bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the factors behind the new UK January maximum temperature record, 28 January 2024
Authors: Silkstone Nicholas
Published: July 2024

Large‐scale subsidence and associated adiabatic warming through compression allowed exceptionally mild air to reach western Scotland at low elevations on 28 January 2024. Marked foehn effects were then able to mix this air mass into the boundary layer across the Scottish Highlands, where an official observation from Achfary recorded a new UK January maximum temperature of 19.9°C. Observations and some numerical weather prediction data were used to assess the likely contributions of various foehn mechanisms to this event, with findings suggesting that mechanical mixing/turbulence most likely played the dominant role.
Challenges in Managing Korean Online Service Requests and Complaints via Business Chat
Authors: Kim Mary Shin , Kang Sujin , Miyashiro Tyler
Published: July 2024

This study examines how service providers and their business clients in South Korea manage and negotiate face-threatening encounters when making and receiving requests through online chats. An analysis of a collection of these online chats illustrates that unsatisfied communications lead to repeated requests and complaints from clients. The research will focus on examining how service providers adapt to these repeated requests by (re)formulating their response turns to satisfy clients. The study will reveal how their response turns differ by agency, certainty, and immediacy in executing the request, and how certain response types are preferred by clients. According to the findings, what is considered appropriate or polite in person may not be the same in online business-to-business communications.
Probing the inverse moment of Bs-meson distribution amplitude via Bs → ηs form factors
Authors: Mandal Rusa , Patil Praveen S , Ray Ipsita
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We investigate the inverse moment of the Bs-meson light-cone distribution amplitude (LCDA), denoted as $$ {\lambda}_{B_s} $$

λ

B
s

and defined within the heavy quark effective theory, through the calculation of Bs → ηs form factors. The presence of the s-quark inside the Bs-meson dictates a notable departure of approximately 20% in the $$ {\lambda}_{B_s} $$

λ

B
s

value compared to the non-strange case $$ {\lambda}_{B_q} $$

λ

B
q

, as computed within the QCD sum rule approach, albeit with significant uncertainty. First, we compute the decay constant of the ηs-meson utilizing two-point sum rules while retaining finite s-quark mass contributions. Next, we constrain the parameter $$ {\lambda}_{B_s} $$

λ

B
s

by calculating Bs → ηs form factors within the light-cone sum rule approach, using Bs-meson LCDAs, and leveraging Lattice QCD estimates at zero momentum transfer from the HPQCD collaboration. Our findings yield $$ {\lambda}_{B_s} $$

λ

B
s

= 480 ± 92 MeV when expressing the Bs-meson LCDAs in the Exponential model, consistent with previous QCD sum rule estimate yet exhibiting a 1.5-fold improvement in uncertainty. Furthermore, we compare the form factor predictions, based on the extracted $$ {\lambda}_{B_s} $$

λ

B
s

value, with earlier analyses for other channels such as Bs → Ds and Bs → K.
(Auto‑)Immunität bei fokaler Epilepsie: Mechanismen (auto‑)immun-inflammatorischer epileptogener Neurodegeneration
Authors: Melzer Nico , Weber Katharina , Räuber Saskia , Rosenow Felix
Published: July 2024

Ziel der Arbeit

Während die neuronalen Mechanismen der epileptischen Übererregbarkeit („hyperexcitability“, HE) eingehend untersucht wurden, deuten neuere Erkenntnisse darauf hin, dass extraneuronale, hauptsächlich immun-inflammatorische und vaskuläre Mechanismen eine wichtige Rolle bei der Entwicklung und dem Fortschreiten der HE bei Epilepsie und ihren kognitiven und verhaltensbezogenen Begleiterkrankungen spielen.

Material und Methoden

Narrativer Review.

Ergebnisse

Auf der einen Seite können wie bei der autoimmunen (limbischen) Enzephalitis (ALE/AIE) oder der Rasmussen-Enzephalitis (RE) primäre adaptive und angeborene Immunantworten und damit verbundene Veränderungen der Blut-Hirn-Schranke (BHS) und neurovaskulären Einheit (NVU) selbst eine akute kortikale Übererregbarkeit (HE) verursachen und die Entwicklung einer Hippokampussklerose (HS) und andere strukturelle kortikale Läsionen mit chronischer HE hervorrufen. Auf der anderen Seite kann eine kortikale Übererregbarkeit, die bspw. mit Fehlbildungen der kortikalen Entwicklung (MCD) und niedriggradigen epilepsieassoziierten Tumoren (LEAT) assoziiert ist, begleitet sein von sekundären adaptiven und angeborenen Immunantworten und Veränderungen der BHS und NVU, wodurch möglicherweise deren Ikto- und Epileptogenität moduliert wird. Diese Zusammenhänge verdeutlichen den Einfluss adaptiver und angeborener Immunmechanismen und damit verbundener Veränderungen der BHS und der neurovaskulären Einheit auf die kortikale Erregbarkeit und umgekehrt, was für ein dynamisches komplexes Zusammenspiel dieser Faktoren bei der Entwicklung und dem Fortschreiten der Epilepsie im Allgemeinen spricht.

Diskussion

Das geschilderte Konzept einer immun-vaskulo-neuralen Interaktion in der fokalen Epilepsie eröffnet neue Möglichkeiten des pathogenetischen Verständnisses und damit auch der selektiven therapeutischen Intervention.
Genetic characterization of cucumber genetic resources in the NARO Genebank indicates their multiple dispersal trajectories to the East
Authors: Shigita Gentaro , Shimomura Koichiro , Dung Tran Phuong , Haque Naznin Pervin , Duong Thuy Thanh , Imoh Odirich Nnennaya , Monden Yuki , Nishida Hidetaka , Tanaka Katsunori , Sugiyama Mitsuhiro , Kawazu Yoichi , Tomooka Norihiko , Kato Kenji
Published: July 2024

Key message

Genotyping-by-sequencing of 723 worldwide cucumber genetic resources revealed that cucumbers were dispersed eastward via at least three distinct routes, one to Southeast Asia and two from different directions to East Asia.

The cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is an economically important vegetable crop cultivated and consumed worldwide. Despite its popularity, the manner in which cucumbers were dispersed from their origin in South Asia to the rest of the world, particularly to the east, remains a mystery due to the lack of written records. In this study, we performed genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) on 723 worldwide cucumber accessions, mainly deposited in the Japanese National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) Genebank, to characterize their genetic diversity, relationships, and population structure. Analyses based on over 60,000 genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms identified by GBS revealed clear genetic differentiation between Southeast and East Asian populations, suggesting that they reached their respective region independently, not progressively. A deeper investigation of the East Asian population identified two subpopulations with different fruit characteristics, supporting the traditional classification of East Asian cucumbers into two types thought to have been introduced by independent routes. Finally, we developed a core collection of 100 accessions representing at least 93.2% of the genetic diversity present in the entire collection. The genetic relationships and population structure, their associations with geographic distribution and phenotypic traits, and the core collection presented in this study are valuable resources for elucidating the dispersal history and promoting the efficient use and management of genetic resources for research and breeding in cucumber.
Technology in the management of diabetes in hospitalised adults
Authors: Thabit Hood , Schofield Jonathan
Published: July 2024

Suboptimal glycaemic management in hospitals has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes and increased financial costs to healthcare systems. Despite the availability of guidelines for inpatient glycaemic management, implementation remains challenging because of the increasing workload of clinical staff and rising prevalence of diabetes. The development of novel and innovative technologies that support the clinical workflow and address the unmet need for effective and safe inpatient diabetes care delivery is still needed. There is robust evidence that the use of diabetes technology such as continuous glucose monitoring and closed-loop insulin delivery can improve glycaemic management in outpatient settings; however, relatively little is known of its potential benefits and application in inpatient diabetes management. Emerging data from clinical studies show that diabetes technologies such as integrated clinical decision support systems can potentially mediate safer and more efficient inpatient diabetes care, while continuous glucose sensors and closed-loop systems show early promise in improving inpatient glycaemic management. This review aims to provide an overview of current evidence related to diabetes technology use in non-critical care adult inpatient settings. We highlight existing barriers that may hinder or delay implementation, as well as strategies and opportunities to facilitate the clinical readiness of inpatient diabetes technology in the future.

Graphical Abstract
Preliminary results of intracranial aneurysm treatment with derivo2heal embolization device
Authors: Rueckel J. , Ozpeynirci Y. , Trumm C. , Brem C. , Pflaeging M. , Fischer T.D. , Liebig T.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The Derivo 2 Heal Embolization Device (D2HED) is a novel flow diverter (FD) providing a fibrin-/heparin-based surface coating aiming at lower thrombogenicity. We evaluate periprocedural aspects and preliminary aneurysm occlusion efficacy for intracranial aneurysm treatment.

Methods

Thirty-four D2HEDs deployments (34 aneurysms, 32 patients) between 04/2021 and 10/2023 were analyzed. All patients were under dual antiplatelet therapy (dAPT). Periprocedural details, adverse events, and follow-up (FU) imaging were reviewed by consultant-level neuroradiologists. Complication rates and aneurysm occlusion efficacy are compared with performance data of other FDs based on literature research.

Results

Each intervention succeeded in the deployment of one D2HED. Significant and/or increased intraaneurysmal contrast stagnation immediately after D2HED deployment was seen in 73.5% of cases according to O’Kelly-Marotta (OKM) grading scale. Clinically relevant early adverse events occurred in three patients: Among them two cases with fusiform aneurysms in the posterior circulation (ischemic events, early in-stent-thrombosis) and one patient (ischemic event) out of the majority of 31 treated internal carotid artery aneurysms (3,2%). Regarding mid-term FU (> 165 days), one aneurysm did not show progressive occlusion presumably caused by a prominent A1 segment arising from the terminal ICA aneurysm itself. Apart from that, mid-term complete / partial occlusion rates of 80% / 20% could be demonstrated.

Conclusion

Our case series - although suffering from restricted sample size - suggests a potential effectiveness of D2HED in managing intracranial aneurysms. Further studies with larger samples are warranted to quantify long-term occlusion efficacy and the impact of antithrombogenic surface coating on the necessary (d)APT.
pECGreview: Assessment of a Novel Tool to Evaluate the Accuracy of Pediatric ECG Interpretation Skills
Authors: Jacquemyn Xander , Guerrier Karine , Harvey Evan , Tackett Sean , Kutty Shelby , Wetzel Glenn T.
Published: July 2024

The skill of interpretation of the electrocardiogram (ECG) remains poor despite existing educational initiatives. We sought to evaluate the validity of using a subjective scoring system to assess the accuracy of ECG interpretations submitted by pediatric cardiology fellows, trainees, and faculty to the Pediatric ECG Review (pECGreview), a web-based ECG interpretation training program. We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study of responses submitted to pECGreview. ECG interpretations were assessed independently by four individuals with a range of experience. Accuracy was assessed using a 3-point scale: 100% for generally correct interpretations, 50% for over- or underdiagnosis of minor ECG abnormalities, and 0% for over- or underdiagnosis of major ECG abnormalities. Inter-rater agreement was assessed using expanded Bland–Altman plots, Pearson correlation coefficients, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). 1460 ECG interpretations by 192 participants were analyzed. 107 participants interpreted at least five ECGs. The mean accuracy score was 76.6 ± 13.7%. Participants were correct in 66.1 ± 5.1%, had minor over- or underdiagnosis in 21.5 ± 4.6% and major over- or underdiagnosis in 12.3 ± 3.9% of interpretations. Validation of agreement between evaluators demonstrated limits of agreement of 11.3%. Inter-rater agreement exhibited consistent patterns (all correlations ≥ 0.75). Absolute agreement was 0.74 (95% CI 0.69–0.80), and average measures agreement was 0.92 (95% CI 0.89–0.94). Accuracy score analysis of as few as five ECG interpretations submitted to pECGreview yielded good inter-rater reliability for assessing and ranking ECG interpretation skills in pediatric cardiology fellows in training.
Altered expression of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and soluble receptors in patients with colorectal cancer, and correlation with treatment outcome
Authors: Stayoussef M. , Weili X. , Habel A. , Barbirou M. , Bedoui S. , Attia A. , Omrani Y. , Zouari K. , Maghrebi H. , Almawi W. Y. , Bouhaouala-Zahar B. , Larbi A. , Yacoubi-Loueslati B.
Published: July 2024

Insofar as they play an important role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC), this study analyzes the serum profile of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and soluble receptors in patients with CRC and cancer-free controls as possible CRC signatures. Serum levels of 65 analytes were measured in patients with CRC and age- and sex-matched cancer-free controls using the ProcartaPlex Human Immune Monitoring 65-Plex Panel. Of the 65 tested analytes, 8 cytokines (CSF-3, IFN-γ, IL-12p70, IL-18, IL-20, MIF, TNF-α and TSLP), 8 chemokines (fractalkine, MIP-1β, BLC, Eotaxin-1, Eotaxin-2, IP-10, MIP-1a, MIP-3a), 2 growth factors (FGF-2, MMP-1), and 4 soluble receptors (APRIL, CD30, TNFRII, and TWEAK), were differentially expressed in CRC. ROC analysis confirmed the high association of TNF-α, BLC, Eotaxin-1, APRIL, and Tweak with AUC > 0.70, suggesting theranostic application. The expression of IFN-γ, IL-18, MIF, BLC, Eotaxin-1, Eotaxin-2, IP-10, and MMP1 was lower in metastatic compared to non-metastatic CRC; only AUC of MIF and MIP-1β were > 0.7. Moreover, MDC, IL-7, MIF, IL-21, and TNF-α are positively associated with tolerance to CRC chemotherapy (CT) (AUC > 0.7), whereas IL-31, Fractalkine, Eotaxin-1, and Eotaxin-2 were positively associated with resistance to CT. TNF-α, BLC, Eotaxin-1, APRIL, and Tweak may be used as first-line early detection of CRC. The variable levels of MIF and MIP-1β between metastatic and non-metastatic cases assign prognostic nature to these factors in CRC progression. Regarding tolerance to CT, MDC, IL-7, MIF, IL-21, and TNF-α are key when down-regulated or resistant to treatment is observed.
Craniofacial morphological variability in orthodontic patients with non-syndromic orofacial clefts: an approach using geometric morphometrics
Authors: Schraad Franca , Schwahn Christian , Krey Karl-Friedrich , Doberschütz Philine Henriette
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Orofacial clefts are complex congenital anomalies that call for comprehensive treatment based on a thorough assessment of the anatomy. This study aims to examine the effect of cleft type on craniofacial morphology using geometric morphometrics.

Materials and methods

We evaluated lateral cephalograms of 75 patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate, 63 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, and 76 patients with isolated cleft palate. Generalized Procrustes analysis was performed on 16 hard tissue landmark coordinates. Shape variability was studied with principal component analysis. In a risk model approach, the first nine principal components (PC) were used to examine the effect of cleft type.

Results

We found statistically significant differences in the mean shape between cleft types. The difference is greatest between bilateral cleft lip and palate and isolated cleft palate (distance of means 0.026, P = 0.0011). Differences between cleft types are most pronounced for PC4 and PC5 (P = 0.0001), which together account for 10% of the total shape variation. PC4 and PC5 show shape differences in the ratio of the upper to the lower face, the posterior mandibular height, and the mandibular angle.

Conclusions

Cleft type has a statistically significant but weak effect on craniofacial morphological variability in patients with non-syndromic orofacial clefts, mainly in the vertical dimension.

Clinical relevance

Understanding the effects of clefts on craniofacial morphology is essential to providing patients with treatment tailored to their specific needs. This study contributes to the literature particularly due to our risk model approach in lieu of a prediction model.
Coupled fluid-structure-interaction simulation approach for correction of the thermal tool elongation to improve the milling precision
Authors: Brier Steffen , Topinka Lukáš , Regel Joachim , Dix Martin
Published: July 2024

During milling operation, the position of the tool centre point (TCP) is affected by structural displacements, which are caused by force loads and heat input inside the machine as well as machining induced thermal loads. These thermal loads result in considerable thermal deformations of tool holder, tool, and accordingly the TCP position. They can be summed up to about tens of microns and compromise the dimensional accuracy. The objective was to develop an integrated, numerical simulation-based approach for future TCP correction for a milling process using characteristic diagrams. For this, a complex Fluid-Structure-Interaction (FSI) simulation model predicts the uni-axial displacement in the longitudinal direction of the TCP due to a specified process heat source at the tool tip. As a partial result, the simulation has reached its performance limits, under the restriction of a reasonable simulation time in order to produce characteristic diagrams for application on a milling machine. The calculated thermally induced displacement can be further processed with the aid of Design of Experiments (DoE) and response surface methodology (RSM), depending on the thermal process load and coolant volume flow rate. That results in characteristic diagrams for the displacement as a function of process parameters. In this study the calculated value for thermally induced TCP displacement covers a span from 10 $$\upmu$$
μ
m to 80 $$\upmu$$
μ
m, with a strongly nonlinear behaviour. Subsequently, this forms the basis for a future implementation of characteristic diagrams in the machine control system for online correction of thermal tool errors.
Effectiveness of immersive virtual reality in teaching empathy to medical students: a mixed methods study
Authors: Alieldin Riham , Peyre Sarah , Nofziger Anne , Borasi Raffaella
Published: July 2024

Empathy in healthcare has been associated with positive outcomes such as increased patient satisfaction and reduced medical errors. However, research has indicated a decline in empathy among medical professionals. This study examined the effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) for empathy training in medical education. A convergent mixed methods pretest posttest design was utilized. Participants were 1st-year medical students who engaged in an empathy training IVR educational intervention around a scenario depicting older adults struggling with social isolation. Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) questionnaire was administered before and after the intervention to measure the change in empathy levels. Data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test on the pre-/post-test JSE empathy scores to assess the change in empathy scores. Nineteen qualitative semi structured interviews were conducted immediately after the IVR experience and follow-up interviews were conducted six months later. Qualitative data collected from the interviews’  transcripts were analyzed using a thematic and content analysis approach to capture individual experiences. Students (n = 19) scored 5.94 points higher on the posttest JSE questionnaire compared to pretest (p < 0.01) indicating an improvement in empathy levels. Qualitative analysis showed that the IVR training was well received by the students as a valuable empathy-teaching tool. Immersion, presence, and embodiment were identified as the main features of IVR technology that enhanced empathy and understanding of patients’ experiences. The debriefing sessions were identified as a key element of the training. IVR-based training could be an effective teaching tool for empathy training in medical education and one that is well received by learners. Results from the study offer preliminary evidence that using IVR to evoke empathy is achievable.
Domination of nonlinear semigroups generated by regular, local Dirichlet forms
Authors: Chill Ralph , Claus Burkhard
Published: July 2024

In this article we study perturbations of local, nonlinear Dirichlet forms on arbitrary topological measure spaces. As a main result, we show that the semigroup generated by a local, regular, nonlinear Dirichlet form

$${\mathcal {E}}$$

E

dominates the semigroup generated by another local functional

$${\mathcal {F}}$$

F

if, and only if,

$${\mathcal {F}}$$

F

is a specific zero order perturbation of

$${\mathcal {E}}$$

E

. On the way, we prove a nonlinear version of the Riesz–Markov representation theorem, we define an abstract boundary of a topological measure space, and apply the notion of nonlinear capacity. The main result helps to classify the perturbations that lie between Neumann and Dirichlet boundary conditions.
The potential role of serum amyloid A as biomarker of rheumatic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Mangoni Arduino A.
Published: July 2024

The identification of novel, robust biomarkers for the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases (RDs) and the presence of active disease might facilitate early treatment and the achievement of favourable long-term outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the acute phase reactant, serum amyloid A (SAA), in RD patients and healthy controls to appraise its potential as diagnostic biomarker. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to 10 April 2024 for relevant studies. We evaluated the risk of bias and the certainty of evidence using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE, respectively (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024537418). In 32 studies selected for analysis, SAA concentrations were significantly higher in RD patients compared to controls (SMD = 1.61, 95% CI 1.24–1.98, p < 0.001) and in RD patients with active disease compared to those in remission (SMD = 2.17, 95% CI 1.21–3.13, p < 0.001). Summary receiving characteristics curve analysis showed a good diagnostic accuracy of SAA for the presence of RDs (area under the curve = 0.81, 95% CI 0.78–0.84). The effect size of the differences in SAA concentrations between RD patients and controls was significantly associated with sex, body mass index, type of RD, and study country. Pending the conduct of prospective studies in different types of RDs, the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that SAA is a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of RDs and active disease.
On preferences and reward policies over rankings
Authors: Faella Marco , Sauro Luigi
Published: July 2024

We study the rational preferences of agents participating in a mechanism whose outcome is a ranking (i.e., a weak order) among participants. We propose a set of self-interest axioms corresponding to different ways for participants to compare rankings. These axioms vary from minimal conditions that most participants can be expected to agree on, to more demanding requirements that apply to specific scenarios. Then, we analyze the theories that can be obtained by combining the previous axioms and characterize their mutual relationships, revealing a rich hierarchical structure. After this broad investigation on preferences over rankings, we consider the case where the mechanism can distribute a fixed monetary reward to the participants in a fair way (that is, depending only on the anonymized output ranking). We show that such mechanisms can induce specific classes of preferences by suitably choosing the assigned rewards, even in the absence of tie breaking.
Graph neural networks for text classification: a survey
Authors: Wang Kunze , Ding Yihao , Han Soyeon Caren
Published: July 2024

Text Classification is the most essential and fundamental problem in Natural Language Processing. While numerous recent text classification models applied the sequential deep learning technique, graph neural network-based models can directly deal with complex structured text data and exploit global information. Many real text classification applications can be naturally cast into a graph, which captures words, documents, and corpus global features. In this survey, we bring the coverage of methods up to 2023, including corpus-level and document-level graph neural networks. We discuss each of these methods in detail, dealing with the graph construction mechanisms and the graph-based learning process. As well as the technological survey, we look at issues behind and future directions addressed in text classification using graph neural networks. We also cover datasets, evaluation metrics, and experiment design and present a summary of published performance on the publicly available benchmarks. Note that we present a comprehensive comparison between different techniques and identify the pros and cons of various evaluation metrics in this survey.
Jet Installation Noise Modelling for Round and Chevron Jets
Authors: Abid Hussain A. , Markesteijn Annabel P. , Karabasov Sergey A. , Jawahar Hasan Kamliya , Azarpeyvand Mahdi
Published: July 2024

Wall-Modelled Large Eddy Simulations (LES) are conducted using a high-resolution CABARET method, accelerated on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), for a canonical configuration that includes a flat plate within the linear hydrodynamic region of a single-stream jet. This configuration was previously investigated through experiments at the University of Bristol. The simulations investigate jets at acoustic Mach numbers of 0.5 and 0.9, focusing on two types of nozzle geometries: round and chevron nozzles. These nozzles are scaled-down versions (3:1 scale) of NASA’s SMC000 and SMC006 nozzles. The parameters from the LES, including flow and noise solutions, are validated by comparison with experimental data. Notably, the mean flow velocity and turbulence distribution are compared with NASA’s PIV measurements. Additionally, the near-field and far-field pressure spectra are evaluated in comparison with data from the Bristol experiments. For far-field noise predictions, a range of techniques are employed, ranging from the Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings (FW–H) method in both permeable and impermeable control surface formulations, to the trailing edge scattering model by Lyu and Dowling, which is based on the Amiet trailing edge noise theory. The permeable control surface FW–H solution, incorporating all jet mixing and installation noise sources, is within 2 dB of the experimental data across most frequencies and observer angles for all considered jet cases. Moreover, the impermeable control surface FW–H solution, accounting for some quadrupole noise contributions, proves adequate for accurate noise spectra predictions across all frequencies at larger observer angles. The implemented edge-scattering model successfully captures the mechanism of low-frequency sound amplification, dominant at low frequencies and high observer angles. Furthermore, this mechanism is shown to be effectively consistent for both $$M=0.5$$

M
=
0.5

and $$M=0.9$$

M
=
0.9

, and for jets from both round and chevron nozzles.
On estimating the drift capacity of reinforced concrete walls with lap splices at their bases
Authors: Pollalis W. , Kerby C. , Pujol S.
Published: July 2024

Failures in reinforced concrete (RC) structural walls have been reported to occur at longitudinal lap splices in earthquakes as far back as 1964 (Kunze et al. in JP 62:635–650, 1965) and as recently as 2023 (Pujol et al. in ES 63:777, 2024). Design codes such as ACI318-19 (2019) and JSCE Standard Specification for Concrete Structures (2007) have been adjusted accordingly and have banned the placement of lap splices near sections where longitudinal reinforcement is expected to yield in reinforced concrete structural walls. But minimizing lap splice vulnerabilities in new construction does not address existing buildings that may be vulnerable to earthquakes because of lap splices placed at or near critical sections. A simple, rapid assessment technique should be adopted to address the large number of existing buildings with potentially vulnerable RC walls. To investigate the deformation capacity of structural walls with lap splices near sections where longitudinal reinforcement yields, a two-part experimental program is ongoing: four large-scale walls with non-staggered lap splices were tested at Purdue University (Pollalis Drift capacity of reinforced concrete walls with lap splices, Purdue University: West Lafayette, 2021) and two large-scale walls with staggered lap splices have been tested at the University of Canterbury (Kerby et al. Experimental study of staggered lap splices in RC structural walls, 2023). Results from these six tests are added to a dataset of 15 previous tests of walls with non-staggered lap splices compiled by Almeida et al. (JSE 143:853, 2017). A method to estimate drift capacity of walls with lap splices is proposed based on estimates of lap splice strength, steel stress–strain relationships, and moment-area theorems. Two sets of assumptions can be used to produce estimates of drift capacity. The first set of assumptions applies when detailed information of reinforcement stress–strain relationships is available, and the second set of assumptions applies when reinforcement stress–strain relationships must be assumed. Both sets of assumptions produce reasonable estimates of the drift capacity of walls with lap splices, and the second set of assumptions can be used for rapid assessment given minimal information about the detailing and material properties of a wall.
Identification of Methamphetamine Abusers Can Be Supported by EEG-Based Wavelet Transform and BiLSTM Networks
Authors: Zhou Hui , Zhang Jiaqi , Gao Junfeng , Zeng Xuanwei , Min Xiangde , Zhan Huimiao , Zheng Hua , Hu Huaifei , Yang Yong , Wei Shuguang
Published: July 2024

Methamphetamine (MA) is a neurological drug, which is harmful to the overall brain cognitive function when abused. Based on this property of MA, people can be divided into those with MA abuse and healthy people. However, few studies to date have investigated automatic detection of MA abusers based on the neural activity. For this reason, the purpose of this research was to investigate the difference in the neural activity between MA abusers and healthy persons and accordingly discriminate MA abusers. First, we performed event-related potential (ERP) analysis to determine the time range of P300. Then, the wavelet coefficients of the P300 component were extracted as the main features, along with the time and frequency domain features within the selected P300 range to classify. To optimize the feature set, F_score was used to remove features below the average score. Finally, a Bidirectional Long Short-term Memory (BiLSTM) network was performed for classification. The experimental result showed that the detection accuracy of BiLSTM could reach 83.85%. In conclusion, the P300 component of EEG signals of MA abusers is different from that in normal persons. Based on this difference, this study proposes a novel way for the prevention and diagnosis of MA abuse.
The dynamics about asteroid (162173) Ryugu
Authors: Fu Xiaoyu , Soldini Stefania , Ikeda Hitoshi , Scheeres Daniel J. , Tsuda Yuichi
Published: July 2024

The dynamical environment around the asteroid (162173) Ryugu is analyzed in detail using a constant-density polyhedron model based on the measurements from the Hayabusa2 mission. Six exterior equilibrium points (EPs) are identified along the ridge line of Ryugu, and their topological classifications fall into two distinctive categories. The initial periodic orbit (PO) families are computed and analyzed, including distant retrograde/prograde orbit (DRO/DPO) families and fifteen PO families emanating from the exterior EPs. The fifteen PO families are further divided into three categories: seven converge to an EP, seven reach Ryugu’s surface, and one exhibits cyclic behavior during its progression. The existence of initial PO families converging to an EP is analyzed using the bifurcation of a degenerate EP. Connection between these families and similar ones in the circular restricted three-body problem (CRTBP) is also examined. Bifurcated PO families are identified and computed from the initial PO families, including ten families from the DROs, fifteen from the DPOs, and twenty-five associated with the EPs. The bifurcated families are separately analyzed and categorized in terms of their corresponding initial families. Connections established by the same bifurcation points between different bifurcated families are identified. A comparison is made for the dynamical environments of Ryugu and Bennu to evaluate the similarities and differences in the evolution of EPs and the progression of PO families in top-shaped asteroids.
File chunking towards on-chain storage: a blockchain-based data preservation framework
Authors: Tmeizeh Muhammed , Rodríguez-Domínguez Carlos , Hurtado-Torres María Visitación
Published: July 2024

The growing popularity of the most current wave of decentralized systems, powered by blockchain technology, which act as data vaults and preserve data, ensures that, once stored, it stays preserved, considered to be one of the most promising safe and immutable storage methods. The authors of this research suggest an on-chain storage framework that stores files inside blockchain transactions using file transforming, chunking, and encoding techniques. This study investigates the performance of on-chain file storage using a simulated network blockchain environment. Test files of varying sizes were deployed. Performance metrics, including consumed time in chunking, encoding, and distributing chunks among block transactions, were measured and analyzed. An analysis of the collected data was conducted to assess the framework’s performance. The result showed that selecting the appropriate chunk size significantly influences the overall performance of the system. We also explored the implications of our findings and offered suggestions for improving performance within the framework.
The Association Between Individual Differences in Motivational Readiness at Entry to Treatment and Treatment Attendance and Outcome in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Crane Catherine , Hotton Matthew , Shelemy Lucas , Knowles-Bevis Rebecca
Published: July 2024

Background

There is considerable interest in identifying factors that predict outcome from psychological treatment. This review examines the relationship between readiness / stage of change at entry to CBT treatment and treatment attendance or outcome in people with mental health problems other than addiction.

Methods

Four databases: PsycINFO; MEDLINE; Embase and CINAHL were searched to identify relevant studies published in English from 1st January 1980 onwards. Following title and abstract screening, and full text review of potentially eligible studies, a total of 22 eligible studies were identified, of which 21 were included in the narrative synthesis. The review was registered on PROSPERO REF: CRD42020209173.

Results

Nineteen studies explored the relationship between readiness and symptom outcome, with a majority (n = 13) identifying at least one statistically significant relationship between variables, either directly or in interaction with another measure. A number of these also tested other associations which were non-significant. In contrast, five studies explored the association between readiness and treatment attendance, and findings were inconclusive.

Conclusions

The systematic review found some evidence suggesting that readiness is linked to symptom outcome in CBT, regardless of the type of clinical problem or readiness measure used. The studies adopting an RCT design identified no evidence of differences in the relationship between readiness and outcome when comparing CBT to other psychotherapeutic interventions. Study quality was variable, and a range of methodological limitations and potential avenues for future work are discussed.
Digital innovation for cancer risk assessment allows large-scale service redevelopment of regional cancer genetics service delivery
Authors: Youngs Alice , Forman Andrea , Elms Marisa , Kohut Kelly , Hlaing Min Theik , Short John , Hanson Helen , Snape Katie
Published: July 2024

Family-history assessment can identify individuals above population-risk for cancer to enable targeted Screening, Prevention and Early Detection (SPED). The online patient-facing cancer Family History Questionnaire Service (cFHQS) is a digitalised, resource efficient tool for family history data capture to facilitate this. The capturing of digital data from cFHQS allows for data interrogation of patients referred to Clinical Genetics for the purposes of service improvement. Digital data from 4,044 cFHQS respondents over a three-year period was collected and interrogated with respect to the number and type of familial tumour diagnoses to enable service improvement and streamlining of referral pathways. 81% of colorectal and 71% of breast screening assessments were population- or moderate-risk. Most patients who completed cFHQS reported more than one diagnosis of cancer/tumour/polyps in their family. 2.5% of family history assessment patients had a second indication that required assessment that would have been missed if single tumour type assessment was undertaken. Implementation of an innovative, digital family history data collection pathway has allowed large scale interrogation of referral patterns and assessment outcomes to enable service development. The high volume of inappropriate referrals to Clinical Genetics for population and moderate risk patients highlighted the need for dedicated secondary care pathway provision for these patients. The use of cFHQS streamlined family history assessment allows for redistribution of resources to improve equity and access to genetic cancer risk assessment.
Deposit Insurance and Bank Liquidity Creation: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in China*
Authors: Zhou Xiangyi , Li Xinyue , Zhou Yifan , Kara Alper
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we examine how the implementation of deposit insurance influences the impact of bank capital, excess lending, banking competition and monetary policy on liquidity creation of banks. Our examination uses China’s introduction of deposit insurance in 2015 as a natural experiment. We find that deposit insurance positively reinforces the effect of capital but weakens that of monetary policy on liquidity creation. We do not find that deposit insurance has a significant influence on the effects of excess lending and competition on the liquidity creation of banks. We also show that the implementation of deposit insurance has heterogenous effects on the liquidity creation of large and small banks.
The Nuts and Bolts of Developing a Sustainable, Collaborative Network for STEM Transformation
Authors: Santangelo Jessica R. , Hyslop Alison , Hobbie Lawrence , Lee Jacqueline , Novick Peter , Pullin Michael , Villa-Cuesta Eugenia
Published: July 2024

The (STEM)2 Network (Sustainable, Transformative Engagement across a Multi-Institution/Multidisciplinary STEM Network) is a National Science Foundation Research Coordination Network-Undergraduate Biology Education funded project intended to bridge disciplinary and institutional silos that function as barriers to systemic change in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in higher education. We utilized three foundational frameworks to develop an adaptable model that we posit is applicable across contexts. The model includes a core infrastructure that, combined with intentional self-reflection, results in an adaptable design that can be tailored to individual institutions, contexts, and goals. Herein, we describe the inception of the network, the foundational theoretical frameworks that guide network development and growth, and detail network structure and operations with the intention of supporting others in creating their own networks. We share the nuts and bolts of how we developed the (STEM)2 Network, and include a supplemental network development planning guide to support others in utilizing the (STEM)2 Network model to reach their own objectives.
Step ladder VY advancement flap for lower eyelid reconstruction after resection eyelid malignant tumors
Authors: Yamashita Kento , Shimada Kazuki , Aoki Kohei , Ito Norihito , Komiya Takako , Ida Yukiko , Usui Yoshihiko , Goto Hiroshi , Matsumura Hajime
Published: July 2024

Background

In oculoplastic surgery, reconstruction of a large defect after the removal of a massive malignant lower lid tumor still represents a unique challenge. We will report on this case, including a presentation of the case using step ladder V–Y advancement flap.

Methods

During November 2018 to March 2023, five patients of lower eyelid malignant tumor had wide resection with safety margin and reconstructed using step ladder V–Y advancement flap. The flap was used step ladder V–Y advancement flap.

Results

No complications, including ectropion deformity, occurred. This flap does not sacrifice healthy skin as seen with the cheek rotation flap, and the area of dissection is very small and can be performed in a short time.

Conclusions

Step ladder V–Y advancement flap is highly useful in cases that require a reconstruction of a large defect after the removal of a massive malignant lower lid tumor from viewpoints of operating time, ease of procedure, aesthetics, and complications.
The effects of age, mature oocyte number, and cycle number on cumulative live birth rates after planned oocyte cryopreservation
Authors: Cascante Sarah Druckenmiller , Grifo James A. , Licciardi Frederick , Parra Carlos M. , Kelly Amelia , Berkeley Alan S.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To examine the effects of age, mature oocyte number, and cycle number on cumulative live birth rates after planned oocyte cryopreservation (OC), with the goal of developing a patient counselling tool.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients with ≥ 1 autologous oocyte thaw at our university-affiliated fertility center before 12/31/2023. Patients were included if they (1) had a live birth or ongoing pregnancy > 12 weeks from OC, or (2) used all oocytes and euploid/untested embryos from OC. Primary outcome was cumulative live birth / ongoing pregnancy rate (CLBR).

Results

527 patients with 1 OC cycle, 149 patients with 2 OC cycles, and 55 patients with ≥ 3 OC cycles were included. Overall CLBR was 43%. CLBR was > 70% among patients who thawed ≥ 20 mature oocytes that were cryopreserved at age < 38 years. Multiple logistic regression showed that age at first OC and total number of mature oocytes thawed independently predicted CLBR, but number of OC cycles did not.

Conclusion

Patients must be counselled that younger age at OC and more mature oocytes improve CLBR. However, additional OC cycles do not independently improve CLBR. Our results can help patients decide whether to pursue additional OC cycles to obtain more oocytes.
Genetic Evaluation of the Patients with Clinically Diagnosed Inborn Errors of Immunity by Whole Exome Sequencing: Results from a Specialized Research Center for Immunodeficiency in Türkiye
Authors: Erman Baran , Aba Umran , Ipsir Canberk , Pehlivan Damla , Aytekin Caner , Cildir Gökhan , Cicek Begum , Bozkurt Ceren , Tekeoglu Sidem , Kaya Melisa , Aydogmus Cigdem , Cipe Funda , Sucak Gulsan , Eltan Sevgi Bilgic , Ozen Ahmet , Barıs Safa , Karakoc-Aydiner Elif , Kıykım Ayca , Karaatmaca Betul , Kose Hulya , Uygun Dilara Fatma Kocacık , Celmeli Fatih , Arikoglu Tugba , Ozcan Dilek , Keskin Ozlem , Arık Elif , Aytekin Elif Soyak , Cesur Mahmut , Kucukosmanoglu Ercan , Kılıc Mehmet , Yuksek Mutlu , Bıcakcı Zafer , Esenboga Saliha , Ayvaz Deniz Çagdaş , Sefer Asena Pınar , Guner Sukrü Nail , Keles Sevgi , Reisli Ismail , Musabak Ugur , Demirbas Nazlı Deveci , Haskologlu Sule , Kilic Sara Sebnem , Metin Ayse , Dogu Figen , Ikinciogulları Aydan , Tezcan Ilhan
Published: July 2024

Molecular diagnosis of inborn errors of immunity (IEI) plays a critical role in determining patients’ long-term prognosis, treatment options, and genetic counseling. Over the past decade, the broader utilization of next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques in both research and clinical settings has facilitated the evaluation of a significant proportion of patients for gene variants associated with IEI. In addition to its role in diagnosing known gene defects, the application of high-throughput techniques such as targeted, exome, and genome sequencing has led to the identification of novel disease-causing genes. However, the results obtained from these different methods can vary depending on disease phenotypes or patient characteristics. In this study, we conducted whole-exome sequencing (WES) in a sizable cohort of IEI patients, consisting of 303 individuals from 21 different clinical immunology centers in Türkiye. Our analysis resulted in likely genetic diagnoses for 41.1% of the patients (122 out of 297), revealing 52 novel variants and uncovering potential new IEI genes in six patients. The significance of understanding outcomes across various IEI cohorts cannot be overstated, and we believe that our findings will make a valuable contribution to the existing literature and foster collaborative research between clinicians and basic science researchers.
Discretization of Non-uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) Models for Meshless Isogeometric Analysis
Authors: Duh Urban , Shankar Varun , Kosec Gregor
Published: July 2024

We present an algorithm for fast generation of quasi-uniform and variable-spacing nodes on domains whose boundaries are represented as computer-aided design (CAD) models, more specifically non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS). This new algorithm enables the solution of partial differential equations within the volumes enclosed by these CAD models using (collocation-based) meshless numerical discretizations. Our hierarchical algorithm first generates quasi-uniform node sets directly on the NURBS surfaces representing the domain boundary, then uses the NURBS representation in conjunction with the surface nodes to generate nodes within the volume enclosed by the NURBS surface. We provide evidence for the quality of these node sets by analyzing them in terms of local regularity and separation distances. Finally, we demonstrate that these node sets are well-suited (both in terms of accuracy and numerical stability) for meshless radial basis function generated finite differences discretizations of the Poisson, Navier-Cauchy, and heat equations. Our algorithm constitutes an important step in bridging the field of node generation for meshless discretizations with isogeometric analysis.