bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prescribing hand strengthening exercise for patients with rheumatoid arthritis; clinical cues influencing occupational therapists' and physiotherapists' judgements
Authors: Boniface Graham , White Nicola , Tomlinson Christopher , Norris Meriel , O’Connell Neil , Williamson Esther , Harries Priscilla
Published: December 2023

Objective

To explore the clinical judgements of therapists in prescribing the intensity of hand strengthening exercise in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Phase I: Eleven therapists knowledgeable in treating patients with RA subjectively identified seven clinical cues. These were incorporated into 54 hypothetical patient case scenarios. Phase II: Therapists with ≥2 years post‐registration experience and current or recent experience in treating patients with RA were asked to assess 69 case scenarios in total (54 + 15 repeats) and judge what intensity of hand strengthening exercise they would prescribe using the OMNI‐Resistance Exercise Scale of perceived exertion. Using responses to the repeated cases, the Cochran‐Weiss‐Shanteau index of expertise was used to identify therapists who prescribed more consistently. Multiple regression was used to determine which clinical cues were most strongly associated with the intensity of exercise prescribed. A sub‐group analysis explored differences between consistent and inconsistent prescribers.

Results

Fifty‐three therapists took part. Thirty completed all 69 case scenarios. Across all therapists, the three most important clinical cues associated with lower intensity of exercise prescribed were (1) Patient's reported pain intensity whilst practising the exercise (β = −1.150, p < 0.001), (2) Disease activity (β = −0.425, p < 0.001) and (3) average hand pain over the last week (β = −0.353 p < 0.001). Twelve therapists were categorised as consistent prescribers. This group relied on fewer clinical cues (three vs. seven) when judging what intensity of exercise to prescribe.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into how therapists prescribe hand exercises. Intensity of hand strengthening exercise was influenced by three key clinical cues, including pain intensity and disease activity.
Making incurable pancreatic cancer curable
Authors: An Jianhong , Xie Dacheng , Xie Keping
Published: December 2023

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest malignancies, with limited effectiveness of standard therapies, resulting in little improvement in the 5‐year survival rate over the past few decades. However, advanced radiotherapy techniques and emerging treatment modalities, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy, are showing tremendous potential as effective treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients who were previously considered incurable. This review summarizes the current advances and challenges in pancreatic cancer treatment strategies and proposes further optimization directions, aiming to provide insights into the cure of incurable pancreatic cancer.
Addressing Climate Health: A Practical Guide to Quantifying and Reducing Health Care‐Associated Emissions
Authors: Dilger Amanda E. , Shelley Jekaterina , Bergmark Regan W. , Slutzman Jonathan E.
Published: December 2023

Objective

The objective was to quantify annual greenhouse gas emissions from a surgical specialty hospital and identify high‐yield areas to reduce emissions associated with patient care.

Study Design

Pre‐post study, greenhouse gas inventory.

Setting

Specialty hospital.

Methods

A scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas inventory of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear main campus for calendar years (CY) 2020, 2021, and 2022 was performed by assessing emissions attributable to on‐site sources (scope 1) and purchased electricity and steam (scope 2). The associated carbon dioxide equivalent was then calculated using known global warming potentials and emission factors.

Results

The major contributors to scope 1 and scope 2 emissions at our institution for CY 2020 to 2022 were waste anesthetic gases and purchased steam. These results were reviewed with hospital leadership and a plan was developed to reduce these emissions. Emission monitoring is ongoing to assess the efficacy of these interventions.

Conclusion

Measuring scope 1 and scope 2 emissions at the facility level allows health care facilities to develop institution‐specific interventions and compare data across health care organizations. Surgeons can lead on health care system sustainability by collaborating with clinical and nonclinical staff to measure emissions, developing targeted emissions‐reduction interventions, and tracking progress with yearly assessments.
History of Bariatric Surgery Before Thyroid Surgery: Recommendations for Prevention and Management of Postoperative Hypocalcemia
Authors: Eberly Hänel W. , Sciscent Bao Y. , Jeffrey Lorenz F. , Goyal Neerav , Goldenberg David
Published: December 2023

Hypocalcemia following thyroidectomy is a common and potentially life‐threatening complication. It is caused by intraoperative injury to the parathyroid glands or their blood supply. Although several studies have shown that patients with a prior history of bariatric surgery may be at an increased risk for hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy, no clear recommendations exist for preventing and managing this condition in this population. This paper highlights the significance of understanding this risk and of obtaining a history of prior bariatric surgery before thyroidectomy. We propose concise recommendations for preventing and managing hypocalcemia following thyroidectomy in patients with a history of bariatric surgery.
Adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy after neoadjuvant therapy and radical prostatectomy for high‐risk localized prostate cancer
Authors: Ravi Praful , Kwak Lucia , Devlies Wout , Xie Wanling , Chipidza Fallon , Yang Xiaoyu , Bubley Glenn , Kaplan Irving , Kibel Adam S. , Nguyen Paul , Taplin Mary‐Ellen
Published: December 2023

Background

We sought to describe patterns of delivery of adjuvant (aRT) and salvage RT (sRT) in patients who underwent RP after receiving neoadjuvant androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI) before radical prostatectomy (RP) for high‐risk localized prostate cancer (HRLPC).

Methods

Two hundred eighteen patients treated on phase 2 neoadjuvant trials between 2006 and 2018 at two academic centers were evaluated. aRT and sRT were defined as receipt of RT with a PSA of ≤0.1 or >0.1 ng/mL, respectively. Primary outcomes were biochemical recurrence (BCR), defined as time from aRT/sRT to a PSA rising to >0.1 ng/mL, and metastasis‐free survival (MFS) after RT.

Results

Twenty‐three (11%) and 55 (25%) patients received aRT and sRT respectively. Median PSA at start of aRT and sRT was 0.01 and 0.16 ng/mL, and median duration from RP to RT was 5 and 14 months, respectively. All aRT patients had NCCN high‐risk disease, 30% were pN1 and 43% had positive surgical margins; 52% had prostate bed RT. Fifty‐one percent of sRT patients had biopsy Gleason 9–10, 29% were pT2 and 9% had positive surgical margins; 63% had RT to the prostate bed/pelvis. At a median follow‐up of 5.3 and 3.0 years after aRT and sRT, 3‐year freedom from BCR was 55% and 47%, and 3‐year MFS was 56% and 53%, respectively.

Conclusions

aRT was infrequently used in patients who received neoadjuvant ARPI before RP for HRLPC. Outcomes of aRT and sRT were similar but generally poor. Studies evaluating intensified systemic therapy approaches with postoperative RT in this high‐risk population are needed.
Programmed myofibre necrosis in critical illness acquired muscle wasting
Authors: Patel Sunil , Francis Thomas , Rajaram Raghini , Handslip Rhodri , Mumby Sharon , Bear Danielle E. , Padhke Rahul , Hart Nicholas , Montgomery Hugh , Takata Masao , Harridge Stephen D.R. , Patel Brijesh V. , Puthucheary Zudin
Published: December 2023

Background

Acute skeletal muscle wasting during critical illness is common and causes significant morbidity and functional limitation. Myofibre necrosis is a major histological finding but is often considered an unprogrammed by‐product of muscle inflammation. This study sought to evaluate if a form of programmed necrosis, necroptosis, is activated in skeletal muscle during critical illness.

Methods

A cohort of 28 patients from the MUSCLE‐UK study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01106300) with serum and skeletal muscle biopsy samples were identified. Samples were available from ICU admission (T1) and between day 7–10 post admission (T2). Skeletal muscle was stratified by a histopathologist in the original study as necrotic (NEC, N = 14) or non‐necrotic (NONEC, N = 14) using haematoxylin and eosin staining. We used phosphorylated mixed‐lineage kinase domain‐like (pMLKL) protein (a key terminal effector protein) and receptor‐interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) as markers of necroptosis activation using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results

We show that pMLKL expression is significantly higher in the NEC group [NEC: T2:T1 expression; 9.1 (IQR 3.9–22.3) vs. NONEC: T2:T1 expression; 0.9 (IQR 0.6–1.1), P = 0.003]. We then confirm this upregulation and describe co‐localization with receptor interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) in skeletal muscle using immunohistochemistry. We show that both RIPK3 and pMLKL are present within intact myofibres at the intermediate timepoint day 3 without cellular infiltrate. At T2, pMLKL is also present in the interstitial space where there is infiltrate of CD68 positive immune cells. The observed necroptosis may originate from both internal and infiltrating sources. These findings were absent in samples from patients who did not exhibit histopathological features of necrosis.

Conclusions

We show that necroptosis machinery, RIPK3 and pMLKL, are associated with conventional histopathological features of myonecrosis in a critically ill cohort.
Underwater Pose SLAM using GMM scan matching for a mechanical profiling sonar
Authors: Vial Pau , Palomeras Narcís , Solà Joan , Carreras Marc
Published: December 2023

The underwater domain is a challenging environment for robotics because widely used electromagnetic devices must be substituted by acoustic equivalents, much slower and noisier. In this paper a two‐dimensional pose simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) system for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle based on inertial sensors and a mechanical profiling sonar is presented. Two main systems are specially designed. On the one hand, a dead reckoning system based on Lie Theory is presented to track integrated pose uncertainty. On the other hand, a rigid scan matching technique specialized for acoustic data is proposed, which allows one to estimate the uncertainty of the matching result. Moreover, Bayesian–Gaussian mixtures models are introduced to the scan matching problem and the registration problem is solved by an optimization in Lie groups. The SLAM system is tested on real data and executed in real time with the robotic application. Using this system, section maps at constant depth can be obtained from a three‐dimensional underwater domain. The presented SLAM system constitutes the first achievement towards an underwater Active SLAM application.
Unveiling Local Aging Patterns Following Accelerated Stress Testing of High‐Performance Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Sharma Preetam , Cheng Lei , Aaron Douglas , Mehrazi Shirin , Braaten Jonathan , Craig Nathan , Johnston Christina , Mench Matthew M.
Published: December 2023

This study presents an in‐depth analysis of heterogeneous aging patterns in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) subjected to diverse accelerated stress test (AST) conditions, simulating carbon corrosion (CC AST) and Pt particle size growth in fully humidified (Pt AST‐Wet) and underhumidified (Pt AST‐Dry) H2/N2 atmospheres. Multimodal characterization techniques are used to focus on heterogeneous aging patterns, primarily examining the variations in current distributions and Pt particle size maps. The findings reveal distinct characteristics of current distributions for all the AST cases, with substantial changes and strong current gradients in the CC AST case, indicative of severe performance degradation. Notably, despite significant differences in Pt particle size growth at the end‐of‐life (EOL), the Pt AST‐Wet and Pt AST‐Dry cases show minor changes in spatial current distributions. Moreover, a preferential growth of Pt particles under serpentine flow field bends in the Pt AST‐Wet case is observed for the first time. This study provides crucial insights into the role of mass transport properties in shaping fuel cell performance, and highlights the need to consider factors beyond electrochemically‐active surface area (ECSA) when assessing fuel cell durability.
Printable Counter Electrode with Metal Nitride as the Conductive Medium for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Qiaojiao , Xiao Xufeng , Xiang Junwei , Liu Jiale , Wang Xiaoru , Hu Wenjing , Yang Chuang , Xie Jiayu , Chen Long , Meng Ranjun , Gong Jinwei , Ou Kangming , Gao Lingya , Mei Anyi , Han Hongwei
Published: December 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with a booming high power conversion efficiency (PCE) are on their road toward industrialization. A proper design of the counter electrode (CE) with low cost, high conductivity, chemical stability, and good interface contact with the other functional layer atop the perovskite layer is vital for the overall performance of PSCs. Herein, the application of titanium nitride (TiN) is reported as a conductive medium for the printable CE in hole‐conductor‐free mesoscopic PSCs. TiN improves the conductivity of the CE and reduces the resistivity from 20 to 10 mΩ∙cm. TiN also improves the wettability of the CE with perovskite and enhances the back interface contact, which promotes charge collection. On the other hand, TiN is chemically stable during processing and undergoes no distinguishable chemical reaction with halide perovskite. Devices with TiN as the conductive media in the CE deliver a champion PCE of 19.01%. This work supplies a considerable choice for the CE design of PSCs toward industrial applications.
Hyphae Carbon Coupled with Gel Composite Assembly for Construction of Advanced Carbon/Sulfur Cathodes for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Huang By Lei , Zhang Haomiao , Qiu Zhong , Liu Ping , Cao Feng , He Xinping , Xia Yang , Liang Xinqi , Wang Chen , Wan Wangjun , Zhang Yongqi , Chen Minghua , Xia Xinhui , Zhang Wenkui , Zhou Jiancang
Published: December 2023

The design and fabrication of novel carbon hosts with high conductivity, accelerated electrochemical catalytic activities, and superior physical/chemical confinement on sulfur and its reaction intermediates polysulfides are essential for the construction of high‐performance C/S cathodes for lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs). In this work, a novel biofermentation coupled gel composite assembly technology is developed to prepare cross‐linked carbon composite hosts consisting of conductive Rhizopus hyphae carbon fiber (RHCF) skeleton and lamellar sodium alginate carbon (SAC) uniformly implanted with polarized nanoparticles (V2O3, Ag, Co, etc.) with diameters of several nanometers. Impressively, the RHCF/SAC/V2O3 composites exhibit enhanced physical/chemical adsorption of polysulfides due to the synergistic effect between hierarchical pore structures, heteroatoms (N, P) doping, and polar V2O3 generation. Additionally, the catalytic conversion kinetics of cathodes are effectively improved by regulating the 3D carbon structure and optimizing the V2O3 catalyst. Consequently, the LSBs assembled with RHCF/SAC/V2O3‐S cathode show exceptional cycle stability (capacity retention rate of 94.0% after 200 cycles at 0.1 C) and excellent rate performance (specific capacity of 578 mA h g−1 at 5 C). This work opens a new door for the fabrication of hyphae carbon composites via fermentation for electrochemical energy storage.
Small‐Molecule Phototheranostic Agent with Extended π‐Conjugation for Efficient NIR‐II Photoacoustic‐Imaging‐Guided Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Wang Zhen , Liu Yu , He Chunxu , Zhang Xinmin , Li Xi , Li Yuanyuan , Tang Yufu , Lu Xiaomei , Fan Quli
Published: December 2023

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and photothermal therapy (PTT) conducted over the near‐infrared‐II (NIR‐II) window offer the benefits of noninvasiveness and deep tissue penetration. This necessitates the development of highly effective therapeutic agents with NIR‐II photoresponsivity. Currently, the predominant organic diagnostic agents used in NIR‐II PAI‐guided PTT are conjugated polymeric materials. However, they exhibit a low in vivo clearance rate and long‐term biotoxicity, limiting their clinical translation. In this study, an organic small molecule (CY‐1234) with NIR‐II absorption and nanoencapsulation (CY‐1234 nanoparticles (NPs)) for PAI‐guided PTT is reported. Extended π‐conjugation is achieved in the molecule by introducing donor–acceptor units at both ends of the molecule. Consequently, CY‐1234 exhibits a maximum absorption peak at 1234 nm in tetrahydrofuran. Nanoaggregates of CY‐1234 are synthesized via F‐127 encapsulation. They exhibit an excellent photothermal conversion efficiency of 76.01% upon NIR‐II light irradiation. After intravenous injection of CY‐1234 NPs into tumor‐bearing mice, strong PA signals and excellent tumor ablation are observed under 1064 nm laser irradiation. This preliminary study can pave the way for the development of small‐molecule organic nanoformulations for future clinical applications.
Brønsted–Lowry Acid‐Based Aqueous Eutectic Electrolyte for Practical Zinc Batteries
Authors: Bouchal Roza , Al Kathemi Ibrahim , Antonietti Markus
Published: December 2023

Aqueous highly concentrated electrolytes (AHCEs) have recently emerged as an innovative strategy to enhance the cycling stability of aqueous Zinc (Zn) batteries (AZB). Particularly, thanks to high Zn Chloride (ZnCl2) solubility in water, AHCEs based on ZnCl2 feature remarkable Zn anode stability. However, due to their inherently acidic pH and Cl− anion reactivity, these electrolytes face compatibility challenges with other battery components. Here, an aqueous eutectic electrolyte (AEE) based on Brønsted–Lowry concept is reported—allowing the usage of cheap and abundant salts, ZnCl2, and sodium acetate (NaAc). The reported, pH buffered, AEE displays a higher coordination of water at an even lower salt concentration, by simply balancing the acceptor–donor H─bonding. This results in impressive improvement of electrolyte properties such as high electrochemical stability, high transport properties and low glass transition temperature. The developed AEE displays higher compatibility with vanadium oxide‐based cathode with a 50% increase in capacity retention in comparison to sat. ZnCl2. More importantly, the pH buffered AEE solves the incompatibility issues of ZnCl2 toward commonly used aluminium (Al) current collector as well as cellulose separator. This work presents an efficient, simple, and low‐cost strategy for the development of aqueous electrolytes for the practical application of Zn batteries.
Hard Work and Fun: Collective Online Interaction in a Case of Photo Fraud
Authors: Burcar Alm Veronika , Hannerz Erik , Wästerfors David
Published: December 2023

Online platforms devoted to investigating criminal cases or mysteries are often seen as reaching outwards to identify suspects, promote punishment, and try to solve cases. Simultaneously, internal interactions between posters motivate them to contribute, even to outdo one another, and so a team spirit emerges. This article analyzes a lengthy thread on a Swedish Internet discussion forum, Flashback, in which a wildlife photographer was exposed for manipulating photographs. We explore how the online interaction is characterized by both competition and collaboration, as well as hard work and displayed expertise, and is framed in terms of the morally right and an underdog perspective. The posters' activities are largely directed at the photographer's moral wrongdoing and take the form of an internal process between the participants, where work and play merge. We analyzed the case with the help of Randall Collins' interaction rituals, Erving Goffman's frames, and the concept of playbour.
Survey of current UK alpaca husbandry practices: Vaccination, treatment and supplementation
Authors: Middleton Abby , Blackie Nicola , Crilly James Patrick , Reilly Beth
Published: December 2023

Background

The popularity of alpacas in the UK is increasing, with the British Alpaca Society (BAS) estimating that there are currently 45,000 registered alpacas and a further 15,000 unregistered alpacas. This research set about to investigate what husbandry procedures are currently undertaken on alpacas in the UK.

Methods

An online survey of 47 questions was created using Jisc and was available for 4.5 months.

Results

All 116 holdings implemented shearing and foot trimming (100.0%), and most vaccinated against clostridial disease (95.7%) and supplemented with vitamin D (91.4%). There was no obvious pattern in vitamin D dosing. A significant positive association was found between the size of the holding and whether injectable or oral vitamin D was used (p = 0.034), with smaller holdings preferring oral vitamin D products.

Limitations

The survey was distributed online, including via the BAS e‐Newsletter. The percentage of BAS‐registered alpacas was not clarified, so it is unknown if the data are skewed by this.

Conclusion

Although owners are ensuring that routine interventions are implemented, variation in responses implies there is no current standard protocol. This highlights that these differences may be due to logistical choices, training or varied advice, which may be due to the lack of published literature.
DNA logic programming: From concept to construction
Authors: Zhang Yi , Hu Ning , Xu Jiajie , Wang Zhen
Published: December 2023

DNA programming, which is based on the principle of base complementary pairing and Boolean operations, exhibits organizational structures and algorithms similar to those observed in machine language. Consequently, the practical implementation of DNA logic programming can be achieved through the utilization of programming techniques, enabling the discrimination and output generation. In recent years, DNA programming has witnessed a convergence with disciplines, such as life sciences, medicine, and other interdisciplinary areas, thereby giving rise to an advanced research system that yields valuable insights. This development has paved the way for multidisciplinary cutting‐edge research. Furthermore, the successful transition from conceptualization to the practical implementation of DNA programming has been accomplished. This review summarizes the recent advances in DNA logic programming within the biomedical fields, specifically emphasizing the conceptualization and execution of DNA logic programming constructs. The benefits and obstacles associated with the adoption of DNA programming in cutting‐edge research areas are also highlighted.
Possible case of prefixed brachial plexus in a dog with a caudal cervical intervertebral disc extrusion
Authors: Gottardello Chiara , Scuttari Michela , Costanzo Giulia , Nespro Andrea , Tirrito Federica
Published: December 2023

A 5‐year‐old, entire, male dachshund was referred with a 7‐day history of non‐ambulatory paraparesis. The neurological examination was most consistent with a T3–L3 myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography studies of the cervical, cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar regions revealed a C7–T1 intervertebral disc extrusion causing moderate spinal cord compression. Based on the clinical presentation and imaging findings, a presumptive diagnosis of intervertebral disc extrusion in a dog affected by suspected prefixed brachial plexus was made. The dog underwent a ventral slot decompressive surgery, and its neurological conditions improved shortly after. The discrepancy between neuroanatomical localisation and location of an intervertebral disc extrusion may represent a possible instance of prefixed brachial plexus. To the authors’ best knowledge, prefixed brachial plexus has not been reported in dogs to date.
Vertical transmission of Trypanosoma evansi in a dromedary camel calf that spontaneously recovered after colostrum consumption
Authors: Nasef Mostafa , Dioli Maurizio , Gupta Aungshuman Das
Published: December 2023

A weak dromedary calf with signs of prematurity was born in April of 2023 to a healthy multiparous camel with a good body condition. The calf was diagnosed strongly positive to Trypanosoma evansi by haematocrit centrifugation technique (immediately after birth). The mother at that time was asymptomatic and negative by haematocrit centrifugation technique and PCR of blood. Indirect ELISA of the calf's serum before colostrum ingestion showed negligible levels of antibodies. However, 12 hours after colostrum ingestion and without any treatment, the levels of antibodies increased significantly, which coincided with negative haematocrit centrifugation technique. This indicates a possible role of colostral antibodies in neutralising the trypanosomes in the calf's blood. Examination of the placenta showed placentitis, and PCR confirmed a positive result for Trypanosoma nucleic acid. The importance of vertical transmission in maintaining the infection in a herd is discussed, as well as the role of colostrum in decreasing calf mortalities due to trypanosomosis.
GetPrimers: A generalized PCR‐based genetic targeting primer designer enabling easy and standardized targeted gene modification across multiple systems
Authors: Miao Zepu , Wang Haiting , Tu Xinyu , Huang Zhengshen , Huang Shujing , Zhang Xinxin , Wang Fan , Huang Zhishen , Li Huihui , Jiao Yue , Gao Song , Zhou Zhipeng , Shan Chun‐Min , Li Jing , Yue Jia‐Xing
Published: December 2023

Genetic targeting (e.g., gene knockout and tagging) based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a simple yet powerful approach for studying gene functions. Although originally developed in classic budding and fission yeast models, the same principle applies to other eukaryotic systems with efficient homologous recombination. One‐step PCR‐based genetic targeting is conventionally used but the sizes of the homologous arms that it generates for recombination‐mediated genetic targeting are usually limited. Alternatively, gene targeting can also be performed via fusion PCR, which can create homologous arms that are orders of magnitude larger, therefore substantially increasing the efficiency of recombination‐mediated genetic targeting. Here, we present GetPrimers (https://www.evomicslab.org/app/getprimers/), a generalized computational framework and web tool to assist automatic targeting and verification primer design for both one‐step PCR‐based and fusion PCR‐based genetic targeting experiments. Moreover, GetPrimers by design runs for any given genetic background of any species with full genome scalability. Therefore, GetPrimers is capable of empowering high‐throughput functional genomic assays at multipopulation and multispecies levels. Comprehensive experimental validations have been performed for targeting and verification primers designed by GetPrimers across multiple organism systems and experimental setups. We anticipate GetPrimers to become a highly useful and popular tool to facilitate easy and standardized gene modification across multiple systems.
Designing Interrogative Robot Theater: A Robot Who Won’t Take No for an Answer
Authors: Sajadieh Sahar , Wolfe Hannen
Published: December 2023

“You are the hottest thing in the room! I couldn’t help but come over to introduce myself.” That’s how the conversation began between the human-sized female robot and an audience member in a corner of the room duringCome Hither to Me!In this robot theater the robotic agent charms the audience with her seductive humor and subtly enters them into a provocative dialogue that surfaces their stereotypical biases in gendered social interactions.Come Hither to Me!exemplifies “Interrogative Robot Theater,” our performative and critical method for social robotics research with an objective of designing robotic embodiment and interactivity for theatrical performances and public interventions. We apply various design and theater-making methods to develop a socially engaging, fun, and playful interactive experience for the audience. Using humorous conversation and embodied interaction design, our feminist robot theater makes a satirical performative commentary on misogynist dating culture and stereotypical gender roles. Inspired by the male-centered pickup artist community guidelines, we designed a chatbot decision tree for our female-gendered robot actor that flirts and provokes conversation with participants of all genders, subverting the imbalanced power dynamics of sexist social interactions. This interventionist theater-making methodology builds upon social justice-oriented interaction design, interrogative design, and Theater of the Oppressed. Through the application of this approach,Come Hither to Me!interrogates and problematizes gendered intimacy and agency in social interactions.
Community Question: Classical Debates
Authors: Klekotko Marta
Published: December 2023

The chapter provides an overview of the classical debates on community question. It discusses various approaches to community, comprehended as a neighbourhood, a network or a sense of belonging. In the introduction to the chapter, an overview of the concept of community as opposed to city is presented and the nature of the community question is explained. The introduction is followed by the presentation of the concepts supporting the “community saved” hypothesis and provides the details on the classical approach to the urban community as a neighbourhood as well as discusses contemporary approaches to community comprehended as a place-based social ties. Next, the chapter provides details on the “community liberated” hypothesis and discusses a variety of concepts of community comprehended as a network and a sense of belonging. The chapter concludes with the statement that there is a conceptual gap in the community studies that reflects the “agency vs structure” division. It presents some attempts to overcome them, paying particular attention to Talia Blokland’s concept of community as urban practice, and points to the need for the development of a new approach that would overcome the shortcomings of the current approaches to community and would allow for exploration of the phenomena that have remained so far out of view of community studies.
Analyse von Untergrundkomponenten
Authors: Richter Simon , Lubashevsky Katrin , Randow Jakob , Henker Steve , Zschoke H. Konstanze , Bucher Anke
Published: December 2023

Die Gegebenheiten im geologischen Untergrund und vor allem die dort vorhandenen Temperaturbedingungen sind die zentrale Ressource, der sich geothermische Anlagen bedienen. Die große Bedeutung, die den Informationen zu den Gegebenheiten im Untergrund im Planungsprozess solcher Anlagen zukommt, ist daher naheliegend. Eine möglichst genaue Kenntnis der Bedingungen ermöglicht eine bessere und effizientere Auslegung. Um die Kenntnis über Eigenschaften von Untergrundkomponenten und die Nutzung von Informationen aus dem Untergrund für Planungsprozesse zu verbessern, wurden in EASyQuart einige Untersuchungen durchgeführt. Hierzu zählen Sensitivitätsanalysen, numerische Unsicherheitsanalysen und potenzielle Optimierungsstrategien, welche in diesem Kapitel vorgestellt werden.
Benchmarks
Authors: Richter Simon , Randow Jakob , Shao Haibing , Lubashevsky Katrin , Henker Steve , Bucher Anke
Published: December 2023

In diesem Kapitel werden die im Rahmen von EASyQuart entwickelten Anwendungsbeispiele (Benchmarks) für OpenGeoSys (OGS) kurz vorgestellt. Diese Benchmarks betrachten beispielhaft Möglichkeiten der Simulation mit OGS und dienen auch der Qualitätssicherung in der Code-Entwicklung der Simulationsplattform. Im Speziellen werden drei Benchmarks vorgestellt.
Systemintegration
Authors: Rink Karsten , Grimm Rüdiger , Hastreiter Nele , Kroll Paula , Remmler Paul , Shao Haibing , Zschoke H. Konstanze
Published: December 2023

Nachdem in den vergangenen Kapiteln ausführlich die Abläufe bei der Erkundung, dem Monitoring sowie der Simulation des Untergrundes und der Haustechnik beschrieben wurden, werden nun in Abschn. 7.1 Möglichkeiten zur Verwendung der erhobenen und generierten Daten für die Entwicklung eines prototypischen Informationssystems dargestellt. Die Nutzung der gewonnenen Erkenntnisse für die Gestaltung eines Entscheidungshilfesystems wird in Abschn. 7.2 für den gesamten Prozess von der Grundlagenplanung und Machbarkeitsprüfung über die einzelnen Planungs- und Genehmigungsschritte bis zur Objektbetreuung nach der Implementation beschrieben. Abschn. 7.3 zeigt auf, in welchem Maße sich gesetzliche Vorgaben derzeit für die Anlagenplanung in Deutschland zwischen den einzelnen Bundesländern unterscheiden und gibt Empfehlungen zur Anpassung ebendieser regulativen Rahmenbedingungen.
Fazit und Ausblick
Authors: Randow Jakob , Bucher Anke , Görke Uwe-Jens , Grimm Rüdiger , Hastreiter Nele , Kolditz Olaf , Lubashevsky Katrin , Richter Simon , Rink Karsten , Schönfelder Stephan , Shao Haibing , Vienken Thomas , Zschoke H. Konstanze
Published: December 2023

Ein wesentlicher Teil des Innovationsgehalts von EASyQuart besteht darin, offene wissenschaftliche Fragestellungen bei der Optimierung großflächiger oberflächennaher Geothermienetzwerke klären zu helfen (z. B. durch Anpassung, Entwicklung und Bewertung standort- und prozessbezogener Erkundungs- und Monitoringverfahren, Sensitivitätsstudien, numerische Unsicherheitsanalysen sowie gekoppelte Simulationen des Gesamtsystems Untergrund-Haustechnik). Zudem wurden exemplarisch konkrete Prognoseinstrumentarien zur standortbasierten Analyse der Versorgungs- und Bedarfsseite für verschiedene Arbeitsschritte eines Auslegungs- und Planungsprozesses oberflächennaher geothermischer Anlagen zum Heizen und Kühlen erstellt und mit Daten realer Standorte validiert. Auf dieser Basis konnten vom Verbundvorhaben Empfehlungen für die Flexibilisierung von Auslegungsverfahren und regulativen Rahmenbedingungen für Errichtung und Betrieb der betrachteten Systeme formuliert werden.
Universality of loop corrected soft theorems in 4d
Authors: Krishna Hare , Sahoo Biswajit
Published: December 2023

Abstract

In [1], logarithmic correction to subleading soft photon and soft graviton theorems have been derived in four spacetime dimensions from the ratio of IR-finite S-matrices. This has been achieved after factoring out IR-divergent components from the traditional electromagnetic and gravitational S-matrices using Grammer-Yennie prescription. Although the loop corrected subleading soft theorems are derived from one-loop scattering amplitudes involving scalar particles in a minimally coupled theory with scalar contact interaction, it has been conjectured that the soft factors are universal (theory independent) and one-loop exact (don’t receive corrections from higher loops).

This paper extends the analysis conducted in [1] to encompass general spinning particle scattering with non-minimal couplings permitted by gauge invariance and general coordinate invariance. By re-deriving the ln ω soft factors in this generic setup, we establish their universal nature. Furthermore, we summarize the results of loop corrected soft photon and graviton theorems up to sub-subleading order, which follows from the analysis of one and two loop QED and quantum gravity S-matrices. While the classical versions of these soft factors have already been derived in the literature, we put forth conjectures regarding the quantum soft factors and outline potential strategies for their derivation.
Searching for heavy leptophilic Z′: from lepton colliders to gravitational waves
Authors: Dasgupta Arnab , Dev P. S. Bhupal , Han Tao , Padhan Rojalin , Wang Si , Xie Keping
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We study the phenomenology of leptophilic Z′ gauge bosons at the future high-energy e+e− and μ+μ− colliders, as well as at the gravitational wave observatories. The leptophilic Z′ model, although well-motivated, remains largely unconstrained from current low-energy and collider searches for Z′ masses above $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(100 GeV), thus providing a unique opportunity for future lepton colliders. Taking $$ \textrm{U}{(1)}_{L_{\alpha }-{L}_{\beta }} $$
U

1

L
α

−

L
β

(α, β = e, μ, τ) models as concrete examples, we show that future e+e− and μ+μ− colliders with multi-TeV center-of-mass energies provide unprecedented sensitivity to heavy leptophilic Z′ bosons. Moreover, if these U(1) models are classically scale-invariant, the phase transition at the U(1) symmetry-breaking scale tends to be strongly first-order with ultra-supercooling, and leads to observable stochastic gravitational wave signatures. We find that the future sensitivity of gravitational wave observatories, such as advanced LIGO-VIRGO and Cosmic Explorer, can be complementary to the collider experiments, probing higher Z′ masses up to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(104 TeV), while being consistent with naturalness and perturbativity considerations.
Flavour constraints on light spin-1 bosons within a chiral Lagrangian approach
Authors: Di Luzio Luca , Levati Gabriele , Paradisi Paride , Díaz Xavier Ponce
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We discuss the construction of the chiral Lagrangian for a light spin-1 boson, here denoted as X, featuring both vector and axial-vector couplings to light u, d, s quarks. Focusing on ∆S = 1 transitions, we show that there are model-independent tree-level contributions to K±→ π±X, sourced by Standard Model charged currents, which receive an $$ {m}_K^2/{m}_X^2 $$

m
K
2

/

m
X
2

enhancement from the emission of a longitudinally polarized X. This flavour observable sets the strongest to date model-independent bound on the diagonal axial-vector couplings of X to u, d, s quarks for mX< mK– mπ, superseding the bounds arising from beam-dump and collider searches.
Cortical bone thickness on preoperative CT scans as predictor of bone quality in distal femur fractures: a retrospective study in Caucasians
Authors: Huppke Calvin M. , Fahlbusch Hendrik , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Krause Matthias , von Rehlingen-Prinz Fidelius
Published: December 2023

Aim

Distal femur fractures (DFF) are rare, but associated with high complication rates and mortality, particularly in patients with osteoporosis. To improve preoperative assessment, we analyzed if cortical bone thickness on CT and AP radiographs is associated with clinical parameters of bone quality.

Methods

Retrospective single-center study of adult patients presenting at a level-one trauma center, with a DFF between 2011 and 2020. Clinical parameters for bone quality, such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), energy impact level of trauma, and known history of osteoporosis, were assessed. Mean cortical bone thickness (CBTavg) on AP radiograph was determined using a previously published method. Cortical thickness on CT scan was measured at 8 and 14 cm proximal to the articular surface of the lateral condyle.

Results

71 patients (46 females) between 20 and 100 years were included in the study. Cortical thickness determined by CT correlated significantly with CBTavg measurements on AP radiograph (Spearman r = 0.62 to 0.80; p < 0.001). Cortical thickness was inversely correlated with age (Spearman r = − 0.341 to − 0.466; p < 0.001) and significantly associated with trauma impact level and history of osteoporosis (p =  < 0.001). The CT-based values showed a stronger correlation with the clinical parameters than those determined by AP X-ray.

Conclusion

Our results showed that cortical thickness of the distal femur correlates with clinical parameters of bone quality and is therefore an excellent tool for assessing what surgical care should be provided. Interestingly, our findings indicate that cortical thickness on CT is more strongly correlated with clinical data than AP radiograph measurements.
Potential regulatory role of PGC-1α within the skeletal muscle during metabolic adaptations in response to high-fat diet feeding in animal models
Authors: Mthembu Sinenhlanhla X. H. , Mazibuko-Mbeje Sithandiwe E. , Ziqubu Khanyisani , Muvhulawa Ndivhuwo , Marcheggiani Fabio , Cirilli Ilenia , Nkambule Bongani B. , Muller Christo J. F. , Basson Albertus K. , Tiano Luca , Dludla Phiwayinkosi V.
Published: December 2023

High-fat diet (HFD) feeding in rodents has become an essential tool to critically analyze and study the pathological effects of obesity, including mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) regulates cellular energy metabolism to influence insulin sensitivity, beyond its active role in stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis to facilitate skeletal muscle adaptations in response to HFD feeding. Here, some of the major electronic databases like PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were accessed to update and critically discuss information on the potential role of PGC-1α during metabolic adaptations within the skeletal muscle in response to HFD feeding in rodents. In fact, available evidence suggests that partial exposure to HFD feeding (potentially during the early stages of disease development) is associated with impaired metabolic adaptations within the skeletal muscle, including mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced insulin sensitivity. In terms of implicated molecular mechanisms, these negative effects are partially associated with reduced activity of PGC-1α, together with the phosphorylation of protein kinase B and altered expression of genes involving nuclear respiratory factor 1 and mitochondrial transcription factor A within the skeletal muscle. Notably, metabolic abnormalities observed with chronic exposure to HFD (likely during the late stages of disease development) may potentially occur independently of PGC-1α regulation within the muscle of rodents. Summarized evidence suggests the causal relationship between PGC-1α regulation and effective modulations of mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic flexibility during the different stages of disease development. It further indicates that prominent interventions like caloric restriction and physical exercise may affect PGC-1α regulation during effective modulation of metabolic processes.
Robust DTW-based entropy fuzzy clustering of time series
Authors: D’Urso Pierpaolo , De Giovanni Livia , Vitale Vincenzina
Published: December 2023

Time series are complex data objects whose partitioning into homogeneous groups is still a challenging task, especially in the presence of outliers or noisy data. To address the problem of robustness against outliers in clustering techniques, this paper proposes a robust fuzzy C-medoids method based on entropy regularization. In-depth, we use an appropriate exponential transformation of the dissimilarity based on Dynamic Time Warping, which can be computed also for time series of different length. In addition, the fuzzy framework provides the necessary flexibility to cope with the complexity of the features space. It allows a time series to be assigned to more than one group, considering potential switching behaviours. Moreover, the use of a medoids-based approach enables the identification of observed representative objects within the dataset, thus enhancing interpretability for practical applications. Through an extensive simulation study, we successfully demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposal, comparing and emphasizing its strengths. Finally, our proposed methodology is applied to the daily mean concentrations of three air pollutants in 2022 in the Province of Rome. This application highlights its potential, namely the capability to intercept outliers and switching time series while preserving group structures.
School-to-work transition: putting non-cognitive skills in context. The case of NEET and suggestions for policy
Authors: Ripamonti Enrico
Published: December 2023

NEETs represent a category at risk for social exclusion and may show poor non-cognitive skills. In this review we target this issue, taking the contemporary theory of skills formation as a theoretical framework. Intrapersonal agency and motivational components, including educational aspirations, goal attainability, and investing in active efforts are protective factors for a successful school-to-work transition. Having an internal locus of control may help teenagers but might not compensate for a low socioeconomic status. Experiencing high-quality apprenticeships and internships could help teenagers find their vocational specificity. Large-scale intervention programs, promoting investment in human agency and motivation constitute a proper policy strategy.
Flourishing while withering: an explication and critique of Simone de Beauvoir’s phenomenology of aging
Authors: Svenaeus Fredrik
Published: December 2023

This paper explores the process of aging from a phenomenological perspective. Supplementing the model of becoming old found in Simone de Beauvoir’s work with a phenomenology of human suffering and flourishing, it asks whether it is possible to lead a good life in the process of becoming old. Is it possible to flourish while experiencing bodily waning? Is it possible to flourish while experiencing the shrinking of one’s everyday world and the passing away of close others? Aging, at least in its protracted phases, appears to become full of suffering rather than flourishing. What are the prospects of finding meaningful life projects despite old age? By making use of insight found in Heidegger and other phenomenologists the paper tries to develop a slightly different view on aging than the one found in Beauvoir, stressing the importance of embodied experiences and life choices, which not only depend upon societal oppression and being objectified by others, but also upon processes of nature and the possibilities of an intergenerational intersubjectivity. Resources for this project is found in the philosophy of affectivity developed by Heidegger and other phenomenologists of facticity, such as Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Charles Taylor, Helmuth Plessner and Hannah Arendt.
Argumentation-induced rational issue polarisation
Authors: Kopecky Felix
Published: December 2023

Computational models have shown how polarisation can rise among deliberating agents as they approximate epistemic rationality. This paper provides further support for the thesis that polarisation can rise under condition of epistemic rationality, but it does not depend on limitations that extant models rely on, such as memory restrictions or biased evaluation of other agents’ testimony. Instead, deliberation is modelled through agents’ purposeful introduction of arguments and their rational reactions to introductions of others. This process induces polarisation dynamics on its own. A second result is that the effect size of polarisation dynamics correlates with particular types of argumentative behaviour. Polarisation effects can be soothed when agents take into account the opinions of others as premises, and they are amplified as agents fortify their own beliefs. These results underpin the relevance of argumentation as a factor in social-epistemic processes and indicate that rising issue polarisation is not a reliable indicator of epistemic shortcomings.
New insights in thyroid diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Pitoia Fabian , Trimboli Pierpaolo
Published: December 2023

The prevalence of thyroid disease continues to rise. As a consequence, the research in the thyroid field has significantly increased over time. Thus, clinicians, and endocrinologists first, have to be aware of the important continuous progress achieved, in particular of thyroid cancer, to better manage their patients. This themed issue, titled “New Insights in Thyroid Diagnosis and Treatment,” delves deep into contemporary hot topics in thyroid field. These papers included in the present issue are focused on several aspects in this area, such as imaging, molecular analysis, machine learning and radiomics, nuclear medicine, clinical, and laboratory. Seven papers centers around thyroid cancer. Three papers review imaging modalities for thyroid nodule/cancer assessment. Two papers report a comprehensive review of metabolic issues involving thyroid gland. Finally, a large overview about genetics of Graves’ disease is reported in another study. Clinicians will find this issue very interesting.