bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating a novel and highly efficient approach for the fabrication of diamond profile rollers using Wire Electrical Discharge Conditioning (WEDC)
Authors: Khosravi Jahangir , Azarhoushang Bahman , Behjat Saeed , Zahedi Ali
Published: September 2024

The fabrication of high-precision and high-performance profile rollers represents the main challenge of utilizing profile rollers as dressers to condition conventional grinding wheels. This results in high demands for an efficient process to manufacture profile rollers (form dressing wheels). Conventionally, diamond profile rollers have been produced through infiltration or negative electroplating methods. Nevertheless, these manufacturing methods suffer significant drawbacks, including extended production times and substantial costs. This study presents an innovative approach to fabricating diamond profile rollers using Wire Electrical Discharge Conditioning (WEDC). The WED-Conditioning emerges as an effective alternative to profile metal-bonded rotary diamond dressing tools. This innovative method leads to the production of diamond profile rollers in significantly shorter timeframes and at a more economical cost compared to the conventional manufacturing method with comparable quality. The research delves into the influence of profile roller specifications and conditioning strategies on the achievable profile accuracy and topography of the profile rollers. Also, the wear behavior of the WEDC-conditioned profile roller over long-term conditioning of conventional grinding wheels was studied. The findings highlight the significant contribution of the appropriate selection of WEDC strategies to the profile accuracy, with the potential to achieve profile accuracies comparable with conventional profile rollers. As well, grain size emerges as the primary determinant of achievable profile accuracy for profile rollers. The findings of this study could provide insights into optimizing the manufacturing process for super abrasive diamond profile rollers, thereby enabling their widespread use in the grinding industry.
Fine evaluation of surface integrity of hardened 1.4418 stainless steel after finish dry turning
Authors: Leksycki Kamil , Niesłony Piotr , Feldshtein Eugene , Ochał Kamil , Gradzik Andrzej
Published: September 2024

1.4418 hardened stainless steel (SS) is widely used in mechanical engineering because of its high functional properties. They can also be enhanced by procuring improvements in the state of the surface layer (SL) and, above all, in the factors of its strengthening, among others the average size of coherent scattering regions (ASCSR), dislocation density (DD), residual stresses (RS) of first and second orders, and relative micro-deformations of the crystal lattice (RMCL). This study investigates the effect of cutting speed (vc) ranging from 100 to 250 m/min and feed rate (f) ranging from 0.005 to 0.25 mm/rev on the indicators of SL condition after finish turning the steel tested. A reduction in ASCSR values below 8 nm was obtained for vc = 100–135 m/min, while an increase of ~ 20% was obtained for 180–250 m/min and with the f ranging from 0.2 to 0.25 mm/rev. An increase in RMCL of ~ 90% was registered for vc = 170–230 m/min and f = 0.2–0.25 mm/rev. A decrease in DD below 109 cm−2 was obtained for vc = 180–250 m/min and its ~ 25% increase for vc = 100–135 m/min. A high correlation between ASCSR and DD was shown. In the deformed material, the dislocation’s resistance to motion increases in proportion to the increase in its density. A high linear correlation coefficient in the range of 0.8–0.9 is found between ASCSR, DD, and first-order RS on the one hand, and Sa and Sz surface texture parameters, which are used in the industry to assess product quality, on the other. Additionally, the effect of plastic side flow (PSF) was observed and described. When machining with vc = 119 m/min and f = 0.22 mm/rev, the intense plastic deformation of the material causes outflow and shearing of the surface micro-hills. Favorable compressive stresses (below − 100 MPa) were registered in the range of vc = 225–250 m/min at f = 0.005–0.05 m/rev and 0.2–0.25 mm/rev, as well as vc = 115–180 m/min and f = 0.05–0.17 mm/rev. The study proved the existence of a relationship between the cutting parameters and indicators of the thin crystalline structure of SL. This means that by proper controlling of these parameters, it is possible to obtain such a state of the SL workpiece, which will ensure its long-term use.
Feeding ecology of the urchin symbiont Dactylopleustes yoshimurai (Amphipoda) revealed by DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Kodama Masafumi , Yamazaki Ryoga , Hayakawa Jun , Murata Gakuto , Tomikawa Ko , Kawamura Tomohiko , Kume Gen , Kobari Toru
Published: September 2024

The nature of symbiotic relationships between organisms can be difficult to assess and may range from commensalism, to mutualism, and parasitism. Trophic linkage and feeding ecology are essential to disentangle symbiont-host relationships/interactions. Amphipods of the genus Dactylopleustes are known as urchin symbionts. Though their ecology remains largely unknown, Dactylopleustes was recently reported to aggregate on diseased hosts, suggesting that Dactylopleustes feeds on diseased urchins’ tissues and uses urchins as both a habitat and prey. We investigated by DNA metabarcoding analyses, the feeding ecology of Dactylopleustes yoshimurai in relation to growth and disease status of the host (Strongylocentrotus intermedius). Contrary to our hypothesis, sequence reads from the gut contents were dominated by planktonic copepods regardless of body size or host disease status. These results suggest that they mainly feed on copepod fecal pellets deposited on sediments, and do not have a strong trophic linkage with their host. Large individuals on diseased urchins feed more on urchins than those on healthy urchins. However, their main prey still remains copepods, implying that host disease has a limited effect on the feeding behavior. In conclusion, our study indicates that this species is mainly commensal, but also may parasitize its host depending on the situation.
Mycorrhizal symbiosis and the nitrogen nutrition of forest trees
Authors: Pena Rodica , Tibbett Mark
Published: September 2024

Terrestrial plants form primarily mutualistic symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi based on a compatible exchange of solutes between plant and fungal partners. A key attribute of this symbiosis is the acquisition of soil nutrients by the fungus for the benefit of the plant in exchange for a carbon supply to the fungus. The interaction can range from mutualistic to parasitic depending on environmental and physiological contexts. This review considers current knowledge of the functionality of ectomycorrhizal (EM) symbiosis in the mobilisation and acquisition of soil nitrogen (N) in northern hemisphere forest ecosystems, highlighting the functional diversity of the fungi and the variation of symbiotic benefits, including the dynamics of N transfer to the plant. It provides an overview of recent advances in understanding ‘mycorrhizal decomposition’ for N release from organic or mineral-organic forms. Additionally, it emphasises the taxon-specific traits of EM fungi in soil N uptake. While the effects of EM communities on tree N are likely consistent across different communities regardless of species composition, the sink activities of various fungal taxa for tree carbon and N resources drive the dynamic continuum of mutualistic interactions. We posit that ectomycorrhizas contribute in a species-specific but complementary manner to benefit tree N nutrition. Therefore, alterations in diversity may impact fungal-plant resource exchange and, ultimately, the role of ectomycorrhizas in tree N nutrition. Understanding the dynamics of EM functions along the mutualism-parasitism continuum in forest ecosystems is essential for the effective management of ecosystem restoration and resilience amidst climate change.

Key points

• Mycorrhizal symbiosis spans a continuum from invested to appropriated benefits.

• Ectomycorrhizal fungal communities exhibit a high functional diversity.

• Tree nitrogen nutrition benefits from the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi.

Graphical abstract
Adding-on nivolumab to chemotherapy-stabilized patients is associated with improved survival in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Shih-Hung , Kuo Sung-Hsin , Lee Jen-Chieh , Chen Bang-Bin , Shan Yan-Shen , Tien Yu-Wen , Chiu Sz-Chi , Cheng Ann-Lii , Yeh Kun-Huei
Published: September 2024

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are rarely used to treat advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) due to marginal efficacy.

Patients and methods

This study included 92 consecutive patients diagnosed with advanced or recurrent PDAC who received nivolumab-based treatment. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify prognostic factors. A control group of 301 patients with PDAC who achieved disease control with palliative chemotherapy but without ICIs was selected for comparison using propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

The median overall survival (OS) since nivolumab treatment was 15.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.5–19.0), 2.4 (95% CI 1.2–3.6), and 1.1 (95% CI 1.0–1.2) months in patients who received add-on nivolumab after achieving disease control with chemotherapy, in those who received concomitant nivolumab and chemotherapy without prerequisite confirmation of disease control, and in those who received nivolumab without concomitant chemotherapy, respectively (P < 0.001). After PSM, the median overall survival (OS) since initiation of the concomitant chemotherapy that achieved disease control was significantly longer (P = 0.026) in patients who received add-on nivolumab (19.8 months; 95% CI 14.5–25.1) than in those who received chemotherapy alone (13.8 months; 95% CI 10.8–16.9). The immune profiling of the tumors in resected patients revealed higher scores of CD8+ T cells to Tregs in patients with add-on nivolumab comparing to those who received chemotherapy alone.

Conclusion

Adding-on nivolumab was associated with improved OS in patients with advanced PDAC who achieved disease control following chemotherapy.
Optimized UV-barrier carboxymethyl cellulose-based edible coatings reinforced with green synthesized ZnO-NPs for food packaging applications
Authors: Salama Hend E. , Abdel Aziz Mohamed S.
Published: September 2024

The widespread use of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in the production of edible coatings is returned to its biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic nature. However, neat CMC edible coatings lack UV-shielding activity and have poor antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to develop a CMC-based coating with optimal UV-barrier properties by incorporating aloe vera (AV) and green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). The composition and synergistic effects of CMC, AV, and ZnO-NPs were optimized using central composite design to achieve the best UV-barrier properties. When using the optimized compositions of CMC (1.0 g), AV (3.0 g), and ZnO-NPs (5.0 wt%), the minimum UV-transmittance achieved was 4.75%. Fourier transform infra-red and wide-angle X-ray diffraction were used to confirm the interactions between the coating components. The incorporation of ZnO-NPs into CMC/AV was validated through surface morphology analysis via scanning electron microscopy and by examining the distribution of ZnO-NPs using transmission electron microscopy. CMC/AV/ZnO-NPs coatings showed excellent water barrier, mechanical, thermal, and antimicrobial properties when compared with the neat carboxymethyl cellulose coating. In addition, CMC/AV/ZnO-NPs coatings significantly resisted both mass loss and spoilage of green capsicum for a 15-day storage period. These results proved that the optimized coating could replace the plastic packaging candidates and be used potentially to preserve food products.
Stress-based topology optimization using maximum entropy basis functions-based meshless method
Authors: Khan Imran , Ullah Zahur , Ullah Baseer , Siraj-ul-Islam  , Khan Wajid
Published: September 2024

This paper presents volume-constrained stress minimization-based, topology optimization. The maximum entropy (maxent) basis functions-based meshless method for two-dimensional linear elastic structures is explored. This work focuses to test the effectiveness of the meshless method in handling the stress singularities during the topology optimization process. The commonly used moving least square basis functions are replaced with maximum entropy basis functions, as the latter possess weak Kronecker delta property which leads to the finite element method (FEM) like displacement boundary conditions imposition. The maxent basis functions are calculated once at the beginning of the simulation and then used in optimization at every iteration. Young’s modulus for each background cell is interpolated using the modified solid isotropic material with penalization approach. An open source pre-processor CUBIT is used. A comparison of the proposed approach with the FEM is carried out using a diverse set of problems with simple and complex geometries of structured and unstructured discretization, to establish that maxent-based meshless methods perform better in tackling the stress singularities due to its smooth stress field.
Reducing spatial discretization error on coarse CFD simulations using an openFOAM-embedded deep learning framework
Authors: Gonzalez-Sieiro J. , Pardo D. , Nava V. , Calo V. M. , Towara M.
Published: September 2024

We propose a method for reducing the spatial discretization error of coarse computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problems by enhancing the quality of low-resolution simulations using deep learning. We feed the model with fine-grid data after projecting it to the coarse-grid discretization. We substitute the default differencing scheme for the convection term by a feed-forward neural network that interpolates velocities from cell centers to face values to produce velocities that approximate the down-sampled fine-grid data well. The deep learning framework incorporates the open-source CFD code OpenFOAM, resulting in an end-to-end differentiable model. We automatically differentiate the CFD physics using a discrete adjoint code version. We present a fast communication method between TensorFlow (Python) and OpenFOAM (c++) that accelerates the training process. We applied the model to the flow past a square cylinder problem, reducing the error from 120% to 25% in the velocity for simulations inside the training distribution compared to the traditional solver using an x8 coarser mesh. For simulations outside the training distribution, the error reduction in the velocities was about 50%. The training is affordable in terms of time and data samples since the architecture exploits the local features of the physics.
Multi-million-year magmatic and hydrothermal activity is key to the formation of supergiant to behemothian porphyry copper deposits
Authors: Virmond Adrianna Luiza , Wotzlaw Jörn-Frederik , Rojas-Arancibia Rodrigo , Selby David , Chelle-Michou Cyril
Published: September 2024

Understanding the primary controls on mineral deposit formation and size is essential for sourcing the metals required by our ever-growing economy. The tonnage of porphyry copper deposits ranges five orders of magnitude but the key mechanisms and processes that modulate the size of these deposits remain enigmatic. Here, we investigate the behemothian deposits of the Chuquicamata Intrusive Complex (CIC) in northern Chile employing high-precision U–Pb and Re–Os geochronology. We resolve a complex long-lived magmatic-hydrothermal activity that lasted over 3.3 Myr. High-precision zircon petrochronology data indicate two distinct porphyry emplacement episodes, separated by 0.5 Myr, with the younger generation closely tied to the main intervals of hydrothermal mineralization. High-precision Re–Os molybdenite dates reveal a prolonged hydrothermal mineralization interval (> 2.5 Myr) that progressively migrated southwards within the CIC and continued after the end of the (apparent) magmatic activity. We show that the rate of copper precipitation varies little in nature (0.025–0.10 Mt/kyr) and is independent of the size of the deposit. Consistent with evidence from smaller deposits, our findings provide unprecedented evidence that copper endowment in porphyry copper deposits positively correlates with the timescales of magmatic and hydrothermal activity. Supergiant to behemothian deposits require multi-million-year magmatic-hydrothermal activity, linking the largest porphyry copper systems to a simple metric – the duration of magmatic-hydrothermal activity.
Rapid differentiation of MOGAD and MS after a single optic neuritis
Authors: Pakeerathan T. , Havla J. , Schwake C. , Salmen A. , Ringelstein M. , Aktas O. , Weise M. , Gernert J. A. , Kornek B. , Bsteh G. , Pröbstel A.-K. , Papadopoulou A. , Kulsvehagen L. , Ayroza Galvão Ribeiro Gomes A. B. , Cerdá-Fuertes N. , Oertel F. C. , Duchow A. S. , Paul F. , Stellmann J. P. , Stolowy N. , Hellwig K. , Schneider-Gold C. , Kümpfel T. , Gold R. , Albrecht P. , Ayzenberg I.
Published: September 2024

Background

Optic neuritis (ON) is a common manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS) and myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein IgG-associated disease (MOGAD). This study evaluated the applicability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for differentiating between both diseases in two independent cohorts.

Methods

One hundred sixty two patients from seven sites underwent standard OCT and high-contrast visual acuity (HCVA) testing at least 6 months after first ON. Of these, 100 patients (32 MOGAD, 68 MS) comprised the primary investigational cohort, while 62 patients (31 MOGAD, 31 MS) formed a validation cohort. A composite score distinguishing between MOGAD and MS was developed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Bilateral simultaneous ON occurred more frequently in MOGAD compared to MS (46.9 vs. 11.8%, p < 0.001). OCT revealed more peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) atrophy in all segments in MOGAD compared to predominantly temporal pRNFL atrophy in MS (p < 0.001). HCVA was better preserved in MS (p = 0.007). pRNFL thickness in all except for temporal segments was suitable for differentiating MOGAD and MS. Simultaneous bilateral ON and critical atrophy in nasal (< 58.5 µm) and temporal superior (< 105.5 µm) segments were included into the composite score as three independent predictors for MOGAD. The composite score distinguished MOGAD from MS with 75% sensitivity and 90% specificity in the investigational cohort, and 68% sensitivity and 87% specificity in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

Following a single ON-episode, MOGAD exhibits more pronounced global pRNFL atrophy and lower visual acuity after ON compared to MS. The introduced OCT-based composite score enabled differentiation between the two entities across both cohorts.
Apalutamide for non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC): real world data of a multicenter study
Authors: Hegele Axel , Häußermann Rainer , Schultheis Stefan , Skrobek Lennart , Vink Meike , Hollwegs Sebastian , Ludwig Martin , Huwe Petra , Maywurm Manfred , Bartsch-Polle Anke , Weber Jost , Thiemer Markus , Varughese Denny
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Apalutamide plus androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) improved outcomes in patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). Nevertheless real-world data are limited. The aim of this multicenter study was to generate real-world data from nmCRPC patients treated with ADT plus apalutamide.

Methods

In this observational cohort based investigator initiated trial data of nmCRPC patients receiving apalutamide plus ADT were collected focusing on patient demographic data, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) declines, safety profile including dose modification/discontinuation as well as subsequent therapy and metastasis-free survival (MFS).

Results

Data from a total of 31 nmCRPC patients were documented. Compared to the Phase III study Spartan real-world patients are older, showed a higher ECOG-PS and more aggressive tumors. In the cohort PSA decreased about 98.1%, 74% of patients showed a PSA decrease over 90% and 54.8% reached a PSA-level < 0.2ng/ml. Apalutamide was well tolerated in real world patients: adverse events occurred in 67.7% but were in the majority mild (≥ grade 3: 6.5%). Dose reduction was necessary in 38.7% and 32.2% discontinued apalutamide treatment. MFS was 43 months and majority of patients were subsequently treated with abiraterone.

Conclusion

In real world more comorbid nmCRPC patients with a higher ECOG-PS and more aggressive tumors are treated with apalutamide plus ADT. Nevertheless efficacy results as well as side effects are similar in real-world compared to Spartan trial showing also a rapid, durable and deep PSA response with a median MFS of 43 months.
Efficacy and safety of fenoldopam for the treatment of hypertensive crises in children with kidney disease: a retrospective study
Authors: Bertazza Partigiani Nicola , Vigezzi Serena , Meneghesso Davide , Tinnirello Matteo , Brazzale Alessandra Rosalba , Daverio Marco , Vidal Enrico
Published: September 2024

Background

Hypertensive crises in children represent critical medical situations characterized by severe hypertension and potential organ damage. Fenoldopam, a dopaminergic medication, offers a viable therapeutic option for managing such clinical scenarios. We aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of fenoldopam in the management of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies.

Methods

This retrospective analysis focused on pediatric patients affected by acute or chronic kidney disease, aged 1 month–18 years, admitted to the Pediatric Nephrology and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at University-Hospital of Padua, Italy, who presented with a hypertensive crisis treated with fenoldopam between March 2010 and December 2022.

Results

The study included 74 patients with median age 10 years (interquartile range [IQR] 4–15 years) who received 102 fenoldopam infusions. Seventy-two percent were already receiving antihypertensive treatment before admission. In all cases, fenoldopam was associated with a reduction of blood pressure (BP) after 8 h of treatment, but in 87% of patients reduction of the initial mean arterial pressure (MAP) was higher than 25% of calculated drop pressure. MAP normalized in 26% of cases after 24 h and in 35% after 48 h. Occurrence of hypotension was 7%, while hypokalemia was observed in 13% of cases. Patients who presented a MAP reduction not exceeding 25% of calculated drop pressure received a lower median fenoldopam dose (0.2 mcg/kg/min; IQR 0.1–0.2) compared with patients having a MAP reduction > 25% of calculated drop pressure (0.4 mcg/kg/min; IQR 0.2–0.6; p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Fenoldopam seems effective and safe for the treatment of hypertensive crises in children with kidney disease, at a starting dose of 0.2 mcg/kg/min. Strict BP monitoring is required to identify possible excessive drop pressure in the first hours of infusion.

Graphical abstract
To biopsy or not to biopsy a teenager with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome? Biopsy first
Authors: Bigatti Carolina , Chiarenza Decimo S. , Angeletti Andrea
Published: September 2024

Kidney biopsy plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of several glomerular diseases. While it is generally considered a routine and safe procedure in children, it should be conducted with the primary objective of addressing the following question: do the prognosis and treatments vary based on the findings of kidney biopsy? In children presenting with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), guidelines suggest to consider kidney biopsy for individuals older than 12 years, primarily due to the possible increased incidence of different glomerulonephritis compared to younger patients, who predominantly manifest with minimal change disease. However, these guidelines also advocate for uniform therapeutic strategies, typically steroids, irrespective of the age or histological findings. Whether the age of more than 12 years may be a recommendation for performing kidney biopsy at presentation of INS is debatable. Instead, kidney biopsy could be reserved for steroid-resistant cases. On the other hand, when kidney biopsy is performed in INS, particularly in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, histology may reveal additional lesions, that are strongly associated with a poorer response to treatment and worse clinical outcomes. Therefore, current guidelines on treatments of nephrotic syndrome may appear overly restrictive, despite the relevant findings provided by kidney biopsy. Therefore, in the present manuscript, which is part of a pro–con debate on the management of nephrotic syndrome in adolescents, we emphasize the potential role of performing a kidney biopsy before initiating corticosteroid treatment.
Plastics in the Indian economy: a comprehensive material flow analysis
Authors: Emami Nargessadat , Baynes Timothy M. , Kaushik Trinayana , Singh Mandavi , Bhattacharjya Souvik , Locock Katherine , Schandl Heinz
Published: September 2024

Plastic is valued for its flexibility to be utilized in different applications, yet it poses a significant threat to our environment because of mismanaged plastic waste. India’s compound annual growth of plastic consumption has been around 7% for a decade. Despite this significant growth, there has not been a comprehensive study of Indian plastic flows since 2000. This work presents a 20-year update, detailing plastic production, consumption by all plastic types and sectors, and the overall material flow for 2018–19 to fill the gap in the data on post-consumer plastic flows. The analysis reveals a total plastic production of 19.3 Mt, 22% of which is Polyethylene as the most wildly used plastic. The total mass of plastic in products distributed in various applications is 23.9 Mt. Key sectors for plastic consumption are Packaging (30%), Textiles (17%), and Buildings and Construction (16%). Plastic waste generation is 15.5 Mt, primarily from packaging and textiles. Only 13% of this plastic gets recycled, 46% is mismanaged, and the rest incinerated or dumped. The study’s unique nationwide, mass-balanced, transparent approach offers a rigorous reference point for decision-makers. Yet, the lack of reliable data is the main barrier to design, implement, and monitor of policy interventions.
Sonothrombolysis Using Microfluidically Produced Microbubbles in a Murine Model of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Xie Yanjun , Huang Yi , Stevenson Hugo C. S. , Yin Li , Zhang Kaijie , Islam Zain Husain , Marcum William Aaron , Johnston Campbell , Hoyt Nicholas , Kent Eric William , Wang Bowen , Hossack John A.
Published: September 2024

The need for safe and effective methods to manage deep vein thrombosis (DVT), given the risks associated with anticoagulants and thrombolytic agents, motivated research into innovative approaches to resolve blood clots. In response to this challenge, sonothrombolysis is being explored as a technique that combines microbubbles, ultrasound, and thrombolytic agents to facilitate the aggressive dissolution of thrombi. Prior studies have indicated that relatively large microbubbles accelerate the dissolution process, either in an in vitro or an arterial model. However, sonothrombolysis using large microbubbles must be evaluated in venous thromboembolism diseases, where blood flow velocity is not comparable. In this study, the efficacy of sonothrombolysis was validated in a murine model of pre-existing DVT. During therapy, microfluidically produced microbubbles of 18 μm diameter and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) were administered through a tail vein catheter for 30 min, while ultrasound was applied to the abdominal region of the mice. Three-dimensional ultrasound scans were performed before and after therapy for quantification. The residual volume of the thrombi was 20% in animals post sonothrombolysis versus 52% without therapy (

$$p = 0.012 < 0.05$$

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=
0.012
<
0.05

), indicating a significant reduction in DVT volume. Histological analysis of tissue sections confirmed a reduction in DVT volume post-therapy. Therefore, large microbubbles generated from a microfluidic device show promise in ultrasound-assisted therapy to address concerns related to venous thromboembolism.
“So Many Other Things Improve” with Transdiagnostic Treatment for Sleep and Circadian Problems: Interviews with Community Providers on Treating Clients with Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Sarfan Laurel D. , Bajwa Zia , Diaz Marlen , Tiab Sondra , Fisher Krista , Agnew Emma R. , Howlett Shayna A. , Oliver Sophia , Callaway Catherine A. , Harvey Allison G.
Published: September 2024

Community mental health centers (CMHCs) offer invaluable, publicly-funded treatment for serious mental illness (SMI). Unfortunately, evidence-based psychological treatments are often not delivered at CMHCs, in part due to implementation barriers, such as limited time, high caseloads, and complex clinical presentations. Transdiagnostic treatments may help address these barriers, because they allow providers to treat symptoms across multiple disorders concurrently. However, little research has investigated CMHC providers’ experiences of delivering transdiagnostic treatments “on the ground,” particularly for adults with SMI. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess CMHC providers’ perspectives on delivering a transdiagnostic treatment – the Transdiagnostic Intervention for Sleep and Circadian Dysfunction (TranS-C) – to adults diagnosed with SMI. In the context of a larger parent trial, providers were randomized to deliver a standard version of TranS-C (Standard TranS-C) or a version adapted to the CMHC context (Adapted TranS-C). Twenty-five providers from the parent trial participated in a semi-structured interview (n = 10 Standard TranS-C; n = 15 from Adapted TranS-C). Responses were deductively and inductively coded to identify themes related to Proctor’s taxonomy of implementation outcomes. Four novel “transdiagnostic take homes” were identified: (1) transdiagnostic targets, such as sleep, can be perceived as motivating and appropriate when treating SMI, (2) strategies to bolster client motivation/adherence and address a wider range of symptom severity may improve transdiagnostic treatments, (3) balancing feasibility with offering in-depth resources is an important challenge for transdiagnostic treatment development, and (4) adapting transdiagnostic treatments to the CMHC context may improve provider perceptions of implementation outcomes.
Cultural diplomacy at second-tier global events: The case of Qatar’s 2023 Horticultural Expo
Authors: Koch Natalie
Published: September 2024

Horticultural Expos are second-tier expositions sanctioned by the Bureau International Des Expositions (BIE) and the latest event was held in Doha, Qatar from October 2023 to March 2024. Organized around the theme of “Green Desert, Better Environment,” Expo 2023 included pavilions from about 80 countries and organizations, and aimed to entice 3 million visitors to Qatar. Although Horticultural Expos are smaller and receive less attention than top-tier World’s Fairs, they are nonetheless important sites for host countries to engage in cultural diplomacy. Drawing from an event ethnography at the Expo in December 2023, this article shows how the Qatari hosts adapted nationalist scripts about the desert and local identity – to cement the state-led storyline that Qatar is committed to a sustainable and globally-engaged path to future development – in crafting its cultural diplomacy discourse for the event. Though cultural diplomacy works differently at second-tier global events, the case of Qatar’s Expo 2023 still has concrete effects that must be understood and evaluated on their own terms.
Where You Sit Is Where You Stand: Perceived (In)Equality and Demand for Democracy in Africa
Authors: Isbell Thomas
Published: September 2024

In this paper, I explore whether perceived individual inequality is associated with popular demand for democracy in 33 African countries. Past research has diverged on whether individual-level inequality should increase or decrease support for democracy, with some arguing that people might see democracy as a solution to inequality, and others that people might see it as a cause. Much of this research however uses country- level measures of inequality. Recent research however increasingly suggests that such country-level scores of inequality insufficiently capture how ordinary people perceive levels of inequality. I advance our understanding of co-variates of demand for democracy by using a perceptual measure of inequality from the Afrobarometer survey: how people feel their living situation compares to others in their country. I find that perceived relative equality is significantly associated with greater demand for democracy, while perceptions of both relative deprivation and relative advantage are significantly associated with lower democratic demand. These effects are largely significant above and beyond the effect of absolute poverty and known predictors of demand for democracy, such as free and fair elections and level of education.
Social Evidence Tampering and the Epistemology of Content Moderation
Authors: Harris Keith Raymond
Published: September 2024

Social media misinformation is widely thought to pose a host of threats to the acquisition of knowledge. One response to these threats is to remove misleading information from social media and to de-platform those who spread it. While content moderation of this sort has been criticized on various grounds—including potential incompatibility with free expression—the epistemic case for the removal of misinformation from social media has received little scrutiny. Here, I provide an overview of some costs and benefits of the removal of misinformation from social media. On the one hand, removing misinformation from social media can promote knowledge acquisition by removing misleading evidence from online social epistemic environments. On the other hand, such removals require the exercise of power over evidence by content moderators. As I argue, such exercises of power can encourage suspicions on the part of social media users and can compromise the force of the evidence possessed by such users. For these reasons, the removal of misinformation from social media poses its own threats to knowledge.
A systematic literature review on determinants and outcomes of ESG performance in family firms
Authors: Waldau Ramona
Published: September 2024

As the predominant business type, family firms hold a unique position to influence the global sector’s ESG footprint. However, research on their ESG activities and performance is complex, multi-layered, and currently lacks integration. This review aims to bridge these research disciplines by providing an integrative overview of the current state of family firm ESG literature. By systematically reviewing 127 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and mid-2024, I examine the determinants and outcomes of family firm ESG performance, synthesize existing knowledge, and suggest future research directions. The findings reveal the nuanced and at times ambiguous role of family involvement across different ESG dimensions. Additionally, methodological challenges have contributed to inconclusive results in certain areas. This literature review identifies several promising new directions for future research at the intersection of family firm and ESG research to enhance our understanding and foster a more integrated and comprehensive approach to studying ESG in family firms.
Detainer Requests Issued by ICE and Fair/Poor Self-Rated Health among Latines in the U.S., 2017–2020
Authors: Eastus Alexandra , Auchincloss Amy H. , Pia Chaparro M. , Argibay Sofia , Kravitz Caroline , Langellier Brent A.
Published: September 2024

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issues detainer requests to local law enforcement agencies to hold detainees suspected of being undocumented immigrants until they can be transferred into ICE custody. We examined the association between area-level detainer requests and self-rated health among Latine adults. We linked health data from Latine adults included in the 2017–2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n = 69,386) to detainer requests per 1,000 non-citizens in core-based statistical areas, (n = 152 across 49 states). We fit logistic regression models of self-rated fair/poor health on detainer requests, adjusted for individual- and area-level confounders. In adjusted analyses, we found that Latine adults living in areas with the highest quartile of requests had 24% higher odds of fair/poor health (OR 1.24, 95% CI = 1.05,1.47) relative to those in the lowest quartile. Local law enforcement agencies should limit cooperation with federal immigrant agencies to protect the health of Latine communities.
6G in medical robotics: development of network allocation strategies for a telerobotic examination system
Authors: Kolb Sven , Madden Andrew , Kröger Nicolai , Mehmeti Fidan , Jurosch Franziska , Bernhard Lukas , Kellerer Wolfgang , Wilhelm Dirk
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Healthcare systems around the world are increasingly facing severe challenges due to problems such as staff shortage, changing demographics and the reliance on an often strongly human-dependent environment. One approach aiming to address these issues is the development of new telemedicine applications. The currently researched network standard 6G promises to deliver many new features which could be beneficial to leverage the full potential of emerging telemedical solutions and overcome the limitations of current network standards.

Methods

We developed a telerobotic examination system with a distributed robot control infrastructure to investigate the benefits and challenges of distributed computing scenarios, such as fog computing, in medical applications. We investigate different software configurations for which we characterize the network traffic and computational loads and subsequently establish network allocation strategies for different types of modular application functions (MAFs).

Results

The results indicate a high variability in the usage profiles of these MAFs, both in terms of computational load and networking behavior, which in turn allows the development of allocation strategies for different types of MAFs according to their requirements. Furthermore, the results provide a strong basis for further exploration of distributed computing scenarios in medical robotics.

Conclusion

This work lays the foundation for the development of medical robotic applications using 6G network architectures and distributed computing scenarios, such as fog computing. In the future, we plan to investigate the capability to dynamically shift MAFs within the network based on current situational demand, which could help to further optimize the performance of network-based medical applications and play a role in addressing the increasingly critical challenges in healthcare.
Effects of different types of starches on heat penetration and physicochemical characteristics in alfredo sauce
Authors: Jimenez Paulina Simoneth , Punia Bangar Sneh , Whiteside William Scott
Published: September 2024

Corn starch is frequently used as a thickening agent in food products because of its stability under thermal processing conditions. However, with fluctuating raw material costs due to weather conditions, disruptions in supply chains, and geopolitical challenges, there is an increasing need to explore alternative sources of starch. This study examines the effect of retort processing on the heat penetration and physicochemical aspects of modified corn, tapioca, and potato starches in Alfredo sauce. Modified corn starch, commonly used in commercial sauces, was compared with tapioca and potato starches to evaluate their effects on viscosity, color, and processing times required to achieve a F0 = 6 for Clostridium botulinum. Using the reference starch concentration of 1.90%, modified corn starch showed a significant increase in viscosity from 3,328 cP to 13,296 cP with a processing time of 31.33 min. Modified tapioca starch, at the same concentration, increased from 3440 cP to 8176 cP over 38.38 min, indicating superior thermal stability being the longest cooking time evaluated between all samples. For modified potato starch, using the reference concentration, viscosity increased from 1,200 cP to 4,656 cP, with a processing time of 31.93 min. Adjusting the starch concentration to 3% for modified tapioca starch and 2.38% for modified potato starch increased viscosity to 14,400 cP and 16,336 cP, respectively. These adjustments resulted in a darker Alfredo sauce, with the L value decreasing from 92.27 to 83.67 due to the longer cooking time. Heat penetration findings suggest that modified potato starch can replace modified corn starch safely using the reference concentration (1.90%) without altering the process holding time but requiring further adjustments to match commercial viscosity standards, while modified tapioca starch, although requiring higher concentrations and longer processing times, was tested for retention time at 3.00% and to be a feasible alternative. This study offers valuable insights to the food industry in selecting appropriate starches to maintain the quality and safety of thermally processed Alfredo sauce.
Diagnostic performance of 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT in recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer and elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies: an updated systematic review and bivariate meta-analysis
Authors: Albano Domenico , Piccardo Arnoldo , Rizzo Alessio , Cuzzocrea Marco , Bottoni Gianluca , Bellini Pietro , Bertagna Francesco , Treglia Giorgio
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This updated systematic review and bivariate meta-analysis aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT for the detection of recurrent disease in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) who have negative 131I whole body scintigraphy and increased antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) levels.

Methods

The current systematic review was carried out following a preset protocol, and the “Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” served as a guideline for its development and reporting. A comprehensive research of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane library databases was conducted until June 2024.

Results

Between 2002 and 2023, 13 studies (608 patients) published on this topic were selected. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of 2-[18F]FDG PET or PET/CT were 84% (95%CI: 78−87%), 82% (95%CI: 78−86%), 72% (95%CI: 67−76%), 90% (95%CI: 87−93%) and 83% (95%CI: 79%-86%) respectively. The pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR − ) and the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were 0.180 (95%CI: 0.128–0.253), 3.214 (95%CI: 2.357–4.383), and 17.863 (95%CI: 10.475–30.462), respectively. No statistically significant heterogeneity among the studies was found for all the metrics evaluated (I2 < 50%).

Conclusions

2-[18F]FDG PET/CT demonstrated a good diagnostic performance in patients with DTC and increased TgAb. Although more studies are warranted, the provided evidence-based data should support the integration of 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT in clinical and diagnostic guidelines on DTC patients with increased TgAb.
Sex-Specific ADNP/NAP (Davunetide) Regulation of Cocaine-Induced Plasticity
Authors: Toren Yael , Ziv Yarden , Sragovich Shlomo , McKinney R. Anne , Barak Segev , Shazman Shula , Gozes Illana
Published: September 2024

Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder estimated to effect 1–3% of the population. Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) is essential for brain development and functioning, shown to be protective in fetal alcohol syndrome and to regulate alcohol consumption in adult mice. The goal of this study was to characterize the role of ADNP, and its active peptide NAP (NAPVSIPQ), which is also known as davunetide (investigational drug) in mediating cocaine-induced neuroadaptations. Real time PCR was used to test levels of Adnp and Adnp2 in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and dorsal hippocampus (DH) of cocaine-treated mice (15 mg/kg). Adnp heterozygous (Adnp+/−)and wild-type (Adnp+/−) mice were further tagged with excitatory neuronal membrane-expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) that allowed for in vivo synaptic quantification. The mice were treated with cocaine (5 injections; 15 mg/kg once every other day) with or without NAP daily injections (0.4 µg/0.1 ml) and sacrificed following the last treatment. We analyzed hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells from 3D confocal images using the Imaris x64.8.1.2 (Oxford Instruments) software to measure changes in dendritic spine density and morphology. In silico ADNP/NAP/cocaine structural modeling was performed as before. Cocaine decreased Adnp and Adnp2 expression 2 h after injection in the NAc and VTA of male mice, with mRNA levels returning to baseline levels after 24 h. Cocaine further reduced hippocampal spine density, particularly synaptically weaker immature thin and stubby spines, in male Adnp+/+) mice while increasing synaptically stronger mature (mushroom) spines in Adnp+/−) male mice and thin and stubby spines in females. Lastly, we showed that cocaine interacts with ADNP on a zinc finger domain identical to ketamine and adjacent to a NAP-zinc finger interaction site. Our results implicate ADNP in cocaine abuse, further placing the ADNP gene as a key regulator in neuropsychiatric disorders. Ketamine/cocaine and NAP treatment may be interchangeable to some degree, implicating an interaction with adjacent zinc finger motifs on ADNP and suggestive of a potential sex-dependent, non-addictive NAP treatment for CUD.
Social and emotional competencies in Portuguese incarcerated males: psychometric properties of the SEC-Q questionnaire and their relation to health risk behaviors
Authors: Basto-Pereira Miguel , Zych Izabela , Almeida Telma Sousa , de Castro Rodrigues Andreia , Lobo Rita , Brandão Tânia
Published: September 2024

This study departs from the acknowledged absence of validated measures to assess social and emotional competencies in incarcerated individuals. This is a critical gap given that most available programs aimed at fostering prosocial behavior and reducing antisocial behaviors are theoretically based on enhancing these competencies. This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Social and Emotional Competencies Questionnaire (SEC-Q) in a sample of 219 Portuguese incarcerated males (M age = 37.21 years, SD = 10.61), and to explore the impact of the SEC-Q dimensions on health risk behaviors in this population. The study used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the factor structure of the SEC-Q. The four-factor model fitted well to the data (SB χ2 = 267.75; df = 120; Robust CFI = 0.99; Robust RMSEA = 0.06), and, as expected, it includes four dimensions: self-awareness, self-management and motivation, social awareness and prosocial behavior, and decision-making. The four dimensions showed appropriate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 74–81; McDonald’s omega = 75–82). Additionally, social and emotional competencies were related to higher self-control (rs=0.45, p <.01) and lower health risk behaviors (rs = − 0.25, p <.01), supporting convergent and divergent validity. Findings from the negative binomial regression suggest that higher social awareness and prosocial behavior is related to less health risk behaviors among incarcerated males. This study is a pivotal step to promote an affordable and valid measure to assess social and emotional competencies among Portuguese justice-involved males. SEC-Q can be an important complementary measure for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing criminal recidivism.