bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data visualisation approaches for component network meta-analysis: visualising the data structure
Authors: Freeman Suzanne C. , Saeedi Elnaz , Ordóñez-Mena José M. , Nevill Clareece R. , Hartmann-Boyce Jamie , Caldwell Deborah M. , Welton Nicky J. , Cooper Nicola J. , Sutton Alex J.
Published: September 2023

Background

Health and social care interventions are often complex and can be decomposed into multiple components. Multicomponent interventions are often evaluated in randomised controlled trials. Across trials, interventions often have components in common which are given alongside other components which differ across trials. Multicomponent interventions can be synthesised using component NMA (CNMA). CNMA is limited by the structure of the available evidence, but it is not always straightforward to visualise such complex evidence networks. The aim of this paper is to develop tools to visualise the structure of complex evidence networks to support CNMA.

Methods

We performed a citation review of two key CNMA methods papers to identify existing published CNMA analyses and reviewed how they graphically represent intervention complexity and comparisons across trials. Building on identified shortcomings of existing visualisation approaches, we propose three approaches to standardise visualising the data structure and/or availability of data: CNMA-UpSet plot, CNMA heat map, CNMA-circle plot. We use a motivating example to illustrate these plots.

Results

We identified 34 articles reporting CNMAs. A network diagram was the most common plot type used to visualise the data structure for CNMA (26/34 papers), but was unable to express the complex data structures and large number of components and potential combinations of components associated with CNMA. Therefore, we focused visualisation development around representing the data structure of a CNMA more completely. The CNMA-UpSet plot presents arm-level data and is suitable for networks with large numbers of components or combinations of components. Heat maps can be utilised to inform decisions about which pairwise interactions to consider for inclusion in a CNMA model. The CNMA-circle plot visualises the combinations of components which differ between trial arms and offers flexibility in presenting additional information such as the number of patients experiencing the outcome of interest in each arm.

Conclusions

As CNMA becomes more widely used for the evaluation of multicomponent interventions, the novel CNMA-specific visualisations presented in this paper, which improve on the limitations of existing visualisations, will be important to aid understanding of the complex data structure and facilitate interpretation of the CNMA results.
Nonlinear relationship between sleep midpoint and depression symptoms: a cross-sectional study of US adults
Authors: Yin Jiahui , Wang Huayang , Li Siyuan , Zhao Leiyong , You Yanwei , Yang Jiguo , Liu Yuanxiang
Published: September 2023

Background

Despite the close relationship between sleep–wake cycles and depression symptoms, the relationship between sleep midpoint and depression symptoms in adults remains understudied.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 18280 adults aged ≥ 18 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2020 were analyzed. Covariates included age, sex, race/ethnicity, education level, marital status, family income, body mass index, smoking status, drinking status, physical activity, comorbid condition, sleep duration, and sleep disturbance were adjusted in multivariate regression models.

Results

Weighted restricted cubic spline based on the complex sampling design of NHANES showed that in participants with a sleep midpoint from 2:18 AM to 6:30 AM, the prevalence of depression symptoms increased by 0.2 times (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.33) per 1-h increment in sleep midpoint compared to the reference point of 2:18 AM. For participants with a sleep midpoint after 6:30 AM and before 2:18 AM the next day, the relationship between sleep midpoint and depression symptoms was not significant after adjusting for all covariates (adjusted OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.99–1.03).

Conclusions

The findings indicate a significant nonlinear association between sleep midpoint and depression symptoms in a nationally representative sample of adults.
Long-term outcomes of delayed clozapine initiation in treatment-resistant schizophrenia: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hatano Masakazu , Kamei Hiroyuki , Takeuchi Ippei , Gomi Kazuhiko , Sakakibara Takashi , Hotta Shogo , Esumi Satoru , Tsubouchi Kiyotaka , Shimizu Yoshihito , Yamada Shigeki
Published: September 2023

Background

Clozapine is the only antipsychotic medication with proven efficacy against treatment-resistant schizophrenia. This multicenter retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the impact of a delay in clozapine initiation on long-term outcomes.

Methods

Patients who initiated clozapine treatment between July 2009 and December 2018 were included in this study. According to the length of time from the diagnosis of schizophrenia to clozapine initiation, the patients were categorized into one of three groups: early (≤ 9 years), intermediate (10–19 years), and late (≥ 20 years) initiation. The endpoints were psychiatric rehospitalization and all-cause clozapine discontinuation within 3 years. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using the Fine and Gray method or the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

The incidence rates of rehospitalization within three years, according to the cumulative incidence function, were 32.3% for early, 29.7% for intermediate, and 62.2% for late initiation, respectively. Late initiation had a significantly higher risk of psychiatric rehospitalization than early initiation (HR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.01– 8.55; P = 0.016 by the Gray's test). The risk of psychiatric rehospitalization was not significantly different between the early and intermediate initiation groups. The incidence rate of all-cause clozapine discontinuation within three years using the Kaplan–Meier method was 13.0% for early, 10.6% for intermediate, and 20.1% for late initiation. The risk of all-cause clozapine discontinuation was not significantly among the groups. The late initiation group had more patients discontinuing because of death due to physical diseases than the other groups.

Conclusions

The study suggests that clozapine should be initiated promptly in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia to prevent psychiatric rehospitalization during long-term treatment. Further prospective studies with appropriate consideration of confounding factors and large sample sizes are needed to strengthen the evidence.
Iron-rich food consumption and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Sierra Leone: multi-level logistic regression analysis
Authors: Semagn Birhan Ewunu , Gebreegziabher Zenebe Abebe , Abebaw Wondwosen Abey
Published: September 2023

Background

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide. Also, iron deficiency is a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, this study aimed to assess iron-rich food consumption and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Sierra Leone.

Method

This study is a cross-sectional study based on data from the Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey dataset with a total weighted sample of 2622 children aged 6–23 months. Data cleaning, coding, and labeling were done using STATA version 14 software. A multilevel logistic regression model was employed to identify associated factors.

Result

Almost half (53.38%) of children aged between 6–23 months consumed iron-rich foods. The odds of iron rich food consumption were high among children in the age group of 12–17 months (AOR = 4.81, 95% CI: 3.67, 6.31) and 18–23 months (AOR = 9.3, 95% CI: 6.55, 13.2), and who fed minimum acceptable diet (AOR = 22.5, 95% CI: 11.65, 43.46). Moreover, a child from a mother who had work (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.06), and with a mother who had more than four ANC visits during her pregnancy of the most recent live birth (AOR = 1.87; 95%CI: 1.36—2.55) had higher odds of iron-rich food consumption compared to their counterparts. On the other hand, children who were breastfeeding (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.97), and mothers aged 15–19 (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.85) decreased the odds of iron rich food consumption.

Conclusion

Consumption of iron-rich food is low among children aged 6–23 months in Sierra Leone. Iron-rich food consumption among children was significantly associated with maternal occupation, child’s age, child’s breastfeeding status, taking drugs for intestinal parasites, minimum acceptable diet, frequency, and timing of ANC, and region. Thus, special emphasis should be given to those children aged between 6–11 months, currently breastfeeding, children who did not get the minimum acceptable diet, and children from women who did not have work.
Pleural fluid adenosine deaminase to serum C-reactive protein ratio for diagnosing tuberculous pleural effusion
Authors: Rabbi Mohammad Fazle , Ahmed Mushfiq Newaz , Patowary Md. Shafiqul Alam , Huq Syed Rezaul , Razzaque S. M. Abdur , Arafat Hossain Md. , Nahar Tasnuva , Iktidar Mohammad Azmain
Published: September 2023

Background

Tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) and malignant pleural effusion (MPE) may occasionally show similar cytological and biochemical picture including ADA. In such cases, differentiating TPE and MPE is challenging and needs histopathology of pleural tissue which may involve invasive procedures. The present study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of pleural fluid ADA to serum CRP (ADA/CRP) ratio to discriminate between tuberculous and malignant pleural effusion. In addition, we investigated whether the ratio ADA/CRP adds diagnostic value to ADA.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), Mohakhali, Dhaka, from July 2021 to February 2022 on diagnosed patients of TPE and malignant pleural effusion MPE. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was constructed for identifying TPE. The added value of the ADA/CRP ratio to ADA was evaluated using the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). A value ofp < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all tests.

Results

Fifty-nine patients were enrolled in this study, of which 31 had TPE, and 28 had MPE. Pleural fluid ADA to serum CRP ratio and pleural fluid ADA level was significantly higher in patients with TPE, but there was no significant difference in serum CRP levels between patients with TPE and MPE. At cut off value of > 1.25, pleural fluid ADA to serum CRP ratio had a sensitivity of 93.8%, specificity of 85.2%, and positive and negative predictive values were 88.2% and 92% respectively, in the diagnosis of TPE and area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.94. The NRI and IDI analyses revealed added diagnostic value of ADA/CRP to ADA.

Conclusion

This study shows that the ADA/CRP ratio improves the diagnostic usefulness of ADA for TPE.
Differences in postoperative knee function based on concomitant treatment of lateral meniscal injury in the setting of primary ACL reconstruction
Authors: Kaarre Janina , Herman Zachary J. , Persson Fabian , Wållgren Jonas Olsson , Alentorn-Geli Eduard , Senorski Eric Hamrin , Musahl Volker , Samuelsson Kristian
Published: September 2023

Background

Concomitant lateral meniscal (LM) injuries are common in acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. However, the effect of addressing these injuries with various treatment methods during primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare postoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at 2-, 5-, and 10-years after isolated primary ACLR to primary ACLR with various treatment methods to address concomitant LM injury.

Methods

This study was based on data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry. Patients ≥ 15 years with data on postoperative KOOS who underwent primary ACLR between the years 2005 and 2018 were included in this study. The study population was divided into five groups: 1) Isolated ACLR, 2) ACLR + LM repair, 3) ACLR + LM resection, 4) ACLR + LM injury left in situ, and 5) ACLR + LM repair + LM resection. Patients with concomitant medial meniscal or other surgically treated ligament injuries were excluded.

Results

Of 31,819 included patients, 24% had LM injury. After post hoc comparisons, significantly lower scores were found for the KOOS Symptoms subscale in ACLR + LM repair group compared to isolated ACLR (76.0 vs 78.3, p = 0.0097) and ACLR + LM injury left in situ groups (76.0 vs 78.3, p = 0.041) at 2-year follow-up. However, at 10-year follow-up, no differences were found between ACLR + LM repair and isolated ACLR, but ACLR + LM resection resulted in significantly lower KOOS Symptoms scores compared to isolated ACLR (80.4 vs 82.3, p = 0.041).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that LM injury during ACLR is associated with lower KOOS scores, particularly in the Symptoms subscale, at short- and long-term follow-up. However, this finding falls below minimal clinical important difference and therefore may not be clinically relevant.

Level of Evidence

III.
Interaction of estradiol and vitamin D with low skeletal muscle mass among middle-aged and elderly women
Authors: Zhang Jiaxing , Cheng Yalong , Chen Chen , Wang Qingan , Yang Chan , Qiu Jiangwei , Li Juan , Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Yuhong , Liu Lan , Zhao Yi
Published: September 2023

Background

Since the connection between muscle atrophy and vitamin D and estradiol status ambiguous, this study was thus conducted to determine whether low skeletal muscle mass (SMM) in middle-aged and elderly women was affected by estradiol and vitamin D levels together.

Methods

Baseline data from a sub-cohort of the China Northwest Natural Population Cohort: Ningxia Project (CNC-NX) were analyzed. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) and estradiol were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. Bivariate logistic regression and multiplicative interaction analyses were used to assess the impact of estradiol level and vitamin D status on low SMM, as well as the combined impact of estradiol and low vitamin D status on low SMM.

Results

A total of 287 (9.49%) participants had low SMM, which had lower levels of estradiol and vitamin D concentration than normal SMM group. While, after adjusting the confounding variables, these correlations were maintained in estradiol Q1, Q2, Q3 and vitamin D Q1. Furthermore, the significant combined effect of the highest quartile of estradiol concentrations and non-vitamin D deficiency, and interactions between vitamin D Q1 and estradiol Q2, vitamin D Q1 and estradiol Q3, vitamin D Q2 and estradiol Q1, vitamin D Q3 and estradiol Q3 on low SMM were stably reflected (P for interaction < 0.05).

Conclusions

Estradiol and vitamin D were interrelated with low SMM in middle-aged and elderly women. Combination of estradiol and vitamin D supplements should be encouraged for middle-aged and elderly women who are at risk of muscle atrophy or experiencing muscle atrophy.
High-throughput process development from gene cloning to protein production
Authors: Sun Manman , Gao Alex Xiong , Liu Xiuxia , Yang Yankun , Ledesma-Amaro Rodrigo , Bai Zhonghu
Published: September 2023

In the post-genomic era, the demand for faster and more efficient protein production has increased, both in public laboratories and industry. In addition, with the expansion of protein sequences in databases, the range of possible enzymes of interest for a given application is also increasing. Faced with peer competition, budgetary, and time constraints, companies and laboratories must find ways to develop a robust manufacturing process for recombinant protein production. In this review, we explore high-throughput technologies for recombinant protein expression and present a holistic high-throughput process development strategy that spans from genes to proteins. We discuss the challenges that come with this task, the limitations of previous studies, and future research directions.
Home-based transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) in Alzheimer’s disease: rationale and study design
Authors: Altomare Daniele , Benussi Alberto , Cantoni Valentina , Premi Enrico , Rivolta Jasmine , Cupidi Chiara , Martorana Alessandro , Santarnecchi Emiliano , Padovani Alessandro , Koch Giacomo , Borroni Barbara
Published: September 2023

Background

Gamma (γ) brain oscillations are dysregulated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and can be modulated using transcranial alternating stimulation (tACS). In the present paper, we describe the rationale and design of a study assessing safety, feasibility, clinical and biological efficacy, and predictors of outcome of a home-based intervention consisting of γ-tACS over the precuneus.

Methods

In a first phase, 60 AD patients will be randomized into two arms: ARM1, 8-week precuneus γ-tACS (frequency: 40 Hz, intensity: 2 mA, duration: 5 60-min sessions/week); and ARM2, 8-week sham tACS (same parameters as the real γ-tACS, with the current being discontinued 5 s after the beginning of the stimulation). In a second phase, all participants will receive 8-week γ-tACS (same parameters as the real γ-tACS in the first phase). The study outcomes will be collected at several timepoints throughout the study duration and include information on safety and feasibility, neuropsychological assessment, blood sampling, electroencephalography, transcranial magnetic stimulation neurotransmitter measures, and magnetic resonance imaging or amyloid positron emission tomography.

Results

We expect that this intervention is safe and feasible and results in the improvement of cognition, entrainment of gamma oscillations, increased functional connectivity, reduction of pathological burden, and increased cholinergic transmission.

Conclusions

If our expected results are achieved, home-based interventions using γ-tACS, either alone or in combination with other therapies, may become a reality for treating AD.

Trial registration

PNRR-POC-2022–12376021.
Sex differences in renal cell carcinoma: a single-cell analysis reveals exhausted CD8+ T-cells highly infiltrated in males
Authors: Ning Kang , Peng Yulu , Jiang Yue , Li Zhen , Luo Xin , Lin Lede , Deng Minhua , Wu Yi , Huang Tingxuan , Huang Yixin , Xie Ye , Yang Xiaofeng , Zhang Manhuai , Xiong Longbin , Zou Xiangpeng , Zhou Zhaohui , Zhou Fangjian , Dong Pei , Yu Chunping , Zhang Zhiling
Published: September 2023

Background

Although sex bias has been reported in the development and progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the underlying mechanisms remain enigmatic. Here, we investigated the sex differences in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of RCC and explored a promising combination drug regimen to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Methods

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from four published datasets were analyzed to investigate the sex differences in RCC patients, and tumor tissues were collected to validate the sex differences using multiplex immunofluorescence (MxIF) and flow cytometry (FCM). The function of the androgen–androgen receptor axis in sex differences was explored in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Results

Our analysis of scRNA-seq data from 220,156 cells, as well as MxIF and FCM assays, revealed that CD8+ T-cells infiltrated highly in the TME of male RCC, but were mostly in an exhausted and dysfunctional state. In vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that the dysfunction and exhaustion of CD8+ T-cells in male TME were induced by androgen. Clinically, higher serum androgen was significantly associated with a worse prognosis in male RCC patients receiving immunotherapy. Androgen receptor inhibitors could activate tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T-cells and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy of RCC in vivo.

Conclusions

Our study delineated the difference in TME between male and female patients with RCC, and demonstrated that the androgen–androgen receptor axis plays an important role in immunosuppression in male RCC. Our findings suggest that androgen receptor inhibitors in combination with immunotherapy may be a promising treatment option for male RCC patients.
Quality evaluation of health information about breast cancer treatment found on WeChat public accounts
Authors: Yang Wenjuan , Li Bingyan , Liu Min , Tong Dongtong , Zou Yang , Li Xing , Xie Lunfang
Published: September 2023

Background

With growing cases of breast cancer, WeChat public account, an important information publishing platform of WeChat, has become a breast cancer treatment health information provider to a huge audience. It is essential for health information to possess high-level accuracy and reliability. This work evaluates the quality of health information on breast cancer treatment in WeChat public accounts (WPAs), to benefit the patients while making treatment decisions and provide WPA authors with suggestions on publishing high-quality treatment health information.

Methods

With “breast cancer” as keywords, searches were implemented on weixin.sogou.com and the WeChat app. The WPAs oriented to patients with breast cancer were selected, and the four latest articles of each WPA were included in a set to be evaluated with DISCERN.

Results

A total of 37 WPAs and 136 articles published by them were included. The accounts operated by individual users were 54%. The median of overall quality of 136 articles was 44 (interquartile range = 10.75) and ranked as “fair”, of which only 28 (21%) were of “good” or higher quality. Among these articles, 74 (54%) were related to medical treatments, and 13 of them mentioned clinical trials; 36 (27%) dealt with surgery. 101 (74.26%) omitted additional sources of information; 102 (75%) did not explicitly suggest shared decision-making. A significant difference was not found in the dimensions “reliability of the articles” and “specific details of information on treatment choices” between the distinct categories of account subjects and various treatment options (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The quality of the articles on breast cancer treatment health information in WPAs was moderate. WPA producers should focus on improving the reliability of information and providing more details on treatment options, to assist patients in making optimal decisions during treatment.
What evidence exists on the ecological and physical effects of built structures in shallow, tropical coral reefs? A systematic map protocol
Authors: Paxton Avery B. , Swannack Todd M. , Piercy Candice D. , Altman Safra , Poussard Leanne , Puckett Brandon J. , Storlazzi Curt D. , Viehman T. Shay
Published: September 2023

Background

Shallow, tropical coral reefs face compounding threats from habitat degradation due to coastal development and pollution, impacts from storms and sea-level rise, and pulse disturbances like blast fishing, mining, dredging, and ship groundings that reduce coral reefs’ height and variability. One approach toward restoring coral reef structure from these threats is deploying built structures. Built structures range from engineered modules and repurposed materials to underwater sculptures and intentionally placed natural rocks. Restoration practitioners and coastal managers increasingly consider incorporating built structures, including nature-based solutions, into coral reef-related applications. Yet, synthesized evidence on the ecological and physical performance of built structure interventions across a variety of contexts (e.g., restoration, coastal protection, mitigation, tourism) is not readily available to guide decisions. To help inform management decisions, here we aim to document the global evidence base on the ecological and physical performance of built structures in shallow (≤ 30 m) tropical (35° N to 35° S latitude) coral ecosystems. The collated evidence base on use cases and associated ecological and physical outcomes of built structure interventions can help inform future consideration of built structures in reef restoration design, siting, and implementation.

Method

To discover evidence on the performance of built structures in coral reef-related applications, such as restoration, mitigation, and coastal protection, primary literature will be searched across indexing platforms, bibliographic databases, open discovery citation indexes, a web-based search engine, a novel literature discovery tool, and organizational websites. The geographic scope of the search is global, and there is no limitation to temporal scope. Primary literature will be screened first at the level of title and abstract and then at the full text level against defined eligibility criteria for the population, intervention, study type, and outcomes of interest. Metadata will be extracted from studies that pass both screening levels. The resulting data will be analyzed to determine the distribution and abundance of evidence. Results will be made publicly available and reported in a systematic map that includes a narrative description, identifies evidence clusters and gaps, and outlines future research directions on the use of built structures in coral reef-related applications.
Effects of the drying method and extraction solvent on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Melosira nummuloides bioproducts
Authors: Cuong Do Manh , Kim Dae Kyeong , Ediriweera Meran Keshawa , Park Jong-Eun , Moon Jeong Yong , Cho Somi Kim
Published: September 2023

Melosira nummuloides is a marine diatom with potential use as food, fuel, and a dietary supplement. However, the efficacy of its extraction and drying techniques have not been explored. Here, M. nummuloides powders were prepared by two drying methods—hot-air drying (HAD) and freeze-drying (FD)—and extracted with hot water, ethanol, methanol, and chloroform:methanol (CM) at a ratio of 2:1 v/v. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of each extract was investigated. The CM extract had the greatest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2ʹ-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity among the solvent extracts, and a slight difference in antioxidant activity was observed across the various drying methods. Compared to other extracts, both the FD-CM and HAD-CM extracts showed stronger anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, the FD-CM extract contained a wide range of lipophilic compounds. Notably, myristic acid (29.08 ± 0.45 mg/g dry weight powder extract (DW)), oleic acid (25.20 ± 0.92 mg/g DW), palmitoleic acid (10.77 ± 0.41 mg/g DW), eicosapentaenoic acid (12.53 ± 1.00 mg/g DW), neophytadiene (8.42 ± 0.51 mg/g DW), and α-linolenic acid (1.27 ± 0.005 mg/g DW) were among the prominent compounds identified. It is plausible to suggest that the abundance of these lipophilic compounds contributes to the remarkable antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potential exhibited by the FD-CM extract. Our results provide insights into the preferential drying methods and extraction solvents for producing M. nummuloides-based products with enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Effect of race on Gaze Cueing in adults with high and low autistic traits
Authors: Ricciardelli Paola , Pintori Noemi
Published: September 2023

Background

Observing the direction of gaze of another person leads to shifting of attention in the same direction (gaze-cueing effect – GCE), a social-cognitive ability known as joint or social attention. Racial attitudes can influence the magnitude of GCE since it has been shown that White people showing a strong race ingroup preference follow the gaze only of White, and not Black, faces. Individuals with high autistic traits have difficulties in social-cognitive abilities that can disrupt the learning of socially shared racial attitudes. Our aim was to investigate in White Italian adults whether individuals with higher autistic traits (measured by the Autism Spectrum Quotient) show reduced implicit racial bias (measured by the Implicit Association Test) and if this bias would lead to differences in the gaze cueing effect (GCE) triggered by gaze direction of faces of different races (measured by the Gaze Cueing Task).

Methods

In an online study, participants (N = 165; 132 females; Mean age = 22.9; SD = 4.76) filled in the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire, then performed a Gaze Cueing Task, followed and by an Implicit Association Test.

Results

Linear regression and linear mixed model analyses showed in the IAT task the presence of the same implicit ingroup bias for all participants, which was not predicted by the AQ score, while in the Gaze Cueing Task the GCE differed depending on the AQ score of the participants. Specifically, participants with low-medium, medium, and medium–high autistic traits (AQ = -1SD; AQ = mean; AQ =  + 1SD respectively) presented the GCE for both ingroup and outgroup cueing faces, whereas participants with high autistic traits (AQ =  + 2SD) only for ingroup faces.

Conclusions

In White Italian adults the presence of an implicit ingroup bias seems to influence the GCE, but it is not always true that the individuals showing an implicit ingroup bias do not orient their attention in the direction of gaze of the outgroup individuals. Instead, the GCE seems to be modulated by the level of autistic traits. That is, individuals with higher autistic traits seem to prioritize joint attention with only their ingroup members.
Photochemical and radiation transport model for extensive use (PROTEUS)
Authors: Nakamura Yuki , Terada Naoki , Koyama Shungo , Yoshida Tatsuya , Karyu Hiroki , Terada Kaori , Kuroda Takeshi , Kamada Arihiro , Murata Isao , Sakai Shotaro , Suzuki Yuhei , Kobayashi Mirai , Leblanc François
Published: September 2023

We introduce a new flexible one-dimensional photochemical model named Photochemical and RadiatiOn Transport model for Extensive USe (PROTEUS), which consists of a Python graphical user interface (GUI) program and Fortran 90 modules. PROTEUS is designed for adaptability to many planetary atmospheres, for flexibility to deal with thousands of or more chemical reactions with high efficiency, and for intuitive operation with GUI. Chemical reactions can be easily implemented into the Python GUI program in a simple string format, and users can intuitively select a planet and chemical reactions on GUI. Chemical reactions selected on GUI are automatically analyzed by string parsing functions in the Python GUI program, then applied to the Fortran 90 modules to simulate with the selected chemical reactions on a selected planet. We performed a benchmark test of PROTEUS to confirm its validity, by applying it to the Martian atmosphere and the Jovian ionosphere. PROTEUS can significantly save the time for those who need to develop a new photochemical model; users just need to write chemical reactions in the Python GUI program and just select them on GUI to run a new photochemical model.

Graphical Abstract
Optimal energy scheduling method for the North Cameroonian interconnected grid in response to load shedding
Authors: Ngoussandou Bello-Pierre , Nisso Nicodem , Kidmo Dieudonné Kaoga , Sreelatha E. , Jember Yosef Berhan , Das Sima , Kitmo
Published: September 2023

Renewable energy sources like sun and wind are intermittent, hence a hybrid system incorporating them is necessary. However, certain systems are more cost-effective and efficient than others, and they are not only more expensive but also far more harmful to the environment. To make up for the energy shortage in unconnected remote regions and urban areas with linked networks, renewable energies offer an alternative. This effort is focused on eliminating both load shedding and the pollution caused by conventional power plants that burn fossil fuels. In order to improve the interconnected Northern Cameroon grid, researchers looked into the possibility of using the permanently accessible sun and wind at the Waibé-Lokoro-Kalfou location in Cameroon. For the hot and humid climate of Waibé-Lokoro, Cameroon, based on four distributed generations, four combinations were established in the scenario. The goal was to maximize the net present value while minimising the energy expense. Electricity costs were found to drop from USD 0.097/kWh to USD 0.085/kWh under the PV-Wind-Grid-Battery scenario, saving a total of USD 0.54 million in net present cost. The particle swarm optimization method (PSO), genetic algorithmic algorithm (GA), cuckoo search approaches (CSA), as well as whale optimization algorithm (WOA) were utilized to calculate power losses as well as system size allocation. PSO was the only algorithm to converge quickly. The level of distortion caused by harmonics is measured experimentally to verify that power grid connectivity regulations are being followed. The standards for the IEEE 33-bus as well as IEEE 69-bus tests provide more precise voltage profiles for use in loss evaluation.

Graphical Abstract
Contemporary challenges and AI solutions in port operations: applying Gale–Shapley algorithm to find best matches
Authors: Farzadmehr Mehran , Carlan Valentin , Vanelslander Thierry
Published: September 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) developments enable human capability to deliver the same outcome at a lower cost. This research performs a high-level matching between AI solutions and challenges within the port area by developing a novel academic approach. This way, the matching is carried out more structured than when one (manager, developer, challenge owner, etc.) fulfils it based on their opinion without following any structured approach. Therefore, the study defines first a comprehensive typology of port stakeholders' challenges, which can be solved via AI solutions. This typology presents challenges, including their main issues, widespread impact, and potential solutions. A state-of-the-art review of AI solutions that can address these challenges is carried out in parallel. Secondly, this review clearly distinguishes between AI solutions based on their technology and functionality. Thirdly, this research selects an appropriate AI solution for addressing each identified challenge in the port operation by upgrading the Gale–Shapley algorithm. Finally, it shows that the most critical presented AI solutions in this study use various machine learning (ML) techniques. Besides, concerning the AI solution's reusability feature and the result of high-level matching, this research shows that the implementation phase effort can be drastically reduced by using the recently developed matching algorithm.
Modeling nanofluid viscosity: comparing models and optimizing feature selection—a novel approach
Authors: Onyiriuka Ekene
Published: September 2023

Background

The accurate prediction of viscosity in nanofluids is essential for comprehending their flow behavior and enhancing their effectiveness in different industries. This research delves into modeling the viscosity of nanofluids and assessing various models through cross-validation techniques. The models are compared based on the root mean square error of the cross-validation sets, which served as the selection criteria.

The main body of the abstract

Four feature selection algorithms namely the minimum redundancy maximum relevance, F-test, RReliefF were evaluated to identify the most influential features for viscosity prediction. The feature selection based on physical meaning was the algorithm that yielded the best results, as outlined in this study. This methodology takes into account the physical relevance of most aspects of the nanofluid's viscosity. To assess the predictive performance of the models, a cross-validation process was conducted, which provided a robust evaluation. The root mean squared error of the validation sets was used to compare the models. This rigorous evaluation identified the most accurate and reliable model for predicting nanofluid viscosity.

Results

The results showed that the novel feature selection algorithm outclassed the established approaches in predicting the viscosity of single material nanofluid. The proposed feature selection algorithm had a root mean squared error of 0.022 and an r squared value of 0.9941 for the validation set, while for the test set, the root mean squared error was 0.0146, the mean squared error was 0.0157, the r squared value was 0.9924.

Conclusions

This research provides valuable insights into nanofluid viscosity and offers guidance on choosing the most suitable features for viscosity modeling. The study also highlights the importance of using physical meaning to select features and cross-validation to assess model performance. The models developed in this study can be helpful in predicting nanofluid viscosity and optimizing their use in different industrial processes.
Predictive modelling of thermal conductivity in single-material nanofluids: a novel approach
Authors: Onyiriuka Ekene
Published: September 2023

Background

This research introduces a novel approach for modelling single-material nanofluids, considering the constituents and characteristics of the fluids under investigation. The primary focus of this study was to develop models for predicting the thermal conductivity of nanofluids using a range of machine learning algorithms, including ensembles, trees, neural networks, linear regression, Gaussian process regressors, and support vector machines.

The main body of the abstract

To identify the most relevant features for accurate thermal conductivity prediction, the study compared the performance of established feature selection algorithms, such as minimum redundancy maximum relevance, Ftest, and RReliefF, a newly proposed feature selection algorithm. The novel algorithm eliminated features lacking direct implications for fluid thermal conductivity. The selected features included temperature as a thermal property of the fluid itself, multiphase features such as volume fraction and particle size, and material features including nanoparticle material and base fluid material, which could be fixed based on any two intensive properties. Statistical methods were employed to select the features accordingly.

Results

The results demonstrated that the novel feature selection algorithm outperformed the established approaches in predicting the thermal conductivity of nanofluids. The models were evaluated using fivefold cross-validation, and the best model was the model based on the proposed feature selection algorithm that exhibited a root-mean-squared error of validation of 1.83 and an R-squared value of 0.94 on validation set. The model achieved a root-mean-squared error of 1.46 and an R-squared value of 0.97 for the test set.

Conclusions

The developed predictive model holds practical significance by enabling nanofluids' numerical study and optimisation before their creation. This model facilitates the customisation of conventional fluids to attain desired fluid properties, particularly their thermal properties. Additionally, the model permits the exploration of numerous nanofluid variations based on permutations of their features. Consequently, this research contributes valuable insights to the design and optimisation of nanofluid systems, advancing our understanding and application of thermal conductivity in nanofluids and introducing a novel and methodological approach for feature selection in machine learning.
Apple Valsa canker: insights into pathogenesis and disease control
Authors: Feng Hao , Wang Chengli , He Yanting , Tang Lin , Han Pengliang , Liang Jiahao , Huang Lili
Published: September 2023

Apple Valsa canker (AVC) has caused significant losses worldwide, especially in East Asia. Various fungal species from the genus Cytospora/Valsa can infect tree bark and cause tissue rot, and Valsa mali (Vm) is responsible for the most severe tree branch deaths and yield losses. Since AVC was first reported in Japan in 1903, the pathogen species, biological characteristics, infection and pathogenesis, spore dissemination, and disease cycle have been intensively investigated. Based on the new cognition of the disease dynamics, the disease control strategy has shifted from scraping diseased tissue to protecting the bark from infection. In this review, we summarize new knowledge of the Vm infection process mediated by various kinds of virulence factors, including cell wall degrading enzymes, toxins, effectors, microRNA-like RNAs, and pathogenic signaling regulators. We also introduce progress in evaluating germplasm resources and identifying disease response-related genes in apples. In addition, we elaborate current understanding of spore dissemination and disease cycles in orchards and disease prevention techniques. Finally, we provide recommendations for developing more cost-effective strategies for controlling AVC by applying genetic resistance and biological fungicides.
A Novel Variant in NR5A1 Presenting as 46,XY Difference of Sex Development
Authors: Yu Yunting , Lee Peter A , Huerta-Saenz Lina , Allen Natalie G
Published: September 2023

Differences of sex development (DSDs) are a spectrum of congenital clinical conditions involving the development of gonadal, chromosomal, and anatomical sex. The physical presentation provides incomplete clues because underlying etiologies may present with similar findings. We describe an 8-year-old boy from the Dominican Republic originally diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). He was prescribed oral hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone, with irregular adherence. During infancy, he had human chorionic gonadotropin injections to stimulate phallic growth. After migrating to the United States, medications became depleted but without adrenal crisis. Laboratory testing with high-dose adrenocorticotropin stimulation study ruled out CAH. Careful examination noted an underdeveloped bifid scrotum, bilaterally undescended testicles, a 2-cm phallus, severe penoscrotal hypospadias, and chordee. Subsequently, he had a 2-stage bilateral orchiopexy and surgical repair of penoscrotal hypospadias and chordee. Genetic testing for 46,XY DSD revealed a novel, dominant, heterozygous, likely pathogenic variant (c.102 + 1G > C) in the NR5A1 gene associated with severe phenotype of undervirilized male. This case illustrates the crucial role of molecular genetic testing for the diagnosis of 46,XY DSDs and a novel NR5A1 gene variant.
Pro-Con Debate: Consideration of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender Is Detrimental to Successful Mentorship
Authors: Barclay Alicia B. , Moran Kenneth , Tumin Dmitry , Nichols Kimberley R.
Published: September 2023

Anesthesiology remains a specialty with low representation of women or members of racial and ethnic groups considered underrepresented in medicine (UiM). In the United States, women account for 33% of anesthesiology residents, while physicians identifying as Black, African American, Latinx, American Indian, or Alaska Native account for approximately 10%. Underrepresentation of these groups is even more pronounced in academic anesthesiology, especially at the senior ranks and roles, such as department chairs. Leaders in the field have recently shared recommendations for how individual departments, medical schools, hospitals, and professional organizations can create and support a more diverse anesthesiology workforce. These commentaries have often stressed the importance of mentorship for supporting women and physicians from UiM groups, including mentorship of trainees and practicing anesthesiologists seeking to advance their careers. While the value of mentorship is undisputed, it remains a matter of controversy whether race, ethnicity, or gender should be explicitly considered by mentoring programs and individual mentors. In this article, we discuss whether and how race, ethnicity, and gender should be considered in the setting of mentorship programs and the formation of individual mentoring relationships, as well as some of the potential consequences that lie therein.
Robert Frost: Rhythmical Structure of His Iambic Tetrameter
Authors: Tarlinskaja Marina
Published: September 2023

This essay researches how Robert Frost's poems “are made.” It offers new methodologies of analyzing stressing, the main constituent of poetic rhythm. Frost's iambic tetrameter is the material of analysis. The formula of entropy is used to measure the rhythmical diversity of texts. The essay also follows the distribution of word boundaries and syntactic breaks in poetic texts. Word boundaries and syntactic breaks are two more constituents of poetic rhythm. The conclusions are: (1) Frost's late poems are rhythmically more diverse than his early poems, and (2) the rhythmical structure of lines also depends on the narrative and thematic features of the poems. Similar features had been discovered in Russian poetry. Further research might show if these are poetic universals.
What Rhymes withMisogyny? Rossetti, Dickinson, and Plath at Rhyme's Limit
Authors: Townsend Chris
Published: September 2023

Historical poetics often seeks to read “from the inside out,” to understand form's history by starting with the features of form themselves. In that sense, it is uniquely placed to understand the intersections of poetics and politics, and to uncover the places where rhythmic features intersect with issues of power. This essay shows that one particular feature of form—terminal rhyme—has had a peculiar and troubling closeness to strains of critical misogyny: on the one hand, rhyme is sometimes deemed “unmanly” or unserious, yet there is also a history of maligning women poets for being bad rhymers, and not feminine enough. Beginning with what may seem like the opposite school to historical poetics—the contextless “Practical Criticism” exercises of New Criticism—it makes the case for a close attention to rhyme types and rhyme practices within politically aware critical reading and explores unorthodox approaches to rhyme in three exemplary poets: Christina Rossetti, Emily Dickinson, and Sylvia Plath.
“The Utter Blankness Found Within”: Epigenetic Formalism in House of Leaves
Authors: Martinson T. J.
Published: September 2023

This article examines epigenetic relations through the study of “blankness” in Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves (2000). The novel's experimental form, as well as the eponymous House on Ash Tree Lane, provide particularly productive models for envisioning the structural and mutative agency of immaterial relations responsible for epigenesis, or the molecular signals that alter genetic expression. To examine the agency of blankness as it applies across literary theory and epigenesis, this essay borrows from science studies, new materialisms, biosemiotics, new formalisms, and Derridean deconstruction to offer an interdisciplinary hermeneutics deemed “epigenetic formalism” by which to better conceive of a network—whether biological or literary—whose form absorbs its environmental milieu via the agency of blankness. In this way, examining epigenesis alongside House of Leaves allows for crucial insight into the relationality and formal composition of the human genome, as well as insight into the relationality and composition of forms in a literary text.