bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular modelling and structural characterisation of three types dominating David derived networks
Authors: Jabeen Asma , Ali Parvez , Ahmad Shahzad , Naseem Fatima
Published: December 2024

Graphs give a mathematical model of molecules and are used extensively in chemical investigation. Strategically, selections of graph invariants (formerly called “topological indices” (TIs) or “molecular structure descriptors”) are used in the mathematical modelling of the physio-chemical, pharmacologic, toxicological and other aspects of chemical compounds. This paper describes a new technique to compute TIs of three types of indices. Our research examines the mathematical characteristics of molecular structure descriptors, particularly those that depend on graph degrees. We consider three types of dominating David-derived (DDD) networks which are obtained by honeycomb structure. In this work, we obtained some novel reverse-degree TIs for DDD networks.
Evidence from Cr-spinel chemistry for magma contamination by country rocks during formation of the northern lobe of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Authors: Chaumba Jeff B. , Dyan Siyasanga , Prevec Stephen A. , Musa Caston
Published: December 2024

Although Cr-spinels from the Bushveld Complex of South Africa have been studied for several decades, those from the northern lobe have not received as much attention as Cr-spinels from other lobes of the intrusion. Disseminated Cr-spinels from the Flatreef of the northern lobe have chromium numbers [Cr# = 100 × Cr/(Cr + Al)] that vary widely, from low values of around −32 hosted in altered olivines to high values of ∼55–82 hosted in orthopyroxenes and plagioclase. Few Cr-spinel crystals have almost identical Cr# from rim to core. Almost all Cr-spinels, irrespective of their host silicate types, display slight decreases in Cr# from the core to the rim. These Cr-spinels, however, are characterized by highly variable magnesium numbers [Mg# = 100 × Mg/(Mg
2
 + Fe
2+
)], ranging from 37–51 for Cr-spinels in olivines to 1–13 for Cr-spinels in pyroxenes and olivines. The chemistry of the Flatreef Cr-spinels in this study suggests the involvement of crustal contamination and re-equilibration. Plots of oxides such as aluminium, magnesium and titanium are consistent with contamination of the Platreef by floor rocks to the intrusion such as dolomites and argillaceous shales. The low Cr# (<∼20) and enriched Al
2
O
3
(>32 wt%) Cr-spinel chemistry signatures reported in this work appear not to have been previously documented in the Bushveld Complex.
Civics is Boring. So, Let's Encrypt Something!
Authors: Kamp Poul-Henning
Published: December 2024

The proposal offered here ought to make everybody happy. Law enforcement will have ways to gain access to communications, provided they can convince a judge it's necessary. Important communications will be able to continue using the same strength of encryption they use today. Communications that didn't require encryption in the first place will be able to employ sufficient encryption to prevent trivial wiretapping, but nothing strong enough to prevent brute-force access should a judge decide that's necessary.
Building on Shaky Ground
Authors: Neville-Neil George V.
Published: December 2024

The CrowdStrike catastrophe happened because of architectural issues in hardware and in systems software. We should be building systems that make writing a virus difficult, not child's play. But that's an expensive proposition now.
STRIVE: Empowering a Low Power Tensor Processing Unit with Fault Detection and Error Resilience
Authors: Gundi Noel Daniel , Roy Sanghamitra , Chakraborty Koushik
Published: December 2024

Rapid growth in Deep Neural Network (DNN) workloads has increased the energy footprint of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing realm. For optimum energy efficiency, we propose operating a DNN hardware in the Low-Power Computing (LPC) region. However, operating at LPC causes increased delay sensitivity to Process Variation (PV). Delay faults are an intriguing consequence of PV. In this article, we demonstrate the vulnerability of DNNs to delay variations, substantially lowering the prediction accuracy. To overcome delay faults, we present STRIVE—a post-fabrication fault detection and reactive error reduction technique. We also introduce a time-borrow correction technique to ensure error-free DNN computation.
Preventing Workload Interference with Intelligent Routing and Flexible Job Placement Strategy on Dragonfly System
Authors: Wang Xin , Kang Yao , Lan Zhiling
Published: December 2024

Dragonfly is an indispensable interconnect topology for exascale HPC systems. To link tens of thousands of compute nodes at a reasonable cost, Dragonfly shares network resources with the entire system such that network bandwidth is not exclusive to any single application. Since HPC systems are usually shared among multiple co-running applications at the same time, network competition between co-existing workloads is inevitable. This network contention manifests as workload interference, where a job’s network communication can be severely delayed by other jobs. This study presents a comprehensive examination of leveraging intelligent routing and flexible job placement to mitigate workload interference on Dragonfly systems. Specifically, we leverage the parallel discrete event simulation toolkit, SST, to investigate workload interference on Dragonfly with three contributions. We first present Q-adaptive routing, a multi-agent reinforcement learning routing scheme, and a flexible job placement strategy that, together, can mitigate workload interference based on workload communication characteristics. Next, we enhance SST with Q-adaptive routing and develop an automatic module that serves as the bridge between SST and HPC job scheduler for automatic simulation configuration and automated simulation launching. Finally, we extensively examine the workload interference under various job placement and routing configurations.
Backpropagation-Free Multi-modal On-Device Model Adaptation via Cloud-Device Collaboration
Authors: Ji Wei , Li Li , Lv Zheqi , Zhang Wenqiao , Li Mengze , Wan Zhen , Lei Wenqiang , Zimmermann Roger
Published: December 2024

In our increasingly interconnected world, where intelligent devices continually amass copious personalized multi-modal data, a pressing need arises to deliver high-quality, personalized device-aware services. However, this endeavor presents a multifaceted challenge to prevailing AI systems primarily rooted in the cloud. As these systems grapple with shifting data distributions between the cloud and devices, the traditional approach of fine-tuning-based adaptation (FTA) exists the following issues: the costly and time-consuming data annotation required by FTA and the looming risk of model overfitting. To surmount these challenges, we introduce a universal on-device Multi-modal Model Adaptation framework, revolutionizing on-device model adaptation by striking a balance between efficiency and effectiveness. The framework features the Fast Domain Adaptor (FDA) hosted in the cloud, providing tailored parameters for the lightweight multi-modal model on devices. To enhance adaptability across multi-modal tasks, the AnchorFrame Distribution Reasoner (ADR) minimizes communication costs. Our contributions, encapsulated in the Cloud-Device Collaboration Multi-modal Parameter Generation (CDC-MMPG) framework, represent a pioneering solution for on-Device Multi-modal Model Adaptation (DMMA). Extensive experiments validate the efficiency and effectiveness of our method, particularly in video question answering and retrieval tasks, driving forward the integration of intelligent devices into our daily lives.
Green Revolution DELLA Proteins: Functional Analysis and Regulatory Mechanisms
Authors: Alabadí David , Sun Tai-ping
Published: December 2024

The DELLA genes, also referred to as Green Revolution genes, encode conserved master growth regulators in plants. The nuclear-localized DELLA proteins are transcription regulators that interact with hundreds of transcription factors and other transcription regulators. They not only function as gibberellin signaling repressors in vascular plants but also play a central role in coordinating diverse signaling pathways in response to both internal hormonal signals and external cues (e.g., light and nutrient conditions, biotic and abiotic stresses). Through a combination of genetic, genomic, biochemical, and structural studies, significant advances have been made in understanding both the functional domains and motifs within DELLAs and the molecular mechanisms underlying their function. Here, we highlight new insights into the molecular workings of DELLA proteins, including an evolutionary perspective.
Vasculature of older females shows heterogeneity in the association between cardiovascular risk and vascular function
Authors: Alvares Thiago Silveira , Pinheiro Vivian , Gomes Tatiane , Murias Juan Manuel , Nogueira Soares Rogerio
Published: December 2024

Even though the vasculature of older females has been suggested to be more sensitive to the detrimental effects of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular disease in women is often underdiagnosed. We show that aging-associated vascular dysfunction is more evident in the lower limb conduit arteries compared with the upper limb in older women. More importantly, we demonstrate that traditional cardiovascular risk factors were exclusively associated with upper limb skeletal muscle microvascular function in older females.
The Impact of Various Filling Patterns and Building Orientations on the Mechanical Characteristics and Building Time of PLA Using FDM
Authors: Hamoud M. , Salunkhe Sachin , Cepova Lenka , Hussien H. M. A.
Published: December 2024

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a layered manufacturing (LM) process in which progressive 2D layers of material are kept making a 3D part. To optimize the building operation, the investigation is necessary to study the effect of process parameters. This study examines the impact of three filling patterns, “triangles,” “cross,” and “cross 3D,” with three filling densities (25%, 50%, and 75%) in three orientations (“flat,” “on long edge,” and “on short edge”) on ultimate tensile strength (UTS), hardness and the printing time of polylactic acid (PLA) material. This work built tensile specimens according to ASTM D638 on an open‐source 3D printer. The UTS was collected using a WDW‐2000 computer control electronic universal testing machine. The hardiness value was also measured using Shore A hardness durometers DIN 53505 and ASTM D2240. In addition, the building time was conducted by implementing the “Cura 4.6” slicer software. The results show that the filling pattern, orientation, and density at which the part is built significantly affect the strength, hardness, and building time. For light structure parts with 25% density, it is recommended to build parts with “triangles” “on long edge” to obtain the highest strength (31.02 MPa), which improved by 74.3%, with 281 HV at the minimum time (1 h:10 min), which was reduced by 46.1%. For dense structure parts, “triangles” and “on long edge” are recommended to give the highest strength (42.12 MPa), which can be improved by 69.8% (282 HV) at the minimum time (1 h:35 min), which was reduced by 36.2%. For medium construction, 50% of the parts can be built by the following parameters: “cross” and “on long edge” to obtain the highest strength (38.48 MPa) with 283 HV at the minimum possible time (1 h:55 min). The study could help with the growth of producing mechanically functional parts, such as prosthetics, using LM. In addition, the part can be built with high strength, hardness, and minimum building time, which is useful information for the best utilization of the 3DP machine. Also, the chosen parameters optimize the building process with little human intervention.
Tumor-Associated Microglia Secrete Extracellular ATP to Support Glioblastoma Progression
Authors: Wu Caren Yu-Ju , Chen Yiyun , Lin Ya-Jui , Wei Kuo-Chen , Chang Kwang-Yu , Feng Li-Ying , Chen Ko-Ting , Li Gordon , Ren Alexander Liang , Nitta Ryan Takeo , Wu Janet Yuling , Cho Kwang Bog , Pant Ayush , Choi John , Mackall Crystal L. , Kim Lily H. , Wu An-Chih , Chuang Jian-Ying , Huang Chiung-Yin , Jackson Christopher M. , Chen Pin-Yuan , Lim Michael
Published: December 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis and high recurrence rates. The complex immune microenvironment of GBM is highly infiltrated by tumor-associated microglia and macrophages (TAM). TAMs are known to be heterogeneous in their functional and metabolic states and can transmit either protumoral or antitumoral signals to glioma cells. Here, we performed bulk RNA sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing on samples from patients with GBM, which revealed increased ATP synthase expression and oxidative phosphorylation activity in TAMs located in the tumor core relative to the tumor periphery. Both in vitro and in vivo models displayed similar trends of augmented TAM mitochondrial activity, along with elevated mitochondrial fission, glucose uptake, mitochondrial membrane potential, and extracellular ATP (eATP) production by TAMs in the presence of GBM cells. Tumor-secreted factors, including GM-CSF, induced the increase in TAM eATP production. Elevated eATP in the GBM microenvironment promoted glioma growth and invasion by activating the P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2X7R) on glioma cells. Inhibition of the eATP–P2X7R axis attenuated tumor cell viability in vitro and reduced tumor size and prolonged survival in glioma-bearing mouse models. Overall, this study revealed elevated TAM-derived eATP in GBM and provided the basis for targeting the eATP–P2X7R signaling axis as a therapeutic strategy in GBM.

Significance: Glioblastoma-mediated metabolic reprogramming in tumor-associated microglia increases ATP secretion that supports cancer cell proliferation and invasion by activating P2X7R, which can be inhibited to attenuate tumor growth.
The Burden of Gastric Cancer in Northern Central America
Authors: Riquelme Arnoldo , Abnet Christian C.
Published: December 2024

Gastric cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with nearly one million new cases diagnosed in 2020. There is marked variation in gastric cancer incidence globally, with highest incidence rates reported in the United Nations regions of Eastern Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Although the United States is considered a low-incidence country, gastric cancer presents an important cancer disparity, with higher incidence in minoritized populations, including immigrants from high-incidence regions. The Northern Central America nations are low- and middle-income countries with a high gastric cancer incidence and large US immigrant populations. These countries lack comprehensive cancer registries, but recent GLOBOCAN-imputed gastric cancer estimates are in the range of 8 to 12/100,000 age-standardized incidence rates. Three epidemiologic studies carried out in El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras demonstrate a higher than predicted burden of gastric cancer with low 5-year survival (<10%). The gastric cancer burden is projected to increase in the absence of changes to national and regional cancer control plans. Twelve evidence-based recommendations to reduce gastric cancer mortality in the Americas have recently been proposed, ranging from the “test-and-treat” Helicobacter pylori eradication strategy to endoscopic screening and surveillance programs. Translating these recommendations into a practical plan for this resource-limited setting could address the disproportionate gastric cancer burden.

See related article by Peña-Galo et al., p. 1564

See related article by Ruiz de Campos et al., p. 1571

See related article by Dominguez et al., p. 1578
The Paradox of Poor Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake for Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Sharif Adnan
Published: December 2024

Kidney transplant recipients have an increased risk for developing and dying from cervical cancer compared with the general population due to their immunosuppressed state. As one of the cancers most amenable to an effective screening program, encouraging eligible women after transplantation to adhere to screening is critically important. Therefore, the observation that kidney transplant recipients may have a lower uptake of cervical cancer screening compared with the general population is concerning. The reasons for this should be studied so that any barriers can be identified and overcome. Kidney transplant recipients and recipients of other solid organ allografts must be encouraged and supported to adhere to recommended screening programs to mitigate the morbidity and mortality of posttransplantation cancer.

See related article by Hsu et al., p. 1678
The Undetermined Significance of Screening for Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance
Authors: Qunaj Lindor , Lentzsch Suzanne , Neugut Alfred I.
Published: December 2024

The identification of premalignant lesions in solid tumors such as colorectal and cervical cancer has led to the development of highly effective population-wide screening programs for these malignancies. Although precursor clinical states are not well-established for most hematologic malignancies, multiple myeloma is a notable exception. Virtually all patients with multiple myeloma first develop monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), an asymptomatic but easily detectable condition. However, broad screening for MGUS has not been adopted primarily because there is no proven intervention to delay or prevent the progression of MGUS to multiple myeloma. Furthermore, the incidence of MGUS is poorly understood; a better understanding of its epidemiology will be critical in designing appropriate screening guidelines once an effective treatment has been developed. In the current issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, Ji and colleagues provide important epidemiologic insights on MGUS, including a critical discussion on how its incidence and preclinical duration vary by age and race, acknowledging that both MGUS and multiple myeloma are more common in Black than White populations.

See related article by Ji et al., p. 1690
Inauspicious Beginnings: Cancer and Financial Hardship among Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults in the United States
Authors: Bradley Cathy J. , Shih Ya-Chen Tina , Yabroff K. Robin
Published: December 2024

With the release of the American Association of Cancer Research Cancer Progress Report 2024, we address two aspects of cancer and its treatment in younger age groups addressed in the progress report: first, the chronicity of financial hardship and second, inequities that burden the totality of society and hinder progress of scientific advances in cancer control and treatment. Financial hardship for younger age groups diagnosed with cancer causes lasting financial damage to both the patients and their families. Advancements in new technologies and treatments that improve survival may not be as effective if they are unaffordable or will cause lasting financial distress. As the incidence of early-onset cancer increases, the burden of cancer and its economic toll are expected to increase. Research to study economic and social aspects of cancer to inform the development of effective and sustainable policy solutions is necessary.
Supplementary Figure S3 from Combinations of HDAC Inhibitor and PPAR Agonist Induce Ferroptosis of Leukemic Stem Cell–like Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Zhou Hui , Qin Dongmei , Xie Chendi , Zhou Jie , Jia Shuman , Zhou Ziwei , Qiu Yi , Xu Bing , Zha Jie
Published: December 2024

Supplementary Figure S3. (A) The statistical results of fluorescence intensity in CDX mice models (n = 5/group). (B-C) Flow cytometry analysis of the percentage of hCD45+ cells in bone marrow (B) and spleen (C) (n=3/group). *P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001, ****P<0.0001.
Noninvasive Multicancer Detection Using DNA Hypomethylation of LINE-1 Retrotransposons
Authors: Michel Marc , Heidary Maryam , Mechri Anissa , Da Silva Kévin , Gorse Marine , Dixon Victoria , von Grafenstein Klaus , Bianchi Charline , Hego Caroline , Rampanou Aurore , Lamy Constance , Kamal Maud , Le Tourneau Christophe , Séné Mathieu , Bièche Ivan , Reyes Cécile , Gentien David , Stern Marc-Henri , Lantz Olivier , Cabel Luc , Pierga Jean-Yves , Bidard François-Clément , Azencott Chloé-Agathe , Proudhon Charlotte
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

The detection of ctDNA, which allows noninvasive tumor molecular profiling and disease follow-up, promises optimal and individualized management of patients with cancer. However, detecting small fractions of tumor DNA released when the tumor burden is reduced remains a challenge.

Experimental Design:

We implemented a new, highly sensitive strategy to detect bp resolution methylation patterns from plasma DNA and assessed the potential of hypomethylation of long interspersed nuclear element-1 retrotransposons as a noninvasive multicancer detection biomarker. The Detection of Long Interspersed Nuclear Element Altered Methylation ON plasma DNA method targets 30 to 40,000 young long interspersed nuclear element-1 retrotransposons scattered throughout the genome, covering about 100,000 CpG sites and is based on a reference-free analysis pipeline.

Results:

Resulting machine learning–based classifiers showed powerful correct classification rates discriminating healthy and tumor plasmas from six types of cancers (colorectal, breast, lung, ovarian, and gastric cancers and uveal melanoma, including localized stages) in two independent cohorts (AUC = 88%–100%, N = 747). The Detection of Long Interspersed Nuclear Element Altered Methylation ON plasma DNA method can also be used to perform copy number alteration analysis that improves cancer detection.

Conclusions:

This should lead to the development of more efficient noninvasive diagnostic tests adapted to all patients with cancer, based on the universality of these factors.
A Novel Sensitivity Maximization at a Given Specificity Method for Binary Classifications
Authors: Ghasemi Seyyed Mahmood , Gu Chunhui , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Hanash Samir , Do Kim-Anh , Long James P. , Irajizad Ehsan
Published: December 2024

In the cancer early detection field, logistic regression (LR) is a frequently used approach to establish a combination rule that differentiates cancer from noncancer. However, the application of LR relies on a maximum likelihood approach, which may not yield optimal combination rules for maximizing sensitivity at a clinically desirable specificity and vice versa. In this article, we have developed an improved regression framework, sensitivity maximization at a given specificity (SMAGS), for binary classification that finds the linear decision rule, yielding the maximum sensitivity for a given specificity or the maximum specificity for a given sensitivity. We additionally expand the framework for feature selection that satisfies sensitivity and specificity maximizations. We compare our SMAGS method with normal LR using two synthetic datasets and reported data for colorectal cancer from the 2018 CancerSEEK study. In the colorectal cancer CancerSEEK dataset, we report 14% improvement in sensitivity at 98.5% specificity (0.31 vs. 0.57; P value <0.05). The SMAGS method provides an alternative to LR for modeling combination rules for biomarkers and early detection applications.

Prevention Relevance: This study introduces a new machine learning methodology that identifies the optimal features and combination rules to maximize sensitivity at a fixed specificity, making it applicable to many existing biomarker prevention studies.
Clinical Phenotype of Behavioral-Variant Frontotemporal Dementia Reversed by ECT: A Case Report
Authors: Breitling Benedict , Bartels Claudia , Lange Claudia , Bouter Caroline , Falk Hannah Sönne , Wiltfang Jens , Zilles-Wegner David , Besse Matthias
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) remains difficult even in the presence of core clinical and imaging features. Furthermore, disease-modifying treatments are lacking. Case Presentation: Here, we report a case of a patient with clinical and imaging features of FTD. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was used to target affective and catatonic symptoms. After ECT, the patient showed improvements not only in affective symptoms but also in cognitive domains, leading to a marked improvement in the patient’s level of functioning. Conclusion: Against the background of diagnostic uncertainty and lack of disease-modifying treatments for FTD, we emphasize the importance of focusing on treatable symptoms. Thus, we recommend consideration of ECT as a viable option for multiple symptom domains. In this case of bvFTD, ECT was well-tolerated with relatively low side-effects.
Urinary output of very low birth weight infants during the first weeks of life
Authors: Cosgun Zülfü Cem , Burgmaier Kathrin , Zeiher Melanie , Weber Anna , Klein Ruth , Aydin Aynur , Kribs Angela , Mehler Katrin , Habbig Sandra
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Daily urinary output (UOP) serves as important tool to identify acute kidney injury (AKI) in preterm infants. However, reference values for UOP, especially stratified for gestational age, are missing.

Methods:
This retrospective single-center study assessed UOP during the first 28 days of life in 128 very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

Results:
VLBW infants exhibit a highly dynamic daily UOP profile in the first 28 days of life with a maximum at day 12 with 4.78 ml/kg bodyweight/h. In the subcohort of 64 extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGAN), the highest UOP is measured during the second week of life. Infants born before 24 weeks of gestation have significantly higher UOP than more mature infants.

Conclusion:
UOP is dynamic in the postnatal period and differs significantly between gestational age cohorts in the subgroup of ELGANs. These data might point to an adaption of the UOP threshold for neonatal AKI in preterm infants.
Neuroblastom: Die Rolle der Ernährungsberatung für betroffene Kinder
Authors: McCullough Fiona
Published: December 2024

The ketogenic diet (KD) was initially used in 1920 for drug-resistant epileptic patients. From this point onward, ketogenic diets became a pivotal part of nutritional therapy research. To date, KD has shown therapeutic potential in many pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, autism, brain cancers, and multiple sclerosis. Although KD is now an adjuvant therapy for certain diseases, its effectiveness as an antitumor nutritional therapy is still an ongoing debate, especially in Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial solid tumour in children and is metastatic at initial presentation in more than half of the cases. Although Neuroblastoma can be managed by surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy, its 5-year survival rate in children remains below 40%. Earlier studies have proposed the ketogenic diet as a possible adjuvant therapy for patients undergoing treatment for Neuroblastoma. In this study, we seek to review the possible roles of KD in the treatment of Neuroblastoma
Endocrine management of transgender and gender diverse adolescents: expert opinion of the ESPE Working Group on Gender Incongruence and the Endo-ERN main thematic group on Sexual Development and Maturation
Authors: Hannema Sabine E. , Busiah Kanetee , Butler Gary , Claahsen-van de Grinten Hedi L. , Cools Martine , Gawlik-Starzyk Aneta M. , Klink Daniel , Main Katharina M. , Martinerie Laetitia , Richter-Unruh Annette , Skordis Nicos , de Vries Martine Charlotte
Published: December 2024

Increasing numbers of transgender and gender diverse adolescents seek endocrine treatment to align their body to their gender identity. In this relatively young field of medicine, there is a limited body of evidence, and the available evidence generally is of low quality. However, in the absence of randomised trials, much can be learned from prospective observational studies. While evidence on somatic and psychosocial outcomes has increased in recent years, areas with little or no research rely on expert opinion. In order to reduce practice variation in paediatric endocrine care for transgender adolescents, we describe endocrine care for transgender and gender diverse adolescents in Europe in this statement, based on the available evidence as well as the experience of experts from the ESPE Working Group on Gender Incongruence and from the European Reference Network Endo-ERN, main thematic group ‘Sexual Development and Maturation’. This document aims to provide practical information and tools for clinical care, with sections on the multidisciplinary team, counseling, fertility, hormone suppression, gender affirming hormone treatment, support for non-binary adolescents, long-term follow up and transition of care, altered treatment wishes, lifestyle and sexual health, and in addition includes a paragraph on ethical considerations regarding this care.
Toxicity of Clove Oil Nanoparticle Againts (Aphis gossypii) on Chili (Capsicum annum) and Its Predator (Cheilomenes sexmaculata)
Authors: Ikawati Silvi , Boangmanalu Maslina , Choliq Fery Abdul , Aji Pamungkas Bayu
Published: December 2024

One of the pests that cause economic losses in Chili (Capsicum annum L.) is aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Therefore, it is necessary to carry out alternative controls that are not damaging and detrimental to the surrounding environment including against beneficial organisms such as the natural enemy Cheilomenes sexmaculata Fabricius (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Clove oil and the formulation of essential oils in the form of nanoparticles have been used as a botanical pesticide. The purpose of this work is to determine the toxicity of a clove oil nanoformulation against aphids (A. gossypii) and the six-spotted zigzag ladybird predator C. sexmaculata. This work has six treatments and four replications using a fully randomized design. The results showed that clove oil nanoparticles (CO-NPs) significantly affected mortality and decreased the number of offspring of A. gossypii. The average size of the tested nanoparticles was 166.38 nm and the average zeta potential value of the tested nanoparticles was -19 mV. The CO-NPs can affect the increase in mortality and decrease in the offspring number of A. gossypii. The LC50 value of A. gossypii was 0.32% at the time of observation 48 hours after application while the LT50 value was 3 hours at a concentration of 1.2%. The percentage of decrease in the number of offspring reached 95.01% at a concentration of 1.2%. Results of calculating the selectivity ratio value (SR) showed that CO-NPs are selective against predators C. sexmaculata, with the SR value <1.
Pensamento social latinoamericano em três momentos fundacionais da sua história: Bolívar, Mariátegui e os teóricos descoloniais
Authors: Bonfá Neto Dorival , Suzuki Júlio César
Published: December 2024

In the formation of Latin America, culture, politics, economy, and society were shaped according to European standards as hegemonic values, which destroyed, modified, and violated the ancient traditions of indigenous peoples. Nevertheless, there have always been political ruptures and shifts in the ways of interpreting local reality, offering alternatives and political projects for the structural transformation of society. In this article, we present three moments of Latin American social thought that were counter-hegemonic and foundational for future lines of political action and interpretation of reality, with a focus on overcoming primarily colonial status and heritage. We analyze the pioneering propositions of Simón Bolívar and his utopias of liberation, delve into the critical deepening of José Carlos Mariátegui's thought, based on an unorthodox reading of Marxism, and conclude with the political and epistemic proposal of decolonial thinkers from the Modernity/Coloniality group. We will observe that, although they were very different authors, the theoretical and political challenges they posed focused on overcoming the colonial legacy in politics, knowledge, and the very existence of being.
“Morir por las ideas”: tradición radical, indigenismo y marxismo en Perú
Authors: Miguel Pedro L. San
Published: December 2024

Este texto oferece um comentário detalhado sobre La nación radical: De la utopía indigenista a la tragedia senderista (Lima: La Siniestra Ensayos, 2022. 498 pp. ISBN 978-612-5030-10-8), do historiador peruano José Luis Rénique. Este livro traça as origens dessas vertentes ideológicas e políticas que, usando um discurso indigenista e camponês, buscaram transformar a sociedade peruana a partir de suas raízes. A pesquisa do autor começa no século XIX e termina no que ele chama “tragédia senderista”. Ele se concentra nos intelectuais e movimentos políticos do século XX e destaca as amarrações ideológicas entre o marxismo e o indigenismo, no qual José Carlos Mariátegui desempenhou um papel decisivo.
A cena final de García Márquez e outras histórias de amor
Authors: Cury Lucilene
Published: December 2024

O livro “Em Agosto Nos Vemos” conta a história de uma mulher - Ana Magdalena Bach, 46 anos, 27 anos de casada - que todos os anos, no dia 16 de agosto, viaja a uma ilha do Caribe para visitar o túmulo da sua mãe, num cemitério de pobres. Durante essas   encontra sempre, casualmente, um homem com quem se relaciona e essas diferentes aventuras íntimas, paulatinamente, a transformam em outra mulher, pelos questionamentos que passa a fazer sobre a vida em família e sobre o casamento, principalmente. Sua condição feminina passa por uma introspecção, seja ao evidenciar a moral vigente ou, ao suspeitar das traições do marido sedutor. Quando faz a última visita à ilha, para exumar os restos da mãe, consegue compreender seu passado e, através dele, compreende o seu próprio, ao mesmo tempo, em que se despede dos encontros fortuitos na ilha, com a certeza de que não é mais a mesma mulher.
ARE INTEREST RATES A CAUSE OR A RESULT IN JAPAN?
Authors: Külünk İbrahim
Published: December 2024

This study attempts to explain the interest rates in the Japanese economy during the period from 1990 to 2023 using variables such as growth, inflation, and public debt. According to the analysis conducted with the ARDL test, which is recommended for non-stationary series, a 1% increase in income in the long term leads to -19.047% decrease in interest rates. A 1% change in inflation explains -29.518% change in interest rates. Specifically, a 1% increase in inflation reduces interest rates by 29.518%. It is important to note that inflation data for Japan often reflects negative values or values close to zero. In the short term, changes in GDP and public debt ratios have a reducing effect on interest rates, while changes in inflation have a positive effect. Interest rates are influenced by their lagged values and variables such as public debt and inflation.
Learning in Associative Networks Through Pavlovian Dynamics
Authors: Lotito Daniele , Aquaro Miriam , Marullo Chiara
Published: December 2024

Hebbian learning theory is rooted in Pavlov’s classical conditioning While mathematical models of the former have been proposed and studied in the past decades, especially in spin glass theory, only recently has it been numerically shown that it is possible to write neural and synaptic dynamics that mirror Pavlov conditioning mechanisms and also give rise to synaptic weights that correspond to the Hebbian learning rule. In this article we show that the same dynamics can be derived with equilibrium statistical mechanics tools and basic and motivated modeling assumptions. Then we show how to study the resulting system of coupled stochastic differential equations assuming the reasonable separation of neural and synaptic timescale. In particular, we analytically demonstrate that this synaptic evolution converges to the Hebbian learning rule in various settings and compute the variance of the stochastic process. Finally, drawing from evidence on pure memory reinforcement during sleep stages, we show how the proposed model can simulate neural networks that undergo sleep-associated memory consolidation processes, thereby proving the compatibility of Pavlovian learning with dreaming mechanisms.
Combined topological and spatial constraints are required to capture the structure of neural connectomes
Authors: Salova Anastasiya , Kovács István A.
Published: December 2024

Volumetric brain reconstructions provide an unprecedented opportunity to gain insights into the complex connectivity patterns of neurons in an increasing number of organisms. Here, we model and quantify the complexity of the resulting neural connectomes in the fruit fly, mouse, and human and unveil a simple set of shared organizing principles across these organisms. To put the connectomes in a physical context, we also construct contactomes, the network of neurons in physical contact in each organism. With these, we establish that physical constraints—either given by pairwise distances or the contactome—play a crucial role in shaping the network structure. For example, neuron positions are highly optimal in terms of distance from their neighbors. Yet, spatial constraints alone cannot capture the network topology, including the broad degree distribution. Conversely, the degree sequence alone is insufficient to recover the spatial structure. We resolve this apparent mismatch by formulating scalable maximum entropy models, incorporating both types of constraints. The resulting generative models have predictive power beyond the input data, as they capture several additional biological and network characteristics, like synaptic weights and graphlet statistics.
Nanofrustulum fogedii sp. nov., a new araphid diatom (Staurosiraceae, Bacillariophyta) from Spitsbergen (Svalbard archipelago)
Authors: VIJVER BART VAN DE , BEAUGER AUDE , POTTIEZ MARGAUX , WETZEL CARLOS E.
Published: December 2024

Nanofrustulum fogedii sp. nov. is described based on a historic sample from Spitsbergen collected by Niels Foged. The new species, originally identified by Foged in 1964 as Nanofrustulum (Melosira) cataractarum, can be separated from the latter by its larger valve diameter, longer striae composed of 1–6 transapically elongated areolae and a higher valve mantle. The species was observed in several samples collected from thermal springs in the Arctic Svalbard Archipelago. Based on its major morphological features, such as the quasifract girdle bands, the small valve dimensions and the serrated linking spines, the transfer of another small-celled araphid species, formerly described as Pseudostaurosira bardii Beauger et al. to the genus Nanofrustulum is justified.
A review of Cyaforma Wang (Diptera: Tephritidae), with some biological notes on the genus
Authors: CHEN XIAOLIN , WANG YONG , HUANGFU NING
Published: December 2024

Species of the genus Cyaforma Wang are reviewed. One new species, C. chayuica Chen from Xizang, China is described and illustrated. C. tonkinensis (Zia) is newly recorded from China. The males of C. macula (Wang) and C. tonkinensis are described for the first time. A key to the known species of this genus is provided. Additionally, biological notes on the genus are reported.
Diagnostic Investigation of Two EDMF Planetary Boundary Layer Schemes Used in the GFS Model
Authors: Bao J.-W. , Grell E. D. , Michelson S. A. , Hong Song-You
Published: December 2024

The behavior of two eddy-diffusivity mass-flux (EDMF) planetary boundary layer schemes used in versions 15 and 16 of NOAA’s operational Global Forecast System (GFS) is examined in terms of local and nonlocal mixing processes in a one-dimensional (1D) model configuration. Diagnosis using process perturbation sensitivity experiments indicates that the nonlocal mixing represented by the mass-flux term is much more dominant in one scheme than the other. Quantitative aspects of the local eddy diffusivity are different between the two schemes, pointing to uncertainty in the physical partition of local and nonlocal mixing in the EDMF formulation. One of the two schemes is also shown to produce unphysical thermal and tracer tendencies due to the scheme’s specific numerical treatment of moist nonlocal mixing. To resolve this problem, a physically and numerically consistent approach is proposed to calculate these tendencies.
Socioeconomic and Racial Disparities in the Use of Robotic-Assisted Proctectomy in Rectal Cancer
Authors: Emile Sameh Hany , Garoufalia Zoe , Gefen Rachel , Dasilva Giovanna , Wexner Steven D.
Published: December 2024

Background

Rectal cancer surgery is technically demanding, especially in males. Robotic assistance may help overcome these challenges. This study aimed to identify factors associated with robotic-assisted proctectomy in rectal cancer.

Methods

Retrospective case-control analysis of patients with clinical stage I-III rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent proctectomy from the National Cancer Database (2010-2019) was conducted. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine predictive factors of robotic-assisted proctectomy in rectal cancer.

Results

67 145 patients (60.9% male; mean age: 61.15 ± 12.49 years) were included. 44.7% had stage III disease and 66.2% received neoadjuvant radiation. The surgical approach was laparotomy (n = 29 725), laparoscopy (n = 21 657), and robotic-assisted proctectomy (n = 15 763). Independent predictors for the use of robotic-assisted proctectomy were age <50 years (OR: 1.06; P = .032), male sex (OR: 1.07, P < .001), Asian race (OR: 1.25; P < .001), private insurance (OR: 1.25; P < .001), rectal cancer treatment between 2015 and 2019 (OR: 3.52; P < .001), stage III disease (OR: 1.06; P = .048), neoadjuvant radiation (OR: 1.26; P < .001), and pull-through coloanal anastomosis (OR: 1.15; P < .001). Robotic-assisted surgery was less often used in Black (OR: .857, P < .001) and American Indian patients (OR: .62, P = .002) and those with a Charlson score = 3 (OR: .818, P = .002), living in rural areas (OR: .865, P = .033), who were uninsured (OR: .611, P < .001), and undergoing pelvic exenteration (OR: .461, P < .001).

Conclusions

Demographic and insurance disparities of robotic-assisted proctectomy are Black and American Indian patients and those with higher Charlson comorbidity index scores and uninsured patients were less likely to undergo robotic-assisted proctectomy. While patients with advanced disease and/or received neoadjuvant radiation were more likely to undergo robotic-assisted proctectomy, robotic-assisted surgery was less often performed in pelvic exenteration.
Beyond the math wars: Focus on teachers to improve instruction
Authors: McClam Rachel S. , Cruz Rebecca A.
Published: December 2024

The field of mathematics education has engaged in perennial debate about whether transmission-oriented or constructivist approaches to teaching will best help students learn. Yet, both fluency, learned through step-by-step procedural instruction, and the mathematical flexibility that comes from constructivist methods play an important role in mathematical achievement. Rachel S. McClam and Rebecca A. Cruz explain that the math wars debate acts as a straw man, with each side misrepresenting the other and detracting from what students really need — but often lack — to be successful in math: teachers who understand how both approaches work together to support students to become confident and knowledgeable mathematicians.
Challenges and promises of self-adaptive simulation models
Authors: Uhrmacher Adelinde M , Wilsdorf Pia , Kreikemeyer Justin N
Published: December 2024

The notion of (self-)adaptation, according to J. Holland (1975), describes the process of iterative refinement of an entity’s behavior or structure to improve its performance in its environment. We argue that the potential role of (self-)adaptive simulation models has not been sufficiently acknowledged in the past. A focus on adaptive simulation will likely propel methodological advances in modeling and simulation and digital twinning, increasing its impact on solving urgent real-world problems. Therefore, we will review methods for including adaptation as part of or within simulation models and consequently discuss how simulation models themselves may become the subject of adaptation within and across simulation studies. We will identify different motivations for and types of adaptations within simulation studies by analyzing a family of simulation models. The need to automatically conduct various types of adaptations increases with the importance of online adaptations, e.g. as encountered in digital twins. Further methodological developments in unambiguously representing and intelligently processing the various knowledge sources used in simulation studies, domain-specific languages, analysis methods, self-adaptive software, and, last but not least, model learning are needed. Combining the adaptation within and of simulation models, we arrive at the vision of self-adaptive models, which are less subject to adaptation but become the central actors in their adaptation.
When tiny is big: design alive
Authors: Mosterman Pieter J , Vangheluwe Hans
Published: December 2024

One of the biggest achievements of the past half century has been making ever tinier structures. This miniaturization is at the foundation of three pillars that comprise the Digital Age: (1) computation, (2) digitization, and (3) communication. First, it is discussed how developments along these three pillars have affected the field of engineered systems. Next, the impact of these developments on the life cycle of engineered systems is examined from the perspective of (1) Information Technology (IT), (2) Embedded Technology (ET), and (3) Operation Technology (OT). A key value driver of IT is in the improved design approaches that are enabled by (1) the abundance of compute power and (2) connecting design activity within an organization as well as across organizations. Similarly, ET has provided much value by enabling the use of computation as the most important feature value driver of modern products. In turn, the large number of these software features relies on advances in communication networks as a critical infrastructure. Furthermore, digitization with remote sensing has opened up a trove of new features such as those in the area of autonomy. Finally, OT has benefited much from computation and digitization with communication features enabling current developments such as over-the-air updates. Building on the examination, a “design alive” outlook is presented that brings together the stages of system design and operation by live connectivity to continuously adapt each system on an individual basis and keep them performing in an optimal sense.
Composable digital twins on Digital Twin as a Service platform
Authors: Talasila Prasad , Gomes Cláudio , Vosteen Lars B , Iven Hannes , Leucker Martin , Gil Santiago , Mikkelsen Peter H , Kamburjan Eduard , Larsen Peter G
Published: December 2024

Establishing digital twins is a non-trivial endeavor especially when users face significant challenges in creating them from scratch. Ready availability of re-usable models, data, functions, and tool assets, can help with creation and use of digital twins. A number of frameworks/platforms exist to facilitate creation and use of digital twins. In this paper, we propose such a platform to manage digital twin assets, create composable digital twins from re-usable assets and make the digital twins available as a service to other users. The proposed platform supports the management of re-usable assets, storage, provision of compute infrastructure, communication, monitoring, and execution tasks. Two case studies are used to demonstrate the capabilities of this platform.