bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spider Silk Protein Forms Amyloid‐Like Nanofibrils through a Non‐Nucleation‐Dependent Polymerization Mechanism
Authors: Qi Xingmei , Wang Yu , Yu Hairui , Liu Ruifang , Leppert Axel , Zheng Zihan , Zhong Xueying , Jin Zhen , Wang Han , Li Xiaoli , Wang Xiuzhe , Landreh Michael , A. Morozova‐Roche Ludmilla , Johansson Jan , Xiong Sidong , Iashchishyn Igor , Chen Gefei
Published: July 2023

Amyloid fibrils—nanoscale fibrillar aggregates with high levels of order—are pathogenic in some today incurable human diseases; however, there are also many physiologically functioning amyloids in nature. The process of amyloid formation is typically nucleation‐elongation‐dependent, as exemplified by the pathogenic amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) that is associated with Alzheimer's disease. Spider silk, one of the toughest biomaterials, shares characteristics with amyloid. In this study, it is shown that forming amyloid‐like nanofibrils is an inherent property preserved by various spider silk proteins (spidroins). Both spidroins and Aβ capped by spidroin N‐ and C‐terminal domains, can assemble into macroscopic spider silk‐like fibers that consist of straight nanofibrils parallel to the fiber axis as observed in native spider silk. While Aβ forms amyloid nanofibrils through a nucleation‐dependent pathway and exhibits strong cytotoxicity and seeding effects, spidroins spontaneously and rapidly form amyloid‐like nanofibrils via a non‐nucleation‐dependent polymerization pathway that involves lateral packing of fibrils. Spidroin nanofibrils share amyloid‐like properties but lack strong cytotoxicity and the ability to self‐seed or cross‐seed human amyloidogenic peptides. These results suggest that spidroins´ unique primary structures have evolved to allow functional properties of amyloid, and at the same time direct their fibrillization pathways to avoid formation of cytotoxic intermediates.
Metal–Organic Framework‐Manipulated Dielectric Genes Inside Silicon Carbonitride toward Tunable Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Yu Gaoyuan , Shao Gaofeng , Xu Rupan , Chen Yu , Zhu Xiaohui , Huang Xiaogu
Published: July 2023

Heterointerface engineering for different identifiable length scales has emerged as a key research area for obtaining materials capable of high‐performance electromagnetic wave absorption; however, achieving controllable architectural and compositional complexity in nanomaterials with environmental and thermal stabilities remains challenging. Herein, metal‐containing silicon carbonitride (SiCN/M) nanocomposite ceramics with multiphase heterointerfaces were in situ synthesized via coordination crosslinking, catalytic graphitization, and phase separation processes using trace amounts of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The results reveal that the regulation of dielectric genes by MOFs can yield considerable lattice strain and abundant lattice defects, contributing to strong interfacial and dipole polarizations. The as‐prepared SiCN/M ceramics demonstrate excellent microwave absorption performance: the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) is −72.6 dB at a thickness of only 1.5 mm and −54.1 dB at an ultralow frequency of 3.56 GHz for the SiCN/Fe ceramics and the RLmin is −55.1 dB with a broad bandwidth of 3.4 GHz at an ultralow thickness of 1.2 mm for the SiCN/CoFe ceramic. The results are expected to provide guidance for the design of future dielectric microwave absorption materials based on heterointerface engineering while offering a paradigm for developing MOF‐modified SiCN nanocomposite ceramics with desirable properties.
Making the Most ofRead‐Aloudsto SupportPrimary‐GradeStudents'Inference‐Making
Authors: Hwang HyeJin , Orcutt Ellen , Reno Emily A. , Kim Jasmine , Harsch Rina Miyata , McMaster Kristen L. , Kendeou Panayiota (Pani) , Slater Susan
Published: July 2023

Generating accurate inferences is crucial for the successful comprehension of text and is a skill that needs to be supported starting in the early grades. Teachers can support inference‐making during read‐aloud lessons by asking inferential questions and providing scaffolding and feedback on students' inference‐making. In this article, we describe instructional principles to support students' inference‐making specifically during read‐alouds. We also share findings from our research in K‐2 classrooms that show how inferential questions, scaffolding, and feedback in read‐aloud lessons can support primary‐grade students' inference‐making. Finally, we describe steps to design and implement read‐aloud lessons for supporting the development of inference‐making in primary‐grade students.
The moral deliberation pathway in veterinary practice: a qualitative study
Authors: Arbe Montoya Alejandra I. , Matthew Susan M. , Jarden Aaron , Hazel Susan J. , McArthur Michelle L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Veterinarians may face various ethical decisions and potential moral conflicts in clinical practice. The ethical decision‐making process often leads to a satisfying resolution. However, when such a process is accompanied by a perceived inability to act according to a person's values, it can lead to psychological distress that characterises moral distress. Theoretical models in professions such as nursing attempt to explain the evolution of moral conflict into moral distress. In veterinary professionals, a model has been proposed to explain this pathway (the moral deliberation pathway). However, empirical data are still lacking on whether veterinary clinicians experience a moral deliberation pathway as hypothesised.

Methods

Using thematic analysis, this qualitative study investigates veterinary clinicians’ experiences with moral distress and aims to explain the moral deliberation pathway in these veterinarians.

Results

The results suggest that veterinarians’ experiences with moral distress follow a deliberation process that can be explained by the proposed moral deliberation pathway. Experiencing a moral conflict leads to moral stress, then either to moral distress or resolution into moral comfort.

Limitations

Self‐selection of participants and possible recollection bias may have biased the findings.

Conclusions

The empirical data provided by this study can inform future research and intervention strategies to identify, measure and manage moral distress in the veterinary context.
Assessing primary care veterinarians’ use of and confidence in performing point‐of‐care ultrasound
Authors: McDonald Charlotte , Barfield Dominic , Cole Laura
Published: July 2023

Background

Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) is gaining popularity in the veterinary field, but there is little information on operator confidence.

Methods

A survey was distributed to primary care veterinarians (PCVs) via social media between May and July 2020. Details of participants' training in and use of POCUS were recorded. Participants' confidence in using thoracic and abdominal POCUS was also assessed using a five‐point Likert scale.

Results

Two hundred and one PCVs used POCUS, of which 32% reported using a non‐standardised protocol. Fifty percent of PCVs were self‐taught and 17.4% had attended a specific practical course. The median confidence score was 4 out of 5 (interquartile range [IQR] 2–5) for identifying abdominal abnormalities, irrespective of the training method. The median confidence score for thoracic abnormalities was 3 out of 5 (IQR 1–4) for those taught by a colleague or who were self‐taught using journal articles or videos.

Limitations

The survey‐based nature of the study relies on self‐reporting and is therefore liable to recall bias.

Conclusions

PCVs' confidence in using POCUS is lacking, particularly with thoracic POCUS. Standardised practical training for PCVs, particularly in thoracic POCUS, would be beneficial. Future studies should explore how best to deliver this training.
Incidence and clinical characterisation of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusions in Basset Hounds compared with Dachshunds
Authors: Thatcher Heidi , Targett Mike , Alcoverro Emili , Stee Kimberley , Schofield Imogen , Lowrie Mark , Gomes Sergio A.
Published: July 2023

Background

The Basset Hound is the largest chondrodystrophic breed predisposed to thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (TL‐IVDE). However, literature describing this particular breed in terms of incidence, signalment, anatomical location, clinical severity and short‐term outcome of TL‐IVDE is lacking.

Methods

The medical histories of Dachshunds and Basset Hounds presenting to three neurology departments were retrospectively assessed. Information collected for each dog included signalment, whether it had received a diagnosis of TL‐IVDE, duration of clinical signs, affected discs and anatomical region and neurological grading at presentation and discharge.

Results

A total of 270 Dachshunds and 188 Basset Hounds were included for incidence analysis. Of these, 154 Dachshunds and 68 Basset Hounds with confirmed TL‐IVDE were included for signalment, anatomical location, clinical severity and short‐term outcome analysis. Statistical analysis indicated a significantly higher incidence of TL‐IVDE in Dachshunds than in Basset Hounds (77.4% vs. 36.2%, p < 0.05). Basset Hounds presenting to a neurology department were older (median 87.5 months vs. 66.5 months), had a greater proportion of midlumbar IVDE (L2–L5) and were more frequently ambulatory at discharge than Dachshunds. Only one Basset Hound presented as paraplegic without nociception, compared with 16 Dachshunds (1.5% vs. 10.4%).

Limitations

The study had a retrospective design and included multicentric non‐standardised cases.

Conclusion

TL‐IVDE incidence was higher in Dachshunds than in Basset Hounds. Basset Hounds were older at presentation, frequently affected more caudally in the vertebral column and more frequently ambulatory at discharge than Dachshunds. The differences found in this study could aid in the development of preventive strategies.
Combined effect of helical force and rotation on the double convection of a binary viscoelastic fluid in a porous medium: Linear and weakly nonlinear analysis
Authors: Kpossa Mathieu , Monwanou Vincent
Published: July 2023

We used linear stability theory based on the normal mode decomposition technique and nonlinear stability theory based on the minimum representation of double Fourier series to study the criterion of appearance of the stationary convection and the oscillatory convection; and the rate of heat and mass transfer in a binary viscoelastic fluid mixture in a rotating porous medium under the effect of helical force. We have determined the analytical expression of the Rayleigh number of the system as a function of the dimensionless parameters. Expressions for heat and mass transfer rates are determined as a function of Nusselt and Sherwood number, respectively. The transient behaviors of the Nusselt number and the Sherwood number are studied by solving the finite amplitude equations using the Runge‐Kutta method. Then, the effect of each dimensionless parameter on the system is studied pointed out interesting results. According to the analysis of the different results obtained, it appears that in a porous medium saturated by a binary mixture of viscoelastic fluid in rotation, the Taylor‐Darcy number , the delay time parameter λ2 and the mass Rayleigh‐Darcy number delay the onset of stationary and oscillatory convection. On the other hand, the helical force , the relaxation time parameter λ1, the ratio of diffusivities τ and the number of Vadasz accelerate the onset of stationary and oscillatory convection. In the case of the nonlinear stability study, at steady state, the helical force accelerates the rate of heat and mass transfer. On the other hand, the Taylor‐Darcy number , the diffusivity ratio τ and the mass Rayleigh‐Darcy number retard the rate of heat and mass transfer. In the unsteady state, the helical force , the relaxation time parameter λ1 and the mass Rayleigh‐Darcy number accelerate the rate of heat and mass transfer. This is not the case for the Taylor‐Darcy number and the delay time parameter λ2.
Introduction
Authors: Witczak Marcin , Seybold Lothar , Bulach Eric , Maucher Niko
Published: July 2023

The objective of this chapter is to briefly review the purpose and scope of the Internet of things technologies. After a concise introduction, general trends in applying IoT technologies in areas like logistics and transportation, industry, agriculture and environment, hospitality and leisure as well as healthcare are exposed. Irrespective of the field of application, the IoT devices require an appropriate onboarding platform. Such platforms are traditionally perceived as a cloud-based ones. Thus, they should provide an intuitive way of hardware and software integration. Moreover, they should provide a possibly flexible data access and visualisation means. Therefore, instead of deliberating about a possible hypothetic platforms, an existing and efficient one is employed within the framework of this book. It is called KIS.ME (Keep It Simple. Manage Everything) and it is a platform composed of IoT devices and the cloud-based system, which can be efficiently integrated during an intuitive onboarding procedure. It is also indicated how to use it for a wide spectrum of advanced applications.
Towards Logistic Applications
Authors: Witczak Marcin , Seybold Lothar , Bulach Eric , Maucher Niko
Published: July 2023

The objective of this chapter is to provide practical guidelines for implementing various logistic-oriented applications. In particular, this part starts with a crucial point pertaining to access control using KIS.Devices and external RFID readers. Subsequently, an application concerning monitoring product levels in a small warehouse is proposed. The remaining three sections deal with transportation systems. The first one starts with the simplest one, pertaining to two points and the associated single transporter order. The other two sections extend this essential case to multiple points and multiple transporters. Subsequently, it is shown how to visualize the performance of such systems using floorplans and Datapoint charts. Finally, a set of training exercises is provided, which summarize the knowledge covered by this chapter.
Second-Order Hyperproperties
Authors: Beutner Raven , Finkbeiner Bernd , Frenkel Hadar , Metzger Niklas
Published: July 2023

We introduce Hyper2LTL, a temporal logic for the specification of hyperproperties that allows for second-order quantification over sets of traces. Unlike first-order temporal logics for hyperproperties, such as HyperLTL, Hyper2LTL can express complex epistemic properties like common knowledge, Mazurkiewicz trace theory, and asynchronous hyperproperties. The model checking problem of Hyper2LTL is, in general, undecidable. For the expressive fragment where second-order quantification is restricted to smallest and largest sets, we present an approximate model-checking algorithm that computes increasingly precise under- and overapproximations of the quantified sets, based on fixpoint iteration and automata learning. We report on encouraging experimental results with our model-checking algorithm, which we implemented in the tool .
nl2spec: Interactively Translating Unstructured Natural Language to Temporal Logics with Large Language Models
Authors: Cosler Matthias , Hahn Christopher , Mendoza Daniel , Schmitt Frederik , Trippel Caroline
Published: July 2023

A rigorous formalization of desired system requirements is indispensable when performing any verification task. This often limits the application of verification techniques, as writing formal specifications is an error-prone and time-consuming manual task. To facilitate this, we present , a framework for applying Large Language Models (LLMs) to derive formal specifications (in temporal logics) from unstructured natural language. In particular, we introduce a new methodology to detect and resolve the inherent ambiguity of system requirements in natural language: we utilize LLMs to map subformulas of the formalization back to the corresponding natural language fragments of the input. Users iteratively add, delete, and edit these sub-translations to amend erroneous formalizations, which is easier than manually redrafting the entire formalization. The framework is agnostic to specific application domains and can be extended to similar specification languages and new neural models. We perform a user study to obtain a challenging dataset, which we use to run experiments on the quality of translations. We provide an open-source implementation, including a web-based frontend.
Exploiting Adjoints in Property Directed Reachability Analysis
Authors: Kori Mayuko , Ascari Flavio , Bonchi Filippo , Bruni Roberto , Gori Roberta , Hasuo Ichiro
Published: July 2023

We formulate, in lattice-theoretic terms, two novel algorithms inspired by Bradley’s property directed reachability algorithm. For finding safe invariants or counterexamples, the first algorithm exploits over-approximations of both forward and backward transition relations, expressed abstractly by the notion of adjoints. In the absence of adjoints, one can use the second algorithm, which exploits lower sets and their principals. As a notable example of application, we consider quantitative reachability problems for Markov Decision Processes.
Paracausal deformations of Lorentzian metrics and Møller isomorphisms in algebraic quantum field theory
Authors: Moretti Valter , Murro Simone , Volpe Daniele
Published: July 2023

Given a pair of normally hyperbolic operators over (possibnly different) globally hyperbolic spacetimes on a given smooth manifold, the existence of a geometric isomorphism, called Møller operator, between the space of solutions is studied. This is achieved by exploiting a new equivalence relation in the space of globally hyperbolic metrics, called paracausal relation. In particular, it is shown that the Møller operator associated to a pair of paracausally related metrics and normally hyperbolic operators also intertwines the respective causal propagators of the normally hyperbolic operators and it preserves the natural symplectic forms on the space of (smooth) initial data. Finally, the Møller map is lifted to a $$*$$

∗

-isomorphism between (generally off-shell) CCR-algebras. It is shown that the Wave Front set of a Hadamard bidistribution (and of a Hadamard state in particular) is preserved by the pull-back action of this $$*$$

∗

-isomorphism.
Study of the hygroscopic properties of three Australian wood species used as solid wood and composite products
Authors: Shirmohammadi Maryam
Published: July 2023

The use of engineered wood products and mass timber panels such as cross laminated timber (CLT), glued laminated timber (glulam) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is becoming more common, as these products have benefits in terms of environmental credentials and resource utilisation and have the potential to provide faster and more economical construction processes. However, timber exposed to moisture for prolonged periods can degrade biologically, leading to a loss of appearance and decreased mechanical properties. Southern pine, radiata pine and shining gum timber are important forest resources for the Australian timber industry. To date, no in-depth studies on the hygroscopic properties of these species have been carried out from a timber wetting point of view. Consequently, existing literature has a knowledge gap regarding the determination of moisture movement properties in these species that are applicable to numerical modelling when used as solid wood or in the production of engineered wood products (EWPs). The work presented herein will help develop a better understanding of moisture ingress and egress in solid timber and EWPs and provide data for future predictive tools (such as numerical modelling) for moisture management in timber buildings. Samples were prepared from solid timber as well as EWP’s to examine the relationships between glue lines and edge gaps in CLT and multiple glue lines in LVL on moisture movement. As expected, longitudinal permeability was higher than radial and tangential permeability for the species tested. Southern pine samples had higher gas and liquid permeability values than radiata pine and shining gum. CLT with end grain sections including an edge gap had higher gas and liquid permeability than similar sections with glue lines only. LVL sections with 1 glue line had slightly lower permeability values than in samples with 2 glue lines. Gas and liquid permeabilities were lower for LVL samples than a two-layered veneer section without a glue line illustrating the barrier posed by the glue line. The moisture loss parameter during the diffusion testing was higher for LVL ends and CLT ends with edge gaps than face and edge sample sections. The results will be used to develop numerical models for moisture behaviour in solid and composite timber panels when exposed to humidity and free water. It is recommended to conduct additional studies to examine the impact of the adhesive layer and its properties on impeding moisture migration or functioning as a moisture barrier.
A conceptual framework for modeling heterogeneous actors' behavior in national innovation systems
Authors: Vetsikas Apostolos , Stamboulis Yeoryios
Published: July 2023

Various analytical frameworks, such as the National Innovation System (NISs) and N-tuple innovation helices, have been developed to address technological change at a spatial or sectoral-technological level. Several quantitative methodological approaches have been used to capture the effectiveness, efficiency, and overall performance of innovation at the national level. Reviewing these approaches, we highlight important aspects of the innovation process, such as actor heterogeneity, the intensity of interactions, and evolutionary dynamics within and between innovation subsystems that are often underestimated. We conceive NISs consisting of five interacting helices: government, academia, industry, society, and finance. Actors belonging to these helices develop their behavior – in terms of resource commitment/allocation – in the context of interdependencies and interactions that condition the effectiveness and efficiency of their actions. As a result, their expectations are formed from their perception of how other actors and the system behave. We develop a conceptual framework that goes beyond the static illustration of ‘innovation scoreboards’ and linear models. It illustrates how individual parameter changes – in one helix of the system – may generate non-linear effects throughout. We use a causal loop diagram (CLD) to depict the intricacies of the interactions amongst various elements in NISs, and a stock-and-flow diagram (SFD), which forces more detailed specification of causal mechanisms. Our framework facilitates helix-based actor heterogeneity and highlights the key causal mechanisms and feedback loops – set in motion from actor interactions – that govern NIS’s evolution and performance without losing oneself in immense detailed complexity.
HJ Inequalities Involving Lie Brackets and Feedback Stabilizability with Cost Regulation
Authors: Fusco Giovanni , Motta Monica , Rampazzo Franco
Published: July 2023

With reference to an optimal control problem where the state has to approach asymptotically a closed target while paying a non-negative integral cost, we propose a generalization of the classical dissipative relation that defines a Control Lyapunov Function to a weaker differential inequality. The latter involves both the cost and the iterated Lie brackets of the vector fields in the dynamics up to a certain degree $$k\ge 1$$

k
≥
1

, and we call any of its (suitably defined) solutions a degree-kMinimum Restraint Function. We prove that the existence of a degree-k Minimum Restraint Function allows us to build a Lie-bracket-based feedback which sample stabilizes the system to the target while regulating (i.e., uniformly bounding) the cost.
Forum: Climate, Ecological, and Social Costs of Livestock Grazing on Western Public Lands
Authors: Kauffman J. Boone , Beschta Robert L. , Lacy Peter M. , Liverman Marc
Published: July 2023

Grazing by domestic livestock is the most widespread use of public lands in the American West (USA) and their effects on climate change and ways to mitigate those effects are of interest to land managers, policy makers, and the broader public. Kauffman et al. (2022a) provided a meta-analysis of the ecosystem impacts, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and social costs of carbon (SCC) associated with livestock grazing on public lands in the western USA. They determined that GHG emissions from cattle on public lands equaled 12.4 million t CO2e/year. At the scale of land use planning utilized by federal agencies, GHG emissions associated with allocated livestock numbers will typically exceed US Environmental Protection Agencies’ reporting limits (25,000 t) for certain industrial greenhouse gas emitters. As such, these are essentially unreported sources of GHG emissions from public lands. Using the US government’s most recent SCC estimate of $51/t, Kauffman et al. (2022a) determined the total SCC of cattle grazing on public lands to be approximately $264–630 million/year. However, recent advances in the determination of SCC reveal this is to be an underestimate. Using the latest science results in an estimated SCC of $1.1–2.4 billion/year for grazing on public lands. Furthermore, the SCC borne by the public exceeds the economic benefits to private livestock permittees by over $926 million/year. Cessation of public lands grazing is an environmentally and economically sound mitigation and adaptation approach to addressing the climate crisis; an approach that will also facilitate restoration of the myriad of ecosystem services provided by intact wildland ecosystems.
Lifts for Voronoi Cells of Lattices
Authors: Schymura Matthias , Seidel Ina , Weltge Stefan
Published: July 2023

Many polytopes arising in polyhedral combinatorics are linear projections of higher-dimensional polytopes with significantly fewer facets. Such lifts may yield compressed representations of polytopes, which are typically used to construct small-size linear programs. Motivated by algorithmic implications for the closest vector problem, we study lifts of Voronoi cells of lattices. We construct an explicit d-dimensional lattice such that every lift of the respective Voronoi cell has $$2^{\Omega (d/{\log d})}$$

2

Ω
(
d
/

log
d

)

facets. On the positive side, we show that Voronoi cells of d-dimensional root lattices and their dual lattices have lifts with $${{\mathcal {O}}}(d)$$

O
(
d
)

and $${{\mathcal {O}}}(d \log d)$$

O
(
d
log
d
)

facets, respectively. We obtain similar results for spectrahedral lifts.
Computational instability analysis of inflated hyperelastic thin shells using subdivision surfaces
Authors: Liu Zhaowei , McBride Andrew , Ghosh Abhishek , Heltai Luca , Huang Weicheng , Yu Tiantang , Steinmann Paul , Saxena Prashant
Published: July 2023

The inflation of hyperelastic thin shells is a highly nonlinear problem that arises in multiple important engineering applications. It is characterised by severe kinematic and constitutive nonlinearities and is subject to various forms of instabilities. To accurately simulate this challenging problem, we present an isogeometric approach to compute the inflation and associated large deformation of hyperelastic thin shells following the Kirchhoff–Love hypothesis. Both the geometry and the deformation field are discretized using Catmull–Clark subdivision bases which provide the required $$C^1$$

C
1

-continuous finite element approximation. To follow the complex nonlinear response exhibited by hyperelastic thin shells, inflation is simulated incrementally, and each incremental step is solved using the Newton–Raphson method enriched with arc-length control. An eigenvalue analysis of the linear system after each incremental step assesses the possibility of bifurcation to a lower energy mode upon loss of stability. The proposed method is first validated using benchmark problems and then applied to engineering applications, where the ability to simulate large deformation and associated complex instabilities is clearly demonstrated.
Faulting, basin formation and orogenic arcuation at the Dinaric–Hellenic junction (northern Albania and Kosovo)
Authors: Grund Marc U. , Handy Mark R. , Giese Jörg , Gemignani Lorenzo , Pleuger Jan , Onuzi Kujtim
Published: July 2023

The Dinaric–Hellenic mountain belt bends where two fault systems transect the orogen: (1) the dextral Shkoder-Peja Transfer Zone (SPTZ), active sometime between the Late Cretaceous and middle Eocene; (2) the Shkoder-Peja Normal Fault (SPNF), which accommodated NW–SE directed orogen-parallel extension. The SPTZ dextrally offsets the Dinaric–Hellenic nappes by ~ 75 km, a displacement attributed to reactivation of an Early Mesozoic rift transfer zone in the Adriatic margin during Paleogene subduction of the Pindos Ocean. This subduction involved an initial counter-clockwise rotation of the Hellenides with respect to the Dinarides around a pole at the NW end of the Budva–Krasta–Cukali–Pindos Basin. The SPNF overprints the SPTZ and is a composite structure comprising five fault segments: four of them (Cukali–Tropoja, Decani, Rožaje, Istog) were active under ductile-to-brittle conditions. They downthrow the West Vardar Ophiolite in the hanging wall. The Cukali–Tropoja and Decani segments exhume domes with anchizonal-to-greenschist-facies metamorphism in their footwalls. These structures formed during a first-phase of extension and clockwise rotation, whose Paleocene age is constrained by cross-cutting relationships. A second extensional phase was accommodated mainly by the fifth (Dukagjini) segment of the SPNF, a subsurface normal fault bordering syn-rift, mid-late Miocene clastic and lacustrine sediments in the Dukagjini Basin (DB) that are sealed by Plio-Pleistocene strata. This later phase involved subsidence of Neogene basins at the Dinaric–Hellenic junction coupled with accelerated clockwise oroclinal bending. The driving force for clockwise rotation is thought to be bending and rollback of the untorn part of the Adriatic slab beneath the Hellenides.
Intraosseous arterial alteration of maxilla influencing implant-related surgeries
Authors: Shahbazi Arvin , Sculean Anton , Baksa Gábor , Gschwindt Sebastian , Molnár Bálint , Vág János , Bogdán Sándor
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To investigate the intraosseous arterial pathways and anastomoses in the alveolar aspects of the maxilla in order to better understand the arterial scattering pattern.

Materials and methods

Eleven cadavers were selected for macroscopic intraosseous arterial analyses by corrosion casting. The red-colored acrylic resin was injected into the external carotid arteries. The specimens were kept in an enzymatic solution at 36 °C for about 60 days, depending on the process progression. After removal of the soft tissues and drying, the bone was macerated by potassium hydroxide to analyze the course and the mean diameters of the intraosseous anastomoses.

Results

Vertico-oblique and horizontal intraosseous arteries and anastomoses between the greater palatine-, posterior superior alveolar-, and infraorbital arteries were detected. The vertico-oblique anastomoses were found on the anterolateral wall of the maxilla and the alveolar crest with a mean diameter of 0.46 mm; nevertheless, the horizontal (transalveolar) anastomoses were identified in the interdental septum/alveolar crest with the mean diameter of 0.41 mm. From the horizontal anastomoses, small intraseptal branches supplied the territory of the alveolar socket in various directions.

Conclusions

The localization of intraosseous arterial anastomoses is critical in implant-related surgeries, predominantly to maintain proper circulation.

Clinical relevance

Based on vertico-oblique and transalveolar anastomoses, simultaneous buccal- and palatal flap elevation (particularly on the palatal side) should be avoided to minimize patient morbidity and intra- or postoperative complications. Moreover, preserving transverse loops in the interdental septum is essential during implant surgeries, which can significantly influence collateral periosteal and osteal circulation to prevent ischemia.
A posteriori error estimates for wave maps into spheres
Authors: Giesselmann Jan , Mäder-Baumdicker Elena , Stonner David Jakob
Published: July 2023

We provide a posteriori error estimates in the energy norm for temporal semi-discretisations of wave maps into spheres that are based on the angular momentum formulation. Our analysis is based on novel weak–strong stability estimates which we combine with suitable reconstructions of the numerical solution. We present time-adaptive numerical simulations based on the a posteriori error estimators for solutions involving blow-up.
Spatial analysis of deforestation in Indonesia in the period 1950–2017 and the role of protected areas
Authors: Santoro Antonio , Piras Francesco , Yu Qingyi
Published: July 2023

Indonesia is one of the countries with highest forest loss rates in the world. Protected areas (PAs) can have a key role in counteracting deforestation, especially if they are combined with the active involvement of local communities, rather than be only based on strict nature conservation. The study aims at assessing and measuring forest transformations in 1950–2017 through GIS-based spatial analyses, and to evaluate the role of PAs in preserving forests from deforestation. At national level forests dramatically decreased, passing from 78.3% of the total surface in 1950, to 63.8% in 1982 and to 46.8% in 2017. In the period 1950–2017, 35% of the national territory (over 66 million of hectares) has been affected by deforestation at an average rate of 985,200 ha/year; the areas where deforestation proceeded at higher rates are Sumatra (356,100 ha/year) and Kalimantan (303,360 ha/year). Deforestation occurred with higher intensity at lower altitudes and along the coast, due to the spread of modern plantations. The only exception is represented by Java and Bali as most of deforestation already occurred before 1950. PAs demonstrated to be effective in slowing down deforestation rates, but not in stopping it as deforestation is also affecting PAs. The study provided reliable spatial data on forest transformations in the last 67 years, highlighting differences related to geographical zone and altimetry, allowing the identification of the most vulnerable PAs. The amount of data produced at national and regional level could support further studies aimed at recognizing the best strategies to counteract deforestation, contributing to sustainable forests management and to forest preservation.
A Meta-analytic Systematic Review and Theory of the Effects of Perceived Listening on Work Outcomes
Authors: Kluger Avraham N. , Lehmann Michal , Aguinis Herman , Itzchakov Guy , Gordoni Galit , Zyberaj Jetmir , Bakaç Cafer
Published: July 2023

The quality of listening in interpersonal contexts was hypothesized to improve a variety of work outcomes. However, research of this general hypothesis is dispersed across multiple disciplines and mostly atheoretical. We propose that perceived listening improves job performance through its effects on affect, cognition, and relationship quality. To test our theory, we conducted a registered systematic review and multiple meta-analyses, using three-level meta-analysis models, based on 664 effect sizes and 400,020 observations. Our results suggest a strong positive correlation between perceived listening and work outcomes, $$\overline{r}$$

r
¯

= .39, 95%CI = [.36, .43], $$\overline{\rho }$$

ρ
¯

= .44, with the effect on relationship quality, $$\overline{r}=$$

r
¯

=

.51, being stronger than the effect on performance, $$\overline{r}=$$

r
¯

=

.36. These findings partially support our theory, indicating that perceived listening may enhance job performance by improving relationship quality. However, 75% of the literature relied on self-reports raising concerns about discriminant validity. Despite this limitation, removing data solely based on self-reports still produced substantial estimates of the association between listening and work outcomes (e.g., listening and job performance, $$\overline{r}$$

r
¯

= .21, 95%CI = [.13, .29], $$\overline{\rho }$$

ρ
¯

= .23). Our meta-analyses suggest further research into (a) the relationship between listening and job knowledge, (b) measures assessing poor listening behaviors, (c) the incremental validity of listening in predicting listeners’ and speakers’ job performance, and (d) listening as a means to improve relationships at work.
Cross-Cultural Validation of the Barcelona Immigration Stress Scale
Authors: Eiroa-Orosa Francisco José , Evangelidou Stella , Qureshi Adil , Collazos Francisco
Published: July 2023

The concept of acculturative stress has been the subject of debate, resulting in contradictory arguments regarding its measurement. Many of the existing acculturative stress instruments have been developed for use with specific migrant groups. The objective of the current study is to revisit the psychometric properties of the Barcelona Immigration Stress Scale, an instrument aimed at measuring stress levels associated with the migration trajectory in any migrant group. Using a sample of 915 migrants who consulted in primary care, we carried out principal component and confirmatory factor analyses as well as item response theory analyses applied both to the entire sample and to different migratory groups separately. The new reduced version of the scale has very good psychometric properties both in general and applied to the Latino migratory group, the largest in the area where the study was carried out. Results were acceptable among sub-Saharan, North African, and Asian groups but not among Eastern Europeans. These results are discussed through the specificities of each migratory group and the limitations of psychometrics to capture the complexity of immigration-related and acculturative stress.
A Meta-Analysis to Gauge the Effectiveness of STEM Informal Project-Based Learning: Investigating the Potential Moderator Variables
Authors: Santhosh Malavika , Farooqi Hafsa , Ammar Mohammad , Siby Nitha , Bhadra Jolly , Al-Thani Noora J. , Sellami Abdellatif , Fatima Noshin , Ahmad Zubair
Published: July 2023

In recent decades, informal project-based learning (PjBL) for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education has gained immense significance. Though some meta-analytical studies have reported the effectiveness of PjBL models, none of them has been explicit for informal PjBL models executed for school students in STEM education. Therefore, this meta-analytical study sought to investigate the effect of the informal PjBL model on students’ learning gains when compared to the traditional classroom setting. The study also intends to explore the effect of potential moderator variables that might impact the effectiveness of the model. For this, a systematic review aligning to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology has been employed, by incorporating 26 peer-reviewed empirical studies, encompassing data from 3202 students from eight countries. The meta-analytical results revealed overall moderate effectiveness (d = 0.248, p < 0.001), indicating that informal PjBL has moderately significant effects on students’ gains when compared to the traditional classroom setting. Correspondingly the moderator analysis revealed that the overall effectiveness of informal PjBL was influenced by the teaching model, assessment method, students’ group size, and course duration. However, the participants’ educational level and study location (country) did not emerge as being significant. This study contributes to the bulk of literature that can help academicians to design, develop and implement effective STEM-based informal PjBL models, with special consideration for influential variables (teaching method, assessment method, grade, location, course duration, group size, and subject area).
Measuring context that matters: validation of the modular Tele-QoL patient-reported outcome and experience measure
Authors: Greffin Klara , Muehlan Holger , van den Berg Neeltje , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Ritter Oliver , Oeff Michael , Speerfork Sven , Schomerus Georg , Schmidt Silke
Published: July 2023

Purpose

A setting-sensitive instrument for assessing Quality of Life (QoL) in Telemedicine (TM) was unavailable. To close this gap, a content-valid “add-on” measure was developed. In parallel, a brief index was derived featuring six items that summarise the main content of the multidimensional assessment. After pre- and pilot-testing, the psychometric performance of the final measures was investigated in an independent validation study.

Methods

The questionnaires were applied along with other standardised instruments of similar concepts as well as associated, yet disparate concepts for validation purposes. The sample consisted of patients with depression or heart failure, with or without TM (n = 200). Data analyses were aimed at calculating descriptive statistics and testing the psychometric performance on item, scale, and instrument level, including different types of validity and reliability.

Results

The proposed factor structure of the multidimensional Tele-QoL measure has been confirmed. Reliability coefficients for internal consistency, split-half, and test-retest reliability of the subscales and index reached sufficient values. The Tele-QoL subscales and the index demonstrated Rasch scalability. Validity of both instruments can be assumed. Evidence for discriminant construct validity was provided. Known-groups validity was indicated by respective score differences for various classes of disease severity.

Conclusion

Both measures show convincing psychometric properties. The final multidimensional Tele-QoL assessment consists of six outcome scales and two impact scales assessing (un-)intended effects of TM on QoL. In addition, the Tele-QoL index provides a short alternative for outcome assessment. The Tele-QoL measures can be used as complementary modules to existing QoL instruments capturing healthcare-related aspects of QoL from the patients’ perspective.
A Means-End Account of Explainable Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Buchholz Oliver
Published: July 2023

Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) seeks to produce explanations for those machine learning methods which are deemed opaque. However, there is considerable disagreement about what this means and how to achieve it. Authors disagree on what should be explained (topic), to whom something should be explained (stakeholder), how something should be explained (instrument), and why something should be explained (goal). In this paper, I employ insights from means-end epistemology to structure the field. According to means-end epistemology, different means ought to be rationally adopted to achieve different epistemic ends. Applied to XAI, different topics, stakeholders, and goals thus require different instruments. I call this the means-end account of XAI. The means-end account has a descriptive and a normative component: on the one hand, I show how the specific means-end relations give rise to a taxonomy of existing contributions to the field of XAI; on the other hand, I argue that the suitability of XAI methods can be assessed by analyzing whether they are prescribed by a given topic, stakeholder, and goal.
Targeting mitochondria in the aged cerebral vasculature with SS-31, a proteomic study of brain microvessels
Authors: Seman Abigail , Chandra Partha K. , Byrum Stephanie D. , Mackintosh Samuel G. , Gies Allen J. , Busija David W. , Rutkai Ibolya
Published: July 2023

Cognitive impairment and dementias during aging such as Alzheimer’s disease are linked to functional decline and structural alterations of the brain microvasculature. Although mechanisms leading to microvascular changes during aging are not clear, loss of mitochondria, and reduced efficiency of remaining mitochondria appear to play a major role. Pharmacological agents, such as SS-31, which target mitochondria have been shown to be effective during aging and diseases; however, the benefit to mitochondrial- and non-mitochondrial proteins in the brain microvasculature has not been examined. We tested whether attenuation of aging-associated changes in the brain microvascular proteome via targeting mitochondria represents a therapeutic option for the aging brain. We used aged male (> 18 months) C57Bl6/J mice treated with a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide, SS-31, or vehicle saline. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was determined using laser speckle imaging during a 2-week treatment period. Then, isolated cortical microvessels (MVs) composed of end arterioles, capillaries, and venules were used for Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid mass spectrometry. CBF was similar among the groups, whereas bioinformatic analysis revealed substantial differences in protein abundance of cortical MVs between SS-31 and vehicle. We identified 6267 proteins, of which 12% were mitochondria-associated. Of this 12%, 107 were significantly differentially expressed and were associated with oxidative phosphorylation, metabolism, the antioxidant defense system, or mitochondrial dynamics. Administration of SS-31 affected many non-mitochondrial proteins. Our findings suggest that mitochondria in the microvasculature represent a therapeutic target in the aging brain, and widespread changes in the proteome may underlie the rejuvenating actions of SS-31 in aging.
Radiomics of spinal muscles: toward a radiological biomarker for allograft rejection in lung transplant
Authors: Giraudo Chiara , Modugno Antonella , Negro Giacomo , Dell’Amore Andrea , Cecchin Diego , Motta Raffaella , Balestro Elisabetta , Boscolo Annalisa , Calabrese Fiorella , Faccioli Eleonora , Navalesi Paolo , Vianello Andrea , Rea Federico , Stramare Roberto
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To assess the role of muscle composition and radiomics in predicting allograft rejection in lung transplant.

Material and methods

The last available HRCT before surgery of lung transplant candidates referring to our tertiary center from January 2010 to February 2020 was retrospectively examined. Only scans with B30 kernel reconstructions and 1 mm slice thickness were included. One radiologist segmented the spinal muscles of each patient at the level of the 11th dorsal vertebra by an open-source software. The same software was used to extract Hu values and 72 radiomic features of first and second order. Factor analysis was applied to select highly correlating features and then their prognostic value for allograft rejection was investigated by logistic regression analysis (level of significance p < 0.05). In case of significant results, the diagnostic value of the model was computed by ROC curves.

Results

Overall 200 patients had a HRCT prior to the transplant but only 97 matched the inclusion criteria (29 women; mean age 50.4 ± 13 years old). Twenty-one patients showed allograft rejection. The following features were selected by the factor analysis: cluster prominence, Imc2, gray level non-uniformity normalized, median, kurtosis, gray level non-uniformity, and inverse variance. The radiomic-based model including also Hu demonstrated that only the feature Imc2 acts as a predictor of allograft rejection (p = 0.021). The model showed 76.6% accuracy and the Imc2 value of 0.19 demonstrated 81% sensitivity and 64.5% specificity in predicting lung transplant rejection.

Conclusion

The radiomic feature Imc2 demonstrated to be a predictor of allograft rejection in lung transplant.