances especially for mismatched types, complex controller scheme and so on, make them difficult to be practical. Therefore, a novel high‐performance multilayer neurocontroller which can simultaneously reject matched and mismatched disturbances will be proposed in this paper. Specially, strong endogenous and exogenous disturbances will be feedforwardly compensated. Additionally, the proposed controller not only protects from “explosion of complexity,” but also owns a simple scheme.
Secure group consensus of nonlinear multi‐agent systems with multiple attacks under periodic event‐triggered control
Authors: Duan Zhiyu , Wei Airong , Zhang Xianfu
Published: January 2024

In this paper, the secure group consensus is investigated via periodic event‐triggered output feedback control for nonlinear multi‐agent systems subject to multiple attacks, where replay attacks and denial‐of‐service attacks are considered simultaneously. To avoid uninterrupted communication between agents, a novel fixed/switching continuous‐discrete compensator is first put forward by introducing a discrete‐time triggering mechanism in relative output signals. Then, with the help of the gain control technique, a compensator‐based periodic event‐triggered secure control protocol is established, which includes a triggering mechanism and an output feedback controller that both are discrete‐time. Particularly, Zeno behavior and continuous monitoring of the triggering function are naturally avoided compared with existing event‐triggered control protocols. Further, by combining the Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional approach with switching topology theory, the secure group consensus is successfully achieved under the designed secure control protocol, meanwhile, the negative effect of multiple attacks on the system is compensated. Finally, two simulation examples are applied to verify the effectiveness of proposed control protocols.
Ultralow RuO2 Doped NiS2 Heterojunction as a Multifunctional Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution linking to Biomass Organics Oxidation
Authors: Yang Zhou , Chen Hanbing , Bei Shaoyi , Bao Keyan , Zhang Chunyong , Xiang Meng , Yu Chengbin , Dong Shuang , Qin Hengfei
Published: January 2024

Hydrogen energy and biomass energy are green and sustainable forms that can solve the energy crisis all over the world. Electrocatalytic water splitting is a marvelous way to produce hydrogen and biomass platform molecules can be added into the electrolyte to reduce the overpotential and meanwhile are converted into some useful organics, but the key point is the design of electrocatalyst. Herein, ultralow noble metal Ru is doped into NiS2 to form RuO2@NiS2 heterojunction. Amongst them, the 0.06 RuO2@NiS2 has low overpotentials of 363 mV for OER and 71 mV for HER in 1 m KOH, which are superior to the RuO2 and Pt/C. Besides, the 0.06 RuO2@NiS2 shows a low overpotential of 173 mV in 1 m KOH+0.1 m glycerol, and the glycerol is oxidized to glyceraldehyde and formic acid via the high Faraday efficiency GlyOR process, and the splitting voltage is only 1.17 V. In addition, the 0.06 RuO2@NiS2 has a low overpotential of 206 mV in 1 m KOH+0.1 m glucose, and the glucose is converted to glucaric acid, lactic acid, and formic acid. This work has a “one stone three birds” effect for the production of hydrogen, low splitting voltage, and high‐value‐added biomass chemicals.
Plasma‐Engineering of Oxygen Vacancies on NiCo2O4 Nanowires with Enhanced Bifunctional Electrocatalytic Performance for Rechargeable Zinc‐air Battery
Authors: Li He , Wang Jihao , Tjardts Tim , Barg Igor , Qiu Haoyi , Müller Martin , Krahmer Jan , Askari Sadegh , Veziroglu Salih , Aktas Cenk , Kienle Lorenz , Benedikt Jan
Published: January 2024

Designing an efficient, durable, and inexpensive bifunctional electrocatalyst toward oxygen evolution reactions (OER) and oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) remains a significant challenge for the development of rechargeable zinc‐air batteries (ZABs). The generation of oxygen vacancies plays a vital role in modifying the surface properties of transition‐metal‐oxides (TMOs) and thus optimizing their electrocatalytic performances. Herein, a H2/Ar plasma is employed to generate abundant oxygen vacancies at the surfaces of NiCo2O4 nanowires. Compared with the Ar plasma, the H2/Ar plasma generated more oxygen vacancies at the catalyst surface owing to the synergic effect of the Ar‐related ions and H‐radicals in the plasma. As a result, the NiCo2O4 catalyst treated for 7.5 min in H2/Ar plasma exhibited the best bifunctional electrocatalytic activities and its gap potential between Ej = 10 for OER and E1/2 for ORR is even smaller than that of the noble‐metal‐based catalyst. In situ electrochemical experiments are also conducted to reveal the proposed mechanisms for the enhanced electrocatalytic performance. The rechargeable ZABs, when equipped with cathodes utilizing the aforementioned catalyst, achieved an outstanding charge–discharge gap, as well as superior cycling stability, outperforming batteries employing noble‐metal catalyst counterparts.
An Inducible CRISPR‐dCas9‐Based Transcriptional Repression System for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Gu Pengfei , Zhao Jie , Zhang Wei , Ruan Xianhui , Hu Linfei , Zeng Yu , Hou Xiukun , Zheng Xiangqian , Gao Ming , Chi Jiadong
Published: January 2024

Gene therapy has been adapted for improving malignant tumor treatment. However, pharmacotherapies targeting cancer remain limited and are generally inapplicable for rare disease patients. Oleanolic acid (OA) is a plant‐derived triterpenoid that is frequently used in Chinese medicine as a safe but slow‐acting treatment for many disorders. Here, the congruent pharmacological activities of OA and CRISPR‐dCas9 in targeting AURKA or KDM1A and improving disease‐specific prognosis and used a synthetic‐biology‐inspired design principle to engineer a therapeutic gene circuit that enables a concerted action of both drugs are utilized. In particular, the OA‐triggered CRISPR‐dCas9 transcriptional repression system rapidly and simultaneously attenuated lung and thyroid cancer. Collectively, this work shows that rationally engineered synthetic gene circuits are capable of treating multifactorial diseases in a synergistic manner by multiplexing the targeting efficiencies of single therapeutics.
Droplet‐Based Glycan and RNA Sequencing for Profiling the Distinct Cellular Glyco‐States in Single Cells
Authors: Keisham Sunanda , Saito Sayoko , Kowashi Satori , Tateno Hiroaki
Published: January 2024

Plate‐based single‐cell glycan and RNA sequencing (scGR‐seq) is previously developed to realize the integrated analysis of glycome and transcriptome in single cells. However, the sample size is limited to only a few hundred cells. Here, a droplet‐based scGR‐seq is developed to address this issue by adopting a 10x Chromium platform to simultaneously profile ten thousand cells' glycome and transcriptome in single cells. To establish droplet‐based scGR‐seq, a comparative analysis of two distinct cell lines is performed: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells and normal pancreatic duct cells. Droplet‐based scGR‐seq revealed distinct glycan profiles between the two cell lines that showed a strong correlation with the results obtained by flow cytometry. Next, droplet‐based scGR‐seq is applied to a more complex sample: peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) containing various immune cells. The method can systematically map the glycan signature for each immune cell in PBMC as well as glycan alterations by cell lineage. Prediction of the association between the glycan expression and the gene expression using regression analysis ultimately leads to the identification of a glycan epitope that impacts cellular functions. In conclusion, the droplet‐based scGR‐seq realizes the high‐throughput profiling of the distinct cellular glyco‐states in single cells.
On the Elusive Crystallography of Lithium‐Rich Layered Oxides: Novel Structural Models
Authors: Celeste Arcangelo , Tuccillo Mariarosaria , Menon Ashok S. , Brant William , Brandell Daniel , Pellegrini Vittorio , Brescia Rosaria , Silvestri Laura , Brutti Sergio
Published: January 2024

Lithium‐rich layered oxides (LRLOs) are one of the most attractive families among future positive electrode materials for the so‐called fourth generation of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Their electrochemical performance is enabled by the unique ambiguous crystal structure that is still not well understood despite decades of research. In the literature, a clear structural model able to describe their crystallographic features is missing thereby hindering a clear rationalization of the interplay between synthesis, structure, and functional properties. Here, the structure of a specific LRLO, Li1.28Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.02Al0.03O2, using synchrotron X‐ray diffraction (XRD), neutron diffraction (ND), and High‐Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR‐TEM), is analyzed. A systematic approach is applied to model diffraction patterns of Li1.28Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.02Al0.03O2 by using the Rietveld refinement method considering the Rm and C2/m unit cells as the prototype structures. Here, the relative ability of a variety of structural models is compared to match the experimental diffraction pattern evaluating the impact of defects and supercells derived from the Rm structure. To summarize, two possible models able to reconcile the description of experimental data are proposed here for the structure of Li1.28Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.02Al0.03O2: namely a monoclinic C2/m defective lattice (prototype Li2MnO3) and a monoclinic defective supercell derived from the rhombohedral Rm unit cell (prototype LiCoO2).
IRF4 induces M1 macrophage polarization and aggravates ulcerative colitis progression by the Bcl6‐dependent STAT3 pathway
Authors: Wang Jiwei , Wu Zhao , Huang Yulin , Jin Lin , Xu Jinyi , Yao Zhiyi , Ouyang Xi , Zhou Zhiyong , Mao Shengxun , Cao Jiaqing , Lai Bin , Shen Wei
Published: January 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic chronic intestinal inflammation. An increasing body of evidence shows that macrophages play an important role in the pathogenesis of UC. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is crucial for the development of autoimmune diseases via regulating immune cells. This research was designed to explore the function of IRF4 in UC and its association with macrophage polarization. The in vitro model of UC was established by stimulating colonic epithelial cells with tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α). A mouse model of UC was constructed by injecting C57BL/6 mice with dextran sulfate sodium salt. Flow cytometry was used to assess percentage of CD11b+CD86+ and CD11b+CD206+ cells in bone marrow macrophages. Occult blood tests were used to detect hematochezia. Hematoxylin and eosin staining assay was used to assess colon pathological changes. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect concentrations of inflammatory cytokines. The interaction of IRF4 and B‐cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6) was confirmed using GST pull‐down and coimmunoprecipitation assays. Our findings revealed that IRF4 promoted cell apoptosis and stimulated M1 macrophage polarization in vitro. Furthermore, IRF4 aggravated symptoms of the mouse model of UC and aggravated M1 macrophage polarization in vivo. IRF4 negatively regulated Bcl6 expression. Downregulation of Bcl6 promoted apoptosis and M1 macrophage polarization in the presence of IRF4 in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Bcl6 positively mediated the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. In conclusion, IRF4 aggravated UC progression through promoting M1 macrophage polarization via Bcl6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway. These findings suggested that IRF4 might be a good target to competitively inhibit or to treat with UC.
Treatment advances improve survival in upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Shepherd Andrew RH , Kovacic James L , Dhar Ankur
Published: January 2024

Upper urinary tract cancer is rare among urothelial cancers but its incidence has recently increased. Improved survival is being made possible through advances in surgery and adjuvant treatment.
Too short or too long: impact of corpus callosal measurement on prenatal counseling
Authors: D'Antonio F. , Di Mascio D. , Mappa I. , Rizzo G.
Published: January 2024

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Corroenne et al. Click here to view the article.
Sex differences in outcomes after revascularization for acute lower limb ischemia: Propensity score adjusted analysis
Authors: Karonen Emil , Eek Frida , Butt Talha , Acosta Stefan
Published: January 2024

Background

Previous reports have suggested higher rates of mortality and amputation for female patients in acute lower limb ischemia (ALI). The aims of the present study were to investigate if there is a difference in mortality, amputation, and fasciotomy between the sexes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing index revascularization for ALI between 2001 and 2018 was conducted. A propensity score was created through a logistic regression with female/male sex as an outcome. Cox regression analyses for 90‐day and 1‐year mortality, combining major amputation/mortality, and logistic regression for major bleeding and fasciotomy, were performed. All analyses were performed with and without adjusting for propensity score.

Results

A total of 709 patients were included in the study of which 45.9% were women. Mean age was 72.1 years. Females were older and had higher rates of atrial fibrillation, embolic disease, and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, while men more often had anemia and chronic peripheral arterial disease. Mortality at 1 year was 21.2% for women and 14.7% for men. The adjusted hazard ratio for 1‐year mortality was 0.99 (95% CI 0.67–1.46). Fasciotomy was performed in 7.1% of female and 12.8% of male patients; the adjusted odds ratio was 0.52 (95% CI 0.29–0.91).

Conclusion

Sex was not found to be an independent risk factor for mortality or combined major amputation/mortality after revascularization for acute lower limb ischemia, whereas women had lower odds of undergoing fasciotomy. Whether women are underdiagnosed or do not develop acute compartment syndrome in the lower leg as often as men should be evaluated prospectively.
Sustainability Complex Network
Authors: Fantoni S.
Published: January 2024

We introduce the concept of quantitative evaluation of a complex network made up of researchers operating in different disciplines and different sectors belonging to life and hard sciences or social science and humanities or industrial and entrepreneurial activities, which, in addition to their disciplinary research, interact within each other in interdisciplinary scientific collaborations on sustainability projects. The complex network that we consider in this paper is of the small-world type, which has been already used in the study of several other biological, technological and social complex systems. This kind of network has a flexible structure which is in between those of the completely regular and the completely random networks. Similarly, the increase of interdisciplinary collaborations amongst scholars having a large and recognized experience in a given disciplinary sector may be favoured by random links arising in facing up specific issues of sustainability. Numerical results are given for a few unweighted networks having up to ten research groups with up to hundred researchers each.
The ‘Position’ of Social Sciences in Sustainability Issue. The Emblematic Case of Energy Transition
Authors: Osti Giorgio
Published: January 2024

The paper aims to illustrate the different roles that social sciences can play in the study of the energy transition, intended as an emblematic case of human systems sustainability. To this end, a scheme is developed that frames the relative position of the social sciences with respect to other disciplines (metaframe). Secondly, socialization is identified as a charismatic category capable of providing an original, typically sociological contribution to the hesitant energy and environmental transition (masterframe).
Sustainability, Agricultural Production, Science and Technology
Authors: Morgante Michele
Published: January 2024

An editorial published in August 2021 in Nature Ecology and Evolution entitled “Agriculture isn’t all rocket science” stated that agriculture and food security do not need high-tech solutions and that low-tech solutions may be just as important as they have been for the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps the authors have forgotten that if the effects of the pandemic are no longer as devastating as they were in the beginning, the main merit is of a high-tech solution, i.e. mRNA vaccines.
Liver and Nutrition
Authors: Rosso Natalia , Tiribelli Claudio
Published: January 2024

Situated beneath the diaphragm in the upper right part of the abdomen, the liver is the largest organ in the body (weighing 1–1.5 kg in adults). All of the blood that leaves the stomach and intestines must pass through the liver before reaching the rest of the body.
Quantitative Human Ecology: Data, Models and Challenges for Sustainability
Authors: Omodei E. , Grilli J. , Marsili M. , Sanguinetti G.
Published: January 2024

In July 2022 we entered the international year of basic science for sustainable development (IYBSSD). There are two ways in which basic sciences can play a crucial role in attaining a more sustainable planet. The first has to do with applying the wealth of knowledge we have accumulated in basic sciences so far, to issues relevant to sustainability. The second focuses on addressing what we still do not understand about sustainability. The first is the most direct use of basic sciences for sustainability and it is currently carried out within well defined disciplinary boundaries (e.g., physics and climate change, material science for energy efficiency, etc).
Patient Perspectives on Data Sharing
Authors: Druedahl Louise C. , Kälvemark Sporrong Sofia
Published: January 2024

Data sharing is key for artificial intelligence and for future healthcare systems, but the perspectives of patients are seldom included in the larger debates of how, when, and what data to share. This chapter provides an overview of research on patient perspectives on data sharing and associated aspects, including patients’ motivations, concerns, and views on privacy and conditions for sharing. Moreover, these perspectives are put into the evolving context of informed consent and today’s European context of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)and Data Governance Act (DGA). Overall, there seems to be a discrepancy between the patients’ perspective on data sharing and the reality in which their data are to be shared. The current patient views are researched within relatively ‘local’ contexts, where the patient would consent to collecting data for primary use and on patients’ preferences regarding consent and what they see as barriers and motivators for data sharing. However, the reality of data use is moving towards re-use of data for secondary purposes and a context of more altruistic consent such as the DGA. Questions remain regarding how patients perceive sharing and the role of their data in the larger governance of data; seemingly, patient views are lost in the wider debate of innovation and jurisdictional competitiveness. Ensuring that patients’ voices are heard is essential for public acceptance of data sharing, and thus for inclusiveness and equity of results and innovations originating from patients’ shared data.
Diabetes and Cultural Consensus
Authors: Al-Kuwari Shaikha H.
Published: January 2024

This chapter will show the results of the cultural consensus analysis and discuss the complete Arab American cultural beliefs model of diabetes. In addition, the chapter will discuss the variation in the model “beyond agreement,” based on sex, generation (first or second), education, age, country of origin, and the language of the survey. The results in this chapter show that Arab American Muslims in Dearborn, MI, share an overall cultural model of diabetes that does not contradict the medical knowledge.
A geometric approach to the Yang-Mills mass gap
Authors: Mondal Puskar
Published: January 2024

Abstract

I provide a new idea based on geometric analysis to obtain a positive mass gap in pure non-abelian renormalizable Yang-Mills theory. The orbit space, that is the space of connections of Yang-Mills theory modulo gauge transformations, is equipped with a Riemannian metric that naturally arises from the kinetic part of reduced classical action and admits a positive definite sectional curvature. The corresponding regularized Bakry-Émery Ricci curvature (if positive) is shown to produce a mass gap for 2+1 and 3+1 dimensional Yang-Mills theory assuming the existence of a quantized Yang-Mills theory on (ℝ1+2, η) and (ℝ1+3, η), respectively. My result on the gap calculation, described at least as a heuristic one, applies to non-abelian Yang-Mills theory with any compact semi-simple Lie group in the aforementioned dimensions. In 2+1 dimensions, the square of the Yang-Mils coupling constant $$ {g}_{YM}^2 $$

g
YM
2

has the dimension of mass, and therefore the spectral gap of the Hamiltonian is essentially proportional to $$ {g}_{YM}^2 $$

g
YM
2

with proportionality constant being purely numerical as expected. Due to the dimensional restriction on 3+1 dimensional Yang-Mills theory, it seems one ought to introduce a length scale to obtain an energy scale. It turns out that a certain ‘trace’ operation on the infinite-dimensional geometry naturally introduces a length scale that has to be fixed by measuring the energy of the lowest glu-ball state. However, this remains to be understood in a rigorous way.
Quality requirements for MRI simulation in cranial stereotactic radiotherapy: a guideline from the German Taskforce “Imaging in Stereotactic Radiotherapy”
Authors: Putz Florian , Bock Michael , Schmitt Daniela , Bert Christoph , Blanck Oliver , Ruge Maximilian I. , Hattingen Elke , Karger Christian P. , Fietkau Rainer , Grigo Johanna , Schmidt Manuel A. , Bäuerle Tobias , Wittig Andrea
Published: January 2024

Accurate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) simulation is fundamental for high-precision stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, collectively referred to as stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), to deliver doses of high biological effectiveness to well-defined cranial targets. Multiple MRI hardware related factors as well as scanner configuration and sequence protocol parameters can affect the imaging accuracy and need to be optimized for the special purpose of radiotherapy treatment planning. MRI simulation for SRT is possible for different organizational environments including patient referral for imaging as well as dedicated MRI simulation in the radiotherapy department but require radiotherapy-optimized MRI protocols and defined quality standards to ensure geometrically accurate images that form an impeccable foundation for treatment planning. For this guideline, an interdisciplinary panel including experts from the working group for radiosurgery and stereotactic radiotherapy of the German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO), the working group for physics and technology in stereotactic radiotherapy of the German Society for Medical Physics (DGMP), the German Society of Neurosurgery (DGNC), the German Society of Neuroradiology (DGNR) and the German Chapter of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (DS-ISMRM) have defined minimum MRI quality requirements as well as advanced MRI simulation options for cranial SRT.
Multisensory processing and proprioceptive plasticity during resizing illusions
Authors: Hansford Kirralise J. , Baker Daniel H. , McKenzie Kirsten J. , Preston Catherine E. J.
Published: January 2024

Bodily resizing illusions typically use visual and/or tactile inputs to produce a vivid experience of one’s body changing size. Naturalistic auditory input (an input that reflects the natural sounds of a stimulus) has been used to increase illusory experience during the rubber hand illusion, whilst non-naturalistic auditory input can influence estimations of finger length. We aimed to use a non-naturalistic auditory input during a hand-based resizing illusion using augmented reality, to assess whether the addition of an auditory input would increase both subjective illusion strength and measures of performance-based tasks. Forty-four participants completed the following three conditions: no finger stretching, finger stretching without tactile feedback and finger stretching with tactile feedback. Half of the participants had an auditory input throughout all the conditions, whilst the other half did not. After each condition, the participants were given one of the following three performance tasks: stimulated (right) hand dot touch task, non-stimulated (left) hand dot touch task, and a ruler judgement task. Dot tasks involved participants reaching for the location of a virtual dot, whereas the ruler task concerned estimates of the participant’s own finger on a ruler whilst the hand was hidden from view. After all trials, the participants completed a questionnaire capturing subjective illusion strength. The addition of auditory input increased subjective illusion strength for manipulations without tactile feedback but not those with tactile feedback. No facilitatory effects of audio were found for any performance task. We conclude that adding auditory input to illusory finger stretching increased subjective illusory experience in the absence of tactile feedback but did not affect performance-based measures.
Das Potenzial der Achtsamkeit – trotz Risiken und Nebenwirkungen
Authors: Schmiedeler Sandra
Published: January 2024

Achtsamkeit hat sich zu einem zentralen Konzept in der Psychotherapie entwickelt und verspricht sowohl für Therapeut(inn)en als auch für Klient(inn)en ein erhebliches Potenzial. Dieser Artikel bietet eine Zusammenfassung der Vorteile und empirischen Wirksamkeitsnachweise von Achtsamkeit in der Psychotherapie und diskutiert gleichzeitig mögliche Schattenseiten und Kritikpunkte. Seit der Einführung der Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) von Kabat-Zinn vor vier Jahrzehnten hat eine Fülle von Forschungsarbeiten, insbesondere in den letzten zwei Jahrzehnten, die positive Wirkung von Achtsamkeitspraktiken auf das psychologische und physiologische Wohlbefinden gezeigt. Gleichzeitig gibt es zunehmend Forschung, die sich mit den negativen Auswirkungen befasst, wobei Ergebnisse zum Beispiel darauf hindeuten, dass Achtsamkeit zu mehr Selbstbezogenheit führen kann. Darüber hinaus bietet der Artikel einen laufenden Diskurs über die Grenzen von Achtsamkeitsanwendungen in der Therapie und warnt vor einer Fehlinterpretation von Achtsamkeit als statische Denkweise, die für Veränderung keinen Raum lässt. Der Artikel postuliert, dass es für eine effektive Integration von Achtsamkeit in der Psychotherapie unerlässlich ist, dass Therapeut(inn)en, die achtsamkeitsbasierte Interventionen anbieten, selbst umfassend mit Achtsamkeit vertraut sind.
Role of sintering temperature in modulating the charge transport of BiCuSeO thermoelectric system: correlations to the microstructure
Authors: Madhukar N. P. , Gurukrishna K. , Bhat Bhoomika R. , Shanubhogue U. Deepika , Mangavati Suraj , Rao Ashok , Chattopadhyay Saikat
Published: January 2024

The influence of sintering temperature on the thermoelectric (TE) transport of BiCuSeO is reported in the present work, with an aim to optimize the processing conditions for higher TE transport. BiCuSeO samples were synthesized at four different sintering temperatures, viz., 673 K, 773 K, 873 K, and 973 K. A non-degenerate type of conductivity is observed in all the samples at high temperatures, witnessing the thermal activation of the carriers. The Fermi level was positioned below the valence band maximum, thereby exhibiting a p-type degenerate transport in the entire range of temperature. It was observed that the variations of weighted mobility and power factor were found to have identical trends. The highest power factor was noticed at 554 K with a value of 129 μWm−1 K−2 for the sample sintered at 673 K.
Simulation of MJO with improved deep convection scheme in different resolutions of BCC-CSM2 models
Authors: Zheng Mengzhe , Wu Tongwen , Xin Xiaoge , Liu Xiangwen , Lu Yixiong , Jie Weihua , Xie Chengjun , Zhou Yumeng
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the impacts of modifying the deep convection scheme on the ability to simulate the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) in the Beijing Climate Center Climate System Model version 2 with a medium resolution (BCC-CSM2-T159) and a high resolution (BCC-CSM2-T382). On the basis of the original deep convection scheme, a modified scheme is suggested, which involves the transport processes of deep convective cloud water. The liquid cloud water that is detrained is transferred horizontally to its neighboring grids, and a portion of the cloud water that is horizontally transported is allowed to be transported downward into the lower troposphere. Both BCC-CSM2-T159 and BCC-CSM2-T382 with the modified deep convection scheme perform better than that used the original deep convection scheme in reproducing the major features of the MJO, such as its spectrum, period, intensity, eastward propagation and life cycle. Further analysis shows that those pronounced improvements in the MJO features in both BCC-CSM2-T159 and BCC-CSM2-T382 with the modified scheme are caused by transport processes of deep convective cloud water. The modified deep convection scheme enhances moisture and energy exchange from the lower troposphere to the upper troposphere around convective cloud, and promotes the convergence of moisture in the lower troposphere to the east of the MJO convection center, and then induces eastward propagation of the MJO. The comparisons between the coupled experiments and their corresponding experiments following Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) simulations indicated that atmosphere–ocean interactions are also important to improve MJO simulations in the models.
A previously healthy 3-year-old female with hypertension, proteinuria, and hypercalciuria
Authors: Liu Tao , Wang Wenhong , Liu Zhufeng , Pei Guanghua , Wang Chunxiang , Jiang Ying , Pang Chuyue
Published: January 2024

A 3-year-old female patient with no significant medical history presented to her pediatrician with foamy urine. Initial testing revealed moderate proteinuria on qualitative testing, although she was incidentally noted to have severe hypertension (240/200 mmHg). Physical examination of the carotid and femoral areas revealed significant systolic vascular murmurs. Labs showed elevated serum creatinine, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, elevated renin and aldosterone and hypercalciuria. Echocardiography identified ventricular hypertrophy. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and magnetic resonance angiography of the head showed multiple tortuous or interrupted arteries and multiple calcifications in the renal sinus area. B-mode ultrasonography suggested thickening of the carotid and femoral artery walls, with numerous spotted calcifications. Genetic testing revealed that ABCC6 had a complex heterozygous mutation (exon 24: c.3340C > T and intron 30: c.4404-1G > A). Our panel of experts reviewed the evaluation of this patient with hypertension, proteinuria, hypercalciuria, and vascular abnormalities as well as the diagnosis and appropriate management of a rare disease.
Body dissatisfaction and dieting among Finnish adolescents: a 20-year population-based time-trend study
Authors: Mishina Kaisa , Kronström Kim , Heinonen Emmi , Sourander Andre
Published: January 2024

Body image has an important role in the health and development of adolescents. Body dissatisfaction and dieting can become chronic and continue into adulthood. There is a lack of recent, comprehensive studies on ongoing trends on body dissatisfaction. This study assessed time-trend changes in self-reported body dissatisfaction and dieting among Finnish adolescents at four assessment points. Representative samples of adolescents (N = 6660) aged 13–16 years participated in school-based, cross-sectional studies in 1998 (N = 1458), 2008 (N = 2044), 2014 (N = 1809), and 2018 (N = 1349), respectively. The studies were similar in design, methodology, and geographical recruitment areas. Body dissatisfaction and dieting were assessed with a questionnaire including items derived from the DSM-IV criteria for anorexia and bulimia nervosa. From 1998 to 2018, dieting and fears related to gaining weight decreased among females. Body dissatisfaction reduced among females, and their wishes to become thinner became less prevalent. Consuming large amounts of food at one time consistently decreased among females and males and there were no changes in the rates of willful vomiting. The number of females in the 90th percentile with the most severe symptoms decreased. The results indicate that body dissatisfaction and disturbed dieting improved among females during the 20-year study. Despite these positive developments, the overall level of symptoms among females remained substantial, indicating that females have much higher levels of body dissatisfaction and dieting than males.
A hydrogeological overview of the Upper Mega Aquifer System on the Arabian Platform
Authors: Rausch Randolf , Dirks Heiko
Published: January 2024

With an extent of ~1,860,000 km2, the Upper Mega Aquifer System on the Arabian Platform forms one of the largest aquifer systems of the world. It is built up by several bedrock aquifers (sandstone and karstified limestone aquifers), which are imperfectly hydraulically connected to each other. The principal aquifers are the Wasia-Biyadh sandstone aquifer, and the karstified Umm Er Radhuma and Dammam limestone aquifers. The stored groundwater is mainly fossil. Groundwater recharge took place in the geologic past under more humid climatic conditions. Due to the good water quality and high yield, the aquifers are intensively exploited, which has caused depletion of the groundwater resources. The presented qualitative and semi-quantitative description of the hydrogeology and the groundwater budget is the basis for integrated groundwater management of the aquifer system.
A configurable mining approach for enhancing the business processes' performance
Authors: Bayomy Noha Ahmed , Khedr Ayman E. , Abd-Elmegid Laila A.
Published: January 2024

Business is a war to get the attention you deserve from your enemies, and many competitors strive to gain a prominent position. Organizations are constantly seeking innovative ways to work to stay in a competitive business environment. Business process reengineering (BPR) is one of the most management approaches that are adopted by many organizations in order to achieve a dramatic increase in performance and cost reduction. Since the risks enfolded and failure rates related to BPR projects are very high, it is necessary to find ways to support success of BPR in a systematic approach. The major target of this article is to find the implementation of the proposed model to reengineer business processes (BPs) successfully via integrating critical success factors (CSFs) of BPR and BPs' performance. It is created to detect the inefficiencies and bottlenecks in the business process, decrease costs, time and increase quality of business processes, enhance financial environment and make an effective and efficient performance of the business process. It also applies a mining technique of association rule to examine the link between CSFs and several BPs and measures business processes' performance (intended BPR success) by process time, cycle time, quality and cost pre and post reengineering BPs. Thus, it uses a way to select the appropriate model for each business process. The proposed model will be implemented using a real world the Egyptian tax authority case study in order to prove its usefulness and efficiency. Then, inferred CSFs were applied according to each process, which proved the validity and success of the proposed model.