bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of bolometric albedo based on spectroscopic measurements for selected dust analogues and its impact on the change of cometary brightness during its outburst
Authors: Wesołowski Marcin , Potera Piotr
Published: May 2024

The paper presents the results of spectroscopic measurements for selected dust analogues, based on which change in cometary brightness was determined. In the first part of the article, we present the results of laboratory measurements of hemispherical albedo for selected dust analogues using a Cary 5000 spectrometer with an integrating sphere. In the case of this system and the tested samples, the obtained hemispherical albedo values ranged from 0.35 ± 0.07% to 41.58 ± 0.07%. The obtained measurement results were used to determine the bolometric albedo and geometric albedo. For the analogue consisting of charcoal, the Bond albedo was equal to AB(charcoal) = 2.15%, whereas the geometric albedo was equal to pv(charcoal) = 6.76%. The second part of the paper presents an analytical method allowing us to calculate the amplitude of the change of cometary brightness during the outburst. The calculations show that the upper value of the amplitude is 6.5 magnitudes, which is within the medium range amplitude of the outburst. Calculations have shown that as the bolometric albedo increases for a given agglomerate porosity, the temperature decreases, which determines a smaller sublimation flux, which translates into a larger change in the cometary brightness.
The Characteristic of Teak Growing in Three Areas (Mine, Non-Mining, and Ex-Mining) Forest Management Unit Parengan Bojonegoro, Indonesia
Authors: Waskitho Nugroho Tri , Amelida Risaka Desi , Wibowo Febri Arif Cahyo , Jani Yahya , Aryanti Nirmala Ayu
Published: May 2024

Bojonegoro Regency has an oil mining location where it is estimated that Indonesia’s crude oil reserves are 25 % of national needs. The location is in Forest Management Unit (Kesatuan Pengelolaan Hutan - KPH) Parengan which has a teak forest (Tectona grandis L.) with a very close oil mining radius. The aim of the research is to determine the differences in the characteristics of teak growing places and to determine the types of petroleum fractions in active oil mines, former oil mines and those without oil mines. The research method uses a circle plot (17.8 m) with a Sampling Intensity (IS) of 20 % with data analysis results using a one sample test and a Least Significant Difference (LSD) alpha test of 5 %. The characteristics of the teak growing area at each location have different values for height, P content, C content, number of oil fractions and temperature. The types of petroleum fractions in active oil mines are naphtha, kerosene, fuel oil and wax. Ex-oil mines contain gasoline (premium), kerosene, aviation fuel, light gas, fuel oil, lubricating oil, wax and asphalt. In locations without oil mines there is kerosene, aviation fuel, gasoline (premium) and light gas.
Identification and Quantification of Microplastics Contamination in Potato from Malang Raya, Indonesia
Authors: Setyobudi Roy Hendroko , Anwar Shazma , Iswahyudi Iswahyudi , Husen Syarif , Damat Damat , Garfansa Marchel Putra , Adinurani Praptiningsih Gamawati , Mel Maizirwan , Liwang Tony , Aprilianti Rafika , Subchi Thontowi Djauhari Nur , Setiawan Meddy , Hermayanti Diah , Mariyam Dewi , Prahardika Bayu Agung , Vincevica-Gaile Zane , Wahono Satriyo Krido , Punjungsari Tyas Nyonita , Fauzi Ahmad , Andini Intan , Malihah Nabila Rahmah , Ekawati Ida , Sulistyoningrum Delfy Diah , Ekalaturrahmah Yenni Arista Cipta
Published: May 2024

The presence of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soil has the potential to contaminate plants and agricultural products with negative impacts on humans and living creatures. Therefore, identifying and quantifying MPs in potato farms is essential to evaluate. This study aims to estimate MPs pollutants in potato farms. This study found that potato farm components (potato seedlings, soil, organic fertilizer, potato, irrigation water and potato chips) had a total MPs content of 104 particles. The higher abundance of MPs 2.83 mL–1 was recorded in Pujon Kidul irrigation water and lower abundance of MPs 0.03 g–1 was noted in Potato chip – “OK” brand. Considering size of microplastic the maximum size of MPs 5.449 mm was calculated in Pujon Kidul irrigation water and minimum size of MPs 0.172 mm was noted in Pujon Kidul 3rd growing media. The colors of MPs identified are transparent, black, blue, red, yellow, and green. In addition, the MP’s shape was 68.2 % of fibre, 26.9 % of filament, 3.8 % fragment, and 1.1 % of granules in potato farm components. The emerging pollutants must be addressed because microplastic degradation causes them to spread more widely, accumulating over tens to hundreds of years as a hidden danger.
Work Environment Analysis Using 5S (SEIRI, SEITON, SEISO, SEIKETSU, SHITSUKE) Assessment Method
Authors: Panjaitan Nismah , Binti Ab Samat Hasnida , Alexander Siregar Dimas , Sahfa Rizky Naila
Published: May 2024

The working environment in a company specializing in Aluminum Scrap Processing, currently lacks organization and cleanliness. This hampers operational efficiency and poses safety risks. To address this issue, the 5S assessment method is employed across the charging, casting, and shipping stations. The 5S steps – Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain – are implemented to enhance cleanliness, organization, and efficiency. Through direct observation, it is anticipated that the application of the 5S method will lead to a more orderly, clean, and safe work environment. This, in turn, is expected to improve operational quality and product output.
Community Perception and Participation Towards Managing the Impact of Climate Change in North Sumatra Province
Authors: Rahmawaty  , Hasmadi Ismail Mohd , Rauf Abdul , Gandaseca Seca , Karuniasa Mahawan , Aning Tedong Peter , Kim Yekyoum
Published: May 2024

Climate change has become one of the significant global challenges of the 21st century. The impact of climate change not only affects the environment, but also impacts community’s daily activities. This research aims to understand community perceptions and participations of the impacts of climate change in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Data was obtained through interviews and literature analysis to identify how community in the North Sumatra Province perceives and participates in the impact of climate change. Involving key informants from various backgrounds, such as government agencies, academics, community leaders, the private sector, and non-government organizations (NGOs), can provide more comprehensive insight into how society and stakeholders contribute to efforts to overcome climate change. The research results show that community perception of handling the impacts of climate change in North Sumatra, the majority answered strongly agree (59.79%) and agree (40.21%), means that a good perception. For community participation, the majority answered strongly agree (56.29%) and agree (43.71%), mean that the participation is high. Community perception of climate change in North Sumatra Province reflects awareness of this issue. However, there are still challenges in changing behaviour and adapting to climate change occurred. This shows that the community in North Sumatra Province care about and participate in protecting the environment well.
Classification of Weaving Motifs Based on Their Area of Origin Using the Support Vector Machine Algorithm
Authors: Jusman Yessi , Tawaqal Iqbal , Intan Rahmawati Maryza
Published: May 2024

Indonesia has many cultural riches in the form of traditional fabrics, one of which is woven fabrics. Woven fabrics from each region showcase distinctive motifs, manifesting the local community’s daily life, culture, natural conditions, and beliefs. The diverse weaving motifs pose a challenge in determining the origin of the woven fabrics. It highlights the necessity of a system to detect and identify woven fabrics. Texture analysis was performed using the Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM). A classification method based on a Support Vector Machine (SVM) consisting of four models: Linear SVM, Quadratic SVM, Cubic SVM, and Fine Gaussian SVM was developed in this research. The images of woven fabrics came from three regions in Indonesia: Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Nusa Tenggara. This research utilized 240 training images and 12 testing images. The testing results unveiled that the Cubic SVM model, which achieved a 100% accuracy rate in 1.0835s, was the optimum SVM model for the weaving classification.
Placing Plastic Stent via Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage following Failure of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: Review of Case Series
Authors: Santoso Antonius Gunawan , Baskoro Nurdopo , Beatrice Novia Nathania , Edwina Tanya , Budiono Bernadus Parish
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study is to describe the technical procedure, patency, and complications of percutaneous biliary plastic stent insertion following failure of the endoscopic approach. The data from 11 patients who underwent percutaneous plastic biliary stent placement following endoscopic approach failure between March 2022 and December 2023 were retrospectively evaluated. Stent placement was successful in all patients. Reduction of the total serum bilirubin level was achieved in all patients. No major complications occurred in all patients. A plastic stent provided enough drainage for patients with patency in our studies for up to 5 months.
Malaysian Chinese folk beliefs on Facebook based on LDA topic modelling
Authors: Hu Ning , Ho Kee Chye , Fan Pik Shy
Published: May 2024

In the digital age, as social media evolves into a new and significant centre for the dissemination of Chinese folk beliefs, the Malaysian Chinese have actively shared information about these folk beliefs on their social media platforms. The dissemination has transcended regional barriers, encouraging more Malaysian Chinese across various states to actively participate in public discussions on this topic. This study delves into Malaysian Chinese folk beliefs by analysing data from Facebook. A comprehensive examination of 4012 text posts was conducted using the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) model for topic modelling. The analysis identified four main themes on social media: ‘Practitioners Worship’, ‘Temple Activities’, ‘Deity Legends’, and ‘Merchandise about Deity Statues’. Based on integrating social construction theory and media ecology theory, the study first explores the varied constructors, including practitioners, temple organisations, media organisations, and merchants. Secondly, Malaysian Chinese folk beliefs on social media present characteristics of utilitarianism, regional diversity, multiple social functions, flowing realms, strong Taoist elements, commercialisation, and a close relationship with the Spring Festival. Furthermore, ‘Safety and Peace’, ‘Pray for Demands’, and ‘Merits and Virtues’ form an interconnected semantic nexus. Hence, the findings theoretically highlight the interaction and significance of social media in the construction and practice of folk beliefs within the Malaysian Chinese community. Practically, this research provides valuable insights into the understanding and dissemination of Malaysian Chinese religious culture in the digital era.
Epitaxial oxide ionotronics: Interfaces and oxygen vacancies
Authors: Wenderott Jill K. , Billo Tadesse , Fong Dillon D.
Published: May 2024

Oxide ionotronics is an interdisciplinary field in which systems and devices rely on the migration of ions/ionic defects to alter or drive functionality. In this perspective, we focus on epitaxial oxide heterostructures and the contributing roles of oxygen vacancies and interfaces in ionotronics. We begin with a description of oxygen vacancy behavior, with a focus on vacancy ordering and the effects of interfaces and electric fields on particular epitaxial oxide systems. We then emphasize the use of synchrotron x-ray techniques for investigating system structure and dynamics in situ at interfaces and surfaces. Finally, an outlook on the future of epitaxial oxide ionotronics is provided, and several key areas for research are identified, such as freestanding heterostructures, combinatorial synthesis and machine learning, and next-generation synchrotron x-ray characterization.
Bulk cloud microphysical properties as seen from numerical simulation and remote sensing products: case study of a hailstorm event over the La Plata Basin
Authors: Vara-Vela Angel Liduvino , Machado Crespo Natália , Vendrasco Éder Paulo , Rojas Benavente Noelia , Morais Marcos Vinicius Bueno de , Martins Jorge Alberto , Phillips Vaughan Trevor James , Gonçalves Fabio Luiz Teixeira , Silva Dias Maria Assunção Faus da
Published: May 2024

Hailstorms develop over the La Plata Basin, in south-eastern South America, more often during later winter and early austral spring, between September and October. These systems have significant socioeconomic impacts over the region. Thus, a better understanding of how atmospheric drivers modulate the formation of hailstorms is important to improve the forecast of such phenomena. In this study, we selected a hailstorm event observed over the eastern La Plata Basin during 14–15 July 2016 to evaluate the performance of the Brazilian developments on the Regional Atmospheric Modelling System (BRAMS) model. The ability of the model in simulating cloud microphysical properties was evaluated by comparing simulations driven by different global forcings against in situ and remote sensing observations. The model results showed good skill in capturing the basic characteristics of the thunderstorm, particularly in terms of the spatial distribution of hydrometeors. The simulated spatial distribution of hail covers locations where hail fall was reported. The BRAMS simulations suggest that, despite relatively low values of the convective available potential energy (CAPE) (700–1000 J kg−1), environments with strong 0–8-km bulk shear (60–70 kt, ~30.9–36.0 m s–1) can promote the formation of ice clouds and hail fall over the eastern La Plata Basin. To be more conclusive, however, further research is needed to understand how different combinations of CAPE and shear affect hail formation over the region.
Engineered polymer nanoparticles as artificial chaperones facilitating the selective refolding of denatured enzymes
Authors: Li Yan , Yin Deping , Lee Sang Yup , Lv Yongqin
Published: May 2024

Molecular chaperones assist in protein refolding by selectively binding to proteins in their nonnative states. Despite progress in creating artificial chaperones, these designs often have a limited range of substrates they can work with. In this paper, we present molecularly imprinted flexible polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) designed as customizable biomimetic chaperones. We used model proteins such as cytochrome c, laccase, and lipase to screen polymeric monomers and identify the most effective formulations, offering tunable charge and hydrophobic properties. Utilizing a dispersed phase imprinting approach, we employed magnetic beads modified with destabilized whole-protein as solid-phase templates. This process involves medium exchange facilitated by magnetic pulldowns, resulting in the synthesis of nanoMIPs featuring imprinted sites that effectively mimic chaperone cavities. These nanoMIPs were able to selectively refold denatured enzymes, achieving up to 86.7% recovery of their activity, significantly outperforming control samples. Mechanistic studies confirmed that nanoMIPs preferentially bind denatured rather than native enzymes, mimicking natural chaperone interactions. Multifaceted analyses support the functionality of nanoMIPs, which emulate the protective roles of chaperones by selectively engaging with denatured proteins to inhibit aggregation and facilitate refolding. This approach shows promise for widespread use in protein recovery within biocatalysis and biomedicine.
Creating and validating a corpus-based English academic word list for physics
Authors: Vuković-Stamatović Milica
Published: May 2024

In this study a Physics Research Articles Word List (PRAWL) is built, which includes the most extensively used
English vocabulary in the genre of physics research articles outside the most frequent general-purpose vocabulary. PRAWL can be of
great use in English for Physics teaching and learning. This discipline-specific academic word list was produced from a corpus of
1.25 million running words, consisting of 200 physics research articles. PRAWL contains 929 words and has a 17.48% coverage in the
corpus it was derived from. Together with 2,000 high-frequency general-purpose words, as well as words bearing no or minimal
learning load, PRAWL reaches a coverage close to 95% in this corpus. We validate PRAWL in three independent corpora and also
discuss the pedagogical implications and recommendations regarding its use. The list is intended for students of physics who do
not have a command of English which is sufficiently adequate for reading research articles in it without outside support.
Cosmology-Independent Photon Mass Limits from Localized Fast Radio Bursts by Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Ran 冉 Jing-Yu 景遇 , Wang 王 Bao 宝 , Wei 魏 Jun-Jie 俊杰
Published: May 2024

A hypothetical photon mass mγ
can produce a frequency-dependent vacuum dispersion of light, which leads to an additional time delay between photons with different frequencies when they propagate through a fixed distance. The dispersion measure and redshift measurements of fast radio bursts (FRBs) have been widely used to constrain the rest mass of the photon. However, all current studies analyzed the effect of the frequency-dependent dispersion for massive photons in the standard ΛCDM cosmological context. In order to alleviate the circularity problem induced by the presumption of a specific cosmological model based on the fundamental postulate of the masslessness of photons, here we employ a new model-independent smoothing technique, artificial neural network (ANN), to reconstruct the Hubble parameter H(z) function from 34 cosmic-chronometer measurements. By combining observations of 32 well-localized FRBs and the H(z) function reconstructed by ANN, we obtain an upper limit of mγ
≤ 3.5 × 10−51 kg, or equivalently mγ
≤ 2.0 × 10−15 eV/c2 (mγ
≤ 6.5 × 10−51 kg, or equivalently mγ
≤ 3.6 × 10−15 eV/c2) at the 1σ (2σ) confidence level. This is the first cosmology-independent photon mass limit derived from extragalactic sources.
Generation of out-of-plane ferroelectric behavior in a one-atom-thick monolayer
Authors: Richardson Nicholas G , O’Hara Andrew , Pantelides Sokrates T
Published: May 2024

Ferroelectricity with out-of-plane polarization has so far been found in several two-dimensional (2D) materials, including monolayers comprising three to five planes of atoms, e.g. α-In2Se3 and MoTe2. Here, we explore the generation of out-of-plane polarization within a one-atom-thick monolayer material, namely hexagonal boron nitride. We performed density-functional-theory calculations to explore inducing ferroelectric-like distortions through incorporation of isovalent substitutional impurities that are larger than the host atoms. This disparity in bond lengths causes a buckling of the h-BN, either up or down, which amounts to a dipole with two equivalent energies and opposing orientations. We tested several impurities to explore the magnitude of the induced dipole and the switching energy barrier for dipole inversion. The effects of strain, dipole–dipole interactions, and vertical heterostructures with graphene are further explored. Our results suggest a highly-tunable system with ground state antiferroelectricity and metastable ferroelectricity. We expect that this work will help foster new ways to include functionality in layered 2D-material-based applications.
An improved crop calendar model for winter wheat incorporating vernalization and winter survival to project changes in phenology
Authors: Murakami Keach , Iizumi Toshichika , Shimoda Seiji
Published: May 2024

Crop phenology and associated crop calendars are necessary for designing breeding goals and for developing effective management practices. Winter wheat is a representative biennial, the cultivation schedule of which is constrained by winter climate conditions, particularly the processes of vernalization and winter survival. Here, we present improvements to a rule-based crop calendar model by incorporating these factors so that it can be used to accurately estimate the phenological events of winter wheat from daily meteorological data. We tested the improved model in Hokkaido, the northernmost Japanese island, which is characterized by seasonal snow cover and a wet summer. The results confirmed that implementing these factors contributed to accurate estimates of peak occurrence dates of winter wheat phenological events. Furthermore, we applied the improved model to simulate wheat phenology under 2 K and 4 K warmer scenarios. The results showed a delayed sowing period up to approximately one month and slight advancements in both flowering and harvesting, leading to a shorter growth period. While this shortened period may be largely compensated by a decrease in the snow-covered period, the shifts in the vegetative and reproductive phases may modify sink-source balance of wheat. We also assessed the risks of pollination failure and preharvest sprouting, both of which are associated with the timing of precipitation, based on the number of rainy days around flowering, and the incidence of precipitation over two consecutive days around the time of harvesting. Our simulations suggested increased risk of pollination failure and reduced risk of preharvest sprouting, leading to an increase in the probability of crop failure. These findings underscore the importance of implementing adaptation measures to mitigate precipitation-related risk under future climates. Further, the findings provide valuable insights for winter wheat breeders and agronomists, thereby facilitating crop production adaptation.
Three open problems in function theoretic operator theory
Authors: Gorkin Pamela , Pozzi Elodie
Published: May 2024

We discuss three open problems in operator and function theory: Crouzeix’s conjecture, Sendov’s conjecture, and the invariant subspace problem. We include the full conjecture, prior work, and related questions.
ℎ¹ boundedness of localized operators and commutators with bmo and lmo
Authors: Dafni Galia , Lau Chun
Published: May 2024

We first consider two types of localizations of singular integral operators of convolution type, and show, under mild decay and smoothness conditions on the auxiliary functions, that their boundedness on the local Hardy space

h
1

(

R

n

)

h^1(\mathbb {R}^n)

is equivalent. We then study the boundedness on

h
1

(

R

n

)

h^1(\mathbb {R}^n)

of the commutator

[
b
,
T
]

[b,T]

of an inhomogeneous singular integral operator with

b
b

in

bmo
⁡
(

R

n

)

\operatorname {bmo}(\mathbb {R}^n)

, the nonhomogeneous space of functions of bounded mean oscillation. We define local analogues of the atomic space

H
b
1

(

R

n

)

H^1_b(\mathbb {R}^n)

introduced by Pérez in the case of the homogeneous Hardy space and

BMO
\operatorname {BMO}

, including a variation involving atoms with approximate cancellation conditions. For such an atom

a
a

, we prove integrability of the associated commutator maximal function and of

[
b
,
T
]
(
a
)

[b,T](a)

. For

b
b

in

lmo
⁡
(

R

n

)

\operatorname {lmo}(\mathbb {R}^n)

, this gives

h
1

h^1

to

L
1

L^1

boundedness of

[
b
,
T
]

[b,T]

. Finally, under additional approximate cancellation conditions on

T
T

, we show boundedness from

h
1

h^1

to

h
1

h^1

.
On interpolation by functions in ℓ_{𝐴}^{𝑝}
Authors: Cheng Raymond , Felder Christopher
Published: May 2024

This work explores several aspects of interpolating sequences for

ℓ
A
p

\ell ^p_A

, the space of analytic functions on the unit disk with

p
p

-summable Maclaurin coefficients. Much of this work is communicated through a Carlesonian lens. We investigate various analogues of Gramian matrices, for which we show boundedness conditions are necessary and sufficient for interpolation, including a characterization of universal interpolating sequences in terms of Riesz systems. We also discuss weak separation, giving a characterization of such sequences using a generalization of the pseudohyperbolic metric. Lastly, we consider Carleson measures and embeddings.
Automorphisms and derivations of commutative and PI-algebras
Authors: Bezushchak Oksana , Petravchuk Anatoliy , Zelmanov Efim
Published: May 2024

Let

A
A

be a finitely generated commutative (or PI) algebra over an associative commutative ring. We discuss extensions of classical theorems of Selberg and Engel to the groups

A
u
t
(
A
)

Aut(A)

and the Lie algebra

D
e
r
(
A
)

Der(A)

.
Tensor fundamental theorems of invariant theory
Authors: Procesi Claudio
Published: May 2024

The aim of this paper is to establish a first and second fundamental theorem for

G
L
(
V
)

GL(V)

equivariant polynomial maps from

k
k

–tuples of matrix variables

E
n
d
(
V

)

k

End(V)^{ k}

to tensor spaces

E
n
d
(
V

)

⊗
n

End(V)^{ \otimes n}

, in the spirit of H. Weyl’s book The Classical Groups and of symbolic algebra.
Local Lipschitz Continuity in the Initial Value and Strong Completeness for Nonlinear Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Cox Sonja , Hutzenthaler Martin , Jentzen Arnulf
Published: May 2024

Recently, Hairer et al. (2015) showed that there exist stochastic differential equations (SDEs) with infinitely often differentiable and globally bounded coefficient functions whose solutions fail to be locally Lipschitz continuous in the strong

L
p

L^p

-sense with respect to the initial value for every

p
∈
(
0
,
∞
]

p\in (0,\infty ]

. In this article we provide conditions on the coefficient functions of the SDE and on

p
∈
(
0
,
∞
]

p \in (0,\infty ]

that are sufficient for local Lipschitz continuity in the strong

L
p

L^p

-sense with respect to the initial value and we establish explicit estimates for the local Lipschitz continuity constants. In particular, we prove local Lipschitz continuity in the initial value for several nonlinear stochastic ordinary and stochastic partial differential equations in the literature such as the stochastic van der Pol oscillator, Brownian dynamics, the Cox-Ingersoll-Ross processes and the Cahn-Hilliard-Cook equation. As an application of our estimates, we obtain strong completeness for several nonlinear SDEs.
Nonradial solutions of a Neumann Hénon equation on a ball
Authors: Cowan Craig
Published: May 2024

In this work we examine the existence of positive classical solutions of
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="StartLayout Enlarged left-brace 1st Row 1st Column minus normal upper Delta u plus u equals StartAbsoluteValue x EndAbsoluteValue Superscript alpha Baseline u Superscript p minus 1 Baseline 2nd Column a m p semicolon in upper B 1 comma 2nd Row 1st Column u greater-than 0 2nd Column a m p semicolon in upper B 1 comma 3rd Row 1st Column partial-differential Subscript nu Baseline u equals 0 2nd Column a m p semicolon on partial-differential upper B 1 comma EndLayout">

{

−
Δ
u
+
u
=

|

x

|

α

u

p
−
1

a
m
p
;
 in 

B
1

,

u
>
0

a
m
p
;
 in 

B
1

,

∂
ν

u
=
0

a
m
p
;
 on 
∂

B
1

,

\begin{equation*} \begin {cases} -\Delta u +u = |x|^\alpha u^{p-1} & \text { in } B_1, \\ u>0 & \text { in } B_1, \\ \partial _\nu u= 0 & \text { on } \partial B_1, \end{cases} \end{equation*}

where

p
>
1

p>1

,

α
>
0

\alpha >0

and

B
1

B_1

is the unit ball in

R

N

{\mathbb {R}}^N

where

N
≥
4

N \ge 4

and is even. Of particular interest is the existence of nonradial position classical solutions. We show that under suitable conditions on

p
,
α

p,\alpha

and

N
N

there are positive classical nonradial solutions. Our approach is to utilize a variational approach on suitable convex cones.
A non-vanishing result on the singularity category
Authors: Chen Xiao-Wu , Li Zhi-Wei , Zhang Xiaojin , Zhao Zhibing
Published: May 2024

We prove that a virtually periodic object in an abelian category gives rise to a non-vanishing result on certain Hom groups in the singularity category. Consequently, for any artin algebra with infinite global dimension, its singularity category has no silting subcategory, and the associated differential graded Leavitt algebra has a non-vanishing cohomology in each degree. We verify the Singular Presilting Conjecture for singularly-minimal algebras and ultimately-closed algebras. We obtain a trichotomy on the Hom-finiteness of the cohomologies of differential graded Leavitt algebras.
Some maximum principles for parabolic mixed local/nonlocal operators
Authors: Dipierro Serena , Proietti Lippi Edoardo , Valdinoci Enrico
Published: May 2024

The goal of this paper is to establish new Maximum Principles for parabolic equations in the framework of mixed local/nonlocal operators.

In particular, these results apply to the case of mixed local/nonlocal Neumann boundary conditions, as introduced by Dipierro, Proietti Lippi, and Valdinoci [Ann. Inst. H. Poincaré C Anal. Non Linéaire 40 (2023), pp. 1093–1166].

Moreover, they play an important role in the analysis of population dynamics involving the so-called Allee effect, which is performed by Dipierro, Proietti Lippi, and Valdinoci [J. Math. Biol. 89 (2024), Paper No. 19]. This is particularly relevant when studying biological populations, since the Allee effect detects a critical density below which the population is severely endangered and at risk of extinction.
SharePro: an accurate and efficient genetic colocalization method accounting for multiple causal signals
Authors: Zhang Wenmin , Lu Tianyuan , Sladek Robert , Li Yue , Najafabadi Hamed , Dupuis Josée
Published: May 2024

Motivation

Colocalization analysis is commonly used to assess whether two or more traits share the same genetic signals identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and is important for prioritizing targets for functional follow-up of GWAS results. Existing colocalization methods can have suboptimal performance when there are multiple causal variants in one genomic locus.

Results

We propose SharePro to extend the COLOC framework for colocalization analysis. SharePro integrates linkage disequilibrium (LD) modeling and colocalization assessment by grouping correlated variants into effect groups. With an efficient variational inference algorithm, posterior colocalization probabilities can be accurately estimated. In simulation studies, SharePro demonstrated increased power with a well-controlled false positive rate at a low computational cost. Compared to existing methods, SharePro provided stronger and more consistent colocalization evidence for known lipid-lowering drug target proteins and their corresponding lipid traits. Through an additional challenging case of the colocalization analysis of the circulating abundance of R-spondin 3 GWAS and estimated bone mineral density GWAS, we demonstrated the utility of SharePro in identifying biologically plausible colocalized signals.

Availability and implementation

SharePro for colocalization analysis is written in Python and openly available at https://github.com/zhwm/SharePro_coloc.
In-situ forming ultra-mechanically sensitive materials for high-sensitivity stretchable fiber strain sensors
Authors: Yu Rouhui , Wang Changxian , Du Xiangheng , Bai Xiaowen , Tong Yongzhong , Chen Huifang , Sun Xuemei , Yang Jing , Matsuhisa Naoji , Peng Huisheng , Zhu Meifang , Pan Shaowu
Published: May 2024

Fiber electronics with flexible and weavable features can be easily integrated into textiles for wearable applications. However, due to small sizes and curved surfaces of fiber materials, it remains challenging to load robust active layers, thus hindering production of high-sensitivity fiber strain sensors. Herein, functional sensing materials are firmly anchored on the fiber surface in-situ through a hydrolytic condensation process. The anchoring sensing layer with robust interfacial adhesion is ultra-mechanically sensitive, which significantly improves the sensitivity of strain sensors due to the easy generation of microcracks during stretching. The resulting stretchable fiber sensors simultaneously possess an ultra-low strain detection limit of 0.05%, a high stretchability of 100%, and a high gauge factor of 433.6, giving 254-folds enhancement in sensitivity. Additionally, these fiber sensors are soft and lightweight, enabling them to be attached onto skin or woven into clothes for recording physiological signals, e.g. pulse wave velocity has been effectively obtained by them. As a demonstration, a fiber sensor-based wearable smart healthcare system is designed to monitor and transmit health status for timely intervention. This work presents an effective strategy for developing high-performance fiber strain sensors as well as other stretchable electronic devices.
A low-swelling hydrogel as a multirole sealant for efficient dural defect sealing and prevention of postoperative adhesion
Authors: Cheng Xueliang , Zhang Zhen , Ren Hui , Zou Zheng , Zhang Yu , Qu Yang , Chen Xuesi , Zhao Jianwu , He Chaoliang
Published: May 2024

Dural defects and subsequent complications, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, are common in both spine surgery and neurosurgery, and existing clinical treatments are still unsatisfactory. In this study, a tissue-adhesive and low-swelling hydrogel sealant comprising gelatin and o-phthalaldehyde (OPA)-terminated 4-armed poly(ethylene glycol) (4aPEG-OPA) is developed via the OPA/amine condensation reaction. The hydrogel shows an adhesive strength of 79.9 ± 12.0 kPa on porcine casing and a burst pressure of 208.0 ± 38.0 cmH2O. The hydrogel exhibits a low swelling ratio at physiological conditions, avoiding nerve compression in the limited spinal and intracranial spaces. In rat and rabbit models of lumbar and cerebral dural defects, the 4aPEG-OPA/gelatin hydrogel achieves excellent performance in dural defect sealing and preventing CSF leakage. Moreover, local inflammation, epidural fibrosis and postoperative adhesion in the defect areas are markedly reduced. Thus, these findings establish the strong potential of the hydrogel sealant for the effective watertight closure of dural defects.
Pathologic outcome of incidentally detected tracer-avid lesions in 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT for prostate cancer
Authors: Mar Darryl , Diwanji Devan , Lowery Blair , Zhang Li , Hope Thomas A , Behr Spencer C , Flavell Robert R
Published: May 2024

Background

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET is effective in identifying prostate cancer metastases. However, PSMA PET uptake has also been described in other lesions, including nonprostate malignancies and benign processes.

Purpose

To identify causes of unexpected radiopharmaceutical accumulation on PSMA PET.

Materials and Methods

A total of 2,054 study reports representing 1,873 unique patients who had undergone 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT scans at a single large academic center from December 2015 to April 2022 were retrospectively reviewed for the mention of unexpected PSMA uptake not initially thought to represent metastatic prostate cancer. Scans with pathologic outcome were reviewed by 2 blinded readers for scan indication and lesion location and quantitative parameters.

Results

In 48 patients, the PSMA ligand–avid incidental lesions revealed 19 cases of second malignancies, 17 cases of prostate cancer, and 13 cases of benign lesions. The most common lesion locations were lung (14), thyroid (14), lymph nodes (8), and bowel (4). Benign lesions exhibited lower molecular imaging PSMA scores (median: 1; interquartile range [IQR]: 1.00-1.25; P = .017) than metastatic prostate lesions (median: 2; IQR: 1-3). Second malignancies were larger (median: 34 mm; IQR: 27-39 mm) than metastatic prostate cancer (median: 14 mm; IQR: 12-19 mm; P = .001) and benign lesions (median: 19 mm; IQR: 13.00-31.00 mm; P = .03). PSMA ligand–avid lesions in scans performed in the initial staging for prostate cancer were more commonly associated with a diagnosis of a secondary malignancy than with metastatic prostate cancer (0 vs 8 lesions, P = .008). Higher standardized uptake value maximum was observed for metastatic prostate cancer and second malignancy when compared with benign outcome.

Conclusion

Features that influence the probability of an incidental lesion representing a malignancy include lesion location, reason for the PSMA PET/CT study, and associated imaging features (size, standardized uptake value maximum, and molecular imaging PSMA score).
Incidental pulmonary embolism in abdominal CT: detection rate and characteristics with artificial intelligence
Authors: Wiklund Peder , Medson Koshiar
Published: May 2024

Background

Abdominal CT is a mainstay in the evaluation of abdominal infections, trauma, oncology, and postoperative complications. Pulmonary embolism is a common complication, but there is a risk that these ancillary findings are overlooked. In addition, data on detection rate and characteristics of incidental pulmonary embolism (iPE) on abdominal CT are lacking.

Purpose

The current study compared the period before and after implementing an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for iPE detection regarding detection rate and characteristics.

Material and Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on abdominal CTs between August 1, 2019, and January 31, 2021 (before AI implementation, 8026 studies) and August 1, 2021, and January 31, 2023 (after AI implementation, 8765 studies). iPE cases were identified through text search and manually confirmed. Study indication and urgency were recorded for iPE patients, and the most proximal iPE level was assessed. A total of 1000 cases after AI implementation were randomly selected and manually reviewed for AI accuracy analysis.

Results

A total of 5876 patients with a mean age of 63.6 ± 17.7 years were included before AI implementation, and 6310 patients with a mean age of 63.2 ± 18.3 years after AI implementation. The iPE detection rate was higher after AI implementation, 0.57% (50/8765 studies) vs 0.12% (10/8026), P < .001. The most common study indications were abdominal pain (25%, 15/60 cases) and infection (30%, 18/60 cases). There were no differences in CT pulmonary angiography usage or the most proximal extent of the iPE between the periods before or after AI implementation, P > .05. AI identified 46/50 of the reported iPE with 7 AI false-positive cases for a positive predictive value of 87% (95% confidence interval: 75-93%). In the manually reviewed randomly selected subset, iPE prevalence was 1.7% (15/874, 95% confidence interval: 1.0-2.8%) with AI having 40% sensitivity (95% CI, 16-68) and 100% specificity (95% CI, 99.5-100).

Conclusion

Implementing AI for iPE detection and triage increased the iPE detection rate in abdominal CT. The AI sensitivity was moderate, with very few AI false positives.
Helping Patients Die: Implementation of a Residency Curriculum in Medical Aid in Dying
Authors: Spielvogel Ryan , Schewe Savannah
Published: May 2024

Problem

As more states legalize medical aid in dying (MAID), there is an ever-increasing need of physicians trained in this type of end-of-life care. However, resident curricula in MAID have not been previously reported or assessed. The authors describe a residency curriculum in MAID and evaluate the resident outcomes of this program.

Approach

Since 2018, the Sutter Family Medicine Residency Program in California has offered training in MAID to its residents. Residents attend lectures, evaluate patients for MAID, write prescriptions for aid-in-dying medications, and attend the planned deaths of their patients if desired. In February 2023, an anonymous branching survey was sent to graduates of the program from 2019 to 2022 to evaluate residency graduation year, receipt of MAID training, currently practicing MAID, how rewarding MAID is compared with other clinical responsibilities, how stressful MAID is compared with other clinical responsibilities, comfort discussing MAID with colleagues, comfort discussing end-of-life care generally, personal view of MAID as a practice, and works where MAID is permitted.

Outcomes

The authors surveyed 28 graduates and collected data from 21 former residents (response rate, 75%). Of these 21 former residents, 17 (81%) reported having opted to receive training in MAID during residency. Of the 12 residents who received training and were currently practicing in a location that allowed MAID, 7 (58%) were still practicing aid in dying, and of these 7 residents, 5 (71%) reported that their aid-in-dying work was more rewarding than their other clinical responsibilities.

Next Steps

Overall, there was high resident interest in this training and robust skill use after graduation. Additional studies will need to focus on patient outcomes, explore resident reasons for opting out of training, and investigate other effects of instituting a MAID curriculum.
Association of Sociodemographic Factors With Overtriage, Undertriage, and Value of Care After Major Surgery
Authors: Loftus Tyler J. , Ruppert Matthew M. , Shickel Benjamin , Ozrazgat-Baslanti Tezcan , Balch Jeremy A. , Abbott Kenneth L. , Hu Die , Javed Adnan , Madbak Firas , Guirgis Faheem , Skarupa David , Efron Philip A. , Tighe Patrick J. , Hogan William R. , Rashidi Parisa , Upchurch Gilbert R. , Bihorac Azra
Published: May 2024

Objective:

To determine whether certain patients are vulnerable to errant triage decisions immediately after major surgery and whether there are unique sociodemographic phenotypes within overtriaged and undertriaged cohorts.

Background:

In a fair system, overtriage of low-acuity patients to intensive care units (ICUs) and undertriage of high-acuity patients to general wards would affect all sociodemographic subgroups equally.

Methods:

This multicenter, longitudinal cohort study of hospital admissions immediately after major surgery compared hospital mortality and value of care (risk-adjusted mortality/total costs) across 4 cohorts: overtriage (N = 660), risk-matched overtriage controls admitted to general wards (N = 3077), undertriage (N = 2335), and risk-matched undertriage controls admitted to ICUs (N = 4774). K-means clustering identified sociodemographic phenotypes within overtriage and undertriage cohorts.

Results:

Compared with controls, overtriaged admissions had a predominance of male patients (56.2% vs 43.1%, P < 0.001) and commercial insurance (6.4% vs 2.5%, P < 0.001); undertriaged admissions had a predominance of Black patients (28.4% vs 24.4%, P < 0.001) and greater socioeconomic deprivation. Overtriage was associated with increased total direct costs [$16.2K ($11.4K–$23.5K) vs $14.1K ($9.1K–$20.7K), P < 0.001] and low value of care; undertriage was associated with increased hospital mortality (1.5% vs 0.7%, P = 0.002) and hospice care (2.2% vs 0.6%, P < 0.001) and low value of care. Unique sociodemographic phenotypes within both overtriage and undertriage cohorts had similar outcomes and value of care, suggesting that triage decisions, rather than patient characteristics, drive outcomes and value of care.

Conclusions:

Postoperative triage decisions should ensure equality across sociodemographic groups by anchoring triage decisions to objective patient acuity assessments, circumventing cognitive shortcuts and mitigating bias.
Associations of anti-Müllerian hormone levels among women in their mid-30s with menopausal symptoms ~14 years later
Authors: Mahabamunuge Jasmin , Wang Siwen , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L. , Faleschini Sabrina , Fitz Victoria W. , Shifren Jan , Chavarro Jorge E. , Oken Emily , Hivert Marie-France
Published: May 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine associations of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in gravid women in their mid-30s with menopausal symptoms ~14 years later and age at natural menopause.

Methods

In this prospective analysis, 474 participants in Project Viva, a longitudinal cohort, were enrolled during pregnancy between 1999 and 2002. AMH levels were determined using plasma samples collected 3 years postpartum. Participants completed the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and self-reported age at and reason for menopause at the 17 years postpartum visit (Mid-Life Visit). Primary outcomes were individual MRS item responses and total MRS score. To examine associations between AMH levels and menopausal outcomes, we performed linear and logistic regressions, and survival analyses, adjusting for confounding variables.

Results

Mean (SD) AMH level was 2.80 (2.74) ng/mL, measured at 38.2 (3.9) years. At the Mid-Life Visit, mean (SD) age was 52.3 (3.9) years and total MRS score was 8.0 (5.7). During follow-up, 50% had experienced natural menopause, and self-reported mean (SD) age at natural menopause was 50.4 (3.6) years. AMH in the lowest tertile (mean [SD]: 0.47 [0.32] ng/mL) was associated with higher odds of moderate to severe vaginal dryness (adjusted odds ratio: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.16 to 5.73), a lower MRS psychological subscale (adjusted β: −0.71; 95% CI: −1.35 to −0.07), and earlier attainment of natural menopause (adjusted hazards ratio: 7.1; 95% CI: 4.6 to 11.0) compared with AMH in the highest tertile (mean [SD]: 6.01 [2.37] ng/mL).

Conclusions

Lower AMH in the mid-30s was associated with earlier menopause and increased odds of vaginal dryness but fewer psychological symptoms ~14 years later.
Gray matter volume in women with the BRCA mutation with and without ovarian removal: evidence for increased risk of late-life Alzheimer's disease or dementia
Authors: Witt Suzanne T. , Brown Alana , Gravelsins Laura , Engström Maria , Classon Elisabet , Lykke Nina , Åvall-Lundqvist Elisabeth , Theodorsson Elvar , Ernerudh Jan , Kjölhede Preben , Einstein Gillian
Published: May 2024

Objective

Ovarian removal prior to spontaneous/natural menopause (SM) is associated with increased risk of late life dementias including Alzheimer's disease. This increased risk may be related to the sudden and early loss of endogenous estradiol. Women with breast cancer gene mutations (BRCAm) are counseled to undergo oophorectomy prior to SM to significantly reduce their risk of developing breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers. There is limited evidence of the neurological effects of ovarian removal prior to the age of SM showing women without the BRCAm had cortical thinning in medial temporal lobe structures. A second study in women with BRCAm and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) noted changes in cognition.

Methods

The present, cross-sectional study examined whole-brain differences in gray matter (GM) volume using high-resolution, quantitative magnetic resonance imaging in women with BRCAm and intact ovaries (BRCA-preBSO [study cohort with BRCA mutation prior to oophorectomy]; n = 9) and after surgery with (BSO + estradiol-based therapy [ERT]; n = 10) and without (BSO; n = 10) postsurgical estradiol hormone therapy compared with age-matched women (age-matched controls; n = 10) with their ovaries.

Results

The BRCA-preBSO and BSO groups showed significantly lower GM volume in the left medial temporal and frontal lobe structures. BSO + ERT exhibited few areas of lower GM volume compared with age-matched controls. Novel to this study, we also observed that all three BRCAm groups exhibited significantly higher GM volume compared with age-matched controls, suggesting continued plasticity.

Conclusions

The present study provides evidence, through lower GM volume, to support both the possibility that the BRCAm, alone, and early life BSO may play a role in increasing the risk for late-life dementia. At least for BRCAm with BSO, postsurgical ERT seems to ameliorate GM losses.