bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 attenuates inflammatory response in mice with allergic rhinitis by regulating miR-98-5p/SOCS1 axis
Authors: Deng Bangyu , zhao Yunxia , Liu Jisheng
Published: March 2024

Long non-coding RNA cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1) in various diseases has been verified. However, the underlying mechanism of CDKN2B-AS1 contributes to the development of allergic rhinitis (AR) remains unknown. To evaluate the impact of CDKN2B-AS1 on AR, BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of normal saline containing ovalbumin (OVA) and calmogastrin to establish an AR model. Nasal rubbing and sneezing were documented after the final OVA treatment. The concentrations of IgE, IgG1, and inflammatory elements were quantified using ELISA. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunofluorescence were used to assess histopathological variations and tryptase expression, respectively. StarBase, TargetScan and luciferase reporter assays were applied to predict and confirm the interactions among CDKN2B-AS1, miR-98-5p, and SOCS1. CDKN2B-AS1, miR-98-5p, and SOCS1 levels were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or western blotting. Our results revealed that CDKN2B-AS1 was obviously over-expressed in the nasal mucosa of AR patients and AR mice. Down-regulation of CDKN2B-AS1 significantly decreased nasal rubbing and sneezing frequencies, IgE and IgG1 concentrations, and cytokine levels. Furthermore, down-regulation of CDKN2B-AS1 also relieved the pathological changes in the nasal mucosa, and the infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells. Importantly, these results were reversed by the miR-98-5p inhibitor, whereas miR-98-5p directly targeted CDKN2B-AS1, and miR-98-5p negatively regulated SOCS1 level. Our findings demonstrate that down-regulation of CDKN2B-AS1 improves allergic inflammation and symptoms in a murine model of AR through the miR-98-5p/SOCS1 axis, which provides new insights into the latent functions of CDKN2B-AS1 in AR treatment.
Analyzing the environmental risk factors of European spruce bark beetle damage at the local scale
Authors: Huo Langning , Persson Henrik Jan , Lindberg Eva
Published: March 2024

The frequent outbreaks of European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus (L.) have destroyed huge amounts of Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) forests in central and Northern Europe. Identifying the risk factors and estimating the damage level is important for strategic damage control. The risk factors of forest damage by spruce bark beetles have mostly been analyzed on the landscape scale, while the in-stand risk factors have been less investigated. This study aims at exploring the local-scale risk factors in a flat area with spruce-dominated forest in southern Sweden. The investigated factors include four abiotic factors, i.e., soil wetness, solar radiation, slope gradient, and aspect, and three biotic factors, i.e., the number of deciduous trees and trees that died from attacks in previous years that remained (TreesLeft) and removed (TreesRemoved) from the forest stand. We put up 24 pheromone bags in six stands attacked by bark beetle in the previous years, resulting in different numbers of infested trees in each plot. We explored in which microenvironment a pheromone bag resulted in more colonization, the impact radius of each factor, and the necessary factors for a risk model. The environmental factors were obtained from remote sensing-based products and images. A generalized linear model (GLM) was used with the environmental factors as the explanatory variables and the damage levels as the response variables, i.e., the number of attacked trees for the plot scale, and healthy/infested for the single-tree scale. Using 50 m and 15 m radius of the environmental factors resulted in the best fit for the model at plot and individual tree scales, respectively. At those radii, the damage risk increased both at plot and individual tree level when spruce were surrounded by more deciduous trees, surrounded by dead trees that had been removed from the forest, and spruces located at the north and east slopes (315°–135° of aspect, > 2° slope). Soil wetness, solar radiation, and remaining standing dead trees in the surrounding did not significantly impact the damage level in the microenvironment of the study area. The GLM risk model yielded an overall accuracy of 0.69 in predicting individual trees being infested or healthy. Our efforts to investigate the risk factors provide a context for wall-to-wall mapping in-stand infestation risks, using remote sensing-based data.
Internet of Bio-NanoThings privacy: securing a multi compartmental targeted cancer drug delivery scheme
Authors: Kamal Islam R. , El‐Atty Saied M. Abd , El-Zoghdy S. F. , Soliman Randa F.
Published: March 2024

The Internet of Bio-Nano Things concept (IoBNT) emerged from the need to establish connections between biological nanomachines, the intra-body nanonetwork, and the cyber internet to facilitate information exchange. While extensive research has concentrated on optimizing communication efficiency among nanodevices within networks, challenges such as IoBNT security and the interface linking nanonetwork to the internet have remained unaddressed. Consequently, this study introduces a privacy scheme designed to operate atop the Physical Cyber Interface (pHCI) within the IoBNT framework. Our proposed chaotic system derives its foundation from the command signals issued by medical personnel to pHCI devices implanted within the human body. It employs a concealed version of features generated through a Modified Quadratic Map (MQM) to enhance the privacy of patient information and to ensure a precise dosage release. Additionally, our scheme incorporates Binary Phase Shifting Key (BPSK) modulation through the incorporation of a carrier wave, along with feature extraction with zero-crossing rates. This privacy scheme significantly amplifies the key space, thereby guaranteeing an accurate right dose release with the protection of patient privacy. To assess the performance of our proposed scheme, we evaluate its operation on top of the pHCI device using various performance metrics. Subsequently, we study its performance by employing multi-compartmental models in both the forward and reverse pHCI directions of the IoBNT paradigm. The results from our simulation model clearly illustrate that the IoBNT-based privacy scheme has potential to enhance the delivery of therapeutic drugs to target cells while effectively addressing privacy concerns. An evaluation of performance metrics for two binary codes (thermal and light) reveals sensitivity and specificity rates of 95.333% and 95%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Furthermore, the performance of our proposed privacy scheme, as measured by EER, accuracy, NPV, and PPV, has proven to be highly satisfactory. Hence, our proposed scheme makes significant role in enhancing the security of the physical cyber interface device while remaining cost-effective, and ensuring the safety of patients' life and confidentiality.
Clinical presentation and extent of resection impacts progression-free survival in spinal ependymomas
Authors: Davison Mark A. , Lilly Daniel T. , Patel Arpan A. , Kashkoush Ahmed , Chen Xiaoying , Wei Wei , Benzel Edward C. , Prayson Richard A. , Chao Samuel , Angelov Lilyana
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Primary treatment of spinal ependymomas involves surgical resection, however recurrence ranges between 50 and 70%. While the association of survival outcomes with lesion extent of resection (EOR) has been studied, existing analyses are limited by small samples and archaic data resulting in an inhomogeneous population. We investigated the relationship between EOR and survival outcomes, chiefly overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), in a large contemporary cohort of spinal ependymoma patients.

Methods

Adult patients diagnosed with a spinal ependymoma from 2006 to 2021 were identified from an institutional registry. Patients undergoing primary surgical resection at our institution, ≥ 1 routine follow-up MRI, and pathologic diagnosis of ependymoma were included. Records were reviewed for demographic information, EOR, lesion characteristics, and pre-/post-operative neurologic symptoms. EOR was divided into 2 classifications: gross total resection (GTR) and subtotal resection (STR). Log-rank test was used to compare OS and PFS between patient groups.

Results

Sixty-nine patients satisfied inclusion criteria, with 79.7% benefitting from GTR. The population was 56.2% male with average age of 45.7 years, and median follow-up duration of 58 months. Cox multivariate model demonstrated significant improvement in PFS when a GTR was attained (p <.001). Independently ambulatory patients prior to surgery had superior PFS (p <.001) and OS (p =.05). In univariate analyses, patients with a syrinx had improved PFS (p =.03) and were more likely to benefit from GTR (p =.01). Alternatively, OS was not affected by EOR (p =.78).

Conclusions

In this large, contemporary series of adult spinal ependymoma patients, we demonstrated improvements in PFS when GTR was achieved.
Routing in quantum communication networks using reinforcement machine learning
Authors: Roik Jan , Bartkiewicz Karol , Černoch Antonín , Lemr Karel
Published: March 2024

This paper promotes reinforcement machine learning for route-finding tasks in quantum communication networks, where, due to the non-additivity of quantum errors, classical graph path or tree-finding algorithms cannot be used. We propose using a proximal policy optimization algorithm capable of finding routes in teleportation-based quantum networks. This algorithm is benchmarked against the Monte Carlo search. The topology of our network resembles the proposed 6 G topology and analyzed that quantum errors correspond to typical errors in realistic quantum channels.
Former foodstuffs in feed: a minireview of recent findings
Authors: Srikanthithasan Karthika , Giorgino Andrea , Fiorilla Edoardo , Ozella Laura , Gariglio Marta , Schiavone Achille , Marín Andrés Luis Martínez , Diaz Vicuna Elena , Forte Claudio
Published: March 2024

The sustainability of all productive activities, including livestock farming, becomes a fundamental challenge in the current scenario. Livestock production faces both old and new challenges related to climate change, food safety, and feed-food competition. The latter aspect has recently become a hot topic, and many researchers are turning their attention to this issue. According to circular economy principles, former foodstuffs have characteristics that make them a promising source of raw material for animal feed. The main objective of the present review is to provide a brief overview of the most recent studies (published between 2016 and 2022) addressing the dietary inclusion of former foodstuffs for livestock. The articles analyzed cover key findings from both in vitro and in vivo studies of former foodstuffs included in the diets for pigs, cows, and broilers, and assess the associated safety aspects. The articles provide information on livestock performances and product quality, as well as feed digestibility, fecal microbiota, and blood analysis. Although the evidence supports the inclusion of former foodstuffs in livestock diets as a safe, effective, and sustainable ingredient, this analysis of the most recent literature also highlights gaps in our knowledge that need to be filled. The present overview will help researchers plan future research and standardize and promote the inclusion of former food products in livestock diets.
Associations of plasma proteomics and age-related outcomes with brain age in a diverse cohort
Authors: Casanova Ramon , Walker Keenan A. , Justice Jamie N. , Anderson Andrea , Duggan Michael R. , Cordon Jenifer , Barnard Ryan T. , Lu Lingyi , Hsu Fang-Chi , Sedaghat Sanaz , Prizment Anna , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Hughes Timothy M.
Published: March 2024

Machine learning models are increasingly being used to estimate “brain age” from neuroimaging data. The gap between chronological age and the estimated brain age gap (BAG) is potentially a measure of accelerated and resilient brain aging. Brain age calculated in this fashion has been shown to be associated with mortality, measures of physical function, health, and disease. Here, we estimate the BAG using a voxel-based elastic net regression approach, and then, we investigate its associations with mortality, cognitive status, and measures of health and disease in participants from Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who had a brain MRI at visit 5 of the study. Finally, we used the SOMAscan assay containing 4877 proteins to examine the proteomic associations with the MRI-defined BAG. Among N = 1849 participants (age, 76.4 (SD 5.6)), we found that increased values of BAG were strongly associated with increased mortality and increased severity of the cognitive status. Strong associations with mortality persisted when the analyses were performed in cognitively normal participants. In addition, it was strongly associated with BMI, diabetes, measures of physical function, hypertension, prevalent heart disease, and stroke. Finally, we found 33 proteins associated with BAG after a correction for multiple comparisons. The top proteins with positive associations to brain age were growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), Sushi, von Willebrand factor type A, EGF, and pentraxin domain-containing protein 1 (SEVP 1), matrilysin (MMP7), ADAMTS-like protein 2 (ADAMTS), and heat shock 70 kDa protein 1B (HSPA1B) while EGF-receptor (EGFR), mast/stem-cell-growth-factor-receptor (KIT), coagulation-factor-VII, and cGMP-dependent-protein-kinase-1 (PRKG1) were negatively associated to brain age. Several of these proteins were previously associated with dementia in ARIC. These results suggest that circulating proteins implicated in biological aging, cellular senescence, angiogenesis, and coagulation are associated with a neuroimaging measure of brain aging.
Kerosene condenses in the trachea following inhalation
Authors: Takei Sella , Kinoshita Hiroshi , Kawahara Sachiko , Kumihashi Mitsuru , Jamal Mostofa , Yamashita Tadayoshi , Tanaka Etsuko , Abe Hiroko , Tsutsui Kunihiko , Kimura Shoji
Published: March 2024

Purpose

We have investigated the absorption dynamics of petroleum fuel components from the analytical results of autopsy samples.

Methods

Post-mortem samples of the severely burned case, including femoral blood, intratracheal contents (mucus) and intratracheal gas-phase samples were collected, and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer with head-space solid-phase microextraction.

Results

The composition of flammable substances in the tracheal gas phase differed slightly from that in mucus.

Conclusion

High-boiling point components are retained in the trachea, whereas relatively lower-boiling point components are detected predominantly in the tracheal gas phase and blood.
Efficacy and Safety of Bariatric Surgery in Dutch People Living with HIV: a Retrospective Matched Cohort Analysis
Authors: Zino Leena , Qing Chen Rou , Deden Laura , Hazebroek Eric , Richel Olivier , Colbers Angela , Burger David M ,   On behalf of the DATO Research Group
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Obesity is rising among people with HIV (PLWH), sparking interest in bariatric surgery (BS) for this group. Yet, large-scale comparative research on BS outcomes in PLWH is lacking.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, matched cohort analysis in PLWH and HIV uninfected controls. Subjects were retrieved from the Dutch Audit for Treatment of Obesity (DATO) registry. Matching (1:7 ratio) included age (± 5-years), sex, body-mass index (BMI) of ± 3 kg/m2, surgery type, and associated health problems (AHPs) at baseline. The primary endpoint was total weight loss percentage (%TWL) ≥ 20% achieved at 1-year post-BS. Secondary endpoints were cumulative %TWL achieved at 2-years post-BS, a reported remission or improvement in AHPs post-BS, and surgical complications, both at 1-year post-BS. Comparisons were performed using conditional logistic regression.

Results

Twenty-seven PLWH and 168 controls were included. At 1-year post-BS, 89% PLWH achieved ≥ 20%TWL, compared to 94% of controls (p = 0.4). Cumulative %TWL at 2-years post-BS were 82% and 92% in PLWH and controls, respectively (p = 0.2). Improvement rates in hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus were 50% and 86% in PLWH, versus 87% and 87% in controls. Full remission occurred in 20% and 71% of PLHIV, versus 49% and 44% of controls, respectively. No improvement or remission was observed for dyslipidaemia in PLHIV compared to 54% improvement and 29% remission in controls. Surgical complications were 0% in PLHIV and 13% (n = 21) in controls.

Conclusion

Efficacy and safety outcomes of BS were similar between PLWH and controls except for the lack of improvement in dyslipidaemia in PLWH.

Graphical abstract
Subventionen für „kleine Jobs“:
Authors: Riphahn Regina T.
Published: March 2024

Die Grohmann-Vorlesung des Jahres 2023 beschäftigt sich mit dem Phänomen der „kleinen Jobs“ in Deutschland. Zunächst wird der institutionelle und historische Hintergrund von Minijobs erläutert und die Intensität ihrer Nutzung beschrieben. Anschließend fasst der Text die Inhalte von drei empirischen Studien zusammen. Diese setzen sich mit der Frage auseinander ob (i) Arbeitgeber reguläre Beschäftigung durch Minijobs ersetzen, (ii) Minijobs zur „motherhood penalty“ in Deutschland beitragen und (iii) ob Midijobs Übergänge aus Minijobs in reguläre sozialversicherungspflichtige Beschäftigung erleichtert haben. Die Vorlesung schließt mit einer Betrachtung möglicher Regelungsalternativen für „kleine Jobs“ in Deutschland.
Comparative Effects of Including Inorganic, Organic, and Hydroxy Zinc Sources on Growth Development, Egg Quality, Mineral Excretion, and Bone Health of Laying Quails
Authors: Olgun Osman , Gül Esra Tuğçe , Kılınç Gözde , Gökmen Fatih , Yıldız Alpönder , Uygur Veli , Sarmiento-García Ainhoa
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the dietary addition of zinc (Zn) in the form of sulphate (Zn-S), glycine (Zn-G), and hydroxychloride (Zn-H) on quail performance, eggshell quality, antioxidant status, mineral excretion, biomechanical properties and mineralization of bone. A total of 75 female quails (10-weeks-old) were randomly distributed into 3 groups with 5 replications, each with 5 female quails. Treatment groups were set up by adding Zn-S and Zn-H as the inorganic form and Zn-G as the organic form of zinc to the corn-soybean basal diet (34.14 mg/kg Zn) to obtain 50 mg/kg Zn and the feeding experiment lasted for 12 weeks. Performance parameters and egg production were not impaired by the Zn source (P > 0.05). The inclusion of Zn-S in the diet produced a reduction in eggshell thickness, while an improvement in yolk antioxidant capacity (measured as MDA concentration) was detected compared to the other Zn sources (P < 0.05). Shear strength and cortical bone area increased (P < 0.05) with Zn-G supplementation, however, the mineral concentration of the tibia was higher (P < 0.01) in those quails who had received Zn-H. Lower levels of mineral excretion were observed in both types of supplementations compared to Zn-S. Therefore, it can be stated that Zn-G or Zn-H supplementation in the diet of laying quails could be an interesting strategy to reduce mineral excretion and improve bone mineralization without affecting performance compared to Zn-S. However, further studies are needed to determine the differences between Zn-G and Zn-H.
Glioblastoma Cells Use an Integrin- and CD44-Mediated Motor-Clutch Mode of Migration in Brain Tissue
Authors: Anderson Sarah M. , Kelly Marcus , Odde David J.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive malignant brain tumor with 2 year survival rates of 6.7% (Stupp et al. in J Clin Oncol Off J Am Soc Clin Oncol 25:4127–4136, 2007; Mohammed et al. in Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 27:1026–1036, 2002). One key characteristic of the disease is the ability of glioblastoma cells to migrate rapidly and spread throughout healthy brain tissue (Lefranc et al. in J Clin Oncol Off J Am Soc Clin Oncol 23:2411–2422, 2005; Hoelzinger et al. in J Natl Cancer Inst 21:1583–1593, 2007). To develop treatments that effectively target cell migration, it is important to understand the fundamental mechanism driving cell migration in brain tissue. Several models of cell migration have been proposed, including the motor-clutch, bleb-based motility, and osmotic engine models.

Methods

Here we utilized confocal imaging to measure traction dynamics and migration speeds of glioblastoma cells in mouse organotypic brain slices to identify the mode of cell migration.

Results

We found that nearly all cell-vasculature interactions reflected pulling, rather than pushing, on vasculature at the cell leading edge, a finding consistent with a motor-clutch mode of migration, and inconsistent with an osmotic engine model or confined bleb-based migration. Reducing myosin motor activity, a key component in the motor-clutch model, was found to decrease migration speed at high doses for all cell types including U251 and 6 low-passage patient-derived xenograft lines (3 proneural and 3 mesenchymal subtypes). Variable responses were found at low doses, consistent with a motor-clutch mode of migration which predicts a biphasic relationship between migration speed and motor-to-clutch ratio. Targeting of molecular clutches including integrins and CD44 slowed migration of U251 cells.

Conclusions

Overall we find that glioblastoma cell migration is most consistent with a motor-clutch mechanism to migrate through brain tissue ex vivo, and that both integrins and CD44, as well as myosin motors, play an important role in constituting the adhesive clutch.
Silica Nanoparticles Decrease Glutamate Uptake in Blood–Brain Barrier Components
Authors: Sánchez-Cano Fredy , Hernández-Kelly Luisa C. , Ortega Arturo
Published: March 2024

Glutamate is the major excitatory amino acid in the vertebrate brain, playing an important role in most brain functions. It exerts its activity through plasma membrane receptors and transporters, expressed both in neurons and glia cells. Overstimulation of neuronal glutamate receptors is linked to cell death in a process known as excitotoxicity, that is prevented by the efficient removal of the neurotransmitter through glutamate transporters enriched in the glia plasma membrane and in the components of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) have been widely used in biomedical applications and directed to enter the circulatory system; however, little is known about the potential adverse effects of SiO2-NPs exposure on the BBB transport systems that support the critical isolation function between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral circulation. In this contribution, we investigated the plausible SiO2-NPs-mediated disruption of the glutamate transport system expressed by BBB cell components. First, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect of SiO2-NPs on human brain endothelial (HBEC) and Uppsala 87 Malignant glioma (U-87MG) cell lines. Transport kinetics were evaluated, and the exposure effect of SiO2-NPs on glutamate transport activity was determined in both cell lines. Exposure of the cells to different SiO2-NP concentrations (0.4, 4.8, 10, and 20 µg/ml) and time periods (3 and 6 h) did not affect cell viability. We found that the radio-labeled D-aspartate ([3H]-D-Asp) uptake is mostly sodium-dependent, and downregulated by its own substrate (glutamate). Furthermore, SiO2-NPs exposure on endothelial and astrocytes decreases [3H]-D-Asp uptake in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, a decrease in the transporter catalytic efficiency, probably linked to a diminution in the affinity of the transporter, was detected upon SiO2-NPs. These results favor the notion that exposure to SiO2-NPs could disrupt BBB function and by these means shed some light into our understanding of the deleterious effects of air pollution on the CNS.
Pelvic Pain and Sexual Function in Primiparous Pregnant Women with and without High/Severe Fear of Childbirth
Authors: Çankaya Seyhan , Bay Habibe , Akın Bihter
Published: March 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to determine pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction in primiparous pregnant women with varying levels of fear of childbirth (FOC).

Methods

This is a descriptive correlational study. This study was conducted with 400 pregnant women at 24–40 weeks of gestation who applied to the obstetrics polyclinic of a hospital between January 2022 and March 2022. Data were collected through a personal information form, the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ-A), the Pelvic Pain Impact Questionnaire (PPIQ), and Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) Female Form.

Results

Of the 400 pregnant women, 232 (58%) had high/severe FOC. High/severe FOC was a risk factor that negatively affected pelvic pain and sexual function (frequency of sexual intercourse, communication, sexual satisfaction, avoidance, touching, vaginismus, and anorgasmia) in pregnant women (p < 0.000). In addition, pregnant women with high/severe FOC avoided vaginal examination (p = 0.016), had higher fear of vaginal examination (p = 0.004), experienced more pain or burning during sexual intercourse (p = 0.017), and had more fear of pain during sexual intercourse (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

High/severe FOC during pregnancy is an important risk factor that negatively affects pelvic pain and sexual function.

Policy Implications

Identifying pregnant women with high/severe FOC and support programs such as antenatal education programs or cognitive coping strategies to cope with FOC may be useful in preventing pelvic pain and sexual functions that may be negatively affected.
Vectorgastrogram: dynamic trajectory and recurrence quantification analysis to assess slow wave vector movement in healthy subjects
Authors: Prats-Boluda Gema , Martinez-de-Juan Jose L. , Nieto-del-Amor Felix , Termenon María , Varón Cristina , Ye-Lin Yiyao
Published: March 2024

Functional gastric disorders entail chronic or recurrent symptoms, high prevalence and a significant financial burden. These disorders do not always involve structural abnormalities and since they cannot be diagnosed by routine procedures, electrogastrography (EGG) has been proposed as a diagnostic alternative. However, the method still has not been transferred to clinical practice due to the difficulty of identifying gastric activity because of the low-frequency interference caused by skin–electrode contact potential in obtaining spatiotemporal information by simple procedures. This work attempted to robustly identify the gastric slow wave (SW) main components by applying multivariate variational mode decomposition (MVMD) to the multichannel EGG. Another aim was to obtain the 2D SW vectorgastrogram VGGSW from 4 electrodes perpendicularly arranged in a T-shape and analyse its dynamic trajectory and recurrence quantification (RQA) to assess slow wave vector movement in healthy subjects. The results revealed that MVMD can reliably identify the gastric SW, with detection rates over 91% in fasting postprandial subjects and a frequency instability of less than 5.3%, statistically increasing its amplitude and frequency after ingestion. The VGGSW dynamic trajectory showed a statistically higher predominance of vertical displacement after ingestion. RQA metrics (recurrence ratio, average length, entropy, and trapping time) showed a postprandial statistical increase, suggesting that gastric SW became more intense and coordinated with a less complex VGGSW and higher periodicity. The results support the VGGSW as a simple technique that can provide relevant information on the “global” spatial pattern of gastric slow wave propagation that could help diagnose gastric pathologies.
Structural complexity predicts consensus readability in online discussions
Authors: Hadfi Rafik , Ito Takayuki
Published: March 2024

The intricate relationship between structure and function spans various disciplines, from biology to management, offering insights into predicting interesting features of complex systems. This interplay is evident in online forums, where the organization of the threads interacts with the message’s meaning. Assessing readability in these discussions is vital for ensuring information comprehension among diverse audiences. This assessment is challenging due to the complexity of natural language compounded by the social and temporal dynamics within social networks. One practical approach involves aggregating multiple readability metrics as a consensus alignment. In this study, we explore whether the structural complexity of online discussions can predict consensus readability without delving into the semantics of the messages. We propose a consensus readability metric derived from well-known readability tests and a complexity metric applied to the tree structures of Reddit discussions. Our findings indicate that this proposed metric effectively predicts consensus readability based on the complexity of discourse structure.
Liraglutide prevents cellular senescence in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) mediated by SIRT1: an implication in diabetes retinopathy
Authors: Hou Lihua , Du Jianying , Dong Yongxiao , Wang Min , Wang Libo , Zhao Jifei
Published: March 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting millions of people worldwide, characterized by dysregulated glucose homeostasis and hyperglycemia. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the serious multisystemic complications. Aging is an important risk factor for DR. Endothelial sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) plays an important role in regulating the pathophysiology of glucose metabolism, cellular senescence, and aging. Liraglutide, an analog of Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), has been widely used in the treatment of DM. However, the effects of Liraglutide on DR are less reported. Here, we investigated whether treatment with Liraglutide has beneficial effects on high glucose (HG)-induced injury in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs). First, we found that exposure to HG reduced the expression of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor 1 (GLP-1R). Additionally, Liraglutide ameliorated HG-induced increase in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Importantly, Liraglutide ameliorated cellular senescence and increased telomerase activity in HG-challenged HRECs. Liraglutide also reduced the levels of p53 and p21. Mechanistically, Liraglutide restored the expression of SIRT1 against HG. In contrast, the knockdown of SIRT1 abolished the protective effects of Liraglutide in cellular senescence of HRECs. Our findings suggest that Liraglutide might possess a benefit on DR mediated by SIRT1.
Scientific note on a Neotropical wasp preying on stingless bees
Authors: Boff Samuel , Somavilla Alexandre
Published: March 2024

The antagonistic interaction between wasps and bees has long driven the attention of beekeepers and evolutionary entomologists. In the most classic reported interaction, Vespa velutina may invade the nest of honeybees and kill many of workers. Although this interaction has been registered to Asian honeybees, which was shown how to defend the nests, little or no attention has been given to similar interactions in the Neotropical region. Here, we report for the first time an antagonistic interaction between the wasp Polybia ignobilis and the stingless bees, Tetragonisca angustula. The wasp of this species was recorded killing and chewing guard bees near at the nest entrance of the stingless bee. Although our report is limited to answer evolutionary aspects of this interaction, it raises questions which may help to understand in the future the reasons this behavior evolved.
Stresses in repair welding of high-strength steels—part 2: heat control and stress optimization
Authors: Schröpfer Dirk , Witte Julien , Kromm Arne , Kannengiesser Thomas
Published: March 2024

In welding of high-strength steels, e.g. for foundations and erection structures of wind energy plants, unacceptable defects can occasionally be found in the weld area, which should be removed by thermal gouging and subsequent re-welding. High shrinkage restraint of repair welds may lead to crack formation and component failure, predominantly in interaction with degraded microstructures and mechanical properties due to repair cycles. This study aims for elaboration of recommendations for repair concepts appropriate to the stresses and materials involved to avoid cold cracking, damage and expensive reworking. In part 1 [1] of this study, systematic investigations of influences of shrinkage restraint on residual stresses and cold cracking risk during repair welding of two high-strength steels S500MLO for offshore application and S960QL for mobile crane structures were focussed. In this part 2, the microstructure, particularly hardness, and residual stresses due to gouging and influences of heat control parameters in repair welding are analysed. A clear reduction in residual stress after gouging can be observed, especially for the specimens with restrained transverse shrinkage. Gouging to a depth of approx. 2/3 of the seam height does not lead to a complete relaxation of the observed reaction forces. Particularly for the higher strength steel S960QL, there are pronounced areas influenced by the gouging process in which a degradation of the microstructure and properties should be assumed. Overall, the repair welds show a significant increase in the width of the weld and HAZ compared to the original weld, especially in the case of S960QL/G89. The repair welds show higher welding-induced stresses than the original welds, especially in the areas of the HAZ and the base metal close to the weld seam. This behaviour can be attributed overall to increased restraint conditions due to the remaining root weld or shorter gouge grooves. In good agreement with earlier investigations, the residual stresses transverse to the weld can be significantly reduced by upwardly limited working or interpass temperatures, and the reaction stresses resulting from high restraint conditions can be effectively counteracted. The influence of the heat input on the stress formation is low compared to the interpass temperature for both test materials.
Fatigue strength of single-sided fillet welds in overlapping ultra-high-strength steel sheets
Authors: Ahola Antti , Salerto Samu , Loisa Timo , Lipiäinen Kalle , Björk Timo
Published: March 2024

From the manufacturing viewpoint, overlapping thin sheets can provide a substantial geometrical improvement in welded hollow sections compared to butt-welded cross-sectional details. However, the plate eccentricity and non-penetrating fillet welds make the joints susceptible to fatigue failures under transversal cyclic loads. This work experimentally investigates the fatigue strength of overlap joints prepared with gas metal arc welding in the single-sided fillet weld configuration. Fatigue tests were carried out on the lap joints made of S960 ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) grade under uniaxial constant amplitude axial loading employing both pulsating tension (applied stress ratio of R ≈ 0) and pulsating compression (R ≈ -∞). In addition, the lap joints were prepared with both straight welds (the welds transverse to the loading direction) and inclined welds (the welds with a 30° inclement angle from the transversal direction) to investigate the shear stress effects on the joints’ fatigue performance. Plasma butt-welded samples were tested as a reference join type. For the plasma butt-welded joints, the recommended detail category of FAT71 in the nominal stress system for weld root failures in single-sided butt welds was observed clearly conservative—a mean fatigue strength of Δσc,50% = 130 MPa with a fixed slope parameter of m = 3 was obtained. Compared to the butt-welded joints, a significant decrease in fatigue strength capacity was found in the lap joint specimens with misalignment factors of km > 3.0. The failure locations were also different in joints subjected to the tension and compression loads. The shear load did not majorly contribute to the changes in the fatigue strength capacity compared to the joints subjected to the transversal normal stress.
Assessment of diffuse bone marrow involvement on 18F-fluoro-D-glucose PET/computed tomography
Authors: Zhang Tong , Wang Lei , Yang Funing , Wang Hongjia , Li Ping
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of bone marrow (BM) FDG uptake distribution in assessing pathological status of BM with diffusely increased FDG uptake.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed one hundred and thirty-four PET/CT scans with diffusely hypermetabolic BM, which involved forty-nine patients with BM malignant infiltration (BMI) and eighty-five patients with benign BM disorders. The maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of axial skeletons, appendicular skeletons, and the range of humerus FDG uptake were measured. The clinical and laboratory data were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the risk factors for BMI and discriminative ability of above indicators for the pathology status of BM.

Results

In patients with diffusely hypermetabolic BM, both the glucose metabolism of axial and appendicular skeletons was higher in BMI than BM benign disorders. The multivariate logistic regression analysis (stepwise) revealed age (odds ratio [OR] 1.073; 95%CI, 1.031–1.117; P = 0.001), femurs SUVmax (OR 2.058; 95%CI, 1.317–3.218; P = 0.002), neutrophil count (OR 0.805; 95%CI, 0.718–0.902; P < 0.001) and range of humerus FDG uptake (OR 11.335; 95%CI, 2.831–45.377; P = 0.001) were associated with BMI. Combined diagnosis had the highest ROC value (AUC 0.918; 95%CI, 0.864–0.973; P < 0.001) with a sensitivity of 89.8% and specificity of 85.9%.

Conclusion

The BM activity of the appendicular skeleton was more significant in distinguishing BM malignant and benign disorders. Range of humerus FDG uptake combined femurs SUVmax, neutrophil count and age was reliable for assessing diffuse BM involvement.
The fuzzy support vector data description based on tightness for noisy label detection
Authors: Wu Xiaoying , Liu Sanyang , Bai Yiguang
Published: March 2024

Machine learning (ML) is an approach driven by data, and as research in machine learning progresses, the issue of noisy labels has garnered widespread attention. Noisy labels can significantly reduce the accuracy of supervised classification models, making it important to address this problem. Therefore, it is a very meaningful task to detect as many noisy labels as possible from the big data. In this study, a new method is proposed for detecting noisy labels in datasets. This method leverages a deep pre-trained network to extract a feature set from the image data first which can extract more accurate data features. Then, a membership degree based on tightness into the support vector data description (SVDD) model named TF-SVDD is introduced to detect noisy data in the dataset. In order to simulate different types of label noise more accurately, we first assumed that the labels of the datasets used were all correct, and in addition constructed the noise set using two method: the density peak noise set and the random noise set. Experimental results demonstrate that the TF-SVDD can effectively detect noisy label data, surpassing traditional support vector data description algorithms and other methods in terms of outlier detection accuracy, with the average accuracy mostly exceeding 50$$\%$$%, and even reaching 80$$\%$$%. Furthermore, one novel measure called ‘confidence’ is employed to rectify noisy labels in the data. Following the correction of noisy labels, the accuracy of image classification experiences a significant improvement, with the average promotion ratio mostly exceeding 10$$\%$$%, and reaching 30$$\%$$%.
An approach for reaching consensus in large-scale group decision-making focusing on dimension reduction
Authors: Bakhshi Fatemeh , Ashtiani Mehrdad
Published: March 2024

Group decision-making and consensus modeling have always been important research topics. With the widespread use of the Internet, group decisions can be made online, in which a large number of decision-makers participate. Most of the existing studies on large-scale group decision-making consider 20–50 decision-makers. Therefore, there is a need for a framework that focuses on situations where thousands of decision-makers exist. As dimension reduction is one of the five primary challenges in large-scale group decision-making, in this study, after reviewing the existing approaches, a new model is presented using a statistical approach along with complex network analysis techniques. The opinions are generalized first, and then the network of opinions is built. This new method reduces the dimensions of the problem by considering a hierarchy of opinions. Different scenarios were designed for the evaluation. The results show that the effect of this generalization on dimension reduction depends on the parameters of the problem. We have shown that in a group decision scenario with 3000 decision-makers and 6 alternatives, 99% of the data was reduced. As dimension reduction is the main focus of the current research, the effect of consistency on the diversity of opinions has also been investigated, and the results show that opinion consistency affects opinion generalization, which in turn affects dimension reduction. In addition, in the performed simulations, three types of functions were used to calculate similarity. The aim was to determine the best similarity function for the decision problems whose purpose was to rank the available alternatives. The results show that Euclidean similarity is a strict criterion compared with Cosine similarity.
Lower Bounds on the Homology of Vietoris–Rips Complexes of Hypercube Graphs
Authors: Adams Henry , Virk Žiga
Published: March 2024

We provide novel lower bounds on the Betti numbers of Vietoris–Rips complexes of hypercube graphs of all dimensions and at all scales. In more detail, let$$Q_n$$Qnbe the vertex set of$$2^n$$2nvertices in then-dimensional hypercube graph, equipped with the shortest path metric. Let$$\textrm{VR}(Q_n;r)$$VR(Qn;r)be its Vietoris–Rips complex at scale parameter$$r \ge 0$$r≥0, which has$$Q_n$$Qnas its vertex set, and all subsets of diameter at mostras its simplices. For integers$$r<r'$$r<r′the inclusion$$\textrm{VR}(Q_n;r)\hookrightarrow \textrm{VR}(Q_n;r')$$VR(Qn;r)↪VR(Qn;r′)is nullhomotopic, meaning no persistent homology bars have length longer than one, and we therefore focus attention on the individual spaces$$\textrm{VR}(Q_n;r)$$VR(Qn;r). We provide lower bounds on the ranks of homology groups of$$\textrm{VR}(Q_n;r)$$VR(Qn;r). For example, using cross-polytopal generators, we prove that the rank of$$H_{2^r-1}(\textrm{VR}(Q_n;r))$$H2r-1(VR(Qn;r))is at least$$2^{n-(r+1)}\left( {\begin{array}{c}n\\ r+1\end{array}}\right) $$2n-(r+1)nr+1. We also prove a version ofhomology propagation: if$$q\ge 1$$q≥1and ifpis the smallest integer for which$$\textrm{rank}H_q(\textrm{VR}(Q_p;r))\ne 0$$rankHq(VR(Qp;r))≠0, then$$\textrm{rank}H_q(\textrm{VR}(Q_n;r)) \ge \sum _{i=p}^n 2^{i-p} \left( {\begin{array}{c}i-1\\ p-1\end{array}}\right) \cdot \textrm{rank}H_q(\textrm{VR}(Q_p;r))$$rankHq(VR(Qn;r))≥∑i=pn2i-pi-1p-1·rankHq(VR(Qp;r))for all$$n \ge p$$n≥p. When$$r\le 3$$r≤3, this result and variants thereof provide tight lower bounds on the rank of$$H_q(\textrm{VR}(Q_n;r))$$Hq(VR(Qn;r))for alln, and for each$$r \ge 4$$r≥4we produce novel lower bounds on the ranks of homology groups. Furthermore, we show that for each$$r\ge 2$$r≥2, the homology groups of$$\textrm{VR}(Q_n;r)$$VR(Qn;r)for$$n \ge 2r+1$$n≥2r+1contain propagated homology not induced by the initial cross-polytopal generators.
Smoothed Bootstrap Methods for Hypothesis Testing
Authors: Al Luhayb Asamh S. M. , Coolen-Maturi Tahani , Coolen Frank P. A.
Published: March 2024

This paper demonstrates the application of smoothed bootstrap methods and Efron’s methods for hypothesis testing on real-valued data, right-censored data and bivariate data. The tests include quartile hypothesis tests, two sample medians and Pearson and Kendall correlation tests. Simulation studies indicate that the smoothed bootstrap methods outperform Efron’s methods in most scenarios, particularly for small datasets. The smoothed bootstrap methods provide smaller discrepancies between the actual and nominal error rates, which makes them more reliable for testing hypotheses.
Effect of Biochar, Potting Mixture and their Blends to Improve Ocimum basilicum Growth in Sandy Soil
Authors: Danish Mohammad , Pradhan Snigdhendubala , McKay Gordon , Al-Ansari Tareq , Mansour Said , Mackey Hamish R.
Published: March 2024

Biochar has received significant interest as a soil amendment but its relative performance to addition of high-quality soil is not well assessed. This study compared different loadings of cabbage-waste biochar produced at 360 °C against potting mixture (PM) as amendments to enhance basil (Ocimum basilicum) growth in sandy soil. Pot tests for six conditions of biochar, PM or their blend were tested at both 2% or 6% loading, plus a control, with soil and plant characteristics monitored. The combination of 6% biochar and 6% PM increased seed germination by 85% compared to the control, while 6% biochar applied in sandy soil reduced seed germination by 29%. However, significant benefits were realized later in the growing stage in comparison to the control and most other tested conditions. The 6% application of biochar to the soil enhanced leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, membrane stability index, and leaf relative water content by 198%, 150%, 15%, and 5% over the control, respectively. The highest shoot and total biomass were achieved with the combined application of 6% biochar and PM, followed by 6% biochar only. When comparing only application of biochar or PM, biochar was the more favorable soil amendment at both 2% and 6% loadings. Biochar was also effective at enhancing plant uptake of beneficial nutrients, while immobilizing Al, which is detrimental, in the soil. Overall, biochar is a better soil amendment for sandy soil than equivalent quantities of PM, but mild benefits occur through their combined application.
Action-guidance and AI ethics: the case of fair machine learning
Authors: Sahlgren Otto
Published: March 2024

A prominent approach to implementing AI ethics involves translating ethical principles, such as fairness and transparency, into practical frameworks and tools that responsible agents, such as ML developers, can use to ensure that machine learning systems act according to the relevant principles. Fair machine learning research exemplifies this approach by producing frameworks and software toolkits that responsible agents could apply to align machine learning systems with principles such as fairness, equality, and justice. However, the application of available frameworks and tools has proven challenging both due to ambiguous operationalization of the relevant principles and many real-life obstacles that agents face in the context of machine learning system design and development, such as lack of access to proper evaluation data. This article conceptualizes these problems as instances of a more general “action-guidance gap” in AI ethics. The article addresses the action-guidance gap by outlining a philosophical account of action-guidance that can be used to identify and address problems related to the specification and practical implementation of AI ethics principles. Centering on fair machine learning practice as a case example, the article presents a set of detailed requirements for action-guidance in fair machine learning practice which explain problems that previous studies have identified with regard to the real-life application of fair machine learning frameworks and tools. Paving a way forward, the article presents theoretical and practical lessons for ensuring action-guidance in fairness-sensitive design, with implications for AI ethics more generally.