bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid detection of murine‐derived ingredients in meat products using real‐time enzymatic recombinase amplification
Authors: Xie Qingqing , Liu Zhifei , Liang Qianqian , Wang Xiaohui , Yang Qiquan , Cai Wenyu , Lei Jiawen , Cheng Guojun , Zhang Li
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Accurate identification of meat species is critical to prevent economic fraud and safeguard public health. The use of inappropriate meat sources, such as murine, poses significant health risks because of potential contamination with pathogens and allergens, leading to foodborne illnesses. The present study aimed to develop a novel real‐time enzymatic recombinase amplification (ERA) method for the rapid and specific detection of murine DNA in meat products.

RESULTS

A novel ERA primer and probe set was designed, targeting a murine‐specific single‐copy nuclear gene identified through bioinformatics analysis. The assay demonstrates high specificity, showing no amplification in commonly consumed meats, other animals or major crops. Additionally, it exhibits remarkable sensitivity, detecting as few as five copies of murine genomic DNA. For practical application, the ERA method could effectively identify mouse DNA in laboratory‐prepared samples at concentrations as low as 0.5% and also quantify samples with mouse DNA content as low as 5%. It also accurately detects the presence of murine‐derived ingredients in commercially available meat products. The detection process is straightforward, utilizing a simple isothermal device for incubation, blue light excitation and a smartphone camera for result interpretation. This rapid analysis can be completed within 20 min.

CONCLUSION

The newly developed real‐time ERA method provides a valuable tool for standardizing meat trade practices, promoting food safety and enhancing consumer confidence in the authenticity of meat products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fully Telemetric Robotic Microsurgery: Clinical Experience With 23 Cases
Authors: Gorji Shaghayegh , Wessel Kai , Dermietzel Alexander , Aitzetmueller Matthias , Wendenburg Isa , Varnava Charalampos , Klietz Marie‐Luise , Wiebringhaus Philipp , Hirsch Tobias , Kueckelhaus Maximilian
Published: August 2024

Background

Recently, there is an ongoing trend in plastic surgery with robotic‐assisted microsurgery and supermicrosurgery devices being developed. Combining a telemetrically controlled robotic microscope with an also telemetrically controlled microsurgery robot unlocks synergistic effects with complete disconnection of the operating surgeon from the operating field. Here, we report the first clinical free flap reconstructions using this setup.

Methods

Twenty‐three surgeries were performed with the combined remote approach using the Symani Surgical System and the RoboticScope in open microsurgery procedures. Anastomosis time and ischemia time were recorded. The surgical performance for anastomoses was assessed using the modified Structured Assessment of Microsurgical Skills (SAMS) score. Subjective satisfaction was evaluated by the surgeons in comparison with conventional microsurgery. To evaluate the learning curve, the senior authors first four (first group) and last four (last group) procedures were compared.

Results

Overall, flap survival was 95.7%. The average arterial anastomosis time was 36.7 ± 10.9 min. Total time of surgery was 277.7 ± 63.8 min, and ischemia time was 100.6 ± 24.9 min. Most SAMS score parameters were significantly higher in the last group of surgical procedures compared with the first operations. Subjective satisfaction was equal or better with the combined robotic‐assisted approach in most categories.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrates safety and feasibility of the use of a combined remote approach. Robotic systems for microsurgical procedures may hold promising potential for improvement of surgical quality and open up new frontiers in microsurgery.
Phrenic neuropathy etiologies and recovery trajectories in outpatient rehabilitation and neuromuscular medicine clinics: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Demetriou Nicholas , Jensen Alexandra S. , Farr Ellen , Khanna Shreyaa , Coleman John M. , Ajroud‐Driss Senda , Adewuyi Adenike A. , Wolfe Lisa F. , Franz Colin K.
Published: August 2024

Introduction/Aims

Phrenic neuropathy (PhN) impairs diaphragm muscle function, causing a spectrum of breathing disability. PhN etiologies and their natural history are ill‐defined. This knowledge gap hinders informed prognosis and management decisions. This study aims to help fill this knowledge gap on PhN etiologies, outcomes, and recovery patterns, especially in the context of nonsurgical clinical practice.

Methods

This was a retrospective study from two interdisciplinary clinics, physiatry and neurology based. Patients were included if PhN was identified, and other causes of hemi‐diaphragm muscle dysfunction excluded. Patients were followed serially at the discretion of the neuromuscular‐trained neurologist or physiatrist. Recovery was assessed using pulmonary function tests (PFTs), diaphragm muscle ultrasound (US) thickening ratio, and patient‐reported outcomes in patients presenting within 2 years of PhN onset.

Results

We identified 151 patients with PhN. The most common etiologies were idiopathic (27%), associated with cardiothoracic procedure (24%), and intensive care unit (17%). Of these patients, 117 (77%) were evaluated within 2 years of PhN onset. Of patients included in outcome analyses, 64% saw improvement on serial US, 50% on serial PFTs and 79% reported symptomatic improvement at an average of 15, 16, and 17 months, respectively.

Discussion

A clear majority of PhN patients show improvement in diaphragm muscle function, but on average, improvements took 15–17 months depending on the assessment type. These insights are vital for developing tailored treatments and can guide physicians in prognosis and decision‐making, especially if more invasive interventions are being considered.
Brain tumor classification for combining the advantages of multilayer dense net‐based feature extraction and hyper‐parameters tuned attentive dual residual generative adversarial network classifier using wild horse optimization
Authors: Anantharajan Shenbagarajan , Gunasekaran Shenbagalakshmi , Sujana J. Angela Jennifa
Published: August 2024

In this manuscript, attentive dual residual generative adversarial network optimized using wild horse optimization algorithm for brain tumor detection (ADRGAN‐WHOA‐BTD) is proposed. Here, the input imageries are gathered using BraTS, RemBRANDT, and Figshare datasets. Initially, the images are preprocessed to increase the quality of images and eliminate the unwanted noises. The preprocessing is performed with dual‐tree complex wavelet transform (DTCWT). The image features like geodesic data and texture features like contrasts, energy, correlations, homogeneity, and entropy are extracted using multilayer dense net methods. Then, the extracted images are given to attentive dual residual generative adversarial network (ADRGAN) classifier for classifying the brain imageries. The ADRGAN weight parameters are tuned based on wild horse optimization algorithm (WHOA). The proposed method is executed in MATLAB. For the BraTS dataset, the ADRGAN‐WHOA‐BTD method achieved accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F‐measure, precision, and error rates of 99.85%, 99.82%, 98.92%, 99.76%, 99.45%, and 0.15%, respectively. Then, the proposed technique demonstrated a runtime of 13 s, significantly outperforming existing methods.
The State of Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Care in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: A Scoping Review
Authors: Elwell Zachary , Candelo Estephania , Srinivasan Tarika , Nuss Sarah , Zalaquett Nader , Tuyishimire Gratien , Ncogoza Isaie , Jean‐Gilles Patrick Marc , Legbo Jacob Ndas , Tollefson Travis , Shaye David
Published: August 2024

Objective

This scoping review aims to contribute a descriptive analysis of the craniomaxillofacial trauma (CMF trauma) literature in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) to identify knowledge gaps, direct future research, and inform policy.

Data Sources

PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Review, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar from January 1, 2012 to December 10, 2023.

Review Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) guided reporting, and the PRISMA flowchart documented database searches. Specific, predefined search terms and inclusion criteria were used for screening, and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist was used for quality assessment. The search yielded 54 articles, with 13 meeting the inclusion criteria. Key findings were summarized and divided into 7 categories.

Results

There were 10,420 patients (7739 [74.3%] male, 2681 [25.7%] female) with a male‐to‐female ratio of 2.9:1. The mean peak age of incidence of CMF trauma was 30.8 years, ranging from 20 to 40 years. Road traffic accidents were the leading cause (60.4%), followed by assault (27.2%) and falls (12.2%). The most common injuries were soft tissue injury (31.7%), isolated mandibular fracture (22.8%), and isolated middle‐third of mandible fracture (18.1%). The most common treatments were closed reduction and immobilization (29.5%), conservative management (27.6%), and open reduction and internal fixation (19.6%). Most patients (77.8%) experienced a treatment delay due to a lack of fixation materials (54.8%) or surgeon unavailability (35.7%).

Conclusion

CMF trauma remains a significant cause of global morbidity, yet there remains a lack of high‐quality, CMF trauma‐specific data in LMICs. Country‐specific investigations are required to enhance knowledge and inform novel interventions. Implementing policy change must be community‐specific and account for unique cultural barriers, attitudes, and behaviors to maximize patient care outcomes.
Microscale modeling of damage mechanisms in dual‐phase steel DP800
Authors: Niehüser Alexander , Mosler Jörn
Published: August 2024

Dual‐phase steels are very popular in the automotive industry due to their high strength while maintaining good formability. The macroscopic formability of this polycrystalline material is governed by deformations and damage mechanisms at the microscale. To describe the mechanical properties associated with these mechanisms, a crystal plasticity theory is coupled with interface models and integrated into representative volume elements (RVEs) of DP800 in a thermodynamically consistent manner. The interface models capture decohesion at the grain boundaries via a cohesive interface model as well as the initiation and propagation of micro‐cracks (damage) within the quasi‐brittle martensite phase via a phase‐field approach. In this contribution, the focus lies on the conceptual framework combining above models in a finite element setting. Furthermore, the interaction and activation of the different (damage) mechanisms will be shown in order to highlight the predictive capabilities of the presented framework.
Modeling and simulation of simultaneous transport and incompressible flows on all level sets in a bulk domain
Authors: Fries Thomas‐Peter , Kaiser Michael W.
Published: August 2024

Mechanical models and a finite element approach for the simultaneous solution of transport and incompressible flows on all (curved) level sets over some bulk domain are proposed. A level‐set function is used to define a set of ‐dimensional curved manifolds which are bounded by the ‐dimensional bulk domain. For the numerical analysis, the bulk domain is discretized using ‐dimensional finite elements which do not conform to the level sets implying the domains of interest. The resulting method was coined Bulk Trace FEM before and numerical studies confirm optimal higher‐order convergence rates for the proposed method when the bulk models feature sufficiently smooth solutions.
Standardization of coding definitions for sickle cell disease complications: A systematic literature review
Authors: Ericksen Paulette Negron , Dabbous Firas , Ghosh Rajrupa , Shah Surbhi , Sun Xunming , Meier Emily Riehm , Colavecchia Carmine
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects all organ systems and is characterized by numerous acute and chronic complications and comorbidities. Standardized codes are needed for complications/comorbidities used in real‐world evidence (RWE) studies that rely on administrative and medical coding. This systematic literature review was conducted to produce a comprehensive list of complications/comorbidities associated with SCD, along with their diagnosis codes used in RWE studies.

Methods

A search in MEDLINE and Embase identified studies published from 2016 to 2023. Studies were included if they were conducted in US SCD populations and reported complications/comorbidities and respective International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD‐CM) codes. All identified complications/comorbidities and codes were reviewed by a certified medical coding expert and hematologist.

Results

Of 1851 identified studies, 39 studies were included. The most reported complications/comorbidities were stroke, acute chest syndrome, pulmonary embolism, venous thromboembolism, and vaso‐occlusive crisis. Most of the studies used ICD‐9‐CM codes (n = 21), while some studies used ICD‐10‐CM codes (n = 3) or both (n = 15), depending on the study period. Most codes reported in literature were heterogeneous across complications/comorbidities. The medical coding expert and hematologist recommended modifications for several conditions.

Conclusion

While many studies we identified did not report their codes and were excluded from this review, the studies with codes exhibited diverse coding definitions. By providing a standardized set of diagnosis codes that were reported by studies and reviewed by a coding expert and hematologist, our review can serve as a foundation for accurately identifying complications/comorbidities in future research, and may reduce heterogeneity, enhance transparency, and improve reproducibility. Future efforts focused on validating these code lists are needed.
Pressure Cycling Technology Combined With MicroLC‐SWATH Mass Spectrometry for the Analysis of Sex‐Related Differences Between Male and Female Cerebella: A Promising Approach to Investigating Proteomics Differences in Psychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Macur Katarzyna , Roszkowska Anna , Czaplewska Paulina , Miękus‐Purwin Natalia , Klejbor Ilona , Moryś Janusz , Bączek Tomasz
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Pressure cycling technology (PCT) coupled with data‐independent sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH‐MS) can be a powerful tool for identifying and quantifying biomarkers (e.g., proteins) in complex biological samples. Mouse models are frequently used in brain studies, including those focusing on different neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. More and more pieces of evidence have suggested that sex‐related differences in the brain impact the rates, clinical manifestations, and therapy outcomes of these disorders. However, sex‐based differences in the proteomic profiles of mouse cerebella have not been widely investigated.

Experimental Design

In this pilot study, we evaluate the applicability of coupling PCT sample preparation with microLC‐SWATH‐MS analysis to map and identify differences in the proteomes of two female and two male mice cerebellum samples.

Results

We identified and quantified 174 proteins in mice cerebella. A comparison of the proteomic profiles revealed that the levels of 11 proteins in the female and male mice cerebella varied significantly.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Although this study utilizes a small sample, our results indicate that the studied male and female mice cerebella possessed differing proteome compositions, mainly with respect to energy metabolism processes.
Evaluation of model‐integrated evidence approaches for pharmacokinetic bioequivalence studies using model averaging methods
Authors: Bjugård Nyberg Henrik , Chen Xiaomei , Donnelly Mark , Fang Lanyan , Zhao Liang , Karlsson Mats O. , Hooker Andrew C.
Published: August 2024

Conventional approaches for establishing bioequivalence (BE) between test and reference formulations using non‐compartmental analysis (NCA) may demonstrate low power in pharmacokinetic (PK) studies with sparse sampling. In this case, model‐integrated evidence (MIE) approaches for BE assessment have been shown to increase power, but may suffer from selection bias problems if models are built on the same data used for BE assessment. This work presents model averaging methods for BE evaluation and compares the power and type I error of these methods to conventional BE approaches for simulated studies of oral and ophthalmic formulations. Two model averaging methods were examined: bootstrap model selection and weight‐based model averaging with parameter uncertainty from three different sources, either from a sandwich covariance matrix, a bootstrap, or from sampling importance resampling (SIR). The proposed approaches increased power compared with conventional NCA‐based BE approaches, especially for the ophthalmic formulation scenarios, and were simultaneously able to adequately control type I error. In the rich sampling scenario considered for oral formulation, the weight‐based model averaging method with SIR uncertainty provided controlled type I error, that was closest to the target of 5%. In sparse‐sampling designs, especially the single sample ophthalmic scenarios, the type I error was best controlled by the bootstrap model selection method.
Thermodynamics of gaseous strontium and calcium cerates studied by Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry and estimation of relative electron ionization cross‐section for CeO2(g)
Authors: Shugurov Sergey M. , Lopatin Sergey I. , Zhinkina Olga A. , Panin Andrej I. , Panina Natalia S.
Published: August 2024

Rationale

Ceria‐based systems are of great interest because of their unique properties. Such systems may be used as anode materials for SOFCs or in oxygen sensors. The exploitation of these materials often requires high temperatures. In such conditions, the partial or complete evaporation of materials is possible. Therefore, knowledge of the values of partial pressures and thermodynamic properties is essential to predict and/or prevent possible consequences and accidents.

Methods

Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry was used to determine partial pressures of vapor species over the SrO–CeO2 and CaO‐CeO2 systems. Measurements of partial pressures were performed with a MS‐1301 mass spectrometer. Vaporization was carried out using molybdenum or tungsten effusion cells. A theoretical study of gaseous strontium and calcium cerates was performed by several quantum chemical methods: density functional theory (DFT) M06, DFT PBE0, and MP2.

Results

The minimum value of relative electron ionization cross‐section for CeO2 was estimated. In the temperature range of 2218–2249 K above the SrO‐CeO2 system and of 2128–2208 K above the CaO‐CeO2 system, gaseous M, MO, MO, CeO2, O, O2 and MCeO3 (M = Sr, Ca) were found. Energetically favorable structures of gaseous SrCeO3 and CaCeO3 were found, and vibrational frequencies were evaluated in the “rigid rotor‐harmonic oscillator” approximation. On the basis of the equilibrium constants of gaseous reaction MO + CeO2 = MCeO3, the standard formation enthalpy of gaseous SrCeO3 (−913 ± 26 kJ/mol) and of gaseous CaCeO3 (−917 ± 26 kJ/mol) at 298 K were determined.

Conclusions

The estimated value of relative electron ionization cross‐section for CeO2 is in agreement with the general rule applicable for dioxides. The stability of SrCeO3 and CaCeO3 gaseous species was confirmed by KEMS. Gas‐phase reactions involving gaseous SrO (CaO) and CeO2 with gaseous SrCeO3(CaCeO3) were studied. Enthalpy of formation reaction of gaseous SrCeO3(CaCeO3) from gaseous SrO (CaO) were evaluated theoretically, and the obtained value is in agreement with the experimental one.
Robot‐Assisted Ocular Tumour Radiotherapy Positioning and Tracking System
Authors: Wang Xu , Shi Dequan , Wang Kundong , Ming Xue , Shengyin Xiangzi , Jia Shouqiang
Published: August 2024

Background

Precise dose position distribution is crucial for ocular proton therapy.

Methods

A non‐invasive eye positioning and tracking system with novel structure is designed to reduce eye movement and facilitate precise dose by guiding the direction of patients' gaze. The system helps to achieve gaze guidance by controlling the light source fixed on two turntables above the patient's face. Tracking of the eye is achieved by cameras attached to the end of a 6DOFs robotic arm to capture the image reflected from a mirror above the patient's face.

Results

After all operation steps, the accuracy of the robotic arm is 0.18 mm (SD 0.25 mm) and the accuracy of the turntables is 0.01° (SD 0.02°). The EPTS is tested to be remotely controlled in real time with sufficient precision and repeatability.

Conclusion

The system is expected to improve the safety and efficiency of ocular proton therapy.
Tobin's Q and shareholder value: Does “shareholder return” impede investment?
Authors: Piluso Nicolas
Published: August 2024

Many economists have demonstrated that shareholder return constraints can negatively affect investment managers' decisions. While most studies are empirical, their findings are mixed. The real options literature provides a theoretical foundation for why a simple net present value rule based on a firm's cost of capital could lead to either insufficient investment or excessive investment. This study analyzes how the pursuit of shareholder value impacts optimal investments using Tobin's Q model in perfect competition. The study demonstrates that Tobin's Q, modified by shareholder constraints, can either hinder or promote optimal investment, thereby explaining the divergent results of empirical studies on this issue.
Digital Microfluidics for Sample Preparation in Low‐Input Proteomics
Authors: Steinbach Max K. , Leipert Jan , Matzanke Theo , Tholey Andreas
Published: August 2024

Low‐input proteomics, also referred to as micro‐ or nanoproteomics, has become increasingly popular as it allows one to elucidate molecular processes in rare biological materials. A major prerequisite for the analytics of minute protein amounts, e.g., derived from low cell numbers, down to single cells, is the availability of efficient sample preparation methods. Digital microfluidics (DMF), a technology allowing the handling and manipulation of low liquid volumes, has recently been shown to be a powerful and versatile tool to address the challenges in low‐input proteomics. Here, an overview is provided on recent advances in proteomics sample preparation using DMF. In particular, the capability of DMF to isolate proteomes from cells and small model organisms, and to perform all necessary chemical sample preparation steps, such as protein denaturation and proteolytic digestion on‐chip, are highlighted. Additionally, major prerequisites to making these steps compatible with follow‐up analytical methods such as liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry will be discussed.
Construction of An Artificial Photosynthesis System with A Single CdS QDs‐Ferritin Hybrid Molecule
Authors: Duan Maoping , Wang Yingjie , Zang Jiachen , Lv Chenyan , Du Ming , Zhao Guanghua , Zhang Tuo
Published: August 2024

Establishing artificial photosynthesis systems in a simple but effective manner to mitigate the greenhouse effect and address the energy crisis remains challenging. The combination of photocatalysis technology with bioengineering is an emerging field with great potential to construct such artificial photosynthesis systems, but so far, it has barely been explored in this area. Herein, an artificial photocatalysis platform is constructed with high CO2 conversion and H2O splitting capability by integration of CdS QDs into the intra‐subunit interface of H‐type ferritin (Marsupenaeus japonicus), a natural ferroxidase through protein interface redesign. The crystal structure of the synthesized CdS QDs with engineered ferritin molecules as bio‐templates confirmed the design at an atomic level. Notably, upon absorbing desirable visible light (≈420 nm), such a single CdS‐ferritin hybrid molecule is able to selectively catalyze the reduction of CO2 into HCOOH (≈90%), meanwhile catalyzing the oxidation of H2O into O2 in an aqueous environment. The O2 production rate reached to 180 µmol g−1 h−1, and the HCOOH output hit almost 800 µmol g−1 h−1. This work advances the utilization of the four‐helix bundle structure for crafting artificial photosynthesis systems, facilitating the seamless integration of bioengineering and photocatalysis technology.
Enhancing the Performance of Carbon‐Based All‐Inorganic CsPbIBr2 Perovskite Solar Cells via Na2SiO3 Surface Treatment for Passivation of the TiO2/Perovskite Interface
Authors: Xue Shuyue , Yang Sheng , Liu Yukai , Su Jinzhan
Published: August 2024

CsPbIBr2 has garnered significant interest due to its ideal bandgap and good stability. However, defects formed at the interface between the electron transport layer and the perovskite can lead to increased non‐radiative recombination, which negatively impacts both the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells and the long‐term stability of the cells. Herein, the TiO2/perovskite interface is modified by adding sodium silicate to passivate the defects on the interface. The introduction of Na+ partially reduces Ti4+ to Ti3+ in TiO2, thereby passivating trap states caused by oxygen vacancy defects and adjusting the energy level alignment between TiO2 and the perovskite film, enhancing the carrier transport efficiency. Additionally, SiO32− can form SiOPb (and Cs) bonds with the undercoordinated Pb2+ and Cs+ on the surface of the perovskite layer, effectively passivating surface defects of the perovskite film and thereby improving the efficiency of the devices. Ultimately, the carbon‐based all‐inorganic CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cells treated with Na2SiO3 exhibit a significantly improved PCE of 10.85% compared to 8.62% of the control sample and achieve a high open‐circuit voltage of 1.31 V. With this modification, the devices also demonstrate reduced hysteresis effects and enhanced stability.
Effect of the Tundish Inhibitor Design on the Flotation Efficiency of Nonmetallic Inclusions: Water Modeling and Mathematical Simulations by the Reynolds Stress Model
Authors: Nájera‐Bastida Alfonso , Morales Rodolfo Dávila , Guarneros‐Guarneros Javier , Rodríguez‐Ávila Jafeth , Solís‐Marcial Oscar Joaquín
Published: August 2024

Numerical fluid simulations using the Reynolds stress model and water model experiments are conducted to test different designs of tundish turbulence inhibitors (A, B, C, D, and E) for their effectiveness in removing nonmetallic inclusions from steel. The results reveal a unique flow pattern, with a mushroom‐like shape forming around the entry jet. The acceleration of small eddies within this mushroom is a significant factor in inclusion removal. This discovery has practical implications for the steel industry, leading to a longer residence time in the entry jet mushroom and improved inclusion flotation performance. Additionally, the turbulent kinematic viscosity and Reynolds stress fields in the flow mushroom influence the tracer's local dispersion rate and the interactions of the inclusions in this region. These findings are further validated using a tundish water model to track the dynamics of amine particles injected into the ladle shroud, enhancing their practical relevance.
Association between body condition score and abdominal fat assessed by ultrasound in Jersey cows
Authors: Melendez Pedro , Redrovan Daniela , Chelikani Prasanth K.
Published: August 2024

Background

Body condition score (BCS) is a subjective tool and the deposition of subcutaneous fat differs from the deposition of abdominal fat.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate by multivariate regression models and ultrasonography the amount of fat accumulated in different areas of the abdominal cavity in Jersey non‐pregnant non‐lactating cows and its association with their BCS.

Methods

From a commercial farm, 21 non‐pregnant non‐lactating Jersey cows were selected at random. Cows were placed in a headlock line, and BCS was evaluated (scale 1–5 with a 0.25 unit increment) by the same assessor. Ultrasonographic evaluation was performed using a Sonosite machine in duplicate, considering key anatomical points of the body to predict total abdominal fat (AT), retroperitoneal fat (RT), omental fat (OT) and mesenteric fat (MT). A regression analysis for each abdominal fat depot and the BCS was run using SAS.

Results

Models from the lowest to the largest r2 are reported. The r2 for the models were MT r2 = 0.023; RT r2 = 0.1047; OT r2 = 0.323 and AT r2 = 0.369. Correlation between BCS and abdominal fat depots was positive, lower for mesenteric and retroperitoneal fat, but higher for omental and total abdominal fat. Cows were divided on the basis of the median of BCS distribution to high (≥3.5) and low (≤3.25). Those with high BCS had significantly larger amounts of fat in different anatomical areas of abdominal cavity than cows with low BCS.

Conclusion

BCS has a low‐to‐moderate association with abdominal fat depots, but a high variability exists within each BCS punctuation, which supports the notion that fat accumulation patterns and metabolic turnover between abdominal and subcutaneous fat differ from each other.
Smart Farming Technologies and Sustainability
Authors: Gemtou Marilena , Guillén Blanca Casares , Anastasiou Evangelos
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses how smart farming technologies are being used to optimise and transform agricultural practices and food systems to make them more sustainable and resilient to the climate change and food security crises. These include precision farming, water-smart, weather-smart, carbon, and energy-smart, as well as knowledge-smart agricultural practices. Adoption of these technologies comes with various barriers and drivers which hinder or aid farmers in their transition to digital agriculture. These are categorised into socio-demographic, psychological, farm characteristics, technology-related, systemic, and policy factors. The chapter also discusses international visions of future food systems based on digital technology promoted by international agencies such as the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the World Bank as well as the European policy framework to support and monitor digitisation in agriculture and the food system.
Bosenovae with quadratically-coupled scalars in quantum sensing experiments
Authors: Arakawa Jason , Zaheer Muhammad H. , Eby Joshua , Takhistov Volodymyr , Safronova Marianna S.
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ultralight dark matter (ULDM) particles of mass mϕ ≲ 1 eV can form boson stars in DM halos. Collapse of boson stars leads to explosive bosenova emission of copious relativistic ULDM particles. In this work, we analyze the sensitivity of terrestrial and space-based experiments to detect such relativistic scalar ULDM particles interacting through quadratic couplings with Standard Model constituents, including electrons, photons, and gluons. We highlight key differences with searches for linear ULDM couplings. Screening of ULDM with quadratic couplings near the surface of the Earth can significantly impact observations in terrestrial experiments, motivating future space-based experiments. We demonstrate excellent ULDM discovery prospects, especially for quantum sensors, which can probe quadratic couplings orders below existing constraints by detecting bosenova events in the ULDM mass range 10−23 eV ≲ mϕ ≲ 10−5 eV. We also report updated constraints on quadratic couplings of ULDM in case it comprises cold DM.
Large AdS6 black holes from CFT5
Authors: Choi Sunjin , Kim Seok
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We study supersymmetric AdS6 black holes at large angular momenta, from the index of 5d SCFTs on S4 × ℝ in the large N and Cardy limit. Our examples are the strong coupling limits of 5d gauge theories on the D4-D8-O8 system. The large N free energy scales like N5/2, statistically accounting for the entropy of large black holes in AdS6. Instanton solitons play subtle roles to realize these deconfined degrees of freedom.
Brane mechanics and gapped Lie n-algebroids
Authors: Chatzistavrakidis Athanasios , Kodžoman Toni , Škoda Zoran
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We draw a parallel between the BV/BRST formalism for higher-dimensional (≥ 2) Hamiltonian mechanics and higher notions of torsion and basic curvature tensors for generalized connections in specific Lie n-algebroids based on homotopy Poisson structures. The gauge systems we consider include Poisson sigma models in any dimension and “generalised R-flux” deformations thereof, such as models with an (n + 2)-form-twisted R-Poisson target space. Their BV/BRST action includes interaction terms among the fields, ghosts and antifields whose coefficients acquire a geometric meaning by considering twisted Koszul multibrackets that endow the target space with a structure that we call a gapped almost Lie n-algebroid. Studying covariant derivatives along n-forms, we define suitable polytorsion and basic polycurvature tensors and identify them with the interaction coefficients in the gauge theory, thus relating models for topological n-branes to differential geometry on Lie n-algebroids.
Elliptic deformation of the Gaiotto-Rapčák corner VOA and the associated partially symmetric polynoimals
Authors: Cheewaphutthisakun Panupong , Shiraishi Jun’ichi , Wiboonton Keng
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We construct the elliptic Miura transformation and use it to obtain the expression of the currents of elliptic corner VOA. We subsequently prove a novel combinatorial formula that is essential for deriving the quadratic relations of the currents. In addition, we give a conjecture that relates the correlation function of the currents of elliptic corner VOA to a certain family of partially symmetric polynomials. The elliptic Macdonald polynomials, constructed recently by Awata-Kanno- Mironov-Morozov-Zenkevich, and Fukuda-Ohkubo-Shiraishi, can be obtained as a particular case of this family.
Androgendeprivation als Initial- und Basistherapie beim Prostatakarzinom
Authors: Goebell Peter J. , Cornelius Felix , Fernandez Milano Annika , Hessler Sybill , Schulze Matthias
Published: August 2024

Hintergrund

Ziel dieser Studie war die Bestimmung des Anteils der Patienten mit einem Prostatakarzinom (PCa), die nach Beginn einer Therapie für ein kastrationsresistentes Prostatakarzinom (KRPCa) die primäre Androgendeprivationstherapie (ADT) beibehielten sowie die Beschreibung ihrer Behandlungsmuster.

Methodik

Retrospektive Analyse von 609.308 Patienten in urologischen Praxen in Deutschland von 2011 bis 2020 auf Basis von anonymisierten Sekundärdaten des Webservers UROscience. PCa-Patienten waren für die Studie geeignet, wenn sie nach einer 6‑monatigen verschreibungsfreien Prä-Indexperiode eine ADT erhielten.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 3.112 Patienten (Durchschnittsalter: 75,5 [± 8,0] Jahre) eingeschlossen. Die meisten Patienten erhielten Gonadotropin-Releasing-Hormon (GnRH)-Agonisten (72,3 %), gefolgt von Antiandrogenen (24,9 %). Die mediane Dauer der ADT-Behandlung betrug 25,9 Monate. Die geschätzten Wahrscheinlichkeiten, die ADT 3, 6 und 8 Jahre nach Behandlungsbeginn fortzusetzen, lagen bei 40,7 %, 20,1 % bzw. 12,7 %. Eine Unterbrechung über alle ADT hinweg erfolgte bei 42,7 % der Patienten, eine Umstellung der primären ADT bei 52,2 % und ein Abbruch bei 82,2 % der Patienten. Nach Beginn der ADT erhielten 14,6 % der Patienten eine Therapie für KRPCa, von denen 76,4 % die primäre ADT fortsetzten. Die mediane Dauer der KRPCa-Behandlung betrug 11,0 Monate. Die geschätzten Wahrscheinlichkeiten, 3, 6 und 8 Jahre nach Beginn der ADT ein KRPCa zu entwickeln, lagen bei 11,1 %, 20,1 % und 25,9 %.

Schlussfolgerung

Diese Studie hat gezeigt, dass bei einem relevanten Anteil der Patienten die primäre ADT nach Beginn der Therapie für KRPCa abgesetzt wurde, obwohl Leitlinien die Fortsetzung der ADT bei Fortschreiten der Erkrankung empfehlen.

Graphic abstract
Fast no-reference deep image dehazing
Authors: Qin Hongyi , Belyaev Alexander G.
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a deep learning method for image dehazing and clarification. The main advantages of the method are high computational speed and using unpaired image data for training. The method adapts the Zero-DCE approach (Li et al. in IEEE Trans Pattern Anal Mach Intell 44(8):4225–4238, 2021) for the image dehazing problem and uses high-order curves to adjust the dynamic range of images and achieve dehazing. Training the proposed dehazing neural network does not require paired hazy and clear datasets but instead utilizes a set of loss functions, assessing the quality of dehazed images to drive the training process. Experiments on a large number of real-world hazy images demonstrate that our proposed network effectively removes haze while preserving details and enhancing brightness. Furthermore, on an affordable GPU-equipped laptop, the processing speed can reach 1000 FPS for images with 2K resolution, making it highly suitable for real-time dehazing applications.
Designing a kidney exchange program in Germany: simulations and recommendations
Authors: Ashlagi Itai , Cseh Ágnes , Manlove David , Ockenfels Axel , Pettersson William
Published: August 2024

We examine some of the opportunities and challenges concerned with establishing a centralized national kidney exchange program in Germany. Despite the many advantages of a national program, without deliberate design and policy intervention, a fragmented kidney exchange program may emerge. We study a number of collaboration strategies, and resulting simulations suggest that transplant centers may find it advantageous not to fully participate, resulting in a net reduction in the number of transplants. These results also suggest that allowing more forms of kidney exchange, such as three-way exchanges and non-directed donations, can significantly increase the number of transplants while making participation in a national program more attractive and thus national coordination and cooperation more robust. We propose a multi-level policy approach that is easy to implement and would promote an efficient German kidney exchange program that benefits recipients, donors and hospitals.
Managing customer waiting times in an inventory system using Conditional Value-at-Risk measure
Authors: Ahmadi Taher , Hesaraki Alireza F. , Mahmoodi Anwar , Marandi Ahmadreza
Published: August 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, delays or prolonged customer waiting times pose a threat to the firm’s profitability. This study utilizes the mean-CVaR metric to incorporate the risk associated with prolonged customer waiting times into the optimal trade-off decisions. For this purpose, we consider a single inventory system that faces Poisson demand and utilizes a base-stock policy to replenish its inventory, which takes a fixed amount of time. The firm implements a preorder strategy, encouraging customers to place their orders a fixed amount of time in advance of their actual needs, a period referred to as the commitment lead time. The firm rewards customers with a bonus termed the commitment cost, which increases with the length of the commitment lead time. We aim to determine the optimal control policy, including the optimal base-stock level and optimal commitment lead time, that minimizes the long-run average cost. The cost includes inventory holding, commitment, and customer waiting costs, with the latter adjusted for the firm’s degree of risk aversion. The optimal policy depends on the interdependence of the decisions, with the optimal commitment lead time following a “bang-bang” pattern, and the corresponding optimal base-stock level taking an “all-or-nothing” form. For linear commitment costs with a cost factor per time unit, we identify a threshold that increases with the firm’s risk aversion degree. Firms with greater risk aversion typically favor the buy-to-order strategy, while those with lower risk aversion may opt for either buy-to-stock or buy-to-order depending on their assessment of waiting costs.
Developing a range-wide sampling framework for endangered species: a case study with light-footed Ridgway’s rail
Authors: Stevens Bryan S. , Conway Courtney J. , Sawyer Kimberly A. , Kershek Lauren , Block Giselle , Hamilton Sandra , Kolstrom Rebecca
Published: August 2024

Monitoring provides the foundation for evaluating recovery of endangered species, yet many species lack monitoring programs designed to integrate a species’ unique attributes, specific monitoring objectives, and principles of statistical sampling theory. We developed a framework for monitoring and assessment of endangered light-footed Ridgway’s rails (Rallus obsoletus levipes) across their U.S. range, relative to multi-scale recovery goals. We created spatially explicit sample units and a sampling frame covering all potential habitat to facilitate range-wide probability sampling, and also built a model of the call-broadcast process commonly used to survey marsh birds that included heterogeneity in availability for detection and conditional detectability for each bird during each survey. We used the model to simulate 96 sampling strategies that included different levels of replication, multiple approaches for sample allocation amongst strata, and both simple random and weighted probability sampling (i.e., weights proportional to local rail abundance) of sample units within strata. Effective monitoring surveyed ≥ 20–30% of the sampling frame on ≥ 3 occasions, with weighted sample selection and more targeted sampling (50% of units) for strata that are key to species recovery. We also tested Bayesian N-mixture models for estimating abundance and show that multiple models provide reasonable estimates. This work lays the foundation for statistical sampling and multi-scale population estimation for an endangered bird, and for refinement of abundance estimation models. Moreover, this work provides a replicable process for building customized and statistically defensible sampling frameworks to assess recovery of endangered species that can be used for other sensitive species.
Carbon Leakage from Fuel Taxes: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Teixidó Jordi J. , Palencia-González F. Javier , Labeaga José M. , Labandeira Xavier
Published: August 2024

We exploit a fuel tax increase in Portugal to identify its effect on cross-border fuel sales and associated carbon leakage in the Spanish border regions. Using a difference-in-difference strategy, we find that while gasoline sales remained unaffected, diesel sales in Spanish border regions increased by 6–9%. Synthetic control methods confirm these estimates and attribute this differential effect by fuel type to routes frequented by heavy-duty vehicles, with large diesel tanks. We estimate a carbon leakage equivalent to 14–20% of Portugal’s annual mitigation commitment for road transport emissions. Our findings imply that heavy goods vehicles’ strategic behavior undermines the potential mitigation effects and revenue gains of transport climate policy, underscoring the need for coordinated policies in similar federal or quasi-federal contexts.
Why Student Ratings of Faculty Are Unethical
Authors: Close Daryl
Published: August 2024

For decades, student ratings of university faculty have been used by administrators in high stakes faculty employment decisions such as tenure, promotion, contract renewal and reappointment, and merit pay. However, virtually no attention has been paid to the ethical questions of using ratings in employment decisions. Instead, the ratings literature is generally limited to psychometric issues such as whether a given student ratings instrument exhibits the statistical properties of reliability and validity. There is no consensus understanding of teaching effectiveness, the very attribute that students are alleged to “evaluate.” What students are actually doing when they complete a ratings form—whether measuring, evaluating, reporting, judging, opining, etc.—remains unsettled in the ratings literature. If ratings are surveys of student satisfaction, they have no logical or ethical connection with teaching expertise. I argue that the administrative use of student ratings in faculty employment decisions violates basic moral principles including nonmaleficence, beneficence, professional autonomy and clinical independence, and multiple aspects of justice including due care, truthfulness, and equitable treatment. These ethical violations rule against any administrative use of student ratings in faculty employment decisions, including the “use with caution in conjunction with other evaluative methods” deployment of student ratings. My conclusion is that such use should be immediately and universally terminated. Formative use of student questionnaires as part of ordinary instructional communication and feedback between instructor and students is a separate issue and outside of the scope of this paper.
Harnessing the power of microalgae consortia for sustainable crop production: case study on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Díaz Luis Eduardo , Gonzalez Juan David , Morales-Gonzalez Maria Paula , Garzón-Castro Claudia L.
Published: August 2024

Due to global food demand and need to protect the environment, improving crop productivity while reducing agrochemical use has become crucial. Microalgae offer a potential solution as they exhibit biostimulant and biofertilizer effects, improving both crop and soil quality. This study aimed to assess the impact of suspensions of freeze-dried Chlorella vulgaris (UTEX 265), Scenedesmus obliquus (UTEX 393), and Haematococcus pluvialis (UTEX 2505) biomass in distilled water on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) germination and development. Different microalgae treatments, individually and mixtures, were applied. The study evaluated various plant growth parameters and the concentration of nutritional constituents, including reducing sugars, total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, and chlorophyll a. In the first stage (germination), microalgae treatments (C. vulgaris 2 g (CV2),; C vulgaris 0.66 g, S. obliquus 0.66 g and H. pluvialis 0.7 g (CV0.7:SO0.7:HP0.7) and C. vulgaris 1.5 g and S. obliquus 1.5 g (CV1.5:SO1.5) increased L. sativa seed germination rate and the number of germinated seeds. Significant changes were observed in growth-related variables such as height (CV0.7:SO9.7:HP0.7), stem diameter (C. vulgaris 3 g (CV3)), root length (S. obliquus 3 g (SO3)), and leaf area (CV1.5:SO1.5). In the second stage (plant development), microalgae treatments significantly increased dry weight from 2.71% (CV1.5:SO1.5) to 48.52% (SO3), reduced sugars from 3.20% (CV3) to 59.05% (CV1.5:SO1.5), total polyphenols from 7.99% (CV3) to 40.15% (CV1.5:SO1.5), antioxidant capacity from 0.77% (CV0.7:SO9.7:HP0.7) to 17.40% (CV1:HP1), and chlorophyll a from 23.01% (CV1.5:SO1.5) (p ≤ 0.05). C. vulgaris and S. obliquus in blending were identified as the main microalgae promoting positive effects on L. sativa development. This study confirms that microalgae, particularly C. vulgaris and S. obliquus, can enhance crop quality, specifically in L. sativa . These findings demonstrate the potential of microalgae as biostimulants, supporting their application to improve crop productivity and emphasizing their role in sustainable agriculture.
On the Uniform Duality in Copositive Optimization
Authors: Kostyukova O. I. , Tchemisova T. V. , Dudina O. S.
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we establish new necessary and sufficient conditions guaranteeing the uniform LP duality for linear problems of Copositive Programming and formulate these conditions in different equivalent forms. The main results are obtained using the approach developed in previous papers of the authors and based on a concept of immobile indices that permits alternative representations of the set of feasible solutions.