bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet changes and bleeding symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Sakamoto Atsushi , Uchiyama Toru , Futatsugi Ryohei , Ohara Osamu , Iguchi Akihiro , Kaname Tadashi , Hikosaka Makoto , Ono Hiroshi , Kunishima Shinji , Ito Shuichi , Ishiguro Akira
Published: September 2024

Background

The deletion region of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) contains a gene encoding glycoprotein Ibβ (GPIbβ), which is required to express the GPIb/IX/V complex on the platelet surface. Therefore, patients with 22q11.2DS may have congenital platelet disorders. However, information is limited on platelets and bleeding symptoms. In this study, we investigated clinical information, including bleeding symptoms, platelet counts, and GPIb expression levels in children and adolescents/adults with 22q11.2DS.

Procedure

Thirty‐two patients with 22q11.2DS were enrolled in a prospective cohort study between 2022 and 2023 at outpatient clinics within our institute.

Results

The median platelet counts in adolescents/adults with 22q11.2DS were significantly lower than those in children (p < .0001). A gradual decrease was found along with increasing age (p = .0006). Values of median GPIb expression on platelet surfaces (66% in children and 70% in adolescents/adults) were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (p < .0001 and p = .0002). Bleeding symptoms included surgery‐related bleeding (52%), purpura (31%), and epistaxis (22%); most of them were minor. The median International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis bleeding assessment tool score was not significantly different between children and adolescents/adults (p = .2311).

Conclusion

Although there was an age‐related decrease in platelet count and a disease‐related decrease in GPIb expression, no difference in bleeding symptoms was found between children and adolescents/adults. 22q11.2DS overall had minor bleeding symptoms in daily life, and the disease had little effect on spontaneous bleeding. However, some patients had major bleeding events; further accumulation of data on hemostasis during surgery and trauma is required.
A modern approach to multiple pulmonary resections in children with recurrent metastatic pulmonary disease
Authors: Shah Nikhil R. , Williams Keyonna M. , Stoll Tammy , Heider Amer , Opipari Valerie P. , Jasty Rao Rama , Newman Erika A. , Ehrlich Peter F. , Geiger James D.
Published: September 2024

Implications of repeated resections of pulmonary metastasis (PM) are not well documented in the modern era. Fifteen children underwent two (n = 8), three (n = 3), or four or more (n = 3) resections (total = 38 procedures), most commonly for osteosarcoma (71%). Operative approach included muscle‐sparing thoracotomy (71%), non‐muscle‐sparing thoracotomy (18%), and video‐assisted thoracoscopy (11%). Median resected nodules per procedure was four (range = 1–95). Prolonged air leaks were the most common postoperative complication (29%). Median hospital stay was 4 days, and no children were discharged with or have required oxygen. Event‐free survival is 67% at median follow‐up time of 54 months, with an overall survival rate of 64%. Repeat resection of PM appears to be well tolerated, without prolonged hospital stays or compromised pulmonary function.
The post‐buckling analysis of cylindrical polymer fiber‐reinforced composite tubes subjected to axial loading fabricated by filament winding technology
Authors: Yıldırım Hayri
Published: September 2024

In this study, the post‐buckling damage behavior of cylindrical composite tubes was examined experimentally. The samples were reinforced with glass, carbon, and kevlar fibers to obtain glass‐reinforced fiber polymer (GRFP), carbon‐reinforced fiber polymer (CRFP), and Kevlar‐reinforced fiber polymer (KRFP) cylindrical tubes. The samples were produced using 4 stacking layers with filament winding technology. In producing all composite tubes, the outer diameter was kept constant at 17 mm, and two inner diameters of 12 and 13 mm, two wall thicknesses, 5 winding angles, and two lengths were used as parameters. The load was applied to the samples until completely damaged, and the maximum post‐buckling load values obtained were measured on the testing device. The effect of different reinforcement materials, winding angle, wall thickness, and length on the load‐carrying capacity was analyzed and it was understood that they had a significant effect. It was observed that the load‐carrying capacity of GFRP samples was the highest compared to the others, followed by CFRP and KFRP samples, respectively. In all samples, it was observed that a 0.5 mm wall thickness increase increased the load‐carrying capacity, while a 50 mm length increase decreased it. The energy absorption (EA) values of GFRP, CFRP, and KFRP samples were 46.99, 25.22, and 15.48 Joules, respectively. It was understood that the energy absorption of GFRP samples was 1.86 times better than CFRP and 3 times better than KFRP.

Highlights

The samples were produced using the fiber winding method, which is one of the most common production methods in the manufacture of tubes.

Three different polymer reinforcement materials were used in the production of the samples.

The effects of polymer reinforcement material, winding angle, length, and wall thickness on the maximum post‐buckling load were investigated.

Wall thickness was found to have a significant effect on the maximum post‐buckling load.

It was observed that GFRP samples had the highest energy absorption feature.
Understanding Chinese Internet users' information sensitivity in big data and artificial intelligence era
Authors: Chen Xi , Zheng Pengxin , Mou Jian
Published: September 2024

The online environment has evolved with the development of emerging information technologies. In response to rising voices discussing the boundaries of collecting and using user data on platforms, this study explored Chinese Internet users' information sensitivity as an indicator of data classification governance. This study employed a two‐stage research approach. First, 60 types of information that users disclose to Internet platforms in the era of big data and artificial intelligence (AI) were identified. Biometric identification, travel records, preference, trace information, and other information reflecting the characteristics of network collection in the era of big data and AI were also included. Second, based on 397 questionnaires, the information categories were clustered into five groups: less‐sensitive social attributes, consumption traces, individual action details, potential risk information, and health and social sensitivity. Of the total disclosed information types, 61.7% were perceived as highly sensitive by Chinese users in the current Internet environment; the higher the sensitivity of the information, the less likely users were to disclose it and use the online platform. Moreover, newly added information types have a high sensitivity. These findings provide insights into the policy design and governance of Internet platform data collection and usage practices in the era of big data and AI.
The effects of a positive emotional exercise intervention on the quality of life and psychological well‐being in cancer chemotherapy patients
Authors: Wu Su‐ya , Zhu Ping , Wang Min , Shi Ling‐yun , Yu Rong , Zhang Liu‐liu , Wan Jing
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a positive emotion‐based exercise intervention on quality of life (QOL), fatigue, and mental health status in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy. A total of 80 patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group, with 40 patients in each group. Patients in the control group received routine care and were educated about the benefits of exercise, while patients in the experimental group received an additional exercise intervention based on positive emotions. We assessed patients' quality of life, fatigue, and mental health at the time of recruitment and 12 weeks after the exercise intervention. After the intervention, patients in the experimental group had a higher overall QOL score than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences in body, role, and emotions (p < .05). After the intervention, patients in the experimental group had less fatigue than those in the control group, with statistical differences between the two groups (p = .047). After the intervention, patients in the experimental group had lower scores in depression (p = .008) and anxiety (p = .245) than those in the control group. We found that patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy benefited from an exercise intervention based on positive emotions in terms of improvements in quality of life, fatigue, and mental health status.
Numerical study of failure modes of hazardous material tanks exposed to fire accidents in the process industry
Authors: Mo Li , Xiao Shenbin , Chen Hang , Tan Xinxin , Yang Ming , Reniers Genserik , Chen Chao
Published: September 2024

Fire accidents in oil tank farms can trigger domino effects, leading to multiple tank fires with catastrophic consequences. Preventing losses in large‐scale tank farms requires a dynamic assessment of fire‐induced domino accidents. Existing research often focuses on calculating the time to failure (TTF) of storage tanks but overlooks the influence of failure modes. This study develops numerical models to explore failure modes of oil storage tanks with uniform and stepwise walls exposed to thermal radiation. Factors such as the flame heights of combustion tank, adjacent spacings, wall thickness, and tank volumes are considered. The numerical model employs a solid double‐layer flame model to determine thermal radiation intensity and temperature, followed by a dynamic stress–strain and buckling analysis to obtain time to buckling (TTB) and time to yielding (TTY). If TTB < TTY, the failure model is buckling; otherwise, the failure model is yielding. Results indicate that failure modes in nonuniform thermal fields include buckling and yielding, with stepwise walls favoring buckling and uniform walls favoring yielding. When the wall thickness is below the critical value, failure is yielding; otherwise, it is buckling. These findings support risk management and emergency response for fire‐induced domino effects in oil tank farms.
Neighborhood Degree Based Topological Indices of Nanotube via Direct and NM‐Polynomial
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Yasmeen Farhana , Aziz Shanza , Mukhtar Muzammil
Published: September 2024

The analysis of various chemical structures can be done by using topological indices (TI), graph polynomials, and other useful tools that graph theory offers. The mathematical entries called TI are subtracted from the chemical structure. In this article, we investigate the neighborhood degree based topological indices of nanotube via direct and NM‐polynomial. The indices which we have computed are first, second, third, fourth, fifth NDe indices, third version of Zagreb index, neighborhood second Zagreb index, neighborhood second modified Zagreb index, neighborhood forgotten topological index, neighborhood general Randic index, neighborhood inverse sum index, fourth atom bond connectivity index, fifth geometric arithmetic index, fifth arithmetic geometric index, fifth hyper first and second Zagreb index.
Compositional and structural characterization of bioenergy digestate and its aerobic derivatives compost and vermicompost
Authors: Loffredo Elisabetta , Vona Danilo , Porfido Carlo , Giangregorio Maria Michela , Gelsomino Antonio
Published: September 2024

Introduction

In addition to produce biogas, the anaerobic digestion process releases a significant quantity of solid digestate (DG), a C‐rich byproduct suitable both as a soil improver and as a biosorbent of organic and inorganic pollutants. This study considered a mixed biowaste DG and two aerobic DG‐derivatives such as compost (CP) and vermicompost (VC).

Materials and Methods

A multianalytical approach was adopted to comprehensively characterize DG, CP and VC. Elemental composition was determined by total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy; micromorphological features, surface elements and surface area were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM‐EDX) technique and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis; functional properties were investigated by attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (FTIR‐ATR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy.

Results

TXRF analysis showed that DG had the highest K content (~8.9 g kg−1), while VC had the maximum P, S and Ca contents, and appreciable levels of essential plant micronutrients, such as Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn. SEM‐EDX technique evidenced heterogeneous surfaces and low porosity of all materials. BET analysis showed relevant specific surface areas of DG, CP and, especially, VC (~1.6 m2 g−1). FTIR‐ATR and Raman spectroscopy allowed to identify various aliphatic and aromatic functional groups of the materials and provided information on their major molecular classes, such as lignocellulosic moieties and inorganic components. The latter techniques also contributed to understand the chemical transformations of the DG after the aerobic treatments.

Conclusion

The overall results obtained confirmed the valuable potential of these materials in improving the physical and chemical fertility of the soil and in retaining pollutants, with consequent benefits for mantaining soil productivity and preserving ecosystem health.
Detect atomicity violations in concurrent programs through user assistance and identification of suspicious variable access patterns
Authors: Zhao Jingwen , Wu Yanxia , Feng Yun , Dong Jibin , Shi Changting
Published: September 2024

Atomicity violation bugs are a frequent problem in concurrency. Because of the unpredictable nature of thread interleaving, most current methods are unable to differentiate between harmful and benign atomicity violations. This makes it challenging to determine the existence of an actual bug. This paper presents a method for detecting atomicity violation bugs in programs based on user interaction. First, UserTrack matches access interleaving patterns to identify all potential violations. We then verify the programmer's atomicity intent between two logical access operations on the same thread and filter out some candidates. Finally, a user interaction mechanism checks the paths that do not produce atomicity violations when threads are interleaved. Our method focuses on a small number of interesting states and interleavings, while allowing the programmer to impose constraints on thread interleavings and explore all executions that satisfy these constraints. We continuously gather information through user feedback results and detect atomicity violation bugs that truly go against the programmer's intent. We evaluated the method using benchmark tests, which demonstrated the effectiveness of UserTrack in detecting atomicity violations.
Nanocomposite Hydrogels: A Promising Approach for the Treatment of Degenerative Joint Diseases
Authors: Chen Qizhu , Zheng Zitian , Lin Mian , Guo Zhengyu , Huang Hongjie , Xue Qingyun , Jiang Shengdan , Wang Jianquan , Wu Aimin
Published: September 2024

Degenerative joint diseases, as a global public health issue, impose significant burdens on patients’ lives and substantial economic costs on society. Currently, the primary modalities include physical therapy, pharmaceutical intervention, and surgical procedures. None of these approaches can alter the course of this degenerative process. Due to their commendable biocompatibility, biodegradability, and heightened efficacy in drug delivery, hydrogels present themselves as a novel noninvasive remedy for degenerative joint ailments. However, the clinical application of hydrogels still faces some challenges, including the uncontrolled discharge of encapsulated medications, the absence of adequate mechanical reinforcement for destabilized joints, and adaptability to fluctuating microenvironments. Recently, nanocomposite hydrogels, formed by introducing nanomaterials into hydrogels by physical or chemical means, can improve the limitations of hydrogels and extend their potential for biological applications in degenerative joint diseases. In this study, the pathologic features of degenerative joint diseases and the multiple applications of different types of nanocomposite hydrogels in targeting these different pathologic features are briefly described. It also concludes with an outlook on the use of nanocomposite hydrogels in clinical settings and discusses their challenges and limitations.
Directionally Cracked Mesoporous Colloidal Films by Manipulating Notch Angles and Their Anisotropic Wicking Behavior
Authors: Lee Yunchan , Jo Min‐Gi , Jeon Seongwoo , Kim Chorong , Kim Jaekyoung , Wooh Sanghyuk , Yoo Kee‐Youn , Yoon Hyunsik
Published: September 2024

Wicking in porous media, such as the spreading of ink on paper or the absorption of moisture by fabric, occurs when water interacts with hydrophilic porous materials through capillary action and evaporation. The directional nature of the wicking phenomenon can be leveraged for various advanced applications, including enhanced heat transfer, colorimetric devices, energy harvesting, and microfluidics. Herein, crack generation is used to induce the anisotropic wicking of water on isolated mesoporous strips. The strips are fabricated by transforming isotropic cracks into anisotropic ones in micropyramid arrays using the Poisson effect in elastomeric blocks. Stretching an elastomeric block increases the period of a pyramid array along one direction while decreasing it in the perpendicular direction because of elastomer shrinkage. This amplifies the difference in the notch angles of pyramidal edges between parallel and perpendicular directions relative to the stretching axis. Consequently, the disparity in notch angles leads to preferential crack generation owing to elevated stress localization on the sharpened notches. Directional wicking is demonstrated using anisotropic strips of mesoporous TiO2 colloidal films and highly anisotropic wicking of ink is illustrated by coating hydrophobic films on mesoporous strips. The anisotropic wicking observed in cracked mesoporous strips can serve as 1D microfluidic channels.
Double Anthracene‐Based Sensitizers for High‐Efficiency Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells under Both Sunlight and Indoor Light
Authors: Faraghally Faraghally A. , Musa Ahmed Fouad , Chen Ching‐Chin , Chen Yu‐Hsuan , Chen Yan‐Da , Yeh Chen‐Yu , Wei Tzu‐Chien
Published: September 2024

The development of photosensitizers with extended π‐conjugation and spectral matching to sunlight and fluorescent light is crucial for achieving high power conversion efficiency (PCE) in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). This study presents a series of novel anthracene‐based photosensitizers, AMO1–AMO4. This series has been designed with bulky modified Hagfeldt donors to suppress undesired molecular aggregation, double anthracene groups for enhanced π‐conjugation, acetylene groups for improved molecular planarity, and four distinct acceptors to fine‐tune their photophysical and electrochemical properties. The performance of the novel dyes in DSSCs is investigated using two copper redox shuttles, CuI/II(dmp)2 and CuI/II(dmodmbp)2. Among the investigated dyes, AMO2 mediated with CuI/II(dmodmbp)2 exhibits the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.05% (JSC = 13.72 mA cm 2, VOC = 1.035 V, and FF = 0.71) under sunlight illumination and an outstanding PCE of 34.64% under T5 illumination (6000 lux). These achievements underscore the remarkable potential of anthracene‐bridged sensitized DSSCs in indoor and outdoor applications.
Magnetic resonance imaging features of zygomatic lipomatosis in a mixed‐breed dog
Authors: Marx Anne Helene , Busse Claudia , Karbe Georga Tiffany , Scurrell Emma , Wang‐Leandro Adriano
Published: September 2024

A 4‐year‐old, male, entire, mixed breed dog presented with right‐sided periorbital swelling and exophthalmos. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head revealed severe enlargement of the right zygomatic gland, which resulted in anterior displacement of the right eye and protrusion of the zygomatic gland into the oral cavity. The enlarged gland showed an increased T2 signal intensity and was traversed by multiple septae, which partially suppressed after fat saturation. The gland was surgically removed using a lateral orbitotomy. Histopathology revealed a lipomatosis of the salivary gland. Zygomatic lipomatosis occurs rarely in dogs, and should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of unilateral gland enlargement with fat infiltration on magnetic resonance imaging. This case highlights the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging, including fat‐suppressed sequences, for the diagnosis of extracranial diseases.
Sustainable urban planning needs stronger interdisciplinarity and better co‐designing: How ecologists and climatologists can fully leverage climate monitoring data
Authors: Audusseau Hélène , Schmucki Reto , Croci Solène , Dubreuil Vincent
Published: September 2024

Research has provided considerable evidence that temperature significantly influences species biology. Its influence is so great that climate corridors have been proposed to assist species in tracking their climatic niche at macroecological scales, reinforcing the importance of accounting for this variable at all scales to address the climatic threat to biodiversity. This threat is exacerbated in cities where artificialization enhances the effect of climate change, to the extent that urban temperatures are a public health concern, with heatwaves causing excess human mortality and having a stark impact on biodiversity. Recent developments in climate monitoring networks enable characterizing the spatiotemporal structure of urban climates in ever greater detail, with many cities already equipped with such networks. The impact of temperature on biodiversity, on the same scale as these networks allows, has never been explored. Characterizing urban climate infrastructures and cool corridors, and thus thermal connectivity for species, would enrich and strengthen existing ecological infrastructures, on the basis of scientific evidence. In this perspective, we discuss how stronger collaborations between ecologists and climatologists could help leverage the full potential of urban climate monitoring networks. We highlight research opportunities they could offer in terms of studying the impact of urban climate on biodiversity and the efforts that need to be pursued to enable co‐designing and make interdisciplinary collaborations operational. Such interdisciplinary research on urban climate and its impact is all the more important that its outcomes can help better inform urban planning and mitigate the impacts of climate change on people and biodiversity.

This article is categorized under:

Climate and Development > Urbanization, Development, and Climate Change

Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Observed Impacts of Climate Change

Climate, Ecology, and Conservation > Observed Ecological Changes
Expression and clinical significance of the p53/SAT1/ALOX15 ferroptosis‐associated proteins in sinonasal inverted papilloma
Authors: Li Dan‐Yang , Wang Lin , Zhang Ji‐Sheng , Zi Jia‐Jia , Chen Han , Dong Zi‐Hui , Yu Long‐Gang , Jiang Yan
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) is a benign tumor type that has been subject to growing levels of research interest owing to its potential for malignant transformation. However, there have been no studies to date of ferroptosis or related proteins in SNIP. Accordingly, this study was designed to examine correlative relationships between SNIP pathogenesis and the expression of proteins associated with ferroptotic activity, including p53, SAT1, and ALOX15.

Methods

Samples were collected from 44 total SNIP patients, and control middle turbinate samples were obtained from 28 patients with deviated septums. The RNA and protein levels of p53, SAT1, and ALOX15 were compared between these samples via quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), Western blot analysis (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expression of mRNA was further validated by interrogating the GSE193016 data set. The correlations among the expression levels of these three genes were also assessed. Then, the Krouse stage system was used to grade these patients and to explore differences in p53, SAT1, and ALOX15 expression among different stages of the disease. Lastly, we compared the differences in the expression of these genes in inverted papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma by qRT‐PCR and IHC.

Results

SNIP samples exhibited significantly higher p53, SAT1, and ALOX15 mRNA and protein levels than control samples, and strong correlations were observed between the levels of these three proteins. Furthermore, the expression levels of p53, SAT1, and ALOX15 were significantly higher in stage T4 compared to T2 in SNIP. p53 and SAT1 were significantly elevated in squamous carcinomas compared to inverted papilloma. However, the expression of ALOX15 tended to decrease in squamous carcinoma.

Conclusion

These results support a potential role for the p53/SAT1/ALOX15 ferroptotic pathway proteins in SNIP pathogenesis, although future molecular biology‐based studies will be essential to test this hypothesis.
Undressing the Electron
Authors: Herdegen Andrzej
Published: September 2024

The extended algebra of the free electromagnetic fields, including infrared-singular fields, and the almost radial gauge, both introduced earlier, are postulated for the construction of the quantum electrodynamics in a Hilbert space (no indefinite metric). Both the Dirac and electromagnetic fields are constructed up to the first order (based on the incoming fields) as operators in the Hilbert space and shown to have physically well-interpretable asymptotic behavior in far past and spacelike separations. The Dirac field tends in far past to the free incoming field, carrying its own Coulomb field, but with no ‘soft photon dressing.’ The spacelike asymptotic limit of the electromagnetic field yields a conserved operator field, which is a sum of contributions of the incoming Coulomb field, and of the low-energy limit of the incoming free electromagnetic field. This should agree with the operator field similarly constructed with the use of outgoing fields, which then relates these past and future characteristics. Higher orders are expected not to change this picture, but their construction needs a treatment of the UV question, which has not been undertaken and remains a problem for further investigation.
Orf-Virus-Infektion bei einer 53‑jährigen Frau
Authors: Kälber Katharina Anna , Enk Alexander , Michel Janine , Schrick Livia , Winkler Julia Katharina
Published: September 2024

Das Orf-Virus gehört zu den Parapockenviren. Es kommt weltweit vor, sein natürliches Reservoir sind Schafe und Ziegen. Durch direkten oder indirekten Kontakt mit betroffenen Tieren kann es zu einer Infektion beim Menschen kommen. Es kommt zu infektiösen Ulzerationen, die bei immunkompetenten Patienten meist nach wenigen Wochen spontan abheilen. Eine Meldung an die zuständige Berufsgenossenschaft sollte erfolgen, sofern die Exposition im beruflichen Umfeld erfolgt, beispielsweise bei Bauern.
Automated condylar seating assessment using a deep learning-based three-step approach
Authors: Berends Bo , Vinayahalingam Shankeeth , Baan Frank , Flügge Tabea , Maal Thomas , Bergé Stefaan , de Jong Guide , Xi Tong
Published: September 2024

Objectives

In orthognatic surgery, one of the primary determinants for reliable three-dimensional virtual surgery planning (3D VSP) and an accurate transfer of 3D VSP to the patient in the operation room is the condylar seating. Incorrectly seated condyles would primarily affect the accuracy of maxillary-first bimaxillary osteotomies as the maxillary repositioning is dependent on the positioning of the mandible in the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel tool by utilizing a deep learning algorithm that automatically evaluates the condylar seating based on CBCT images as a proof of concept.

Materials and methods

As a reference, 60 CBCT scans (120 condyles) were labeled. The automatic assessment of condylar seating included three main parts: segmentation module, ray-casting, and feed-forward neural network (FFNN). The AI-based algorithm was trained and tested using fivefold cross validation. The method’s performance was evaluated by comparing the labeled ground truth with the model predictions on the validation dataset.

Results

The model achieved an accuracy of 0.80, positive predictive value of 0.61, negative predictive value of 0.9 and F1-score of 0.71. The sensitivity and specificity of the model was 0.86 and 0.78, respectively. The mean AUC over all folds was 0.87.

Conclusion

The innovative integration of multi-step segmentation, ray-casting and a FFNN demonstrated to be a viable approach for automating condylar seating assessment and have obtained encouraging results.

Clinical relevance

Automated condylar seating assessment using deep learning may improve orthognathic surgery, preventing errors and enhancing patient outcomes in maxillary-first bimaxillary osteotomies.
Feature-Based vs. Deep-Learning Fusion Methods for the In Vivo Detection of Radiation Dermatitis Using Optical Coherence Tomography, a Feasibility Study
Authors: Photiou Christos , Cloconi Constantina , Strouthos Iosif
Published: September 2024

Acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) is a common and distressing issue for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, leading to significant morbidity. Despite available treatments, ARD remains a distressing issue, necessitating further research to improve prevention and management strategies. Moreover, the lack of biomarkers for early quantitative assessment of ARD impedes progress in this area. This study aims to investigate the detection of ARD using intensity-based and novel features of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images, combined with machine learning. Imaging sessions were conducted twice weekly on twenty-two patients at six neck locations throughout their radiation treatment, with ARD severity graded by an expert oncologist. We compared a traditional feature-based machine learning technique with a deep learning late-fusion approach to classify normal skin vs. ARD using a dataset of 1487 images. The dataset analysis demonstrates that the deep learning approach outperformed traditional machine learning, achieving an accuracy of 88%. These findings offer a promising foundation for future research aimed at developing a quantitative assessment tool to enhance the management of ARD.
Interspecific differences in eggshell thickness and the elemental composition of pigment spot and plain shell regions in altricial and precocial birds
Authors: Orłowski Grzegorz , Pokorny Przemysław , Bzoma Szymon , Dyrcz Andrzej , Golawski Artur , Rosenberger Joanna , Kołodziejczyk Paweł , Merta Dorota , Sulwiński Marcin , Suska-Malawska Małgorzata
Published: September 2024

Our study reveals for the first time in a quantitative manner the differences in eggshell thickness and elemental composition between pigment spots and adjacent plain eggshell regions in bird species from three developmental modes, i.e. altricial (Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus), semi-precocial (Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus, Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus, Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis and Black Tern Chlidonias niger) and precocial species (Western Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus and Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix). From a broader biological/biogeochemical perspective, our data broaden the knowledge in the heterogeneity of elemental composition between adjacent spotted-plain regions of eggshells, previously demonstrated in galliform birds, which differ in colour for many chemical elements. These differences, however, were distinctive of individual species and varied between chemical elements. There emerged a clear and consistent trend of higher elemental concentrations within pigment spots compared to plain eggshell regions, particularly in the case of five elements: C, Pb, Cu, Cr and Al. The most important and novel finding of our study is that even though the eggshells of gulls and terns (semi-precocial species) and of the passerine (altricial species) were thinner in the spotted regions (there was thus less shell material) compared with those of precocials (the eggshells being thicker eggshells at the spots), the spotted regions of all these eggs contained disproportionally higher concentrations of most major and minor chemical elements. Hence, this appears to be a general rule across all birds, regardless of the eggshell thickness in the spotted or plain regions and/or their developmental mode. In other words, this finding confirms that the thickness of the eggshell itself does not affect the concentrations of elements, and that the key issue related to this is the presence of one or more protoporphyrin layers along with the accompanying pool of chemical elements within the spotted eggshell region.
A holistic approach to software fault prediction with dynamic classification
Authors: Kaliraj S. , Sahasranth Velisetti Geetha Pavan , Sivakumar V.
Published: September 2024

Software Fault Prediction is a critical domain in machine learning aimed at pre-emptively identifying and mitigating software faults. This study addresses challenges related to imbalanced datasets and feature selection, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of fault prediction models. We mitigate class imbalance in the Unified Dataset using the Random-Over Sampling technique, resulting in superior accuracy for minority-class predictions. Additionally, we employ the innovative Ant-Colony Optimization algorithm (ACO) for feature selection, extracting pertinent features to amplify model performance. Recognizing the limitations of individual machine learning models, we introduce the Dynamic Classifier, a ground-breaking ensemble that combines predictions from multiple algorithms, elevating fault prediction precision. Model parameters are fine-tuned using the Grid-Search Method, achieving an accuracy of 94.129% and superior overall performance compared to random forest, decision tree and other standard machine learning algorithms. The core contribution of this study lies in the comparative analysis, pitting our Dynamic Classifier against Standard Algorithms using diverse performance metrics. The results unequivocally establish the Dynamic Classifier as a frontrunner, highlighting its prowess in fault prediction. In conclusion, this research introduces a comprehensive and innovative approach to software fault prediction. It pioneers the resolution of class imbalance, employs cutting-edge feature selection, and introduces dynamic ensemble classifiers. The proposed methodology, showcasing a significant advancement in performance over existing methods, illuminates the path toward developing more accurate and efficient fault prediction models.
Dynamic occupancy in a peripheral population of Myotis septentrionalis during disease outbreak
Authors: Grider John F. , Castleberry Steven B. , Hepinstall‐Cymerman Jeffrey
Published: September 2024

Context

Once common, the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) has experienced declines > 90% due to white-nose syndrome (WNS). This severe mortality has resulted in their listing under the Endangered Species Act and made them a conservation priority. However, their broad distribution, variability in habitat use, and population instability make developing range-wide conservation strategies difficult. To understand how conservation of M. septentrionalis may vary across its range, we examined shifts in M. septentrionalis site occupancy on the edge of their historic range following severe WNS mortality.

Objectives

Our goal was to determine how mortality from white-nose syndrome affects site occupancy of M. septentrionalis at the southern edge of their historic range. Understanding which areas will remain occupied during disease related mortality will help inform management during disease outbreaks.

Methods

We used 11 years (2007–2017) of mist-netting records to construct dynamic occupancy models of M. septentrionalis in northern Georgia, USA. Occupancy was updated annually, with the initial period defined as all years prior to the winter of 2012–2013, which corresponds to when white-nose syndrome entered the study area. We assessed occupancy using landscape metrics at the home range (65 ha) and landscape (491 ha) scales, year since WNS occurrence in the study area, distance to karst, and distance to nearest WNS positive county. We estimated probability of detection using Julian date and sampling effort.

Results

Initial site occupancy was positively associated with percent deciduous forest cover at the home range scale. As M. septentrionalis populations declined from WNS, a site becoming unoccupied was negatively correlated with mean contiguity of forest at the home range scale and largest patch of forest and mean elevation at the landscape scale. Site occupancy declined precipitously in the years following WNS, dropping from 70.75% (41.76–96.98% [95% CI]) occupancy pre-WNS to 0.3% (0.3–20.5% [95% CI]) by the final year of the study.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that sites occupied by M. septentrionalis closer to the historic range edge were more vulnerable to becoming unoccupied after disease arrival. We recommend managers on the periphery of the historic range focus conservation efforts on high elevation forested areas nearer to the range core.
Fragmentation of Projects and the Symbolism of Development Aid in Northern Ghana
Authors: Bob-Milliar Gloria Kafui , Alagidede Imhotep Paul
Published: September 2024

The symbolism of donor aid has brought humanitarian relief to communities in despair in Northern Ghana, as NGO projects continue to target beneficiaries. Challenges with project implementation processes have, however, reduced their effectiveness and impact. Deploying an ‘adaptive grounded theory’, coupled with questionnaires and interviews, this paper relied heavily on the iterative process of systematic literature review. It investigated the problem of project fragmentation and the imagery of development aids within the five northern regions of Ghana. Focusing on donor projects within the beneficiary communities, the study found joint causation for donor weakness in relation to the imagery of development efforts and beneficiary stress as consequences of the thwarted attempts at poverty intervention. The prognosis is the phenomenon of poverty dance of beneficiaries. Consequently, we conclude that for the effectiveness of substantial aid investments, there is the need to move policy dialogue of development interventions from ‘community needs assessments’ to targeted-infrastructure needs assessment.
Active longevity and aging: dissecting the impacts of physical and sedentary behaviors on longevity and age acceleration
Authors: Lu Ting Yu , Wang Jiao , Jiang Chao Qiang , Jin Ya Li , Cheng Kar Keung , Lam Tai Hing , Zhang Wei Sen , Xu Lin
Published: September 2024

Background

To examine the associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with longevity and age acceleration (AA) using observational and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies, and quantify the mediating effects of lipids.

Methods

In Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (GBCS), PA and SB were assessed by the Chinese Version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Longevity was defined as participants whose age at follow-up or at death was at or above the 90th age percentile. AA was defined as the residual resulting from a linear model that regressed phenotypic age against chronological age. Linear regression and Poisson regression with robust error variance were used to assess the associations of total and specific PA in different intensities, and SB with AA and longevity, yielding βs or relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Two-sample MR was conducted to examine the causal effects. Mediation analysis was used to assess the mediating effects of lipids.

Results

Of 20,924 participants aged 50 + years in GBCS, during an average follow-up of 15.0 years, compared with low PA, moderate and high PA were associated with higher likelihood of longevity (RR (95% CI): 1.56 (1.16, 2.11), 1.66 (1.24, 2.21), respectively), and also cross-sectionally associated with lower AA (β (95% CI): -1.43 (-2.41, -0.45), -2.09 (-3.06, -1.11) years, respectively). Higher levels of moderate PA (MPA) were associated with higher likelihood of longevity and lower AA, whereas vigorous PA (VPA) showed opposite effects. The association of PA with longevity observed in GBCS was mediated by low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 8.23% (95% CI: 3.58–39.61%), while the association with AA was mediated through LDL-C, triglycerides and total cholesterol by 5.13% (3.94–7.30%), 7.81% (5.98–11.17%), and 3.37% (2.59–4.80%), respectively. Additionally, in two-sample MR, SB was positively associated with AA (β (95% CI): 1.02 (0.67, 1.36) years).

Conclusions

PA showed protective effects on longevity and AA, with the effects being partly mediated through lipids. Conversely, SB had a detrimental impact on AA. MPA was associated with higher likelihood of longevity and reduced AA, whereas VPA showed adverse effects. Our findings reinforce the recommendation of “sit less and move more” to promote healthy longevity, and highlight the potential risks associated with VPA in the elderly.
A Coupled Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and Thermal Stress-Strain Model to Explore the Impact of Gas Cooling on Ingot Solidification Shrinkage in Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) Process
Authors: Bohacek J. , Karimi-Sibaki E. , Vakhrushev A. , Mraz K. , Hvozda J. , Wu M. , Kharicha A.
Published: September 2024

An advanced 2D axisymmetric magnetohydrodynamics model, including calculations for electromagnetic, thermal, and flow fields, fully coupled with a thermal stress-strain model, allowing the computation of solid mechanical parameters like stress, strain, and deformation within the ingot of the vacuum arc remelting process is presented. This process encounters challenges due to solidification shrinkage, which causes losing contact between the ingot and the mold, reducing the cooling efficiency of the system, resulting in a deeper melt pool and decreasing ingot quality. Herein, the width of the air gap along the ingot, the precise position of contact between the ingot and mold, and the profile of the melt pool, affected by gas cooling, are calculated. The global pattern of transport phenomena, such as (electro-vortex) flow and electromagnetic fields in the bulk of the ingot, is insensitive to helium gas cooling through the shrinkage gap. However, including gas cooling significantly improves heat removal through the mold, which consequently reduces the pool depth of the Alloy 718 ingot, leading to an improvement in the quality of the ingot.
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Rhombencephalosynapsis: A Clinical Report
Authors: Schutter Dennis J.L.G. , Doherty Dan , Phillips James O. , Weiss Avery H. , Maas Roderick P.P.W.M.
Published: September 2024

Rhombencephalosynapsis (RES) is a hindbrain malformation characterized by a missing cerebellar vermis with apposition or fusion of the cerebellar hemispheres. The present clinical case report provides a comprehensive, longitudinal overview of cognitive and affective manifestations in a 22-year-old patient with RES. The patient shows clinical signs of emotional reactivity and dysregulation, impulsivity, and impairments in executive functioning since early childhood. These features fit the constellation of neuropsychiatric symptoms observed in patients with congenital and acquired abnormalities of the posterior vermis. It is proposed that patients with RES may show affective and cognitive difficulties which increase their vulnerability to psychological stress and risk of developing mental health issues.
Dispersive optical solitons with parabolic law of self-phase modulation and multiplicative white noise
Authors: Elsherbeny Ahmed M. , Ahmed Manar S. , Arnous Ahmed H. , Biswas Anjan , González-Gaxiola O. , Yildirim Yakup , Alshomrani Ali Saleh
Published: September 2024

The current paper addresses dispersive optical solitons in presence of white noise with third and fourth-order dispersions in addition to the pre-existing chromatic dispersion. The self-phase modulation effect comes from parabolic law. Two integration approaches retrieved the soliton solutions. They are the enhanced Kuddryashov’s approach and enhanced direct algebraic method.
Responding to children’s voices: the new frontier in education policy reform
Authors: Ruscoe Amelia
Published: September 2024

More than thirty years on from the United Nations Convention of the Child honouring a child’s right to be heard (Article 12) has unlocked a new frontier in ethical research. In education, children have demonstrated competence to contribute with insight to recent policy development in Australia. This paper provides further evidence of the critical role children stand to play in education reform. A post-structural perspective is adopted and underpinned with Foucauldian theory of discursive power in the context of school-based affordances. Visual and dialogic qualitative methods are used to compare the impact of powerful discourses upon children’s affordances in the first year of compulsory school. Three overarching theses drawn from children’s perspectives are summarised; disparity between adult and child expectations of school, adult influence upon children’s perceptions of school, and children’s power to sustain or disrupt a discourse through dis/engagement. The findings illustrate an urgent need for systematic consult with children on issues relevant to them and calls for a public platform for amplifying their unique views to policy makers for response.
Current Concepts in Intraoperative Ventilation during Anesthesia for Laparoscopic and Robot–Assisted Surgery – a Narrative Review
Authors: Jimenez-Santana Jose Daniel , Díaz-Cambronero Oscar , Schultz Marcus J. , Mazzinari Guido
Published: September 2024

Purpose of Review

Laparoscopic and robot–assisted procedures have become preferred over open abdominal surgery due to their numerous benefits, such as reduced postoperative pain, lower infection risk, and quicker recovery. However, these techniques pose unique challenges for intraoperative ventilation due to the need for CO2 insufflation to create a pneumoperitoneum and specific patient positioning, both of which adversely affect respiratory mechanics. This narrative review aims to summarize these challenges and describes current strategies to overcome them.

Recent Findings

Implementing lung–protective ventilation with low tidal volumes and personalized PEEP, along with measures to reduce mechanical power of ventilation, have been shown to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs).

Effective and safe intraoperative ventilation during laparoscopic and robot–assisted surgery requires a nuanced understanding of respiratory mechanics and tailored ventilation strategies. Lung-protective ventilation is crucial for minimizing lung injury and optimizing patient outcomes.