bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In silico optical modulation of spiral wave trajectories in cardiac tissue
Authors: Hussaini Sayedeh , Majumder Rupamanjari , Krinski Valentin , Luther Stefan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLife-threatening cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation are common precursors to sudden cardiac death. They are associated with the occurrence of abnormal electrical spiral waves in the heart that rotate at a high frequency. In severe cases, arrhythmias are combated with a clinical method called defibrillation, which involves administering a single global high-voltage shock to the heart to reset all its activity and restore sinus rhythm. Despite its high efficiency in controlling arrhythmias, defibrillation is associated with several negative side effects that render the method suboptimal. The best approach to optimize this therapeutic technique is to deepen our understanding of the dynamics of spiral waves. Here, we use computational cardiac optogenetics to study and control the dynamics of a single spiral wave in a two-dimensional, electrophysiologically detailed, light-sensitive model of a mouse ventricle. First, we illuminate the domain globally by applying a sequence of periodic optical pulses with different frequencies in the sub-threshold regime where no excitation wave is induced. In doing so, we obtain epicycloidal, hypocycloidal, and resonant drift trajectories of the spiral wave core. Then, to effectively control the wave dynamics, we use a method called resonant feedback pacing. In this approach, each global optical pulse is applied when the measuring electrode positioned on the domain registers a predefined value of the membrane voltage. This enables us to steer the spiral wave in a desired direction determined by the position of the electrode. Our study thus provides valuable mechanistic insights into the success or failure of global optical stimulation in executing efficient arrhythmia control.
β-Elimination as major side reaction in periodate-oxidation of cellulosic model mono- and disaccharides
Authors: Sasaki Jumpei , Kosma Paul 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo structurally characterize periodate-oxidized cellulosic substrates, methyl 4-O-methyl β-d-glucopyranoside and methyl 4’-O-methyl-cellobioside were subjected to periodate treatment at pH 4.8–5.0. Oxidation of the monosaccharide using two molar equivalents of oxidant produced 3-methoxy-2,5-dihydro-2-furanol as main product. To confirm its structure and mode of formation, 6-O-bisdeuteromethyl 4-O-methyl-β-d-glucopyranoside and methyl 4-O-trisdeuteromethyl-β-d-glucopyranoside were synthesized and oxidized to generate 3-methoxy-5-deutero-2-hydro-2-furanol in the former case and 3-trisdeuteromethoxy-2,5-dihydro-2-furanol in the latter case. Oxidation using one molar equivalent of periodate led to preferential formation of hemialdal products and (E)-4-hydroxy-2-methoxy-2-butenal. The latter product was also formed upon end-wise oxidation of methyl 4’-O-methyl-cellobioside, wherein the reducing unit was released as non-oxidized methyl β-d-glucopyranoside. This data indicate that periodate oxidation of cellulosic model substrates might be accompanied by peeling reactions and formation of β-elimination products even under slightly acidic conditions.
Graphical abstract
Distalization of perianal fistulas after loose silicone seton drainage is a myth
Authors: Verkade Carolien , van Tilborg G. Fiek A. J. B. , Stijns Jasper , Wasowicz Daria K. , Zimmerman David D. E. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
It is often stated that loose seton drainage results in distal migration of a fistula tract in perianal fistula. The aim of the present study was to assess this distalization of trans- and suprasphincteric perianal fistulas after a silicone seton has been inserted.

Methods
Consecutive patients who underwent loose seton placement for the management of a transsphincteric or suprasphincteric fistula between January 2016 and December 2021 with a pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included in the present retrospective study. The height of the external anal sphincter (EAS) and the level of penetration of perianal fistula through the EAS or puborectal muscle (PRM) were determined on MRI. Primary outcome was migration of the fistula tract through the EAS and PRM.

Results
Thirty-eight patients with perianal fistulas were included. Median height of the EAS was 28 (IQR 25–34) mm before seton placement and 27 (IQR 24–33) mm afterward. Median level of perforation was 32 (IQR 17–40) mm before seton placement and 28 (IQR 17–40) mm afterward (p = 0.37). One fistula (3%) was downgraded from mid to low transsphincteric and was laid open after 14.9 months of loose seton drainage.

Conclusions
No statistically significant distalization of complex fistula tracts after loose silicone seton drainage was found. Some complex fistulas may downgrade to a less complex fistula after long-term seton drainage. However, loose silicone seton drainage should not be offered to patients as a treatment option to downgrade a complex fistula to a simple one or even have the hope to heal it.
Temporally extended goal recognition in fully observable non-deterministic domain models
Authors: Pereira Ramon Fraga , Fuggitti Francesco , Meneguzzi Felipe , De Giacomo Giuseppe 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGoal Recognitionis the task of discerning the intended goal that an agent aims to achieve, given a set of goal hypotheses, a domain model, and a sequence of observations (i.e., a sample of the plan executed in the environment). Existing approaches assume that goal hypotheses comprise a single conjunctive formula over a single final state and that the environment dynamics are deterministic, preventing the recognition of temporally extended goals in more complex settings. In this paper, we expand goal recognition totemporally extended goalsinFully Observable Non-Deterministic(fond) planning domain models, focusing on goals on finite traces expressed inLinear Temporal Logic(ltl$$_f$$f) andPure-Past Linear Temporal Logic(ppltl). We develop the first approach capable of recognizing goals in such settings and evaluate it using differentltl$$_f$$fandppltlgoals over sixfondplanning domain models. Empirical results show that our approach is accurate in recognizing temporally extended goals in different recognition settings.
Role of La2O3 in enhancement the properties of the BaO–B2O3 glass system: optical and radiation shielding study
Authors: Zenhom Kamilia , Ebrahem Nasra M. , Mohammad S. S. , Saudi H. A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis work aims to prepare modified glassy barriers of the composition (70 − x) mol% B2O3 + 20 mol% Na2O + 10 mol% BaO + x mol% La2O3 for use as radiation shielding materials. The cooling method has been considered for the sample’s preparation process. The structural properties were investigated using density and Infrared Spectroscopy. The hardness of the prepared glasses was studied. The optical transmittance and absorbance of the prepared glasses was measured using optical spectra measurements. The prepared samples were exposed to a parallel beam of gamma rays emitted from different radioactive sources. Moreover, the shielding properties were evaluated experimentally and theoretically. The resulting value of the proposed programs is largely in line with the experimental values. The results prove that the studied glass has a largely shielding behavior for gamma rays by increasing lanthanum and vice versa for neutrons. In addition, it has been observed that the absorbance of glass samples and hardness values increase with increasing lanthanum content.
Symbiosexuality: A Review of Discourses of Attraction to the “Third Force” Created by People in Relationships
Authors: Johnston Sally W. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSymbiosexuality, the individual experience of attraction to people in relationships, has not been examined as a lived experience. Lack of recognition and examination of symbiosexuality is surprising when one considers studies of romantic and sexual desires and behaviors associated with more than two people. Also evident in the existence of the sexual identity label known as the unicorn and easily found in essays, memoirs, and dating apps, this attraction proves salient. Further, we find evidence of symbiosexuality outside Western discourses on desire and sexuality. Dominant conceptions and assumptions about sexuality and desire including mononormativity, respectability politics within polyamorous communities, and current conceptions of desire within western discourse contribute to symbiosexual invisibility. This invisibility harms several sexual minority groups, especially women and gender minorities within these groups. The purpose of this review is to describe and provide evidence of the phenomenon of symbiosexuality. Through a queer-feminist lens, I argue that recognition of symbiosexuality will fill a knowledge gap in the field of sexuality studies on the nature and shape of human sexual attractions and may be validating and/or empowering to those experiencing these types of attractions.
Fiscal Policy and Child Poverty in Ethiopia
Authors: Ambel Alemayehu A. , Belete Getachew Yirga , Fiala Oliver 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study investigates the effects of public transfers and taxes on the wellbeing of children in Ethiopia. It applies the Commitment to Equity for Children (CEQ4C) methodology to examine the burdens of taxation and the benefits from government transfers and spending, and their differential wellbeing impacts on children. The study integrates data from the Ethiopia Socioeconomic Survey 2018/19, which also collected data on taxes and transfers, with administrative data. Measuring its distribution by child monetary and multidimensional wellbeing, the study finds, on average, a progressive, poverty-reducing and equalizing fiscal system. However, there are important differences in the distribution of some of its elements. Indirect taxes, comprising of VAT and excise taxes, are regressive. Similarly, primary education spending, the largest of in-kind transfers, is only progressive in urban areas. With regards to poverty and inequality, the fiscal system reduced the monetary child poverty headcount by 21% and the poverty gap by 33%. The effect is stronger for girls and children in rural areas than for boys and children in urban areas, therefore reducing inequalities in poverty rates. However, this is only the case when in-kind transfers for education and health are considered. Without the inclusion of in-kind transfers, the study finds that the fiscal system is not well calibrated to reduce poverty. This highlights the essential role of public services, not only in delivering fundamental child rights, but also in reducing poverty amongst children.
A transboundary agenda for nature-based solutions across sectors, scales and disciplines: Insights from carbon projects in Southeast Asia
Authors: Miller Michelle Ann , Taylor David 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNature-based Solutions (NbS) are integral to efforts to keep global warming below 2°C in accordance with the United Nations’ 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Yet the transboundary governance dimensions of NbS remain unclear and largely undocumented. In Southeast Asia, NbS have emphasised the conservation and/ or sustainable commodification of carbon sinks found in terrestrial and mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, peatlands and agricultural soils. Mostly project-driven and fixed-term, these “solutions” have often failed to meet their social and ecological objectives. Increasingly, they have added to cross-border problems of: (1) displaced carbon emissions; and (2) economic migration and societal dispossession. This perspective paper delineates a transboundary governance research agenda to mitigate these trade-offs and enhance the co-benefits of NbS in carbon sinks. Building on NbS literature, it identifies cross-sector, multi-scalar and interdisciplinary pathways to improve transboundary cooperation, inclusion and equity in carbon sink governance in varying Southeast Asian contexts.
A New Eyeless Species of Micranops Cameron 1913 from Bolivia (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae)
Authors: Guzman Yoan Camilo , Żyła Dagmara 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis work adds a new eyeless species of the genusMicranopsCameron, 1913 (Staphylinidae, Paederinae, Scopaeina) to the endogean Coleoptera of the Bolivian fauna. The loss of eyes is usually associated with adaptations to subterranean habitats, althoughM. bolivianusGuzman & Żyłasp. nov.was collected from leaf litter. We also report new occurrences for the genus west of the Andes mountain range. Our work increases the number of known NeotropicalMicranopsspecies to seven and extends the known distribution range for the genus in South America.
Extended analysis of benchmarks for gas phase appearance in low-permeable rocks
Authors: Grunwald Norbert , Nagel Thomas , Pitz Michael , Kolditz Olaf 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis manuscript presents a comprehensive study on the numerical simulation of gas transport in clay rock using the finite-element method, with a specific focus on the transition of the transport regime from single-phase to two-phase conditions. Our code demonstrates the capability to cover this transition seamlessly, without relying on common approaches such as the use of persistent primary variables or the switching of primary variables. In our simulations, the primary variables are gas pressure, capillary pressure, temperature, and displacement of the solid phase. To validate our approach, two benchmark tests were conducted. The first benchmark replicates a well-known scenario in the field of radioactive waste disposal, where gas injection induces a transition from single-phase to two-phase flow. The second benchmark simulates a core drilling experiment, where the mechanical unloading of a fully saturated domain results in the appearance of a gas phase. In addition to analyzing primary quantities, a comprehensive set of secondary variables was introduced to gain deeper insights into the model’s operation and enhance understanding of the underlying processes. By plotting these secondary variables alongside the primary quantities, a comprehensive understanding of the system’s behavior during the transition of flow regimes was obtained. The primary objective of this work is to improve our understanding and confidence in the model used for simulating large repository systems, particularly in the context of nuclear waste disposal and CO$$_2$$

2

storage. By successfully capturing the transition from single-phase to two-phase gas transport, our study provides valuable insights into the behavior of gas in clay rock. This enhanced understanding lays the groundwork for utilizing the model effectively in large-scale repository simulations, contributing to the advancement of the field of gas transport in clay rock.
CBT-Based and eHealth-Supported Case Management for Patients with Panic Disorder or Depression in Primary Care: Results of a Proof of Concept
Authors: Lukaschek K , Lezius S , van den Akker M , Hanf M , Zapf A , Heider D , König H H , Gensichen J ,   for the PREMA-study group
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Evaluation of a team-based intervention in primary care that includes cognitive behavioural therapy elements and case management and was supported by eHealth components in patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (PD ± AG) and/or depression. In a two-armed cluster-randomised controlled trial (cRCT), mental health conditions were assessed by the Mental Health Index (MHI-5), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS), Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS), Mobility Inventory for Agoraphobia (MIA), and Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) at baseline (T0), after 6 months (T1), and after 12 months (T2). Scores were analysed as differences from baseline using a mixed linear model with general practitioner (GP) as a random intercept and treatment, time point, and respective baseline value as fixed factors. The majority of participants (mean age 54 years, SD 12.8 years) were women (n = 40, 67.8%). We found consistent mean effects in favour of the intervention group (MHI-5 index, 6.66 [−7.38; 20.70]; PACIC, 15.92 [4.58; 27.26]; PHQ-9, −3.43 [−5.71; −1.14]; OASIS, −2.89 [−5.41; −0.37]). A cautious interpretation indicates promising effects of the intervention. Obstacles to recruitment included the workload for GPs and medical assistants (MAs), potential reservations regarding eHealth, and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trial registration:
The study was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00016622) on February 22nd, 2019. https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00016622.
Live birth rate of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist versus luteal phase gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol in IVF/ICSI: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Chenhong , Tian Tian , Lou Yanru , Li Jia , Liu Ping , Li Rong , Qiao Jie , Wang Yuanyuan , Yang Rui 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have allowed millions of infertile couples to achieve pregnancy. As an essential part of IVF/ICSI enabling the retrieval of a high number of oocytes in one cycle, controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) treatment mainly composes of the standard long gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) protocol and the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol. However, the effectiveness of GnRH-ant protocol is still debated because of inconsistent conclusions and insufficient subgroup analyses. This systematic review and meta-analysis included a total of 52 studies, encompassing 5193 participants in the GnRH-ant group and 4757 in the GnRH-a group. The findings of this study revealed that the GnRH-ant protocol is comparable with the long GnRH-a protocol when considering live birth as the primary outcome, and it is a favourable protocol with evidence reducing the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women undergoing IVF/ICSI, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Further research is needed to compare the subsequent cumulative live birth rate between the two protocols among the general and poor ovarian response patients since those patients have a lower clinical pregnancy rate, fewer oocytes retrieved or fewer high-grade embryos in the GnRH-ant protocol.
Migrants’ access to healthcare services: evidence from fieldwork in Turkey
Authors: Genç H. Deniz , Elitsoy Z. Aslı 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study builds on an analytical framework of access to healthcare and, using notes from interviews conducted with 110 migrants of different categories, it discusses the fit between migrant patients and Turkish health services. There is an overall mediocre fit between migrant patients and the Turkish healthcare system, which varies for different migrant groups, and is influenced by the dimensions of awareness, availability, affordability, and accommodation. Migrants’ social capital and socio-economic statuses affect the degree of fit, while irregularities in their legal statuses do not necessarily create a misfit. The existence of many private healthcare institutions offering various services to patients with different incomes and operating in informal ways has improved accessibility, availability, affordability, and accommodation and thus affects the fit positively. Therefore, the health reforms that paved the way for privatization, marketization, and commodification of health services in Turkey in the early 2000s also help explain the degree of fit. Migrants suffer most from language barriers in the health system, and there is an alarming decline in acceptability especially for Syrian refugees, who have reported facing discrimination while seeking healthcare.
OP09 Developing A Patient And Consumer Training Tool Explaining Health Technology Assessment And Patient/Consumer Participation: The French Experience
Authors: Low Eunice , André-Vert Joëlle , Guerrier Marc , Fanelli Gaëlle , Galbraith Margaret 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe French National Authority for Health’s (HAS) 2019-2024 strategic workplan called for “making public involvement a priority.” This project was designed within the roadmap validated in 2021; “Strengthening public involvement in health technology assessment (HTA) at the HAS”, including an action of building a means of training patient organizations for their contribution. The project’s overall objective was to develop with patients and consumers a first training tool, representing an online knowledge base targeting French patients and consumers to explain the HAS HTA process and assist their participation in these assessments.MethodsThree stages were designed to meet this objective. Firstly, an international benchmark was performed of available online HTA training tools for patients and consumers, notably those used by HTA bodies and European and international patient and consumer groups (PCGs). Secondly, an internal HAS search for e-learning tools, was conducted to identify whether they could meet the training needs of French patients and consumers. Finally, the training tool was developed via a working group composed of patients and HAS scientific officers.ResultsThe benchmark identified 82 online training tools selected according to the specified inclusion criteria. Sixteen international HTA agencies, nine European and international PCGs and 13 other bodies provided online HTA training tools for patients and consumers during the research period, but no journal articles identified such tools. Eleven formats and 12 key themes, divided into two main categories were identified: important content related to HTA, and important content related to public involvement in HTA. The HAS search for e-learning tools resulted in internal e-learning tools offered for clinical experts not meeting the needs and preferences of patients and consumers. Finally, HAS based its training tool development on these preferences and needs to create a PowerPoint in two blocks of modules covering the two main categories above (six modules in total).ConclusionsFrench patients and consumers preferences and needs for a HTA training tool were inspired by the international benchmark, dividing key themes into two main categories: important content related to HTA, and important content related to public involvement in HTA. This resulted in HAS development of two blocks of modules in PowerPoint format covering these two categories.