bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermosalient Phenomena in Molecular Crystals: A Case Study of Representative Molecules
Authors: Yamanoi Yoshinori , Omoto Kenichiro , Nakae Toyotaka , Nishio Masaki
Published: March 2023

Molecular crystals have a regularly packed structure, and their physical properties often depend on intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. Here, we review the crystal jumping phenomena under a thermal stimulus (thermosalient phenomenon). Thermosalient phenomena are characterized by thermal phase transitions and anisotropic lattice expansion/contraction at a microscopic scale and jumping behavior through bending/deformation/rotation/cleavage of crystals at a macroscopic scale. The absence of strong intermolecular interaction in the crystal and the misalignment of the crystal plane associated with the phase transition are explained as factors causing the thermosalient phenomena. In this chapter, various case studies with representative molecular crystals that exhibit the thermosalient phenomenon are explained in detail.
Holographic imaginary potential of a quark antiquark pair in the presence of gluon condensation
Authors: Tahery Sara , Chen Xurong , Zhang Zi-qiang
Published: March 2023

Abstract

For a moving heavy quark antiquark (QQ) in a quark gluon plasma (QGP), we use gauge/gravity duality to study both real and imaginary parts of the potential ($$ \operatorname{Re}{V}_{Q\overline{Q}} $$
Re

V

Q

Q
¯

and $$ \operatorname{Im}{V}_{Q\overline{Q}} $$
Im

V

Q

Q
¯

respectively) in a gluon condensate (GC) theory. The complex potential is derived from the Wilson loop by considering the thermal fluctuations of the worldsheet of the Nambu-Goto holographic string. We calculate $$ \operatorname{Re}{V}_{Q\overline{Q}} $$
Re

V

Q

Q
¯

and $$ \operatorname{Im}{V}_{Q\overline{Q}} $$
Im

V

Q

Q
¯

in both cases where the axis of the moving $$ Q\overline{Q} $$
Q

Q
¯

pair is transverse and parallel with respect to its direction of movement in the plasma. Using the renormalization scheme for the $$ \operatorname{Re}{V}_{Q\overline{Q}} $$
Re

V

Q

Q
¯

, we find that the inclusion of GC increases the dissociation length while rapidity has the opposite effect. While for the $$ \operatorname{Im}{V}_{Q\overline{Q}} $$
Im

V

Q

Q
¯

, we observe that by considering the effect of GC, the $$ \operatorname{Im}{V}_{Q\overline{Q}} $$
Im

V

Q

Q
¯

is generated for larger distance thus decreasing quarkonium dissociation, while rapidity has opposite effect. In particular, as the value of GC decreases in the deconfined phase, the $$ \operatorname{Im}{V}_{Q\overline{Q}} $$
Im

V

Q

Q
¯

is generated for smaller distance thus enhancing quarkonium dissociation, and at high temperatures it is nearly not modified by GC, consistent with previous findings of the entropic force.
Doubling the equatorial for the prescribed scalar curvature problem on $${{\mathbb {S}}}^N$$
Authors: Duan Lipeng , Musso Monica , Wei Suting
Published: March 2023

We consider the prescribed scalar curvature problem on$$ {{\mathbb {S}}}^N $$SN$$\begin{aligned} \Delta _{{{\mathbb {S}}}^N} v-\frac{N(N-2)}{2} v+{\tilde{K}}(y) v^{\frac{N+2}{N-2}}=0 \quad \text{ on } \ {{\mathbb {S}}}^N, \qquad v >0 \quad {\quad \hbox {in } }{{\mathbb {S}}}^N, \end{aligned}$$ΔSNv-N(N-2)2v+K~(y)vN+2N-2=0onSN,v>0inSN,under the assumptions that the scalar curvature$${\tilde{K}}$$K~is rotationally symmetric, and has a positive local maximum point between the poles. We prove the existence of infinitely many non-radial positive solutions, whose energy can be made arbitrarily large. These solutions are invariant under some non-trivial sub-group ofO(3) obtained doubling the equatorial. We use the finite dimensional Lyapunov–Schmidt reduction method.
Plastisch-chirurgische Rekonstruktion der unteren Extremität bei alten Patienten
Authors: Haumer Alexander , Gohritz Andreas , Clauss Martin , Lo Steven John , Schaefer Dirk Johannes , Osinga Rik
Published: March 2023

Der Anteil an Patienten jenseits der 7. Lebensdekade in der Bevölkerung steigt weltweit, insbesondere in den hochentwickelten Ländern. Der Bedarf an komplexen Rekonstruktionen der unteren Extremitäten nach Trauma, Tumor oder Infektion in dieser Altersgruppe nimmt zu. Die Rekonstruktion von Weichteildefekten an der unteren Extremität sollte nach dem Prinzip der plastisch-rekonstruktiven Stufenleiter resp. des Aufzugs erfolgen, um schmerzfreies und sicheres Stehen und Gehen zu erhalten. Insbesondere beim älteren Patienten sind sorgfältige multidisziplinäre Planung, gezielte präoperative Beurteilung und Optimierung von Komorbiditäten, wie z. B. Diabetes, Mangelernährung oder pathologischen Gefäßveränderungen, sowie ein altersentsprechendes perioperatives Management erforderlich. Durch die Umsetzung dieser Prinzipien können ältere und hochbetagte Patienten ihre Mobilität und ihre Autonomie, die für eine hohe Lebensqualität entscheidend sind, beibehalten.
Mental Health First Aid crisis role-plays between pharmacists and simulated patients with lived experience: a thematic analysis of debrief
Authors: Ng Ricki , O’Reilly Claire L. , Collins Jack C. , Roennfeldt Helena , McMillan Sara S. , Wheeler Amanda J. , El-Den Sarira
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, can recognise and assist people experiencing mental health crises. Despite this, little is known about how pharmacists assist and engage with people presenting with signs and symptoms of mental health crises. This study aimed to (i) examine pharmacists’ mental health crisis assessment language during simulated patient role-plays (SPRPs) and (ii) explore participants’ experiences of participating in SPRPs of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) scenarios.

Methods

Fifty-nine MHFA-trained pharmacy staff participated in audio-recorded SPRPs of three crisis scenarios enacted by a mental health consumer educator (MHCE). Post-SPRP, pharmacy staff members (including role-playing and observing participants), engaged in reflective debrief discussions with the facilitator and MHCEs. Debrief discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis and suicide assessment language was explored.

Results

The majority of role-playing pharmacists asked about suicidal ideation using appropriate, direct language (n = 8). Qualitative analyses of debrief discussions yielded four themes: (i) Relationship with the consumer, (ii) Verbal and non-verbal communication, (iii) Challenges with crisis assessment, which included difficulties associated with initiating conversations about suicide and mania, and (iv) Reflective learning.

Conclusion

While pharmacists demonstrated the appropriate suicide assessment language post-MHFA training, pharmacists felt uncomfortable initiating conversations around suicide and lacked confidence during crisis assessments. SPRPs provided pharmacists with opportunities to reflect on and practice MHFA skills in a safe learning environment. Future research exploring how MHFA training and SPRPs impact pharmacists’ ability to provide MHFA in real-world settings is warranted.
Instabilität des oberen Sprunggelenks
Authors: Viehöfer Arnd , Mauch Marlene , Krähenbühl Nicola
Published: March 2023

Die symptomatische Bandinstabilität des oberen Sprunggelenks (OSG) ist eine häufige Pathologie und bedarf bei gescheiterter konservativer Therapie oft einer operativen Stabilisierung. Neben Anamnese und subjektiver Wahrnehmung des Patienten liefern klinische Untersuchung, funktionelle Diagnostik, Bildgebung und je nach Bedarf die Arthroskopie des Sprunggelenks wichtige Informationen. Meistens benötigt es eine Kombination mehrerer Untersuchungsmethoden, um die Diagnose einer behandlungsbedürftigen OSG-Instabilität zu stellen. Neben der Beurteilung der Stabilität ist ebenfalls die Feststellung von Zusatzpathologien wichtig. Dies beinhaltet auch das Erkennen einer pathologischen Rückfußachse, was essenziell für die weitere Behandlung sein kann. Die operative Therapie kann mittels Arthroskopie oder offener Operation mit weitgehend erfreulichen klinischen Resultaten durchgeführt werden.
Improving topside ionospheric empirical model using FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 data
Authors: Ren Xiaodong , Li Yan , Mei Dengkui , Zhu Wei , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: March 2023

The precise description of the topside ionosphere using an ionospheric empirical model has always been a work in progress. The NeQuick topside model is greatly enhanced by adopting radio occultation data from the FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 constellation. The topside scale height H formulation in the NeQuick model is simplified into a linear combination of an empirically deduced parameter H0 and a gradient parameter g. The two-dimensional grid maps for the H0 and g parameters are generated as a function of the foF2 and hmF2 parameters. Corrected H0 and g values can be interpolated easily from two grid maps, allowing a more accurate description of the topside ionosphere than the original NeQuick model. The improved NeQuick model (namely NeQuick_GRID model) is statistically validated by comparing it to Total Electron Content (TEC) integrated from COSMIC-2 electron density profiles and space-borne TEC derived from onboard Global Navigation Satellite System observations, respectively. The results show that the NeQuick_GRID model can reduce relative errors by 38% approximately when compared to the integrated TEC from COSMIC profiles and by 15% approximately when compared to the space-borne TEC. Furthermore, a long-term statistical analysis during years of both high and low solar activities reveals that grid maps of the scale factor H0 and the gradient parameter g have very similar features, allowing rapid and efficient acquisition of high-precision electron density during different solar activity.
Inter-colony and inter-annual variation in discard use by albatross chicks revealed using isotopes and regurgitates
Authors: Kuepfer Amanda , Catry Paulo , Bearhop Stuart , Sherley Richard B. , Bell Olivia , Newton Jason , Brickle Paul , Arkhipkin Alexander , Votier Stephen C.
Published: March 2023

Effective marine ecosystem monitoring is critical for sustainable management. Monitoring seabird diets can convey important information on ecosystem health and seabird–fishery interactions. The diet of breeding black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) has previously been assessed using stomach content analysis (SCA) or stable isotope analysis (SIA), but not both methods together. Combining dietary sampling approaches reduces biases associated with using single methods. This study combines SCA and SIA to study the diet of black-browed albatross chicks, with a specific focus on fishery discard consumption, at two Falkland Islands colonies (New Island 51°43′S, 61°18′W and Steeple Jason Island 51°01′S, 61°13′W) during two consecutive breeding seasons (2019 and 2020). SCA provided high taxonomic resolution of short-term diet and priors for stable isotope mixing models, with multiple measures of dietary items (e.g. numeric frequency N%, frequency of occurrence FO%). By contrast, SIA of down feathers provided a single and more integrated dietary signal from throughout chick development. Although the two methods disagreed on the dominant prey group (SCA—crustacean; SIA—pelagic fish), the complementary information suggested a chick diet dominated by natural prey (SCA: 74%–93% [FO], 44%–98% [N]; SIA: minimum 87%–95% contribution). Nonetheless, SCA revealed that a high proportion of breeding adults do take discards. We detected consistent colony-specific diets in relation to prey species, but not in relation to higher discard use. Overall, discard consumption was highest in 2020, the year characterised by the poorest foraging conditions. Our results have implications for fisheries management and future dietary studies assessing discard use.
Exploration of thyroglobulin as a biomarker of iodine status in iodine-sufficient and mildly iodine-deficient pregnant women
Authors: Dineva Mariana , Rayman Margaret P. , Levie Deborah , Hunziker Sandra , Guxens Mònica , Peeters Robin P. , Murcia Mario , Rebagliato Marisa , Irizar Amaia , Jimeno-Romero Alba , Sunyer Jordi , Korevaar Tim I. M. , Bath Sarah C.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Urinary iodine-to-creatinine ratio (UI/Creat) reflects recent iodine intake but has limitations for assessing habitual intake. Thyroglobulin (Tg) concentration, which increases with thyroid size, appears to be an indicator of longer-term iodine status in children and adults, however, less is known in pregnancy. This study investigated the determinants of serum-Tg in pregnancy and its use as an iodine-status biomarker in settings of iodine-sufficiency and mild-to-moderate deficiency.

Methods

Stored blood samples and existing data from pregnant women from the Netherlands-based Generation R (iodine-sufficient) and the Spain-based INMA (mildly-to-moderately iodine-deficient) cohorts were used. Serum-Tg and iodine status (as spot-urine UI/Creat) were measured at median 13 gestational weeks. Using regression models, maternal socio-demographics, diet and iodine-supplement use were investigated as determinants of serum-Tg, as well as the association between UI/Creat and serum-Tg.

Results

Median serum-Tg was 11.1 ng/ml in Generation R (n = 3548) and 11.5 ng/ml in INMA (n = 1168). When using 150 µg/g threshold for iodine deficiency, serum-Tg was higher in women with UI/Creat < 150 vs ≥ 150 µg/g (Generation R, 12.0 vs 10.4 ng/ml, P = 0.010; INMA, 12.8 vs 10.4 ng/ml, P < 0.001); after confounder adjustment, serum-Tg was still higher when UI/Creat < 150 µg/g (regression coefficients: Generation R, B = 0.111, P = 0.050; INMA, B = 0.157, P = 0.010). Iodine-supplement use and milk intake were negatively associated with serum-Tg, whereas smoking was positively associated.

Conclusion

The association between iodine status and serum-Tg was stronger in the iodine-deficient cohort, than in the iodine-sufficient cohort. Serum-Tg might be a complementary (to UI/Creat) biomarker of iodine status in pregnancy but further evidence is needed.
Ganglioglioma with adverse clinical outcome and atypical histopathological features were defined by alterations in PTPN11/KRAS/NF1 and other RAS-/MAP-Kinase pathway genes
Authors: Hoffmann Lucas , Coras Roland , Kobow Katja , López-Rivera Javier A. , Lal Dennis , Leu Costin , Najm Imad , Nürnberg Peter , Herms Jochen , Harter Patrick N. , Bien Christian G. , Kalbhenn Thilo , Müller Markus , Pieper Tom , Hartlieb Till , Kudernatsch Manfred , Hamer Hajo , Brandner Sebastian , Rössler Karl , Blümcke Ingmar , Jabari Samir
Published: March 2023

Exome-wide sequencing studies recently described PTPN11 as a novel brain somatic epilepsy gene. In contrast, germline mutations of PTPN11 are known to cause Noonan syndrome, a multisystem disorder characterized by abnormal facial features, developmental delay, and sporadically, also brain tumors. Herein, we performed a deep phenotype-genotype analysis of a comprehensive series of ganglioglioma (GG) with brain somatic alterations of the PTPN11/KRAS/NF1 genes compared to GG with common MAP-Kinase signaling pathway alterations, i.e., BRAFV600E. Seventy-two GG were submitted to whole exome sequencing and genotyping and 84 low grade epilepsy associated tumors (LEAT) to DNA-methylation analysis. In 28 tumours, both analyses were available from the same sample. Clinical data were retrieved from hospital files including disease onset, age at surgery, brain localization, and seizure outcome. A comprehensive histopathology staining panel was available in all cases. We identified eight GG with PTPN11 alterations, copy number variant (CNV) gains of chromosome 12, and the commonality of additional CNV gains in NF1, KRAS, FGFR4 and RHEB, as well as BRAFV600E alterations. Histopathology revealed an atypical glio-neuronal phenotype with subarachnoidal tumor spread and large, pleomorphic, and multinuclear cellular features. Only three out of eight patients with GG and PTPN11/KRAS/NF1 alterations were free of disabling-seizures 2 years after surgery (38% had Engel I). This was remarkably different from our series of GG with only BRAFV600E mutations (85% had Engel I). Unsupervised cluster analysis of DNA methylation arrays separated these tumours from well-established LEAT categories. Our data point to a subgroup of GG with cellular atypia in glial and neuronal cell components, adverse postsurgical outcome, and genetically characterized by complex alterations in PTPN11 and other RAS-/MAP-Kinase and/or mTOR signaling pathways. These findings need prospective validation in clinical practice as they argue for an adaptation of the WHO grading system in developmental, glio-neuronal tumors associated with early onset focal epilepsy.
The evolution of diagnosis from symptom onset to death in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) compared to Parkinson’s disease (PD)
Authors: Swallow Diane M. A. , Counsell Carl E.
Published: March 2023

Background

Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) are common. Few studies have systematically evaluated the diagnostic process from symptom onset to death in representative cohorts.

Methods

All PSP/CBD cases (n = 28/2) and age-sex matched Parkinson’s disease (PD) cases (n = 30) were identified from a UK prospective incident Parkinsonism cohort. Medical and research records were reviewed to compare median times from first index symptom to key diagnostic milestones and the nature/timing of secondary care referral and review.

Results

Index symptoms were similar apart from more tremor in PD (p < 0.001) and more impaired balance (p = 0.008) and falls (p = 0.004) in PSP/CBD. PD was diagnosed a median 0.96 years after index symptom. In PSP/CBD the median times from index symptom to identifying parkinsonism and then including PSP/CBD in the differential diagnosis and the final diagnosis were 1.88, 3.41 and 4.03 years, respectively (all p < 0.001). Survival from symptom onset in PSP/CBD and PD was not significantly different (5.98 vs 6.85 years, p = 0.72). More diagnoses (p < 0.001) were considered in PSP/CBD. Prior to diagnosis, PSP/CBD patients had more recurrent emergency attendances (33.3% vs 10.0%, p = 0.01) and were referred to more specialities than PD (median 5 vs 2). Time to any outpatient referral (0.70 vs 0.03 years, p = 0.025) and to specialist movement disorder review (1.96 vs 0.57 years, p = 0.002) was longer in PSP/CBD.

Conclusions

The duration and complexity of the diagnostic journey were greater in PSP/CBD than age-sex matched PD but can be improved. In this older cohort, there was little difference in survival from symptom onset in PSP/CBD and age-sex matched PD.
Differences among a Portuguese cohort of BRCA pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants carriers choosing risk-reducing mastectomy or intensive breast surveillance
Authors: Torres Sandra , Peleteiro Bárbara , Magalhães André , Garrido Luzia , Costa Susy , Fougo José Luís
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants have a higher risk to develop breast and ovarian cancer. In structured high-risk clinics, risk-reducing measures are adopted. This study aimed at characterizing these women and identify factors that may have influenced their choice between risk reduction mastectomy (RRM) and intensive breast surveillance (IBS).

Methods

This study reviewed retrospectively 187 clinical records of affected and unaffected women with P/LP variants of the BRCA1/2 genes, from 2007 to 2022, of which 50 chose RRM, while 137 chose IBS. The research focused on personal and family history and tumor characteristics and their relation with the preventive option chosen.

Results

Among women with personal history of breast cancer, a higher proportion opted for RRM compared to those asymptomatic (34.2% vs 21.3%, p = 0.049), with younger age determining the option for RRM (38.5 years vs 44.0 years, p < 0.001). Among women with personal history of ovarian cancer, a higher proportion opted for RRM compared to those without that history (62.5% vs 25.1%, p = 0.033), with younger age determining the option for RRM (42.6 years vs 62.7 years, p = 0.009). Women who had bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were more likely to choose RRM than those who did not (37.3% vs 18.3%, p = 0.003). Family history was not associated with preventive option (33.3% vs 25.3, p = 0.346).

Conclusions

The decision for the preventive option is multifactorial. In our study, personal history of breast or ovarian cancer, younger age at diagnosis, and previous bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were associated with the choice of RRM. Family history was not associated with the preventive option.
Max-3-Lin Over Non-abelian Groups with Universal Factor Graphs
Authors: Bhangale Amey , Stanković Aleksa
Published: March 2023

The factor graph of an instance of a constraint satisfaction problem with n variables and m constraints is the bipartite graph between [m] and [n] describing which variable appears in which constraints. Thus, an instance of a CSP is completely determined by its factor graph and the list of predicates. We show optimal inapproximability of Max-3-LIN over non-Abelian groups (both in the perfect completeness case and in the imperfect completeness case), even when the factor graph is fixed. Previous reductions which proved similar optimal inapproximability results produced factor graphs that were dependent on the input instance. Along the way, we also show that these optimal hardness results hold even when we restrict the linear equations in the Max-3-LIN instances to the form $$x\cdot y\cdot z = g$$

x
·
y
·
z
=
g

, where x, y, z are the variables and g is a group element. We use representation theory and Fourier analysis over non-Abelian groups to analyze the reductions.
Port-metriplectic neural networks: thermodynamics-informed machine learning of complex physical systems
Authors: Hernández Quercus , Badías Alberto , Chinesta Francisco , Cueto Elías
Published: March 2023

We develop inductive biases for the machine learning of complex physical systems based on the port-Hamiltonian formalism. To satisfy by construction the principles of thermodynamics in the learned physics (conservation of energy, non-negative entropy production), we modify accordingly the port-Hamiltonian formalism so as to achieve a port-metriplectic one. We show that the constructed networks are able to learn the physics of complex systems by parts, thus alleviating the burden associated to the experimental characterization and posterior learning process of this kind of systems. Predictions can be done, however, at the scale of the complete system. Examples are shown on the performance of the proposed technique.
Deformable registration of multimodal retinal images using a weakly supervised deep learning approach
Authors: Martínez-Río Javier , Carmona Enrique J. , Cancelas Daniel , Novo Jorge , Ortega Marcos
Published: March 2023

There are different retinal vascular imaging modalities widely used in clinical practice to diagnose different retinal pathologies. The joint analysis of these multimodal images is of increasing interest since each of them provides common and complementary visual information. However, if we want to facilitate the comparison of two images, obtained with different techniques and containing the same retinal region of interest, it will be necessary to make a previous registration of both images. Here, we present a weakly supervised deep learning methodology for robust deformable registration of multimodal retinal images, which is applied to implement a method for the registration of fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images. This methodology is strongly inspired by VoxelMorph, a general unsupervised deep learning framework of the state of the art for deformable registration of unimodal medical images. The method was evaluated in a public dataset with 172 pairs of FA and superficial plexus OCTA images. The degree of alignment of the common information (blood vessels) and preservation of the non-common information (image background) in the transformed image were measured using the Dice coefficient (DC) and zero-normalized cross-correlation (ZNCC), respectively. The average values of the mentioned metrics, including the standard deviations, were DC = 0.72  ±  0.10 and ZNCC = 0.82  ±  0.04. The time required to obtain each pair of registered images was 0.12 s. These results outperform rigid and deformable registration methods with which our method was compared.
Limiting embeddings of Besov-type and Triebel-Lizorkin-type spaces on domains and an extension operator
Authors: Gonçalves Helena F. , Haroske Dorothee D. , Skrzypczak Leszek
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we study limiting embeddings of Besov-type and Triebel-Lizorkin-type spaces, $$\text {id}_\tau : {B}_{p_1,q_1}^{s_1,\tau _1}(\Omega ) \hookrightarrow {B}_{p_2,q_2}^{s_2,\tau _2}(\Omega )$$

id
τ

:

B

p
1

,

q
1

s
1

,

τ
1

(
Ω
)

↪

B

p
2

,

q
2

s
2

,

τ
2

(
Ω
)

and $$\text {id}_\tau : {F}_{p_1,q_1}^{s_1,\tau _1}(\Omega ) \hookrightarrow {F}_{p_2,q_2}^{s_2,\tau _2}(\Omega )$$

id
τ

:

F

p
1

,

q
1

s
1

,

τ
1

(
Ω
)

↪

F

p
2

,

q
2

s
2

,

τ
2

(
Ω
)

, where $$\Omega \subset {{{\mathbb {R}}}^d}$$

Ω
⊂

R

d

is a bounded domain, obtaining necessary and sufficient conditions for the continuity of $$\text {id}_\tau $$

id
τ

. This can also be seen as the continuation of our previous studies of compactness of the embeddings in the non-limiting case. Moreover, we also construct Rychkov’s linear, bounded universal extension operator for these spaces.
A criterion space decomposition approach to generalized tri-objective tactical resource allocation
Authors: Fotedar Sunney , Strömberg Ann-Brith , Almgren Torgny , Cedergren Stefan
Published: March 2023

We present a tri-objective mixed-integer linear programming model of the tactical resource allocation problem with inventories, called the generalized tactical resource allocation problem (GTRAP). We propose a specialized criterion space decomposition strategy, in which the projected two-dimensional criterion space is partitioned and the corresponding sub-problems are solved in parallel by application of the quadrant shrinking method (QSM) (Boland in Eur J Oper Res 260(3):873–885, 2017) for identifying non-dominated points. To obtain an efficient implementation of the parallel variant of the QSM we suggest some modifications to reduce redundancies. Our approach is tailored for the GTRAP and is shown to have superior computational performance as compared to using the QSM without parallelization when applied to industrial instances.
Shake-table testing of a stone masonry building aggregate: overview of blind prediction study
Authors: Tomić I. , Penna A. , DeJong M. , Butenweg C. , Correia A. A. , Candeias P. X. , Senaldi I. , Guerrini G. , Malomo D. , Wilding B. , Pettinga D. , Spanenburg M. , Galanakis N. , Oliver S. , Parisse F. , Marques R. , Cattari S. , Lourenço P. B. , Galvez F. , Dizhur D. , Ingham J. M. , Ramaglia G. , Lignola G. P. , Prota A. , AlShawa O. , Liberatore D. , Sorrentino L. , Gagliardo R. , Godio M. , Portioli F. , Landolfo R. , Solarino F. , Bianchini N. , Ciocci M. P. , Romanazzi A. , Aşıkoğlu A. , D’Anna J. , Ramirez R. , Romis F. , Marinković M. , Đorđević F. , Beyer K.
Published: March 2023

City centres of Europe are often composed of unreinforced masonry structural aggregates, whose seismic response is challenging to predict. To advance the state of the art on the seismic response of these aggregates, the Adjacent Interacting Masonry Structures (AIMS) subproject from Horizon 2020 project Seismology and Earthquake Engineering Research Infrastructure Alliance for Europe (SERA) provides shake-table test data of a two-unit, double-leaf stone masonry aggregate subjected to two horizontal components of dynamic excitation. A blind prediction was organized with participants from academia and industry to test modelling approaches and assumptions and to learn about the extent of uncertainty in modelling for such masonry aggregates. The participants were provided with the full set of material and geometrical data, construction details and original seismic input and asked to predict prior to the test the expected seismic response in terms of damage mechanisms, base-shear forces, and roof displacements. The modelling approaches used differ significantly in the level of detail and the modelling assumptions. This paper provides an overview of the adopted modelling approaches and their subsequent predictions. It further discusses the range of assumptions made when modelling masonry walls, floors and connections, and aims at discovering how the common solutions regarding modelling masonry in general, and masonry aggregates in particular, affect the results. The results are evaluated both in terms of damage mechanisms, base shear forces, displacements and interface openings in both directions, and then compared with the experimental results. The modelling approaches featuring Discrete Element Method (DEM) led to the best predictions in terms of displacements, while a submission using rigid block limit analysis led to the best prediction in terms of damage mechanisms. Large coefficients of variation of predicted displacements and general underestimation of displacements in comparison with experimental results, except for DEM models, highlight the need for further consensus building on suitable modelling assumptions for such masonry aggregates.
Echocardiographic follow-up after cardiac rehabilitation designed for patients with obesity
Authors: Snelder Sanne M. , den Uijl Iris , Sunamura Madoka , Zijlstra Felix , ter Hoeve Nienke , van Dalen Bas M.
Published: March 2023

We hypothesize that a novel tailor-made cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program for obesity patients (OPTICARE XL) has better outcomes as compared to usual CR regarding parameters of cardiac function as measured by conventional and advanced transthoracic echocardiography. This is an open-label, randomized controlled trial. Inclusion criteria were: patients referred to CR with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2, and age ≥18 years with either coronary artery disease or nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The experimental group participated in OPTICARE XL and the controls received the usual CR. Subjects randomized to OPTICARE XL received on top of usual CR behavioural therapy for a healthy diet and an active lifestyle for the first 12 weeks. Also, the exercise program was more tailored. Furthermore, a behavioural after-care program was organized with 6 meetings between weeks 13-52. Transthoracic (speckle tracking) echocardiography was performed at baseline and one-year follow-up. A total of 42 patients completed the follow-up, 21 in both groups. There was a mild but statistically significant reduction in weight over time, however, this was comparable between groups. There was no improvement observed in any of the echocardiographic parameters. In conclusion, cardiac function in obesity patients was not improved one-year after a novel tailor-made CR program (OPTICARE XL) as compared to usual CR.
Factorial Structure of the Emotional Beliefs Questionnaire: Testing Measurement Invariance and Competitive Models
Authors: Rogier Guyonne , Cavalli Roberta Gabriella , Maggiolo Chiara , Velotti Patrizia
Published: March 2023

The role of metacognitive beliefs towards positive and negative emotions has been stressed by several theoretical models. The Emotion Belief Questionnaire (EBQ) has been developed to assess these metacognitive beliefs. We administrated the Italian version of the EBQ, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the DERS-Positive and the short form of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) to a sample of Italian adults. (N = 516). Structural Equation Modelling testing the factorial structure of EBQ evidenced a good fit in the four-factor model compared to the three-factor model and model with two second order variables. The EBQ showed invariance across sex, and significant associations with validating variables. These results demonstrate the goodness of the four-factor structure for the EBQ and support its use for assessment of metacognition beliefs towards emotions.
Close coupling of plant functional types with soil microbial community composition drives soil carbon and nutrient cycling in tundra heath
Authors: Koranda Marianne , Rinnan Riikka , Michelsen Anders
Published: March 2023

Aims

This study aimed at elucidating divergent effects of two dominant plant functional types (PFTs) in tundra heath, dwarf shrubs and mosses, on soil microbial processes and soil carbon (C) and nutrient availability, and thereby to enhance our understanding of the complex interactions between PFTs, soil microbes and soil functioning.

Methods

Samples of organic soil were collected under three dwarf shrub species (of distinct mycorrhizal association and life form) and three moss species in early and late growing season. We analysed soil C and nutrient pools, extracellular enzyme activities and phospholipid fatty acid profiles, together with a range of plant traits, soil and abiotic site characteristics.

Results

Shrub soils were characterised by high microbial biomass C and phosphorus and phosphatase activity, which was linked with a fungal-dominated microbial community, while moss soils were characterised by high soil nitrogen availability, peptidase and peroxidase activity associated with a bacterial-dominated microbial community. The variation in soil microbial community structure was explained by mycorrhizal association, root morphology, litter and soil organic matter quality and soil pH-value. Furthermore, we found that the seasonal variation in microbial biomass and enzyme activities over the growing season, likely driven by plant belowground C allocation, was most pronounced under the tallest shrub Betula nana.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates a close coupling of PFTs with soil microbial communities, microbial decomposition processes and soil nutrient availability in tundra heath, which suggests potential strong impacts of global change-induced shifts in plant community composition on carbon and nutrient cycling in high-latitude ecosystems.
Unravelling the seasonal dynamics of the metabolome of white asparagus spears using untargeted metabolomics
Authors: Pegiou Eirini , Engel Jasper , Mumm Roland , Hall Robert D.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The white asparagus season lasts 4 months while the harvest period per field is 8 weeks. Different varieties are better suited for harvesting early or late in the season. Little is known of the dynamics of secondary metabolites of white asparagus during the production season.

Objective

Characterization of the metabolome of white asparagus spears covering volatile and non-volatile composition in relation to quality aspects.

Methods

Eight varieties, harvested repeatedly during two consecutive seasons were analysed following an untargeted metabolomics workflow using SPME GC–MS and LC–MS. Linear regression, cluster and network analyses were used to explore the profile dynamics, unravel patterns and study the influence of genotype and environment.

Results

The metabolite profiles were influenced by the harvest moment and genetic background. Metabolites that significantly changed over time were distributed across seven clusters based on their temporal patterns. Two clusters including monoterpenes, benzenoids and saponins showed the most prominent seasonal changes. The changes depicted by the other five clusters were mainly ≤ 2-fold relative to the harvest start. Known asparagus aroma compounds were found to be relatively stable across the season/varieties. Heat-enhanced cultivation appeared to yield spears early in season with a similar metabolome to those harvested later.

Conclusion

The dynamics of the white asparagus metabolome is influenced by a complex relationship between the onset of spear development, the moment of harvest and the genetic background. The typical perceived asparagus flavour profile is unlikely to be significantly affected by these dynamics.
Association between long-term exposure to air pollution and the risk of incident laryngeal cancer: a longitudinal UK Biobank-based study
Authors: Wang Jiada , Lin Chen , Chu Yidian , Deng Hongxia , Shen Zhisen
Published: March 2023

We assessed the association between long-term joint exposure to ambient air pollutants and the risk of laryngeal cancer and whether this risk was modified by genetic susceptibility. We used a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model to analyze data from UK Biobank to determine the relationship between long-term exposure to air pollutants–nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and 2.5-µm and 10-µm particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and the risk of laryngeal cancer. In multivariable-adjusted models, in model 3 and compared with the participants with lower quintile scores for air pollution, the participants with the highest quintile scores for air pollution had a higher laryngeal cancer risk. The observed association was more pronounced among the participants who were female, were smokers, had a systolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 120 mmHg, and had diabetes. Compared with the participants with a low GRS and the lowest quintile score for air pollution exposure, those with an intermediate GRS and the highest quintile score for air pollution exposure had a higher risk of laryngeal cancer. Long-term exposure to NO2, NO, or PM2.5, individually or jointly, was associated with a risk of incident laryngeal cancer, especially in the participants with an intermediate GRS.
External Liver-Derived Complement and Intrinsic Present in Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells Complosome Modulate Cell Metabolism and Response to Stress
Authors: Thapa Arjun , Ratajczak Janina , Kucia Magdalena , Ratajczak Mariusz Z.
Published: March 2023

Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) express receptors for complement cascade (ComC) cleavage fragments C3a and C5a and may respond to inflammation-related cues by sensing pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules (PAMPs) released by pathogens as well as non-infectious danger associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs) or alarmin generated during stress/tissue damage sterile inflammation. To facilitate this HSPCs are equipped with C3a and C5a receptors, C3aR and C5aR, respectively, and express on the outer cell membrane and in cytosol pattern recognition receptors (PPRs) that sense PAMPs and DAMPs. Overall, danger-sensing mechanisms in HSPCs mimic those seen in immune cells, which should not surprise as hematopoiesis and the immune system develop from the same common stem cell precursor. This review will focus on the role of ComC-derived C3a and C5a that trigger nitric oxide synthetase-2 (Nox2) complex to release reactive oxygen species (ROS) that activate important cytosolic PRRs—Nlrp3 inflammasome, which orchestrates responsiveness of HSPCs to stress. Moreover, recent data indicate that in addition to circulating in peripheral blood (PB) activated liver-derived ComC proteins, a similar role plays ComC expressed and intrinsically activated in HSPCs known as “complosome”. We postulate that ComC triggered Nox2-ROS-Nlrp3 inflammasome responses, if they occur within non-toxic to cells' “hormetic range of activation”, positively regulate HSCs migration, metabolism, and proliferation. This sheds a new light on the immune-metabolic regulation of hematopoiesis.

Graphical Abstract
The Lights and Shadows of Family Involvement in Small and Medium-Sized Firms
Authors: Martín-Hidalgo Fernando A. , Herrero Ines , Pérez-Luño Ana
Published: March 2023

This study analyzes the influence of human capital (HC) and altruism on small- and medium-size firms’ (SMEs) performance, contingent upon the effect of family involvement in management. HC, understood as the abilities, skills, and knowledge of firm personnel, has been proved to contribute to firm performance. Even more, firms’ outcomes benefit from aptitudes and also from attitudes, such as altruism. What is not so clear is if having a family character enhances the effect of HC and altruism on firm performance. Our results show that family involvement in management presents lights and shadows in its ability to extract all the potential of HC and altruism. By moving one-step forward in understanding these relationships, our findings contribute to the Family Firm, Human Resources Management, and Resource-Based View literatures.
Hotspot analysis for organic laying hen husbandry—identification of sustainability problems as potential risk points to lose consumers’ trust
Authors: Bayer Elisa , von Meyer-Höfer Marie , Kühl Sarah
Published: March 2023

Over the last decade, there has been growing societal concern about the welfare of farmed animals. Although organic agriculture provides higher living standards, there are still critical points which can damage consumers’ trust in organic livestock farming. That is a risk, as especially organic farming relies on consumer trust. A hotspot analysis was conducted to identify critical points within the organic laying hen husbandry in Germany. This methodology aims to examine the sustainability of a product along its whole life cycle. Based on literature reviews, the life phases breeding, keeping, feeding, animal health, transport, and slaughter were assessed with ecological, social, and animal welfare criteria. Finally, the results were triangulated with various experts, and the critical points were classified in terms of their potential to diverge from consumers’ expectations. Our results show a high dependency of the organic sector on the conventional breeding process and its specialized breeds. This fact involves critical points which contradict the ideology of organic farming. The loopholes in the organic EU regulations in transport and slaughter were identified as additional threats to consumer trust in the organic system. The overall not better animal health compared to the conventional poultry system and the high numbers of poultry kept on some organic farms are also possible causes of disappointment in consumers’ vision of organic livestock farming. Therefore, we recommend an adjustment of some organic EU regulations regarding these points. Further, a linkage of the organic certification of a slaughterhouse to higher animal welfare standards during slaughter should be considered.
Studying the destruction of pollutant in the presence of photocatalysts based on MWCNTs with controlled values of TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Abbasi Sedigheh
Published: March 2023

The main goal of the present research is the synthesis of new photocatalysts to reduce the amount of organic pollutants in aquatic environments. For this purpose, the amount of TiO2 nanoparticles in the synthesized samples containing MWCNTs is controlled to synthesize two types of photocatalysts named as MCT#1 and MCT#2. Samples characterizing using XRD reveal that the TiO2 nanoparticles have a combined phase of rutile and anatase. So that in both of photocatalysts, the percentage of anatase phase is higher than rutile. The analysis of the degradation rate demonstrates that intensification level of TiO2 nanoparticles in MCT#2 compared to the MCT#1 leads to enhancement of photocatalytic activity of MCT#2. Design of experiment results shows that the destruction amount of MO is affected by irradiation time and pH. Based on ANOVA study, it is observed that both factors have a significant effect on reducing of MO concentration. Analyzing the results based on Duncan's multiple range test at α = 0.05 confirm that all the studied levels of the main parameters have a logical influence on MO destruction. Meanwhile, it can be deducted that the most and the least of destruction is observed at pH = 7 and pH = 3, respectively.
Application of machine learning algorithms in classification the flow units of the Kazhdumi reservoir in one of the oil fields in southwest of Iran
Authors: mohammadinia Fatemeh , Ranjbar Ali , Kafi Moein , Keshavarz Reza
Published: March 2023

By determining the hydraulic flow units (HFUs) in the reservoir rock and examining the distribution of porosity and permeability variables, it is possible to identify areas with suitable reservoir quality. In conventional methods, HFUs are determined using core data. This is while considering the non-continuity of the core data along the well, there is a great uncertainty in generalizing their results to the entire depth of the reservoir. Therefore, using related wireline logs as continuous data and using artificial intelligence methods can be an acceptable alternative. In this study, first, the number of HFUs was determined using conventional methods including Winland R35, flow zone index, discrete rock type and k-means. After that, by using petrophysical logs and using machine learning algorithms including support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), LogitBoost (LB), random forest (RF), and logistic regression (LR), HFUs have been determined. The innovation of this article is the use of different intelligent methods in determining the HFUs and comparing these methods with each other in such a way that instead of using only two parameters of porosity and permeability, different data obtained from wireline logging are used. This increases the accuracy and speed of reaching the solution and is the main application of the methodology introduced in this study. Mentioned algorithms are compared with accuracy, and the results show that SVM, ANN, RF, LB, and LR with 90.46%, 88.12%, 91.87%, 94.84%, and 91.56% accuracy classified the HFUs respectively.
Another characterization of meager ideals
Authors: Balcerzak Marek , Głąb Szymon , Leonetti Paolo
Published: March 2023

We show that an ideal $$\mathcal {I}$$
I
on the positive integers is meager if and only if there exists a bounded nonconvergent real sequence x such that the set of subsequences [resp. permutations] of x which preserve the set of $$\mathcal {I}$$
I
-limit points is comeager and, in addition, every accumulation point of x is also an $$\mathcal {I}$$
I
-limit point (that is, a limit of a subsequence $$(x_{n_k})$$

(

x

n
k

)

such that $$\{n_1,n_2,\ldots ,\} \notin \mathcal {I}$$

{

n
1

,

n
2

,
…
,
}
∉
I

). The analogous characterization holds also for $$\mathcal {I}$$
I
-cluster points.
Geochemical Link Between Slag Inclusion and Hammerscale, a Potential New Tool to Better Understand the Iron Supply of an Archaeological Workshop
Authors: Rodier Jean , Serneels Vincent
Published: March 2023

Hammerscale is the waste formed during hammering of hot iron on the anvil. It is mainly composed of iron oxides (wüstite, magnetite, hematite) with a variable amount of silica-rich component. This research focuses on the potential geochemical link between hammerscale and smelting derived slag inclusion contained in the metallic iron. In the frame of previous research, the smithing practice of African Dogon craftsmen (Mali) has been recorded in details. Different samples were collected including, slag, hammerscale, metal. Two different groups of iron bars produced by different bloomery process and more than one hundred experimental pieces of hammerscale were chemically investigated in situ by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) and by X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry (WD-XRF) in Fribourg / Switzerland. A small part of them was also analyzed by Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) in Orléans / France. The results show a strong contamination of the hammerscale by the working environment (flux, ashes, sand, etc.) impacting the concentrations of most of non-reducible elements, in particular the most abundant ones (Si, Al, K, Ca). However, several in situ analyses revealed abnormal high contents of Ti, Mn, Zr in contrast to the chemical composition of the forging environment. The concentrations of these elements are affected by contamination but the ratios, in this context, remain unchanged. TiO2/Zr ratios measured in slag inclusion are consistent with the ratios measured in hammerscale produced from the same iron type. Those results support that hammerscale could still carry the chemical signature of the smelting system and thus the geochemical fingerprint of the iron worked. Applying this methodology on archeological hammerscale would make it possible to assess the chemical diversity of worked irons and to provide information about the primary ore sources. Improving our current knowledge of the workshop iron supplies and therefore the circulation of iron in the past times.