bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying power regulation characteristics in pump mode of variable‐speed pumped storage unit with DFIM
Authors: Liu Yuanhong , Yang Weijia , Yang Jin , Huang Yifan , Zhao Zhigao
Published: June 2024

Pumped storage plants (PSPs) play an important role in renewable energy consumption in power systems. Variable‐speed technology is a new and critical direction for the development of PSPs. In pump mode, variable‐speed pumped storage units (VSPSUs) have wider power regulation ranges and more flexible power responses than fixed‐speed pumped storage units (FSPSUs); however, the corresponding quantification study of VSPSUs is rare. Therefore, this study aims to quantify the static and dynamic power regulation characteristics of VSPSU in pump mode. First, the modeling of the fast speed control strategy of VSPSU in pump mode is improved. Then, the power regulation range of the VSPSU is explored. The factors (i.e., power command, governor, and converter) affecting the power response rapidity are quantified through the engineering case of a variable‐speed PSP adopting the doubly fed induction machine. Accordingly, suggestions on the settings of the parameters are provided. Quantification results show that parameter tuning based on this study effectively solves the problem of low regulation rate caused by great power fluctuations under typical power regulation cases in pump mode. This VSPSU has the fastest regulation rate of 13.75%/s when adjusting 40% power. This study could provide technical support to the practical operation of VSPSU.
Estimation of static and dynamic functional connectivity in resting‐state fMRI using zero‐frequency resonator
Authors: Das Sukesh Kumar , Sao Anil K. , Biswal Bharat B.
Published: June 2024

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) is increasingly being used to infer the functional organization of the brain. Blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) features related to spontaneous neuronal activity, are yet to be clearly understood. Prior studies have hypothesized that rs‐fMRI is spontaneous event‐related and these events convey crucial information about the neuronal activity in estimating resting state functional connectivity (FC). Attempts have been made to extract these temporal events using a predetermined threshold. However, the thresholding methods in addition to being very sensitive to noise, may consider redundant events or exclude the low‐valued inflection points. Here, we extract the event‐related temporal onsets from the rs‐fMRI time courses using a zero‐frequency resonator (ZFR). The ZFR reflects the transient behavior of the BOLD events at its output. The conditional rate (CR) of the BOLD events occurring in a time course with respect to a seed time course is used to derive static FC. The temporal activity around the estimated events called high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) segments are also obtained in the rs‐fMRI time course and are then used to compute static and dynamic FCs during rest. Coactivation pattern (CAP) is the dynamic FC obtained using the high SNR segments driven by the ZFR. The static FC demonstrates that the ZFR‐based CR distinguishes the coactivation and non‐coactivation scores well in the distribution. CAP analysis demonstrated the stable and longer dwell time dominant resting state functional networks with high SNR segments driven by the ZFR. Static and dynamic FC analysis underpins that the ZFR‐driven temporal onsets of BOLD events derive reliable and consistent FCs in the resting brain using a subset of the time points.
The potential value of cancer‐testis antigens in ovarian cancer: Prognostic markers and targets for immunotherapy
Authors: Lin Lina , Zou Xiaoqiong , Nong Weixia , Ge Yingying , Li Feng , Luo Bin , Zhang Qingmei , Xie Xiaoxun
Published: June 2024

Background

Tumor immunotherapy has become an important adjuvant therapy after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In recent years, the role of tumor‐associated antigen (TAA) in tumor immunotherapy has become increasingly prominent. Cancer‐testis antigen (CTA) is a kind of TAA that is highly restricted in a variety of tumors and can induce an immune response.

Aims

This review article aimed to evaluate the role of CTA on the progression of ovarian cancer, its diagnostic efficacy, and the potential for immunotherapy.

Methods

We analyzed publications and outlined a comprehensive of overview the regulatory mechanism, immunogenicity, clinical expression significance, tumorigenesis, and application prospects of CTA in ovarian cancer, with a particular focus on recent progress in CTA‐based immunotherapy.

Results

The expression of CTA affects the occurrence, development, and prognosis of ovarian cancer and is closely related to tumor immunity.

Conclusion

CTA can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of ovarian cancer and is an ideal target for antitumor immunotherapy. These findings provide novel insights on CTA in the improvement of diagnosis and treatment for ovarian cancer. The successes, current challenges and future prospects were also discussed to portray its significant potential.
Retrospective assessment of medication patterns among candidates evaluated for living kidney donation
Authors: Dickinson Drew T. , Nguyen Linh , Liu Xinqi , Castro Gianna , Cherry Morgan , Dadabaev Fadel , Rodriguez Hercys Sanchez , Malat Gregory E. , Forte Abigail , Dunn Ty B. , Redfield Robert R. , Leonberg‐Yoo Amanda , Trofe‐Clark Jennifer
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Medication use in living kidney donor (LKD) candidates may have important implications for evaluation and donation care. We sought to characterize LKD candidate medication use through medication histories conducted at nephrologist evaluation and transplant pharmacist preoperative visits.

Methods

This retrospective single‐center cohort study included adult LKD candidates evaluated for donation between October 1, 2019 and October 1, 2021. Scheduled and as‐needed medications for each candidate were abstracted from pre‐donation medication histories collected at the evaluation visit with the nephrologist and the preoperative visit with the transplant pharmacist, if approved for donation. Medication histories from each visit were compared with each other and evaluated by therapeutic class frequency.

Results

Among 213 LKD candidates (112 approved for donation and 101 declined for donation), 198 (93.0%) candidates were taking at least one prescription medication, over‐the‐counter agent, or dietary supplement. Antidepressants and antihypertensives were the most common prescription agents used among candidates, with antihypertensives more common among declined donors (20.8% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.042). Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were more commonly identified at the evaluation visit of approved candidates compared to the preoperative visit (29.5% vs. 0.9%, p < 0.001) and dietary supplements were more commonly identified at the preoperative visit compared to the evaluation visit (49.1% vs. 59.8%, p = 0.023).

Conclusions

The frequency of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs decreased greatly between the evaluation and preoperative visit, likely reflective of discontinuation pre‐donation. Characterizing medication use among candidates evaluated for LKD donation may assist donor programs with developing more targeted patient medication education. Nearly all LKD candidates were taking a medication or dietary supplement pre‐donation. Transplant pharmacists are uniquely positioned to perform medication reconciliations and can also offer guidance to other team providers on best practices for this process. A better understanding of medication patterns in this population may also aid with further developing care guidelines for LKD evaluation and pre‐/postoperative LKD care.
Palladium‐catalyzed sequential Heck/Suzuki coupling reaction and the synthesis of diarylmethanes in aqueous media using indole‐based N‐heterocyclic carbene precursors
Authors: Hsu Yu‐Ming , Hua Yi‐Wen , Wang Ying‐Yueh , Lu Ta‐Jung , Lee Dong‐Sheng
Published: June 2024

This study introduced a versatile class of indole‐based benzimidazolium salts, offering distinct advantages: (1) the utilization of affordable and easily accessible starting materials; (2) a straightforward and uncomplicated synthesis process; (3) the diversity of the salt should provide fine‐tunability of steric and electronic properties. These salts, employed as N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors, were effectively utilized in the Pd‐catalyzed C–C bond formation reactions involving aryl or benzyl halide. The catalytic system, arising from the in situ generation of Pd(OAc)2 and indole‐based benzimidazolium salts, demonstrated remarkable efficiency. It accomplished the synthesis of diarylmethanes via the Suzuki coupling of benzyl chlorides and arylboronic acids in aqueous media with a Pd loading of 0.5 mol%. Furthermore, it successfully achieved the one‐pot sequential Heck/Suzuki coupling reactions with a Pd loading of as low as 0.25 mol%.
Excellent accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of discoid meniscus tears: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Amiri Shayan , Mirahmadi Alireza , Parvandi Ava , Moshfegh Mana Zaker , Hashemi Abatari Seyedeh Pardis , Farrokhi Mehrdad , Hoseini Seyyed Mehdi , Kazemi Seyed Morteza , Momenzadeh Kaveh , Wu Jim S. , Nazarian Ara
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The discoid meniscus (DM) is distinguished by its thickened, disc‐shaped formation, which extends over the tibial plateau. The likelihood of developing osteoarthritis escalates if a DM tear remains undiagnosed and untreated. While DM tears can be diagnosed through arthroscopy, the high cost, invasive nature and limited availability of this procedure highlight the need for a better diagnostic modality. This study aims to determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing DM tears.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to gather articles with at least 10 cases on the comparison of MRI and arthroscopy as the gold standard for DM tear diagnosis. Stata and MetaDisc were used to conduct the statistical analysis. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool.

Results

Five diagnostic performance studies, derived from four original research papers involving 305 patients, were evaluated. Based on the pooled data, the sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, positive limit of detection and negative limit of detection were found to be 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82–0.91) and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.75–0.90), 32.88 (95% CI, 5.81–186.02), 5.22 (95% CI, 1.71–15.92) and 0.18 (95% CI, 0.09–0.38), respectively. A hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve with an area under the curve of 0.92 was generated.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis demonstrates that MRI has excellent sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing DM tears. Despite its lower accuracy compared to arthroscopy, MRI can be used in symptomatic patients as a viable alternative to arthroscopy due to its inherent advantages.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
Repair potential of self‐assembling peptide hydrogel in a mouse model of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Fujino Keitaro , Yamamoto Natsuki , Yoshimura Yukiko , Yokota Atsushi , Hirano Yoshiaki , Neo Masashi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Establishing zonal tendon‐to‐bone attachment could accelerate the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) rehabilitation schedule and facilitate an earlier return to sports. KI24RGDS is a self‐assembling peptide hydrogel scaffold (SAPS) with the RGDS amino acid sequence. This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic potential of KI24RGDS in facilitating zonal tendon‐to‐bone attachment after ACLR.

Methods

Sixty‐four C57BL/6 mice were divided into the ACLR + SAPS and ACLR groups. ACLR was performed using the tail tendon. To assess the maturation of tendon‐to‐bone attachment, we quantified the area of mineralized fibrocartilage (MFC) in the tendon graft with demeclocycline. Immunofluorescence staining of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) was performed to evaluate progenitor cell proliferation. The strength of tendon‐to‐bone attachment was evaluated using a pull‐out test.

Results

The MFC and maximum failure load in the ACLR + SAPS group were remarkably higher than in the ACLR group on Day 14. However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups on Day 28. The number of α‐SMA‐positive cells in the tendon graft was highest on Day 7 after ACLR in both the groups and was significantly higher in the ACLR + SAPS group than in the ACLR group.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the latent healing potential of KI24RGDS in facilitating early‐stage zonal attachment of tendon grafts and bone tunnels post‐ACLR. These findings may expedite rehabilitation protocols and shorten the timeline for returning to sports.

Level of Evidence

Not applicable.
Medicaid expansion and 30‐day hospital readmissions: A nationwide study
Authors: Tahhan Sami , Avila Cynthia , Carr Chloe , Qayyum Rehan
Published: June 2024

In 2010, Congress enacted the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) to enhance health insurance affordability via subsidies and Medicaid expansion (ME). However, not all states adopted ME. We examined national hospital readmissions from 2005 to 2019 to investigate readmission reduction trends based on state ME status. The states were divided into those that expanded Medicaid in 2014 (ME‐States) and those that did not until 2019 (non‐ME States). Using a difference‐in‐difference framework and adjusting for hospital and population characteristics, we assessed the relationship between ME and 30‐day readmissions following pneumonia, heart failure (HF), and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) hospitalizations. Both before and after the expansion, ME‐States had higher mean readmission rates than non‐ME‐States. After ME, hospitals in ME‐States exhibited larger reductions in readmission rates compared to non‐ACA States: pneumonia (−0.12%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.19%, −0.04%; p = .002), HF (−0.18%; 95% CI = −0.28%, −0.08%; p = .001), and AMI (−0.23%; 95% CI = −0.32%, −0.13%; p < .001).
Synthesis, molecular dynamics simulation, and evaluation of biological activity of novel flurbiprofen and ibuprofen‐like compounds
Authors: Yıldız Mehmet Taha , Osmaniye Derya , Saglik Begum Nurpelin , Levent Serkan , Kurnaz Recep , Ozkay Yusuf , Kaplancıklı Zafer Asım
Published: June 2024

The frequent use of anti‐inflammatory drugs and the side effects of existing drugs keep the need for new compounds constant. For this purpose, flurbiprofen and ibuprofen‐like compounds, which are frequently used anti‐inflammatory compounds in this study, were synthesized and their structures were elucidated. Like ibuprofen and flurbiprofen, the compounds contain a residue of phenylacetic acid. On the other hand, it contains a secondary amine residue. Thus, it is planned to reduce the acidity, which is the biggest side effect of NSAI drugs, even a little bit. The estimated ADME parameters of the compounds were evaluated. Apart from internal use, local use of anti‐inflammatory compounds is also very important. For this reason, the skin permeability values of the compounds were also calculated. And it has been found to be compatible with reference drugs. The COX enzyme inhibitory effects of the obtained compounds were tested by in vitro experiments. Compound 2a showed significant activity against COX‐1 enzyme with an IC50 = 0.123 + 0.005 μM. The interaction of the compound with the enzyme active site was clarified by molecular dynamics studies.
Temporal summation of second pain is affected by cognitive load
Authors: Rubal‐Otero Lara , Gil‐Ugidos Antonio , Villar Alberto Jacobo González , Carrillo‐de‐la‐Peña María Teresa
Published: June 2024

This work attempted to clarify the interaction of cognition and pain sensitization during a paradigm of Temporal Summation of Second Pain (TSSP). We analyzed pain ratings and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity obtained from 21 healthy participants during the presentation of four experimental conditions that differed in the manipulation of attention to painful stimuli or working memory load (Attention to hand & TSSP; 0‐back & TSSP (low cognitive load); 2‐back & TSSP (high cognitive load); 2‐back (without pain)). We found that the TSSP was reduced when the attention was diverted and the cognitive load increased, and this reduction was accompanied by higher midfrontal theta activity and lower posterior alpha and central beta activity. Although it is well established that TSSP is a phenomenon that occurs at the spinal level, here we show that it is also affected by supraspinal attentional mechanisms. Delivery of painful repeated stimuli did not affect the performance of the 2‐back task but was associated with smaller amplitudes of attentional event‐related potentials (ERPs) after standard stimuli (not the target). The study of brain activity during TSSP allowed to clarify the role of top‐down attentional modulation in pain sensitization processes. Results contribute to a better understanding of cognitive dysfunction in pain conditions and reinforce the use of therapeutic strategies based on distracting attention away from pain.
Thermal Enhancement of Er3+ NIR‐II Luminescence by Ho3+‐Mediated Energy‐Trapping in Negative Thermal Expansion Nanocrystals
Authors: Zhao Jiaoyin , Chang Jiwen , Wang Nan , Zhao Peihang , Zhu Mengyuan , Liu Ying , Guo Dongxu , Wang Yu , Li Panlai , Wang Zhijun , Suo Hao
Published: June 2024

Thermal quenching of luminescence materials poses a major obstacle to the technological application of luminescence thermometry. It still remains challenging to attain thermally enhanced light emissions, especially in the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II). Herein, an anomalous thermal dependence of NIR‐II luminescence in the negative thermal expansion (NTE) Sc2Mo3O12:Er3+/Ho3+ nanocrystals is reported. Mechanistic investigations affirm that Ho3+ ion can work as an energy reservoir and back‐transfer to Er3+ ion with the assistance of lattice phonon at elevated temperatures. Moreover, the Ho3+‐mediated energy feedback is strengthened by the thermal contraction between dopant ions, thereby enabling a remarkable thermal enhancement of NIR‐II emission over 11‐fold. The opposite thermal response of Er3+ and Ho3+ emissions is harnessed for NIR‐II ratiometric thermometry, registering exceptional performance in a high‐temperature regime (Sr = 1.71% K−1, δT = 0.2 K at 513 K). These findings may inspire new insights for addressing the thermal quenching of NIR‐II luminescence, which also raises exciting opportunities for flexible thermometry in complex settings.
Effects of particle overall regularity and surface roughness on fabric evolution of granular materials: DEM simulations
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhao Chaofa , Chen Yanni , Yang Zhongxuan
Published: June 2024

Particle shape irregularity is a notable feature of granular materials that exerts a profound influence on their mechanical behavior. This study examines the effects of particle overall regularity and surface roughness on the fabric evolution of granular materials using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). By connecting multiple spheres with varying sizes and positions, a diversity of clump particles characterized by distinct overall regularity () and surface roughness () are generated. A series of DEM simulations on drained triaxial compression tests have then been performed on granular assemblies with varying shapes, whereby their characteristics of contact intensity and the anisotropy of various fabric entities defined by contact normal, branch vector, and particle orientation, have been thoroughly investigated. The results show that increasing particle shape irregularity, indicated by smaller values of and , is generally associated with an enhanced internal structure within the granular assembly, exhibiting a higher mechanical coordination number and a greater fabric anisotropy. Conversely, in granular assemblies with relatively high overall regularity, the fabric anisotropy is notably reduced, and this reduction cannot be compensated by enhancements in particle surface roughness. The evolution of two contact‐related fabric anisotropies is analyzed in relation to particle orientation‐based fabric anisotropy, which is more profoundly influenced by particle overall regularity, underscoring its significant role in fabric evolution of granular materials.
Study on poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/thermoplastic starch/poly((R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐(R)‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) biodegradable films with enhanced gas barrier properties
Authors: Wang Zepeng , Tian Hanlin , Yu Jinshuo , Zheng Gaofei , Zhao Yan , Yan Xiangyu , Bian Junjia , Pan Hongwei , Zhang Huiliang , Tan Zhiyong
Published: June 2024

Bioplastic films with excellent barrier properties were successfully prepared from poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT), thermoplastic starch (TPS), and poly((R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐(R)‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx). The rheological, mechanical, barrier, dynamic mechanical properties, and microstructure of the PBAT/TPS/PHBHHx films were studied. The transition of the continuous phase in the blend significantly affects the properties of the films. The increase in PHBHHx content results in its transition from a dispersed phase to a continuous phase. This phase transition, along with the consequent increase in the crystallinity of PHBHHx, greatly enhances the barrier properties of the film. The percentage crystalline degree of PHBHHx increased from 10.9% to 25.1% with increasing PHBHHx content from 0% to 50%. The film containing 50% PHBHHx showed a significant decrease in both water vapor permeability (WVP) and oxygen permeability (OP) by 75.1% and 69.6%, respectively. It found that the film containing 50% PHBHHx exhibited a decrease of elongation at break from 505% to less than 10% but an unusual increase of tensile strength after a 72‐hour aging test, which is different from PBAT and PBAT/TPS films. However, this indicates that the extensibility of PHBHHx is more susceptible to the effects of aging test, leading to the rearrangement of polymer chains from disordered to ordered morphology.
Marine algae‐derived characterized bioactive compounds as therapy for cancer: A review on their classification, mechanism of action, and future perspectives
Authors: Liao Wei , Chen Yaobin , Shan Shuo , Chen Zhengxin , Wen Yuxi , Chen Weichao , Zhao Chao
Published: June 2024

In 2022, there were around 20 million new cases and over 9.7 million cancer‐related deaths worldwide. An increasing number of metabolites with anticancer activity in algae had been isolated and identified, which were promising candidates for cancer therapy. Red algae are well‐known for the production of brominated metabolites, including terpenoids and phenols, which have the capacity to induce cell toxicity. Some non‐toxic biological macromolecules, including polysaccharides, are distinct secondary metabolites found in many algae, particularly green algae. They possess anticancer activities by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, stimulating the immune response, and inducing apoptosis. However, the structure–activity relationship between these components and antitumor activity, as well as certain taxa within the algae, remains relatively unstudied. This work is based on the reports published from 2003 to 2024 in PubMed and ISI Web of Science databases. A comprehensive review of the characterized algal anticancer active compounds, together with their structure and mechanism of action was performed. Also, their structure–activity relationship was preliminarily summarized to better assess their potential properties as a natural, safe bioactive product to be used as an alternative for the treatment of cancers, leading to new opportunities for drug discovery.
Effect of serum anti‐Müllerian hormone levels on the superovulation response in Holstein heifers
Authors: Yildiz Mehmet , Bastan Ilktan , Guler Sohret , Cetin Yunus
Published: June 2024

Background

Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) holds potential as a biomarker for assessing the superovulation (SO) response in cattle. Nonetheless, there exists scant information regarding this aspect in the literature concerning dairy heifers. Given this gap, our objective is to explore the viability of AMH as an indicator for gauging the SO response specifically in Holstein heifers. Furthermore, our aim encompasses examining the variations in AMH levels within the same individuals before and after undergoing SO.

Methods

The study included 41 Holstein heifers. All heifers were superovulated and blood samples were taken both before and after the SO protocol.

Results

The findings revealed that the mean values of serum AMH concentrations before and after SO were 0.122 ng/mL (0.093–0.248 ng/mL) and 0.119 ng/mL (0.084–0.170 ng/mL), respectively. AMH concentrations in heifers were stratified into low (<0.106 ng/mL), medium (0.107–0.126 ng/mL) and high (>0.127 ng/mL) categories both before and after SO.

Conclusions

There was no significant correlation between AMH levels in the heifers both before and after SO treatment with the number of follicles, corpora lutea, total embryos collected or embryos transferred (p > 0.05). Furthermore, this study showed that serum AMH concentrations in Holstein heifers did not change after SO treatment. In this study, as AMH levels in Holstein heifers were in a narrow range, a relationship between AMH and SO response could not be determined. In future studies, we believe that it would be more useful to plan more studies in Holstein donor heifers, taking into account the number of animals and AMH levels.
Laparoscopic dissection of the first and second porta hepatis along Laennec's capsule via “Hepatic Serosal Incision” approach: How I do it
Authors: Zhang Chuanhai , Ma Jinliang , Zhou Yi
Published: June 2024

To provide a standardized approach for laparoscopic access to dissection of the first and second porta hepatis. By opening a portion of the hepatic serosa and subsequently exposing the hepatic Laennec's capsule, dissection of the first and second porta hepatis was performed along the Laennec's capsule. Utilizing the “Hepatic Serosal Incision” approach along the Laennec's capsule enabled the precise dissection of the left and right hepatic pedicles of the first porta hepatis and the root of the hepatic veins at the second porta hepatis under laparoscopy. This method allows for rapid and accurate access to the space between Laennec's capsule and the hepatic hilar plate system under laparoscopy as well as clear exposure of the root of the hepatic veins and their branches, facilitating more precise laparoscopic anatomical liver resection.
Driver Distraction Detection Using Artificial Intelligence and Smart Devices
Authors: Papatheocharous Efi , Buffoni David , Maurer Matthias , Wallberg Anders , Ezquerro Gonzalo
Published: June 2024

Distracted driving is known to be one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents. With the increase in the number of sensors available within vehicles, there exists an abundance of data for monitoring driver behaviour, which, however, has so far only been comparable across vehicle manufacturers to a limited extent due to proprietary solutions. A special role in distraction is played by smart devices, usually used while driving, such as smartphones and smartwatches. They are repeatedly a source of distraction for drivers through calls, messages, notifications and apps usage. However, such devices can also be used for driver behaviour monitoring (like driver distraction detection), as current developments show. As vehicle manufacturer-independent devices, which are usually equipped with adequate sensor technology, they can provide significant advantages and opportunities. This work illustrates the opportunities in using smartphones and wearables to detect driver distraction. The overall architecture description of the concept, called Smart Devices Distracted Driving Detection, is presented together with a series of initial experiments of a proof-of-concept. Artificial Intelligence and more especially Machine Learning is used to assess driving distractions using smart devices in a comprehensive manner.
Semi-automated software improves interrater reliability and reduces processing time of magnetic resonance imaging-based exocrine pancreatic assessments in pediatric patients
Authors: Dudley Jonathan A. , Ata Nadeen Abu , Murdock Kyle E. , Vitale David S. , Abu-El-Haija Maisam , Trout Andrew T.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with secretin stimulation (MR-PFTs) is a non-invasive test for pancreatic exocrine function based on assessing the volume of secreted bowel fluid in vivo. Adoption of this methodology in clinical care and research is largely limited to qualitative assessment of secretion as current methods for secretory response quantification require manual thresholding and segmentation of MR images, which can be time-consuming and prone to interrater variability. We describe novel software (PFTquant) that preprocesses and thresholds MR images, performs heuristic detection of non-bowel fluid objects, and provides the user with intuitive semi-automated tools to segment and quantify bowel fluid in a fast and robust manner. We evaluate the performance of this software on a retrospective set of clinical MRIs.

Methods

Twenty MRIs performed in children (< 18 years) were processed independently by two observers using a manual technique and using PFTquant. Interrater agreement in measured secreted fluid volume was compared using intraclass correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman difference analysis, and Dice similarity coefficients.

Results

Interrater reliability of measured bowel fluid secretion using PFTquant was 0.90 (0.76–0.96 95% C.I.) with − 4.5 mL mean difference (-39.4–30.4 mL 95% limits of agreement) compared to 0.69 (0.36–0.86 95% C.I.) with − 0.9 mL mean difference (-77.3–75.5 mL 95% limits of agreement) for manual processing. Dice similarity coefficients were better using PFTquant (0.88 +/- 0.06) compared to manual processing (0.85 +/- 0.10) but not significantly (p = 0.11). Time to process was significantly (p < 0.001) faster using PFTquant (412 +/- 177 s) compared to manual processing (645 +/- 305 s).

Conclusion

Novel software provides fast, reliable quantification of secreted fluid volume in children undergoing MR-PFTs. Use of the novel software could facilitate wider adoption of quantitative MR-PFTs in clinical care and research.
Crossed-reflex in antiphospholipid chorea
Authors: Fernández-Vidal Joan Miquel , Olmedo-Saura Gonzalo , Querol-Gutiérrez Luis Antonio , Kulisevsky Jaime , Pérez-Pérez Jesús
Published: June 2024

Chorea is a hyperkinetic movement disorder associated with various underlyingconditions, including autoimmune diseases such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). APS can manifest with a wide range of neurological symptoms, including chorea. We present a case of a 77-year-old man with subacute generalized chorea secondary to primary APS. Notably, the patient exhibited a left patellar crossed-reflex, a phenomenon rarely documented in chorea cases, the pathophysiology of which has not yet been elucidated. In summary, this case challenges the traditional demographics of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) by suggesting a potential link between APS and late-age patients. It emphasizes the importance of considering APS in late-onset chorea cases.
Dialogue on ethics and ethics of dialogue: an exploratory study
Authors: Brandel Noa , Schwarz Baruch B. , Cedar Talli , Baker Michael J. , Bietti Lucas M. , Pallarès Gwen , Détienne Françoise
Published: June 2024

We report on a study bearing implications for ethical learning in schoolchildren during social interaction. The study was conducted as part of a project aimed at promoting ethical learning of socially-oriented values within the context of dialogic education. 172 fourth graders from 7 classes participated in an 8-session series designed to foster empathy, inclusion, and tolerance. Two of these sessions (3 and 8) were pre-selected for analysis. We investigated (1) whether students’ discussion of ethical issues and the ethical aspects of their actual in-class interaction with each other can be reliably measured, and (2) what relation holds between students’ ethical thinking during classroom discussions and the ethical aspects of their behavior. We thus developed an analytical framework comprising two tools for appraising ethical thinking and behavior in in-class interaction: dialogue on ethics (DoE) and ethics of dialogue (EoD). This framework was applied to the dialogues taken from the two sessions. The DoE and EoD tools proved reliable, as inter-rater agreement was substantial. Moreover, the relation between children’s DoE and their EoD was positive where the topic posed for discussion presented a dilemma and students’ interaction proceeded under moderate teacher guidance. In contrast, it was negative when the discussion was conceptual, and the teacher was dominant. We conclude that (1) DoE/EoD is a suitable framework for studying children’s ethical learning and development in social interaction, and (2) ethical learning, in its epistemological and behavioral dimensions, can be boosted or inhibited in a context of dialogic education, depending on design principles.
Monitoring surface deformation with spaceborne radar interferometry in landslide complexes: insights from the Brienz/Brinzauls slope instability, Swiss Alps
Authors: Manconi Andrea , Jones Nina , Loew Simon , Strozzi Tazio , Caduff Rafael , Wegmueller Urs
Published: June 2024

We performed an extensive analysis of C-band SAR datasets provided by the European Space Agency (ESA) satellites ERS-1/2, Envisat ASAR, and Sentinel-1 in the period 1992–2020 aiming at reconstructing the multi-decadal spatial and temporal evolution of the surface displacements at the Brienz/Brinzauls landslide complex, located in canton Graubünden (Switzerland). To this end, we analyzed about 1000 SAR images by applying differential interferometry (InSAR), multitemporal stacking, and persistent scatterer interferometry (PSI) approaches. Moreover, we jointly considered digital image correlation (DIC) on high-resolution multi-temporal digital terrain models (DTM) generated from airborne surveys and InSAR results to compute 3-D surface deformation fields. The extensive network of GNSS stations across the Brienz landslide complex allowed us to extensively validate the deformation results obtained in our remote sensing analyses. Here, we illustrate the limitations occurring when relying on InSAR and/or PSI measurements for the analysis and interpretation of complex landslide scenarios, especially in cases of relevant spatial and temporal heterogeneities of the deformation field. The joint use of InSAR and DIC can deliver a better picture of the evolution of the deformation field, however, not for all displacement components. Since InSAR, PSI and DIC measurements are nowadays routinely used in the framework of local investigations, as well as in regional, national, and/or continental monitoring programs, our results are of major importance for users aiming at a comprehensive understanding of these datasets in landslide scenarios.
Paternal Inheritance of Mitochondrial DNA May Lead to Dioecy in Conifers
Authors: de Jong Tom J. , Shmida Avi
Published: June 2024

In angiosperms cytoplasmic DNA is typically passed on maternally through ovules. Genes in the mtDNA may cause male sterility. When male-sterile (female) cytotypes produce more seeds than cosexuals, they pass on more copies of their mtDNA and will co-occur with cosexuals with a neutral cytotype. Cytoplasmic gynodioecy is a well-known phenomenon in angiosperms, both in wild and crop plants. In some conifer families (e.g. Pinaceae) mitochondria are also maternally inherited. However in some other families (e.g. Taxaceae and Cupressaceae) mtDNA is paternally inherited through the pollen. With paternal mtDNA inheritance, male cytotypes that produce more pollen than cosexuals are expected to co-occur with cosexuals. This is uncharted territory. An ESS model shows that the presence of male cytotypes selects for more female allocation in the cosexual, i.e. for sexual specialisation. An allele that switches sex from male to female can then invade. This leads to rapid loss of the neutral cytotype of the cosexual, fixation of the male cytotype and dioecy with 50% males and 50% females. The models suggest that paternal inheritance of mtDNA facilitates the evolution dioecy. Consistent with this hypothesis the Pinaceae are 100% monoecious, while dioecy is common in the Taxaceae family and in the genus Juniperus (Cupressaceae). However, no reliable data are yet available on both mode of inheritance of mtDNA and gender variation of the same species. When cosexuals benefit from reproductive assurance (high selfing rate, low inbreeding depression, low fertilisation) they maintain themselves next to males and females. This predicted pattern with three sex types present in the same population is observed in conifers in nature.
Multimodal vision-based human action recognition using deep learning: a review
Authors: Shafizadegan Fatemeh , Naghsh-Nilchi Ahmad R. , Shabaninia Elham
Published: June 2024

Vision-based Human Action Recognition (HAR) is a hot topic in computer vision. Recently, deep-based HAR has shown promising results. HAR using a single data modality is a common approach; however, the fusion of different data sources essentially conveys complementary information and improves the results. This paper comprehensively reviews deep-based HAR methods using multiple visual data modalities. The main contribution of this paper is categorizing existing methods into four levels, which provides an in-depth and comparable analysis of approaches in various aspects. So, at the first level, proposed methods are categorized based on the employed modalities. At the second level, methods categorized in the first level are classified based on the employment of complete modalities or working with missing modalities at the test time. At the third level, complete and missing modality branches are categorized based on existing approaches. Finally, similar frameworks in the third category are grouped together. In addition, a comprehensive comparison is provided for publicly available benchmark datasets, which helps to compare and choose suitable datasets for a task or to develop new datasets. This paper also compares the performance of state-of-the-art methods on benchmark datasets. The review concludes by highlighting several future directions.
A novel role of IGFBP5 in the migration, invasion and spheroids formation induced by IGF-I and insulin in MCF-7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Rodríguez-Rojas Karem , Cortes-Reynosa Pedro , Torres-Alamilla Pablo , Rodríguez-Ochoa Nínive , Salazar Eduardo Perez
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system includes IGF-I, IGF-II insulin and their membrane receptors. IGF system also includes a family of proteins namely insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) composed for six major members (IGFBP-1 to IGFBP6), which capture, transport and prolonging half-life of IGFs. However, it has been described that IGFBPs can also have other functions.

Methods

IGFBP5 expression was inhibited by shRNAs, migration was analyzed by scratch-wound assays, invasion assays were performed by the Boyden chamber method, spheroids formation assays were performed on ultra-low attachment surfaces, expression and phosphorylation of proteins were analyzed by Western blot.

Results

IGFBP5 is a repressor of IGF-IR expression, but it is not a repressor of IR in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In addition, IGFBP5 is a suppressor of migration and MMP-9 secretion induced by IGF-I and insulin, but it does not regulate invasion in MCF-7 cells. IGFBP5 also is a repressor of MCF-7 spheroids formation. However treatment with 340 nM rescues the inhibitory effect of IGFBP in the MCF-7 spheroids formation.

Conclusion

IGFBP5 regulates IGF-IR expression, migration and MMP-9 secretion induced by IGF-I and/or insulin, and the spheroids formation in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
“The Union of the Soul and the Body”: Merleau-Ponty on Being in the World
Authors: Wehinger Daniel
Published: June 2024

Merleau-Ponty’s theory of the body is often depicted as emphasizing the distinction between the physical and the conscious dimension of the body. This distinction, however, runs the risk of recreating the tension between the physical and the conscious that is at the center of the mind-body problem. In view of this, I argue for a different interpretation of Merleau-Ponty, according to which his theory of the body is an attempt to establish “the union of the soul and the body” (Merleau-Ponty, 2012: 91, 99) by way of an analysis of the phenomenon of being in the world. This phenomenon does not just go beyond reflective but also beyond pre-reflective consciousness. It is an essential feature of living beings that has a teleological structure and that stands in the way of a reduction of living beings to physical objects. In the end, Merleau-Ponty argues for an antireductionist and metaphysically quite charged concept of life that is supposed to bridge the gap between the conscious and the organic dimension of human existence and that holds important insights for the contemporary debates on minimal consciousness, the life-mind continuity, autopoietic enactivism, and causation.
Effects of particle surface modification on magnetic behavior of soft magnetic Fe@SiO2 composites and Fe compacts
Authors: Maciaszek Robert , Kollár Peter , Birčáková Zuzana , Tkáč Martin , Füzer Ján , Olekšáková Denisa , Volavka Dominik , Samuely Tomáš , Kováč Jozef , Bureš Radovan , Fáberová Mária
Published: June 2024

The study aims to evaluate the influence of surface modification of Fe powder on the magnetic behavior of soft magnetic compacts and composites that can possibly enhance their properties. The smoothing of ferromagnetic particle surfaces led to a decrease in the total energy loss as the most evident positive impact in all investigated classes (max. by 11% for small, 63–125 μm particle-based annealed Fe compacts, at max. induction 0.5 T and frequency 100 Hz) and to a partial increase in specific electrical resistivity (max. by 47% for small particle-based Fe@SiO2 composites) and resonant frequency (max. by 48% for large, 200–400 μm particle-based Fe@SiO2 composites) as well as partial decrease in coercivity (max. by 14% for small particle-based annealed Fe compacts). Removing surface irregularities negatively affected the maximum total permeability (max. drop by 28% for large particle-based Fe@SiO2 composites) due to increased inner demagnetizing fields. Applying the Bertotti theory for loss separation, we obtained parameters of loss components and assumed the domain structure using simultaneously active magnetic objects as predictors. The total loss decrease observed after the smoothing process originates from the significantly increased numbers of active magnetic objects, facilitating AC magnetization reversal so that domain wall displacements are accompanied by lower energy loss, manifested as a decrease in the excess loss component (max. by 61% for small particle-based Fe@SiO2 composites).
Political Conocimiento in Teaching Mathematics: mathematics teacher candidates enacting their ethical identities
Authors: Gutiérrez Rochelle , Kokka Kari , Myers Marrielle
Published: June 2024

The sanctioned language around “mathematics teacher knowledge” in the US centers pedagogy, content (mathematical knowledge), and students. Yet, this teacher learning approach often promotes (explicitly or implicitly) teaching and learning of mathematics that operationalizes mathematics as rigid, as a gatekeeper, and only useful for global competition in STEM-related fields. These tacit capitalist goals result in teachers being expected to convey “clear and useful” mathematical information to students, not question why mathematics is being taught, who benefits, and/or how to intervene if the learning environment is harmful for students who are Black, Indigenous, students of Color, multilingual, dis/abled, queer, nonbinary, and/or of immigrant backgrounds. In this article, we build upon a form of relational knowing that intertwines mathematics, pedagogies, students, and politics called Political Conocimiento in Teaching Mathematics. Focusing on political knowledge brings the margins to the center by recognizing political issues cannot be separated from other dimensions or added on, as if politics are not already present in mathematics teaching and learning. As three women of Color, we present empirical results from three teacher education programs in the USA with teacher candidates (n = 55) who range in intersectional identities. Using scenario-based activities that support their development of political knowledge, we apply the lens of “The Mirror Test” to highlight how teacher candidates’ intersectional identities influenced the ethical identities they enacted. Some candidates focused more on “accountability” while others focused on “performativity.” We offer implications for future research on ethical identities in mathematics education with teachers and teacher candidates of various intersectional identities.
Assessing Nonoverlap in Single-Case Data: Strengths, Challenges, and Recommendations
Authors: Manolov Rumen , Tanious René
Published: June 2024

Overlap is one of the data aspects that are expected to be assessed when visually inspecting single-case experimental designs (SCED) data. A frequently used quantification of overlap is the Nonoverlap of All Pairs (NAP). The current article reviews the main strengths and challenges when using this index, as compared to other nonoverlap indices such as Tau and the Percentage of data points exceeding the median. Four challenges are reviewed: the difficulty in representing NAP graphically, the presence of a ceiling effect, the disregard of trend, and the limitations in using p-values associated with NAP. Given the importance of complementing quantitative analysis and visual inspection of graphed data, straightforward quantifications and new graphical elements for the time-series plot are proposed as options for addressing the first three challenges. The suggestions for graphical representations (representing within-phase monotonic trend and across-phases overlaps) and additional numerical summaries (quantifying the degree of separation in case of complete nonoverlap or the proportion of data points in the overlap zone) are illustrated with two multiple-baseline data sets. To make it easier to obtain the plots and quantifications, the recommendations are implemented in a freely available user-friendly website. Educational researchers can use this article to inform their use and application of NAP to meaningfully interpret this quantification in the context of SCEDs.