bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The probability density function of the surface electromyogram and its dependence on contraction force in the vastus lateralis
Authors: Rodriguez-Falces Javier , Malanda Armando , Mariscal Cristina , Recalde Silvia , Navallas Javier
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The probability density function (PDF) of the surface electromyogram (sEMG) depends on contraction force. This dependence, however, has so far been investigated by having the subject generate force at a few fixed percentages of MVC. Here, we examined how the shape of the sEMG PDF changes with contraction force when this force was gradually increased from zero. Methods: Voluntary surface EMG signals were recorded from the vastus lateralis of healthy subjects as force was increased in a continuous manner vs. in a step-wise fashion. The sEMG filling process was examined by measuring the EMG filling factor, computed from the non-central moments of the rectified sEMG signal. Results: (1) For many subjects, as contraction force increased from 0 to 10% MVC, the sEMG PDF shape oscillated back and forth between the semi-degenerate and the Gaussian distribution. (2) The PDF-force relation varied greatly among subjects for forces between 0 and ~ 10% MVC, but this variability was largely reduced for forces above 10% MVC. (3) The pooled analysis showed that, as contraction force gradually increased, the sEMG PDF evolved rapidly from the semi-degenerate towards the Laplacian distribution from 0 to 5% MVC, and then more slowly from the Laplacian towards the Gaussian distribution for higher forces. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the dependence of the sEMG PDF shape on contraction force can only be reliably assessed by gradually increasing force from zero, and not by performing a few constant-force contractions. The study also showed that the PDF-force relation differed greatly among individuals for contraction forces below 10% MVC, but this variability was largely reduced when force increased above 10% MVC.
Fear of Contagion and Consumption Expectations: Evidence Using Government Communications of Case Fatality Rates during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rose Giuseppe , Ordine Patrizia , De Luca Desirè
Published: May 2024

Using Italian microdata from the Bank of Italy’s Special Survey, we study the causal effects of fear of Covid-19 on consumption expectations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Identification is achieved by exploiting the fact that information disseminated by official press releases about mortality in cases of contagion differentiated between groups of different ages. Since the 50-59 and 60-69 (years of age) groups manifested a marked jump in the mortality rate (2 deaths per hundred cases and 1 death per ten cases respectively), we firstly evaluate whether the fear of contagion and consumption expectations are discontinuous at the threshold and then we apply a fuzzy regression discontinuity design to evaluate the causal effect of fear of contagion on consumption expectations. Results demonstrate that the impact of the pandemic on consumption expectations operates markedly through households’ fear of contagion.
JEL Codes: D91, D84, D10.
Dissolved Ba as discriminator between two adjacent karst catchments that are both subject to allogenic recharge (Sohodol valley, Vâlcan Mountains, Romania)
Authors: Cruceru Nicolae , Mitrofan Horia , Marin Constantin , Vlaicu Marius , Naidin Cornel , Constantinescu Gabriel , Tudorache Alin , Niculae Lucica
Published: May 2024

In a fluviokarst region, three seldom used natural tracers, SiO2, Na and Ba, were considered for tracking the allogenic, silicate-derived water contribution to cave streams and to final karst outflows. The concerned allogenic recharge originates in watersheds that consist of metamorphic formations intruded by magmatic rocks, for which available whole rock chemistry data indicate rather uniform contents of SiO2 and Na, but contrasting (up to one order of magnitude) contents of Ba. All three considered natural tracers proved to behave, along karst flowpaths, conservatively, and indicated binary mixing between allogenic and autogenic inputs. However, only the dissolved Ba concentrations enabled chemical distinction to be made between two separate, adjacent karst catchments: one having allogenic inputs presumably derived mainly from the weathering of Ba-rich rocks (essentially granites), while the other had allogenic recharge originating mostly in the weathering of Ba-poor formations. In contrast, if only the sampled waters SiO2 and Na concentrations had been considered, it would have been virtually impossible to establish if the two adjacent karst catchments were distinct - or not - from each other. When considering each of the two karst catchments separately, the concentrations distribution of each of the three natural tracers, SiO2, Na and Ba, consistently indicated that between a swallet and a connected cave stream, then further between cave streams and final karst outflows, the allogenic water relative contribution gradually diminished to the benefit of autogenic water.
Analysis of picking characteristics of blueberry by air blowing
Authors: Bao Yudong , Zhang Jingyang , Zhao Yafei
Published: May 2024

Aiming at the possible damage to blueberry trees and fruits caused by existing contact vibration picking devices, this study focused on the principle of air blowing picking technology and the flow rate and distance of the air. By applying the theory of fluid mechanics, the attenuation characteristics of free jet in blueberry tree canopy were analyzed, and the related factors affecting the length of jet core region and the attenuation of air velocity in canopy were revealed. A numerical simulation method was used to establish the relationship between the length of the jet core region and the diameter of the outlet, and experimental evidence was verified by the free jet velocity attenuation, the velocity change of the blueberry tree canopy and the gas blowing picking test platform to ensure the accuracy of the numerical simulation results. In this study, fluid-structure coupling numerical simulation under the action of air flow was carried out, and the motion characteristics of the hanging branches and main branches of blueberry under the action of air flow were obtained, and the effective range of air flow parameters for realizing the non-contact shedding of blueberry fruit was preliminarily determined. Finally, this paper successfully completed the picking characteristics and numerical simulation of the air blowing blueberry picking process, and determined that the optimal picking of blueberries can be effectively achieved when the flow rate is 60m/s and the operating distance is between 100mm and 400mm. These research results provide important theoretical guidance and experimental parameters for the design of air-blown blueberry pickers in the future.
Comparison of Thermal Insulation Performance of Foam Extruded Black EPS
Authors: Erünal Ebru
Published: May 2024

The foam extrusion process to obtain lower thermal valued expanded polystyrene insulation board materials was investigated. Samples with either carbon black or graphite powder were prepared with different starting polystyrene raw materials. The raw materials were selected as commercial general purposed polystyrene and commercial expandable polystyrene, respectively. The density of the prepared materials increased with the addition of carbon black to all samples. The compatibility of graphite powder with general purpose polystyrene during foam extrusion process was observed to be better than expandable polystyrene in terms of glass transition temperatures and thermal insulation values. The best glass transition temperature was measured as 107.5 ºC while the best thermal conductivity value was recorded as 0.2997 W/m.K.
Efficient Identification of Multi-Link Inverted Pendulums via Global Optimization
Authors: Ozana Stepan , Slanina Zdenek , Deb Dipankar , Dalwadi Nihal , Martinek Radek
Published: May 2024

Multi-link inverted pendulum systems pose intricate challenges in control theory and robotics, requiring precise dynamic parameter identification to achieve stability and robustness in control strategy design. We present a novel and efficient experimental identification procedure formulated as an optimization problem based on simple short-term datasets and metaheuristic global optimizers. We use a training dataset for identification and validation dataset to evaluate and analyze the obtained results. The study incorporates three distinct global optimization techniques, namely Stochastic Fractal Search (SFS), Growth Optimizer, and Differential Evolution (DEoptim), selected as candidates to handle the identification of multi-link pendulums and similar extremely demanding optimization jobs to be used when controlling modern mechatronic systems. We illustrate that DEoptim dominates over other global optimizers in several aspects. The proposed identification procedure is innovative, adaptable, and simple, relying solely on selected measurable signals sans further signal processing. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for parameter identification in diverse domains. The results are supported by experiments with the laboratory triple pendulum setup and simulation experiments on a virtual quadruple inverted pendulum.
GANLI: Elevating Natural Language Inference through Advanced Gated Attention Mechanisms
Authors: He Fengchen , Lu Jianfeng
Published: May 2024

In the fields of Knowledge Representation and Knowledge Discovery, enhancing the accuracy of Natural Language Inference (NLI) is crucial for developing systems capable of advanced knowledge extraction and processing. This paper introduces the Gated Attention Natural Language Inference (GANLI) model, designed with an innovative gated attention mechanism to significantly improve performance in these critical areas. Our evaluations show that GANLI achieves a 2.1% improvement in accuracy on the Stanford Natural Language Inference (SNLI) benchmark and an 14.8% increase on the Multi-Genre Natural Language Inference (MNLI) benchmark. These advancements demonstrate GANLI’s superior ability to discern and represent complex knowledge structures hidden in natural language. The model not only enhances the precision of knowledge discovery tasks but also facilitates more effective knowledge presentation, crucial for applications such as intelligent data analysis and automated decision-making systems. The success of the GANLI model underscores its potential to transform the field by enabling more nuanced and context-aware interpretations of textual data.
Reconstructing Isometry Groups From Killing Vector Fields
Authors: Rodrigues Thales B. S. F. , Rizzuti B. F.
Published: May 2024

This work aims to explore a novel relation between Killing vector fields and Lie algebras using induced vector fields. On one hand, Killing vector fields on a (pseudo) Riemannian manifold are related to directions of local isometries along it. On the other hand, group elements are responsible for global isometries in physical systems, such as the elements of the groups \(SO(3)\) and \(SO(1,3)\) acting in space and space-time. In this sense, the main objective of this manuscript is to reconstruct such groups (together with translations), after establishing the connection between Killing vector fields and elements of the Lie algebra corresponding to such Lie groups, using mainly the definition of induced vector fields.
Protocol to develop and pilot a primary mental healthcare intervention model to address the medium- to long-term Ebola associated psychological Distress and psychosocial problems in Mubende District in central Uganda (the Ebola+D project)
Authors: Kinyanda Eugene , Kyohangirwe Leticia , Mpango Richard S. , Tusiime Christine , Rutakumwa Rwamahe , Ssebunnya Joshua , Obuku Andrew , Kiconco Barbra , Sekitoleko Isaac , Sentongo Hafsa , Kalani Kenneth , Muhwezi Wilson , Greco Giulia , Baltra Ricardo Araya , Knizek Birthe Loa , Kaleebu Pontiano , Mondelli Valeria , Kyegombe Nambusi , Tenywa Patrick , Amanyire Philip , Ssembajjwe Wilber , Lund Prof Crick
Published: May 2024

Background: Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) presents significant global health challenges, including high mortality and substantial physical morbidity among patients and survivors. Beyond immediate health impacts, EVD survivors, frontline healthcare workers, and community members face profound mental health and psychosocial issues. Over 35 EVD outbreaks have occurred in Africa since 1976, often in the context of fragile health systems and chronic conflict, complicating the response to mental health needs. Uganda has experienced seven outbreaks, the latest from September 20, 2022, to January 11, 2023, affecting nine districts, with Mubende as the epicenter. The Mental Health Focus Area of the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, in collaboration with Uganda’s Ministry of Health, has initiated the development and piloting of the Ebola+D mental health intervention to address the medium- and long-term mental health consequences of Ebola in the Mubende district. This intervention will be a collaborative stepped care model based on the successful HIV+D intervention in Uganda and the MANAS intervention in India.
Methods: Participatory, theory-informed approaches will be employed in Mubende district to develop the Ebola+D mental health intervention. This will involve four steps: i) adaptation of the HIV+D collaborative stepped care mental health intervention into primary health care in Mubende district to produce the Ebola+D mental health intervention; ii) adaptation and translation of the Problem Solving Therapy for Primary Care (PST-PC) treatment manual to the local rural situation in Mubende district; iii) a pilot study to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and impact of the Ebola+D mental health intervention on mental health outcomes; and iv) a health economics component to examine the costs of the Ebola + D mental health intervention.
Discussion: The findings from this study will inform future mental health and psychosocial interventions in Ebola-affected communities in Africa.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT06093646. Registered 22 September 2023, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06093646
An update on polar magnetotaxis: Insights from hanging drop assays and microcosm experiments
Authors: Mao Xuegang , Egli Ramon , Petersen Nikolai , Liu Xiuming
Published: May 2024

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) combine passive alignment with the Earth magnetic field with a chemotactic response (magneto-chemotaxis) to reach their optimal living depth in chemically stratified environments. Current magneto-aerotaxis models fail to explain the occurrence of MTB far below the oxic-anoxic interface and the coexistence of MTB cells with opposite magnetotactic polarity at depths that are unrelated with the redox gradient. Here we propose a modified model of polar magnetotaxis which explains these observations, as well as the distinct concentration profiles and magnetotactic advantages of two types of MTB inhabiting a freshwater sediment: Magnetobacterium bavaricum (MB) and a group unidentified, wild-type cocci (MC). This model assumed that magnetotactic polarity is set by a threshold mechanism in counter gradients of oxygen and a second group of repellents, with, in case of MB, includes H+ ions. Depending on the position of the two repellent thresholds in a vertical redox gradient, MTB possessing this type of polar magnetotaxis either accumulate around a preferred depth where the opposed stimuli set by the two repellents are equivalent, or shuttle between two limit depths across the redox gradient (redox taxis). We show that MB belongs to the latter category, as previously postulated for MB and other members of the Nitrospirae group. Microcosm experiments suggest that redox taxis might be assisted by a partial control of magnetotactic polarity by cell metabolism, which helps maintaining a consistent polarity bias during shuttling. Our model of polar magnetotaxis supports a large variety of magnetotactic behaviors, depending on the position of the two repellent thresholds in a redox gradient, enabling different types of MTB to occupy different ecological niches in the same environment.
Population-Based Study on Lifestyle in São Paulo City: What Has Changed Over More Than a Decade?
Authors: Figueiredo Tatiane Kosimenko Ferrari , Alves Maria Cecília Goi Porto , Barros Marilisa Berti Azevedo , Goldbaum Moisés , Fisberg Regina Mara , Santos Edigê Felipe de Sousa , Cesar Chester Luiz Galvão
Published: May 2024

Background: modifiable risk factors related to lifestyle have possible low-cost interventions and, although potentially relevant in defining the epidemiological profile of the population and being associated with decreased early mortality from cardiovascular disease, these are not being monitored so that they can be assessed globally. So, the purpose of the study was to describe, analyze, and compare the lifestyle in the city of São Paulo in 2003 and 2015.
Methods: this is a cross-sectional, population-based study that utilized data from the Health Survey of the City of São Paulofrom 2003 and 2015, selecting individuals of both sexes, aged 12 years and older. The study evaluated smoking, leisure-time physical activity, dependency, abusive alcohol consumption, frequent alcohol consumption, intake of fruits, vegetables, and greens, and overweight. Prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each lifestyle-related variable in 2003 and 2015, according to age group, sex, and education level. Poisson regression models were used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios by age group, sex, and education level.
Results: between 2003 and 2015, smoking decreased by 15% overall, 39% among adolescents, and 15% among adults. Insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, and greens decreased by 7% overall, 11% among adults, 8% in males, 7% in females, 7% in those with intermediate education, and 17% in those with higher education. Frequent alcohol consumption decreased by 25.8% among those with higher education. Overweight increased by 37% overall, with significant increases in all age, gender, and educational categories.
Conclusions: smoking, frequent alcohol consumption, and insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, and greens showed positive decreases. Conversely, overweight exhibited negative increases across all analyzed categories. Given the existence of current public policies related to the presented risk factors, there is a need for evaluation and improvement of existing policies, especially those intervening in factors with the worst outcomes.
Evidence for causal effects of serum trace minerals on risk of gastric diseases: A mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Zerong , Zhao Lulu , Luan Xiaoyi , Niu Penghui , Wang Wanqing , Han Xue , Chen Yingtai
Published: May 2024

Background
The causal association of serum trace minerals with gastric diseases have investigated in several observational studies. However, the results are conflicting and establishing causality has always been a challenge due to potential residual confounding. We conducted this mendelian randomization (MR) analysis aiming to explain the causal effects of serum trace minerals on risk for gastric diseases.
Methods
32 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with serum trace minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper, selenium, zinc) in published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were applied as instrumental variables (IVs). GWAS summary data for gastric diseases were obtained from the UK Biobank, the FinnGen consortium and Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit (MRC-IEU) OpenGWAS project. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was the main method of mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Cochran’s Q statistics, Rucker’s Q test, MR-PRESSO and MR-Egger intercept were used to assess pleiotropy and heterogeneity.
Results
A protective effect of serum calcium against gastric polyp (IVW: OR: 0.989, 95%CI 0.981 − 0.971, p = 0.009) and a hazardous effect against chronic gastritis (IVW: OR: 1.008, 95%CI 1.001–1.016, p = 0.034; Weighted median: OR: 1.009, 95%CI 1.002–1.016, p = 0.009) were found. Genetically predicted serum magnesium was causally associated with increased risks of gastric polyp (Weighted median: OR: 1.040, 95%CI 1.020–1.064, p = 0.035) and gastric cancer (MR-Egger: OR: 3.3e + 17, 95%CI 1.9e + 10-5.9e + 24, p = 0.009). Suggestive associations with decreased risk of gastric polyp (IVW: OR: 0.998, 95%CI 0.997–0.999, p = 0.047) and gastric cancer (IVW: OR: 0.851, 95%CI 0.773–0.988, p = 0.035) were noted for genetically predicted serum iron. Genetic liability to serum selenium was significantly and inversely associated with gastric disorder (IVW: OR: 0.987, 95%CI 0.979–0.995, p = 0.002; Weighted median: OR: 0.988, 95%CI 0.979–0.998, p = 0.024), gastric ulcer (IVW: OR: 0.987, 95%CI 0.981–0.994, p = 0.0002; Weighted median: OR: 0.988, 95%CI 0.980–0.996, p = 0.003) and chronic gastritis (IVW: OR: 0.993, 95%CI 0.987–0.998, p = 0.012). Genetically predicted serum copper caused increased risk of gastric ulcer (IVW: OR: 1.001, 95%CI 1.000-1.002, p = 0.032). Causal relationships between zinc (p > 0.05), phosphorus (p > 0.05) and gastric diseases were not obtained. The reliability of the results was verified by sensitivity analysis.
Conclusion
The study provided MR evidence of causal associations of serum calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and selenium with gastric diseases. Specifically, a positive causal relationship was observed between serum magnesium levels and gastric cancer risk, while serum iron levels were inversely associated with gastric cancer.
The Ecological System’s Influence on Physical Activities of Older Adults: Comparison between Older Men and Women
Authors: Roh Su Yeon , Chang Ik Young
Published: May 2024

Background
Korea is expected to become a super-aged society by 2025. Research has shown that regular participation in physical activity has a positive impact on older adults’ health and reduces national health costs.
Aims
Drawing on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model, this study examines ecological systems that influence physical activity in older men and women.
Method
The data analysis included information on 537 older adults aged 65 years and older residing in South Korea. The regression analysis identified differences in the ecological systems that influence physical activity in older adults by sex.
Results
By examining the ecological systems that affect physical activity in older men, we found that the macrosystem affected the exosystem (p < .001) and microsystem (p < .001), the exosystem affected the mesosystem (p < .01), and the microsystem affected individuals (p < .001). In the case of older women, the macrosystem affected the exosystem (p < .001), microsystem (p < .001), and individuals (p < .01); the exosystem affected the microsystem (p < .01), and the microsystem affected individuals (p < .001).
Discussion and Conclusion
The results show that interpersonal interactions among friends, family members, and colleagues (microsystem) commonly affect physical activity in older men and women, whereas cultural characteristics that influence belief systems, knowledge, resources, and lifestyle factors (macrosystem) only affect physical activity in older women. These results suggest that older men do not receive sufficient support from the macrosystem in terms of their participation in physical activity. To encourage older men to participate in more physical activities, it is necessary to establish policies that help them form positive values and beliefs about physical activity.
Multiple scales analysis for the slowest flow of a particle on a horizontally vibrating frictional table
Authors: Manthena Dheeraj Varma , Vyasarayani C. P. , Chatterjee Anindya
Published: May 2024

In recent work we examined frictionally driven motions of a point mass on a horizontally shaken table. Specifically, we examined an open-loop table motion that sends the sliding point mass approach a fixed point in space. Numerics followed by multiple scales analysis revealed three time scales: one fast time scale of the table oscillation, one slow time scale of a spiralling-in motion with superposed slow oscillations, and a slowest time scale of non-oscillatory approach to the fixed point. Of these, the motion at the intermediate or slow scale was captured using multiple scales analysis. In the present work, we further analyze the slow motions to remove the slow oscillations and extract the super-slow spiralling-in motion which is of primary interest. The problem presents interesting analytical aspects. While in the first mutiple-scales analysis we used asymptotic approximations of some integrals, here we encounter logarithmic nonlinearities that cause difficulties. Fortunately, using a Fourier series expansion, we can extract the relevant integrals and the multiple scales analysis is successful again. While our results are based on assuming the table oscillation frequency is large and the friction is small, our demonstration of the doubly averaged motion towards the fixed point is more broadly convincing and presents interesting academic elements as well. This paper concludes the asymptotic analysis of a stable attractor for a frictionally driven point mass. We emphasize that such a stable attractor for purely horizontal open-loop motions of the table had not been reported in the literature before.
Dang-Gui-Si-Ni decoction facilitates wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers by regulating expression of AGEs/RAGE/TGF-β/Smad2/3
Authors: Zhang Shuyang , Xu Yanwen , junior Chenyang Zhang , Chen Xiao , Zhu Jiayan
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a predominant complication of diabetes mellitus with poor prognosis accompanied by high amputation and mortality rates. Dang-Gui-Si-Ni decoction (DSD), as a classic formula with a long history in China, has been found to improve DFU symptoms. However, mechanism of DSD for DFU therapy remains unclear with no systematic elaboration.
Methods
In vivo, following establishment of DFU rat model, DSD intervention with low, medium and high doses was done, with Metformin (DM) as a positive control group. With wound healing detection, pathological changes by HE staining, inflammatory factor expression by ELISA and qRT-PCR, oxidative stress levels by ELISA, and AGEs/RAGE/TGF-β/Smad2/3 expression by Western blot were performed. In vitro, intervention with LY2109761 (TGF-β pathway inhibitor) based on DSD treatment in human dermal fibroblast-adult (HDF-a) cells was made. Cell viability by CCK8, migration ability by cell scratch, apoptosis by flow cytometry, and AGEs/RAGE/TGF-β/Smad2/3 expression by Western blot were measured.
Results
DFU rats exhibited elevated AGEs/RAGE expression, whereas decreased TGF-β1 and p-Smad3/Smad3 protein expression, accompanied by higher IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α levels, and oxidative stress. DSD intervention reversed above effects. Glucose induction caused lower cell viability, migration, TGF-β1 and p-Smad3/Smad3 protein expression, with increased apoptosis and AGEs/RAGE expression in HDF-a cells. These effects were reversed after DSD intervention, and further LY2109761 intervention inhibited DSD effects in cells.
Conclusion
DSD intervention may facilitates wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers by regulating expression of AGEs/RAGE/TGF-β/Smad2/3, providing scientific experimental evidence for DSD clinical application for DFU therapy.
Nitrogen-enriched chitosan. Strategies for Amino Acid Molecule Attachment
Authors: Wolczko Marta
Published: May 2024

Chitosan, a polysaccharide derived from chitin, has gained significant attention as a promising solid adsorbent due to its unique properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and good adsorption capacity. Its abundant amino and hydroxyl groups offer numerous functionalization opportunities, allowing for the development of tailored adsorbents with enhanced performance in various applications. This publication explores the potential of chitosan as a solid adsorbent and focuses specifically on strategies for attaching amino acid molecules to chitosan. Many attempts have been made to combine chitosan with an amino acid, but the best results were obtained by combining the activation of chitosan with hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) and simultaneous activation of the amino acid with the carbodiimide EDC. The reaction occurs in water, thus adhering to the principles of green chemistry. Substitution of every fourth chitosan sugar unit with a natural amino acid L-glycine was obtained. Other amino acids have also been successfully substituted into the chitosan sugar backbone. Furthermore, chitosan is derived from waste materials generated by the seafood industry, the utilization of materials based on it represents a way to reduce the quantity of such waste.
Baseline Tumor Burden is Associated with Bone Marrow Involvement in Low-grade
Authors: Chen Yanyan , Wang Jijin , Zhong Wenhuan , Guo Jiangrui , Qiu Yanyan , Liu Tianxiu , Zheng Hao , Chen Silin , Liao Siqin , Zhao Ruizhi , Shi Guiqing , Tang Tianlan , Lin Yuping , Huang Cheng , Chen Jinhua , Liu Tingbo , Zhang Yujing , Yang Yong
Published: May 2024

Background
Bone marrow biopsy (BMB) is a cornerstone in the staging of aggressive lymphomas, yet its relevance in indolent lymphomas remains under scrutiny. This study assessed the utility of BMB in positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) staging for low-grade follicular lymphomas (FL).
Methods
This retrospective study analyzed the records of patients newly diagnosed with low-grade (grade 1–2) FL who underwent initial staging with both PET/CT and BMB at two Chinese institutions from 2010 to 2022. Data for a cohort of 171 patients were analyzed, 27 had positive BMB results.
Results
Using BMB as the benchmark for diagnostic accuracy, PET/CT demonstrated an overall accuracy of 86.5% in detecting BM involvement. BMB led to the reclassification of 13 patients to stage IV disease who were initially evaluated as stage III via PET/CT. In patients with advanced-stage disease, positive BMB results correlated with extramedullary tumor burden. Patients were stratified as low-, intermediate-, and high-risk using four independent BMB-positive risk factors: sex, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score > 1, elevated beta2 micro-globulin levels, and involvement of more than four lymph node regions. The BMB-positive rates for the risk categories were 5.6%, 40.7%, and 68.8%, respectively. Over a median follow-up period of 34 months, there was no observed survival difference between BMB-positive and BMB-negative patients.
Conclusions
Baseline PET/CT can safely and effectively substitute for BMB in the staging of early-stage, low-grade FL. However, in patients with advanced-stage disease, routine BMB provides additional diagnostic value over PET/CT. The rate of BMB positivity is strongly linked to tumor burden.
RETRACTED: Normative Data for the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in a Representative Sample of Qatar’s Arabic Speaking Healthy Population
Authors: Amro Iman , Hamadi Aisha M. Al , Salem Alaa A. El , Chivese Tawanda , Wilkins Stacy S. , Khaled Salma M.
Published: May 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Artificial intelligence-based prediction of neurocardiovascular risk score from retinal swept-source microvascular imaging: the RASTA dataset
Authors: Germanese Clement , Anwer Atif , Eid Petra , Steinberg Laure-Anne , Guenancia Charles , Gabrielle Pierre-Henry , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine , Meriaudeau Fabrice , Arnould Louis
Published: May 2024

The recent rise of artificial intelligence represents a revolutionary way of improving current medical practices, including cardiovascular (CV) assessment scores. Retinal vascular alterations may reflect systemic processes such as the presence of CV risk factors. The value of swept-source retinal optical coherence tomography–angiography (SS OCT-A) imaging is significantly enhanced by image analysis tools that provide rapid and accurate quantification of vascular features. We report on the interest of using machine-learning (ML) and deep-learning (DL) models for CV assessment from SS OCT-A microvasculature imaging. We assessed the accuracy of ML and DL algorithms in predicting the CHA2DS2-VASc neurocardiovascular score based on SS OCT-A retinal images of patients from the open-source RASTA dataset. The ML and DL models were trained on data from 491 patients. The ML models tested here achieved good performance with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.71 to 0.96. According to a classification into two or three CV risk groups, the EfficientNetV2-B3 tool predicted risk correctly in 39% and 68% of cases, respectively, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of approximately 0.697. Our models enable a confident prediction of the CHA2DS2-VASc score from SS OCT-A imaging, which could be a useful tool contributing to the assessment of neurocardiovascular profiles in the future.
Assessment of the β-Ga2O3 substrate orientation for µm-level-thick layers via MOVPE process
Authors: Chou Ta-Shun , Anooz Saud Bin , Rehm Jana , Fiedler Andreas , Galazka Zbigniew , Albrecht Martin , Popp Andreas
Published: May 2024

This study explores the transfer of optimized growth conditions from (100) to (010) orientation in β-Ga2O3 films via the metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) process, aiming to uncover a shared growth window. While (100) orientation demands intentional substrate treatment for ideal growth, (010) orientation requires specific growth conditions to lower surface roughness. Our findings reveal that a low O2/Ga flux ratio growth condition enables a uniform process for both orientations across various film thicknesses with smooth surface roughness. Notably, extended defects (nanopipes) manifest prominently in EFG-grown substrates impact film quality (hillock formation) and electrical properties in films of > 3 µm thick. Nanopipes-free Czochralski-grown crystals enable thick films (4 µm) without deteriorating their structural quality and electrical properties.
Decreased impulsiveness and MEG normalization after AI- digital therapy in ADHD children: a RCT
Authors: Bilan Danylyna Shpakivska , Giglioli Irene Alice Chicchi , Cuesta Pablo , Cañadas Elena , de Ramón Ignacio , Maestú Fernando , Alda Jose , Ramos-Quiroga Josep Antoni , Herrera Jorge A. , Amado Alfonso , Quintero Javier
Published: May 2024

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) presents with symptoms like impulsiveness, inattention, and hyperactivity, often affecting children’s academic and social functioning. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as digital cognitive therapy, are emerging as complementary treatments for ADHD. The randomized controlled trial explored the impact of an AI-driven digital cognitive program on impulsiveness, inattentiveness, and neurophysiological markers in 41 children aged 8–12 with ADHD. Participants received either 12 weeks of AI-driven therapy or a placebo intervention. Assessments were conducted pre- and post-intervention and magnetoencephalography (MEG) analyzed brain activity. Results showed significant reductions in impulsiveness and inattentiveness scores in the treatment group, associated with normalized MEG spectral profiles, indicating neuromaturation. Notably, improvements in inhibitory control correlated with spectral profile normalization in the parieto-temporal cortex. Improvements in inhibitory control, linked to normalized spectral profiles, suggest AI-driven digital cognitive therapy can reduce impulsiveness in ADHD children by enhancing neurophysiological efficiency. This emphasizes personalized, technology-driven ADHD treatment, using neurophysiological markers for assessing efficacy.
Uniquome: Construction and Decoding of a Novel Proteomic Atlas that Contains New Peptide Entities
Authors: Kontopodis Evangelos , Pierros Vasileios , Vorgias Constantinos E. , Papassideri Issidora S. , Stravopodis Dimitrios J. , Tsangaris George Th.
Published: May 2024

Cellular and molecular uniqueness has recently gained eminent importance, due to the large amount of data produced by “-omics” technologies. Herein, we have constructed and decoded the “Uniquome”, by introduction of the new peptide entities: (a) “Core Unique Peptide” (CrUP), defined as the peptide whose sequence is accommodated, specifically and exclusively, only in one protein in a given proteome, and also bears the minimum length of amino acid sequence; (b) “Composite Unique Peptide” (CmUP), defined as the peptide composed by the linear unification of CrUPs, when two or more successive in order CrUPs overlap one another; (c) “Family Unique Peptide” (FUP), defined as the CrUPs that are common between all members of a given family, but unique only for the protein members of the particular family, and (d) “Universal Unique Peptides” (UUPs), which are the common CrUPs in a given protein across organisms, carrying the important ability to securely identify a protein independently of an organism. By these entities as tool-box, we have analyzed the human and model organisms, respective, proteomes. We demonstrate that these novel peptide entities play a crucial role for protein identification, protein-function prediction, cell physiology, tissue pathology, therapeutic oncology and translational medicine. Finally, we suggest that across species the conserved sequences are not DNA nucleotides but CrUPs entities.
Reasons for Gambling in University Students, Loneliness? A study on sports science students
Authors: seydioglu Cüneyt , Yagci Ihsan
Published: May 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the reasons behind university students' gambling and especially to examine the relationship between loneliness and gambling. The population of the research consists of the students of the Faculty of Sports Sciences in Istanbul. The sample consisted of 1051 volunteer students of the Faculty of Sports Sciences selected by random method. The study data were obtained through Personal Information Form, Reasons for Gambling Scale and UCLA Loneliness Scale. The sample group of the study consisted of students from 5 private and 2 foundation universities with a Faculty of Sports Sciences who had played at least one of the online games, sports betting, horse racing, lottery, card/table games and numerical lotto games with money in the last 3 months. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS 25.0 package programme and the significance level was set as 0.05. According to the findings obtained as a result of the study, it was determined that students studying at private universities need to gamble for the reason of earning money, while students studying at public universities have a high urge to have fun / excitement as a reason for gambling. In addition, it was determined that students who do not work need to gamble for the reason of earning money. As another result, it was determined that students who do not do sports as a licensed athlete feel themselves more lonely than licensed athletes. In line with the main purpose of the study, it was concluded that loneliness triggers the urge to gamble.
Transportation Mobility During COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Basunia Aditya , Muttaqi Azwad , Bhuiyan Md. Rifat Hossain , Badhon Farhan Anjum
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously affected global transportation mobility, presenting unprecedented challenges to transportation management. The ridership of public transit and ride-halling services reduced drastically which transcended the inclination towards private vehicles. Furthermore, the pandemic drastically affected the travel pattern and transportation mobility of individuals due to the implication of various COVID-19 protocols. Despite majority of research gravitating towards traffic demand and mode choice modeling, the logical reasoning, and behavioral changes associated to the findings were sporadically studied. This study conducted a comprehensive review of 96 academic papers from reputable journals spanning January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022, focusing on small-distance mobility in developed, developing, and underdeveloped nations utilizing the Scopus database. The review identified three major themes: “Impact on Ride-Hailing Services,” “Impact on Mode Preference,” and “Impact on Trip Purpose.” Each theme was subdivided based on keywords and key findings extracted using VOSviewer. The study revealed that the pandemic significantly affected ride-hailing services, leading to changes in demand, usage, service, and safety measures. Mode preference saw a shift towards private vehicles due to safety concerns. The study underscores the long-term implications of the pandemic, emphasizing recovery strategies for ride-hailing services and mode preferences post-pandemic. It highlights the need for sustainable transportation policies, advocating for enhanced public transportation systems, promotion of active travel modes, and addressing socioeconomic disparities in mobility patterns. Ultimately, the findings illuminate the paradigm shift in travel behavior, mode choices, and trip purposes, emphasizing the imperative for resilient transportation strategies in the face of future disruptions.
ClassDiagGen Tool: Fine-Tuning the GPT-3 Model for Auto- mated Class Diagram Generation from Textual Descriptions
Authors: Altawaiha Iyad , Al-Hgaish Areen
Published: May 2024

In the continually evolving realm of software engineering, the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for automating traditionally laborious tasks has been of paramount interest. This study employs the GPT-3 model, a transformative AI architecture, in automating the extraction of class diagram elements from textual software requirements - a critical yet often complex task in object-oriented programming. GPT-3 was equipped to execute this task proficiently through model fine-tuning using tailored case studies. Our approach emphasized the few-shot learning technique, a proven effective method in enhancing the model's proficiency in specialized tasks. The developed tool, ClassDiagGen, was subjected to thorough testing and evaluation, showcasing exemplary performance with average precision and recall scores of 98.6% and 93.3%, respectively. Our findings underscore the profound potential of AI, particularly the GPT-3 model, in streamlining software development processes while highlighting the importance of customized model training. This study marks the beginning of an exciting journey, with the software engineering landscape poised for further transformative changes through AI integration.
Konceptualizacija sreće u poeziji ci Yan Shua 晏殊 (991. – 1055.)
Authors: Pretnar Mojca
Published: May 2024

U pokušaju dobivanja uvida u to kako je »sreća« konceptualizirana u kineskoj tradiciji, ova studija koristi alate kognitivne lingvistike i poetike pri istraživanju poezije ci (詞) pjesnika Yan Shua 晏殊 (991. – 1055.), uspješnog političara i umjetnika te jednog od reprezentativnih pjesnika pjesničkog oblika ci iz vremena vladavine Sjevernog Songa (960. – 1127.), dinastije čija je vladavina bila obilježena relativno mirnim razdobljem punim obilja i hedonističkim načinom života. Od njegovih 139 sačuvanih pjesama u ovom istraživanju odabrano je 13 pjesama koje kroz neke pozitivne emocije izražavaju izričito sretno stanje uma. Analizom tradicionalnih slika (yixiang 意象) u tim se pjesmama pokušavaju preispitivati konceptualne metafore vezane uz »sreću« s kojom je pjesnik živio, te scenariji koji su osnove tih metafora. Rezultati otkrivaju neke kulturne i konceptualne obrasce sinkronizirane s dotičnom erom, ali i neke osobne karakteristike pjesnika.
SAS Handbook 2023
Authors:   Association of Anaesthetists, Fleming Rob , Wain Emma ,   Association of Anaesthetists, Shubhaker John ,   Association of Anaesthetists, Khopkar Reshma ,   Association of Anaesthetists, May Kirstin ,   Association of Anaesthetists
Published: May 2024

I am very pleased to introduce our new resource for SAS anaesthetists. This is replacing the previous SAS Handbook in a way that we hope is relevant, useful and accessible
Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Filatova Y. S. , Solovyov I. N. , Gruzdev A. M. , Bobyleva V. V.
Published: May 2024

The article discusses the historical aspects of the study of aseptic necrosis, as well as the issues of therapy and early diagnosis of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. The authors raise the issues of pathogenesis and discuss the factors influencing its development. So it is believed that the leading factors are excessive alcohol consumption, deep-sea diving and some autoimmune diseases. Attention is also paid to the long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection, in which significant complications from the musculoskeletal system are observed, including aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. The consequences of infection can be triggered both by the inflammatory process itself and as a high risk of complications during glucocorticosteroid therapy. The article focuses on the clinic of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head and its difference from the clinic of osteoarthritis. As well as the importance of early diagnosis of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. The article discusses the issues of drug therapy, indications for it and the choice of drugs. The article provides a clinical example that demonstrates the importance of careful collection of complaints and anamnesis in a young patient with atypical hip pain, as well as the effectiveness of prescribed therapy according to clinical recommendations. A specific example demonstrates not only the importance of using magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, but also the effectiveness and safety of therapy. The possible synergism and pleiotropic effects of the prescribed therapy are also discussed. The emphasis is on the importance of further research to develop indications and criteria for the effectiveness of therapy for aseptic necrosis of the femoral head.
Consistent and informed choice of drug and route of administration is key to increasing adherence to osteoarthritis treatment
Authors: Dydykina I. S. , Alekseeva O. G. , Kovalenko P. S. , Ivanova M. E.
Published: May 2024

The need to follow an integrated approach when prescribing treatment for patients suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) is beyond doubt. It is clear that success depends on the implementation of recommendations for both lifestyle modification and the introduction of pharmacological agents with different compositions and mechanisms of action aimed at reducing pain, stiffness, inflammation, normalizing joint function, and preventing cartilage destruction. The arsenal of such drugs is increasing, and the evidence base of effectiveness and safety is being enriched. Considering the heterogeneity of OA patients seeking help in terms of gender, age, body mass index, financial wealth, comorbidity, clinical manifestations of the disease, radiological stage of the disease and its duration, experience of previous treatment, a reasonable and agreed upon choice with the patient not only of the drug is relevant, but also the method of administration. The article provides a clinical example of a justified and coordinated choice of treatment for a patient with a generalized form of OA, synovitis of the knee joint, suffering from obesity, depression, low adherence to treatment using the example of prescribing a chondroprotector, the active component of which is a bioactive extract from small sea fish. The treatment effect was confirmed by clinical and instrumental assessment methods over time.