bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying need for spay and neuter services: A GIS-based analysis
Authors: Carow Cameron R. , Lindenmayer Joann M. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This study provides a method for assessing the need for spay and neuter services in Massachusetts by creating a composite index that accounts for spatial accessibility and social vulnerability. An accessibility index (AI) of existing low-cost spay/neuter (S/N) facilities was created using the two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method which was then combined with the social vulnerability index (SVI) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to create a need index (NI). Two methods for selecting the final target areas from the NI results were examined and used to make recommendations for S/N funding allocation. The construction of the NI (i.e. factors included or weights applied to factors) had a significant impact on the results. The NI displayed statistically significant spatial autocorrelation, and hot spot analysis revealed statistically significant clusters of comparatively high- and low-need regions in the state. The target areas identified were strongly influenced by high levels of social vulnerability in urban areas and low spatial accessibility of low-cost S/N facilities in more rural western Massachusetts. The results of this project demonstrate the utility of geographic information systems (GIS)-based analysis in veterinary and shelter medicine, as well as the potential for the use of non-veterinary specific data, such as the CDC SVI, when planning the equitable distribution of limited resources.

One Health impact statement
Providing spay and neuter (S/N) services to owned and free-roaming cats, dogs and other companion animal species is integral to the health and well-being of the animals themselves. Their human companions also reap the physical and mental health benefits of the human–animal bond, in addition to the environmental and public health impact of limiting free-roaming dog and cat populations. By recognizing the relationships between human and animal populations, existing gaps in need can be addressed through the use of human data to inform decisions on animal health when relevant animal health service data are lacking.
A composite index of factors accounting for the social vulnerability was combined with the spatial accessibility of existing S/N resources to create a final index of need for S/N resources. This transdisciplinary approach takes methodologies from public health, acknowledges the impact of the vulnerability of human populations on surrounding companion animal populations, and applies a practical method of identifying the need for specific veterinary medical services.
A new weak fault diagnosis approach for train bearings based on improved grey wolf optimizer and adaptive variational mode decomposition
Authors: He Deqiang , He Changfu , Jin Zhenzhen , Lao Zhenpeng , Yan Fei , Shan Sheng 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Accurately identifying the health status of train running gear bearings is crucial to ensure the quality of operation. As the early fault information of bearings is weak and submerged in the complex noise environment, which is difficult to diagnose. Therefore, a new weak fault diagnosis approach for train running gear bearings based on variational mode decomposition (VMD) with improved performance and refined weighted kurtosis (RWK) index is proposed to solve this problem. First, an improved grey wolf optimizer (IGWO) based on a variety of strategies is proposed. Secondly, the VMD performance is improved using the IGWO algorithm, and the improved VMD is used to process the early weak signals of bearings. A new fault-sensitive index called the RWK is proposed to detect the mode with the most fault information. Finally, the envelope analysis of the characteristic signals is performed to achieve the early weak fault diagnosis of bearings. Compared with the other nine optimization algorithms, the IGWO algorithm has strong optimization ability, stable performance and a fast convergence speed. Four cases verify that the RWK index has the highest sensitivity to fault information and can more effectively filter out modal components containing rich fault information than the comparison methods.
Effect of a DC transport current on the AC loss in no-insulation ReBCO racetrack coils exposed to AC parallel magnetic field at 77 K and 4.2 K
Authors: ter Harmsel Jeroen , Otten Simon , Dhallé Marc , ten Kate Herman 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

ReBCO coils are developed as DC field coils in linear motor systems to increase the force density, in favor of permanent magnets. Such coils have to sustain a relatively large heat load stemming from the AC magnetic field environment in which they operate. The use of no or partial turn-to-turn insulation can make them more stable against the effects of local heating. Conversely, the radial electrical connections in no-insulation (NI) coils allow for large coupling currents, causing additional AC loss on top of the already significant heat load. Here we report on the AC loss in sub-scale NI, 4 mm wide single-tape, ReBCO racetrack coils exposed to parallel-to-the-tape magnetic field in the frequency range of 10−4 to 1 Hz at 77 K and 4.2 K, while carrying a DC transport current. AC loss is measured magnetically and electrically. The main goal of these experiments is to validate our 2D numerical model, which provides more insight into the origin of the AC loss. At low frequencies, inter-turn coupling currents are spread more or less homogeneously throughout the winding pack. Whereas at high frequencies, the skin effect causes shielding of the interior of the coil and large induced currents only occupy the coil’s outer surface.
Primordial black holes from D-parity breaking in SO(10) grand unified theory
Authors: Mishra Sasmita , Yajnik Urjit A. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The growing evidence of gravitational waves from binary black hole mergers has renewed the
interest in study of primordial black holes (PBH). Here we study a mechanism for the formation of
PBH from collapse of pseudo-topological domain walls which form out of equilibrium during
inflation and then collapse post inflation. We apply the study to domain wall formation due to
D-parity embedded in a supersymmetric grand unified theory (GUT) based on SO(10) and compare
the abundance of resulting PBH with the existing constraints. Thus the macroscopic relics can
then be used to constrain or rule out a GUT, or demand a refinement of the theory of PBH formation
in this class of GUTs.
An inequality for the ratio of Legendre and Chebyshev polynomials
Authors: Alzer Horst , Volkmer Hans 
Published: May 2023

Let

P
n

P_n

and

T
n

T_n

be the Legendre polynomial of degree

n
n

and the Chebyshev polynomial of the first kind of degree

n
n

. We prove that if

n
≥
3

n\geq 3

, then, for

x
∈
(
−
1
,
1
)

x\in (-1,1)

,

1
−

T
n

(
x
)

1
−

P
n

(
x
)

>

2
n

n
+
1

.

\begin{equation*} \frac {1-T_n(x)}{1-P_n(x)}>\frac {2n}{n+1}. \end{equation*}

This bound is sharp.
Translating Predictive Analytics for Public Health Practice: A Case Study of Overdose Prevention in Rhode Island
Authors: Allen Bennett , Neill Daniel B , Schell Robert C , Ahern Jennifer , Hallowell Benjamin D , Krieger Maxwell , Jent Victoria A , Goedel William C , Cartus Abigail R , Yedinak Jesse L , Pratty Claire , Marshall Brandon D L , Cerdá Magdalena 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Prior applications of machine learning to population health have relied on conventional model assessment criteria, limiting the utility of models as decision support tools for public health practitioners. To facilitate practitioners’ use of machine learning as a decision support tool for area-level intervention, we developed and applied 4 practice-based predictive model evaluation criteria (implementation capacity, preventive potential, health equity, and jurisdictional practicalities). We used a case study of overdose prevention in Rhode Island to illustrate how these criteria could inform public health practice and health equity promotion. We used Rhode Island overdose mortality records from January 2016–June 2020 (n = 1,408) and neighborhood-level US Census data. We employed 2 disparate machine learning models, Gaussian process and random forest, to illustrate the comparative utility of our criteria to guide interventions. Our models predicted 7.5%–36.4% of overdose deaths during the test period, illustrating the preventive potential of overdose interventions assuming 5%–20% statewide implementation capacities for neighborhood-level resource deployment. We describe the health equity implications of use of predictive modeling to guide interventions along the lines of urbanicity, racial/ethnic composition, and poverty. We then discuss considerations to complement predictive model evaluation criteria and inform the prevention and mitigation of spatially dynamic public health problems across the breadth of practice.
This article is part of a Special Collection on Mental Health.
Structural interaction fingerprints and machine learning for predicting and explaining binding of small molecule ligands to RNA
Authors: Szulc Natalia A , Mackiewicz Zuzanna , Bujnicki Janusz M , Stefaniak Filip 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) play crucial roles in living organisms and some of them, such as bacterial ribosomes and precursor messenger RNA, are targets of small molecule drugs, whereas others, e.g. bacterial riboswitches or viral RNA motifs are considered as potential therapeutic targets. Thus, the continuous discovery of new functional RNA increases the demand for developing compounds targeting them and for methods for analyzing RNA—small molecule interactions. We recently developed fingeRNAt—a software for detecting non-covalent bonds formed within complexes of nucleic acids with different types of ligands. The program detects several non-covalent interactions and encodes them as structural interaction fingerprint (SIFt). Here, we present the application of SIFts accompanied by machine learning methods for binding prediction of small molecules to RNA. We show that SIFt-based models outperform the classic, general-purpose scoring functions in virtual screening. We also employed Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI)—the SHapley Additive exPlanations, Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations and other methods to help understand the decision-making process behind the predictive models. We conducted a case study in which we applied XAI on a predictive model of ligand binding to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 trans-activation response element RNA to distinguish between residues and interaction types important for binding. We also used XAI to indicate whether an interaction has a positive or negative effect on binding prediction and to quantify its impact. Our results obtained using all XAI methods were consistent with the literature data, demonstrating the utility and importance of XAI in medicinal chemistry and bioinformatics.
Rebuilding Social Networks in Long-term Social Recovery from Substance-Use Problems
Authors: Vigdal Mariann Iren , Moltu Christian , Svendsen Thomas Solgaard , Bjornestad Jone , Selseng Lillian Bruland 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Rebuilding one’s social network is essential to long-term social recovery from a substance-use problem. Despite this awareness, studies are needed for showing how people in long-term social recovery describe their networks and what they perceive as important in developing these networks. This study has sought to investigate (i) how people in long-term social recovery from substance-use problems describe their social networks and (ii) what they experience as key factors in developing their networks. We interviewed seventeen participants in long-term social recovery and mapped out their person-centred networks. Most of the participants were satisfied with their social networks, although some felt their networks were small and wanted more friends in the future. The qualitative thematic content analysis suggested that rebuilding networks was experienced as a demanding, anxiety-filled, long-term process. Access to social arenas, prolonged time spent with others and identification with and recognition from others were key to developing social networks. We argue that there is a need for tailored assistance and long-term support for people in long-term recovery to help them cope with the stresses of entering new social arenas, overcome societal stigma and develop social networks.
Mutational signatures and increased retrotransposon insertions in xeroderma pigmentosum variant skin tumors
Authors: Corradi Camila , Vilar Juliana B , Buzatto Vanessa C , de Souza Tiago A , Castro Ligia P , Munford Veridiana , De Vecchi Rodrigo , Galante Pedro A F , Orpinelli Fernanda , Miller Thiago L A , Buzzo José L , Sotto Mirian N , Saldiva Paulo , de Oliveira Jocelânio W , Chaibub Sulamita C W , Sarasin Alain , Menck Carlos F M 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XP-V) is an autosomal recessive disease with an increased risk of developing cutaneous neoplasms in sunlight-exposed regions. These cells are deficient in the translesion synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerase eta, responsible for bypassing different types of DNA lesions. From the exome sequencing of 11 skin tumors of a genetic XP-V patients’ cluster, classical mutational signatures related to sunlight exposure, such as C&gt;T transitions targeted to pyrimidine dimers, were identified. However, basal cell carcinomas also showed distinct C&gt;A mutation spectra reflecting a mutational signature possibly related to sunlight-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, four samples carry different mutational signatures, with C&gt;A mutations associated with tobacco chewing or smoking usage. Thus, XP-V patients should be warned of the risk of these habits. Surprisingly, higher levels of retrotransposon somatic insertions were also detected when the tumors were compared with non-XP skin tumors, revealing other possible causes for XP-V tumors and novel functions for the TLS polymerase eta in suppressing retrotransposition. Finally, the expected high mutation burden found in most of these tumors renders these XP patients good candidates for checkpoint blockade immunotherapy.
Local community capacity building: exploring non-governmental organizations approaches in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Langmann Sten , Bezemer Pieter-Jan , Pick David 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Locally based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play an important role in community capacity building (CCB). Because these NGOs are generally located close to the affected communities, they have the local knowledge to identify problems and assist the affected communities to address them. However, the methods these local NGOs use to build capacity in the local communities and the reasons they choose certain CCB approaches are not well known. To enhance the knowledge in these areas, this study conducted semistructured interviews with local NGOs and local NGO experts in Tamil Nadu, India. It was found that local NGOs build capacity in communities using emotional empowerment; a process that involves providing communities with (i) a sense of care and hopefulness, (ii) spaces to voice their feelings and challenges, and (iii) support to transform their voices into community action. Local NGOs adopted this approach because they found that long-term disadvantaged communities had high affective barriers, such as discouraging personal outlooks and an acceptance of existing social structures, which prevented them from taking ownership of the situation. Theoretically, these insights contribute to CCB literature by drawing attention to the community’s psychological processes and emotional empowerment characteristics. They also add to wider poverty debates by highlighting the affective community barriers that perpetuate existing inequalities.
The Effects of Dual-Enrollment Programs on Students’ Post-Secondary Academic Performance
Authors: Kirby Cody , Misra Kaustav , Bagchi Misra Arundhati , Cox Sharon P 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Early college programs allow high school students to go beyond the advanced courses that the high school offers. Much of the literature on this topic focuses on small sample sizes, theories, or qualitative evidence; quantitative evidence of such a relationship is lacking. This study will examine the relationship between early college programs and academic performance, as well as graduation and retention rates and provide quantitative evidence of such relationships. The study uses survey data collected from two public universities in the state of Michigan. The results suggest that dual enrollment participation has a significant and positive effect on students’ college grade point average (GPA). Based on our results, dual enrollment participation is beneficial to students and should be encouraged. Because of the quantitative nature of the data, policy makers can use it to make informed decisions about early college programs and how these programs may benefit their students and institutions.
Utility of Commercially Available Quantitative hCG Immunoassays as Tumor Markers in Trophoblastic and Non-Trophoblastic Disease
Authors: Franks Caroline E , Li Jieli , Martinez Magen , Farnsworth Christopher W , Jones Patricia M , Grenache David G , Meng Qing H , Gronowski Ann M 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe use of quantitative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as a tumor marker is widely accepted despite lack of FDA-approval for oncology. Differences in iso- and glycoform recognition among hCG immunoassays is well established, exhibiting wide inter-method variability. Here, we assess the utility of 5 quantitative hCG immunoassays for use as tumor markers in trophoblastic and non-trophoblastic disease.MethodsRemnant specimens were obtained from 150 patients with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), germ cell tumors (GCT), or other malignancies. Specimens were identified by review of results from physician-ordered hCG and tumor marker testing. Five analyzer platforms were used for split specimen analysis of hCG: Abbott Architect Total, Roche cobas STAT, Roche cobas Total, Siemens Dimension Vista Total, and Beckman Access Total.ResultsFrequency of elevated hCG concentrations (above reference cutoffs) was highest in GTD (100%), followed by GCT (55% to 57%), and other malignancies (8% to 23%). Overall, the Roche cobas Total detected elevated hCG in the greatest number of specimens (63/150). Detection of elevated hCG in trophoblastic disease was nearly equivalent among all immunoassays (range, 41 to 42/60).ConclusionsWhile no immunoassay is likely to be perfect in all clinical situations, results for the 5 hCG immunoassays evaluated suggest that all are adequate for use of hCG as a tumor marker in gestational trophoblastic disease and select germ cell tumors. Further harmonization of hCG methods is needed as serial testing for biochemical tumor monitoring must still be performed using a single method. Additional studies are needed to assess the utility of quantitative hCG as a tumor marker in other malignant disease.
Experiences of Disability and Neurodiversity in IT
Authors: Runciman Brian 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This year, BCS is exploring the contribution that disabled and neurodivergent people make to the profession, and what can be done to allow those groups to contribute even more. The issues disabled and neurodivergent people face not only impacts individuals but prevents people from contributing to the profession in ways that benefit the whole of society. Brian Runciman MBCS and Matthew Bellringer MBCS MBPsS want to get you involved in a new project for 2023.
Prognostic value of right ventricular longitudinal strain in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair
Authors: Lupi Laura , Italia Leonardo , Pagnesi Matteo , Pancaldi Edoardo , Ancona Francesco , Stella Stefano , Pezzola Elisa , Cimino Giuliana , Saccani Nicola , Ingallina Giacomo , Margonato Davide , Inciardi Riccardo Maria , Lombardi Carlo Mario , Tomasoni Daniela , Agricola Eustachio , Metra Marco , Adamo Marianna 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Aims
To evaluate the prognostic impact of pre-procedural right ventricular longitudinal strain (RVLS) in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) in comparison with conventional echocardiographic parameters of RV function.

Methods and results
This is a retrospective study including 142 patients with SMR undergoing TEER at two Italian centres. At 1-year follow-up 45 patients reached the composite endpoint of all-cause death or heart failure hospitalization. The best cut-off value of RV free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) to predict outcome was −18% [sensitivity 72%, specificity of 71%, area under curve (AUC) 0.78, P &lt; 0.001], whereas the best cut-off value of RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) was −15% (sensitivity 56%, specificity 76%, AUC 0.69, P &lt; 0.001). Prognostic performance was suboptimal for tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, Doppler tissue imaging-derived tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity and fractional area change (FAC). Cumulative survival free from events was lower in patients with RVFWLS ≥ −18% vs. RVFWLS &lt; −18% (44.0% vs. 85.4%; &lt; 0.001) as well as in patients with RVGLS ≥ −15% vs. RVGLS &lt; −15% (54.9% vs. 81.7%; P &lt; 0.001). At multivariable analysis FAC, RVGLS and RVFWLS were independent predictors of events. The identified cut-off of RVFWLS and RVGLS both resulted independently associated with outcomes.

Conclusion
RVLS is a useful and reliable tool to identify patients with SMR undergoing TEER at high risk of mortality and HF hospitalization, on top of other clinical and echocardiographic parameters, with RVFWLS offering the best prognostic performance.