bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum mechanics, radiation, and the equivalence proof
Authors: Blum Alexander , Jähnert Martin
Published: July 2024

This paper re-evaluates the formative year of quantum mechanics—from Heisenberg’s first paper on matrix mechanics to Schrödinger’s equivalence proof—by focusing on the role of radiation in the emerging theory. We argue that the radiation problem played a key role in early quantum mechanics, a role that has not been taken into account in the standard histories. Radiation was perceived by the main protagonists of matrix and wave mechanics as a central lacuna in these emerging theories and continued to contribute to the theoretical development and conceptual clarification of quantum mechanics. Studying the interplay between quantum mechanics and radiation, the paper provides an account of (a) how quantum mechanics was able to connect to its empirical basis in spectroscopy and (b) how Schrödinger’s equivalence proof emerged from his explorative calculations on the emission of radiation.
The effect of ileal resection length on postoperative complications and prognosis in right colon cancer
Authors: Yıldırım Murat , Kocabay Asım , Koca Bulent , Saglam Ali Ihsan , Ozkan Namık
Published: July 2024

Background

There is a lack of literature on the length of the terminal ileum to be resected in right hemicolectomy for colon cancer. Therefore, we aimed to determine the mean ileal loop length and the effect of this variation on postoperative complications and long-term oncological outcomes in patients who underwent right hemicolectomy.

Methods

Right hemicolectomy surgeries performed for colon cancer in a tertiary care hospital between January 2011 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed from a prospective database. Two patient groups were established based on the mean length of the resected ileum above and below 7 cm. The two groups were compared for clinicopathological data, postoperative complications, mortality, long-term overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The factors contributing to OS and DFS were analyzed.

Results

The study included 217 patients. Body mass index (BMI) values were significantly higher in the ileum resection length > 7 cm group (p = 0.009). Pathological N stage, tumor diameter, and number of metastatic lymph nodes were significantly higher in the ileum resection length > 7 cm group (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.026, respectively). There was no significant difference for postoperative complication and mortality rates between the two groups. The mean follow-up period was 61.2 months (2-120) in all patients. The total number of deaths was 29 (11.7%) while the 60-month OS was 83.5% and 50-month DFS was 81.8%. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of OS and DFS rates (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Excessive resection of the distal ileum in right hemicolectomy does not provide any benefit in terms of prognosis and complications.The ileum resection length and values close to it in our study appear to be sufficient.
Real-time analgesic efficacy and factors determining drug requirements of combined spinal-epidural analgesia for labor: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Shuzhen , Lu Yaxin , Zhang Zijing , Zhong Linjia , Dai Hongfei , Fang Changping , Huang Minli , Liu Zifeng , Wu Lingling
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Combined spinal-epidural analgesia (CSEA) is effective but not sufficient for labor pain. This study was conducted to assess the real-time analgesic efficacy, side effects of anesthetic drug dosage, and maternal satisfaction in labor to provide reference for the optimization of labor analgesia.

Methods

This was a prospective, cohort, single-center study that included 3020 women who received CSEA for labor analgesia. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for labor pain, real-time anesthetic drug dosage, side effects, adverse labor outcomes, factors influencing average drug dosage, and maternal satisfaction with CSEA were assessed.

Results

Overall, the VAS labor pain score was lowest at the first hour after the anesthesia was given. After 4 h for primiparas and 3 h for multiparas, the VAS score was greater than 3 but the anesthetic drug dosage did not reach the maximum allowed dosage at the same time. The average anesthetic drug dosage was positively correlated with fever, urinary retention, uterine atony, prolonged active phase, prolonged second stage, assisted vaginal delivery, and postpartum hemorrhage. The average anesthetic drug dosage was the highest in women ≤ 20 years old, those with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24.9 kg/m2, and those with a primary or secondary education level.

Conclusion

Appropriate age guidance and emphasis on education of labor analgesia, weight management during pregnancy, and real-time anesthetic dosage adjustment during labor based on VAS pain score may have positive effects on the satisfaction of labor analgesia.

Clinical trial number and registry

Clinicaltrials.gov (ChiCTR2100051809).
Nipple reconstruction using spiral-peeling technique during oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery for a patient with small breasts
Authors: Kijima Yuko , Hirata Munetsugu , Higo Naotomo , Nakazawa Yumika , Shinmura Kazuya
Published: July 2024

Treatment of early breast cancer using breast-conserving surgery (BCS) commonly leads to local control and acceptable cosmetic results. We report a useful technique to achieve symmetry of the breast shape and nipple-areola, with excellent results. A Japanese patient with early breast cancer located in the inner central area of the breast was enrolled in this study. Intraductal spread of breast cancer to the nipple was suspected; however, no invasion was observed outside the nipple wall. We preserved the cylindrical surface, but resected the inner tissue with the top surface of the nipple. After coring the nipple, the remnant cylindrical surface was cut into a spiral shape. Nipple reconstruction using the spiral-peeling technique during oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (OPBCS) may be useful for patients who desire nipple preservation.
A snowfall climatology of the Ohio River Valley, USA
Authors: Suriano Zachary J. , Guercio Harmony L.
Published: July 2024

Snowfall in the Ohio River Valley, USA, presents a relatively unique challenge due to the large gradient of event frequency and magnitude, and subsequent levels of preparation within local communities. Even relatively small magnitude events can cause widespread impacts due to available infrastructure. Here we present a climatology of snowfall conditions and events over a 74-year period using a network of daily observational stations across the region. Snowfall totals and event frequencies both exhibit a southwest to northeast gradient of increasing snowfall, where the majority of snowfall (> 80%) occurs during the core winter months of December through February. There is a clear influence of Lake Erie on snowfall conditions in the northeast corner of the domain, where snowfall frequency, totals, and trends are substantially higher within the lake belt relative to areas further inland. Over time, snowfall significantly increased downwind of Lake Erie by as much as 42%, while significant decreases of over 55% occurred in central Tennessee and eastern Ohio. Intra-seasonally, snowfall totals trended significantly less during November and March for much of the domain, suggesting a compression of the snowfall season to more core winter months. Trends in snowfall frequency were apparent for many sub-regions, however evidence here suggests the trends in snowfall totals were primarily driven by trends in snowfall magnitude per event.
Chemically induced phenotype plasticity in the unicellular zygnematophyte, Penium margaritaceum
Authors: LoRicco Josephine G. , Bagdan Kaylee , Sgambettera Gabriel , Malone Stuart , Tomasi Tawn , Lu Iris , Domozych David S.
Published: July 2024

Phenotypic plasticity allows a plant cell to alter its structure and function in response to external pressure. This adaptive phenomenon has also been important in the evolution of plants including the emergence of land plants from a streptophyte alga. Penium margaritaceum is a unicellular zygnematophyte (i.e., the group of streptophyte algae that is sister to land plants) that was employed in order to study phenotypic plasticity with a focus on the role of subcellular expansion centers and the cell wall in this process. Live cell fluorescence labeling, immunofluorescence labeling, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy showed significant subcellular changes and alterations to the cell wall. When treated with the actin-perturbing agent, cytochalasin E, cytokinesis is arrested and cells are transformed into pseudo-filaments made of up to eight or more cellular units. When treated with the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, roscovitine, cells converted to a unique phenotype with a narrow isthmus zone.
Defect chemistry of pyrochlore Pr2O3-ZrO2 system: the relevant thermodynamic parameters
Authors: Abrantes J. C. C. , Gomes E. , Shlyakhtina A. V.
Published: July 2024

Materials of the system Pr2O3-ZrO2, namely the Pr2Zr2O7-based pyrochlores, have received considerable attention in the last decade, being a very interesting structure for defect chemistry because of its high solubility for various dopants, anti-site behaviour between A and B, and the multitude of possible combinations of A and B that are compatible in this type of structure. The compositions (Pr2-xZrx)Zr2O7+x/2 (x = 0.15), Pr2Zr2O7, and Pr2(Zr2-xPrx)O7-x/2 (x = 0.1), were prepared in previous works through the coprecipitation method and were characterised by impedance spectroscopy as a function of the oxygen partial pressure. In the present work, a defect chemistry model is proposed, and, based on the previously obtained experimental conductivity data, the relevant thermodynamic parameters were obtained by fitting, using a non-linear optimisation numerical method. The mobility of oxygen vacancies and interstitials oxygen were accurately determined, as well as the equilibrium constant of the formation of anti-Frenkel defects. It was observed that deviations from the stoichiometry promote an increase in ionic conductivity, respectively, 1.3x10-4, 1.4x10-3 and 1.7x10-2 S/cm, for the stoichiometric, excess of Pr and excess of Zr composition. The higher value obtained for the composition with an excess of Zr4+, suggests a higher interstitial oxygen mobility when compared with the oxygen vacancy mobility. It is also demonstrated that the novel applied methodology of fitting conductivity experimental data with an optimisation numerical method is suitable for determining the thermodynamically relevant parameters of defect chemistry models, allowing the prediction of material properties.
Global research states and trends of micro RNA in irritable bowel syndrome: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Chen Hongxiu , Xu Zhifang , Zhao Honggang , Cao Jiazhen , Wang Rui , He Jing , Nie Ru , Jia Jialin , Yuan Shuting , Li Yonghong , Liu Zhicheng , Zhang Xinyu , Ha Lijuan , Xu Xiaoru , Li Tie
Published: July 2024

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder, but its diagnosis and treatment remain obscure. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), as potential biomarkers, have attracted increasing attention in digestive diseases. Here, we present a comprehensive research status, development trends, and valuable insights in this subject area. The literature search was performed using Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer 1.6.20, Citespace 6.2.R4, and Microsoft Excel 2021 were used for bibliometric analysis. A total of 124 articles were included in the analysis. Overall, publication patterns fluctuated. Globally, People’s Republic of China, the USA, and Germany were the top three contributors of publications. Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, University of California, Mayo Clinic, and University of California, Los Angeles contributed the highest number of publications. The pathways and specific mechanisms by which ncRNAs regulate transcription and translation and thus regulate the pathophysiological processes of IBS are the main research hotspots in this field. We found that microRNA (miRNAs) are intricately involved in the regulation of key pathologies such as viscera sensitivity, intestinal permeability, intestinal mucosal barrier, immunoinflammatory response, and brain-gut axis in the IBS, and these topics have garnered significant attention in research community. Notably, microecological disorders are also associated with IBS pathogenesis, and ncRNA may play an important role in the interactions between host and intestinal flora. This is the first bibliometric study to comprehensively summarize the research hotspots and trends related to IBS and ncRNAs (especially miRNAs). Our findings will help understand the role of ncRNAs in IBS and provide guidance to future studies.
Efficient Cardiovascular Parameters Estimation for Fluid-Structure Simulations Using Gappy Proper Orthogonal Decomposition
Authors: Deus J. , Martin E.
Published: July 2024

As full-scale detailed hemodynamic simulations of the entire vasculature are not feasible, numerical analysis should be focused on specific regions of the cardiovascular system, which requires the identification of lumped parameters to represent the patient behavior outside the simulated computational domain. We present a novel technique for estimating cardiovascular model parameters using gappy Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (g-POD). A POD basis is constructed with FSI simulations for different values of the lumped model parameters, and a linear operator is applied to retain information that can be compared to the available patient measurements. Then, the POD coefficients of the reconstructed solution are computed either by projecting patient measurements or by solving a minimization problem with constraints. The POD reconstruction is then used to estimate the model parameters. In the first test case, the parameter values of a 3-element Windkessel model are approximated using artificial patient measurements, obtaining a relative error of less than 4.2%. In the second case, 4 sets of 3-element Windkessel are approximated in a patient’s aorta geometry, resulting in an error of less than 8% for the flow and less than 5% for the pressure. The method shows accurate results even with noisy patient data. It automatically calculates the delay between measurements and simulations and has flexibility in the types of patient measurements that can handle (at specific points, spatial or time averaged). The method is easy to implement and can be used in simulations performed in general-purpose FSI software.
Somatic RIT1 delins in arteriovenous malformations hyperactivate RAS-MAPK signaling amenable to MEK inhibition
Authors: Kapp Friedrich G. , Bazgir Farhad , Mahammadzade Nagi , Mehrabipour Mehrnaz , Vassella Erik , Bernhard Sarah M. , Döring Yvonne , Holm Annegret , Karow Axel , Seebauer Caroline , Platz Batista da Silva Natascha , Wohlgemuth Walter A. , Oppenheimer Aviv , Kröning Pia , Niemeyer Charlotte M. , Schanze Denny , Zenker Martin , Eng Whitney , Ahmadian Mohammad R. , Baumgartner Iris , Rössler Jochen
Published: July 2024

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are benign vascular anomalies prone to pain, bleeding, and progressive growth. AVM are mainly caused by mosaic pathogenic variants of the RAS-MAPK pathway. However, a causative variant is not identified in all patients. Using ultra-deep sequencing, we identified novel somatic RIT1 delins variants in lesional tissue of three AVM patients. RIT1 encodes a RAS-like protein that can modulate RAS-MAPK signaling. We expressed RIT1 variants in HEK293T cells, which led to a strong increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Endothelial-specific mosaic overexpression of RIT1 delins in zebrafish embryos induced AVM formation, highlighting their functional importance in vascular development. Both ERK1/2 hyperactivation in vitro and AVM formation in vivo could be suppressed by pharmacological MEK inhibition. Treatment with the MEK inhibitor trametinib led to a significant decrease in bleeding episodes and AVM size in one patient. Our findings implicate RIT1 in AVM formation and provide a rationale for clinical trials with targeted treatments.
Review of few-shot learning application in CSI human sensing
Authors: Wang Zhengjie , Li Jianhang , Wang Wenchao , Dong Zhaolei , Zhang Qingwei , Guo Yinjing
Published: July 2024

Wi-Fi sensing has garnered increasing interest for its significant advantages, primarily leveraging Wi-Fi signal fluctuations induced by human activities and advanced neural network algorithms. However, its application faces challenges due to limited generalizability, necessitating frequent data recollection and neural network retraining for adaptation to new environments. To address these limitations, some researchers introduced few-shot learning into Wi-Fi sensing applications because it offers a promising solution with its ability to achieve remarkable performance in novel scenarios using minimal training samples. Despite its potential, a comprehensive review of its applications within this domain remains absent. This study endeavors to fill this gap by exploring prominent Wi-Fi sensing applications that incorporate few-shot learning, aiming to delineate their key features. We categorize few-shot learning approaches into three distinct methodologies: transfer learning, metric learning, and meta-learning, based on their neural network training strategies. Through this classification, we examine representative systems from an application perspective and elucidate the principles of few-shot learning implementation. These systems are evaluated in terms of learning methodology, data modality, and recognition accuracy. Finally, this paper highlights the challenges and future directions for few-shot learning in Channel State Information (CSI) based human sensing, providing a valuable resource for researchers in the field of Wi-Fi human sensing leveraging few-shot learning.
State-of-the-art review on the use of AI-enhanced computational mechanics in geotechnical engineering
Authors: Liu Hongchen , Su Huaizhi , Sun Lizhi , Dias-da-Costa Daniel
Published: July 2024

Significant uncertainties can be found in the modelling of geotechnical materials. This can be attributed to the complex behaviour of soils and rocks amidst construction processes. Over the past decades, the field has increasingly embraced the application of artificial intelligence methodologies, thus recognising their suitability in forecasting non-linear relationships intrinsic to materials. This review offers a critical evaluation AI methodologies incorporated in computational mechanics for geotechnical engineering. The analysis categorises four pivotal areas: physical properties, mechanical properties, constitutive models, and other characteristics relevant to geotechnical materials. Among the various methodologies analysed, ANNs stand out as the most commonly used strategy, while other methods such as SVMs, LSTMs, and CNNs also see a significant level of application. The most widely used AI algorithms are Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machines (SVM), representing 35%, 19%, and 17% respectively. The most extensive AI application is in the domain of mechanical properties, accounting for 59%, followed by other applications at 16%. The efficacy of AI applications is intrinsically linked to the type of datasets employed, the selected model input. This study also outlines future research directions emphasising the need to integrate physically guided and adaptive learning mechanisms to enhance the reliability and adaptability in addressing multi-scale and multi-physics coupled mechanics problems in geotechnics.
Formal design, verification and implementation of robotic controller software via RoboChart and RoboTool
Authors: Li Wei , Ribeiro Pedro , Miyazawa Alvaro , Redpath Richard , Cavalcanti Ana , Alden Kieran , Woodcock Jim , Timmis Jon
Published: July 2024

Current practice in simulation and implementation of robot controllers is usually undertaken with guidance from high-level design diagrams and pseudocode. Thus, no rigorous connection between the design and the development of a robot controller is established. This paper presents a framework for designing robotic controllers with support for automatic generation of executable code and automatic property checking. A state-machine based notation, RoboChart, and a tool (RoboTool) that implements the automatic generation of code and mathematical models from the designed controllers are presented. We demonstrate the application of RoboChart and its related tool through a case study of a robot performing an exploration task. The automatically generated code is platform independent and is used in both simulation and two different physical robotic platforms. Properties are formally checked against the mathematical models generated by RoboTool, and further validated in the actual simulations and physical experiments. The tool not only provides engineers with a way of designing robotic controllers formally but also paves the way for correct implementation of robotic systems.
Sustained delivery of celecoxib from nanoparticles embedded in hydrogel injected into the biopsy cavity to prevent biopsy-induced breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Simmons Reese , Kameyama Hiroyasu , Kubota Seiko , Sun Yunguang , Langenheim John F. , Ajeeb Rana , Shao Tristan S. , Ricketts Samantha , Annan Anand C. , Stratemeier Natalie , Williams Sophie J. , Clegg John R. , Fung Kar-Ming , Chervoneva Inna , Rui Hallgeir , Tanaka Takemi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

We have previously reported that protracted Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity in bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) infiltrating into biopsy wounds adjacent to the biopsy cavity of breast tumors in mice promotes M2-shift of macrophages and pro-metastatic changes in cancer cells, effects which were suppressed by oral administration of COX-2 inhibitors. Thus, local control of COX-2 activity in the biopsy wound may mitigate biopsy-induced pro-metastatic changes.

Methods

A combinatorial delivery system—thermosensitive biodegradable poly(lactic acid) hydrogel (PLA-gel) incorporating celecoxib-encapsulated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (Cx-NP/PLA-gel)—was injected into the biopsy cavity of Py230 murine breast tumors to achieve local control of COX-2 activity in the wound stroma.

Results

A single intra-biopsy cavity injection of PLA-gel loaded with rhodamine-encapsulated nanoparticles (NPs) showed sustained local delivery of rhodamine preferentially to infiltrating BMDCs with minimal to no rhodamine uptake by the reticuloendothelial organs in mice. Moreover, significant reductions in M2-like macrophage density, cancer cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and blood vessel density were observed in response to a single intra-biopsy cavity injection of Cx-NP/PLA-gel compared to PLA-gel loaded with NPs containing no payload. Accordingly, intra-biopsy cavity injection of Cx-NP/PLA-gel led to significantly fewer metastatic cells in the lungs than control-treated mice.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for the feasibility of sustained, local delivery of payload preferential to BMDCs in the wound stroma adjacent to the biopsy cavity using a combinatorial delivery system to reduce localized inflammation and effectively mitigate breast cancer cell dissemination.
A randomized phase III double-blind placebo-controlled trial of first-line chemotherapy and trastuzumab with or without bevacizumab for patients with HER2/neu-positive metastatic breast cancer: a trial of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (E1105)
Authors: Mezzanotte-Sharpe Jessica , ONeill Anne , Mayer Ingrid A. , Arteaga Carlos L. , Yang Ximing J. , Wagner Lynne I. , Cella David , Meropol Neal J. , Alpaugh R. Katherine , Saphner Thomas J. , Swaney Robert E. , Hoelzer Karen L. , Gradishar William J. , Abramson Vandana G. , Sundaram P. Kothai , Jilani Shamim Z. , Perez Edith A. , Lin Nancy U. , Jahanzeb Mohammad , Wolff Antonio C. , Sledge George W. , Reid Sonya A.
Published: July 2024

Background

In 2008, bevacizumab received accelerated Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for use in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Based on the pre-clinical and preliminary clinical activity of the trastuzumab and bevacizumab combination, ECOG-ACRIN E1105 trial was developed to determine if the addition of bevacizumab to a chemotherapy and trastuzumab combination for first-line therapy would improve progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with HER2-positive MBC.

Findings

96 patients were randomized to receive standard first-line chemotherapy and trastuzumab with or without bevacizumab between November 2007 and October 2009, and 93 began protocol therapy. Induction therapy was given for 24 weeks, followed by maintenance trastuzumab with or without bevacizumab. 60% (56/93) began carboplatin and 74% (69/93) completed 6 cycles of induction therapy. Primary endpoint was PFS. Median PFS was 11.1 and 13.8 months for placebo and bevacizumab arms, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 95%, Confidence Interval [Cl] for bevacizumab vs. placebo: 0.73 [0.43–1.23], p = 0.24), and at a median follow-up of 70.7 months, median survival was 49.1 and 63 months (HR [95% Cl] for OS: 1.09 [0.61–1.97], p = 0.75). The most common toxicities across both arms were neutropenia and hypertension, with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, fatigue, and sensory neuropathy reported more frequently with bevacizumab.

Conclusions

In this trial, the addition of bevacizumab did not improve outcomes in patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. Although the trial was underpowered due to smaller than anticipated sample size, these findings corroborated other clinical trials during this time.

Clinical Trial Information: NCT00520975
Evolution of Information Infrastructures in Healthcare as Convergence of Digital Trajectories
Authors: Malm-Nicolaisen Kristian , Ellingsen Gunnar , Hertzum Morten , Silsand Line , Severinsen Gro-Hilde
Published: July 2024

In information infrastructures at hospitals, various stakeholders are responsible for specific information and communications technology (ICT) portfolios. Each portfolio represents a unique digital trajectory with a past, present, and future. This study investigated how stakeholders (in this study, software developers, ICT operations organizations, and users) collaborate to facilitate the convergence of different digital trajectories, thus contributing to the successful evolution of information infrastructures. Empirically, we focused on the preparatory work involved in implementing an app that would enable nurses to register and calculate National Early Warning Scores at Nordland Hospital in northern Norway. Specifically, we examined the collaboration between three stakeholders to align their respective ICT portfolios and prepare for the new solution. These stakeholders were the Finnish software developer Medanets, the Norwegian Electronic Health Record developer DIPS ASA, and the Northern Norway Regional Health Authority, which governed the regional health ICT infrastructure. These stakeholders governed three distinct portfolios that had been developed over many years and, in this sense, represented digital trajectories with a past, a present, and a possible future. This study is positioned within the computer-supported cooperative work field, and the analysis draws upon the theoretical concepts of information infrastructure and trajectories.
Extracting Stock Predictive Information in Mutual Fund Managers’ Portfolio Decisions Through Machine Learning with Hypergraph
Authors: Chen You-Sin , Kao Chu-Lan Michael , Liu Po-Hsien , Tseng Vincent S.
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes a machine learning framework that incorporates mutual fund managers’ portfolio decisions to predict stock price movements. It employs a weighted hypergraph to connect the information of the funds’ portfolio weight changes to the corresponding stocks in the portfolio. This information is further aggregated with price data extracted through classical machine learning methods. The framework then predicts stock price movements as a classification problem. We tested this framework using Taiwanese stock and mutual fund data, discovering that the managers’ decisions provide predictive information about stocks in addition to the classical technical data. Moreover, we determined that the level of information provided by the managers’ decisions is asymmetric under different market conditions. This finding supports existing literature on mutual fund behavior under varying market conditions. Further discussions on incorporating other expert trading behaviors in Taiwan and model comparisons are provided.
Additivity of symmetric and subspace 2-designs
Authors: Buratti Marco , Nakić Anamari
Published: July 2024

A 2-$$(v,k,\lambda )$$

(
v
,
k
,
λ
)

design is additive (or strongly additive) if it is possible to embed it in a suitable abelian group G in such a way that its block set is contained in (or coincides with) the set of all zero-sum k-subsets of its point set. Explicit results on the additivity or strong additivity of symmetric designs and subspace 2-designs are presented. In particular, the strong additivity of PG$$_d(n,q)$$

d

(
n
,
q
)

, which was known to be additive only for $$q=2$$

q
=
2

or $$d=n-1$$

d
=
n
-
1

, is always established.
Vectorial negabent concepts: similarities, differences, and generalizations
Authors: Anbar Nurdagül , Kudin Sadmir , Meidl Wilfried , Pasalic Enes , Polujan Alexandr
Published: July 2024

In Pasalic et al. (IEEE Trans Inf Theory 69:2702–2712, 2023), and in Anbar and Meidl (Cryptogr Commun 10:235–249, 2018), two different vectorial negabent and vectorial bent-negabent concepts are introduced, which leads to seemingly contradictory results. One of the main motivations for this article is to clarify the differences and similarities between these two concepts. Moreover, the negabent concept is extended to generalized Boolean functions from $${\mathbb {F}}_2^n$$

F
2
n

to the cyclic group $${\mathbb {Z}}_{2^k}$$

Z

2
k

. It is shown how to obtain nega-$${\mathbb {Z}}_{2^k}$$

Z

2
k

-bent functions from $${\mathbb {Z}}_{2^k}$$

Z

2
k

-bent functions, or equivalently, corresponding non-splitting relative difference sets from the splitting relative difference sets. This generalizes the shifting results for Boolean bent and negabent functions. We finally point to constructions of $${\mathbb {Z}}_8$$

Z
8

-bent functions employing permutations with the $$({\mathcal {A}}_m)$$

(

A
m

)

property, and more generally we show that the inverse permutation gives rise to $${\mathbb {Z}}_{2^k}$$

Z

2
k

-bent functions.
The covariety of numerical semigroups with fixed Frobenius number
Authors: Moreno-Frías M. A. , Rosales J. C.
Published: July 2024

Denote by $${\mathrm m}(S)$$

m
(
S
)

the multiplicity of a numerical semigroup S. A covariety is a nonempty family $$\mathscr {C}$$
C
of numerical semigroups that fulfils the following conditions: there is the minimum of $$\mathscr {C},$$

C
,

the intersection of two elements of $$\mathscr {C}$$
C
is again an element of $$\mathscr {C}$$
C
and $$S\backslash \{{\mathrm m}(S)\}\in \mathscr {C}$$

S
\
{
m
(
S
)
}
∈
C

for all $$S\in \mathscr {C}$$

S
∈
C

such that $$S\ne \min (\mathscr {C}).$$

S
≠
min
(
C
)
.

In this work we describe an algorithmic procedure to compute all the elements of $$\mathscr {C}.$$

C
.

We prove that there exists the smallest element of $$\mathscr {C}$$
C
containing a set of positive integers. We show that $$\mathscr {A}(F)=\{S\mid S \hbox { is a numerical semigroup with Frobenius number }F\}$$

A
(
F
)
=
{
S
∣
S

is a numerical semigroup with Frobenius number

F
}

is a covariety, and we particularize the previous results in this covariety. Finally, we will see that there is the smallest covariety containing a finite set of numerical semigroups.
Germline genome editing of human IVF embryos should not be subject to overly stringent restrictions
Authors: Smith Kevin Richard
Published: July 2024

This paper critiques the restrictive criteria for germline genome editing recently proposed by Chin, Nguma, and Ahmad in this journal. While praising the authors for resisting fervent calls for an outright ban on clinical applications of the technology, this paper argues that their approach is nevertheless unduly restrictive, and may thus hinder technological progress. This response advocates for weighing potential benefits against risks without succumbing to excessive caution, proposing that ethical oversight combined with genetic scrutiny at the embryo stage post-editing can enable responsible use of the technology, ultimately reducing the burden of genetic diseases and enhancing human health, akin to how IVF transformed reproductive medicine despite strong initial opposition.
Identification of the endangered species Haplotropis brunneriana (Insecta: Orthoptera) from South Korea using exuviae
Authors: Kim Mannyun , Lee Hye-Rin , Lee Jong Eun , Cha Deokjea
Published: July 2024

Most Pamphagidae species are at risk of being endangered due to their flightlessness, low mobility, and small habitat range. For the same reason, Haplotropis brunneriana (Orthoptera: Pamphagidae) has been designated an endangered species in South Korea. Endangered species with small populations are difficult to observe and investigate because any damage or disturbance to them are prohibited. To address these problems, we first performed non-invasive genomic DNA (gDNA) extraction using exuviae to identify H. brunneriana. Second, we tested the limit of detection of gDNA in the exuviae and how long it could persist when exposed to artificial environmental conditions. Using exuviae, we identified cytochrome b as a species-specific marker of H. brunneriana that could distinguish them from other grasshoppers with sufficient specificity. In the limit of detection test, gDNA could persist and be amplified from exuviae for up to 40 days. Our results demonstrated that fewer than 10 days is recommended for amplifying gDNA from exuviae to obtain reproducible results. In conclusion, this non-invasive identification method using exuviae can be used as an alternative to species identification when it is difficult to find H. brunneriana in the habitat and has the advantage of allowing genetic research to be conducted without harming the endangered species.
Evaluation and characterization of the radiological environmental impact of waste generated from the oil ash
Authors: Nasr Amal S. , Duraia El-Shazly M. , Shafaa Medhat W. , Ayoub H. A. , Essa A. M.
Published: July 2024

The oil ash radioactive waste was generated from electrical power plants and it was presented great concern due to environmental impact. In this study oil ash was characterized from technical and radiological aspects. Oil ash average activity concentrations for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were (1718 ± 85.9, 278.1 ± 13.9, and 136 ± 6.7) Bq/kg respectively, that were higher than the worldwide average. The average value of AEDtot was (10.5 ± 0.5) mSv/y, which was higher than the dose limit of public. All the radiological parameters were higher than worldwide. The samples examined by XRF, and XRD. That contained economic elements as iron, vanadium, nickel.
Preparation of bulk micro–mesoporous silica-supported ZnO via silicic acid as a desulfurizer
Authors: Mori Kazuma , Sato Yohei , Ohashi Masahiro , Hayami Ryohei , Dowaki Kiyoshi , Yamamoto Kazuki , Gunji Takahiro
Published: July 2024

Silicic acid solution, which is prepared from water glass followed by extraction with tetrahydrofuran (THF), is focused on an environmentally friendly and inexpensive source of silica. In this study, we aimed the preparation of bulk porous silica with low environmental impact and cost, and desulfurization of its supported ZnO was investigated. Bulk porous silica was prepared by the condensation of silicic acid/THF in the presence of Pluronic P123. Suitable condition was investigated for the formation of crack-free bulk body with high surface area and reproducibility under the molar ratio of H2O/Si and Si/Pluronic P123 on 121 and 100, respectively. From nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements, this bulk porous silica was categorized into micro–mesoporous silica. Moreover, Pluronic P123 was extracted and recycled. Bulk porous silica-supported 15 wt% ZnO was prepared by the impregnation of ZnCl2 followed by calcination in air. The desulfurization ability was 8.7 mg/g.

Graphical Abstract
Ungrazed seminatural habitats around farms benefit bird conservation without enhancing foodborne pathogen risks
Authors: Olimpi Elissa M. , Ke Alison , Baur Patrick , Carlisle Liz , Esquivel Kenzo E. , Glaser Tyler , Snyder William E. , Waterhouse Hannah , Bowles Timothy M. , Kremen Claire , Karp Daniel S.
Published: July 2024

Context

Conservation in working landscapes is critical for halting biodiversity declines and ensuring farming system sustainability. However, concerns that wildlife may carry foodborne pathogens has created pressure on farmers to remove habitat and reduce biodiversity, undermining farmland conservation. Nonetheless, simplified farming landscapes may host bird communities that carry higher foodborne disease risks.

Objectives

We analyzed the effects of local farming practices and surrounding landscapes on bird communities and food-safety risks across 30 California lettuce farms. Specifically, we sought to determine how farmland diversification affects bird diversity, fecal contamination, and foodborne pathogen incidences, thereby identifying potential tradeoffs between managing farms for bird conservation versus food safety.

Methods

We surveyed birds at 227 point-count locations, quantified fecal contamination along 120 transects, and assayed 601 bird feces for pathogenic E. coli, Campylobacter spp., and Salmonella spp. We then used hierarchical models to quantify effects of farm management and landscape context on bird communities and food-safety risks.

Results

Surrounding ungrazed seminatural areas were associated with higher bird diversity, more species of conservation concern, and fewer flocks that may increase risks from foodborne pathogens. In contrast, on-farm diversification practices and surrounding grazing lands offered weaker bird conservation benefits. Surrounding grazed lands were associated with more potentially pathogenic bird feces in crop fields.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that habitat conservation around produce farms could support bird conservation without increasing foodborne pathogens, especially on farms further from grazing lands. Thus, interventions that diversify farming systems offer potential to simultaneously conserve biodiversity and provide safe food for human consumption.
A Lightweight Task-Agreement Meta Learning for Low-Resource Speech Recognition
Authors: Chen Yaqi , Zhang Hao , Zhang Wenlin , Qu Dan , Yang Xukui
Published: July 2024

Meta-learning has proven to be a powerful paradigm for transferring knowledge from prior tasks to facilitate the quick learning of new tasks in automatic speech recognition. However, the differences between languages (tasks) lead to variations in task learning directions, causing the harmful competition for model’s limited resources. To address this challenge, we introduce the task-agreement multilingual meta-learning (TAMML), which adopts the gradient agreement algorithm to guide the model parameters towards a direction where tasks exhibit greater consistency. However, the computation and storage cost of TAMML grows dramatically with model’s depth increases. To address this, we further propose a simplification called TAMML-Light which only uses the output layer for gradient calculation. Experiments on three datasets demonstrate that TAMML and TAMML-Light achieve outperform meta-learning approaches, yielding superior results.Furthermore, TAMML-Light can reduce at least 80$$\%$$%of the relative increased computation expenses compared to TAMML.
Sliding mode tracking control of a class of fractional-order nonstrict-feedback nonlinear systems
Authors: Mohsenipour Reza , Massicotte Daniel
Published: July 2024

Since the Leibniz rule for integer-order derivatives of the product of functions, which includes a finite number of terms, is not true for fractional-order (FO) derivatives of that, all sliding mode control (SMC) methods introduced in the literature involved a very limited class of FO nonlinear systems. This article presents a solution for the unsolved problem of SMC of a class of FO nonstrict-feedback nonlinear systems with uncertainties. Using the Leibniz rule for the FO derivative of the product of two functions, which includes an infinite number of terms, it is shown that only one of these terms is needed to design a SMC law. Using this point, an algorithm is given to design the controller for reference tracking, that significantly reduces the number of design parameters, compared to the literature. Then, it is proved that the algorithm has a closed-form solution which presents a straightforward tool to the designer to obtain the controller. The solution is applicable to the systems with a mixture of integer-order and FO dynamics. Stability and finite-time convergence of the offered control law are also demonstrated. In the end, the availability of the suggested SMC is illustrated through a numerical example arising from a real system.
Studies on electron acceleration from modulated surface at grazing angle laser interaction
Authors: Madhubabu K. , Varshney P. , Gopal K. , Upadhyay A. , Prasad Y. B. S. R. , Mishra S. R.
Published: July 2024

Surface plasmon (SP) based electron acceleration has been investigated during the interaction of short, ultra-intense (I > 1019 W/cm2) laser pulse with periodically modulated solid target. Laser contrast conditions are required to preserve the structural integrity of the target. Two dimensional (2D) particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations report emission of energetic (~ 78 MeV) electron bunches along grating surface for grazing incident of laser pulse at an optimum angle 4° with respect to target surface. The energy and flux of emitted electrons for grazing laser incidence were found to be strongly enhanced as compared to the incident angles satisfying the resonant condition for surface plasma wave’s excitation.
Mirror-mediated ultralong-range atomic dipole–dipole interactions
Authors: Furtak-Wells Nicholas , Dawson Benjamin , Mann Thomas , Jose Gin , Beige Almut
Published: July 2024

In three dimensions, dipole–dipole interactions which alter atomic level shifts and spontaneous decay rates only persist over distances comparable to the wavelength of the emitted light. In this paper we show that it is possible to significantly extend the range of these interactions with the help of a partially transparent asymmetric mirror interface. Suppose two two-level atoms are placed on opposite sides of the interface, each at the position of the mirror image of the other. In this case, their emitted light interferes almost exactly as it would when the atoms are right next to each other. Hence their dipole–dipole interaction assumes an additional maximum, even when the actual distance of the atoms is several orders of magnitude larger than the transition wavelength. Although the resulting ultralong-range interactions are in general relatively weak, we expect them to find applications in quantum technology, like non-invasive quantum sensing.
Temporal and masseter muscle evaluation by MRI provides information on muscle mass and quality in acromegaly patients
Authors: Gatto Federico , Milioto Angelo , Corica Giuliana , Nista Federica , Campana Claudia , Arecco Anna , Mattioli Lorenzo , Belluscio Lorenzo , Bignotti Bianca , Ferone Diego , Tagliafico Alberto Stefano
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The impact of GH/IGF-1 levels on skeletal muscle in acromegaly is still controversial. Temporal (TMT) and masseter muscle (MMT) thickness has been recently demonstrated as a reliable measure of muscle mass. We aimed to investigate the relationship between TMT, MMT and clinical/biochemical characteristics in patients with acromegaly.

Methods

Single center retrospective longitudinal study including 69 patients with at least one available brain/sella turcica MRI and matched clinical data. TMT, MMT, and muscle fatty infiltration (modified Goutallier score) were evaluated in all patients at baseline (first available MRI) and over time (182 MRIs analyzed).

Results

At baseline, both TMT and MMT were higher in males than females (p = 0.001 and p = 0.016, respectively). TMT and MMT were positively associated (β 0.508, p < 0.001), and they were positively correlated with IGF-1 xULN (TMT, p = 0.047; MMT, p = 0.001). MMT had a positive correlation with patients’ weight (p = 0.015) and height (p = 0.006). No correlation was found between TMT, MMT and the presence of hypogonadism. Considering all available MRIs, sex and IGF-1 xULN were significant determinants of TMT and MMT at multivariable analysis (female sex: β -0.345/-0.426, p < 0.001; IGF-1 xULN: β 0.257/0.328, p < 0.001). At longitudinal evaluation, uncontrolled patients at baseline showed a significant reduction of MMT over time (p = 0.044). Remarkable fatty infiltration was observed in 34–37% of MRIs; age was the main determinant (temporal muscle: OR 1.665; p = 0.013; masseter muscle: OR 1.793; p = 0.009).

Conclusion

Male patients with higher IGF-1 values have thicker temporal and masseter muscles, suggesting that sex and IGF-1 have a significant impact on muscle mass in acromegaly.
Consensus credit ratings: a view from banks
Authors: Lourie Ben , Ozel N. Bugra , Nekrasov Alexander , Zhu Chenqi
Published: July 2024

While the production of credit ratings has long been limited mainly to rating agencies (CRAs), recent years have seen the growing popularity of consensus credit ratings crowdsourced from banks (i.e., bank ratings). We provide the first comprehensive examination of the properties and informativeness of bank ratings relative to CRA ratings. We find that bank ratings often deviate from CRA ratings, with over 60% of firm-months having different bank and CRA ratings. These deviations contain useful information. Bank ratings improve out-of-sample prediction of defaults and CRA rating revisions and explain the cross-section of credit spreads. However, bank ratings do not improve out-of-sample prediction of credit excess returns, indicating that current prices incorporate bank rating information. Overall our findings suggest that bank ratings are a useful supplement to traditional credit ratings.
Overcoming alphabetical disadvantage: factors influencing the use of surname initial techniques and their impact on citation rates in the four major disciplines of social sciences
Authors: Öz Ali Barış
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the factors influencing surname initial techniques in academic publications and their impact on citation counts. Focusing on the disciplines of Economics, Psychology, Political Science, and Sociology, we utilized data from the top 500 universities listed in the Shanghai List. Examining 70.377 academic publications from 2.278 academics published between 2011 and 2020, the study reveals that alphabetical ordering is more prevalent in Economics and Political Science. Academics with surnames placed at the beginning of the alphabet in these fields experience increased visibility and recognition. Conversely, those with surnames placed at the end of the alphabet face disadvantages and often employ strategies such as changing surname initials, using hyphenated surnames, or adding prefixes to improve their positioning in the author list of the article. These strategies, influenced by factors like the number of authors, country of origin, gender and whether the advantage is gained or not in positioning of author list, help mitigate the unfairness caused by alphabetization and positively contribute to authors’ citation statistics.