bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscale spatiotemporal variability of fecal indicator bacteria and associated particle size distributions in the sandy bottom sediments of a Pennsylvania creek
Authors: Pachepsky Yakov , Harriger M. D. , Panko Graff Christina , Wyatt‐Brown Lauren , Stocker Matthew Daniel , Smith Jaclyn Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

Concentrations of the fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) Escherichia coli and enterococci are used to assess microbial impairment in irrigation and recreation water sources. Although the FIB concentrations’ variability at large temporal scales, such as seasons, and large spatial scales encompassing different land use has been studied, the knowledge about smaller scale variability remains sparse. This work aimed to research the small‐scale variability of E. coli and enterococci in a montane creek with sandy bottom sediments. Sediment samples were collected weekly for a year in triplicate at sampling sites in a forested headwater, an agricultural area, and a mixed urban‐agricultural area. The average weekly change in concentrations was from two times at the forested site to five times at the urban‐agricultural site. Mean relative deviations from averages across sampling locations increased from −25% at the forested site to 45% at the urban‐agricultural site. This trend was also observed separately over the cold and warm seasons. Over a week without precipitation, E. coli concentrations decreased on average by 20% in warm period and by 45% in cold period; the enterococci concentration declined by 12% in both cold and warm periods. The sediment particle size distributions were significantly different among the three sites and between the cold and warm seasons. Rankings of sediment fine mass fractions and FIB concentrations were positively correlated at two of three sampling sites in more than 70% of observation dates. The results of this work indicate the need to evaluate the uncertainty of sediment FIB concentrations before designing sediment FIB monitoring quality.
Patient decisions regarding cancer gene panel testing: An exploratory study
Authors: Emmet Margaret M. , Chang Yuchiao , Chung Daniel C. , Caruso Alyson R. , Shannon Kristen M.
Published: November 2023

This study examined factors associated with the selection of a specific multi‐gene panel test by patients in a cancer genetic counseling clinic. We surveyed patients who received pre‐test genetic counseling at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Risk Assessment (CCRA) in 2019 and their genetic counselors to assess demographic and clinical characteristics, patient concerns, and session outcome. Ultimately, 228 eligible participants completed the survey, of whom 85.1% consented to genetic testing. Of those who chose testing, 56.2% selected the largest panel type available, a pan‐cancer panel that included both actionable and inactionable genes. White patients were more likely than non‐white patients to pursue testing. Among testers, number of testing options offered, participant educational attainment, age, and NCCN Guidelines status were associated with patient choice between four panel options. Some patient concerns, including impact of results on future cancer screening and family dynamics, were also linked to test choice. Several other participant characteristics including income, cancer diagnosis, and family structure did not appear to be predictive of testing choice. Our results confirmed the patient preference for large gene panels and identified a limited number of associations between patient characteristics and concerns and testing choice. We noted however that a significant number of participants did not choose the most commonly selected test, and that test choice is difficult to predict based on clinical and demographic factors. Our results also provide further evidence of well‐documented disparities in cancer genetic testing. Study limitations do not allow our findings to be generalized to all cancer genetic counseling patients. Further research is needed to examine how and why patients choose between multiple genetic test options in the cancer setting. This study was one of the first to examine patient choice between a full spectrum of multi‐gene panel options.
Long‐term clinical and socioeconomic outcomes of children with biliary atresia
Authors: Sadiq Javaid , Lloyd Carla , Hodson James , Trapero Marugan Maria , Ferguson James , Sharif Khalid , Mirza Darius F , Hirschfield Gideon , Kelly Deirdre
Published: November 2023

Background

Biliary atresia (BA) is rare liver disease of unknown etiology, and is a major indication for liver transplant (LT). Previous data indicate improved outcomes with early referral for Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE).

Objective

Evaluate the long‐term outcomes in BA, with particular focus on those transitioned to adult care with native livers.

Subjects and Methods

Patients with BA treated between1980 and 2012 were identified. Data were collected from the time of referral, transition to adult care, and the most recent clinic notes, from which patient and native liver survival were calculated.

Results

Four hundred and fifty‐four patients with BA were identified, who were followed up for median of 16.4 years from birth; 74 died (41 of whom had a LT), giving a 20‐year survival rate of 83.6%. Two hundred and seventy‐two patients received an LT, with the median native liver survival being 35 months. Of patients who transitioned to adult care, 54 of 180 (30.0%) retained their native liver. Of these, 72% (39 of 54) had evidence of chronic liver disease at transition, of whom 8 were subsequently lost to follow‐up, 9 were transplanted, and 22 remained stable with compensated liver disease. Of the 15 of 54 patients (28%) with no evidence of chronic disease in their native liver disease at transition, 3 were subsequently lost to follow‐up; none received transplants, although 3 patients developed new‐onset liver disease. All patients transitioned to adult care completed secondary school education (N = 180), with 49% having attended college/university and 87% being in employment or education at the last follow‐up. Of female patients, 34% had at least one pregnancy (27 children in 21 women), while 22% of males had fathered a child.

Conclusion

Long‐term outcomes in BA are good, with patients surviving into adult life. Progression of chronic liver disease and associated morbidity is common in those who retained their native livers, suggesting that these patients require monitoring of liver disease throughout adult life, and early recognition of the need for LT.
Diagnostic radiographers' perceptions of professional identity in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Mtombeni Keleabetswe , Hazell Lynne , Mokoena Louisa
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The study explored and described the professional identity of diagnostic radiographers in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

Methods

The methodology employed for the study was qualitative, exploratory and descriptive design. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with thirteen diagnostic radiographers from private, public practices and individually owned practices. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted, and the responses underwent thematic analysis and used Braun and Clarke's six steps for analysing qualitative data.

Results

The thematic analysis revealed three themes and six categories. The three themes identified were: perceptions of identity, environment influences and organisational institutions.

Conclusion

This study provided an insight into the current perspectives of the professional identity of diagnostic radiographers in Johannesburg, South Africa, which reflected a positive professional identity. The three themes identified could inform guidelines for education in diagnostic radiographers' professional identity in the future.
Ionization behaviors of nitrotoluenes and dinitrotoluenes by reactions with acetone‐related reactant ion
Authors: Choi He‐Ryun , Choi Sung‐Seen
Published: November 2023

Dinitrotoluenes (DNTs) and nitrotoluenes (NTs) are found in the environment as metabolites of trinitrotoluene (TNT). When acetone is used as the solvent/eluent in atmospheric pressure chemical ionization‐mass spectrometry (APCI‐MS), the reactant ion is [2Acetone + O2]•− for the negative ion mode. The reactant ion reacts with an analyte to produce M•− and/or [M – H]− under atmospheric pressure. In this study, ionization behaviors of NT (2‐, 3‐, and 4‐NTs) and DNT isomers (2,3‐, 2,4‐, and 2,6‐DNTs) by reactions with [2Acetone + O2]•− were investigated. The energy‐minimized structures of the product ions and their energies were calculated to explain the differences in the ionization behaviors. Typical NT‐ and DNT‐related ions were produced by reactions with [2Acetone + O2]•−; NT•−, [NT – H]−, DNT•−, [DNT – H]−, and [DNT – NO]− ions. The ionization efficiencies of NT‐ and DNT‐related ions increased by increasing the source fragmentor voltage, and those of DNT‐related ions were higher than those of the NT‐related ions owing to the presence of an additional nitro group. The ionization efficiency of 3‐NT•− was higher than that of [NT – H]−, while that of [DNT – H]− was higher than those of DNT•− and [DNT – NO]−. The ionization efficiency order of NT•− was 3‐NT > 4‐NT > 2‐NT, while that of [DNT – H]− was 2,4‐DNT > 2,6‐DNT > 2,3‐DNT. The [NT – H]− and [DNT – H]− ions were stabilized by resonance structures containing nitro groups. The [DNT – NO]− ions were formed through the transition state.
Solid‐state 35/37Cl NMR detection of chlorine atoms directly bound to paramagnetic cobalt(II) ions in powder samples
Authors: Bauder Lukas , Wu Gang
Published: November 2023

We report high‐quality solid‐state 35/37Cl NMR spectra for chlorine atoms directly bonded to paramagnetic cobalt(II) ions (high spin S = 3/2) in powered samples of CoCl2, CoCl2·2H2O, CoCl2·6H2O, and CoCl2(terpy) (terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine). Because solid‐state 35/37Cl NMR spectra for paramagnetic cobalt(II) compounds often cover an extremely wide spectral range, they were recorded in this work in the form of variable‐offset cumulative spectra. Solid‐state 35/37Cl NMR measurements were performed at three magnetic fields (11.7, 14.1, and 16.5 T) and analysis of data yielded information about 35/37Cl quadrupole coupling and hyperfine coupling tensors in these paramagnetic cobalt(II) compounds. Experimental 35/37Cl NMR tensors were found to be in reasonable agreement with quantum chemical calculations based on a periodic DFT method implemented in BAND.
Children's Oncology Group's 2023 blueprint for research: Surgery
Authors: Gow Kenneth W. , Lautz Timothy B. , Malek Marcus M. , Cost Nicholas G. , Newman Erika A. , Dasgupta Roshni , Christison‐Lagay Emily R. , Tiao Gregory M. , Davidoff Andrew M. ,   the COG Surgery Discipline Committee
Published: November 2023

Surgery plays a crucial role in the treatment of children with solid malignancies. A well‐conducted operation is often essential for cure. Collaboration with the primary care team is important for determining if and when surgery should be performed, and if performed, an operation must be done in accordance with well‐established standards. The long‐term consequences of surgery also need to be considered. Indications and objectives for a procedure vary. Providing education and developing and analyzing new research protocols that include aims relevant to surgery are key objectives of the Surgery Discipline of the Children's Oncology Group. The critical evaluation of emerging technologies to ensure safe, effective procedures is another key objective. Through research, education, and advancing technologies, the role of the pediatric surgeon in the multidisciplinary care of children with solid malignancies will continue to evolve.
Study of overflow effects on flow‐induced stress in injection molding
Authors: Lu Zhili , Ma Ruixue , Ma Jialu , Cao Wei , Huang Qingwei , Zhang Shixun , Shen Changyu
Published: November 2023

Overflow is usually used to keep fluid continuously flowing to avoid the fluid from changing flow direction and subsequently inducing large stresses. To explore the mechanism of flow‐induced stress evolution, a flow model was established in terms of compressible, non‐isothermal, and viscoelastic flow. Based on the Leonov model and the mid‐plane approach, a pseudo‐Poisson type equation for pressure was derived to decouple the interdependence between velocity and pressure. To improve computational efficiency, a numerical approach involving double iterations was proposed to solve the flow problem. Two kinds of mold cavities, with and without overflow, were designed and manufactured. Molding experiments were conducted, and corresponding simulations based on the proposed model and algorithm were performed. The results show that the simulated contours of flow‐induced stress are in good agreement with the photoelastic streaks. The use of overflow can significantly reduce flow‐induced stresses. If the slot thickness is set to a proper value, the flow‐induced stress can be reduced by more than 80%. On the other hand, a slot that is too thick does not have significant reducing effects. Therefore, using overflow to reduce flow‐induced stresses during transparent part production is a promising approach if the material cost is worthy of the quality.

Highlights

A double iteration method is proposed for viscoelastic flow problem.

Overflow can reduce the stress as much as 80% if the dimension is properly set.

The simulated stress streaks are in good agreement with photoelasticities.
A comparison of energy expenditure and perceived exertion between standard axillary crutches, knee scooters, and a hands‐free crutch
Authors: Canter Dillon J. , Canter Daniel J. , Reidy Paul T. , Finucan Timothy P. , Timmerman Kyle L.
Published: November 2023

Background

Ambulation using standard axillary crutches (SACs) is associated with increased energy expenditure (EE) and decreased ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Using a hands‐free crutch (HFC) displays potential for easier completion of ADLs and reduction in energy requirements.

Objectives

To determine if a HFC elicits lower EE and heart rate (HR), improvement in performance of ADLs, and decreased rating of perceived exertion (RPE) compared to common ambulatory devices.

Design

A randomized crossover‐controlled trial.

Setting

University community.

Participants

Twenty healthy college students.

Main Outcome Measures

Participants completed a 6‐minute walk test at 50 m/min, an ADLs course, and a two‐flight stair climb with SACs, HFC, knee scooter (KS), and unassisted ambulation (UA). The order of trial conditions was randomized. EE, HR, time to complete ADLs course and stair climb, and RPE during each condition were obtained. One‐way analyses of variance were performed to compare EE, HR response, and RPE between the assistive devices and UA.

Results

In all outcomes UA resulted in lower EE, HR, and RPE compared to all the assistive devices (p < .05). For the ADLs course, EE was the same for the three assistive devices, whereas HR was significantly lower for HFC compared to SACs and KS (p < .05). RPE for HFC and KS was lower than SACs (p < .05). For the 6MWT, each device significantly differed from the other devices for EE, HR, and RPE, with KS eliciting the lowest values, followed by HFC. For the stair climbing task, HFC elicited lower EE, HR, and RPE than SACs. Fourteen participants indicated their overall preference for HFCs.

Conclusions

In individuals prescribed weight‐bearing restrictions, using a HFC may offer an easier and more preferred alternative to more commonly used SACs during ambulation, stair climbing, and other ADLs.
The lived experiences of hematology healthcare providers during and beyond the COVID‐19 crisis: A qualitative study
Authors: Zomerdijk Nienke , Jongenelis Michelle I. , Collins Ben , Short Camille E. , Huntley Kathryn , Smith Andrew , Turner Jane
Published: November 2023

Objective

Amid the COVID‐19 pandemic, healthcare providers (HCPs) of hematology patients face unique challenges due to the vulnerability of their patients. This study explores the lived experiences of these providers during and beyond the crisis.

Methods

Twenty‐one Australian HCPs caring for hematology patients completed semi‐structured interviews exploring their experiences and needs during the COVID‐19 pandemic, adequacy of support and information provided by healthcare organizations, impact on hematology patients, and the benefits and challenges of telehealth care. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were identified: (1) Managing an initial state of flux (unsettling uncertainty and fear, unique needs of hematology patients, getting on with the job together); (2) Concerns about care provision (questioning care efficacy, burden of compassion); (3) Disconnect between HCP needs and system‐level responses (burnout, isolation, and poor work‐life balance, broadcast fatigue, protecting mental health), and; (4) Reflecting on the future (ongoing challenges for hematology patients, higher staff turnover and heavier workloads, innovation in the healthcare field).

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the challenges that hematology HCPs face during and beyond the COVID‐19 crisis, impacting their wellbeing. Addressing these challenges is paramount for the healthcare system at large. Provider‐led peer support programs may be beneficial for addressing moral distress and building resilience. Additionally, specific consideration for the ongoing vulnerability of hematology patients could have positive impacts on providers' professional satisfaction.
Community analysis of large‐scale molecular dynamics simulations elucidated dynamics‐driven allostery in tyrosine kinase 2
Authors: Lesgidou Nastazia , Vlassi Metaxia
Published: November 2023

TYK2 is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, member of the Janus kinases (JAK), with a central role in several diseases, including cancer. The JAKs' catalytic domains (KD) are highly conserved, yet the isolated TYK2‐KD exhibits unique specificities. In a previous work, using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a catalytically impaired TYK2‐KD variant (P1104A) we found that this amino acid change of its JAK‐characteristic insert (αFG), acts at the dynamics level. Given that structural dynamics is key to the allosteric activation of protein kinases, in this study we applied a long‐scale MD simulation and investigated an active TYK2‐KD form in the presence of adenosine 5′‐triphosphate and one magnesium ion that represents a dynamic and crucial step of the catalytic cycle, in other protein kinases. Community analysis of the MD trajectory shed light, for the first time, on the dynamic profile and dynamics‐driven allosteric communications within the TYK2‐KD during activation and revealed that αFG and amino acids P1104, P1105, and I1112 in particular, hold a pivotal role and act synergistically with a dynamically coupled communication network of amino acids serving intra‐KD signaling for allosteric regulation of TYK2 activity. Corroborating our findings, most of the identified amino acids are associated with cancer‐related missense/splice‐site mutations of the Tyk2 gene. We propose that the conformational dynamics at this step of the catalytic cycle, coordinated by αFG, underlie TYK2‐unique substrate recognition and account for its distinct specificity. In total, this work adds to knowledge towards an in‐depth understanding of TYK2 activation and may be valuable towards a rational design of allosteric TYK2‐specific inhibitors.
A tutorial for model‐based evaluation and translation of cardiovascular safety in preclinical trials
Authors: Kulesh Victoria , Vasyutin Igor , Volkova Alina , Peskov Kirill , Kimko Holly , Sokolov Victor , Alluri Ravindra
Published: November 2023

Assessment of drug‐induced effects on the cardiovascular (CV) system remains a critical component of the drug discovery process enabling refinement of the therapeutic index. Predicting potential drug‐related unintended CV effects in the preclinical stage is necessary for first‐in‐human dose selection and preclusion of adverse CV effects in the clinical stage. According to the current guidelines for small molecules, nonclinical CV safety assessment conducted via telemetry analyses should be included in the safety pharmacology core battery studies. However, the manual for quantitative evaluation of the CV safety signals in animals is available only for electrocardiogram parameters (i.e., QT interval assessment), not for hemodynamic parameters (i.e., heart rate, blood pressure, etc.). Various model‐based approaches, including empirical pharmacokinetic‐toxicodynamic analyses and systems pharmacology modeling could be used in the framework of telemetry data evaluation. In this tutorial, we provide a comprehensive workflow for the analysis of nonclinical CV safety on hemodynamic parameters with a sequential approach, highlight the challenges associated with the data, and propose respective solutions, complemented with a reproducible example. The work is aimed at helping researchers conduct model‐based analyses of the CV safety in animals with subsequent translation of the effect to humans seamlessly and efficiently.
3D Printed Magneto‐Active Microfiber Scaffolds for Remote Stimulation and Guided Organization of 3D In Vitro Skeletal Muscle Models
Authors: Cedillo‐Servin Gerardo , Dahri Ouafa , Meneses João , van Duijn Joost , Moon Harrison , Sage Fanny , Silva Joana , Pereira André , Magalhães Fernão D. , Malda Jos , Geijsen Niels , Pinto Artur M. , Castilho Miguel
Published: November 2023

This work reports the rational design and fabrication of magneto‐active microfiber meshes with controlled hexagonal microstructures via melt electrowriting (MEW) of a magnetized polycaprolactone‐based composite. In situ iron oxide nanoparticle deposition on oxidized graphene yields homogeneously dispersed magnetic particles with sizes above 0.5 µm and low aspect ratio, preventing cellular internalization and toxicity. With these fillers, homogeneous magnetic composites with high magnetic content (up to 20 weight %) are obtained and processed in a solvent‐free manner for the first time. MEW of magnetic composites enabled the creation of skeletal muscle‐inspired design of hexagonal scaffolds with tunable fiber diameter, reconfigurable modularity, and zonal distribution of magneto‐active and nonactive material, with elastic tensile deformability. External magnetic fields below 300 mT are sufficient to trigger out‐of‐plane reversible deformation. In vitro culture of C2C12 myoblasts on three‐dimensional (3D) Matrigel/collagen/MEW scaffolds showed that microfibers guided the formation of 3D myotube architectures, and the presence of magnetic particles does not significantly affect viability or differentiation rates after 8 days. Centimeter‐sized skeletal muscle constructs allowed for reversible, continued, and dynamic magneto‐mechanical stimulation. Overall, these innovative microfiber scaffolds provide magnetically deformable platforms suitable for dynamic culture of skeletal muscle, offering potential for in vitro disease modeling.
Multicriteria decision‐making–based framework for implementing DevOps practices: A fuzzy best–worst approach
Authors: Kumar Ankur , Nadeem Mohammad , Shameem Mohammad
Published: November 2023

Increasingly, software organizations are implementing DevOps culture to benefit from it in terms of continuous testing, delivery, improvement, and so forth. Implementing DevOps is difficult due to a lack of understanding about the practices and their effective application for its effective implementation. This paper aims to explore different DevOps practices that can be implemented in software organizations. The study involves conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify DevOps implementation practices, followed by the utilization of the fuzzy best–worst method (FBWM) to establish a taxonomy or classification of software practices. We have used an SLR to investigate the practices, and subsequently, the survey method was followed to validate the identified practices. Moreover, the best–worst method (BWM) was considered to evaluate the significance and develop the taxonomy of the practices. The results of this study extracted 19 practices that have been identified in the SLR process. The identified factors are further classified into six core DevOps lifecycle phases. The results of the BWM approach are shown. The outcomes of the study conclude that the proposed taxonomy of the practices could help DevOps practitioners and researchers effectively implement them in software development organizations.
SoliTester: Detecting exploitable external‐risky vulnerability in smart contracts using contract account triggering method
Authors: Hu Tianyuan , Li Jingyue , Xu Xiangfei , Li Bixin
Published: November 2023

The vulnerability in smart contracts (SCs) on the blockchain system may lead to severe security compromises. The SC can be invoked from an externally owned account (EOA) or a contract account (CA). The account a user creates to receive or send ether is an EOA. A CA contains codes that can interact with SCs. In Solidity SC, some vulnerabilities can only be exploited by the interactions between CAs and vulnerable SCs, which can be named external‐risky vulnerabilities. Most state‐of‐the‐art (SOTA) detectors detect external‐risky vulnerabilities by executing contract codes as an EOA user, thus reporting many unexploitable vulnerabilities. Therefore, we propose a CA‐triggering method to identify exploitable external‐risky vulnerabilities in Solidity SCs. We first designed agent contracts to simulate CAs' interactions with the target SCs in the real blockchain environment. We then detect vulnerability exploitation by analyzing transaction logs between agent contracts and target SCs and identifying successful exploits. We implemented the CA‐triggering method in a tool named SoliTester and evaluated it using three benchmark datasets, which contain three types of external‐risky vulnerabilities, namely, Reentancy (RE), Unchecked Call (UcC), and TxOrigin (TO). The results show that SoliTester can efficiently detect exploitable external‐risky vulnerabilities with significantly better precisions and recalls than SOTA detectors.
Consent and Reproductive Coercion
Authors: Featherstone Lisa , Byrnes Cassandra , Maturi Jenny , Minto Kiara , Mickelburgh Renée , Donaghy Paige
Published: November 2023

This chapter maps a recent history of reproductive coercion and abuse in Australia centred on intimate partner relationships and familial relationships in the mid-to-late-twentieth century. Reproductive coercion and abuse are currently understood as the interference in another person’s reproductive choices—forced termination of pregnancy, forced continuation of pregnancy, prohibiting contraceptive use, or imposing contraceptive use. This particular violation of consent in intimate partner and familial relationships has been documented as an extension of sexual violence under certain circumstances. Thus far, few scholarly works have focused on understanding the pervasiveness of this phenomenon in decades past. In heterosexual intimate partner relationships, manipulation, promises of marriage and love, and physical and sexual violence were used to enact reproductive coercion and abuse in quite explicit ways. When considering parents’ role in making reproductive choices for their children, financial incentives, homelessness, and emotional manipulation were most frequently used. In the same ways that experiences of rape and sexual abuse hinge on notions of consent and bodily autonomy, reproductive coercion is a form of sexual and medical violence that violates an individual’s right to make informed choices. Examining its history allows us to see how reproductive coercion and abuse are often coupled with other instances of sexual violence, and it facilitates a broader understanding of the ways in which autonomy and coercion operate in relationships.
Adding fluxes to consistent truncations: IIB supergravity on AdS3 × S3 × S3 × S1
Authors: Eloy Camille , Galli Michele , Malek Emanuel
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We use E8(8) Exceptional Field Theory to construct the consistent truncation of IIB supergravity on S3× S3× S1 to maximal 3-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 16 gauged supergravity containing the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (4, 4) AdS3 vacuum. We explain how to achieve this by adding a 7-form flux to the S1 reduction of the dyonic E7(7) truncation on S3× S3 previously constructed in the literature. Our truncation Ansatz includes, in addition to the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (4, 4) vacuum, a host of moduli breaking some or all of the supersymmetries. We explicitly construct the uplift of a subset of these to construct new supersymmetric and non-supersymmetric AdS3 vacua of IIB string theory, which include a range of perturbatively stable non-supersymmetric 10-d vacua. Moreover, we show how the supersymmetric direction of the moduli space of AdS3 vacua of six-dimensional gauged supergravity studied in [1] is compactified upon lifting to 10 dimensions, and find evidence of T-duality playing a role in global aspects of the moduli space. Along the way, we also derive the form of 3-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 16 gauged supergravity in terms of the embedding tensor and rule out a 10-/11-dimensional origin of some 3-dimensional gauged supergravities.
Global structures from the infrared
Authors: Del Zotto Michele , García Etxebarria Iñaki
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Quantum field theories with identical local dynamics can admit different choices of global structure, leading to different partition functions and spectra of extended operators. Such choices can be reformulated in terms of a topological field theory in one dimension higher, the symmetry TFT. In this paper we show that this TFT can be reconstructed from a careful analysis of the infrared Coulomb-like phases. In particular, the TFT matches between the UV and the IR. This provides a purely field theoretical counterpart of several recent results obtained via geometric engineering in various string/M/F theory setups for theories in four and five dimensions that we confirm and extend.
Embedding formalism for $$ \mathcal{N} $$-extended AdS superspace in four dimensions
Authors: Koning Nowar E. , Kuzenko Sergei M. , Raptakis Emmanouil S. N.
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The supertwistor and bi-supertwistor formulations for $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
-extended anti-de Sitter (AdS) superspace in four dimensions, $$ Ad{S}^{4\mid 4\mathcal{N}} $$
Ad

S

4
∣
4
N

, were derived two years ago in [1]. In the present paper, we introduce a novel realisation of the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
-extended AdS supergroup OSp($$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
|4; ℝ) and apply it to develop a coset construction for $$ {\textrm{AdS}}^{4\mid 4\mathcal{N}} $$

AdS

4
∣
4
N

and the corresponding differential geometry. This realisation naturally leads to an atlas on $$ {\textrm{AdS}}^{4\mid 4\mathcal{N}} $$

AdS

4
∣
4
N

(that is a generalisation of the stereographic projection for a sphere) that consists of two charts with chiral transition functions for $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
> 0. A manifestly OSp($$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
|4; ℝ) invariant model for a superparticle in $$ {\textrm{AdS}}^{4\mid 4\mathcal{N}} $$

AdS

4
∣
4
N

is proposed. Additionally, by employing a conformal superspace approach, we describe the most general conformally flat $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
-extended supergeometry. This construction is then specialised to the case of $$ {\textrm{AdS}}^{4\mid 4\mathcal{N}} $$

AdS

4
∣
4
N

.
Optimising the mechanical properties of additive-manufactured recycled polylactic acid (rPLA) using single and multi-response analyses methods
Authors: Gebrehiwot Silas Z. , Espinosa-Leal Leonardo , Linderbäck Paula , Remes Heikki
Published: November 2023

Taguchi’s design of experiment (DoE) and the grey relational analysis are used to optimise fused filament fabrication (FFF) parameters for the tensile strength and modulus of toughness (MoT) responses of a recycled polylactic acid (Reform-rPLA). The paper investigates the influences of the infill geometry, infill density, infill orientation, nozzle temperature and infill speed on the mechanical properties using the $${L}_{18}$$

L
18

orthogonal array that is based on the $${2}^{1}\times {4}^{3}$$

2

1

×

4

3

factor levels and 3 experimental repetitions. The output responses are first studied individually and combined as a multi-response optimisation using the grey relational analysis method. In the strength optimisation, the infill orientation and infill density are statistically significant with P-values $$\alpha$$
α
less than the 0.05 criterion. Similarly, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the MoT showed that infill orientation and infill geometry are statistically significant. For the multi-response optimisation, only the infill orientation is statistically significant. The mean response analyses identified factor levels that led to optimum strength and MoT responses. The confirmation tests are in good agreement with the response predictions. Using the first three influential factors, multiple variable linear regression models were developed. The predictive models showed average errors of $$7.91\%$$

7.91
%

for the tensile strength and $$8.6\%$$

8.6
%

for the MoT.
Early weight measures and long-term neuropsychological outcome of critically ill neonates and infants: a secondary analysis of the PEPaNIC trial
Authors: Dijkhuizen E. I. , Dulfer K. , de Munck S. , van Haren N. E. M. , de Jonge R. C. J. , Vanhorebeek I. , Wouters P. J. , Van den Berghe G. , Verbruggen S. C. A. T. , Joosten K. F. M.
Published: November 2023

Neonates and infants surviving critical illness show impaired growth during critical illness and are at risk for later neuropsychological impairments. Early identification of individuals most at risk is needed to provide tailored long-term follow-up and care. The research question is whether early growth during hospitalization is associated with growth and neuropsychological outcomes in neonates and infants after pediatric intensive care unit admission (PICU). This is a secondary analysis of the PEPaNIC trial. Weight measurements upon PICU admission, at PICU discharge, at hospital discharge, at 2- and 4-year follow-up, and of different subgroups were compared using (paired) t-tests. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between early growth in weight measures and neuropsychological outcomes at 4-year follow-up. One hundred twenty-one infants were included, and median age upon admission was 21 days. Growth in weight per week was less than the age-appropriate norm, resulting in a decrease in weight-for-age Z-score during hospitalization. Weight is normalized at 2- and 4-year follow-up. Weight gain in kilograms per week and change in weight Z-score were not associated with neurodevelopmental outcome measures at 4-year follow-up. Lower weight-for-age Z-score at PICU admission and at hospital discharge was associated only with lower weight and height Z-scores at 4-year follow-up.

Conclusion: Growth in weight during hospital stay of young survivors of critical illness is impaired. Worse early growth in weight is associated with lower weight and height but not with neuropsychological outcomes at 4-year follow-up.

What is Known:• Critically ill neonates and infants show impaired early growth during admission and are at risk for later neuropsychological impairments.• Unraveling the association between early growth and later neuropsychological impairments is crucial since the first year of life is critical for brain development.

What is New:• Critically ill neonates and infants had age appropriate weight measures at 4-year follow-up.• Poor growth in weight during hospital stay was not associated with poorer cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning four years after critical illness.
Endoscope-enhanced fluorescence-guided microsurgery increases survival in patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Bettag Christoph , Schatlo Bawarjan , Abboud Tammam , Behme Daniel , Bock Christoph , von der Brelie Christian , Rohde Veit , Mielke Dorothee
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Extent of resection (EOR) predicts progression-free survival (PFS) and may impact overall survival (OS) in patients with glioblastoma. We recently demonstrated that 5-aminolevulinic acid-(5-ALA)-fluorescence-enhanced endoscopic surgery increase the rate of gross total resection. However, it is hitherto unknown whether fluorescence-enhanced endoscopic resection affects survival.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective single-center analysis of a consecutive series of patients who underwent surgery for non-eloquently located glioblastoma between 2011 and 2018. All patients underwent fluorescence-guided microscopic or fluorescence-guided combined microscopic and endoscopic resection. PFS, OS, EOR as well as clinical and demographic parameters, adjuvant treatment modalities, and molecular characteristics were compared between microscopy-only vs. endoscopy-assisted microsurgical resection.

Results

Out of 114 patients, 73 (65%) were male, and 57 (50%) were older than 65 years. Twenty patients (18%) were operated on using additional endoscopic assistance. Both cohorts were equally distributed in terms of age, performance status, lesion location, adjuvant treatment modalities, and molecular status. Gross total resection was achieved in all endoscopy-assisted patients compared to about three-quarters of microscope-only patients (100% vs. 75.9%, p=0.003). The PFS in the endoscope-assisted cohort was 19.3 months (CI95% 10.8–27.7) vs. 10.8 months (CI95% 8.2–13.4; p=0.012) in the microscope-only cohort. OS in the endoscope-assisted group was 28.9 months (CI95% 20.4–34.1) compared to 16.8 months (CI95% 14.0–20.9), in the microscope-only group (p=0.001).

Conclusion

Endoscope-assisted fluorescence-guided resection of glioblastoma appears to substantially enhance gross total resection and OS. The strong effect size observed herein is contrasted by the limitations in study design. Therefore, prospective validation is required before we can generalize our findings.
RAO-based translation process for estimating extreme value distribution of nonlinear ship response in irregular waves
Authors: Matsui Sadaoki , Oka Masayoshi
Published: November 2023

The authors propose a new method named the RAO-based Translation Process (RTP) method for simply estimating the extreme value distribution of the nonlinear ship response in irregular waves based on the nonlinear response in regular waves. The proposed method combines the existing idea of the Nonlinear Correction (NLC) method, which is based on wave height-dependent RAO, with the theory of the translation process, and thus has both simplicity and a clear theoretical background. Furthermore, it is positioned as an extension of the Equivalent Design Wave (EDW) method used in conventional ship structural design. The validity of the proposed method is confirmed through a numerical study on the extreme value distribution of hull-girder sectional forces considering body nonlinear effects. The proposed method can be used for various purposes, and in particular, it can reduce the computational demand for strength evaluation by Direct Load and Structure Analysis (DLSA), which is a computationally extensive analysis method. Therefore, the proposed method is expected to make a significant contribution to structural design.
Why has farming in Europe changed? A farmers’ perspective on the development since the 1960s
Authors: Mohr Franziska , Diogo Vasco , Helfenstein Julian , Debonne Niels , Dimopoulos Thymios , Dramstad Wenche , García-Martín Maria , Hernik Józef , Herzog Felix , Kizos Thanasis , Lausch Angela , Lehmann Livia , Levers Christian , Pazur Robert , Ruiz-Aragón Virginia , Swart Rebecca , Thenail Claudine , Ulfeng Hege , Verburg Peter H. , Williams Tim , Zarina Anita , Bürgi Matthias
Published: November 2023

Farming in Europe has been the scene of several important socio-economic and environmental developments and crises throughout the last century. Therefore, an understanding of the historical driving forces of farm change helps identifying potentials for navigating future pathways of agricultural development. However, long-term driving forces have so far been studied, e.g. in anecdotal local case studies or in systematic literature reviews, which often lack context dependency. In this study, we bridged local and continental scales by conducting 123 oral history interviews (OHIs) with elderly farmers across 13 study sites in 10 European countries. We applied a driving forces framework to systematically analyse the OHIs. We find that the most prevalent driving forces were the introduction of new technologies, developments in agricultural markets that pushed farmers for farm size enlargement and technological optimisation, agricultural policies, but also cultural aspects such as cooperation and intergenerational arrangements. However, we find considerable heterogeneity in the specific influence of individual driving forces across the study sites, implying that generic assumptions about the dynamics and impacts of European agricultural change drivers hold limited explanatory power on the local scale. Our results suggest that site-specific factors and their historical development will need to be considered when addressing the future of agriculture in Europe in a scientific or policy context.
Ecological advantage of polarized light pollution: positive effect of a dark lake patch at a canal inflow on habitat of non-biting midges
Authors: Egri Ádám , Pereszlényi Ádám , Szekeres József , Száz Dénes , Horváth Gábor , Kriska György
Published: November 2023

Dark artificial surfaces reflecting highly and horizontally polarized light usually have negative effects on polarotactic aquatic insects detecting their habitats by the horizontal polarization of water-reflected light. This ecologically disadvantageous phenomenon is called polarized light pollution. We have observed that the water between the concrete walls of a harbour of the Hungarian Lake Balaton is continuously dark from autumn to spring due to the inflow of a canal rich in dissolved humic substances. Using ground-born imaging polarimetry, we demonstrated that this dark water patch reflects light with higher degrees of polarization than the brighter lake water. Our hypothesis was that the stronger horizontally polarized light reflected from the dark water patch is more attractive to swarming, water-seeking and egg-laying non-biting midges (Chironomidae) than the surrounding brighter lake water. With larval samplings, we showed that both the density and the average size of chironomid larvae were significantly larger in the harbour than in the surrounding lake. This finding may represent an ecological advantage of polarized light pollution: polarotactic chironomids are intensely attracted to a strongly and horizontally polarizing, seasonally dark water patch at the canal inflow, where the abundance of larvae increases. It should be taken into consideration that increased larval abundance might result in increased swarming intensity which could affect humans by causing considerable nuisance.
To wrap or not to wrap? A study of how long words are split when reflowed on magnified web pages
Authors: Sandnes Frode Eika
Published: November 2023

Many low-vision users adjust the browser zoom level to make text more comfortable to read. Responsive websites attempt to fit the content within the viewport width, but several types of problems can potentially occur; long words may be wider than the viewport and thus partially hidden, they may cause large vertical space breaks, and words may be unnecessarily split or incorrectly split. This study set out to get insight into such word wrapping problems on responsive web pages. To help identify word wrapping issues, the tool HYPHERSPACE was developed. Experiments run on 91 websites suggest that hyphenation-related problems are prevalent. Excessive wrapping of words and overflowing words were the most notable problem on about 90% of the websites. One implication of this study is that web designers need to explicitly design for narrow viewports. The proposed tool can help web designers identify hyphenation problems on responsive web pages viewed with high magnification.
A comparative study of inter-regional and intra-industry disparities
Authors: Pal Samidh
Published: November 2023

This paper investigates the inter-regional intra-industry disparity within selected Indian manufacturing industries and industrial states. The study uses three measures—the Output-Capital Ratio, the Capital-Labor Ratio, and the Output-Labor Ratio—to critically evaluate the level of disparity in average efficiency of labor and capital, as well as capital intensity. Additionally, the paper compares the rate of disparity of per capita income between six major industrial states. The study finds that underutilization of capacity is driven by an unequal distribution of high-skilled labor supply and upgraded technologies. To address these disparities, the paper suggests that policymakers campaign for labor training and technology promotion schemes throughout all regions of India. By doing so, the study argues, the country can reduce regional inequality and improve economic outcomes for all.
Double Negation as Minimal Negation
Authors: Niki Satoru
Published: November 2023

N. Kamide introduced a pair of classical and constructive logics, each with a peculiar type of negation: its double negation behaves as classical and intuitionistic negation, respectively. A consequence of this is that the systems prove contradictions but are non-trivial. The present paper aims at giving insights into this phenomenon by investigating subsystems of Kamide’s logics, with a focus on a system in which the double negation behaves as the negation of minimal logic. We establish the negation inconsistency of the system and embeddability of contradictions from other systems. In addition, we attempt at an informational interpretation of the negation using the dimathematical framework of H. Wansing.
Chicory stimulates companion legume species to fix more biological nitrogen
Authors: Gardner Matthew J. , Condon Jason R. , Peoples Mark B. , Conyers Mark K. , Dear Brian S. , Li Guangdi D.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) scavenges more soil mineral nitrogen (N) than perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). A glasshouse study was conducted to test whether (a) the percentage of N derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) by a companion legume differs when grown with chicory or perennial ryegrass, and (b) there is an optimal ratio of non-legume:legume in a pasture mix that maximises biological N2 fixation.

Methods

Chicory or perennial ryegrass was grown as a monoculture, or in a mixture with either lucerne (alfalfa, Medicago sativa) or subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) at 25:75, 50:50 or 75:25 ratio (non-legume:legume based on plant numbers). Monocultures of lucerne and subterranean clover were included as controls.

Results

All treatments containing chicory extracted more mineral N from the soil than corresponding treatments containing perennial ryegrass. Subterranean clover %Ndfa was greater than lucerne. Combining lucerne with chicory in a 50:50 or 75:25 mixture increased the efficiency of N2 fixation by > 20%. Growing chicory with subterranean clover in mixtures of 50:50 or 75:25 resulted in the highest %Ndfa for growth among all treatments (P < 0.05). However, the amounts of N2 fixed by subterranean clover in the perennial ryegrass-subterranean clover mixture were similar to those in the chicory-subterranean clover mixture since dry matter accumulation from subterranean clover was higher when grown with perennial ryegrass.

Conclusion

The %Ndfa of legumes was greater when grown with chicory than perennial ryegrass. Chicory mixed with subterranean clover or lucerne in 50:50 ratios provided the optimum balance between legume dry matter yield and N2 fixation.