bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short‐Circuit Point Estimation Method for Distribution Lines Using Smart‐Meters
Authors: Kodama Yasuhiro , Otani Kenji
Published: July 2024

The presence of a substantial short‐circuit current generates a large electromagnetic repulsive force. The energy of such a short‐circuit current increases the likelihood of equipment damage. Furthermore, the occurrence of short‐circuits disrupts the stable supply of electric power. When a short‐circuit occurs in a distribution line, short‐circuit point identification is realized based on information such as overcurrent indicators and equipment damage caused by the short‐circuit. However, there is no established method for promptly pinpointing the short‐circuit location. Therefore, this study proposes a short‐circuit point estimation method for distribution lines using smart‐meters; whose performance is anticipated to improve in the future. The proposed method involved using smart‐meter voltage measurements to measure and determine the changes in the voltage drop slope, caused by the distribution‐substation short‐circuit currents and load currents, from the short‐circuit location to the end point. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The vehicle routing programming of municipal solid waste collection under cognitive uncertainty
Authors: Wang Zhen , Huo Jiazhen , Lam Jasmine Siu Lee
Published: July 2024

The rapid development of online shopping has led to an increase in express parcels, thus the proliferation of solid waste from parcel packaging. There are many other phenomena that have arisen with rapid economic development that also led to the surge in municipal solid waste. It is urgent to pay attention to municipal solid waste collection. Unexpected disruptive events lead to cognitive uncertainty and cause municipal waste collection to fail to function properly. This article studies how to properly carry out vehicle planning to achieve the shortest driving distance under cognitive uncertainty. The community's time window and the amount of garbage in each community are taken as uncertain variables. Based on the uncertainty theory, an uncertain vehicle routing problem (VRP) model and an uncertain VRP with the loading constraint model are constructed, and the solution algorithms of these two models are given. Several applications are carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed models and algorithms. This article proposes for the first time the models and algorithms to study the VRP under cognitive uncertainty. The findings draw important practical implications for adjusting municipal solid waste collection planning and logistics during disruptive events.
The determination of the spin and parity of a vector-vector system
Authors: An Liupan , McNulty Ronan , Mikhasenko Mikhail
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We present a construction of the reaction amplitude for the inclusive production of a resonance decaying to a pair of identical vector particles such as J/ψJ/ψ, ρρ, ϕϕ. The method provides the possibility of determining the spin and parity of a resonance in a model-independent way. The methodology is demonstrated using the Standard Model decay of the Higgs boson to four leptons and through angular correlations in the production and decays of J/ψ pairs.
Energy momentum tensor on and off the light cone: exposition with scalar Yukawa theory
Authors: Cao Xianghui , Xu Siqi , Li Yang , Chen Guangyao , Zhao Xingbo , Karmanov V. A. , Vary J. P.
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We compute the gravitational form factors Ai, Di and $$ {\overline{c}}_i $$

c
¯

i

of the scalar Yukawa theory using both the light-cone and covariant perturbation theory at the one-loop level. The light-cone formalism provides a potential approach to access these form factors beyond the perturbative regime. However, unlike the covariant formulation, the Poincaré symmetry on the light cone is not manifest. In this work, we use perturbation theory as a benchmark to extract the gravitational form factors from the light-front energy-momentum tensor. By comparing results on and off the light cone, we identify T++, T+a, T+−, T12 as the “good currents” that are properly renormalized and can be used to extract the gravitational form factors.
Infektprophylaxe bei Sectio – wie und wann?
Authors: Bossung Verena , Härtel Christoph
Published: July 2024

Postoperative Wundinfektionen (SSI) nach Kaiserschnitt gefährden die Gesundheit von Frauen, führen zu längeren Hospitalisationen und verursachen Kosten. Die perioperative Antibiotikaprophylaxe (PAP) ist ein wichtiger Baustein der Prävention. In Studien konnte die Gabe der PAP vor Hautschnitt die Rate an SSIs signifikant senken, im Vergleich zur PAP nach dem Abnabeln. Daher empfehlen aktuell internationale Leitlinien den Einsatz einer PAP vor Hautschnitt. Präoperativ verabreichte Antibiotika passieren die Plazenta und erzeugen kurzzeitig therapeutische Spiegel beim Neugeborenen. Daher wird diskutiert, ob die PAP zugunsten des Kindes erst nach dem Abnabeln gegeben werden sollte. Der Effekt einer einmaligen PAP auf das Mikrobiom des Neugeborenen war in Studien jedoch heterogen. Daten über klinische Langzeiteffekte fehlen. In Settings mit niedrigen SSI-Raten wird die Frage nach Alternativen diskutiert, wie einer PAP vor Hautschnitt nur bei Risikofaktoren oder einer informierten Entscheidung der Patientin zum Zeitpunkt der Gabe nach individueller Aufklärung. Hierbei stellt die praktische Umsetzung eine Herausforderung im Klinikalltag dar.
Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (PrevenaTM) vs. conventional post-operative dressing after immediate breast reconstruction: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Lauritzen Elisabeth , Kiilerich Claes Hannibal , Bredgaard Rikke , Tvedskov Tove , Damsgaard Tine Engberg
Published: July 2024

Background

Surgical complications following breast reconstruction remain a significant concern. This study aimed to investigate if incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) using Prevena™ provides superior wound treatment for patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) compared to conventional postoperative dressing. Additionally, we investigated whether intraoperative indocyanine green angiography (ICG-A) could predict and prevent postoperative complications.

Methods

A randomized controlled study (RCT) comprising 39 patients was conducted. The primary outcome was time until surgical drain removal. ICG-A was applied to evaluate tissue perfusion and compared to rate of postoperative complications. Patients were followed for one year, including postoperative complications, quality of life (QoL), scar evaluation, incidence of lymphedema and timely administration of adjuvant therapy.

Results

No significant differences were observed in time to surgical drain removal, hospitalization or incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups. Analysis revealed no significant association between ICG-A results and postoperative complications. After one year, both groups exhibited similar QoL and satisfaction with scars. One patient developed lymphedema during follow-up, and adjuvant treatment was timely administered in 82%.

Conclusions

This RCT investigated iNPWT by Prevena™ compared to conventional postoperative dressing in IBR using implants or tissue expanders. ICG-A was applied to assess tissue perfusion and compared to postoperative complications. We did not find any significant differences in recovery time, hospitalization duration, postoperative complication rates, QoL, or scar satisfaction between the two groups within a one-year follow-up. Additionally, there were no significant association between ICG-A and postoperative complications. Larger randomized studies incorporating intraoperative ICG-A are needed to obtain higher quality data.

Level of Evidence: Level I, Risk/Prognostic
Two newly established and mutually related subfamilies GH13_48 and GH13_49 of the α-amylase family GH13
Authors: Mareček Filip , Terrapon Nicolas , Janeček Štefan
Published: July 2024

Currently, the main α-amylase family GH13 has been divided into 47 subfamilies in CAZy, with new subfamilies regularly emerging. The present in silico study was performed to highlight the groups, represented by the maltogenic amylase from Thermotoga neapolitana and the α-amylase from Haloarcula japonica, which are worth of creating their own new GH13 subfamilies. This enlarges functional annotation and thus allows more precise prediction of the function of putative proteins. Interestingly, those two share certain sequence features, e.g. the highly conserved cysteine in the second conserved sequence region (CSR-II) directly preceding the catalytic nucleophile, or the well-preserved GQ character of the end of CSR-VII. On the other hand, the two groups bear also specific and highly conserved positions that distinguish them not only from each other but also from representatives of remaining GH13 subfamilies established so far. For the T. neapolitana maltogenic amylase group, it is the stretch of residues at the end of CSR-V highly conserved as L-[DN]. The H. japonica α-amylase group can be characterized by a highly conserved [WY]-[GA] sequence at the end of CSR-II. Other specific sequence features include an almost fully conserved aspartic acid located directly preceding the general acid/base in CSR-III or well-preserved glutamic acid in CSR-IV. The assumption that these two groups represent two mutually related, but simultaneously independent GH13 subfamilies has been supported by phylogenetic analysis as well as by comparison of tertiary structures. The main α-amylase family GH13 has thus been expanded by two novel subfamilies GH13_48 and GH13_49.

Key points

• In silico analysis of two groups of family GH13 members with characterized representatives

• Identification of certain common, but also some specific sequence features in seven CSRs

• Creation of two novel subfamilies—GH13_48 and GH13_49 within the CAZy database
Etiology and prognosis of non-Kawasaki disease induced coronary aneurysms in children: a retrospective case series study
Authors: Lin Yao , Qi Huiru , Liu Yanyan , Wu Haojie , Li Yaqi , Shi Lin
Published: July 2024

While Kawasaki disease (KD) induced coronary artery aneurysms (KD CAAs) in children are well studied, the features and prognosis of non-KD induced CAAs (non-KD CAAs) in the pediatric population are poorly documented. This case series study is to analyze the etiology and prognosis of non-KD CAAs in children and compare the characteristics of non-KD CAAs and KD CAAs. Non-KD CAA and KD CAA cases at our department from January 2022 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected. Etiologies and prognosis of non-KD CAAs were analyzed. Furthermore, demographic data, biochemical parameters and outcomes between children with Non-KD CAAs and children with KD CAAs were comparatively studied. Fifteen children with non-KD CAAs with a median age of 6 years and 117 children with KD CAAs with a median age of 2.0 years (p = 0.022) were included in this study. The causes of non-KD CAAs include: unknown etiologies (2 cases), coronary artery structural abnormalities (4), Takayasu arteritis (2), virus infection (2), cardiomyopathy (2), aplastic anemia with agranulocytosis (1), ANCA-associated vasculitis (1), and mucopolysaccharidosis (1). In the non-KD CAA group, there were a total of 19 CAAs with 3 being giant, 5 medium, and 11 small; 4 patients had complete CAA regression; an infant with a fistula between the right coronary artery and the coronary sinus complicated with cardiac enlargement died of heart failure. The KD group had significantly higher levels of CRP, white cells counts and ESR with zero mortality. Non-KD CAA cases had a significantly lower regression rate than KD-CAA cases (26.7% vs 66.7%, p = 0.004), and the probability of CAA regression in non-KD patients was 0.341 of that in KD patients (p = 0.006, OR = 0.341, 95% CI: 0.179–0.647).

Conclusions: Various etiologies for Non-KD CAAs are identified. Patients with Non-KD CAAs were observed to have lower inflammatory indexes but poorer recovery than patients with KD CAAs. Therapeutic strategies different than those for KD may be needed for non-KD CAAs.

What is Known:• Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) in children is most commonly induced by Kawasaki disease (KD CAA), with a 50 ~ 70% regression rate in 1 to 2 years.• CAA induced by diseases other than KD (non-KD CAA) in children is rare and its prognosis remains largely unknown.

What is New:• Most non-KD CAA cases are caused by coronary artery structural malformations.• Non-KD CAA in children has poorer prognosis and lower regression rate compared with KD CAA.• In addition to guideline directed anti-platelet and anti-coagulant therapies, treatments targeting the causal factor are necessary for non-KD CAA.
Inconsistency of in vitro exsheathment triggers for gastrointestinal nematode parasites of sheep, cattle and deer
Authors: Bekelaar Kiliana , Carvalho Luis , Waghorn Tania , Green Peter , Bouchet Charlotte , Leathwick Dave
Published: July 2024

Exsheathment is crucial in the transition from free-living to parasitic phase for most strongyle nematode species. A greater understanding of this process could help in developing new parasitic control methods. This study aimed to identify commonalities in response to exsheathment triggers (heat acclimation, CO2 and pH) in a wide range of species (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus spp., Cooperia spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Chabertia ovina, and members of the subfamily Ostertagiinae) from sheep, cattle and farmed deer. The initial expectation of similarity in pH requirements amongst species residing within the same organ was not supported, with unexpected pH preferences for exsheathment of Trichostrongylus axei, Trichostrongylus vitrinus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Cooperia oncophora. We also found differences between species in their response to temperature acclimation, with higher exsheathment in response to heat shock observed for H. contortus, Ostertagia ostertagi, T. axei, T. vitrinus and Oesophagostomum sikae. Furthermore, some species showed poor exsheathment under all experimental conditions, such as Cooperia curticei and the large intestinal nematodes C. ovina and Oesophagostomum venulosum. Interestingly, there were some significant differences in response depending on the host from which the parasites were derived. The host species significantly impacted on the exsheathment response for H. contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta, T. vitrinus and T. colubriformis. Overall, the data showed variability between nematode species in their response to these in vitro exsheathment triggers, highlighting the complexity of finding a common set of conditions for all species in order to develop a control method based on triggering the exsheathment process prematurely.
Reconstruction in One Dimension from Unlabeled Euclidean Lengths
Authors: Connelly Robert , Gortler Steven J. , Theran Louis
Published: July 2024

Let G be a 3-connected ordered graph with n vertices and m edges. Let $$\textbf{p}$$
p
be a randomly chosen mapping of these n vertices to the integer range $$\{1, 2,3, \ldots , 2^b\}$$

{
1
,
2
,
3
,
…
,

2
b

}

for $$b\ge m^2$$

b
≥

m
2

. Let $$\ell $$
ℓ
be the vector of m Euclidean lengths of G’s edges under $$\textbf{p}$$
p
. In this paper, we show that, with high probability over $$\textbf{p}$$
p
, we can efficiently reconstruct both G and $$\textbf{p}$$
p
from $$\ell $$
ℓ
. This reconstruction problem is NP-HARD in the worst case, even if both G and $$\ell $$
ℓ
are given. We also show that our results stand in the presence of small amounts of error in $$\ell $$
ℓ
, and in the real setting, with sufficiently accurate length measurements. Our method combines lattice reduction, which has previously been used to solve random subset sum problems, with an algorithm of Seymour that can efficiently reconstruct an ordered graph given an independence oracle for its matroid.
Exploration of helpful elements contributing to engage in physical activity in patients with cancer
Authors: Matsui Tomoko
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Although there are many reported benefits of physical activity for patients with cancer (e.g., improving quality of life), many patients with cancer do not meet the recommendations of physical activity guidelines. The amount of physical activity declines after diagnosis of cancer. This study aimed to clarify the elements that contribute engagement in regular moderate-or-higher-level intensity of physical activity (MHPA), based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA), among patients with cancer.

Methods

Two web surveys were conducted among cancer outpatients, asking them to respond to a questionnaire. Participants provided information regarding their demographics, physical activity, purpose, advantages, disadvantages, barriers, triggers, and need for support for regular MHPA.

Results

Categories were obtained for purposes, advantages, disadvantages, barriers, triggers, and support needs for regular MHPA. For example, the support they considered necessary to regularly engage in MHPA were developed 9 categories, such as Improving the environment, Support for the implementation of PA (interpersonal), and Reducing the burden. Women and younger patients provided more statements about reducing their burden; younger patients also mentioned on improving the environment more among those who did not engage in MHPA. Additionally, patients with cancer who provided statements about interpersonal support reported higher barriers to physical activity.

Conclusions

These findings will contribute to the development of a scale to measure the components of the HAPA on physical activity in patients with cancer. In addition, it will help develop a support system that promotes engagement in regular MHPA.
Multicenter external validation of prediction models for clinical outcomes after spinal fusion for lumbar degenerative disease
Authors: Grob Alexandra , Rohr Jonas , Stumpo Vittorio , Vieli Moira , Ciobanu-Caraus Olga , Ricciardi Luca , Maldaner Nicolai , Raco Antonino , Miscusi Massimo , Perna Andrea , Proietti Luca , Lofrese Giorgio , Dughiero Michele , Cultrera Francesco , D’Andrea Marcello , An Seong Bae , Ha Yoon , Amelot Aymeric , Bedia Cadelo Jorge , Viñuela-Prieto Jose M. , Gandía-González Maria L. , Girod Pierre-Pascal , Lener Sara , Kögl Nikolaus , Abramovic Anto , Laux Christoph J. , Farshad Mazda , O’Riordan Dave , Loibl Markus , Galbusera Fabio , Mannion Anne F. , Scerrati Alba , De Bonis Pasquale , Molliqaj Granit , Tessitore Enrico , Schröder Marc L. , Stienen Martin N. , Regli Luca , Serra Carlo , Staartjes Victor E.
Published: July 2024

Background

Clinical prediction models (CPM), such as the SCOAP-CERTAIN tool, can be utilized to enhance decision-making for lumbar spinal fusion surgery by providing quantitative estimates of outcomes, aiding surgeons in assessing potential benefits and risks for each individual patient. External validation is crucial in CPM to assess generalizability beyond the initial dataset. This ensures performance in diverse populations, reliability and real-world applicability of the results. Therefore, we externally validated the tool for predictability of improvement in oswestry disability index (ODI), back and leg pain (BP, LP).

Methods

Prospective and retrospective data from multicenter registry was obtained. As outcome measure minimum clinically important change was chosen for ODI with ≥ 15-point and ≥ 2-point reduction for numeric rating scales (NRS) for BP and LP 12 months after lumbar fusion for degenerative disease. We externally validate this tool by calculating discrimination and calibration metrics such as intercept, slope, Brier Score, expected/observed ratio, Hosmer–Lemeshow (HL), AUC, sensitivity and specificity.

Results

We included 1115 patients, average age 60.8 ± 12.5 years. For 12-month ODI, area-under-the-curve (AUC) was 0.70, the calibration intercept and slope were 1.01 and 0.84, respectively. For NRS BP, AUC was 0.72, with calibration intercept of 0.97 and slope of 0.87. For NRS LP, AUC was 0.70, with calibration intercept of 0.04 and slope of 0.72. Sensitivity ranged from 0.63 to 0.96, while specificity ranged from 0.15 to 0.68. Lack of fit was found for all three models based on HL testing.

Conclusions

Utilizing data from a multinational registry, we externally validate the SCOAP-CERTAIN prediction tool. The model demonstrated fair discrimination and calibration of predicted probabilities, necessitating caution in applying it in clinical practice. We suggest that future CPMs focus on predicting longer-term prognosis for this patient population, emphasizing the significance of robust calibration and thorough reporting.
Mind the gap – Forderungen für eine verbesserte transitionspsychiatrische Versorgung aus Expert:innenperspektive
Authors: Neumann Matthias , Dürr Agnes , Gonzalez-Martin Alice , Urban Marcel , Manoharan Noah , Surikova Vladislava , Mittmann Gloria , Ertl Manuela , Gerlich Katharina , Stiehl Katharina , Steiner-Hofbauer Verena , Schrank Beate
Published: July 2024

Der Übergang von der Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie (KJP) in die Erwachsenenpsychiatrie (EP) geht mit einer Reihe von Herausforderungen und in vielen Fällen mit Behandlungsunterbrechungen einher. Die Transitionspsychiatrie versteht sich hier als Schnittstelle, die den Jugendlichen in dieser sensiblen Phase eine angemessene Unterstützung bieten will, um ihre Entwicklungsaufgaben erfolgreich zu meistern. Zur Ermittlung der Wünsche und Forderungen für eine Optimierung des transitionspsychiatrischen Versorgungskonzeptes wurden in der vorliegenden Studie Interviews mit 35 Expert:innen durchgeführt, die sowohl in klinischen als auch in außerklinischen Kontexten mit der Zielgruppe arbeiten. Zusätzlich wurden 2 Fokusgruppen mit weiteren Fachkräften abgehalten. Die Ergebnisse zeigen Bedarfe im klinischen und außerklinischen Bereich, in der Zusammenarbeit von KJP und EP, im Bereich der Aus‑, Fort- und Weiterbildung sowie in der Forschung. Konkret werden neben der Entwicklung eines gemeinsamen Verständnisses des Transitionsalters der KJP und EP auch die Erstellung standardisierter Behandlungsleitlinien, der Ausbau niederschwelliger, in die Behandlungskette integrierter Behandlungsangebote sowie eine stärkere Vernetzung mit außerklinischen Institutionen wie der Sozialarbeit und der Schulpsychologie angeregt. Gefordert wird außerdem ein alters- und entwicklungsorientiertes, flexibles Versorgungskonzept, das langfristige Beziehungsstrukturen ermöglicht und nicht durch starre Altersgrenzen in seinem Wirken limitiert wird.
A systematic review on the effectiveness of robot-assisted minimally invasive gastrectomy
Authors: Triemstra L. , den Boer R. B. , Rovers M. M. , Hazenberg C. E. V. B. , van Hillegersberg R. , Grutters J. P. C. , Ruurda J. P.
Published: July 2024

Background

Robot-assisted minimally invasive gastrectomy (RAMIG) is increasingly used as a surgical approach for gastric cancer. This study assessed the effectiveness of RAMIG and studied which stages of the IDEAL-framework (1 = Idea, 2A = Development, 2B = Exploration, 3 = Assessment, 4 = Long-term follow-up) were followed.

Methods

The Cochrane Library, Embase, Pubmed, and Web of Science were searched for studies on RAMIG up to January 2023. Data collection included the IDEAL-stage, demographics, number of participants, and study design. For randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and long-term studies, data on intra-, postoperative, and oncologic outcomes, survival, and costs of RAMIG were collected and summarized.

Results

Of the 114 included studies, none reported the IDEAL-stage. After full-text reading, 18 (16%) studies were considered IDEAL-2A, 75 (66%) IDEAL-2B, 4 (4%) IDEAL-3, and 17 (15%) IDEAL-4. The IDEAL-stages were followed sequentially (2A-4), with IDEAL-2A studies still ongoing. IDEAL-3 RCTs showed lower overall complications (8.5–9.2% RAMIG versus 17.6–19.3% laparoscopic total/subtotal gastrectomy), equal 30-day mortality (0%), and equal length of hospital stay for RAMIG (mean 5.7–8.5 days RAMIG versus 6.4–8.2 days open/laparoscopic total/subtotal gastrectomy). Lymph node yield was similar across techniques, but RAMIG incurred significantly higher costs than laparoscopic total/subtotal gastrectomy ($13,423–15,262 versus $10,165–10,945). IDEAL-4 studies showed similar or improved overall/disease-free survival for RAMIG.

Conclusion

During worldwide RAMIG implementation, the IDEAL-framework was followed in sequential order. IDEAL-3 and 4 long-term studies showed that RAMIG is similar or even better to conventional surgery in terms of hospital stay, lymph node yield, and overall/disease-free survival. In addition, RAMIG showed reduced postoperative complication rates, despite higher costs.
Systematizing modeler experience (MX) in model-driven engineering success stories
Authors: Kalantari Reyhaneh , Oertel Julian , Exelmans Joeri , Rukmono Satrio Adi , Amaral Vasco , Tichy Matthias , Juhnke Katharina , Steghöfer Jan-Philipp , Abrahão Silvia
Published: July 2024

Modeling is often associated with complex and heavy tooling, leading to a negative perception among practitioners. However, alternative paradigms, such as everything-as-code or low-code, are gaining acceptance due to their perceived ease of use. This paper explores the dichotomy between these perceptions through the lens of “modeler experience” (MX). MX includes factors such as user experience, motivation, integration, collaboration and versioning, and language complexity. We examine the relationships between these factors and their impact on different modeling usage scenarios. Our findings highlight the importance of considering MX when understanding how developers interact with modeling tools and the complexities of modeling and associated tooling.
The mouse Social Frailty Index (mSFI): a novel behavioral assessment for impaired social functioning in aging mice
Authors: Collinge Charles W. , Razzoli Maria , Mansk Rachel , McGonigle Seth , Lamming Dudley W. , Pacak Christina A. , van der Pluijm Ingrid , Niedernhofer Laura , Bartolomucci Alessandro
Published: July 2024

Various approaches exist to quantify the aging process and estimate biological age on an individual level. Frailty indices based on an age-related accumulation of physical deficits have been developed for human use and translated into mouse models. However, declines observed in aging are not limited to physical functioning but also involve social capabilities. The concept of “social frailty” has been recently introduced into human literature, but no index of social frailty exists for laboratory mice yet. To fill this gap, we developed a mouse Social Frailty Index (mSFI) consisting of seven distinct assays designed to quantify social functioning which is relatively simple to execute and is minimally invasive. Application of the mSFI in group-housed male C57BL/6 mice demonstrated a progressively elevated levels of social frailty through the lifespan. Conversely, group-housed females C57BL/6 mice manifested social frailty only at a very old age. Female mice also showed significantly lower mSFI score from 10 months of age onward when compared to males. We also applied the mSFI in male C57BL/6 mice under chronic subordination stress and in chronic isolation, both of which induced larger increases in social frailty compared to age-matched group-housed males. Lastly, we show that the mSFI is enhanced in mouse models that show accelerated biological aging such as progeroid Ercc1−/Δ and Xpg−/− mice of both sexes compared to age matched littermate wild types. In summary, the mSFI represents a novel index to quantify trajectories of biological aging in mice and may help elucidate links between impaired social behavior and the aging process.
Clark Measures on Bounded Symmetric Domains
Authors: Calzi Mattia
Published: July 2024

Given a bounded symmetric domain D, we study (positive) pluriharmonic functions on D and investigate a possible analogue of the family of Clark measures associated with a holomorphic function from D into the unit disc in $$\mathbb {C}$$
C
.
Legume Allergens Pea, Chickpea, Lentil, Lupine and Beyond
Authors: Abu Risha Marua , Rick Eva-Maria , Plum Melanie , Jappe Uta
Published: July 2024

Purpose of the Review

In the last decade, an increasing trend towards a supposedly healthier vegan diet could be observed. However, recently, more cases of allergic reactions to plants and plant-based products such as meat-substitution products, which are often prepared with legumes, were reported. Here, we provide the current knowledge on legume allergen sources and the respective single allergens. We answer the question of which legumes beside the well-known food allergen sources peanut and soybean should be considered for diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

Recent Findings

These “non-priority” legumes, including beans, pea, lentils, chickpea, lupine, cowpea, pigeon pea, and fenugreek, are potentially new important allergen sources, causing mild-to-severe allergic reactions. Severe reactions have been described particularly for peas and lupine. An interesting aspect is the connection between anaphylactic reactions and exercise (food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis), which has only recently been highlighted for legumes such as soybean, lentils and chickpea. Most allergic reactions derive from IgE cross-reactions to homologous proteins, for example between peanut and lupine, which is of particular importance for peanut-allergic individuals ignorant to these cross-reactions.

From our findings we conclude that there is a need for large-scale studies that are geographically distinctive because most studies are case reports, and geographic differences of allergic diseases towards these legumes have already been discovered for well-known “Big 9” allergen sources such as peanut and soybean. Furthermore, the review illustrates the need for a better molecular diagnostic for these emerging non-priority allergen sources to evaluate IgE cross-reactivities to known allergens and identify true allergic reactions.
Finite time stability analysis for fractional stochastic neutral delay differential equations
Authors: Asadzade Javad A. , Mahmudov Nazim I.
Published: July 2024

In this manuscript, we investigate a fractional stochastic neutral differential equation with time delay, which includes both deterministic and stochastic components. Our primary objective is to rigorously prove the existence of a unique solution that satisfies given initial conditions. Furthermore, we extend our research to investigate the finite-time stability of the system by examining trajectory behavior over a given period. We employ advanced mathematical approaches to systematically prove finite-time stability, providing insights on convergence and stability within the stated interval. Using illustrative examples, we strengthen this all-encompassing examination into the complicated dynamics and stability features of fractionally ordered stochastic systems with time delays. The implications of our results extend to various fields, such as control theory, engineering, and financial mathematics, where understanding the stability of complex systems is crucial.
Engineering hyaluronic acid-based nanoassemblies for monoclonal antibody delivery – design, characterization, and biological insights
Authors: López-Estévez Ana M. , Zhang Y. , Medel María , Arriaga Iker , Sanjurjo Lucía , Huck-Iriart Cristian , Abrescia Nicola G. A. , Vicent María J. , Ouyang Defang , Torres Dolores , Alonso María José
Published: July 2024

The current spotlight of cancer therapeutics is shifting towards personalized medicine with the widespread use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Despite their increasing potential, mAbs have an intrinsic limitation related to their inability to cross cell membranes and reach intracellular targets. Nanotechnology offers promising solutions to overcome this limitation, however, formulation challenges remain. These challenges are the limited loading capacity (often insufficient to achieve clinical dosing), the complex formulation methods, and the insufficient characterization of mAb-loaded nanocarriers. Here, we present a new nanocarrier consisting of hyaluronic acid-based nanoassemblies (HANAs) specifically designed to entrap mAbs with a high efficiency and an outstanding loading capacity (50%, w/w). HANAs composed by an mAb, modified HA and phosphatidylcholine (PC) resulted in sizes of ~ 100 nm and neutral surface charge. Computational modeling identified the principal factors governing the high affinity of mAbs with the amphiphilic HA and PC. HANAs composition and structural configuration were analyzed using the orthogonal techniques cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). These techniques provided evidence of the formation of core-shell nanostructures comprising an aqueous core surrounded by a bilayer consisting of phospholipids and amphiphilic HA. In vitro experiments in cancer cell lines and macrophages confirmed HANAs’ low toxicity and ability to transport mAbs to the intracellular space. The reproducibility of this assembling process at industrial-scale batch sizes and the long-term stability was assessed. In conclusion, these results underscore the suitability of HANAs technology to load and deliver biologicals, which holds promise for future clinical translation.
Mindfulness Meditation and the Meaning of Life
Authors: Hanner Oren
Published: July 2024

Throughout the history of philosophy, ethics has often been a source of guidance on how to live a meaningful life. Accordingly, when the ethical foundations of mindfulness are considered, an important question arises concerning the role of meditation in providing meaning. The present article proposes a new theoretical route for understanding the links between mindfulness meditation and meaningfulness by employing the terminology of Susan Wolf’s contemporary philosophical account of a meaningful life. It opens by examining the question of what kinds of life-meanings are made available by Buddhist doctrine, considering the two alternatives of a cosmic, human-independent meaning of life versus the subjective meanings that humans give to their individual lives. After surveying current psychological theories that aim to explain the correlation between mindfulness as a trait and meaning in life, all of which see mindfulness as a mediating factor in the production of meaning, I argue that Wolf’s framework offers a promising theoretical basis for clarifying the relationship between mindfulness and meaning in that it explains why mindfulness has a direct bearing on meaning in life. I then show that mindfulness meditation, as understood in Buddhism, can respond to some of the philosophical worries that arise from Wolf’s theory, specifically her concern with the standards for securing the objective value of meaningful activities and projects. My claim is that mindfulness meditation is representative of a broader class of activities that are non-subjectively valuable insofar as they are required for any exploration of objective meaning or standards of values, as well as for engagement in objectively valuable projects and activities.
Evaluation of Artocarpus heterophyllus seed performance and kinetics in the coagulation–flocculation process for the purification of paint industrial wastewater
Authors: Iloamaeke Ifeoma MaryJane , Obazie Kelvin , Offornze Mmesoma , Ifeaghalu Chiamaka Marysilvia , Aduaka Cecilia , Onyeije Ugomma Chibuzo , Ogu Claudine Ifunanaya , Okonkwo Ngozi Anastasia , Nnaji Nnaemeka
Published: July 2024

The Artocarpus heterophyllus (AH) seed was used as a coagulant in this study to explore the effects of pH, settling time, and coagulant doses on the removal of colour, turbidity, and heavy metals from paint industrial wastewater. The AH coagulant was instrumentally characterized by SEM, FTIR, and XRD. The maximum colour and turbidity removal efficiencies were 94.33% and 99.94% at the dosage of 0.2 g/L, pH 2. The mercury removal efficiency of 99.29% was achieved at the optimal conditions of 0.8 g/L coagulant dosage and pH 8. At a dose of 1.0 g/L and a pH of 10, the highest lead removal efficiency was 99.76%. The best removal efficiency for arsenic was 75.24% at a 0.8 g/L coagulant dosage and pH of 8. All at a time of 50 and 40 min, respectively. XRD diffraction results before treatment depict that the AH coagulant was crystalline and changed to amorphous after treatment. The SEM and FTIR results of the coagulant revealed changes in the surface morphology and functional groups before and after treatment. The reaction kinetics were best modelled in second order.
The mutuality account of parenthood: a subjective approach to parent-child relationships
Authors: Holmes Isabella , McDougall Rosalind
Published: July 2024

Stimulated by development of reproductive technologies, many current bioethical accounts of parenthood focus on defining parenthood at or around birth. They tend to exclude from their scope some parent-child relationships that develop later in a child’s life. In reality, a parent-child relationship can emerge or dissolve over time: the parents of person A as an adolescent or adult may be different to her parents when she is a young child. To address this aspect of parenthood, we propose a new ‘mutuality account’ of parenthood, grounded in the concept of ontological security. We argue that in most cases a parent-child relationship exists if there is mutual ontological security between the parent and child. We suggest that this mutual ontological security is constituted and sustained by shared frameworks of reality and cohesive personal narratives. Our intention is to broaden the conceptual understanding of parenthood, to include parent-child relationships that do not fall neatly into current bioethical accounts, and to argue against the notion that objective physiological, causal, or social ties are necessary to ‘make’ a parent.
Sleep Disturbance Mediates the Associations Between HIV Stigma and Mental and Physical Health Among Black Adults with HIV
Authors: Dong Lu , Bogart Laura M. , Mutchler Matt G. , Klein David J. , Ghosh-Dastidar Madhumita , Lawrence Sean J. , Goggin Kathy , Wagner Glenn J.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Black Americans have been disproportionally affected by the HIV epidemic, and experience significant disparities in sleep health, mental health, and physical health domains. Using longitudinal data from a sample of Black adults with HIV, the current study examined the associations between stigma and mental and physical health outcomes and how sleep disturbance may play a mediating role.

Methods

Data were drawn from a recent randomized controlled trial. Questionnaires were used to examine internalized and anticipated HIV stigma, perceived discrimination (enacted stigma) based on multiple social identities (i.e., HIV-serostatus, race, sexual orientation), sleep disturbance, mental health problems (depressive and posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms), and mental and physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at baseline, 7-month follow-up, and 13-month follow-up assessments. Linear mixed modeling was used to examine main effects of stigma on health outcomes; causal mediation analysis was used to estimate indirect paths through sleep disturbance.

Results

Internalized and anticipated HIV stigma and multiple discrimination were associated with more sleep disturbance, more depressive and PTSD symptoms, and poorer mental and physical HRQOL. Results also indicated significant indirect paths (i.e., mediation) through greater sleep disturbance between HIV-related stigma and discrimination and mental health and health-related quality of life.

Conclusions

Results support that sleep disturbance is a mediating pathway through which different forms of stigmas impact health outcomes. Sleep may be an intervention target to help improve mental and physical well-being and reduce health disparities among racial and ethnic minority people with HIV.
Automated abnormalities detection in mammography using deep learning
Authors: El-Banby Ghada M. , Salem Nourhan S. , Tafweek Eman A. , El-Azziz Essam N. Abd
Published: July 2024

Breast cancer is the second most prevalent cause of cancer death and the most common malignancy among women, posing a life-threatening risk. Treatment for breast cancer can be highly effective, with a survival chance of 90% or higher, especially when the disease is detected early. This paper introduces a groundbreaking deep U-Net framework for mammography breast cancer images to perform automatic detection of abnormalities. The objective is to provide segmented images that show areas of tumors more accurately than other deep learning techniques. The proposed framework consists of three steps. The first step is image preprocessing using the Li algorithm to minimize the cross-entropy between the foreground and the background, contrast enhancement using contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE), normalization, and median filtering. The second step involves data augmentation to mitigate overfitting and underfitting, and the final step is implementing a convolutional encoder-decoder network-based U-Net architecture, characterized by high precision in medical image analysis. The framework has been tested on two comprehensive public datasets, namely INbreast and CBIS-DDSM. Several metrics have been adopted for quantitative performance assessment, including the Dice score, sensitivity, Hausdorff distance, Jaccard coefficient, precision, and F1 score. Quantitative results on the INbreast dataset show an average Dice score of 85.61% and a sensitivity of 81.26%. On the CBIS-DDSM dataset, the average Dice score is 87.98%, and the sensitivity reaches 90.58%. The experimental results ensure earlier and more accurate abnormality detection. Furthermore, the success of the proposed deep learning framework in mammography shows promise for broader applications in medical imaging, potentially revolutionizing various radiological practices.
The Role of House Prices and Transactions in Monetary Policy Transmission: The Case of Italy
Authors: Fiorelli Cristiana , Marzano Elisabetta , Piselli Paolo , Rubinacci Roberta
Published: July 2024

The housing market is a key channel for monetary policy transmission. The literature has focused mainly on cyclical fluctuations in house prices rather than other indicators to account for housing market dynamics, such as residential transactions. This paper investigated the impact of the monetary policy stance on the housing market by considering residential transactions (together with house prices). First, we estimated a structural vector autoregressive (VAR) model for Italy from 1999Q1 to 2019Q4 using Cholesky structural identification. Second, we used an external instrument to identify the contemporaneous response of all endogenous variables to the shock of interest (Proxy-VAR). Our results indicate that transactions are more significantly reactive than house prices to a restrictive monetary policy shock. After a policy rate increases, the sudden stop in exchange volumes and the low degree of liquidity perceived in the housing market can contribute to shaping the housing wealth effect captured by prices. The results are supported by a robustness analysis based on local projections. Therefore, policy-makers should consider the role of residential transactions in evaluating the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission.
Trunk-Inspired SWCNT-Based Wrinkled Films for Highly-Stretchable Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Wearable Thermotherapy
Authors: Gong Xiaofeng , Hu Tianjiao , Zhang You , Zeng Yanan , Zhang Ye , Jiang Zhenhua , Tan Yinlong , Zou Yanhong , Wang Jing , Dai Jiayu , Chu Zengyong
Published: July 2024

Nowadays, the increasing electromagnetic waves generated by wearable devices are becoming an emerging issue for human health, so stretchable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are highly demanded. Elephant trunks are capable of grabbing fragile vegetation and tearing trees thanks not only to their muscles but also to their folded skins. Inspired by the wrinkled skin of the elephant trunks, herein, we propose a winkled conductive film based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) for multifunctional EMI applications. The conductive film has a sandwich structure, which was prepared by coating SWCNTs on both sides of the stretched elastic latex cylindrical substrate. The shrinking-induced winkled conductive network could withstand up to 200% tensile strain. Typically, when the stretching direction is parallel to the polarization direction of the electric field, the total EMI shielding effectiveness could surprisingly increase from 38.4 to 52.7 dB at 200% tensile strain. It is mainly contributed by the increased connection of the SWCNTs. In addition, the film also has good Joule heating performance at several voltages, capable of releasing pains in injured joints. This unique property makes it possible for strain-adjustable multifunctional EMI shielding and wearable thermotherapy applications.
Place, Memory, and the Landscape of Finnish Civil War Reconciliation
Authors: Ylimaunu Timo , Mullins Paul R. , Aalto Sirpa
Published: July 2024

An important dimension of the newly independent Finland national narrative was constructed with the deeper historical knowledge of the civil-war monuments erected after independence in 1917. Finnish historical memory struggled to accommodate its horrific 1918 civil war in the new national heritage. The state rejected public monuments to the civil war’s vanquished “Reds”––the lost, socialist side of the war––but survivors, allies, and families of Reds fabricated a memorial landscape at the many mass graves, execution sites, and prison camps scattered throughout the country. This article examines the ways the Reds negotiated state historical narratives through the establishment of a monumental landscape that was forced to be outside urban spaces and created dissonances and counter-memories of the civil war and a measure of reconciliation between former combatants.
“They just forget about the students”: Growing resilient urban farmers with a research practice partnership
Authors: Sager Marc T. , Petrosino Anthony J.
Published: July 2024

A sustainable transdisciplinary research network was established through a research practice partnership (RPP) between an urban farm, faculty and staff from a Historically Black College (HBC), and researchers at a medium-sized private university. We investigate student-worker resilience at this urban farm situated on the HBC campus, drawing on literature that explores tensions between informal learning environments and formal spaces, equitable food systems and farming systems, as well as the resilience of farm work, and which is grounded critical food systems education theory. Utilizing a participatory design approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews and deductively analyzed the data. The research questions guiding this paper are: (1) What topics of discussion are most important to the student-workers and staff working on an urban farm, (2) How do student-workers and college staff members perceive and experience resilience on an urban farm? We found that what participants on an urban farm discuss, relating to their experiences, include (1) how participants were eager to engage with the local community, (2) how participants demonstrated resilience while working on the urban farm, (3) how power dynamics played a pivotal role informing the direction of the urban farm, (4) how participants consider community access to healthy foods an important mission for the farm, (5) how the college acted as a power wielding entity, perpetuating its privilege over the farmers and the farm operations. These findings have the potential to enable community organizing spaces to promote resilience for their volunteers and workers, and for urban farms top partner with their community to promote the mission of increasing access to healthy and affordable food options.