bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explicit solutions for the ground displacement of a sliding model simulating both the frictional and rotational effects under idealized acceleration pulses
Authors: Protopapas Angelos L. , Stamatopoulos Constantine A.
Published: May 2024

For the first time, the present work derives explicit equations predicting the downward ground displacement of a sliding model simulating both the frictional and rotational effects under idealized acceleration pulses, in the form of simple formulas. Explicit equations allow not only accurate predictions in all cases, but also analysis of the solutions and derivation of expressions for limit cases. Half and full cycles of (i) rectangular, (ii) triangular, (iii) trapezoidal, and (iv) sinusoidal pulses and slopes both under static stability and instability are considered. For this purpose, for pulse cases (i)–(iii) recently proposed implicit analytical solutions are used, while for case (iv), first the analytical equations predicting the sliding displacement and velocity of a sinusoidal pulse in terms of time are obtained and then the time duration of motion is estimated, by using the Bhaskara approximation of the sine and cosine functions. Then, from these, solutions for the particular limit cases corresponding to the “conventional” sliding‐block model (Case A) and the post‐failure run‐off movement without any applied pulse (Case B) are derived. The results for Case A provide a useful tabulation of sliding‐block solutions, some of which are not reported in the literature. The results for Case B provide novel predictions of the time duration of motion in the case of post‐failure movement. The general solutions are analyzed graphically and the deviation from the solutions of Cases A and B is illustrated. Finally, the explicit solutions are compared to solutions of actual accelerograms.
Exploring management strategies to improve yields and reduce reactive nitrogen emissions in a summer maize‐winter wheat cropping system under long‐term climate variability
Authors: Huang Shaohui , Yang Junfang , Xing Suli , Yang Wenfang , Yang Yunma , Jia Liangliang , He Ping
Published: May 2024

Achieving high stable crop yields and minimal environmental damage is crucial to enhance the sustainability of agriculture in China. Process‐based models are indispensable tools to develop agronomy management practices to achieve sustainable agriculture by simulating crop production and emissions of reactive nitrogen (N), particularly in complex climate scenarios. In this study, a long‐term field experiment with an intensive summer maize‐winter wheat rotation system in north‐central China was simulated using the DeNitrification‐DeComposition (DNDC) model. The DNDC model validation and calibration was done by using two‐year monitoring data of crop yields and nitrous oxide emission fluxes and ammonia volatilization. Moreover, the optimal management practices to promote crop production and reduce the reactive N loss under 22 years of climate variability were explored using the calibrated DNDC model in this region. The results showed that the DNDC model effectively simulated wheat and maize yields, N uptake, ammonia volatilization, and nitrous oxide emissions. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the agronomic management practices (N rates and ratio of base to topdressing, planting time, and tillage depth) substantially affected crop yields and reactive N losses under long‐term climate variability. Compared with current farming practices, optimal Nutrient Expert (NE) management achieved an increase in high yields and environmental pollution radiation by altering the rate of N application and ratio of base to topdressing. Moreover, the optimal management strategies developed by the DNDC model, such as adjusting the planting date and tillage depth, further increased the average grain yield by 2.9% and reduced the average reactive N losses by 10.5% compared with the NE management implemented in the annual rotation cropping with a 22‐year simulation. This study suggests that the modeling method facilitates the development of most effective agronomic management practices to promote crop production and alleviate the negative impact on environment.
Sociodemographic characteristics associated with cervical cancer screening participation by send‐to‐all and opt‐in HPV self‐sampling: Who benefits? Results from a randomized controlled trial among long‐term non‐attending women in Norway
Authors: Hansen Bo T. , Nygård Mari , Castle Phil E. , Burger Emily A. , Aasbø Gunvor
Published: May 2024

With the objective to investigate associations between sociodemographic characteristics and participation in interventions designed to increase participation in cervical cancer screening among under‐screened women, we randomized a random sample of 6000 women in Norway aged 35–69 years who had not attended cervical screening for ≥10 years to receive either (i) a reminder to attend regular screening (control), (ii) an offer to order a self‐sampling kit (opt‐in), or (iii) a self‐sampling kit unsolicited (send‐to‐all). We analyzed how sociodemographic characteristics were associated with screening participation within and between screening arms. In the send‐to‐all arm, increased screening participation ranged from 17.1% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 10.3% to 23.8%) to 30.0% (95% CI = 21.5% to 38.6%) between sociodemographic groups. In the opt‐in arm, we observed smaller, and at times, non‐significant increases within the range 0.7% (95% CI = −5.8% to 7.3%) to 19.1% (95% CI = 11.6% to 26.7%). In send‐to‐all versus control comparisons, there was greater increase in participation for women in the workforce versus not (6.1%, 95% CI = 1.6% to 10.6%), with higher versus lower income (7.6%, 95% CI = 2.2% to 13.1%), and with university versus primary education (8.5%, 95% CI = 2.4% to 14.6%). In opt‐in versus control comparisons, there was greater increase in participation for women in the workforce versus not (4.6%, 95% CI = 0.7% to 8.5%), with higher versus lower income (6.3%, 95% CI = 1.5% to 11.1%), but lower increase for Eastern European versus Norwegian background (−12.7%, 95% CI = −19.7% to −5.7%). Self‐sampling increased cervical screening participation across all sociodemographic levels, but inequalities in participation should be considered when introducing self‐sampling, especially with the goal to reach long‐term non‐attending women.
Breast conserving surgery with intraoperative electron beam radiation therapy for low‐risk breast cancer: Five‐year follow‐up of 306 patients
Authors: de Jonge Charlotte , Schipper Robert‐Jan , Walstra Coco J. E. F. , Van Riet Yvonne E. , Verrijssen An‐Sofie E. , Voogd Adri C. , van der Sangen Maurice J. C. , Theuws Jacqueline , Degreef Ellen , Gielens Maaike P. M. , Bloemen Johanne G. , van den Berg Hetty A. , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard A. P.
Published: May 2024

Recent studies have reported a higher than expected risk of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) after breast conserving surgery (BCS) and a single dose of electron beam intra‐operative radiotherapy (IORT). This finding was the rationale to perform a retrospective single center cohort study evaluating the oncologic results of consecutive patients treated with BCS and IORT. Women were eligible if they had clinical low‐risk (N0, ≤2 cm unifocal, Bloom and Richardson grade 1–2), estrogen receptor‐positive and human‐epidermal‐growth‐factor‐receptor‐2‐negative breast cancer. Prior to BCS, pN0 status was determined by sentinel lymph node biopsy. Data on oncologic follow‐up were analyzed. Between 2012 and 2019, 306 consecutive patients were treated and analyzed, with a median age of 67 (50–86) years at diagnosis. Median follow‐up was 60 (8–120) months. Five‐year cumulative risk of IBTR was 13.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.4–17.4). True in field recurrence was present in 3.9% of the patients. In 4.6% of the patients, the IBRT was classified as a local recurrence due to seeding of tumor cells in the cutis or subcutis most likely related to percutaneous biopsy. In 2.9% of the patients, the IBRT was a new outfield primary tumor. Three patients had a regional lymph node recurrence and two had distant metastases as first event. One breast cancer‐related death was observed. Estimated 5‐year overall survival was 89.8% (95% CI 86.0–93.6). In conclusion, although some of IBTR cases could have been prevented by adaptations in biopsy techniques and patient selection, BCS followed by IORT was associated with a substantial risk of IBTR.
Exploring the role of mean‐field potentials and short‐range wave function behavior in the adiabatic connection
Authors: Scemama Anthony , Savin Andreas
Published: May 2024

In this article, we explore the construction of Hamiltonians with long‐range interactions and their corrections using the short‐range behavior of the wave function. A key aspect of our investigation is the examination of the one‐particle potential, kept constant in our previous work, and the effects of its optimization on the adiabatic connection. Our methodology involves the use of a parameter‐dependent potential dependent on a single parameter to facilitate practical computations. We analyze the energy errors and densities in a two‐electron system (harmonium) under various conditions, employing different confinement potentials and interaction parameters. The study reveals that while the mean‐field potential improves the expectation value of the physical Hamiltonian, it does not necessarily improve the energy of the system within the bounds of chemical accuracy. We also delve into the impact of density variations in adiabatic connections, challenging the common assumption that a mean field improves results. Our findings indicate that as long as energy errors remain within chemical accuracy, the mean field does not significantly outperform a bare potential. This observation is attributed to the effectiveness of corrections based on the short‐range behavior of the wave function, a universal characteristic that diminishes the distinction between using a mean field or not.
Exposure–Response Analyses for Belzutifan to Inform Dosing Considerations and Labeling
Authors: Marathe Dhananjay D. , Jauslin Petra M. , Jan Kleijn Huub , De Miranda Silva Carolina , Chain Anne , Abraham Anson K. , Kauh Eunkyung A. , Liu Yanfang , Perini Rodolfo F. , Alwis Dinesh P. de , Jain Lokesh
Published: May 2024

Belzutifan (Welireg, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA) is an oral, potent hypoxia‐inducible factor‐2α inhibitor, recently approved in the United States for the treatment of von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease‐associated renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and other VHL disease‐associated neoplasms. Safety and efficacy were investigated in two clinical studies: a Phase 1 dose escalation/expansion study in solid tumors and RCC and a Phase 2 study in VHL‐RCC. A population pharmacokinetic model was used to estimate belzutifan exposures to facilitate exposure–response (E‐R) analyses for efficacy and safety endpoints. Relationships between exposure and efficacy (overall response rate, disease control rate, progression‐free survival, best overall tumor size response, and other endpoints), safety outcomes (Grade ≥3 anemia, Grade ≥3 hypoxia, and time to first dose reduction/dose interruption), and pharmacodynamic biomarkers (erythropoietin [EPO] and hemoglobin [Hgb]) were evaluated using various regression techniques and time‐to‐event analyses. Efficacy E‐R was generally flat with non‐significant positive trends with exposure. The safety E‐R analyses demonstrated a lack of relationship for Grade ≥3 hypoxia and a positive relationship for Grade ≥3 anemia, with incidences also significantly dependent on baseline Hgb. Exposure‐dependent reductions in EPO and Hgb were observed. Based on the cumulative benefit–risk assessment in VHL disease‐associated neoplasms using E‐R, no a priori dose adjustment is recommended for any subpopulation. These analyses supported the benefit–risk profile of belzutifan 120 mg once daily dosing in patients with VHL‐RCC for labeling and the overall development program.
Global subterranean estuaries modify groundwater nutrient loading to the ocean
Authors: Wilson Stephanie J. , Moody Amy , McKenzie Tristan , Cardenas M. Bayani , Luijendijk Elco , Sawyer Audrey H. , Wilson Alicia , Michael Holly A. , Xu Bochao , Knee Karen L. , Cho Hyung‐Mi , Weinstein Yishai , Paytan Adina , Moosdorf Nils , Chen Chen‐Tung Aurthur , Beck Melanie , Lopez Cody , Murgulet Dorina , Kim Guebuem , Charette Mathew A. , Waska Hannelore , Ibánhez J. Severino P. , Chaillou Gwénaëlle , Oehler Till , Onodera Shin‐ichi , Saito Mitsuyo , Rodellas Valenti , Dimova Natasha , Montiel Daniel , Dulai Henrietta , Richardson Christina , Du Jinzhou , Petermann Eric , Chen Xiaogang , Davis Kay L. , Lamontagne Sebastien , Sugimoto Ryo , Wang Guizhi , Li Hailong , Torres Américo I. , Demir Cansu , Bristol Emily , Connolly Craig T. , McClelland James W. , Silva Brenno J. , Tait Douglas , Kumar BSK , Viswanadham R. , Sarma VVSS , Silva‐Filho Emmanoel , Shiller Alan , Lecher Alanna , Tamborski Joseph , Bokuniewicz Henry , Rocha Carlos , Reckhardt Anja , Böttcher Michael Ernst , Jiang Shan , Stieglitz Thomas , Gbewezoun Houégnon Géraud Vinel , Charbonnier Céline , Anschutz Pierre , Hernández‐Terrones Laura M. , Babu Suresh , Szymczycha Beata , Sadat‐Noori Mahmood , Niencheski Felipe , Null Kimberly , Tobias Craig , Song Bongkeun , Anderson Iris C. , Santos Isaac R.
Published: May 2024

Terrestrial groundwater travels through subterranean estuaries before reaching the sea. Groundwater‐derived nutrients drive coastal water quality, primary production, and eutrophication. We determined how dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) are transformed within subterranean estuaries and estimated submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) nutrient loads compiling > 10,000 groundwater samples from 216 sites worldwide. Nutrients exhibited complex, nonconservative behavior in subterranean estuaries. Fresh groundwater DIN and DIP are usually produced, and DON is consumed during transport. Median total SGD (saline and fresh) fluxes globally were 5.4, 2.6, and 0.18 Tmol yr−1 for DIN, DON, and DIP, respectively. Despite large natural variability, total SGD fluxes likely exceed global riverine nutrient export. Fresh SGD is a small source of new nutrients, but saline SGD is an important source of mostly recycled nutrients. Nutrients exported via SGD via subterranean estuaries are critical to coastal biogeochemistry and a significant nutrient source to the oceans.
Significance of the order of pair‐wise comparisons in Analytic Hierarchy Process: an experimental study
Authors: Andriichuk Oleh , Kadenko Sergii , Tsyganok Vitaliy
Published: May 2024

The article describes an approach, ensuring higher credibility of expert estimation results, based on specific order of pair‐wise comparisons. The order of pair‐wise comparisons is, in its turn, based on the distance between estimated objects in the ranking. According to the suggested approach (and some human psychophysiological features), the most ordinally distant objects should be compared before ordinally closer ones. In order to empirically confirm this assumption, a special experiment involving real experts has been conducted. The results of the experiment indicate that if objects are presented to the expert for comparison in the suggested order, then in the majority of cases relative weights of objects, obtained using eigenvector method, most adequately reflect this expert's priorities. Moreover, pair‐wise comparison matrices constructed using the suggested comparison order tend to be slightly more consistent. The suggested approach to re‐ordering of pair‐wise comparisons can be applied as part of the AHP algorithm in weakly structured subject domains, influenced by multiple intangible criteria. It also provides conceptual basis for reduction of the number of pair‐wise comparisons, required to obtain credible results, in AHP without loss or distortion of expert data. It can also be used for modification of combinatorial pair‐wise comparison aggregation method, based on spanning tree enumeration. And, finally, it will improve the overall multi‐criteria decision‐making process in diverse subject domains, characterized by high uncertainty levels.
Dietary Flavonoid Quercetin Supplement Promotes Antiviral Innate Responses Against Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Infection by Reshaping the Bacteriome and Host Metabolome in Mice
Authors: Li Tingting , Zhu Jinfeng , Yu Qifeng , Zhu Yinrui , Wu Chao , Zheng Xing , Chen Nannan , Pei Pei , Yang Kai , Wang Kai , Hu Lin
Published: May 2024

Scope

Active ingredients in functional foods exhibit broad‐spectrum antiviral activity. The objective of this study is to investigate the protective effect of quercetin derived from bee propolis, a natural product with antiviral activity and modulating effects on the gut microbiota, against vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection.

Methods and results

Through a cellular‐based study, this study demonstrates that quercetin can modulate the activity of interferon‐regulating factor 3 (IRF3). In vivo, it shows that quercetin protects mice from VSV infection by enhancing interferon production and inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines. The study conducts 16S rRNA‐based gut microbiota and nontargets metabolomics analyses to elucidate the mechanisms underlying quercetin‐mediated bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and host metabolome during viral infection. Quercetin not only ameliorates VSV‐induced dysbiosis of the intestinal flora but also alters serum metabolites related to lipid metabolism. Cross‐correlations between the gut bacteriome and the serum metabolome indicate that quercetin can modulate phosphatidylcholine (16:0/0:0) and 5‐acetylamino‐6‐formylamino‐3‐methyluracil to prevent VSV infection.

Conclusion

This study systematically elucidates the anti‐VSV mechanism of quercetin through gut bacteriome and host metabolome assays, offering new insights into VSV treatment and revealing the mechanisms behind a novel disease management strategy using dietary flavonoid supplements.
Solventless Synthesis of Zinc Sulphide Nanoparticles from Zinc Bis(diethyldithiocarbamate) as a Single Source Precursor
Authors: Saah Selina Ama , Sakyi Patrick Opare , Boadi Nathaniel Owusu , Tieku Franklyn Addai , Boampong Ampem Kwabena
Published: May 2024

This study explores the synthesis of nanoparticles through the thermal decomposition of single‐source precursors, a method gaining popularity due to its low cost, minimal environmental toxicity, rapidity, scalability, and the ability to form nanoparticles with few defects. Zinc ethyl carbamate was synthesized and characterized using 1H NMR and infrared spectroscopy. Its purity was confirmed through microelemental analysis and melting point determination. The melting point of the complex was determined to be 165 °C. The thermogravimetric analyses indicated a one‐step decomposition of zinc ethyl carbamate with a decomposition onset of of 200 °C, yielding a stable ZnS residue. Further thermal decomposition led to the formation of wurtzite phase ZnS nanoparticles, as evidenced by XRD. SEM micrographs displayed mixed spherical, and cubic unevenly sized, polydispersed nanoparticles, while EDX revealed approximately a 1 : 1 Zn to S ratio. Estimated band gap from the Tauc's plot gave 3.93 eV and 3.42 eV for the nanoparticles synthesized at 300 and 400 °C respectively. The wide difference in the band gaps may be as a result of the larger particles observed at 400 °C and the deformations in the sample as observed in the SEM.
Surface Oxygen Defect Engineering of A2B2O7 Pyrochlore Semiconductors Boosts the Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2‐to‐HCOOH
Authors: Zhao Jiwu , Wang Jiashun , Xue Lan , Wang Ying , Wen Na , Huang Haowei , Zhang Zizhong , Ding Zhengxin , Yuan Rusheng , Roeffaers Maarten B.J. , Fu Xianzhi , Lu Xu , Long Jinlin
Published: May 2024

The electrocatalytic conversion of inert CO2 to value‐added chemical fuels powered by renewable energy is one of the benchmark approaches to address excessive carbon emissions and achieve carbon‐neutral energy restructuring. However, the adsorption/activation of supersymmetric CO2 is facing insurmountable challenges that constrain its industrial‐scale applications. Here, this theory‐guided study confronts these challenges by leveraging the synergies of bimetallic sites and defect engineering, where pyrochlore‐type semiconductor A2B2O7 is employed as research platform and the conversion of CO2‐to‐HCOOH as the model reaction. Specifically, defect engineering intensified greatly the chemisorption‐induced CO2 polarization via the bimetallic coordination, thermodynamically beneficial to the HCOOH production via the *HCO2 intermediate. The optimal V‐BSO‐430 electrocatalyst with abundant surface oxygen vacancies achieved a superior HCOOH yield of 116.7 mmol h−1 cm−2 at −1.2 VRHE, rivalling the incumbent similar reaction systems. Furthermore, the unique catalytic unit featured with a Bi1‐Sn‐Bi2 triangular structure, which is reconstructed by defect engineering, and altered the pathway of CO2 adsorption and activation to allow the preferential affinity of the suspended O atom in *HCO2 to H. As a result, V‐BSO‐430 gave an impressive FEHCOOH of 93% at −1.0 VRHE. This study held promises for inspiring the exploration of bimetallic materials from the massive semiconductor database.
Outcomes of surgical revascularization for pediatric moyamoya disease and syndrome
Authors: Boulter Jason H. , Szuflita Nicholas S. , Keating Robert F. , Magge Suresh N.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Moyamoya disease and syndrome represent rare entities characterized by progressive stenosis and/or occlusion of the intracranial blood vessels. We present our series of patients with moyamoya disease and syndrome stratified by underlying disease and analyze differences in presentation and outcome following surgical revascularization.

Methods

This was an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved, retrospective review of all patients surgically revascularized by the senior author (SNM) while at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC. Demographic data, presenting symptoms and severity, surgical details, and functional and radiographic outcomes were obtained and analyzed for differences among the underlying cohorts of moyamoya disease and syndrome as well as by unilateral or bilateral disease and index or non-index surgeries.

Results

Twenty-two patients were identified with the following underlying diseases: six with idiopathic moyamoya disease, six with sickle cell anemia, five with trisomy 21, and five with neurofibromatosis type 1. Thirty hemispheres were revascularized with a significantly reduced rate of stroke from 3.19 strokes/year (SD = 3.10) to 0.13 strokes/year (SD = 0.25), p = 0.03. When analyzed by underlying cause of moyamoya syndrome, patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 were found to be significantly less likely than the other subtypes of moyamoya syndrome to have had either a clinical stroke (0.0% neurofibromatosis type 1 vs. 100.0% sickle cell, 60.0% trisomy 21, or 83.3% moyamoya disease, p < 0.01) or radiographic stroke (0.0% neurofibromatosis type 1 vs. 100.0% sickle cell, 60.0% trisomy 21, or 83.3% moyamoya disease, p < 0.01) at time of presentation. Patients with moyamoya syndrome associated with sickle cell disease were more likely to present with clinical and radiographic strokes. Additionally, patients with bilateral disease demonstrated no difference in final functional outcome compared to patients with unilateral disease (mRS 0.73 (SD = 1.33) vs. 1.29 (SD = 1.60), p = 0.63).

Conclusion

Indirect surgical revascularization decreases stroke risk for pediatric patients with different forms of moyamoya disease and moyamoya syndrome. Additionally, these data suggest that sickle cell anemia-associated moyamoya syndrome may represent a more aggressive variant, while neurofibromatosis type 1 may represent a more benign variant.
The emerging role and mechanism of HMGA2 in breast cancer
Authors: Ma Qing , Ye Sisi , Liu Hong , Zhao Yu , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2024

High mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) is a member of the non-histone chromosomal high mobility group (HMG) protein family, which participate in embryonic development and other biological processes. HMGA2 overexpression is associated with breast cancer (BC) cell growth, proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, HMGA2 expression is positively associated with poor prognosis of patients with BC, and inhibiting HMGA2 signaling can stimulate BC cell progression and metastasis. In this review, we focus on HMGA2 expression changes in BC tissues and multiple BC cell lines. Wnt/β-catenin, STAT3, CNN6, and TRAIL-R2 proteins are upstream mediators of HMGA2 that can induce BC invasion and metastasis. Moreover, microRNAs (miRNAs) can suppress BC cell growth, invasion, and metastasis by inhibiting HMGA2 expression. Furthermore, long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) and circular RNAs (CircRNAs) mainly regulate HMGA2 mRNA and protein expression levels by sponging miRNAs, thereby promoting BC development. Additionally, certain small molecule inhibitors can suppress BC drug resistance by reducing HMGA2 expression. Finally, we summarize findings demonstrating that HMGA2 siRNA and HMGA2 siRNA-loaded nanoliposomes can suppress BC progression and metastasis.
Das Angehörigengespräch im Rahmen der postmortalen Organspende aus der Sicht von Ärzt:innen und Pflegenden: Ergebnisse einer qualitativen Interviewstudie aus Österreich
Authors: Posch Christiane , Flatscher-Thöni Magdalena
Published: May 2024

Die enge Widerspruchslösung in Österreich erlaubt eine postmortale Organspende bei fehlendem Widerspruch zu Lebzeiten, da von einer mutmaßlichen Zustimmung ausgegangen wird. Liegt kein Eintrag im Widerspruchsregister vor, wird die Familie zum mutmaßlichen Willen der verstorbenen Person befragt.

Um die praktische Umsetzung der Widerspruchslösung in Österreich zu beschreiben, sollen relevante Aspekte der Angehörigengespräche und die Rolle der Familie im Entscheidungsprozess zur postmortalen Organspende identifiziert werden.

Es wurden insgesamt zehn leitfadengestützte Expert:inneninterviews mit Ärzt:innen und Pflegepersonen an einer österreichischen Krankenanstalt durchgeführt, die mithilfe der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring unter Anwendung von MAXQDA ausgewertet wurden.

Herausforderungen beim Ermitteln des mutmaßlichen Patient:innenwillens im Angehörigengespräch können aufgrund von unterschiedlichen Kulturen/Religionen, Uneinigkeit und Entscheidungsunfähigkeit in der Familie aufgrund von Trauer und der Schwierigkeit der Angehörigen, das Hirntodkonzept zu begreifen, entstehen. Daher ist eine gute Vorbereitung, ausreichend Zeit, interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit, das Schaffen von Vertrauen und professionelle Gesprächsführung sowie das Eingehen auf Fragen und Bedürfnisse von Angehörigen durch Ärzt:innen und Pflegepersonen in einem geeigneten Setting notwendig. Die Kommunikation mit Angehörigen bezüglich einer postmortalen Organspende ist sowohl für das Gesundheitspersonal als auch die Familie belastend.

Anhand der Ergebnisse wird die Anwendung des Kommunikationsleitfadens der Gesundheit Österreich mit Erweiterung um die Information zur Gesetzeslage sowie regelmäßige Kommunikationsschulungen des Gesundheitspersonals empfohlen. Zudem wird eine flächendeckende Information der Bevölkerung zur Förderung der intrafamiliären Diskussion gefordert.
APPEAL: a toolkit for attracting people who inject drugs with hepatitis C to healthcare systems
Authors: Baptista-Leite Ricardo , Lopes Henrique , Franco Diogo , Clemens Timo , Brand Helmut
Published: May 2024

Aim

The “APPEAL” toolkit was developed to address the challenges in diagnosing people who inject drugs (PWID) with hepatitis C (HCV) and engaging them with healthcare systems. It introduces an ecosystemic approach based on health and well-being literacy across awareness, prevention and diagnosis dimensions of the hepatitis C’s care cascade (CC) for PWID.

Subject and methods

The framework incorporated a scoping review and thematic analysis of 54 studies, alongside contributions from 57 hepatitis C key opinion leaders across seven countries. The toolkit is structured around five main axes: problems, solutions, outputs, outcomes and feedback process, employing a holistic perspective that considers economic, legal and social contexts. Eighteen policy prescriptions (PP) are proposed and supported by selective references to ensure relevance and applicability.

Results

The APPEAL toolkit facilitates a strategic workflow for policymakers, health authorities and patient advocacy organizations, guiding them through action flowcharts to evaluate and enhance their interventions within the hepatitis C’s CC for PWID. Notably, its implementation demonstrated potential in identifying and attracting PWID to hepatitis C treatment pathways, contributing to increased diagnostics, education on risk behaviours and raising overall disease awareness. The toolkit’s intelligent cycle system supports accountability, enabling continuous data-driven improvement and innovation in addressing hepatitis C.

Conclusion

The APPEAL toolkit was developed to attract PWID living with HCV to healthcare systems in a proactive manner. By managing information and fostering education on HCV, it aims to amplify awareness, prevention and diagnosis. The toolkit’s design and functionality underscore the importance of continuous quality improvement and the potential for its use in internal or external quality audits of healthcare services related to hepatitis C.
γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)-enriched Hemp Milk by Solid-state Co-fermentation and Germination Bioprocesses
Authors: Karabulut Gulsah , Nemzer Boris V. , Feng Hao
Published: May 2024

This study introduces the concept of developing a functional hemp drink enriched with γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) to enhance its nutritional value and functional properties utilizing Solid-State (SSF) co-Fermentation by Lactobacillus casei and Bacillus subtilis and germination bioprocesses. Bioprocesses may offer an alternative solution to challenges in hemp milk, such as product instability and the use of additives. Notably, the hemp milk produced through the germination for three days or co-fermentation processes yielded the highest GABA content of 79.84 and 102.45 mg/100 mL, respectively, compared to the untreated milk. These bioactive milk samples exhibited higher zeta potential and soluble protein content and also reduced solid particle sedimentation and droplet sizes (D4,3 and D3,2) compared to the untreated milk. Furthermore, the peptide, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of the produced GABA-enriched kinds of milk surpassed those of the untreated milk. Overall, the SSF and germination processes present a promising alternative for producing stable milk analogs with enhanced health-boosting properties.
Comparative Analysis of Atherogenic Lipoproteins L5 and Lp(a) in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Akyol Omer , Yang Chao-Yuh , Woodside Darren G. , Chiang Huan-Hsing , Chen Chu-Huang , Gotto Antonio M.
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) poses a risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). As LDL comprises various subtypes differing in charge, density, and size, understanding their specific impact on ASCVD is crucial. Two highly atherogenic LDL subtypes—electronegative LDL (L5) and Lp(a)—induce vascular cell apoptosis and atherosclerotic changes independent of plasma cholesterol levels, and their mechanisms warrant further investigation. Here, we have compared the roles of L5 and Lp(a) in the development of ASCVD.

Recent Findings

Lp(a) tends to accumulate in artery walls, promoting plaque formation and potentially triggering atherosclerosis progression through prothrombotic or antifibrinolytic effects. High Lp(a) levels correlate with calcific aortic stenosis and atherothrombosis risk. L5 can induce endothelial cell apoptosis and increase vascular permeability, inflammation, and atherogenesis, playing a key role in initiating atherosclerosis. Elevated L5 levels in certain high-risk populations may serve as a distinctive predictor of ASCVD.

L5 and Lp(a) are both atherogenic lipoproteins contributing to ASCVD through distinct mechanisms. Lp(a) has garnered attention, but equal consideration should be given to L5.
Weaknesses of Positive Psychology might be Overgeneralized: Forgiveness Studies as a Counter to the Critiques
Authors: Worthington Everett L.
Published: May 2024

Critiques of positive psychology, as summarized by Van Zyl et al. in J Posit Psychol, 2023, have claimed that positive psychology (1) lacks proper theorizing; (2) over-relies on quantitative designs; (3) is poorly supported empirically with non-replicated studies; (4) lacks novelty and is isolated from mainstream psychology; (5) represents de-contextualized neo-liberal philosophy that causes harm; and (6) is a capitalistic means of furthering individualism, consumerism, and medicalization of positive experiences. Forgiveness studies is taken as a well-established subfield of positive psychology. Considering the critiques individually, I show that the field of forgiveness studies resists many of the critiques of the field of positive psychology as a whole. However, I acknowledge the validity and usefulness of some critiques, concluding that if some aspects of the field resist the critiques, that may imply overgeneralization of the critiques.
Subsistence Strategies in the Lower Magdalenian at El Cierro Cave (Ribadesella, Asturias, Spain)
Authors: Portero R. , Cueto M. , Elorza M. , Marchán-Fernández A. , Jordá Pardo J. F. , Álvarez-Fernández E.
Published: May 2024

El Cierro Cave (Ribadesella, Asturias, Spain) possesses one of the most complete Upper Palaeolithic stratigraphic sequences in northern Spain. Magdalenian occupations, particularly the lower Magdalenian, are well represented in its full sequence. This article presents the zooarchaeological analysis of the levels Cierro G1, Cierro G and Cierro F, dated by 14C to between 20,000 and 17,000 cal BP. The remains correspond to vertebrates (mainly large mammals and to a lesser extent fish and birds) and invertebrates (almost exclusively marine molluscs). The taphonomic analysis of the bones and shells has determined the role that the different animal resources played in the diet of the Magdalenian hunter-gatherers at El Cierro. The results obtained in each level of the sequence are compared and included in their regional context. This study also considers the way in which the Magdalenian groups at El Cierro processed the meat and fat of the different animal species and establishes the operational chain in the strategies of procurement, preparation and consumption of the prey.
The Value Proposition of Campus High Performance Computing Facilities to Institutional Productivity: A Production Function Model
Authors: Smith Preston
Published: May 2024

High-performance computing (HPC) is used by higher education institutions, industry, and research labs around the world for modeling, simulation, and data analysis to enable scientific discovery. However, the operation of a high-performance computing center comes with significant operating and capital costs. While some previous attempts have been made to explore the return on investment (ROI) of investment in HPC, the academic cyberinfrastructure community lacks a quantitative model with which an institution of higher education may analyze its own investments in HPC facilities and measure if it is meeting its own stated goals. To create such a model, this study seeks to answer the question if investment in campus HPC facilities leads to measurable impact on institutional outputs. To do so, an analysis of a set of value metrics collected from Purdue University are performed to measure the ROI of the institution’s investment in HPC facilities, and create a model based upon an application of a production function that will measure the HPC facility investment’s impact on the financial, academic, and reputational outputs of the institution. The resulting models demonstrate a strong relationship between institutional outputs and the investments of labor and capital supporting the campus cyberinfrastructure. By itself, investment in either computing resources or staff expertise pays dividends in terms of multiple institutional outputs. While investment in human resources accounts for the largest relative importance in models for all prospective outputs, a coordinated strategy that invests in computing resources and staff to support them together will yield the highest returns.
Use of face masks for COVID-19 prevention: a qualitative study on barriers and motivators in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mutsaka-Makuvaza Masceline Jenipher , Midzi Nicholas , Charimari Lincoln Sunganai , Mangwiro Priscilla , Manengureni Tonderai , Mugadza Gladys
Published: May 2024

Introduction

To mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, face mask use has been a key component of public health measures. Research in most settings has focused on understanding the effectiveness of this intervention in reducing COVID-19 transmission. This study aimed to identify the barriers and motivators of face mask use in the Zimbabwean population.

Methods

Thirty key informant interviews (KIIs) and 10 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with homogenous study groups of health workers, village health workers, church leaders, traditional healers, teachers, women leaders, transporters, youth leaders and the general population selected in 10 districts across the country from September–October 2022. Each study group consisted of key informants and FGD participants. Interviews and FGDs were captured using digital recording devices, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. The data were analysed manually via thematic analysis.

Findings

Six themes were generated in this study. The four themes identified as barriers were individual factors (low risk perception in rural areas and as the number of cases declined due to vaccination, lack of conviction and lack of knowledge on the importance of face masking resulting in practices such as sharing and improper wearing of masks), access challenges (due to scarcity and affordability resulting in reusing dirty masks or washing surgical masks), concern about side effects (breathing difficulties and other respiratory complications), and sociocultural and religious beliefs (resulting in removal of masks by traditional healers during consultations, removal of masks in church). Two themes that were identified as motivators included perceived benefits (confidence in the effectiveness of facemasks for the prevention of COVID-19 transmission) and environmental factors (fear of law enforcement agents and village health workers).

Conclusions

The study findings underscore the need of awareness campaigns, improvement of accessibility and affordability of masks, sensitivity to religious and cultural beliefs to increase the usage and effectiveness of face mask during pandemics of respiratory diseases.
Damage detection in space truss structures using a third-level approach
Authors: Frans Richard , Arfiadi Yoyong
Published: May 2024

Monitoring civil engineering infrastructure is crucial to ensuring that the structures can continue to function properly. An important aspect of this assessment is detecting structural damage. This study proposed a method that combined static loading techniques and modal parameters to establish a third level of damage detection. Specifically, the damage locating vector (DLV) was used as the static technique, and mode shapes, along with Modal Assurance Criteria (MAC), were integrated with the Firefly Algorithm (FA) to define the damage percentage. The objective of this method is to determine the location of the damaged members in space truss structures and accurately estimate the reduction in stiffness of the damaged members. DLV was used to show the location of damaged members, while the Modal Assurance Criteria – Firefly Algorithm (MAC-FA) was used to predict the stiffness loss in structural elements. This combined approach improved the DLV method, which could only identify potentially damaged parts. The fundamental concept behind MAC-FA was the relationship between the predicted mode shape and the mode shape of the structure, represented by the MAC value. This method was used to investigate damage detection in two space truss structures. The results demonstrated that the proposed method could identify damaged elements and quantify the loss of stiffness in space truss structures.
UN Mediators in Syria
Authors: Nassar Fadi Nicholas
Published: May 2024

Since 2011, the conflict in Syria has been one of the most catastrophic conflicts of our time and a dark stain on the peacemaking abilities of the United Nations (UN). At the heart of this book is a simple but critical question – what do UN mediators tasked with the responsibility to make peace actually do? By explaining this, the book offers a detailed record of what Kofi Annan, Lakhdar Brahimi, and Staffan de Mistura did in their roles as UN mediators in Syria and presents a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics that shaped their decision-making. Beyond the cases of these three mediators, Fadi Nicholas Nassar introduces a method by which to forensically identify a mediator's fingerprints on the peacemaking process and charts a map to examine their decision-making processes. In doing so, it paves the way to evaluate the performance of these mediators – to hold them accountable for their successes and failures.
The Letters of Ernest Hemingway
Authors: Hemingway Ernest
Published: May 2024

The Letters of Ernest Hemingway, Volume 6 (June 1934–June 1936) traces the completion and publication of Hemingway's experimental nonfiction book Green Hills of Africa and work on stories including 'The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber' and 'The Snows of Kilimanjaro.' In more than twenty pieces in Esquire, he relates his hunting and fishing exploits, discusses writing and writers, and becomes more politically vocal, addressing topical concerns. During this period he immerses himself in big game fishing off Key West, Cuba, and Bimini, gathering specimens for scientific study and making record catches, as well as taking on boxing challengers. He maintains longstanding literary friendships, advises and helps aspiring writers and contemporary artists, and makes public his disdain of critics. Volume 6 also features for the first time an Appendix of Earlier Letters (1918–1934) that have come to light since publication of previous volumes. Writing his epistolary autobiography, Hemingway himself reveals the many and sometimes contradictory facets of his wide-ranging genius.
Characterizing healthcare personnel attitudes toward receipt of a voluntary bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine during a COVID-19 outbreak at a behavioral health hospital in Connecticut
Authors: Roberts Scott C. , Willebrand Kathryn , Fredrick Jacqueline , Pischel Lauren , Patel Kavin , Murray Thomas S. , Martinello Richard A.
Published: May 2024

COVID-19 vaccine uptake in healthcare personnel (HCP) is poor. A cross-sectional survey study of behavioral health HCP was performed. Commonly identified reasons for vaccination were protecting others and oneself. Reasons against were a lack of perceived protection, dosing intervals, and side effects. Assessing vaccination attitudes can assist in uptake strategy.
Depth-integrated models for three-dimensional flow over topography
Authors: D'Alessio S.J.D.
Published: May 2024

Considered in this investigation is the three-dimensional, gravity-driven flow of a thin viscous fluid layer down an incline, and spreading over topography. Three depth-integrated models are presented and contrasted. These include an integral-boundary-layer model, a weighted-residual model and a hybrid model. A numerical solution procedure suited for solving three-dimensional flows is also proposed. Numerous simulations have been conducted using the models for various steady subcritical, and unsteady supercritical flows over several topographies. Good agreement among the three models was found. In addition, the models were also validated using experimental results, and, again, good agreement between the three models and with experiments was obtained.
Saliu Salvador Ramos das Neves, a Nineteenth-Century Yoruba Muslim in the Black Atlantic
Authors: Earl Castillo Lisa , Mann Kristin
Published: May 2024

The literature on freed Africans who returned from Brazil to West Africa in the nineteenth century has emphasized the centrality of Catholicism in Aguda identity, treating Islam as a marginal consideration despite its role in catalyzing the returnee movement. This article argues that Muslims formed an important component of the returnee population throughout the century. Taking as a case history the life of Saliu Salvador Ramos das Neves, a returnee who founded one of Lagos’s oldest mosques, the paper reconstructs his trajectory on both sides of the Atlantic. The analysis begins with the political context of his enslavement, moving on to his life in Bahia, Brazil, where he witnessed an important Muslim uprising, purchased his freedom, and formed a family with whom he emigrated to Lagos in 1857. In Lagos, he acquired land, expanded his family and household, and became an important leader among Muslim returnees. The article’s final section presents evidence that even after returning to Lagos, Saliu Salvador maintained commercial and affective ties to Brazil, as did many other Aguda Muslims. Some of those who engaged in trade were religious leaders, a fact that demonstrates Islam’s importance in the dynamics of the Black Atlantic.
Latent and explicit mnemonic communities on social media: studying digital memory formation through hashtag co-occurrence analysis
Authors: Adriaansen Robbert-Jan
Published: May 2024

This article explores the nature and dynamics of mnemonic communities within the context of social media platforms and proposes to identify mnemonic communities using hashtag co-occurrence analysis. The article distinguishes between ‘explicit’ and ‘latent’ mnemonic communities, arguing that while some digital mnemonic communities may exhibit characteristics of offline communities, others exist latently as discursive spaces or semiospheres without direct awareness. On platforms like Instagram, hashtags function as semiotic markers, but also as user-chosen indexes to the content. As hashtags link the social and semantic aspects of community formation, hashtag co-occurrence analysis offers a robust framework for understanding and mapping these communities. This method allows to detect and analyse patterns of hashtag use that suggest the presence of networked community structures that may not be apparent or conscious to the social media users themselves. Additionally, a metric is introduced for determining the degree of ‘latentness’ of communities that quantifies the cohesion within communities compared to their external connections. The article demonstrates this approach by applying hashtag co-occurrence analysis to a dataset of Instagram posts tagged with #Juneteenth, a popular hashtag used to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. It identifies 87 mnemonic communities that reflect the diversity and complexity of how platforms facilitate memory-sharing practices and the role of semiotic markers in forming (latent) mnemonic networks.