bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalised tetanus in a cat successfully treated with magnesium sulphate and dexmedetomidine
Authors: Moretti Marzia , Botto Angelica , Calabria Maria Stella , Pelizzola Marco , Bortolami Elisa
Published: August 2024

A 4‐year‐old, neutered male domestic short‐haired cat was presented with an abdominal injury, severe extensor rigidity of all limbs and sardonic facial expression. The cat was diagnosed with tetanus and antibiotics, and antiemetics and analgesics were administered. In order to provide myorelaxation, in addition to midazolam, a supraphysiologic dose of magnesium sulphate was infused intravenously at a constant rate of 10 mg/kg/h, after a loading dose of 70 mg/kg; serum magnesium and ionic calcium were measured daily. During hospitalisation, the cat showed hypersensitivity to stimuli, tetanic seizures, hyperthermia and autonomic dysfunction, presenting as severe hypertension, sinus and ventricular tachycardia. An intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine (1 ± 0.5 µg/kg/h) improved haemodynamic parameters and attenuated muscle spasms, and its administration was continued for 96 h without adverse reactions. The magnesium infusion was maintained for 11 days without toxicity, except for a mild hypocalcaemia. The cat's clinical signs gradually improved and the patient was discharged on day 28.
Primary pulmonary carcinoma in a dog presenting with hypertrophic osteopathy
Authors: Nicholes Sheriden L. , Cray Megan , Lapsley Janis , Green Eric , Selmic Laura E.
Published: August 2024

A 9‐year‐old dog was presented for a 2‐month history of bilateral carpal, stifle and tarsal swelling and a large thyroid mass. Carpal radiographs indicated hypertrophic osteopathy, thoracic radiographs revealed an intrathoracic mass, fine‐needle aspirate of the thoracic mass diagnosed carcinoma, and subsequent cervical, thoracic and abdominal computed tomographies revealed widespread hypertrophic osteopathy, bilateral thyroid cystic structures and a soft tissue mass in the right cranial mediastinum or lung. After unilateral thyroidectomy and thoracotomy for a lung lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node extirpation, the dog was diagnosed with a benign cyst of the thyroid and a completely excised grade II pulmonary carcinoma with no metastasis to the mediastinal lymph node. After 135 days of presentation, the dog presented with increased respiratory effort, and pleural effusion was diagnosed. Thoracocentesis was performed, and cytology of the fluid was concerning for carcinoma. The dog further declined rapidly and was euthanased 178 days after the initial presentation.
Syntheses, Structures, Properties, and Calculation of a Family of Ionic Crystals Based on 1,3‐bis(5‐tetrazolyl)triazene
Authors: He Liang , Shi Zi‐chen , Huang Wen‐hui , Xue Qi , Yang Jian‐hui , Liu Bin
Published: August 2024

Sodium salt of 1,3‐bis(5‐tetrazolyl)triazene (NaH2BTT ⋅ 4H2O) was obtained through diazo‐couple reaction with 5‐aminotetrazole as starting reactants, and a family of energetic ionic crystals of the 1,3‐bis(5‐tetrazolyl)triazene anions HnBTT(3−n)− with different cations were investigated, including protonated amines (ethanediamine, hydrazinium, aminoguanidine, methylhydrazinium) and Y(H2O)83+. The structures and physicochemical properties of these compounds were characterized by IR, Raman, X‐ray diffraction (XRPD) and TG‐DSC. Ethanediamine salt is the best thermal stable, while hydrazinium salt possesses a highest nitrogen rich value of 79.76 %. Both of them show a rapid collapse of the BTT main frame, and almost all of the dissociation products are released in the form of gas.
From Concrete Jungles to Smart Cities and Digital Towns: Deploying Digital Technologies for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Lynn Theo , Rosati Pierangelo , Kennedy Jennifer
Published: August 2024

Urban areas account for most of the world’s energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and struggle to cope with the pressure of ever-growing urbanisation and an ageing infrastructure. This issue is likely to become even more prominent in the future due to current trends in population migration that see more people moving from rural to urban agglomerates. Luckily, research shows that digital technologies have clear potential for mitigating some of the negative environmental effects of urbanisation while making the urban environment more liveable and enjoyable for citizens. This chapter discusses four key themes discussed in the literature on ‘smart cities’ directly related to the deployment of digital technologies in the urban environment to support greater environmental sustainability—smart transportation, building energy optimisation, smart waste management, and environmental monitoring.
Wirkzusammenhänge zu Atmosphären
Authors: Julmi Christian , Eifert Anna , Dammert Jakob E. , Wittwer Sebastian
Published: August 2024

Wir stellen fest, dass eine gute Atmosphäre einen stark positiven und eine negative Atmosphäre einen stark negativen Einfluss auf das Wohlbefinden, die Zufriedenheit und die Motivation der Arbeitnehmer:innen nimmt. Veränderungen in der Wahrnehmung der Arbeitsatmosphäre werden insbesondere durch Führungswechsel, personelle Veränderungen und Umstrukturierungen bedingt. Zwischenmenschliche Faktoren wie Kommunikation und Teamzusammenhalt sind für die Atmosphäre entscheidend. Hingegen spielen strukturelle Faktoren eine untergeordnete Rolle.
Fazit
Authors: Julmi Christian , Eifert Anna , Dammert Jakob E. , Wittwer Sebastian
Published: August 2024

Abschließend halten wir fest: Die Arbeitsatmosphäre ist ein bedeutender Faktor nicht nur gegenwärtigen, sondern auch zukünftigen Arbeitens. Gerade weil Atmosphären schwer zu greifen sind, sehen wir die Kompetenz im Umgang mit Arbeitsatmosphären als Schlüsselkompetenz der Zukunft an, sowohl für Personen als auch für Unternehmen. Die Gestaltung von Atmosphären entzieht sich weitestgehend einer Digitalisierung; sie ist vielmehr von den Betroffenen selbst auszuhandeln und zu gestalten.
Theory of neutrino fast flavor evolution. Part I. Linear response theory and stability conditions.
Authors: Fiorillo Damiano F. G. , Raffelt Georg G.
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Neutrino-neutrino refraction leads to collective flavor evolution that can include fast flavor conversion, an ingredient still missing in numerical simulations of core-collapse supernovae. We provide a theoretical framework for the linear regime of this phenomenon using the language of response theory. In analogy to electromagnetic waves, we introduce a flavor susceptibility as the linear response to an external flavor field. By requiring self-consistency, this approach leads to the usual dispersion relation for growing modes, but differs from the traditional treatment in that it predicts Landau damping of subluminal collective modes. The new dispersion relation has definite analyticity properties and can be expanded for small growth rates. This approach simplifies and intuitively explains Morinaga’s proof of sufficiency for the occurrence of growing modes. We show that weakly growing modes arise as soon as an angular crossing is formed, due to their resonant interaction with individual neutrino modes. For longitudinal plasma waves, a similar resonance causes Landau damping or conversely, the two-stream instability.
Going back to the basics: the use of cricket powder as a protein supplement in artificial ant diets
Authors: List F. , Lesne P. , Behmer S. T. , Zhu-Salzman K. , Tarone A. M. , Vargo E. L.
Published: August 2024

The ability to keep stable, healthy colonies in laboratory settings is fundamental for conducting research on ants and particularly important for developing management tools for pest species. An important component for successful ant rearing is a suitable diet and a number of diets for feeding ants have been developed. Calcium caseinate as a protein supplement has been a widely used ingredient in ant diets, but it has become difficult to obtain. Therefore, there is a need to find an alternative protein supplement for rearing ants in captivity. Using the ant Nylanderia fulva as a model, the suitability of four alternative diets was tested against a calcium caseinate containing diet: (1) whey protein isolate fortified with calcium, (2) whey protein isolate, (3) sodium caseinate, and (4) cricket powder. We tested the performance of colony fragments fed on diets by comparing worker and queen mortality, as well as brood production for 6 weeks. Diet containing cricket powder performed better than all other diets, reflected by lower worker mortality and the addition of new workers and brood to the colony fragment, resulting in colony growth. Considering recent developments in the production of cricket powder making it a low cost and readily accessible ingredient, it should prove an effective protein supplement for rearing ants in captivity for other species.
Hardy–Littlewood fractional maximal operators on homogeneous trees
Authors: Levi Matteo , Santagati Federico
Published: August 2024

We study the mapping properties of the Hardy–Littlewood fractional maximal operator between Lorentz spaces of the homogeneous tree and discuss the optimality of all the results.
New robust and efficient liquid membranes for conductive vial electromembrane extraction of acids with low to moderate hydrophilicity in human plasma
Authors: Song Chenchen , Dowlatshah Samira , Gaznawi Somayeh , Hay Anne Oldeide , Hasvold Grete , Hansen Frederik André
Published: August 2024

The current paper reports two new, robust, and efficient conditions for electromembrane extraction of acidic substances from human plasma. Two systems were developed based on eutectic solvents: A1 (“A” for acid) comprised dodecyl methyl sulfoxide and thymol in 1:2 ratio (w/w) as liquid membrane, while A2 used [6-methylcoumarin:thymol (1:2)]:2-nitrophenyl octyl ether in 2:1 ratio (w/w). The performance of A1 and A2 was characterized by extraction of 31 acidic model analytes (pharmaceutical drugs and nutrients) spiked into 100 µL human plasma diluted 1:1 (v/v) with phosphate buffer pH 7.4. The acceptor solution was 50 mM NH4HCO3 buffer pH 10.0, and extraction was performed at an agitation rate of 750 RPM. Voltage and extraction time were 30 V for 30 min and 10 V for 20 min for A1 and A2, respectively. Under optimal conditions, A1 extracted analytes with 1.8 ≤ log P ≤ 6.0 with an average recovery (R) of 85.1%, while A2 extracted in a range of 0.5 ≤ log P ≤ 6.0 with an average recovery of 79.9%. Meanwhile, extraction current was low at 9 and 26 µA, respectively, which is indicative of good system robustness. Using UHPLC-MS/MS analysis of the acceptor solution, repeatability of the A1 and A2 methods was determined to be 2.8–7.7% and 3.3–9.4% for R > 40%, matrix effects were 82–117% and 84–112%, respectively, and linear calibration curves were obtained. The performance and compatibility with human plasma represent a major improvement over previous state-of-the-art liquid membranes for acidic analytes, namely 1-octanol.

Graphical Abstract
Nursery provision of red-algal habitats in temperate Algoa Bay, South Africa
Authors: James N. C. , Jacobs A. G. , Gayiza M. , Human L. R.D. , Steyn P. P. , Bernard A. T. , Rishworth G. M.
Published: August 2024

This study examines the importance of both macroalgal heterogeneity and specific macroalgal species or morphotypes to nursery provision for juvenile sparids (Diplodus capensis and Sarpa salpa) in a shallow (< 2 m), sheltered rocky cove in warm-temperate Algoa Bay, South Africa. The rocky cove is comprised of a mosaic of two main benthic habitats; canopy-forming Plocamium corallorhiza beds on rocky outcrops and flat reef dominated by low growing red algae morphotypes. We assessed macroalgal communities and the trophic ecology (stomach contents and isotopes), abundance and size structure of D. capensis and S. salpa in the two different benthic habitats and the resources/food associated with the dominant macroalgae species/morphotypes. We found high densities of S. salpa and D. capensis, in both high profile reef (rocky outcrops) and low profile (flat) reef. Within this habitat mosaic resources (epiphytes and macroinvertebrates) were more abundant in the non-canopy forming low growing macroalgae (Laurencia spp. and coralline turf algae) and these algae were also assimilated in the diets of both sparids. The high abundance of both juvenile S. salpa and D. capensis in high profile and low profile reef, suggests that within this mosaic of habitats these species may be using canopy-forming algae in the high profile reef for shelter and non-canopy forming algae in both the high and low profile reef for food. This shows that macroalgal habitats comprising several morphotypes have the potential to support higher juvenile diversity and abundance through both food provision and shelter.
Principles of Molecular Evolution: Concepts from Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics for the Multilevel Theory of Learning
Authors: Smiatek Jens
Published: August 2024

We present a non-equilibrium thermodynamics approach to the multilevel theory of learning for the study of molecular evolution. This approach allows us to study the explicit time dependence of molecular evolutionary processes and their impact on entropy production. Interpreting the mathematical expressions, we can show that two main contributions affect entropy production of molecular evolution processes which can be identified as mutation and gene transfer effects. Accordingly, our results show that the optimal adaptation of organisms to external conditions in the context of evolutionary processes is driven by principles of minimum entropy production. Such results can also be interpreted as the basis of some previous postulates of the theory of learning. Although our macroscopic approach requires certain simplifications, it allows us to interpret molecular evolutionary processes using thermodynamic descriptions with reference to well-known biological processes.
Synthetic biology toolkit of Ralstonia eutropha (Cupriavidus necator)
Authors: Santolin Lara , Riedel Sebastian L. , Brigham Christopher J.
Published: August 2024

Synthetic biology encompasses many kinds of ideas and techniques with the common theme of creating something novel. The industrially relevant microorganism, Ralstonia eutropha (also known as Cupriavidus necator), has long been a subject of metabolic engineering efforts to either enhance a product it naturally makes (polyhydroxyalkanoate) or produce novel bioproducts (e.g., biofuels and other small molecule compounds). Given the metabolic versatility of R. eutropha and the existence of multiple molecular genetic tools and techniques for the organism, development of a synthetic biology toolkit is underway. This toolkit will allow for novel, user-friendly design that can impart new capabilities to R. eutropha strains to be used for novel application. This article reviews the different synthetic biology techniques currently available for modifying and enhancing bioproduction in R. eutropha.

Key points

• R. eutropha (C. necator) is a versatile organism that has been examined for many applications.

• Synthetic biology is being used to design more powerful strains for bioproduction.

• A diverse synthetic biology toolkit is being developed to enhance R. eutropha’s capabilities.
Two-indexed formulation of the traveling salesman problem with multiple drones performing sidekicks and loops
Authors: Rave Alexander
Published: August 2024

Aerial drone delivery has great potential to improve package delivery time, as drones can fly autonomously over obstacles at a possibly higher speed than trucks. The benefits of drones in delivery can even be increased in a truck-and-drone tandem where a truck carries multiple drones and releases them at advantageous places, i.e., the traveling salesman problem with multiple drones (TSPmD). We focus on a general version of this problem with makespan minimization, where the drones have two options after serving the customer: they can return to any node the truck visits at a later stage (sidekick) or return to the same node they were launched from (loop) — even at the depot. We introduce an efficient two-indexed mixed-integer linear program (MILP) for this TSPmD and show how to adapt the MILP to cover two problem variants, namely the multiple flying sidekick traveling salesman problem and the traveling salesman problem with drone. Our MILP formulation is an efficient formulation, as it outperforms eight state-of-the-art MILP formulations for these problem variants in nearly all larger instances. In a numerical study, we provide new optimal solutions with up to 28 nodes for benchmark purposes. Moreover, we analyze the impact of allowing drone loops on makespan minimization in general and at the depot. We find that loops mainly become relevant when drones travel faster than trucks, resulting in average makespan savings of up to 2.7%.
MRI-based assessment of the mylohyoid muscle in oral squamous cell carcinoma, a 7-point scoring method
Authors: Radin E. , Marcuzzo A. V. , de Groodt J. , Degrassi F. , Calderan L. , Ramella V. , Tirelli G. , Ukmar M. , Cova M. A.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To investigate preoperative MRI evaluation of the features of the mylohyoid muscle (MM) predictive of its infiltration in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treatment planning, defining the most appropriate sequences to study its deep extension into the floor of the mouth (FOM).

Materials and methods

We applied a 7-point score to retrospectively evaluate preoperative imaging of patients who underwent surgery for OSCC over 11 years. The results were compared with histopathological findings using Spearman’s rank coefficient. Receiver operating characteristic curves were employed to assess the score’s ability to predict MM infiltration, determining optimal thresholds for sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. The Mann–Whitney U-test confirmed that infiltration judgments did not overlap around this threshold. Cohen’s K statistical coefficient was used to evaluate the interobserver agreement.

Results

Fifty-two patients (mean age 66.4 ± 11.9 years, 36 men) were evaluated. Histopathological examination found MM infiltration in 21% of cases (n = 11), with 90% classified in the highest Score categories. A score > 4 proved to be the best cut-off for predicting the risk of MM infiltration, with a sensitivity of 91% (CI: 0.57–0.99), specificity 61% (CI: 0.45–0.76), PPV 38% (CI: 0.21–0.59), and NPV 96% (CI: 0.78–0.99). At the subsequent single-sequence assessment, the TSE-T2wi had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with sensitivity 90% (CI: 0.57–0.99), specificity 70% (CI: 0.53–0.82), PPV 45% (CI: 0.25–0.67), and NPV 96% (CI: 0.80–0.99).

Conclusion

The 7-point score is a promising predictor of safe surgical margins for MM in OSCC treatment, with the particular benefit of T2-weighted sequences.

Clinical relevance statement

Our scoring system for tumor infiltration of MM, which is easy to use even for less experienced radiologists, allows for uniformity in radiological language, thereby ensuring crucial preoperative information for the surgeon.

Key Points

The relationship of the MM to an oral lesion may impact surgical planning.

As the score increases, there is a greater incidence of infiltration in the MM.

Our score system improves radiologists’ reporting for MM involvement by tumor.
Narrative review of diagnosis, management and treatment of dysphagia and sialorrhea in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Bjelica Bogdan , Petri Susanne
Published: August 2024

The degenerative motor neuron disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) frequently leads bulbar symptoms like dysarthria, dysphagia, and sialorrhea, in approximately one-third of cases being the initial symptom. Throughout the disease, more than two-thirds of ALS patients experience dysphagia, regardless of the region of onset. In this review, we aimed to offer an updated overview of dysphagia and sialorrhea in ALS, covering its diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment in clinical practice. Regular assessment of dysphagia and sialorrhea during each patient visit is essential and should be a standard aspect of ALS care. Early discussion of potential treatments such as high-calorie diets or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is crucial. Furthermore, this review highlights and discusses potential areas for improvement in both clinical practice and research.
Clival chordomas and chondrosarcomas in Denmark—Outcomes in 33 patients following the national centralization of treatment in 2010
Authors: Skotting Mikkel Bundgaard , Poulsgaard Lars , Springborg Jacob Bertram , Sundbye Filippa , Engelmann Bodil Elisabeth , Scheie David , Ciochon Urszula Maria , Guldberg Frederikke , Fugleholm Kåre
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This 13-year consecutive case series aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all patients operated for clival chordomas and clival chondrosarcomas in Denmark since the centralization of treatment in 2010, comparing outcomes to international series.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of 33 patients with clival tumors, comprising 22 chordomas and 11 chondrosarcomas, who were treated at Copenhagen University Hospital between years 2010 and 2023. Data were collected from digital patient records and pathology reports.

Results

The symptoms leading to diagnosis primarily included double vision, headaches, and dizziness. In general, patients were in good health, with a mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score of 1.6. The complication rate of the index surgery was 51.5%. Adjuvant radiotherapy was applied in 51.5% of the cases. In patients with clival chordomas, the mean age was 51.1 years, ranging from 16 to 83 years. At the time of diagnosis, the mean tumor volume was 20.9 cm3 and the five-year overall survival rates were 79.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 62.4–100). In patients with chondrosarcomas, the mean age was 48.2 years, ranging from 15 to 76 years. At the time of diagnosis, the mean tumor volume was 22.3 cm3 and the five-year overall survival 90% (95% CI: 73.2–100).

Conclusion

The centralized treatment of clival tumors in Denmark demonstrates incidence, survival, and complication rates comparable to those found in other international series. Given the variations in treatment strategies, tumor localizations across series, and small sample sizes, the further analysis of larger compiled multicenter datasets for clival tumors could provide more solid evidence regarding the management of these rare tumors.
Exploring the interplay between kidney function and urinary metabolites in young adults: the African-PREDICT study
Authors: du Toit Wessel L. , Kruger Ruan , Gafane-Matemane Lebo F. , Schutte Aletta E. , Louw Roan , Mels Catharina M. C.
Published: August 2024

The exposure to modifiable risk factors at young ages have been linked to premature fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular and kidney outcomes. The use of urinary metabolomics has shown strong predictability of kidney function and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We therefore determined the associations between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary metabolites in young adults with and without CVD risk factors. Apparently healthy Black and White sexes were included (aged 20–30 years) and categorised by the presence or absence of risk factors, i.e., obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, masked hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and low socio-economic status, forming the CVD risk group (N = 1036), CVD risk clusters (i.e. presenting with 1 CVD risk factor (N = 344), 2 CVD risk factors (N = 360) and 3 + CVD risk factors (N = 332)) and the control group (N = 166). eGFR was calculated with CKD-EPI equations. A targeted metabolomics approach using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure amino acids and acylcarnitines. Lower cystatin C-based eGFR were indicated in the CVD risk group, 2 and 3 + CVD risk clusters compared to the control group (all P ≤ 0.033). In the CVD risk group, eGFR associated positively with histidine, lysine, asparagine, glycine, serine, glutamine, dimethylglycine, threonine, alanine, creatine, cystine, methionine, tyrosine, pyroglutamic acid, leucine/isoleucine, aspartic acid, tryptophan, glutamic acid, free carnitine, acetylcarnitine, propionylcarnitine, isovalerylcarnitine, octanoylcarnitine and decanoylcarnitine (all P ≤ 0.044), with similar results found in the CVD risk clusters, particularly the 2 CVD risk cluster. eGFR was positively associated with metabolites linked to aromatic amino acid and branched-chain amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism and oxidative stress. These findings may indicate altered reabsorption of these metabolites or altered metabolic regulation to preserve renal health in the setting of CVD risk factors at this young age without established CVD.
N-carboxyacyl and N-α-aminoacyl derivatives of aminoaldehydes as shared substrates of plant aldehyde dehydrogenases 10 and 7
Authors: Masopustová Michaela , Goga Adam , Soural Miroslav , Kopečná Martina , Šebela Marek
Published: August 2024

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) represent a superfamily of enzymes, which oxidize aldehydes to the corresponding acids. Certain families, namely ALDH9 and ALDH10, are best active with ω-aminoaldehydes arising from the metabolism of polyamines such as 3-aminopropionaldehyde and 4-aminobutyraldehyde. Plant ALDH10s show broad specificity and accept many different aldehydes (aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic) as substrates. This work involved the above-mentioned aminoaldehydes acylated with dicarboxylic acids, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. The resulting products were then examined with native ALDH10 from pea and recombinant ALDH7s from pea and maize. This investigation aimed to find a common efficient substrate for the two plant ALDH families. One of the best natural substrates of ALDH7s is aminoadipic semialdehyde carrying a carboxylic group opposite the aldehyde group. The substrate properties of the new compounds were demonstrated by mass spectrometry of the reaction mixtures, spectrophotometric assays and molecular docking. The N-carboxyacyl derivatives were good substrates of pea ALDH10 but were only weakly oxidized by the two plant ALDH7s. The N-phenylalanyl and N-tyrosyl derivatives of 3-aminopropionaldehyde were good substrates of pea and maize ALDH7. Particularly the former compound was converted very efficiently (based on the kcat/Km ratio), but it was only weakly oxidized by pea ALDH10. Although no compound exhibited the same level of substrate properties for both ALDH families, we show that these enzymes may possess more common substrates than expected.
The developmental course of adolescent paranoia: a longitudinal analysis of the interacting role of mistrust and general psychopathology
Authors: Catone Gennaro , Senese Vincenzo Paolo , Pascotto Antonio , Pisano Simone , Broome Matthew R.
Published: August 2024

Paranoia is the erroneous idea that people are targeting you for harm, and the cognitive model suggests that symptoms increase with emotional and relational distress. A factor potentially associated with paranoia is mistrust, a milder form of suspiciousness. This study investigated the longitudinal course of non-clinical paranoia in a sample of 739 students (age range 10–12 at baseline assessment, 12–14 at second assessment) using data from the Social Mistrust Scale (SMS) and the paranoia subscale of the Specific Psychotic Experiences Questionnaire (SPEQ). Prevalence of mistrustful and high paranoia children was 14.6 and 15% respectively. Independently, baseline internalizing symptoms (b = 0.241, p < 0.001) and mistrust (b = 0.240, p < 0.001) longitudinally predict paranoia after controlling for confounders. The interaction of mistrust and internalizing symptoms at T1 increases the possibility of the onset of paranoia at T2. Therefore, the effect of mistrust on paranoia is more marked when internalizing symptoms are higher. Our results confirm the role of mistrust as a factor involved in the developmental trajectory of paranoia in adolescence, enhanced by the presence of internalizing symptoms. The implications of these results are both theoretical and clinical, as they add developmental information to the cognitive model of paranoia and suggests the assessment and clinical management of mistrust and internalizing symptoms in youth may be useful with the aim of reducing the risk of psychotic experiences.
Sediment size effects on non-Darcy flow: insights from Izbash equation and Forchheimer inertial coefficient analysis
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Camulli Hanna , Bradley Jacob
Published: August 2024

The transition from Darcy to non-Darcy flow regimes was investigated using column experiments. This revealed key relationships between sediment characteristics and critical thresholds for the onset of the non-Darcy flow regime, as well as inertial flow parameters. An exponential dependence of the critical Reynolds number (Rec) on hydraulic conductivity (K) and a linear dependence on sediment size (d50) was found. The analysis revealed a potentially universal relationship between the critical hydraulic gradient (Ic) and K, with a power-law exponent of –3/2, consistent with previous investigations. Additionally, Ic was found to be inversely proportional to the power law of the square root of d50. Novel relationships are derived for estimating the Izbash equation inertial exponent (n) and the Forchheimer inertial coefficient ($$\beta$$
β
) based on sediment characteristics. The exponent (n) was found to decrease with d50 and increase with K, following power-law relationships. A new equation is proposed, capable of predicting $$\beta$$
β
with slightly improved accuracy, outperforming numerous and previously proposed empirical equations. Additionally, these data validate the works of Ergun and Irmay as an alternative for $$\beta$$
β
estimation using porosity and sediment size. As the attainment of statistical significance in multiparameter curve fitting can be trivial, it has led to the proliferation of empirical equations for estimating β. This study highlights the limitations of existing empirical methods in determining β and emphasizes the necessity for a universal approach to predict this critical parameter, which will facilitate broader adoption of the Forchheimer equation.
Does cross-validation work in telling rankings apart?
Authors: Sziklai Balázs R. , Baranyi Máté , Héberger Károly
Published: August 2024

Although cross-validation (CV) is a standard technique in machine learning and data science, its efficacy remains largely unexplored in ranking environments. When evaluating the significance of differences, cross-validation is typically coupled with statistical testing, such as the Dietterich, Alpaydin, or Wilcoxon test. In this paper, we evaluate the power and false positive error rate of the Dietterich, Alpaydin, and Wilcoxon statistical tests combined with cross-validation each operating with folds ranging from 5 to 10, resulting in a total of 18 variants. Our testing setup utilizes a ranking framework, similar to the Sum of Ranking Differences (SRD) statistical procedure: we assume the existence of a reference ranking, and distances are measured in $$L_1$$

L
1

-norm. We test the methods under artificial scenarios as well as on real data borrowed from sports and chemistry. The choice of the optimal CV test method depends on preferences related to the minimization of errors in type I and II cases, the size of the input, and anticipated patterns in the data. Among the investigated input sizes, the Wilcoxon method with eight folds proved to be the most effective, although its performance in type I situations is subpar. While the Dietterich and Alpaydin methods excel in type I situations, they perform poorly in type II scenarios. The inadequate performances of these tests raises questions about their efficacy outside of ranking environments too.
Nanosecond infrared laser (NIRL) for cutting roots of human teeth: thermal effects and quality of cutting edges
Authors: Friedrich Reinhard E. , Kohlrusch Felix K. , Ricken Thomas , Grimm Julian , Gosau Martin , Hahn Michael , von Kroge Simon , Hahn Jan
Published: August 2024

A nanosecond infrared laser (NIRL) was investigated in cutting dental roots. The focus of the investigation was defining the preparation accuracy and registration of thermal effects during laser application. Ten teeth were processed in the root area using a NIRL in several horizontal, parallel incisions to achieve tooth root ablation as in an apicoectomy. Temperature change was monitored during ablation and the quality of the cutting edges in the roots were studied by means of micro-CT, optical coherence tomography, and histology of decalcified and undecalcified specimens. NIRL produced clearly defined cut surfaces in dental hard tissues. The automated guidance of the laser beam created regular, narrow dentin defects that tapered in a V-shape towards the ablation plane. A biologically significant increase in the temperature of the object and its surroundings did not occur during the laser application. Thermal dentin damage was not detected in histological preparations of treated teeth. Defined areas of the tooth root may be ablated using a NIRL. For clinical translation of NIRL in apicoectomy, it would be necessary to increase energy delivered to hard tissue and develop beam application facilitating beam steering for oral treatment.
Recycling valid inequalities for robust combinatorial optimization with budgeted uncertainty
Authors: Büsing Christina , Gersing Timo , Koster Arie M. C. A.
Published: August 2024

Robust combinatorial optimization with budgeted uncertainty is one of the most popular approaches for integrating uncertainty into optimization problems. The existence of a compact reformulation for (mixed-integer) linear programs and positive complexity results give the impression that these problems are relatively easy to solve. However, the practical performance of the reformulation is quite poor when solving robust integer problems, in particular due to its weak linear relaxation. To overcome this issue, we propose procedures to derive new classes of valid inequalities for robust combinatorial optimization problems. For this, we recycle valid inequalities of the underlying deterministic problem such that the additional variables from the robust formulation are incorporated. The valid inequalities to be recycled may either be readily available model constraints or actual cutting planes, where we can benefit from decades of research on valid inequalities for classical optimization problems. We first demonstrate the strength of the inequalities theoretically, by proving that recycling yields a facet-defining inequality in many cases, even if the original valid inequality was not facet-defining. Afterwards, we show in an extensive computational study that using recycled inequalities can lead to a significant improvement of the computation time when solving robust optimization problems.
Radiographic characterization of OPLL progression in patients receiving laminoplasty with a minimum of two-years follow-up
Authors: Liu Wai Kiu Thomas , Yuet Siu Keira Ho , Cheung Jason Pui-Yin , Shea Graham Ka-Hon
Published: August 2024

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a common cause of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) in Asian populations. Characterization of OPLL progression following laminoplasty remains limited in the literature. 29 patients with OPLL received cervical laminoplasty and a minimum of 2-years follow-up. Clinical and radiological surveillance occurred at 3-months, 6-months, 12-months post-op and then at yearly intervals. Transverse (anteroposterior) diameter and sagittal length of OPLL in relation to their cervical vertebral level of localisation was assessed upon immediate post-op radiographs compared to those obtained at subsequent follow-up. OPLL progression was defined as an increase in transverse dimensions and/or length by ≥ 2 mm. The average period of clinical follow-up was 6.7 ± 3.3 years. Upon latest follow-up, 79% of patients demonstrated at least 2 mm of transverse or longitudinal progression of OPLL. This corresponded to 2-years and 5-year progression rates of 54% and 71% respectively. OPLL located over C5 demonstrated the greatest transverse progression rate at (0.24 ± 0.34 mm / year). The mean overall longitudinal progression rate was 1.61 ± 2.06 mm / year. No patients experienced neurological decline resulting from OPLL progression requiring revision decompression during the period of post-operative observation. Characterizing transverse and longitudinal progression by cervical level via radiographs has implications in surgical planning for OPLL and should be consolidated upon post-operative CT/MRI scans as well as larger sample sizes.
Diagrammatics for Comodule Monads
Authors: Halbig Sebastian , Zorman Tony
Published: August 2024

We extend Willerton’s [24] graphical calculus for bimonads to comodule monads, a monadic interpretation of module categories over a monoidal category. As an application, we prove a version of Tannaka–Krein duality for these structures.
Understanding and classifying the raw water transfer invasion pathway
Authors: Waine Ava , Robertson Peter , Pattison Zarah
Published: August 2024

Raw Water Transfer (RWT) schemes move large volumes of freshwater between separate waterbodies to supply water as a specific commodity. Water is translocated by complex purpose-built networks of pipelines, tunnels and water supply canals. RWTs form hydrological connections between waterbodies across various spatial scales, and create a pathway of introduction and spread for a diverse range of invasive non-native species (INNS). Though occurring globally in large numbers, RWTs are not currently well represented by the standard pathway classification framework adopted by the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD). At present, RWTs are included within the ‘corridor’ category, which denotes the natural spread of organisms to neighbouring regions through transport infrastructure i.e. navigable canals/artificial waterways. However, RWTs are not routes for vehicle transport, and species are translocated between often non-adjoining waterbodies by the intentional transfer of water, not via natural spread. We provide a background for the complex RWT pathway and evidence of INNS spread through RWT schemes globally, and explore several options for improved RWT classification within the CBD framework—we recommend that the current corridor category is modified slightly to accommodate the addition of RWTs as a distinct sub-category, as separate from a clearly defined ‘navigable canal/artificial waterways’ sub-category. Accurate classification will increase understanding and awareness of this high-risk pathway, and support much-needed insight into its distinct stakeholders and drivers. Further, delineating RWTs from navigable canals/artificial waterways will help to identify widespread opportunities for pathway management and policy development, in addition to supporting more accurate future assessments of the risks and economic costs of the corridor pathway category.
Funding sources, colonial legacy, and new firms’ creation in Africa
Authors: Massidda C. , Piras R.
Published: August 2024

This study examines the determinants of new firm creation in Africa, focusing on external and internal funding sources and their interactions. It also explores the influence of colonial history by separately analyzing former British and French colonies. The primary goal is to help fill crucial gaps in African literature on the determinants of entrepreneurship. Given Africa's widespread poverty and underdevelopment, understanding what drives entrepreneurship is essential for job creation and economic growth. The study reveals three key findings. First, at the full sample level, remittances are the only external financing source positively associated with new firm creation, while foreign aid and foreign direct investment obstacle it. Internal sources, like savings and credit, do not show significant effects. Second, the subsample analysis reveals heterogeneous results: former British colonies' funding sources align with the overall findings, while in former French colonies, only savings support entrepreneurship. Third, considering control variables, the subsample analysis indicates two distinct entrepreneurship models: opportunity-based in former British colonies and necessity-based in former French colonies. These findings are noteworthy and provide significant policy implications at both national and international levels. Crucially, the positive role of remittances in financing new business initiatives, confirms that migration serves as a mutually beneficial arrangement for both sending African countries and the host countries.
On the Non-identity Causal Theory of Spacetime from Causal Set Theory
Authors: Jaksland Rasmus , Linnemann Niels
Published: August 2024

The aim to provide a causal theory of spacetime is not new. The overall program, however, was largely deemed unsuccessful, chiefly due to criticism voiced by Smart (Monist 53:385–395, 1969), Nerlich (Br J Philos Sci 33(4):361–388, 1982) and Earman (Synthese 24:74–86, 1972). Recently, Baron and Le Bihan (Noûs 58:202–224, 2023) have argued that developments in contemporary physics should make us reconsider this verdict. More precisely, they argue the emergence of spacetime from causal set theory (CST), where “the metric structure of spacetime can be recovered from its causal structure” (Baron and Le Bihan 2023, 2), “suggests a very natural way to reformulate the causal theory of spacetime” (ibid., 9)—an account which they end up dubbing the non-identity causal theory. This paper questions the success of Baron and Le Bihan’s non-identity theory. It is shown that (1) the specific grounding Baron and Le Bihan propose for timelike and spacelike relations is not plausible even when charitably reconstructed; and (2) that a causal theory of spacetime based on general relativity is just as successful for establishing a non-identity theory as a theory based on CST. In short then, we argue that the causal theory of spacetime proposed by Baron and Le Bihan is supported just as well (or badly) by the physics that already took centre stage in the original discussions of the causal theory of spacetime.
Genetic programming hyper-heuristic for evolving a maintenance policy for wind farms
Authors: Ma Yikai , Zhang Wenjuan , Branke Juergen
Published: August 2024

Reducing the cost of operating and maintaining wind farms is essential for the economic viability of this renewable energy source. This study applies hyper-heuristics to design a maintenance policy that prescribes the best maintenance action in every possible situation. Genetic programming is used to construct a priority function that determines what maintenance activities to conduct and the sequence of maintenance activities if there are not enough resources to do all of them simultaneously. The priority function may take into account the health condition of the target turbine and its components, the characteristics of the corresponding maintenance work, the workload of the maintenance crew, the working condition of the whole wind farm and the possibilities provided by opportunistic maintenance. Empirical results using a simulation model of the wind farm demonstrate that the proposed model can construct maintenance policies that perform well both in training and test scenarios, which shows the practicability of the approach.
Mid-term clinical outcomes and cardiac function in patients receiving cardiac contractility modulation
Authors: Deak Andrew , Zaidi Syed M. , Gangireddy Chethan , Cronin Edmond , Hamad Eman , Fabrizio Carly , Bhatia-Patel Sanjana , Rakita Val , Whitman Isaac R.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To describe the mid-term clinical and functional cardiac contractility modulation therapy (CCM) recipients in an urban population with heart failure.

Background

CCM is a non-excitatory electrical therapy for patients with systolic heart failure with NYHA class III symptoms and ejection fraction (EF) 25–45%. How CCM affects a broad range of clinical measures, including diastolic dysfunction (DD) and weight change, is unexplored.

Methods

We reviewed 31 consecutive patients at our center who underwent CCM implant. NYHA class, hospitalizations, ejection fraction (EF), diastolic function, and weight were compared pre- and post-CCM implant.

Results

Mean age and follow-up time was 63 ± 10 years and 1.4 ± 0.8 years, respectively. Mean NYHA class improved by 0.97 functional classes (p < 0.001), and improvement occurred in 68% of patients. Mean annualized hospitalizations improved (0.8 ± 0.8 vs. 0.4 ± 1.0 hospitalizations/year, p = 0.048), and after exclusion of a single outlier, change in annualized days hospitalized also improved (total cohort 3.8 ± 4.7 vs. 3.7 ± 14.8 days/year; p = 0.96; after exclusion, 3.8 ± 4.7 vs. 1.1 ± 1.9 days/year, p < 0.001). Mean EF improved by 8% (p = 0.002), and among those with DD pre-CCM, mean DD improvement was 0.8 “grades” (p < 0.001). Mean weight change was 8.5 pounds lost, amounting to 4% of body weight (p = 0.002, p = 0.002, respectively), with 77% of patients having lost weight after CCM. Five patients (16%) experienced procedural complications; incidence skewed toward early implants.

Conclusion

In an observational cohort, CCM therapy resulted in improvement in NYHA class, hospitalizations, systolic and diastolic function, and weight.

Graphical Abstract
Mulching techniques impact on soil chemical and biological characteristics affecting physiology of lemon trees
Authors: Olmos-Ruiz Rafael , Hurtado-Navarro María , Pascual Jose Antonio , Carvajal Micaela
Published: August 2024

Aims

The lemon cultivation methods and techniques are crucial to ensure maximum productivity in the face of climate change. Mulching with plastic is commonly used in citrus production for saving water, but some side effects need to be investigated. In our study, we investigated different plastic and biological mulching on lemon trees determining growth and physiological parameters in relation to soil chemical and biological composition.

Methods

The experiment was divided into four different lines with ten trees per treatment, the effect of mulching with white and black plastic film, dry pruning mulching respect to a non-mulched treatment of lemon tree orchard during a crop season. The impact of these treatments on vegetative growth, stomatal gas exchange and mineral nutrition on plant and soil bacterial communities were evaluated.

Results

Our results showed that the type of mulching significantly influenced in the parameters studied. All mulching treatments increased temperature and soil moisture levels; plastic mulching treatments had significantly higher values in terms of intrinsic water use efficiency; while mulching with dry pruning showed higher soil microbial activity, leading to increased water use efficiency and productivity.

Conclusion

The results showed that different methods of mulching affected the physiology of lemon trees interacting in a complex way to determine their growth. Specifically, mulching using dry pruning improved the exchange of gases in the plant and plant nutrition which was related to the biological soil health.
Flux Calibration of Coronal Magnetic Field
Authors: Vandas Marek , Romashets Evgeny
Published: August 2024

Romashets and Vandas (2024) derived a method for the determination of Euler potentials at a spherical surface and applied it to the geomagnetic field. Here, we apply it to find Euler potentials at the source surface. A regular mesh defined by Euler potentials divides the source surface to surface elements with the same magnetic flux. By tracing magnetic-field lines away from the source surface, Euler potentials can be extended into the heliosphere.