bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term effects of litter characteristics on reproduction in female cavies (Cavia aperea)
Authors: Kraus Sabine , Trillmich Fritz , Guenther Anja
Published: August 2024

In mammals, birth mass is an important predictor of early growth and survival. Within litters, heavier siblings are usually able to outcompete smaller siblings and gain more resources, thereby often permanently shaping phenotypic development. Early body size and growth are particularly important for later fitness. Only few studies investigated if and how differences within the early family environment contribute to long-term variation in fitness among individuals. We quantified if initial differences in size translate to size differences in adulthood and whether birth mass, relative size within the litter, litter size or the litter sex-ratio affect maturation and reproductive output of female wild cavies (Cavia aperea). Initial differences in mass were maintained until animals reached maximum adult mass at two years of age. Heavier sisters matured earlier and invested more into their first litter than smaller sisters, presumably because smaller sisters invested more into their own growth during the first pregnancy. Growing up in mixed-sexed litters in comparison to female-only litters slowed down maturation in smaller but not the heaviest female within a litter and had no effect on female reproductive effort. Variation in reproduction of multiparous females was to a lesser extent explained by the initial relative size of siblings. Offspring survival to independence was high but slightly lower when mothers had been born as smaller sisters. Our results demonstrate that factors of the early family environment not only affect immediate offspring development but lead to long-term fitness consequences.
Prey targeted by lactating Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) in Erebus Bay, Antarctica
Authors: Foster-Dyer Rose T. N. , Goetz Kimberly T. , Iwata Takashi , Holser Rachel R. , Michael Sarah A. , Pritchard Craig , Childerhouse Simon , Costa Daniel P. , Ainley David G. , Pinkerton Matthew H. , LaRue Michelle A.
Published: August 2024

Female Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) display a mixed capital-income breeding strategy, losing up to 40% of their body mass between birthing and weaning their pups. How and when they regain energy stores, however, remains to be fully explored. To better understand the foraging by lactating Weddell seals, we fitted time-depth recorders and head-mounted cameras on 26 seals in Erebus Bay, Ross Sea, for ~ 5 days in November and December 2018 and 2019. We aimed to (1) identify prey species and foraging depth and (2) investigate relationships between seal physiology and demographics and probability of foraging. We recorded 2782 dives, 903 of which were > 50 m, maximum depth was 449.3 m and maximum duration was 31.1 min. Pup age likely contributes to the probability of a lactating Weddell seal foraging (Est. = 1.21 (SD = 0.61), z = 1.97, p = 0.0484). Among 846 prey encounters, the most frequent prey items were crustaceans (46.2%) and Antarctic silverfish (Pleuragramma antarcticum, 19.0%); two encounters were observed with juvenile Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni, 0.2%). We identified substantial variability in foraging behaviour, individually and between locations, and found that lactating seals target many species and some may specialise on certain prey groups.
Prostate-specific membrane antigen-radioguided surgery salvage lymph node dissection: experience with fifty oligorecurrent prostate cancer patients
Authors: Mayr Roman , Engelmann Simon Udo , Yang Yushan , Haas Maximilian , Schmid Thomas , Schnabel Marco Julius , Breyer Johannes , Schmidt Daniel , Eiber Matthias , Denzinger Stefan , Burger Maximilian , Hellwig Dirk , Moosbauer Jutta , Grosse Jirka
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The higher detection efficacy of PSMA PET for oligometastatic recurrence of prostate cancer has promoted new loco-regional treatment options. PSMA-targeted radioguided surgery (PSMA-RGS) was introduced to facilitate salvage surgery of small tumor deposits. The objectives of this retrospective analysis are to describe an independent single-center consecutive cohort of patients undergoing PSMA-RGS and to evaluate its clinical and oncological outcomes.

Method

Between 2018 and 2022, 53 patients were treated with PSMA-RGS and 50 patients were available for final analyses. All patients were initially treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) and presented with biochemical recurrence (BCR) with at least one positive lesion on PSMA-PET imaging. After preparation of 99mTc-PSMA-I&S and intravenous injection, surgery was performed by using a gamma-probe intraoperatively.

Results

Median age was 70 years (IQR 65–73) and the median PSA at salvage surgery was 1.2 ng/mL (IQR 0.6-3.0). In all patients pathologically positive lesions could be removed during PSMA-RGS. 29 (58%) patients had one pathologically positive lesion, 14 (28%) had two and 7 (14%) had three or more, respectively. The overall complication rate was 26% with 4 (8%), 1 (2%), and 8 (16%) having Clavien-Dindo (CD) type I, II, and IIIb complications, respectively. During the follow-up period 31 (62%) patients experienced BCR and 29 (58%) received further therapy.

Conclusions

PSMA-RGS is a promising treatment option to enhance salvage surgery in early biochemical recurrence. However, only 42% of the patients treated with PSMA RGS remain without a biochemical recurrence. Further research is mandatory to identify patients, who profit from PSMA-RGS.
β3-Adrenergic receptor overexpression in cardiomyocytes preconditions mitochondria to withstand ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Fernández-Tocino Miguel , Pun-Garcia Andrés , Gómez Mónica , Clemente-Moragón Agustín , Oliver Eduardo , Villena-Gutierrez Rocío , Trigo-Anca Sofía , Díaz-Guerra Anabel , Sanz-Rosa David , Prados Belén , del Campo Lara , Andrés Vicente , Fuster Valentín , de la Pompa José Luis , Cádiz Laura , Ibañez Borja
Published: August 2024

β3-Adrenergic receptor (β3AR) agonists have been shown to protect against ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI). Since β3ARs are present both in cardiomyocytes and in endothelial cells, the cellular compartment responsible for this protection has remained unknown. Using transgenic mice constitutively expressing the human β3AR (hβ3AR) in cardiomyocytes or in the endothelium on a genetic background of null endogenous β3AR expression, we show that only cardiomyocyte expression protects against IRI (45 min ischemia followed by reperfusion over 24 h). Infarct size was also limited after ischemia–reperfusion in mice with cardiomyocyte hβ3AR overexpression on top of endogenous β3AR expression. hβ3AR overexpression in these mice reduced IRI-induced cardiac fibrosis and improved long-term left ventricular systolic function. Cardiomyocyte-specific β3AR overexpression resulted in a baseline remodeling of the mitochondrial network, characterized by upregulated mitochondrial biogenesis and a downregulation of mitochondrial quality control (mitophagy), resulting in elevated numbers of small mitochondria with a depressed capacity for the generation of reactive oxygen species but improved capacity for ATP generation. These processes precondition cardiomyocyte mitochondria to be more resistant to IRI. Upon reperfusion, hearts with hβ3AR overexpression display a restoration in the mitochondrial quality control and a rapid activation of antioxidant responses. Strong protection against IRI was also observed in mice infected with an adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding hβ3AR under a cardiomyocyte-specific promoter. These results confirm the translational potential of increased cardiomyocyte β3AR expression, achieved either naturally through exercise or artificially through gene therapy approaches, to precondition the cardiomyocyte mitochondrial network to withstand future insults.
Increased femoral cartilage thickness in acne patients using isotretinoin: could it be a sign of early osteoarthritis?
Authors: Kulaklı Sevgi , Elmas Telli Asude Cevher , Sarı İlker Fatih , Oğuz Işıl Deniz , Kulaklı Fazıl
Published: August 2024

Vitamin A derivatives have inhibitory effects on cartilage tissue, such as decreasing chondrocyte proliferation and collagen synthesis, and increasing the loss of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. Therefore, isotretinoin (a vitamin A derivative) may play a role in the pathogenesis of cartilage-related diseases like osteoarthritis by affecting the balance of cartilage tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distal femoral cartilage thickness in acne patients under the systemic isotretinoin therapy and to determine whether it constitutes a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis. The study included 52 patients (42 female, 10 male, mean age 23.31 ± 3.89 years) who were prescribed systemic isotretinoin for acne and completed at least 3 months of treatment, along with 45 healthy controls ((35 female, 10 male, mean age 23.85 ± 4.77 years). Bilateral distal femoral cartilage thickness was measured by ultrasonography before isotretinoin treatment and after the completion of the third month of treatment. After treatment, a statistically significant increase was found in the thickness of the right medial, right lateral, left medial, left lateral, and left intercondylar cartilage (p = 0.014, 0.012, 0.019, 0.027, 0.002, respectively). There was also an increase in the right intercondylar cartilage thickness, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.1). Systemic isotretinoin seems to make cartilage thicker. The increase in femoral cartilage thickness observed after short-term isotretinoin treatment might be an indicator of very early-stage osteoarthritis. Extended follow-up studies with larger participant pools are necessary to substantiate this result.
Sonographic evaluation of retained products of conception within 48 h following delivery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ashkar Majadla Nadine , Abu Shqara Raneen , Haj Safaa , Sgayer Inshirah , Ghanem Nadir , Lowenstein Lior , Odeh Marwan
Published: August 2024

Objective

Early diagnosis of retained products of conception (RPOC) is critical for directing clinical management and for preventing associated complications. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of post-delivery ultrasound in patients with risk factors for RPOC.

Study design

A retrospective cohort-study was conducted in a single tertiary university-affiliated hospital (January 2016–September 2022). Sonographic evaluation, including endometrium thickness measurement and color Doppler, were reviewed of women with risk factors for RPOC: postpartum hemorrhage, a hemoglobin drop > 4 g/dl, manual removal of the placenta, and suspicious placenta. Results of early postpartum ultrasound (within 48 h), misoprostol administration and hysteroscopies were evaluated.

Results

Of the 591 women included, RPOC was suspected in 141 (24%). Endometrial thickness > 5 mm was associated with sonographic RPOC diagnosis in 58%. Suspected sonographic RPOC was concluded for 100%, 92% and 7% of the women with marked, moderate, and undetectable vascularity, respectively, p < 0.001. Misoprostol 1000 mcg per rectum (PR) was administered to 86% of those with suspected RPOC; only 11% of them needed an operative hysteroscopy for removal of the RPOC. RPOC on a pathology report was confirmed for 71% of those who underwent hysteroscopy.

Conclusions

Postpartum transabdominal ultrasonography within 48 h of delivery was effective for assessing RPOC. For appropriate triage, color Doppler grading increased the accuracy of RPOC diagnosis. Misoprostol treatment was successful in 88% of women with suspected sonographic RPOC. The combination of sonographic evaluation and misoprostol treatment for suspected RPOC might lower the rate of unnecessary invasive procedures.
Systematic assessment of square-wave jerks in progressive supranuclear palsy: a video-oculographic study
Authors: Facchin Alessio , Buonocore Jolanda , Crasà Marianna , Quattrone Aldo , Quattrone Andrea
Published: August 2024

Background

The presence of frequent macro-square-wave jerks (SWJs) has been recently included in the diagnostic criteria for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The aim of the current video-oculographic study was to systematically assess the presence and features of SWJs during a brief fixation task in PSP, in comparison with Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and healthy controls (HC).

Methods

Thirty-eight PSP patients, 55 PD patients and 40 HC were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent a video-oculographic (VOG) examination including a 5-s fixation task, and the number, duration and amplitude of SWJs were recorded. The diagnostic performance of several SWJs parameters were then compared in distinguishing PSP from PD patients and controls.

Results

PSP patients showed a higher number and amplitude of SWJs compared to PD patients and controls. At least two SWJs within the 5-s fixation task were observed in 81.6% of PSP patients, 52.7% of PD patients and 25% of HC. The SWJs amplitude was the parameter showing the highest performances in distinguishing PSP from PD (AUC: 0.78) and HC (AUC: 0.88), outperforming the SWJ number and duration. The SWJ amplitude was larger in PSP-Richardson’s syndrome than in PSP-Parkinsonism patients, while no difference was found between PSP patients with different degrees of vertical ocular motor dysfunction.

Conclusions

This video-oculographic study provides robust evidence of larger SWJs number and amplitude in PSP than in PD patients, with some potential for differential diagnosis, supporting the inclusion of this ocular sign in PSP criteria.
Pediatric chest radiograph interpretation in a real-life setting
Authors: Rotem-Grunbaum Bar , Scheuerman Oded , Tamary Oren , Lakovsky Yaniv , Shkalim Zemer Vered , Goldberg Lotem , Soffair Niv , Bulkowstein Yarden , Hendelsman Shahar , Amarilyo Gil , Yaniv Noga , Levinsky Yoel
Published: August 2024

Chest radiography is a frequently used imaging modality in children. However, only fair to moderate inter-observer agreement has been reported between chest radiograph interpreters. Most studies were not performed in real-world clinical settings. Our aims were to examine the agreement between emergency department pediatricians and board-certified radiologists in a pediatric real-life setting and to identify clinical risk factors for the discrepancies. Included were children aged 3 months to 18 years who underwent chest radiography in the emergency department not during the regular hours of radiologist interpretation. Every case was reviewed by an expert panel. Inter-observer agreement between emergency department pediatricians and board-certified radiologists was assessed by Cohen’s kappa; risk factors for disagreement were analyzed. Among 1373 cases, the level of agreement between emergency department pediatricians and board-certified radiologists was “moderate” (k = 0.505). For radiographs performed after midnight, agreement was only “fair” (k = 0.391). The expert panel identified clinically relevant disagreements in 260 (18.9%) of the radiographs. Over-treatment of antibiotics was identified in 121 (8.9%) of the cases and under-treatment in 79 (5.8%). In a multivariable logistic regression, the following parameters were found to be significantly associated with disagreements: neurological background (p = 0.046), fever (p = 0.001), dyspnea (p = 0.014), and radiographs performed after midnight (p = 0.007).

Conclusions: Moderate agreement was found between emergency department pediatricians and board-certified radiologists in interpreting chest radiographs. Neurological background, fever, dyspnea, and radiographs performed after midnight were identified as risk factors for disagreement. Implementing these findings could facilitate the use of radiologist expertise, save time and resources, and potentially improve patient care.

What is Known:• Only fair to moderate inter-observer agreement has been reported between chest radiograph interpreters.• Most studies were not performed in real-world clinical settings. Clinical risk factors for disagreements have not been reported.

What is New:• In this study, which included 1373 cases at the emergency department, the level of agreement between interpreters was only “moderate.”• The major clinical parameters associated with interpretation discrepancies were neurological background, fever, dyspnea, and interpretations conducted during the night shift.
Telesimulation for Training in Infant Feeding: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Marshall Jeanne , Shiu Charis , Raatz Madeline , Penman Adriana , Beak Kelly , Clarke Sally , Ward Elizabeth C.
Published: August 2024

Simulation is an education modality known to support clinical skill development. Unfortunately, access to simulation has been challenging, both prior to and during the pandemic. Simulation via telepractice, i.e., “telesimulation”, has emerged, but little is known about whether outcomes are comparable to in-person simulation. This study compared in-person versus telesimulation learner outcomes in an infant feeding scenario. The secondary aim was to compare outcomes between novice and experienced participants.

This pragmatic randomized controlled trial included speech pathologists who could attend if randomized to the in-person modality. Block randomization matched participants with < 6 months’ infant feeding experience to those with > 6 months experience (2:1 ratio) into telesimulation or in-person simulation. Measures of clinical reasoning, confidence/anxiety, and satisfaction were collected, pre-, post-, and 4-weeks post-simulation.

Overall, 39 clinicians completed either in-person simulation (n = 17) or telesimulation training (n = 22), including 16 experienced and 23 novice learners. Both in-person and telesimulation groups achieved significant improvements across time in clinical reasoning, self-reported confidence, and anxiety. The extent of change in clinical reasoning, confidence and anxiety was comparable between the telesimulation and in-person simulation groups. Comparing by experience, novice-level participants reported significantly greater changes in confidence and anxiety than experienced participants. Satisfaction levels were high regardless of simulation modality or experience.

Participants in telesimulation and in-person simulation achieved similar improvements in the primary outcome measure of clinical reasoning, had comparable improvements in self-perceived confidence and anxiety, and demonstrated high satisfaction levels. Telesimulation is a promising means to improve clinician access to simulation training in infant feeding.
Optimizing outcomes in paraesophageal hernia repair: a novel critical view
Authors: Saleh Zena , Verchio Vincent , Ghanem Yazid K. , Lou Johanna , Hundley Erin , Rouhi Armaun D. , Joshi Hansa , Moccia Mathew C. , Scalia Dominick M. , Lenart Austin M. , Ladd Zachary A. , Minakata Kenji , Shersher David D.
Published: August 2024

Background

The recurrence rate of paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR) is high with reported rates of recurrence varying between 25 and 42%. We present a novel approach to PEHR that involves the visualization of a critical view to decrease recurrence rate. Our study aims to investigate the outcomes of PEHR following the implementation of a critical view.

Methods

This is a single-center retrospective study that examines operative outcomes in patients who underwent PEHR with a critical view in comparison to patients who underwent standard repair. The critical view is defined as full dissection of the posterior mediastinum with complete mobilization of the esophagus to the level of the inferior pulmonary vein, visualization of the left crus of the diaphragm as well as the left gastric artery while the distal esophagus is retracted to expose the spleen in the background. Bivariate chi-squared analysis and multivariable logistic and linear regressions were used for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 297 patients underwent PEHR between 2015 and 2023, including 207 with critical view and 90 with standard repair which represents the historic control. Type III hernias were most common (48%) followed by type I (36%), type IV (13%), and type II (2.0%). Robotic-assisted repair was most common (65%), followed by laparoscopic (22%) and open repair (14%). Fundoplications performed included Dor (59%), Nissen (14%), Belsey (5%), and Toupet (2%). Patients who underwent PEHR with critical view had lower hernia recurrence rates compared to standard (9.7% vs 20%, P < .01) and lower reoperation rates (0.5% vs 10%, P < .001). There were no differences in postoperative complications on unadjusted bivariate analysis; however, adjusted outcomes revealed a lower odds of postoperative complications in patients with critical view (AOR .13, 95% CI .05–.31, P < .001).

Conclusion

We present dissection of a novel critical view during repair of all types of paraesophageal hernia that results in reproducible, consistent, and durable postoperative outcomes, including a significant reduction in recurrence and reoperation.
Konservative Kombinationstherapie beim lumbalen Bandscheibenvorfall mit Nervenwurzelreizsyndrom mit mechanischer Physiotherapie (McKenzie), Gabapentin und transforaminalen epiduralen Infiltrationen
Authors: Jäntsch-Rieckert Manuela , Rommel Oliver , Kästner Verena , Maercklin-Rommel Lotte , Jäger Georg
Published: August 2024

Hintergrund

Die Behandlung des Nervenwurzelreizsyndroms beim lumbalen Bandscheibenvorfall kann chirurgisch oder konservativ erfolgen. Die konservativen Behandlungskonzepte zeigten einen Erfolg bei 90 % der Patienten, in der Mehrzahl der Studien wurde jedoch kein strukturiertes Behandlungskonzept angewendet.

Ziel der Arbeit

In der Studie untersuchten wir den Effekt einer kombinierten konservativen Therapie des Wurzelreizsyndroms mit mechanischer Physiotherapie (McKenzie), Gabapentin sowie transforaminalen epiduralen Kortikosteroidinjektionen bei 40 Patienten während eines 10-tägigen stationären Aufenthalts.

Methoden

Neben der klinischen Untersuchung einschließlich des Straight-leg-raise-Tests und Finger-Boden-Abstands wurde die Schmerzstärke in Ruhe und nach einer Gehstrecke von 5 m erhoben und eine Elektromyographie der Kennmuskeln durchgeführt. Die Oswestry Pain Disability Scale sowie Schmerzschwereskala nach von Korff wurden erhoben und neuropathische Schmerzkomponenten mit der painDETECT-Skala erfasst. Ferner wurden die Dauer der Arbeitsunfähigkeit sowie die Notwendigkeit einer Operation innerhalb des Beobachtungszeitraums erfasst. Die Untersuchungen wurden am Tag der Aufnahme, an den Tagen 3, 6 und 10 sowie 3 Monate nach Entlassung durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Während der Behandlung konnte eine kontinuierliche Schmerzreduktion in Ruhe sowie beim Gehen von 5 m, Verbesserung des Straight-leg-raise-Tests sowie Verminderung des Finger-Boden-Abstands dokumentiert werden. Da die 3 Verfahren mit zeitlichem Abstand eingesetzt wurden, konnte gezeigt werden, dass alle signifikant zur Besserung beitrugen. Alle 3 Verfahren wurden ohne wesentliche Nebenwirkungen vertragen und die anhaltende Besserung bei der Nachuntersuchung nach 12 Wochen bestätigte die Nachhaltigkeit des Konzepts. Bei Aufnahme zeigten 32 % der Patienten eine überwiegend neuropathische Schmerzkomponente, welche nach 3 Monaten auf 7 % reduziert war. In der Elektromyographie fanden sich bei Aufnahme bei 70 % der Patienten Auffälligkeiten. Eine Kraftminderung zeigte sich bei Aufnahme bei 28 Patienten, bei der Kontrolle nur noch bei 7 Patienten. Auch die Lebensqualität war signifikant verbessert und die Patienten konnten 5,8 Wochen nach Behandlungsbeginn die Berufstätigkeit wieder aufnehmen. 3 von 40 Patienten benötigten wegen anhaltender Schmerzen eine Operation.

Konsequenz

Das untersuchte kombinierte Behandlungsprogramm ist effektiv und wird gut toleriert.
Rethinking of BERT sentence embedding for text classification
Authors: Galal Omar , Abdel-Gawad Ahmed H. , Farouk Mona
Published: August 2024

Text classification is a fundamental task in NLP that is used in several real-life tasks and applications. Large pre-trained language models such as BERT achieve state-of-the-art performance in several NLP tasks including text classification tasks. Although BERT boosts text classification performance, the common way of using it for classification lacks many aspects of its advantages. This work rethinks the way of using BERT final layer and hidden layers embeddings by proposing different aggregation architectures for text classification tasks such as sentiment analysis and sarcasm detection. This research also proposes different approaches for using BERT as a feature extractor without fine-tuning whose performance surpasses its fine-tuning counterpart. It also proposes promising multi-task learning aggregation architectures to improve the performance of the related classification problems. The experiments of the different architectures show that freezing BERT can outperform fine-tuning it for sentiment analysis. The experiments also show that multi-task learning while freezing BERT boosts the performance of yet hard tasks such as sarcasm detection. The best-performing models achieved new state-of-the-art performance on the ArSarcasm-v2 dataset for Arabic sarcasm detection and sentiment analysis. For multi-task learning and freezing BERT, a new SOTA F1-score of 64.41 was achieved for the sarcasm detection with a 3.47% improvement and near SOTA FPN of 75.78 for the sentiment classification. For single-task learning, a new SOTA FPN of 75.26 was achieved for the sentiment with a 1.81% improvement.
Enhancing CNN model classification performance through RGB angle rotation method
Authors: Dogan Yahya , Ozdemir Cuneyt , Kaya Yılmaz
Published: August 2024

In recent years, convolutional neural networks have significantly advanced the field of computer vision by automatically extracting features from image data. CNNs enable the modeling of complex and abstract image features using learnable filters, eliminating the need for manual feature extraction. However, combining feature maps obtained from CNNs with different approaches can lead to more complex and interpretable inferences, thereby enhancing model performance and generalizability. In this study, we propose a new method called RGB angle rotation to effectively obtain feature maps from RGB images. Our method rotates color channels at different angles and uses the angle information between channels to generate new feature maps. We then investigate the effects of integrating models trained with these feature maps into an ensemble architecture. Experimental results on the CIFAR-10 dataset show that using the proposed method in the ensemble model results in performance increases of 9.10 and 8.42% for the B and R channels, respectively, compared to the original model, while the effect of the G channel is very limited. For the CIFAR-100 dataset, the proposed method resulted in a 17.09% improvement in ensemble model performance for the R channel, a 5.06% increase for the B channel, and no significant improvement for the G channel compared to the original model. Additionally, we compared our method with traditional feature extraction methods like scale-invariant feature transform and local binary pattern and observed higher performance. In conclusion, it has been observed that the proposed RGB angle rotation method significantly impacts model performance.
Privacy-preserving hierarchical federated learning with biosignals to detect drowsiness while driving
Authors: López Bernal Sergio , Hidalgo Rogel José Manuel , Martínez Beltrán Enrique Tomás , Quiles Pérez Mario , Martínez Pérez Gregorio , Huertas Celdrán Alberto
Published: August 2024

In response to the global safety concern of drowsiness during driving, the European Union enforces that new vehicles must integrate detection systems compliant with the general data protection regulation. To identify drowsiness patterns while preserving drivers’ data privacy, recent literature has combined Federated Learning (FL) with different biosignals, such as facial expressions, heart rate, electroencephalography (EEG), or electrooculography (EOG). However, existing solutions are unsuitable for drowsiness detection where heterogeneous stakeholders want to collaborate at different levels while guaranteeing data privacy. There is a lack of works evaluating the benefits of using Hierarchical FL (HFL) with EEG and EOG biosignals, and comparing HFL over traditional FL and Machine Learning (ML) approaches to detect drowsiness at the wheel while ensuring data confidentiality. Thus, this work proposes a flexible framework for drowsiness identification by using HFL, FL, and ML over EEG and EOG data. To validate the framework, this work defines a scenario of three transportation companies aiming to share data from their drivers without compromising their confidentiality, defining a two-level hierarchical structure. This study presents three incremental Use Cases (UCs) to assess detection performance: UC1) intra-company FL, yielding a 77.3% accuracy while ensuring the privacy of individual drivers’ data; UC2) inter-company FL, achieving 71.7% accuracy for known drivers and 67.1% for new subjects, ensuring data confidentiality between companies but not intra-organization; and UC3) HFL inter-company, which ensured comprehensive data privacy both within and between companies, with an accuracy of 71.9% for training subjects and 65.5% for new subjects.
Design of Rock Support in Hard and Layered Rock Masses Using a Hybrid Method: A Study Based on the Construction of the New Skarvberg Tunnel, Norway
Authors: Terron-Almenara Jorge , Skretting Erlend , Holter Karl Gunnar , Høien Are Håvard
Published: August 2024

Hard rock formations with layered, anisotropic geological structures are rather common in Norway. The design of tunnel rock support under such ground conditions has been traditionally done with an empirical approach and assisted with engineering rock mass classification. In most cases, rock stability has been achieved with the use of fiber-reinforced sprayed concrete combined with rock bolts, sometimes supplemented with ribs of reinforced sprayed concrete (RRS) and bolt spiling. However, the discontinuous character and more complex ground behavior of layered rock can lead to design challenges as experienced during the construction of the new Skarvberg highway tunnel in Northern Norway. A significant portion of the tunnel exhibited consistent overbreak, delamination problems and a tunnel failure. In this article, the ground behavior and rock support performance at different locations of the tunnel are investigated to find a basis for design optimization of rock support under similar ground conditions. For this purpose, a thorough site investigation program was carried out, which formed the basis for further assessments and analyses with a hybrid design methodology and the numerical code UDEC (Itasca). As a result, the main challenges of classification systems to capture ground behavior and derive optimal support design in layered rocks were identified. As such, this study has investigated design optimization possibilities, which resulted in the development of, among others, a specific ground behavior classification for layered grounds and a new, optimized RRS-support concept for layered rock masses of very poor quality (e.g., Q ~ 0.1–1).
Community detection in social networks using machine learning: a systematic mapping study
Authors: Nooribakhsh Mahsa , Fernández-Diego Marta , González-Ladrón-De-Guevara Fernando , Mollamotalebi Mahdi
Published: August 2024

One of the important issues in social networks is the social communities which are formed by interactions between its members. Three types of community including overlapping, non-overlapping, and hidden are detected by different approaches. Regarding the importance of community detection in social networks, this paper provides a systematic mapping of machine learning-based community detection approaches. The study aimed to show the type of communities in social networks along with the algorithms of machine learning that have been used for community detection. After carrying out the steps of mapping and removing useless references, 246 papers were selected to answer the questions of this research. The results of the research indicated that unsupervised machine learning-based algorithms with 41.46% (such as k means) are the most used categories to detect communities in social networks due to their low processing overheads. On the other hand, there has been a significant increase in the use of deep learning since 2020 which has sufficient performance for community detection in large-volume data. With regard to the ability of NMI to measure the correlation or similarity between communities, with 53.25%, it is the most frequently used metric to evaluate the performance of community identifications. Furthermore, considering availability, low in size, and lack of multiple edge and loops, dataset Zachary’s Karate Club with 26.42% is the most used dataset for community detection research in social networks.
The molecular profile of gastric intraepithelial foveolar type neoplasia based on somatic copy number alterations and multiple mutation analysis
Authors: Sugai Tamotsu , Uesugi Noriyuki , Osakabe Mitsumasa , Yamamoto Ryuya , Hamada Koichi , Honda Michitaka , Yanagawa Naoki , Suzuki Hiromu
Published: August 2024

Background

Gastric foveolar type neoplasia is a rare histological variant of gastric tumors. It is very difficult to differentiate between benign and malignant intraepithelial foveolar neoplasia (IFN). Although limited molecular alterations have been identified in IFNs, somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs), which are linked to tumor progression, have not been systematically evaluated in IFN.

Methods

The aim of the present study was to comprehensively examine SCNAs using a SNP array in 37 cases of IFN, compared with intestinal type dysplasia, including 39 low grade (LGD) and 32 high grade dysplasia (HGD) cases. In addition, gene mutations were evaluated using a gene panel. Finally, we attempted to determine molecular profiles using a hierarchical clustering analysis.

Results

Two patterns could be categorized according to the SCNAs in 108 tumors examined: high (subgroup 1) and low (subgroup 2) frequencies of SCNAs. Although IFN and LGD were associated with subgroup 2, HGD was found in both subgroups. The median numbers of total SCNAs and copy number gains were higher in IFN or HGD than in LGD. In addition, the IFN genotype was characterized by altered genes located at 4p13–4q35.2, including RAP1GDS1 and LEF1, which may be associated with IFN development. Finally, no significant mutations were found in IFNs using a gene panel.

Conclusions

The current molecular profiles of IFN may help elucidate the mechanisms of IFN development.
Portfolio optimization for sustainable investments
Authors: Varmaz Armin , Fieberg Christian , Poddig Thorsten
Published: August 2024

In mean-variance portfolio optimization, multi-index models often accelerate computation, reduce input requirements, facilitate understanding, and allow easy adjustment to changing conditions more effectively than full covariance matrix estimation in many situations. In this paper, we develop a multi-index model-based portfolio optimization approach that takes into account aspects of the environment, social responsibility and corporate governance (ESG). Investments in assets related to ESG have recently grown, attracting interest from both academic research and investment fund practice. Various literature strands in this area address the theoretical and empirical relation among return, risk and ESG. Our portfolio optimization approach is flexible enough to take these literature strands into account and does not require large-scale covariance matrix estimation. An extension of our approach even allows investors to empirically discriminate among the literature strands. A case study demonstrates the application of our portfolio optimization approach.
Performance analysis of an SPD integrated with a stepped pyramid solar still: experimental study
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed H. , Shmroukh Ahmed N. , Ghazaly Nouby M. , Kabeel Abd Elnaby
Published: August 2024

Water scarcity poses a major challenge for the next generation. Additionally, increasing agricultural and industrial activities are creating an unprecedented demand for freshwater supplies throughout Egypt. The Nile River serves as Egypt’s primary water source, accounting for 69.4% of the total water resources. Moreover, Egypt's annual share of water has decreased to approximately 500 m3 per person because of the completion of the Renaissance dam in Ethiopia and the rapid increase in population growth. Solar distillation has been presented as a long-term and promising method for producing edible drinkable water. The present research goal is to increase the daily freshwater output from a stepped pyramid solar still (SPSS) by coupling with a solar parabolic dish (SPD). The proposed system consists of a conventional pyramid solar still (CPSS) and a modified pyramid solar still (MPSS). The main components of an MPSS include an SPSS, a PV panel, an SPD with a spiral coil, a circulating pump, and an Arduino Mega Unit. The developed system was designed, fabricated, and verified from July to August 2023 at the Faculty Engineering, South Valley University. The results of the experiments indicated that the daily productivity of freshwater from MPSS was greater than that from CPSS and reached 6038 and 2612 mL/day, respectively, with an increase in the daily yield of 131%. The peak energy efficiency is 56% for the MPSS and 24% for the CPSS. The peak exergy efficiency is 4.26% for the MPSS and 3.79% for the CPSS. Additionally, the cost analysis of the suggested system revealed that the estimated cost per liter of the proposed system is 0.01635 USD/L.
Human digital twins unlocking Society 5.0? Approaches, emerging risks and disruptions
Authors: Fontes Catarina , Carpentras Dino , Mahajan Sachit
Published: August 2024

Industry 5.0 and Healthcare 5.0 converge towards a human centered society, having technological advancement as a lever. In Society 5.0, decentralized autonomous cities and a convergence of physical and cyberspace are the foundations of the new chapter of society’s development. The idea of creating digital replicas and legitimate representatives of human beings in cyberspace has become a pillar of digitalization. Society 5.0 introduces Human Digital Twins as a central element of Cyber Physical Systems that include human factors or are designed to interact with humans in a personalized fashion. Overall, the HDT and neighboring concepts are applied to depict how humans can be represented in a cyberspace. However, there are clear challenges in determining which human characteristics should take precedence, how much autonomy should be granted to HDTs to optimize their functionality and how to conceptualize the digital environment in which HDTs interact with various entities, including other digital agents and stakeholders with agency and decisional power. To harness similarities and differences of current approaches, we propose a classification of HDTs based on meta-characteristics and ethical implications. We discuss ethical implication by focusing on emerging risks and paradigm shifts and anchor the previous discussion in the vision for Society 5.0, questioning whether societal development relying on disruptive technologies, instead of leading to more human-centered societies might be driving humanized societies away from humanity.
Alteration of nutrient uptake and secondary metabolism connection by foliar application of citrus flavonoids to broccoli plants
Authors: Albaladejo-Marico Lorena , Yepes-Molina Lucia , Carvajal Micaela
Published: August 2024

The nutritional value of broccoli is largely attributed to its abundant secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds and glucosinolates (GSLs). However, the dynamic relationship between these compounds, including potential synergistic or antagonistic interactions that influence plant physiology and metabolism, remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the intricate interplay between phenolic compounds and GSLs in broccoli plants and their consequent effects on primary metabolism and regulatory mechanisms governing water and nutrient uptake. To investigate this, we externally supplied citric phenolic compounds to broccoli plants, and then measured the levels of GSLs and phenolic compounds, along with assessing physiological parameters such as biomass, gas exchange, and nutrient content. Additionally, the expression of genes related to GSLs and phenolics biosynthesis, as well as genes involved in water transport were measured. Our results revealed a complex interrelation between phenolic compounds and GSLs, with phenolic compounds significantly modulating the response of GSLs and influencing the expression of aquaporin genes. This modulation had notable effects on nutrient regulation mechanisms in broccoli plants. Overall, our findings shed light on the regulatory mechanisms underlying the interaction between phenolic compounds, GSLs and growth, providing insights into their roles in plant physiology and metabolism.
Standardizing and Improving Primary Care-Based Electronic Developmental Screening for Young Children in Federally Qualified Health Center Clinics
Authors: Felix Gladys , Deavenport-Saman Alexis , Stavros Sophia , Farboodi Niloofar , Durazo-Arvizu Ramon , Garcia Joanna , Yin Larry , Gera Mona Patel
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Many barriers to implementation of developmental screening in primary care exist, especially for children from under-resourced communities. Developmental screening is vital to early detection of developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder, and early intervention (EI) referral. This study sought to examine whether implementation of a standardized clinical workflow using electronic screening tools improved both rates of developmental screening, and the number of children identified at risk for developmental delay, in a federally qualified health center (FQHC).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at an academic-affiliated FQHC. Electronic versions of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire 3 (ASQ-3) and Modified Checklist in Autism for Toddlers Revised (M-CHAT-R) were implemented at well-child visits. New clinical workflow training on developmental screening and EI referral was provided. Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact analyses were conducted.

Results

ASQ-3 screening rates increased from 62.7 to 73.6% pre- to post-intervention. Post-intervention, there was a significant decrease in paper screens (p < .001), and a significant increase in the percentage of children with ASQ-3 results in the below cutoff range from 14.7 to 18.2% (p < .002). M-CHAT-R screening rates increased from 56.4 to 59.4% pre- to post-intervention. Post-intervention, there was a significant increase in electronic screens (p < .001).

Conclusions for Practice

Implementation of electronic screening tools improved universal developmental screening in a FQHC. To decrease barriers in under-resourced communities, the use of electronic tools may decrease the rate of screening error seen with paper screening and have the potential to better identify children at risk for developmental delay.
Wright’s First-Order Logic of Strict Finitism
Authors: Yamada Takahiro
Published: August 2024

A classical reconstruction of Wright’s first-order logic of strict finitism is presented. Strict finitism is a constructive standpoint of mathematics that is more restrictive than intuitionism. Wright sketched the semantics of said logic in Wright (Realism, Meaning and Truth, chap 4, 2nd edition in 1993. Blackwell Publishers, Oxford, Cambridge, pp.107–75, 1982), in his strict finitistic metatheory. Yamada (J Philos Log. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10992-022-09698-w, 2023) proposed, as its classical reconstruction, a propositional logic of strict finitism under an auxiliary condition that makes the logic correspond with intuitionistic propositional logic. In this paper, we extend the propositional logic to a first-order logic that does not assume the condition. We will provide a sound and complete pair of a Kripke-style semantics and a natural deduction system, and show that if the condition is imposed, then the logic exhibits natural extensions of Yamada (2023)’s results.
Sex-specific clinical and neurobiological correlates of fatigue in older adults
Authors: Toccaceli Blasi Marco , Alfano Alba Rosa , Salzillo Martina , Buscarnera Simona , Raparelli Valeria , Cesari Matteo , Bruno Giuseppe , Canevelli Marco ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2024

Fatigue is a common and distressful symptom in older people and has been associated with adverse health outcomes. Nevertheless, its sex-specific pathophysiological underpinnings and clinical correlates have been scarcely investigated. We aimed to comprehensively explore the clinical and neurobiological determinants of fatigue in cognitively unimpaired older adults. A sex-stratified analysis was conducted to look for differences in the clinical expression of fatigue among women and men. Data on cognitively normal individuals were gathered from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) 2 study. Fatigue was defined based on self-report at baseline. For each participant, information on sociodemographics, comorbidities, mood, cognitive performance, frailty, and biomarkers of brain pathology was collected. Logistic regression models, stratified by sex, were conducted to explore the factors associated with fatigue. Among the 291 participants selected, 44 subjects (15.1% of the total sample) self-reported fatigue at baseline. Subjects reporting fatigue were more likely women, had higher frailty degrees, and more severe depressive symptoms than those without fatigue. Moreover, they tended to have lower MRI hippocampus volumes. Among women, those reporting fatigue exhibited higher frailty levels, worse depression, and lower MRI hippocampus volumes relative to those without fatigue. Higher frailty degrees were also observed in men reporting vs. non-reporting fatigue. In the adjusted logistic regression model, more severe depression (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.18–2.28; p < 0.01) and lower MRI hippocampus volumes (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.19–0.90; p = 0.03) resulted independently associated with fatigue in women, while higher frailty degrees (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.27–7.54 per 0.1 increase in a 39-item Frailty index; p = 0.01) in men. Fatigue is a complex symptom with a sex-specific pattern of clinical and neurobiological correlates. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these associations is warranted to develop sex-informed approaches for personalized treatments.