bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Categorification of integral group rings extended by one dimension
Authors: Schopieray Andrew
Published: July 2023

The integral group rings for finite groups are precisely those fusion rings whose basis elements have Frobenius–Perron dimension 1, and each is categorifiable in the sense that it arises as the Grothendieck ring of a fusion category. Here, we analyze the structure and representation theory of fusion rings with a basis of elements whose Frobenius–Perron dimensions take exactly one value distinct from 1. Our goal is a set of results to assist in characterizing when such fusion rings are categorifiable. As proof of concept, we complete the classification of categorifiable near‐group fusion rings for an infinite collection of finite abelian groups, a task that to‐date has only been completed for three such groups.
Quantitative bounds on vortex fluctuations in 2d$2d$ Coulomb gas and maximum of the integer‐valued Gaussian free field
Authors: Garban Christophe , Sepúlveda Avelio
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we study the influence of the vortices on the fluctuations of systems such as the Coulomb gas, the Villain model, or the integer‐valued Gaussian free field (GFF). In the case of the Villain model, we prove that the fluctuations induced by the vortices are at least of the same order of magnitude as the ones produced by the spin wave. We obtain the following quantitative upper bound on the two‐point correlation in when The proof is entirely nonperturbative. Furthermore, it provides a new and algorithmically efficient way of sampling the Coulomb gas. For the Coulomb gas, we obtain the following lower bound on its fluctuations at high inverse temperature:
This estimate coincides with the predictions based on Renormalization group (RG) analysis by José et al. [Phys. Rev. B 16 (1977), no. 3, 1217] and suggests that the Coulomb potential at inverse temperature should scale like a GFF of inverse temperature of order .

Finally, we transfer the above vortex fluctuations via a duality identity to the integer‐valued GFF by showing that its maximum deviates in a quantitative way from the maximum of a usual GFF. More precisely, we show that with high probability when where is an integer‐valued GFF in the box at inverse temperature . Applications to the free energies of the Coulomb gas, the Villain model, and the integer‐valued GFF are also considered.
Influence of electron beam irradiation on nanoscale adhesion during colloidal probe experiments inside the scanning electron microscope
Authors: Klauser Waldemar , Nasrullayev Turgut , Fatikow Sergej
Published: July 2023

Scanning electron microscope is not only a versatile visualization and characterization tool for nanomaterials, but it is also widely used for visual feedback during assembly and manipulation of micro- and nanoparticles, novel devices based on 2D and 1D materials, and microrobots. Due to increase in the surface-to-volume ratio, adhesion forces play a significant role in micro- and nanorobotic applications. We investigate the quantitative effect of electron beam irradiation on nanoscale adhesive interactions between different end effector types and plain substrates. For this purpose, we use an interferometry-based force measurement setup integrated into the chamber of a scanning electron microscope capable of a subnano Newton force resolution. We provide quantitative results for the influence of the electron beam on the adhesion forces depending on the exposure dose, geometrical configuration in which it is applied, as well as on the material of the end effector. Simulation results, atomic force microscope adhesion measurements, and measurements with piezoresistive cantilevers serve as references. Our findings indicate that the electron beam influences the adhesive interaction not only in the case of insulating probes but also for well-grounded conducting and semiconducting probes. Its influence can range from several 10% to several 100% in comparison to the adhesion values measured with an atomic force microscope in an ambient atmosphere and no charged particle beam is applied. Moreover, it is shown that the influence of a charged particle beam is a multidimensional phenomenon that depends on several factors such as end effector and substrate material, geometry and aspect ratio of the end effector, geometrical configuration between particle beam and probe–sample arrangement, as well as exposure dose and field of view. We provide recommendations for handling and characterization of micro- and nano-objects using end effectors under the influence of charged particle beams: not to rely on adhesion values acquired in different environmental and exposure conditions, not to expect the application of conductive materials and grounding to completely avoid the effect of charged particle beams, and to be aware that charged particle beams can lower or increase the adhesion force in vacuum depending on material properties, among others.
Whole genome sequence of
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae
strain NXNK2203 isolated from Hu sheep in Ningxia province, China
Authors: Wang Jiandong , Liu Hongyan , Raheem Abdul , Ma Qing , Liang Xiaojun , Guo Yanan , Lu Doukun
Published: July 2023

We report whole-genome sequencing of
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae
strain NXNK2203 isolated from the lungs of dead Hu sheep in Ningxia province, China. We get single circular chromosomes of 1,014,835 bp after sequencing. The purpose was to better understand the clinical significance of
Mycoplasma
infections for the health and welfare of ovine species.
Gene flow and species boundaries of the genus
Salmonella
Authors: Cobo-Simón Marta , Hart Rowan , Ochman Howard
Published: July 2023

The genus
Salmonella
comprises two species,
Salmonella bongori
and
Salmonella enterica
, which are infectious to a wide variety of animal hosts. The diversity within
S. enterica
has been further partitioned into 6–10 subspecies based on such features as host range, geography, and most recently, genetic relatedness and phylogenetic affiliation. Although
Salmonella
pathogenicity is attributable to large numbers of acquired virulence factors, the extent of homologous exchange in the species at large is apparently constrained such that the species and subspecies form distinct clusters of strains. To explore the extent of gene flow within and among subspecies, and to ultimately define true biological species, we evaluated patterns of recombination in over 1,000 genomes currently assigned to the genus. Those
Salmonella
subspecies containing sufficient numbers of sequenced genomes to allow meaningful analysis
—
i.e., subsp.
enterica
and
diarizonae
—were found to be reproductively isolated from one another and from all other subspecies. Based on the configuration of genomic sequence divergence among subspecies, it is expected that each of the other
Salmonella
subspecies will also represent a biological species. Our findings argue against the application of prescribed nucleotide-identity thresholds to delineate bacterial species and contend that the Biological Species Concept should not be disregarded for bacteria, even those, like
Salmonella
, that demonstrate complex patterns of species and subspecies divergence.

IMPORTANCE

The Biological Species Concept (BSC), which defines species boundaries based on the capacity for gene exchange, is widely used to classify sexually reproducing eukaryotes but is generally thought to be inapplicable to bacteria due to their completely asexual mode of reproduction. We show that the genus
Salmonella
, whose thousands of described serovars were formerly considered to be strictly clonal, undergoes sufficient levels of homologous recombination to be assigned to species according to the BSC. Aside from the two recognized species,
Salmonella enterica
and
Salmonella bongori
, several (and likely all) of the subspecies within
S. enterica
are reproductively isolated from one another and should each be considered a separate biological species. These findings demonstrate that species barriers in bacteria can form despite high levels of nucleotide identity and that commonly applied thresholds of genomic sequence identity are not reliable indicators of bacterial species status.
Health risks associated with the production and usage of charcoal: a systematic review
Authors: Idowu Oladipo S , De Azevedo Liane Beretta , Zohoori Fatemeh Vida , Kanmodi Kehinde , Pak Tannaz
Published: July 2023

Charcoal production and utilisation are linked to various health issues and occupational hazards. However, to our knowledge, no systematic review has primarily focused on the health implications of charcoal production and its use while distinguishing charcoal from other solid fuels such as wood and coal.

Objectives

This systematic review presents a synthesis of the evidence on the health risks associated with producing and using charcoal across the world.

Design

Systematic review using a systematic narrative synthesis approach.

Data sources

MEDLINE (through Ovid interface), CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and SCOPUS, from inception to 26 February 2021.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Peer-reviewed journal articles reporting empirical findings on the associations between charcoal usage/production and health parameters.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the quality of primary studies.

Results

Our findings showed that charcoal production and usage are linked with specific adverse health outcomes, including respiratory diseases (n=21), cardiorespiratory and neurological diseases (n=1), cancer (n=3), DNA damage (n=3), carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning (n=2), physical injury (n=2), sick house syndrome (n=1), unintentional weight loss and body mass index (BMI) reduction (n=2), increase in blood pressure (n=1) and CO death (n=1). Among the included articles that reported respiratory diseases (n=21), there was one case of asthma and tuberculosis and two cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Conclusions

This review links charcoal production/usage and some associated human health risks. These include respiratory diseases and other non-respiratory illnesses such as sick-building syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, DNA damage, CO poisoning and death, unintentional weight loss and BMI reduction, and physical injuries.
Simulation modelling to study the impact of adding comprehensive stroke centres. Can we deliver endovascular thrombectomy sooner?
Authors: Maas Willemijn J , van der Zee Durk-Jouke , Buskens Erik , Uyttenboogaart Maarten , Lahr Maarten MH
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Regional accessibility and distribution of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) capable facilities, that is, comprehensive stroke centres (CSCs), may significantly influence time to treatment. We analysed the impact of adding CSCs in the north of the Netherlands, a region with roughly 1.7 million inhabitants currently served by one CSC and eight primary stroke centres (PSCs).

Design

Monte Carlo simulation modelling was used to establish new CSCs in our region by hypothetically upgrading existing PSCs to CSCs and ensuing adjustments in health services set-up.

Setting

One CSC and eight PSCs in the north of the Netherlands.

Participants

165 patients with acute stroke treated with EVT and underwent interhospital transfer between PSC and CSC (drip and ship patients).

Primary and secondary outcomes

Time from onset to groin (OTG) puncture and predicted probability of favourable outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) after 90 days. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess uncertainty in workflow efficiency of CSCs.

Results

Adding one or two CSCs would reduce the OTG time up to approximately 17 min and increases the predicted probability of favourable outcome by approximately 2%. Sensitivity analyses revealed that ‘slow-acting’ CSCs may reduce OTG by 3–5 min compared with 24–32 min for ‘fast-acting’ CSCs.

Conclusions

This study suggests that adding one or two CSCs in the north of the Netherlands would have modest impact. Improving workflow efficiencies seems to be more potent when aiming to improve existing acute stroke care systems.
Comparing secondary prevention for patients with coronary heart disease and stroke attending Australian general practices: a cross-sectional study using nationwide electronic database
Authors: Yue Jason , Kazi Samia , Nguyen Tu , Chow Clara Kayei
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To compare secondary prevention care for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, exploring particularly the influences due to frequency and regularity of primary care visits.

Setting

Secondary prevention for patients (≥18 years) in the National Prescription Service administrative electronic health record database collated from 458 Australian general practice sites across all states and territories.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional and panel study. Patient and care-level characteristics were compared for differing CHD/stroke diagnoses. Associations between the type of cardiovascular diagnosis and medication prescription as well as risk factor assessment were examined using multivariable logistic regression.

Participants

Patients with three or more general practice encounters within 2 years of their latest visit during 2016–2020.

Outcome measures

Proportions and odds ratios (ORs) for (1) prescription of antihypertensives, antilipidaemics and antiplatelets and (2) assessment of blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with stroke only compared against those with CHD only and those with both conditions.

Results

There were 111 892 patients with CHD only, 27 863 with stroke only and 9791 with both conditions. Relative to patients with CHD, patients with stroke were underprescribed antihypertensives (70.8% vs 82.8%), antilipidaemics (63.1% vs 78.7%) and antiplatelets (42.2% vs 45.7%). With sociodemographic factors, comorbidities and level of care considered as covariates, the odds of non-prescription of any recommended secondary prevention medications were higher in patients with stroke only (adjusted OR 1.37; 95% CI (1.31, 1.44)) compared with patients with CHD only. Patients with stroke only were also more likely to have neither BP nor LDL-C monitored (adjusted OR 1.26; 95% CI (1.18, 1.34)). Frequent and regular general practitioner encounters were independently associated with the prescription of secondary prevention medications (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Secondary prevention management is suboptimal in cardiovascular disease patients and worse post-stroke compared with post-CHD. More frequent and regular primary care encounters were associated with improved secondary prevention.
Spatial dimension of macrophage heterogeneity in liver diseases
Authors: Guillot Adrien , Tacke Frank
Published: July 2023

The structural and cellular organisation of the liver has unique features that define it as both a metabolic and an immunological organ. Noteworthy, liver resident macrophages, named Kupffer cells, represent the most frequent tissue resident macrophage population in the human body. Nonetheless, on acute or chronic tissue injury, Kupffer cells seem rather static and may undergo cell death, while the liver is massively infiltrated by circulating immune cells such as bone marrow-derived macrophages, also termed monocyte-derived macrophages, which drastically alter the hepatic immune landscape. Over the last decade, our knowledge on liver macrophage populations during homeostasis and liver diseases has greatly expanded. This particularly holds true in light of the recent fast-paced technological advances that brought novel dimensions to our knowledge, either in single-cell suspensions, in a two-dimensional plane or a three-dimensional space, or even in time-lapse (intravital) microscopy. This novel understanding goes from unravelling a previously underestimated macrophage diversity (eg, in terms of activation phenotype or cellular origins) to identifying spatially or temporally restricted responses that drive liver disease outcome. This review aims at providing insights into the most recent breakthroughs in our understanding of liver macrophage biology and its roles in liver (patho)physiology, in a four-dimensional perspective.
Ebstein’s anomaly in children and adults: multidisciplinary insights into imaging and therapy
Authors: Pasqualin Giulia , Boccellino Antonio , Chessa Massimo , Ciconte Giuseppe , Marcolin Cecilia , Micaglio Emanuele , Pappone Carlo , Sturla Francesco , Giamberti Alessandro
Published: July 2023

Although survival has significantly improved in the last four decades, the diagnosis of Ebstein’s anomaly is still associated with a 20-fold increased risk of mortality, which generally drops after neonatal period and increases subtly thereafter. With increasing age of presentation, appropriate timing of intervention is challenged by a wide spectrum of disease and paucity of data on patient-tailored interventional strategies. The present review sought to shed light on the wide grey zone of post-neonatal Ebstein’s manifestations, highlighting current gaps and achievements in knowledge for adequate risk assessment and appropriate therapeutic strategy.

A ‘wait-and-see’ approach has been adopted in many circumstances, though its efficacy is now questioned by the awareness that Ebstein’s anomaly is not a benign disease, even when asymptomatic. Moreover, older age at intervention showed a negative impact on post-surgical outcome.

In order to tackle the extreme heterogeneity of Ebstein’s anomaly, this review displays the multimodality imaging assessment necessary for a proper anatomical classification and the multidisciplinary approach needed for a comprehensive risk stratification and monitoring strategy. Currently available predictors of clinical outcome are summarised for both operated and unoperated patients, with the aim of supporting the decisional process on the choice of appropriate therapy and optimal timing for intervention.
Exploring the mechanisms responsible for reduced systolic function in high-gradient aortic stenosis
Authors: Liebenberg Jacques , Doubell Anton , Steyn Jan , Herbst Philip
Published: July 2023

Objective

To characterise the mechanics responsible for the reduced ejection fraction (rEF) in high-gradient severe aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods

21 patients with high-gradient severe AS (aortic valve area (AVA) <1.0 cm2and mean gradient (MG) >40 mm Hg) were included. They included 9 patients with rEF (EF <50%) and 12 with preserved ejection fraction (pEF) (EF >50%). Valve area and MG were assessed echocardiographically, and myocardial fibrosis was quantified using MRI. Load-independent measures of intrinsic contractility was assessed with pressure-volume haemodynamics.

Results

80% of the cohort was female, with a mean age of 64 years. Patients were matched for age, sex and body surface area. Load-independent contractile function was similar between the rEF and pEF groups: preload recruitable stroke work slope (101 vs 112 mm Hg; p=0.65), end-systolic pressure-volume relationship slope (1.91 vs 1.28 mmHg/mL; p=0.07) and Starling Contractile Index slope (3.47 vs 7.96 mm Hg/mL/s; p=0.31). End-systolic wall stress and valvuloarterial impedance were higher in cases with rEF (150 vs 83.5 N/cm2; p<0.01 and 4.8 vs 3.4 mm Hg/mL; p=0.05), driven by higher degrees of valvular stenosis (valve area 0.46 vs 0.78 cm2; p<0.01). The rEF group was more symptomatic (New York Heart Association 3.3 vs 2.3; p=0.02), with higher pulmonary pressures (50 vs 30 mm Hg; p=0.04) and more fibrosis (24% vs 13% of left ventricular mass; p=0.03).

Conclusion

The pathophysiological problem in patients with high-gradient AS with rEF relates to an excessively increased afterload due to more severe valvular stenosis, with preserved intrinsic contractile function. Myocardial fibrosis in the rEF group did not translate into worse muscle function.
Autologous humanized PDX modeling for immuno-oncology recapitulates features of the human tumor microenvironment
Authors: Chiorazzi Michael , Martinek Jan , Krasnick Bradley , Zheng Yunjiang , Robbins Keenan J , Qu Rihao , Kaufmann Gabriel , Skidmore Zachary , Juric Melani , Henze Laura A , Brösecke Frederic , Adonyi Adam , Zhao Jun , Shan Liang , Sefik Esen , Mudd Jacqueline , Bi Ye , Goedegebuure S Peter , Griffith Malachi , Griffith Obi , Oyedeji Abimbola , Fertuzinhos Sofia , Garcia-Milian Rolando , Boffa Daniel , Detterbeck Frank , Dhanasopon Andrew , Blasberg Justin , Judson Benjamin , Gettinger Scott , Politi Katerina , Kluger Yuval , Palucka Karolina , Fields Ryan C , Flavell Richard A
Published: July 2023

Background

Interactions between immune and tumor cells are critical to determining cancer progression and response. In addition, preclinical prediction of immune-related drug efficacy is limited by interspecies differences between human and mouse, as well as inter-person germline and somatic variation. To address these gaps, we developed an autologous system that models the tumor microenvironment (TME) from individual patients with solid tumors.

Method

With patient-derived bone marrow hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), we engrafted a patient’s hematopoietic system in MISTRG6 mice, followed by transfer of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tissue, providing a fully genetically matched model to recapitulate the individual’s TME. We used this system to prospectively study tumor-immune interactions in patients with solid tumor.

Results

Autologous PDX mice generated innate and adaptive immune populations; these cells populated the TME; and tumors from autologously engrafted mice grew larger than tumors from non-engrafted littermate controls. Single-cell transcriptomics revealed a prominent vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) signature in TME myeloid cells, and inhibition of human VEGF-A abrogated enhanced growth.

Conclusions

Humanization of the interleukin 6 locus in MISTRG6 mice enhances HSPC engraftment, making it feasible to model tumor-immune interactions in an autologous manner from a bedside bone marrow aspirate. The TME from these autologous tumors display hallmarks of the human TME including innate and adaptive immune activation and provide a platform for preclinical drug testing.
Efficacy of PD-(L)1 blockade monotherapy compared with PD-(L)1 blockade plus chemotherapy in first-line PD-L1-positive advanced lung adenocarcinomas: a cohort study
Authors: Elkrief Arielle , Alessi Joao M Victor , Ricciuti Biagio , Brown Samantha , Rizvi Hira , Preeshagul Isabel R , Wang Xinan , Pecci Federica , Di Federico Alessandro , Lamberti Giuseppe , Egger Jacklynn V , Chaft Jamie E , Rudin Charles M , Riely Gregory J , Kris Mark G , Ladanyi Marc , Chen Yuan , Hellmann Matthew D , Shen Ronglai , Awad Mark M , Schoenfeld Adam J
Published: July 2023

Background

Single-agent PD-(L)1 blockade (IO) alone or in combination with chemotherapy (Chemotherapy-IO) is approved first-line therapies in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs) with PD-L1 expression ≥1%. These regimens have not been compared prospectively. The primary objective was to compare first-line efficacies of single-agent IO to Chemotherapy-IO in patients with advanced LUADs. Secondary objectives were to explore if clinical, pathological, and genomic features were associated with differential response to Chemotherapy-IO versus IO.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study. Inclusion criteria were patients with advanced LUADs with tumor PD-L1 ≥1% treated with first-line Chemotherapy-IO or IO. To compare the first-line efficacies of single-agent IO to Chemotherapy-IO, we conducted inverse probability weighted Cox proportional hazards models using estimated propensity scores.

Results

The cohort analyzed included 866 patients. Relative to IO, Chemotherapy-IO was associated with improved objective response rate (ORR) (44% vs 35%, p=0.007) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with tumor PD-L1≥1% (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.97, p=0.021) or PD-L1≥50% (ORR 55% vs 38%, p<0.001; PFS HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.87, p=0.002). Using propensity-adjusted analyses, only never-smokers in the PD-L1≥50% subgroup derived a differential survival benefit from Chemotherapy-IO vs IO (p=0.013). Among patients with very high tumor PD-L1 expression (≥90%), there were no differences in outcome between treatment groups. No genomic factors conferred differential survival benefit to Chemotherapy-IO versus IO.

Conclusions

While the addition of chemotherapy to PD-(L)1 blockade increases the probability of initial response, never-smokers with tumor PD-L1≥50% comprise the only population identified that derived an apparent survival benefit with treatment intensification.
Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) checkpoint inhibitor resistance definitions: efforts to harmonize terminology and accelerate immuno-oncology drug development
Authors: Tawbi Hussein A , Sullivan Ryan J , Feltquate David , LaVallee Theresa , Rizvi Naiyer A , Sharon Elad , Sosman Jeffrey , Kluger Harriet M
Published: July 2023

The need for solid clinical definitions of resistance to programmed death 1 or its ligand (PD-(L)1) inhibitors for clinical trial design was identified as a priority by the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC). Broad consensus efforts have provided definitions for primary and secondary resistance and resistance after stopping therapy for both single-agent PD-(L)1 inhibitors and associated combinations. Validation of SITC’s definitions is critical and requires field-wide data sharing and collaboration. Here, in this commentary, we detail current utility and incorporation of SITC’s definitions and discuss the next steps both the society and the field must take to further advance immuno-oncology drug development.
Mechanical thrombectomy for treatment of acute ischemic stroke in frail patients: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Dabhi Nisha , Kumar Jeyan , Kellogg Ryan T , Park Min S
Published: July 2023

Background

The overall safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in frail patients is not well delineated. This systematic review aims to summarize and compare outcomes in frail and non-frail patients who underwent MT for AIS.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Web of Science to identify studies with outcomes-related data for frail patients with MT-treated AIS. The recanalization rate, procedural complications, and clinical outcome at 90-day follow-up were collected.

Results

In the four included studies there were 642 frail patients and 499 non-frail patients. Frail patients had reduced rates of good functional outcomes (29% vs 42%; χ2=22, p<0.01) and increased 90-day mortality (51% vs 25%; χ2=38, p<0.01) compared with non-frail patients.

Conclusion

MT for treatment of AIS in frail patients may be associated with worse rates of morbidity and mortality along with reduced efficacy. Given that no studies to date directly compare conservative measures with endovascular management for AIS in frail patients, more studies are required to further evaluate and identify characteristics that may improve outcomes in these patients.
Can fisheries be “regenerative”? Adapting agroecological concepts for fisheries and the blue economy
Authors: Loring Philip A.
Published: July 2023

Regenerative design, in which agricultural practices are organized to work with nutrient cycles and successional processes, is increasingly being explored in food systems research and practice. In this commentary, I explore whether regenerative design concepts can be adapted to marine contexts, given increased global interest in the potential of marine ecosystems to support sustainable development, i.e., the blue economy. There are numerous fundamental ecological differences between terrestrial and marine ecologies that make it difficult to directly translate regenerative farming's focus on managing the nutrient cycle. However, building on a framework for regenerative food systems that focuses on how production activities are organized rather than the specific practices and technologies in use, I find multiple useful parallels to familiar patterns in the fisheries literature, specifically, fishing down the food web, poverty traps, and portfolio-based fishing. I conclude with a discussion of directions for research on regenerative fisheries and concerns regarding the potential for greenwashing under the banner of a regenerative blue economy.
Universal lower bound on orbital periods
Authors: Hod Shahar
Published: July 2023

It is proved, using the curved line element of a spherically symmetric charged object in general relativity and the Schwinger discharge mechanism of quantum field theory, that the orbital periods $$T_{\infty }$$

T
∞

of test particles around central compact objects as measured by flat-space asymptotic observers are fundamentally bounded from below. The lower bound on orbital periods becomes universal (independent of the mass M of the central compact object) in the dimensionless $$ME_{\text {c}}\gg 1$$

M

E
c

≫
1

regime, in which case it can be expressed in terms of the electric charge e and the proper mass $$m_{e}$$

m
e

of the lightest charged particle in nature: $$T_{\infty }>{{2\pi e\hbar }\over {\sqrt{G}c^2 m^2_{e}}}$$

T
∞

>

2
π
e
ħ

G

c
2

m
e
2

(here $$E_{\text {c}}=m^2_{e}/e\hbar $$

E
c

=

m
e
2

/
e
ħ

is the critical electric field for pair production). The explicit dependence of the bound on the fundamental constants of nature $$\{G,c,\hbar \}$$

{
G
,
c
,
ħ
}

suggests that it may reflect a fundamental physical property of the elusive quantum theory of gravity.
End-to-end Multi-modal Low-resourced Speech Keywords Recognition Using Sequential Conv2D Nets
Authors: Gambhir Pooja , Dev Amita , Bansal Poonam , Sharma Deepak Kumar
Published: July 2023

Advanced Neural Networks are widely used to recognize multi-modal conversational speech with significant improvements in accuracy automatically. Significantly, Convolutional Neural sheets have retreated cutting-edge performance in Automatic Voice Recognition (AVR) recently more appropriately in English; however, the Hindi language has not been explored and examined well on AVR systems. The work in this article has exposed a three-layered two-dimensional Sequential Convolutional neural architecture. The Sequential Conv2D is an end-to-end system that can instantaneously exploit speech signal spectral and temporal structures. The network has been trained and tested on different cepstral features such as Frequency and Time variant-Mel-Filters, Gamma-tone Filter Cepstral Quantities, Bark-Filter band Coefficients, and Spectrogram features of speech structures. The experiment was performed on two low-resourced speech command datasets; Hindi with 27,145 Speech Keywords developed by TIFR and 23,664 (1-s utterances) of English speech commands by Google TensorFlow and AIY English Speech Commands. The experimental outcome showed that the model achieves significant performance of Convolutional layers trained on spectrograms with 91.60% accuracy, compared to that achieved in other cepstral feature labels for English speech. However, the model achieved an accuracy of 69.65% for Hindi audio words in which bark-frequency cepstral coefficients features outperformed spectrogram features.
Toward a Universal and Sustainable Privacy Protection Framework
Authors: Lim Jonathan W. Z. , Thing Vrizlynn L. L.
Published: July 2023

An enormous amount of user data is generated and collected each day with the emergence and utilization of technologies. Unsurprisingly, privacy matters remain one of the top concerns for data owners, businesses, and authorities. As such, nations worldwide continue to issue new privacy regulations or amend existing ones to stay relevant in an increasingly digitalized world. With the different privacy laws and globalization considerations, it can be challenging for organizations to be compliant to all of them. Hence, we aim to address this challenge by building a more universal set of privacy principles to strive toward greater and common understanding of privacy notions and enhance the ease of compliance. Our contribution in the article is a proposed three-stage methodology to identify the key global privacy principles, analyze the impacts of these privacy principles onto various stakeholders, and identify any potential privacy gaps. We also propose some suggestions to address the privacy gaps. Last, we discuss the future directions of this area.
Announcing the ACM SIGCSE Broadening Participation in Computing Education Award
Authors: Becker Brett
Published: July 2023

The SIGCSE Board is happy to announce that ACM has approved a new annual award to compliment the three existing SIGCSE awards. The ACM SIGCSE Broadening Participation in Computing Education Award recognizes an early career SIGCSE member who has made a fundamental and innovative contribution to broadening participation in computing education. The contribution may take many forms, such as curriculum design; outreach to underserved communities; creation of programs, policies or initiatives that increase representation in computing; publishing work that helps the community understand underrepresentation issues; or other significant contributions working towards broadening participation in computing education. Contributions can span any sector in computing education, including traditional primary, secondary, and tertiary education as well as community-based educational organizations. Accordingly, the award is open to individuals that work in education or industry, provided their contribution has had an impact in broadening participation in computing education.
Promoting Machine Learning Fairness Education through Active Learning and Reflective Practices
Authors: Elglaly Yasmine N. , Liu Yudong
Published: July 2023

As Natural Language Processing (NLP) has witnessed significant progress in the last decade and language technologies have gained widespread usage, there is an increasing acknowledgement that the choices made by NLP researchers and practitioners regarding data, methods, and tools carry significant ethical and societal implications. Consequently, there arises a pressing need for integrating ethics education into computer science (CS) curriculum, specifically within NLP and other related machine learning (ML) courses.

In this project, our primary objective was to highlight the importance of fairness in ML ethics. We aimed to raise awareness regarding biases that can exist in machine learning, such as gender bias and disability bias. Acknowledging the intricate nature of the intersection between machine learning, ethics, and bias, we formed a participatory group comprising professors and students to develop the teaching interventions. The group members have experiences in machine learning, accessible computing, or both. It was crucial to include students in the design process of the teaching interventions because we wanted to ensure that fairness is sufficiently covered without being too complex to understand or too subtle to recognize [Tseng et al., 2022].
A Suitable Porous Micro/Nanostructured Cu and Cu–Ni Film: Evaluation of Electrodeposition Behavior, Electrocatalytic Activity, and Surface Characterization of Porous Film
Authors: Modghan Nafiseh-Sadat , Mirjalili Mostafa , Moayed Mohamad-Hadi , Darband Ghasem Barati
Published: July 2023

Selecting an appropriate catalyst with a high surface area and proper electron transfer ability can accelerate improved hierarchical catalysts. In this research, an appropriate porous film was formed by the dynamic hydrogen bubble template (DHBT) method with a pulse current (PC) electrodeposition. CH3COOH was added to the Cu electrodeposition bath as a non-ionic surfactant, CTAB was added as a cationic surfactant, and Ni was added as an alloying element. Results show the formation of a nano-dendritic porous Cu film. The presence of surfactants, especially CTAB, causes dendritic arms to be more elegant and denser, with more round voids. Furthermore, adding Ni sulfate to the bath containing both surfactants resulted in a porous Cu film with the most improved HER behavior by decreasing the overpotential (η
10) from 389 to 195 mV RHE−1 and the Tafel slope from 174 to 93 mV dec−1 in a 1.0 M KOH solution. According to the results of the electrochemical active surface area (ECSA), normalized LSV curves, and charge transfer resistances, the co-deposition of Cu and Ni revealed more active surface area and improved intrinsic HER catalytic activity. Therefore, these properties can convince researchers to utilize an improved porous Cu–Ni electrode for energy applications.
Acute Babesiosis Causing a False-Positive HIV Result: An Unexpected Association
Authors: He Jody Z. , Rezwan Montasin , Arif Aneela , Baroud Saada , Elhaj Mohamed , Khan Aizaaz
Published: July 2023

Babesiosis is a tick-borne condition that causes hemolytic anemia and manifests with flu-like symptoms such as fevers, chills, fatigue, and anorexia. Very few case reports have documented babesiosis infection associated with a false-positive HIV test. In this case report, we add to the current literature by describing a patient admitted for treatment of babesiosis who had a preliminary positive HIV test on admission and a negative repeat HIV test after one week of treatment for babesiosis. A 60-year-old male with a past medical history of high cholesterol presented to the Emergency Department after having abnormal laboratory tests with his primary care doctor. He reported fever, fatigue, anorexia, and worsening jaundice for three weeks. He was hypotensive and febrile on admission. A blood smear showed Babesia species with 1-2% infected red blood cells. He was admitted to the intensive care unit and received treatment with plasmapheresis, atovaquone, and antibiotics. The fourth-generation HIV 1/2 antigen/antibody test was initially positive but after treatment, HIV testing was negative. A misdiagnosis of HIV can greatly impact a patient’s quality of life as antiretroviral therapy has multiple deleterious side effects. Clinicians must consider further evaluation of patients with acute babesiosis who also test positive for HIV.
Heavy Metal Bioremediation Potential of Autochthonous Lactic Acid Bacteria for Use in Edible Leafy Vegetables
Authors: Mostafidi Mahdieh , Sanjabi Mohammad Reza , Mojgani Naheed , Eskandari Sohyel , Arbabi Bidgoli Sepideh
Published: July 2023

Heavy metals are well-known as destructive environmental pollutants that cause serious health problems. The use of bacterial biological biosorption has been proposed as a practical and environmentally friendly solution for the removal of heavy metals. The current study was conducted in in vitro and in situ conditions. Initially, seven strains of lactic acid bacteria with probiotic properties (Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus helveticus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus) were screened for their ability to bind cadmium, lead, and nickel in an aqueous solution. Three of the potent probiotic strains that showed the highest biosorption efficiency at this stage were selected for further analysis. The effect of these bacteria mixed at a ratio of 1 : 1 : 1 on the removal of toxic metals in fresh leaves of edible vegetables including coriander, leek, and parsley was evaluated within 15 and 30 minutes. During in vitro analysis, the sorption percentage of Pb and Cd appeared higher than 99% during 15 minutes of initial contact, while increasing contact time (30 minutes) had no significant effect on the removal of these metals. While during in situ analysis, Ni sorption by the selected lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates was significantly enhanced with increasing contact time, such that the highest biosorption rate was recorded in coriander leaves at 30 minutes (91.15%). Overall, E. faecium showed the highest sorption of Pb, Cd, and Ni (79.75 ± 0.11, 75.28 ± 0.05, and 83.99 ± 0.10%), respectively. The combination of three bacterial strains had a synergistic effect on the toxic metal binding capacity compared to the single state of these bacteria, and the biosorption level increased to 99.94 ± 0.02, 99.91 ± 0.01, and 93.75 ± 0.04%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed that the majority of Pb, Cd, and Ni were bound to the surface of the bacterial cell.
Internet Use Disorders: Subjective Importance of Online Friends in the Context of Real-Life Social Support and Comorbid Mental Disorders
Authors: Schmidt Hannah , Bischof Gallus , Bischof Anja , John Ulrich , Meyer Christian , Rehbein Florian , Besser Bettina , Brandt Dominique , Orlowski Svenja , Rumpf Hans-Jürgen
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Previous studies analyzing friendships with people only known through the Internet mainly focused on quantitative aspects (e.g., the number of online friends or the time spent with them). Little is known about the perceived quality of online compared to real-life friends in individuals with an Internet use disorder (IUD). This study aimed to analyze associations of the increased subjective importance of online friends and IUD by controlling for the perceived real-life social support and comorbid mental disorders. Methods: Based on a general population sample, 192 participants who were screened positive for risky Internet use took part in face-to-face clinical diagnostic interviews. IUD was assessed using the structure of the Munich-Composite International Diagnostic Interview (M-CIDI) and the adapted criteria of Internet gaming disorder in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The number and the increased subjective importance of online compared to real-life friends were assessed with the Online and Real-Life Friends scale (ORLF), real-life social support was assessed with the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), and comorbidity was assessed with the M-CIDI. Data were analyzed with binary regression models. Results: Of 192 participants with risky Internet use, 39 participants (19 men; age M = 29.9, SD = 12.2) fulfilled the criteria of IUD in the last 12 months. IUD was not associated with the number or perceived social support of online friends per se. In multivariate analyses, IUD was associated with increased subjective importance of online friends, independently from comorbid anxiety or mood disorders. However, when controlling for real-life social support, associations of IUD and increased subjective importance of online friends were no longer present. Conclusion: These findings highlight the necessity of therapeutic interventions aimed at strengthening social skills and engaging in real-life relationships in the prevention and therapy of IUD. Due to the small sample size and the cross-sectional analysis, however, further research is needed.
Cannabis Consumers’ View of Regulated Access to Recreational Cannabis: A Multisite Survey in Switzerland
Authors: Müller Monika , Mészáros Edith Paula , Walter Marc , Baltes-Flückiger Lavinia , Herdener Marcus , Auer Reto , Thorens Gabriel , Rothen Stephane , Nordt Carlos , Zullino Daniele
Published: July 2023

Introduction: There is considerable effort in legalizing recreational use of cannabis globally. The successful implementation of a program of regulated access to recreational cannabis (PRAC) depends on the consumers’ engagement. The aim of this study was to examine the acceptability of twelve different regulatory aspects by cannabis users including those obtaining cannabis from the illicit market and vulnerable populations such as young adults and problematic users. Methods: The current study is a multisite online survey conducted in Switzerland. A total of 3,132 adult Swiss residents who consumed cannabis within the previous 30 days represented the studied population. Mean age was 30.5 years, 80.5% were men, and 64.2% of the participants stated that they always or often obtain cannabis from the illicit market. We described consumers’ acceptability of twelve regulatory aspects concerning THC content control, disclosure of sensitive personal data, security aspects, and follow-up procedures by applying descriptive statistics and multiple regression models. Results: THC content regulation showed most discrepancy with 89.4% of the participants stating to engage in a PRAC if five different THC contents were available as compared to 54% if only 12% THC was available. The least accepted regulatory aspect was disposal of contact details with an acceptability rate of 18.1%. Consumers mainly obtaining cannabis from the illicit market, young adults, and problematic users showed similar acceptability patterns. Participants obtaining cannabis from the illicit market were more likely to engage in a PRAC if five different THC contents were available as compared to participants obtaining cannabis from other sources (OR 1.94, 95% CI: 1.53–2.46). Conclusion: A carefully designed PRAC that takes into account the consumers’ perspective is likely to transfer them to the regulated market and to engage vulnerable populations. We cannot recommend the distribution of cannabis with only 12% THC content as this is unlikely to engage the target population.
What Do Young Adults Expect from the Recreational Use of Ecstasy (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine/Molly)? A Latent Class Analysis of a Convenience Sample of Dutch Young Adults
Authors: de Jonge Martha Charlotta , Bukman Andrea Johanna , ter Bogt Tom , Onrust Simone Arianne , Kleinjan Marloes
Published: July 2023

Introduction: This study offers insights into Dutch young people’s expected social and personal consequences of ecstasy use. Substance use expectancies are assumed to be an essential component in explaining substance use behaviour and, therefore, the development of effective substance use prevention and treatment strategies. Method: Dutch young adults with an online interest in drug-related social media posts were targeted with an online survey about their use of alcohol and drugs. This resulted in a convenience sample (N = 4182, 73.4% female, Mage = 21.11), of which 35.5% had used ecstasy at least once in their life and 29.3% had used ecstasy last year. Latent class analyses were used to identify subgroups based on both positive and negative expectancies of ecstasy use. Cross-class differences were examined using multinomial logistic regression. Results: This study yielded four distinct classes: only negative expectancies (13.6%), high positive and negative expectancies (23.5%), low to moderate positive and negative expectancies (20.6%), and mostly positive expectancies (22.4%). These classes differed significantly in lifetime experience with ecstasy use, intention to use ecstasy, perception of harmfulness and availability, and social norms regarding the use of ecstasy. Conclusion: Findings show that ecstasy use expectancies can be used to create meaningful classes of users and non-users, and that these classes are different enough to warrant varied prevention approaches. Expectancies young people have regarding the use of ecstasy are associated with various ecstasy use-related variables and should be taken into consideration when developing and implementing preventive interventions.