bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strongly vs. weakly coupled in-medium showers: energy stopping in large-Nf QED
Authors: Arnold Peter , Elgedawy Omar , Iqbal Shahin
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Inside a medium, showers originating from a very high-energy particle may develop via medium-induced splitting processes such as hard bremsstrahlung or pair production. During shower development, two consecutive splittings sometimes overlap quantum mechanically, so that they cannot be treated independently. Some of these effects can be absorbed into an effective value of a medium parameter known as $$ \hat{q} $$

q
̂

. Previous calculations (with certain simplifying assumptions) have found that, after adjusting the value of $$ \hat{q} $$

q
̂

, the leftover effect of overlapping splittings is quite small for purely gluonic large-Nc showers but is very much larger for large-Nf QED showers, at comparable values of Nα. Those works did not quite make for apples-to-apples comparisons: the gluon shower work investigated energy deposition from a gluon-initiated shower, whereas the QED work investigated charge-deposition from an electron-initiated shower. As a first step to tighten up the comparison, this paper investigates energy deposition in the QED case. Along the way, we develop a framework that should be useful in the future to explore whether the very small effect of overlapping splitting in purely gluonic showers is an artifact of having ignored quarks.
Determinants of digital well-being
Authors: Mayiwar Lewend , Asutay Erkin , Tinghög Gustav , Västfjäll Daniel , Barrafrem Kinga
Published: September 2024

How can people lead fulfilling lives both thanks to and despite the constant use of digital media and artificial intelligence? While the prevailing narrative often portrays these technologies as generally harmful to well-being, the reality is of course more nuanced—some individuals benefit, while others do not. Existing research has predominantly focused on the general consequences of digital media on well-being, with less attention given to the individual-level antecedents of digital well-being. In the present study, we aimed to identify the traits and characteristics of individuals who use digital tools in ways that promote their well-being. Using a large representative sample from Sweden (N = 1999), we explore how digital self-control, digital literacy (objective and subjective), and digital information ignorance predict digital well-being, life satisfaction, and social anxiety. Digital self-control and subjective digital literacy positively predicted digital well-being. Digital self-control also predicted greater life satisfaction. Finally, digital information ignorance predicted increased life satisfaction and social anxiety. Overall, the current study contributes to a growing literature on digital well-being by exploring its antecedents.
Homogenization of Griffith’s Criterion for Brittle Laminates
Authors: Negri Matteo
Published: September 2024

We consider a periodic, linear elastic laminate with a brittle crack, evolving along a prescribed path according to Griffith’s criterion. We study the homogenized limit of this evolution, as the size of the layers vanishes. The limit evolution is governed again by Griffith’s criterion, in terms of the energy release (of the homogenized elastic energy) and an effective toughness, which, in general, differs from the $$\hbox {weak}^*$$

weak
∗

limit of the periodic toughness. We provide a variational characterization of the effective toughness and, by the energy identity, we link the toughening effect (in the limit) to the micro-instabilities of the evolution (in the periodic laminate). Finally, we provide a couple of explicit calculations of the effective toughness in the anti-plane setting, showing, in particular, an example of toughening by elastic contrast.
Tanycytes from a bird’s eye view: gene expression profiling of the tanycytic region under different seasonal states in the Svalbard ptarmigan
Authors: Appenroth Daniel , West Alexander C. , Wood Shona H. , Hazlerigg David G.
Published: September 2024

In mammals and birds, tanycytes are known to regulate thyroid hormone conversion, and this process is central to the control of seasonal reproduction. In mammals, this cell type is also implicated in retinoic acid signalling, neurogenesis, and nutritional gatekeeping, all of which have been linked to hypothalamic regulation of energy metabolism. Less is known about these potential wider roles of tanycytes in birds. To address this gap, we combined LASER capture microdissection and transcriptomics to profile the tanycytic region in male Svalbard ptarmigan, a High Arctic species with photoperiod-dependent seasonal rhythms in reproductive activation and body mass. Short photoperiod (SP) adapted birds were transferred to constant light (LL) to trigger breeding and body mass loss. After five months under LL, the development of photorefractoriness led to spontaneous re-emergence of the winter phenotype, marked by the termination of breeding and gain in body mass. The transfer from SP to LL initiated gene expression changes in both thyroid hormone and retinoic acid pathways, as described in seasonal mammals. Furthermore, transcriptomic signatures of cell differentiation and migration were observed. Comparison to data from Siberian hamsters demonstrated that a photoperiod-dependent re-organisation of the hypothalamic tanycytic region is likely a conserved feature. Conversely, the spontaneous development of photorefractoriness showed a surprisingly small number of genes that reverted in expression level, despite reversal of the reproductive and metabolic phenotype. Our data suggest general conservation of tanycyte biology between photoperiodic birds and mammals and raise questions about the mechanistic origins of the photorefractory state.
A universal material model subroutine for soft matter systems
Authors: Peirlinck Mathias , Hurtado Juan A. , Rausch Manuel K. , Tepole Adrián Buganza , Kuhl Ellen
Published: September 2024

Soft materials play an integral part in many aspects of modern life including autonomy, sustainability, and human health, and their accurate modeling is critical to understand their unique properties and functions. Today’s finite element analysis packages come with a set of pre-programmed material models, which may exhibit restricted validity in capturing the intricate mechanical behavior of these materials. Regrettably, incorporating a modified or novel material model in a finite element analysis package requires non-trivial in-depth knowledge of tensor algebra, continuum mechanics, and computer programming, making it a complex task that is prone to human error. Here we design a universal material subroutine, which automates the integration of novel constitutive models of varying complexity in non-linear finite element packages, with no additional analytical derivations and algorithmic implementations. We demonstrate the versatility of our approach to seamlessly integrate innovative constitutive models from the material point to the structural level through a variety of soft matter case studies: a frontal impact to the brain; reconstructive surgery of the scalp; diastolic loading of arteries and the human heart; and the dynamic closing of the tricuspid valve. Our universal material subroutine empowers all users, not solely experts, to conduct reliable engineering analysis of soft matter systems. We envision that this framework will become an indispensable instrument for continued innovation and discovery within the soft matter community at large.
Percent Predicted vs. Absolute Six-Minute Walk Distance as Predictors of Lung Transplant-Free Survival in Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases
Authors: Zanini Umberto , Ding Jane , Luppi Fabrizio , Kaur Karina , Anzani Niccolò , Franco Giovanni , Ferrara Giovanni , Kalluri Meena , Mura Marco
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) often progress despite treatment and become life-threatening, with lung transplant (LTx) remaining the only curative option. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD) is increasingly recognized as reliable predictor of clinical course, especially when longitudinally considered. The use of reference equations to express 6MWD as percent predicted (6MWD%) has not been previously studied in fibrosing ILDs. We sought to investigate whether the prognostic power of 6MWD% is superior to that of 6MWD expressed in meters (6MWD-m).

Methods

A retrospective, multicenter cohort analysis was conducted on both idiopathic pulmonary (IPF) and non-IPF fibrosing ILD patients. Patients were divided into a discovery (n = 211) and a validation (n = 260) cohort. Longitudinal changes of 6MWD% and lung function parameters were simultaneously considered. LTx-free survival at 3 years from baseline was the endpoint. Competing risks of death and LTx were considered.

Results

Baseline 6MWD% and its longitudinal changes were significant predictors of LTx-free survival and independent from lung function variables. In both cohorts, on multivariate cox proportional hazard regression analysis, receiver operating characteristics analysis and Kaplan–Meier estimates, 6MWD% was consistently, but only slightly superior to 6MWD-m as a predictor of LTx-free survival.

Conclusion

6MWD% has only a slight, yet detectable advantage over 6MWD-m as a predictor of survival in fibrosing ILDs. Utilizing 6MWD% may aid in risk stratification, treatment monitoring, and LTx timing optimization. However, available reference equations do have predicting limitations. Refined predictive equations and standardizing reporting practices are therefore needed to further enhance the clinical utility of 6MWD% in fibrosing ILDs.
Einfluss des G-DRG-Systems auf die rekonstruktive Behandlung des Mundhöhlenkarzinoms: Ethische Implikationen und innermedizinische Rationalität
Authors: Hell Berthold , Groß Dominik , Schleidgen Sebastian , Wilhelmy Saskia
Published: September 2024

Das German Diagnosis Related Groups (G-DRG)-System hat zu einem weitgehend erlösorientierten Krankenhausfinanzierungssystem geführt. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die ethischen Implikationen und Folgen dieses Systems am Beispiel rekonstruktiver Maßnahmen (Defektversorgung) bei Patient*innen mit Mundhöhlenkarzinomen herausgearbeitet. Dabei gilt es zugleich, das Wechselspiel von G‑DRG-System und Leitlinienentwicklung zu beleuchten. Vorangestellt werden einführende Angaben zum Mundhöhlenkarzinom und den bestehenden Behandlungsoptionen: konventionelle Rekonstruktionstechnik versus kostenintensive High-End-Chirurgie.

Methodische Grundlage und argumentativer Bezugspunkt der Arbeit ist das theoretische Fallszenario „Versorgung mittelgroßer Defekte nach Tumorresektion“.

Das G‑DRG-System und die dadurch geschaffenen ökonomischen Anreize haben weitreichende ethische Implikationen in der bedarfsorientierten Behandlung von Patient*innen und führen zu mehrdimensionalen Wechselwirkungen. Die bestehende Tendenz zur High-End-Chirurgie birgt das Risiko der Über- und Fehlversorgung und läuft demnach den Prinzipien Benefizienz und Nonmalefizienz zuwider. Die einseitige Indikationsstellung zugunsten der High-End-Chirurgie lässt zudem auf eine direktive Patientenaufklärung schließen (Verstoß gegen das Prinzip des Respekts der Patientenautonomie). Kostspielige High-End-Verfahren konterkarieren überdies das Wirtschaftlichkeitsgebot und berühren somit zugleich Fragen der Verteilungsgerechtigkeit. Schließlich wirkt die klinische Bevorzugung von High-End-Verfahren auch auf die innermedizinische Logik, namentlich auf die Publikationslandschaft (publication bias), die Ausgestaltung der betreffenden Leitlinien sowie auf die chirurgische Expertise.

Zu fordern ist eine Sensibilisierung aller in der Chirurgie tätigen Akteur*innen (Chirurg*innen; Leitlinienexpert*innen, Gutachter*innen).
Oncologists’ communication about tobacco and alcohol use during treatment for esophagogastric cancer: a qualitative observational study of simulated consultations
Authors: Hoek Danique W. Bos-van den , van de Water Loïs F. , Vos Pieter G. , Hoedjes Meeke , Roodbeen Ruud , Klarenbeek Bastiaan R. , Geijsen Debby , Smets Ellen M. A. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Henselmans Inge
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Tobacco and alcohol use influence cancer risk as well as treatment outcomes, specifically for esophageal and gastric cancer patients. Therefore, it is an important topic to discuss during consultations. This study aims to uncover medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists’ communication about substance use, i.e., tobacco and alcohol use, in simulated consultations about curative and palliative esophagogastric cancer treatment.

Methods

Secondary analyses were performed on n = 40 standardized patient assessments (SPAs) collected in three Dutch clinical studies. Simulated patients with esophagogastric cancer were instructed to ask about smoking or alcohol use during treatment. The responses of the 40 medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was performed in MAXQDA.

Results

Oncologists consistently advocated smoking cessation during curative treatment. There was more variation in their recommendations and arguments in the palliative compared to the curative setting and when addressing alcohol use instead of smoking. Overall, oncologists were less stringent regarding behavior change in the palliative than in the curative setting. Few oncologists actively inquired about the patient’s perspective on the substance use behavior, the recommended substance use change, or the support offered.

Conclusion

Clear guidelines for oncologists on when and how to provide unequivocal recommendations about substance use behavior change and support to patients are needed. Oncologists might benefit from education on how to engage in a conversation about smoking or alcohol.
A Method for Analyzing Data from 1- and 2-Dimensional Relaxation and Diffusion NMR Experiments by Determination of their Expectation Values and Standard Deviations
Authors: Sørland Geir Humborstad , Anthonsen Henrik Walbye , Simon Sebastien
Published: September 2024

A method for analyzing ill-posed multi-exponentially decaying data from 1- and 2-Dimensional experiments by Determination of the Expectation Values and their Standard Deviation has been developed. It combines a repeated use of the discrete Anahess approach for analyzing the dynamic data where a regrouping of the noise in the data is performed for each repetition. These resulting expectation values are used as initial and restricting values to produce a distribution using the Inverse Laplace transform, where position and volume of the distribution can then be reported with expectation value and standard deviation. The method is verified on synthetic data and tested on real data in both one and two dimensions.
Reconstructive surgical therapy of peri-implant defects with ribose cross-linked collagen matrix and crosslinked hyaluronic acid – a prospective case series
Authors: Friedmann Anton , Jung Rico , Bilhan Hakan , Ghawi-Begovic Hanan Al , Kauffmann Frederic , Diehl Daniel
Published: September 2024

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of ribose-crosslinked collagen (RCLC) matrices functionalized by crosslinked hyaluronic acid (xHya) for reconstructive treatment of class I and III (b-c) peri-implantitis lesions in a transmucosal healing mode.

Materials and methods

Thirteen patients presenting with 15 implants were included in this prospective case series. Upon flap reflection, the implants were thoroughly decontaminated employing glycine powder air polishing and adjunctive sodium hypochlorite. For defect augmentation, xHyA was administered to the bony defect walls, exposed implant surfaces, and the RCLC matrix before defect grafting. The full-thickness flap was readapted and sutured around the implant neck for transmucosal healing. Baseline and respective values at the 12 months post-op evaluation were recorded for the clinical parameters peri-implant probing depth (PPD), buccal soft tissue dehiscence (BSTD) and bleeding on probing (BoP). Furthermore, two independent investigators analyzed radiographic changes in the defect area. The mean changes for all variables were analyzed with a paired t-test.

Results

The initial mean PPD was 7.2 ± 1.9 mm, and BoP was present in 63% of sites. After 12 months, PPD at the latest visit was 3.2 ± 0.66 mm, which amounted to a respective 3.9 ± 1.85 mm reduction, while the BoP frequency dropped to 10% at all sites. Radiographic bone fill was accomplished for 62.8% of the former defect area, accompanied by a mean MBL gain of 1.02 mm around the treated implants (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Within the limits of this case series, we conclude that the proposed treatment sequence substantially improved peri-implant defects and offered a simplified but predictive technique.

Clinical relevance

Reconstructive treatment approaches for peri-implantitis are effective but remain non-superior to open flap debridement. Further research on novel biomaterial combinations that may improve reconstructive treatment outcomes are warranted. Ribose-crosslinked collagen matrices biofunctionalized by hyaluronic acid used in this study yield improved clinical and radiographic peri-implant conditions after 12 months.

Graphical Abstract
Explainable deep learning approach for advanced persistent threats (APTs) detection in cybersecurity: a review
Authors: Mutalib Noor Hazlina Abdul , Sabri Aznul Qalid Md , Wahab Ainuddin Wahid Abdul , Abdullah Erma Rahayu Mohd Faizal , AlDahoul Nouar
Published: September 2024

In recent years, Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) attacks on network systems have increased through sophisticated fraud tactics. Traditional Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) suffer from low detection accuracy, high false-positive rates, and difficulty identifying unknown attacks such as remote-to-local (R2L) and user-to-root (U2R) attacks. This paper addresses these challenges by providing a foundational discussion of APTs and the limitations of existing detection methods. It then pivots to explore the novel integration of deep learning techniques and Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) to improve APT detection. This paper aims to fill the gaps in the current research by providing a thorough analysis of how XAI methods, such as Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) and Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME), can make black-box models more transparent and interpretable. The objective is to demonstrate the necessity of explainability in APT detection and propose solutions that enhance the trustworthiness and effectiveness of these models. It offers a critical analysis of existing approaches, highlights their strengths and limitations, and identifies open issues that require further research. This paper also suggests future research directions to combat evolving threats, paving the way for more effective and reliable cybersecurity solutions. Overall, this paper emphasizes the importance of explainability in enhancing the performance and trustworthiness of cybersecurity systems.
Countering surveillance: using actor-network theory to understand how organised crime is displaced and harms arise as offenders become invisible to the gaze of electronic monitoring and law enforcement
Authors: Berry Carl R. , Berry Mark A.
Published: September 2024

The intensification of surveillance is claimed to have created a new era of crime control, which renders visible, activities that were once beyond the purview of justice agencies. Nevertheless, little data has been gathered concerning how offenders within organised crime groups navigate this optically penetrated terrain to become invisible and continue their illegal pursuits. This article compares ethnographic findings from two separate investigations: of offenders subject to the surveillant penalty of Electronic Monitoring and organised criminals under the investigative observation of law enforcement. It shows how organised offending becomes displaced and worse harms arise as they deploy counter-surveillance strategies, despite facing increased odds of detection. These findings are theorised through actor-network theory, an approach which asserts that objects have agency and can achieve/frustrate socio-technical goals, to highlight how surveillance becomes negotiable for organised offenders.
What is university success? Graduates with disabilities define it
Authors: Pais Mª Emma Mayo , Moriña Díez Anabel , Morgado Beatriz
Published: September 2024

This article explores the concept of university success from the perspective of 95 Spanish graduates (62.1% women and 37.9% men) with different types of disabilities, identifying situations in which the participants felt that they were successful at university. The data of this qualitative study were gathered through a semi-structured interview and analyzed with an emerging and progressive system of categories and codes. According to the obtained results, university success is a dynamic and multidimensional concept that consists of different elements, and it is defined through eight components: graduating, attaining the set goal, learning process, social experience, personal growth, professional success, obtaining good marks, and recognition. These results must be considered by universities to promote success among students with disabilities, by fostering their participation in the university experiences and offering them opportunities to attain their academic and professional goals. Future research on university success must delve further into the concept of university success from a holistic perspective that contemplates all these elements.
Path integral for the quartic oscillator: an accurate analytic formula for the partition function
Authors: Caffarel Michel
Published: September 2024

In this work an approximate analytic expression for the quantum partition function of the quartic oscillator described by the potential

$$V(x) = \frac{1}{2} \omega ^2 x^2 + g x^4$$

V

(
x
)

=

1
2

ω
2

x
2

+
g

x
4

is presented. Using a path integral formalism, the exact partition function is approximated by the partition function of a harmonic oscillator with an effective frequency depending both on the temperature and coupling constant g. By invoking a Principle of Minimal Sensitivity (PMS) of the path integral to the effective frequency, we derive a mathematically well-defined analytic formula for the partition function. Quite remarkably, the formula reproduces qualitatively and quantitatively the key features of the exact partition function. The free energy is accurate to a few percent over the entire range of temperatures and coupling strengths g. Both the harmonic (

$$g\rightarrow 0$$

g
→
0

) and classical (high-temperature) limits are exactly recovered. The divergence of the power series of the ground-state energy at weak coupling, characterized by a factorial growth of the perturbational energies, is reproduced as well as the functional form of the strong-coupling expansion along with accurate coefficients. Explicit accurate expressions for the ground- and first-excited state energies,

$$E_0(g)$$

E
0

(
g
)

and

$$E_1(g)$$

E
1

(
g
)

are also presented.
Robotic navigation with deep reinforcement learning in transthoracic echocardiography
Authors: Shida Yuuki , Kumagai Souto , Iwata Hiroyasu
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The search for heart components in robotic transthoracic echocardiography is a time-consuming process. This paper proposes an optimized robotic navigation system for heart components using deep reinforcement learning to achieve an efficient and effective search technique for heart components.

Method

The proposed method introduces (i) an optimized search behavior generation algorithm that avoids multiple local solutions and searches for the optimal solution and (ii) an optimized path generation algorithm that minimizes the search path, thereby realizing short search times.

Results

The mitral valve search with the proposed method reaches the optimal solution with a probability of 74.4%, the mitral valve confidence loss rate when the local solution stops is 16.3% on average, and the inspection time with the generated path is 48.6 s on average, which is 56.6% of the time cost of the conventional method.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the proposed method improves the search efficiency, and the optimal location can be searched in many cases with the proposed method, and the loss rate of the confidence in the mitral valve was low even when a local solution rather than the optimal solution was reached. It is suggested that the proposed method enables accurate and quick robotic navigation to find heart components.
Management of Pulmonary Toxicities Associated with Systemic Therapy in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Velimirovic Marko , Brignola Matthew , Chheng Emily , Smith Michael , Hassan Khaled A.
Published: September 2024

Opinion Statement

Drug-induced pneumonitis is a common adverse event that may occur during lung cancer systemic therapy. The incidence/prevalence of this side effect has increased due to recent extensive use of immunotherapy. Although pneumonitis prevalence is increased with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, it is also associated with chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Pneumonitis can occur early after drug exposure or present after several cycles of treatment. Its severity can range from insidious to fulminant, leading to hospitalization. In most cases, the diagnosis is made based on medical history, temporal correlation with use of lung cancer systemic therapy, and computed tomography (CT) findings. In the majority of cases, stopping the offending drug and use of corticosteroids is the sufficient treatment; however, patients with more severe forms of pneumonitis require additional immunosuppressive agents. In this review, we address pneumonitis caused by chemotherapy, antibody–drug conjugates, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, and provide a detailed management approach.
Air Pollution and Osteoporosis
Authors: Allen Olivia , Knight Martin M. , Verbruggen Stefaan W.
Published: September 2024

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to provide a background of osteoporosis and air pollution, discussing increasing incidence of the disease with exposure to pollutants and the role that inflammation may play in this process.

Recent Findings

Osteoporosis-related fractures are one of the most pressing challenges for the ageing global population, with significant increases in mortality known to occur after major osteoporotic fractures in the elderly population. Recent studies have established a firm correlative link between areas of high air pollution and increased risk of osteoporosis, particularly alarming given the increasingly urban global population. While the culprit pollutants and molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not yet been elucidated, initial studies suggest a role for inflammatory cascades in this phenomenon.

While much more research is required to identify the most damaging air pollutants and to delineate the specific inflammatory molecular mechanisms, it is clear from the literature that shedding light on these pathways would unveil potential therapeutic targets to treat bone diseases, including osteoporosis. Major deficiencies of current animal models highlight the need for complex human invitro models such as organ-on-a-chip technology to better understand the impact of air pollution.
The Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence and Automated Platforms for the Assessment of Penile Curvature: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lewis Kieran , DeAngelo Lydia , Raheem Omer , Bole Raevti
Published: September 2024

Purpose of the Review

The estimation of penile curvature is an essential component in the assessment of both Peyronie’s disease and hypospadias-associated congenital penile curvature, as the degree of curvature can significantly impact treatment decision-making. However, there is a lack of standardization in curvature assessment and current methodologies are prone to inaccuracies. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in urology, new research has explored its applications in penile curvature assessment. This review aims to evaluate the current uses of AI and other automated platforms for assessing penile curvature.

Recent Findings

Several novel and promising tools have been developed to estimate penile curvature, some utilizing AI-driven models and others employing automated computational models. These platforms aim to improve curvature assessment in various settings, including at-home evaluation of Peyronie’s disease, in-office assessments using three-dimensional (3D) methodologies, and preoperative evaluations for hypospadias repair. In general, these new platforms produce highly accurate and reproducible angle estimates in non-clinical studies, however their effectiveness and relation to patient outcomes has had limited evaluation in clinical settings.

Significant advancements have been made in the assessment and estimation of penile curvature in both Peyronie’s and pediatric patients, largely driven by AI and other automated platforms. Continued research is needed to validate these findings in clinical studies, confirm their efficacy, and assess their feasibility for real-world applications.
A Systematic Review on the State of the Art of Culturally Adapted Mindfulness-Based Interventions for First Nations Peoples: Cultural Adaptation, Effectiveness, and Feasibility
Authors: Li Wendy Wen , McIntyre Rebecca , Reid Christopher , Chao Marc
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have demonstrated efficacy in psychological and physiological domains. However, there is a limited body of research on MBIs specifically for First Nations peoples. The current review aimed to systematically evaluate the status of culturally adapted MBIs, examining their effectiveness and feasibility when applied to First Nations peoples.

Method

A systematic review was performed to synthesise the data from 10 reports of nine studies, with a combined sample size of 125 participants.

Results

The MBIs demonstrated adherence to elements of cultural adaptation, encompassing the aspects of persons, metaphors, content, goals, and concepts in all included studies. Overall, the quantitative evidence measuring the effectiveness of the adapted interventions showed improvements in psychological, physiological, and mindfulness aspects, as well as cultural elements and satisfaction with the programmes. However, there were minor mixed results observed in psychological outcomes and mindfulness measures. The qualitative findings highlighted that MBIs, by aligning with First Nations’ holistic spiritual beliefs, facilitated a means to reconnect with cultural and social identity. The maximum number of participants in the programmes ranged from 1 to 34. Participants were recruited through local community organisations, youth correctional facilities, long-term care facilities, Indigenous educational institutes, schools, universities, and word-of-mouth promotion. The pooled retention rate was relatively high at 85.2%, indicating that participants generally remained engaged throughout the programmes.

Conclusions

MBIs appear adaptable, effective, and feasible for First Nations peoples, with consistently positive outcomes. Based on the findings of the current review, a model of culturally adapted MBIs is proposed.

Preregistration

PROSPERO (Reg, CRD42023413826).
Surgical outcomes following neoadjuvant chemotherapy with and without immunotherapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Holt Anouchka Coste , Smith Courtney A. , Berkowitz Maurice J. , Baker Jennifer L. , McAndrew Nicholas P. , Kapoor Nimmi S.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Adding pembrolizumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) improves pathologic complete response (pCR) rates and event-free survival. The impact of adding immunotherapy to NAC on surgical outcomes is unknown. This study compares 90-day post-surgical complications (PSCs) and time to adjuvant treatment among patients undergoing NAC for TNBC with and without immunotherapy.

Methods

Patients treated with NAC alone or with immunotherapy (NAC-I) for stage I–III TNBC between 2018 and 2022 were retrospectively identified at a single academic institution. Kruskal–Wallis rank sum and Fisher's exact tests compared patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression determined odds ratios (OR) predicting PSCs.

Results

Of 54 patients, 29 received NAC alone and 25 received NAC-I. Compared to NAC patients, NAC-I patients had more advanced stage tumors (p = 0.038), and had slightly higher rates of mastectomy with reconstruction (p = 0.193). 72.0% of NAC-I patients experienced a pCR, compared with 44.8% of NAC patients (p = 0.193). There were 10 PSCs (34.5%) in NAC patients compared to 9 PSCs (36.0%) in NAC-I patients (p > 0.99). Regression analysis demonstrated no association of PSCs with NAC-I (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.19–3.60). Time to adjuvant therapy was shorter for NAC-I patients (28 days vs 36 days, p = 0.013).

Conclusions

Patients with TNBC receiving NAC-I have higher pCR rates and do not appear to have added 90-day PSCs or delays to adjuvant therapy despite trending toward more extensive surgical procedures compared to NAC alone. Larger studies are needed to further evaluate the surgical safety of immunotherapy.
CVIT expert consensus document on primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in 2024
Authors: Ozaki Yukio , Tobe Akihiro , Onuma Yoshinobu , Kobayashi Yoshio , Amano Tetsuya , Muramatsu Takashi , Ishii Hideki , Yamaji Kyohei , Kohsaka Shun , Ismail Tevfik F. , Uemura Shiro , Hikichi Yutaka , Tsujita Kenichi , Ako Junya , Morino Yoshihiro , Maekawa Yuichiro , Shinke Toshiro , Shite Junya , Igarashi Yasumi , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Shiode Nobuo , Okamura Atsunori , Ogawa Takayuki , Shibata Yoshisato , Tsuji Takafumi , Hayashida Kentaro , Yajima Junji , Sugano Teruyasu , Okura Hiroyuki , Okayama Hideki , Kawaguchi Katsuhiro , Zen Kan , Takahashi Saeko , Tamura Toshihiro , Nakazato Kazuhiko , Yamaguchi Junichi , Iida Osamu , Ozaki Reina , Yoshimachi Fuminobu , Ishihara Masaharu , Murohara Toyoaki , Ueno Takafumi , Yokoi Hiroyoshi , Nakamura Masato , Ikari Yuji , Serruys Patrick W. , Kozuma Ken ,   The Task Force on Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) of the Japanese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention, Therapeutics (CVIT)
Published: September 2024

Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) has significantly contributed to reducing the mortality of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) even in cardiogenic shock and is now the standard of care in most of Japanese institutions. The Task Force on Primary PCI of the Japanese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and Therapeutics (CVIT) proposed an expert consensus document for the management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) focusing on procedural aspects of primary PCI in 2018 and updated in 2022. Recently, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) published the guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndrome in 2023. Major new updates in the 2023 ESC guideline include: (1) intravascular imaging should be considered to guide PCI (Class IIa); (2) timing of complete revascularization; (3) antiplatelet therapy in patient with high-bleeding risk. Reflecting rapid advances in the field, the Task Force on Primary PCI of the CVIT group has now proposed an updated expert consensus document for the management of ACS focusing on procedural aspects of primary PCI in 2024 version.
Predicting metabolic responses in genetic disorders via structural representation in machine learning
Authors: Sirocchi Christel , Biancucci Federica , Suffian Muhammad , Donati Matteo , Ferretti Stefano , Bogliolo Alessandro , Magnani Mauro , Menotta Michele , Montagna Sara
Published: September 2024

Metabolomics has emerged as a promising discipline in pharmaceuticals and preventive healthcare. However, analysing large metabolomics datasets remains challenging due to limited and incompletely annotated biological pathways. To address this limitation, we recently proposed training machine learning classifiers on molecular fingerprints of metabolites to predict their responses under specific conditions and analysing feature importance to identify key chemical configurations, providing insights into the affected biological processes. This study extends our previous research by evaluating various metabolite structural representations, including Morgan fingerprint and its variants, graph-based structural encodings and proposing novel representations to improve resolution and interpretability of the state-of-the-art approaches. These structural encodings were evaluated on mass spectrometry metabolomic data for a cellular model of the genetic disease Ataxia Telangiectasia. The study found that machine learning classifiers trained on the new representations improved in classification accuracy and interpretability. Notably, models trained on graph-based encoding do not exhibit performance gains, not even with pre-training on a larger metabolite dataset, underlining the efficacy of our proposed representations. Finally, feature importance analysis across different encoding methods consistently identifies similar structures as relevant for classification, underscoring the robustness of our approach across diverse structural representations.
Teaching About Anti-racism Using a Trauma-Informed Medical Education Framework
Authors: Ayyala Manasa S. , Desai Amar D. , McKay Ondrea , Soto-Greene Maria , DallaPiazza Michelle
Published: September 2024

Background

Creating spaces that prioritize trauma-informed medical education (TIME) can support productive learning around anti-racism.

Activity

A pilot virtual-guided book dialogue workshop on anti-racism for 4th year medical students using the TIME framework.

Results

In pre- and post-surveys, students reported high satisfaction with the content and virtual format with significant increases in confidence in achieving the learning objectives and in comfort levels.

Discussion

A TIME approach was effective in increasing confidence and comfort levels in dialoguing about anti-racism. Additional inquiry to provide insight on the benefits of virtual learning for anti-racism content is needed.
Advanced Functional Electromagnetic Shielding Materials: A Review Based on Micro-Nano Structure Interface Control of Biomass Cell Walls
Authors: Shi Yang , Wu Mingjun , Ge Shengbo , Li Jianzhang , Alshammari Anoud Saud , Luo Jing , Amin Mohammed A. , Qiu Hua , Jiang Jinxuan , Asiri Yazeed M. , Huang Runzhou , Hou Hua , El-Bahy Zeinhom M. , Guo Zhanhu , Jia Chong , Xu Kaimeng , Chen Xiangmeng
Published: September 2024

Research efforts on electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials have begun to converge on green and sustainable biomass materials. These materials offer numerous advantages such as being lightweight, porous, and hierarchical. Due to their porous nature, interfacial compatibility, and electrical conductivity, biomass materials hold significant potential as EMI shielding materials. Despite concerted efforts on the EMI shielding of biomass materials have been reported, this research area is still relatively new compared to traditional EMI shielding materials. In particular, a more comprehensive study and summary of the factors influencing biomass EMI shielding materials including the pore structure adjustment, preparation process, and micro-control would be valuable. The preparation methods and characteristics of wood, bamboo, cellulose and lignin in EMI shielding field are critically discussed in this paper, and similar biomass EMI materials are summarized and analyzed. The composite methods and fillers of various biomass materials were reviewed. this paper also highlights the mechanism of EMI shielding as well as existing prospects and challenges for development trends in this field.
Defect Engineering: Can it Mitigate Strong Coulomb Effect of Mg2+ in Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries?
Authors: Fan Zhengqing , Li Ruimin , Zhang Xin , Zhao Wanyu , Pan Zhenghui , Yang Xiaowei
Published: September 2024

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) have been considered a promising “post lithium-ion battery” system to meet the rapidly increasing demand of the emerging electric vehicle and grid energy storage market. However, the sluggish diffusion kinetics of bivalent Mg2+ in the host material, related to the strong Coulomb effect between Mg2+ and host anion lattices, hinders their further development toward practical applications. Defect engineering, regarded as an effective strategy to break through the slow migration puzzle, has been validated in various cathode materials for RMBs. In this review, we first thoroughly understand the intrinsic mechanism of Mg2+ diffusion in cathode materials, from which the key factors affecting ion diffusion are further presented. Then, the positive effects of purposely introduced defects, including vacancy and doping, and the corresponding strategies for introducing various defects are discussed. The applications of defect engineering in cathode materials for RMBs with advanced electrochemical properties are also summarized. Finally, the existing challenges and future perspectives of defect engineering in cathode materials for the overall high-performance RMBs are described.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Nickel Using Ni(dmamb)2 and ZnO Adhesion Layer Without Plasma
Authors: Baker Kaiya , Brown Hayden , Gebre Fisseha , Xu Jiajun
Published: September 2024

In this study, a novel deposition technique that utilizes diethylzinc (C4H10ZnO) with H2O to form a ZnO adhesion layer was proposed. This technique was followed by the deposition of vaporized nickel(II) 1-dimethylamino-2-methyl-2-butoxide (Ni(dmamb)2) and H2 gas to facilitate the deposit of uniform layers of nickel on the ZnO adhesion layer using atomic layer deposition. Deposition temperatures ranged from 220 to 300 °C. Thickness, composition, and crystallographic structure results were analyzed using spectroscopic ellipsometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. An average growth rate of approximately 0.0105 angstroms per cycle at 260 °C was observed via ellipsometry. Uniform deposition of ZnO with less than 1% of Ni was displayed by utilizing the elemental analysis function via SEM, thereby providing high-quality images. XPS revealed ionizations consistent with nickel and ZnO through the kinetic and binding energies of each detected electron. XRD provided supplemental information regarding the validity of ZnO by exhibiting crystalline attributes, revealing the presence of its hexagonal wurtzite structure.
Affectivism and the Emotional Elephant: How a Componential Approach Can Reconcile Opposing Theories to Serve the Future of Affective Sciences
Authors: Dukes Daniel , Sander David
Published: September 2024

This article discusses how the affectivism framework and the componential approach to emotion may serve the future of affective sciences. A particular aim of the article is to show that an appraisal-based componential approach to emotion can help reconcile opposing theories. It begins by contextualizing the evolution of emotion science within the framework of affectivism, acknowledging that the significant epistemological differences between various theories have paradoxically spurred interest in studying emotion across various perspectives and disciplines. If affectivism is regarded as the pursuit of a deeper understanding of not only emotions and other affective processes but also cognitive and behavioral processes, then its success can be partly attributed to the existence of multiple approaches, allowing each discipline and perspective to advance using the most suitable theory and methodology. We contend that a componential approach reveals that the five principal theories of emotion have each focused on one of five components of emotion. Overall, based on the analysis of several articles published in the special issue on the future of affective science, we argue that affective scientists are well equipped not only to build a future in which conceptual and methodological tools will be used to test diverging hypotheses between competing theories but also to acknowledge and celebrate where such theories converge.
Obgyn resident research program practices and outcomes after implementation in an academically affiliated residency program
Authors: Evans-Hoeker Emily A. , Rudd Mariah J. , Murchison Amanda B. , Sharp Hunter D. , Harden Samantha M.
Published: September 2024

Problem

Unlike other aspects of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) residency training, the research education curriculum and requirements are not standardized. It is unclear what constitutes core curricula in educational research programs, which components are most useful and efficacious, and how to use these findings to adapt existing programs.

Approach

A multi-phase approach to (1) garner cross-sectional data from United States OBGYN Residency Program Directors and review previously published literature, (2) use Phase I and input from clinical, research and education faculty to develop a comprehensive program, and (3) evaluate the program for resident research productivity, knowledge and satisfaction.

Outcomes

Phase I: Sixty-one (31%) Program Directors completed the survey. Most reported ≤ 4 research didactics per year and no dedicated research rotation. Programs with post graduate year (PGY) level specific didactics, a research rotation, or allocated time for the Research Director role noted higher odds of resident research resulting in peer-reviewed publication. Phase II: A Resident Research Program was adapted to include a clinical and research faculty co-directorship and seven additional didactics (all of which were PGY-specific). A departmentally funded resident research grant and a repository to monitor completion of milestones and program requirements have been developed. Surveys were used to track residents’ research competence and satisfaction with the research program. While resident involvement in research activities and satisfaction with opportunities for scholarly activity have improved, resident self-evaluations and mentor evaluations have not. In addition, we have not seen an increase in publications or presentations.

Conclusion

Implementation of components of a research program associated with increased productivity did not result in increased productivity in our program, however, resident satisfaction with scholarly activity did improve.
Re-cloistered Feminine Space: Chinese Women’s Prison in Shanghai, 1888–1912
Authors: Ma Chaoran
Published: September 2024

This article examines China’s first women’s prison in the context of diplomatic disputes, legal reforms, and gender order at the turn of the twentieth century. It shows that the custody of female offenders in the Shanghai International Settlement became a battleground in which the interests and perceptions of late imperial China and the Western authorities clashed. Under pressure from the Western authorities, the first Chinese women’s prison was established in 1907, even prior to the formal introduction of custodial sentences into China’s criminal code. Notably, the Chinese officials did not embrace prison as a more benevolent punitive institution; rather, they saw it more as a tool to consolidate its judicial sovereignty and preserve gender norms. For Chinese women, the prison, functioning as a re-cloistered feminine space, further entrenched the confinement of their bodies, thereby perpetuating rather than changing orthodox values of female chastity. This article questions the universal modernity of European penalties by pointing out that the introduction of imprisonment as a supposedly more civilized and humane form of punishment may have placed Chinese women at a greater disadvantage.