bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large-scale mapping of existing and lost wetlands: Earth Observation data and tools to support restoration in the Sebou and Medjerda river basins
Authors: Guelmami A.
Published: December 2023

Mediterranean wetlands are the richest and most productive ecosystems in the region, and are essential for climate change adaptation and mitigation. However, despite their importance, they have suffered significant destruction over time. We estimate that half of the natural wetlands have been lost since the 1970s, and the regional trend shows no signs of slowing down. It is therefore urgent to implement concrete solutions that can preserve the remaining wetlands and restore those that have been lost. The increasing availability of free and open Earth Observation (EO) data and tools has provided a basis for mapping these ecosystems and monitoring their status and trends. In this paper, we show how EO-based data and tools can support the pre-identification of candidate sites for wetlands restoration at large scale through the mapping and delineation of existing and lost wetland habitats, their current land use status, and the estimation of the efforts needed to recreate the lost and transformed ones. We used this approach in the Sebou river basin in Morocco and the transboundary Medjerda watershed between Algeria and Tunisia. The resulting products, i.e., Potential Wetland Areas and Potentially Restorable Wetlands maps, enabled the identification of more than 7000 km2 and 1700 km2 of lost wetland habitats that could be regained in the Sebou and Medjerda basins, respectively. These results hold immense value for water resources management and land planning as they can enhance and assist prioritization efforts for wetland restoration at local, national, and regional scales. They can serve as baseline data to identify candidate sites to implement wetland restoration actions as Nature-based Solutions, regenerate their habitats, and restore the ecosystem services they provide to society.
Stories of Origins in the Bible and Ancient Mediterranean Literature
Authors: Darshan Guy
Published: December 2023

In this book, Guy Darshan explores stories of origins that lie at the heart of Pentateuchal sources in the context of literature created in neighboring societies of the ancient Mediterranean world. A comparative study, his volume analyses the parallels between Biblical origin stories – the narrative traditions arranged in geneaological sequence that recount the beginnings of humanity and origins of peoples -- in tandem with ancient Greek genealogical writings from the 7–5th centuries BCE onwards. He also considers Phoenician and Anatolian sources from the first millennium, several of which have only been published in recent years. This is the first scholarly study to trace the origins of this genre of narrative and the circumstances that led to appearances in the Hebrew Bible and ancient Mediterranean literature. It sheds new light on our knowledge of the history of literature, as well as the interconnections and interrelations between civilizations of the pre-Hellenistic eastern Mediterranean and Near East.
Pandemonium
Authors: van Middelaar Luuk
Published: December 2023

Over the past decade the European Union has faced threats to its currency, borders and unity. Covid-19, which began its inexorable spread across Europe in February 2020, is the latest crisis to test the Union's resilience.

Luuk van Middelaar's compelling analysis of the EU's response to the pandemic details how events and decisions unfolded, how crisis solutions were improvised in a situation of deep uncertainty, and the lessons it must learn if it is to continue to protect its citizens.

As member states shut their borders and scrambled for supplies, the European Union at first appeared irrelevant. But once shaken from its torpor by a public cry for help, the EU has coordinated a formidable response to the chaos, including an unprecedented level of financial assistance. This reaction, argues van Middelaar, demonstrates the Union's enduring strength and how it has learnt to deal with real world events. Indeed, the EU's response to the pandemic reveals how far it has come on its journey from regulatory body to geopolitical actor. The pandemic highlighted that Europe's next challenge will most likely come from its uneasy position between a strategically assertive China and a more self-centred United States. Facing this will require a greater political will than that mustered in the health emergency. To become a true power among powers, Van Middelaar contends, Europe must give firmer political shape to its own historical and cultural identity.
Development and Evaluation of Online Suicide Preventive Tool iAlive to Increase Competences in Engaging With a Suicidal Person
Authors: Poštuvan Vita , Gomboc Vanja , Čopič Pucihar Klen , Kljun Matjaz , Vičič Jernej , Tančič Grum Alenka , Roškar Saška , Krohne Nina
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Background: Online implementation of suicide prevention interventions offers many advantages, facilitating the dissemination of large-scale suicide prevention interventions. An online tool iAlive aimed at raising awareness and increasing suicide prevention competences in lay people was developed and implemented in Slovenia. Aims: To develop, implement, and evaluate the iAlive tool. Method: Following the development and implementation of the tool, a nonrandomized controlled study with 310 participants was conducted. One hundred fifty-six of them fully completed the study [intervention group (used the iAlive tool): N = 85, control group (did not use the tool): N = 71]. Perceived competences in engaging with a suicidal person were assessed in both groups at baseline and at follow-up (3–4 weeks apart), which also represents the time of the intervention. Results: A significant effect of time and condition [ F(1,149) = 6.62, p = .011, η p2 = .043] showed that the intervention group assessed their perceived competences on intervention exposure more positively compared to the control group. Limitations: Additional data on different populations and people’s engagement with the tool in relation to perceived competences are needed. Conclusion: The study suggests that the interactive online tool iAlive effectively increases perceived competences in engaging with a suicidal person. These results provide a background for further dissemination of the tool.
Adaptation and Validation of the German Reading Comprehension Test ELFE II for Spanish
Authors: Cuadro Ariel , Daniel Costa-Ball César , von Hagen Alexa , Silvera Gonzalo , Rosas Ricardo , Escobar José-Pablo , Lenhard Wolfgang
Published: December 2023

Abstract: The objective of this study is to present the process of adaptation and validation of the German reading comprehension test ELFE II ( Lenhard et al., 2017 ) for Spanish. Both languages exhibit comparable orthographic depth but differ in their word material due to their different origins (Romanic vs. Germanic language roots). We reconstructed the test based on the original structure and construction principles and aligned syllable structure, frequency, and word length. Convergent validity, item analysis, dimensionality, and reliability studies provide evidence to support a unidimensional structure for each scale subtest, which in turn is in accordance with theoretical frameworks.
Diagnosing the Sensitivity of Particulate Nitrate to Precursor Emissions Using Satellite Observations of Ammonia and Nitrogen Dioxide
Authors: Dang Ruijun , Jacob Daniel J. , Zhai Shixian , Coheur Pierre , Clarisse Lieven , Van Damme Martin , Pendergrass Drew C. , Choi Jin‐soo , Park Jin‐soo , Liu Zirui , Liao Hong
Published: December 2023

Particulate nitrate is a major component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Its formation may be varyingly sensitive to emissions of ammonia (NH3), nitrogen oxides (NOx ≡ NO + NO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), depending on local conditions. Diagnosing these sensitivities is critical for successful air quality management. Here, we show that satellite measurements of tropospheric NH3 and NO2 columns can be used as a quick indicator of the dominant sensitivity regime through the NH3/NO2 column ratio together with the NO2 column. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this indicator with the GEOS‐Chem chemical transport model and define thresholds to separate the different sensitivity regimes. Applying the method to wintertime IASI and OMI observations in East Asia reveals that surface nitrate is dominantly VOC‐sensitive in the southern North China Plain (NCP), NOx‐sensitive in most of the East China Plain, and NH3‐sensitive in the northern NCP, southern China, and Korea.
Regime‐Dependence of Nocturnal Nitrate Formation via N2O5 Hydrolysis and Its Implication for Mitigating Nitrate Pollution
Authors: Ma Pengkun , Quan Jiannong , Dou Youjun , Pan Yubing , Liao Zhiheng , Cheng Zhigang , Jia Xingcan , Wang Qianqian , Zhan Junlei , Ma Wei , Zheng Feixue , Wang Yuzheng , Zhang Yusheng , Hua Chenjie , Yan Chao , Kulmala Markku , Liu Yangang , Huang Xin , Yuan Bin , Brown Steven S. , Liu Yongchun
Published: December 2023

The heterogeneous hydrolysis of dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) is an important pathway in nitrate formation; however, its formation rate and relative contribution to total particulate nitrate () are highly variable. Here we report that nocturnal formation via N2O5 hydrolysis is dependent on the regime defined by the ratio of NO2 to O3. Nocturnal formation via N2O5 hydrolysis is suppressed in an O3‐limited regime but enhanced in a NO2‐limited regime. The results have crucial implications for effective control of nitrate pollution in the future. An exclusive decrease in NO2 will decrease nocturnal formation in a NO2‐limited regime but may be less effective or even increase nocturnal formation in an O3‐limited regime.
Myeloid differentiation factor-2/LY96, a potential predictive biomarker of metastasis and poor outcomes in prostate cancer: clinical implications as a potential therapeutic target
Authors: Ferrari Marina G. , Jimenez-Uribe Alexis P. , Wang Li , Hoeppner Luke H. , Murugan Paari , Hahm Eunsil , Yu Jindan , Kuzel Timothy M. , Gradilone Sergio A. , Mansini Adrian P.
Published: December 2023

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the most diagnosed cancer in males and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Patients with localized tumors are generally curable. However, no curative treatment exists for patients with advanced and metastatic disease. Therefore, identifying critical proteins involved in the metastatic process would help to develop new therapeutic options for patients with advanced and aggressive CaP. We provide strong evidence that Myeloid differentiation factor-2 (MD2) plays a critical role in metastasis and CaP progression. Analysis of tumor genomic data showed that amplifications of MD2 and increased expression are associated with poor outcomes in patients. Immunohistochemistry analysis of tumor tissues showed a correlation between the expression of MD2 and cancer progression. The Decipher-genomic test validated the potential of MD2 in predicting metastasis. In vitro studies demonstrated that MD2 confers invasiveness by activating MAPK and NF-kB signaling pathways and inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, we show that metastatic cells release MD2 (sMD2). We measured serum-sMD2 in patients and found that the level is correlated to disease extent. We determined the significance of MD2 in metastasis in vivo and as a therapeutic target, showing that the molecular and pharmacological targeting of MD2 significantly inhibited metastasis in murine models. We conclude that MD2 predicts metastatic behavior, and serum-MD2 could be studied as a potential non-invasive biomarker for metastasis, whereas MD2 presence on prostate biopsy predicts adverse disease outcome. We suggest MD2-targeted therapies could be developed as potential treatments for aggressive metastatic disease.
Cancer predisposition signaling in Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome drives Wilms tumor development
Authors: Nirgude Snehal , Naveh Natali S. Sobel , Kavari Sanam L. , Traxler Emily M. , Kalish Jennifer M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Wilms tumor (WT) exhibits structural and epigenetic changes at chromosome 11p15, which also cause Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS). Children diagnosed with BWS have increased risk for WT. The aim of this study is to identify the molecular signaling signatures in BWS driving these tumors.

Methods

We performed whole exome sequencing, methylation array analysis, and gene expression analysis on BWS-WT samples. Our data were compared to publicly available nonBWS data. We categorized WT from BWS and nonBWS patients by assessment of 11p15 methylation status and defined 5 groups– control kidney, BWS-nontumor kidney, BWS-WT, normal-11p15 nonBWS-WT, altered-11p15 nonBWS-WT.

Results

BWS-WT samples showed single nucleotide variants in BCORL1, ASXL1, ATM and AXL but absence of recurrent gene mutations associated with sporadic WT. We defined a narrow methylation range stratifying nonBWS-WT samples. BWS-WT and altered-11p15 nonBWS-WT showed enrichment of common and unique molecular signatures based on global differential methylation and gene expression analysis. CTNNB1 overexpression and broad range of interactions were seen in the BWS-WT interactome study.

Conclusion

While WT predisposition in BWS is well-established, as are 11p15 alterations in nonBWS-WT, this study focused on stratifying tumor genomics by 11p15 status. Further investigation of our findings may identify novel therapeutic targets in WT oncogenesis.
Excited state iminium form can explain the unexpected solvatochromic behavior of symmetric 1,5- and 1,8-diaminonaphthalenes
Authors: Kopcsik Erika , Mucsi Zoltán , Kontra Bence , Vanyorek László , Gál Rajmond , Viskolcz Béla , Nagy Miklós
Published: December 2023

DFT calculations using the explicit solvent model reveal the iminium character of naphthylamine based dyes in the excited state. This model is able to explain their solvatochromic behavior and may lead to a more efficient dye design protocol.
Moiré-of-Moiré phases formed in twisted graphene/hexagonal boron nitride heterostructures under high pressure
Authors: Li Yaomin , Zhang Bin
Published: December 2023

High-pressure treatment of twisted graphene/h-BN (T-GBN) heterostructures yields diverse BCN ternary phases with moiré lattice periodicity—named Moiré-BC2N.
Lanthanium nitride LaN9 featuring azide units: the first metal nine-nitride as a high-energy-density material
Authors: Lin Shuyi , Chen Jingyan , Zhang Bi , Hao Jian , Xu Meiling , Li Yinwei
Published: December 2023

Pressure-stabilized LaN9 and LaN8 compounds hold the potential as high-energy density materials.
Comparative toxicity of polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene nanoplastics on Artemia franciscana nauplii: a multidimensional assessment
Authors: Sultan Marriya , Wei Xing-Yi , Duan Jin-Jing , Zhang Bao-Fu , Wu Ming-Fei , Cai Zi-Xin , Pei De-Sheng
Published: December 2023

This study represents the first report comparing the acute toxicity of polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE) nanoplastics on multiple biological endpoints of Artemia franciscana nauplii, a widely used aquatic test organism.
A gold-catalyzed cyclization/nucleophilic addition reaction of o-alkynylanilines with ynamides: stereoselective synthesis of 3-vinylindoles
Authors: Luo Wenyi , Chen Qiaolong , Mo Xiaoyu , Jiang Jun , Xie Peng
Published: December 2023

The steric hindrance effect of the JohnPhosAu(MeCN)SbF6 ligand and the π–π stacking interaction between the phenyl group on the indole and the phenyl group of the ynamide enhance the selectivity towards the E-configuration in the reaction.
Obscurinin A, a unique Lycopodium alkaloid possessing an 8/6/6/6/5 pentacyclic system isolated from Lycopodium obscurum L.
Authors: Gao Bei-Bei , Li Wen-Yan , Jiang Shuai , Zhao Qin-Shi
Published: December 2023

Obscurinin A, an unprecedented Lycopodium alkaloid with an 8/6/6/6/5 ring system, showed significant inhibitory activity on the Cav3.1 calcium channel.
Dominant role of zeolite in coordination between metal and acid sites on an industrial catalyst for tetralin hydrocracking
Authors: Qi Jiayao , Jia Hanqiong , Wang Fei , Gao Hang , Qin Bo , Zhang Xinwei , Ma Jinghong , Du Yanze , Li Ruifeng
Published: December 2023

An effective approach for upgrading light cycle oil (LCO) is the targeted conversion of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons to valuable monoaromatic hydrocarbons.
Numerical investigation of heterogeneous soft particle pairs in inertial microfluidics
Authors: Owen Benjamin , Thota Krishnaveni , Krüger Timm
Published: December 2023

Heterogeneous particle pair formation in microfluidic channels can be desired or detrimental. We find that softness heterogeneity determines whether a pair will form, and the lateral and inter-particle equilibrium behaviour in the pair.
Resolving charge transfer mechanisms in molecular tunnel junctions using dynamic charge transfer and static current–voltage measurements
Authors: Cao Liang , Zhang Ziyu , Thompson Damien , Qi Dong-Chen , Nijhui Christian A.
Published: December 2023

Comparing the tunnelling decay coefficient β values obtained through the core-hole clock and junction J(V) measurements allow for the identification of the most likely orbital involved in charge transport measurements, derived from DFT calculations.
A new three‐level simplified sparce NPC topology for UHS PMSM motor applications
Authors: Sheianov Aleksandr , Xiao Xi , Sun Xudong
Published: December 2023

In ultra‐high speed (UHS) motor applications, full SIC two‐level (2L) inverters with high switching frequencies are generally used due to their lower cost. However, even with the usage of all WBG power devices, high‐frequency hard‐switched 2L inverters still do not achieve optimal efficiency characteristics. As a result, in order to simultaneously reduce the switching frequency and enhance overall efficiency, recently three‐level (3L) topologies have emerged as a promising solution. Nevertheless, to fully meet the requirements of UHS applications, the switching frequency of 3L inverters should be increased beyond 30 kHz, which necessitates the usage of all SIC power devices. This, in turn, leads to a potential drawback where the cost of the drive system may become prohibitively high due to the requirement of all SIC switches. To address this issue and reduce the cost of a full SIC 3L inverter, a new 3L simplified sparse NPC (SSNPC) topology is proposed in this work. The operational principle of this topology, its distinctive control features, and the advantages it offers specifically for UHS applications are presented. Additionally, to further increase the efficiency and reduce the influence of dead time at low speeds, a new switching sequence is introduced. Finally, the overall performance and efficiency characteristics of the high‐frequency SSNPC inverter were verified across all operational conditions of UHS motor drive system.
Effect of nucleating agents on the electrical properties of cross‐linked polyethylene under tensile stress
Authors: Xing Yunqi , Liu Jiahao , Su Jingang , Zha Junwei , Li Guochang , Guo Ze , Zhao Xiaozhen , Feng Mengjia
Published: December 2023

During the operation of high‐voltage cables, external stress and residual stress can affect the aggregated structure of insulating materials and lead to significant deterioration in their electrical performance. To investigate the evolution characteristics of the electrical properties of cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE) under mechanical stress, this paper explains the relationship between the aggregated structure of XLPE and its electrical properties and proposes a method for improving insulation performance under mechanical stress. The results show that metallocene polyethylene used as a nucleating agent can promote crystallisation through heterogeneous nucleation and increase Young's modulus by non‐uniform nucleation, increasing crystallinity and reducing interplanar spacing, resulting in more complete crystal forms and reduced damage to the aggregated structure during the tensile process. After nucleating agent modification, the XLPE crystallisation becomes more uniform, and interfacial adhesion forces increase. The weakened interface damage process between the amorphous and crystalline regions under tensile stress effectively inhibits the process of molecular chain polarisation turning and reduces trap density. The modified XLPE crystal structure shows a tendency towards densification and enhanced molecular chain interactions, which can reduce the damage to the aggregated structure under tensile stress, while the reduced free volume inside the material and the shortened average free path of carriers can weaken the damage of high‐energy electrons to molecular chains, thereby inhibiting the process of electrical tree degradation. The results show that nucleating agents have great potential for maintaining the stable operation of XLPE cables under mechanical stress.
An optimized two‐phase demand‐responsive transit scheduling model considering dynamic demand
Authors: Song Cui‐Ying , Wang He‐Ling , Chen Lu , Niu Xue‐Qin
Published: December 2023

Demand‐responsive transit has gradually attracted attention in recent years for its flexibility, efficiency, and ability to meet the diverse travel demands of passengers. To improve the operational efficiency of demand‐responsive transit (DRT) with dynamic demand, this study innovatively investigates the DRT scheduling problem from multiple perspectives, such as multi‐vehicle, non‐fixed stop, and dynamic demand, and constructs a two‐phase DRT vehicle scheduling model. In the first phase, a static scheduling model is established with the objective of minimizing vehicle setup cost, operation cost, and CO2 emission cost according to passenger travel satisfaction. In the second phase, a dynamic scheduling model is constructed with the objective of minimizing the increased vehicle operation cost in response to dynamic demand and the penalty cost of violating the time window and rejecting passengers. In addition, in the first static phase, an improved heuristic algorithm is used to obtain optimal routes based on passengers’ subscriptions, while in the second phase, an insertion algorithm is designed to solve the dynamic scheduling model based on the previous schedule. Finally, cases are applied to a realistic network in Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheduling model. The results demonstrate that dynamic scheduling can enable more passengers to be served with a slight increase in total vehicle operating costs. Besides, the introduction of the non‐fixed stop service model can significantly reduce total travel time by up to 8.8% compared with the fixed stop service. The proposed models and solution algorithms in this study are practical for real‐world applications.
An FCM based weather type classification method considering photovoltaic output and meteorological characteristics and its application in power interval forecasting
Authors: Zhu Honglu , Sun Yahui , Jiang Tingting , Zhang Xi , Zhou Hai , Hu Siyu , Kang Mingyuan
Published: December 2023

With the increasing installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, the impact of their randomness and volatility on power system has become a significant concern. To effectively quantify the uncertainty of PV output, it is crucial to develop reliable PV power interval forecasting technology. However, the complex relationship between PV output and meteorological factors makes it challenging for a single forecasting model to meet the forecasting demand. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a weather classification method that takes into account both PV output and meteorological characteristics. Initially, the relationship between PV output and meteorological factors is analyzed, and weather types are classified using fuzzy c‐means algorithm (FCM). Then, an extreme learning machine (ELM) is employed to establish point forecasting model. By combining kernel density estimation, a PV power generation interval forecasting model is derived. The results demonstrate that the FCM‐ELM model achieves higher forecasting accuracy and narrower interval width compared to traditional ELM models, with accuracy improvement of more than 2%. Additionally, the proposed method outperforms seasonal models with an accuracy improvement of more than 1%. The contribution of this paper includes identifying the limitations of traditional weather classification methods, proposing a novel multi‐model approach for PV interval forecasting.
The effects of large round‐off errors on the performance of control charts for the mean when the quality characteristic is normally distributed with a known variance
Authors: Diamanta Benson‐Karhi , Michal Ben‐David , Ofer Levi , Edna Schechtman
Published: December 2023

This research discusses the effects of large round‐off errors on the performance of control charts for means when a process is normally distributed with a known variance and a fixed sample size. Quality control in practice uses control charts for means as a process monitoring tool, even when the data is significantly rounded. The objective of this research is to demonstrate how ignoring the round‐off errors and using a standard Shewhart chart affects the quality control of a measured process. The first part of the research includes theoretical calculations for estimating the values of alpha and beta, relating to the unrounded data and the large‐rounded data. For the rounded data, normality can no longer be assumed because the data is discrete; therefore, the multinomial distribution is used. The results show that given an in‐control process, alpha indicates that false alarms are more frequent, whereas given an out‐of‐control process, the influence on beta is minor and inconsistent. For some rounding levels, there is a decline in the control chart performances, and in others, there is an improvement. In the second part, a simulation study is used to evaluate the performances of the control chart based on a single sample, checking whether the conclusion (reject or fail to reject) for a sample is consistent for rounded and unrounded data. The results of the simulation match the theoretical calculations.
The Gaia RVS benchmark stars
Authors: Caffau E. , Katz D. , Gómez A. , Bonifacio P. , Lallement R. , Sartoretti P. , Sbordone L. , Spite M. , Mucciarelli A. , Ibata R. , Chemin L. , Thévenin F. , Panuzzo P. , Leclerc N. , François P. , Ludwig H.-G. , Monaco L. , Haywood M. , Soubiran C.
Published: December 2023

Context. The Gaia satellite has already provided the astronomical community with three data releases, and the Radial Velocity Spectrometer (RVS) on board Gaia has provided the radial velocity for 33 million stars.

Aims. When deriving the radial velocity from the RVS spectra, several stars are measured to have large values. To verify the credibility of these measurements, we selected some bright stars with the modulus of radial velocity in excess of 500 km s−1 to be observed with SOPHIE at OHP and UVES at VLT. This paper is devoted to investigating the chemical composition of the stars observed with UVES.

Methods. We derived atmospheric parameters using Gaia photometry and parallaxes, and we performed a chemical analysis using the MyGIsFOS code.

Results. We find that the sample consists of metal-poor stars, although none have extremely low metallicities. The abundance patterns match what has been found in other samples of metal-poor stars selected irrespective of their radial velocities. We highlight the presence of three stars with low Cu and Zn abundances that are likely descendants of pair-instability supernovae. Two stars are apparently younger than 1 Ga, and their masses exceed twice the turn-off mass of metal-poor populations. This makes it unlikely that they are blue stragglers because it would imply they formed from triple or multiple systems. We suggest instead that they are young metal-poor stars accreted from a dwarf galaxy. Finally, we find that the star RVS721 is associated with the Gjoll stream, which itself is associated with the Globular Cluster NGC 3201.
Likelihood of white dwarf binaries to dominate the astrophysical gravitational wave background in the mHz band
Authors: Staelens Seppe , Nelemans Gijs
Published: December 2023

Context. The astrophysical gravitational wave background (AGWB) is a collective signal of astrophysical gravitational wave sources dominated by compact binaries. One key science goal of current and future gravitational wave detectors is to obtain its measurement.

Aims. We aim to determine the population of compact binaries dominating the AGWB in the mHz band. We revisit and update an earlier work by Farmer & Phinney (2003, MNRAS, 346, 1197) to model the astrophysical gravitational wave background sourced by extragalactic white dwarf binaries in the mHz frequency band.

Methods. We calculated the signal using a single-metallicity model for the white dwarf population in the Universe using the global star formation history.

Results. We estimate the white dwarf AGWB amplitude to be ∼60% higher than the earlier estimate. We also find that the overall shape of the white dwarf AGWB shows a good fit with a broken power law combined with an exponential cut-off.

Conclusions. We compare our results to present-day best estimates for the background due to black hole and neutron star binaries, finding that the white dwarf component is likely to dominate in the mHz band. We provide an order-of-magnitude estimate that explains this hierarchy and we comment on the implications for future missions that aim to detect the AGWB. We also note that the black hole AGWB may only be detectable at high frequency. We outline several improvements that can be made to our estimate, however, these points are unlikely to change our main conclusion, which posits that the white dwarf AGWB dominates the mHz band.
Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy versus botulinum toxin injection for the treatment of refractory gastroparesis: results of a double-blind randomized controlled study
Authors: Gonzalez Jean-Michel , Mion François , Pioche Mathieu , Garbay Victor , Baumstarck Karine , Boucekine Mohamed , Debourdeau Antoine , Rivory Jérôme , Barthet Marc , Vitton Véronique
Published: December 2023

Introduction Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) is a promising technique for treating refractory gastroparesis. We present the first double-blind randomized study comparing the clinical efficacy of G-POEM versus pyloric botulinum toxin injection (BTI).

Methods This randomized study, conducted in two expert centers, enrolled patients with refractory gastroparesis, medically managed for >6 months and confirmed by gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES), into two groups, G-POEM versus BTI, with follow-up of 1 year. The primary end point was the 3-month clinical efficacy, defined as a >1-point decrease in the mean Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) score. Secondary end points were: 1-year efficacy, GES evolution, adverse events, and quality of life.

Results 40 patients (22 women; mean age 48.1 [SD 17.4]), with mean symptom duration of 5.8 (SD 5.7) years, were randomized. Etiologies included idiopathic (n=18), diabetes (n=11), postoperative (n=6), and mixed (n=4). G-POEM showed a higher 3-month clinical success than BTI (65% vs. 40%, respectively; P=0.10), along with non-significantly higher 1-year clinical success (60% vs. 40%, respectively) on intention-to-treat analysis. The GCSI decreased in both groups at 3 months and 1 year. Only three minor adverse events occurred in the G-POEM group. The GES improvement rate was 72% in the G-POEM group versus 50% in the BTI group (non-significant).

Conclusion G-POEM seems to have a higher clinically relevant success rate than BTI, but this was not statistically demonstrated. This study confirms the interest in treatments targeting the pylorus, either mechanically or chemically, for managing refractory gastroparesis.
Underestimated Cervical Cancer among Women over 65 Years Old: Is It Time to Revise the Screening Target Age Group?
Authors: Zago Renata Alfena , Camilo-Júnior Deolino João , D'Ávilla Solange Correa Garcia Pires , Xavier-Júnior José Cândido Caldeira
Published: December 2023

Objective To compare cytological and histological results from women > 64 years old who followed the Brazilian national cervical cancer screening guidelines with those who did not.

Methods The present observational retrospective study analyzed 207 abnormal cervical smear results from women > 64 years old in a mid-sized city in Brazil over 14 years. All results were reported according to the Bethesda System. The women were divided into those who followed the screening guidelines and those who did not.

Results Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cytology results were found in 128 (62.2%) cases. Of these, 112 (87.5%) had repeated cytology with positive results. The other 79 (38.1%) with abnormal results should have been referred to colposcopy and biopsy. Out of 41 (51.9%) biopsied women, 23 (29.1%) had a confirmed diagnosis of neoplasia or precursor lesion. In contrast, among the 78 (37.7%) biopsied patients, 40 (51.3%) followed the guideline recommendations, with 9 (22.5%) positive biopsies. Of the 38 (48.7%) women who did not follow the guidelines, there were 24 (63.1%) positive results. Women who did not follow the guidelines demonstrated higher chances of cancer and precursor lesions (odds ratio [OR]: 5.904; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.188–15.932; p = 0.0002).

Conclusion Women > 64 years old who did not follow the national screening protocol showed significant differences in the frequency of abnormal results and severity of diagnosis compared with those who followed the protocol.
Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders – The Impact of the Creation of a Multidisciplinary Team on Maternal Outcomes in Portugal
Authors: Teixeira Beatriz , Pinto Pedro Viana , Realista Rodrigo , Silva Manuela , Costa Antónia , Machado Ana Paula , Moucho Marina
Published: December 2023

Objective To describe a cohort of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cases from a tertiary care institution and compare the maternal outcomes before and after the creation of a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Methods Retrospective study using hospital databases. Identification of PAS cases with pathological confirmation between 2010 and 2021. Division in two groups: standard care (SC) group – 2010–2014; and MDT group – 2015–2021. Descriptive analysis of their characteristics and maternal outcomes.

Results During the study period, there were 53 cases of PAS (24 - SC group; 29 - MDT group). Standard care group: 1 placenta increta and 3 percreta; 12.5% (3/24) had antenatal suspicion; 4 cases had a peripartum hysterectomy – one planned due to antenatal suspicion of PAS; 3 due to postpartum hemorrhage. Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 2,469 mL; transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBC) in 25% (6/24) - median 7.5 units. Multidisciplinary team group: 4 cases of placenta increta and 3 percreta. The rate of antenatal suspicion was 24.1% (7/29); 9 hysterectomies were performed, 7 planned due to antenatal suspicion of PAS, 1 after intrapartum diagnosis of PAS and 1 after uterine rupture following a second trimester termination of pregnancy. The mean EBL was 1,250 mL, with transfusion of PRBC in 37.9% (11/29) - median 2 units.

Conclusion After the creation of the MDT, there was a reduction in the mean EBL and in the median number of PRBC units transfused, despite the higher number of invasive PAS disorders.
Systemic Inflammatory Patterns in Ovarian Cancer Patients: Analysis of Cytokines, Chemokines, and Microparticles
Authors: Santiago Aline Evangelista , Paula Sálua Oliveira Calil de , Carvalho Andréa Teixeira de , Cândido Eduardo Batista , Furtado Rafaela de Souza , Silva Filho Agnaldo Lopes da
Published: December 2023

Objective To compare the patterns of systemic inflammatory response in women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) or no evidence of malignant disease, as well as to evaluate the profile of systemic inflammatory responses in type-1 and type-2 tumors. This is a non-invasive and indirect way to assess both tumor activity and the role of the inflammatory pattern during pro- and antitumor responses.

Materials and Methods We performed a prospective evaluation of 56 patients: 30 women without evidence of malignant disease and 26 women with EOC. The plasma quantification of cytokines, chemokines, and microparticles (MPs) was performed using flow cytometry.

Results Plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-12 (IL12), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-10 (IL-10), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL-9) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL-10) were significantly higher in patients with EOC than in those in the control group. Plasma levels of cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and MPs derived from endothelial cells were lower in patients with EOC than in the control group. The frequency of leukocytes and MPs derived from endothelial cells was higher in type-2 tumors than in those without malignancy. We observed an expressive number of inflammatory/regulatory cytokines and chemokines in the cases of EOC, as well as negative and positive correlations involving them, which leads to a higher complexity of these networks.

Conclusion The present study showed that, through the development of networks consisting of cytokines, chemokines, and MPs, there is a greater systemic inflammatory response in patients with EOC and a more complex correlation of these biomarkers in type-2 tumors.
Mortality from Breast Cancer in Women under 50 Years of Age in Colombia
Authors: González Mariño Mario Arturo
Published: December 2023

Objective To calculate and analyze the mortality rates from breast cancer in women under 50 years of age in Colombia and to compare them with those of other countries in the region.

Methods Based on data from the registry of deaths in 2018 and the results of the National Population and Housing Census of Colombia for the same year, specific mortality rates in women with breast cancer, specific mortality according to age group, standardized by age, proportional mortality, potential years of life lost, and years of life expectancy lost in women under 50 years of age who died from breast cancer were calculated. The mortality rate of regional countries was consulted on the Global Cancer Observatory webpage.

Results In the group from 20 to 49 years, the specific mortality rate was higher in the age range from 45 to 49 years, with a rate of 23.42 × 100,000, a value that was above the specific mortality rate due to breast cancer in women in Colombia, 15.17 × 100.000. In the age range of 45 to 49 years, the potential years of life lost were 42.16. Of the 0.275 years of life expectancy lost by the population due to this neoplasia, women under 50 years of age represented 0.091 (33%). Colombia is the fifth in the rank of mortality in Latin American countries in this age group.

Conclusion Breast cancer in patients from 30 to 59 years is the number one cause for the decrease in life expectancy of women in Colombia. Women under 50 years of age represent one third of this decrease. This neoplasm is also the leading cause of mortality in women younger than 50 years in South America.
Life expectancy among Native Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic: estimates, uncertainty, and obstacles
Authors: Goldman Noreen , Park Sung S , Beltrán-Sánchez Hiram
Published: December 2023

Few reliable estimates have been available for assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality among Native Americans. Using deidentified publicly available data on deaths and populations by age, we estimated life expectancy for the years 2019-2022 for single-race non-Hispanic Native Americans. Life expectancy in 2022 was 67.8 years, 2.3 years higher than in 2021 but a huge 4-year loss from 2019. Although our life expectancy estimates for 2022 varied under different assumptions about racial/ethnic classification and age misreporting errors, all estimates were lower than the average for middle-income countries. Estimates of losses and gains in life expectancy were consistent across assumptions. Large reductions in COVID-19 death rates between 2021 and 2022 were largely offset by increases in rates of death from unintentional injuries (particularly drug overdoses), chronic liver disease, diabetes, and heart disease, underscoring the difficulties facing Native Americans in achieving reductions in mortality, let alone returning to levels of mortality prior to the pandemic. Serious data problems have persisted for many years, but the scarcity and inadequacy of estimates during the pandemic have underscored the urgent need for timely and accurate demographic data on the Native American population.
Enteral N-acetylcysteine to reduce serum cobalt concentrations secondary to prosthetic knee–associated metallosis: A case report
Authors: Floyd Connor A , Carr John R , Brock Logan , Orvin Dustin L
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Cobalt metallosis is a rare but dangerous complication of total joint arthroplasty resulting from deterioration of the joint leading to metal-on-metal friction and breakdown. Potential manifestations vary in severity and include dilated cardiomyopathy, thyroid dysfunction, cognitive disturbances, neuropathy, fatigue, and weakness. The therapeutic role of N-acetylcysteine in metallosis has been investigated due to its ability to chelate with heavy metal ions, such as cobalt and chromium.

Here we report the case of a 71-year-old female who presented with suspected metallosis diagnosed in the outpatient setting due to symptoms of significant weight loss and failure to thrive. This metallosis was secondary to the hardware breakdown of a left knee revision roughly 6 years previously. The patient was not a surgical candidate due to her poor nutrition status and was started on nasojejunal tube feeds along with N-acetylcysteine 600 mg by mouth twice daily for 45 days. The patient’s serum cobalt levels decreased from 61.7 µg/L on admission to 16.2 µg/L prior to her undergoing proper revision of the left knee roughly 2 months after admission to the hospital. The patient tolerated treatment well and was able to be discharged the day after surgery, with no further complaints or complications.

Conclusion

This case report contributes to the body of literature suggesting that administration of N-acetylcysteine can reduce serum cobalt concentrations, without notable adverse effects, in the context of prosthetic knee–associated metallosis.
The burden of an identity: Coping strategies for sexual and gender minority individuals in pharmacy practice
Authors: Villemure Samuel E , Wilby Kyle John
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Sexual or gender minority (SGM) individuals are known to experience stigma and discrimination in pharmacy settings. It is also known that SGM individuals may delay or avoid care in pharmacies due to the stress associated with these experiences. Aside from avoidance, however, little is known about how SGM individuals cope with stigma and discrimination and how their coping strategies may influence their healthcare behaviors. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize how SGM individuals cope with stigma and discrimination associated with their SGM identity in pharmacy settings.

Methods

This was a qualitative study conducted using semistructured interviews. A total of 31 SGM individuals were recruited across 2 Canadian provinces. Interviews followed a topic guide designed according to the minority stress model to elicit participants’ lived experiences in community pharmacies. Thematic analysis was used to identify and interpret themes.

Results

Five themes were identified that described coping strategies used by SGM individuals when encountering minority stress processes in pharmacy settings: avoidance (avoiding or withdrawing from care), seeking support (from people or settings), perseverance (when faced with no other option), concealment (of SGM identity), and lowering expectations (of pharmacist knowledge and competence).

Conclusion

Our findings support the notion that individuals cope in different ways and across a wide spectrum of behaviors. Those who avoid care, conceal their SGM identity, or are forced to persevere through interactions may be at increased risk for both physical and mental health disparities. Those who seek support or lower expectations may also be at risk for reduced access to quality care.
Personality affects female mate choice: frogs displaying more consistent bold behaviors are choosier
Authors: Feagles Olivia S , Höbel Gerlinde
Published: December 2023

Mate choice is an important cause of natural and sexual selection and drives the evolution and elaboration of male ornaments. Yet mate choice decisions are often neither consistent nor uniform, and a range of factors have been identified to influence variation between and within individuals. A potential source of variation influencing preferences and/or choosiness is animal personality, that is, repeatable among-individual differences in behaviors. Not only may individuals differ in average personality phenotype but also vary in how consistently they display said personality. Distinguishing between personality and consistency is important because both aspects are potentially naturally selected traits that may yet influence how sexually selected ornaments are evaluated. Here, we use a predator evasion assay to test whether there is variation in boldness among female gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor), and then examine whether personality traits (spectrum of shy to bold) are correlated with choosiness for longer duration calls. We document substantial and repeatable between-individual variation in boldness, suggesting the presence of animal personality. Results also reveal that the consistency with which females expressed boldness is independent from average personality phenotype and that it is correlated with choosiness: more consistently bold females were choosier.
Floral structure and development in Nandina domestica and implications for systematic affinities in Berberidaceae and perianth evolution in Ranunculales
Authors: Tunggawihardja Marcel , Bachelier Julien B
Published: December 2023

In Berberidaceae, the phylogenetic position and systematic affinities of the monotypic genus Nandina have long been debated and remain unclear. In addition, previous comparative studies have provided conflicting reports on the origin and development of its petals. Using scanning electron microscopy and microtome sections, we studied the structure and development of the flower and perianth in Nandina domestica to re-evaluate its affinities and homology of its petals. Our results confirm that N. domestica essentially shares the same Bauplan (organization) with other Berberidaceae and its petals are neither delayed in development nor much differentiated from sepals. However, we sometimes also observed the initiation of additional primordia that become confluent with the base of stamens of the outer whorl, but do not develop further and are no longer visible in later stages of development. Our study thus not only reconciles previous conflicting interpretations on the origin and development of petals in Nandina, but also confirms that it has a unique suite of vegetative and reproductive features supporting its position as a distinct member of the family. In addition, it suggests that the most recent common ancestors of both Berberidaceae and Ranunculales probably had two types of petaloid organs with distinct origin and development but still sharing a deep common genetic identity.