bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth and remodeling of the dissected membrane in an idealized dissected aorta model
Authors: Gheysen Lise , Maes Lauranne , Famaey Nele , Segers Patrick 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWhile transitioning from the acute to chronic phase, the wall of a dissected aorta often expands in diameter and adaptations in thickness and microstructure take place in the dissected membrane. Including the mechanisms, leading to these changes, in a computational model is expected to improve the accuracy of predictions of the long-term complications and optimal treatment timing of dissection patients. An idealized dissected wall was modeled to represent the elastin and collagen production and/or degradation imposed by stress- and inflammation-mediated growth and remodeling, using the homogenized constrained mixture theory. As no optimal growth and remodeling parameters have been defined for aortic dissections, a Latin hypercube sampling with 1000 parameter combinations was assessed for four inflammation patterns, with a varying spatial extent (full/local) and temporal evolution (permanent/transient). The dissected membrane thickening and microstructure was considered together with the diameter expansion over a period of 90 days. The highest success rate was found for the transient inflammation patterns, with about 15% of the samples leading to converged solutions after 90 days. Clinically observed thickening rates were found for 2–4% of the transient inflammation samples, which represented median total diameter expansion rates of about 5 mm/year. The dissected membrane microstructure showed an elastin decrease and, in most cases, a collagen increase. In conclusion, the model with the transient inflammation pattern allowed the reproduction of clinically observed dissected membrane thickening rates, diameter expansion rates and adaptations in microstructure, thus providing guidance in reducing the parameter space in growth and remodeling models of aortic dissections.
Evaluating the performance of propagation models of flow-like landslides at regional scale
Authors: Crescenzo L. , Guthrie R. , Calvello M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPropagation models of flow-like landslides can be calibrated by comparing on-site evidence of past occurrences with the propagation paths and the deposition zones resulting from numerical simulations of the phenomena. Most typically, the performance of these models is evaluated considering the events independently from one another and, heuristically, i.e., subjectively assessing the fit between numerical results and available on-site data. At regional scale, however, storms often trigger, within a given area, multiple landslides of the flow type that occur more or less simultaneously. At this scale, a procedure that objectively quantifies the success, or the errors, of the numerical simulations of multiple landslides is lacking. In this study, such a quantitative calibration procedure is proposed, and assessed, considering the debris flows that occurred in Sarno in 1998 (Italy). The numerical model used is called Debris Flow Predictor (DFP), which is able to simulate the propagation paths and the accumulation depths of multiple debris flows, at regional scale, from a series of predefined triggering areas. The model employs a cellular automata method with a probabilistic behavioral rule, which is a function of the adopted digital elevation model and a series of parameters related to the erosional, the depositional, and the spreading capacity of the propagating soil mass. The numerical simulations were evaluated over the study area considering the entire set of debris flow events, as well as the individual debris flows, following a preliminary discretization of both the mapped footprints and the remaining portion of the territory. The relative and total operator characteristic curves, in addition to 6 indicators derived from a confusion matrix, have been used to quantify the performance of the simulations. The results show that the quantitative evaluation of the numerical results is essential to properly calibrate the adopted model, i.e., to discriminate among different simulations arising from different sets of model parameters.
Investigation of the Density Dependence of the Influence Parameter
Authors: Mühlegger Eva , Langenbach Kai 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn chemical engineering, interfacial properties play an important role in the design of thermal separation units and also in product design. Two important surface properties are the surface tension between fluid phases and the adsorption of fluids on solids. Of the various ways of describing and calculating these properties, density gradient theory (DGT) is by far the least computationally demanding. However, while surface tension is well described by DGT, adsorption is typically not. One possible reason for this is the constant known as the influence parameter of DGT. This parameter has a real physical meaning—it is the second moment of the direct correlation function—and should therefore depend on the density. In this contribution the density dependence of the influence parameter is investigated. Both, the surface tension between liquid and vapor and the adsorption of vapor or gas on solids of the Lennard–Jones truncated and shifted fluid, are calculated and compared with molecular simulation data. A functional form is identified which retains most of the accuracy of the surface tension while greatly improving the description of the adsorption.
Turning a linear geometry force-balance accelerometer to a broadband seismometer: design, modeling, and evaluation
Authors: Germenis Nikos , Dimitrakakis Georgios , Sokos Efthimios , Nikolakopoulos Pantelis 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA new, improved approach in the design of broadband seismometers is presented. The design results in the implementation of a high performance, low cost, and simple-to-operate instrument. The proposed seismometer is based on a modified accelerometer followed by a continuous time integrator for providing velocity voltage output. It has a broadband response, flat in velocity from 120 s to 75 Hz, high sensitivity 1200 V/(m/s), and 40 Vpp differential output range. The acceleration integration method provides high performance at low frequencies, with self-noise well below the New Low Noise Model at the range 80 s–16 Hz. The mechanical system provides a perfectly linear response of its displacement sensing system. Evaluation, classification, and noise determination of the presented instrument are performed in terms of direct experimental measurements, simulations, and calculations based on raw data from the proposed sensor and from a commercial product with approximately equivalent performance. Its technical features and performance specifications guarantee accurate sensing of local events, with maximum power at the frequency range of 5 to 10 Hz, but also make it ideal for the recording of distant tectonic activity, where extremely weak motions at long periods are expected. The whole design is robust, lightweight, and weatherproof, comprising in this way a useful tool to geoscientists.
Safety of microneurosurgical interventions for superficial and deep-seated brain metastases: single-center cohort study of 637 consecutive cases
Authors: Voglis Stefanos , Padevit Luis , van Niftrik Christiaan Hendrik Bas , Kälin Vincens , Beyersdorf Benjamin , Da Mutten Raffaele , Stumpo Vittorio , Bellomo Jacopo , Sarnthein Johannes , Staartjes Victor Egon , Carretta Alessandro , Krayenbühl Niklaus , Regli Luca , Serra Carlo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Microneurosurgical techniques have greatly improved over the past years due to the introduction of new technology and surgical concepts. To reevaluate the role of micro-neurosurgery in brain metastases (BM) resection in the era of new systemic and local treatment options, its safety profile needs to be reassessed. The aim of this study was to analyze the rate of adverse events (AEs) according to a systematic, comprehensive and reliably reproducible grading system after microneurosurgical BM resection in a large and modern microneurosurgical series with special emphasis on anatomical location.

Methods
Prospectively collected cases of BM resection between 2013 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Number of AEs, defined as any deviations from the expected postoperative course according to Clavien–Dindo-Grade (CDG) were evaluated. Patient, surgical, and lesion characteristics, including exact anatomic tumor locations, were analyzed using uni- and multivariate logistic regression and survival analysis to identify predictive factors for AEs.

Results
We identified 664 eligible patients with lung cancer being the most common primary tumor (44%), followed by melanoma (25%) and breast cancer (11%). 29 patients (4%) underwent biopsy only whereas BM were resected in 637 (96%) of cases. The overall rate of AEs was 8% at discharge. However, severe AEs (≥ CDG 3a; requiring surgical intervention under local/general anesthesia or ICU treatment) occurred in only 1.9% (n = 12) of cases with a perioperative mortality of 0.6% (n = 4). Infratentorial tumor location (OR 5.46, 95% 2.31–13.8, p = .001), reoperation (OR 2.31, 95% 1.07–4.81, p = .033) and central region tumor location (OR 3.03, 95% 1.03–8.60) showed to be significant predictors in a multivariate analysis for major AEs (CDG ≥ 2 or new neurological deficits). Neither deep supratentorial nor central region tumors were associated with more major AEs compared to convexity lesions.

Conclusions
Modern microneurosurgical resection can be considered an excellent option in the management of BM in terms of safety, as the overall rate of major AEs are very rare even in eloquent and deep-seated lesions.
Assessing the dynamic performance of water companies through the lens of service quality
Authors: Sala-Garrido Ramon , Mocholi-Arce Manuel , Molinos-Senante Maria , Maziotis Alexandros 
Published: November 2023

Abstract The measurement of performance within the water industry holds significant importance for policymakers, as it can help guide decision-making for future development and management initiatives. In this study, we apply data envelopment analysis (DEA) cross-efficiency techniques to evaluate the productivity change of the Chilean water industry during the years 2010–2018. Water leakage and unplanned interruptions are included in the analysis as quality of service variables. Moreover, we use cluster analysis and regression techniques to better understand what drives productivity change of water companies. The results indicate that the Chilean water industry is characterized by considerable high levels of inefficiency and low levels of productivity change. This is due to the existence of technical regress whereas gains in efficiency were small. Concessionary water companies were found to be more productive than full private and public water companies. Best and worst performers need to make efforts to reduce production costs and improve service quality. Other factors such as customer density and ownership type statistically affect productivity.
Reduction in metabolic noise reveals rejuvenation following transient severe caloric restriction
Authors: Levkovich Guy , Bendikov-Bar Inna , Malitsky Sergey , Itkin Maxim , Rusal Mark , Lokshtanov Dmitri , Shinder Dmitry , Sagi Dror 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAmong land vertebrates, the laying hen stands out due to its great reproductive efficiency: producing an egg daily all year long. This production rate makes the laying hen a special model animal to study the general process of reproduction and aging. One unique aspect of hens is their ability to undergo reproductive plasticity and to rejuvenate their reproductive tract during molting, a standard industrial feed restriction protocol for transiently pausing reproduction, followed by improved laying efficiency almost to peak production. Here we use longitudinal metabolomics, immunology, and physiological assays to show that molting promotes reproduction, compresses morbidity, and restores youthfulness when applied to old hens. We identified circulating metabolic biomarkers that quantitatively predict the reproduction and age of individuals. Lastly, we introduce metabolic noise, a robust, unitless, and quantifiable measure for heterogeneity of the complete metabolome as a general marker that can indicate the rate of aging of a population. Indeed, metabolic noise increased with age in control hens, whereas molted hens exhibited reduced noise following molting, indicating systemic rejuvenation. Our results suggest that metabolic noise can be used as a quick and universal proxy for assessing successful aging treatments, accelerating the timeline for drug development.
Effectiveness of Electronic Service-Learning (e-SL) in Primary School Children in China during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Li Xiang , Shek Daniel T. L. , Mok Betty P. W. , Shek Esther Y. W. , Bai Yun Peng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn recent years, Service-Learning (SL) has become a popular pedagogy in higher education, especially in Asian societies such as Hong Kong. However, although prior studies have generally showed positive effects of SL for service providers (university students in particular), there is limited evidence of the benefits of SL for the service recipients. Additionally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some SL programs have shifted from a traditional in-person mode to an online mode, thereby creating the need to evaluate e-Service Learning (e-SL) projects. In this study, we evaluated changes among 422 primary school students as service recipients (50.6% male; 49.4% female; Mage = 11.53) joining an e-SL program conducted in mainland China by 85 undergraduate students from a public university in Hong Kong. Using a single-group pretest and posttest design with data collected before and after the e-SL program, which focused on leadership and personal development outcomes, we found that the service recipients showed significant improvements in positive youth development (PYD) attributes, leadership qualities, psychological well-being, and academic performance. We also found gender differences in most of the developmental outcomes, with male participants showing more positive improvements than female participants. These pioneering findings underscore the effectiveness of e-SL program in terms of promoting the holistic development of service recipients. This study also reveals gender differences in the benefits derived from e-SL programs.
Genomic Exploration of the Brain in People Infected with HIV—Recent Progress and the Road Ahead
Authors: Plaza-Jennings Amara , Akbarian Schahram 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose of Review
The adult human brain harbors billions of microglia and other myeloid and lymphoid cells highly susceptible to HIV infection and retroviral insertion into the nuclear DNA. HIV infection of the brain is important because the brain is a potentially large reservoir site that may be a barrier to HIV cure strategies and because infection can lead to the development of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder. To better understand both the central nervous system (CNS) reservoir and how it can cause neurologic dysfunction, novel genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic approaches need to be employed. Several characteristics of the reservoir are important to learn, including where the virus integrates, whether integrated proviruses are intact or defective, whether integrated proviruses can be reactivated from a latent state to seed ongoing infection, and how this all impacts brain function.

Recent Findings
Here, we discuss similarities and differences of viral integration sites between brain and blood and discuss evidence for and against the hypothesis that in the absence of susceptible T-lymphocytes in the periphery, the virus housing in the infected brain is not able to sustain a systemic infection. Moreover, microglia from HIV + brains across a wide range of disease severity appear to share one type of common alteration, which is defined by downregulated expression, and repressive chromosomal compartmentalization, for microglial genes regulating synaptic connectivity.

Summary
Therefore, viral infection of the brain, including in immunocompetent cases with near-normal levels of CD4 blood lymphocytes, could be associated with an early disruption in microglia-dependent neuronal support functions, contributing to cognitive and neurological deficits in people living with HIV.
Do Not Keep Calm and Carry on: School-Based Mindfulness Programmes Should Test Making Mindfulness Practice Available in the School Day
Authors: Strohmaier Sarah , Bailey Neil W. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRecently, the largest test of a school-based mindfulness programme to date, the My Resilience In Adolescence (MYRIAD) trial, found that participating in weekly mindfulness lessons did not improve students’ well-being compared to teaching as usual, with low uptake of recommended home mindfulness practice. One potential explanation for the null result and low uptake is that adolescents might be unlikely to adhere to home mindfulness practice recommendations when choosing between mindfulness and their graded homework or more stimulating activities. Indeed, many studies of school-based mindfulness programmes have reported low adherence to home practice recommendations. Home practice recommendations also create equity issues, as many students may find it difficult to make the time for home mindfulness practice, a factor that is more likely to affect students who are disadvantaged. As such, we argue in this article that research needs to test whether school-based mindfulness programmes that make mindfulness practice time available in the school day result in higher adherence to mindfulness practice recommendations, and whether these programmes are effective at improving student mental health. Unfortunately, very little research has examined how much mindfulness practice is required to obtain meaningful effects. We summarise the small volume of mindfulness dose-response literature to provide guidelines for how much school-based mindfulness practice might be sufficient and provide suggestions for further testing. While making mindfulness practice time available in the school day may be difficult to implement, its efficacy is currently untested. Youth mental health remains a critical issue, providing strong justification for testing whether mindfulness practice made available in the school day results in better outcomes, despite the challenges posed in pursuing this research avenue.
Long-Term Course of Circulating Elastin, Collagen Type I, and Collagen Type III in Patients with Spontaneous Cervical Artery Dissection: a Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Zimmermann Silke , Weißenfels Markus , Krümmer Norma , Michalski Dominik , Weise Gesa , Branzan Daniela , Pelz Johann Otto 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAn impaired integrity of vascular elements and the extracellular matrix (ECM) has been discussed to play a critical role in the pathophysiology of spontaneous cervical artery dissection (sCAD). This study aimed to explore the temporal course of circulating elastin, collagen type I, and collagen type III in patients with sCAD and evaluated their eligibility as diagnostic biomarkers. Patients with sCAD were prospectively enrolled in four German stroke centers. Blood samples were collected at baseline (acute phase), at day 10 ± 3 (subacute phase), and after 6 ± 1 months (chronic phase). Patients with acute ischemic stroke not related to sCAD, healthy probands, and patients undergoing thromboendarterectomy of the carotid artery served as control groups. Serum levels of elastin and collagen types I and III were determined by ELISAs. Fifty-seven patients with sCAD were enrolled. Compared to all three control groups, patients with sCAD had significantly lower levels of elastin and collagen type III at baseline and after 6 months. Compared to healthy probands, patients with sCAD showed similar collagen type I levels at baseline and in the subacute phase, but significantly increased levels after 6 months. As serum levels of elastin, collagen types I and III were not elevated in the acute phase, they do not appear eligible as biomarkers for the diagnosis of sCAD. Persisting low serum levels of elastin and collagen type III towards the chronic phase of sCAD strengthens the hypothesis of a subtle, in most cases clinically inapparent affection of the ECM in patients with sCAD.
Dissertation Abstract: Taming Exact Inference in Temporal Probabilistic Relational Models
Authors: Gehrke Marcel 
Published: November 2023

AbstractProcesses in our world are of a temporal probabilistic relational nature. An epidemic is an example of such a process. This dissertation abstract uses the scenario of an epidemic to illustrate the lifted dynamic junction tree algorithm (LDJT), which is a temporal probabilistic relational inference algorithm. More specifically, we argue that existing propositional temporal probabilistic inference algorithms are not suited to model an epidemic, i.e., without accounting for the relational part, and present how LDJT uses the relational aspect. Additionally, we illustrate how LDJT preserves groups of indistinguishable objects over time and have a look at LDJT from a theoretical side.
COVID-19 Vaccination Messengers, Communication Channels, and Messages Trusted Among Black Communities in the USA: a Review
Authors: Rabin Yael , Kohler Racquel E. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Black and African American adults exhibited higher levels of mistrust and vaccine hesitancy and lower levels of vaccination throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination and booster uptake remains disproportionately low among Black adults. We conducted a systematic review of empirical research published between February 2021 and July 2022 from five electronic databases and the grey literature. We screened studies that assessed COVID-19 vaccination information needs and preferences as well as communication strategies among Black adults in the USA. We extracted data, then analyzed and synthesized results narratively. Twenty-two articles were included: 2 interventions, 3 experimental surveys, 7 observational surveys, 8 qualitative inquiries, and 2 mixed methods studies. Studies reported credible and preferred COVID-19 vaccination information sources/messengers, channels, and content. Commonly trusted messengers included personal health care providers, social network connections, and church/faith leaders. Electronic outreach (e.g., email, text messages), community events (e.g., forums, canvassing), and social media were popular. Black communities wanted hopeful, fact-based messages that address racism and mistrust; persuasive messages using collective appeals about protecting others may be more influential in changing behavior. Future communication strategies aiming to increase vaccine confidence and encourage COVID-19 booster vaccination among Black communities should be developed in partnership with community leaders and local health care providers to disseminate trauma-informed messages with transparent facts and collective action appeals across multiple in-person and electronic channels.