bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New non-supersymmetric flux vacua in string theory
Authors: Krippendorf S. , Schachner A.
Published: December 2023

Abstract

In this note we construct large ensembles of supersymmetry breaking solutions arising in the context of flux compactifications of type IIB string theory. This class of solutions was previously proposed in [1] for which we provide the first explicit examples in Calabi-Yau orientifold compactifications with discrete fluxes below their respective tadpole constraint. As a proof of concept, we study the degree 18 hypersurface in weighted projective space $$ \mathbbm{CP} $$
CP
1,1,1,6,9. Furthermore, we look at 10 additional orientifolds with h1,2 = 2, 3. We find several flux vacua with hierarchical suppression of the vacuum energy with respect to the gravitino mass. These solutions provide a crucial stepping stone for the construction of explicit de Sitter vacua in string theory. Lastly, we also report the difference in the distribution of W0 between supersymmetric and non-supersymmetric minima.
$$ \mathcal{O} $$(mα2(Zα)6) contribution to Lamb shift from radiative corrections to the Wichmann-Kroll potential
Authors: Krachkov Petr A. , Lee Roman N.
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We derive an analytical expression for the contribution of the order mα2(Zα)6 to the hydrogen Lamb shift which comes from the diagrams for radiative corrections to the Wichmann-Kroll potential. We use modern methods of multiloop calculations, based on IBP reduction, DRA method and differential equations.
Disruption of a licorice cellulose synthase-derived glycosyltransferase gene demonstrates its in planta role in soyasaponin biosynthesis
Authors: Sakanishi Manami , Chung Soo Yeon , Fujiwara Kentaro , Kojoma Mareshige , Muranaka Toshiya , Seki Hikaru
Published: December 2023

Key message

CRISPR–Cas9-mediated disruption of a licorice cellulose synthase-derived glycosyltransferase gene, GuCSyGT, demonstrated the in planta role of GuCSyGT as the enzyme catalyzing 3-O-glucuronosylation of triterpenoid aglycones in soyasaponin biosynthesis.

Triterpenoid glycosides (saponins) are a large, structurally diverse group of specialized metabolites in plants, including the sweet saponin glycyrrhizin produced by licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) and soyasaponins that occur widely in legumes, with various bioactivities. The triterpenoid saponin biosynthetic pathway involves the glycosylation of triterpenoid sapogenins (the non-sugar part of triterpenoid saponins) by glycosyltransferases (GTs), leading to diverse saponin structures. Previously, we identified a cellulose synthase-derived GT (CSyGT), as a newly discovered class of triterpenoid GT from G. uralensis. GuCSyGT expressed in yeast, which could transfer the sugar glucuronic acid to the C3 position of glycyrrhetinic acid and soyasapogenol B, which are the sapogenins of glycyrrhizin and soyasaponin I, respectively. This suggested that GuCSyGT is involved in the biosynthesis of glycyrrhizin and soyasaponin I. However, the in planta role of GuCSyGT in saponin biosynthesis remains unclear. In this study, we generated GuCSyGT-disrupted licorice hairy roots using CRISPR–Cas9-mediated genome editing and analyzed the saponin content. This revealed that soyasaponin I was completely absent in GuCSyGT-disrupted lines, demonstrating the in planta role of GuCSyGT in saponin biosynthesis.
Iodine intake in the Swiss population 100 years after the introduction of iodised salt: a cross-sectional national study in children and pregnant women
Authors: Fischer Lena , Andersson Maria , Braegger Christian , Herter-Aeberli Isabelle ,   Swiss Iodine Study Collaborators
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The Swiss voluntary salt iodisation programme has successfully prevented iodine deficiency for 100 years, but dietary habits are changing and today only one-third of processed foods contain iodised salt. We aimed to monitor the current iodine status in children and pregnant women.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study in children (6–12 years) and pregnant women and measured the urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in spot urine samples. We estimated the iodine intake using UIC and urinary creatinine concentration (UCC) and determined the prevalence of intakes below the average requirement (AR) using the SPADE method. We measured dried blood spot (DBS) thyroglobulin (Tg), TSH and total T4 in pregnant women.

Results

The median UIC was 127 μg/L (bootstrapped 95% CI 119, 140, n = 362) in children and 97 μg/L (bootstrapped 95% CI 90, 106, n = 473) in pregnant women. The estimated prevalence of inadequate iodine intake (< 65 μg/day) was 5.4% (bootstrapped 95% CI 0.0, 14.6) in children. Half (47%) of the women consumed iodine-containing multivitamin and mineral supplements (≥ 150 μg/day). Compared to non-users, users had higher median UIC (129 vs. 81 μg/L, P < 0.001), lower prevalence of inadequacy (< 160 μg/day; 0.2 vs. 31%) and lower DBS-Tg (23 vs. 29 μg/L, P < 0.001). All women were euthyroid.

Conclusions

The Swiss diet and current salt fortification provides adequate iodine intake in children, but not in all pregnant women. Iodine supplements cover the dietary gap in pregnancy but are not universally consumed. Therefore, improved use of iodised salt in processed foods is desired to ensure adequate iodine intake in all population groups.

This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04524013.
APP-based treatment of urgency and mixed urinary incontinence in women: factors associated with long-term satisfaction
Authors: Wadensten Towe , Nyström Emma , Sjöström Malin , Lindam Anna , Samuelsson Eva
Published: December 2023

Purpose

App-based treatment of urgency (UUI) and mixed (MUI) urinary incontinence has proved to be effective. To further improve treatment, it will be beneficial to analyze baseline and treatment-related factors that are associated with satisfaction.

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted of data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing an app for UUI or MUI treatment, encompassing 98 women for whom there was long-term treatment satisfaction data. All participants completed a short-term (15 weeks) and a long-term (15 months) follow-up questionnaire after being given access to treatment. The outcome was a 3-item question on current treatment satisfaction at the long-term follow-up. Factors potentially associated with the outcome were analyzed using the chi-square test, Student’s t test or logistic regression.

Results

At the long-term follow-up, 58% of the women were satisfied with the treatment. The most important baseline variable associated with satisfaction was incontinence-related quality of life (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) − Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life Module) (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.58–0.97). Short-term follow-up variables associated with long-term treatment satisfaction were improvement in the ability to endure urgency (OR 4.33, 95% CI 1.43–13.12), and confidence in pelvic floor contraction ability (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.04–6.82).

Conclusion

App-based treatment for UUI and MUI may be an alternative first-line treatment that is satisfactory to many women over the long-term. Furthermore, short-term treatment that focuses on improving the ability to endure urgency, and confidence in pelvic floor contraction ability, can also be recommended for long-term satisfaction.
Customer profiling, segmentation, and sales prediction using AI in direct marketing
Authors: Kasem Mahmoud SalahEldin , Hamada Mohamed , Taj-Eddin Islam
Published: December 2023

In the current business environment, where the customer is the primary focus, effective communication between marketing and senior management is vital for success. Effective customer profiling is a cornerstone of strategic decision-making for digital start-ups seeking sustainable growth and customer satisfaction. This research investigates the clustering of customers based on recency, frequency, and monetary (RFM) analysis and employs validation metrics to derive optimal clusters. The K-means clustering algorithm, coupled with the Elbow method, Silhouette coefficient, and Gap Statistics method, facilitates the identification of distinct customer segments. The study unveils three primary clusters with unique characteristics: new customers (Cluster A), best customers (Cluster B), and intermittent customers (Cluster C). For platform-based Edutech start-ups, Cluster A underscores the importance of tailored learning content and support, Cluster B emphasizes personalized incentives, and Cluster C suggests re-engagement strategies. By understanding and addressing the diverse needs of these clusters, digital start-ups can forge enduring connections, optimize customer engagement, and fuel sustainable business growth.
Clinical outcomes of zirconia implants: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mohseni Parvin , Soufi Ahmad , Chrcanovic Bruno Ramos
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To assess the clinical outcomes of zirconia dental implants based on an updated systematic literature review.

Methods

An electronic search was performed in three databases, last updated in June 2023, supplemented by hand searching. The eligibility criteria were clinical studies reporting patients rehabilitated with zirconia implants. The cumulative survival rate (CSR) of implants was calculated. A meta-analysis for marginal bone loss (MBL) under different follow-up times and a meta-regression assessing the relationship between mean MBL and follow-up were done.

Results

Twenty-five studies were included (4017 implants, 2083 patients). Seven studies had follow-up longer than 60 months. 172 implants failed, after a mean of 12.0 ± 16.1 months (min–max 0.3–86.0), of which 47 early failures, and 26 due to implant fracture, the majority in narrow-diameter implants. The 10-year CSR was 95.1%. Implants with coronal part prepared by drills presented statistically significant lower survival than non-prepared implants (p < 0.001). Two-piece implants presented lower survival than one-piece implants (p = 0.017). Implants discontinued from the market presented lower survival than the commercially available ones (p < 0.001). The difference in survival was not significant between implants in maxilla and mandible (p = 0.637). The mean MBL fluctuated between 0.632 and 2.060 mm over long periods of observation (up until 132 months). There was an estimated MBL increase of 0.005 mm per additional month of follow-up.

Conclusion

Zirconia implants present high 10-year CSR and short-term low MBL.

The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022342055).

Clinical relevance

The clinical outcomes observed for zirconia dental implants are very promising, although these have not yet been extensively studied as titanium alloy implants.
Node and edge dual-masked self-supervised graph representation
Authors: Tang Peng , Xie Cheng , Duan Haoran
Published: December 2023

Self-supervised graph representation learning has been widely used in many intelligent applications since labeled information can hardly be found in these data environments. Currently, masking and reconstruction-based (MR-based) methods lead the state-of-the-art records in the self-supervised graph representation field. However, existing MR-based methods did not fully consider both the deep-level node and structure information which might decrease the final performance of the graph representation. To this end, this paper proposes a node and edge dual-masked self-supervised graph representation model to consider both node and structure information. First, a dual masking model is proposed to perform node masking and edge masking on the original graph at the same time to generate two masking graphs. Second, a graph encoder is designed to encode the two generated masking graphs. Then, two reconstruction decoders are designed to reconstruct the nodes and edges according to the masking graphs. At last, the reconstructed nodes and edges are compared with the original nodes and edges to calculate the loss values without using the labeled information. The proposed method is validated on a total of 14 datasets for graph node classification tasks and graph classification tasks. The experimental results show that the method is effective in self-supervised graph representation. The code is available at: https://github.com/TangPeng0627/Node-and-Edge-Dual-Mask.
Association of abnormalities in electrocardiography and ultrasonic echocardiography with the occurrence of cardiovascular disease in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease
Authors: Hirabayashi Ken , Fujii Hideki , Kono Keiji , Yamatani Satoshi , Shimizu Mao , Watanabe Kentaro , Sakamoto Kazuo , Goto Shunsuke , Nishi Shinichi
Published: December 2023

Background

In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases with disease progression. CVD screening tests in those with CKD were researched to determine whether abnormalities observed in electrocardiography (ECG) and ultrasonic echocardiography (UCG) were risk factors associated with the development of CVD.

Methods

This study included 604 patients with CKD G4 and G5, for whom both ECG and UCG were performed. They were divided into four groups: those without ECG- and UCG-indicated abnormalities (group A, n = 333), with only ECG abnormalities (group B, n = 106), with only UCG abnormalities (group C, n = 75), and with both ECG and UCG abnormalities (group D, n = 90). Multivariate analysis using Cox regression analysis of the occurrence of CVD was performed during a follow-up period.

Results

During the observation period, 124 patients had clinical events. Among them, 45 patients (13.5%) were in Group A, 25 patients (23.6%) in Group B, 19 patients (25.3%) in Group C, and 35 patients (38.9%) in Group D, respectively. CVD event occurrence was highest in Group D. The results of the multivariate analysis also showed that the CVD event rates were significantly higher in Group C (HR: 2.96, P = < .001) and D (HR: 4.22, P < .001) than in Group A.

Conclusion

In patients with advanced CKD, there was a significant correlation of ECG and UCG abnormalities with CVD events. Additionally, those having both types of abnormalities may have a higher risk of coronary artery disease than other groups.
Changes in cardiovascular risk factors for diabetes among young versus older English adult populations
Authors: Basit Khalid Abdul , Ng Fat Linda , Gregg Edward W.
Published: December 2023

Background

To examine the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among young, middle-aged and older adults with and without diabetes.

Method

Among 23,501 participants of pooled nationally representative Health Survey for England years 2003, 2006, 2011 and 2017 (new sample was interviewed each year), CVD risk-factors associated with diabetes versus non-diabetes among young (18-54y), middle (55-74y) and older (≥ 75y) adults were assessed. Models were adjusted for age, sex, locality, ethnicity, qualification, survey year, cardiovascular disease, raised blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, combined obesity, current smoking, and excessive drinking.

Results

11.9% of adults had diabetes: prevalence was 5.3% in aged 18-54y, 18.1% in aged 55-74y, and 29.1% in older adults. Diabetes prevalence was higher in 2017 than 2003 in each age-group. After adjustments for confounding variables, significant predictors of diabetes among young were CVD history, raised BP, dyslipidaemia, combined obesity, and survey year 2006. Effect of dyslipidaemia in young adults on the risk of diabetes was stronger in more recent years 2006 (Odds Ratio =3.87), 2011 (3.04) and 2017 (3.42) as compared with 2003. Among middle age, CVD history, raised BP, dyslipidaemia, combined obesity and survey years 2006 and 2011 were significant predictors of diabetes whereas in older populations only dyslipidaemia, combined obesity and survey year 2011 showed strong association with risk of diabetes. Irrespective of age, smoking and excessive drinking were not significantly associated with diabetes.

Conclusion

Young adults with diabetes have higher odds of having cardiovascular risk factors, with dyslipidaemia being the strongest risk factor. Early and specific intervention among young adults would delay CVD outcomes.
Dietary alpha-lipoic acid boosts growth, immune-antioxidant traits, behavior, and transcriptomes of antioxidant, apoptosis, and immune-related genes to combat cold stress in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Behairy Amany , Ghetas Hanan A. , Abd-Allah Noura A. , El-Houseiny Walaa , Arisha Ahmed H. , Metwally Mohamed M. M. , Elshafey Basma A. , Al-Sagheer Adham A. , Mohamed Engy M. M.
Published: December 2023

Water temperature is a major environmental factor affecting fish activity, physiology, behavior, and growth. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) has garnered much attention lately as an aqua feed supplement because of its antioxidant effects. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of dietary ALA on performance, hematological and immunological indices, behavior and oxidative stress, apoptosis, and genetic inflammation in Oreochromis niloticus following 60 days of cold stress. Two hundred forty fish were divided into four groups (15 fish/replicate, N = 60 fish/group). The control (CNT) and ALA groups were reared at 25 °C and fed a basal diet without any supplementation or a basal diet containing 600 mg ALA/kg diet, respectively. The cold water-stressed group (CWS) and ALA + CWS groups were reared at 18 °C and fed basal and basal diets containing ALA, respectively. The results revealed that dietary ALA supplementation significantly improved feed utilization and growth in fish. ALA also mitigated CWS-induced microcytic hypochromic anemia and hyperlipidemia. Moreover, ALA supplementation considerably enhanced the antioxidant status and boosted intestinal α amylase, lipase, protease, and serum acetylcholinesterase activity of CWS-exposed fish. Besides, ALA supplementation significantly reversed CWS-induced upregulation of proinflammatory genes, pro-apoptotic genes, heat shock protein, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen or downregulation of superoxide dismutase and catalase gene expressions in liver and spleen tissues. Furthermore, ALA supplementation reduced CWS-induced histopathological alterations in fish liver, spleen, and intestine. We can conclude that ALA (600 mg/kg diet) could be recommended as an aqua feed supplement to boost growth, antioxidant capacity, and immunity and attenuate inflammatory and apoptotic reactions of fish reared under CWS-induced.
Left ventricular fibrosis in arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse: quantification and comparison of semi-automated techniques assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance
Authors: Cecere Annagrazia , Cipriani Alberto , De Lazzari Manuel , Graziano Francesca , Brunetti Giulia , De Conti Giorgio , Motta Raffaella , Ravagnin Alberto , Lorenzoni Giulia , Gregori Dario , Basso Cristina , Tona Francesco , Lee Yoo Jin , Delling Francesca Nesta , Iliceto Sabino , Marra Martina Perazzolo
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Left ventricular (LV) fibrosis has a key role in arrhythmogenesis in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Cardiac magnetic resonance identifies LV fibrosis by using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) technique. LGE assessment and quantification in patients with MVP lacks of standardization protocols.

Methods

66 MVP patients with normal systolic function and without significant regurgitation were enrolled. Semi-automated gray-scale thresholding techniques using full width at half maximum (FWHM) and 2, 3 and 5 standard deviation (SD) above the remote myocardium were used and compared with the visual assessment, considered as the gold standard.

Results

LGE was identified in 41 MVP patients (62%) and quantified. The mean quantity of LGE visually assessed was 2.40 ± 1.07% or 1.40 ± 0.82 g. With FWHM, LGE resulted 3.56 ± 1.23% or 1.99 ± 1.13 g. Using thresholding, the mean LGE quantity was 9.2 ± 3.1% or 4.82 ± 2.28 g for 2-SD, 5.72 ± 1.75% or 3.06 ± 1.47 g for 3-SD and 2.36 ± 0.99% or 1.29 ± 0.79 g for 5-SD. The 5-SD measurement in percentage demonstrated a good correlation with LGE quantification visually assessed (2.40 ± 1.07 vs. 2.363 ± 0.9909, p = 0.543). When compared with the gold standard, the 5-SD threshold quantification, both in percentage and in grams, revealed the least intra-observer (respectively, ICC: 0.976 and 0.966) and inter-observer variability (respectively ICC: 0.948 and 0.935).

Conclusion

The 5-SD gray-scale threshold technique in percentage revealed the best correlation with the visual assessment and an optimal reproducibility in MVP patient.
Kola’s Kingdom: The Territory of Abasa (Western Somaliland) during the Medieval Period
Authors: de Torres Rodríguez Jorge
Published: December 2023

During the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries, the territory of western Somaliland was integrated into a series of Muslim states which controlled large areas of the southeastern Horn of Africa. One of the ways this control manifested itself was in the emergence of a network of permanent settlements on the westernmost side of Somaliland and the neighboring Ethiopian region. Although 20 of these sites have been identified so far, our information about most of them is fragmentary at best. This paper presents a comprehensive study of the material, architectural and territorial context of three of these medieval sites: Abasa (Darbiyah Kola), Hasadinle, and Iskudarka. This paper analyzes the information they provide us for understanding some of the key themes of the history of the region, such as the strategies of state control, the process of Islamization, the relationships between nomads and urban dwellers, and the material expressions of hierarchization and social inequality.
One-Dimensional Subspaces of the $$SL(n,\mathbb {R})$$ Chiral Equations
Authors: Sarmiento-Alvarado I. A. , Wiederhold Petra , Matos Tonatiuh
Published: December 2023

In this work we find solutions of the ($$n+2$$

n
+
2

)-dimensional Einstein Field Equations (EFE) with n commuting Killing vectors in vacuum. In the presence of n Killing vectors, the EFE can be separated into blocks of equations. The main part can be summarized in the chiral equation $$\ (\alpha g_{, \bar{z}} g^{-1})_{, z} + \ (\alpha g_{, z} g^{-1})_{, \bar{z}} = 0$$

(
α

g

,

z

¯

g

-
1

)

,
z

+

(
α

g

,
z

g

-
1

)

,

z

¯

=
0

with $$ g\in SL(n,\mathbb {R})$$

g
∈
S
L
(
n
,
R
)

. The other block reduces to the differential equation $$\, (\ln f \alpha ^{1-1/n})_{, z} = 1/2 \, \alpha \,{\textrm{tr}}( g_{, z} g^{-1})^2$$

(
ln
f

α

1
-
1
/
n

)

,
z

=
1
/
2

α

tr

(

g

,
z

g

-
1

)

2

and its complex conjugate. We use the ansatz $$g = g(\xi ) $$

g
=
g
(
ξ
)

, where $$\xi $$
ξ
satisfies a generalized Laplace equation, so the chiral equation reduces to a matrix equation that can be solved using algebraic methods, turning the problem of obtaining exact solutions for these complicated differential equations into an algebraic problem. The different EFE solutions can be chosen with desired physical properties in a simple way.
Electrochemical perspective on the applicability of electroosmosis for clay consolidation
Authors: Sugiyama Yuri , Hashimoto Nagate , Couture Cyrille , Takano Daiki
Published: December 2023

There are three main electrochemical factors affecting the electroosmotic flow in clay soil: the voltage loss at the clay/electrode interface, the type of current carriers in the soil, and the ion composition change in the clay due to voltage application. Appropriate evaluation of these factors is important to cost effectively implement electroosmosis for in situ soil consolidation projects. In this study, three different experimental systems were developed and used to investigate electrochemical reactions occurring in reconstituted and natural marine clay during electroosmotic consolidation. The results of polarization tests show that the voltage loss at the clay/electrode interface is different depending on the combination of the clay material and electrode material. The results of electroosmotic element test also show that electroosmotic dehydration does not increase if large current–voltage value is applied and that an optimal current–voltage value for causing electroosmosis depends on the cohesive soil composition. If the clay contains a lot of oxidizable ions, such as sodium, these ions affect electrophoresis and chemical reactions that occur in the soil. Therefore, the optimal configuration to apply electric current also differs depending on the clay. The results of laboratory-scale electroosmotic dehydration tests, arranged in a realistic in situ layout, are performed to study the relationship between soil dehydration, consolidation, and surface crack generation.

Graphical abstract
Navigating the Transition to Adulthood: Insights from Caregivers of Autistic Individuals
Authors: Wolpe Samara M. , Johnson Amanda R. , Kim Sunny
Published: December 2023

With many teens having to transition from a mainly educational system of support to a set of health and social service systems (Shattuck et al. in Autism Res Treat https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/924182, 2017), there is a critical need to advance research and support services in the area of autism and transition to aid autistic* individuals and their families. This study aims to learn more about the experiences of caregivers of autistic young adults, their experiences navigating the transition process post-graduation, and what realistic steps could be undertaken by high schools, vocational schools, colleges, Regional Centers, and places of employment to ease this transition. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers of autistic young adults over the age of 18 focused on their experiences helping their children navigate the transition to adulthood. Using an iterative and inductive coding approach, three overarching themes were uncovered with twelve subthemes. The three major themes recurring in caregiver interviews were their experiences with navigating service receipt, exploring the landscape of opportunities available for their children, and the parent experiences specific to their role in their child’s transition into adulthood. Findings from this study provide a chance for stakeholders to learn from the lived experiences of caregivers navigating the frustration and confusion pertaining to transition for their autistic adult child due to the highly prohibitive access to service receipt, experiencing significant financial burdens, finding a niche for their children that fits their needs, desires, and talents, and managing their well-being.
Root and rhizosphere contribution to the net soil COS exchange
Authors: Kitz Florian , Wachter Herbert , Spielmann Felix , Hammerle Albin , Wohlfahrt Georg
Published: December 2023

Background and aims

Partitioning the measured net ecosystem carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange into gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration remains a challenge, which scientists try to tackle by using the properties of the trace gas carbonyl sulfide (COS). Its similar pathway into and within the leaf makes it a potential photosynthesis proxy. The application of COS as an effective proxy depends, among other things, on a robust inventory of potential COS sinks and sources within ecosystems. While the soil received some attention during the last couple of years, the role of plant roots is mostly unknown. In our study, we investigated the effects of live roots on the soil COS exchange.

Methods

An experimental setup was devised to measure the soil and the belowground plant parts of young beech trees observed over the course of 9 months.

Results

During the growing season, COS emissions were significantly lower when roots were present compared to chambers only containing soil, while prior to the growing season, with photosynthetically inactive trees, the presence of roots increased COS emissions. The difference in the COS flux between root-influenced and uninfluenced soil was fairly constant within each month, with diurnal variations in the COS flux driven primarily by soil temperature changes rather than the presence or absence of roots.

Conclusion

While the mechanisms by which roots influence the COS exchange are largely unknown, their contribution to the overall ground surface COS exchange should not be neglected when quantifying the soil COS exchange.
Advancing medical data classification through federated learning and blockchain incentive mechanism: implications for modern software systems and applications
Authors: Yu Haifeng , Cai Lei , Min Hong , Su Xin
Published: December 2023

The key issue of medical data is patient information sensitivity and dataset finiteness, which need to guarantee high-efficient training. Besides, the current convolutional neural network has a low image classification and poor robustness concerning antagonistic samples. A lack of scalability in healthcare federated learning and incentive mechanism hinders the attraction of ample high-quality datasets. This paper proposes a Federated Learning Incentive Mechanism for Medical Data Classification (FedIn-MC). It realizes a collaborative model training of multi-party medical institutions through the combination of federated learning and blockchain. There is a marked improvement to the model’s robustness through a combination of the distance loss function and the prototype loss regulation. In addition, this incentive mechanism of blockchain in the project is applied to calculate client contribution values and encourage healthcare institutions to active training model participation. Simulation results verify an accomplishment of a multi-party training. With regard to image classifications, this framework also has a higher classification accuracy and stronger robustness concerning invisible class samples.
Heterogeneous photosensitization for water reuse in cellars: evaluation of silica, spongin, and chitosan as carrier material
Authors: Santos Andreia D. , Pinho Eduardo , Reis Patrícia , Martins Rui C. , Gmurek Marta , Nogueira Anabela , Castro-Silva Sérgio , Castro Luís M. , Quinta-Ferreira Rosa M.
Published: December 2023

Photosensitization, a powerful oxidation reaction, offers significant potential for wastewater treatment in the context of industrial process water reuse. This environmentally friendly process can be crucial in reducing water consumption and industrial pollution. The ultimate goal is to complete process water reuse, creating a closed-loop system that preserves the inherent value of water resources. The photosensitized oxidation reaction hinges on three essential components: the photosensitizer, visible light, and oxygen. In this study, we assess the performance of three distinct materials—silica, chitosan, and spongin—as carrier materials for incorporating the phthalocyanine photosensitizer (ZnPcS4) in the heterogenous photosensitization process. Among the three materials under study, chitosan emerged as the standout performer in reactor hydrodynamic performance. In the photooxidation process, the photosensitizer ZnPcS4 exhibited notable efficacy, resulting in a significant reduction of approximately 20 to 30% in the remaining COD concentration of the cellar wastewater. Chitosan demonstrated exceptional hydrodynamic characteristics and displayed a favorable response to pH adjustments within the range of 8 to 10, outperforming the other two carrier materials. To further enhance the efficiency of continuous operation, exploring methods for mitigating photosensitizer bleaching within the reaction medium and investigating the impact of different pH values on the process optimization would be prudent.
The CEPH aging cohort and biobank: a valuable collection of biological samples from exceptionally long-lived French individuals and their offspring for longevity studies
Authors: How-Kit Alexandre , Sahbatou Mourad , Hardy Lise M. , Tessier Nicolas P. , Schiavon Valérie , Le Buanec Hélène , Sebaoun Jean-Marc , Blanché Hélène , Zagury Jean-François , Deleuze Jean-François
Published: December 2023

The increasing aging of the human population is currently and for the coming decades a major public health issue in many countries, requiring the implementation of global public health policies promoting healthy and successful aging. Individuals are not equal in the face of aging and some can present exceptional healthspan and/or lifespan, which are notably influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Research and studies on human aging, healthy aging and longevity should rely in particular on cohorts of long-lived individuals, also including biological samples allowing studies on the biology of aging and longevity. In this manuscript, we provide for the first time a complete description of the CEPH (Centre d’Etude du Polymophisme Humain) Aging cohort, an exceptional cohort recruited during the 90s to 2000s, including more than 1700 French long-lived individuals (≥ 90 years old) born between 1875 and 1916 as well as for some of them their siblings and offspring. Among the participants, 1265 were centenarians, including 255 semi-supercentenarians ([105–110] years old) and 25 supercentenarians (≥ 110 years old). The available anthropometric, epidemiologic and clinical data for the cohort participants are described and especially the collection of blood-derived biological samples associated with the cohort which includes DNA, cryopreserved cells and cell lines, plasma, and serum. This biological collection from the first cohort of centenarians in the world is an inestimable resource for ongoing and future molecular, cellular, and functional studies aimed at deciphering the mechanisms of human (successful) aging and longevity.
Effects of auricular point sticking on labor pain and anxiety
Authors: Zhu Ying , Hu Qitao , Wang Jie , Li Ying , Zhang Jie , Chang Cheng , Li Qian
Published: December 2023

Objective

To observe the effects of auricular point sticking on pain and anxiety during the latent period of the first stage of labor in primiparas.

Methods

Primiparas meeting eligibility criteria were recruited. The participants were randomized into an auricular point group, a placebo group, and a control group. The control group received daily care. The auricular point group received 120 min of auricular point sticking therapy. The placebo group received the same auricular plasters as the auricular point group but without pressing. Participants’ pain, anxiety, and uterine contractions were measured at enrollment and 30, 60, and 120 min of interventions.

Results

Data from 78 participants were analyzed in this study. After uterine contraction was adjusted as a covariate, there was no significant difference among groups in the baseline anxiety, baseline pain, and anxiety at 30-min intervention (P>0.05), and no significant difference between the placebo group and the control group in each indicator at each time point (P>0.05). The anxiety scores of the auricular point group at 60 min and 120 min were lower than those of the placebo group and the control group (P<0.05). The pain in the auricular point group was less than that in the placebo group and the control group at 30, 60, and 120 min of interventions (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Auricular point sticking therapy can relieve anxiety and pain in women during the latent period of labor. Moreover, the effect is fast-acting. It can be used as a safe and effective complementary therapy.
Clinical study of Tuina combined with functional training to improve the clinical symptoms and balance function in patients with meniscus injury
Authors: Su Xiaojie , Xing Hua , Zhu Xiaojun , Wang Siyu , Zhang Guangyuan , Li Jianhua , Gong Li
Published: December 2023

Objective

To observe the effect of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) combined with functional training in improving clinical symptoms and balance function in patients with meniscus injury.

Methods

A total of 93 patients with grade I-II meniscus injury were randomly divided into a functional training group, a Tuina group, and a combination group, with 31 cases in each group. The Tuina group received Tuina manipulation. The functional training group underwent functional training under the supervision of physicians. The combination group received Tuina manipulation in addition to the functional training. The treatment course of all three groups was 8 weeks. The clinical symptoms were observed before the intervention and after 4 and 8 weeks of interventions, and the changes in knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and Y-balance test (YBT) were compared.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in the total response rate among the three groups after treatment (P>0.05). The total and subscale KOOS in the three groups were significantly higher than those before treatment after 4 and 8 weeks of interventions (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the total KOOS between the combination group and the functional training group after 4 and 8 weeks of interventions (P<0.05); there was a statistically significant difference in the score of daily living ability and sports and recreation function between the two groups after 8 weeks of interventions (P<0.05). The YBT balance coefficients of the affected and non-affected knees of the three groups were significantly improved after 4 and 8 weeks of interventions (P<0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference among the groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Tuina, functional training, and their combination can improve clinical symptoms and balance function in patients with grade I-II meniscus injury. Tuina combined with functional training is significantly effective in improving daily living ability and sports and recreation function.
Serum soluble LYVE1 is a promising non-invasive biomarker of renal fibrosis: a population-based retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Jing , Liu Yuqing , Zhou Wenqian , Liu Yiguo , Zhu Saiya , Yu Ying , Huang Jieli , Yu Chen
Published: December 2023

Diagnosis of renal fibrosis can only be verified by kidney biopsy, but biomarkers for non-invasive evaluation remain unsatisfactory. Patients with fibrosis often have abnormalities of the lymphatic vascular system and associated immune function. We describe here a lymphatic marker as a candidate biomarker for fibrosis. After assessing and grading the fibrosis scores, testing serum soluble lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor1 (sLYVE1) level, and collecting clinical information, the association between sLYVE1 and renal fibrosis was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen variables. Diagnosis models with or without sLYVE1 were built, and nomograms were plotted. Calibration curve, C-index, and DCA were performed to assess the models. A total of 298 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 199 were included in the training cohort and 99 patients in the validation cohort. Serum sLYVE1 levels markedly elevated with increasing fibrosis grade (p<0.05). ROC analysis of sLYVE1 showed an AUC of 0.791 and 0.846 with optimal cut-off value of 405.25 ng/mL and 498.55 ng/mL for the prediction of moderate-to-severe renal fibrosis (MSF) and severe renal fibrosis (SF), respectively. The diagnostic nomogram model without sLYVE1 (model 1) included traditional clinical determinants (C-index: 0.658 for MSF; 0.603 for SF). A combination of model 1 and sLYVE1 (model 2) improved predictive performance (C-index: 0.847 for MSF; 0.856 for SF). Calibration curve and DCA demonstrated a better consistency accuracy and clinical benefit of model 2 than model 1. Serum sLYVE1 may be identified as a potential biomarker of renal fibrosis. Models incorporating sLYVE1 may be beneficial for a more accurate non-invasive diagnosis of renal fibrosis.
Accurate prediction of biliary atresia with an integrated model using MMP-7 levels and bile acids
Authors: Han Yi-Jiang , Hu Shu-Qi , Zhu Jin-Hang , Cai Xiao , Lai Deng-Ming , Chen Bao-Hai , Zhu Kun , Tong Qiao , Zhou Xin-Rui , Deng Jia-Le , Tou Jin-Fa , Fang Zhuo , Du Li-Zhong
Published: December 2023

Background

Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare fatal liver disease in children, and the aim of this study was to develop a method to diagnose BA early.

Methods

We determined serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), the results of 13 liver tests, and the levels of 20 bile acids, and integrated computational models were constructed to diagnose BA.

Results

Our findings demonstrated that MMP-7 expression levels, as well as the results of four liver tests and levels of ten bile acids, were significantly different between 86 BA and 59 non-BA patients (P < 0.05). The computational prediction model revealed that MMP-7 levels alone had a higher predictive accuracy [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.966, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.942, 0.989] than liver test results and bile acid levels. The AUC was 0.890 (95% CI 0.837, 0.943) for liver test results and 0.825 (95% CI 0.758, 0.892) for bile acid levels. Furthermore, bile levels had a higher contribution to enhancing the predictive accuracy of MMP-7 levels (AUC = 0.976, 95% CI 0.953, 1.000) than liver test results. The AUC was 0.983 (95% CI 0.962, 1.000) for MMP-7 levels combined with liver test results and bile acid levels. In addition, we found that MMP-7 levels were highly correlated with gamma-glutamyl transferase levels and the liver fibrosis score.

Conclusion

The innovative integrated models based on a large number of indicators provide a noninvasive and cost-effective approach for accurately diagnosing BA in children.
Learning Outcomes of “GetSMART,” Education for Diagnostics and Targeted Treatment for HER2+ Metastatic Gastric and Colorectal Cancers
Authors: Augustyniak Monica , Lou Emil , Jacobs Ginny , Fleming Matthew , Marshall John , Coutinho Anelisa , Yoshino Takayuki
Published: December 2023

The treatment landscape for patients affected by gastric and colorectal cancer (G&CRC) has significantly broadened over the past decade. Molecular diagnostic methods have improved with a precision oncology-driven approach to the development of treatment options tailored to specific molecular targets, including the human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2). While scientific evidence on the role of HER2 in G&CRC has improved, there has been a lag in general understanding and applications of testing for HER2+ G&CRC and resulting targeting treatment in the wider oncology community. To better understand and address the root causes of this gap, a needs assessment deployed among 85 oncology care providers was conducted and informed the development of an accredited online educational program entitled “GetSMART.” The program consisted of four modules developed and narrated by experts in gastrointestinal oncology. The educational content and assessment metrics were guided by a confidence-based assessment (CBA) model and the Moore, Green, and Gallis outcomes framework. Assessment methods consisted of quantitative pre- and post-activity tests, an evaluation embedded within the education (n = 163), and semi-structured interviews (n = 5) post-activity completion. Findings indicated that “GetSMART” enhanced participants’ knowledge, confidence, and intent to change practice in relation to their (1) identification of HER2 aberrations, (2) selection of appropriate treatments for HER2+ G&CRC, and (3) ability to engage patients in shared decision-making and management of adverse events. “GetSMART” can therefore be a valuable educational resource for oncology HCPs caring for patients affected by HER2+ metastatic G&CRC, offering strategies to ensure an optimal team and patient-centered approach to the care being delivered.
Does a Person Have a Right to Attention? Depends on What She is Doing
Authors: Kärki Kaisa , Kurki Visa
Published: December 2023

It has been debated whether the so-called attention economy, in which the attention of agents is measured and sold, jeopardizes something of value. One strand of this discussion has focused on so-called attention rights, asking: should attention be legally protected, either by introducing novel rights or by extending the scope of pre-existing rights? In this paper, however, in order to further this discussion, we ask: How is attention already protected legally? In what situations does a person have the right to attention under current law?

Unlike (Chomanski, Neuroethics 16:1–11, 2023), who discusses an overall right to attention, or (Puri, Rutgers Law Record 48:206–221, 2021), who discusses an overall right to attentional privacy, in this paper we focus on two types of situations in which a person’s attention is already protected by legal regulation. Sustained attention-requiring tasks can be jeopardized by distractions whereas attentiveness to certain kind of stimuli can be jeopardized by immersive stimuli. That is why distractions are regulated in situations where an agent has what we call a concentration right and immersive stimuli are regulated in situations where an agent has what we call a duty to be attentive. The further analysis of these situations provides an understanding of the legal means by which attention is already regulated, which can be helpful when thinking about how it should be regulated in the future.
Response surface methodology: Optimization of myco-synthesized gold and silver nanoparticles by Trichoderma saturnisporum
Authors: Abu-Elghait Mohammed , Soliman Mohamed K. Y. , Azab Mohamed Salah , Salem Salem S.
Published: December 2023

In the current study, the optimal reaction condition for fabrication of Au and Ag nanoparticles by using Trichoderma saturnisporum was developed. Optimization of fermentation conditions for extracellular AuNPs and AgNPs synthesis using response surface methodology was achieved. To accomplish the ideal reaction state, the green synthesis reaction’s effective parameters and central composite face design were used. Precursor concentrations, pH, and temperature were found to be the most effective parameters for the fabrication of Au and Ag nanomaterials. The model’s realization used a respectable foot. Normal probability plots; interaction plots, including effect plots; variance analysis (ANOVA), surface plots; contour plots; and Pareto charts were used to optimize the components. Significance threshold (5%) was used to influence all of the factors. The production process was also influenced by some of the potential connections between these factors. The recommended regression model fits the experimental data extremely well. The findings of this study looked at how much more bio-fabrication was possible with optimal fermentation conditions for the producer of AuNPs and AgNPs compared with traditional optimization techniques.
A Latent Class Analysis of Adverse Life Events for Kenyan Adolescents
Authors: Ferrajão Paulo Correia , Tourais Bárbara , Faria Inês , Dias Joana , Elklit Ask
Published: December 2023

Extant evidence indicates that exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACE) tend to cluster among children and adolescents. Considering that adolescents from African countries present higher risk of being exposed to multiple ACE compared to other countries, the identification of victimization profiles in this population is clearly warranted. The aim of this study was to determine meaningful clusters of individuals with similar experiences of ACE in a sample of Kenyan adolescents. Latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted to identify latent classes of exposure to ACE. In addition, the relationships between the latent classes and gender, parental education, living arrangements and diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were estimated. A three-class solution was found to be the best description of ACE, and the classes were labelled ‘‘Low Risk’’, ‘‘Intermediate Risk’’, and ‘‘High Risk’’. Compared with the Low-Risk class, the High-Risk class was found to be significantly more likely to have a diagnosis of PTSD and being a female may be an antecedent risk factor for high exposure to ACE. The Intermediate Risk class was significantly less likely to have parents with high school or college education. This paper indicates that Kenyan adolescents present higher risk of being exposed to multiple ACE and that trauma research may turn its focus on the individual as the unit of analysis rather than traumatic events.