bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Riesz energy, L2$L^2$ discrepancy, and optimal transport of determinantal point processes on the sphere and the flat torus
Authors: Borda Bence , Grabner Peter , Matzke Ryan W. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDeterminantal point processes exhibit an inherent repulsive behavior, thus providing examples of very evenly distributed point sets on manifolds. In this paper, we study the so‐called harmonic ensemble, defined in terms of Laplace eigenfunctions on the sphere and the flat torus , and the so‐called spherical ensemble on , which originates in random matrix theory. We extend results of Beltrán, Marzo, and Ortega‐Cerdà on the Riesz ‐energy of the harmonic ensemble to the nonsingular regime , and as a corollary find the expected value of the spherical cap discrepancy via the Stolarsky invariance principle. We find the expected value of the discrepancy with respect to axis‐parallel boxes and Euclidean balls of the harmonic ensemble on . We also show that the spherical ensemble and the harmonic ensemble on and with points attain the optimal rate in expectation in the Wasserstein metric , in contrast to independent and identically distributed random points, which are known to lose a factor of .
Toward Fatigue-Tolerant Design of Additively Manufactured Strut-Based Lattice Metamaterials
Authors: Apetre Nicoleta A. , Michopoulos John G. , Rodriguez Steven N. , Iliopoulos Athanasios , Steuben John C. , Graber Benjamin D. , Arcari Attilio 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The advent of additive manufacturing (AM) has enabled the prototyping of periodic and non-periodic metamaterials (a.k.a. lattice or cellular structures) that could be deployed in a variety of engineering applications where certain combinations of performance features are desirable. For example, these structures could be used in a variety of naval engineering applications where lightweight, large surface area, energy absorption, heat dissipation, and acoustic bandgap control are desirable. Furthermore, combining the multifunctional design optimization of these structures with progressive degradation due to cyclic loading could lead to fatigue-activated attritable systems with potentially tailorable performances not yet in reach by current conventional systems. Nevertheless, in order to deploy these complex geometry structures their multiphysics response has to be well understood and characterized. The objective of the current effort is to describe an initial approach for designing a uniaxial metamaterial specimen for fatigue testing as the first step toward the design of multi-axial fatigue test coupons. In order to compare bending- and stretching-dominated structures, two strut-based lattices made of Ti-6Al-4V alloy consisting of the octet and tetrakaidecahedron (or Kelvin) cells are examined. The specimens are designed to fail in the central area of the specimen where edge effects are minimized. Finite element results of the relevant structural mechanics are implemented and exercised to compare the performance of the eight relevant geometries and to evaluate the effect of relative density on fatigue life.
The
Staphylococcus aureus
regulatory program in a human skin-like environment
Authors: Costa Flavia G. , Mills Krista B. , Crosby Heidi A. , Horswill Alexander R. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is a Gram-positive pathogen responsible for the majority of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).
S. aureus
colonizes the anterior nares of approximately 20%–30% of the population and transiently colonizes the skin, thereby increasing the risk of developing SSTIs and more serious infections. Current laboratory models that mimic the skin surface environment are expensive, require substantial infrastructure, and limit the scope of bacterial physiology studies under human skin conditions. To overcome these limitations, we developed a cost-effective, open-source, chemically defined media recipe termed skin-like medium (SLM) that incorporates key aspects of the human skin surface environment and supports growth of several staphylococcal species. We utilized SLM to investigate the transcriptional response of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) following growth in SLM compared to a commonly used laboratory media. Through RNA-seq analysis, we observed the upregulation of several virulence factors, including genes encoding functions involved in adhesion, proteolysis, and cytotoxicity. To further explore these findings, we conducted quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) experiments to determine the influence of media composition, pH, and temperature on the transcriptional response of key factors involved in adhesion and virulence. We also demonstrated that MRSA primed in SLM adhered better to human corneocytes and demonstrated adhesin-specific phenotypes that previously required genetic manipulation. This improved adherence to corneocytes was dependent on both acidic pH and growth in SLM. These results support the potential utility of SLM as an
in vitro
model for assessing staphylococcal physiology and metabolism on human skin.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureus
is the major cause of skin diseases, and its increased prevalence in skin colonization and infections present a need to understand its physiology in this environment. The work presented here outlines
S. aureus
upregulation of colonization and virulence factors using a newly developed medium that strives to replicate the human skin surface environment and demonstrates roles for adhesins clumping factor A (ClfA), serine-rich repeat glycoprotein adhesin (SraP), and the fibronectin binding proteins (Fnbps) in human corneocyte adherence.
Use of progestogens and the risk of intracranial meningioma: national case-control study
Authors: Roland Noémie , Neumann Anke , Hoisnard Léa , Duranteau Lise , Froelich Sébastien , Zureik Mahmoud , Weill Alain 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Objective
To assess the risk of intracranial meningioma associated with the use of selected progestogens.

Design
National case-control study.

Setting

French National Health Data System (ie,
Système National des Données de Santé
).

Participants
Of 108 366 women overall, 18 061 women living in France who had intracranial surgery for meningioma between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2018 (restricted inclusion periods for intrauterine systems) were deemed to be in the case group. Each case was matched to five controls for year of birth and area of residence (90 305 controls).

Main outcome measures
Selected progestogens were used: progesterone, hydroxyprogesterone, dydrogesterone, medrogestone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, promegestone, dienogest, and intrauterine levonorgestrel. For each progestogen, use was defined by at least one dispensation within the year before the index date (within three years for 13.5 mg levonorgestrel intrauterine systems and five years for 52 mg). Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio for each progestogen meningioma association.

Results

Mean age was 57.6 years (standard deviation 12.8). Analyses showed excess risk of meningioma with use of medrogestone (42 exposed cases/18 061 cases (0.2%)
v
79 exposed controls/90 305 controls (0.1%), odds ratio 3.49 (95% confidence interval 2.38 to 5.10)), medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable, 9/18 061 (0.05%)
v
11/90 305 (0.01%), 5.55 (2.27 to 13.56)), and promegestone (83/18 061 (0.5%)
v
225/90 305 (0.2 %), 2.39 (1.85 to 3.09)). This excess risk was driven by prolonged use (≥one year). Results showed no excess risk of intracranial meningioma for progesterone, dydrogesterone, or levonorgestrel intrauterine systems. No conclusions could be drawn concerning dienogest or hydroxyprogesterone because of the small number of individuals who received these drugs. A highly increased risk of meningioma was observed for cyproterone acetate (891/18 061 (4.9%)
v
256/90 305 (0.3%), odds ratio 19.21 (95% confidence interval 16.61 to 22.22)), nomegestrol acetate (925/18 061 (5.1%)
v
1121/90 305 (1.2%), 4.93 (4.50 to 5.41)), and chlormadinone acetate (628/18 061 (3.5%)
v
946/90 305 (1.0%), 3.87 (3.48 to 4.30)), which were used as positive controls for use.

Conclusions
Prolonged use of medrogestone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and promegestone was found to increase the risk of intracranial meningioma. The increased risk associated with the use of injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate, a widely used contraceptive, and the safety of levonorgestrel intrauterine systems are important new findings.
Preservação de territórios culturais: os asilos-colônia Santo Ângelo (Mogi das Cruzes) e Aimorés (Bauru) e as cidades paulistas
Authors: Janotti Bianca Maria Batista , Schicchi Maria Cristina da Silva 
Published: March 2024

Entre 1930 e 1960, a política de tratamento dos hansenianos por meio do isolamento implantada no estado de São Paulo tornou-se modelo para muitas cidades brasileiras. Os asilos-colônia, complexos hospitalares criados para essa finalidade, foram pensados para funcionar em rede, de forma que pudessem abranger todo o estado a partir de cinco asilos-colônia: Santo Ângelo, Padre Bento, Pirapitingui, Cocais e Aimorés. Esses asilos – construídos entre 1920 e 1930 – foram tombados pelo Conselho de Defesa do Patrimônio Histórico, Arqueológico, Artístico e Turístico entre 2016 e 2018. Sua história, ligada a essa cadeia de instituições de tratamento, demandou uma abordagem de estudo de conjunto, mas também uma leitura dos próprios territórios onde estão inseridos, pois entende-se que esses complexos não se mantiveram alheios aos processos políticos e de planejamento locais. Assim, o objetivo principal da pesquisa foi estudar os asilos-colônia como equipamentos complexos de escala urbano-territorial. A partir de um levantamento preliminar dos cinco asilos tombados, foram selecionados dois deles para estudo de caso: o Santo Ângelo (Mogi das Cruzes) e o Aimorés (Bauru). Buscou-se avaliar as condições de uso, apropriação e os significados atuais desses complexos, tanto por seu papel no desenvolvimento territorial dos municípios onde estão situados, quanto, principalmente, para as populações locais. A pesquisa se apoiou nos métodos histórico-analítico e empírico. O resultado possibilitou a ampliação da discussão sobre os asilos-colônia como territórios culturais e apontar novos critérios de apreensão dos significados culturais a eles relacionados, como contribuição à reflexão sobre a preservação dos denominados “patrimônios marginais”.
Affordances: on Luminous Abodes and Ecological Reason
Authors: Wirth Jason M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This is an essay on place in light of the ecological crisis as an exercise in what Pierre Charbonnier has recently called ecological reason, that is, “the environmental reflexivity of our species.” How do the roots of our prevailing political and economic relationships to the many lands that sustain us appear retroactively from the perspective of ecological reason? In a kind of tragic reversal, the mad rush to global prosperity and political dignity now appears as the emerging catastrophe of our failure to heed the terrestrial affordances that sustain us. I explicate this problem and root about for responses to it by lacing together the recent work of Charbonnier as well as John Sallis, Bruno Latour, and Brian Burkhart in a single weave of place-specific thinking. How can we begin to rethink place from the ground up?
Cosmological Topologies and the (De)formations of Things at Catastrophic Ends
Authors: Rivera Omar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Drawing from Andean cosmological, mythological and aesthetic lineages, this paper is about the possibility of a phenomenology of things at catastrophic ends. In this regard, I approach things under the sway of a (de)formative emptiness. In the first part, I develop a relational ontology on the basis of the Andean notion of pacha or cosmos, which provides a phenomenological frame for a determination of “place,” “world” and “topology.” I also contrast an elemental topology of the cosmos configured by ouranic sunlight with an elemental catastrophism that overturns it. In the second part, I study a chronological series of artifacts in an Andean aesthetic lineage in order to attempt a phenomenology of “things” (utensils, buildings, mountains) that “spectrally” hover in overturns of the cosmos (pachakuti).
Durability, Flexibility and Plasticity in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
Authors: Murphy Sean D. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The overall resilience of the Convention – its durability, its flexibility and its plasticity in the face of myriad challenges that have unfolded over time – is largely attributable to certain design features within the Convention, to a willingness to ‘bend’ the Convention toward practical outcomes when necessary, and to the foresight of the drafters in closely tying the Convention to other agreements and standards, as well as to the general field of international law, so that the Convention might evolve as the world evolves. There are risks in flexibility and plasticity; in measured doses they promote resilience, while if taken too far they can erode confidence and support in the regime. Ultimately, such resilience rests on the good faith of States and other relevant actors in pursuing common ground in regulating a common space.
Expansion, Reform, and Homogenisation
Authors: Pope Michael Aidan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article argues that proselytising across the Iberian Atlantic during the early modern period occurred in three historical phases. The first such phase is one of expansion, in which many mass conversion took place without much attention to catechising (1492–1539). The second phase is reforming in nature, as debates on how best to educate the converted in their new faith developed (1540–1579). The third and final phase is homogenising, as the ways in which all the newly converted groups were expected to behave were consolidated around the image of the Old Christin nobility (1580–1640). The sources used in this article include papal bulls, royal decrees, and catechisms, which have been analysed alongside the current historiography.
The EU Commission’s Infringement Procedures in the Water Sector
Authors: Krämer Ludwig 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Under Article 17 teu, the EU Commission has to ensure that EU law is implemented by the Member States. For a long time, the European Commission kept its activities with regard to the implementation of Article 258 tfeu rather confidential. Since about ten years, the Commission changed its policy. The Commission installed a database, where it lists all decisions under Article 258 tfeu which it adopted. The present contribution will, on the basis of that database, the different implementation reviews, other Commission publications and the information of the European Environment Agency on the state of the EU environment, retrace the state of affairs with regard to the monitoring, by the Commission, of the implementation of Union legislation in the water sector. This review will show whether the database is up-to-date and it will also provide data to discuss the infringment practice of the Commission in the field of water protection.
Frāy in Seven Documents from the Pahlavi Archive of Hastijan
Authors: Asefi Nima 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this article, seven documents from the Pahlavi Archive of Hastijan have been examined. All seven documents are housed in the Bancroft Library of the University of Berkeley. Three documents, Berk. 35, Berk. 162, and Berk. 33A, were published for the first time by Gignoux (2010 and 2003), but the present writer tried to revise them and complete the unread words, correct the misreadings, and achieve a better translation. Other documents – Berk. 169, Berk. 12, Berk. 17, and Berk. 170 (a small fragment) – are published for the first time in this article. The common feature of these documents is that a person named Frāy is present in all of them. Frāy is a famous person in the Pahlavi Archive of Hastijan, and we can see his name in 38 documents. The early document, Tehran C, was written in the year 32 (32 years after the death of Yazdgird III), and the last document, Berk. 8, was written in the month Spandarmad (12th month) of the year 49.
Symptom and Technology Management Intervention Usefulness for Caregivers of Children With Tracheostomies and Feeding Tubes
Authors: Spratling Regena , Tennant Monica Nelson , Lee Jiwon 
Published: March 2024

Background: Caregivers of children who require medical technology of tracheostomies and feeding tubes provide intensive and specialized care at home. They have extensive training in the hospital prior to their child’s discharge; however, there is limited education about their child’s care once they are at home. The Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment: Symptom and Technology Management Resources intervention focused on commonly experienced symptoms and technology used at home by caregivers. Objective: We present the findings from the intervention exit interviews to gain insight about the intervention from caregiver perspectives, notably their perceptions of usefulness, ease of use, and acceptability. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used to examine caregivers’ perceptions of the intervention in exit interviews. These interviews were conducted upon completion of the intervention as part of feasibility testing. Results: Sixteen caregivers completed the study and participated in exit interviews. Caregivers described the themes of the best that you can do, a reminder that I am doing it the right way, and I wish I had these when my child first had the tracheostomy and feeding tube. Caregivers also provided feedback about the intervention’s usefulness and suggestions for further refinement and future adaptations of the intervention. Conclusions: Caregivers provided valuable insights about the intervention, describing its usefulness to them, the potential for usefulness for other caregivers of these children, and their experiences with care of their children at home. Future plans include efficacy testing and modifications to enhance the intervention based on caregiver feedback.
Siewert II esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma: Still searching for the right treatment transabdominal or transthoracic surgical approaches?
Authors: Maatouk Mohamed , Nouira Mariem , Dhaou Anis Ben , Kbir Ghassen Hamdi , Mabrouk Aymen , Khlifa Mohamed Ben , Daldoul Sami , Sayari Sofien , Moussa Mounir Ben 
Published: March 2024

Introduction To date, the discussion is still ongoing whether the Siewert II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) should be resected either by thoracoabdominal esophagectomy or gastrectomy with resection of the distal esophagus by transhiatal extension. The aim of our study was to compare the oncological and perioperative outcomes of the transthoracic approach (TTA) and the transabdominal approach (TAA). Methods Searches of electronic databases identifying studies from Cochrane, PubMed and Google Scholar were performed. Randomised and non-randomised studies comparing TTA and TAA approaches for surgical treatment of AEG Siewert type II were included. The Newcastle–Ottawa and Jada scales were used to evaluate methodological quality. The risk of bias was assessed using the Rob v2 and Robins-I tools. Meta-analyses were conducted for the outcomes. Results We included 17 trials (2 randomised controlled trials and 15 cohorts) involving 15297 patients. Longer three-year overall survival, five-year overall survival and R0 resection rates were observed in the TTA group. However, TTA had greater morbidity and pulmonary complications. Conclusion Transthoracic approach appears to be preferable for selected Siewert II tumours. This may lead to higher survival rates and better R0 resection rate. Well-designed studies are needed to confirm the results of this systematic review.
Openness to Experience Predicts Engagement in Role-Play: Evidence From Two Methodologies
Authors: Lim Mengyu , Bizzego Andrea , Chen SH Annabel , Esposito Gianluca 
Published: March 2024

Background Role-play, or the transient embodiment of a different role from one’s own, is a uniquely human activity that permeates many aspects of life. However, what psychosocial factors is one’s involvement in role-play associated with? Current role-play research tends to focus on limited variables and is partially marred by negative perception towards role-play in the context of online gaming. Nonetheless, it is undeniable that role-play has potential to elicit psychosocial benefits, including improvements in empathy, resilience, and self-esteem, as well as the amelioration of psychopathology. Therefore, the present study conducts a large-scale survey to identify significant psychosocial benefits that are associated with the individual’s engagement in role-play activities. Background variables such as sociodemographic and personality factors are also included to enhance understanding of types of individuals who engage in role-play. Methods A total of 265 adults were recruited for this study, and data were analyzed using two analytic methods: (1) multiple logistic regression and (2) machine learning, namely support vector machine. Results Results from both methods agreed that higher openness to experience, a personality factor, significantly increases the likelihood of the individual having reported previous role-play experience. Discussion While findings remain inconclusive regarding associated psychosocial benefits of role-play, results suggest significant predisposing factors that shape the individual’s tendency to engage in role-play activities. Conclusion The present study provides a large-scale investigation into a wide scope of psychosocial and predisposing factors associated with the individual’s role-play experience. Using two analytic methodologies, it was found that there are significant predisposing personality traits that increase the likelihood of the individual engaging in role-play activities.
Impact of stress on the tear production of healthy cats
Authors: Donat Almagro Larissa , Moutinho Izabelle , Mendes de Oliveira Victor , Ferreira Gonçalves Gentil 
Published: March 2024

Objectives This study aimed to determine the impact of acute stress on tear production in companion cats to provide a basis for minimizing stress-inducing stimuli during ophthalmic evaluations. Methods A total of 24 healthy owned cats (12 males, 12 females) of mixed breed, aged 8 months to 7 years, with no history of ocular diseases, were selected for the study. The cats were housed in individual cages under controlled conditions for 6 days. The Schirmer tear test-1 (STT-1) was performed in the morning (between 9:00 am and 11:00 am) using test strips from the same batch. The first test (without stress) was conducted on the fifth day of acclimation, and the second test (with stress) on the sixth day. The stress stimulus consisted of recordings of barking dogs, cats fighting and the murmuring of people. For both tests, the heart rate was assessed with a stethoscope before, during and after the tests, and the environmental stress level was also evaluated. Results are presented as mean ± SD and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The study found that STT-1 values were significantly higher ( P = 0.009) with stress (22.2 ± 6.0 mm/min [95% CI 19.9–24.6]) than without stress (17.5 ± 6.9 mm/min [95% CI 14.8–20.2]). Similarly, the heart rate was significantly higher ( P = 0.028) in stress vs non-stress conditions (213.4 ± 37.5 beats per minute [bpm] [95% CI 198.7–228.1] vs 171.5 ± 28.6 bpm [95% CI 160.3–182.7], respectively), and the environmental stress score was significantly higher ( P <0.001) in stress vs non-stress conditions (3.3 ± 0.5 [95% CI 3.1–3.5] vs 1.2 ± 0.4 [95% CI 1.1–1.4], respectively). Conclusions and relevance Stress increased tear production in cats. Although the mean STT-1 value obtained under stress conditions was within the normal range, stress can influence the test results. The use of cat friendly handling techniques facilitates execution of the STT-1.