bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-stage ultrahigh temperature metamorphism in the lower crust of the Kaapvaal craton recorded by U–Pb ages of garnet
Authors: Shu Q. , Beranoaguirre A. , Albert R. , Millonig L. J. , Walters J. B. , Marschall H. R. , Gerdes A. , Hoefer H. E. , Hezel D. , Brey G. P.
Published: April 2024

U–Pb ages were determined by split-stream LA-SF/MC-ICPMS in garnets from UHT granulite xenoliths (Star mine, South Africa; 124 Ma). They give a considerable age range of 400 million years with well-defined maximas at 3.09, 3.01 and 2.75 Ga. The oldest peak overlaps with the changeover from tonalites to K-granites at 3.14–3.04 Ga and with zircon ages of the mid-crustal granulites of the Vredefort dome (3.1 Ga) in the wake of the 3.2 Ga collision of three terrains that compose the Witwatersrand block. Subduction (or sagduction) of the uppermost crust in an ultrahot orogen setting brought shales and greenstones to the lower crust. Ultrahigh temperature (UHT) conditions are the result of high mantle potential temperatures and self- heating by the radioactive inventory of the subducted lithologies. Metamorphism, anatexis to very high degrees and melt extraction left UHT granulites as residue. Rejuvenation of UHT conditions was brought about by Dominion Group magmatism between 3.0 and 2.95 Ga. Magmatic uprise caused intense shearing in the lower crust followed by recrystallisation of the shear zones to generate the younger garnet age group. Ventersdorp flood basalt volcanism caused similar processes at around 2.72 Ga and generated the third garnet age group. Zircon gives U–Pb ages mainly around 2.72 Ga (both literature and our own data) i.e. zircon adjusted or newly crystallized at the youngest UHT event. Only few zircon grains retained older ages up to 2.94 Ga. Still unconstrained, but very high closure temperatures (≥ 1100 °C) for the U–Pb system in garnet keep the memory of the oldest ages in UHT granulites. Such ages can only be reset by recrystallization. This way, garnet records a prolonged high-temperature history of the lower crust of the Kaapvaal craton.
A comparison study of dynamic [18F]Alfatide II imaging and [11C]MET in orthotopic rat models of glioblastoma
Authors: Pan Yue , Dang Haodan , Zhou Haoxi , Fu Huaping , Wu Shina , Liu Huanhuan , Zhang Jinming , Wang Ruimin , Tian Yuan , Xu Baixuan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To investigate and compare the dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with [18F]Alfatide II Imaging and [11C]Methionine ([11C]MET) in orthotopic rat models of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), and to assess the utility of [18F]Alfatide II in detecting and evaluating neoangiogenesis in GBM.

Methods

[18F]Alfatide II and [11C]MET were injected into the orthotopic GBM rat models (n = 20, C6 glioma cells), followed by dynamic PET/MR scans 21 days after surgery of tumor implantation. On the PET image with both radiotracers, the MRI-based volume-of-interest (VOI) was manually delineated encompassing glioblastoma. Time-activity curves were expressed as tumor-to-normal brain ratio (TNR) parameters and PET pharmacokinetic modeling (PKM) performed using 2-tissue-compartment models (2TCM). Immunofluorescent staining (IFS), western blotting and blocking experiment of tumor tissue were performed for the validation.

Results

Compared to 11C-MET, [18F]Alfatide II presented a persistent accumulation in the tumor, albeit with a slightly lower SUVmean of 0.79 ± 0.25, and a reduced uptake in the contralateral normal brain tissue, respectively. This resulted in a markedly higher tumor-to-normal brain ratio (TNR) of 18.22 ± 1.91. The time–activity curve (TACs) showed a significant increase in radioactive uptake in tumor tissue, followed by a plateau phase up to 60 min for [18F]Alfatide II (time to peak:255 s) and 40 min for [11C]MET (time to peak:135 s) post injection. PKM confirmed significantly higher K1 (0.23/0.07) and K3 (0.26/0.09) in the tumor region compared to the normal brain with [18F]Alfatide II. Compared to [11C]MET imaging, PKM confirmed both significantly higher K1/K2 (1.24 ± 0.79/1.05 ± 0.39) and K3/K4 (11.93 ± 4.28/3.89 ± 1.29) in the tumor region with [18F]Alfatide II. IFS confirmed significant expression of integrin and tumor vascularization in tumor region.

Conclusion

[18F]Alfatide II demonstrates potential in imaging tumor-associated neovascularization in the context of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), suggesting its utility as a tool for further exploration in neovascular characterization.
Average-case analysis of the Gaussian elimination with partial pivoting
Authors: Huang Han , Tikhomirov Konstantin
Published: April 2024

The Gaussian elimination with partial pivoting (GEPP) is a classical algorithm for solving systems of linear equations. Although in specific cases the loss of precision in GEPP due to roundoff errors can be very significant, empirical evidence strongly suggests that for a typical square coefficient matrix, GEPP is numerically stable. We obtain a (partial) theoretical justification of this phenomenon by showing that, given the random $$n\times n$$

n
×
n

standard Gaussian coefficient matrix A, the growth factor of the Gaussian elimination with partial pivoting is at most polynomially large in n with probability close to one. This implies that with probability close to one the number of bits of precision sufficient to solve $$Ax = b$$

A
x
=
b

to m bits of accuracy using GEPP is $$m+O(\log n)$$

m
+
O
(
log
n
)

, which improves an earlier estimate $$m+O(\log ^2 n)$$

m
+
O
(

log
2

n
)

of Sankar, and which we conjecture to be optimal by the order of magnitude. We further provide tail estimates of the growth factor which can be used to support the empirical observation that GEPP is more stable than the Gaussian Elimination with no pivoting.
Family history and gastric cancer incidence and mortality in Asia: a pooled analysis of more than half a million participants
Authors: Huang Dan , Song Minkyo , Abe Sarah Krull , Rahman Md. Shafiur , Islam Md. Rashedul , Saito Eiko , De la Torre Katherine , Sawada Norie , Tamakoshi Akiko , Shu Xiao-Ou , Cai Hui , Hozawa Atsushi , Kanemura Seiki , Kim Jeongseon , Chen Yu , Ito Hidemi , Sugawara Yumi , Park Sue K. , Shin Myung-Hee , Hirabayashi Mayo , Kimura Takashi , Gao Yu-Tang , Wen Wanqing , Oze Isao , Shin Aesun , Ahn Yoon-Ok , Ahsan Habibul , Boffetta Paolo , Chia Kee Seng , Matsuo Keitaro , Qiao You-Lin , Rothman Nathaniel , Zheng Wei , Inoue Manami , Kang Daehee
Published: April 2024

Background

The family history of gastric cancer holds important implications for cancer surveillance and prevention, yet existing evidence predominantly comes from case–control studies. We aimed to investigate the association between family history of gastric cancer and gastric cancer risk overall and by various subtypes in Asians in a prospective study.

Methods

We included 12 prospective cohorts with 550,508 participants in the Asia Cohort Consortium. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate study-specific adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between family history of gastric cancer and gastric cancer incidence and mortality, then pooled using random-effects meta-analyses. Stratified analyses were performed for the anatomical subsites and histological subtypes.

Results

During the mean follow-up of 15.6 years, 2258 incident gastric cancers and 5194 gastric cancer deaths occurred. The risk of incident gastric cancer was higher in individuals with a family history of gastric cancer (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.32–1.58), similarly in males (1.44, 1.31–1.59) and females (1.45, 1.23–1.70). Family history of gastric cancer was associated with both cardia (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.00–1.60) and non-cardia subsites (1.49, 1.35–1.65), and with intestinal- (1.48, 1.30–1.70) and diffuse-type (1.59, 1.35–1.87) gastric cancer incidence. Positive associations were also found for gastric cancer mortality (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.19–1.41).

Conclusions

In this largest prospective study to date on family history and gastric cancer, a familial background of gastric cancer increased the risk of gastric cancer in the Asian population. Targeted education, screening, and intervention in these high-risk groups may reduce the burden of gastric cancer.
American options with acceleration clauses
Authors: Battauz Anna , Staffolani Sara
Published: April 2024

Acceleration clauses shorten the residual life of an option when an acceleration condition is met. Acceleration clauses are frequent in warrants, American call options on traded stocks. In warrants with the acceleration clause, if an index (e.g. the average underlying stock) triggers an acceleration threshold, the American call option can be exercised on a much shorter maturity (e.g. 30 days). The actual time-to-maturity of an American option with an acceleration condition is therefore stochastic. In order to evaluate these contracts we first reduce the generic American option with stochastic time-to-maturity to a compound American option with constant maturity, and provide estimates for their prices. Finally we propose an efficient algorithm to price American call options with the acceleration clause in a binomial setting.
Multistep kinetics in self-induced sol–gel process of amorphous anhydride formation during thermal dehydration of potassium tetraborate tetrahydrate
Authors: Shindo Manami , Koga Nobuyoshi
Published: April 2024

The physico-geometrical mechanism and kinetics of the multistep thermal dehydration of potassium tetraborate tetrahydrate was investigated as a model reaction to produce amorphous anhydrate via the self-induced sol–gel process. The thermal dehydration is composed of three consecutive dehydration steps: (1) a surface reaction in the solid-state accompanied by crack formation; (2) a rapid mass loss process accompanied by liquefaction to form the aggregate of the gel powders; and (3) the dehydration of gel powder aggregate to form a glassy anhydride. The changes in the contribution of the individual dehydration steps to the overall process according to the sample particle size and the heating rate (β) were identified as specific features of the multistep dehydration, which was characterized quantitatively using mathematical deconvolution analysis with log-normal four-parameter functions. The difficulty in determining the apparent activation energy (Ea) of the individual dehydration steps using isoconversional analysis due to the changes in the contribution depending on β values was addressed using modulated temperature thermogravimetry. Using the contributions and the apparent Ea of the individual dehydration steps as initial values, the kinetic description of the multistep thermal dehydration was refined through a kinetic deconvolution analysis using the cumulative kinetic equation. As a result, the individual dehydration steps were kinetically characterized as: (1) a surface reaction described by the first-order rate law with Ea,1 of approximately 68 kJ mol−1; (2) a reaction accompanied by liquefaction controlled by an autocatalytic rate behavior with Ea,2 of approximately 123 kJ mol−1; (3) a diffusion-controlled dehydration of gel powder with Ea,3 of approximately 82 kJ mol−1.
Novel solution strategies for multiparametric nonlinear optimization problems with convex objective function and linear constraints
Authors: Narciso Diogo A. C. , Pistikopoulos Efstratios N.
Published: April 2024

This paper expands the multiparametric quadratic programming (mp-QP) framework presented in Narciso et al. (Comput Chem Eng 164:107882, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compchemeng.2022.107882) to the more general multiparametric nonlinear programming (mp-NLP) case. First, the vector of parameters in mp-NLP problems is recast so that a unique transformed parameter is implicitly assigned to each of the inequality constraints. Maps of critical regions in this transformed space of parameters feature a set of 1-dimensional parametric edges (two per inequality constraint), which then greatly facilitate solution calculation. In the mp-NLP case, however, parametric edges define nonlinear semi-infinite lines; this requires an adaptation to the mp-QP algorithm (deals with linear parametric edges only), to enable a suitable calculation path to the more general nonlinear case. Three routes are proposed to mp-NLPs: the first route delivers solutions in compact form (same format as in mp-QP) using a single reference point per edge; the second route delivers explicit solutions using a hybrid approach for critical region construction, where all active sets not detected in the parameters space are excluded from the solution (equivalent to first route concerning accuracy); the third route builds on the initial explicit solution and further partitions the parameters space until all solution fragments satisfy an error check. Five algorithms were coded for these routes, and tested in a large range of mp-NLP problems. These strategies enable significant improvements in terms of solution accuracy, algorithm efficiency, and interpretability when compared to the state-of-the-art mp-NLP algorithms.
Economic valuation of a mesocarnivore’s impact management
Authors: Kontsiotis Vasileios J. , Emmanouilidou Foteini , Liordos Vasilios
Published: April 2024

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have interacted with humans during their common history. We used a contingent valuation method to assess the economic value of the management of this mesocarnivore’s negative impacts. We carried out face-to-face interviews with 746 Greek residents, using a multiple-bounded discrete choice approach to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for red fox management under three impact situations: attack domestic animals, reduce game, carry disease. About 51.9%, 33.0%, and 81.1% of the respondents stated a mean WTP of €34.1, €44.9, and €72.1 for each situation, respectively. The total annual amounts of €18.7 million, €15.7 million, and €61.7 million could be collected from the target population for red fox management when they attack domestic animals, reduce game, and carry disease, respectively. Attitudes and likeability toward foxes were negatively associated while knowledge about foxes and fear of them were positively associated with WTP. The younger, richer, less educated, rural, farmers, hunters, and pet owners were generally more willing to pay for red fox management across situations. Females were more willing to pay for managing predation on domestic animals, while males were more willing to pay for managing predation on game. Our findings showed that the Greek residents highly value the management of red foxes in all impact situations and would be valuable for further advising the management process.
Integrated study of antiretroviral drug adsorption onto calcined layered double hydroxide clay: experimental and computational analysis
Authors: Tabana Lehlogonolo Shane , Adekoya Gbolahan Joseph , Tichapondwa Shepherd Masimba
Published: April 2024

This study focused on the efficacy of a calcined layered double hydroxide (CLDH) clay in adsorbing two antiretroviral drugs (ARVDs), namely efavirenz (EFV) and nevirapine (NVP), from wastewater. The clay was synthesized using the co-precipitation method, followed by subsequent calcination in a muffle furnace at 500 °C for 4 h. The neat and calcined clay samples were subjected to various characterization techniques to elucidate their physical and chemical properties. Response surface modelling (RSM) was used to evaluate the interactions between the solution’s initial pH, adsorbent loading, reaction temperature, and initial pollutant concentration. Additionally, the adsorption kinetics, thermodynamics, and reusability of the adsorbent were evaluated. The results demonstrated that NVP exhibited a faster adsorption rate than EFV, with both reaching equilibrium within 20–24 h. The pseudo-second order (PSO) model provided a good fit for the kinetics data. Thermodynamics analysis revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic, predominantly governed by physisorption interactions. The adsorption isotherms followed the Freundlich model, and the maximum adsorption capacities for EFV and NVP were established to be 2.73 mg/g and 2.93 mg/g, respectively. Evaluation of the adsorption mechanism through computational analysis demonstrated that both NVP and EFV formed stable complexes with CLDH, with NVP exhibiting a higher affinity. The associated adsorption energies were established to be −731.78 kcal/mol for NVP and −512.6 kcal/mol for EFV. Visualized non-covalent interaction (NCI) graphs indicated that hydrogen bonding played a significant role in ARVDs-CLDH interactions, further emphasizing physisorption as the dominant adsorption mechanism.
Involved-field radiotherapy in older patients with superficial thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: long-term outcomes and recurrence patterns
Authors: Kono Sawa , Hashimoto Yaichiro , Ohmatsu Kenta , Tsujii Miki , Kuribayashi Shigehiko , Karasawa Kumiko
Published: April 2024

Purpose

An optimal radiotherapy field for superficial esophageal carcinoma is yet to be established. We evaluated the long-term outcomes and recurrence patterns of involved-field radiotherapy (IFRT) in older patients with superficial thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Materials and methods

Fifty-four patients (49 men and 5 women; mean age, 77 [range: 66–90] years) who underwent IFRT for superficial thoracic ESCC between January 2003 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Concurrent chemotherapy was administered at the discretion of the attending physician. The primary endpoint was overall survival. The secondary endpoints were progression-free survival and complete response rate.

Results

The tumors were localized in the upper, middle, and lower thoracic esophagus in 2, 40, and 12 patients, respectively. All patients underwent IFRT using anteroposterior and anterior–posterior oblique opposed beams (off-cord). The prescribed total doses were 50.4, 59.4–61.2, and 66–70 Gy for 6, 40, and 8 patients, respectively. Concurrent chemotherapy was administered to 33 patients. The median follow-up duration was 57 months. The median overall survival was 115 months. The 5-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 71.7% and 60.1%, respectively. Forty-nine patients had a complete response at one month after IFRT (complete response rate: 90.7%). Twenty patients had recurrence; there were 13 in-field and 7 out-of-field recurrence cases. The radiation-related adverse events were generally mild. Grade 3 late toxicity was observed in one patient.

Conclusions

The efficacy of IFRT was suggested to be comparable to that of standard treatments. Therefore, IFRT can be a promising approach for treating superficial ESCC in older adults, especially those with severe comorbidities.
CFD Investigation of a Co-Flow Nozzle for Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing Applications
Authors: Sharma Amit Kumar , Vashishtha Ashish , Callaghan Dean , Bakshi Srinivasan Rao , Kamaraj M. , Raghavendra Ramesh
Published: April 2024

This current work evaluates the efficacy of a co-flow nozzle for cold spray applications with the aim of mitigating nozzle clogging issues, which can occur during long-duration operations, by replacing the solid wall of a divergent nozzle section with an annular co-flow fluid boundary. Simulations were conducted on high-pressure nitrogen flowing through convergent–divergent (C–D) axisymmetric nozzles, with a stagnation pressure of 6 MPa and a stagnation temperature of 1273 K. In these simulations, Inconel 718 particles of varying sizes (15 µm to 35 µm) were modeled using a 2-way Lagrangian technique, and the model’s accuracy was confirmed through validation against experimental results. An annular co-flow nozzle with a circular cross section and straight passage covering the primary C–D nozzle has been designed and modeled for cold spray application. Co-flow was introduced to the reduced nozzle length to compensate for particle velocity loss at higher operating conditions. It was found that co-flow facilitates momentum preservation for primary flow by providing an annular gas boundary, resulting in increased particle speed for a longer axial distance beyond the nozzle exit of the reduced divergent length nozzle. The particle acceleration performance of the reduced divergent section nozzle, when combined with co-flow, is comparable to the original length nozzle.
Fundamental investigation on the time-variance of process stability
Authors: Jaquet S. , Meijer A. , Baumann J. , Biermann D.
Published: April 2024

Disturbance factors, such as self-excited tool vibrations, limit the performance of modern machining processes and thus restrict the quality, productivity and sustainability of industrially manufactured components. The dynamic process stability is subjected to significant variances especially at the beginning of the tool life. To precisely quantify these variances, series of milling tests were conducted and analyzed using tools made of high speed steel (HSS) and cemented carbide for the machining of EN AW-7075. In all test series, a critical initial decrease of the stability limit was detected directly at the beginning of the tool life. In the following, a significant increase and subsequent almost constant stability limit was observed. In the case of the HSS cutters the achieved stability limit exceeded the initial level substantially. An increase in the process forces and flank wear was also measured over tool life but the progression cannot directly explain the extend and characteristics regarding the stability limit. The findings described have a considerable impact on the appropriate design of manufacturing processes and experiments to determine the dynamic stability of cutting operations.
Social characteristics and social benefit use among premenopausal breast cancer survivors in Denmark: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Hjorth Cathrine F. , Schmidt Julie A. , Farkas Dóra K. , Cronin-Fenton Deirdre
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In 2020, one million women aged < 55 years were diagnosed with breast cancer globally. The impact of breast cancer and its treatments on these women’s ability to work and need for social benefits may differ by social characteristics. We evaluated social benefit use following breast cancer by education and cohabitation.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study, including women aged 18–55 years diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer in Denmark during 2002–2011. Statistics Denmark provided information on cohabitation, education, and social benefit use from 1 year pre-diagnosis to 10 years post-diagnosis. We calculated weekly proportions of self-support, unemployment, disability pension, flexi jobs, and sick leave according to education and cohabitation.

Results

Of 5345 women, 81.8% were self-supporting, 4.5% received disability pensions, 1.6% had flexi jobs, 3.6% were on sick leave, and 5.5% were unemployed 1 year pre-diagnosis. Ten years post-diagnosis, the proportions were 69.0%, 13.0%, 10.5%, 3.4%, and 2.0% of 3663 survivors. Disability pensions and flexi jobs increased from 12.1 to 26.4% and 2.8 to 13.5% in women with short education, from 4.1 to 12.8% and 1.8 to 12.2% in women with medium education, and from 0.8 to 6.0% and 0.9 to 6.9% in longer educated. Disability pensions increased more in women living alone (7.8 to 19.9%), than in cohabiting women (3.6 to 11.3%).

Conclusions

Use of social benefits reflecting lost ability to work was highest in less educated women and in women living alone.

Implications for Cancer Survivors.

Awareness of these groups is crucial when tailoring efforts to support work participation in cancer survivors.
Sicherer Babyschlaf in der Werbung
Authors: Kalus Esther , Poets Christian F. , Quante Mirja
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Kampagnen zum sicheren Babyschlaf haben dazu geführt, dass die Zahl der am plötzlichen Säuglingstod verstorbenen Kinder seit den 1990er-Jahren stark gesunken ist. Trotzdem gibt es weiterhin vermeidbare Fälle. Leider lassen sich Eltern in Produktkaufentscheidungen zum Babyschlaf bewusst oder auch unbewusst durch Medien und Werbung beeinflussen.

Methode

Es erfolgte eine Evaluation der Online-Webseiten großer Drogerieketten (DM, Rossmann, Müller), eines Babynahrungsherstellers (Hipp) und zweier Onlineshops (Baby-Walz und Amazon) auf die Einhaltung der Empfehlungen zur Vermeidung des plötzlichen Säuglingstodes bei der Vermarktung von Babyprodukten.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurde die Werbung von 185 Produkten analysiert. Davon wurden auf 142 (77 %) wache Babys gezeigt und auf 42 (23 %) schlafende Babys, davon waren 33 (18 %) liegend abgebildet. Der Großteil der liegend abgebildeten Babys schlief in Rückenlage (67 %). Ein empfohlener Schlafsack wurde nur bei 12 % der Babys gezeigt, während ein Drittel mit Decke oder Kissen schlief. Bei knapp einem Viertel der Babys waren Kuscheltiere in der unmittelbaren Schlafumgebung zu finden. Bedsharing, das Teilen des Bettes mit einer anderen Person, wurde bei insgesamt zwei Produkten abgebildet. Ein Schnuller war bei fünf Produkten gezeigt.

Diskussion

Babyprodukte zeigen leider häufig eine unsichere Schlafumgebung und Position für Babys, was zu falschen Engrammen bei Eltern führen kann. Insgesamt besteht deutlich Nachbesserungsbedarf bei der Darstellung eines sicheren Babyschlafs in der Werbung.
No requirement of perioperative glucocorticoid replacement in patients with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome – a pilot study
Authors: Trummer Christian , Pandis Marlene , Theiler-Schwetz Verena , Schmitt Lisa , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara , Gellner Verena , Simon Andrea , Pilz Stefan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Surgical therapy represents the first-line treatment for endogenous Cushing’s syndrome (CS). While postoperative glucocorticoid replacement is mandatory after surgical remission, the role of perioperative glucocorticoid therapy is unclear.

Methods

We recruited patients with central or adrenal CS in whom curative surgery was planned and patients who underwent pituitary surgery for other reasons than CS as a control group. Patients did not receive any perioperative glucocorticoids until the morning of the first postoperative day. We performed blood samplings in the morning of surgery, immediately after surgery, in the evening of the day of surgery, and in the morning of the first and third postoperative day before any morning glucocorticoid intake. We continued clinical and biochemical monitoring during the following outpatient care.

Results

We recruited 12 patients with CS (seven with central CS, five with adrenal CS) and six patients without CS. In patients with CS, serum cortisol concentrations <5.0 µg/dL (<138 nmol/L) were detected in the morning of the first and third postoperative day in four (33%) and six (50%) patients, respectively. Morning serum cortisol concentrations on the third postoperative day were significantly lower when compared to preoperative measurements (8.5 ± 7.6 µg/dL vs. 19.9 ± 8.9 µg/dL [235 ± 210 nmol/L vs. 549 ± 246 nmol/L], p = 0.023). No patient developed clinical or biochemical signs associated with hypocortisolism. During follow-up, we first observed serum cortisol concentrations >5.0 µg/dL (>138 nmol/L) after 129 ± 97 days and glucocorticoids were discontinued after 402 ± 243 days. Patients without CS did not require glucocorticoid replacement at any time.

Conclusion

Perioperative glucocorticoid replacement may be unnecessary in patients with central or adrenal CS undergoing curative surgery as first-line treatment.
The impact of adjustment mechanisms on China’s ETS: lessons from the pilot programs
Authors: Zhang Hao
Published: April 2024

This article examines the adjustment mechanisms which have been designed and implemented under China’s experimentations with its emissions trading scheme (ETS). In China, several ETS pilot programs have adopted these mechanisms in the process of cap setting, allowance allocation and price regulation to allow regulatory intervention at different stages of the ETS operation to ensure that particular regulatory objectives are going to be achieved. Using doctrinal analysis, this article provides some critical insights into the specific regulatory design of the flexible mechanisms in China. It highlights their impact on regulatory stability and on the credibility of the ETS program. Considering that the ETS pilots are designed for and operated at local levels for the purpose of testing regulatory design and implementation in order to inform the policymakers at the central government when designing the national scheme, the lessons learned from the ETS pilots with respect to the adjustment mechanism are critical to fulfilling this strategy.
Banach spaces with small weakly open subsets of the unit ball and massive sets of Daugavet and $$\Delta $$-points
Authors: Cobollo Christian , Isert Daniel , López-Pérez Ginés , Martín Miguel , Perreau Yoël , Quero Alicia , Quilis Andrés , Rodríguez-Vidanes Daniel L. , Rueda Zoca Abraham
Published: April 2024

We prove that there exists an equivalent norm $$\left| \left| \left| \cdot \right| \right| \right| $$

·

on $$L_\infty [0,1]$$

L
∞

[
0
,
1
]

with the following properties:

The unit ball of $$(L_\infty [0,1],\left| \left| \left| \cdot \right| \right| \right| )$$

(

L
∞

[
0
,
1
]

,

·

)

contains non-empty relatively weakly open subsets of arbitrarily small diameter;

The set of Daugavet points of the unit ball of $$(L_\infty [0,1],\left| \left| \left| \cdot \right| \right| \right| )$$

(

L
∞

[
0
,
1
]

,

·

)

is weakly dense;

The set of ccw $$\Delta $$
Δ
-points of the unit ball of $$(L_\infty [0,1],\left| \left| \left| \cdot \right| \right| \right| )$$

(

L
∞

[
0
,
1
]

,

·

)

is norming.

We also show that there are points of the unit ball of $$(L_\infty [0,1],\left| \left| \left| \cdot \right| \right| \right| )$$

(

L
∞

[
0
,
1
]

,

·

)

which are not $$\Delta $$
Δ
-points, meaning that the space $$(L_\infty [0,1],\left| \left| \left| \cdot \right| \right| \right| )$$

(

L
∞

[
0
,
1
]

,

·

)

fails the diametral local diameter 2 property. Finally, we observe that the space $$(L_\infty [0,1],\left| \left| \left| \cdot \right| \right| \right| )$$

(

L
∞

[
0
,
1
]

,

·

)

provides both alternative and new examples that illustrate the differences between the various diametral notions for points of the unit ball of Banach spaces.
Determination of Quality in Training Programs Based on Outcomes and Data
Authors: Conrad-Schnetz Kristen , Anand Rahul J. , Relles Daniel , Hilt Elizabeth K. , Ghanem Yazid K. , Joshi Amit R. T.
Published: April 2024

Purpose of Review

Measuring quality of surgical training programs is fundamental in recruitment, program improvement, and accreditation. There are several resources available that can provide useful data and information for programs, medical students, and preliminary residents to evaluate program quality. The purpose of this review is to summarize both public and private data.

Recent Findings

Privately available data largely consist of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) resident and faculty surveys, Letter of Notification, and Case Log reports as well as the American Board of Surgery (ABS) In-Training Exam scores. Publicly available data include program accreditation status, and ABS Qualifying and Certifying Exam first-time pass rates. Medical students and preliminary residents can use resources such as social media platforms and internet-based sources to gain more information. Lastly, program leadership can drive innovation into their curricula utilizing platforms such as the Educational Quality Improvement Program (EQIP).

Increasing access to data is allowing educators to apply quality-improvement methodology to their training programs. Utilizing all available data will allow high-quality continuous improvement in the curricula development of surgical training programs.
Removing the Human from Trademark Law
Authors: Roy Alpana , Marsoof Althaf
Published: April 2024

This paper envisions a future in which humans begin to entrust interconnected and intelligent devices and machines with the power to make purchasing decisions on their behalf. Artificial Intelligence (AI), together with the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technology, will likely make this possible. What might be the role of trademarks and the law governing their protection in such a future? This paper responds to this question by considering how the use of AI, IoT, and blockchain technology in the retail space will impact the foundational concepts underpinning trademark law. The discussion highlights the difficulty of shifting trademark law away from its human-centric focus, where core doctrines and principles revolve around human interaction and perceptions, towards a system capable of adapting to a future where devices and machines interact with trademarks. Perhaps the time is ripe for legislative innovation in the field of trademarks.
Ethnic Identity Protects and Internalized Racism Harms Health and Coping in Asian Americans Following COVID-19 Discrimination: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Nhan Emily R. , Williamson-Raun Aisha R. , Chan Rachel , Yang Joyce P.
Published: April 2024

Mechanisms underlying the link between COVID-19 anti-Asian racial discrimination and psychological health are underexplored. This mixed-methods study examined the moderating effects of ethnic identity and internalized racism on the relationship between COVID discrimination and behavioral health outcomes among Asian Americans. We hypothesized that individuals with lower ethnic identity and higher internalized racism levels would demonstrate more adverse outcomes, including worsened psychological trauma and identity-avoidant behaviors, post-discrimination. Asian American participants (N = 215) responded to a Qualtrics survey, including qualitative and quantitative questions on COVID-related racism experiences, ethnic identity, internalized racism, trauma, and other subsequent effects. For qualitative analysis, participants were sorted into four subgroups defined by low- and/or high-ethnic identity and internalized racism scores, and we explored themes in participant reports of identity-related coping effects after racism. We additionally used hierarchical multiple regression analyses to quantitatively assess the moderating impact of ethnic identity and internalized racism on the relationship between COVID discrimination and trauma. Analyses revealed no moderating effects from the two identity variables. However, qualitative analyses identified themes of identity-promoting and identity-avoidant behavioral responses, and moderation analyses revealed that ethnic identity had a main effect on mitigating racial trauma, while internalized racism exacerbated both racial trauma and PTSD levels. This study identified ethnic identity and internalized racism as underlying causes to behavioral health outcomes for Asian Americans. Results offer mental health providers serving Asian clients insight into identity-related influences to help optimize culturally appropriate interventions and support initiatives of identity promotion to foster community engagement for this population.
Achieving Ultra-Broad Microwave Absorption Bandwidth Around Millimeter-Wave Atmospheric Window Through an Intentional Manipulation on Multi-Magnetic Resonance Behavior
Authors: Liu Chuyang , Xu Lu , Xiang Xueyu , Zhang Yujing , Zhou Li , Ouyang Bo , Wu Fan , Kim Dong-Hyun , Ji Guangbin
Published: April 2024

The utilization of electromagnetic waves is rapidly advancing into the millimeter-wave frequency range, posing increasingly severe challenges in terms of electromagnetic pollution prevention and radar stealth. However, existing millimeter-wave absorbers are still inadequate in addressing these issues due to their monotonous magnetic resonance pattern. In this work, rare-earth La3+ and non-magnetic Zr4+ ions are simultaneously incorporated into M-type barium ferrite (BaM) to intentionally manipulate the multi-magnetic resonance behavior. By leveraging the contrary impact of La3+ and Zr4+ ions on magnetocrystalline anisotropy field, the restrictive relationship between intensity and frequency of the multi-magnetic resonance is successfully eliminated. The magnetic resonance peak-differentiating and imitating results confirm that significant multi-magnetic resonance phenomenon emerges around 35 GHz due to the reinforced exchange coupling effect between Fe3+ and Fe2+ ions. Additionally, Mössbauer spectra analysis, first-principle calculations, and least square fitting collectively identify that additional La3+ doping leads to a profound rearrangement of Zr4+ occupation and thus makes the portion of polarization/conduction loss increase gradually. As a consequence, the La3+–Zr4+ co-doped BaM achieves an ultra-broad bandwidth of 12.5 + GHz covering from 27.5 to 40 + GHz, which holds remarkable potential for millimeter-wave absorbers around the atmospheric window of 35 GHz.
Relationships Between Macrostructure and Microstructure in Lamellar Graphite Iron Castings
Authors: Domeij Björn , Diószegi Attila
Published: April 2024

Spherical sheet steel molds filled with gray iron melts of varying chemical compositions and metallurgical conditions were air-cooled until solid, followed directly by austempering to preserve the austenite grain structure. The castings were studied using a combination of cooling curves and quantitative metallography, in order to clarify control of the austenite grain structure and its impact on the local microstructure. A novel method utilizing fast Fourier transform provided visual overview of macroscopic trends in the scale of the flake graphite structure. Castings inoculated with Sr-containing ferrosilicon featured finer eutectic cell structure but coarser equiaxed structure of austenite, emphasizing that melt treatments applied to control the graphite structure may have unintended effects on the austenite grain structure. In most non-inoculated castings, the microstructure was banded, with alternating layers of coarse and fine flake graphite with distance from the casting surface. The extent of the columnar zone of austenite grains showed no correlation with the graphite structure nor the volume fraction of dendrites. The volume-to-surface ratio of dendrites was more uniform in the columnar zone, but increased toward the center in the equiaxed zone. The casting with the highest carbon equivalent (4.34), featured zones containing finer dendrites and graphite. These zones appear to be gaps in the early solidification structure which filled later by secondary dendritic growth from surrounding austenite. This highlights that high carbon equivalent may lead to poor dendrite coherency which can make the microstructure less uniform and less predictable.
Microstructure and tribological properties of solid lubricant-doped CMT-WAAMed Stellite deposits
Authors: Tuominen Jari , Sabr Ali , Hyvärinen Leo , Peura Pasi
Published: April 2024

A large share of the world’s total energy consumption is used to overcome friction. Therefore, low friction wear-resistant materials are needed. Solid lubricants are solid-phase materials that can reduce friction at different temperatures between two surfaces sliding against each other without the need for a grease or liquid oil medium. In this study, Cold Metal Transfer Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (CMT-WAAM) was used to deposit solid lubricant (WS2, MoS2, CaF2) doped hypoeutectic Stellite alloy. Fabricated deposits possessed crack- and pore-free microstructures consisting of γ-Co and M7C3 carbide eutectics embedded with chromium sulfides and microhardness values of ~ 530 HV1. They were also tested in self-mated unidirectional sliding wear tests in dry conditions at room temperature (RT) and at 300 °C in an air atmosphere. The results showed that the dynamic coefficient of friction (COF) decreased ~ 27% at RT and ~ 21% at 300 °C without losing the wear properties. During sliding wear tests severe strain hardening occurred and γ-Co was found to transform to ε-Co. The developed deposits can be used as hard facings or 3D printed components in applications that require good sliding wear properties at different temperatures such as metal forming tools, power transmission components, valves, and internal parts of combustion engines.
How comprehensive is our comprehensive geriatric assessment in clinical practice? An Irish perspective
Authors: Dennehy Karen , Lynch Amy , Reddin Catriona , Daly Bart , Dukelow Tim , Canavan Michelle , Costello Maria , Murphy Robert
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is the cornerstone of high-quality care for older adults. There is no current gold standard to guide what should be included as the baseline measure for CGAs. We examined what metrics are being captured in CGA baseline assessments completed by community based integrated care teams in Ireland.

Methods

CGA’s care pathways in Ireland are usually initiated with a written document that establish patients baseline in various assessment areas. These documents were the focus of this study. We completed a cross-sectional study of the components captured in CGA baseline assessments completed in a community setting. We contacted operational leads in each of the community health organisations in Ireland and requested a copy of their current initial baseline screening document for CGA.

Results

We reviewed 16 individual CGA baseline documents for analysis in this study. Common assessment areas in all documents included frailty (with the Rockwood Clinical frailty scale used in 94%, n = 15), cognition (4AT—56% of CGAs, MMSE—25%, MOCA—25%, AMTS—19%, AD8—19%, Addenbrookes—13%, 6CIT—13%, mini cog—6%), mobility (100%, n = 16), falls (100%, n = 16), continence (100% n = 16), nutrition (100% n = 16). Mood (94%, n = 15), pain (44%, n = 7), bone health (63%, n = 10), sleep (62%, n = 10) and skin integrity (56%, n = 9). Formal functional assessment was completed in 94% (n = 15) of CGAs with the Barthel index being the tool most used 81% (n = 13). Half of the CGAs included a section describing carer strain (50%, n = 8). The majority of CGAs included a patient centred question which was some variation of ‘what matters most to me’ (75% n = 11). 87.5% of assessments included a care plan summary (n = 14).

Conclusions

This report highlights that the core tenets of CGA are being assessed across different community based initial CGA screening instruments. There was significant variability in the discussion of challenging topics such as carer strain and social well-being. Our results should prompt a discussion about whether a minimum dataset should be developed for inclusion in nationwide initial baseline CGA document, aiming to improve standardisation of assessments, which will impact areas highlighted for intervention and ultimately guide population health policy.
The impact of excessive maternal weight on the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring—a narrative review of clinical studies
Authors: Kacperska Magdalena , Mizera Józef , Pilecki Maciej , Pomierny-Chamioło Lucyna
Published: April 2024

The global prevalence of overweight and obesity is a significant public health concern that also largely affects women of childbearing age. Human epidemiological studies indicate that prenatal exposure to excessive maternal weight or excessive gestational weight gain is linked to various neurodevelopmental disorders in children, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, internalizing and externalizing problems, schizophrenia, and cognitive/intellectual impairment. Considering that inadequate maternal body mass can induce serious disorders in offspring, it is important to increase efforts to prevent such outcomes. In this paper, we review human studies linking excessive maternal weight and the occurrence of mental disorders in children.
Optimizing urban green infrastructure using a highly detailed surface modeling approach
Authors: Addas Abdullah
Published: April 2024

Urban trees and forests show a better ecosystem with many benefits, including pure air quality. The development of urban green infrastructure (UGI) creates a better management system that greatly impacts social values in an urban system. The UGI and construction activities are receiving much attention for their effectiveness in addressing various urban ecological, social and economic issues. Using green infrastructure in stormwater management can reduce the influence on urban sewerage systems and, eventually, on building water resources. The main goal of the research is to optimize the green infrastructure to provide a less-pollution, well-organized, and pleasurable environment for the inhabitants. Various models are used to study the present rainfall-runoff scenario, but the stormwater management model (SWMM) is the most preferable and suggested model. Once the parameters are accessed, optimizing the green infrastructure (GI) will be easy. A complete SWMM model is evaluated over the complete surface, and a hydrological measurement is presented. The evaluation study presents various component percentages: asphalt (37%), green (27%), ceiling (21%), grit (12%), and cemented area (2%), which provides rainproof coverage of approximately 60%. A design is developed about the diverse events of GI in urban exploiting the SWMM and demonstrates its stimulus on the rainfall-runoff behaviour. In recent years, very little attention has been given to green spaces in urban areas, which not only increases pollution but also decreases the urbanization. Therefore, urban green spaces are more important to improve air quality and resident living standards. Over the given scenario and the rainfall event, a decline of the quantitative discharge parameters is evident, such as discharge volume (i.e., from 3.6 to 61.8) and the peak discharge rate (i.e., from 5.4 to 62.7%). The simulation results show that green areas give high satisfaction with low construction costs, which shows the superlative performance ratio of the examined measures. From the investigation, it is also recommended to have green areas and public spaces in impervious urban areas, which greatly reduced the runoff in the project area.
Combating youth’s unemployment rate by integrating entrepreneurship in middle school education
Authors: Fute Antony , Mushi Benjamin Remen , Kangwa Daniel , Oubibi Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in fostering job creation and economic growth, underscoring the need to encourage and support youth in establishing and developing businesses. In Tanzania, where the unemployment rate stands at 2.75% as of 2021, the rising rate (from 2.2% in 2019) necessitates a profound discussion on education for poverty reduction. This study addresses three key questions: (i) from the international experiences, can the entrepreneurship education be effectively integrated into mainstream secondary schools? (ii) What strategies are preferably employed in other countries to integrate entrepreneurship into secondary education? (iii) Based on international experiences, what contextual approach can be adopted by Tanzania to integrate entrepreneurship into middle school education? By employing the PRISMA framework, document review was primarily employed to gain valuable insights. The findings highlighted the importance of teaching entrepreneurship from an early age, recommending strategies such as extracurricular activities, integration of entrepreneurship into related subjects like computer education, and offering it as a stand-alone subject, all while considering contextual factors. Although challenges persist, it is evident that Tanzania's main hurdle in entrepreneurship education and reducing unemployment lies primarily on political willingness rather than financial capacity.