bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the
Ξ(1620)
resonance and
K¯Λ
scattering length with a chiral unitary approach
Authors: Nishibuchi Takuma , Hyodo Tetsuo
Published: January 2024

We study the Ξ(1620) resonance near the K¯Λ threshold in the light of recent experimental constraints. The Belle Collaboration have found a resonance peak of Ξ(1620) slightly below the K¯0Λ threshold in the π+Ξ− invariant mass spectrum, and the ALICE Collaboration have determined the K−Λ scattering length from the measurement of the momentum correlation functions in heavy ion collisions. Using the effective range expansion, we classify the nature of the pole of the near-threshold eigenstate in terms of the scattering length, in the presence of the decay channel. It is shown that the quasibound state below the threshold can be described by only the scattering length, while the description of the resonance above the threshold requires the contribution from the effective range. Based on the chiral unitary approach, we construct a theoretical model which generates the pole of Ξ(1620) below the K¯Λ threshold with relatively narrow width, as reported by the Belle Collaboration. It is quantitatively demonstrated that the spectrum of the Ξ(1620) quasibound state is distorted by the effect of the nearby K¯Λ threshold. We then construct another model which reproduces the K−Λ scattering length by the ALICE Collaboration. In this case, the eigenstate pole does not appear in the physically relevant Riemann sheet, and the spectrum shows a cusp structure at the K¯Λ threshold. We finally examine the compatibility of the value of the K¯Λ scattering length and the subthreshold pole of Ξ(1620) including the experimental uncertainties.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Baryons and tetraquarks using instanton-induced interactions
Authors: Miesch Nicholas , Shuryak Edward , Zahed Ismail
Published: January 2024

We analyze some aspects of the perturbative and nonperturbative interactions in the composition of heavy quarkonia, heavy and light baryons (ccc and uuu ones), as well as all charm tetraquarks (ccc¯c¯). Using the hyperspherical approximation and effective radial potentials (in six and nine dimensions, respectively) we derive their spectra and wave functions. In all of the cases, we focus on the splittings between the S-shell levels, which are remarkably insensitive to the quark masses, but proportional to the effective interaction potentials. We use the traditional Cornell-like potentials, and the nonperturbative instanton-induced static potentials, from correlators of two, three, and four Wilson lines, and find rather satisfactory description of spectra in all cases.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Interaction of evanescent particles with an Unruh-DeWitt detector
Authors: Colosi Daniele , Oeckl Robert , Zampeli Adamantia
Published: January 2024

We demonstrate that the recently introduced evanescent particles of a massive scalar field can be emitted and absorbed by an Unruh-DeWitt detector. In doing so the particles carry away from or deposit on the detector a quantized amount of energy, in a manner quite analogous to ordinary propagating particles. In contradistinction to propagating particles the amount of energy is less than the mass of the field, but still positive. We develop relevant methods and provide a study of the detector emission spectrum, emission probability and absorption probability involving both propagating and evanescent particles.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Enhancing online visibility through strategic alliances: the case of bank-FinTech relationships
Authors: Cosma Stefano , Pennetta Daniela
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This work aims to explore the effects of (equity and non-equity) strategic alliances between banks and FinTechs on FinTechs' online visibility.

Design/methodology/approach

For a sample of 124 Italian FinTechs, the authors measured online visibility through their website ranking (Google PageRank) and website traffic (Google Trends). Consistent to the historical depth of these measures, the authors separately investigated the effect of equity and non-equity (contractual) agreements on online visibility by means of ordinal logistic regressions and diff-in-diff analysis.

Findings

Strategic alliances with banks enhance FinTechs' online visibility. Although both equity and contractual agreements positively influence the popularity of FinTechs' website achieved through the activity of internal and external online content creators (websites ranking), only equity agreements are effective in attracting Internet users (website traffic).

Practical implications

When deciding to interact with banks, FinTechs' managers should consider that equity agreements may be a powerful strategic choice for enlarging the customer base and boosting visibility of FinTechs.

Social implications

Fostering strategic alliances between banks and FinTechs contributes to FinTechs' growth, generating virtuous mechanisms of innovation, financial inclusion and better allocative efficiency of the financial system.

Originality/value

This work expands marketing knowledge and literature regarding online visibility determinants, by investigating the benefits of strategic alliances and cooperation in the market, while providing an empirical strategy replicable by future marketing studies.
The importance of rhythms for maintaining consent in diagnostic encounters to detect cervical cancer
Authors: Baxter Lynne , Wright Catherine
Published: January 2024

Diagnostic encounters can be seen as complex socio‐material processes. Drawing on the new materialist ideas of Barad, we studied how an innovative technology became part of the intra‐actions between different human and non‐human materialities in a cervical cancer diagnostic process. While researching the development of a technology intended to improve cervical cancer detection, we carried out a series of observations of diagnostic encounters involving clinicians, patients and the device in a hospital. The intra‐actions between the different materialities had rhythmic properties, repeated activities and timings that varied in intensity, for example, movements, exchanged looks, and talk that helped co‐produce the diagnosis and maintain consent. Sadly, the device interfered with the rhythms, undermining the clinicians’ desire to adopt it, despite it being more accurate at diagnosing ill health than previous assistive technologies. Studying rhythms as part of diagnostic encounters could help with the design and subsequent integration of novel technologies in healthcare, because they encompass relationships created by human and non‐human materialities. Importantly, highlighting the role of rhythms contributes another way diagnostic encounters are co‐produced between clinicians and patients, and how they can be disrupted, improving the understanding of how consent is maintained or lost.
The Pad, the ‘Fat’ Belly, and the Politics of Female Appetite
Authors: Goodge Charlotte
Published: January 2024

1793 saw the emergence, vogue, and decline of ‘the pad’, a fashionable false belly worn by women under their outer garments. At the time, the pad was most explicitly condemned as a disguise for illegitimate pregnancy and as a distorter of the ‘natural’ female shape — the slender waist. However, as this article will uncover, underpinning these more common critiques of the pad was the suspicion that it concealed and imitated the ‘fat’ female belly. Indeed, as I argue, the unsettling effect of the pad was notably due to the way in which it rendered the female wearer's body illegible, particularly to those who wished to police it.
Armed conflicts and household food insecurity: Effects and mechanisms
Authors: Kafando Wendata A. , Sakurai Takeshi
Published: January 2024

Despite extensive studies on the effects of armed conflict on household dietary diversity, food security, and nutritional outcomes, the underlying pathways remain underexplored. A better understanding of these mechanisms could unpack the subsequent effects of conflict‐induced food insecurity and oft‐reported nutritional shortcoming, as well as identify which policy interventions hold promise. We study the effects of terrorist violence in Burkina Faso on household dietary diversity, as proxied by food consumption scores (FCS), and investigate the underlying mechanisms. For this purpose, we combine nationally representative 5‐years panel data on households with spatial conflict data. We find negative and significant effects of conflict intensity on household food consumption scores. The decline in household FCS is a result of significant decreased dietary diversity in both food production and purchases. Although households in rural areas partially offset these reductions by food assistance, those reliant solely on farming as livelihoods remain the most affected. Further investigations show evidence that per‐capita farm income and food expenditure are pathways linking the intensity of armed conflict to reduced FCS in food purchases, whereas reduced dietary diversity in food production results from decline in crop production. Additional specification tests support our main findings, offering insights that can help policymakers faced with similar scaled‐armed conflicts. For instance, conflict‐sensitive interventions aimed at supporting crop production and farm income for affected households could effectively improve their dietary diversity and overall food security in a post‐conflict environment.
Laparoscopic partial splenectomy in distal pancreatectomy may preserve splenic function
Authors: Bell‐Allen Nicholas , McNamara Adam , Bull Nicholas , Lewin Joel , O'Rourke Nicholas
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Splenectomy is known to carry a risk of infection with encapsulated organisms and associated sepsis. Current Australian guidelines recommend intensive vaccination schedules and long‐term antibiotic therapy. We postulate that in some clinical scenarios where distal pancreatectomy (DP) and splenectomy is being performed, a partial splenectomy is feasible. This may preserve splenic function and help retain immunocompetence.

Methods

Five patients underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with partial splenectomy (LDPPS). The DP is performed with proximal division and resection of the splenic artery and vein. The inferior portion of the spleen is removed en bloc with the distal pancreas with ligasure and linear cutting staplers. The line of demarcation on the spleen after the division of the splenic artery identifies the portion supplied by the short gastric vessels. Temporary clamping of the short gastrics during splenic parenchymal transection reduces blood loss. All operations were completed laparoscopically and within 4 h.

Results

The pathology of resected lesions includes a serous cystadenoma, a pseudocyst, an IPMN and two small medial pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. The benign lesions involved splenic vessels at the hilum, making Kimura or Warshaw procedures untenable. No patient required blood transfusion. One patient suffered a postoperative collection consistent with postoperative pancreatic fistula requiring a drain for 10 days. Follow‐up ranged from 6 to 24 months. Following surgery, all patients had a perfused splenic remnant on imaging and benign blood films, which suggests retained splenic function.

Conclusion

Preserving some spleen when performing distal pancreatectomy may provide long‐term benefits for patients.
Editorial: Paradox of liver fat content in the spectrum of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Chung Sung Won , Choi Jonggi
Published: January 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Loomba et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17783
Editorial: A Mediterranean diet for IBS—Is healthy and inclusive eating the way forward?
Authors: Black Christopher J. , Gracie David J.
Published: January 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Staudacher et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17791
Letter: Prioritising osteosarcopenia assessment in the ongoing care of patients with cholestatic liver diseases. Authors’ reply
Authors: Thomson Mary , Scott Adam , Trost Suzanne , Lake Jack , Lim Nicholas
Published: January 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Thomson et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17823 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17842
First report of Penthimiola bella (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) for Spain and Madeira island
Authors: Avivar‐Lozano Laura , Pérez‐Guerrero Sergio , Molina‐Rodríguez José Mª. , Durán Álvaro José Manuel , González Fernández María Isabel , Serrano Caballos Antonio , Aguiar António M. F. , Aguín‐Pombo Dora
Published: January 2024

During official phytosanitary surveys for citrus pests, the Afrotropical citrus leafhopper, Penthimiola bella (Stal) (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae), was found in Andalusia (Southern Spain) and Madeira island (Portugal). This data and tracking of a photo sharing website show that P. bella has been present in the south and east of the Iberian Peninsula and on the island of Madeira since 2017 and 2022, respectively. The species was found throughout the year, mainly in or around citrus plots. Morphological description of adults and some biological notes are provided.
Addiction interprofessional experiences of care: Stress, coping and transformation
Authors: Narciso Isabel , Albuquerque Sara , Nunes Sara
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' attribution of meaning to the concept of addiction, treatment and recovery. The study was conducted through semi‐structured interviews with 18 healthcare professionals in the field of addiction: nine nurses, six psychologists, a psychiatrist, a social worker and a psychosocial technician. Based on a qualitative methodology, a thematic analysis was performed using the NVivo software. Regarding professional stress, the results revealed several stress factors related to the intervention (e.g. strategic powerlessness and uncertainty of intervention's effectiveness), the addicted individuals (e.g. motivation, difficulties in adhering to treatment, patient behaviour, negative patient emotionality and lack of socio‐economic resources) as well as the healthcare services (e.g. team stress). Adaptive coping strategies were reported, both used in the work context (e.g. cognitive coping strategies and acceptance) and in personal life (e.g. work‐family boundaries and family support and closeness). Despite the professional stress experienced, the participants' narratives indicated positive transformations of the self, which suggests resilient professional trajectories.
Toward a nuanced assessment of the role of intensive home visiting in improving outcomes for families: commentary on Catherine et al. (2023)
Authors: McConnell Margaret Anne
Published: January 2024

Families' experiences during the transition to parenthood and early childhood profoundly shape the lifetime trajectory of both parents and children, laying the foundation for societal inequities. Intensive home visiting programs, which aim to provide in‐home support to socio‐economically vulnerable parents during the transition to parenthood, are a prominent policy across the globe to provide support to less‐resourced families. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry, in their article titled ‘Effectiveness of nurse‐home visiting in improving child and maternal outcomes prenatally to age two years: A randomised controlled trial (British Columbia Healthy Connections Project)’, Catherine et al. provide evidence from a randomized controlled trial of the impact of the Nurse‐Family Partnership in Canada on child injury, language and behavior and birth spacing outcomes. This commentary discusses the paper's contribution and reflects on opportunities and challenges in building a nuanced understanding of the evidence‐base supporting intensive home visiting programs.
Prader–Willi syndrome in a large sample from Spain: general features, obesity and regular use of psychotropic medication
Authors: González‐Domenech P. J. , Gurpegui M. , González‐Domenech C. M. , Gómez‐González S. , Rustarazo A. , Ruiz‐Nieto V. , Carretero M. D. , Gutiérrez‐Rojas L.
Published: January 2024

Background

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), a genetically determined disorder, the most frequent cause of early onset obesity, is associated with physical and cognitive dysfunctions and behavioural disturbances; these disturbances are frequently treated with psychotropic medication. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to describe the characteristics of the first large national sample of persons with PWS in Spain and analyse the relationships of those characteristics with key demographic and clinical factors, particularly with obesity and the regular use of psychotropic medication.

Methods

Participants were recruited among all members of the Spanish Prader–Willi Association who agreed to take part in the study and fulfilled its inclusion criteria. Family and patient demographic features, family size and birth order, intelligence quotient (IQ), anthropometric measures, lifestyle habits, behavioural disturbances (with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist) and clinical data, as well as use of psychotropic drugs and their side effects (with the UKU scale), were collected in genetically confirmed cases of PWS. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were used for determining the associations of demographic and clinical factors with both obesity and the regular use of psychotropic medication.

Results

The cohort included 177 participants (aged 6–48 years), that is, 90 (50.8%) males and 87 (49.2%) females. Behavioural disturbances were present in a range of 75% to 93% of participants; psychotropic medication was prescribed to 81 (45.8%) of them. Number of siblings showed a direct correlation with IQ, especially among males, and inappropriate speech was more intense in only‐child females. Obesity was, in parallel, strongly associated with ascending age and with not being currently under growth hormone (GH) treatment. Participants taking any psychotropic medication were characterised by more frequent age ≥30 years, high level of hyperactivity and a psychiatric diagnosis.

Conclusions

Characterisation of persons with PWS in Spain confirms their physical and behavioural phenotype and supports the long‐term application of GH therapy and the rational use of psychotropic medication.
Esophageal body adaptation to Nissen fundoplication: Increased esophagogastric outflow resistance yields delayed and sustained peristaltic contractions without increased amplitude
Authors: Boris Lubomyr , Eriksson Sven E. , Sarici Inanc S. , Zheng Ping , Kuzy Jacob , Scott Sarah , Jobe Blair A. , Ayazi Shahin
Published: January 2024

Background

Improvement in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) competency after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is well established, yet esophageal body physiology data are limited. We aimed to describe the impact of LNF on whole esophagus physiology using standard and novel manometric characteristics.

Methods

A cohort of patients with an intact fundoplication without herniation and no postoperative dysphagia were selected and underwent esophageal manometry at one‐year after surgery. Pre‐ and post‐operative manometry files were reanalyzed using standard and novel manometric characteristics and compared.

Key Results

A total of 95 patients were included in this study. At 16.1 (8.7) months LNF increased LES overall and abdominal length and resting pressure (p < 0.0001). Outflow resistance (IRP) increased [5.8 (3–11) to 11.1 (9–15), p < 0.0001] with a 95th percentile of 20 mmHg in this cohort of dysphagia‐free patients. Distal contractile integral (DCI) also increased [1177.0 (667–2139) to 1321.1 (783–2895), p = 0.002], yet contractile amplitude was unchanged (p = 0.158). There were direct correlations between pre‐ and post‐operative DCI [R: 0.727 (0.62–0.81), p < 0.0001] and postoperative DCI and postoperative IRP [R: 0.347 (0.16–0.51), p = 0.0006]. Contractile front velocity [3.5 (3–4) to 3.2 (3–4), p = 0.0013] was slower, while distal latency [6.7 (6–8) to 7.4 (7–9), p < 0.0001], the interval from swallow onset to proximal smooth muscle initiation [4.0 (4–5) to 4.4 (4–5), p = 0.0002], and the interval from swallow onset to point when the peristaltic wave meets the LES [9.4 (8–10) to 10.3 (9–12), p < 0.0001] were longer. Esophageal length [21.9 (19–24) to 23.2 (21–25), p < 0.0001] and transition zone (TZ) length [2.2 (1–3) to 2.5 (1–4), p = 0.004] were longer. Bolus clearance was inversely correlated with TZ length (p = 0.0002) and time from swallow onset to proximal smooth muscle initiation (p < 0.0001). Bolus clearance and UES characteristics were unchanged (p > 0.05).

Conclusions & Inferences

Increased outflow resistance after LNF required an increased DCI. However, this increased contractile vigor was achieved through sustained, not stronger, peristaltic contractions. Increased esophageal length was associated with increased TZ and delayed initiation of smooth muscle contractions.
How are socioeconomic inequalities in preterm birth explained by maternal smoking and maternal body mass index: A mediation analysis
Authors: McHale Philip , Schlüter Daniela K. , Turner Mark , Care Angharad , Barr Ben , Paranjothy Shantini , Taylor‐Robinson David
Published: January 2024

Background

Preterm birth affects between 7% and 8% of births in the UK and is a leading cause of infant mortality and childhood disability. Prevalence of preterm birth has been shown to have significant and consistent socioeconomic inequalities.

Objective

To estimate how much of the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and gestational age at birth is mediated by maternal smoking status and maternal body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of a maternity hospital in the UK. The analysis included all singleton live births between April 2009 and March 2020 to mothers 18 years old and over, between 22 weeks and 43 weeks gestation. We estimate two measures of mediation for four low gestational age categories: (i) The proportion eliminated the percentage of the effect of SES on low gestational age at birth that would be eliminated by removing the mediators, through the Controlled Direct Effects estimated using serial log‐binomial regressions; and (ii) The proportion mediated is the percentage of the effect removed by equalising the distribution of the mediators across socioeconomic groups, estimated using Interventional Disparity Measures calculated through Monte Carlo simulations.

Results

Overall, 81,219 births were included, with 63.7% low SES. The risk of extremely (0.3% of all births), very (0.7%) and moderately preterm birth (6.3%) was 1.71 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.29, 2.31), 1.43 (95% CI 1.18, 1.73) and 1.26 (95% CI 1.19, 1.34) times higher in the low SES, compared to higher SES respectively. The proportion of this inequality eliminated by removing both maternal smoking and BMI was 43.4% for moderately preterm births. The proportion mediated for smoking was 33.9%, 43.0% and 48.4% respectively.

Conclusions

Smoking during pregnancy is a key mediator of inequalities in preterm birth, representing an area for local action to reduce social inequalities in preterm birth.
Learning design thinking well: organizing (introductory) workshops for optimal participant experience
Authors: Primus Dirk J. , Sonnenburg Stephan
Published: January 2024

A better understanding of the implementation of design thinking (DT) as a means to increase the assimilation of its practices is an important concern for R&D and innovation managers because more frequent use of DT practices raises organizational innovative capabilities. Introducing DT practices in workshops is a common, but also challenging approach to learning DT. Participants often have little to no prior encounters with the tools, techniques and principles used to practice DT and often mistrust or misinterpret the DT concept after a bad experience during the first exposure. For that reason, a suboptimal experience in introductory workshops can prevent or reduce the assimilation of DT practices. This study investigates how participant experience during first exposure as a vital precursor to the assimilation of DT practices can be improved via the organization of introductory workshops. We examine flow as the core experience measure in a quantitative‐inductive, quasi‐experimental study of two 3‐day DT workshops and compare periods with step‐by‐step acquisition of DT practices under guidance, periods of flexible, independent application of DT practices and periods of recovery. Our research employs a segmented time series analysis on more than 1100 real‐time observations collected with the experience sampling method (ESM). This study contributes to the scarce empirical research on improving the implementation of DT practices by indicating that a positive initial experience depends on workshop length, the logic of guided periods, the combination of guided and unguided periods, timing and type of recovery, as well as on team formation. Our results lead to five organizing principles, which can be used as testable propositions for future research, as well as in the planning and execution of (introductory) DT workshops.
The novel HLA‐DRB1*12:108 allele identified by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: You Yajie , Ma Xiao , Fan Su , Wang Xiaoyan , Shen Jie
Published: January 2024

HLA‐DRB1*12:108 differs from HLA‐DRB1*12:02:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 2.
Consumer experience and outcomes of insertion, removal, and management practices of short and midline peripheral intravenous catheters in acute health care: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Nelson Michelle , Coventry Linda , Baker Melanie
Published: January 2024

Objective:

This review will synthesize and integrate current research on the practices relating to the insertion, removal, and management of short and midline peripheral intravenous catheters on consumer experiences and outcomes in acute health care. The aim is to provide consolidated evidence to support policy decision-makers and health care workers in overcoming peripheral intravenous catheter device management challenges. Implementing the evidence provided by this review could increase positive consumer outcomes and reduce the gap between research evidence and clinical practice.

Introduction:

Peripheral intravenous catheterization is a process in which a device is inserted into a patient’s peripheral vein to administer medication, blood products, and therapeutic fluids. Recent studies have demonstrated the positive and negative impacts of peripheral intravenous catheter site placement, pain relief for insertion, complications, consumer engagement, and routine versus clinically indicated removal of these devices on consumers and the health care system. Managing these impacts in relation to research-practice gaps and conflicting evidence remains challenging. Moreover, consumer experiences and outcomes concerning these challenges are unclear.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies on consumer experiences and outcomes in acute health care. The quantitative component will consider outcomes of patients’ pain, satisfaction, anxiety, distress, preferences, fear, and comfort. The qualitative component will consider consumer experiences, including perceptions, preferences, perspectives, attitudes, expectations, and satisfaction.

Methods:

This study will follow JBI’s convergent segregated approach for mixed method systematic reviews. A search of 11 databases will be conducted for peer-reviewed published articles, theses, and dissertations. There will be no age, date, or language limitations.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42023410214
The Effect of Curved Geometry on Exiting Flow of Fluidic Oscillators
Authors: Bohan Brian T. , Polanka Marc D. , Kim Il J. , Layng Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2024

Traditionally fluidic oscillators are designed to be planar. However, there are applications that may desire the exiting fluid to move in the third dimension. This could allow these oscillators to be more effective in applications such as fuel sprays, cooling flow, or flow control devices with its increase in effective spray area. This investigation designed a series of oscillators that curved the whole body and/or the exit nozzle to understand how to maximize out of plane motion. These configurations were compared to a baseline planar oscillator with no curved characteristics. Velocities were measured downstream of these oscillators within a data collection grid using a hot wire probe to determine the 3D shape of the exiting jet. Results show that configurations with only one of the two curved physical characteristics (i.e., only a curved body or a curved nozzle) produced the most curvature. Having both of the curved physical characteristics caused the nozzle width to decrease causing the axial spacing to decrease. Additionally, these curved exiting flows were only seen at mass flow rates below 40 standard liters per minute (SLPM). Higher mass flow rates caused the exiting flow to flatten, returning the flow to the baseline result of in-plane oscillations. This led to a decrease in jet spread.
Investigating Suitable Combinations of Dynamic Models and Control Techniques for Offline Reinforcement Learning Based Navigation: Application of Universal Omni-Wheeled Robots
Authors: Amarasiri Nalaka , Barhorst Alan A. , Gottumukkala Raju
Published: January 2024

Omnidirectional locomotion provides wheeled mobile robots (WMR) with better maneuverability and flexibility, which enhances their energy efficiency and dexterity. Universal omni-wheels are one of the best categories of wheels that can be used to develop a WMR (Amarasiri et al., 2022, “Robust Dynamic Modeling and Trajectory Tracking Controller of a Universal Omni-Wheeled Mobile Robot,” ASME Letters Dyn. Sys. Control., 2(4), p. 040902. 10.1115/1.4055690). We study dynamic modeling and controllers for mobile robots to train in a reinforcement learning (RL)-based navigation algorithm. RL tasks require copious amounts of learning iteration episodes, which makes training very time consuming. The choice of dynamic model and controller has a significant impact on training time. In this paper, we compare a traditional Kane’s equations model to a non-holonomic canonical momenta model (Barhorst, 2019, “Generalized Momenta in Constrained Non-Holonomic Systems—Another Perspective on the Canonical Equations of Motion,” Int. J. Non-Linear Mech., 113, pp. 128–145.). We implemented four controllers: proportional integral derivative, linear quadratic regulator with integral action, pole placement, and a full nonlinear sliding mode controller. We summarize the pros and cons of each of the modeling techniques, and control laws implemented. The outcomes of our analysis will improve RL training time for path generation in unstructured environments.
Gender Differences in Caregivers’ Attitudes to Risky Child Play in Britain: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Smith Andrea D. , Dodd Helen F. , Ricardo Luiza , van Sluijs Esther
Published: January 2024

Background: This study examines gender differences in parental attitudes toward risky play for 5- to 11-year-old boys and girls in Britain. Methods: Analyses use data from the cross-sectional, nationally representative British Child Play Survey. Survey respondents were caregivers of primary-school-aged children living in Britain. Parent self-reported their risk tolerance in play via the Tolerance for Risk in Play Scale (TRiPS) and the Risk Engagement and Protection Survey (REPS). The REPS includes subscales that assess caregiver attitudes around “Protection from Injury” (PFI) and “Engagement with Risk” (EWR) in relation to children’s play. Multiple linear regression compared caregiver gender differences in TRiPS, REPS-PFI, and REPS-EWR at the item level, and overall. Associations between child gender and these scales were also examined. Results: Among 1919 caregivers, no significant gender differences emerged in mean TRiPS (P = .72), REPS-EWR (P = .58), and REPS-PFI (P = .34) scores. Activity-specific differences were evident in caregivers’ tolerance for individual risky play activities (15/31 activities). Parents of boys exhibited higher risk tolerance (B = −4.48, P < .01) and willingness for their child to engage in risky play (B = −0.63, P < .01) than parents of girls. Conclusions: While there was no difference between male and female caregivers overall attitudes, gender differences were prominent for specific play activities and attitudes, with male caregivers demonstrating higher tolerance for the riskiest activities. Parents of boys expressed more permissive attitudes toward engagement in risky play. Further work is needed to identify why there is gender-related variation in these attitudes and should be considered in interventions that support parents in enabling adventurous play opportunities for children.
A CUG codon-adapted anchor-away toolkit for functional analysis of genes in
Candida albicans
Authors: Teli Basharat Bashir , Nagar Priyanka , Priyadarshini Yumnam , Poonia Poonam , Natarajan Krishnamurthy
Published: January 2024

Promoter shutoff of essential genes in the diploid
Candida albicans
has often been insufficient to create tight, conditional null alleles due to leaky expression and has been a stumbling block in pathogenesis research. Moreover, homozygous deletion of non-essential genes has often been problematic due to the frequent aneuploidy in the mutant strains. Rapid, conditional depletion of essential genes by the anchor-away strategy has been successfully employed in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and other model organisms. Here, rapamycin mediates the dimerization of human FK506-binding protein (FKBP12) and FKBP12-rapamycin-binding (FRB) domain-containing target protein, resulting in relocalization to altered sub-cellular locations. In this work, we used the ribosomal protein Rpl13 as the anchor and took two nuclear proteins as targets to construct a set of mutants in a proof-of-principle approach. We first constructed a rapamycin-resistant
C. albicans
strain by introducing a dominant mutation in the
CaTOR1
gene and a homozygous deletion of
RBP1
, the ortholog of
FKBP12
, a primary target of rapamycin. The
FKBP12
and the
FRB
coding sequences were then CUG codon-adapted for
C. albicans
by site-directed mutagenesis. Anchor-away strains expressing the essential
TBP1
gene or the non-essential
SPT8
gene as
FRB
fusions were constructed. We found that rapamycin caused rapid cessation of growth of the TBP-AA strain within 15 minutes and the SPT8-AA strain phenocopied the constitutive filamentous phenotype of the
spt8
Δ/
spt8
Δ mutant. Thus, the anchor-away toolbox for
C. albicans
developed here can be employed for genome-wide analysis to identify gene function in a rapid and reliable manner, further accelerating anti-fungal drug development in
C. albicans
.

IMPORTANCE

Molecular genetic studies thus far have identified ~27% open-reading frames as being essential for the vegetative growth of
Candida albicans
in rich medium out of a total 6,198 haploid set of open reading frames. However, a major limitation has been to construct rapid conditional alleles of essential
C. albicans
genes with near quantitative depletion of encoded proteins. Here, we have developed a toolbox for rapid and conditional depletion of genes that would aid studies of gene function of both essential and non-essential genes.
A benchmark of optimization solvers for genome-scale metabolic modeling of organisms and communities
Authors: Machado Daniel
Published: January 2024

Modeling the metabolism of organisms and communities allows for computational exploration of their metabolic capabilities and testing their response to genetic and environmental perturbations. This holds the potential to address multiple societal issues related to human health and the environment. One of the current limitations is the use of commercial optimization solvers with restrictive licenses for academic and non-academic use. This work compares the performance of several commercial and open-source solvers to solve some of the most complex problems in the field. Benchmarking results show that, although commercial solvers are indeed faster, some of the open-source options can also efficiently tackle the hardest problems, showing great promise for the development of open science applications.
Early uplift and exhumation of the Tanggula granitoid pluton since the Late Cretaceous: Implications for the stepwise topographic growth model in the eastern Qiangtang terrane
Authors: Lu Lu , Jin Xin , Yan Lilong , Li Wen , Wei Tao , Shen Yulin
Published: January 2024

Reconstructing the uplift process of the eastern Qiangtang terrane is crucial for understanding the growth model of the central Tibetan Plateau. However, due to the limited amount of data available, it is not well constrained. The Tanggula granitoid pluton is an outstanding geological feature in the eastern Qiangtang terrane, and thus could provide crucial constraints on its uplift history. We applied multiple thermochronologic systems over a broad temperature range, including apatite U-Pb, biotite and K-feldspar 40Ar/39Ar, apatite and zircon fission-track, and zircon (U-Th)/He, to study samples from the Tanggula granitoid pluton. The results exhibit the expected relative age order of these thermochronologic systems, with 242–238 Ma apatite U-Pb ages, 218–204 Ma biotite 40Ar/39Ar ages, 197–191 Ma K-feldspar 40Ar/39Ar ages, 94–81 Ma zircon fission-track ages, 70–58 Ma zircon (U-Th)/He ages, and 61–39 Ma apatite fission-track ages. Using these thermochronologic ages and thermal history modeling results, we reconstructed a comprehensive thermal history for the pluton, from which three rapid cooling phases were revealed. The earliest rapid cooling phase (220–180 Ma; ~5.25 °C/m.y.) closely followed the emplacement of the Tanggula granitoid pluton, and thus is primarily an expression of natural cooling triggered by conduction with the surrounding rocks. In contrast, the rapid cooling during 100–60 Ma and since 20 Ma can be interpreted to represent intense exhumation, with corresponding exhumation of 5.0–6.0 km and 2.3–2.8 km, as well as an average exhumation rate of 0.125–0.150 mm/yr and 0.115–0.140 mm/yr, respectively. According to the thermal history, the earliest uplift in the Tanggula region could have been initiated as early as the Late Cretaceous. Using the published data, we determined that the onset of rapid uplift and exhumation in the entire eastern Qiangtang terrane had a northeastward, stepwise propagation process. The region within or around Anduo first experienced rapid uplift and exhumation that initiated during the late Early Cretaceous (ca. 130 Ma), the Tanggula region to the northeast experienced rapid uplift and exhumation that initiated during the Late Cretaceous (ca. 100 Ma), and the region farther to the northeast in Tuotuohe and Yushu–Nangqian experienced rapid uplift and exhumation that initiated in the late Paleocene (ca. 60 Ma). The northeastward stepwise uplift and exhumation in the eastern Qiangtang terrane was likely caused by the combined Lhasa–Qiangtang and India–Asia continental collisions.
Supplemental Material: Late Paleozoic sedimentation recording back-arc basin evolution in response to Chinese Altai–East Junggar convergence in Central Asia
Authors: Jiang Yingde , al. et
Published: January 2024

Detrital zircon geochronological data and sandstone framework modal analytical results from this study are included in Supplemental Material Figures S1–S2 and Tables S1–S3. Figure S1: Representative zircon CL images of the analyzed samples from the southern Chinese Altai and northern East Junggar domains. Figure S2: Comparison of the detrital zircon age patterns of the studied sedimentary sequences from the southern Chinese Altai and northern East Junggar domains with the pre-Carboniferous sedimentary rocks from the East Junggar, Chinese Altai, and Mongolian Altai domains. Table S1: Framework modal analytical results of sandstone samples from the southern Chinese Altai and northern East Junggar domains. Table S2: Detrital zircon U-Pb isotopic data of the studied clastic rocks from the southern Chinese Altai and northern East Junggar domains. Table S3: Lu-Hf isotopic compositions of detrital zircons from the strata of the southern Chinese Altai and northern East Junggar domains.
Nutrition strategies to prevent short-term adverse outcomes in preterm neonates
Authors: Rodriguez Samantha , de la Cruz Diomel , Neu Josef
Published: January 2024

With preterm neonates surviving earlier gestational ages, comorbidities such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, delayed neuronal development, intestinal injury, osteopenia, and parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease have become more common. This has been a topic of much deliberation and research to identify mitigation strategies. We explore nutrition approaches and risk factors for each condition individually, even though some strategies may overlap due to similar disease mechanisms. These conditions have long-lasting effects on preterm neonates, calling for ongoing assessment of practical and adjustable interventions. Recent studies elucidate the utility of nutrition optimization for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, delayed neuronal development, intestinal injury, osteopenia, and parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease. Specifically, amino acids, lipids, breastmilk, and Vitamins A, D, and E have been shown to effectively mitigate the risk these common morbidities affection preterm neonates. Further studies are needed to identify targeted ranges of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals essential to the varying gestational ages and high-risk populations.
What are the barriers and enablers to trauma-informed emergency departments? A scoping review protocol
Authors: Brennan Gearoid , Miell Anna , Grassie Jane , Goodall Karen , Robinson Sara
Published: January 2024

Introduction

There is a high prevalence of psychological trauma among the population. Such people are more likely to have poorer health outcomes and these factors may contribute to increased use of the emergency department. There has been some attempt to implement a trauma-informed approach across public services, especially in health and social care. However, it is unclear how this concept applies to the challenging and high-demand emergency department context. The review aims to locate, examine and describe the literature on trauma-informed care in the unique and challenging healthcare delivery context that is the emergency department. The review aims to identify the barriers and enablers that may facilitate trauma-informed care in the emergency department context.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will use the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Systematic searches of relevant databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Knowledge Network and Web of Science) will be conducted. Empirical studies of any methodological approach, published in English between January 2001 and September 2023 will be included. The ‘grey’ literature will also be accessed. Two reviewers will independently screen all studies. Data will be extracted, collated and charted to summarise all the relevant methods, outcomes and key findings in the articles.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and condensed summaries for key stakeholders in the field. The data generated will be used to inform a programme of work related to trauma-informed care.
What factors affect early mobilisation following hip fracture surgery: a scoping review
Authors: Gray Rene , Lacey Kate , Whitehouse Claire , Dance Rachel , Smith Toby
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Identify and evaluate factors affecting early mobilisation on the day following hip fracture surgery.

Design

Mixed methods, scoping review.

Data sources

MEDLINE, AMED, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, APA PsycArticles, ISRCTN, Clinical Trials registry and grey literature accessed in November 2022 with publication dates between 2001 and November 2022.

Eligibility criteria

English language publications that:

1. Include patient populations who sustain a fragility hip fracture managed surgically

2. Include patient populations who are mobilised out of bed on the day following their hip fracture surgery

3. Report factors which influence the ability to undergo early mobility postsurgery

Data extraction and synthesis

One reviewer screened all titles and abstracts for inclusion. Two reviewers performed data extraction and quality assessments using the relevant Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tools and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results

3337 papers were identified, of which 23 studies were eligible for review, representing 210 811 patients. The heterogeneity in the types of study included, the definition of early mobilisation and the outcome measures used precluded meta-analysis. 13 factors were identified as having an effect on whether people were mobilised on day 1 post-hip fracture surgery, grouped into 5 principal themes: (1) healthcare setting or worker-related factors, (2) patient psychological factors, (3) acute patient health factors, (4) non-acute patient health factors and (5) surgical factors.

Conclusions

There was a paucity of robust research investigating day 1 mobilisation post-hip fracture surgery.

Each of the five factors identified is potentially modifiable through service improvement change and innovation strategies. There is an opportunity to explore how service provision change could be implemented to improve outcomes for all patients following hip fracture surgery demonstrating the clinical and cost benefits of these changes against the cost of delivering the change.
Consent with complications in mind
Authors: Jesudason Edwin
Published: January 2024

Parity of esteemdescribes an aspiration to see mental health valued as much as physical. Proponents point to poorer funding of mental health services, greater stigma and poorer physical health for those with mental illness. Stubborn persistence of such disparities suggests a need to do more than stipulate ethical and legal obligations toward justice or fairness. Here, I propose that we should rely more on our legal obligations toward informed consent. The latter requires clinicians to disclose information about risks in a way that is sufficient to satisfy what a prudent patient would reasonably want to understand in their circumstances. I argue that inadequate disclosure of the mental health complications of common surgeries risks exposing the craft specialists performing them to clinical negligence claims. Patients could argue they were counselled about said risks, improperly or not at all: improperly, if advised by a craft specialist lacking sufficient expertise in mental health; not at all, if mental health complications were simply forgotten. From this, I argue that a prudent approach for craft specialists would be to support and fund ‘integrative’ specialists (from rehabilitation medicine, liaison psychiatry and health psychology), more often to work alongside them within a multidisciplinary team that is better placed to navigate consent (via a prehabilitation process, for example). Based on duties toward consent, the extension of this type of coworking is another way to improve the resource and understanding accorded to mental health—but by starting within the citadels of physical health.