bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A low‐rank method for parameter‐dependent fluid‐structure interaction discretizations with hyperelasticity
Authors: Benner Peter , Richter Thomas , Weinhandl Roman
Published: August 2024

Fluid‐structure interaction models are used to study how a material interacts with different fluids at different Reynolds numbers. Examining the same model not only for different fluids but also for different solids allows to optimize the choice of materials for construction even better. A possible answer to this demand is parameter‐dependent discretization. Furthermore, low‐rank techniques can reduce the complexity needed to compute approximations to parameter‐dependent fluid‐structure interaction discretizations. Low‐rank methods have been applied to parameter‐dependent linear fluid‐structure interaction discretizations. The linearity of the operators involved allows to translate the resulting equations to a single matrix equation. The solution is approximated by a low‐rank method. In this paper, we propose a new method that extends this framework to nonlinear parameter‐dependent fluid‐structure interaction problems by means of the Newton iteration. The parameter set is split into disjoint subsets. On each subset, the Newton approximation of the problem related to the median parameter is computed and serves as initial guess for one Newton step on the whole subset. This Newton step yields a matrix equation whose solution can be approximated by a low‐rank method. The resulting method requires a smaller number of Newton steps if compared with a direct approach that applies the Newton iteration to the separate problems consecutively. In the experiments considered, the proposed method allows to compute a low‐rank approximation up to twenty times faster than by the direct approach.
Significance of Cattaneo–Christov heat flux theory and convective heat transport on Maxwell nanofluid flow
Authors: Kamran Muhammad Shoaib , Irfan Muhammad , Mansoor Muavia , Muhammad Taseer , Ul‐Hassan Qazi Mahmood
Published: August 2024

Recently, nanofluids, which are solutions of fluids mixed with suspended nano‐particles, for instance, carbon nanotubes, metals, and metal oxides, have become a favorable alternative to conventional coolants. Caused by their outstanding thermal performance of conductivity, nanofluids are extensively used in battery‐operated drums, thermoelectric producers, and solar power. The suspension of minor solid components in energy dispersion fluids boosts their thermal enactment of conductivity and gives an economical and resourceful method to increase their transfer properties of heat significantly. Furthermore, additions of nanofluids to numerous engineering and mechanical matters, for instance, electrical kit conserving, heat exchangers, and chemical progressions, are uses of nanofluid. Here, the purpose of this work is to elaborate on the flow of Maxwell nanofluid by considering chemical reactions and heat sink/source. The mathematical structure is established with the presence of Brownian movement and thermophoresis effects. The remarkable aspects of non‐Fourier heat flux are also considered with the transport phenomenon of convective conditions. The similarity alterations change the partial differential equations (PDEs) into ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The obtained expressions of ODEs are solved numerically via the bvp4c approach. The graphical sketches display the declining behavior of Maxwell factor for velocity; however, the same impacts are examined for Brownian and thermophoresis factors. Furthermore, Schmidt and chemical reaction factors decline the concentration field of Maxwell nanofluid.
Shifted Legendre Gauss‐Lobatto collocation scheme for solving nonlinear coupled space‐time fractional reaction‐advection diffusion equations
Authors: Anjuman  , Chopra Manish , Das Subir , Altenbach Holm
Published: August 2024

This work aims to develop and apply an algorithm for solving space‐time fractional reaction‐advection diffusion (STFRAD) nonlinear coupled equations with specified initial and boundary conditions by employing a Shifted Legendre Gauss‐Lobatto collocation (SLGLC) scheme. The fractional derivatives of time and space are defined in Caputo sense. The approximate solutions have been constructed with the help of shifted Legendre polynomials. The proposed numerical scheme reduces the coupled fractional order differential equations into a system of algebraic equations which can then be easily solved. The error analysis through the two test problems is carried out to validate the efficiency and efficacy of the method. The effect of advection and reaction terms, and various space‐time fractional order derivatives on the solution profiles have been studied and are shown graphically for different particular cases. It has been observed that the species whose transport is simulated using STFRADE shows higher concentration at a specific distance in porous media in case of integer order differential equations as compared to fractional order equations demonstrating overestimation of its impact in case of integer order differential equation. This is extremely important observation with respect to applications in the field of groundwater pollution management. The salient feature of the article is the stability and convergence analyses of the proposed scheme on the concerned model, which demonstrates the effectiveness and capabilities of the developed method.
Undocumented Migration
Authors: Englund Lena
Published: August 2024

The advocacy dimension of many of the texts examined in this book relates to the lives of people who struggle to obtain proper documentation and access to citizenship. This is the focus of this chapter which centres on two memoirs by writers who are so-called Dreamers and arrived as undocumented children in the United States: Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen (2018) by Jose Antonio Vargas and The Undocumented Americans (2021) by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio. The two memoirs hope to bring attention to those undocumented and their insurmountable difficulties in gaining permanent residence and/or citizenship. Vargas offers his personal story as part of the work he does for greater awareness about migrants and their lives, and Cornejo Villavicencio, in addition to her autobiographical account, interviews day labourers who work without papers and access for example to health care. Both memoirs also work to highlight the impossible choices those undocumented may be left with, and to call for responsibility for the lives of people who live on the margins of society. Responsibility is placed on American authorities, legislation, and on attitudes towards migrants.
Representation, Aspirations, Advocacy
Authors: Englund Lena
Published: August 2024

The final chapter summarizes findings and offers a discussion of the main topics addressed and questions raised throughout this book. Representation, aspirations, and advocacy emerge as central themes in the material examined, and they are arguably also at the heart of many debates on migration concerning borders, citizenship, the asylum system, and many more contested issues. The balancing between personal and societal stories and narratives of migration is central to much of the primary material analysed, and several texts hope to make a difference and to transform how migrants are talked about. The contemporary migration story leaves the reader with responsibility to tie up any loose ends, to make the moral judgment themselves. The author presents the facts, or the fiction, and the reader connects the dots. This makes contemporary migration writing interactive, demanding participation from readers and encouraging reading practices that go beyond feelings of empathy or outrage.
Searching for exclusive leptoquarks with the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio composite model at the LHC and HL-LHC
Authors: Ajmal S. , Gaglione J. T. , Gurrola A. , Panella O. , Presilla M. , Romeo F. , Sun H. , Xue S.-S.
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We present a detailed study concerning a new physics scenario involving four fermion operators of the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio type characterized by a strong-coupling ultraviolet fixed point where composite particles are formed as bound states of elementary fermions at the scale $$ \Lambda =\mathcal{O}\left(\textrm{TeV}\right) $$
Λ
=
O

TeV

. After implementing the model in the Universal FeynRules Output format, we focus on the phenomenology of the scalar leptoquarks at the LHC and the High-Luminosity option. Leptoquark particles have undergone extensive scrutiny in the literature and experimental searches, primarily relying on pair production and, more recently, incorporating single, Drell-Yan t-channel, and lepton-induced processes. This study marks, for the first time, the examination of these production modes at varying jet multiplicities. Novel mechanisms emerge, enhancing the total production cross section. A global strategy is devised to capture all final state particles produced in association with leptoquarks or originating from their decay, which we termed “exclusive”, in an analogy to the nomenclature used in nuclear reactions. The assessment of the significance in current and future LHC runs, focusing on the case of a leptoquark coupling to a muon–c quark pair, reveals greater sensitivity compared to ongoing searches. Given this heightened discovery potential, we advocate the incorporation of exclusive leptoquark searches in future investigations at the LHC.
Chaotic and thermal aspects in the highly excited string S-matrix
Authors: Das Diptarka , Mandal Santanu , Sarkar Anurag
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We compute tree level scattering amplitudes involving more than one highly excited states and tachyons in bosonic string theory. We use these amplitudes to understand the chaotic and thermal aspects of the excited string states lending support to the Susskind-Horowitz-Polchinski correspondence principle. The unaveraged amplitudes exhibit chaos in the resonance distribution as a function of the kinematic parameters, which can be described by random matrix theory. Upon coarse-graining, these amplitudes are shown to exponentiate, and capture various thermal features, including features of a stringy version of the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis as well as notions of typicality. Further, we compute the effective string form factor corresponding to the highly excited states, and argue for the random walk behaviour of the long strings.
Study of τ− → ωπ−ντ decay in resonance chiral theory with tensor sources
Authors: Chen Feng-Zhi , Li Xin-Qiang , Peng Shi-Can , Yang Ya-Dong , Zou Yuan-He
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this work, we make a study of the τ− → ωπ−ντ decay in the framework of low-energy effective field theory. The $$ {J}^{\mathcal{P}G} $$

J

P
G

decompositions of the quark currents and the ωπ final state show that, besides the Standard Model vector interaction, only the non-standard tensor interaction can have a non-zero contribution to the decay. To discuss its effect, a reliable calculation of the ωπ tensor form factors is necessary. After constructing the Lagrangian of resonance chiral theory with external tensor sources, we calculate both the vector and tensor form factors with the relevant resonance couplings determined by combining the QCD short-distance constraints, the fit to the spectral function of τ− → ωπ−ντ decay, as well as the matching between the $$ \mathcal{O}\left({p}^4\right) $$
O

p
4

odd-intrinsic-parity operators after integrating out the vector resonances and the $$ \mathcal{O}\left({p}^6\right) $$
O

p
6

operators of chiral perturbation theory. The new physics effect is then investigated in the distributions of the spectral function and the forward-backward asymmetry of τ− → ωπ−ντ decay. We find that the spectral function is dominated by the Standard Model, and the non-standard tensor contribution is negligible. However, since the forward-backward asymmetry can be only generated with a non-zero tensor interaction, the observable is quite sensitive to this kind of new physics. A future measurement of the observable at the Belle II experiment as well as at the proposed Tera-Z and STCF facilities is, therefore, strongly called for to check the existence of such a non-standard tensor interaction.
Proteomic diversity of Russell's viper venom: exploring PLA2 isoforms, pharmacological effects, and inhibitory approaches
Authors: Srinivasan Kishore , Nampoothiri Madhavan , Khandibharad Shweta , Singh Shailza , Nayak Akshatha Ganesh , Hariharapura Raghu Chandrashekar
Published: August 2024

Snakebite envenomation is a serious health concern in tropical regions, resulting in high mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a neglected tropical disease and is working on strategies to reduce mortality. Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) is one of the most abundant venomous snakes found across Southeast Asia. Proteomic analysis of Russell’s viper venom has demonstrated variation, with phospholipase A2 (PLA2) being the most abundant toxin across geographic boundaries. PLA2, a major constituent of the low-molecular-weight fraction of snake venom, hydrolyses phospholipids at the sn-2 position, releasing arachidonic acid and lysophospholipids. They are reported to cause various pharmacological effects, including hemolysis, anticoagulation, neurotoxicity, myotoxicity, and oedema. Though administration of antivenoms (ASV) is the primary treatment for envenomation, it has many drawbacks. Besides causing hypersensitivity reactions and life-threatening anaphylaxis, treatment with ASV is further complicated due to its inability to neutralize low-molecular-weight toxins. Thus, there is a greater need to produce next-generation antivenoms that can target specific toxins in the venom. In this review, we explored the classification of Russell’s viper and the variation in its proteomic profile across Southeast Asia to date. In addition, we have also summarized the mechanism of action of PLA2 and discussed various isoforms of PLA2 found across different regions with their respective pharmacological effects. Finally, the drawbacks of commercially available antivenoms and the molecules investigated for inhibiting the low-molecular-weight toxin, PLA2 are discussed.
Yangian of the Periplectic Lie Superalgebra
Authors: Nazarov Maxim
Published: August 2024

We study in detail the Yangian of the periplectic Lie superalgebra. For this Yangian we verify an analogue of the Poincaré–Birkhoff–Witt Theorem. Moreover we introduce a family of free generators of the centre of this Yangian.
Bilateral juvenile temporal arteritis: a case-based review
Authors: Marques-Soares Joana , Garcia-Domingo Mª Isabel , Leal Cinthya Báez , Alijotas-Reig Jaume
Published: August 2024

Juvenile Temporal Arteritis (JTA) is a rare non-granulomatous vasculitis affecting the superficial temporal arteries, mostly in individuals under 45 years old. It is often misdiagnosed due to its benign nature and the absence of systemic symptoms. Herein, we present a case report of a 40-year-old woman who initially presented with painless nodules in the left temporal area. Following a biopsy, the patient developed additional nodules not only in the same temple but also on the contralateral side. Remarkably, these nodules underwent spontaneous regression without further treatment, highlighting the variability in JTA’s course and distinctive response to intervention. In addition, through a systematic literature review of 43 case reports – 17 with bilateral involvement – we aimed to thoroughly understand the clinical and histopathological findings, diagnostic processes, and treatment responses in JTA, with an emphasis on cases with bilateral involvement. Findings indicate that JTA typically presents as painless or painful temporal nodules, rarely accompanied by other non-specific symptoms, making histopathological examination crucial for accurate diagnosis. Collectively, our work provides the most extensive account of bilateral JTA cases to date. It emphasizes the need for clinical awareness of this condition, contributes valuable data to the limited information available on this rare condition and serves as a stepping-stone for further inquiry. The main takeaway from this review is the variable nature of JTA and the importance of histopathology in diagnosis, which helps clinicians avoid excessive testing and overtreatment and anticipate possible spontaneous resolution.
Improving hidradenitis suppurativa management: consensus statements from physicians and patients’ perspectives
Authors: Marzano Angelo Valerio , Magnoni Cristina , Micali Giuseppe , De Magnis Angelina , Pintori Giuseppina , Fiorini Simone , Simonella Valentina , Bastioli Linda , Nappi Francesca , Pappagallo Giovanni , Prignano Francesca
Published: August 2024

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a frequent chronic inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting areas rich in apocrine sweat glands, presenting with comedones, papules, nodules, and abscesses, as well as tunnels and hypertrophic scarring. Despite its prevalence and impact on quality of life, the pathogenesis of HS remains incompletely understood. Notably, its diagnosis often suffers from delays and misidentification, therefore an improved education for healthcare providers is mandatory. Moreover, HS is frequently associated with systemic comorbidities and a multidisciplinary approach is suggested for its management. Recognizing these challenges, a group of Italian HS experts and patients convened to develop consensus guidelines via the Nominal Group Technique. Through iterative meetings and remote collaboration, they identified key areas for improvement and formulated consensus statements to guide healthcare providers in delivering optimal care. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of standardized approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration in managing HS effectively.
Association between four insulin resistance surrogates and the risk of esophageal cancer: a prospective cohort study using the UK Biobank
Authors: Yang Chuang , Cheng Wenke , Plum Patrick S. , Köppe Jeanette , Gockel Ines , Thieme René
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study explored the association between triglyceride-glucose (TyG), TyG index with body mass index (TyG-BMI), triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C), metabolic score for insulin resistance (IR) (METS-IR) and the risk of esophageal cancer.

Methods

A total of 388,900 participants from the United Kingdom Biobank from 2006 to 2010 were included. Fine-Gray models, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the association between the four IR surrogates and the risk of esophageal cancer, specifically, esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Results

Ten years after recruitment, 0.16% (95%CI 0.11–0.26%) had esophageal cancer and 4.17% (95%CI 3.86–4.46%) are deceased. For each standard deviation increase in the TyG index, TyG-BMI, TG/HDL-C, and METS-IR, the risk of EAC increased by Hazard ratios (HR)1.16, 1.37, 1.08, and 1.36, respectively (all P < 0.05), while the risk of ESCC decreased by HRs 0.80, 0.67, 0.77, and 0.65, respectively. RCS analysis indicated that most relationships were nonlinear (P < 0.05). ROC curves showed that METS-IR had a more robust diagnostic efficacy than TyG, TyG-BMI, and TG/HDL-C.

Conclusion

TyG index, TyG-BMI, TG/HDL-C, and METS-IR were closely associated with the risk of EAC and ESCC. Additionally, METS-IR surpassed the other three IR indices in predicting and diagnosing the risks of EAC and ESCC. The METS-IR is expected to become a more effective metric for identifying populations at early risk of esophageal cancer and for improving risk stratification.
Umbrella review of systematic reviews on the efficacy and safety of using mesh in the prevention of parastomal hernias
Authors: Emile Sameh Hany , Dourado Justin , Rogers Peter , Wignakumar Anjelli , Horesh Nir , Garoufalia Zoe , Gefen Rachel , Wexner Steven D.
Published: August 2024

Background

This umbrella review aimed to summarize the findings and conclusions of published systematic reviews on the prophylactic role of mesh against parastomal hernias in colorectal surgery.

Methods

PRISMA-compliant umbrella overview of systematic reviews on the role of mesh in prevention of parastomal hernias was conducted. PubMed and Scopus were searched through November 2023. Main outcomes were efficacy and safety of mesh. Efficacy was assessed by the rates of clinically and radiologically detected hernias and the need for surgical repair, while safety was assessed by the rates of overall complications.

Results

19 systematic reviews were assessed; 7 included only patients with end colostomy and 12 included patients with either ileostomy or colostomy. The use of mesh significantly reduced the risk of clinically detected parastomal hernias in all reviews except one. Seven reviews reported a significantly lower risk of radiologically detected parastomal hernias with the use of mesh. The pooled hazards ratio of clinically detected and radiologically detected parastomal hernias was 0.33 (95%CI: 0.26–0.41) and 0.55 (95%CI: 0.45–0.68), respectively. Six reviews reported a significant reduction in the need for surgical repair when a mesh was used whereas six reviews found a similar need for hernia repair. The pooled hazards ratio for surgical hernia repair was 0.46 (95%CI: 0.35–0.62). Eight reviews reported similar complications in the two groups. The pooled hazard ratio of complications was 0.81 (95%CI: 0.66-1).

Conclusions

The use of surgical mesh is likely effective and safe in the prevention of parastomal hernias without an increased risk of overall complications.
Potency of cassava leaf as protein source for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Amare Tigist Ashagre , Storebakken Trond , Mørkøre Turid , Nurfeta Ajebu , Ahlstrøm Øystein
Published: August 2024

Cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) leaves are cheap and readily available resource that can be used as a feed ingredient for Nile tilapia although they have different constituents that affect their nutritional values. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of processing methods on nutrient content of cassava leaves, digestibility, and growth performance of Nile tilapia. Eight processing methods, namely air-drying, soaking and boiling, baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), rumen-fluid, molasses, yeast-rumen-fluid, yeast-molasses and molasses-rumen-fluid fermentations, were applied. One control and eight processed cassava leaf-based diets were made. The cassava leaf protein replaced 30% of crude protein (CP) from soybean cake in the control diet. The results showed that CP content in dry matter (DM) varied from 21.7 ± 0.25% (Molasses fermentation) to 30.3 ± 0.25% (Yeast-rumen-fluid fermentation). Rumen-fluid fermentation showed higher (p < 0.05) level of gross energy (21.9 ± 0.02 MJ/kg, DM) and ether extract (12.0 ± 0.21%) compared with other treatments. The apparent digestibility coefficient of CP was generally higher in the control diet (89.9 ± 0.61% in the hindgut), followed by rumen-fluid fermented diet (87.2 ± 0.61%), rumen-fluid-molasses fermented diet (86.1 ± 0.61%) and yeast-molasses fermented diet (85.3 ± 0.61%). Besides the control diet, the latter three diets also revealed the best growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and production profitability. In conclusion, rumen-fluid, yeast-molasses, and rumen-fluid-molasses fermentation methods improved the nutritional value of cassava leaves. Diets with 30% protein from soybean cake replaced by rumen-fluid, rumen-fluid-molasses and yeast-molasses fermented cassava leaves had overall acceptable growth performance with better production outcomes for Nile tilapia farming.
Genomics detects cryptic wallaby invasion
Authors: Veale A. J. , McEwan J. C. , Brauning R. , Van Stijn T. , Latham A. D. M.
Published: August 2024

While conducting a landscape genomics study of invasive tammar wallabies (Notamacropus eugenii) in Aotearoa New Zealand we discovered that parma wallabies (N. parma) are also present in the North Island. This population has gone undetected for at least 30 years (and potentially for over a century), hidden amongst the morphologically similar tammar wallabies. The fact that an invasive wallaby species could remain undetected for so long, highlights the need for greater monitoring efforts for invasive species including genomic species identification.
Developing Early Childhood Teacher Confidence to Implement Classroom Music and Movement Activities: Key Professional Learning Features
Authors: Savage Sally , Bentley Laura. A. , Williams Kate. E. , Nielson Cathy , Eager Rebecca
Published: August 2024

Music and movement activities are universal in children’s play and socialisation and are fundamental tools to utilise in early years teaching. Early childhood teachers tend to value the positive role music and movement can play in their work, however teacher confidence to implement music-based activities varies, often due to a lack of professional learning opportunities. Findings from a study that trained and coached five early childhood teachers, with no prior formal music training, to deliver a specific rhythm and movement program are highlighted throughout this paper. Qualitative data gained through interviews articulates the teachers’ experiences of professional learning, the approach to building their skills and confidence in this area, and the key areas that led to success. Important elements of the professional learning approach included active participation, provision of a video resource library, the nature of the evidence-based and structured program, ease of access, and coaching and implementation support throughout. These key elements, identified as being successful in boosting teacher confidence to use music in their practice, may be readily taken up by other programs, and are transferable to other curriculum and pedagogical areas beyond music.
Short inter-pregnancy interval and birthweight: a reappraisal based on a follow-up study of all women in Norway with two singleton deliveries during 1970–2019
Authors: Eskild Anne , Skau Irene , Haavaldsen Camilla , Saugstad Ola Didrik , Grytten Jostein
Published: August 2024

We studied mean changes in birthweight from the first to the second delivery according to length of the inter-pregnancy interval. We also studied recurrence risk of low birthweight, preterm birth and perinatal death. We followed all women in Norway from their first to their second singleton delivery at gestational week 22 or beyond during the years 1970–2019, a total of 654 100 women. Data were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Mean birthweight increased from the first to the second delivery, and the increase was highest in pregnancies conceived < 6 months after the first delivery; adjusted mean birthweight increase 227 g (g) (95% CI; 219–236 g), 90 g higher than in pregnancies conceived 6–11 months after the first delivery (137 g (95% CI; 130–144 g)). After exclusion of women with a first stillbirth, the mean increase in birthweight at inter-pregnancy interval < 6 months was attenuated (152 g, 95% CI; 143–160 g), but remained higher than at longer inter-pregnancy intervals. This finding was particularly prominent in women > 35 years (218 g, 95% CI; 139 –298 g). In women with a first live born infant weighing < 2500 g, mean birthweight increased by around 1000 g to the second delivery, and the increase was most prominent at < 6 months inter-pregnancy interval. We found increased recurrence risk of preterm birth at inter-pregnancy interval < 6 months, but no increased recurrence risk of low birthweight, small for gestational age infant or perinatal death. In conclusion, we found the highest mean increase in birthweight when the inter-pregnancy interval was short. Our results do not generally discourage short pregnancy intervals.
An Alternating Direction Multiplier Method for the Inversion of FDEM Data
Authors: Buccini Alessandro , de Alba Patricia Díaz , Pes Federica
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we focus on the numerical solution of nonlinear inverse problems in applied geophysics. Our aim is to reconstruct the structure of the soil, i.e., either its electrical conductivity or the magnetic permeability distribution, by inverting frequency domain electromagnetic data. This is a very challenging task since the problem is nonlinear and severely ill-conditioned. To solve the nonlinear inverse problem, we propose an alternating direction multiplier method (ADMM), we prove its convergence, and propose an automated strategy to determine the parameters involved. Moreover, we present two heuristic variations of the ADMM that either improve the accuracy of the computed solutions or lower the computational cost. The effectiveness of the different proposed methods is illustrated through few numerical examples.
Metabolic signatures derived from whole-brain MR-spectroscopy identify early tumor progression in high-grade gliomas using machine learning
Authors: Rivera Cameron A. , Bhatia Shovan , Morell Alexis A. , Daggubati Lekhaj C. , Merenzon Martin A. , Sheriff Sulaiman A. , Luther Evan , Chandar Jay , S. Levy Adam , Metzler Ashley R. , Berke Chandler N. , Goryawala Mohammed , Mellon Eric A. , Bhatia Rita G. , Nagornaya Natalya , Saigal Gaurav , I de la Fuente Macarena , Komotar Ricardo J. , Ivan Michael E. , Shah Ashish H.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Recurrence for high-grade gliomas is inevitable despite maximal safe resection and adjuvant chemoradiation, and current imaging techniques fall short in predicting future progression. However, we introduce a novel whole-brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy (WB-MRS) protocol that delves into the intricacies of tumor microenvironments, offering a comprehensive understanding of glioma progression to inform expectant surgical and adjuvant intervention.

Methods

We investigated five locoregional tumor metabolites in a post-treatment population and applied machine learning (ML) techniques to analyze key relationships within seven regions of interest: contralateral normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), contrast-enhancing tumor at time of WB-MRS (Tumor), areas of future recurrence (AFR), whole-brain healthy (WBH), non-progressive FLAIR (NPF), and progressive FLAIR (PF). Five supervised ML classification models and a neural network were developed, optimized, trained, tested, and validated. Lastly, a web application was developed to host our novel calculator, the Miami Glioma Prediction Map (MGPM), for open-source interaction.

Results

Sixteen patients with histopathological confirmation of high-grade glioma prior to WB-MRS were included in this study, totaling 118,922 whole-brain voxels. ML models successfully differentiated normal-appearing white matter from tumor and future progression. Notably, the highest performing ML model predicted glioma progression within fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) signal in the post-treatment setting (mean AUC = 0.86), with Cho/Cr as the most important feature.

Conclusions

This study marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind to unveil radiographic occult glioma progression in post-treatment gliomas within 8 months of discovery. These findings underscore the utility of ML-based WB-MRS growth predictions, presenting a promising avenue for the guidance of early treatment decision-making. This research represents a crucial advancement in predicting the timing and location of glioblastoma recurrence, which can inform treatment decisions to improve patient outcomes.
Do endocrine disrupting compounds impact earthworms? A comprehensive evidence review
Authors: Azevedo Tiago , Gonçalves Mariana , Silva-Reis Rita , Medeiros-Fonseca Beatriz , Roboredo Marta , Sousa João R. , Oliveira Paula A. , Pinto Maria de Lurdes , Peixoto Francisco , Gaivão Isabel , Matos Manuela , Coimbra Ana M.
Published: August 2024

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) are ubiquitous in soil, posing serious risks to soil biota, especially earthworms, which have been found to be affected by these compounds, despite not being their typical target organisms. Earthworms are essential for sustaining soil health and quality, by promoting soil aeration, organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, among other functions. This review synthesizes available literature evidencing the negative impact of EDC exposure, through traditional endocrine pathways and other toxicological mechanisms, on histopathological, biochemical, molecular and reproductive endpoints of earthworms. The compounds described, in the consulted literature, to induce histopathological, biochemical, genotoxicity and molecular and reproductive alterations include antibiotics, antimicrobial additives, flame retardants, fragrances, fungicides, herbicides, hormones, inorganic ions, insecticides, organic UV filters, parabens, perfluoroalkyl substances, pesticides, petroleum derivatives, plasticizers and polychlorinated biphenyls. These compounds reach soil through direct application or via contaminated organic amendments and water derived from potentially polluted sources. The findings gather in the present review highlight the vulnerability of earthworms to a broad spectrum of chemicals with endocrine disrupting capacity. Additionally, these studies emphasize the physiological disruptions caused by EDC exposure, underscoring the critical need to protect biodiversity, including earthworms, to ensure soil quality and ecosystem sustainability. Ongoing research has provided insights into molecular mechanisms responsive to EDCs in earthworms, including the identification of putative hormone receptors that exhibit functional similarity to those present in vertebrates. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the impact of EDCs in earthworms, especially through non-hormonal mediated pathways, and addresses the need for strong regulatory frameworks to mitigate the detrimental effects of EDCs on soil invertebrates in order to safeguard soil ecosystems.

Graphical abstract
Tweeting and retweeting scientific articles: implications for altmetrics
Authors: Maleki Ashraf , Holmberg Kim
Published: August 2024

Despite differences in extent of engagement of users, original tweets and retweets to scientific publications are considered as equal events. Current research investigates quantifiable differences between tweets and retweets from an altmetric point of view. Twitter users, text, and media content of two datasets, one containing 742 randomly selected tweets and retweets (371 each) and another with 5898 tweets and retweets (about 3000 each), all linking to scientific articles published on PLoS ONE, were manually categorized. Results from analyzing the proportions of tweets and retweets indicated that academic and individual accounts produce majority of original tweets (34% and 55%, respectively) and posted significantly larger proportion of retweets (41.5 and 81%). Bot accounts, on the other hand, had posted significantly more original tweets (20%) than retweets (2%). Natural communication sentences prevailed in retweets and tweets (63% vs. 45%) as well as images (41.5% vs. 23%), both showing a significant rise in usage overtime. Overall, the findings suggest that the attention scientific articles receive on Twitter may have more to do with human interaction and inclusion of visual content in the tweets, than the significance of or genuine interest towards the research results.
Environmental Protection, Rights of Nature, and Religious Beliefs in Europe
Authors: Ugwu Ikechukwu P.
Published: August 2024

This paper examines the rights of nature (RoN) as a product of religious beliefs and how the increasing abandonment of religious beliefs in Europe could impact the development of RoN on the continent. As a concept rooted in religious and Indigenous peoples’ practices, this article argues that there are no religious and Indigenous peoples’ ideologies in Europe upon which RoN of nature could be anchored. Furthermore, since hardly any groups in Europe identify as Indigenous peoples in the strict sense of the term, except some groups in Scandinavia, RoN in Europe cannot be effective as there is no special attachment of most Europeans to natural entities. To achieve this argument, the Enlightenment period is pointed out as the starting point for the abandonment of religion in Europe. Because of this, the article contends that the recent law on RoN for Mar Menor in Spain may fail as it is not rooted in religious philosophies. To transplant RoN to Europe and for it to be effective, a new religion with spiritual traditions and insights consistent with the worldview of RoN would have to be developed. However, for such a view to be protected under Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights, it must “attain a certain level of cogency, seriousness, cohesion, and importance.” It is not certain if RoN has attained such a threshold in Europe or will ever attain it. Using the Białowieża Forest case, the paper concludes that nature already has adequate protection in the current legal system in Europe, and it is not necessary for the European Union to adopt RoN.
Comparison and characterization of the bacterial microbiota and SIgA production in different gastrointestinal segments in horses
Authors: Żak-Bochenek Agnieszka , Żebrowska-Różańska P. , Bajzert J. , Siwińska N. , Madej J. P. , Kaleta-Kuratewicz K. , Bochen P. , Łaczmański Ł. , Chełmońska-Soyta A.
Published: August 2024

In the gastrointestinal mucosa, there is a close cooperation between secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and the composition of the microbiota, which aims to maintain homeostasis as well as act as a protective barrier. The purpose of this study was to determine the composition of microbiota and SIgA production in different parts of the digestive tract (small intestine, cecum, colon and rectum) of nine healthy horses and its reflection in the feces. For this purpose, we determined: the composition of the microbiome (by next-generation Sequencing of Hypervariable Regions V3-V4 and V7-V9 of the 16 S rRNA gene analysis), the amount of SIgA in the intestinal content samples (by ELISA), as well as the number of IgA-producing cells (IgA+) in the tissue samples (by immohistochemical analysis). Significant differences were observed between the small intestine and the large colon in the composition and diversity of the microbiome, as well as the number of IgA + cells in the mucosal lamina propria and the abundance of SIgA in the intestinal lumen. The small intestine in relation to the large colon is characterised by fewer IgA + cells, more SIgA in the intestinal contents and a less diverse microbiome. However, the cecum appears to be the third separate ecosystem, with a high number of IgA + cells and a diverse microbiome. The fecal sample reflects the current state of the large colon, both in terms of the microbiome and SIgA content; however, it is not known to what extent it may be influenced by dysbiosis in other parts of the digestive tract.
Two-month ketogenic diet alters systemic and brain metabolism in middle-aged female mice
Authors: Roslund Kirsten J. , Ramsey Jon J. , Rutkowsky Jennifer M. , Zhou Zeyu , Slupsky Carolyn M.
Published: August 2024

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that reduces glucose catabolism and enhances β-oxidation and ketogenesis. While research in female rodents is limited, research in male rodents suggests that ketogenic interventions initiated at midlife may slow age-related cognitive decline, as well as preserve muscle mass and physical function later in life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a KD on global metabolic changes in middle-aged females to inform potential mechanisms behind the anti-aging effects of this diet in an understudied sex. Targeted 1H-NMR metabolomics was conducted on serum, the liver, the kidney, and the gastrocnemius muscle, as well as the cortex and the hippocampal brain regions in 16-month-old female mice after a 2-month KD. Analysis of the serum and liver metabolome revealed that the 2-month KD resulted in increased concentrations of fatty acid catabolism metabolites, as well as system-wide elevations in ketones, consistent with the ketogenic phenotype. Metabolites involved in the glucose-alanine cycle were altered in the gastrocnemius muscle, serum and the liver. Other tissue-specific alterations were detected, including distinct effects on hepatic and renal one-carbon metabolism, as well as region specific differences in metabolism across hippocampal and cortical parts of the brain. Alterations to hippocampal metabolites involved in myelinogenesis could relate to the potential beneficial effects of a KD on memory.
Rare Primitive Lung Adenocarcinoma in Larynx: A Case Report
Authors: Maglione Maria Grazia , Salzano Giovanni , Maffia Francesco , Spinelli Raffaele , Carraturo Emanuele , De Cecio Rossella , Ionna Franco
Published: August 2024

Laryngeal metastasis from a primitive distant cancer is a rare finding in clinical practice. In this paper is presented the case of a 63-year-old patient treated for lung adenocarcinoma metastasis in the supraglottic larynx. A review of literature suggests how the treatment of this kind of case is not unique.
Self-directedness mediates the association of child abuse and neglect experiences with personality pathology
Authors: Perrini Filippo , Bussone Silvia , Semerari Antonio , Salvati Marco , Montano Antonella
Published: August 2024

It is well established that the exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may alter the the development of personality. Nevertheless, only a part of individuals exposed to ACEs actually develop Personality Disorders (PDs). According to the alternative model of PDs, impairments in dimensional self-aspects, i.e., Identity and Self-direction (SD), may represent potential candidates to promote the transition from ACEs to PDs. We analysed patients’ data from the A.T. Beck Institute of Rome (n = 626) to evaluate the ACEs and SD interplay in PDs patients using Cloninger’s Self-Directedness to assess their SD. First, we explored the presence of ACEs in patients affected by PDs. Secondly, we examined the association between ACEs and SD and subsequently how SD influences the severity of the PDs. Finally, since SD and ACEs were both associated to PDs, we wondered if SD could mediate the relationships between ACEs and PDs. Results evidenced a partial competitive mediation effect of SD on the relationship between child abuse and neglect and the number of PDs. In agreement with the AMPD, Self-functioning dimension may represent a main target for psychotherapeutic intervention.
Responding to existential distress at the end of life: Psychedelics and psychedelic experiences and/ as medicine
Authors: Emmerich Nathan
Published: August 2024

This essay engages with the (re)emergence of psychedelic medicine and the idea of psychedelics drugs and the experiences they induce as a developing therapeutic modality. It does so in the context of the provision of psychedelics to terminally ill patients experiencing existential distress as they approach the end of their lives. Reflecting on such suggestions facilitates an examination of a specific aspect of psychedelics and/ as medicine (or palliative care), namely questions of meaning and meaninglessness. Understood as impacting one’s ability to make or realise meaning in life, existential distress commonly entails a degree of demoralisation. In some cases, individuals can be thought of as inhabiting (and being inhabited by) a sense of meaninglessness. In contrast, the experiences psychedelics seem to induce are often imbued with a great deal of meaning, a sense of which seems to continue long after the psychoactive effects of such drugs have ceased. Whilst briefly considering whether or not meaning can properly be thought of as a matter for healthcare or a medical concern, this paper seeks to highlight some of the implications that the advent of psychedelic medicine might have. By way of a conclusion, I enjoin bioethics in recognising itself as a meaningful cultural discourse that is implicated in the future(s) of medicine, psychedelics and being human.
Effect of Different Types of Glass Powders on the Corrosion and Wear Resistance of Peo Coatings Produced on 6061 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Pezzato Luca , Kostelac Lorena , Tonelli Lavinia , Elsayed Hamada , Kajánek Daniel , Bernardo Enrico , Martini Carla , Dabalà Manuele , Brunelli Katya
Published: August 2024

6061 Aluminium alloy was treated with plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) in an alkaline silicate-base electrolyte. Recycled glass particles from consumer goods waste were added to the electrolyte in order to investigate the impact of these particles on corrosion and wear resistance of the alloy. A comparison of glass particles from different sources (liquid crystal display (LCD) glass, borosilicate (BS) glass, and soda-lime (SL) glass) has been made. Also, the effect of different current modes, direct (D) and pulsed (P), on glass incorporation and the coatings morphology was studied. The microstructure and thickness of the produced coatings were studied through SEM–EDS analysis and XRD. The wear resistance was evaluated by dry sliding tests vs AISI 52100 bearing steel (block-on-ring contact geometry). The corrosion behavior was analyzed by potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and localized electrochemical characteristics were determined by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). The results evidenced that the addition of glass improved the corrosion resistance of the samples due to the sealing effect on the typical pores of the PEO layer. In detail samples filled with glass particles show from EIS tests polarization resistances up to one order of magnitude higher than the untreated sample in the case of direct current mode and up to two order of magnitude higher in the case of pulsed current mode. The effect on wear resistance is instead strictly related to the type of glass as, if compared to the base PEO layer, it is improved only by selected additives with the more promising results obtained with the LCD glass in direct current mode that produce a decrease of the wear depth of around one order of magnitude in comparison with the sample PEO treated without glass addition. Globally the more promising type of glass particles, both in term of improvement of the wear and of the corrosion properties, seem to be the LCD glass particles. This fact was related to the particular chemical composition of this type of glass and in particular with the alkali-free composition of the glass.

Graphical Abstract
Supporting Indigenous success through quality supervision in research degrees
Authors: Pham Thu D. , Blue Levon E. , Anderson Peter J.
Published: August 2024

Supervision plays an integral role in the success of higher degree by research (HDR) students. A vital component of a successful research degree is quality supervision. In this paper, we explore supervisors’ understanding of Indigenous HDR students’ expectations and compare them with Indigenous HDR students’ expectations of their supervisors. This study is part of a larger study which included six phases of data collection, however, this paper focuses mainly on phase five of the study and at times refers to phase four. In phase five, we surveyed 33 supervisors across Australia who have experience supervising Indigenous HDR students. We also refer to phase four which included 32 Indigenous HDR students. To analyse the data, we conducted a thematic analysis using NVivo software. We found that supervisors need to be more supportive of Indigenous HDR students’ work and provide opportunities for students to succeed through the completion of their research degree. Our findings demonstrate that supervisors may understand Indigenous HDR students’ expectations of quality supervision; however, there are other expectations that were not accounted for, such as discussion of working styles and clear expectations from the beginning of a supervisor-student relationship, supervisors’ practices of cultural safety and awareness, and access to research training for Indigenous HDR students. The implications from this research include strengthening supervision strategies and fostering mutually-respectful supervisor-student relationships.