bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-omics and Mendelian Randomization network analysis of the association between metabolic and cognitive functions in the UK Biobank Database
Authors: Lorenzini Paolo Alberto , Langley Sarah R
Published: May 2024

In obese individuals, low levels of leptin, an hormone regulating energy expenditure, have been claimed to be associated with neurodegeneration during ageing. Since leptin signalling system is less potent in the elderly, its protective anti-inflammatory effect in the brain is inhibited and people overweight in middle-age are at higher risk of developing dementia later in life. However, the causal association between obesity and cognitive decline has been inconsistent so far. We incorporated several metabolic and cognitive phenotypes from primary-care health records from European individuals in the UK Biobank to study comprehensively the genetic architecture of metabolic function and cognition. By GWAS analysis, we identified genetic loci in various traits associated with metabolic function and cognitive performance and investigated their genetic association by Mendelian Randomization. Importantly, we identified putatively causality amongst metabolism related traits and that higher adiposity is causally associated with a worse cognitive performance. We conducted a transcriptome-wide association study to identify regulatory effects of the susceptibility variants to pinpoint genes associated with gene expression changes. We integrated the GWAS results with transcriptome and single cell public data to identify tissues and cell types associated with the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction and cognition. Overall, this multi-omics approach have proven to be invaluable for demonstrating the causal association between adiposity and cognition and for the discovery of causal variants, genes, tissues and cell types underlying these phenotypes.
Volume and Distribution of White Matter Hyperintensities in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ulcerative Colitis Patients
Authors: Cox Jennifer G. , Cole James H. , Kempton Matthew J. , Williams Steven C. R. , de Groot Marius
Published: May 2024

Brain white matter disruptions have been implicated in contributing to fatigue, brain fog and other central symptoms commonly reported in inflammatory diseases. In this study, we included 252 RA patients with 756 age and sex matched controls and 240 UC patients with 720 age and sex matched controls using the UK Biobank imaging dataset. We looked for differences in total volume of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) between patients compared to controls. Then, using voxelwise analysis, we explored the spatial distribution of these white matter hyperintensities and differences in these between patients and controls and between disease groups.

A significantly higher volume of WMH was observed in both the RA (p = 2.0 x 10-8, β = - 0.36, 95% CI = -0.48, -0.23) and UC (p = 0.003, β = -0.19 95% CI = -0.32, -0.07) patients compared to their respective control groups. Voxelwise analysis revealed only a small cluster of RA associated WMH compared to controls.

These results indicate an increased risk of white matter hyperintensities in patients with RA and UC. These findings help quantify the effect of inflammation from autoimmune diseases on cerebrovascular health and white matter integrity.
Factors associated with care home resident quality of life: Demonstrating the value of a pilot Minimum Data Set using cross-sectional analysis from the DACHA study
Authors: Allan Stephen , Rand Stacey , Towers Ann-Marie , De Corte Kaat , Tracey Freya , Crellin Elizabeth , Lloyd Therese , Carroll Rachael E , Palmer Sinead , Webster Lucy , Gordon Adam , Smith Nick , Akdur Gizdem , Killett Anne , Spilsbury Karen , Goodman Claire
Published: May 2024

Background

To maintain good standards of care, evaluations of policy interventions or potential improvements to care are required. A number of quality of life (QoL) measures could be used but there is little evidence for England as to which measures would be appropriate. Using data from a pilot Minimum Data Set (MDS) for care home residents from the Developing resources And minimum dataset for Care Homes’ Adoption (DACHA) study, we assessed the construct validity of QoL measures and analysed factors associated with QoL. This was to demonstrate the value of the pilot MDS data and to provide evidence for the inclusion of QoL measures in a future MDS.

Methods

Care home records for 679 residents aged over 65 from 34 care homes were available that had been linked to health records and official care home provider data. In addition to data on demographics, level of needs and impairment, several questions about the social care- and health-related QoL of participants were completed through proxy report (ASCOT proxy-resident, ICECAP-O, EQ5D-5D-5L Proxy 2). Construct validity was assessed through testing hypotheses developed from previous research and QoL measure constructs using discriminant analysis. Multilevel regression models were developed to understand how QoL was influenced by personal characteristics (e.g. sex, levels of functional and cognitive ability), care home level factors (type of home, level of quality) and resident use of health services (potentially avoidable emergency hospital admissions). Multiple imputation was used for missing data.

Results

All three measures were negatively associated with levels of cognitive impairment, whilst ICECAP-O and EQ-5D-5L Proxy 2 were negatively associated with low levels of functional ability. ASCOT Proxy-Resident was positively associated with aspects of quality and care effectiveness at both resident- and care home-level. All three QoL measures had acceptable construct validity and captured different aspects of QoL.

Conclusion

The study found acceptable construct validity for ASCOT-Proxy-Resident, ICECAP-O and EQ-5D-5L Proxy 2 in care homes as complementary measures based on different constructs. The study has demonstrated both the value of the DACHA study pilot MDS data and a rationale for the inclusion of these QoL measures in any future MDS.
Balanced bidirectional optogenetics reveals the causal impact of cortical temporal dynamics in sensory perception
Authors: Quintana Daniel , Bounds Hayley , Veit Julia , Adesnik Hillel
Published: May 2024

Whether the fast temporal dynamics of neural activity in brain circuits causally drive perception and cognition remains one of most longstanding unresolved questions in neuroscience1–6. While some theories posit a ‘timing code’ in which dynamics on the millisecond timescale is central to brain function, others instead argue that mean firing rates over more extended periods (a ‘rate code’) carry most of the relevant information. Existing tools, such as optogenetics, can be used to alter temporal structure of neural dynamics7, but they invariably change mean firing rates, leaving the interpretation of such experiments ambiguous. Here we developed and validated a new approach based on balanced, bidirectional optogenetics that can alter temporal structure of neural dynamics while mitigating effects on mean activity. Using this new approach, we found that selectively altering cortical temporal dynamics substantially reduced performance in a sensory perceptual task. These results demonstrate that endogenous temporal dynamics in the cortex are causally required for perception and behavior. More generally, this new bidirectional optogenetic approach should be broadly useful for disentangling the causal impact of different timescales of neural dynamics on behavior.
Building capacity and status through transnational joint doctoral programs: a case study in China
Authors: Ruan Nian , Yu Jingran
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Through a case study of a recently established but rapidly growing research-intensive university in China, this study explores how transnational joint doctoral programs are strategically instrumentalized to overcome policy restrictions on postgraduate degree accreditation. It utilizes the cumulative (dis)advantage theory as the analytical lens. This study investigates the innovative, bottom-up initiation of transnational higher education tailored to the development goals of the university and this region, thus providing an alternative perspective for the dominant top-down discourse on transnational higher education research in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a qualitative case study design that incorporates semi-structured interviews and document analysis to investigate the examined university’s joint doctoral programs.

Findings

The study examines how, through its transnational joint doctoral programs, the case university actively accumulated the advantages of recruiting excellent research students, cultivating the public’s confidence and deepening international collaboration. These advantages created a virtuous circle, which further reinforced each other and accelerated the university’s development. The disadvantages include power disparities between the case university and its partners, students’ study discontinuity because of temporal and spatial division and the challenges of co-supervision. Accordingly, the university implemented counterstrategies such as adopting a differentiated stance with varying partners, offering flexible administrative and management supports and aligning differently with various supervisors’ collaboration styles.

Originality/value

This study presents innovative institutional strategies in the Greater Bay Area of China to pursue rapid development and internationalization through transnational higher education programs. It also strives to illuminate the significant role of transnational higher education in facilitating experimental governance with Chinese characteristics.
Precise treatment of pelvic fracture urethral injury associated with urethrorectal fistula
Authors: Wang Lin , Song Wenxiong , Lv Rong , Jin Chongrui , Zhang Zhuo , Li Chao , Sa Yinglong , Liu Yidong , Lv Xiangguo
Published: May 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a new strategy of transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty (TAU) with proximal transection in treating pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) associated with urethrorectal fistula (URF).

Patients and Methods

A retrospective review of all patients treated by TAU with proximal transection and fistula repair for PFUI associated with URF was performed between August 2013 and July 2022. Information on demographics, peri‐operative variables, and postoperative follow‐up outcomes was collected. Successful surgery was defined as restoration of a uniform urethral calibre using flexible cystoscopy (third postoperative month) without strictures or leakage, with no further interventions required. Functional outcomes, including erectile function (assessed using the five‐item International Index of Erectile Function) and urinary continence, were assessed.

Results

Forty patients diagnosed with PFUI associated with URF and treated by TAU with proximal transection and rectal fistula repair were enrolled. Six patients (15.0%) had a history of failed urethral reconstruction. The mean stenosis length and fistula diameter were 2.9 cm and 1.2 cm, respectively. All patients underwent faecal diversion before urethroplasty. After a median (range) follow‐up of 45 (3–115) months, the final success rate was 90.0% (36/40). Postoperative complications included haematoma in three patients, epididymo‐orchitis in three, wound infection in one, wound bleeding in one, delayed wound healing in three, and wound numbness in three. The overall incidence of postoperative erectile dysfunction reached 75.0%, with a median (range) score of 9 (0–19). Normal continence was achieved in 31 patients (77.5%). Occasional incontinence without the need for urinal pads occurred in eight patients, whereas one patient required urinal pads.

Conclusions

Transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty with proximal transection is a precise and effective surgical strategy for treating PFUI associated with URF. This strategy ensures a high success rate and improves surgical efficiency.
The autonomic nervous system and the origins of neurocardiology
Authors: Lemery Robert
Published: May 2024

Following new concepts by Bichat in the early 19th century, of organic and animal life centered around the ganglionic nervous system, over 100 years of anatomic studies and physiologic experimentation eventually resulted in Gaskell's 1916 book entitled “The Involuntary Nervous System” and Langley's 1921 book entitled “The Autonomic Nervous System.” Neurology and cardiology emerged as specialties of medicine in the early 20th century. Although neurology made several prominent discoveries in neurophysiology during the first half of the 20th century, cardiology developed coronary care units and cardiac catheterization in the 1960s. Programmed electrical stimulation of the heart and noninvasive ambulatory monitoring provided new methodologies to study clinical cardiac arrhythmias. Experimentally, direct cardiac nerve stimulation of sympathetic nerve endings, as well as parasympathetic control of the atrioventricular node, provided the background to new detailed autonomic studies of the heart. Neurocardiology, perhaps initially more directed towards our understanding of sudden cardiac death, ultimately embraced an even significantly more complex scheme of local circuit neurons and near‐endless loops of interconnecting neurons in the heart. Intrathoracic extracardiac and intracardiac ganglia have been recharacterized, both anatomically and physiologically, laying the groundwork for potential new therapies of cardiac neuromodulation.
LARP7 overexpression alleviates aortic senescence and atherosclerosis
Authors: Yang Ping , Wu Shuo , Li Yige , Lou Yingmei , Xiong Junhao , Wang Yuze , Geng Zilong , Zhang Bing
Published: May 2024

Atherosclerosis, characterized by the accumulation of lipid plaques on the inner walls of arteries, is the leading cause of heart attack, stroke and severe ischemic injuries. Senescent cells have been found to accumulate within atherosclerotic lesions and contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. In our previous study, we discovered that suppressing Larp7 accelerates senescence by inhibiting Sirt1 activity, resulting in increased atherosclerosis in high‐fat diet (HFD) fed and ApoE deficient (ApoEKO) mice. However, there has been no direct evidence demonstrating Larp7 per se could attenuate atherosclerosis. To this end, we generated a tetO‐controlled and Cre‐activated Larp7 gain‐of‐function mouse. Through RT‐PCR and western blotting, we confirmed Larp7 overexpression in the aortas of HFD‐fed ApoEKO; Larp7tetO mice. Larp7 overexpression led to increased Sirt1 activity and decreased cellular senescence signals mediated by p53/p65 in the aortas. Additionally, Larp7 overexpression reduced the presence of p16‐positive senescent cells in the aortic lesions. Furthermore, Larp7 overexpression resulted in a decrease in pro‐inflammatory macrophages and SASP factors. Consequently, Larp7 overexpression led to a reduction in the area of atherosclerotic lesions in HFD‐fed ApoEKO; Larp7tetO mice. In summary, our study provides evidence that Larp7 overexpression holds promise as an approach to inhibit cellular senescence and prevent atherosclerosis.
The pattern of the follicle cell diversification in ovarian follicles of the true fruit flies, Tephritidae
Authors: Jaglarz Mariusz K. , Kuziak Agata , Jankowska Wladyslawa
Published: May 2024

In flies (Diptera), the ovary displays several distinct patterns of the follicular epithelium formation and diversification. Two main patterns have been identified in the true flies or Brachycera, namely the Rhagio type and the Drosophila type. These patterns align with the traditional division of Brachycera into Orthorrhapha and Cyclorrhapha. However, studies of the follicular epithelium morphogenesis in cyclorrhaphans other than Drosophila are scarce. We characterise the developmental changes associated with the emergence of follicle cell (FC) diversity in two cyclorrhaphans belonging to the family Tephritidae (Brachycera, Cyclorrhapha). Our analysis revealed that the diversification of FCs in these species shows characteristics of both the Rhagio and Drosophila types. First, a distinct cluster of FCs, consisting of polar cells and border‐like cells, differentiates at the posterior pole of the ovarian follicle. This feature is unique to the Rhagio type and has only been reported in species representing the Orthorrhapha group. Second, morphological criteria have identified a significantly smaller number of subpopulations of FCs than in Drosophila. Furthermore, while the general pattern of FC migration is similar to that of Drosophila, the distinctive migration of the anterior‐dorsal FCs is absent. In the studied tephritids, the migration of the anterior polar cell/border cell cluster towards the anterior pole of the oocyte is followed by the posterior migration of the main body cuboidal FCs to cover the expanding oocyte. Finally, during the onset of vitellogenesis, a distinct subset of FCs migrates towards the centre of the ovarian follicle to cover the oocyte's anterior pole. Our study also highlights specific actions of some FCs that accompany the migration process, which has not been previously documented in cyclorrhaphans. These results support the hypothesis that the posterior and centripetal migrations of morphologically unique FC subsets arose in the common ancestor of Cyclorrhapha. These events appear to have occurred fairly recently in the evolutionary timeline of Diptera.
Low‐level laser therapy for skin rejuvenation: A safe and effective solution baked by data and visual evidence
Authors: Shurrab Kawthar , Alzghayar Juliana Nabil
Published: May 2024

Background

Skin aging and photoaging is a process that may appear at a relatively early age, causing an aesthetic problem. Common signs of skin aging include wrinkles, dyspigmentation, and decreased elasticity.

Aim

Aim of this article is to study the effectiveness and safety of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) for skin rejuvenation.

Methods

Thirty Syrian female patients aged 25–50 participated in this study and were diagnosed with moderate to severe melasma and wrinkles. The patients were divided into two groups and received LLLT with a wavelength of 660 nm emitting a continuous wave. The power density and dose used were 15.6 mW/cm2, and 3 J/cm2 respectively, and the laser effective area was 32 cm2. The evaluation was done before, during, and after 12 treatment sessions, based on photographs, in addition to the modified Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI), Pinch test, and Fitzpatrick's classification of facial wrinkling at baseline.

Results

Comparing before, and after treatment, and between the two groups, revealed a significant improvement in skin rejuvenation, with a statistical significance (p < 0.05). Additional outcome measures included assessments of patient satisfaction scores, and no adverse effects or re‐pigmentation were reported.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that LLLT may be a useful and safe therapeutic option in treating melasma, skin elasticity, and wrinkle improvement, which we advised to be integrated into treatment, and follow‐up programs in cosmetics and dermatology.
Evaluation of the relationship between Demodex infestation and obesity in rosacea patients
Authors: Nalbant Esra Kiratli , Balta Ilknur , Eksioglu H. Meral
Published: May 2024

Background

The changes in the skin caused by obesity may predispose patients with rosacea to Demodex infestation (DI). Besides, identifying predisposing factors in these patients is important for initial treatment plan.

Aims

The main purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between DI and obesity in patients with rosacea.

Methods

Sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index, and clinical features of 130 rosacea patients were recorded. Demodex density was measured by noninvasive standard skin biopsy, and a determination of ≥5/cm2 mites was regarded as positive for DI. Patients with a BMI of 30 and above were categorized as the obese group, and those with a BMI below 30 were classified as the nonobese group. Moreover, patients were divided according to DI into positive and negative. These groups were compared with each other.

Results

Upon comparing the patients with and without obesity, it was noted that the obese patients had significantly higher rates of erythematotelangiectatic type rosacea, rosacea severity, and flushing complaints. Furthermore, results show that the DI was significantly more common in obese patients. The most determinant factors for predicting DI in rosacea patients were papulopustular type rosacea, obesity, and rosacea severity, respectively.

Conclusions

In this study, DI was found to be more common in obese patients with rosacea. Besides, obesity was found to be one of the most determining factors in detecting DI in patients with rosacea.
Introduction to THE Focus Isssue ON Kierkegaard, Religious Ethics, and Media
Authors: Haman John P.
Published: May 2024

The papers in this issue were first assembled for the American Academy of Religion conference in 2022 to consider Søren Kierkegaard's analysis of the media environment of his day and the relevance of his perspective to both traditional and new media today. Each author takes a different approach to Kierkegaard's ethics of mass communication, but all agree that his ideas still retain a great deal of applicability in a vastly different media environment.
The specific shapes of capillaries are associated with worse prognosis in patients with invasive breast cancer
Authors: Swe Hnin‐Wint‐Wint , Fujisawa Masayoshi , Ohara Toshiaki , Komatsubara Yu , Yoshimura Teizo , Shien Tadahiko , Matsukawa Akihiro
Published: May 2024

Angiogenesis is considered essential for tumor progression; however, whether histological counting of blood vessel numbers, expressed as microvessel density (MVD), can be a prognostic factor in breast cancer remains controversial. It has been suggested that the specific morphology of blood vessels such as glomeruloid microvascular proliferation (GMP) is associated with clinical parameters. Here, we aimed to clarify the significance of MVD with revised immunohistochemistry and to identify new blood vessel shapes that predict prognosis in breast cancer. Four hundred and eleven primary breast cancer specimens were collected, and the sections were immunohistochemically stained with CD31 (single staining) and CD31 and Collagen IV (double staining). The prognosis of patients was examined based on the MVD value, and the presence of GMP and other blood vessels with other specific shapes. As a result, high MVD value and the presence of GMP were not associated with worse prognosis. By contrast, patients with deep‐curved capillaries surrounding tumor cell nests (C‐shaped) or excessively branched capillaries near tumor cell nests showed a significantly poor prognosis. The presence of these capillaries was also correlated with clinicopathological parameters such as Ki‐67 index. Thus, the morphology of capillaries rather than MVD can be a better indicator of tumor aggressiveness.
Glycoxidation of mammalian whole histone generates highly immunogenic aggregates: Sera of SLE patients contain autoantibodies against aggregates
Authors: Islam Shireen Naaz , Arif Zarina , Badar Asim , Moinuddin  , Khan Md. Asad , Alam Khursheed
Published: May 2024

Non‐enzymatic glycation and oxidation of self‐proteins, causing formation and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), have been reported in an array of pathologies, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Such modifications may generate neo‐epitopes, break immunological tolerance, and induce antibody response. In this study, we have first analysed the structural modifications of whole histone in the presence of deoxyribose followed by oxidation with hydroxyl radicals. Changes in the secondary and tertiary structure of the whole histone were determined by spectroscopic techniques and biochemical assays. Fluorescence spectroscopy and UPLC–MS showed the generation of AGEs such as carboxymethyl lysine and pentosidine, while DLS and TEM indicated the presence of amorphous AGE‐aggregates. Moreover, rabbits immunized with these histone‐AGEs exhibited enhanced immunogenicity and ELISA and western immunoblot of IgG antibodies from SLE patients' sera showed a significantly higher specificity towards modified histone‐AGEs than the native histone.
Neuroanatomical, transcriptomic, and molecular correlates of math ability and their prognostic value for predicting learning outcomes
Authors: Liu Jin , Supekar Kaustubh , El-Said Dawlat , de los Angeles Carlo , Zhang Yuan , Chang Hyesang , Menon Vinod
Published: May 2024

Foundational mathematical abilities, acquired in early childhood, are essential for success in our technology-driven society. Yet, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying individual differences in children’s mathematical abilities and learning outcomes remain largely unexplored. Leveraging one of the largest multicohort datasets from children at a pivotal stage of knowledge acquisition, we first establish a replicable mathematical ability–related imaging phenotype (MAIP). We then show that brain gene expression profiles enriched for candidate math ability–related genes, neuronal signaling, synaptic transmission, and voltage-gated potassium channel activity contributed to the MAIP. Furthermore, the similarity between MAIP gene expression signatures and brain structure, acquired before intervention, predicted learning outcomes in two independent math tutoring cohorts. These findings advance our knowledge of the interplay between neuroanatomical, transcriptomic, and molecular mechanisms underlying mathematical ability and reveal predictive biomarkers of learning. Our findings have implications for the development of personalized education and interventions.
Nonreciprocal field transformation with active acoustic metasurfaces
Authors: Wen Xinhua , Cho Choonlae , Zhu Xinghong , Park Namkyoo , Li Jensen
Published: May 2024

Field transformation, as an extension of the transformation optics, provides a unique means for nonreciprocal wave manipulation, while the experimental realization remains a substantial challenge as it requires stringent material parameters of the metamaterials, e.g., purely nonreciprocal bianisotropic parameters. Here, we develop and demonstrate a nonreciprocal field transformation in a two-dimensional acoustic system, using an active metasurface that can independently control all constitutive parameters and achieve purely nonreciprocal Willis coupling. The field-transforming metasurface enables tailor-made field distribution manipulation, achieving localized field amplification by a predetermined ratio. The metasurface demonstrates the self-adaptive capability to various excitation conditions and can be extended to other geometric shapes. The metasurface also achieves nonreciprocal wave propagation for internal and external excitations, demonstrating a one-way acoustic device. The nonreciprocal field transformation not only extends the framework of the transformation theory for nonreciprocal wave manipulation but also holds great potential in applications such as ultrasensitive sensors and nonreciprocal communication.
Rationale for graduated licensing and the risks it should address
Authors: Williams A F , Ferguson S A
Published: May 2024

The increased crash risk of young, beginning drivers has long been cause for concern. Graduated licensing systems, which seek to phase in driving experience gradually over time, have recently been adopted by many states in an effort to reduce these risks. In an attempt to define the basic rationale for graduated licensing, relevant research evidence that describes the conditions under which risk is known to be increased for young drivers was reviewed. Potential changes in licensing laws that best address these known risk factors are described. It was found that certain situations contribute to even greater crash risk, most notably nighttime driving and driving with passengers in the peer group. The underlying premise for graduated licensing is that while crash risk of young drivers is heightened under all situations, some situations are more or less risky than others. If experience can be gained initially under lower risk conditions, both in the learning stage and when first licensed, crash risk will be reduced.
Film thickness characterization in dual-axis spin coating of a sphere
Authors: McIntyre Finn , Sellier Mathieu , Gooch Shayne , Nock Volker
Published: May 2024

The versatility of spin coating technology makes it a preferred method for producing the thin film layers used to manufacture products from solar panels and smartphones to sunglasses and CDs. However, the process requires a flat, rigid substrate to produce uniform films, which limits its use to planar devices. A novel multi-axis manipulator has been developed to extend the application of spin coating, enabling controlled thin film deposition onto curved surfaces. Various rotational schemes were studied to link the flow of a liquid film over a curved surface to forces induced by complex rotational dynamics. When the angular velocity exceeds a threshold, centrifugal force dominates the flow, pushing the fluid away from the instantaneous axis of rotation. This produces axisymmetric coating profiles when using consistent single or dual-axis rotation. Areas of near uniformity present around the spin axis poles for single-axis rotation and around the substrate’s equator for dual-axis schemes. Sensitivities between the spherical substrate dynamics and the evolving fluid flow were investigated, exploring the parameters that promoted the production of uniform curved film layers for microfabrication processes. This enabled the evolution of the spin coating technique to effectively form curved polymer coatings with improved thickness control. The presented research outlines the capabilities of a multi-axis spin coating machine when used to coat spherical substrates. Therefore, enabling the use of fluid mechanics models to identify the optimal motion kinematics required to create uniform curved films.
Study on Optimization of Computer Image Structure in Wushu Performance Training Model
Authors: Li Li
Published: May 2024

With the vigorous development of computer technology, its application in various fields is increasingly deepening, especially in the application of martial arts performance training models. This paper focuses on the practical application and far-reaching impact of computer image structure optimization in martial arts performance training models. Computer image structure optimization is a multidisciplinary technique that involves image processing, computer vision, and machine learning, aiming to optimize the visual effects and quality of images through algorithms and models. In the training model of martial arts performance, computer image structure optimization technology plays a crucial role. By utilizing advanced technologies such as color management, light and shadow processing, motion estimation and compensation, the clarity, smoothness, and coherence of martial arts performance images can be effectively improved, thereby enhancing the artistic effect and viewing value of martial arts performances. The study delved into the application effect of computer image structure optimization in martial arts performance training models. Through empirical research, we have found that optimized images can not only more accurately display the details and techniques of martial arts movements, but also create a more stunning performance atmosphere. Meanwhile, computer image structure optimization technology can also provide more accurate and efficient feedback mechanisms for martial arts performance training, helping athletes better adjust and improve their movements.
Best Individual Guided Immune Plasma Algorithm on Solving Path Planning Problem of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Aslan Selcuk , Ozkok Fatma Ozge
Published: May 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their variants equipped with sophisticated weapon systems called unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) have completely changed the classical war strategies and concept of military operations. For guaranteeing the autonomous flight safety and success of the task being performed by these modern aerial vehicles, a path must be determined optimally after considering some kinematic constrains, existence of enemy threats, fuel or battery limitations. Immune plasma algorithm (IP algorithm or IPA) inspired by the implementation steps of a medical method gained popularity with the COVID-19 and known as convalescent or plasma treatment is one of the most recent intelligent optimization or meta-heuristic techniques. In this study, plasma treatment procedure of the IPA was changed with a newly introduced approach called the best individual guidance for short BIG that is based on using the most qualified solution found by the algorithm and three different donors when collecting plasma and BIGIPA was developed as a novel UCAV path planner. For investigating the path planning capabilities of the BIGIPA, a set of detailed experiments was carried out by using different battlefield configurations and assigning various constants to the control parameters such as population size and number of receivers and then obtained results were compared with the results of other path planners based on well-known meta-heuristic algorithms. Experimental studies showed that introduced treatment procedure gives a significant contribution to the convergence performance and qualities of the final solutions especially for the test cases with relatively high dimensionalities and BIGIPA calculates more promising, flight efficient, and safe UCAV paths compared to the tested algorithms.
New constraints on the Neoproterozoic geological evolution of the SE corner of the Arabian Plate (NE Oman)
Authors: Bauer Wilfried , Jacobs Joachim , Callegari Ivan , Scharf Andreas , Schmidt Jonatan , Mattern Frank
Published: May 2024

The Saih Hatat Dome is a tectonic window in northeastern Oman with a NW–SE extent of
c.
95 km and an east–west extent of
c.
50 km, rimmed by the allochthonous Samail Ophiolite and the tectonically underlying nappes composed of sedimentary rocks from the Neo-Tethyan Hawasina Basin. Rocks within the window were affected by high pressure/low-temperature metamorphism during the latest Cretaceous.

Stratigraphically, the Saih Hatat Dome contains a basal, several kilometre thick sequence, made up of low-grade metamorphic volcanosedimentary rocks (Hatat Formation).

U–Pb zircon laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) data from a quartzdiorite dyke, intruding the basal part of the Hatat Formation yielded a crystallization age of 845 +2/−4 Ma, whereas zircons from a quartz keratorphyre have ages of 870 ± 5 Ma. Thus, the basal schists of the Hatat Formation are Tonian in age, similar to Tonian felsic volcanic rocks and a granodioritic intrusion in the Huqf area, 300 km to the south. Detrital zircons from the Hatat Formation show an age peak of 837 Ma with some Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic grains, which have no potential source in the Arabian–Nubian Shield.

Based on the new results, we propose that the Hatat Formation signifies a Tonian back-arc basin, contemporaneous with calc-alkaline igneous intrusions in the Jabal Ja'alan region. Similar calc-alkaline intrusions of comparable ages have been identified in the Mirbat area of Dhofar and the Huqf region in central eastern Oman. We interpret these outcrops as components of a cohesive island arc, characterized by calc-alkaline volcanic rocks and volcanosedimentary back-arc sedimentation. Our model situates these regions off the coast of NW India during the Tonian.
Multimodal Brain Tumor Classification Using Convolutional Tumnet Architecture
Authors: Usha M. Padma , Kannan G. , Ramamoorthy M.
Published: May 2024

The most common and aggressive tumor is brain malignancy, which has a short life span in the fourth grade of the disease. As a result, the medical plan may be a crucial step toward improving the well‐being of a patient. Both diagnosis and therapy are part of the medical plan. Brain tumors are commonly imaged with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and computed tomography (CT). In this paper, multimodal fused imaging with classification and segmentation for brain tumors was proposed using the deep learning method. The MRI and CT brain tumor images of the same slices (308 slices of meningioma and sarcoma) are combined using three different types of pixel‐level fusion methods. The presence/absence of a tumor is classified using the proposed Tumnet technique, and the tumor area is found accordingly. In the other case, Tumnet is also applied for single‐modal MRI/CT (561 image slices) for classification. The proposed Tumnet was modeled with 5 convolutional layers, 3 pooling layers with ReLU activation function, and 3 fully connected layers. The first‐order statistical fusion metrics for an average method of MRI‐CT images are obtained as SSIM tissue at 83%, SSIM bone at 84%, accuracy at 90%, sensitivity at 96%, and specificity at 95%, and the second‐order statistical fusion metrics are obtained as the standard deviation of fused images at 79% and entropy at 0.99. The entropy value confirms the presence of additional features in the fused image. The proposed Tumnet yields a sensitivity of 96%, an accuracy of 98%, a specificity of 99%, normalized values of the mean of 0.75, a standard deviation of 0.4, a variance of 0.16, and an entropy of 0.90.
Unraveling the Intricate Web: Complement Activation Shapes the Pathogenesis of Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy
Authors: Wei Xin , Tu Ye , Bu Shuhong , Guo Guimei , Wang Hongbin , Wang Zhibin
Published: May 2024

Sepsis-associated coagulopathy specifically refers to widespread systemic coagulation activation accompanied by a high risk of hemorrhage and organ damage, which in severe cases manifests as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), or even develops into multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). The complement system and the coagulation system as the main columns of innate immunity and hemostasis respectively undergo substantial activation after sepsis. Dysfunction of the complement, coagulation/fibrinolytic cascades caused by sepsis leads to “thromboinflammation”, which ultimately amplifies the systemic inflammatory response and accelerates the development of MODS. Recent studies have revealed that massive activation of the complement system exacerbates sepsis-induced coagulation and even results in DIC, which suggests that inhibition of complement activation may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of septic coagulopathy. Sepsis-associated thrombosis involves the upregulation or activation of procoagulant factors, down-regulation or inactivation of anticoagulant factors, and impairment of the fibrinolytic mechanism. This review aims to summarize the latest literature and analyze the underlying molecular mechanisms of the activation of the complement system on the abnormal coagulation cascades in sepsis.
Accelerometer‐Measured Behavior Patterns in Incident Cerebrovascular Disease: Insights for Preventative Monitoring From the UK Biobank
Authors: Zawada Stephanie J. , Ganjizadeh Ali , Conte Gian Marco , Demaerschalk Bart M. , Erickson Bradley J.
Published: May 2024

Background

The goal was to compare patterns of physical activity (PA) behaviors (sedentary behavior [SB], light PA, moderate‐to‐vigorous PA [MVPA], and sleep) measured via accelerometers for 7 days between patients with incident cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) (n=2141) and controls (n=73 938).

Methods and Results

In multivariate models, cases spent 3.7% less time in MVPA (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.963 [95% CI, 0.929–0.998]) and 1.0% more time in SB (IRR, 1.010 [95% CI, 1.001–1.018]). Between 12 and 24 months before diagnosis, cases spent more time in SB (IRR, 1.028 [95% CI, 1.001–1.057]). Within the year before diagnosis, cases spent less time in MVPA (IRR, 0.861 [95% CI, 0.771–0.964]). Although SB time was not associated with CeVD risk, MVPA time, both total min/d (hazard ratio [HR], 0.998 [95% CI, 0.997–0.999]) and guideline threshold adherence (≥150 min/wk) (HR, 0.909 [95% CI, 0.827–0.998]), was associated with decreased CeVD risk. Comorbid burden had a significant partial mediation effect on the relationship between MVPA and CeVD. Cases slept more during 12:00 to 17:59 hours (IRR, 1.091 [95% CI, 1.002–1.191]) but less during 0:00 to 5:59 hours (IRR, 0.984 [95% CI, 0.977–0.992]). No between‐group differences were significant at subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

Daily behavior patterns were significantly different in patients before CeVD. Although SB was not associated with CeVD risk, the association between MVPA and CeVD risk is partially mediated by comorbid burden. This study has implications for understanding observable behavior patterns in cerebrovascular dysfunction and may help in developing remote monitoring strategies to prevent or reduce cerebrovascular decline.
One Aspirational Future for India's Higher-Education Sector
Authors: Khanna Tarun
Published: May 2024

Several recent encouraging experiments in Indian higher education suggest a plausible aspirational path toward a more salubrious future than that suggested by an otherwise struggling system. Four case studies of privately conceived and funded universities each exhibit a novel model of collective philanthropy. Typically, each case features multiple entrepreneurs with self-created “new” wealth, often with exposure to Western liberal arts educations, sharing in the university's governance. The university is not hostage to the vagaries of a single family's preferences. Encouragingly, each experiment here has built on its predecessors, and an entrepreneurial ecosystem has emerged that has privileged pedagogical excellence. However, formal research still lags. It remains to be seen whether the latter lacunae can be remedied without concerted public funding that is the norm in Western educational landscapes.
The Rise of University Colleges in Europe: A New Future for Liberal Arts & Sciences in the Twenty-First Century?
Authors: van der Wende Marijk C.
Published: May 2024

Starting in the late 1990s, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of liberal arts and science colleges in the Netherlands. Primarily international and often residential colleges, they became the selective or honors branches of virtually all Dutch research universities. Why did they emerge then and there? How can this innovation be characterized and understood in the context of the Dutch higher-education landscape of the time? And why did the model become more popular in the Netherlands than throughout the rest of Europe? The model benefits from being embedded in strong research universities, and having ample financial support and autonomy. Yet their future success will depend on their ability to uphold their liberal values and mission, throughout illiberal storms hitting the continent and against internal threats to academic freedom.
The Pandora's Box of Fudan Hungary
Authors: Révész Ágota
Published: May 2024

A Chinese university opening a campus in the so-called “West” for the first time would have been a major advancement in the globalizing strategy of Chinese higher education. Yet the case of Fudan University opening its first European campus in Hungary seems to have contained several pitfalls from the start. This essay highlights some of them, such as the effects of a Cold War context on national higher-education strategies and the uncertain future of internationalization in higher education. The way the discourse around the university developed proved to be a Pandora's box unleashing woes: it showed that efforts to globalize higher education have become subordinate to geopolitical considerations and are regarded as questions of national loyalty, particularly in states involved in a growing resurgence of Cold War-type coalitions.
Imagination in Experiences of Visual Art: An Investigation in Phenomenological Psychology
Authors: Essom-Stenz Anders , Roald Tone
Published: May 2024

In this article, we demonstrate empirically that imagination is fundamental in experiences of visual art. We do so through phenomenological interviews and analysis in dialogue with works of the phenomenologists Mikel Dufrenne, Edmund Husserl and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. We challenge Dufrenne’s delimiting of imagination to a pre-reflective power of synthesis, and argue in favor of a more comprehensive psychological understanding of imagination, which encompasses psychological differences in actual lived experience. Our analysis shows how imagination is necessarily part of experiences with visual art, as it provides ways of exploring and unfolding the expressions of the work of art. Such experiences are therefore characterized by a close relation between imagination and perception, as well as an affective lining which belongs to our imaginings.
Evaluation and treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients taking anticoagulants presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Singer Adam J. , Abraham Neena S. , Ganti Latha , Peacock W. Frank , Dark Janaé , Ishaq Hajirah , Negrete Ana , Mount Brandon , Neuenschwander James
Published: May 2024

This manuscript is a consensus document of an expert panel on the Evaluation and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients Taking Anticoagulants Presenting to the Emergency Department, sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians.
The performance of homopolymer detection using dichromatic and tetrachromatic fluorogenic next-generation sequencing platforms
Authors: Chen HuiJuan , Wang Bing , Cai LiLi , Zhang YiRan , Shu YingShuang , Liu Wen , Leng Xue , Zhai JinCheng , Niu BeiFang , Zhou QiMing , Cao ShuNan
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Homopolymer (HP) sequencing is error-prone in next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays, and may induce false insertion/deletions and substitutions. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of dichromatic and tetrachromatic fluorogenic NGS platforms when sequencing homopolymeric regions.

Results

A HP-containing plasmid was constructed and diluted to serial frequencies (3%, 10%, 30%, 60%) to determine the performance of an MGISEQ-2000, MGISEQ-200, and NextSeq 2000 in HP sequencing. An evident negative correlation was observed between the detected frequencies of four nucleotide HPs and the HP length. Significantly decreased rates (P < 0.01) were found in all 8-mer HPs in all three NGS systems at all four expected frequencies, except in the NextSeq 2000 at 3%. With the application of a unique molecular identifier (UMI) pipeline, there were no differences between the detected frequencies of any HPs and the expected frequencies, except for poly-G 8-mers using the MGI 200 platform. UMIs improved the performance of all three NGS platforms in HP sequencing.

Conclusions

We first constructed an HP-containing plasmid based on an EGFR gene backbone to evaluate the performance of NGS platforms when sequencing homopolymeric regions. A highly comparable performance was observed between the MGISEQ-2000 and NextSeq 2000, and introducing UMIs is a promising approach to improve the performance of NGS platforms in sequencing homopolymeric regions.