bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of coupled climate model biases in representing Labrador Sea convection
Authors: Liu Guangpeng , Tagklis Filippos , Ito Takamitsu , Bracco Annalisa
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the representation of ocean convection in the Labrador Sea in seven Earth System Models (ESMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 and 6 datasets. The relative role of the oceanic and atmospheric biases in the subpolar North Atlantic gyre are explored using regional ocean simulations where the atmospheric forcing or the ocean initial and boundary conditions are replaced by reanalysis data in the absence of interactive air-sea coupling. Commonalities and differences among model behaviors are discussed with the objective of finding a pathway forward to improve the representation of the ocean mean state and variability in a region of fundamental importance for climate variability and change. Results highlight that an improved representation of ocean stratification in the North Atlantic subpolar gyre is urgently needed to constrain future climate change projections. While improving the ocean model resolution in the North Atlantic alone may contribute a better representation of both boundary currents and propagation of heat and freshwater anomalies into the Labrador Sea, it may not be sufficient. Addressing the atmospheric heat flux bias with better resolution in the atmosphere and land topography may allow for deep convection to occur in the Labrador Sea in some of the models that miss it entirely, but the greatest priority remains improving the representation of ocean stratification.
SPEEDY-NEMO: performance and applications of a fully-coupled intermediate-complexity climate model
Authors: Ruggieri Paolo , Abid Muhammad Adnan , García-Serrano Javier , Grancini Carlo , Kucharski Fred , Pascale Salvatore , Volpi Danila
Published: February 2024

A fully-coupled general circulation model of intermediate complexity is documented. The study presents an overview of the model climatology and variability, with particular attention to the phenomenology of processes that are relevant for the predictability of the climate system on seasonal-to-decadal time-scales. It is shown that the model can realistically simulate the general circulation of the atmosphere and the ocean, as well as the major modes of climate variability on the examined time-scales: e.g. El Niño-Southern Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation, Tropical Atlantic Variability, Pacific Decadal Variability, Atlantic Multi-decadal Variability. Potential applications of the model are discussed, with emphasis on the possibility of generating sets of low-cost large-ensemble retrospective forecasts. We argue that the presented model is suitable to be employed in traditional and innovative model experiments that can play a significant role in future developments of seasonal-to-decadal climate prediction.
Organization of head and neck cancer rehabilitation care: a national survey among healthcare professionals in Dutch head and neck cancer centers
Authors: Passchier Ellen , Beck Ann-Jean C. C. , Stuiver Martijn M. , Retèl Valesca P. , Navran Arash , van Harten Wim H. , van den Brekel Michiel W. M. , van der Molen Lisette ,   the Dutch Head, Neck Society
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment often leads to physical and psychosocial impairments. Rehabilitation can overcome these limitations and improve quality of life. The aim of this study is to obtain an overview of rehabilitation care for HNC, and to investigate factors influencing rehabilitation provision, in Dutch HNC centers, and to some extent compare it to other countries.

Methods

An online survey, covering five themes: organizational structure; rehabilitation interventions; financing; barriers and facilitators; satisfaction and future improvements, among HNC healthcare- and financial professionals of Dutch HNC centers.

Results

Most centers (86%) applied some type of rehabilitation care, with variations in organizational structure. A speech language therapist, physiotherapist and dietitian were available in all centers, but other rehabilitation healthcare professionals in less than 60%. Facilitators for providing rehabilitation services included availability of a contact person, and positive attitude, motivation, and expertise of healthcare professionals. Barriers were lack of reimbursement, and patient related barriers including comorbidity, travel (time), low health literacy, limited financial capacity, and poor motivation.

Conclusion

Although all HNC centers included offer rehabilitation services, there is substantial practice variation, both nationally and internationally. Factors influencing rehabilitation are related to the motivation and expertise of the treatment team, but also to reimbursement aspects and patient related factors. More research is needed to investigate the extent to which practice variation impacts individual patient outcomes and how to integrate HNC rehabilitation into routine clinical pathways.
Hartmann’s procedure in rectal cancer surgery is often an intraoperative decision: a retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Mariusdottir Elin , Jörgren Fredrik , Saeed Maria , Wikström Jens , Lydrup Marie-Louise , Buchwald Pamela
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate patient-related factors predicting the selection of rectal cancer patients to Hartmann’s procedure as well as to investigate how often, and on what grounds, anterior resection is intraoperatively changed to Hartmann’s procedure.

Methods

Prospectively collected data from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry regarding patients with rectal cancer operated upon from January 1 2007 to June 30 2017 in the county of Skåne were retrospectively reviewed. Data were expanded with further details from medical charts. A univariable analysis was performed to investigate variables associated with unplanned HP and significant variables included in a multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Altogether, 1141 patients who underwent Hartmann’s procedure (275 patients, 24%), anterior resection (491 patients, 43%), or abdominoperineal resection (375 patients, 33%) were included. Patients undergoing Hartmann’s procedure were significantly older and had more frequently comorbidity. The decision to perform Hartmann’s procedure was made preoperatively in 209 (76%) patients, most commonly because of a comorbidity (27%) or oncological reasons (25%). Patient preference was noted in 8% of cases. In 64 cases (23%), the decision was made intraoperatively, most often due to anastomotic difficulties (60%) and oncological reasons (22%). Anastomotic difficulties were most often reported due to technical difficulties, a low tumor or neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Male gender was a significant risk factor for undergoing unplanned Hartmann’s procedure.

Conclusions

The decision to perform Hartmann’s procedure was frequently made intraoperatively. Hartmann’s procedure should be considered and discussed preoperatively in old and frail patients, especially in the presence of mid-rectal cancer and/or male gender, since these factors increase the risk of intraoperative anastomotic difficulties.
Intragenic Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer mimics micro-translocations without foreign DNA
Authors: Barrell Philippa J. , Latimer Julie M. , Millar Timothy R. , Jacobs Jeanne M. E. , Conner Anthony J.
Published: February 2024

Main conclusion

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Nicotiana tabacum, using an intragenic T-DNA region derived entirely from the N. tabacum genome, results in the equivalence of micro-translocations within genomes.

Intragenic Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer was achieved in Nicotiana tabacum using a T-DNA composed entirely of N. tabacum DNA, including T-DNA borders and the acetohydroxyacid synthase gene conferring resistance to sulfonylurea herbicides. Genomic analysis of a resulting plant, with single locus inheritance of herbicide resistance, identified a single insertion of the intragenic T-DNA on chromosome 5. The insertion event was composed of three N. tabacum DNA fragments from other chromosomes, as assembled on the T-DNA vector. This validates that intragenic transformation of plants can mimic micro-translocations within genomes, with the absence of foreign DNA.
A hybrid traffic controller system based on flower pollination algorithm and type-2 fuzzy logic optimized with crow search algorithm for signalized intersections
Authors: Korkmaz Ersin , Akgüngör Ali Payıdar
Published: February 2024

In this study, a hybrid traffic signal control (HTSC) system based on phase and time optimization was developed. The Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA) approach was used for phase optimization, while Type-2 Fuzzy Logic, optimized with the Crow Search Algorithm (CSA), was utilized for time optimization. The hybrid system's performance was investigated using nine different traffic conditions and four different intersection geometries. The hybrid system was compared with three controller systems which are a fixed-time signal controller, a signal controller based on the FPA approach (FPA_TSC), and the optimized Type-1 fuzzy logic signal controller (Type-1 FL-TSC). The HTSC approach achieved the best performance with about 32% improvement over the fixed-time traffic controller and it showed 5% and 6% better performance than the FPA_TSC and Type-1 FL-TSC, respectively. Considering the performance of the new hybrid system, it is effective in minimizing delays and driver dissatisfaction occurring from signalization. It also contributes to the reduction of emissions and fuel consumption. The HTSC approach can be used as an alternative signal control method in the control of intersections with high traffic volume due to its fast and effective performance.
Everything changes but nothing changes: gender stereotypes in the Italian population
Authors: Carvalho Silva Rosana , Vezzoli Marika , Menesello Valentina , Meattini Mattia , Sartori Riccardo , Minelli Alessandra
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Gender stereotypes refer to consensual or cultural shared beliefs about the attributes of men and women, influencing society behaviors, interpersonal relationships, education, and workplace. The literature has shown the existence of gender stereotypes on career choices, internalization of roles, and school and social experiences and demonstrates the impact of demographic factors on stereotypes. However, all the studies conducted in Italy available in scientific literature analyzed small sample sizes within specific schools of university settings, with a limited age range.

Methods

To assess the current state of gender stereotypes in Italy, we conducted an online survey from October 2022 to January 2023 on the general population residing in Italy. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic factors and questions about gender stereotypes, investigating six fields: games, jobs, personality traits, home and family activities, sports, and moral judgments.

Results

The study involved 1854 participants, mostly women (70.1%) with an undergraduate or postgraduate degree (57.5%). The statistical and descriptive analyses revealed that gender stereotypes influenced respondents’ beliefs, with statistically significant effects observed in most questions when stratifying by age, gender, and degree. Principal component analysis was performed to assess latent variables in different fields, revealing significant main stereotypes in each category. No statistically significant differences between men and women were found for the fields home and family activities, games, and moral judgments, confirming that stereotypes affect both men and women in the same way.

Conclusions

Our results show the persistence of gender stereotypes in any fields investigated, although our cohort is predominantly composed of high educational level women living in the North of Italy. This demonstrates that the long-standing gender stereotypes are prevalent, pernicious, and, unfortunately, internalized at times even by successful women pushbacking and sabotaging them unconsciously.
Gene variants for the WNT pathway are associated with severity in periodontal disease
Authors: Ospina-Ch María-Victoria , Acevedo-Godoy Mónica , Perdomo Sandra J. , Chila-Moreno Lorena , Lafaurie Gloria I. , Romero-Sánchez Consuelo
Published: February 2024

Objective

Studies of Wnt variants-related to bone resorption in periodontitis are limited. The aim of this study was to establish the genotype and allele frequency of gene variants associated with the Wnt pathway in systemically healthy individuals with and without periodontitis (PD).

Materials and methods

One hundred fifty-seven systemically healthy individuals were evaluated, 90 with PD and 67 without PD. Periodontal clinical indexes, serological and clinical indices of inflammation, and the following variants associated with the Wnt pathway: DKK, SOST, LRP5, and KREMEN were analyzed by high resolution melting and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

In the PD-free group, 67.2% of the individuals presented the variant for DKKrs1896367 (p = 0.008) and 82.6% had the variant for KREMEN rs132274 (p = 0.016). The heterozygous variant for the DKK rs1896367 polymorphism was associated with the absence of PD and lower severity OR: 0.33 (CI95% 0.15–0.70) and OR: 0.24 (CI95% 0.11–0.53), respectively. Similarly, KREMEN rs132274 was the homozygous variant associated with the absence of PD (OR: 0.33 (CI95% 0.13–0.88)). On the contrary, 85.6% of individuals with PD presented a variant for DKK rs1896368 (p = 0.042), all suffering severe forms of periodontitis.

Conclusion

The presence of DKKrs1896367 and KREMENrs132274 variants in individuals without PD suggests that these single nucleotide polymorphisms could be protective factors for bone loss in PD. A very interesting finding is that the DKKrs1896368 variant was found in a high percentage of severe cases, suggesting that the presence of this variant may be related to the severe bone loss observed in PD.
Temperature monitoring in levees for detection of seepage
Authors: Fabbian Nicola , Simonini Paolo , De Polo Fabio , Schenato Luca , Cola Simonetta
Published: February 2024

Improving knowledge of existing levees through investigation and monitoring is an important step in evaluating their safety and that of the surrounding area. Nevertheless, these activities are complex due to the considerable levee length and the high spatial variability of soil composing the body and foundation, especially when paleo-rivers are present. In order to investigate the reliability of new advanced techniques proposed for characterizing the soil stratigraphy and the seepage condition within the levee foundation, a new test site was realized along the Adige River in Bolzano Province (Italy). Here, five boreholes, drilled in a 20-m-side square area straddling the embankment, host four different types of monitoring equipment, among which some are Distributed Fiber Optical Sensors (DFOS), here used for detecting the temperature variations along the well. The present paper focuses on the critical analysis of the preliminary results obtained with DFOS and their comparison with data obtained using traditional pressure and temperature probes. The monitoring data collected in the field during the passage of a flood that occurred on 5th August 2021 are used to better understand the hydraulic behavior and the safety conditions of the levee but also to fully assess the reliability and potential of DFOS.
CD36 inhibition reduces non-small-cell lung cancer development through AKT-mTOR pathway
Authors: Liu Hui , Guo Wentong , Wang Tianxiang , Cao Peichang , Zou Tingfeng , Peng Ying , Yan Tengteng , Liao Chenzhong , Li Qingshan , Duan Yajun , Han Jihong , Zhang Baotong , Chen Yuanli , Zhao Dahai , Yang Xiaoxiao
Published: February 2024

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is caused by multiple factors, including high-fat diet (HFD). CD36, a fatty acid receptor, is closely associated with metabolism-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, the role of CD36 in HFD-accelerated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. In vivo, we fed C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) and CD36 knockout (CD36−/−) mice normal chow or HFD in the presence or absence of pitavastatin 2 weeks before subcutaneous injection of LLC1 cells. In vitro, A549 and NCI-H520 cells were treated with free fatty acids (FFAs) to mimic HFD situation for exploration the underlying mechanisms. We found that HFD promoted LLC1 tumor growth in vivo and that FFAs increased cell proliferation and migration in A549 and NCI-H520 cells. The enhanced cell or tumor growth was inhibited by the lipid-lowering agent pitavastatin, which reduced lipid accumulation. More importantly, we found that plasma soluble CD36 (sCD36) levels were higher in NSCLC patients than those in healthy ones. Compared to that in WT mice, the proliferation of LLC1 cells in CD36−/− mice was largely suppressed, which was further repressed by pitavastatin in HFD group. At the molecular level, we found that CD36 inhibition, either with pitavastatin or plasmid, reduced proliferation- and migration-related protein expression through the AKT/mTOR pathway. Taken together, we demonstrate that inhibition of CD36 expression by pitavastatin or other inhibitors may be a viable strategy for NSCLC treatment.

Graphical abstract

1) Pitavastatin reduces NSCLC progression by inhibiting CD36.

2) Inhibition of CD36 can improve HFD- or FFA-induced NSCLC.

3) AKT/mTOR pathway is involved in CD36-regulated NSCLC.

4) Inhibition of CD36 by pitavastatin or other inhibitors may be a strategy for NSCLC treatment.
Using Mobile Technology for Family-Based Prevention in Families with Low Incomes: Lessons from a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Childhood Obesity Prevention Program
Authors: Power Thomas G. , Baker Susan S. , Barale Karen V. , Aragón M. Catalina , Lanigan Jane D. , Parker Louise , Garcia Karina Silva , Auld Garry , Micheli Nilda , Hughes Sheryl O.
Published: February 2024

Researchers are increasingly using web-based technologies to deliver family-based, prevention programming. Few studies have examined the success of such approaches for families with low incomes. The purpose of this study was to describe the level of in-class and online engagement in a childhood obesity prevention program for parents with low incomes, to examine the demographic correlates of parent engagement, and to examine dosage effects on parental feeding outcomes as a function of online exposure. All participants attended in-class nutrition education classes (Eating Smart · Being Active) as part of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in Colorado and Washington State (classes were offered in English and Spanish). Participants in this analysis were 168 parents from a larger cluster randomized controlled trial who had been randomly assigned to also receive a newly developed, mobile-based version of an efficacious, feeding-focused, childhood obesity prevention program. Results showed that despite high levels of in-person attendance (70%), participants only accessed 47% of the videos (online content). Older parents and parents of girls showed higher levels of in-person attendance; currently employed parents showed lower levels. Online engagement varied as a function of ethnicity and acculturation: non-Hispanic parents accessed the most videos, low-acculturated Hispanic parents accessed the second most, and highly acculturated Hispanic parents accessed the least. In contrast, low-acculturated Hispanic parents showed the highest in-person attendance. For all but one outcome, significant online program effects were found only for parents who accessed at least half of the videos. Implications for mobile-based, family-based prevention programs for parents with low incomes are considered.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03170700; Registration Date: March 08, 2017.
Push and pull factors affecting in leaving academia
Authors: Kallio Tomi , Siekkinen Taru , Pekkola Elias , Kivistö Jussi , Nokkala Terhi , Kuoppakangas Päivikki
Published: February 2024

This paper presents the findings of the push and pull factors that cause professionals to leave academia. Previous research has mostly focused on academic professionals’ intent to leave their current organisations and largely neglected occupational turnover, that is, the cases where faculty abandon an academic career. The study included 40 semi-structured interviews and a national survey (N = 410) conducted in 2017. The interviewees consisted of three groups: previous faculty members who left academia, members of universities’ upper management (deans, vice-rectors and HR managers) and upper managers and HR managers of public and private organisations employing previous academic faculty members. The survey was sent to all scholars who had left academia in Finland during 2010–2015. The qualitative empirical analysis suggests that most of the internal push factors that caused the academic professionals to leave were inversed external pull factors that lured them away from academia. However, it also hints that in many cases, certain individual factors seem to mediate the two. In practice this means that individual factors, such as lack of interest in research and/or teaching and unwillingness to compete in some positions, also contribute to the decision to leave academia.
Heart rate sensitivity of virtual non-contrast calcium scores derived from photon counting detector CT data: a phantom study
Authors: Risch Franka , Schwarz Florian , Kroencke Thomas , Decker Josua A.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To assess the reliability of virtual non-contrast (VNC) derived coronary artery calcium quantities in relation to heart rate and the VNC algorithm used compared to reference true non-contrast (TNC), considering several clinically established acquisition modes.

Material and methods

An ad hoc built coronary phantom containing four calcified lesions and an iodinated lumen was scanned using three cardiac acquisition modes three times within an anthropomorphic cardiac motion phantom simulating different heart rates (0, 60, 80, 100 bpm) and reconstructed with a conventional (VNCconv) and a calcium-sensitive (VNCpc) VNC algorithm. TNC reference was scanned at 0 bpm with non-iodinated lumen. Calcium scores were assessed in terms of number of lesions detected, Agatston and volume scores and global noise was measured. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon test were performed to test measurements for significant difference.

Results

For both VNC algorithms used, calcium levels or noise were not significantly affected by heart rate. Measurements on VNCpc reconstructions best reproduced TNC results, but with increased variability (Agatston scores at 0 bpm for TNC, VNCconv, and VNCpc were 47.1 ± 1.1, 6.7 ± 2.8 (p < 0.001), and 45.3 ± 7.6 (p > 0.05), respectively). VNC reconstructions showed lower noise levels compared to TNC, especially for VNCpc (noiseheart on TNC, VNCconv and VNCpc at 0 bpm was 5.0 ± 0.4, 4.5 ± 0.2, 4.2 ± 0.2).

Conclusion

No significant heart rate dependence of VNC-based calcium scores was observed in an intra-reconstruction comparison. VNCpc reproduces TNC scores better than VNCconv without significant differences and decreased noise, however, with an increasing average deviation with rising heart rates. VNC-based CACS should be used with caution as the measures show higher variability compared to reference TNC and therefore hold the potential of incorrect risk categorization.
Microstructure-Based Creep Life Assessment of 1CrMoV Turbine Rotor Steels After Long-Term Service
Authors: Nyembe Hlanganani Siphelele , van der Meer Philip , Knutsen Robert , Westraadt Johan Ewald
Published: February 2024

This study evaluates the use of quantitative analytical electron microscopy for microstructure-based creep life assessment of service-exposed 1CrMoV steel turbine rotors. Changes in the microstructure (bainitic laths, carbide phases) were related to creep life exhaustion estimations done using conventional methods based on cavities and hardness. The volume-weighted average size and surface density of bainitic laths correlate with cavity-based estimated creep life exhaustion. However, the heterogeneity of grain structure limits the use of bainitic lath parameters for assessing creep life based on microstructure. The phase proportions of M3C, M2C, and M7C3 carbides, as determined by TKD-EDS mapping, show a strong correlation (R2: 0.64, 0.61, and 0.86) with creep life exhaustion estimations and could potentially be used as an additional indicator of the material state of the critical failure region in 1CrMoV turbine rotors.
Daytime sleepiness in depression—underestimated in psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Odenthal Anna-Maria , Ottersbach Julia , Weber Franziska C , Wetter Thomas C , Popp Roland F. J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Sleep disorders are among the most common symptoms of depression. Both the ICD-10/11 and DSM‑5 list sleep disorders of all types as diagnostic criteria for depression, but these are not defined in detail.

Objective

This study focused on the prevalence of daytime sleepiness and associated sleep disorders in patients diagnosed with a severe depressive episode.

Materials and methods

In total, 192 inpatients with a moderate/severe depressive episode from an open acute psychiatric ward were included. Sleep history immediately after admission and sleep-related questionnaires, such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and Regensburg Insomnia Scale (RIS), were collected. Polysomnographic assessment was performed in 82 patients with suspected sleep disorders. Patient groups (e.g., with and without sleepiness or apnea) were compared.

Results

The prevalence of daytime sleepiness (ESS > 10) was 25.3%. Fatigue and insomnia were reported in 66.7 and 75.7% of patients, respectively. Polysomnography revealed a prevalence of sleep apnea of 18.2%, and sleep apnea was newly diagnosed in 80% of these patients. Daytime sleepiness was more common in patients with undiagnosed sleep apnea. Patients with daytime sleepiness had more fatigue but did not have more severe depression.

Conclusion

The present results highlight the importance of assessing sleep history in psychiatric patients, especially those with depression. The ESS may be a useful tool to specifically assess daytime sleepiness as opposed to depression-related fatigue. A systematic assessment of sleepiness and specific sleep disorders, in particular sleep apnea, might contribute to improved treatment of inpatients with depression.
Influence of soil management on vegetative growth, yield, and wine quality parameters in an organic “Pedro Ximénez” vineyard: field and UAV data
Authors: Ramírez-Pérez Pilar , López-Granados Francisca , León-Gutiérrez Juan Manuel , Mesas-Carrascosa Francisco Javier , Pérez-Porras Fernando , Torres-Sánchez Jorge
Published: February 2024

The use of cover crops in vineyards is expected to increase due to the strong encouragement by European agricultural policy and their contribution to reducing soil erosion. This paper presents the results obtained over three years in a vineyard of the “Pedro Ximénez” variety organically grown in southern Spain. The influence on production, vigor, and grape quality of a seeded cover crop versus tillage was compared using field data and imagery acquired by an uncrewed aerial vehicle. The vines under tillage showed greater vegetative development and yield than those with cover crops between rows. The grapes from the vines under the cover crop treatment ripened earlier and presented higher values of total soluble solids, characteristics that can be useful in the protected designation of origin where the study field is placed. However, the strong yield reduction caused by the cover crop treatment encourages future research to explore other cover crop species that could contribute to improving soil properties without compromising the profitability of the vineyard. This is the first time that the influence of cover cropping on the agronomic and oenological parameters of organically grown white vineyard varieties such as “Pedro Ximénez” has been assessed using field and UAV data.
The role of gut barrier dysfunction in postoperative complications in liver transplantation: pathophysiological and therapeutic considerations
Authors: Assimakopoulos Stelios F. , Bhagani Sanjay , Aggeletopoulou Ioanna , Tsounis Efthymios P. , Tsochatzis Emmanuel A.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Gut barrier dysfunction is a pivotal pathophysiological alteration in cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, which is further aggravated during and after the operational procedures for liver transplantation (LT). In this review, we analyze the multifactorial disruption of all major levels of defense of the gut barrier (biological, mechanical, and immunological) and correlate with clinical implications.

Methods

A narrative review of the literature was performed using PubMed, PubMed Central and Google from inception until November 29th, 2023.

Results

Systemic translocation of indigenous bacteria through this dysfunctional barrier contributes to the early post-LT infectious complications, while endotoxin translocation, through activation of the systemic inflammatory response, is implicated in non-infectious complications including renal dysfunction and graft rejection. Bacterial infections are the main cause of early in-hospital mortality of LT patients and unraveling the pathophysiology of gut barrier failure is of outmost importance.

Conclusion

A pathophysiology-based approach to prophylactic or therapeutic interventions may lead to enhancement of gut barrier function eliminating its detrimental consequences and leading to better outcomes for LT patients.
A note on the mean-square solution of the hypergeometric differential equation with uncertainties
Authors: Calatayud Julia
Published: February 2024

The Fröbenius method of power series has been applied to several linear random differential equations. The interest relies on the derivation of a closed-form mean-square solution and on the possibility of approximating statistical measures at exponential convergence rate. In this paper, we deal with the hypergeometric differential equation with random coefficients and initial conditions. On the interval (0, 1), random power series centered at the regular singular point 0 are employed, which are given in terms of the hypergeometric function. We find the stochastic basis of mean-square solutions and solve random initial-value problems. The approximation of the expectation and the variance is studied and illustrated computationally.
On the Construction Methodology of Microabrasion-Corrosion Maps Using Theoretical Approaches
Authors: Ritchie F. W. , Jana B. D. , Zekos I. , Stack M. M.
Published: February 2024

In the field of microabrasion-corrosion, there has been limited research progress in modelling the process due to the complex interplay between the two processes involved. One of the crucial developments in the field has been the microabrasion-corrosion maps based on experimental results. However, mathematical modelling to develop the maps has not been attempted before. This work aimed to construct mathematical models for predicting the microabrasion-corrosion rate for mild steel and pure titanium in aqueous slurry conditions. The methodology developed was used for the construction of microabrasion-corrosion maps. The maps were constructed in two forms: (1) regime maps that identify the underlying mechanisms of microabrasion-corrosion and (2) wastage maps that identify the magnitude of the wastage rate. The effects of abrasive particle size and solution pH were shown on the maps. These maps have not been reported before and can form a basis for material selection and process optimisation for various microabrasion-corrosion applications, such as hip joint conditions. The advantages and applications of these maps are addressed in this paper.
Nanozyme-Engineered Hydrogels for Anti-Inflammation and Skin Regeneration
Authors: Kurian Amal George , Singh Rajendra K. , Sagar Varsha , Lee Jung-Hwan , Kim Hae-Won
Published: February 2024

Inflammatory skin disorders can cause chronic scarring and functional impairments, posing a significant burden on patients and the healthcare system. Conventional therapies, such as corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are limited in efficacy and associated with adverse effects. Recently, nanozyme (NZ)-based hydrogels have shown great promise in addressing these challenges. NZ-based hydrogels possess unique therapeutic abilities by combining the therapeutic benefits of redox nanomaterials with enzymatic activity and the water-retaining capacity of hydrogels. The multifaceted therapeutic effects of these hydrogels include scavenging reactive oxygen species and other inflammatory mediators modulating immune responses toward a pro-regenerative environment and enhancing regenerative potential by triggering cell migration and differentiation. This review highlights the current state of the art in NZ-engineered hydrogels (NZ@hydrogels) for anti-inflammatory and skin regeneration applications. It also discusses the underlying chemo-mechano-biological mechanisms behind their effectiveness. Additionally, the challenges and future directions in this ground, particularly their clinical translation, are addressed. The insights provided in this review can aid in the design and engineering of novel NZ-based hydrogels, offering new possibilities for targeted and personalized skin-care therapies.
Multiplication of distributions and singular waves in several physical models
Authors: Domingos Ana Rute
Published: February 2024

We study of a Riemann problem for a one-dimensional $$2\hspace{1.111pt}{\times }\hspace{1.111pt}2$$

2

×

2

system of conservation laws, which includes some particular cases of known physical systems, such as the pressureless gas dynamics system, Euler equations for isentropic flow, the Brio system, and the shallow water system. The main results of this study reveal the emergence of shock waves and delta shock waves as explicit solutions. We use the concept of $$\alpha $$
α
-solution defined in the setting of a product of distributions not defined by approximation. Notably, this study does not assume any classical results about conservation laws, presenting a simpler and more general framework for constructing singular solutions to other equations or systems. Additionally, this paper includes several comments on the four physical systems mentioned, along with formulas for multiplying distributions and evaluating the compositions of a function with a distribution.
Exploring student experiences of learning chemistry using holism evolution infused poetry
Authors: Mirkin Philip Joshua
Published: February 2024

Holism evolution states that although energy, matter, life, consciousness and the human personality are independent and different substances/levels of evolution, they are holistically and intimately related.

This paper presents the findings from teaching chemistry to high school science students and post-graduate university science-education students using poetry constructed from physical science ideas embedded in holism evolution. The research findings are based on observations of student behaviour and their written feedback from being taught chemistry using poems on the periodic table and acids and bases. Both poems demonstrate the holism intimacy between various substances/levels of evolution, with the periodic table poem also presenting groups of chemical elements as representing the characteristics of infant, teenager, adult and old age of matter, presenting a holistic relationship between matter and life. The findings indicate that using holism evolution infused content led to a personally meaningful engagement with chemistry even among students with limited previous interest in the subject. Many post-graduate students expressed new levels of engagement with chemistry as well as new insights to enliven their teaching practice.
Two kinds of requirements of justice
Authors: SOUTHWOOD NICHOLAS , GOODIN ROBERT E.
Published: February 2024

Claims about what justice “requires” and the “requirements” of justice are pervasive in political philosophy. However, there is a highly significant ambiguity in such claims that appears to have gone unnoticed. Such claims may pick out either one of two categorically distinct and noncoextensive kinds of requirement that we call 1) requirements-as-necessary-conditions for justice and 2) requirements-as-demands of justice. This is an especially compelling instance of an ambiguity that John Broome has famously observed in the context of claims about other requirements (notably the requirements of rationality and morality). But it appears to have been overlooked by political philosophers in the case of claims about the requirements of justice. The ambiguity is highly significant inasmuch as failing to notice it is liable to distort our normative thinking about politics and make us vulnerable to certain kinds of normatively consequential errors: both mistakenly drawing inferences about what justice demands of us from claims that certain states or societies are not just; and mistakenly drawing inferences about what states or societies are or would be just from claims that justice does not demand of states or societies that they do certain things. Paying greater attention to the distinction between these two different kinds of requirements and the ways in which they come apart is helpful, not merely in avoiding these distortions and errors, but also in resolving, or at least clarifying, a number of other notoriously murky meta-normative debates, especially various important debates about realism and idealism in political philosophy.
Whistleblowing Decisions by Police Officers
Authors: Tankebe Justice , Fulzele Atul
Published: February 2024

Police organizations are moral battlefields. Blowing the whistle on misconduct is one domain of moral contestation. Yet whistleblowing by police officers is important to ensure accountability, prevent threats to the rule of law, and avoid police capture by organized crime. In this study, we draw on a survey of 975 police officers in Himachal Pradesh, India, to investigate whistleblowing decisions and to account for these decisions. We found that officers imagined themselves blowing the whistle on the planting of evidence on criminal suspects but less so when colleagues used violence against suspects. Perceptions of organizational justice, the strength of bonds between officers, perceived audience legitimacy, and police effectiveness influenced the whistleblowing decisions of the officers.
RADIOCARBON AND URANIUM PROFILES IN MARINE GASTROPODS AROUND THE JAPANESE ARCHIPELAGO
Authors: Hirabayashi Shoko , Aze Takahiro , Miyairi Yosuke , Kan Hironobu , Yokoyama Yusuke
Published: February 2024

In this study, we investigate the distribution of radiocarbon and uranium in the calcified opercula of Turbo sp. collected from Ryukyu region and Chiba, Japan, to explore the potential of U/Th dating using mollusks collected from the Japanese archipelago. We acquired high-resolution radiocarbon and uranium concentration measurements using single-stage accelerator mass spectrometry and laser ablation−inductively coupled plasma−mass spectrometry. Our results show that uranium in the opercula of modern Turbo sp. is unevenly distributed at concentrations 1000 times less than those in coral skeletons. Radiocarbon found in the calcified opercula samples record ambient seawater radiocarbon values as well as coral skeletons. Uranium in the calcified opercula of Holocene Turbo marmoratus were also unevenly distributed and concentrated within the opercula in a different manner than observed in modern samples, suggesting uranium exchange after death. Our results suggest variable uptake of uranium isotopes into mollusk shells and highlights the need for rigorous sample selection criteria when choosing mollusks species for U/Th dating around Japan.
COVID-19 passenger screening to reduce travel risk and translocation of disease
Authors: Waite Lindsay L. , Nahhas Ahmad , Irvahn Jan , Garden Grace , Kerfonta Caroline M. , Killelea Elizabeth , Ferng William , Cummins Joshua J. , Mereness Rebecca , Austin Thomas , Jones Stephen , Olson Nels , Wilson Mark , Isaac Benson , Pepper Craig A. , Koolhof Iain S. , Armstrong Jason
Published: February 2024

Aviation passenger screening has been used worldwide to mitigate the translocation risk of SARS-CoV-2. We present a model that evaluates factors in screening strategies used in air travel and assess their relative sensitivity and importance in identifying infectious passengers. We use adapted Monte Carlo simulations to produce hypothetical disease timelines for the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 for travelling passengers. Screening strategy factors assessed include having one or two RT-PCR and/or antigen tests prior to departure and/or post-arrival, and quarantine length and compliance upon arrival. One or more post-arrival tests and high quarantine compliance were the most important factors in reducing pathogen translocation. Screening that combines quarantine and post-arrival testing can shorten the length of quarantine for travelers, and variability and mean testing sensitivity in post-arrival RT-PCR and antigen tests decrease and increase with the greater time between the first and second post-arrival test, respectively. This study provides insight into the role various screening strategy factors have in preventing the translocation of infectious diseases and a flexible framework adaptable to other existing or emerging diseases. Such findings may help in public health policy and decision-making in present and future evidence-based practices for passenger screening and pandemic preparedness.
Globular cluster metallicities and distances from disentangling their RR Lyrae light curves
Authors: Arellano Ferro A.
Published: February 2024

We present mean horizontal branch absolute magnitudes and iron abundances for a sample of 39 globular clusters. These quantities were calculated in an unprecedented homogeneous fashion based on Fourier decomposition of ligt curves of RR Lyrae cluster members. Zero points for the luminosity calibrations are discussed. Our photometrically derived metallicities and distances compare very well with spectroscopic determinations of [Fe/H] and accurate distances obtained using Gaia and Hubble Space Telescope data. The need to distinguish between the results for RRab and RRc stars for a correct evaluation of the MV–[Fe/H] relation is discussed. For RRab stars, the relation is non-linear, and the horizontal branch structure plays a significant role. For RRc stars, the relation remains linear and tight, and the slope is very shallow. Hence, the RRc stars seem better indicators of the parental cluster distances. Systematic time-series CCD imaging performed over the last 20 years enabled to discover and classify 330 variables in our sample of globular clusters.
The structure of the Milky Way from period-luminosity relations
Authors: Skowron Dorota M.
Published: February 2024

Disentangling the structural components of the Milky Way requires knowledge of distances to various classes of objects, both young, which trace the Galactic disk, and old, which trace the Galactic bulge and halo. Variable stars that obey period-luminosity relations are perfect distance indicators for such studies. Here we discuss recent findings on the structure of our galaxy, inferred from period-luminosity relations for both young, old and intermediate-age variable stars, including Cepheids, RR Lyrae stars, δ Scuti stars, and long-period variables.
Awareness of smoking cessation amongst German vascular	surgeons
Authors: Bischoff Moritz , Meisenbacher Katrin , Rother Ulrich , Cotta Livia , Böhner Hinrich , Storck Martin , Behrendt Christian-Alexander
Published: February 2024

Summary: Background: Smoking represents the well-known enemy of vascular well-being. Numerous previous studies emphasised the important role of smoking on the development and progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The current study aimed to identify hurdles and barriers for an insufficient implementation of secondary prevention in the treatment of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Methods: All members of the German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine (DGG) with valid email addresses were invited to participate in an electronic survey on smoking. Results are descriptively presented. Results: Amongst 2716 invited participants, 327 (12%) submitted complete responses, thereof 33% women and 80% between 30 and 59 years old (87% board certified specialists). 83% were employed by hospitals (56% teaching hospital, 14% university, 13% non-academic) and 16% by outpatient facilities. 6% are active smokers (63% never) while a mean of five medical education activities on smoking cessation were completed during the past five years of practice. Only 27% of the institutions offered smoking cessation programs and 28% of the respondents were aware of local programs while a mean of 46% of their patients were deemed eligible for participation. 63% of the respondents deemed outpatient physicians primarily responsible for smoking cessation, followed by medical insurance (26%). Conclusions: The current nationwide survey of one scientific medical society involved in the care of patients with vascular disease revealed that smoking cessation, although being commonly accepted as important pillar of comprehensive holistic care, is not sufficiently implemented in everyday clinical practice.
Modern‐Type Eolian Regime and Global Cooling‐Modulated Dust Provenance in the Late Paleogene of Central‐East Asia
Authors: Bohm K. , Wasiljeff J. , Stevens T. , Salminen J. , Tang H. , Lahaye Y. , Kurhila M. , Zhang Z. , Haugvaldstad O. , Kaakinen A.
Published: February 2024

Atmospheric mineral dust is a poorly constrained yet extremely important component of the climate system. Provenance studies from geologic dust archives are crucial to understand the drivers of the dust cycle over long time scales. Our multi‐technique provenance analysis of a rare Paleogene (35–27 Ma) eolian dust sequence from Ulantatal, ∼400 km northwest of the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP), shows that Paleogene dust transporting winds generally varied between northwesterly and westerly, the same as those in the late Neogene‐Quaternary bipolar icehouse. We propose that, as today, westerly wind circulation patterns would have been modulated by an Arctic Oscillation (AO)‐like situation, and that the warm Eocene favored a long‐term negative phase of AO, leading to meridional westerly circulation and the dominance of a northwesterly dust transport pathway. After the Eocene‐Oligocene transition (EOT), long‐term positive phase of AO‐like conditions initiated, leading to stronger and more zonal westerlies. The Siberian High (SH) also formed or strengthened at the EOT and started to control dust storm activity along the northwesterly transport pathway. We argue that increased Paleogene Northern Hemisphere (NH) ice volume was the ultimate driver of this modern‐type dust transport regime in the Ulantatal region, possibly also controlling initial Ulantatal dust sequence formation via the development of the SH and modern‐type eolian regime. The similarity between the Ulantatal and late Neogene northern CLP dust provenance signals suggests that the increased NH ice volume, via its control on the northwesterly dust transport, could have promoted increased loess formation also in the late Miocene.