bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis Infection on Healing of Skeletal Muscle Injury: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Shimizu Shintaro , Hayashi Kairi , Takeuchi Yasuo , Tanabe Gen , Churei Hiroshi , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Ueno Toshiaki , Fueki Kenji
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives:Porphyromonas gingivalis infection has been associated with various systemic diseases and may cause delayed healing of muscle injury. However, the relationship between muscle injury healing and P. gingivalis infection remains unclear. Our hypothesis was that P. gingivalis infection delays the healing of muscle injuries. Methods: Fifty-six 8-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: sonicated P. gingivalis was intraperitoneally administered in one group (PG group), whereas saline was administered in the other group (CO group). Skeletal muscle injury was induced via cardiotoxin injections in all animals. The cross-sectional area of regenerating muscle cells was evaluated by haematoxylin–eosin staining, and the degree of muscle fibrosis was evaluated by Masson’s trichrome staining. The expression of paired box protein (Pax7) and myoblast determination protein (MyoD) and the identified stages of myocyte regeneration were analysed by immunohistochemical staining. Motion analysis was performed during walking. Results: The cross-sectional area of muscle cells was significantly smaller in the PG group on days 7 and 14 post-injury than in the CO group. The Pax7+/MyoD− ratio was significantly lower in the PG group on day 1 post-injury than in the CO group. Motion analysis of treadmill walking showed that the PG group had a lower minimum calcaneal height on days 3 and 7 post-injury than the CO group. Conclusions: This study suggests that administration of sonicated P. gingivalis in rats can delay the healing process of muscle injury. Further research is needed to understand this mechanism of delay of P. gingivalis.
Coronal Cementum and Reduced Enamel Epithelium on Occlusal Surface of Impacted Wisdom Tooth in a Human
Authors: Horie Naohiro , Murata Masaru , Minamida Yasuhito , Nagayasu Hiroki , Shimo Tsuyoshi , Akazawa Toshiyuki , Tsujigiwa Hidetsugu , Haikel Youssef , Nagatsuka Hitoshi
Published: October 2024

Background: There is only limited research on the coronal cementum of a tooth, and the mechanisms of its forming process are not well-defined. This report presents a coronal cementum on the occlusal surfaces of enamel in an impacted wisdom tooth in a human, which is not nearly the cervical portion. Materials and Methods: The tooth (Tooth #1) was derived from a 46-year-old female. Histological analysis, including hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and toluidine blue (TB) staining, and Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (SEM-EDS) analysis of the extracted tooth were conducted. Radiographic examination showed that Tooth #1 was horizontally impacted in the maxilla and had the apex of a single root placed between the buccal and palatal roots of Tooth #2. Results: Coronal cementum was distributed widely on the enamel, and reduced enamel epithelium was also found with enamel matrix proteins histologically. The formation of acellular cementum was observed to be more predominant than that of the cellular cementum in Tooth #1. SEM showed that the occlusal cementum connected directly with enamel. Calcium mapping revealed an almost similar occlusal cementum and enamel. In addition, the spectrum of elements in coronal cementum resembled the primary cementum according to SEM-EDS. Discussion: Thus, coronal cementogenesis in impacted human teeth might be related to the existence of reduced enamel epithelium.
Analysis of the Flash Phenomenon in Rotor Targets with a Scatter Point Model
Authors: Long Ming , Yang Jun , Xia Saiqiang , Lv Mingjiu , Chen Wenfeng , Wang Zhiyong , Liu Xiao , Hong Liang , Yuan Bozi
Published: October 2024

This paper thoroughly investigates the occurrence of the flash phenomenon in rotor targets. The flash phenomenon is discernible in rotor targets across the time and frequency domains. This phenomenon is characterized by the modulation of signal amplitude through the Singer function, resulting in periodic peaks in the time domain. The appearance of these peaks in the time domain corresponds to the presence of a corresponding frequency band in the time–frequency domain. The influence of interference between scattering points on the amplitude and phase of echo is investigated by employing the echo scattering point model and the echo analytical expression as analytical foundations. A more comprehensive examination of the mechanisms that contribute to the emergence of the flash phenomenon in the time and time–frequency domains is undertaken. Furthermore, its objective is to verify the validity of the analysis performed on the mechanism of the phenomenon. Based on theoretical investigations and simulation results, it can be concluded that the flash phenomenon observed in rotor targets is due to interference between particular scattering points. Fundamentally, it can be comprehended as a phenomenon of interference. This research achievement has specific theoretical and practical value in detecting and recognizing rotor targets.
Anatomical Structure and Bending Properties of Calamus zollingeri
Authors: Zhang Kangjian , Yang Mingliang , Zhao Peng , Chen Yuxuan , Xia Mingsong , Jiang Zehui , Tian Genlin , Wang Youhong
Published: October 2024

The relationship between the structure and mechanical properties of materials has been a hot topic. However, there is a lack of research on the relationship between the structure of rattan and its mechanical properties. This study investigated the anatomical structure and bending properties of Calamus zollingeri, a commercially important rattan species. Samples were collected from different radial positions of the stem and analyzed for their microstructural features and mechanical properties. The distribution and morphology of vascular bundles (VBs), parenchyma cells (PCs), vessels, and fibers were examined using light microscopy. Bending tests were conducted to determine the modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE). Stepwise linear regression analysis was employed to explore the relationship between structural features and mechanical properties. The results showed that the diameters, lengths and distribution densities of the vessel elements were 280.32 μm, 2163.56 μm, and 3.68 pcs/mm2, respectively; the double wall thickness, lumen diameter, diameter, length, length–width ratio were 7.55 μm, 4.30 μm, 11.85 μm, 1569.39 μm, and 134.08, respectively; the tissue ratios of the vessel elements, fibers, sieve elements, and PCs were 22.76%, 20.5%, 4.83%, and 51.87%, respectively. The MOR of C. zollingeri was 55.77 MPa, while the MOE was 2669.11 MPa. The MOR of C. zollingeri was mainly affected by a double wall thickness of fiber and the tissue ratio of PCs, while the MOE was mainly affected by a double arm thickness of fiber and the tissue ratio of the vessel elements. This research provides valuable insights into the structure–property relationships of rattan, which can inform its optimal utilization in various applications.
Development and Testing of a Fast-Acting, 8-Bit, Digital Throttle for Hybrid Rocket Motors
Authors: Whitmore Stephen A.
Published: October 2024

The potential for throttle control of hybrid rocket systems has long been known as a potential advantage for a variety of applications. Because only a single flow path is controlled, theoretically, hybrids should be significantly easier to throttle than bipropellant systems. Unfortunately, the slow response times and nonlinearity of traditional position-control valves have limited practical applications of hybrid throttling. This paper presents an alternative throttling system where the oxidizer flow path is broken into multiple streams, with each flow path controlled by a solenoid-operated on/off valve. The parallel paths allow significantly faster and more precise control than can be achieved using a single position-control valve. The achievable thrust levels are limited only by the size and number of components in the valve cascade. The 8-bit digital throttle system, developed by Utah State University’s Propulsion Research Lab, uses commercial, off-the-shelf components. The throttle system was tested using a 200-N hybrid rocket motor, burning gaseous oxygen, and ABS plastic as propellants. The testing campaign of more than 50 hot fires has demonstrated multiple profiles, including deep throttle ramps, multistep boxcars, and sine waves at frequencies varying from 0.25 to 1-Hz. Comparisons to analytical models are also presented, showing good agreement. Fourier-transform spectra demonstrating the total-system, frequency response are also presented.
Effectiveness of Ozone Treatment and Packaging Techniques in Preserving Taiwanese Domestic Beef During Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Huang Chao-Wei , Takeda Shiro , Chen Yen-Po , Cheng Fu-Yuan , Wu Pei-Jung , Lin Liang-Chuan , Liu Yu-Tse
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the efficacy of ozone treatment combined with different packaging methods on the preservation of Taiwanese domestically produced beef during refrigerated storage. The preservation of fresh beef is crucial for ensuring food safety and quality; we do not know whether changing the packaging method can mitigate the negative effects of ozone on meat and even enhance its positive impact. Beef samples were treated with ozone and packaged using the vacuum or PVDC-tray methods, then stored at 4 °C for 7 days. The results show that ozone treatment effectively inhibited microbial (total plate count, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli) growth (p < 0.05). Vacuum packaging maintained lower TBARS values (p < 0.05) and metmyoglobin percentages compared to PVDC-tray packaging (p < 0.05). The L* values of all treatments increased over storage time, with significant differences observed between days 0 and 7. Ozone treatment combined with vacuum packaging demonstrated promising results in inhibiting microbial growth and preserving beef quality during refrigerated storage. These findings contribute to enhancing the safety and shelf life of Taiwanese domestically produced beef, potentially benefiting both producers and consumers.
Why Are Foodies Active on Social Network Services? An Exploratory Study on Foodies’ Influence on Social Media
Authors: Jang Jin A , Lee EunJung , Jung Hyosun
Published: October 2024

As social media continues to gain traction in the food industry, this study explored how cooking and dining-out behaviors and social media use differ depending on the foodie tendencies of consumers, particularly Korean Millennial and Gen Z consumers. Additionally, this study considered the effect of foodie tendencies on active social media usage. Based on the Foodie Index, two groups were identified: high and low. The high group scored higher than the low group on foodie knowledge and spending, food interest, and time commitment. Comparison of the food, cooking, and dining-out behaviors of both groups revealed a significantly greater frequency of cooking and a higher proportion of using their own ingredients, even when dining alone, in the high group. Analysis of social media use characteristics also demonstrated significantly higher scores for the high group than the low group in terms of the degree of use, average daily usage time, checking frequency, and use of social media recommendations when cooking and purchasing food. Furthermore, foodie inclination significantly influenced active usage behavior, as users shared informative content and frequently posted articles and photos. This study found that foodies play a leading role in producing food-related information by actively using and sharing social media. Considering this ripple effect, consumers’ foodie tendencies can be used as an important measure in food marketing-related research.
HRMAS-NMR-Based Metabolomics Approach to Discover Key Differences in Cow and Goat Milk Yoghurt Metabolomes
Authors: Kandasamy Sujatha , Park Won-Seo , Bae In-Seon , Yoo Jayeon , Yun Jeonghee , Hoa Van-Ba , Ham Jun-Sang
Published: October 2024

This study highlights the differences in the metabolomes of cow milk yoghurt (CY) and goat milk yoghurt (GY) using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic approach. The 1H HRMAS-NMR spectrum displayed 21 metabolites comprising organic acids, sugars, amino acids, amino acid derivatives and phospholipids. The orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis model clearly separated CY and GY groups, implying differences in metabolite composition. The corresponding Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) plot revealed that choline, sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, O-phosphocholine, fucose, citrate, sucrose, glucose and lactose mainly contributed to the group separation (VIP > 1). Hierarchical cluster analysis further confirmed the metabolome similarities and differences between CY and GY. Additionally, 12 significantly differential metabolites (with a fold change > 1.5 and p-value < 0.05) were identified, with 1 downregulated and 11 upregulated. Pathway impact analysis revealed the correlation of significant metabolites with starch and sucrose metabolism, galactose metabolism, and the citrate cycle. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified eight metabolites (choline, sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, fucose, O-phosphocholine, glucose, citrate, 2-oxoglutarate, lactose and sucrose) as candidate biomarkers. This study represents the first utilization of HRMAS-NMR to analyze the metabolomic profiles of yoghurt made from cow and goat milk. In conclusion, these findings provide preliminary information on how NMR-based metabolomics can discriminate the metabolomes of yoghurt prepared from the milk of two different animals, which may be valuable for authenticity and adulteration assessments.
Dynamic Black–Litterman Portfolios Incorporating Asymmetric Fractal Uncertainty
Authors: Cho Poongjin , Lee Minhyuk
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the profitability of portfolios that integrate asymmetric fractality within the Black–Litterman (BL) framework. It predicts 10-day-ahead exchange-traded fund (ETF) prices using recurrent neural networks (RNNs) based on historical price information and technical indicators; these predictions are utilized as BL views. While constructing the BL portfolio, the Hurst exponent obtained from the asymmetric multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis is employed to determine the uncertainty associated with the views. The Hurst exponent describes the long-range persistence in time-series data, which can also be interpreted as the uncertainty in time-series predictions. Additionally, uncertainty is measured using asymmetric fractality to account for the financial time series’ asymmetric characteristics. Then, backtesting is conducted on portfolios comprising 10 countries’ ETFs, rebalanced on a 10-day basis. While benchmarking to a Markowitz portfolio and the MSCI world index, profitability is assessed using the Sharpe ratio, maximum drawdown, and sub-period analysis. The results reveal that the proposed model enhances the overall portfolio return and demonstrates particularly strong performance during negative trends. Moreover, it identifies ongoing investment opportunities, even in recent periods. These findings underscore the potential of fractality in adjusting uncertainty for diverse portfolio optimization applications.
Fractional-Order Modeling and Stochastic Dynamics Analysis of a Nonlinear Rubbing Overhung Rotor System
Authors: Zhao Heng , Wang Fubin , Zhang Yaqiong , Zheng Zhaoli , Ma Jiaojiao , Fu Chao
Published: October 2024

To study the nonlinear dynamic behavior and system stability of a rubbing overhung rotor with viscoelastic and memory-effect damping and random uncertain parameters, this paper introduces a fractional-order modeling and stochastic dynamic analysis method for the nonlinear overhung rotor system with frictional impact faults. Firstly, the dynamic equations of the overhung rotor considering friction effect and fractional damping effect are established based on the transfer matrix method and fractional order derivative. Then, the time-domain response of the fractional-order dynamic equations is solved by combining the Runge–Kutta method and the continuous fractional expansion, and the steady-state response characteristics of different fractional damping are analyzed in the deterministic case. Finally, to analyze the response of the system under the effect of stochastic parameters, the sparse grid-based PCE metamodel of the system response is developed. Statistical moments, probability distributions, and sensitivity indices of the response of stochastic systems are revealed. The results of this paper provide a theoretical basis for efficient and accurate prediction of the stochastic response of nonlinear rubbing overhung rotor systems.
Tectonic Control of Aseismic Creep and Potential for Induced Seismicity Along the West Valley Fault in Southeastern Metro Manila, Philippines
Authors: Rimando Rolly E. , Knuepfer Peter L. K.
Published: October 2024

Vertical creep along 15 ground ruptures within a 15 km long and 1.5 km wide zone has been occurring along the southeastern part of Metro Manila. Though the unusually high rates of vertical slip point to excessive groundwater withdrawal as the trigger, the evidence presented herein indicates that these may not be simple irregular subsidence fissures. Tectonic control of creep along these traces is suggested by the following: the occurrence of some of these ground ruptures along pre-existing scarps that coincide with topographic and lithologic boundaries, the left-stepping en echelon pattern of surface rupturing, and the distribution of the creeping zone within the dilational gap of the dextral strike-slip West Valley Fault (WVF). Furthermore, interpretation of an exposure across one of the creeping faults indicates reactivation by creep of a pre-existing tectonic fault zone. The paleoseismic evidence also suggests that the pre-creep slips are coseismic and dominantly strike-slip. Recognizing the occurrence of coseismic slip preceding aseismic creep is a primary consideration in assessing the potential of the WVF’s creeping segment and its adjacent segments in generating earthquakes. Tighter groundwater extraction regulations may be necessary to avoid exacerbating the effects of vertical ground deformation and the occurrence of induced seismicity.
An Awareness, Courage, and Love Online Group Intervention for Chinese Older Adults in the Post-Pandemic Era: Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Chan Stephen Cheong-Yu , Huang Qi-Lu , Ho Wing-Shan , Chan Rachel , Yeung Crystal , Wong Serena , Tsai Mavis
Published: October 2024

Background. Social connections not only contribute to psychological and emotional well-being but also positively impact physical health, with social isolation and loneliness linked to early mortality and detrimental health outcomes. Objectives. This study aims to evaluate an online Awareness, Courage, and Love (ACL) group intervention designed to enhance social connectedness and subjective well-being while reducing loneliness, depression, and anxiety among older adults. Methods. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) will involve an intervention group receiving a 2 h ACL session via videoconferencing. Eligible participants selected after screening will be assigned randomly to either a treatment or waitlist-control group. Participants in both conditions will complete the assessments at three time points, including baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. Tools for assessing the concerned variables include the Inclusion of Other in the Self Scale, de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalised Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD-2) Scale, and World Health Organisation—Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Conclusions. This study will offer a robust framework for investigating the impact of the online ACL intervention on loneliness and social connectedness among Chinese older adults. The result of this study will reach theoretical, empirical, practical, and teaching significance on mental health care strategies for Chinese older adults.
Emerging New-Generation Semiconductor Single Crystals of Metal Halide Perovskites for Radiation Detection
Authors: Luo Guigen , Peng Min , Yang Zhibin , Chu Chungming Paul , Deng Zhengtao
Published: October 2024

Radiation detection uses semiconductor materials to convert high-energy photons into charge (direct detection) or low-energy photons (indirect detection), and it has a wide range of applications in nuclear physics, medical imaging, astronomical detection, homeland security, and other fields. Metal halide perovskites have the advantages of high frequency number, high carrier mobility, high defect tolerance, low defect density, adjustable band gap, and fast light response, and they have wide application prospects in the field of radiation detection. However, the research is still in its infancy stage, and it is far from meeting the requirements of industrial application. This paper focuses on the advantages of metal halide perovskite single-crystal materials in both semiconductors-based direct conversion detection and scintillator-based indirect detection as well as the latest progress in this promising field. This paper not only introduces the latest application of lead halide perovskite monocrystalline materials in high-energy electromagnetic radiation detection (X-ray and γ-rays), but it also introduces the latest development of α-particle/β-particle/neutron detection. Finally, this paper points out the challenges and future prospects of metal halide perovskite single-crystal materials in radiation detection.
Monodentate Ligands in X-Cu(I)-Y Complexes—Structural Aspects
Authors: Melník Milan , Mikušová Veronika , Mikuš Peter
Published: October 2024

This structural study examines over 102 coordinate Cu(I) complexes with compositions such as C-Cu-Y (Y=HL, OL, NL, SL, SiL, BL, PL, Cl, Br, I, AlL, or SnL), N-Cu-Y (Y=OL, Cl), S-Cu-Y (Y=Cl, Br, I), P-Cu-Y (Y=Cl, I), and Se-Cu-Y (Y=Br, I). These complexes crystallize into three different crystal classes: monoclinic (seventy-two instances), triclinic (twenty-eight instances), and orthorhombic (eight instances). The Cu-L bond length increases with the covalent radius of the ligating atom. There are two possible geometries for coordination number two: linear and bent. A total of 21 varieties of inner coordination spheres exist, categorized into two hetero-types (C-Cu-Y, i.e., organometallic compounds and X-Cu-Y, i.e., coordination compounds). The structural parameters of hetero Cu(I) complexes were compared with trans-X-Cu (I)-X (homo) complexes and analyzed. The maximum deviations from linearity (180.0°) are, on average, 10.3° for Br-Cu(I)-Br, 16.6° for C-Cu(I)-Sn, and 35.5° for P-Cu(I)-I. These results indicate that ligand properties influence deviation from linearity, increasing in the order of hard < borderline < soft.
Asymmetric Glaucoma and Corresponding Hearing Impairment
Authors: Meliante Laura Antonia , Coco Giulia , Francavilla Beatrice , Bianchi Matilde , Velletrani Gianluca , Di Girolamo Stefano , Manni Gianluca
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: This study aims to explore the potential relationship between unilateral or asymmetric glaucoma and ipsilateral hearing impairment. Methods: In this retrospective study, visual and hearing functions were assessed in patients with unilateral or asymmetric glaucoma. Correlations between retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, visual field mean deviation (MD) values, and pure tone audiometry (PTA) measurements across various frequencies were analyzed to explore potential associations between visual and ipsilateral hearing functions. Differences in PTA values between ears ipsilateral to the more affected glaucomatous eyes and the contralateral ears were studied for statistical significance. Results: Twenty-six patients with unilateral or asymmetric glaucoma were included in the study. Significant differences in hearing thresholds between the ears corresponding to the more severely glaucomatous eyes and the contralateral ears were found at 0.7, 1, 1.5, and 3 kHz (p < 0.05). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was observed in the speech frequencies (0.5, 0.7, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 4 kHz) between ears corresponding to glaucomatous or more affected glaucomatous eyes and the contralateral ears (p = 0.016). Furthermore, a moderately positive correlation was found between differences in MD and PTA values at 0.125 kHz (r = 0.50; p = 0.01). Conclusions: This study highlights a potential association between unilateral or asymmetric glaucoma and ipsilateral hearing impairment, particularly at speech-relevant frequencies. These findings underscore the importance of integrated sensory assessment in the management of glaucoma patients, suggesting that early detection and intervention for concurrent hearing loss could enhance overall quality of life.
Screening for Perinatal Depression: Barriers, Guidelines, and Measurement Scales
Authors: Kendall-Tackett Kathleen A.
Published: October 2024

Background: Screening for perinatal depression can lower its prevalence and ensure that mothers receive adequate treatment and support. Yet, few practitioners screen for it. The present article is a brief review of barriers to screening, and two screening scales are validated for perinatal women. Findings: Even though health organizations recommend screening, most new mothers are not screened. Providers cite a lack of time, opening “Pandora’s box,” and a lack of resources for mothers who screen positive as the reasons why they do not screen for this condition. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaires are brief screening scales validated for new mothers and widely available. Conclusions: Screening is necessary to identify depression in pregnant and postpartum women. Practitioners who screen for this condition need a clear plan and knowledge of how to access available community resources so that they know what to do when a mother screens positive.
A Performance Evaluation of Large Language Models in Keratoconus: A Comparative Study of ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4.0, Gemini, Copilot, Chatsonic, and Perplexity
Authors: Reyhan Ali Hakim , Mutaf Çağrı , Uzun İrfan , Yüksekyayla Funda
Published: October 2024

Background: This study evaluates the ability of six popular chatbots; ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4.0, Gemini, Copilot, Chatsonic, and Perplexity, to provide reliable answers to questions concerning keratoconus. Methods: Chatbots responses were assessed using mDISCERN (range: 15–75) and Global Quality Score (GQS) (range: 1–5) metrics. Readability was evaluated using nine validated readability assessments. We also addressed the quality and accountability of websites from which the questions originated. Results: We analyzed 20 websites, 65% “Private practice or independent user” and 35% “Official patient education materials”. The mean JAMA benchmark score was 1.40 ± 0.91 (0–4 points), indicating low accountability. Reliability, measured using mDISCERN, ranged from 42.91 ± 3.15 (ChatGPT-3.5) to 46.95 ± 3.53 (Copilot). The most frequent question was “What is keratoconus?” with 70% of websites providing relevant information. This received the highest mDISCERN score (49.30 ± 4.91) and a relatively high GQS score (3.40 ± 0.56) with an Automated Readability Level Calculator score of 13.17 ± 2.13. Moderate positive correlations were determined between the website numbers and both mDISCERN (r = 0.265, p = 0.25) and GQS (r = 0.453, p = 0.05) scores. The quality of information, assessed using the GQS, ranged from 3.02 ± 0.55 (ChatGPT-3.5) to 3.31 ± 0.64 (Gemini) (p = 0.34). The differences between the texts were statistically significant. Gemini emerged as the easiest to read, while ChatGPT-3.5 and Perplexity were the most difficult. Based on mDISCERN scores, Gemini and Copilot exhibited the highest percentage of responses in the “good” range (51–62 points). For the GQS, the Gemini model exhibited the highest percentage of responses in the “good” quality range with 40% of its responses scoring 4–5. Conclusions: While all chatbots performed well, Gemini and Copilot showed better reliability and quality. However, their readability often exceeded recommended levels. Continuous improvements are essential to match information with patients’ health literacy for effective use in ophthalmology.
Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Cancer
Authors: Zweiker David , Bergler-Klein Jutta , Fiedler Lukas , Toth Gabor G. , Achleitner Reinhard , Schratter Alexandra , Stix Guenter , Gabriel Harald , Binder Ronald K. , Rammer Martin , Pfeffer Michael , Vock Paul , Lileg Brigitte , Steinwender Clemens , Sihorsch Kurt , Hintringer Florian , Adukauskaite Agne , Martinek Martin , Sturmberger Thomas , Ablasser Klemens , Zirlik Andreas , Scherr Daniel
Published: October 2024

Background: There are limited data about left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in patients with cancer. We therefore sought to compare the outcome after LAAC in patients with vs. without cancer in a multicentre registry. Methods: In this sub-analysis of the prospective Austrian LAAC Registry, we analysed consecutive patients undergoing LAAC to assess the relationship between baseline characteristics and outcome in patients with vs. without cancer. Inverse probability weighting was performed to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics. Results: A total of 486 consecutive patients from 9 centres with a median age of 75 years (IQR 70–79 years; 35.8% female) were included. Fifty-seven patients (11.7%) had a history of cancer. The median CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were similar in both groups (median [IQR], 4 [4–6] vs. 5 [3–5], p = 0.415; 4 [3–4] vs. 3 [3–4], p = 0.428 in cancer vs. other patients). Cancer patients were significantly older, and anaemia and gastrointestinal bleeding were significantly more common. Major procedural complications occurred in 5.3% vs. 7.0% (p = 0.276) of patients. The cumulative five-year survival rates were 80.7% and 84.8% in cancer vs. other patients (adjusted hazard ratio for death 1.29 [95% CI 0.67–2.48], p = 0.443). There were also no differences in one-year survival (96.1% vs. 94.0%, p = 0.582) and five-year event-free survival (64.9% vs. 74.4%, p = 0.124). Conclusions: In daily clinical practice, LAAC has already been accepted as a treatment option in patients with cancer. This retrospective analysis shows that short-term and adjusted long-term complications are similar in patients with vs. without cancer undergoing LAAC.
Evolving Role of Lymphedema Surgery on Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Multi-Institutional Algorithmic Approach
Authors: Cho Min-Jeong , Flores Garcia Jorge , Myung Yujin , Cha Han Gyu , Hayashi Akitatsu , Hong Joon Pio , Skoracki Roman
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Recent advancements in breast cancer treatment have led to increased survival rates, prompting a shift towards addressing breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Despite the evolving role of lymphatic surgery in breast reconstruction, there is limited literature evaluating the current role of lymphatic surgery in breast reconstruction. This review aims to evaluate the state of lymphatic surgery in breast reconstruction, analyzing surgical techniques and proposing a multi-institutional algorithmic approach. Methods: Through a search and screening of literature, data regarding the study type, type of operation (bypass, pLVB/ILR/LYMPHA, VLNT, or a combination of treatments), and clinical outcomes were collected. Results: The systematic review included 184 studies. Overall, the number of publications on lymphatic surgery increased from 4.4 per year (2010–2016) to 21.1 per year since 2017. The most published procedure was vascularized lymph node transfer (34.6%), followed by preventive lymphatic surgery (31.4%), therapeutic lymphovenous bypass (23.3%), and combined breast and lymphatic reconstruction (10.7%). While VLNT was the most published procedure, preventive surgery has been the most published topic since 2020, with 11.7 articles per year since. Similarly, there has been an increase in studies on combined lymphatic surgery and breast reconstruction in the last five years, with 16 articles published. Conclusions: The role of lymphatic surgery in breast cancer patients is evolving, with an increasing emphasis on preventive procedures and combined reconstructive approaches. However, our study shows that the current literature is predominantly based on lower-level evidence, highlighting the need for more randomized controlled trials to establish stronger clinical recommendations.
Intellectual Differences Between Boys and Girls, 35 Years of Evolution in France from WISC-R to WISC-V
Authors: Grégoire Jacques
Published: October 2024

The French adaptation of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale of Children, 5th edition (WISC-V) was an opportunity to examine if some common representations of gender differences in intellectual abilities are supported by empirical evidence. The WISC-V standardization sample provided data on a wide range of cognitive tests in a large sample of 6- to 16-year-old children representative of the French population. This sample included 517 boys and 532 girls. The WISC-V data were compared to those of the French standardization samples of three previous versions of the WISC (WISC-R, WISC-III, and WISC-IV). These four standardization samples span a 35-year period. The data analysis of the WISC-V standardization sample and the three previous versions of this intelligence scale showed that the performance gaps on intellectual tests between girls and boys have gradually narrowed over time. Almost no gender differences were observed in the WISC-V standardization sample, not only in IQ but also in key facets of intelligence. Data do not support the stereotype that girls are better at verbal tasks and boys are better at visuospatial tasks. However, some statistically significant differences remain, but the magnitude was generally small with no practical implications. The only important difference is in favor of girls and concerns performance on processing speed tasks that require visual discrimination, attentional control, and writing.
Modeling Emergency Traffic Using a Continuous-Time Markov Chain
Authors: El Fawal Ahmad Hani , Mansour Ali , El Ghor Hussein , A. Ismail Nuha , Shamaa Sally
Published: October 2024

This paper aims to propose a novel call for help traffic (SOS) and study its impact over Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Human-to-Human (H2H) traffic in Internet of Things environments, specifically during disaster events. During such events (e.g., the spread COVID-19), SOS traffic, with its predicted exponential increase, will significantly influence all mobile networks. SOS traffic tends to cause many congestion overload problems that significantly affect the performance of M2M and H2H traffic. In our project, we developed a new Continuous-Time Markov Chain (CTMC) model to analyze and measure radio access performance in terms of massive SOS traffic that influences M2M and H2H traffic. Afterwards, we validate the proposed CTMC model through extensive Monte Carlo simulations. By analyzing the traffic during an emergency case, we can spot a huge impact over the three traffic types of M2M, H2H and SOS traffic. To solve the congestion problems while keeping the SOS traffic without any influence, we propose to grant the SOS traffic the highest priority over the M2M and H2H traffic. However, by implementing this solution in different proposed scenarios, the system becomes able to serve all SOS requests, while only 20% of M2M and H2H traffic could be served in the worst-case scenario. Consequently, we can alleviate the expected shortage of SOS requests during critical events, which might save many humans and rescue them from being isolated.
New Approaches for Regeneration of an Outstanding Baroque Living Heritage, the Széchenyi Linden Allée in Hungary
Authors: Szilágyi Kinga , Tóth Barnabás , Doma-Tarcsányi Judit , Mohácsi Anna , Szabó Krisztina
Published: October 2024

Allées used to be the essential artistic tools and indispensable parts of the strictly architectural, formal Baroque gardens. Beyond the practical purposes of edging paths and garden ways for walking, hunting, or horse and carriage riding, allées played a vital role in marking visual and landscape connections and thus the spatial projection of the noble estate, its wealth, and social rank. In Historical Hungary, Baroque architecture and garden art appeared in German-Austrian and French examples in the 18th century. The Széchenyi Linden Allée is an outstanding linear garden space of Baroque Garden art at Nagycenk, West Hungary. The generous composition, created by the prominent Count Széchenyi family in the mid-18th century, has remained a magnificent entity in the landscape ever since. Despite barely two hundred years of detected or unknown environmental or habitat changes, as early as 1942, the allée received a nature conservation nomination. More than a half-century later, in 2002, the allée became a historical and landscape aesthetical heritage within the Fertő-Hanság Cultural Landscape World Heritage site. Unfortunately, the once magnificent tree lines have severely eroded in recent decades due to mature trees’ subsequent death, inadequate replacement, lack of regular maintenance and tree care, and effects of climate change. In recent years (2011, 2018), landscape and horticultural analyses and visual and instrumental tree assessments were performed to help the conservation and rebirth of the allée, maintain the mature trees, and restore the landscape within a long-term renewal plan. Along with the 2018 survey and plan, the short-term maintenance works were completed in 2019–2020. This study, based on site surveys in 2022 and 2024, aims to identify the results of the primary management, analyses the vitality of mature trees after crown reductions, and then proposes a resilient and sustainable regeneration method with the habitat, cultural, natural, and genetic heritage, and the feasible maintenance contexts in focus. As proposed in the 2018 plan, the reproduction of mature trees started in 2020 and resulted in well-developing grafts for a later allée restoration. Due to the challenges of climate change, the regeneration project requires a special, long-term restoration management plan with a special focus on the still vital and possible remaining mature trees, the well-growing individuals from previous replanting, and the nursery school seedlings conserving the genetic heritage of the Széchenyi lime trees with long-viability capacity.
Mutual Causality Between Urban Transport Superiority Degree and Urban Land Use Efficiency: Insights from County Cities in Gansu Province Under the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Li Jie , Pan Ninghui , Ma Xin , Cheng Zhiyuan , Yao Yao , Li Guang , Yuan Jianyu , Xu Guorong
Published: October 2024

Exploring the coupled coordination and interaction between urban transport superiority degree (UTSD) and urban land use efficiency (ULUE) is the key to promoting efficient land use in cities and coordinated development. This paper adopts the improved UTSD model, super-efficiency slack-based measure–undesirable output model, coupling coordination degree model (CCDM), panel Granger causality test, random forest model, and the mixed geographically and temporally weighted regression model to reveal the spatial and temporal evolution and coupling characteristics of UTSD and ULUE in Gansu from 2005 to 2020 and to validate and explore the interaction mechanism between UTSD and ULUE. The results show that (1), from 2005 to 2020, the average UTSD in Gansu increased from 0.56 to 1.01 and the Belt and Road Initiative accelerated the construction of the transportation network in Gansu. The average ULUE increased from 0.52 to 0.62; the spatial distribution of ULUE was high in the west and north and low in the east and south. (2) From 2005 to 2020, the average CCDM of UTSD and ULUE in Gansu increased from slightly unbalanced (0.37) to slightly balanced (0.52). A spatially high UTSD and high ULUE agglomeration area can be found along the transportation arteries. (3) The UTSD and ULUE were mutually causal, with the degree of transportation arterial influence degree being the strongest driver of ULUE among the components of UTSD (30.41% contribution) and tax revenue being the strongest driver of UTSD among the components of ULUE (15.10% contribution). Overall, the connotation of ULUE puts forward the demand for improving the transportation infrastructure and, at the same time, provides the guarantee for UTSD upgrading, which in turn affects the ULUE. In the future, the Xinan region of Gansu should prioritize planning and construction of a transportation network. The results of this study can provide a scientific basis for the construction of transportation networks and the efficient use of urban land in Gansu and other regions.
Children’s Multilectal Repertoires: Diglossic Style-Shifting by Palestinian Children and Adolescents in Syria
Authors: Shetewi Ourooba , Corrigan Karen P. , Khattab Ghada
Published: October 2024

Arabic diglossia, whereby Standard Arabic (SA) exists alongside numerous vernaculars, often leads to diglossic style-shifting, based on context or topic changes and marked in the vernacular by shifting to standard linguistic features. While this phenomenon has been widely studied in the speech of educated adults, research on diglossic style-shifting by children and adolescents has been rather limited. This paper investigates how it operates amongst 3–17-year-olds from a Bedouin speech community of Palestinian refugees in Syria. It examines context effects on realizations of the variables (θ) and (ð), which overlap with local realizations and (q), which has a standard realization ([q]) that is independent of dialectal variation in the community. Participants were recorded during sociolinguistic interviews and a picture-naming task, the latter being expected to evoke a school setting and prompt the use of more standard realizations, signaling diglossic style-shifting in their speech. Style-shifting was influenced by age, context, and the linguistic variables under examination. While picture-naming prompted greater use of standard realizations of all variables, shifting to [q] also appeared during the interview in lexical borrowings from SA, revealing topic effects on diglossic style-shifting. Children aged 6–14 exhibited more style-shifting in picture-naming, likely reflecting the central role of school in their lives, while the speech of 15–17-year-olds contained more lexical borrowing with [q]. This likely reflects their larger linguistic repertoires and longer exposure to SA than their younger peers. These findings indicate that SA plays a key role in participants’ linguistic practices and reflect their awareness of how to employ it appropriately in their speech.
Serological Status of Vaccine and Hepatitis B Virus Exposure Among Children Under 5 and Aged 15–17 Years in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Muwanda Fahad , Kiyonga Edward , Nambafu Joan , Turyamubona Agnes , Kafeero Hussein Mukasa , Kigozi Edgar , Babikako Harriet Mupere , Wekiya Enock , Mboowa Gerald , Kateete David Patrick , Sendagire Hakim , Norman Paul J. , Bagaya Bernard Ssentalo
Published: October 2024

Background: Pediatric hepatitis B virus (HBV) serostatus remains variably characterized, hardly determined at times, or documented as part of national monitoring of the Extended Programs for Immunization (EPI). Methods: We cross-sectionally characterized the seroprevalence of HBV vaccine and/or infection status among 501 and 288 children <5 and 15–17 years old, respectively, in Kawempe Division, Kampala, Uganda, between May and August 2023. These children received HBV vaccination under the Uganda National Extended Program on Immunizations (UNEPI). Samples were qualitatively screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb or anti-HBs), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B e antibody (HBeAb or anti-HBe), and for hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb or anti-HBc) using three different HBV Combo test rapid immunochromatographic diagnostic tests: Nova, Fastep, and Beright. Results: The seroprevalence of HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe, and anti-HBc was 1.52%, 27.75%, 0.88%, 0.63%, and 0.76%, respectively, for the combined study age groups. The HBsAg seroprevalence of 2.78% was almost 3.5-fold higher among adolescents when compared to the 0.8% observed in the under-5-year-olds. The qualitative seroprevalence of anti-HBs was 33.1% and 18.4% in the under-5 and among the 15–17-year-old study groups, respectively. Conclusions: The proportion of qualitatively detectable anti-HBs in both groups of vaccinated children is low and probably indicates reduced seroprotection. Consequently, a large proportion of children who received the hepatitis B vaccine under UNEPI may be at risk of HBV infection, especially adolescents. A booster dose of the Hepatitis B Vaccine may be required for adolescents.
RETRACTED: Cui et al. Impact of High-Frequency Traveling-Wave Magnetic Fields on Low-Conductivity Liquids: Investigation and Potential Applications in the Chemical Industry. Materials 2024, 17, 944
Authors: Cui Xinyu , Na Xianzhao , Wang Xiaodong , Ernst Roland , Yves Fautrelle
Published: October 2024

The journal retracts the article titled “Impact of High-Frequency Traveling-Wave Magnetic Fields on Low-Conductivity Liquids: Investigation and Potential Applications in the Chemical Industry” [...]
An Optimization Method for Multi-Robot Automatic Welding Control Based on Particle Swarm Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Chen Lu , Tan Jie , Wu Tianci , Tan Zengxin , Yuan Guobo , Yang Yuhao , Liu Chiang , Zhou Haoyu , Xie Weisi , Xiu Yue , Li Gun
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces an optimization method for multi-robot automated control welding based on a Particle Swarm Genetic Algorithm (PSGA), aiming to address issues such as high costs, large footprint, and excessive production cycles in multi-robot welding production lines. The method first constructs a multi-axis robotic kinematic model to provide constraint conditions. Then, the PSO (particle swarm optimization) algorithm, which integrates penalty functions into the fitness evaluation, is used to determine the optimal welding path by simulating collective behavior within a group. The GA (genetic algorithm) encodes the position of the welding robot bases into chromosomes to find the optimal layout for coordinated control of multiple robots. The entire process is optimized according to welding standards and requirements. Additionally, a comprehensive production line performance estimation model was used to quantitatively analyze the new scheme. The results show that the optimized production line’s balance rate increased by 10%, the balance loss rate decreased by 10%, the smoothness index increased by 37.8%, the space costs reduced by 44.4%, the equipment demand reduced by 41.1%, the labor demand reduced by 50%, the total costs reduced by 10%, and the average product cycle time was reduced by 5.07 s. Finally, we tested the algorithm in various complex scenarios and compared its performance against mainstream algorithms within the context of this study. The results demonstrated that the optimized production line significantly improved efficiency while maintaining safety standards.