bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making the most of scarcity
Scarcity
Fredrik Albritton Jonsson and Carl Wennerlind
Harvard University Press, 2023. 304 pp.
Authors: Ellis Erle C.
Published: May 2023

A pair of historians dig into the deep ideological roots of our planetary predicament
Femtosecond symmetry breaking and coherent relaxation of methane cations via x-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Ridente Enrico , Hait Diptarka , Haugen Eric A. , Ross Andrew D. , Neumark Daniel M. , Head-Gordon Martin , Leone Stephen R.
Published: May 2023

Understanding the relaxation pathways of photoexcited molecules is essential to gain atomistic-level insight into photochemistry. We performed a time-resolved study of ultrafast molecular symmetry breaking through geometric relaxation (Jahn-Teller distortion) on the methane cation. Attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy with soft x-rays at the carbon K-edge revealed that the distortion occurred within 10 ± 2 femtoseconds after few-femtosecond strong-field ionization of methane. The distortion activated coherent oscillations in the asymmetric scissoring vibrational mode of the symmetry-broken cation, which were detected in the x-ray signal. These oscillations were damped within 58 ± 13 femtoseconds because vibrational coherence was lost with the energy redistributing into lower-frequency vibrational modes. This study completely reconstructs the molecular relaxation dynamics of this prototypical example and opens avenues for exploring complex systems.
Twist of fate
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: May 2023

A physician-scientist has probed Parkinson’s disease for more than 30 years. Now, he has it
Critical El Niño monitor gets an upgrade
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: May 2023

Revamped tropical Pacific buoys could aid in forecasts of atmospheric rivers
A Multi-Laboratory Evaluation of Commercial Monkeypox Virus Molecular Tests
Authors: Erster Oran , Levy Itzchak , Kabat Areej , Mannasse Batya , Levy Virginia , Assraf Hadar , Azar Roberto , Ben-Zvi Haim , Bradenstein Ritta , Bunder Olga , Fadeela Ayman , Keren-Naus Ayelet , Peretz Avi , Roif-Kaminsky Diana , Saleh Lolu , Schreiber Licita , Schwartz Orna , Shaked-Mishan Pninit , Sorek Nadav , Strauss Merav , Steinberg Rachel , Treygerman Orit , Zisman-Rozen Simona , Yishai Ruth , Tejman-Yarden Noa , Mendelson Ella , Sofer Danit
Published: May 2023

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first methodical evaluation of commercial kits designed for Monkeypox virus detection. This was done by performing the same tests using the same sample set in multiple laboratories, simultaneously, on a national scale.
Fossil Java Sea corals record Laurentide ice sheet disappearance
Authors: Mann Thomas , Schöne Tilo , Kench Paul , Lambeck Kurt , Ashe Erica , Kneer Dominik , Beetham Eddie , Illigner Julia , Rovere Alessio , Marfai Muh Aris , Westphal Hildegard
Published: May 2023

The Laurentide ice sheet was the largest late Pleistocene ice mass and the largest contributor to Holocene pre-industrial sea-level rise. While glaciological dates suggest final ice sheet melting between 8 and 6 ka, inversion of sea-level data indicates deglaciation at ca. 7 ka. Here, we present new chronostratigraphic constraints on Laurentide ice sheet disappearance based on Holocene relative sea-level observations from the tectonically stable north coast of Java, Indonesia. Age-elevation data from the flat upper surfaces of 13 fossil intertidal corals (i.e., microatolls) indicate that the Java Sea experienced a relative sea level of 1.3 ± 0.7 m above present between 6.9 and 5.3 ka. To determine uncaptured relative sea-level trends within the observational uncertainties of this apparently constant highstand, we analyzed the internal structure of three sliced microatolls from the same site to produce a high-resolution data set. These data were used to statistically model relative sea-level rates and trends. Employing the data with the model provided evidence for a short-lived rise of relative sea level from 1.0 ± 0.3 m above present at 6.7 ± 0.1 ka to 1.9 ± 0.3 m above present at 6.4 ± 0.1 ka. The end of this rise likely represents the last input of meltwater from the vast Laurentide ice sheet, which, consequently, collapsed at least 400 yr later than assumed by some widely used models of glacial isostatic adjustment. Incorporating these new results into such predictive models will help to better understand the geographical variability of future sea-level rise as a result of global warming.
Optical Modes in Elliptical Microcavities for Single-Photon Sources
Authors: Kazanov D. R. , Monakhov A. M.
Published: May 2023

A theory of optical modes in an elliptical microcavity has been developed using Mathieu functions in elliptical coordinates. A key difference from the circular case is the splitting of doubly degenerate modes. Split optical modes have been numerically calculated and their symmetry has been determined. A method has been proposed to choose the parameters of a cavity for a certain wavelength. The difference between the energies of optical modes in the cavity with metallic walls and in the dielectric cavity is no more than ~20%. The dispersion relations of optical modes show the possibility of degeneracy of modes with different symmetries, which allows the spectral and polarization filtering of radiation of single-photon sources and the fabrication of sources of multiply entangled states.
Lacrimal gland activity in lacrimal drainage obstruction: exploring the potential cross-talk between the tear secretion and outflow
Authors: Singh Swati , Srivastav Saumya , Bothra Nandini , Paulsen Friedrich , Ali Mohammad Javed
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To investigate the effects of lacrimal drainage obstructions on the lacrimal gland activity and if there exists a potential link between the two.

Methods

Direct assessment of the lacrimal gland activity from the palpebral lobe was performed in consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO), along with Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), non-invasive tear break up time (NIBUT; Oculus K5M), tear meniscus height and Schirmer I. The primary outcome measure was the difference in the tear flow rate between the eye with PANDO and the contralateral uninvolved eye.

Results

Thirty patients (median age, 45.5 years; 25 females) with unilateral PANDO had epiphora for a mean duration of 20 months. The mean OSDI score was 6.3. NIBUT (mean 11.56 vs 11.58 s; p=0.49) and Schirmer I values (mean 18.83 vs 19.4 mm; p=0.313) were not significantly different between PANDO and non-PANDO eyes. The morphology of the palpebral lobe (size 29.3 vs 28.6 mm2, p=0.41) and the number of lacrimal ductular openings (median 2 vs 2.5) were similar between the two eyes. The mean tear flow from the lacrimal glands of the PANDO side was significantly reduced compared with the contralateral uninvolved side (0.8 vs 0.99 µL/min; p=0.014)).

Conclusion

Tear flow rate from palpebral lobes of patients with unilateral lacrimal outflow obstruction shows a significant reduction compared with the contralateral side. The potential ways of communications between the tear drainage and the tear production mechanisms need to be explored further.
Association between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and healthcare contacts for menstrual disturbance and bleeding in women before and after menopause: nationwide, register based cohort study
Authors: Ljung Rickard , Xu YiYi , Sundström Anders , Leach Susannah , Hallberg Ebba , Bygdell Maria , Larsson Maria , Arthurson Veronica , Gisslén Magnus , Gedeborg Rolf , Nyberg Fredrik
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the risks of any menstrual disturbance and bleeding following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in women who are premenopausal or postmenopausal.

Design

A nationwide, register based cohort study.

Setting

All inpatient and specialised outpatient care in Sweden from 27 December 2020 to 28 February 2022. A subset covering primary care for 40% of the Swedish female population was also included.

Participants

2 946 448 Swedish women aged 12-74 years were included. Pregnant women, women living in nursing homes, and women with history of any menstruation or bleeding disorders, breast cancer, cancer of female genital organs, or who underwent a hysterectomy between 1 January 2015 and 26 December 2020 were excluded.

Interventions

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, by vaccine product (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, or ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222)) and dose (unvaccinated and first, second, and third dose) over two time windows (one to seven days, considered the control period, and 8-90 days).

Main outcome measures

Healthcare contact (admission to hospital or visit) for menstrual disturbance or bleeding before or after menopause (diagnosed with the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision codes N91, N92, N93, N95).

Results

2 580 007 (87.6%) of 2 946 448 women received at least one SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and 1 652 472 (64.0%) 2 580 007 of vaccinated women received three doses before the end of follow-up. The highest risks for bleeding in women who were postmenopausal were observed after the third dose, in the one to seven days risk window (hazard ratio 1.28 (95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.62)) and in the 8-90 days risk window (1.25 (1.04 to 1.50)). The impact of adjustment for covariates was modest. Risk of postmenopausal bleeding suggested a 23-33%

increased risk after 8-90 days with BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 after the third dose, but the association with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 was less clear. For menstrual disturbance or bleeding in women who were premenopausal, adjustment for covariates almost completely removed the weak associations noted in the crude analyses.

Conclusions

Weak and inconsistent associations were observed between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and healthcare contacts for bleeding in women who are postmenopausal, and even less evidence was recorded of an association for menstrual disturbance or bleeding in women who were premenopausal. These findings do not provide substantial support for a causal association between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and healthcare contacts related to menstrual or bleeding disorders.
Patient adherence to tuberculosis treatment in the Indian subcontinent: systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research
Authors: Shringarpure Kalpita , Gurumurthy Meera , Sagili Karuna D , Taylor Melissa , Garner Paul , Tonsing Jamie , Rao Raghuram , Sachdeva Kuldeep Singh
Published: May 2023

Objectives

How well patients adhere to their tuberculosis (TB) treatment influences their recovery and development of drug resistance, but influences on adherence are multiple and often competing. We synthesised qualitative studies from our setting in the Indian subcontinent to understand the dimensions and dynamics involved to help inform service provision.

Design

Qualitative synthesis comprising inductive coding, thematic analysis and forming a conceptual framework.

Data sources

Medline (OVID), Embase (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCOHost), PsycINFO (EBSCOHost), Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library and Epistemonikos were databases searched on 26 March 2020 for studies published since 1 January 2000.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included reports in English from the Indian subcontinent that used qualitative or mixed-methodology designs and reported findings around adherence to TB treatment. Full texts meeting eligibility were sampled based on ‘thickness’ (the richness of the qualitative data reported).

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers used standardised methods to screen abstracts and code. Included studies were assessed for reliability and quality using a standard tool. Qualitative synthesis was performed by inductive coding, thematic analysis and developing conceptual framework.

Results

Of 1729 abstracts screened from initial search, 59 were shortlisted for full-text review. Twenty-four studies that qualified as ‘thick’ were included in the synthesis. Studies were set in India (12), Pakistan (6), Nepal (3), Bangladesh (1) or in two or more of these countries (2). Of the 24 studies, all but one included people who were taking TB treatment (1 study included only healthcare providers), and 17 included healthcare workers, community members or both.

We identified three themes: (1) personal influences on the people with TB include interconnections between their social role in the family unit, their own priorities in day-to-day living and their experience to date with the disease; (2) adherence is profoundly influenced by how individual healthcare providers interact with patients on treatment and address their needs; (3) adherence is influenced across communities by structural, social, economic and cultural factors related to treatment.

Conclusion

Staff in TB programmes require an understanding of the various competing influences on individuals undergoing treatment. Programmes need to have more flexible and people-centred approaches to service provision in order to achieve adherence, and thus improve treatment outcomes.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020171409.
Assessing the potential cost-effectiveness of centralised versus point-of-care testing for hepatitis C virus in Pakistan: a model-based comparison
Authors: Babigumira Joseph B , Karichu James K , Clark Samantha , Cheng Mindy M , Garrison Louis P , Maniecki Maciej B , Hamid Saeed S
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Pakistan has a hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence of 6%–9% and aims to achieve World Health Organisation (WHO) targets for elimination of HCV by the year 2030. We aim to evaluate the potential cost-effectiveness of a reference laboratory-based (centralised laboratory testing; CEN) confirmatory testing approach versus a molecular near-patient point-of-care (POC) confirmatory approach to screen the general population for HCV in Pakistan.

Study design

We used a decision tree-analytic model from a governmental (formal healthcare sector) perspective.

Study setting

Individuals were assumed to be initially screened with an anti-HCV test at home, followed by POC nucleic acid test (NAT) at nearby district hospitals or followed by NAT at centralised laboratories.

Participants

We included the general testing population for chronic HCV in Pakistan.

Intervention

Screening with an anti-HCV antibody test (Anti-HCV) followed by either POC NAT (Anti-HCV-POC), or reference laboratory NAT (Anti-HCV-CEN), was compared, using data from published literature and the Pakistan Ministry of Health.

Measures

Outcome measures included: number of HCV infections identified per year, percentage of individuals correctly classified, total costs, average costs per individual tested, and cost-effectiveness (assessed as cost per additional HCV infection identified). Sensitivity analysis was also performed.

Results

At a national level (25 million annual screening tests), the Anti-HCV-CEN strategy would identify 142 406 more HCV infections in 1 year and increase correct classification of individuals by 0.57% compared with the Anti-HCV-POC strategy. The total annual cost of HCV testing was reduced using the Anti-HCV-CEN strategy by US$7.68 million (US$0.31/person). Thus, incrementally, the Anti-HCV-CEN strategy costs less and identifies more HCV infections than Anti-HCV-POC. The incremental difference in HCV infections identified was most sensitive to the probability of loss to follow-up (for POC confirmatory NAT).

Conclusions

Anti-HCV-CEN would provide the best value for money when scaling up HCV testing in Pakistan.
Skin cancer-related conditions managed in general practice in Australia, 2000–2016: a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey
Authors: Reyes-Marcelino Gillian , McLoughlin Kirstie , Harrison Christopher , Watts Caroline G , Kang Yoon-Jung , Aranda Sanchia , Aitken Joanne F , Guitera Pascale , Cust Anne E
Published: May 2023

Objective

Skin cancer is Australia’s most common and costly cancer. We examined the frequency of Australian general practice consultations for skin cancer-related conditions, by patient and general practitioner (GP) characteristics and by time period.

Design

Nationally representative, cross-sectional survey of general practice clinical activity.

Setting, participants

Patients aged 15 years or older having a skin cancer-related condition managed by GPs in the Bettering the Evaluation And Care of Health study between April 2000 and March 2016.

Primary outcome measures

Proportions and rates per 1000 encounters.

Results

In this period, 15 678 GPs recorded 1 370 826 patient encounters, of which skin cancer-related conditions were managed 65 411 times (rate of 47.72 per 1000 encounters, 95% CI 46.41 to 49.02). Across the whole period, ‘skin conditions’ managed were solar keratosis (29.87%), keratinocyte cancer (24.85%), other skin lesion (12.93%), nevi (10.98%), skin check (10.37%), benign skin neoplasm (8.76%) and melanoma (2.42%). Over time, management rates increased for keratinocyte cancers, skin checks, skin lesions, benign skin neoplasms and melanoma; but remained stable for solar keratoses and nevi. Skin cancer-related encounter rates were higher for patients aged 65–89 years, male, living in Queensland or in regional or remote areas, with lower area-based socioeconomic status, of English-speaking background, Veteran card holders and non-healthcare card holders; and for GPs who were aged 35–44 years or male.

Conclusion

These findings show the spectrum and burden of skin cancer-related conditions managed in general practice in Australia, which can guide GP education, policy and interventions to optimise skin cancer prevention and management.
Digital game-based interventions for cognitive training in healthy adults and adults with cognitive impairment: protocol for a two-part systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tan Shi-Bei , Tan Joshua , Raczkowska Marlena N , Chean Wen Lee Joshann , Rai Bina , Remus Alexandria , Ho Dean
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Digital game-based training interventions are scalable solutions that may improve cognitive function for many populations. This protocol for a two-part review aims to synthesise the effectiveness and key features of digital game-based interventions for cognitive training in healthy adults across the life span and adults with cognitive impairment, to update current knowledge and impact the development of future interventions for different adult subpopulations.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO and IEEE Explore on 31 July 2022 for relevant literature published in English from the previous 5 years. Experimental, observational, exploratory, correlational, qualitative and mixed methods studies will be eligible if they report at least one cognitive function outcome and include a digital game-based intervention intended to improve cognitive function. Reviews will be excluded but retained to search their reference lists for other relevant studies. All screening will be done by at least two independent reviewers. The appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool, according to the study design, will be applied to perform the risk of bias assessment. Outcomes related to cognitive function and digital game-based intervention features will be extracted. Results will be categorised by adult life span stages in the healthy adult population for part 1 and by neurological disorder in part 2. Extracted data will be analysed quantitatively and qualitatively, according to study type. If a group of sufficiently comparable studies is identified, we will perform a meta-analysis applying the random effects model with consideration of the I2statistic.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not applicable for this study since no original data will be collected. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022351265.
Non-pharmaceutical interventions in complementary and alternative medicine for insomnia in breast cancer survivors: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Qi , Liu Lumin , Chen Yuelai , Yin Ping
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Insomnia has a high incidence in patients with breast cancer, which not only affects the quality of life of patients, but also affects the efficiency of later treatment and rehabilitation. Although the sedative and hypnotic drugs commonly used in clinical practice have a rapid onset of action, they are also accompanied by different degrees of sequelae, withdrawal effects and dependence and addiction. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) or complementary and integrative medicine, complementary integrative therapies, including natural nutritional supplement therapy, psychotherapy, physical and mental exercise, physiotherapy, have been reported to be used to treat cancer-related insomnia. Its clinical results are increasingly recognised and accepted by patients. However, the effectiveness and safety of these CAM are uneven, and there is no standard clinical application method. Therefore, in order to objectively evaluate the effects of different non-pharmaceutical interventions in CAM on insomnia, we will conduct a network meta-analysis (NMA) to explore the effects of different CAM interventions on improving sleep quality in patients with breast cancer.

Methods and analysis

We will search all Chinese and English databases from the inception of the database to 31 December 2022. The databases include PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Chinese literature databases include CBM, CNKI, VIP, WANFANG. The Insomnia Severity Index and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index will be considered as the primary outcomes in the study. STATA V.15.0 software will be used to conduct pairwise meta-analysis and NMA. Finally, we will use the recommended risk assessment tool RoB2 for risk and bias assessment, and use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation evaluation method to evaluate the quality of evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval will not be required because the study will not include the original information of participants. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022382602.
Effects of social activity participation and trust in the community on the transition of frailty classification in late-stage older adults: a 4-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Takatori Katsuhiko , Matsumoto Daisuke
Published: May 2023

Objectives

In Japan, frailty is a major risk factor for requiring long-term care, especially among older adults aged 75 years or older (ie, late-stage older adults). Both physical and social factors (eg, social activities, social support and community trust) are protective factors against frailty. However, few longitudinal studies have examined reversible change or stage improvement in frailty. This study investigated social activity participation and trust in the community that may affect the transition of late-stage older adults’ frailty status.

Design

A mail-based survey was used to analyse the improvement or deterioration of frailty status (categorised as frailty, pre-frailty and robust) over a 4-year period. Binomial and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted; the transition in frailty classification was the dependent variable, while a change in social activity participation and the degree of trust in the community were the independent variables.

Setting

Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture, Japan.

Participants

4249 community-dwelling older adults, aged ≥75 years, not requiring long-term care who completed a follow-up questionnaire from April to May 2016.

Results

Adjusting for confounding factors, no significant social factors were detected regarding improvement in frailty. However, an increase in exercise-based social participation was an improvement factor in the pre-frailty group (OR 2.43 (95% CI 1.08 to 5.45)). Conversely, a decrease in community-based social activity was a risk factor in the deterioration from pre-frailty to frailty (OR 0.46 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.93)). In the robust group, increased community-based social activity (OR 1.38 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.90)) was a protective factor against frailty, whereas decreased community trust was a risk factor (OR 1.87 (95% CI 1.38 to 2.52)).

Conclusions

No social factors had a significant influence on the improvement of frailty in late-stage older adults. However, the promotion of exercise-based social participation was found to be important for improvement in the pre-frailty state.

Trial registration number

UMIN000025621.
NetherDrone: a tethered and ducted propulsion multirotor drone for complex underground mining stope inspections
Authors: Leclerc Marc-Antoine , Bass John , Labbé Mathieu , Dozois David , Delisle Jonathan , Rancourt David , Lussier Desbiens Alexis
Published: May 2023

Underground stope mapping is crucial to evaluate the quantity of blasted rock and the site integrity. In recent years, lidar-equipped drones have been used to map stopes with higher precision and without blind spots. However, they have limitations, such as large size, challenging lidar positioning on the drone, limited flight time for detailed visual inspections, and unreliable communication underground. This paper discusses the development of a compact tethered drone called the NetherDrone, specifically designed for stope inspections. The NetherDrone uses custom ducted propulsion to increase thrust efficiency by 50%. It reduces the propellers’ diameter and overall frame while maintaining an adequate lifting capability with low power consumption. The drone features an onboard 120 m tether spool for communication and power transmission, as well as a rotating arm to deploy the cable and reduce yaw moments from the tether tension. Flights in a real stope demonstrated that the drone could effectively move at least 50 m deep into a complex stope, complete a detailed lidar scan, visually scan one face of the stope in close proximity during 20 min, travel a total distance of 270 m, and maintain communications with an operator at all times through the tether.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for madder lake detection in painting layers
Authors: Innocenti S. , Ricci M. , Quintero Balbas D. , Fontana R. , Striova J. , Becucci M.
Published: May 2023

Madder lake is the most utilized anthraquinone dyestuff in artworks. Its main constituents (alizarin and purpurin, together with other natural dyes) form an organometallic complex (the lake) insoluble in water by precipitation or adsorption of the dye onto an inorganic substrate. Raman spectra of madder lake are strongly affected by fluorescence, making its identification by Raman spectroscopy difficult or impossible. In this work, we prepared different lakes according to historical recipes and characterized them with X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR, and UV-Visible spectroscopies. Additionally, painting mock-ups were prepared and the lakes were extracted with hydrated and ethanol-rich agar gel beads. This work is aimed at showing the advantages and limits for the identification of the madder lake constituents by Raman and SERS (Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy) methods in the hydrogels used for sample micro-extraction. The main advantage of SERS for madder lake detection is to allow the user to acquire spectra in random spots in the gel bead, without the need for recrystallized grain localization in the dried hydrogel.
Public private partnerships contract under moral hazard and ambiguous information
Authors: Bouhadjar El Mountasar Billah , Mnif Mohamed
Published: May 2023

This paper studies optimal Public Private Partnerships contract between a public entity and a consortium, with the possibility for the public to stop the contract. The public (“she”) pays a continuous rent to the consortium (“he”), while the latter gives a response characterized by his effort. Usually, the public cannot observe the effort done by the consortium, in addition, the law of the Agent’s effort which affects the distribution of the total output is to be chosen over a set of probabilities, leading to a Principal-Agent problem with moral hazard and Knightian uncertainty characterized by [Formula: see text]-ignorance. Our problem is formulated as a Stackelberg leadership model between the public and the consortium. This problem is solved in three steps. The first one consists on characterizing the worst case, then we derive the Agent’s best response. In the third step, we solve the Principal problem by maximizing the social value of the project minus the rent paid, which is a standard stochastic control problem. The public value function is characterized by the solution of an associated Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman variational inequality. The public value function, the optimal effort and the optimal rent are computed numerically in a feedback form by using the Howard algorithm. We show numerically that each increase in the degree of Knightian uncertainty leads to increase the optimal effort, and decrease the value function.
Orthogonal and twisted dimers of redox-active pyrrole-fused pentaazapolycyclic hydrocarbons
Authors: Narita Tomoyuki , Fujiwara Kazuki , Uno Hidemitsu , Asano Motoko S. , Nishinaga Tohru , Takase Masayoshi
Published: May 2023

Orthogonal and twisted dimers of pyrrole-fused pentaazapolycyclic hydrocarbons (pentaazacoronene analogs) were synthesized, linked either directly or by phenylenes. Although the dimers and the reference monomer did not have any substituents at the [Formula: see text]-positions of the terminal pyrroles, two reversible oxidation waves were observed in the cyclic voltammograms. ESR measurements of the chemically generated dications of the dimers showed typical radical cation signals, indicating successful accumulation of the redox activity of the pentaazacoronene analog.
Watson-Crick hydrogen-bonded macrocycles self-assembled from Z-shaped dinucleoside monomers
Authors: Serrano-Molina David , González-Sánchez Marina , de Juan Alberto , Mayoral Maria J. , González-Rodríguez David
Published: May 2023

The self-assembly of two lipophilic dinucleoside molecules that have a common structure, comprising a bent “Z-shaped” central block substituted at the edges with complementary G and C nucleobases, are studied in this work by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR experiments, as well as by absorption, fluorescence and circular dichroism measurements as a function of the temperature and the concentration. Watson-Crick pairing affords cyclic tetramer G:C H-bound species that are less stable than those formed by related linear dinucleosides and that, in principle, due to the unusual monomer geometry, can establish an equilibrium between different conformations with the shape of a square and a rhomb.
Synthesis, characterization and electrochemistry of mono- and dirhodium(I) meso-diaryl dibenzoporphyrin(2.1.2.1) complexes
Authors: Xiao Bentian , Osterloh W. Ryan , Lv Xiaojuan , Fang Yuanyuan , Kuzuhara Daiki , Aratani Naoki , Yamada Hiroko , Qiu Fengxian , Xue Songlin , Kadish Karl M.
Published: May 2023

A series of mono- and dirhodium(I) meso-diaryl dibenzoporphyrin(2.1.2.1) complexes containing [Formula: see text]-tolyl, phenyl or pentafluorophenyl meso-substiuents were synthesized and characterized as to their electrochemical and spectroscopic properties in organic solvents and the data compared to that for same series of free base dibenzoporphyrins in their neutral and protonated forms. The redox behavior of the free base, mono- and di-metallic porphyrins was measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in methylene chloride or pyridine before and after the addition of acid in the form of TFA and the products of electron transfer are proposed on the basis of the CV data combined with results from thin-layer UV-visible spectroelectrochemistry. X-ray crystal structures of the dirhodium(I) complexes are also reported.
Benzene-crosslinked hexaphyrin: Molecules of benzene in hexaphyrin
Authors: Uno Hidemitsu , Hata Shogo , Hashimoto Kohei , Muramatsu Kota , Nakano Hideyuki , Takiue Takahiro , Uoyama Hiroki , Tanioka Yuma , Mori Shigeki , Okujima Tetsuo , Takase Masayoshi
Published: May 2023

Two blueish materials were obtained in the acid-catalyzed condensation of 5-pentafluorophenyldipyrromethane-1,9-bis{(petafluorophenyl)-methanol} with 4,8-dihydro-4,8-ethanopyrrol[3,4-[Formula: see text]]isoindole followed by oxidation, although the yields were low. Their structures were unambiguously determined by the X-ray analysis. One was ethylene-connected bisdipyrromethene and another was bicyclo[2.2.2]octene-crosslinked dihydrohexaphyrin, which was gradually transformed to benzene-crosslinked hexaphyrin under air in solution via bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene-crosslinked hexaphyrin. The benzene-crosslinked hexaphyrin was directly obtained in the similar acid-catalyzed condensation procedure of the dipyrromethane with 4,8-dihydropyrrol[3,4-[Formula: see text]]isoindole, although the yield was also low.
The Sound of Swarm. Auditory Description of Swarm Robotic Movements
Authors: Mannone Maria , Seidita Valeria , Chella Antonio
Published: May 2023

Movements of robots in a swarm can be mapped to sounds, highlighting the group behavior through the coordinated and simultaneous variations of musical parameters across time. The vice versa is also possible: Sound parameters can be mapped to robotic motion parameters, giving instructions through sound. In this article, we first develop a theoretical framework to relate musical parameters such as pitch, timbre, loudness, and articulation (for each time) with robotic parameters such as position, identity, motor status, and sensor status. We propose a definition of musical spaces as Hilbert spaces and musical paths between parameters as elements of bigroupoids, generalizing existing conceptions of musical spaces. The use of Hilbert spaces allows us to build up quantum representations of musical states, inheriting quantum computing resources, already used for robotic swarms. We present the theoretical framework and then some case studies as toy examples. In particular, we discuss a 2D video and matrix simulation with two robo-caterpillars; a 2D simulation of 10 robo-ants with Webots; a 3D simulation of three robo-fish in an underwater search-and-rescue mission.
Metabolomic profiling to identify early urinary biomarkers and metabolic pathway alterations in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Houske Eden A. , Glimm Matthew G. , Bergstrom Annika R. , Slipher Sally K. , Welhaven Hope D. , Greenwood Mark C. , Linse Greta M. , June Ronald K. , Yu Alan S. L. , Wallace Darren P. , Hahn Alyssa K.
Published: May 2023

To our knowledge, this study is the first to generate urinary global metabolomic profiles from individuals with early-stage ADPKD with preserved renal function for biomarker discovery. The exploratory dataset reveals metabolic pathway alterations that may be responsible for early cystogenesis and rapid disease progression and may be potential therapeutic targets and pathway sources for candidate biomarkers. From these results, we generated a panel of candidate diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of early-stage ADPKD for future validation.
Back Onside: A Qualitative Study to Understand Experiences of Involvement in a Physical Activity Programme in Adults Who are Unemployed or At-Risk of Unemployment
Authors: Langham-Walsh Eleanor , Branney Peter , Edwards Lisa , Walters Elizabeth R. , Vaportzis Eleftheria
Published: May 2023

Unemployment or being at-risk of unemployment is a health risk factor. Back Onside is a physical activity programme run in Bradford (UK) by the Bradford Bulls Foundation. It is aimed at improving the mental and physical health and wellbeing of adults who are unemployed or at-risk of unemployment. The programme is delivered in a relaxed and sociable environment to help build a positive mindset towards physical activity. We conducted semistructured interviews with participants on the programme (n = 5) and external stakeholders (n = 6) between 24 June and 12 July, 2021. Data analysis was completed using the context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) framework of realist evaluation. Four CMOs were identified: (1) resocialisation following COVID-19 lockdown restrictions; (2) congruence between the programme and participants’ goals; (3) engaging people in enjoyable activities; and (4) inclusive environments. We recommend future programmes to take an inclusive and relaxed approach to physical activity and be congruent with participants’ goals and values to ensure participants’ feel supported and adhere to the programmes.
Poor Treatment Response in Panic Disorder Patients with Suicide Attempts and Their Symptom Network Characteristics
Authors: Kim Hyun-Ju , Jung Hye-Yeon , Bang Minji , Pae Chongwon , Lee Sang-Hyuk
Published: May 2023

Background. Panic disorder (PD) is associated with suicidality. Depression has been suggested as a link between PD and suicide; however, this remains controversial. Comprehensive research on the history of suicide attempt (SA) in patients with PD is scarce. We investigated the clinical characteristics of SA in patients with PD using PD-related assessments and network approaches. Methods. A total of 1151 participants were enrolled, including 755 patients with PD (97 with SA (PD+SA) and 658 without SA (PD-SA)) and 396 healthy controls. The Scale for Suicide Ideation and Panic Disorder Severity, Anxiety Sensitivity Inventory, and other PD-related measures were also administered. We compared symptom severity and analyzed the pharmacological treatment response in patients with PD with and without SA. Network analysis was used to estimate the centrality, stability, and network structures of the nodes. Results. Our results revealed that the scores for panic and depressive symptoms, pathological worry, anxiety sensitivity, and the frequency of early trauma were significantly higher in the PD+SA group than in the PD-SA group. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that short- and long-term pharmacological treatment responses were significantly poorer in the PD+SA group. Network analysis showed that fear of cognitive dyscontrol (FCD), as a cognitive aspect of anxiety sensitivity, was the central symptom through strength, expected influence (one and two steps), randomized shortest path betweenness, and eigenvector centrality measures in the PD+SA group. In contrast, depression was the central symptom of patients with PD-SA. Conclusion. Our study suggests that a history of SA could be associated with high panic-symptom severity and poor pharmacological treatment response in patients with PD and that FCD is the most central symptom in the PD+SA network. Central symptoms, such as cognitive aspects of AS in patients with PD+SA, may be clinically effective as potential targets for intervention in patients with PD at risk of or suffering from suicidality.
Effect of Laser Heating on Partial Decomposition of Bi12SiO20 (BSO) Single Crystal: Raman Study
Authors: Romcevic Nebojsa , Hadzic Branka , Prekajski Đorđević Marija , Mihailovic Peda , Curcic Milica , Trajic Jelena , Mitric Jelena , Romcevic Maja
Published: May 2023

The effect of laser (532 nm line of Verdi G) heating during the Raman measurements, on partial decomposition of Bi12SiO20 single crystal, was addressed in this study. The degree of decomposition directly depends on the power density and duration of the laser treatment, which are registered by the phonon Raman spectra. After laser treatment, AFM measurements register additional small spherical islands on the surface. Analysis performed on irradiated and unirradiated samples showed significant changes in transmission spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, Verdet constant, magneto-optical property, and absorption coefficient. The material obtained after laser irradiation can be described as specific nanocomposite consisting of bismuth oxide and silicon oxide-based nano-objects (dimensions below 15 nm in diameter), which are arranged in a matrix of Bi12SiO20.
The Analytic Solutions of the Fractional-Order Model for the Spatial Epidemiology of the COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Barnes Benedict , Anokye Martin , Iddrisu Mohammed Muniru , Gawu Bismark , Afrifa Emmanuel
Published: May 2023

This paper provides a mathematical fractional-order model that accounts for the mindset of patients in the transmission of COVID-19 disease, the continuous inflow of foreigners into the country, immunization of population subjects, and temporary loss of immunity by recovered individuals. The analytic solutions, which are given as series solutions, are derived using the fractional power series method (FPSM) and the residual power series method (RPSM). In comparison, the series solution for the number of susceptible members, using the FPSM, is proportional to the series solution, using the RPSM for the first two terms, with a proportional constant of

ψ
Γ

n
α
+
1

, where

ψ

is the natural birth rate of the baby into the susceptible population,

Γ

is the gamma function,

n

is the

n

th term of the series, and

α

is the fractional order as the initial number of susceptible individuals approaches the population size of Ghana. However, the variation in the two series solutions of the number of members who are susceptible to the COVID-19 disease begins at the third term and continues through the remaining terms. This is brought on by the nonlinear function present in the equation for the susceptible subgroup. The similar finding is made in the series solution of the number of exposed individuals. The series solutions for the number of deviant people, the number of nondeviant people, the number of people quarantined, and the number of people recovered using the FPSM are unquestionably almost identical to the series solutions for same subgroups using the RPSM, with the exception that these series solutions have initial conditions of the subgroup of the population size. It is observed that, in this paper, the series solutions of the nonlinear system of fractional partial differential equations (PDEs) provided by the RPSM are more in line with the field data than the series solutions provided by the FPSM.
Effect of Concrete Strength on Shear Capacity of Reinforced High-Strength Concrete Continuous Beams without Web Reinforcements
Authors: Hasan Bamo Ahmed , Saeed Jalal Ahmed
Published: May 2023

In order to evaluate the shear strength and behavior of high-strength concrete beams without web reinforcing, eight high-strength continuous concrete beams with cross sections of 200 mm by 300 mm were cast and tested to failure. The ultimate load-carrying capability and shear behavior are presented. The applicability of the Sudheer et al. equations and ACI 318M-14 is examined. In addition, the effects of the compressive strength (

f

c

′

) and shear span to effective depth ratio (a/d) on the shear strength and behavior of HSRC beams without stirrups are also studied. 63 MPa, 78.8 MPa, 85.9 MPa, and 92 MPa were the concrete’s compressive strengths, while 2.41 and 3.33 were its shear span to effective depth ratios. There were two equal spans of continuous beams, and at each span, they were evaluated under a single-point load. It was found that with increasing compressive strength, the failure load was increased. But the deflection did not affect it significantly. While increasing, (a/d) led to a decrease in failure load but increased deflection. It was also found that both ACI 318 M-14 and Sudheer et al. equation were more conservative.
Physicochemical and Microbiological Characteristics of Stem Bark Exudate Gum of Cordia millenii Tree in Conventional Release Tablets
Authors: Kipo Samuel Lugrie , Ofori-Kwakye Kwabena , Kuntworbe Noble , Johnson Raphael , Boakye-Gyasi Mariam El , Osei Yaa Asantewaa , Owusu Frederick Akuffo
Published: May 2023

The development of a raw material into an acceptable pharmaceutical excipient involves evaluation of the physicochemical and formulation properties of the potential raw material. Results from these evaluations may serve as a guide to subsequent use of the substance. The objective of the study was to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological properties of the stem bark gum of Cordia millenii tree in conventional release paracetamol tablets. From the physicochemical evaluations, the gum was slightly acidic and soluble in all the aqueous-based solvents, except 0.1 N HCl in which it was sparingly soluble. All the absorptive properties of the gum indicated tablet disintegrating potential for tablet formulation. The total ash of the gum was higher than that of the international standard gum arabic. Micromeritic properties of the gum indicated the need for a flow aid to improve its flowability. There were no harmful microorganisms detected in the gum. Aerobic organisms and moulds and yeast were detected within permissible limits. Tablets formulated using six different concentrations of gum dispersions as a binder were generally soft and failed the USP T80 standard of dissolution, indicating poor binding and drug releasing properties. Quality control properties of three different batches of tablets containing varying concentrations of the dry gum as a disintegrating agent were comparable to tablets containing equal concentrations of corn starch. The in vitro drug releases were similar at all-time points of drug evaluation. The gum can therefore be considered as a good disintegrant in the formulation of conventional release tablets.
Seepage Migration Process of Soluble Contaminants in Porous Medium considering Adsorption History
Authors: Cai Wenya , Zhang Guoqiang , Zhang Pengyuan , Zhang Siyang , Li Weixi , Meng Zeyang , You Shunli
Published: May 2023

By embedding a nonlinear nonequilibrium adsorption model considering the adsorption history (i.e., Bai model), a governing equation for the three-dimensional model is extended, which discussed the influence of varying seepage velocity and injection concentration. Compared with the previous linear adsorption model, the concentration peak value of the nonlinear nonequilibrium adsorption history model is higher than that of the linear model, and the time to reach the peak concentration is slightly earlier. In the case of horizontal seepage water, a pollution point source tends to migrate along the direction of water flow and has less ability to diffuse in the vertical direction. Compared with the adsorption history model, the linear model has a stronger blocking ability for pollutant migration, and the longer the time, the greater the gap between the two models. The longer the decay period, the wider the spread of contaminants, and the longer it takes for them to migrate out of the model completely. The more significant the head difference, the larger the diffusion area of pollutants in the main seepage direction, but it has no promotion effect on the lateral diffusion. The pollutant concentration is higher than that of the point source case, and the diffusion range in each section is wider. The closer it is to the center of the pollution source, the weaker the dispersion effect on the diffusion of pollutants in the main seepage direction, and the pollutants will spread in the countercurrent direction, causing pollution upstream.