bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sources of persistent and mobile chemicals in municipal wastewater: a sewer perspective in Leipzig, Germany
Authors: Seelig Alina H. , Zahn Daniel , Reemtsma Thorsten 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPersistent and mobile (PM) chemicals spread in the water cycle and have been widely detected, yet information about their sources is still scarce. In this study, 67 PM chemicals were analyzed in 19 wastewater samples taken in the sewer system of the city of Leipzig, Germany, covering different industrial, clinical, and domestic discharges. A total of 37 of these analytes could be detected, with highly variable median concentrations between substances (median: 0.5–800 µg L−1) and for single substances between samples (e.g., 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) by up to three orders of magnitude, with the highest single concentration exceeding 10 mg L−1 (p-cumenesulfonic acid). The emission of PM chemicals into the sewer system was classified as stemming from diffuse (14 analytes) or point sources (23 analytes), while 9 analytes fulfill both criteria. Many so-called industrial chemicals were also discharged from households (e.g., tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate or 1H-benzotriazole). Examples for analytes showing specific sources are tetrafluoroborate (traffic-related industry and metal production and finishing), ε-caprolactam (large-scale laundry), or cyanuric acid (likely swimming pool). Furthermore, a correlation between 1-cyanoguanidine and guanylurea was observed for the traffic-related industry. This study outlines that sewer sampling can provide valuable information on the sources of PM chemicals. This knowledge is a prerequisite for their future emission control at source or substitution as an alternative to end-of-pipe treatment in municipal wastewater treatment plants.
Graphical Abstract
The Arnold conjecture for singular symplectic manifolds
Authors: Brugués Joaquim , Miranda Eva , Oms Cédric 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this article, we study the Hamiltonian dynamics on singular symplectic manifolds and prove the Arnold conjecture for a large class of $$b^m$$

b
m

-symplectic manifolds. Novel techniques are introduced to associate smooth symplectic forms to the original singular symplectic structure, under some mild conditions. These techniques yield the validity of the Arnold conjecture for singular symplectic manifolds across multiple scenarios. More precisely, we prove a lower bound on the number of 1-periodic Hamiltonian orbits for $$b^{2m}$$

b

2
m

-symplectic manifolds depending only on the topology of the manifold. Moreover, for $$b^m$$

b
m

-symplectic surfaces, we improve the lower bound depending on the topology of the pair (M, Z). We then venture into the study of Floer homology to this singular realm and we conclude with a list of open questions.
Durable Effects of Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chen He , Shi Hangyu , Gao Shuai , Fang Jiufei , Yi Jiamin , Wu Wenhui , Liu Xinkun , Liu Zhishun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disease which can result in chronic pain and disability. The current interventions available for KOA often fail to provide long-lasting effects, highlighting the need for new treatment options that can offer durable benefits. Previous studies have suggested the efficacy of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with its durability remaining uncertain. In this review, we aimed to investigate the durability of the efficacy after completion of treatment.

Recent Findings
We performed thorough searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to November 4, 2023. The outcomes were assessed at all available time points after completion of treatment. Primary outcomes were changes from baseline in pain and function measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function subscales. Secondary outcomes included response rate, overall pain, the WOMAC stiffness subscale, total WOMAC index, and physical and mental health components of 12/36-item Short-Form Health Survey. A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 3221 participants were included. Pooled estimates suggested that acupuncture may offer potential improvements in function and overall pain for 4.5 months post-treatment versus sham acupuncture (SA). Acupuncture may provide durable clinically important pain relief and functional improvement up to 5 months post-treatment versus usual care, and up to 6 months post-treatment versus diclofenac. For acupuncture versus no treatment, one trial with large sample size indicated that improvements in pain and function persisted for 3 months post-treatment, while the other trial reported that significant pain reduction and functional improvement were only observed at the end of the treatment, not at 9 months post-treatment. However, acupuncture as adjunct to exercise-based physical therapy (EPT) showed no superiority to SA as an adjunct to EPT or EPT alone up to 11.25 months after completion of treatment.

Summary
Acupuncture may provide pain alleviation and functional improvements in KOA patients for 3 to 6 months after completion of treatment with a good safety profile.
False Authorities
Authors: Jäger Christoph 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAn epistemic agent A is a false epistemic authority for others if they falsely believe A to be in a position to help them accomplish their epistemic ends. A major divide exists between what I call epistemic quacks, who falsely believe themselves to be relevantly competent, and epistemic charlatans, i.e., false authorities who believe or even know that they are incompetent. Neither type of false authority covers what Lackey (2021) calls predatory experts: experts who systematically misuse their social-epistemic status as a cover for predatory behavior. Qua experts, predatory experts are competent and thus could (and maybe sometimes do) help their clients. But should we count them as genuine epistemic authorities? No. I argue that they are false epistemic authorities because in addition to their practical and moral misconduct, such experts systematically deceive their clients, thereby thwarting the clients’ epistemic ends.
Livestock management during times of transition. Exploring the relationship between animal size and diet from Roman to early medieval Augusta Raurica (Switzerland)
Authors: Grau-Sologestoa Idoia , Deschler-Erb Sabine , Gerling Claudia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractZooarchaeological research all over Europe has suggested a generalised pattern of livestock size decrease during the transition between the Roman times and the Early Middle Ages. Different reasons have been proposed to explain this pattern, including a change in management and feeding practices, in the context of a shift of animal husbandry from large to small scale production. This paper is based on faunal material from Roman and early medieval Augusta Raurica, north-western Switzerland, and provides a first attempt to test this hypothesis, by combining zooarchaeological information (taxonomic frequencies and biometrical analysis) and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope data from bone collagen of cattle and pig. The results suggest important changes in livestock management, such as a shift towards pig husbandry, and evidence for increased use of pannage and forest pastures has been found.
Automated Computation of Therapies Using Failure Mode and Effects Analysis in the Medical Domain
Authors: Luttermann Malte , Baake Edgar , Bouchagiar Juljan , Gebel Benjamin , Grüning Philipp , Manikwadura Dilini , Schollemann Franziska , Teifke Elisa , Rostalski Philipp , Möller Ralf 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFailure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is a systematic approach to identify and analyse potential failures and their effects in a system or process. The FMEA approach, however, requires domain experts to manually analyse the FMEA model to derive risk-reducing actions that should be applied. In this paper, we provide a formal framework to allow for automatic planning and acting in FMEA models. More specifically, we cast the FMEA model into a Markov decision process which can then be solved by existing solvers. We show that the FMEA approach can not only be used to support medical experts during the modelling process but also to automatically derive optimal therapies for the treatment of patients.
From Material to Field Test: An Improved Under Sleeper Pad Model
Authors: Ulu Arif , Metin Muzaffer , Arikoglu Aytac , Demir Ozgur 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study aims to determine the stiffness values of under sleeper pad (USP) and rail pad (RP) components to reduce the high-amplitude vibrations that occur in the transition zones of some specific structures such as viaducts in ballasted railways. The conventional method of simulating USPs and RPs as spring–dashpot elements in the Kelvin–Voigt model is inadequate due to the absence of frequency and temperature dependencies in the model. The study proposes a new analytical model that considers USPs and RPs as viscoelastic (VE) materials and integrates them into the ballasted railway superstructure model by adding unit masses avoiding mathematical singularity. The process includes material testing, field measurements, and validation of the proposed model with finite element model analysis. The effect of ambient temperature and material modelling on the superstructure’s dynamic response in the frequency domain is analysed in detail. To account for VE behaviours of the resilient elements, the generalised Maxwell model (GMM) is chosen via unit mass implementation compared to other VE models. The obtained results show that the dynamic response of the railway superstructure is 8–10 times sensitive to temperature variation. This demonstrates how important it is to include the temperature-dependent dynamics of the elastomer material in the model. According to the other results that were obtained, the use of USP in transition zones does not solve the vibration problem radically. Bridge dynamic responses are also sensitive to the mass of the bridge rather than its stiffness.
BRAF-mutant microsatellite-stable rectal cancer with acquired KRAS mutation leading to drug resistance in liver metastasis
Authors: Shigeyasu Kunitoshi , Yamamoto Hideki , Takahashi Toshiaki , Moriwake Kazuya , Kayano Masashi , Takeda Sho , Matsumi Yuki , Umeda Yuzo , Kondo Yoshitaka , Teraishi Fuminori , Yasui Kazuya , Fuji Tomokazu , Kagawa Shunsuke , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBRAF-mutant microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (CRC), metastasized to distant sites, is associated with a poor prognosis. However, the BEACON CRC regimen, comprising a BRAF inhibitor, MEK inhibitor, and anti-EGFR antibody, offered a prolonged prognosis. Nonetheless, resistance to this regimen may occur, as observed in our reported case of CRC, where a KRAS mutation was identified in addition to the BRAF V600E mutation. Here, we present a case of 74-year-old woman with rectal cancer (pT4bN1bM0 Stage IIIc) harboring the BRAF V600E mutation. After resection of the primary tumor and during adjuvant chemotherapy using CAPOX (capecitabine and oxaliplatin), liver and lung metastases became apparent, and a companion diagnosis test revealed the presence of a BRAF V600E mutation. The new lesions were deemed resistant to the CAPOX regimen, and we decided to introduce encorafenib and cetuximab. After resection of liver metastases, encorafenib and cetuximab were reintroduced, but a new lesion appeared in hepatic S7, indicating resistance to the encorafenib and cetuximab regimen. The resistant liver metastasis was subsequently resected. To elucidate the resistance mechanism, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using the FoundationOne CDx cancer gene panel test, revealing the presence of a KRAS Q61H mutation alongside the BRAF V600E mutation. Subsequent liquid biopsy after liver recurrence confirmed the persistence of the KRAS Q61H mutation. Our results highlight the significance of cancer genome profiling tests (CGP tests) and liquid biopsies in guiding treatment strategies for BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer. Therefore, CGP testing offers valuable information for treatment, even if it does not lead to new drug administrations.
Response of Cassava Root Manihot esculenta to Potassium-Rich Biostimulants Manufactured from Red Seaweed Gracilaria salicornia Under Semi-Arid Condition
Authors: Munisamy Shanmugam , Ramamoorthy Gopi Krishna 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSeaweed extracts are proven to be potent biostimulants due to the presence of wide range of nutrients including mineral like potassium and other macro-micronutrients, plant growth hormones, amino acids, vitamins, glycine betaines and quaternary ammonium compounds in them. In the present study, potassium-rich powders were obtained from some commercially important tropical red seaweeds viz. Kappaphycus alvarezii, Gracilaria salicornia, G. edulis, G. firma and G. heteroclada and Eucheuma spinosum and checked for their biostimulant effect through green gram seedling bioassay study on in vitro using WinRhizo software, and we found that extracts of all species increased the root development at significant level (p < 0.05) as compared to standard nutrient medium. G. salicornia of Indian origin which is naturally available on a commercial level (>1000 t dry per year) was taken for further studies and manufactured 3 variants of potassium-rich biostimulants, viz. concentrated seaweed extract (CSE), potassium-rich water-soluble powder (PSP) and seaweed fortified granule (SFG), and tested their biostimulant activity on cassava root at farmer’s field and found to increase the tuber yield to 17.40%, 20.09% and 22.19%, respectively, with high starch content, less incidence of cassava brown streak virus disease (CBSD) and increased nutrient use efficiency over control plants. Based on the results of present study, potassium-rich biostimulant obtained from G. salicornia can be applied to cassava for yield and quality improvement.
Multi-sensor Attitude Estimation using Quaternion Constrained GNSS Ambiguity Resolution and Dynamics-Based Observation Synchronization
Authors: Farkas Márton , Rózsa Szabolcs , Vanek Bálint 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRecently, high accuracy and low-cost navigation hardware is becoming increasingly available that can be efficiently used for the control of autonomous vehicles. We present a sensor fusion method providing tightly coupled integration of pseudorange, carrier phase, and Doppler satellite measurements taken at multiple vehicle-mounted GNSS antennas with onboard inertial sensor observations. The key of accurate GNSS position and orientation estimation is the successful integer ambiguity resolution. We propose a method that uses the quaternion states as constraints to improve ambiguity resolution and to increase the accuracy of the GNSS based attitude determination. Generally, the low-cost hardware neither allows a hardware-level time synchronization between the GNSS receivers due to a lack of a common external oscillator nor provides the clock steering function available in geodetic GNSS receivers. The lack of observation synchronization causes several degrees of error in attitude estimation. To eliminate this effect, a dynamics-based solution is presented that synchronizes the observations by taking the dynamics of the moving platform into account. Compared to common external oscillator based sensor setups, our solution allows to increase both the number of rover receivers on the platform and the baselines between them easily, thus it opens up new possibilities in the attitude determination of large vehicles. We validate our approach against a tactical grade inertial navigation system. The results show that our approach using low-cost sensors provides the ambiguity success rate of 100% for the moving baselines, and the positioning and attitude error reached the centimeter and half a degree level, respectively.
The association of socioeconomic status on kidney transplant access and outcomes: a nationwide cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Chung Tung-Ling , Chen Nai-Ching , Yin Chun-Hao , Lee Ching-Chih , Chen Chien-Liang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Conflicting evidence exists regarding the relationship between socioeconomic status and access to or outcomes after kidney transplantation. This study analyzed the effects of individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status on kidney transplant access and outcomes in Taiwan.

Methods
We used a retrospective cohort study design and performed comparisons using the Cox proportional hazards model after adjusting for risk factors. Data were collected from the National Health Insurance Bureau of Taiwan data (2003–2012).

Results
Patients with high individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status had higher chances of receiving kidney transplants than those with low individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 2.04; 95% CI: (1.81–2.31), p < 0.001]. However, there were no significant differences in post-transplant graft failure or patient mortality in Taiwan between individuals of varying socioeconomic status after five years. When we stratified kidney transplants by domestic and overseas transplantation, there were no significant differences in post-transplant mortality and graft failure, but individuals who received a kidney graft in Taiwan with high individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status experienced lower risks of graft failure (aHR = 0.55; [95% CI 0.33–0.89], p = 0.017).

Conclusion
A relevant disparity exists in accessing kidney transplantation in Taiwan, depending on individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status. However, results post transplantation were not different after five years. Improved access to waitlisting, education, and welfare support may reduce disparities.

Graphical Abstract
A fuzzy Gaussian process regression function approach for forecasting problem
Authors: Egrioglu Erol , Bas Eren , Chen Mu-Yen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA fuzzy regression function approach is a fuzzy inference system method whose rules cannot be determined based on expert opinion, unlike a classical fuzzy inference system. In a fuzzy regression function approach, an input matrix consists of memberships obtained by the fuzzy clustering method and lagged variables of the time series. In the fuzzy regression function approach, the output vector corresponding to this input matrix is also created and the parameter estimation for the method is carried out with the ordinary least square method. As it is known, the ordinary least square method assumes that the data are linear. In addition, although it is very useful to include a priori information describing the formation of the data in the model, in most cases this information is not available. It is also inappropriate to use a model that does not accurately characterize the data. However, it is not appropriate to estimate parameters for nonlinear data using the ordinary least square method. One of the methods to be used in such a situation is the Gaussian process regression method. While the parameters of a selected basis function are fitted in the ordinary least squares regression method, how all measured data are related is determined in the Gaussian process regression. Besides, Gaussian process regression is a Bayesian approach, it can provide uncertainty measurements on forecasts. In this study, a fuzzy Gaussian process regression function is proposed. The contribution of this paper is to propose a new fuzzy inference system that can be used to solve nonlinear data by proposing a fuzzy Gaussian process regression function. The performance of the newly proposed method is evaluated based on the closing values of the Bitcoin and Crude oil time series. The performance comparison of the proposed method is evaluated with many different forecasting methods and it is concluded that the proposed method has superior forecasting performance.
Enhancing Multiple Object Analysis Skills Across Early and Late Adulthood Through Diverse Tasks
Authors: Tagliabue Chiara F. , Fornari Chiara , Varesio Greta , Mazza Veronica 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTasks on multiple targets involve, to some extent, at least two capacity-limited classes of mechanisms: attentional individuation and visuo-spatial working memory (vWM). It is also known that these mechanisms tend to decline with aging. In this study, we hypothesized that if both mechanisms underlie the analysis of multiple objects, then training one task involving multiple objects should benefit other tasks requiring multiple object processing, regardless of task contents or instructions. In addition, we predicted that older adults would benefit more from the training protocol. To test these hypotheses, we trained two groups of young and older participants, one with a delayed match-to-sample (DMTS) task and one with rapid enumeration. Training effects (compared to test/re-test effects of a passive control group) were assessed on both DMTS and rapid enumeration. Results indicated a training-related benefit within and across tasks, regardless of age. Older adults’ gain from training was larger compared to the young counterpart. In addition, and irrespective of age, individual differences in baseline performance correlate with training outcomes, with compensatory activity likely occurring for low-performing individuals.
Comparison of contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography using second-generation contrast agents and voiding cystourethrogram
Authors: Biswas Som , Cohen Harris L. , Tipirneni-Sajja Aaryani , Shrestha Utsav , Sandhu Preet K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractVoiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) has been considered the gold standard for detecting and evaluating vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) among children. However, ionizing radiation exposure is a concern for this diagnostic modality. Contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS) is an alternative technique for the detection of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) using ultrasound and intravesical administration of an ultrasound (US) contrast agent. ceVUS is a radiation-free, effective, and safe method for identifying and grading VUR. We performed a study specifically for our hospital. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS) in the detection of vesicoureteral reflux and its grading in children, compared to voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). If we consider VCUG as the gold standard, the sensitivity of ceVUS in our study was 83%, specificity was 100% and accuracy was 94%. Our positive cases had Grade II to V reflux on ceVUS and Grade I to V reflux on VCUG. In our small sample of 18 patients, the detection of vesicoureteral reflux by ceVUS was comparable to that of VCUG. ceVUS can be used as a radiation-free alternative to VCUG for the detection of VUR in children. A benefit of ceVUS is the ability to do cyclical assessment without the fear of increasing radiation dose, as you would with VCUG.