bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lagrangian Reduction by Stages in Field Theory
Authors: Berbel Miguel Á. , Castrillón López Marco
Published: September 2023

We propose a category of bundles in order to perform Lagrangian reduction by stages in covariant Field Theory. This category plays an analogous role to Lagrange–Poincaré bundles in Lagrangian reduction by stages in Mechanics and includes both jet bundles and reduced covariant configuration spaces. Furthermore, we analyze the resulting reconstruction condition and formulate the Noether theorem in this context. Finally, a model of a molecular strand with rotors is seen as an application of this theoretical frame.
Itemanalyse der Kurzformen des Tinnitusfragebogens: Mini-TF-12 und Mini-TF-15
Authors: Brueggemann Petra , Goebel Gerhard , Boecking Benjamin , Hofrichter Nienke , Rose Matthias , Mazurek Birgit
Published: September 2023

Hintergrund

Eine kurze, aber zuverlässige Messung des tinnitusbedingten Leidensdrucks ist von entscheidender Bedeutung für das Verständnis und die Therapieoptionen für dieses häufig sehr einschränkende Symptom. Im deutschen Raum werden mehrere Selbstauskunftsfragebögen benutzt, und für die deutsche Übersetzung des Tinnitusfragebogens (TF) existieren mehrere Kurzvarianten.

Zielsetzung

In der vorliegenden Arbeit sollten der häufig benutze Mini-TF-12-Fragebogen und der neu entwickelte Mini-TF-15-Fragebogen hinsichtlich Reliabilität, Itemschwierigkeit, Sensitivität (Trennschärfe) und Vorhersagekraft der Items untersucht werden, um eine Entscheidung für den einen oder anderen Fragebogen in verschiedenen Untersuchungskontexten zu erleichtern.

Methoden

Die Daten von 1409 Patienten mit chronischem Tinnitus, die die deutsche Version des 52-Item-TF und zusätzliche psychologische Tests (Allgemeine Depressionsskala – Langform, ADS‑L; Berliner Stimmungsfragebogen, BSF; Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ; Anamnestic Comparative Self-Assessment, ACSA, und Fragebogen zu Selbstwirksamkeit – Optimismus – Pessimismus, SWOP) im Tinnituszentrum der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin ausfüllten, wurden retrospektiv analysiert. Dazu wurde eine externe Validierung der Items verschiedener Versionen des TF durchgeführt (deutsche Originalversion TF, Mini-TF-12 und Mini-TF-15).

Ergebnisse

Die Items des Mini-TF-12 und des Mini-TF-15 korrelierten spezifisch mit der Gesamtskala. Beide Kurzfragebögen sind hinsichtlich Reliabilität und Itemkonstruktion (Schwierigkeit, Trennschärfe) von vergleichbarer Güte.

Schlussfolgerung

Beide Fragebögen weisen eine sehr gute Itemqualität auf und sind klinisch effizienter als die Langform des TF einzusetzen. Sollte jedoch für Forschungsfragen eine Ähnlichkeit der Faktorstruktur zum Originalfragebogen gefordert sein, empfiehlt sich der Einsatz des Mini-TF-15.
Digital sovereignty, digital infrastructures, and quantum horizons
Authors: Gordon Geoff
Published: September 2023

This article holds that governmental investments in quantum technologies speak to the imaginable futures of digital sovereignty and digital infrastructures, two major areas of change driven by related technologies like AI and Big Data, among other things, in international law today. Under intense development today for future interpolation into digital systems that they may alter, quantum technologies occupy a sort of liminal position, rooted in existing assemblages of computational technologies while pointing to new horizons for them. The possibilities they raise are neither certain nor determinate, but active investments in them (legal, political and material investments) offer perspective on digital technology-driven influences on an international legal imagination. In contributing to visions of the future that are guiding ambitions for digital sovereignty and digital infrastructures, quantum technologies condition digital technology-driven changes to international law and legal imagination in the present. Privileging observation and description, I adapt and utilize a diffractive method with the aim to discern what emerges out of the interference among the several related things assembled for this article, including material technologies and legal institutions. In conclusion, I observe ambivalent changes to an international legal imagination, changes which promise transformation but appear nonetheless to reproduce current distributions of power and resources.
Global governance and the normalization of artificial intelligence as ‘good’ for human health
Authors: Strange Michael , Tucker Jason
Published: September 2023

The term ‘artificial intelligence’ has arguably come to function in political discourse as, what Laclau called, an ‘empty signifier’. This article traces the shifting political discourse on AI within three key institutions of global governance–OHCHR, WHO, and UNESCO–and, in so doing, highlights the role of ‘crisis’ moments in justifying a series of pivotal re-articulations. Most important has been the attachment of AI to the narrative around digital automation in human healthcare. Greatly enabled by the societal context of the pandemic, all three institutions have moved from being critical of the unequal power relations in the economy of AI to, today, reframing themselves primarily as facilitators tasked with helping to ensure the application of AI technologies. The analysis identifies a shift in which human health and healthcare is framed as in a ‘crisis’ to which AI technology is presented as the remedy. The article argues the need to trace these discursive shifts as a means by which to understand, monitor, and where necessary also hold to account these changes in the governance of AI in society.
A Class of Locally Inhomogeneous Complete Quaternionic Kähler Manifolds
Authors: Cortés Vicente , Gil-García Alejandro , Saha Arpan
Published: September 2023

We prove that the one-loop deformation of any quaternionic Kähler manifold in the class of c-map spaces is locally inhomogeneous. As a corollary, we obtain that the full isometry group of the one-loop deformation of any homogeneous c-map space has precisely cohomogeneity one.
Transillumination method in total knee arthroplasty: new approach with old tools
Authors: Karimov Murodulla , Madrakhimov Sarvar
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In this study, we evaluated the possibility of precise intraoperative localization of the lateral genicular arteries by an orthopaedic surgeon using the transillumination method.

Methods

Twelve patients underwent cemented TKA with patella-friendly Zimmer Biomet NexGen Legacy Posterior Stabilized prostheses (without patellar resurfacing), seven right knees and five left knees. The mean age of patients in the study group was 66.636 ± 7.003 years. The minimal follow-up period was 13 months (mean—16.363 ± 2.5 months). Functional outcomes were assessed using Knee Society and a specific patellar questionnaire—Kujala Score. Intraoperative detection of insufficient patellar stability and/or patellar maltracking was based on the no-thumb technique. In pre- and postoperative period X-ray investigation, standard standing X-ray and Merchant view were used to evaluate implant position and patellofemoral congruency.

Results

In this study, ten out of twelve knee joints (83.3%) had at least one artery visible by the proposed method in the lateral parapatellar area. Five out of ten knee joints had more than one artery that could be visualized and identified as an arterial vessel. Postoperative Knee Society Score showed significant improvement from a mean 51.181 ± 3.868 to a mean 88.727 ± 3.663. Mean hospital length of stay is 8.545 ± 1.863 days. X-ray assessment using standard anteroposterior, lateral, and Merchant skyline views showed appropriate implant positioning and patellofemoral congruency. The mean Kujala Score in the postoperative period (3 and 6 months) was 67.3 ± 6.75 and 75.6 ± 6.42, respectively.

Conclusions

Using the proposed transillumination method can help preserve the lateral blood supply to the patella and to avoid devascularized patella-related complications.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered on 5 of May 2023, Registration number – 3/3-1757.
Spliceosome mutations are associated with clinical response in a phase 1b/2 study of the PLK1 inhibitor onvansertib in combination with decitabine in relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Croucher Peter J P , Ridinger Maya , Becker Pamela S. , Lin Tara L. , Silberman Sandra L. , Wang Eunice S. , Zeidan Amer M.
Published: September 2023

PLK1 is overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A phase 1b trial of the PLK1 inhibitor onvansertib (ONV) combined with decitabine (DAC) demonstrated initial safety and efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) AML. The current study aimed to identify molecular predictors of response to ONV + DAC in R/R AML patients. A total of 44 R/R AML patients were treated with ONV + DAC and considered evaluable for efficacy. Bone marrow (BM) samples were collected at baseline for genomic and transcriptomic analysis (n= 32). A 10-gene expression signature, predictive of response to ONV + DAC, was derived from the leading-edge genes of gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA). The gene signature was evaluated in independent datasets and used to identify associated mutated genes. Twenty percent of the patients achieved complete remission, with or without hematologic count recovery (CR/CRi), and 32% exhibited a ≥50% reduction in bone marrow blasts. Patients who responded to treatment had elevated mitochondrial function and OXPHOS. The gene signature was not associated with response to DAC alone in an independent dataset. By applying the signature to the BeatAML cohort (n= 399), we identified a positive association between predicted ONV + DAC response and mutations in splicing factors (SF). In the phase 1b/2 trial, patients with SF mutations (SRSF2, SF3B1) had a higher CR/CRi rate (50%) compared to those without SF mutations (9%). PLK1 inhibition with ONV in combination with DAC could be a potential therapy in R/R AML patients, particularly those with high OXPHOS gene expression and SF mutations.
Current perceptions and working time models of female urologists in Germany: results of a large-scale survey
Authors: Weinberger Sarah , Welte Maria-Noemi , Knipper Sophie , Siech Carolin , Greiser Eva Maria , Wiemer Laura , Müller Karina , Bellut Laura , Herlemann Annika , Schoenburg Sandra , Walach Margarete Teresa
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Female urologists are distinctly underrepresented in leading positions. The reasons behind this inequity remain unclear, with some suggesting factors such as family responsibilities, part-time work and insufficient mentorship. This study aimed to explore and characterize the working conditions of female urologists in Germany, with a focus on factors influencing the working time model.

Methods

A questionnaire was developed and distributed to 1343 female members of the German Society of Urology between February and March 2022. The survey consisted of 43 questions covering the categories demographics, occupation situation, satisfaction at work, family situation, career aspects and research activity.

Results

Of the 487 female German urologists who participated in the survey, 167 (34.3%) worked part-time. Doctors in training were significantly less likely to work part-time than colleagues who had completed their specialist training (p < 0.001). Only 10% of female doctors in training reported working part-time. Similarly, having children (p < 0.001) and engaging in scientific activities (p = 0.03) were independent factors influencing part-time work, with children increasing the likelihood of working part-time as expected, while scientifically active female urologists were more likely to work full-time.

Conclusion

This study provides the largest survey on the situation of female urologists in German-speaking countries to date. Part-time work during specialist training is rare, while more than 50% of female urologists with children work part-time. With the projected decline in the number of practicing physicians and the increasing demand for medical attention, it is crucial to find ways to retain and support healthcare professionals, particularly female urologists.
Centralized assignment of prizes and contestants
Authors: Barbieri Stefano , Serena Marco
Published: September 2023

We study a contest design problem in which a designer chooses how many Tullock contests to have, how much to award to each contest, and which contestants (of high or low type) should be assigned to which contest. Our main result is that a single grand contest maximizes total effort. We consider three extensions. First, when the designers’ objective changes to maximizing the effort submitted by the winning contestant, we find that the optimal design involves the high-type contestants being assigned to a set of pairwise contests. Second, under multiple participations (a player’s effort is valid in multiple contests, as in several applications), running a contest open to all, along with a parallel contest open only to low types, increases total effort over a single grand contest. Third, tilting the playing field (a player’s effort is multiplied by a tilting factor) in favor of low types increases total effort in a single grand contest, even more than what is possible with multiple participations; thus, in applications, a quota reserved for traditionally disadvantaged categories results in lower total effort than a grand contest that optimally handicaps advantaged categories.
Focus distance estimation from photographed faces: a test of PerspectiveX using 1709 frontal and profile photographs from DSLR and smartphone cameras
Authors: Healy Sean S. , Stephan Carl N.
Published: September 2023

As focus distance (FD) sets perspective, it is an important consideration for the forensic analysis of faces in photographs, including those used for craniofacial superimposition. In the craniofacial superimposition domain, the PerspectiveX algorithm has been suggested for FD estimation. This algorithm uses a mean value of palpebral fissure length, as a scale, to estimate the FD. So far, PerspectiveX has not been validated for profile view photographs or for photographs taken with smartphones. This study tests PerspectiveX in both front and profile views, using multiple DSLR cameras, lenses and smartphones. In total, 1709 frontal and 1709 profile photographs of 10 adult participants were tested at 15 ground truth FDs using three DSLR cameras with 12 camera/lens combinations, five smartphone back cameras and four smartphone front cameras. Across all distances, PerspectiveX performed with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 11% and 12% for DSLR photographs in frontal and profile views, respectively, while errors doubled for frontal and profile photographs from smartphones (26% and 27%, respectively). This reverifies FD estimation for frontal DSLR photographs, validates FD estimates from profile view DSLR photographs and shows that FD estimation is currently inaccurate for smartphones. Until such time that FD estimations for facial photographs taken using smartphones improves, DSLR or 35 mm film images should continue to be sought for craniofacial superimpositions.
Perspective distortion tolerances and skull-face registration in craniofacial superimposition: an analytical review
Authors: Healy Sean S. , Stephan Carl N.
Published: September 2023

Craniofacial superimposition requires the photographic registration of a skull at transparency to a photograph of an antemortem (AM) face so that anatomical concordance between the two can be assessed. When the camera vantage point of the AM photograph is exactly replicated for skull photography, the superimposition is a relatively straightforward process as the images are precisely comparable without complicating factors. In practice, however, focus distances are almost never exactly replicated because the focus distance for AM face photography is rarely known. Embedded differences in perspective, thereby, drive the images away from correspondence, raising questions as to how much difference can be tolerated and what image registration methods should be used. Recently, a ± 1% mismatch in facial height has been posited as an acceptable upper tolerance limit to differential perspective, but this proposition is speculative and has not yet been confirmed by tests on real-life images. In addition, the impact of image registration methods, though critically relevant, has received comparatively little consideration. This paper provides the first in-depth review of these intertwined perspective/registration matters and objective evaluation of tolerances by using real 2D photographic images and synthetic images generated from 3D CT data to demonstrate perspective impact on skull morphology. Taken together, the review confirms a ≤ 1% perspective difference in facial height to be a suitable criterion for craniofacial superimposition (at least as a starting point for method improvement), and that image registration should be point-based using a sellion/nasion combination to minimize anatomical misalignment in the principal region-of-interest (the mid-face).
Divisive normalization processors in the early visual system of the Drosophila brain
Authors: Lazar Aurel A. , Zhou Yiyin
Published: September 2023

Divisive normalization is a model of canonical computation of brain circuits. We demonstrate that two cascaded divisive normalization processors (DNPs), carrying out intensity/contrast gain control and elementary motion detection, respectively, can model the robust motion detection realized by the early visual system of the fruit fly. We first introduce a model of elementary motion detection and rewrite its underlying phase-based motion detection algorithm as a feedforward divisive normalization processor. We then cascade the DNP modeling the photoreceptor/amacrine cell layer with the motion detection DNP. We extensively evaluate the DNP for motion detection in dynamic environments where light intensity varies by orders of magnitude. The results are compared to other bio-inspired motion detectors as well as state-of-the-art optic flow algorithms under natural conditions. Our results demonstrate the potential of DNPs as canonical building blocks modeling the analog processing of early visual systems. The model highlights analog processing for accurately detecting visual motion, in both vertebrates and invertebrates. The results presented here shed new light on employing DNP-based algorithms in computer vision.
Susceptibility of SARS-CoV2 infection in children
Authors: Cotugno Nicola , Amodio Donato , Buonsenso Danilo , Palma Paolo
Published: September 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 in children presents with distinct phenotype in comparison to adults. Overall, the pediatric infection with a generally milder clinical course of the acute infection compared to adults still faces several unknown aspects. Specifically, the presence of a wide range of inflammatory manifestations, including multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), myocarditis, and long COVID in the period after infection suggests a particular susceptibility of some children upon severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Albeit peculiar complications such as long covid are less frequent in children compared to adults, research on the relationship between inflammatory syndromes and SARS-CoV-2 is rapidly evolving.

    Conclusions: new studies and findings continue to emerge, providing further insights into the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies. In the present work, we revised current knowledge of the main factors accounting for such variability upon SARS-CoV-2 infection over the pediatric age group.

What is Known:• COVID19 in children overall showed a milder course compared to adults during the acute phase of the infection.• Children showed to be susceptible to a wide range of post infectious complications including multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), myocarditis, neuroinflammation, and long COVID.

What is New:• Mechanisms underlying susceptibility to a severe course of the infection were recently shown to pertain to the host.
• A specific combination of HLA was recently shown to be associated to higher susceptibility to MIS-C in children.
Host body mass, not sex, affects ectoparasite loads in yellow-necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis
Authors: Zduniak Milena , Serafini Sarah , Wróbel Aleksandra , Zwolak Rafał
Published: September 2023

We investigated the presence and potential causes of sex bias in ectoparasite infestations in the yellow-necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis. We compared the natural tick and flea burdens of male and female mice in a temperate beech forest and assessed whether the observed differences were driven by host sex or body mass. We found that males were more heavily infested by ticks compared to female mice. However, this difference was driven by host body mass, and not sex itself. Host body mass positively correlated with flea loads, but there was no evidence of sex bias in flea abundance. In addition, the abundance of both ticks and fleas infesting yellow-necked mice changed over time, both seasonally (month to month) and annually (year to year). Our results underscore the importance of the sexual size dimorphism and the parasite taxon as the primary factors that influence the occurrence of sex-biased parasitism in small mammals.
Better performance of Hartree–Fock over DFT: a quantum mechanical investigation on pyridinium benzimidazolate types of zwitterions in the light of localization/delocalization issues
Authors: Sitha Sanyasi
Published: September 2023

Context

With the advent of fast computing facilities, combined with rapid emerges of many new and intricate quantum mechanical functionals, computations with pure Hartree–Fock (HF) theory are now-a-days regarded as trivial or obsolete, or even considered as not reliable by many researchers. Consequently, current trends in computational chemistry show extensive use of post-HF theories for smaller molecular systems and various DFT methods for organic and inorganic chemistry related problems (larger molecules/systems). In this contribution, I have tried to show that sometimes, HF might be more suitable over DFT methodologies in addressing structure–property correlations. Molecules studied here were previously synthesized by Boyd in 1966 and important experimental data were produced by Alcalde and co-workers in 1987. Comparison of computed and experimental results clearly shows that HF method was more effective in reproducing the experimental data compared to especially the DFT methodologies. Reliability of HF method was further assured from the very similar results shown by the CCSD, CASSCF, CISD and QCISD methods. Current study also indicates that the localization issue associated with HF proved to be advantageous over delocalization issue of DFT based methodologies, in correctly describing the structure–property correlation for zwitterion systems.

Methods

All computations were performed with Gaussian 09. A wide-range of quantum mechanical methodologies, HF, B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP, BMK, B3PW91, TPSSh, LC-ωPBE, M06-2X, M06-HF, ωB97xD, MP2, CASSCF, CCSD, QCISD, CISD and semi-empirical methods like, Huckel, CNDO, AM1, PM3MM and PM6, were used for investigations.

Graphical abstract
Improvement of the transmission efficiency in electric vehicles by using double staggered helical gears with shortened teeth
Authors: Gonzalez-Perez Ignacio , Fuentes-Aznar Alfonso
Published: September 2023

The application of double staggered helical gears with shortened teeth is proposed to increase the efficiency of gear reducers applied in electric vehicles. The staggered helical gears are designed with short addendum and dedendum as well as a phase angle between their two parts. Reduction of power losses is achieved by avoiding contact between tooth surfaces where the sliding velocities are larger, since the meshing occurs in areas close to the pitch circle during a longer period of the cycle of meshing. The calculation of the efficiency is based on the application of the finite element method through two algorithms for post-processing the obtained results. The first one is based on the use of tangential forces and sliding velocities to compute the power losses along the cycle of meshing. The second one is based on the determination of the input and output powers through the torques and velocities at the pinion and gear reference nodes of the finite element model. A constant friction coefficient is being considered between the contacting tooth surfaces for all the geometries. Several two-stage gear transmissions are analyzed and compared, considering standard helical gears and their counterpart double staggered helical gears with shortened teeth, different facewidth-to-module ratios, and different helix angles. The results show an improvement in the efficiency about 1.8 percentile points among the compared geometries.
The role of gadolinium-based contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging structured reporting and data systems (RADS)
Authors: Parillo Marco , Mallio Carlo Augusto , Van der Molen Aart J. , Rovira Àlex , Dekkers Ilona A. , Karst Uwe , Stroomberg Gerard , Clement Olivier , Gianolio Eliana , Nederveen Aart J. , Radbruch Alexander , Quattrocchi Carlo Cosimo ,   ESMRMB-GREC Working Group
Published: September 2023

Among the 28 reporting and data systems (RADS) available in the literature, we identified 15 RADS that can be used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Performing examinations without using gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) has benefits, but GBCA administration is often required to achieve an early and accurate diagnosis. The aim of the present review is to summarize the current role of GBCA in MRI RADS. This overview suggests that GBCA are today required in most of the current RADS and are expected to be used in most MRIs performed in patients with cancer. Dynamic contrast enhancement is required for correct scores calculation in PI-RADS and VI-RADS, although scientific evidence may lead in the future to avoid the GBCA administration in these two RADS. In Bone-RADS, contrast enhancement can be required to classify an aggressive lesion. In RADS scoring on whole body-MRI datasets (MET-RADS-P, MY-RADS and ONCO-RADS), in NS-RADS and in Node-RADS, GBCA administration is optional thanks to the intrinsic high contrast resolution of MRI. Future studies are needed to evaluate the impact of the high T1 relaxivity GBCA on the assignment of RADS scores.
Maximizing flow rate in single paper layer, rapid flow microfluidic paper-based analytical devices
Authors: Macleod Briongos Iain , Call Zachary D. , Henry Charles S. , Bark David L.
Published: September 2023

Small, single-layer microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) offer potential for a range of point-of-care applications; however, they have been limited to low flow rates. Here, we investigate the role of laser cutting paper channels in maximizing flow rate in small profile devices with limited fluid volumes. We demonstrate that branching, laser-cut grooves can provide a 59.23–73.98% improvement in flow rate over a single cut, and a 435% increase over paper alone. These design considerations can be applied to more complex microfluidic devices with the aim of increasing the flow rate, and could be used in stand-alone channels for self-pumping.
On the Wave Equation with Space Dependent Coefficients: Singularities and Lower Order Terms
Authors: Discacciati Marco , Garetto Claudia , Loizou Costas
Published: September 2023

This paper complements the study of the wave equation with discontinuous coefficients initiated in (Discacciati et al. in J. Differ. Equ.319 (2022) 131–185) in the case of time-dependent coefficients. Here we assume that the equation coefficients are depending on space only and we formulate Levi conditions on the lower order terms to guarantee the existence of a very weak solution as defined in (Garetto and Ruzhansky in Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal.217 (2015) 113–154). As a toy model we study the wave equation in conservative form with discontinuous velocity and we provide a qualitative analysis of the corresponding very weak solution via numerical methods.
Electrical transport properties of YBa2Cu3Oy implanted by CdS nanoparticles: nanoparticle size effect
Authors: Hkiri Khaoula , Mohamed Hamza Elsayed Ahmed , Shahzad Nimra , Bouchoucha Ines , Maaza Malik , Zouaoui Mouldi
Published: September 2023

Cadmium sulfide nanoparticles size effects on the superconducting properties of YBa2Cu3Oy compound were investigated in details. Solid-state reaction method was used for the synthesis of samples with additional amounts of CdS nanoparticles with sizes 6 nm and 12 nm and an additional amount x = 0.1 wt%. Synthesis of cadmium nanoparticles was done by using aqueous methods and they were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD). Optical absorption measurement of the as-synthesized nanoparticles was carried out, and the specific surface areas of the sample were analyzed using a surface area and porosity analyzer. Electrical resistivity and transport critical current densities were measured by using the four-probe technique. The measurements revealed that CdS (6 nm) added samples exhibit higher energy pinning and current densities as compared to pure YBa2Cu3Oy and with additional CdS (12 nm). This implies that the size reduction of CdS can give rise to effective pinning centers which can enhance the superconducting properties in the Y-123 materials.
Danish Prostate Registry (DanProst) – an Updated Version of the Danish Prostate Cancer Registry, Methodology, and Early Results
Authors: Stroomberg Hein Vincent , Larsen S. Benzon , Lanthén G. Samsø , Nielsen T. Kjaer , Helgstrand J. T. , Brasso K , Røder A
Published: September 2023

In 2016, we introduced the Danish Prostate Cancer Registry (DaPCaR) which was built on the National Pathology Register from 1995 to 2011. DaPCaR was laborious to use as most data had to be manually imputed with no regular updates. In here we present a new comprehensive centralized prostate registry called the Danish Prostate Registry (DanProst), which includes all men having undergone any histological evaluation of prostate tissue merged with laboratory-, treatment-, prescription data as well as vital status. Here the data included and the methodology of DanProst are described. DanProst is built upon all men with a histological assessment of the prostate from the Danish National Registry for Pathology. The primary histology and potential prostate cancer histological diagnosis for each unique individual is extracted and translated by newly made algorithms for topography, procedure, diagnostic conclusion, and pathological staging. Further information is added from DaPCaR, the CPR Registry, the Danish Cause of Death Registry, the Danish Cancer Registry, the National Patient Registry, the Danish Register of Laboratory Results for Research, and the Danish National Prescription Registry. The translation algorithms were validated based on the comparison with DaPCaR in the period 2010–2016. DanProst includes 190,422 men. A total of 95,152 (50%) men are diagnosed with prostate cancer until 2021. Median diagnostic PSA was 11 ng/ml, most men are diagnosed by ultrasound-guided biopsy (N = 63,751; 67%), and most frequently defined primary treatment was radical prostatectomy (N = 14,778; 19%). DanProst to DaPCaR coherency was > 99%, 95%, and 94% for the primary histological procedure, primary histological conclusion, and diagnostic histological conclusion, respectively. DanProst is a continuously updated, centrally kept, validated registry with automatic integration of data from other national registries, allowing for contemporary nationwide analysis in men with histological assessment of the prostate.
Neuroprotective Effects of CXCR2 Antagonist SB332235 on Traumatic Brain Injury Through Suppressing NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Zhao Ke , Zhou Xinkui , Chen Mengyuan , Gou Lingshan , Mei Daoqi , Gao Chao , Zhao Shuai , Luo Shuying , Wang Xiaona , Tan Tao , Zhang Yaodong
Published: September 2023

The inflammatory process mediated by nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain comprising 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a predominant role in the neurological dysfunction following traumatic brain injury (TBI). SB332235, a highly selective antagonist of chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2), has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and improve neurological outcomes in the central nervous system. We aimed to determine the neuroprotective effects of SB332235 in the acute phase after TBI in mice and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Male C57BL/6J animals were exposed to a controlled cortical impact, then received 4 doses of SB332235, with the first dose administered at 30 min after TBI, followed by additional doses at 6, 24, and 30 h. Neurological defects were assessed by the modified neurological severity score, while the motor function was evaluated using the beam balance and open field tests. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the novel object recognition test. Brain tissues were collected for pathological, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses. The results showed that SB332235 significantly ameliorated TBI-induced deficits, including motor and cognitive impairments. SB332235 administration suppressed expression of both CXCL1 and CXCR2 in TBI. Moreover, SB332235 substantially mitigated the augmented expression levels and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome within the peri-contusional cortex induced by TBI. This was accompanied by the blocking of subsequent production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, SB332235 hindered microglial activity induced by TBI. These findings confirmed the neuroprotective effects of SB332235 against TBI, and the involved mechanisms were in part due to the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activity. This study suggests that SB332235 may act as an anti-inflammatory agent to improve functional outcomes in brain injury when applied clinically.
The Curious Layperson: Fine-Grained Image Recognition Without Expert Labels
Authors: Choudhury Subhabrata , Laina Iro , Rupprecht Christian , Vedaldi Andrea
Published: September 2023

Most of us are not experts in specific fields, such as ornithology. Nonetheless, we do have general image and language understanding capabilities that we use to match what we see to expert resources. This allows us to expand our knowledge and perform novel tasks without ad-hoc external supervision. On the contrary, machines have a much harder time consulting expert-curated knowledge bases unless trained specifically with that knowledge in mind. Thus, in this paper we consider a new problem: fine-grained image recognition without expert annotations, which we address by leveraging the vast knowledge available in web encyclopedias. First, we learn a model to describe the visual appearance of objects using non-expert image descriptions. We then train a fine-grained textual similarity model that matches image descriptions with documents on a sentence-level basis. We evaluate the method on two datasets (CUB-200 and Oxford-102 Flowers) and compare with several strong baselines and the state of the art in cross-modal retrieval. Code is available at: https://github.com/subhc/clever.
Technical efficiency of the urban gas industry in china
Authors: Li Fan , Wu Xiaokun , Phillips Michelle Andrea
Published: September 2023

China’s Paris Agreement Pledge and recent introduction of an Emissions Trading Scheme have created a need for information on where it makes the most economic sense to use different sources of energy. With lower carbon dioxide emissions, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas provide cleaner sources of energy relative to coal. Although it is practically crucial to investigate the use of these two sources, empirical studies are limited due to lack of data. To fill the research gap, this paper studies the efficiency of natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas sector in China by using data from 24 major province-level divisions over the years 2006–2015. Efficiency is defined as the utility’s ability to produce the highest output given fixed inputs. We find that: (1) GDP per capita and high customer density are associated with higher levels of efficiency and (2) utilities that serve higher proportions of households (as opposed to industry and firms) are associated with lower levels of efficiency. Policy makers can use this information to address China’s energy needs due to rapid urbanization while also pursuing Paris Agreement goals.
An electrokinetic-biocementation study for clay stabilisation using carbonic anhydrase-producing bacteria
Authors: Mwandira Wilson , Mavroulidou Maria , Satheesh Anjali , Gunn Michael John , Gray Christopher , Purchase Diane , Garelick Jonathan
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the feasibility of biocementing clay soil underneath a railway embankment of the UK rail network via carbonic anhydrase (CA) biocementation, implementing the treatments electrokinetically. Compared to previous biocementation studies using the ureolytic route, the CA pathway is attractive as CA-producing bacteria can sequester CO2 to produce biocement. Clay soil samples were treated electrokinetically using biostimulation and bioaugmentation conditions to induce biocementation. The effects of the treatment were assessed in terms of undrained shear strength using the cone penetration test, moisture content, and calcium carbonate content measurements. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were also conducted on soil samples before and after treatment to evaluate the reaction products. The results showed that upon biostimulation, the undrained shear strength of the soil increased uniformly throughout the soil, from 17.6 kPa (in the natural untreated state) to 106.6 kPa. SEM micrographs also showed a clear change in the soil structure upon biostimulation. Unlike biostimulation, bioaugmentation did not have the same performance, although a high amount of CaCO3 precipitates was detected, and bacteria were observed to have entered the soil. The prospects are exciting, as it was shown that it is possible to achieve a considerable strength increase by the biostimulation of native bacteria capturing CO2 while improving the soil strength, thus having the potential to contribute both to the resilience of existing railway infrastructure and to climate change mitigation.
Anti-inflammatory, Anti-fibrotic and Pro-cardiomyogenic Effects of Genetically Engineered Extracellular Vesicles Enriched in miR-1 and miR-199a on Human Cardiac Fibroblasts
Authors: Kmiotek-Wasylewska Katarzyna , Bobis-Wozowicz Sylwia , Karnas Elżbieta , Orpel Monika , Woźnicka Olga , Madeja Zbigniew , Dawn Buddhadeb , Zuba-Surma Ewa K.
Published: September 2023

Rationale

Emerging evidence indicates that stem cell (SC)- derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying bioactive miRNAs are able to repair damaged or infarcted myocardium and ameliorate adverse remodeling. Fibroblasts represent a major cell population responsible for scar formation in the damaged heart. However, the effects of EVs on cardiac fibroblast (CFs) biology and function has not been investigated.

Objective

To analyze the biological impact of stem cell-derived EVs (SC-EVs) enriched in miR-1 and miR-199a on CFs and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods and Results

Genetically engineered human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPS) and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) expressing miR-1 or miR-199a were used to produce miR-EVs. Cells and EVs were thoughtfully analyzed for miRNA expression using RT-qPCR method. Both hiPS-miRs-EVs and UC-MSC-miRs-EVs effectively transferred miRNAs to recipient CFs, however, hiPS-miRs-EVs triggered cardiomyogenic gene expression in CFs more efficiently than UC-MSC-miRs-EVs. Importantly, hiPS-miR-1-EVs exhibited cytoprotective effects on CFs by reducing apoptosis, decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (CCL2, IL-1β, IL-8) and downregulating the expression of a pro-fibrotic gene – α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Notably, we identified a novel role of miR-199a-3p delivered by hiPS-EVs to CFs, in triggering the expression of cardiomyogenic genes (NKX2.5, TNTC, MEF2C) and ion channels involved in cardiomyocyte contractility (HCN2, SCN5A, KCNJ2, KCND3). By targeting SERPINE2, miR-199a-3p may reduce pro-fibrotic properties of CFs, whereas miR-199a-5p targeted BCAM and TSPAN6, which may be implicated in downregulation of inflammation.

Conclusions

hiPS-EVs carrying miR-1 and miR-199a attenuate apoptosis and pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory activities of CFs, and increase cardiomyogenic gene expression. These finding serve as rationale for targeting fibroblasts with novel EV-based miRNA therapies to improve heart repair after myocardial injury.

Graphical Abstract
Incidental observation of bone modification by Crematogaster cf. liengmei (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Adetimehin Adeyemi Daniel , Mole Calvin Gerald , Finaughty Devin Alexander , Heyns Marise
Published: September 2023

Different taxa of insects have been reported to modify the skeletal remains of vertebrates during feeding or the creation of their larval and pupal chambers. Anecdotal reports on the modification of skeletal remains by ants exist but are rare. In this paper, a case of modification of bone due to the feeding activity of the ant, Crematogaster cf. liengmei (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), is reported. In November 2022, a bone was encountered incidentally in the vicinity of the Table Mountain National Park. The bone had been colonized by several individuals of Crematogaster cf. liengmei. Several ants were observed feeding on and removing bone particles and soft tissue remnants. A closer observation revealed striae/furrows on the epiphyseal ends of the bone. A 60-kg pig cadaver used in a winter decomposition trial in the same area was similarly colonized by this ant species, resulting in soft-tissue modification. Due to the similarity in the striae/furrows observed on the bone and the bitemarks inflicted by the ants on the right ear of the pig cadaver in the vicinity, it was concluded that the striae/furrows seen on the bone were created by the ants. Our observations show that Crematogaster cf. liengmei is an important taphonomic bio-agent that can contribute to the modification of skeletal remains in terrestrial environments.
Clinical and epidemiological factors causing longer SARS-CoV 2 viral shedding: the results from the CoviCamp cohort
Authors: Grimaldi Pierantonio , Russo Antonio , Pisaturo Mariantonietta , Maggi Paolo , Allegorico Enrico , Gentile Ivan , Sangiovanni Vincenzo , Rossomando Annamaria , Pacilio Rossella , Calabria Giosuele , Pisapia Raffaella , Carriero Canio , Masullo Alfonso , Manzillo Elio , Russo Grazia , Parrella Roberto , Dell’Aquila Giuseppina , Gambardella Michele , Ponticiello Antonio , Onorato Lorenzo , Coppola Nicola ,   CoviCam group, Monari Caterina , Sagnelli Caterina , Numis Fabio Giuliano , Rescigno Carolina , Megna Angelo Salomone , Esposito Vincenzo , Punzi Rodolfo , Fusco Francesco Maria , Porta Giovanni , Macera Margherita , Calò Federica , Cascone Angela , Stornaiuolo Gianfranca , Stanzione Maria , Medusa Paola , Nicola Carro , Dell’aquila Andrea , Imbriani Simona , Carmen Ricozzi , Gjeloshi Klodian , Astorri Roberta , Rossomando Anna Maria , Di Lorenzo Mariana , Bosso Giorgio , Serra Claudia , Vicario Ferdinando Dello , Minerva Valentina , De Angelis Giulia , De Pascalis Stefania , Martini Salvatore , Di Caprio Giovanni , Masiello Addolorata , Di Costanzo Domenica , Mazza Mariano , Bianco Vincenzo , Gentile Valeria , Buonomo Antonio Riccardo , Pinchera Biagio , Scotto Riccardo
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate how long hospitalized patients stayed positive to the nasopharyngeal swab, and what demographic and clinical factors influence the time-to-negative swab.

Methods

We enrolled in a multicenter, observational, retrospective study involving 17 COVID-19 units in eight cities of the Campania, southern Italy all patients hospitalized from March 2020 to May 2021 diagnosed with Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection for whom time-to-negative swab was available.

Results

963 patients were enrolled. We defined three groups considering time-to-negative swab: the first including patients with time-to-negative swab before the 26th day, the second including patients with time-to-negative swab from day 26 to day 39, and the third including patients with time-to-negative swab > 39 days. 721 (74.9%) patients belonged to the first group, 194 (20.1%) to the second, and 52 (5.4%) belonged to the third group. Belonging to group 2 and 3 seemed to be influenced by age (p value < 0.001), Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.009), arterial hypertension (p = 0.02), cardiovascular disease (p = 0.017), or chronic kidney disease (CKD) (p = 0.001). The multivariable analysis confers a leading role to CKD, with an odds ratio of 2.3 as factor influencing belonging to the groups showing a longer time-to-negative swab. Patients with CKD and diabetes were more frequently in the third group.

Discussion

Our analysis showed that CKD is a factor related to longer time-to-negative swab, probably because of immunosuppression related to this condition.
Barriers and Facilitators to Implementation of the EU School Fruit and Vegetables Scheme: Cross Country Study
Authors: Meshkovska Biljana , Forberger Sarah , Wendt Janine , Scheller Daniel A. , Castellari Elena , Tiboldo Giulia , Luszczynska Aleksandra , Lien Nanna ,   the PEN Consortium
Published: September 2023

The European Union (EU) School Fruit and Vegetables Scheme is a nutrition policy program. It has three actions: delivery of fruit and vegetables in schools, accompanying educational and information measures. The aim of this study is to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the Scheme as perceived by implementers at government level. This work is a qualitative, exploratory study using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to guide data collection and analysis. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives (n = 29) from agriculture, health and education, across 10 EU member states and the EU. Qualitative data were coded inductively. Themes were mapped to constructs of the CFIR. We found content in regard to 19 out of 26 constructs of the CFIR. Some example constructs are: adaptability, external policy and incentives, networks and communications, knowledge and beliefs and executing. Flexibility in how the scheme is designed and implemented and newly established cooperation between implementing ministries are facilitators. However, the timing of the yearly budget allocation is a barrier. Taking EU funding for granted is a potential disincentive to improvement, although the EU funding facilitates sustainability. Despite agreement on what the overall goals of the Scheme are, there is ambiguity as to what the perceived primary goal is, which may be a barrier. Some goal ambiguity may be useful at the supranational level, enabling politically acceptable framing and continuation of the financing of the Scheme, but this translates into a potential barrier to design and implementation at country and school level.
CDF W mass anomaly revisited
Authors: Zhu Shou-hua
Published: September 2023

The CDF, ATLAS, and LHCb have released the measurements on the W boson mass $$m_W$$

m
W

at $$\sqrt{S}=1.96, 7, 13 TeV$$

S

=
1.96
,
7
,
13
T
e
V

, respectively. The measured values show the declining tendency, namely $$m_W$$

m
W

decreases with the increment of the collider energy. If the declining tendency is confirmed, it might be the signal of metric field at high-energy colliders. In this paper, we propose a model to account for such tendency and explore the properties of the model.