bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Korean Immigrant Mothers and the Journey to Autism Diagnosis and Services for Their Child in the United States
Authors: Kim Hyeyoung , Kim Sohyun An , Lee Han , Dodds Robin
Published: October 2023

Since autism diagnosis is directly linked to the availability of supportive services, identifying best practices for early diagnosis of autism has long been a concern of professionals and families. Meanwhile, studies show persistent racial disparities in autism diagnosis. Although numerous clinical diagnostic guidelines have been published, there is not enough discussion of diagnostic procedures through the lens of culturally diverse families. Purpose. This study focuses on the autism diagnostic experiences that Korean immigrant mothers had with their children. Methods. Eleven first-generation Korean-American mothers of children with autism were included in the study. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews in Korean. Results. The main five factors (i.e., cultural beliefs and values, language barriers, complex emotions, immigration and navigating systems, and facilitators and assets) that mainly influence the diagnosis process were identified through thematic analysis. Conclusion. Dynamics are interactive within and between the factors, influencing the entire diagnostic process by either delaying or facilitating the identification of a child’s autism and the provision of treatment.
Longitudinal Associations Between Autistic Traits, Self-compassion, Anxiety and Depression in Autistic and Non-autistic Adults Without Intellectual Disability
Authors: Galvin John , Howes Abby , Richards Gareth
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Previous cross-sectional research suggests self-compassion may mediate associations between autistic traits and mental health in autistic and non-autistic adults. However, no research to date has examined these relationships longitudinally. In this study, we used a cross-lagged panel analysis to examine correlations over time between autistic traits, self-compassion, and anxiety/depression.

Methods

Participants were from the UK and included autistic (n = 228 at T1, n = 156 at T2, and n = 165 at T3) and non-autistic adults (n = 228 at T1, n = 122 at T2, and n = 124 at T3) without intellectual disability. Participants were recruited through an online participation platform and completed demographics, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline (T1), 6 months (T2), and 12 months (T3).

Results

In the autistic sample, negative correlations were observed between self-compassion and subsequent anxiety/depression across all models and timepoints, and these relationships were not reciprocal (i.e., earlier depression and anxiety did not predict future self-compassion). In the non-autistic sample, the findings generally suggested bi-directional relationships between self-compassion and anxiety/depression. In both groups, an indirect pathway between T1 autistic traits and T3 anxiety/depression via T2 self-compassion was confirmed.

Conclusion

Considering the high prevalence of anxiety and depression among autistic people, and that self-compassion can be cultivated through practice, these findings suggest that self-compassion could be a useful therapeutic target to promote mental health in the autistic population.
WebRTC over 5 G: A Study of Remote Collaboration QoS in Mobile Environment
Authors: Nakazato Jin , Nakagawa Kousuke , Itoh Koki , Fontugne Romain , Tsukada Manabu , Esaki Hiroshi
Published: October 2023

The increasing demand for remote collaboration and remote working has become crucial to daily life owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and the development of internet-based video distribution services. Furthermore, low-latency remote collaboration, such as teleoperation and support applications designed for in-vehicle environments, has gained considerable attention. The 5 G technology is considered as a key infrastructure for remote collaboration. This study aimed to evaluate the actual 5 G capability to achieve high quality of service (QoS) for remote collaboration. We designed and implemented a measurement tool to monitor the QoS of remote collaboration under real-world 5 G conditions. We performed measurements encompassing the various 5 G frequency bands. During these experiments, we employed various tools to obtain detailed mobile signal conditions to analyze the relationship between various environmental factors (e.g. signal quality, band, handoff, geographic conditions, and mobility) and the QoS performance of remote collaboration in a real-world 5 G environment. This study elucidated the correlation between the WebRTC performance and various environmental factors as well as the performance improvement potential by leveraging the communication technologies of multiple mobile carriers. The collected data has been made publicly available to foster research on QoS and 5 G.
Male Adolescents with Mild Intellectual Disabilities: Normative Sexual Development and Factors Associated with Sexual Risks
Authors: Verbeek Mirthe C. , Luijk Maartje , Weeland Joyce , van de Bongardt Daphne
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to (1) describe male mildly intellectually disabled (MID) adolescents’ general romantic and sexual development, education experience with topics on sexuality and relationships, and frequency of undesirable sexual behaviors and experiences; and (2) explore how sexuality related attitudes, self-esteem, sexual knowledge, and resilience to peer pressure link to MID male adolescents’ sexual and dating violence (SDV) perpetration, SDV victimization and sexual risk behavior. We used baseline data from a randomized controlled trial on a program for psychosexual health promotion and prevention of undesirable sexual experiences for MID male adolescents (N = 120, Mage = 15.03 years), assessed with self-report questionnaires. We examined cross-sectional associations with correlations and (logistic) regression analyses between sexuality-related attitudes, global self-esteem, sexual knowledge, and resilience to peer pressure with SDV perpetration, SDV victimization and behavioral intentions following sexual rejection. Results indicated that male MID adolescents were romantically and sexually active, and reported unsafe sex, 47.7% experienced SDV perpetration and 33.9% victimization. Positive attitudes towards dating violence were associated with having experienced both SDV perpetration and victimization, and more adherence to heterosexual double standards was related to more negative and fewer positive behavioral intentions upon sexual rejection. Participants who experienced SDV victimization had more sexual knowledge. Self-esteem and resilience to peer pressure were unrelated to SDV. Concluding, male MID adolescents are similarly sexually active to the general population but may need more guidance in the form of timely, tailored prevention and education. We provide concrete suggestions such as focusing on changing attitudes and practicing skills.
A Radiometric Correction Method and Performance Characteristics for PIXL’s Multispectral Analysis Using LEDs
Authors: Henneke J. , Klevang D. , Liu Y. , Jørgensen J. , Denver T. , Rice M. , VanBommel S. , Toldbo C. , Hurowitz J. , Tice M. , Tosca N. , Johnson J. , Winhold A. , Allwood A. , Bell J.
Published: October 2023

The Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) onboard the Perseverance rover, part of NASA’s Mars 2020 mission, has the first camera system that utilizes active light sources to generate multispectral data directly on a planetary surface. PIXL collects the multispectral data using three different components in the Optical Fiducial System (OFS): Micro Context Camera (MCC), Floodlight Illuminator (FLI), and Structure light illuminator (SLI). MCC captures images illuminated at different wavelengths by FLI while topography information is obtained by synchronously operating the MCC and SLI. A radiometric calibration for such a system has not been attempted before. Here we present a novel radiometric correction process and verify the output to a mean error of 0.4% by comparing it to calibrated spectral data from the Three Axis N-sample Automated Goniometer for Evaluation Reflectance (TANAGER). We demonstrate that the radiometrically corrected data can clearly discern different features in natural rock and mineral samples. We also conclude that the same radiometric correction process can be used on Mars as the optical system is designed to autonomously compensates for the effects of the Martian environment on the instrument. Having multispectral capabilities has proven to be very valuable for extrapolating the detailed mineral and crystallographic information produced by X-ray spectroscopy from the X-ray system of PIXL.
Personalized agricultural knowledge services: a framework for privacy-protected user portraits and efficient recommendation
Authors: Wu Huarui , Liu Chang , Zhao Chunjiang
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the increasing demand for knowledge services and the challenges of information overload have posed significant problems in delivering personalized and efficient agricultural knowledge services. This paper presents a comprehensive framework that addresses the issues of vague user positioning, serious privacy leakage, and low efficiency in personalized knowledge services within the national agricultural knowledge intelligent service cloud platform. The proposed framework utilizes privacy-protected user portraits based on generative adversarial nets (GAN) and leverages the TextCNN-LSTM algorithm for agricultural knowledge service prediction. By embedding labels into the algorithm and employing data obfuscation techniques, the framework achieves accurate inference of user behavior while preserving user privacy. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed framework, highlighting its potential for regional precise positioning and recommendation of personalized agricultural knowledge services. Experimental data shows that the average absolute error and root-mean-square error of this method are 1.1997 and 1.4143, respectively, and compared with MLP, TextCNN, and LSTM models, and it has higher prediction accuracy. In recent years, the increasing demand for knowledge services and the challenges of information overload have posed significant problems in delivering personalized and efficient agricultural knowledge services.
Partisan science and the democratic legitimacy ideal
Authors: Hilligardt Hannah
Published: October 2023

The democratic legitimacy ideal requires value judgments in science to be legitimised by democratic procedures in order for them to reflect the public interest or democratic aims. Such a view has been explicitly defended by Intemann (2015) and Schroeder (2021), amongst others, and reflects a more widely shared commitment to a democratisation of science and integration of public participation procedures. This paper suggests that the democratic legitimacy ideal in its current form does not leave space for partisan science – science that is politically or societally engaged. This is problematic because partisan research can contribute substantially to science and society, a point that I will illustrate with a recent case study from the Netherlands. To resolve this problem, I scrutinise the notion of democratic legitimacy and consider its use in the values in science discourse. Current discussions focus on democratic decision-making procedures to legitimise specific value judgements. I show that this focus does not adequately represent sound procedures of legitimisation at the hand of political theories of representation. Consequently, I develop a different approach: I propose to consider scientists as a special case of representatives who are authorised to make independent value judgements while nevertheless being constrained by the demands of their constituencies. Based on this approach, I argue that values in science do not need to be based on democratically agreed upon aims or the public interest in every instance. Instead, I advocate for a pluralist system of scientific mandates, which differs from both value pluralism and the democratic legitimacy ideal.
Immunomodulatory effect of probiotic exopolysaccharides in a porcine in vitro co-culture model mimicking the intestinal environment on ETEC infection
Authors: Kiššová Zuzana , Mudroňová Dagmar , Link Róbert , Tkáčiková Ľudmila
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of EPS-L26 isolated from the probiotic strain Lactobacillus (Limosilactobacillus) reuteri L26 Biocenol™, in a model of infection with an enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) by establishing monocultures consisting of the IPEC-J2 cell line or monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) and creating a 3D model of cell co-cultures established with IPEC-J2 cells and moDCs. The immunomodulatory and immunoprotective potential of used EPS-L26 was confirmed in monocultures in an experimental group of pretreated cells, where our study showed that pretreatment of cells with EPS-L26 and subsequent exposure to infection resulted in significantly down-regulated mRNA levels of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines compared to ETEC challenge in single cell cultures (in IPEC-J2, decreased mRNA levels for TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12p35; in moDCs, decreased mRNA levels for IL-1β). Similar to monocultures, we also demonstrated the immunostimulatory potential of the ETEC strain in the co-culture model on directly treated IPEC-J2 cells cultivated on insert chambers (apical compartment) and also on indirectly treated moDCs cultivated in the lower chamber (basolateral compartment), however in the co-culture model the expression of inflammatory cytokines was attenuated at the mRNA level compared to monocultures. Pretreatment of the cells on the insert chambers pointed to the immunoprotective properties of EPS-L26, manifested by decreased mRNA levels in both cell lines compared to ETEC challenge (in IPEC-J2 decreased mRNA levels for IL-12p35; in moDCs decreased mRNA levels for IL-1β, IL-6). Our results suggest intercellular communication via humoral signals derived from IPEC-J2 cells by influencing the gene expression of indirectly treated moDC cells located in the basolateral compartment.
Twelve toll-like receptor (TLR) genes in the family Equidae – comparative genomics, selection and evolution
Authors: Stejskalova K. , Janova E. , Splichalova P. , Futas J. , Oppelt J. , Vodicka R. , Horin P.
Published: October 2023

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) represent an important part of the innate immune system. While human and murine TLRs have been intensively studied, little is known about TLRs in non-model species. The order Perissodactyla comprises a variety of free-living and domesticated species exposed to different pathogens in different habitats and is therefore suitable for analyzing the diversity and evolution of immunity-related genes. We analyzed TLR genes in the order Perissodactyla with a focus on the family Equidae. Twelve TLRs were identified by bioinformatic analyses of online genomic resources; their sequences were confirmed in equids by genomic DNA re-sequencing of a panel of nine species. The expression of TLR11 and TLR12 was confirmed in the domestic horse by cDNA sequencing. Phylogenetic reconstruction of the TLR gene family in Perissodactyla identified six sub-families. TLR4 clustered together with TLR5; the TLR1-6-10 subfamily showed a high degree of sequence identity. The average estimated evolutionary divergence of all twelve TLRs studied was 0.3% among the Equidae; the most divergent CDS were those of Equus caballus and Equus hemionus kulan (1.34%) in the TLR3, and Equus africanus somaliensis and Equus quagga antiquorum (2.1%) in the TLR1 protein. In each TLR gene, there were haplotypes shared between equid species, most extensively in TLR3 and TLR9 CDS, and TLR6 amino acid sequence. All twelve TLR genes were under strong negative overall selection. Signatures of diversifying selection in specific codon sites were detected in all TLRs except TLR8. Differences in the selection patterns between virus-sensing and non-viral TLRs were observed.
Effects of rotation and Bacillus on the changes of continuous cropping soil fungal communities in American ginseng
Authors: Jia Fengan , Chang Fan , Guan Min , Jia Qingan , Sun Yan , Li Zhi
Published: October 2023

The continuous cropping obstacle is the main factor in leading to difficulty in American ginseng replanting. The dormant microbiota in the soil may be the cause of American ginseng disease and eventually caused continuous cropping obstacles, but there are few studies on the dynamic changes of soil microenvironment after American ginseng planting. In this study, we tracked short-term variation in physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and fungal communities over time-series in soils with continuous cropping obstacle under crop rotation and probiotic Bacillus treatments. Furthermore, we examined the relationships between the important fungal compositions and the soil properties. The results showed that sucrase, cellulase, urease and acid phosphatase activities were significantly increased, while catalase and dehydrogenase were decreased with treatments time. Rotation treatment significantly affected the diversity, dissimilarity degree and species distribution of soil fungal community with continuous cropping obstacle over a short-term. Moreover, beneficial fungal biomarkers such as Cladorrhinum, Oidiodendron, and Mariannaea were accumulated at 48 h under rotation treatments. Almost all fungal biomarkers were negatively correlated with hydrolases and positively correlated with oxidoreductases and acid phosphatase under crop rotation treatments. This study suggested that compared to probiotic Bacillus, crop rotation can significantly affect soil fungal community structure, especially the enrichment of specific potentially beneficial fungal species. Our findings provide a scientific basis for understanding the dynamic changes of fungal communities and soil properties with continuous cropping obstacle of American ginseng in initial stage of soil improvement.
Phosphorous extraction and heavy metal separation from sewage sludge ash by two-compartment electrodialysis in an upscaled tube reactor
Authors: Ottosen Lisbeth M. , Thornberg Dines
Published: October 2023

Two-compartment electrodialytic extraction (2C-ED) is a one-step process for the simultaneous phosphorous extraction and separation of heavy metals from sewage sludge ash (SSA). The process is driven by an applied electric DC field, which can be supplied from renewable sources. The proof-of-concept of the method was conducted in small laboratory cells; however, upscaling to a continuous 2C-ED process, which additionally can treat SSA suspensions at a low liquid-to-solid (L:S) ratio, requires a new design. This paper presents such a new design. In principle, ED consists of two compartments separated by a cation exchange membrane. One compartment contains a suspension of SSA in water and the anode. A cathode is placed in the other compartment. Electrolysis at the anode acidifies the suspension causing the dissolution of phosphorous and heavy metals. The heavy metals are separated from the suspension by electromigration into the catholyte, whereas the dissolved phosphorous remains in the dispersion solution. In the new design, the SSA was suspended in a tube-shaped reactor with the cation exchange membrane covering the outside. The reactor was placed in a container with the catholyte. Periodically turning off the reactor kept SSA in suspension even at a low L:S ratio without corners and pockets where the SSA otherwise tends to settle. Five 2C-ED experiments were conducted with 1.5 to 3 kg SSA at varying currents and durations. Up to 89% P was extracted. The extracted P was concentrated in the dispersion solution of the SSA suspension, where the obtained P-related concentrations of heavy metals were far below the limiting values for spreading on agricultural land. The experiments underlined that treating the SSA in a suspension with a low L:S ratio is advantageous. A comparison to previous laboratory experiments in small cells treating 50 g SSA shows a significantly more efficient use of the applied current in the new reactor setup. Thus, the new reactor design for 2C-ED fulfilled the set criteria for the operation and did additionally result in a higher efficiency than the laboratory setups, i.e., the design can be the first step towards an upscaling.
Die psychische Gesundheitskompetenz der Bevölkerung in Deutschland
Authors: König Lars , Hamer Tim , Suhr Ralf
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund

Die Förderung der psychischen Gesundheitskompetenz könnte helfen, die psychische Gesundheit der Bevölkerung zu stärken und psychischen Erkrankungen entgegenzuwirken. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die psychische Gesundheitskompetenz der Bevölkerung in Deutschland anhand einer bevölkerungsrepräsentativen Stichprobe.

Methoden

Neben der psychischen Gesundheitskompetenz wurden die physische und psychische Gesundheit, die Lebenszufriedenheit sowie das Gesundheitsverhalten erfasst. Es wurden Subgruppenvergleiche durchgeführt und Zusammenhänge zwischen psychischer Gesundheitskompetenz und gesundheitsrelevanter Konstrukte untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Insbesondere Männer, Personen jungen und mittleren Alters sowie Personen mit einem niedrigen und mittleren Sozialstatus könnten von Interventionsangeboten zur Förderung der psychischen Gesundheitskompetenz profitieren. Zudem sollten Personen adressiert werden, die selbst bisher nicht wegen psychischen Erkrankungen behandelt wurden. Eine höhere psychische Gesundheitskompetenz ging schwach mit einer höheren Lebenszufriedenheit, einem besseren psychischen Gesundheitszustand und einem überwiegend förderlicheren Gesundheitsverhalten einher.

Schlussfolgerung

Gerade vulnerable Personengruppen sollten bei der Entwicklung von Interventionsangeboten zur Förderung der psychischen Gesundheitskompetenz adressiert werden.
Comparison of passive-scattered and intensity-modulated proton beam therapy of craniospinal irradiation with proton beams for pediatric and young adult patients with brain tumors
Authors: Fukumitsu Nobuyoshi , Kubota Hikaru , Demizu Yusuke , Suzuki Takeshi , Hasegawa Daiichiro , Kosaka Yoshiyuki , Kawamura Atsufumi , Soejima Toshinori
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To investigate the dose stability of craniospinal irradiation based on irradiation method of proton beam therapy (PBT).

Methods and materials

Twenty-four pediatric and young adult brain tumor patients (age: 1–24 years) were examined. Treatment method was passive-scattered PBT (PSPT) in 8 patients and intensity-modulated PBT (IMPT) in 16 patients. The whole vertebral body (WVB) technique was used in 13 patients whose ages were younger than 10, and vertebral body sparing (VBS) technique was used for the remaining 11 patients aged 10 and above. Dose stability of planning target volume (PTV) against set-up error was investigated.

Results

The minimum dose (Dmin) of IMPT was higher than that of PSPT (p = 0.01). Inhomogeneity index (INH) of IMPT was lower than that of PSPT (p = 0.004). When the irradiation field of the cervical spinal cord level (C level) was shifted, the maximum dose (Dmax) was lower in IMPT, and mean dose (Dmean) was higher than PSPT as movement became greater to the cranial–caudal direction (p = 0.000–0.043).Dminwas higher and INH was lower in IMPT in all directions (p = 0.000–0.034). When the irradiation field of the lumber spinal cord level (L level) was shifted,Dmaxwas lower in IMPT as movement became greater to the cranial direction (p = 0.000–0.028).Dminwas higher and INH was lower in IMPT in all directions (p = 0.000–0.022).

Conclusions

The PTV doses of IMPT and PSPT are robust and stable in both anterior–posterior and lateral directions at both C level and L level, but IMPT is more robust and stable than PSPT for cranial–caudal movements.

Trial registry

Clinical Trial Registration number: No. 04-03.
Management of ischaemic stroke survivors in primary care setting: the road to holistic care
Authors: Ozdemir Hizir , Sagris Dimitrios , Abdul-Rahim Azmil Husin , Lip Gregory Yoke Hong , Shantsila Eduard
Published: October 2023

The management of ischaemic stroke survivors is multidisciplinary, necessitating the collaboration of numerous medical professionals and rehabilitation specialists. However, due to the lack of comprehensive and holistic follow-up, their post-discharge management may be suboptimal. Achieving this holistic, patient-centred follow-up requires coordination and interaction of subspecialties, which general practitioners can provide as the first point of contact in healthcare systems. This approach can improve the management of stroke survivors by preventing recurrent stroke through an integrated post-stroke care, including appropriate Antithrombotic therapy, assisting them to have a Better functional and physiological status, early recognition and intervention of Comorbidities, and lifestyles. For such work to succeed, close interdisciplinary collaboration between primary care physicians and other medical specialists is required in a holistic or integrated way.
Tensile Mechanical Behaviors of Re-entrant and Kelvin Cell Lattice Structures
Authors: Hu Qifang , Lu Guoxing , Tse Kwong Ming
Published: October 2023

Periodic lattice structures as lightweight and high-energy absorption materials have been widely used in various fields, among which re-entrant and Kelvin cell lattice structures have exhibited excellent mechanical behaviors under different loadings. Therefore, this study aims to numerically explore and compare the tensile mechanical responses of re-entrant and Kelvin cell lattice structures with the same relative density after validating with experimental tests. It has been found that the tensile behavior of the two stretching-dominated lattice structures resemble that of parent solid material but had smaller fracture stress and strain due to the lower ductility of the lattice structures. The re-entrant lattice structure displayed a better energy absorption capacity than the Kelvin cell lattice under tensile loading, i.e., the energy absorption and specific energy absorption of the re-entrant lattice were 3 times and 1.6 times, respectively, those of the Kelvin cell lattice. Meanwhile, the re-entrant lattice as expected exhibited auxetic behavior with a negative Poisson’s ratio during the whole stretching process, while the Kelvin cell had the mechanical behaviors of traditional materials with a relatively constant positive Poisson’s ratio. These results are expected to provide hints on mechanical references and guidance for their extensive applications in the future.
YKL-40 in serum: a promising biomarker of juvenile SLE and strongly correlated with disease duration
Authors: Ali Asmaa A. , Yousef Rasha N. , Elsheikh Mai S. , Salamah Abeer R. , Wu Liang L. , Alnaggar Alshaimaa R. , Khalil Noha M. , Behiry Mervat E.
Published: October 2023

Background

The biological function of YKL-40 is not well determined in different inflammatory and autoimmune diseases; however, some data highlighted its possible connection with disease activity.

Aim

We investigated the diagnostic utility of serum YKL-40 in patients with SLE and examined its correlation with disease activity. Additionally, we examined any differences in serum YKL-40 levels between juvenile and adult SLE patients.

Methods

We included 78 female patients with SLE and 42 controls. The level of YKL-40 in serum was measured by ELISA.

Results

The serum YKL-40 level in SLE patients was significantly higher compared to the control group (9 (3) ng/mL vs. 5.5 (0.1) ng/mL;p < 0.001). YKL-40 showed excellent diagnostic utility with an AUC of 1 (p < 0.001) and a cutoff point of 5.6, providing sensitivity and specificity of 100%. YKL-40 was higher in adolescents and those with a positive family history of SLE (p = 0.01 for both) and positively correlated with disease duration (r = 0.45,p < 0.001). YKL-40 level was significantly higher in patients with photosensitivity, fever, vasculitis, blood disorders, positive anti-dsDNA, and APL ab (p < 0.05 for all). Conversely, patients with skin manifestations had a significantly lower YKL-40 (p = 0.004). In juvenile SLE, the AUC was 0.65 and ap-value of 0.01, and at a cutoff value of (8.7) ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity were 72% and 60%, respectively.

Conclusion

YKL-40 in serum could be a promising biomarker in patients with SLE, especially in adolescent-onset cases. It is independently influenced by disease duration, anemia, thrombocytopenia, positive anti-dsDNA, and APL ab features.
Lagrangian plume rise and dispersion modelling of the large-scale lithium-ion battery fire in Morris, USA, 2021
Authors: Lejon Christian , Vågberg Daniel , Schönfeldt Fredrik , Liljedahl Birgitta , Persson Leif , Burman Jan , Elfverson Daniel , Rydman Joakim Eriksson , Sjöström Jan , Björnham Oscar
Published: October 2023

This article puts a perspective to the health risks of smoke from lithium-ion battery (LIB) fires by retrospect simulations of the large-scale event in a warehouse in Morris, IL, USA where about 60 metric tonnes of LIB set on fire on of June 29, 2021. Possible scenarios are sketched where ground concentration maps of PM2.5 reveal large areas of tens of square kilometres exceeding the action levels set up by the authorities for the event. Besides high concentration in the close vicinity, the plume touchdown is found to be located 5–10 km away from the source. In contrast, irritant gases including HF did not exceed the action levels. The reconstruction of the event was conducted using details from interviews with the owner and first-responders on site, which subsequently was used as input data to a Lagrangian atmospheric transport model. Plume rise due to buoyant flux in a Lagrangian dispersion model was accomplished by adding a vertical speed component derived from discretization of the well-known Briggs formulation. Emission factors were collected from the published scientific literature and implemented in combination with warehouse inventory and visual observations. The importance of this work becomes apparent in view of the rapid increase of LIB’s in, e.g., transportation and energy storage with accompanied fire accidents. These findings support precautions in infrastructure handling LIBs and particularly in large amounts.
What Is New in Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma?
Authors: Morgenroth Sarah , Roggo Andrea , Pawlik Laura , Dummer Reinhard , Ramelyte Egle
Published: October 2023

Purpose of Review

This review focuses on updates in prognosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL).

Recent Findings

Cohort studies indicate imaging may be necessary in early-stage CTCL. Risk factors for progression of CTCL have been identified. Interactions between malignant cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the skin microbiome advance the understanding of pathogenesis and tumor cell dissemination. Studies support a hypothesis of circulating malignant tumor cells. MicroRNA (miR) influence tumor progression and prognosis; the IL22-STAT3-CCL20 cascade may be a novel target. IL-4, IL-5, and IL-31 cytokines are relevant for pruritus and could be targets for therapeutic interventions. Systemic therapies, such as JAK inhibitors, targeted antibodies, and checkpoint inhibitors, show promise in advanced stages. Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation provides a potential curative option for patients.

Further investigations of prognosis and translational research are necessary to improve stratification of patients for treatment.
Smooth Maps Minimizing the Energy and the Calibrated Geometry
Authors: Hattori Kota
Published: October 2023

We generalize the notion of calibrated submanifolds to smooth maps and show that several kinds of smooth maps appearing in the differential geometry are applicable to our situation. Moreover, we apply this notion to give the lower bound to some energy functionals of smooth maps in the given homotopy class between Riemannian manifolds and consider the energy functional which is minimized by the identity maps on the Riemannian manifolds with special holonomy groups.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict allograft survival after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Gu Guang-Xiang , Pan Shu-Ting , Fan Yi-Chen , Chen Chen , Xia Qiang
Published: October 2023

Background

Liver transplantation is the main treatment for cholestatic liver disease and some metabolic liver diseases in children. However, no accurate prediction model to determine the survival probability of grafts prior to surgery exists. This study aimed to develop an effective prognostic model for allograft survival after pediatric liver transplantation.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 2032 patients who underwent pediatric liver transplantation between January 1, 2006, and January 1, 2020. A nomogram was developed using Cox regression and validated based on bootstrap sampling. Predictive and discriminatory accuracies were determined using the concordance index and visualized using calibration curves; net benefits were calculated for model comparison. An online Shiny application was developed for easy access to the model.

Results

Multivariable analysis demonstrated that preoperative diagnosis, recipient age, body weight, graft type, preoperative total bilirubin, interleukin-1β, portal venous blood flow direction, spleen thickness, and the presence of heart disease and cholangitis were independent factors for survival, all of which were selected in the nomogram. Calibration of the nomogram indicated that the 1-, 3-, and 5-year predicted survival rates agreed with the actual survival rate. The concordance indices for graft survival at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.776, 0.757, and 0.753, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease and Child–Pugh scoring systems. The allograft dysfunction risk of a recipient could be easily predicted using the following URL: https://aspelt.shinyapps.io/ASPELT//

Conclusion

The allograft survival after pediatric liver transplantation (ASPELT) score model can effectively predict the graft survival rate after liver transplantation in children, providing a simple and convenient evaluation method for clinicians and patients.
Physiological parameters extraction by contactless accelerometric signal analysis during sleep
Authors: Gambi Ennio , Senigagliesi Linda , Ricciuti Manola
Published: October 2023

Since sleep problems, like sleep apnea, may pose a serious health concern, the quality of a person’s sleep is a good indicator of overall wellbeing. It is then crucial to continuously monitor people when they are sleeping, especially if they have cardiac or respiratory conditions. The goal of the present paper is to show how to extract physiological parameters from accelerometric signal processing during sleep by applying a non-invasive technology. Using an accelerometric device located under the mattress, we demonstrated the possibility of extracting heart rate and respiratory rate, and then how to use the same signal to implement an automatic algorithm to recognize apneas and, more generally, different activities. The proposed automatic approach has shown good accuracy and dependability, and it may be a useful tool for preventing significant harm during sleep.
Exploring Empty Truck Behavior Using One-Year Probe Vehicle Data
Authors: Maeda Ryosuke , Maruyama Takuya
Published: October 2023

Examining empty truck behavior can be beneficial in developing an efficient and environmentally friendly logistics system. This study used probe vehicle data from April 2019 to March 2020 in Kyushu, Japan, to explore empty truck behavior. The results revealed a difference in the empty truck ratio across the day of the week, time of the day, and month and the trip distribution of empty and loaded trucks. A nonhierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify vehicles based on empty/loaded situations. These results can be potentially used to reduce the number of empty trucks and improve the efficiency of logistics systems.
Efficiency and fairness trade-offs in two player bargaining games
Authors: Freeborn David
Published: October 2023

Recent work on the evolution of social contracts and conventions has often used models of bargaining games, with reinforcement learning. A recent innovation is the requirement that every strategy must be invented either through through learning or reinforcement. However, agents frequently get stuck in highly-reinforced “traps” that prevent them from arriving at outcomes that are efficient or fair to the both players. Agents face a trade-off between exploration and exploitation, i.e. between continuing to invent new strategies and reinforcing strategies that have already become highly reinforced by yielding high rewards. In this paper I systematically study the relationship between rates of invention and the efficiency and fairness of outcomes in two-player, repeated bargaining games. I use a basic reinforcement learning model with invention, and five variations of this model, designed introduce various forms of forgetting, to prioritize more recent reinforcement, or to maintain a higher rate of invention. I use computer simulations to investigate the outcomes of each model. Each models shows qualitative similarities in the relationship between the efficiency and fairness of outcomes, and the relative amount of exploration or exploitation that takes place. Surprisingly, there are often trade-offs between the efficiency and the fairness of the outcomes.
Assessment of flood risk by using geospatial techniques in Wabi Shebele River Sub-basin, West Hararghe Zone, southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Merga Biratu Bobo , Mamo Feye Lama , Moisa Mitiku Badasa , Tiye Firdisa Sadeta , Gemeda Dessalen Obsi
Published: October 2023

Floods are produced as a result of several factors such as human-induced land-use changes, topographic conditions, and climate change. This study aimed to assess flood risk using geographic information system-based multi-criteria evaluation techniques in the Wabi Shebele River Sub-basin. Six parameters, namely, soil type, slope, land use and land cover, proximity to rivers, rainfall, and elevation, were used. The eigenvector of weight for each factor was computed in IDRISI Selva 17.0. Results show that the study area was subjected to a very high 527.31 km2 (9.42%), high 2133.66 km2 (38.12%), moderate 1906.44 km2 (34.06%), low 847.35 km2 (15.14%), and a very low 182.54 km2 (3.26%) flood risk, respectively. Results reveal that the Wabi Shebele River Sub-basin is highly vulnerable to flooding. This study assists policymakers with regard to land-use planning. To reduce the effects of flood risk, integrated watershed management must be implemented in the study area.
Optimal path planning for directional wells across flow units’ many-targets
Authors: Fernandes C. P. B. , Coutinho W. P. , Silva J. W. L. , Santos M. D. , Oliveira G. P.
Published: October 2023

Over the past decades, directional drilling has continuously advanced to increase hydrocarbon recovery by effectively targeting high-productivity reservoirs. However, many existing approaches primarily focus on heuristic optimization algorithms. Moreover, existing models often neglect the incorporation of petrophysical attributes that can significantly impact the selection of production targets, such as the reservoir quality indicator. This article introduces a novel application of mixed-integer programming to define directional drilling paths, considering practical aspects of interest. The paths are subject to drift angle constraints and reference coordinates that align with the optimal reservoir targets. Such targets are identified using the authors’ proposed technique of maximum closeness centrality and the geologic model of hydraulic flow units. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach, a realistic model of the Campos Basin in Brazil is studied. The results reveal that the highest recovery factors obtained with the proposed methodology (17%) exceed the historical average recovery factor of the studied reservoir (15.66%). We believe this study can contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance directional drilling and maximize the production potential of offshore oil and gas reservoirs.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis—how common and how severe is it as a complication of malaria? Retrospective case series and review of the literature
Authors: Orth Hans Martin , Wiemer Dorothea , Schneitler Sophie , Schönfeld Andreas , Holtfreter Martha Charlotte , Gliga Smaranda , Fuchs Andre , Pfäfflin Frieder , Denkinger Claudia Maria , Kalbitz Sven , Fritzsche Carlos , Hübner Marc P. , Trauth Janina , Jensen Björn-Erik Ole , Luedde Tom , Feldt Torsten
Published: October 2023

Background

Infection-associated secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) is a potentially life-threatening hyperinflammatory condition caused by various infectious diseases. Malaria has rarely been described as trigger. The aim of this study is to collect data on frequency, clinical spectrum, and outcome of sHLH induced by malaria.

Methods

We collected case numbers on malaria and malaria-associated sHLH from specialized centers in Germany from 2015 to 2022. In addition, we conducted a literature search on published cases of malaria-associated sHLH and systematically analyzed the literature regarding clinical and diagnostic criteria.

Results

We obtained data from 13 centers treating 1461 malaria cases with differentPlasmodiumspecies, of which 5 patients (0.34%) also were diagnosed with sHLH. The literature search revealed detailed case reports from further 51 patients and case series comprising the description of further 24 patients with malaria-associated sHLH. Most cases (48/80; 60%) were reported from Asia. The median time interval between onset of malaria symptoms and hospital admission was 7 days. Severe complications of sHLH were documented in 36% (20/56) of patients, including two patients with multiple organ failure in our case series. Only 41% (23/56) of patients received specific treatment for sHLH, nevertheless the mortality rate (CFR) of 5% is lower compared to the CFR reported for sHLH triggered by other infectious diseases (e.g., 25% in sHLH due to EBV infection).

Conclusion

Malaria-associated sHLH appears to have a comparatively good prognosis but may still represent an underdiagnosed and potentially fatal complication of malaria, especially in resource-poor settings.
In Situ Formed Tribofilms as Efficient Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Interlayers for Stabilizing Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Huang Shaozhen , Long Kecheng , Chen Yuejiao , Naren Tuoya , Qing Piao , Ji Xiaobo , Wei Weifeng , Wu Zhibin , Chen Libao
Published: October 2023

The practical application of Li metal anodes (LMAs) is limited by uncontrolled dendrite growth and side reactions. Herein, we propose a new friction-induced strategy to produce high-performance thin Li anode (Li@CFO). By virtue of the in situ friction reaction between fluoropolymer grease and Li strips during rolling, a robust organic/inorganic hybrid interlayer (lithiophilic LiF/LiC6 framework hybridized -CF2-O-CF2- chains) was formed atop Li metal. The derived interface contributes to reversible Li plating/stripping behaviors by mitigating side reactions and decreasing the solvation degree at the interface. The Li@CFO||Li@CFO symmetrical cell exhibits a remarkable lifespan for 5,600 h (1.0 mA cm−2 and 1.0 mAh cm−2) and 1,350 cycles even at a harsh condition (18.0 mA cm−2 and 3.0 mAh cm−2). When paired with high-loading LiFePO4 cathodes, the full cell lasts over 450 cycles at 1C with a high-capacity retention of 99.9%. This work provides a new friction-induced strategy for producing high-performance thin LMAs.
Deformative Response of Sheltering Structures Under the Debris Flow Impact
Authors: Gioffrè Domenico , Mandaglio Maria Clorinda , Ciurleo Mariantonietta , Moraci Nicola
Published: October 2023

A relevant issue in the development of disaster risk reduction strategies is played by design of mitigation measures aimed at reducing risk to acceptable values. For rapid landslides, such as debris flows, sheltering structures are very common mitigation measures realized in exposed areas that allow to protect elements at risk and to stop flowing mass. For the design of these works, the debris flow–structure interaction mechanism is very important. The paper focuses on the evaluation of debris flow–structure interaction mechanism in earth reinforced embankments based on an uncoupled analysis of the interaction in two flow cases (dominant static and dynamic). In particular, a novel approach to evaluate the horizontal stress distribution at different time of the impact phenomenon along the upstream face height of deformable sheltering structures considering the dominant flow component has been proposed. First, impact force over the time against structure is calculated. Subsequently, assuming that debris flow is completely stopped by embankment according to a scheme of accumulation of material behind the obstacle, the deformative response of different geometrical types of embankment is obtained by FEM numerical analysis for considered flow cases. The results of numerical analyses are discussed in terms of horizontal displacements in different control points in sheltering structures. The analysis showed that the deformative response of two geometries of embankments depends on dominant static or dynamic components of impact force.
Monitoring and controlling of the micro-environment in a special exhibition in the Shanghai Museum
Authors: Shen Jingyi
Published: October 2023

Monitoring and controlling of the showcase environment in a special exhibition in Shanghai Museum are described in this work. The long show time started on March 2022 and ended on January 2023. Various items were shown in this exhibition with different combination modes. Air conditioners, humidifiers and three kinds of passive humidity controlling methods were applied to this exhibition. Massive raw monitoring data are given and some series of data are transformed into specific values to conduct various analyses. Factors including outdoor climate, exhibition hall structure, attendance, showcase structure, tightness and volume, monitor position and object combination modes are discussed in order to assess their effect on monitoring and controlling of temperature and relative humidity. The relation between the average value of temperature (or relative humidity) fluctuation in the whole exhibition period and the corresponding range of maximum temperature (or relative humidity) fluctuation in any 24 h is analyzed in order to obtain the probability of abnormally high fluctuation. The results show that the temperature control target is reached in general, while some unreasonable showcase structures and settings are responsible for the difficulty in monitoring and controlling of relative humidity. By conducting the analysis of big continuous historical data and learning the average values and the ranges reached, it is possible to assess the current environmental risk and predict the future risk in a simple way.