bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiologic features of radiolucent foreign bodies ingestion in common mynah (Acridotheres tristis)
Authors: Molazem Mohammad , Soroori Sarang , Soflaei Reihaneh , Bahonar Alireza , Madani Seyed Ahmad , Mokhtari Roshanak , Hartmann Antje
Published: January 2023

Background

In mynahs with foreign body ingestion, delayed diagnosis increases the risk of poor outcomes.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate various radiologic features on plain and contrast radiographs in mynahs for assessing the presence of ingested foreign bodies.

Methods

In our cross‐sectional study, a total of 41 mynahs were included. The diagnosis was made by history, surgery, excision by forceps or excretion in the faeces. Overall, 21 mynahs were considered not to have a foreign body in their gastrointestinal tract. Plain and post‐contrast [oral administration of barium sulphate colloidal suspension of 25% weight/volume (20 mg/kg)] lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs from the cervical and coelomic cavity were taken. Different parameters including oesophageal, proventricular, and small intestinal diameters and opacities were assessed. Image evaluation was performed by two national board‐certified radiologists blinded to the final diagnoses.

Results

The inter‐ and intra‐observer reliabilities of the diagnostic features were significant (p < 0.001). The diagnosis of the foreign body was highly accurate [90.2% (95% CI: 76.9%, 92.3%)] with the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the representative characteristic curve of 90.0%, 90.5%, and 0.93%, respectively for plain radiographs. The size and opacity of the oesophagus, proventriculus, and intestinal loops as well as serosal details were significantly different between mynahs with and without foreign body intake (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Lateral and ventrodorsal plain radiographs are highly reliable for diagnosing the presence of non‐opaque obstructing objects in the gastrointestinal tract of mynahs. Attention should be paid to the size and opacity of the oesophagus, extension, and opacity of the proventriculus, segmental opacity of intestinal loops, and decrease in serosal details.
Changing behavioral responses to heat risk in a warming world: How can communication approaches be improved?
Authors: McLoughlin Niall , Howarth Candice , Shreedhar Ganga
Published: January 2023

Heat risks, such as those associated with heatwaves, are increasing in frequency, severity, and duration due to climate change. The ways in which people around the globe perceive and respond to heat risks are now of great importance to reduce a range of negative health outcomes. A growing body of literature aims to assess the factors that influence people's behaviors in relation to heat risks. This research can inform better interventions, such as improved communications approaches, that attempt to facilitate adaptive behavioral responses to such risks. This review focuses on how insights from behavioral and attitudinal studies about heat risk responses can inform communication approaches. These insights are organized into three key themes: (1) Behaviors—What types of actions can be taken by people, and what evidence is there for adaptive behavior? (2) Antecedents—Which individual and contextual factors can influence people's behaviors? (3) Communications—How can existing insights be better integrated into interventions? Aspects of communication, including the role of message characteristics, messenger, and imagery, are discussed, with examples of messages and narratives that target influential antecedents of adaptive responses to heat risks. The paper makes three important contributions. First, it organizes literature on the antecedents and behavioral responses to heat risk; second, it provides a typology of the range of heat risk behaviors; and, third, it discusses how antecedents can be integrated into communication interventions. The review concludes with a proposed agenda for research, highlighting the need for substantial testing and evaluation of heat risk communication, applying insights from the literature.

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Communication

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Behavior Change and Responses
Perspectives on optimizing local delivery of drugs to peripheral nerves using mathematical models
Authors: Laranjeira Simao , Roberton Victoria H. , Phillips James B. , Shipley Rebecca J.
Published: January 2023

Drug therapies for treating peripheral nerve injury repair have shown significant promise in preclinical studies. Despite this, drug treatments are not used routinely clinically to treat patients with peripheral nerve injuries. Drugs delivered systemically are often associated with adverse effects to other tissues and organs; it remains challenging to predict the effective concentration needed at an injured nerve and the appropriate delivery strategy. Local drug delivery approaches are being developed to mitigate this, for example via injections or biomaterial‐mediated release. We propose the integration of mathematical modeling into the development of local drug delivery protocols for peripheral nerve injury repair. Mathematical models have the potential to inform understanding of the different transport mechanisms at play, as well as quantitative predictions around the efficacy of individual local delivery protocols. We discuss existing approaches in the literature, including drawing from other research fields, and present a process for taking forward an integrated mathematical‐experimental approach to accelerate local drug delivery approaches for peripheral nerve injury repair.

This article is categorized under:

Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology

Neurological Diseases > Computational Models

Neurological Diseases > Biomedical Engineering
Serine metabolism contributes to cell survival by regulating extracellular pH and providing an energy source in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kawamukai Arisa , Iwano Ayana , Shibata Momoka , Kishi Yuko , Matsuura Akira
Published: January 2023

Changes in extracellular pH affect the homeostasis and survival of unicellular organisms. Supplementation of culture media with amino acids can extend the lifespan of budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, by alleviating the decrease in pH. However, the optimal amino acids to use to achieve this end, and the underlying mechanisms involved, remain unclear. Here, we describe the specific role of serine metabolism in the regulation of pH in a medium. The addition of serine to synthetic minimal medium suppressed acidification, and at higher doses increased the pH. CHA1, which encodes a catabolic serine hydratase that degrades serine into ammonium and pyruvate, is essential for serine‐mediated alleviation of acidification. Moreover, serine metabolism supports extra growth after glucose depletion. Therefore, medium supplementation with serine can play a prominent role in the batch culture of budding yeast, controlling extracellular pH through catabolism into ammonium and acting as an energy source after glucose exhaustion.
Novel Homoleptic and Heteroleptic Pt(II) β‐oxodithiocinnamic ester Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, Interactions with 9‐methylguanine and Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Farh Micheal K. , Häfner Norman , Görls Helmar , Runnebaum Ingo B. , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: January 2023

Three new series of homoleptic and heteroleptic platinum(II) β‐oxodithiocinnamic ester complexes, [Pt(L1–L9)2], [Pt(L1–L9)(DMS)Cl] and [Pt(L1–L9)(DMSO)Cl], were synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and different NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C{1H} and 195Pt). The β‐oxodithiocinnamic esters coordinate towards the platinum(II) centre as O,S‐bidentate chelating ligands. The structures of HL3, [Pt(L2)2], [Pt(L6)(DMS)Cl] as well as [Pt(L2)(DMSO)Cl] have been confirmed through the X‐ray crystallography, where the platinum(II) complexes exhibit a slightly distorted square planar geometry. In this article, we also investigated the solvolysis of three representative Pt(II) complexes, as well as the interaction with 9‐methylguanine as a DNA model system, by utilizing the LC‐ESI‐MS technique. A selection of the complexes was assessed for their use as anticancer agents, and cytotoxicity assays with these complexes showed modest toxicity on both Cisplatin sensitive and resistant ovarian cancer cell lines. However, the compounds cytotoxicity was not affected by the Cisplatin resistance mechanisms and a specific selection of the ligands may modify the cell line specificity.
Landslide Warning Systems in Upper Middle-Income Countries: Current Insights and New Perspectives
Authors: Alcántara-Ayala Irasema , Garnica-Peña Ricardo J.
Published: January 2023

Early Warning Systems (EWSs) are considered one of the main mechanisms for disaster risk reduction (DRR). In this sense, several efforts have been made by the international science and technology community to support the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), giving special attention to the seventh global target focused on increasing the availability and access to multi-hazard early warning systems. Considering that landslides are one of the natural and socio-natural hazards that affect society in various parts of the world, the International Consortium on Landslides (ICL) has taken on the task of establishing regional and global network initiatives that promote the establishment of landslides early warnings systems (LEWSs). Although studies have recognised the significance of LEWSs, research has yet to systematically investigate the degree of implementation around the world. Therefore, and building on previous work, this chapter aims to provide an overview concerning enforcement of LEWSs in Upper Middle-Income Countries (UMIs). Based on a systematic literature review, the overall structure of the study takes the form of five sections. An introduction to the significance of LEWSs is provided in the first part. The second section provides an overview of the common architecture of LEWSs. The third part is concerned with the methodology employed for this study. Results of the study are presented in the fourth section and the final part brings together the key findings. Of the total publications that met the specified criteria and were analysed, only 19, that is, 5%, focused on different dimensions of the actual implementation of the LEWS.
Improved coarse-graining methods for two dimensional tensor networks including fermions
Authors: Asaduzzaman Muhammad , Catterall Simon , Meurice Yannick , Sakai Ryo , Toga Goksu Can
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We show how to apply renormalization group algorithms incorporating entanglement filtering methods and a loop optimization to a tensor network which includes Grassmann variables which represent fermions in an underlying lattice field theory. As a numerical test a variety of quantities are calculated for two dimensional Wilson-Majorana fermions and for the two flavor Gross-Neveu model. The improved algorithms show much better accuracy for quantities such as the free energy and the determination of Fisher’s zeros.
Determination of 48 elements in 7 plant CRMs by ICP-MS/MS with a focus on technology-critical elements
Authors: Trimmel Simone , Meisel Thomas C. , Lancaster Shaun T. , Prohaska Thomas , Irrgeher Johanna
Published: January 2023

Seven plant certified reference materials (NIST SRM1515 Apple Leaves, NIST SRM1547 Peach Leaves, BCR-129 Hay Powder, BCR-670 Aquatic Plant, GBW07603 Bush Twigs and Leaves, GBW10015 Spinach Leaves and NCS ZC73036a Green Tea) were analysed for their mass fractions of 48 elements by inductively coupled plasma tandem-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS): Li, Be, Na, Mg, Al, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Nb, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Te, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Ta, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th, U. Special focus was put on the determination of technology-critical elements (TCEs), to which, e.g. Li, Be, Ga, Ge, Nb, Sb, Ta, Tl, Bi, and the rare-earth elements (REEs, lanthanides and Y) are counted. Closed-vessel microwave digestion was performed using HNO3, H2O2 and HBF4. The average bias for certified values is  − 1% ± 13% (SD). Limits of detection (xL) in the measured solutions lie between 13 fg g−1 (Tb) and 52 ng g−1 (Ca). This article seeks to provide an optimised measurement procedure for the determination of element mass fractions of emerging importance in environmental samples, which are challenging to analyse with more traditional techniques such as single-quad ICP-MS. In addition, it aims to improve the characterisation of commonly used plant reference materials by providing mass fraction data for rarely studied elements.

Graphical abstract
The impact of agarose immobilization on the activity of lytic Pseudomonas aeruginosa phages combined with chemicals
Authors: Dorotkiewicz-Jach Agata , Markwitz Paweł , Rachuna Jarosław , Arabski Michał , Drulis-Kawa Zuzanna
Published: January 2023

The implementation of non-traditional antibacterials is currently one of the most intensively explored areas of modern medical and biological sciences. One of the most promising alternative strategies to combat bacterial infections is the application of lytic phages combined with established and new antibacterials. The presented study investigates the potential of agarose-based biocomposites containing lytic Pseudomonas phages (KT28, KTN4, and LUZ19), cupric ions (Cu2+), strawberry furanone (HDMF), and gentamicin (GE) as antibacterials and anti-virulent compounds for novel wound dressings. Phages (KT28, KTN4, LUZ19, and triple-phage cocktail) alone and in combination with a triple-chemical mixture (Cu + GE + HDMF) when applied as the liquid formulation caused a significant bacterial count reduction and biofilm production inhibition of clinical P. aeruginosa strains. The immobilization in the agarose scaffold significantly impaired the bioavailability and diffusion of phage particles, depending on virion morphology and targeted receptor specificity. The antibacterial potential of chemicals was also reduced by the agarose scaffold. Moreover, the Cu + GE + HDMF mixture impaired the lytic activity of phages depending on viral particles’ susceptibility to cupric ion toxicity. Therefore, three administration types were tested and the optimal turned out to be the one separating antibacterials both physically and temporally. Taken together, the additive effect of phages combined with chemicals makes biocomposite a good solution for designing new wound dressings. Nevertheless, the phage utilization should involve an application of aqueous cocktails directly onto the wound, followed by chemicals immobilized in hydrogel dressings which allow for taking advantage of the antibacterial and anti-virulent effects of all components.

Key points

• The immobilization in the agarose impairs the bioavailability of phage particles and the Cu + GE + HDMF mixture.

• The cupric ions are toxic to phages and are sequestrated on phage particles and agarose matrix.

• The elaborated TIME-SHIFT administration effectively separates antibacterials both physically and temporally.
Do we still need to screen our patients?—Orthopaedic scoring based on motion tracking
Authors: Raab Dominik , Heitzer Falko , Liaw Jin Cheng , Müller Katharina , Weber Lina , Flores Francisco Geu , Kecskeméthy Andrés , Mayer Constantin , Jäger Marcus
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Orthopaedic scores are essential for the clinical assessment of movement disorders but require an experienced clinician for the manual scoring. Wearable systems are taking root in the medical field and offer a possibility for the convenient collection of motion tracking data. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of automated orthopaedic scorings based on motion tracking data using the Harris Hip Score and the Knee Society Score as examples.

Methods

Seventy-eight patients received a clinical examination and an instrumental gait analysis after hip or knee arthroplasty. Seven hundred forty-four gait features were extracted from each patient’s representative gait cycle. For each score, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted with a subsequent tenfold cross-validation. A data split of 70%/30% was applied for training/testing.

Results

Both scores can be reproduced with excellent coefficients of determination R2 for training, testing and cross-validation by applying regression models based on four to six features from instrumental gait analysis as well as the patient-reported parameter ‘pain’ as an offset factor.

Conclusion

Computing established orthopaedic scores based on motion tracking data yields an automated evaluation of a joint function at the hip and knee which is suitable for direct clinical interpretation. In combination with novel technologies for wearable data collection, these computations can support healthcare staff with objective and telemedical applicable scorings for a large number of patients without the need for trained clinicians.
Assessment of cataract surgery outcomes in Nampula (Mozambique): visual acuity, visual function and quality of life
Authors: Sengo Dulnério Barbosa , Saravila Pires João , Chivinde Sancho Sanuel , Mate Laura Mavota , Faquihe Momade Fumo , Moragues Raul , López-Izquierdo Inmaculada , Caballero Pablo
Published: January 2023

Background

Despite advances in surgical techniques, cataract remains the leading cause of preventable blindness, and massive surgeries have been adopted as a strategy to change this situation. Monitoring the results of cataract surgeries has become imperative to ensure their quality. Therefore, this study aims to assess the cataract surgery outcomes performed at the Central Hospital of Nampula Mozambique.

Methods

This is a prospective and longitudinal study in which translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the visual function (VF) and quality of life (QoL) questionnaire were performed. The appearance, content, construct, criterion, internal consistency and responsiveness were validated using the most common methods and indicators. Visual acuity (VA), VF and QoL were evaluated on 447 patients before and after surgery by t-test and effect sizes.

Results

VF and QoL questionnaires showed one-dimension, good values of TLI (0.973, 0.951) and SRMR (0.057, 0.054), and for each item, weights > 0.7, H2 > 0.5, ranges > 5.8 and the RMSEA < 0.08. Correlations for criterion validity were high and for responsiveness were high for QoL and moderate for VF one and the ordinal Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were greater than 0.97. Difference between VA, VF and QoL before and after surgery was statistically significant (p < 0.001). After surgery, 74.3% of patients had good, 23.5% had borderline and 2.2% had poor VA.

Conclusions

The cataract surgery outcomes are outside the WHO recommendations regarding VA, but they have had a great impact on improving VF and QoL. The questionnaires showed excellent psychometric properties and should be used in daily clinical practice to evaluate the results of cataract surgeries.
Working situation and burden of work limitations in sarcoma patients: results from the multi-center prospective PROSa study
Authors: Zapata Bonilla Sergio Armando , Fried Marius , Singer Susanne , Hentschel Leopold , Richter Stephan , Hohenberger Peter , Kasper Bernd , Andreou Dimosthenis , Pink Daniel , Arndt Karin , Bornhäuser Martin , Schmitt Jochen , Schuler Markus K. , Eichler Martin
Published: January 2023

Purpose

We investigated predictors of limitations in work performance, odds of drop out of work, and odds of receiving disability pension in sarcoma patients.

Methods

We measured clinical and sociodemographic data in adult sarcoma patients and recorded if the patients received a (1) disability pension at baseline or (2) had dropped out of work 1 year after initial assessment. (3) Work limitations were assessed using the Work-limitations questionnaire (WLQ©). We analyzed exploratively.

Results

(1) Amongst 364 analyzed patients, odds to receive a disability pension were higher in patients with abdominal tumors, older patients, high grade patients and with increasing time since diagnosis. (2) Of 356 patients employed at baseline, 21% (n = 76) had dropped out of work after 1 year. The odds of dropping out of work were higher in bone sarcoma patients and in patients who received additive radiotherapy ± systemic therapy compared with patients who received surgery alone. Odds of dropping out of work were less amongst self-employed patients and dropped with increasing time since diagnosis. (3) Work limitations were higher in woman and increased with age. Patients with bone and fibrous sarcomas were more affected than liposarcoma patients. Patients with abdominal tumors reported highest restrictions. Sarcoma treatment in the last 6 months increased work limitations.

Conclusion

Work limitations, drop out of work and dependence on a disability pension occurs frequently in patients with sarcoma adding to the burden of this condition. We were able to identify vulnerable groups in both the socioeconomic and disease categories.
Characteristics of the IGS receiver clock performance from multi-GNSS PPP solutions
Authors: Mikoś Marcin , Kazmierski Kamil , Sośnica Krzysztof
Published: January 2023

Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers belonging to the International GNSS Service (IGS) are equipped with different types of clocks, such as internal crystal quartz clocks, rubidium and cesium atomic clocks, as well as hydrogen masers. These clocks are characterized by different phase and frequency accuracies and stabilities, resulting in different systematic clock time series patterns. We analyze the clock offsets between different GNSS systems, provide noise characteristics of the undifferenced and differenced clock parameters, and detect systematic patterns of the clocks. The time series of the receiver clocks are dominated by the diurnal, semidiurnal, and sometimes terdiurnal signals with amplitudes up to several meters. Hydrogen masers provide the highest clock stability, and the lowest is by internal clocks. However, there are also groups of very stable internal clocks that perform similarly to low-performing hydrogen masers and rubidium clocks. The interquartile ranges for epoch-differenced clock parameters fall between 3 and 250 mm for the best hydrogen masers and the worst internal clocks, respectively.
Generalised Wendland functions for the sphere
Authors: Hubbert Simon , Jäger Janin
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we compute the spherical Fourier expansion coefficients for the restriction of the generalised Wendland functions fromd-dimensional Euclidean space to the (d− 1)-dimensional unit sphere. We use results from the theory of special functions to show that they can be expressed in a closed form as a multiple of a certain3F2hypergeometric function. We present tight asymptotic bounds on the decay rate of the spherical Fourier coefficients and, in the case wheredis odd, we are able to provide the precise asymptotic rate of decay. Numerical evidence suggests that this precise asymptotic rate also holds whendis even and we pose this as an open problem. Finally, we observe a close connection between the asymptotic decay rate of the spherical Fourier coefficients and that of the corresponding Euclidean Fourier transform.
The Virtuousness of Ethical Networks: How to Foster Virtuous Practices in Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Mion Giorgio , Vigolo Vania , Bonfanti Angelo , Tessari Riccardo
Published: January 2023

Ethical networks are an emerging form of social alliance based on collaboration between organizations that share a common ethical commitment. Grounded in a theoretical framework of virtue-based business ethics and focusing on nonprofit alliances, this study investigates the virtuousness of ethical networks; that is, how they trigger virtuous practices in their member nonprofit organizations. Adopting a qualitative grounded theory approach, the study focuses on one of the largest Italian ethical networks of nonprofit organizations operating in the social care sector. The findings show that shared ethical values and religious beliefs are positively associated with ethical network building. Based on these findings, a circular model of virtuousness is proposed in which ethical networks foster virtuous practices among their members at four levels: (1) the strategic orientation level, (2) the institutional level, (3) the organizational level, and (4) the relational level. At each of these levels, ethical networks foster a habituation to virtues and the propagation of virtuous behaviors among their members. Theoretical, practical, and social implications of the research findings are discussed.
Mathematics intelligent tutoring system for learning multiplication and division of fractions based on diagnostic teaching
Authors: Shih Shu-Chuan , Chang Chih-Chia , Kuo Bor-Chen , Huang Yu-Han
Published: January 2023

A one-on-one dialogue-based mathematics intelligent tutoring system (ITS) for learning multiplication and division of fractions was developed and evaluated in this study. This system could identify students’ error types and misconceptions in real-time by using a block-based matching method. The adaptive dialogue-based instruction was supported by a response-driven tutoring model, which was constructed based on the diagnostic teaching methodology. Instructional strategies including provoking cognitive conflict, problem simplification and representational teaching were used in the tutoring model of the system. Effectiveness of the math ITS in remedial instruction was evaluated through a quasi-experimental study. The participants of the study were 66 sixth graders chosen from central Taiwan. They were divided into an experimental group of 35 and a control group of 31. One week after the pretest, the experimental group received 2-h one-on-one instruction via the math ITS, while the control group took a 2-h conventional teacher instruction with the same teaching content in the classroom. All participants took a post-test within 2 days after the remedial instruction. The results showed that the experimental group using the math ITS significantly outperformed the control group. Further analysis indicated that the math ITS had a significant effect on the lesser-performing group (the lower 75% in the pretest score). In addition, a usability and user experience survey showed that students were willing and likely to learn mathematics using the dialogue-based math ITS.
Associations Between Parenting Stress and Quality Time in Families of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Bradley Rebecca S. , Staples Grace L. , Quetsch Lauren B. , Aloia Lindsey S. , Brown Cynthia E. , Kanne Stephen M.
Published: January 2023

Increased stress among parents of youth with ASD has been well-documented. However, research on aspects of the parent-child relationship and subsequent links to parenting stress is limited. We assessed parents (N = 511) of youth with ASD to examine relations between parenting stress and parent-child quality time (amount of quality time, shared enjoyment, synchronicity). Elevated parenting stress was associated with less time spent engaging with youth in shared activities and decreased parent and child enjoyment during shared interactions. Parents with elevated stress reported engaging in shared activities and experiencing synchronicity with their child less often than parents below the clinical threshold. Future research should emphasize longitudinal efforts examining the directionality of this relationship to better inform family-focused intervention.
Measuring the Readability of Geometric Proofs: The Area Method Case
Authors: Quaresma Pedro , Graziani Pierluigi
Published: January 2023

Using an approach, inspired by our modernisation of Lemoine’s Geometrography, this paper proposes a new readability criterion for formal proofs produced by automated theorem provers for geometry. We analyse two criteria to measure the readability of a proof: the criterion given by Chou et al. and the one given by Wiedijk. After discussing the limitations of these two criteria, we introduce a novel approach, which provides a new criterion. We conclude discussing some future work.
Calculation of the degree of crystallinity of HDPE/GNPs nanocomposites by using various experimental techniques: a comparative study
Authors: Tarani Evangelia , Arvanitidis Ioannis , Christofilos Dimitrios , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Chrissafis Konstantinos , Vourlias George
Published: January 2023

This work is a comparative study of four different techniques to determine the crystallinity of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) nanocomposites filled with different diameter sizes (5, 15 and 25 μm) of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) at various amounts (0.5–5 wt%). The structure of HDPE/GNPs nanocomposites was extensively studied by using different experimental methods, such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. To further provide a complete comparison, differential scanning calorimetry measurements were utilized to calculate the crystallinity values, while temperature-modulated DSC was employed to investigate the possible mechanism of the different crystalline structures. It was found that these methods can be used to estimate the crystallinity, but the sample parameters and experimental conditions must be taken into consideration. All the techniques showed that the crystallinity depends on GNPs size and content. The distance between dispersed platelets was substantial at low concentrations of GNPs, making it comparatively easy for additional nucleation sites to incorporate the polymer matrix, and the crystal nucleus was simply formed. However, at high concentrations of GNPs, the diffusion of polymer chains to the growing crystallites was hindered by large GNPs particles, despite the formation of additional nucleation sites.
On von Neumann regularity of cellular automata
Authors: Salo Ville
Published: January 2023

We show that a cellular automaton on a one-dimensional two-sided mixing subshift of finite type is a von Neumann regular element in the semigroup of cellular automata if and only if it is split epic onto its image in the category of sofic shifts and block maps. It follows from previous joint work of the author and Törmä that von Neumann regularity is a decidable condition, and we decide it for all elementary CA, obtaining the optimal radii for weak generalized inverses. Two sufficient conditions for non-regularity are having a proper sofic image or having a point in the image with no preimage of the same period. We show that the non-regular ECA 9 and 28 cannot be proven non-regular using these methods. We also show that a random cellular automaton is non-regular with high probability.
Healthcare utilization and costs among intracranial meningioma patients during long-term follow-up
Authors: Huynh Kevin A. , Coopmans Eva C. , Zamanipoor Najafabadi Amir H. , Dirven Linda , Peerdeman Saskia M. , Biermasz Nienke R. , Verstegen Marco J. T. , van Furth Wouter R. ,   the Dutch Meningioma Consortium, Boele Florien W. , Klein Martin , Koekkoek Johan , Lagerwaard Frank , van der Meer Pim B. , Taphoorn Martin J. B. , Moojen Wouter A. , Reijneveld Jaap C.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Few studies have reported on healthcare utilization and costs for intracranial meningioma patients, while the tumor and its treatment profoundly affect patients’ functioning and well-being. Here we evaluated healthcare utilization and costs, including their determinants.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study of adult meningioma patients ≥ 5 years after intervention. Patients completed three validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) assessing patients ‘functioning and wellbeing (SF-36, EORTC QLQ-BN20, and HADS) and a study-specific questionnaire assessing healthcare utilization over the previous twelve months. Healthcare costs of the twelve months prior were calculated using reported healthcare utilization ≥ 5 years after intervention by the Dutch Manual for Economic Evaluation in Healthcare. Determinants for healthcare utilization and costs were determined with regression analyses.

Results

We included 190 patients with WHO grade I or II meningioma after a mean follow-up since intervention of 9.2 years (SD 4.0). The general practitioner (80.5%), physiotherapist (37.9%), and neurologist (25.4%) were visited most often by patients. Median annual healthcare costs were €871 (IQR €262–€1933). Main contributors to these costs were medication (45.8% of total costs, of which anti-seizure medication was utilized most [21.6%]), specialist care (17.7%), and physiotherapy (15.5%). Lower HRQoL was a significant determinant for higher healthcare utilization and costs.

Conclusion

In patients with meningioma, medication costs constituted the largest expenditure of total healthcare costs, in particular anti-seizure medication. Particularly a lower HRQoL was a determinant for healthcare utilization and costs. A patient-specific approach aimed at improving patients’ HRQoL and needs could be beneficial in reducing disease burden and functional recovery.
Tailoring load balancing of cellular automata parallel execution to the case of a two-dimensional partitioned domain
Authors: De Rango Alessio , Giordano Andrea , Mendicino Giuseppe , Rongo Rocco , Spataro William
Published: January 2023

In this paper, techniques for dynamic load balancing of the cellular automata parallel execution are presented for the case of domain space partitioned along two dimensions. Starting from general closed-form expressions that allow to compute the optimal workload assignment in a dynamic fashion when partitioning takes place along only one dimension, we tailor the procedure to allow partitioning and balancing along both dimensions. Both qualitative and quantitative experiments are carried out that assess performance improvement in applying load balancing for the case of two-dimensional partitioned domain, especially when the load balancing takes place along both dimensions.
Deep learning-based semantic vessel graph extraction for intracranial aneurysm rupture risk management
Authors: Niemann Annika , Behme Daniel , Larsen Naomi , Preim Bernhard , Saalfeld Sylvia
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Intracranial aneurysms are vascular deformations in the brain which are complicated to treat. In clinical routines, the risk assessment of intracranial aneurysm rupture is simplified and might be unreliable, especially for patients with multiple aneurysms. Clinical research proposed more advanced analysis of intracranial aneurysm, but requires many complex preprocessing steps. Advanced tools for automatic aneurysm analysis are needed to transfer current research into clinical routine.

Methods

We propose a pipeline for intracranial aneurysm analysis using deep learning-based mesh segmentation, automatic centerline and outlet detection and automatic generation of a semantic vessel graph. We use the semantic vessel graph for morphological analysis and an automatic rupture state classification.

Results

The deep learning-based mesh segmentation can be successfully applied to aneurysm surface meshes. With the subsequent semantic graph extraction, additional morphological parameters can be extracted that take the whole vascular domain into account. The vessels near ruptured aneurysms had a slightly higher average torsion and curvature compared to vessels near unruptured aneurysms. The 3D surface models can be further employed for rupture state classification which achieves an accuracy of 83.3%.

Conclusion

The presented pipeline addresses several aspects of current research and can be used for aneurysm analysis with minimal user effort. The semantic graph representation with automatic separation of the aneurysm from the parent vessel is advantageous for morphological and hemodynamical parameter extraction and has great potential for deep learning-based rupture state classification.
VLP: A Survey on Vision-language Pre-training
Authors: Chen Fei-Long , Zhang Du-Zhen , Han Ming-Lun , Chen Xiu-Yi , Shi Jing , Xu Shuang , Xu Bo
Published: January 2023

In the past few years, the emergence of pre-training models has brought uni-modal fields such as computer vision (CV) and natural language processing (NLP) to a new era. Substantial works have shown that they are beneficial for downstream uni-modal tasks and avoid training a new model from scratch. So can such pre-trained models be applied to multi-modal tasks? Researchers have explored this problem and made significant progress. This paper surveys recent advances and new frontiers in vision-language pre-training (VLP), including image-text and video-text pre-training. To give readers a better overall grasp of VLP, we first review its recent advances in five aspects: feature extraction, model architecture, pre-training objectives, pre-training datasets, and downstream tasks. Then, we summarize the specific VLP models in detail. Finally, we discuss the new frontiers in VLP. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first survey focused on VLP. We hope that this survey can shed light on future research in the VLP field.
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as a tool for studying thermal properties of a crude cellulase cocktail
Authors: Di Matteo Paola , Luziatelli Francesca , Bortolami Martina , Mele Maria Luisa , Ruzzi Maurizio , Russo Paola
Published: January 2023

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used as an efficient and rapid tool in studying the conformational transitions between the folded and unfolded structures of cellulolytic enzymes. The thermal properties of two crude hydrolytic enzyme cocktails containing extracellular cellulases from Trichoderma longibrachiatum DIBAF-10 were analyzed and compared with three commercial cellulase preparations. Differences in the thermal behavior of fungal cellulases in the liquid phase, freeze-dried state, liquid formulations in sodium citrate buffer (pH 4.8), and contact with cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and cellobiose were evaluated. DSC profiles of cellulases from the DIBAF-10 strain provided important thermodynamic information about the thermal stability of the included proteins. Crude enzyme cocktails underwent a reproducible and irreversible exothermic aggregation phenomenon at 52.45 ± 0.90 °C like commercial β-glucosidase. Freeze-dried and resuspended in a sodium citrate buffer, cellulases from T. longibrachiatum showed an endothermic peak dependent on buffer and enzyme concentration. In the enzyme-substrates systems, a shift of the same peak was recorded for all substrates tested. The thermal analysis of freeze-dried cellulase samples in the range of 20–150 °C gave information on the denaturation process. In conclusion, we demonstrated that DSC is a cost-effective tool for obtaining "conformational fingerprinting" of crude fungal cellulase preparations.

Graphical abstract
Temporal Changes in the State Effect of Meditation on Response Inhibition Processes
Authors: Yamaya Noriki , Ikeda Shigeyuki , Hoshino Yuichi , Takeuchi Hikaru , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: January 2023

Objectives

A single session of brief focused attention meditation (FAM) has a state effect, which temporarily enhances response inhibition processes. However, previous research has two unanswered questions: (i) How long does the state effect last? (ii) How does effort toward FAM relate to the resulting state effect?

Method

Thirty-nine healthy participants participated in two sessions: FAM and sham meditation (SHAM). The participants conducted each meditation for 10 min. The state effect on response inhibition processes was observed as Stroop task performance immediately before and after each meditation, and 20, 40, and 60 min after each meditation. In addition, the subjective effort toward meditation was evaluated using a questionnaire immediately after each meditation.

Results

An analysis of variance revealed a significant interaction between session and time. In the post-hoc analysis, FAM showed significantly better Stroop task performance than the SHAM 60 min after meditation. Furthermore, using correlational analysis, we found that at 60 min, the higher the subjective effort, the better Stroop task performance.

Conclusions

In contrast to previous findings, the state effect was not found immediately after FAM but instead 60 min after. The results can be partially explained by cognitive fatigue; that is, the FAM may have the state effect of preventing cognitive fatigue. This state effect is greater when the subjective effort is greater.
Seed Viability, Spikelet Dispersal, Seed Banks and Seed Storage Requirements for Native and Invasive Cordgrasses (Genus Spartina) in Southwest Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Infante-Izquierdo M. Dolores , Romero-Martín Ruth , Castillo Jesús M. , Grewell Brenda J. , Soriano Jesús J. , Nieva F. Javier J. , Muñoz-Rodríguez Adolfo F.
Published: January 2023

Seed banks play an important role in determining the spatial and temporal distribution of halophytes in salt marshes. We tested the ability of native Spartina maritima and invasive S. densiflora spikelets to disperse by flotation on water with different salinity concentrations, and the longevity of spikelet viability relative to environmental conditions including dry or wet storage at low or moderate temperatures, and aqueous salinity concentrations from fresh to sea water. We quantified pre-dispersal seed production and pre- and post-dispersal focal Spartina spp. presence in seed banks along intertidal gradients within salt marshes at the Gulf of Cádiz (Southwest Iberian Peninsula). Spartina densiflora spikelets, especially from middle and high elevation marshes, showed greater ability than S. maritima to remain afloat, which suggests this species could be dispersed over longer distances. Wet-stored Spartina seeds were able to maintain viability for months, while seeds under dry storage rapidly lost viability. This decline was most significant for S. maritima, and for seeds stored at moderate temperatures. Storage of spikelets under wet and cold conditions optimized spikelet viability. Native S. maritima did not establish transient or persistent seed banks, while invasive S. densiflora established transient seed banks mainly at higher marsh elevations. Our results on the dynamics of seed dispersal and seed banks and seedling recruitment provide fundamental knowledge that can be applied for conservation of native S. maritima, management of invasive S. densiflora, and ecological restoration of tidal salt marshes.
Time-resolved pressure-sensitive paint measurements for cryogenic wind tunnel tests
Authors: Yorita Daisuke , Henne Ulrich , Klein Christian
Published: January 2023

A first time-resolved pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) test campaign at the European Transonic Wind Tunnel (ETW) was conducted within the research initiative “Unsteady flow and interaction phenomena at High Speed Stall conditions”. One of the objectives of this wind tunnel campaign was to resolve time-series of surface pressure distributions caused by complex 3-D buffet phenomena on a full-span airplane model XRF-1 transport aircraft configuration. At higher angle-of-attack and high Mach number, pressure fluctuations with a frequency of several hundred Hertz are expected to occur on the main wing and the horizontal tail plane (HTP) caused by the buffet effect. To capture the expected buffet phenomena by PSP, the German Aerospace Center developed a time-resolved PSP measurement and data acquisition system as well as a post-processing method for measurements in ETW. The measurements were conducted on the main wing and HTP simultaneously, with a camera frame rate of up to 2 kHz. The transonic buffet phenomena were observed at the flight relevant Reynolds number Re = 12.9 × 106 and Re = 25.0 × 106. The time-varying surface pressure distribution on the model was successfully captured by PSP. The time-series and spectra of both PSP and pressure transducer data match very well.
The algebraic and geometric classification of transposed Poisson algebras
Authors: Beites Patrícia Damas , Ouaridi Amir Fernández , Kaygorodov Ivan
Published: January 2023

The algebraic and geometric classification of all complex 3-dimensional transposed Poisson algebras is obtained. Also we discuss special 3-dimensional transposed Poisson algebras.
Using digitally mediated methods in sensitive contexts: a threat analysis and critical reflection on data security, privacy, and ethical concerns in the case of Afghanistan
Authors: Guntrum Laura Gianna , Güldenring Benjamin , Kuntke Franz , Reuter Christian
Published: January 2023

Given the lack of empirical examples of how research can be conducted via digital means in sensitive contexts, this paper provides a threat model using Afghanistan, where the Taliban took power in August 2021, as an example. Both technical and non-technical research-related risks are analyzed, paying attention to research ethics, data security, and privacy. We argue that any threat model and risk analysis is highly context-dependent. Our analysis reveals that in certain research processes, human security does not necessarily coincide with data security and that an ambivalence exists between privacy and usability. In addition to the concrete threat analysis, the paper identifies some general technical solutions (e.g., encryption methods, communication software) for different research steps to foster secure and ethically justifiable research.
Weed Control, Growth, and Yield of Tomato After Application of Metribuzin and Different Pendimethalin Products in Upper Egypt
Authors: Mohamed Ibrahim A. , Abdalla Reham M.
Published: January 2023

Weeds are very problematic for tomato production worldwide. Differences in formulations of the same herbicide have different effects on weeds and crops. There are no published studies on the effect of the capsule suspension of pendimethalin (Pend) products on tomato in Egypt. The present study aims at evaluating three pre-plant Pend products compared with a post-plant metribuzin (Met) and hand hoeing on their efficiency on weed control and on the growth, yield, yield attributes, stand loss rate of tomato plants, and their economic benefit implications in tomato production. During the fall-winter seasons of 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, six weed control treatments were studied including three pre-plant Pend products, a post-plant Met, hand hoeing, and un-weeded control in tomato field experiments. Weed density, fresh weight [FW], and FW reduction% were measured. Tomato measurements included stand loss rate, vegetative growth parameters, leaf chlorophyll concentration, fruit diameter and length, marketable and total yields, fruit total soluble solids, and pH. All herbicides and hand hoeing treatments significantly reduced weeds FW. Stand loss rates of tomato were 0% in hand hoeing followed by Sencor (~ 9.3–11.1%). Vegetative growth and leaf chlorophyll concentration were improved in all treated plots as compared to the control. The highest significant increases in tomato branch number, plant height, stem diameter, and shoot FW were observed in Sencor and Mostmicro treatments. The highest marketable and total fruit yields were observed with Sencor. Met had the highest benefit–cost ratio in the study. All herbicides were effective against various noxious weeds, but tomato “hybrid 65,010” was more tolerant to Met which resulted in better yields than those obtained with Pend products. The most cost-effective method of weed control was Met.