bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profinite groups with few conjugacy classes of elements of infinite order
Authors: Wilson John S.
Published: April 2023

It is proved that every finitely generated profinite group with fewer than $$2^{\aleph _0}$$

2

ℵ
0

conjugacy classes of elements of infinite order is finite.
IKK1 aggravates ischemia–reperfusion kidney injury by promoting the differentiation of effector T cells
Authors: Song Ning , Xu Yang , Paust Hans-Joachim , Panzer Ulf , de las Noriega Maria Mercedes , Guo Linlin , Renné Thomas , Huang Jiabin , Meng Xianglin , Zhao Mingyan , Thaiss Friedrich
Published: April 2023

Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is one of the major causes of acute kidney injury (AKI), and experimental work has revealed detailed insight into the inflammatory response in the kidney. T cells and NFκB pathway play an important role in IRI. Therefore, we examined the regulatory role and mechanisms of IkappaB kinase 1 (IKK1) in CD4+T lymphocytes in an experimental model of IRI. IRI was induced in CD4cre and CD4IKK1Δ mice. Compared to control mice, conditional deficiency of IKK1 in CD4+T lymphocyte significantly decreased serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, and renal tubular injury score. Mechanistically, lack in IKK1 in CD4+T lymphocytes reduced the ability of CD4 lymphocytes to differentiate into Th1/Th17 cells. Similar to IKK1 gene ablation, pharmacological inhibition of IKK also protected mice from IRI. Together, lymphocyte IKK1 plays a pivotal role in IRI by promoting T cells differentiation into Th1/Th17 and targeting lymphocyte IKK1 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for IRI.
Entwicklung und Evaluation komplexer Interventionen in der Pflege
Authors: Abraham Jens , Möhler Ralph
Published: April 2023

Viele Interventionen in der Pflege sind komplex. Sie bestehen beispielsweise aus verschiedenen Interventionsteilen (Komponenten) und zielen auf Veränderungen von Prozessen oder dem Verhalten von Individuen oder Gruppen ab. Ein Rahmenmodell des britischen Medical Research Council beinhaltet methodische Empfehlungen für die Entwicklung und Evaluation von komplexen Interventionen. Diese narrative Übersichtsarbeit beschreibt die Umsetzung der methodischen Empfehlungen des Rahmenmodells am Beispiel von Interventionen zur Reduktion freiheitsentziehender Maßnahmen, z. B. Bettgitter oder Gurte an Stuhl und Bett, in der Krankenhaus- und der Langzeitpflege. Neben den Merkmalen der komplexen Interventionen werden die Entwicklung und theoretische Fundierung der Interventionen, die Prüfung der Machbarkeit und Wirksamkeit beschrieben.
Textural characterization of unidirectional solidification textures related to Cu–Au deposits and their implication for metallogenesis and exploration
Authors: Müller Axel , Kirwin Doug , Seltmann Reimar
Published: April 2023

Ten rock samples with unidirectional solidification textures (USTs) from nine Asian and Australian porphyry and intrusion-related Au deposits and prospects were investigated in terms of mineralization sequences, textural and paragenetic relationships, melt and fluid inclusion inventory, cathodoluminescence, and trace elements of UST quartz. Despite general similar structural appearance of the investigated UST sequences, each UST locality has its own specific textural features. We provide a structural classification of observed USTs that distinguishes equigranular and heterogranular USTs, which are subdivided according to the UST layer structure into straight, wavy, or contorted/brain-like type. In addition, there is the group of disturbed USTs comprising incompletely developed UST layers, and ductile- or brittle-fragmented UST sequences. Ti-in-quartz-based calculations revealed crystallization temperatures of UST quartz between 590 and 770 °C. Primary silicate melt inclusions found in four samples indicate that quartz crystallized initially from a silicate melt. In five samples, fluid inclusion “boiling” assemblages were observed, documenting brine-vapor phase separation due to pressure drop. In one case, the “boiling” assemblage is in primary inclusions and in the other cases the assemblages have been trapped in pseudosecondary inclusions in a later stage. Primary brine inclusions without coeval vapor-rich inclusions were identified in one sample only. Our results permit UST formation in either an open-system setting where fluids exsolved from UST crystallization are periodically released by fracturing (pressure drops) after the formation of each individual UST layer, or closed-system setting where the exsolved fluids are trapped because of lack of fracturing as long the UST sequence forms. Here, the closed-system model is introduced for the first time to describe the formation of layered quartz UST sequences in porphyry systems where the open-system setting seems to be not applicable. Nonetheless, quartz UST sequences are very important exploration vectors for porphyry systems. Six out of the ten UST samples are high-grade with up to 12 g/t Au. However, in the investigated cases, the Au mineralization postdates UST formation. At Oyut Ulaan and Tampang, the UST quartz formation is co-genetic with major Cu–Fe sulfide mineralization, whereas in the other localities the UST formation predates the sulfide mineralization. In any case, UST layer sequences clearly functioned as an outer carapace and, thus, as a chemo-physical trap of passing mineralizing fluids entering the UST structure and may offer a vector to the main stockwork mineralization, which might occur 100 to 200 m above the UST zone.
Characterizing the tumor immune microenvironment of ependymomas using targeted gene expression profiles and RNA sequencing
Authors: de Koning W. , Feenstra F. F. , Calkoen F. G. J. , van der Lugt J. , Kester L. A. , Mustafa D. A. M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Defining the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of patients using transcriptome analysis is gaining more popularity. Here, we examined and discussed the pros and cons of using RNA sequencing for fresh frozen samples and targeted gene expression immune profiles (NanoString) for formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples to characterize the TIME of ependymoma samples.

Results

Our results showed a stable expression of the 40 housekeeping genes throughout all samples. The Pearson correlation of the endogenous genes was high. To define the TIME, we first checked the expression of the PTPRC gene, known as CD45, and found it was above the detection limit in all samples by both techniques. T cells were identified consistently using the two types of data. In addition, both techniques showed that the immune landscape was heterogeneous in the 6 ependymoma samples used for this study.

Conclusions

The low-abundant genes were detected in higher quantities using the NanoString technique, even when FFPE samples were used. RNA sequencing is better suited for biomarker discovery, fusion gene detection, and getting a broader overview of the TIME. The technique that was used to measure the samples had a considerable effect on the type of immune cells that were identified. The limited number of tumor-infiltrating immune cells compared to the high density of tumor cells in ependymoma can limit the sensitivity of RNA expression techniques regarding the identification of the infiltrating immune cells.
Clinical trial of a low-cost external fixator for global surgery use
Authors: Milandri Giovanni , Wijesinghe P. C. I. , Munidasa Dilshan , Pathmanathan Cinthuja , Saeidi Mehdi , Bull Anthony M. J. , Silva Pujitha
Published: April 2023

Purpose

A low-cost modular external fixator for the lower limb has been developed for global surgery use. The purpose of this study is to assess outcome measures in the first clinical use of the device.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted with patients recruited in two trauma hospitals. Initial clinical procedure data were collected, and patients were followed up every two weeks until 12 weeks or definitive fixation. Follow-up assessed infection, stability, and radiographic outcomes. In addition, patient-reported outcomes and surgeons’ feedback on device usability were collected by questionnaires.

Results

The external fixator was used on 17 patients. Ten were mono-lateral, five were joint spanning, and two were delta configuration. One patient had a pin site infection at 12-week follow-up. All were stable when tested mechanically and using radiographic assessment, and 53% were converted to definitive fixation.

Conclusion

The low-cost external fixator developed is appropriate for use in global surgery trauma centres with good clinical outcomes.

Prospective trial registration number and date

SLCTR/2021/025 (06 Sep 2021).
Possible use of Digital Variance Angiography in Liver Transarterial Chemoembolization: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Lucatelli Pierleone , Rocco Bianca , Ciaglia Simone , Teodoli Leonardo , Argirò Renato , Guiu Boris , Saba Luca , Vallati Giulio , Spiliopoulos Stavros , Patrone Lorenzo , Gyánó Marcell , Góg István , Osváth Szabolcs , Szigeti Krisztian , Kiss János P. , Catalano Carlo
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Digital variance angiography (DVA), a recently developed image processing technology, provided higher contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and better image quality (IQ) during lower limb interventions than digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Our aim was to investigate whether this quality improvement can be observed also during liver transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively compared the CNR and IQ parameters of DSA and DVA images from 25 patients (65% male, mean ± SD age: 67.5 ± 11.2 years) underwent TACE intervention at our institute. CNR was calculated on 50 images. IQ of every image set was evaluated by 5 experts using 4-grade Likert scales. Both single image evaluation and paired image comparison were performed in a blinded and randomized manner. The diagnostic value was evaluated based on the possibility to identify lesions and feeding arteries.

Results

DVA provided significantly higher CNR (mean CNRDVA/CNRDSA was 1.33). DVA images received significantly higher individual Likert score (mean ± SEM 3.34 ± 0,08 vs. 2.89 ± 0.11, Wilcoxon signed-rank p < 0.001) and proved to be superior also in paired comparisons (median comparison score 1.60 [IQR:2.40], one sample Wilcoxon p < 0.001 compared to equal quality level). DSA could not detect lesion and feeding artery in 28 and 36% of cases, and allowed clear detection only in 22% and 16%, respectively. In contrast, DVA failed only in 8 and 18% and clearly revealed lesions and feeding arteries in 32 and 26%, respectively.

Conclusion

In our study, DVA provided higher quality images and better diagnostic insight than DSA; therefore, DVA could represent a useful tool in liver TACE interventions.

Level of evidence

III Non-consecutive study.
Enterocloster alcoholdehydrogenati sp. nov., a Novel Bacterial Species Isolated from the Feces of a Patient with Alcoholism
Authors: Oikawa Daiki , Fukui Kohei , Aoki Yuichi , Waki Toshiyuki , Takahashi Seiji , Shimoyama Takefumi , Nakayama Toru
Published: April 2023

Strain C5-48T, an anaerobic intestinal bacterium that potentially accumulates acetaldehyde at levels exceeding its minimum mutagenic concentration (50 µM) in the colon and rectum, was isolated from the feces of a patient with alcoholism. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain C5-48T showed high similarity to the corresponding sequences of Lachnoclostridium edouardi Marseille-P3397T (95.7%) and Clostridium fessum SNUG30386T (94.7%). However, phylogenetic analysis using the sequences of the 16S rRNA, rpoB, and hsp60 genes and whole-genome analysis strongly suggested that C5-48T should be included in the genus Enterocloster. The novelty of strain C5-48T was further confirmed by comprehensive average nucleotide identity (ANI) calculations based on its whole-genome sequence, which showed appreciable ANI values with known Enterocloster species (e.g., 74.3% and 73.4% with Enterocloster bolteae WAL 16351T and Enterocloster clostridioformis ATCC 25537T, respectively). The temperature range for growth of strain C5-48T was 15–37 °C with an optimum of 37 °C. The pH range for growth was 5.5–10.5 with an optimum of 7.5. The major constituents of the cell membrane lipids of strain C5-48T were 16:0, 14:0, and 18:1 ω7c dimethyl acetal fatty acids. On the basis of the genotypic and phenotypic properties, Enterocloster alcoholdehydrogenati sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain C5-48T (= JCM 33305T = DSM 109474T).
Evaluation of perivascular fat attenuation with coronary CT angiography in cardiac transplantation patients: an imaging biomarker candidate for prediction of cardiac mortality and re-transplantation
Authors: Moser Philipp T. , Schernthaner Rüdiger , Loewe Christian , Strassl Andreas , Denzinger Felix , Faby Sebastian , Wels Michael , Nizhnikava Volha , Uyanik-Uenal Keziban , Zuckermann Andreas , Stelzmueller Marie-Elisabeth , Beitzke Dietrich
Published: April 2023

Objectives

In cardiac transplant recipients, non-invasive allograft surveillance for identifying patients at risk for graft failure remains challenging. The fat attenuation index (FAI) of the perivascular adipose tissue in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) predicts outcomes in coronary artery disease in non-transplanted hearts; however, it has not been evaluated in cardiac transplant patients.

Methods

We followed 39 cardiac transplant patients with two or more CCTAs obtained between 2010 and 2021. We performed FAI measurements around the proximal 4 cm segments of the left anterior descending (LAD), right coronary artery (RCA), and left circumflex artery (LCx) using a previously validated methodology. The FAI was analyzed at a threshold of − 30 to − 190 Hounsfield units.

Results

FAI measurements were completed in 113 CCTAs, obtained on two same-vendor CT models. Within each CCTA, the FAI values between coronary vessels were strongly correlated (RCA and LAD R = 0.67 (p < 0.0001), RCA and LCx R = 0.58 (p < 0.0001), LAD and LCx R = 0.67 (p < 0.0001)). The FAIs of each coronary vessel between the patient’s first and last CCTA completed at 120 kV were also correlated (RCA R = 0.73 (p < 0.0001), LAD R = 0.81 (p < 0.0001), LCx R = 0.55 (p = 0.0069). Finally, a high mean FAI value of all three coronary vessels at baseline (mean ≥  − 71 HU) was predictive of cardiac mortality or re-transplantation, however, not predictive of all cause-mortality.

Conclusion

High baseline FAI values may identify a higher-risk cardiac transplant population; thus, FAI may support the implementation of CCTA in post-transplant surveillance.

Key Point

• Perivascular fat attenuation measured with coronary CT is feasible in cardiac transplant patients and may predict cardiac mortality or need for re-transplantation.
A Lower Bound for the Logarithmic Energy on $$\mathbb {S}^2$$ and for the Green Energy on $$\mathbb {S}^n$$
Authors: Beltrán Carlos , Lizarte Fátima
Published: April 2023

We show an alternative proof of the sharpest known lower bound for the logarithmic energy on the unit sphere $$\mathbb {S}^2$$

S

2

. We then generalize this proof to get new lower bounds for the Green energy on the unit n-sphere $$\mathbb {S}^n$$

S

n

.
Evaluating the effect of a ducted winglet on the induced drag of wind turbine blade using CFD and Trefftz plane analysis
Authors: Vincalek Jakub , Walton Sean , Evans Ben
Published: April 2023

A novel patented ducted winglet design is compared, using numerical simulations, to an unmodified wing tip and a standard winglet in the context of a wind turbine blade. The aim of the ducted winglet is to reduce the induced drag. This reduction of induced drag, at the wing tip, would be particularly beneficial to wind turbine performance. Throughout the comparison, we explore the aerodynamic phenomena described in the patent which claim to explain how the ducted winglet reduces induced drag. The simulations were run using a CFD solver, FLITE3D, that has been thoroughly validated on industrial scale aerodynamic problems. A mesh convergence study was carried out to ensure that the results have sufficient numerical accuracy for a consistent ranking with respect to the lift-to-drag ratio. A Trefftz plane analysis is conducted to measure the effect of the duct on induced drag. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such a ducted design is tested in this context and compared to a standard unmodified blade and winglet. We found that the ducted winglet has a higher lift-to-drag ratio than an unmodified wing tip, but lower than a non-ducted winglet. Despite this, there is clear evidence that the duct had a positive influence on the induced drag. Our results show that with future optimisation this ducted winglet may prove beneficial to wind turbine design.
Fetal aortic isthmus Doppler assessment to predict the adverse perinatal outcomes associated with fetal growth restriction: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: La Verde M. , Savoia F. , Riemma G. , Schiattarella A. , Conte A. , Hidar S. , Torella M. , Colacurci N. , De Franciscis P. , Morlando M.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) management and delivery planning is based on a multimodal approach. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prognostic accuracies of the aortic isthmus Doppler to predict adverse perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies with FGR.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google scholar were searched from inception to May 2021, for studies on the prognostic accuracy of anterograde aortic isthmus flow compared with retrograde aortic isthmus flow in singleton pregnancy with FGR. The meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO and was assessed according to PRISMA and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. DerSimonian and Laird’s random-effect model was used for relative risks, Freeman-Tukey Double Arcsine for pooled estimates and exact method to stabilize variances and CIs. Heterogeneity was quantified using I2 statistics.

Results

A total of 2933 articles were identified through the electronic search, of which 6 studies (involving 240 women) were included. The quality evaluation of studies revealed an overall acceptable score for study group selection and comparability and substantial heterogeneity. The risk of perinatal death was significantly greater in fetuses with retrograde Aortic Isthmus blood flow, with a RR of 5.17 (p value 0.00001). Similarly, the stillbirth rate was found to have a RR of 5.39 (p value 0.00001). Respiratory distress syndrome had a RR of 2.64 (p value = 0.03) in the group of fetuses with retrograde Aortic Isthmus blood flow.

Conclusion

Aortic Isthmus Doppler study may add information for FGR management. However, additional clinical trial are required to assess its applicability in clinical practice.
“Spice”-related deaths in and around Munich, Germany: A retrospective look at the role of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in our post-mortem cases over a seven-year period (2014–2020)
Authors: Groth Olwen , Roider Gabriele , Angerer Verena , Schäper Jan , Graw Matthias , Musshoff Frank , Auwärter Volker
Published: April 2023

Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs, “Spice”) are a diverse group of recreational drugs, with their structural and pharmacological variability still evolving. Forensic toxicologists often rely on previous reports to assess their role in intoxication cases. This work provides detailed information on the “Spice”-related fatalities around Munich, Germany, from 2014 to 2020. All cases underwent an autopsy. Pharmaceutical and illicit drugs were detected and quantified in post-mortem peripheral blood or liver by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Based on circumstantial evidence, only those cases for which a prior consumption was suspected underwent additional analyses for SCRAs and other new psychoactive substances in post-mortem blood, liver or antemortem specimens. Drug concentrations, pathological findings at autopsy and case histories were considered to assess and rank the SCRAs’ involvement in each death. Concentration ranges for the individual substances in blood were defined and their distribution patterns over the investigated period were determined and correlated with their legal status and local police seizures. We identified 41 different SCRAs among 98 fatalities. 91.8% were male, at a median age of 36 years. SCRAs played a causative role in 51%, contributory role in 26%, and an insignificant role in 23% of cases. In correlation with local police seizures and legal status, 5F-ADB was the most prevalent in our cases, followed by 5F-MDMB-PICA and AB-CHMINACA. Cumyl-CBMICA and 5F-MDMB-P7AICA were among the least frequently detected SCRAs. “Spice”-related fatalities and SCRAs’ causative role have significantly decreased among our cases since the German New Psychoactive Substances Act.
Postmortem concentrations of ropivacaine, bupivacaine, and lidocaine in femoral venous blood after hip fracture surgery
Authors: Oura Petteri , Virtanen Antti , Nurkkala Juho , Kriikku Pirkko , Ojanperä Ilkka
Published: April 2023

Pain relief in hip fracture patients may be sought by injecting local anesthetic such as ropivacaine, bupivacaine, and lidocaine to the femoral area. As femoral veins are a routine sampling site for postmortem blood, this short report aimed to describe the levels of local anesthetics in ipsilateral (i.e., side of surgery) and contralateral (i.e., opposite side) femoral blood in ten medico-legal autopsy cases that had undergone a hip fracture surgery within 7 days before death. Postmortem blood samples were systematically collected from the ipsilateral and contralateral femoral veins, and toxicological analysis was performed in an accredited laboratory. The sample comprised six female and four male decedents who died at the age of 71–96 years. Median postoperative survival was 0 days and median postmortem interval 11 days. Strikingly, ropivacaine concentration was a median of 24.0 (range 1.4–28.4) times higher on the ipsilateral than contralateral side. The median ipsilateral concentration of ropivacaine clearly exceeded the 97.5th reference percentile measured in this laboratory for ropivacaine in postmortem cases representing all causes of death. The remaining drugs did not show high concentrations or notable differences between the sides. Our data clearly advise against performing postmortem toxicology on femoral blood from the operated side; the contralateral side may constitute a better sampling site. Toxicology reports that are based on blood collected from the operated area should be interpreted with caution. Larger studies are needed to confirm the findings, with accurate records of the dosage and administration route of local anesthetics.
Interperformer coordination in piano-singing duo performances: phrase structure and empathy impact
Authors: D’Amario Sara , Schmidbauer Harald , Roesch Angi , Goebl Werner , Niemand Anna Maria , Bishop Laura
Published: April 2023

Musicians’ body motion plays a fundamental role in ensemble playing, by supporting sound production, communication, and expressivity. This research investigates how Western classical musicians’ head motion during ensemble performances relates to a piece’s phrase structure and musicians’ empathic perspective taking (EPT) profile. Twenty-four advanced piano and singing students took part in the study, and their EPT score was pre-assessed using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. High and low EPT duos were formed, and musicians were paired with a co-performer from the same and the other EPT group. Musicians rehearsed Fauré’s Automne and Schumann’s Die Kartenlegerin, and performed the pieces one time before and three times after rehearsal. Motion capture data of the musicians’ front head, audio, and MIDI recordings of the performances were collected and analysed. Similarity in musicians’ head motion and tendency to lead/lag their co-performer were computed by extracting, respectively, power and phase difference of the cross-wavelet transforms of the velocity curves of each paired marker. Results demonstrate that the power of interperformer coordination corresponds to the piece’s phrase levels and that singer’s EPT can impact the leader-follower relationships between musicians, depending on piece and take number. In the Fauré piece, the higher the singer’s EPT score, the higher the tendency for the singer to lead and pianist to follow in take 3, and the lower the tendency for the singer to lead and pianist to follow in take 2. These results contribute to a further understanding of the mechanisms underpinning social interactions, by revealing the complexity of the association between empathy and body motion in ensembles in promoting and diffusing leadership between musicians.
Public Bayesian Persuasion: Being Almost Optimal and Almost Persuasive
Authors: Castiglioni Matteo , Celli Andrea , Gatti Nicola
Published: April 2023

We study algorithmic Bayesian persuasion problems in which the principal (a.k.a. the sender) has to persuade multiple agents (a.k.a. receivers) by using public communication channels. Specifically, our model follows the multi-receiver model with no inter-agent externalities introduced by Arieli and Babichenko (J Econ Theory 182:185–217, 2019). It is known that the problem of computing a sender-optimal public persuasive signaling scheme is not approximable even in simple settings. Therefore, prior works usually focus on determining restricted classes of the problem for which efficient approximation is possible. Typically, positive results in this space amounts to finding bi-criteria approximation algorithms yielding an almost optimal and almost persuasive solution in polynomial time. In this paper, we take a different perspective and study the persuasion problem in the general setting where the space of the states of nature, the action space of the receivers, and the utility function of the sender can be arbitrary. We fully characterize the computational complexity of computing a bi-criteria approximation of an optimal public signaling scheme in such settings. In particular, we show that, assuming the Exponential Time Hypothesis, solving this problem requires at least a quasi-polynomial number of steps even in instances with simple utility functions and binary action spaces such as an election with the k-voting rule. In doing so, we prove that a relaxed version of the Maximum Feasible Subsystem of Linear Inequalities problem requires at least quasi-polynomial time to be solved. Finally, we close the gap by providing a quasi-polynomial time bi-criteria approximation algorithm for arbitrary public persuasion problems that, under mild assumptions, yields a QPTAS.
A Uniform Lower Bound on the Norms of Hyperplane Projections of Spherical Polytopes
Authors: Kobos Tomasz
Published: April 2023

Let K be a centrally symmetric spherical and simplicial polytope, whose vertices form a $$(4n)^{-1}$$

(
4
n
)

-
1

-net in the unit sphere in $${\mathbb R}^n$$

R

n

. We prove a uniform lower bound on the norms of all hyperplane projections $$P:X\rightarrow X$$

P
:
X
→
X

, where X is the n-dimensional normed space with the unit ball K. The estimate is given in terms of the determinant function of vertices and faces of K. In particular, if $$N\ge n^{4n}$$

N
≥

n

4
n

and $$K={{\,\textrm{conv}\,}}{\{\pm x_1,\pm x_2,\dots ,\pm x_N\}}$$

K
=

conv

{
±

x
1

,
±

x
2

,
⋯
,
±

x
N

}

, where $$x_1,x_2,\dots ,x_N$$

x
1

,

x
2

,
⋯
,

x
N

are independent random points distributed uniformly in the unit sphere, then every hyperplane projection $$P:X \rightarrow X$$

P
:
X
→
X

satisfies an inequality $$\Vert P\Vert _X\ge 1+c_nN^{-(2n^2+4n+6)}$$

‖
P
‖

X

≥
1
+

c
n

N

-
(
2

n
2

+
4
n
+
6
)

(for some explicit constant $$c_n$$

c
n

), with the probability at least $$1-3/N$$

1
-
3
/
N

.
PERSPECTIVEs on supervised exercise programs in people with metastatic breast cancer- a qualitative study in four European countries
Authors: Depenbusch Johanna , Sweegers Maike G. , Aaronson Neil K. , Wengström Yvonne , Backman Malin , Arraras Juan I. , Schranz Melanie , Büchler Britta , Lachowicz Milena , May Anne M. , Steindorf Karen , Stuiver Martijn M.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Supervised exercise is a potentially promising supportive care intervention for people with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), but research on the patients’ perspective is limited. The aim of the current focus group study was to gain an in-depth understanding of MBC patients’ perceived barriers, facilitators, and preferences for supervised exercise programs.

Methods

Eleven online focus groups with, in total, 44 MBC patients were conducted in four European countries (Germany, Poland, Spain, Sweden). Main topics of the semi-structured discussions covered attitudes towards participation in supervised exercise programs, perceived facilitators, experienced barriers, and exercise preferences. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and coded based on a preliminary coding framework, supplemented by themes emerging during the sessions. The codes were subsequently examined for interrelations and re-organized into overarching clusters.

Results

Participants had positive attitudes towards exercise, but experienced physical limitations and insecurities that inhibited their participation. They expressed a strong desire for exercise tailored to their needs, and supervision by an exercise professional. Participants also highlighted the social nature of group training as an important facilitator. They had no clear preference for exercise type, but rather favored a mixture of different activities. Flexible training modules were considered helpful to increase exercise program adherence.

Conclusions

MBC patients were generally interested in supervised exercise programs. They preferred group exercise that facilitates social interaction, but also expressed a need for individualized exercise programs. This suggests the relevance to develop flexible exercise programs that are adjusted to the individual’s needs, abilities, and preferences.
What drives horse success at following human-given cues? An investigation of handler familiarity and living conditions
Authors: Liehrmann Océane , Cosnard Camille , Riihonen Veera , Viitanen Alisa , Alander Emmi , Jardat Plotine , Koski Sonja E. , Lummaa Virpi , Lansade Léa
Published: April 2023

Cues such as the human pointing gesture, gaze or proximity to an object are widely used in behavioural studies to evaluate animals’ abilities to follow human-given cues. Many domestic mammals, such as horses, can follow human cues; however, factors influencing their responses are still unclear. We assessed the performance of 57 horses at a two-way choice task testing their ability to follow cues of either a familiar (N = 28) or an unfamiliar informant (N = 29). We investigated the effects of the length of the relationship between the horse and a familiar person (main caregiver), their social environment (living alone, in dyads, or in groups) and their physical environment (living in stalls/paddocks, alternating between paddocks and pastures, or living full time in pastures). We also controlled for the effects of horses’ age and sex. Our results showed that horses’ success rate at the task was not affected by the familiarity of the informant and did not improve with the relationship length with the familiar informant but did increase with the age of the horses. Horses living in groups had better success than the ones kept either in dyads or alone. Finally, horses housed in small paddocks had lower success than those living on pasture. These results indicate that with age, horses get better at following human-given indications regardless of who the human informant is and that an appropriate living and social environment could contribute to the development of socio-cognitive skills towards humans. Therefore, such aspects should be considered in studies evaluating animal behaviour.
Optimal Interruption of P. vivax Malaria Transmission Using Mass Drug Administration
Authors: Anwar Md Nurul , Hickson Roslyn I. , Mehra Somya , Price David J. , McCaw James M. , Flegg Mark B. , Flegg Jennifer A.
Published: April 2023

Plasmodium vivaxis the most geographically widespread malaria-causing parasite resulting in significant associated global morbidity and mortality. One of the factors driving this widespread phenomenon is the ability of the parasites to remain dormant in the liver. Known as ‘hypnozoites’, they reside in the liver following an initial exposure, before activating later to cause further infections, referred to as ‘relapses’. As around 79–96% of infections are attributed to relapses from activating hypnozoites, we expect it will be highly impactful to apply treatment to target the hypnozoite reservoir (i.e. the collection of dormant parasites) to eliminateP. vivax. Treatment with radical cure, for example tafenoquine or primaquine, to target the hypnozoite reservoir is a potential tool to control and/or eliminateP. vivax. We have developed a deterministic multiscale mathematical model as a system of integro-differential equations that captures the complex dynamics ofP. vivaxhypnozoites and the effect of hypnozoite relapse on disease transmission. Here, we use our multiscale model to study the anticipated effect of radical cure treatment administered via a mass drug administration (MDA) program. We implement multiple rounds of MDA with a fixed interval between rounds, starting from different steady-state disease prevalences. We then construct an optimisation model with three different objective functions motivated on a public health basis to obtain the optimal MDA interval. We also incorporate mosquito seasonality in our model to study its effect on the optimal treatment regime. We find that the effect of MDA interventions is temporary and depends on the pre-intervention disease prevalence (and choice of model parameters) as well as the number of MDA rounds under consideration. The optimal interval between MDA rounds also depends on the objective (combinations of expected intervention outcomes). We find radical cure alone may not be enough to lead toP. vivaxelimination under our mathematical model (and choice of model parameters) since the prevalence of infection eventually returns to pre-MDA levels.
Phenomenology of an In-host Model of Hepatitis C
Authors: Nangue Alexis , Rendall Alan D.
Published: April 2023

This paper carries out an analysis of the global properties of solutions of an in-host model of hepatitis C for general values of its parameters. A previously unknown stable steady state on the boundary of the positive orthant is exhibited. It is proved that the model exhibits Hopf bifurcations and hence periodic solutions. A general parametrization of positive steady states is given and it is determined when the number of steady states is odd or even, according to the value of a certain basic reproductive ratio. This implies, in particular, that when this reproductive ratio is greater than one there always exists at least one positive steady state. A positive steady state which bifurcates from an infection-free state when the reproductive ratio passes through one is always stable, i.e. no backward bifurcation occurs in this model. The results obtained are compared with those known for related models of viral infections.
Climate change vulnerability hotspots in Costa Rica: constructing a sub-national index
Authors: Nawrotzki Raphael J. , Tebeck Marina , Harten Sven , Blankenagel Venya
Published: April 2023

For policies and programs aiming at reducing climate risk, it is important to obtain vulnerability information at the sub-national level to identify hotspots. For the case of Costa Rica, no sub-national climate vulnerability index exists to date. To fill this gap, we constructed a climate vulnerability index at the canton level. We ground our work in the conceptual framework that vulnerability is a function of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Making extensive use of geographic information systems and publicly available data, we constructed 13 spatial layers to reflect the multi-dimensionality of vulnerability. Layers reflect for example, changes in climatic extremes, flood risk, vegetation cover, access to infrastructure (road density) and health services (distance to hospitals), as well as various socioeconomic (wealth level, employment rates, remittances, literacy rate) and demographic (infant mortality) characteristics. Following normalization, we constructed an inverse variance weighted index of canton-level climate vulnerability. We confirmed the validity of our climate vulnerability index through correlation with disaster damage data. We find the strongest climate vulnerability not only in the rural, agricultural producing border cantons (Los Chiles, Matina, Talamanca, Buenos Aires), but also for a few central urban cantons (Tibas, San Jose). Projects and interventions in these hot spot cantons may reduce sensitivity through strengthening hydrological infrastructure and economic development, while adaptive capacity may be improved through addressing barriers of remittance transfer, and via public health programs.
Effect of novel Matrix Rhythm Therapy (MaRhyThe®) on neuropathic pain and maximum plantar pressure distribution among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Maiya G Arun , Jadhav Radhika Aditya , Harihar Anupama , Gundmi Shubha , Shetty Amratha G. , Yadav K Hrishikesh , Hammond Ozlem , Randoll Ulrich G , Deshpande Anil , Mayya Shreemathi , Naik Varun C
Published: April 2023

Background

There is a need for a non-pharmacological approach to reduce pain and plantar pressure in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Matrix Rhythm Therapy (MaRhyThe®) is a therapeutic modality that works on the principle of physiologic rhythmic oscillations of the body cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MaRhyThe® on neuropathic pain and maximum plantar pressure distribution among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Materials and methods

A total of 33 participants with DPN were recruited for the study based on inclusion criteria. Maximum plantar pressure was recorded using Win-Track 11K005, and the pain score was obtained using a visual analogue scale. Ten sessions of MaRhyThe® were given to all the participants. Outcome measures were evaluated at the baseline and after 10th session. Paired t-test was performed to analyze the changes in outcome measures.

Results

Participants of DPN were recruited with the average age of 64 ± 9 years, and an average duration of diabetes was 14 ± 9 years were included. Results of the present study found significant improvement in neuropathic pain and plantar pressure in post intervention assessment. (p < 0.05)

Conclusion

In the present study, we found that MaRhyThe® is effective in reducing neuropathic pain and maximum plantar pressure in type 2 diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy.
3D DEM model simulation of asphalt mastics with sunflower oil
Authors: Câmara Gustavo , Micaelo Rui , Monteiro Azevedo Nuno
Published: April 2023

A three-dimensional particle model, based on the asphalt mastic micro-structure representation following a discrete element model framework, was developed to investigate the influence of sunflower oil (rejuvenator) on the rheological properties of asphalt mastic. Dynamic shear rheometer tests in laboratory, for a frequency range of 0.1–20 Hz and temperatures in a range between 20 and 80 $$^{\circ }$$

∘

C, were carried out in order to assess the viscoelastic behaviour of asphalt mastics containing different oil-to-bitumen content by mass proportions (2.5–20%). Master curves were constructed for two reference temperatures (30 $$^{\circ }$$

∘

C and 50 $$^{\circ }$$

∘

C). Experimental results showed that the increase in sunflower oil content resulted in a progressive decrease in viscosity. However, the rheological behaviour of the mastic containing the highest oil amount could not be properly represented in master curves, indicating that the specimen had a different rheological behaviour when compared with the lower oil contents responses. Numerical simulations of rheometer tests were carried out with an asphalt mastic particle assembly that emulated the experimental procedure. The viscoelastic contacts within the asphalt mastic assembly were simulated with a generalized Kelvin contact model. A calibration procedure was derived based on the fitting of laboratory data. The simulations were shown to have a good agreement with laboratory values. The average errors for the dynamic shear modulus and phase angle were 3.4% and 4.0%, respectively, considering both temperatures of analysis. Finally, a considerable improvement was accomplished in comparison with the numerical response obtained with the often-used Burgers model.
Unmet needs on the current medical management of Cushing’s syndrome: results from a Delphi panel of Italian endocrinologists
Authors: Pivonello R. , Scaroni C. , Polistena B. , Migliore A. , Giustina A.
Published: April 2023

Background

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is a rare clinical condition caused by excessive cortisol secretion from adrenal glands. CS is associated with increased mortality and morbidity; therefore, a prompt diagnosis and an effective therapeutic approach are strongly necessary to improve the patient’s clinical management. The first-line treatment for CS is surgery, while medical treatment has historically played a minor role. However, thanks to the availability of novel compounds, the possibility of improving hypercortisolism control using different drug combinations emerged.

Purpose

No absolute recommendations are available to guide the therapeutic choice for patients with CS and, consequently, the awareness of unmet needs in CS management is growing. Although new data from clinical trials are needed to better define the most appropriate management of CS, an expert consensus approach can help define unmet needs and optimize the current CS management and treatment.

Methods

Twenty-seven endocrinologists from 12 Italian regions, working among the main Italian referral centers for hospital endocrinology where they take care of CS patients, were involved in a consensus process and used the Delphi method to reach an agreement on 24 statements about managing CS patients.

Results

In total, 18 statements reached a consensus. Some relevant unmet needs in the management of CS were reported, mainly related to the lack of a pharmacological treatment successful for the majority of patients.

Conclusion

While acknowledging the difficulty in achieving complete disease control, a significant change in CS management requires the availability of medical treatment with improved efficacy and safety over available therapeutic options at the time of the current study.
Architecture of Sovereignty
Authors: Pai Gita V.
Published: April 2023

In this innovative study, Gita V. Pai traces the history of the Pudu Mandapam (Tamil, 'new hall') – a Hindu temple structure in Madurai – through the rise and fall of empires in south India from the seventeenth century to the present. This wide-ranging work illustrates how south Indian temples became entangled in broader conflicts over sovereignty, from early modern Nayaka kings, to British colonial rule, to the post-independence government today. Drawing from methodologies in anthropology, religious studies, and art and architectural history, the author argues that the small temple site provides profound insight into the relationship between aesthetics, sovereignty, and religion in modern South Asia.
Free and Low-Cost Aerial Remote Sensing in Archaeology
Authors: Lindsay Ian , Mkrtchyan Arshaluys
Published: April 2023

Recent years have seen the rapid expansion of airborne and spaceborne remote-sensing products adopted by archaeologists for interpreting ancient landscapes and managing heritage resources. A growing and increasingly specialized literature attests to the promise and availability of commercial and publicly funded satellite imagery, as well as UAV-mounted sensors across a range of resolutions and price points. In the South Caucasus (including the countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia), a growing commitment to landscape approaches in archaeology is stimulating the adoption of satellite remote sensing as an important new tool for identifying and managing archaeological resources while tracing the impact of historic land-use alterations in survey areas. Nevertheless, budgetary challenges and a lack of training opportunities among international partners and heritage organizations outside of the funding streams of large academic institutions can lead to widening technological gulfs in the discipline that reinforce colonial relationships. Building on recent technical articles covering specific imagery datasets, this article aims to address this by providing a general review of free or low-cost remotely sensed datasets available to archaeologists, with the aim of broadening awareness of these important tools and their vocabularies, and illustrating them with recent published examples from the South Caucasus.
Disaffected but Efficacious: Why People Join Populist Radical Right Parties
Authors: Ammassari Sofia
Published: April 2023

The number of grassroots members of populist radical right (PRR) parties is on the rise, in contrast to the trend of membership decline in mainstream parties. While scholars have explained this by studying PRR parties' organizational strategies, I focus on party members and ask: Why do people join PRR parties? To answer this, I look not only at motivations, which is the dominant framework in party membership studies, but also at triggers – factors activating those motivations. Drawing on collective action scholarship, I argue that grievances and efficacy can work as triggers for joining PRR parties. Using interviews with 82 members of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the League in Italy and the Sweden Democrats, I uncover three elements in the path to PRR party membership: disaffection, affiliation and action. As well as questioning established narratives on why citizens join parties, my findings provide a novel theoretical framework to investigate this form of political participation.
Stability of internal gravity wave modes: from triad resonance to broadband instability
Authors: Akylas T.R. , Kakoutas Christos
Published: April 2023

A theoretical study is made of the stability of propagating internal gravity wave modes along a horizontal stratified fluid layer bounded by rigid walls. The analysis is based on the Floquet eigenvalue problem for infinitesimal perturbations to a wave mode of small amplitude. The appropriate instability mechanism hinges on how the perturbation spatial scale relative to the basic-state wavelength, controlled by a parameter

$\mu$

, compares to the basic-state amplitude parameter,

$\epsilon \ll 1$

. For

$\mu ={O}(1)$

, the onset of instability arises due to perturbations that form resonant triads with the underlying wave mode. For short-scale perturbations such that

$\mu \ll 1$

but

$\alpha =\mu /\epsilon \gg 1$

, this triad resonance instability reduces to the familiar parametric subharmonic instability (PSI), where triads comprise fine-scale perturbations with half the basic-wave frequency. However, as

$\mu$

is further decreased holding

$\epsilon$

fixed, higher-frequency perturbations than these two subharmonics come into play, and when

$\alpha ={O}(1)$

Floquet modes feature broadband spectrum. This broadening phenomenon is a manifestation of the advection of small-scale perturbations by the basic-wave velocity field. By working with a set of ‘streamline coordinates’ in the frame of the basic wave, this advection can be ‘factored out’. Importantly, when

$\alpha ={O}(1)$

PSI is replaced by a novel, multi-mode resonance mechanism which has a stabilising effect that provides an inviscid short-scale cut-off to PSI. The theoretical predictions are supported by numerical results from solving the Floquet eigenvalue problem for a mode-1 basic state.