bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An empirical tool for predicting the presence or absence of coseismic displacements at GNSS stations
Authors: Gómez Demián D. , Bevis Michael G. , Caccamise Dana J. , Griffith W. Ashley , Heck Jacob M. , Smalley Robert
Published: October 2024

Unmodeled displacements in GNSS times series, induced by instrumental artifacts or geophysical events, create significant biases in station trajectory parameters that can propagate into the reference frame itself. While non-tectonic ‘jumps’, such as equipment changes, affect only a specific GNSS station, seismically-induced displacements can affect large numbers of sites, severely threatening the frame’s stability. Manually reviewing individual GNSS time series for such effects is highly impractical because there can be thousands of GNSS stations in a frame, and the total number of earthquakes Mw ≥ 6.0 since GPS became fully operational is + 5100. To avoid this time-consuming task, automated methods rely on empirical power-law functions to determine which earthquake-station pairs require coseismic displacement parameters. Still, ‘conservative’ power-law functions tend to add coseismic offsets to stations that do not need them, which can also threaten the stability of the frame. In this work, we present an empirical formulation that was obtained using 809 global seismic events to fit power-law parameters that do not overestimate the region of influence of earthquakes. Our method is based on a two-level selection process: level 1 is isotropic and only considers the epicentral distance between the stations and the earthquake, and level 2 uses the geophysical parameters of the earthquake to predict a ‘tighter’ displacement pattern to select which stations require coseismic trajectory parameters. We applied our level 2 method to a database of ~ 4700 event-station pairs and showed that it removed ~ 55% of the total pairs, all of which had been falsely selected by level 1.
Evolution of performance in the water and sewage sector in Brazil: a robust directional Benefit-of-the-Doubt assessment of municipalities from Santa Catarina state
Authors: May Andréia , Fries Carlos Ernani , Vilarinho Hermilio , Camanho Ana S.
Published: October 2024

The water supply and sewage sector (WSS) is essential for promoting health and providing the population with drinking water and the adequate disposal of effluents. Assessing the evolution of performance in WSS allows for highlighting the best and worst results achieved, identifying benchmarks, and pinpointing sources of improvement for water services. Brazil has a large population and immense freshwater reserves that are unevenly distributed throughout the territory. This situation emanates a challenge that requires the efficient management of water resources. This study develops a composite indicator framework based on the robust Benefit-of-the-Doubt (BoD) approach to estimate the performance of municipalities of the Brazilian State of Santa Catarina from 2009 to 2021, considering financial, operational, and quality dimensions associated with the provision of WSS services. Subsequently, the Global Malmquist Index (GMI) is applied to assess the performance evolution of the municipalities over time. The BoD results enable the quantification of the relative contribution of each sub-indicator to the performance score, allowing the assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each municipality. The GMI results show an average performance loss of 3.3% in Santa Catarina state and considerable variability among municipalities, with scores ranging from losses of 54.2% to gains of 109.3% in the period analysed.
Race and ethnicity and self-reported racial/ethnic discrimination in breast cancer patient interactions with providers in the Pathways Study
Authors: Bitsie Kevin R. , Pearson Thomas A. , Kwan Marilyn L. , Yaghjyan Lusine , Scarton Lisa , Shariff-Marco Salma , Kushi Lawrence H. , Cheng Ting-Yuan David
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To examine the association of race and ethnicity groups with self-reported racial/ethnic discrimination in patient-provider interactions during the diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Pathways Study, a prospective cohort of women diagnosed with breast cancer from 2006–2013 in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Health Care System. Racial/ethnic discrimination in patient-provider interactions was assessed with two questions from the Interpersonal Processes of Care survey at baseline and 6-months and 24-months post-diagnosis. Logistic regression was performed to compare women who self-identified as racial or ethnic minorities with Non-Hispanic White (NHW) women. Covariates included age at diagnosis, country of origin, education level, income, marital status, and medical provider’s race/ethnicity.

Results

Our sample included 1836 participants: 1350 NHW women and 486 women (87 Black, 208 Asian American, 153 Hispanic, 38 American Indian/Alaskan Native/Pacific Islander [AIANPI]) from racial or ethnic minority groups. In multivariate analysis, minority women were more likely to report racial/ethnic discrimination in patient-provider interactions than NHW women (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.45–6.50). Specifically, Black women were most likely to self-report racial/ethnic discrimination in patient-provider interactions (aOR: 9.65; 95% CI 5.92–15.70), followed by Asian (aOR: 5.39; 95% CI 3.46–8.40), Hispanic (aOR: 2.55; 95% CI 1.54–4.14), and AIANPI (aOR: 1.74; 95% CI 0.58–4.25) women, compared with NHW women.

Conclusion

Racial/ethnic discrimination was more likely self-reported from minority women diagnosed with breast cancer. Additional studies are needed to understand the mechanisms and impact of racial/ethnic discrimination in patient-provider interactions on disparities.
Perception-based constraint solving for sudoku images
Authors: Mulamba Maxime , Mandi Jayanta , Mahmutoğulları Ali İrfan , Guns Tias
Published: October 2024

We consider the problem of perception-based constraint solving, where part of the problem specification is provided indirectly through an image provided by a user. As a pedagogical example, we use the complete image of a Sudoku grid. While the rules of the puzzle are assumed to be known, the image must be interpreted by a neural network to extract the values in the grid. In this paper, we investigate (1) a hybrid modeling approach combining machine learning and constraint solving for joint inference, knowing that blank cells need to be both predicted as being blank and filled-in to obtain a full solution; (2) the effect of classifier calibration on joint inference; and (3) how to deal with cases where the constraints of the reasoning system are not satisfied. More specifically, in the case of handwritten user errors in the image, a naive approach fails to obtain a feasible solution even if the interpretation is correct. Our framework identifies human mistakes by using a constraint solver and helps the user to correct these mistakes. We evaluate the performance of the proposed techniques on images taken through the Sudoku Assistant Android app, among other datasets. Our experiments show that (1) joint inference can correct classifier mistakes, (2) overall calibration improves the solution quality on all datasets, and (3) estimating and discriminating between user-written and original visual input while reasoning makes for a more robust system, even in the presence of user errors.
Quality in Norwegian Early Childhood Education and Care: Progress, Persistent Challenges, and Recommendations for the Future
Authors: Størksen Ingunn , Lenes Ragnhild , ten Braak Dieuwer , McClelland Megan , Golinkoff Roberta Michnick
Published: October 2024

In Norway, children aged one to five years can attend subsidized and publicly regulated Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) centers. These centers focus on holistic child development through play, care, and learning. Therefore, Norway should be capable of providing young children with the best possible ECEC environment, thereby laying a solid foundation for their future school success. However, Norwegian 15-year-old students score at or below the average in mathematics, reading, and science compared to students in other OECD countries, and average scores are declining OECD (PISA 2022 Results (Volume I): The state of learning and equity in education, 2023). Several factors may contribute to Norwegian students’ average or below-average school performance, e.g., pedagogical weaknesses that were present even before school, in ECEC. An OECD report from 2015 pointed out several challenges in the Norwegian ECEC quality (Early childhood education and care policy review Norway, 2015), related to factors such as structural standards, monitoring of process quality, lack of independence of inspections, lack of understanding regarding monitoring, and insufficient monitoring practices. In this paper, we present: (1) Norwegian policy initiatives implemented in response to the OECD report, and (2) Research conducted after the OECD report on the quality levels of Norwegian ECEC, along with findings from interventions designed to improve quality. Based on this, we discuss the progress since the 2015 OECD report and highlight continuing challenges and important next steps to secure high ECEC quality in Norway for all children. We find that several policy initiatives have been implemented but observed ECEC quality levels after the 2015 report are still in the medium to low range.
Understanding and effectively mitigating code review anxiety
Authors: Lee Carol S. , Hicks Catherine M.
Published: October 2024

Anxiety about giving and receiving code reviews has been documented as a common occurrence that leads to developers avoiding code reviews by procrastinating and limiting their cognitive engagement with them. This avoidance not only increases anxiety in the long term, but also prevents developers, their teams, and their organizations from accessing the technical and sociocognitive benefits of effective and efficient code reviews. However, software research has not yet empirically examined code review anxiety, and from this, tractable intervention targets and strategies for mitigating code review anxiety. In this study, we present an empirical framework for understanding the factors maintaining and exacerbating code review anxiety. Utilizing a randomized waitlist control trial, we also tested the effectiveness of a novel single-session cognitive-behavioral workshop intervention. Our results show evidence that positive impact can be obtained from a brief intervention and suggest code review anxiety can be successfully mitigated by targeting developers’ cost bias, anxiety self-efficacy, and self-compassion.
The social impacts of circular economy: disclosing epistemological stances and methodological practices
Authors: Iofrida Nathalie , Spada Emanuele , Gulisano Giovanni , De Luca Anna Irene , Falcone Giacomo
Published: October 2024

The essence of circular economy is about closing the loop of material flows by reducing, reusing, recovering and recycling, ensuring the economic prosperity without any detriment for the environment. However, few information is available about the contribution of circular systems to the social dimension of sustainability (such as well-being, quality of life), how these aspects are evaluated and why they are deemed as important. The purpose of this study is to review those scientific studies that dealt with the social sustainability evaluations of circular systems to highlight new aspects: not only which are the most applied methodologies, which impact categories and indicators are mostly taken into account, but, above all, which is the most diffused epistemological position underlying the evaluation of social aspects of circularity. This last aspect is often disregarded but of utmost importance because it shapes the approaches and procedures choice, and legitimate and justify the insights provided: indeed, they can be the most diverse when dealing with social sciences, which are multiparadigmatic sciences. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have so far emerged that directly investigate the epistemological basis of social impacts within the circular economy. A systematic and hermeneutic review of the scientific literature has been led through a two steps method. The first step, dedicated to search and acquisition, consisted in a standardized replicable process called Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). In a second phase, a hermeneutic review has been conducted on the selected publications. Among the 42 studies reviewed, 7 papers were framed within the post-positivism paradigms, while 83,3% were based on interpretivist paradigms, showing how it is difficult to find consensus on standardized quantification methods for social impacts in circular economy studies. The most recurring qualitative methods relied on personal interpretations, perceptions or observations.
Critical Review of Physical-Mechanical Principles in Geostructure-Soil Interface Mechanics
Authors: Pham Tuan A. , Nadimi Sadegh , Sutman Melis
Published: October 2024

Due to the relatively different mechanical and physical properties of soils and structures, the interface plays a critical role in the transfer of stress and strain between them. The stability and safety of geotechnical structures are thus greatly influenced by the behavior at the soil–structure interface. It is therefore important to focus on the unique characteristics that set the interface apart from other geomaterials while examining the interface behaviour. Understanding the physical mechanism and modelling principles of these interfaces becomes a crucial step for the secure design and investigation of soil-structure interaction (SSI) issues. Moreover, to deal with this soil-environment interaction problem, the classical soil mechanics formulation must be progressively generalised in order to incorporate the effects of new phenomena and new variables on SSI behaviour. Considering the variety of energy geostructures that are emerging nowadays, it is crucial to comprehend the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) behaviour of the interface. The objective of this study is to fill this information gap as concisely as possible. A critical review is provided along with the state-of-the-art information on the thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of the soil-structure interface, including testing tools and measurement methods, basic principles and deformation mechanisms, constitutive models, as well as their applications in numerical simulations. This study explains how loading influences the mechanisms at the interface and critically examines the effects of boundary conditions, soil properties, environmental factors, and structure type on the THM behaviour of interface zones between soils and structural elements. The validity and reliability of the interface shear stress-displacement models are also covered in this paper. Lastly, the trends and recent advancements are also recommended for the interface research.
When will Two Agents Agree on a Quantum Measurement Outcome? Intersubjective Agreement in QBism
Authors: Schack Rüdiger
Published: October 2024

In the QBist approach to quantum mechanics, a measurement is an action an agent takes on the world external to herself. A measurement device is an extension of the agent and both measurement outcomes and their probabilities are personal to the agent. According to QBism, nothing in the quantum formalism implies that the quantum state assignments of two agents or their respective measurement outcomes need to be mutually consistent. Recently, Khrennikov has claimed that QBism’s personalist theory of quantum measurement is invalidated by Ozawa’s so-called intersubjectivity theorem. Here, following Stacey, we refute Khrennikov’s claim by showing that it is not Ozawa’s mathematical theorem but an additional assumption made by Khrennikov that QBism is incompatible with. We then address the question of intersubjective agreement in QBism more generally. Even though there is never a necessity for two agents to agree on their respective measurement outcomes, a QBist agent can strive to create conditions under which she would expect another agent’s reported measurement outcome to agree with hers. It turns out that the assumptions of Ozawa’s theorem provide an example for just such a condition.
Passionately or reluctantly independent? Artistic and non-artistic self-employment compared
Authors: Bosma Bas , Loots Ellen , Stroet Paul , van Witteloostuijn Arjen
Published: October 2024

The stereotypical example of an intrinsically motivated person is an artist who creates art for art’s sake. In line with this, a frequently expressed argument is that many of these artists opt for self-employment to develop their artistic career and stay in control. Recently, in this journal, Feder and Woronkowicz in Journal of Cultural Economics 47 589–607, 2023, reported findings from a comprehensive study with US data in which they comparatively examine the motives of artistic versus non-artistic self-employed. Indeed, one of their key results is that artists are less likely to seek self-employment for economic compared to other reasons. We examine the generalizability of their findings by conducting a similar analysis on a sample of Dutch artistic and non-artistic self-employed. We add four further variables—two experience and two risk-related—to explore the extent to which these may provide further insight in artistic—non-artistic motivational overlap. Moreover, we examine a wider set of potential self-employment motives to explore finer-grained differences between artistic vis-à-vis non-artistic self-employed. Our main findings of this extended replication study are threefold. First, we generalize (Feder and Woronkowicz in Journal of Cultural Economics 47 589–607, 2023) main result regarding the lower importance of the economic motive for self-employed artists. Second, we show that the added experience and risk variables are more influential than (Feder and Woronkowicz in Journal of Cultural Economics 47 589–607, 2023) set of demographic variables. Third, we prompt serving the ‘community’ as a new and underrated motive that may fuel the passion of artists, specifically those who are female or lower educated.
Mujeres Unidas: A Pilot Study to Educate Latina Women
Authors: Comey Danika , Crawford Cassidy , Romero Isabela , Sundell Reyna , Padron Sophia Thompson , Brittenham Harley , Wiley Emily , Moyce Sally
Published: October 2024

In the United States, it is estimated that 15% of Latinos will experience a depressive or anxiety disorder during their lifetime. Education, prevention programming, and health interventions around topics such as stress, nutrition, mental health, and health maintenance for Latino immigrants are lacking, inadequate, or nonexistent. This type of programming may be protective against depression and anxiety. A total of 19 Latina women completed a five-week, group-based intervention to learn about stress, stress management, nutrition, mental health, and healthy behaviors in a culturally sensitive environment taught by native Spanish speakers. Program evaluation occurred through in-depth interviews and changes in anxiety and depression scores via the Generalized Anxiety Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire, respectively. The team saw statistically significant decreases in the GAD-7 scores pre- and post-intervention (8.00 versus 5.08, p<0.05), but no differences in the PSS or the PHQ-2 scores. Group-based intervention and education taught by native Spanish speakers may be an acceptable and feasible approach to addressing anxiety in Latina immigrants.
A Quasi-Newton Subspace Trust Region Algorithm for Nonmonotone Variational Inequalities in Adversarial Learning over Box Constraints
Authors: Qiu Zicheng , Jiang Jie , Chen Xiaojun
Published: October 2024

The first-order optimality condition of convexly constrained nonconvex nonconcave min-max optimization problems with box constraints formulates a nonmonotone variational inequality (VI), which is equivalent to a system of nonsmooth equations. In this paper, we propose a quasi-Newton subspace trust region (QNSTR) algorithm for the least squares problems defined by the smoothing approximation of nonsmooth equations. Based on the structure of the nonmonotone VI, we use an adaptive quasi-Newton formula to approximate the Hessian matrix and solve a low-dimensional strongly convex quadratic program with ellipse constraints in a subspace at each step of the QNSTR algorithm efficiently. We prove the global convergence of the QNSTR algorithm to an $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
-first-order stationary point of the min-max optimization problem. Moreover, we present numerical results based on the QNSTR algorithm with different subspaces for a mixed generative adversarial networks in eye image segmentation using real data to show the efficiency and effectiveness of the QNSTR algorithm for solving large-scale min-max optimization problems.
Fractionation of UF6 and daughter progeny in storage cylinders from external heating
Authors: Wilson Brandon A. , Peplow Douglas E. , Bledsoe Keith C. , See Nathan D. , Rose Paul B. , Fugate Glenn A.
Published: October 2024

Uranium hexafluoride (UF6) is a significant concern for material accountancy and verification in the international safeguards community. Verification of the contents of UF6 cylinders is generally attempted with gamma spectroscopy but the current methods assume a uniform, homogeneous UF6 mass distribution within the cylinder. In this work, it was found experimentally and confirmed via modeling, that under an external heat load (the sun), the UF6 and its daughter products undergo fractionation in the cylinder. This fractionation of the UF6 and daughter products can cause an errant measurement of the enrichment of the cylinder when using the current verification methods.
Sec-isoamyl Mercaptan (SIT), a Multi-faceted Disulfide Based Protecting Group for Cysteine Thiol
Authors: Chakraborty Amit , Albericio Fernando , de la Torre Beatriz G.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The successful synthesis of a peptide requires the synchronization of several processes, including the efficient execution of protecting group chemistry. For cysteine (Cys)-peptides, this is more crucial because the trifunctional Cys has a free thiol in its side chain. During synthesis, this free thiol function remains protected with suitable protecting groups and can be removed after synthesis using appropriate methods. Sec-isoamyl mercaptan (SIT) is a versatile disulfide-based protecting group for Cys side chain thiol. The removal of SIT from Cys thiol can be achieved using a mild reducing agent (e. g. DTT). This later promotes efficient disulfide bond formation by oxidation. SIT can also direct/activate the Cys thiol for the chemoselective formation of disulfide bonds by thiol-disulfide interchange.

Methods

Peptides were synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis techniques. The removal of the SIT group was carried out either in the solid phase or in the solution.

Results

In the present study, we have shown that SIT can be efficiently removed both in solution and on-resin to facilitate disulfide-bridged peptide synthesis. This was exemplified by two syntheses of an atosiban derivative, where the SIT was removed in solution or in solid-phase. Furthermore, a SIT-based facile one-pot synthesis pathway was devised for disulfide-rich peptides. The strategy was faster and greener as it did not involve using an oxidizer. Conotoxin (two S–S) and linaclotide amide (three S–S) were successfully synthesized by adopting the SIT-based strategy. Finally, a racemization study was carried out for SIT, Trt and StBu-protected Cys-peptides. In all cases, SIT-protected peptides showed lesser racemization than StBu-protected peptides. In some instances (synthesis using DMF), SIT-protected peptides showed less racemization compared to the Trt congeners.

Conclusion

Overall, the multifaceted use of SIT-protection during the synthesis of disulfide-rich peptides has illustrated its versatility as a Cys thiol protecting group.
Embracing ambivalence and hesitation: a Ricoeurian perspective on anticipatory choice processes at the end of life
Authors: van Wijngaarden Els
Published: October 2024

Especially older adults are increasingly stimulated to think about, talk about and record their preferences with regard to future (health)care decisions, preferably in a pro-active manner. In this paper, I analyse these anticipatory choice processes. My goal is twofold: Firstly, to provide a deeper understanding of what it actually means to decide in advance about end-of-life treatments or options. Secondly, to make a theoretical contribution to bioethics and ACP-theories by rethinking the concept of end-of-life choices from a phenomenological viewpoint. To achieve this, I start by presenting a case narrative that elucidates how these anticipatory choices are lived. Secondly, I map out a theoretical framework about choice based on the phenomenology of the will of Paul Ricoeur. Finally, guided by this Ricoeurian framework, I investigate the potential meaning of choice in the context of contemporary advance care planning trajectories. The analysis demonstrates that choice and agency always imply notions of passivity and uncontrollability. It also indicates the significant value of hesitation and ambivalence. Moreover, it highlights the importance of the notion of co-responsibility in the context of anticipated end-of-life choices, and the relevant distinction between a (willed) choice and a wish. To improve care and support regarding end-of-life trajectories and to promote meaningful conversations, it is imperative to integrate these underrated elements more substantially in our theories, language and practical approaches. I conclude by suggesting that, in order to do justice to the real-life complexities, we might even need to revise the notion of advance ‘directives’.
The alchemists: on Justin D’Arms and Daniel Jacobson’s rational sentimentalism
Authors: Na’aman Oded
Published: October 2024

D’Arms and Jacobson’s Rational Sentimentalism promises an alchemy: a view that grounds certain values and reasons in facts about human sentiments but also treats the very same facts about values and reasons as fundamental. I examine how they attempt to deliver on the promise, doubt that they succeed, consider their motivations, and offer an alternative interpretation of what they might be doing.
Socially responsible investment funds and firm performance improvement
Authors: Tosun Onur Kemal , Moon S. Katie
Published: October 2024

We examine how socially responsible investment (SRI) mutual funds emphasizing employee relations are associated with the performance of their portfolio firms, measured by return on assets (ROA). We highlight the important role of mutual-fund shareholders emphasizing employee relations by showing that firms’ ROA improves when their shares are owned by such shareholders. We find the shareholder participation of employee-focused SRI funds a potential channel leading to firm performance improvement. Our finding holds for stock return performance and is stronger in human-capital intense industries. Instrumental variable approaches using state-level constituency statutes, mutual fund inflows, or Morningstar ratings suggest a causal relation.
Exploring the circulating metabolome of sepsis: metabolomic and lipidomic profiles sampled in the ambulance
Authors: Salihovic Samira , Eklund Daniel , Kruse Robert , Wallgren Ulrika , Hyötyläinen Tuulia , Särndahl Eva , Kurland Lisa
Published: October 2024

Background

Sepsis is defined as a dysfunctional host response to infection. The diverse clinical presentations of sepsis pose diagnostic challenges and there is a demand for enhanced diagnostic markers for sepsis as well as an understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms involved in sepsis. From this perspective, metabolomics has emerged as a potentially valuable tool for aiding in the early identification of sepsis that could highlight key metabolic pathways and underlying pathological mechanisms.

Objective

The aim of this investigation is to explore the early metabolomic and lipidomic profiles in a prospective cohort where plasma samples (n = 138) were obtained during ambulance transport among patients with infection according to clinical judgement who subsequently developed sepsis, patients who developed non-septic infection, and symptomatic controls without an infection.

Methods

Multiplatform metabolomics and lipidomics were performed using UHPLC–MS/MS and UHPLC–QTOFMS. Uni- and multivariable analysis were used to identify metabolite profiles in sepsis vs symptomatic control and sepsis vs non-septic infection.

Results

Univariable analysis disclosed that out of the 457 annotated metabolites measured across three different platforms, 23 polar, 27 semipolar metabolites and 133 molecular lipids exhibited significant differences between patients who developed sepsis and symptomatic controls following correction for multiple testing. Furthermore, 84 metabolites remained significantly different between sepsis and symptomatic controls following adjustment for age, sex, and Charlson comorbidity score. Notably, no significant differences were identified in metabolites levels when comparing patients with sepsis and non-septic infection in univariable and multivariable analyses.

Conclusion

Overall, we found that the metabolome, including the lipidome, was decreased in patients experiencing infection and sepsis, with no significant differences between the two conditions. This finding indicates that the observed metabolic profiles are shared between both infection and sepsis, rather than being exclusive to sepsis alone.
Effect of an acute session of intermittent exercise on trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) production following choline ingestion
Authors: Ong Marilyn L.Y. , Green Christopher G. , Rowland Samantha N. , Rider Katie , Sutcliffe Harry , Funnell Mark P. , Salzano Andrea , Heaney Liam M.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a gut bacteria-dependent metabolite associated with poor cardiovascular health. Exercise is a known cardioprotective activity but the impact of an acute bout of exercise on TMAO production is unknown.

Objectives/Methods

This study assessed choline-derived production of TMAO following a single bout of intermittent exercise in a young, healthy cohort.

Results

Choline supplemented after either exercise or a time-matched resting period demonstrated a similar increase in circulating TMAO across an 8-hour period.

Conclusion

This suggests that a single bout of intermittent exercise does not alter gut microbial metabolic behaviour and thus does not provide additional cardioprotective benefits related to blood levels of TMAO.
Deletion of the stress response protein REDD1 prevents sodium iodate-induced RPE damage and photoreceptor loss
Authors: Subrahmanian Sandeep M. , Yerlikaya Esma I. , Sunilkumar Siddharth , Toro Allyson L. , McCurry Christopher M. , Grillo Stephanie L. , Barber Alistair J. , Sundstrom Jeffrey M. , Dennis Michael D.
Published: October 2024

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in elderly populations, yet the molecular events that initiate the early retinal defects that lead to visual function deficits remain poorly understood. The studies here explored a role for the stress response protein Regulated in Development and DNA damage response 1 (REDD1) in the development of retinal pathology by using the oxidant stressor sodium iodate (NaIO3) to model dry AMD in mice. REDD1 protein abundance was increased in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and retina of mice administered NaIO3. In wild-type REDD1+/+ mice, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were robustly increased in the outer retinal layers 1 day after NaIO3 administration, with focal areas of increased ROS seen throughout the outer retina after 7 days. In contrast with REDD1+/+ mice, ROS levels were blunted in REDD1−/− mice after NaIO3 administration. REDD1 was also required for upregulated expression of pro-inflammatory factors in the RPE/retina and immune cell activation in the outer retina following NaIO3 administration. In REDD1+/+ mice, NaIO3 reduced RPE65 and rhodopsin levels in the RPE and photoreceptor layers, respectively. Unlike REDD1+/+ mice, REDD1−/− mice did not exhibit disrupted RPE integrity, retinal degeneration, or photoreceptor thinning. Overall, REDD1 deletion was sufficient to prevent retinal oxidative stress, RPE damage, immune cell activation, and photoreceptor loss in response to NaIO3. The findings support a potential role for REDD1 in the development of retinal complications in the context of dry AMD.
Compensation versus deterioration across functional networks in amnestic mild cognitive impairment subtypes
Authors: Varela-López Benxamín , Zurrón Montserrat , Lindín Mónica , Díaz Fernando , Galdo-Alvarez Santiago
Published: October 2024

Functional connectivity studies to detect neurophysiological correlates of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s disease, have generated contradictory results in terms of compensation and deterioration, as most of the studies did not distinguish between the different aMCI subtypes: single-domain aMCI (sd-aMCI) and multiple-domain aMCI (md-aMCI). The present study aimed to characterize the neurophysiological correlates of aMCI subtypes by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. The study included sd-aMCI (n = 29), md-aMCI (n = 26), and control (n = 30) participants. The data were subjected to independent component analysis (ICA) to explore the default mode network (DMN) and the fronto-parietal control network (FPCN). Additionally, seed-based and moderation analyses were conducted to investigate the connectivity of the medial temporal lobe and functional networks. aMCI subtypes presented differences in functional connectivity relative to the control group: sd-aMCI participants displayed increased FPCN connectivity and reduced connectivity between the posterior parahippocampal gyrus (PHG) and medial structures; md-aMCI participants exhibited lower FPCN connectivity, higher anterior PHG connectivity with frontal structures and lower posterior PHG connectivity with central-parietal and temporo-occipital areas. Additionally, md-aMCI participants showed higher posterior PHG connectivity with structures of the DMN than both control and sd-aMCI participants, potentially indicating more severe cognitive deficits. The results showed gradual and qualitative neurofunctional differences between the aMCI subgroups, suggesting the existence of compensatory (sd-aMCI) and deterioration (md-aMCI) mechanisms in functional networks, mainly originated in the DMN. The findings support consideration of the subgroups as different stages of MCI within the Alzheimer disease continuum.
A comprehensive review of soil organic carbon estimates: Integrating remote sensing and machine learning technologies
Authors: Li Tong , Cui Lizhen , Kuhnert Matthias , McLaren Timothy I. , Pandey Rajiv , Liu Hongdou , Wang Weijin , Xu Zhihong , Xia Anquan , Dalal Ram C. , Dang Yash P.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Accurately assessing soil organic carbon (SOC) content is vital for ecosystem services management and addressing global climate challenges. This study undertakes a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global estimates for SOC using remote sensing (RS) and machine learning (ML) techniques. It showcases the historical growth and thematic evolution in SOC research, aiming to amplify the understanding of SOC estimation themes and provide scientific support for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Materials and Methods

Employing extensive literature database analysis, bibliometric network analysis, and clustering techniques, the study reviews 1,761 articles on SOC estimation using RS technologies and 490 articles on SOC employing both RS and ML technologies.

Results and Discussion

The results indicate that satellite-based RS, particularly the Landsat series, is predominant for estimation of SOC and other associated studies, with North America, China, and Europe leading in evaluations with Africa is having low evaluations adopting RS technology. Trends in the research demonstrate an evolution from basic mapping to advanced topics such as carbon (C) sequestration, complex modeling, and big data utilization. Thematic clusters from co-occurrence analysis suggest the interplay between technology development, environmental surveys, soil properties, and climate dynamics.

Conclusion

The study highlights the synergy between RS and ML, with advanced ML techniques proving to be critical for accurate SOC estimation. These findings are crucial for comprehensive ecosystem SOC estimation, informed environmental management and strategic decision-making.
MiniMizer Gastric Ring displacement at 31 weeks of gestation as a life-threatening complication
Authors: Szymczak Paulina , Grzybowska Magdalena Emilia , Grzeczka Adam , Szymański Michał , Wydra Dariusz Grzegorz
Published: October 2024

This case report describes a pregnant woman who underwent a laparoscopic MiniMizer Gastric Ring procedure for clinically severe obesity only one month before conception. At 31 weeks of gestation, the patient as admitted to the hospital with postprandial vomiting and persistent left-sided colicky abdominal pain. Maternal abdominal MRI revealed an intestinal obstruction and elective surgery was recommended. Due to the considerable risk to the fetus, antenatal corticosteroids were immediately administered to promote lung maturation and magnesium sulfate was started for fetal neuroprotection. During an exploratory laparoscopy, significantly enlarged and ischemic intestinal loops were found, leading to the decision to perform an atraumatic “en caul” cesarean delivery. After a successful “en caul” delivery, the MiniMizer ring, which had dislodged downwards and led to mesenteric ischemia, was visualized. Intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a 1cm defect in the stomach wall related to gastric ring, covered with purulent exudate. Further exploration, showed a herniation of the distal alimentary loop through the Petersen foramen. Successful management included ring removal and intestinal loop reduction from the Petersen’s space, without evidence of strangulation, as confirmed with indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. The postoperative course was uneventful. Women with obesity who have undergone bariatric surgery should to be informed of the increased likelihood of becoming pregnant after treatment. It is advised to notify the patient of the importance of maintaining a sufficient interval between bariatric surgery and conception. Additionally reports from the literature on various complications during pregnancy after bariatric surgery are presented.
The under-recognition and significance of frailty syndrome – a geriatric and forensic conundrum
Authors: Byard Roger W.
Published: October 2024

Frailty syndrome occurs in elderly individuals with declining muscle mass (sarcopenia), unintentional weight loss, decreasing physical strength and activity, exhaustion, and slow ambulation. It significantly increases morbidity and mortality with cardiovascular, renal disease and neurological disorders, osteoporosis and fractures, endocrine and immunological dysfunction and a variety of malignancies. It is increasing in incidence as the population ages. However, unfortunately as identification relies on clinical and not pathological evaluations, its contribution to a wide range of comorbidities and its role in terminal episodes may not be recognized in a forensic context.
Towards zero-emission urban mobility: Leveraging AI and LCA for targeted interventions
Authors: Wang Qi R.
Published: October 2024

Urban mobility is a critical contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for over 30% of urban carbon emissions in the United States in 2021. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive and data-driven approach to transform transportation systems into sustainable networks. This paper presents an integrated framework that leverages artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and life cycle assessment (LCA) to analyze, model, and optimize urban mobility. The framework consists of four key components: AI-powered analysis and models, synthetic urban mobility data generation, LCA for environmental footprint analysis, and data-driven policy interventions. By combining these elements, the framework not only deciphers complex mobility patterns but also quantifies their environmental impacts, providing actionable insights for policy decisions aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban transportation. The implications of this approach extend beyond individual cities, offering a blueprint for global sustainable urban mobility.
Co-Creating with a Robot Facilitator: Robot Expressions Cause Mood Contagion Enhancing Collaboration, Satisfaction, and Performance
Authors: de Rooij Alwin , Broek Simone van den , Bouw Michelle , de Wit Jan
Published: October 2024

Social robots can be designed to facilitate co-creation. The impact of mood expressions displayed by human facilitators can elicit similar moods in others, fostering collaboration, process satisfaction, and co-creation performance. However, the extent to which robot mood expressions can influence such group dynamics to the same effect remains an open question. To address this, we conducted an experiment (N = 110) in which small groups engaged in a co-creation session facilitated by a social robot that displayed positive, neutral, or negative mood expressions. The results showed that robot mood expressions evoked corresponding mood contagion among human group members. The influence of robot expressions on mood valence significantly enhanced group collaboration and process satisfaction. Additionally, participants’ ability to contribute insights during the session and ensure these are represented in session outcomes, an index of co-creation performance, significantly improved when positive robot mood expressions increased mood contagion valence. By establishing the influence of robot mood expressions on mood contagion, group collaboration, process satisfaction, and co-creation performance, we shed light on the potential of social robots for facilitating and enhancing co-creation. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these effects adds to a growing body of work in the field of human-robot interaction and offers valuable insights for developing innovative future robotic systems.
Über sozioökonomische Einflüsse und Sportausübung von Jugendlichen
Authors: Klöcker Julian Alexander , Schurade Malte , Daumann Frank
Published: October 2024

In der vorliegende Studie wird auf Grundlage von Bourdieus Kapitaltheorie empirisch mit Daten des SOEPs analysiert, welche Determinanten die Wahl der Sportart von Jugendlichen beeinflussen. Die Studie hebt sich von vorherigen in der Weise ab, dass keine binäre Aussage über favorisierte Sportarten untersucht, sondern die Wahl einer relevanten Alternative in das Modell aufgenommen wird. So werden die jeweils für Jungen und Mädchen populärsten Sportarten Fußball und Tanzen als Referenzkategorien in die Schätzungen miteinbezogen. Es zeigt sich, dass insbesondere das kulturelle Kapital sowohl der Jugendlichen selbst als auch der Eltern die Wahl der Sportart erheblich beeinflusst. Zudem verändert auch das ökonomische Kapital das Chancenverhältnis, eine andere Sportart als die Referenzsportart auszuüben, erheblich. Die Kovariaten werden dann in einem zweiten Schritt nicht allein aus Plausibilitätsgründen den Bourdieu’schen Kapitalarten zugeordnet, sondern diese Zuordnung wird mittels eines statistischen Verfahren, der multiplen Korrespondenzanalyse, unterstützt. Nach Korrespondenzanalyse erfolgt mit den neugewonnen Dimensionen eine weitere Schätzung des Einflusses der Kapitalarten auf die Wahl der Sportarten, wobei sich die Ergebnisse von der ersten Schätzung in der Form unterscheiden, dass dem sozialen Kapital nun eine wesentlich höhere Bedeutung bei der Wahl der Sportart zugeschrieben wird. Mithilfe der Zuordnung der Kovariate mittels dieses statistischen Verfahrens konnte demnach gezeigt werden, dass die isolierte Betrachtung der Kapitalarten zu unpräzisen Rückschlüssen führen kann. Dieser Beitrag liefert damit auch einen ersten Ansatz, Wechselwirkungen zwischen einzelnen Kovariaten und zwischen den Kapitalarten selbst aufzuzeigen.
A Study on Xenon Estimation During Load-Follow Operation Using Sliding Mode Observer in APR1400 for A Predictive Soluble Boron Control
Authors: Khalefih Husam , Kim Yonghee
Published: October 2024

During daily load-follow operations (DLFOs) in nuclear reactors, xenon concentration varies with power level, necessitating adjustments to the soluble boron concentration via dilution or boration. Since xenon cannot be directly measured within the reactor, this study introduces the use of a sliding mode observer (SMO) to estimate xenon concentration on the fly during the DLFO. Based on these estimates, the necessary boron concentration adjustments are calculated using a control algorithm (Mode-K +) that integrates data on the reactor’s chemical control system, xenon, and boron worth. This study focuses on the APR1400 reactor’s initial cycle and demonstrates a high degree of accuracy between the estimated xenon concentrations and reference values derived from KANT’s in-house 3D time-dependent xenon model. The integration of the SMO with the load-follow operation control algorithm represents a significant advancement by providing reactor operators with precise boron adjustment information. This precision minimizes unnecessary control rod movements, thereby reducing the risk of axial or radial power peaking, a critical factor for maintaining reactor stability and safety. Additionally, this approach optimizes the boron dilution process by accurately timing and controlling the volume of demineralized water introduced into the system. This not only ensures the effective execution of load-follow operations but also significantly reduces the volume of liquid radioactive waste produced. The analysis was conducted using a two-step procedure: cross-sectional evaluation via the Serpent 2.2.0 continuous energy Monte Carlo code, followed by whole-core calculations to generate lumped parameters using KANT. This methodology offers a robust and novel solution for enhancing the safety and efficiency of nuclear reactor operations during load-follow scenarios.
Mathematical tasks: a review of classification systems
Authors: Scheja Bruno , Rott Benjamin
Published: October 2024

Classification of mathematics tasks has long been an important part of classroom assessment. The classification systems used in this context are based on different approaches and often make use of different categories of analysis. Comprehensive studies that examine these aspects in terms of their interrelationships, and thus shed light on the contribution of classification systems to research and practice, are of great benefit. The present study provides a systematic overview of classification systems for mathematics tasks (search period: 1956–2023; worldwide distribution). It includes 17 such classification systems developed between 1963 and 2019. These systems are analyzed with the help of a model developed here. On the one hand, this model focuses on the aspects of the use of the classification systems; on the other hand, it considers the theoretical basis and the components of the classification systems. The results show that early attempts to classify mathematics tasks were largely based on Bloom’s work. These classification systems were used to analyze test items from large-scale studies and were related to mathematical content. Since the 1990s, there has been a shift in emphasis in the use of classification systems, with a greater focus on tasks used in learning processes on the one hand, and on mathematical activities on the other. At the same time, there has been an increasing differentiation of the classification systems, allowing different aspects of mathematics learning to be captured.