bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abuse in Canadian long-term care homes: a mixed methods study
Authors: Baumann Andrea , Crea-Arsenio Mary , Smith Victoria , Antonipillai Valentina , Idriss-Wheeler Dina
Published: June 2024

Objective

To examine reported cases of abuse in long-term care (LTC) homes in the province of Ontario, Canada, to determine the extent and nature of abuse experienced by residents between 2019 and 2022.

Design

A qualitative mixed methods study was conducted using document analysis and descriptive statistics. Three data sources were analysed: LTC legislation, inspection reports from a publicly available provincial government administrative database and articles published by major Canadian newspapers. A data extraction tool was developed that included variables such as the date of inspection, the type of inspection, findings and the section of legislation cited. Descriptive analyses, including counts and percentages, were calculated to identify the number of incidents and the type of abuse reported.

Results

According to legislation, LTC homes are required to protect residents from physical, sexual, emotional, verbal or financial abuse. The review of legislation revealed that inspectors are responsible for ensuring homes comply with this requirement. An analysis of their reports identified that 9% (781) of overall inspections included findings of abuse. Physical abuse was the most common type (37%). Differences between the frequency of abuse across type of ownership, location and size of the home were found. There were 385 LTC homes with at least one reported case of abuse, and 55% of these homes had repeated incidents. The analysis of newspaper articles corroborated the findings of abuse in the inspection reports and provided resident and family perspectives.

Conclusions

There are substantial differences between legislation intended to protect LTC residents from abuse and the abuse occurring in LTC homes. Strategies such as establishing a climate of trust, investing in staff and leadership, providing standardised education and training and implementing a quality and safety framework could improve the care and well-being of LTC residents.
SafeVRwards: Designing a complementary virtual reality module to the Safewards framework intended to relax and manage conflict in mental health wards
Authors: Pardini Susanna , Kim Shua , de Jesus Belmir , Lopes Marilia K S , Leggett Kristine , Falk Tiago H , Smith Christopher , Appel Lora
Published: June 2024

Background

Aggression and negative activation in mental health inpatient units pose significant challenges for both patients and staff with severe physical and psychological ramifications. The Safewards model is an evidence-based conflict-containment framework including 10 strategies, such as ‘Calm Down Methods’. As virtual reality (VR) scenarios have successfully enhanced anxiolytic and deactivating effects of therapeutic interventions, they are increasingly considered a means to enhance current models, like Safewards.

Objectives

The present participatory design investigates the feasibility and user experience of integrating VR therapy as an add-on strategy to the Safewards model, gathering preliminary data and qualitative feedback from bedside staff in an adult inpatient mental health unit.

Methods

An exploratory within-subjects design combining qualitative observations, self-report questionnaires and semistructured interviews is employed with four nurse champions from the mental health unit at Michael Garron Hospital (Toronto, Canada).

Results

A chronological overview of the design process, adaptations and description of the user experience is reported.

Conclusion

‘SafeVRwards’ introduces VR as a promising conflic-containment strategy complementary to the Safewards model, which can be optimised for deployment through user-oriented refinements and enhanced customisation capacity driven by clinical staff input.
Improving door-to-analgesia timing in musculoskeletal injuries in an academic emergency department in India: a quality improvement project
Authors: Sadasivam S Anuusha , Kumaran Aswin , Manu Ayyan S , Sindujaa S N
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Pain, more frequently due to musculoskeletal injuries, is a prevalent concern in emergency departments (EDs). Timely analgesic administration is paramount in the acute setting of ED. Despite its importance, many EDs face challenges in pain management and present opportunities for improvement. This initiative aimed to expedite the administration of the first analgesic in patients with musculoskeletal pain in the ED.

Local problem

Observations within our ED revealed that patients with musculoskeletal injuries triaged to yellow or green areas experienced prolonged waiting times, leading to delayed analgesic administration, thereby adversely affecting clinical care and patient satisfaction.

Specific aim

The aim of our quality improvement (QI) project was to reduce the time to administration of first analgesia by 30% from baseline, in patients with musculoskeletal injuries presenting to our academic ED, in a period of 8 weeks after the baseline phase.

Methods

A multidisciplinary QI team systematically applied Point-of-Care Quality Improvement and Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle methodologies. Process mapping and fishbone analyses identified the challenges in analgesia administration. Targeted interventions were iteratively refined through PDSA cycles.

Interventions

Interventions such as pain score documentation at triage, fast-tracking of patients with moderate-to-severe pain, resident awareness sessions, a pain management protocol and prescription audits were executed during the PDSA cycles. Successful elements were reinforced and adjustments were made to address the identified challenges.

Results

The median door-to-analgesia timing during the baseline phase was 55.5 min (IQR, 25.75–108 min). During the postintervention phase, the median was significantly reduced to 15 min (IQR, 5–37 min), exceeding the anticipated outcomes and indicating a substantial 73% reduction (p value <0.001) from baseline.

Conclusion

Implementing simple change ideas resulted in a substantial improvement in door-to-analgesia timing within the ED. These findings significantly contribute to ongoing discussions on the optimisation of pain management in emergency care.
Long COVID exhibits clinically distinct phenotypes at 3–6 months post-SARS-CoV-2 infection: results from the P4O2 consortium
Authors: Blankestijn Jelle M , Abdel-Aziz Mahmoud I , Baalbaki Nadia , Bazdar Somayeh , Beekers Inés , Beijers Rosanne J H C G , Bloemsma Lizan D , Cornelissen Merel E B , Gach Debbie , Houweling Laura , Holverda Sebastiaan , Jacobs John J L , Jonker Reneé , van der Lee Ivo , Linders Paulien M A , Mohamed Hoesein Firdaus A A , Noij Lieke C E , Nossent Esther J , van de Pol Marianne A , Schaminee Daphne W , Schols Annemie M W J , Schuurman Lisanne T , Sondermeijer Brigitte , Geelhoed J J Miranda , van den Bergh Joop P , Weersink Els J M , de Wit-van Wijck Yolanda , Maitland-van der Zee Anke H
Published: June 2024

Background

Four months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, 22%–50% of COVID-19 patients still experience complaints. Long COVID is a heterogeneous disease and finding subtypes could aid in optimising and developing treatment for the individual patient.

Methods

Data were collected from 95 patients in the P4O2 COVID-19 cohort at 3–6 months after infection. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering was performed on patient characteristics, characteristics from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, long COVID symptom data, lung function and questionnaires describing the impact and severity of long COVID. To assess robustness, partitioning around medoids was used as alternative clustering.

Results

Three distinct clusters of patients with long COVID were revealed. Cluster 1 (44%) represented predominantly female patients (93%) with pre-existing asthma and suffered from a median of four symptom categories, including fatigue and respiratory and neurological symptoms. They showed a milder SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cluster 2 (38%) consisted of predominantly male patients (83%) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and suffered from a median of three symptom categories, most commonly respiratory and neurological symptoms. This cluster also showed a significantly lower forced expiratory volume within 1 s and diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide. Cluster 3 (18%) was predominantly male (88%) with pre-existing CVD and diabetes. This cluster showed the mildest long COVID, and suffered from symptoms in a median of one symptom category.

Conclusions

Long COVID patients can be clustered into three distinct phenotypes based on their clinical presentation and easily obtainable information. These clusters show distinction in patient characteristics, lung function, long COVID severity and acute SARS-CoV-2 infection severity. This clustering can help in selecting the most beneficial monitoring and/or treatment strategies for patients suffering from long COVID. Follow-up research is needed to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms implicated in the different phenotypes and determine the efficacy of treatment.
Continuity of care by a primary midwife (caseload midwifery): a cost analysis using results from the COSMOS randomised controlled trial
Authors: Callander Emily J , Jackson Hannah , McLachlan Helen L , Davey Mary-Ann , Forster Della A
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Caseload midwifery (continuity of midwifery carer) offers benefits including lower caesarean section rates, lower risks of preterm birth and stillbirth, and improved maternal satisfaction of care. Despite these advantages, concerns about additional costs hinder widespread implementation. This study examines the cost of caseload midwifery compared with standard maternity care from the perspective of both public hospitals and public funders.

Methods

A cost analysis was conducted using data from a randomised controlled trial of 2314 low-risk pregnant women in Melbourne, Australia. Women randomised to caseload care received antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care from a primary midwife, with some care provided by a ‘back-up’ midwife. Women in standard care received midwifery-led care with varying levels of continuity, junior obstetric care or community-based medical care. The cost analysis compared differences in mean costs of health resources to public hospitals and to public funders. Additionally, a budget impact analysis estimated total costs to the health system between 2023 and 2027.

Results

For public hospitals, there was no significant difference in overall costs between women receiving caseload midwifery (n=1146) versus standard care (n=1151) ($A12 363 (SD: $A4967) vs $A12 323 (SD: $A7404); p=0.85). Conversely, public funders incurred lower expenditures for women receiving caseload midwifery ($A20 330 (SD: $A8312)) versus standard care ($A21 637 (SD: $A11 818); p <0.001). The budget impact analysis estimated savings of $A625 million to the health system over the next 5 years with expanded access to caseload midwifery in Australia.

Conclusion

Caseload midwifery in low-risk women is cost-neutral to public hospitals and cost-saving to public funders.

Tweetable abstract

Continuity of midwifery for low-risk women reduces costs to public funders, with no additional costs to hospitals.
Invasion risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ by histological subtype: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Stamer Danielle K , Goldsmith Joshua , Dodge Laura E , Tahan Steven R
Published: June 2024

Aims

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCis) can be classified histopathologically into four subtypes: full-thickness (FT), hypertrophic actinic keratosis (HAK), Bowenoid, and acantholytic types. 3%–5% of SCCis lesions progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (iSCC), however progression risk by subtype has not been assessed. Aim one of this study is to quantitatively assess the risk of iSCC associated with each histological subtype of SCCis. Aim two is to evaluate if the histological grade of iSCC differs among subtypes of the associated SCCis.

Methods

The pathology information system at our institution was queried for cutaneous SCCis cases with and without associated iSCC from 2020 to 2022. The study group consisted of 65 cases of SCCis with associated iSCC and control group 65 randomly selected cases of SCCis without invasion. For each case SCCis subtype was classified as FT, HAK, Bowenoid or acantholytic type. iSCCs were classified as low grade if well to moderately differentiated (LG) and high grade (HG) if moderately to poorly differentiated.

Results

iSCC was most often associated with HAK-type SCCis, followed by acantholytic and FT-type SCCis, with Bowenoid type rarely associated with iSCC. 41% (14/34) of iSCCs associated with HAK-type SCCis were HG compared with 84% (21/25) for FT-type SCCis.

Conclusions

iSCC is most often associated with HAK-type SCCis, followed by acantholytic and FT-types, and rarely with Bowenoid type. HG invasive SCC is most often associated with FT-type, and LG with HAK-type SCCis. Stratifying SCCis by subtype can inform clinical management.
Gender-specific aspects of socialisation and risk of cardiovascular disease among community-dwelling older adults: a prospective cohort study using machine learning algorithms and a conventional method
Authors: Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu , Htun Htet Lin , Owen Alice J. , Ryan Joanne , Baker JR , Vered Mor , Reid Christopher M , Woods Robyn L. , Berk Michael , Tonkin Andrew , Neumann Johannes T , Kilkenny Monique F , Phyo Aung Zaw Zaw , Nelson Mark R , Stocks Nigel , Britt Carlene , Freak-Poli Rosanne
Published: June 2024

Background

Gender influences cardiovascular disease (CVD) through norms, social relations, roles and behaviours. This study identified gender-specific aspects of socialisation associated with CVD.

Methods

A longitudinal study was conducted, involving 9936 (5,231 women and 4705 men) initially healthy, community-dwelling Australians aged 70 years or more from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study and ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons, with a median follow-up time of 6.4 years. Variable categorisation, variable selection (using machine learning (ML) models; Elastic Net and extreme gradient boosting) and Cox-regression were employed separately by binary gender to identity socialisation factors (n=25 considered) associated with CVD.

Results

Different socialisation factors were identified using the ML models. In the Cox model, for both genders, being married/partnered was associated with a reduced risk of CVD (men: HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.96; women: HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.95). For men, having 3–8 relatives they felt close to and could call on for help (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.99; reference <3 relatives), having 3–8 relatives they felt at ease talking with about private matters (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.90; reference <3 relatives) or playing games such as chess or cards (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.00) was associated with reduced risk of CVD. For women, living with others (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.91) or having ≥3 friends they felt at ease talking with about private matters (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.95; reference <3 friends) was associated with a lower risk of CVD.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the need to prioritise gender-specific social factors to improve cardiovascular health in older adults.
Ethnicity and deprivation negatively impact the access to disease-modifying therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a retrospective, single-centre study
Authors: Das Joyutpal , Mallawaarachchi Gagana , Grimshaw Jack , Jackson Thomas , Talbot Paul , Sharaf Nazar , Kalatha Thaleia , Lord Lindsay , Pace Adrian , Mihalova Tatiana , Heal Calvin , Rog David
Published: June 2024

Background

A growing body of evidence suggests inequitable access to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) in publicly funded healthcare systems. This retrospective study examined the impact of ethnicity and deprivation on the access to DMTs.

Methods

All adults diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS between 2010 and 2020 were included. The impact of ethnicity and deprivation on being offered and starting any DMTs and high-efficacy DMTs were measured using binary, multinomial logistic and Cox regression models. These analyses were adjusted for sex, age at diagnosis and year of diagnosis.

Results

164/1648 people with MS (PwMS) were from non-white ethnicities. 461/1648 who were living in the most deprived areas, were less likely to be offered DMTs, with an OR of 0.66 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.93), less likely to start high-efficacy DMTs with an OR of 0.67 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.93) and more likely to experience a delay in starting high-efficacy DMTs with an HR of 0.76 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.92), when also adjusted for ethnicity. Although the offer of DMTs did not depend on ethnicity, PwMS from non-white ethnicities were more likely to decline DMTs, less likely to start any DMTs and high-efficacy DMTs with ORs of 0.60 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.93) and 0.61 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.98), respectively, and more likely to experience a delay in starting DMTs with an HR of 0.79 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.95), when also adjusted for deprivation.

Conclusions

In a publicly funded healthcare system, the access to DMTs varied depending on ethnicities and levels of deprivation.
Phenotypic spectrum of myelin protein zero-related neuropathies: a large cohort study from five mutation clusters across Italy
Authors: Bertini Alessandro , Gentile Luca , Cavallaro Tiziana , Tozza Stefano , Saveri Paola , Russo Massimo , Massucco Sara , Falzone Yuri Matteo , Bellone Emilia , Taioli Federica , Geroldi Alessandro , Occhipinti Giuseppe , Ferrarini Moreno , Cavalca Eleonora , Crivellari Luca , Mandich Paola , Balistreri Francesca , Magri Stefania , Taroni Franco , Previtali Stefano Carlo , Schenone Angelo , Grandis Marina , Manganelli Fiore , Fabrizi Gian Maria , Mazzeo Anna , Pareyson Davide , Pisciotta Chiara
Published: June 2024

Background

We aimed to investigate the clinical features of a large cohort of patients with myelin protein zero (MPZ)-related neuropathy, focusing on the five main mutation clusters across Italy.

Methods

We retrospectively gathered a minimal data set of clinical information in a series of patients with these frequent mutations recruited among Italian Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) registry centres, including disease onset/severity (CMTES-CMT Examination Score), motor/sensory symptoms and use of orthotics/aids.

Results

We collected data from 186 patients: 60 had the p.Ser78Leu variant (‘classical’ CMT1B; from Eastern Sicily), 42 the p.Pro70Ser (CMT2I; mainly from Lombardy), 38 the p.Thr124Met (CMT2J; from Veneto), 25 the p.Ser44Phe (CMT2I; from Sardinia) and 21 the p.Asp104ThrfsX13 (mild CMT1B; from Apulia) mutation. Disease severity (CMTES) was higher (p<0.001) in late-onset axonal forms (p.Thr124Met=9.2±6.6; p.Ser44Phe=7.8±5.7; p.Pro70Ser=7.6±4.8) compared with p.Ser78Leu (6.1±3.5) patients. Disease progression (ΔCMTES/year) was faster in the p.Pro70Ser cohort (0.8±1.0), followed by p.Ser44Phe (0.7±0.4), p.Thr124Met (0.4±0.5) and p.Ser78Leu (0.2±0.4) patients. Disease severity (CMTES=1.2±1.5), progression (ΔCMTES/year=0.1±0.4) and motor involvement were almost negligible in p.Asp104ThrfsX13 patients, who, however, frequently (78%, p<0.001) complained of neuropathic pain. In the other four clusters, walking difficulties were reported by 69–85% of patients, while orthotic and walking aids use ranged between 40–62% and 16–28%, respectively.

Conclusions

This is the largestMPZ(and late-onset CMT2) cohort ever collected, reporting clinical features and disease progression of 186 patients from five different clusters across Italy. Our findings corroborate the importance of differentiating between ‘classical’ childhood-onset demyelinating, late-onset axonal and mildMPZ-related neuropathy, characterised by different pathomechanisms, in view of different therapeutic targets.
Participation in staff engagement campaigns at large healthcare organisations: a focus group study
Authors: James Richard , Lewis Jenny , Stroud Laura
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Healthcare organisations work better with an engaged workforce, and staff-engagement campaigns offer a method to build this engagement. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT), one of the UK’s largest Trusts, provides an example of where an organisation-wide engagement intervention has been used in a healthcare setting. This study aimed to understand why staff participate, or do not participate, in staff-engagement campaigns, supporting healthcare leaders to increase participation in future campaigns.

Methods

Scenario-based focus groups were carried out across five different organisational units within LTHT. The data from these were transcribed, coded and analysed using reflective thematic analysis.

Results

Participation in staff-engagement campaigns is dependent on campaign awareness, staff perceptions of the campaign and the practicalities associated with participation. Perceptions of the campaign are further subdivided into the campaign’s perceived effectiveness, purpose and relevance.

Conclusions

Staff engagement was a powerful driver of participation, which presents a conundrum: how do you encourage participation in staff-engagement campaigns, if engagement is a prerequisite for participation? The answer lies in taking advantage of organisational belongingness and visible leadership, supported by communications that take control of the narrative around the campaign. Behavioural science models may guide leaders across the organisation in mapping where these approaches can have the greatest impact within their existing spheres of influence. Further, considering inequalities around participation across different groups may help target action to the areas of greatest need. Accordingly, the research provides pragmatic guidance for leaders in thinking about how to use staff-engagement campaigns more effectively.
Onabotulinum toxin injections for shoulder and chest wall muscle pain in breast cancer survivors: retrospective study – preliminary report
Authors: Fu Jack B , Manne Radhika , Ngo-Huang An , Tennison Jegy M , Ng Amy H , Andersen Clark , Woodward Wendy A , Bruera Eduardo
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The primary objective of this retrospective review is to describe patient-reported improvement in muscular pain after initial treatment with onabotulinum toxin. A secondary objective was to determine other physiatry (physical medicine & rehabilitation (PM&R)) interventions ordered.

Methods

Preliminary retrospective review of physiatry interventions for 47 patients referred by breast radiation oncology to PM&R at a tertiary referral-based academic cancer centre clinic from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021 for muscular shoulder/chest wall pain.

Results

Patients were most commonly diagnosed with muscle spasm 27/47 (58%), lymphedema 21/47 (45%), myalgia/myofascial pain 16/47 (34%), radiation fibrosis 14/47 (30%), fatigue/deconditioning 13/47 (28%), neurological impairment 11/47 (23%) and joint pathology 3/47 (6%). The top three physiatric interventions were home exercise programme education (17/47, 36%), botulinum toxin injection (17/47, 36%) and physical or occupational therapy referral (15/47, 32%). Patients who had muscle spasms documented were more likely to have botulinum toxin recommended by physiatry (24/24) compared with those with questionable spasms (4/7) and those without spasms(0/16) (p=0.0005). 17/28 (60.7%) received botulinum toxin injection, and a total of 35 injections were performed during the study period. 94% (16/17) of patients who received botulinum toxin injection voiced improvement in pain after injection.

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin injections may play a role in the treatment of muscle spasm-related pain in breast cancer survivors. Additional blinded controlled research on the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injection after breast cancer treatment with spastic muscular shoulder/chest wall pain is needed.
Propofol for palliative sedation in catastrophic bleeding
Authors: Ponnampalam Shalini , Gregory Heidi
Published: June 2024

Catastrophic bleeds are life-threatening events. This case report describes the successful use of intravenous propofol infusion in order to facilitate palliative sedation in the context of a catastrophic bleed where traditional medications did not yield the necessary level of effect as the patient survived another 72 hours after the onset of the bleeding event. Given the prolonged period post onset of this patient’s catastrophic bleed, this case demonstrates the effective use of an intravenous propofol infusion to facilitate comfort and sedation when drug classes such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates failed to do so. Given the successful outcome detailed in this case, we strongly advocate for the development of guidelines that incorporate propofol alongside other pharmacological measures when addressing palliative sedation.
New Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian) fossil mayfly nymphs (Oligoneuriidae, Heptageniidae, Hexagenitidae) from the Redmond Formation, Labrador, Canada
Authors: Mueller André S. , Demers-Potvin Alexandre V.
Published: June 2024

Three new fossil mayfly (Ephemeroptera) larvae from the Redmond Formation (Cenomanian) of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, are described: Alatuscapillus icarus gen. et sp. nov. (family Oligoneuriidae), Cruscolli sheppardae gen. et sp. nov. (family Heptageniidae), and Protoligoneuria borealis sp. nov. (family Hexagenitidae). This discovery marks the first juvenile insect nymphs to be described from this formation and helps fill gaps in our understanding of the global and temporal distribution of mayflies during the Cretaceous period. Of these, C. sheppardae marks the oldest occurrence of the family Heptageniidae in the fossil record, while A. icarus and P. borealis mark the first fossil occurrences of the families Oligoneuriidae and Hexagenitidae in North America. The anatomy, preservation, and behaviour of these new mayfly species inferred from modern taxa consolidate the hypothesis that the Redmond Formation’s palaeoenvironment was lacustrine in nature.
Multi-sensor data fusion for autonomous flight of unmanned aerial vehicles in complex flight environments
Authors: Yue Kun
Published: June 2024

The flight environment of unmanned aerial vehicles faces various challenges. To effectively navigate and perform tasks, they need to effectively integrate multiple sensors. This study applies the adaptive weighted average method, combined with data from global positioning system, inertial measurement unit, three-dimensional optical detection and ranging, and uses linear Kalman filtering to smooth the merged velocity data. High-order B-spline curves for route planning and applying flight constraint formulas to better adapt are used to the dynamics of unmanned aerial vehicles. The research results indicated that the improved adaptive weighting algorithm had high comprehensive performance for multi-sensor data fusion, with the highest accuracy, robustness, real-time performance, and consistency of 94.2%, 93.7%, 100%, and 95.6%, respectively. The flight path lengths planned by the A* algorithm and higher-order B-spline curve were 15.7 and 16.3 m, respectively, and the flight time was 8.2 and 7.1 s, respectively. The flight path planned by higher-order B-spline curve was further away from obstacles. The use of adaptive weighted fusion and linear Kalman filtering facilitates the fusion of multi-sensor data, and autonomous flight routes planned using high-order B-spline curves can also meet the needs of unmanned aerial vehicle flight in complex flight environments.
Z’ boson mass reach and model discrimination at muon colliders
Authors: Korshynska Kateryna , Löschner Maximilian , Marinichenko Mariia , Mękała Krzysztof , Reuter Jürgen
Published: June 2024

We study the discrimination power of future multi-TeV muon colliders for a large set of models with extended gauge symmetries and additional neutral gauge bosons (“$$Z'$$

Z
′

-models”). Our study is carried out using a $$\chi ^2$$

χ
2

-analysis of leptonic observables of s-channel scattering in effective $$Z'$$

Z
′

-models. We make use of angular and chiral asymmetries induced in such models to find the discovery reach of a given muon collider setup in terms of the $$Z'$$

Z
′

mass and to discriminate between the different scenarios. In this context, we discuss how polarized beams – should they become available at muon colliders – or polarization measurements can help in the discrimination. Our results show that typical muon collider setups which are currently under consideration can give a significantly higher reach compared to existing bounds and projections for high-luminosity LHC.
Cosmological evolution of matter with interacting dust fluids
Authors: Okeng’o Geoffrey , Mhlahlo Nceba , Maartens Roy
Published: June 2024

We split the total matter fluid into a bound (halo) component and an unbound (free particles) fluid component that is accreted by the halos. We adopt a different framework that treats the structure formation problem as a gravitational interaction between these virialised cold dark matter halos and the unbound inter-halo cold dark matter (and cold baryon) particles. This interaction involves in general an exchange of energy and momentum during the accretion process. We then explore the evolution of the average matter density and of large-scale structure formation, using a simplified phenomenological model that is based on results from extended Press–Schechter and N-body simulations. At high redshifts most matter is in diffuse form and is not part of the halos. As particles are accreted by the virialised halos, the particle number density decreases and that of the bound matter increases. We also present a general analysis of the background and linear perturbations for the interacting fluids, showing in detail the energy and momentum exchange terms.
A new approach to topological T-duality for principal torus bundles
Authors: Dove Tom , Schick Thomas
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we introduce a new ‘Thom class’ formulation of topological T-duality for principal torus bundles. This definition is equivalent to the established one of Bunke, Rumpf, and Schick but has the virtue of removing the global assumptions on the H-flux required in the old definition. With the new definition, we provide easier and more transparent proofs of the classification of T-duals and generalize the local formulation of T-duality for circle bundles by Bunke, Schick, and Spitzweck to the torus case.
Synchronizability of multi-layer small-world dynamical networks
Authors: Zhou Xuanxin , Jiang Guo-Ping , Wu Yayong , Zheng Ying
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates the synchronizability of multi-layer small-world dynamical networks and discusses the significant factors affecting the synchronizability. First, we introduce the network model of multi-layer small-world dynamical networks with one-to-one connections in the inter-layer connections and each layer has the same topology. Second, we consider the topological parameters including adding probability, intra-layer coupling strength, inter-layer coupling strength, number of nodes per layer, initial node degree, and number of network layers which will influence the network’s synchronizability. Third, we adopt the master stability function method and numerical simulations to analyze the synchronizability of the network. We also examine how the topological parameters influence the synchronizability of multi-layer small-world dynamical networks and the relationships among these parameters. Finally, synchronization control experiments are conducted to verify our results. As a result, we find that only increasing the number of nodes per layer will weaken the synchronizability of multi-layer small-world dynamical networks, while increasing other topological parameters will enhance the synchronizability. The current findings enable us to gain a deeper understanding of the synchronization behavior and characteristics of multi-layer small-world dynamical networks.
The modulated soliton fields in the Goldstone boson model
Authors: Shahbazi Z. , Miraboutalebi S. , Ahmadi F.
Published: June 2024

It is well known that massless Goldstone bosons have not yet been observed. In the Goldstone boson model, after the spontaneous symmetry breaking under [Formula: see text], two coupled nonlinear equations are obtained for which we present the exact solitonic solutions. These solutions completely localize the energy density of the model and show the existence of two boson fields, one massive and the other massless. Also, it is seen that the solitonic waves are modulated and the massless wave rides on the massive wave. Finally, we calculate the charge density of the model, which again confirms the neutrality of these boson fields. Since massive bosons can be observed in the laboratory, these solitonic waves may be useful in tracking and detecting Goldstone bosons.
Core groups
Authors: Silver Daniel S. , Traldi Lorenzo , Williams Susan G.
Published: June 2024

The core group of a classical link was introduced independently by Kelly in 1991 and Wada in 1992. It is a link invariant defined by a presentation involving the arcs and crossings of a diagram, related to Wirtinger’s presentation of the fundamental group of a link complement. Two close relatives of the core group are defined by presentations involving regions rather than arcs; one of them is related to Dehn’s presentation of a link group. The definitions are extended to virtual link diagrams and properties of the resulting invariants are discussed.
Holomorphic gravity and its regularization of locally signed coordinate invariance
Authors: Guendelman Eduardo
Published: June 2024

We expect the final theory of gravity to have more symmetries than we suspect and our research points in this direction. To start with, standard general coordinate invariance can be extended to complex holomorphic general coordinate transformations. This is possible by introducing a non-Riemannian measure of integration (NRMI) and where we avoid the nonholomorphic standard [Formula: see text] measure of integration. Second, locally signed coordinate transformations where the Jacobian changes sign locally but the Jacobian approaches one asymptotically should be symmetries of Nature. This is unlike globally signed transformations that produce a change of boundary conditions, like in the cases of global parity and global time reversal, which are not symmetries of Nature. The holomorphic extension can regularize the regions of spacetime where the Jacobian changes sign. Consequences for Quantum Gravity are discussed.
On the Spatial Buckling of Elastic Columns
Authors: Kočman Peter , Schnabl Simon , Planinc Igor
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a novel analytical solution for the buckling load in 3D of columns that fills a gap in the existing literature by accounting for shear deformation and spatial effects. The latter means that a column can be supported and buckle in any direction. We build on the foundational work of Simo and use a 3D beam model to derive a set of equations that form the basis for our analytical solution. The paper outlines the axioms of the Simo model, presents the corresponding equations, and describes the linearization procedure in details. By linearizing the equations we obtain a set of algebraic equations with boundary conditions, which we manipulate into an analytical solution for the buckling load. An illustrative example using a column with an elliptical cross-section shows how different boundary conditions and the spatial orientation of the column influence the buckling load. This research work not only contributes to the verification of numerical programs, but also provides engineers with a valuable tool for optimizing structural configurations.
Cubic rational expressions over a finite field
Authors: Mattarei Sandro , Pizzato Marco
Published: June 2024

We study and partially classify cubic rational expressions over a finite field [Formula: see text], up to equivalence given by composition with independent Möbius transformations on each side. When [Formula: see text] is even we obtain a full classification. When [Formula: see text] is odd we restrict our classification to expressions with at most three ramification points. However, we prove a general upper bound of [Formula: see text] for the total number of equivalence classes.
A sufficient and necessary condition for p-nilpotence of a finite group
Authors: Yu Haoran , Guan Ying , Xu Xiaowei
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we introduce a condition on a [Formula: see text]-subgroup of a finite group that is more general than the concept of [Formula: see text]-subgroups, and obtain a sufficient and necessary condition for [Formula: see text]-nilpotence of a finite group. We not only simplify the proofs of some main theorems of Gao and Li [Acta Math. Hungar. 163(1) (2021) 29–36], Kaspczyk [Acta Math. Hungar. 165(2) (2021) 355–359], and Kaspczyk [J. Algebra Appl. 23(1) (2024) 2450016], but also generalize these results.
Exact exploration of time fractional-based magnetized flow of a generalized second grade fluid through an oscillating rectangular duct
Authors: Nadeem Sohail , Ishtiaq Bushra , Saleem Salman , Alzabut Jehad
Published: June 2024

To model several engineering and physical models, the approach of the fractional derivative is highly anticipated. As compared to the ordinary derivatives, the fractional derivatives with more flexibility can estimate the data due to the involvement of the fractional-order derivatives. Due to these advantages of the fractional approach, this study communicates with the determination of the fractional-based exact outcomes of an oscillatory rectangular duct problem of a generalized second-grade fluid. The approach of the fractional operator is involved in the relationship of the constitutive equations. For cosine oscillation of the rectangular duct, exact results of the magnetized unsteady flow problem are evaluated through the technique of Laplace transform with double finite Fourier sine transform. This study concludes that the velocity field exhibits escalating behavior relative to the improved fractional parameter. Moreover, the magnetic parameter with increasing values declines the flow field while the accelerating values of the fluid parameter enhance the velocity field.
Toward Attribute-Controlled Fashion Image Captioning
Authors: Cai Chen , Yap Kim-Hui , Wang Suchen
Published: June 2024

Fashion image captioning is a critical task in the fashion industry that aims to automatically generate product descriptions for fashion items. However, existing fashion image captioning models predict a fixed caption for a particular fashion item once deployed, which does not cater to unique preferences. We explore a controllable way of fashion image captioning that allows the users to specify a few semantic attributes to guide the caption generation. Our approach utilizes semantic attributes as a control signal, giving users the ability to specify particular fashion attributes (e.g., stitch, knit, sleeve) and styles (e.g., cool, classic, fresh) that they want the model to incorporate when generating captions. By providing this level of customization, our approach creates more personalized and targeted captions that suit individual preferences. To evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed approach, we clean, filter, and assemble a new fashion image caption dataset called FACAD170K from the current FACAD dataset. This dataset facilitates learning and enables us to investigate the effectiveness of our approach. Our results demonstrate that our proposed approach outperforms existing fashion image captioning models as well as conventional captioning methods. Besides, we further validate the effectiveness of the proposed method on the MSCOCO and Flickr30K captioning datasets and achieve competitive performance.
Review—Electrochemical Sensors for Acetylcholine Detection
Authors: Shakil Shihzad , Yuan Dajing , Li Maoguo
Published: June 2024

Acetylcholine (ACh) is a vital neurotransmitter in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Disturbances in its transmission are linked to serious diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Detecting ACh concentrations in biological samples is critical for understanding and managing these conditions. This review examines the latest advancements in electrochemical sensors for ACh detection, highlighting their principles, methodologies, and applications. Various sensor types, including enzymatic and non-enzymatic sensors, potentiometric and conductometric methods are discussed in detail. Emphasis is placed on the advantages of using electrochemical methods for ACh detection, such as high sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid response times. Further research needs to focus on innovative materials and techniques to overcome current challenges and improve the practical application of ACh detection in clinical settings.
Modeling Charging Current Dynamics at Microelectrodes and their Interfaces with Electrolyte and Insulators with a Focus on Microfabricated Gold Microband Electrodes on an SU-8 Substrate
Authors: Abrego Tello Miguel A. , Lotfi Marchoubeh Mahsa , Fritsch Ingrid
Published: June 2024

The suitability of electrochemical methods for quantitative measurements at microdevices is influenced by the relatively large electrode-insulator interface-to-electrode area ratio, greatly impacting charging dynamics due to interactions among electrolyte, conductor material, and insulator layers. The resulting charging current can overwhelm the faradaic current from redox chemistry. The device studied here features a 70 μm × 100 μm electroactive window, hosts gold coplanar microband electrodes, and is insulated by SU-8, which serves as both overlayer and substrate. The overlayer defines the electroactive length and isolates the leads of the electrodes from the sample solution. Cyclic voltammetry in 0.10 M KCl yields an unexpected, nonlinear dependence of current on scan rate, which can be explained with two empirical approaches. The first employs an equivalent circuit model, involving leakage resistance and double-layer capacitance in parallel, to address both background processes and electrode imperfections as a function of scan rate. The second associates the enhanced current to a changing-chargeable area resulting from interface irregularities. Prior publications on alternative conductor-insulator materials are benchmarked in this study. The comparison of the materials shows that the charging dynamics for devices made with SU-8 lead to more favorable electrochemical performance than for those constructed with glass, epoxy, and silicon nitride, and under certain circumstances, polyimide.
Optimizing GABAA receptor antagonism for the induction of long-term potentiation in the mouse and rat dentate gyrus in vitro
Authors: Eyolfson Eric , Acosta Crystal , Brand Justin , Suesser Kirsten R. B. , Kannangara Timal , Bostrom Crystal , Sawchuk Scott , Christie Brian R.
Published: June 2024

The reliable induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the dentate gyrus (DG) in vitro requires the blockade of the γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor. In these studies we examined the effectiveness of the specific GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline methiodide (BMI) in facilitating LTP in the DG from hippocampal slices obtained from either C57Bl/6 mice or Sprague-Dawley rats, two commonly used species for electrophysiology. In the C57Bl/6 mice, maximal short-term potentiation and LTP in the DG were produced with a concentration of 5 mM BMI. In contrast, a concentration of 10 μM BMI was required to produce maximal short-term potentiation and LTP in the DG of Sprague-Dawley rats. These results reveal that there are species differences in the optimal amount of BMI required to produce robust and reliable long-term potentiation in the rodent DG in vitro and highlight the need to take consideration of the species being sued when choosing concentrations of pharmacological agents to employ for electrophysiological use.
Influence of gaze, vision, and memory on hand kinematics in a placement task
Authors: Luabeya Gaelle N. , Yan Xiaogang , Freud Erez , Crawford J. Douglas
Published: June 2024

Eye-hand coordination studies usually focus on object acquisition, but placement is equally important. We investigated how gaze position influences object placement toward a 2-D template with different levels of visual feedback. Like reach, placement overestimated goal location relative to gaze and was influenced by previous saccade metrics. Gaze also modulated hand orientation, depending on template orientation and level of visual feedback. Gaze influence was feedback-dependent, with location errors having no significant effect after a memory delay.
Urinary Metabolite Diagnostic and Prognostic Liquid Biopsy Biomarkers of Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers and Tobacco Smokers
Authors: Dalal Bhavik , Tada Takeshi , Patel Daxesh P. , Pine Sharon R. , Khan Mohammed , Oike Takahiro , Kanke Yasuyuki , Parker Amelia L. , Haznadar Majda , Toulabi Leila , Krausz Kristopher W. , Robles Ana I. , Bowman Elise D. , Gonzalez Frank J. , Harris Curtis C.
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

Nonsmokers account for 10% to 13% of all lung cancer cases in the United States. Etiology is attributed to multiple risk factors including exposure to secondhand smoking, asbestos, environmental pollution, and radon, but these exposures are not within the current eligibility criteria for early lung cancer screening by low-dose CT (LDCT).

Experimental Design:

Urine samples were collected from two independent cohorts comprising 846 participants (exploratory cohort) and 505 participants (validation cohort). The cancer urinary biomarkers, creatine riboside (CR) and N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA), were analyzed and quantified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry to determine if nonsmoker cases can be distinguished from sex and age-matched controls in comparison with tobacco smoker cases and controls, potentially leading to more precise eligibility criteria for LDCT screening.

Results:

Urinary levels of CR and NANA were significantly higher and comparable in nonsmokers and tobacco smoker cases than population controls in both cohorts. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for combined CR and NANA levels in nonsmokers of the exploratory cohort resulted in better predictive performance with the AUC of 0.94, whereas the validation cohort nonsmokers had an AUC of 0.80. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that high levels of CR and NANA were associated with increased cancer-specific death in nonsmokers as well as tobacco smoker cases in both cohorts.

Conclusions:

Measuring CR and NANA in urine liquid biopsies could identify nonsmokers at high risk for lung cancer as candidates for LDCT screening and warrant prospective studies of these biomarkers.
Supplementary Table S3 from Evaluation of Copanlisib in Combination with Eribulin in Triple-negative Breast Cancer Patient-derived Xenograft Models
Authors: Guo Zhanfang , Luo Jingqin , Mashl R. Jay , Hoog Jeremy , Maiti Piyush , Fettig Nikki , Davies Sherri R. , Aft Rebecca , Held Jason M. , Govindan Ramaswamy , Ding Li , Li Shunqiang , von Morze Cornelius , Wulf Gerburg M. , Shoghi Kooresh I. , Ma Cynthia X.
Published: June 2024

Significantly Altered Levels of Proteins Following Treatment with Copanlisib
Supplementary Table S2 from Evaluation of Copanlisib in Combination with Eribulin in Triple-negative Breast Cancer Patient-derived Xenograft Models
Authors: Guo Zhanfang , Luo Jingqin , Mashl R. Jay , Hoog Jeremy , Maiti Piyush , Fettig Nikki , Davies Sherri R. , Aft Rebecca , Held Jason M. , Govindan Ramaswamy , Ding Li , Li Shunqiang , von Morze Cornelius , Wulf Gerburg M. , Shoghi Kooresh I. , Ma Cynthia X.
Published: June 2024

Potential Actionable Mutations and Genomic Alterations in PI3K Pathway