bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Locally advanced breast cancer: breast-conserving surgery and other factors linked to overall survival after neoadjuvant treatment
Authors: Nobrega Gabriela Bezerra , Mota Bruna Salani , de Freitas Gabriela Boufelli , Maesaka Jonathan Yugo , Mota Rosa Maria Salani , Goncalves Rodrigo , Trinconi Angela Francisca , Ricci Marcos Desidério , Piato José Roberto , Soares-Jr José Maria , Baracat Edmund Chada , Filassi José Roberto
Published: November 2023

Background

Recent data suggest that breast-conserving surgery (BCS) may positively impact overall survival (OS) in early breast cancer. However, the role of BCS in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) following neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) remains uncertain.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 530 LABC patients who underwent surgery after NAT between 2010 and 2015. Outcomes examined included OS, distant recurrence rates (DRR), and loco-regional recurrence rates (LRRs).

Results

Among the 927 breast cancer patients who received NAT, 530 were eligible for our study. Of these, 24.6% underwent BCS, while 75.4% underwent mastectomy (MS). The median follow-up duration was 79 months. BCS patients exhibited a higher pathological complete response (PCR) rate compared to those who underwent MS (22.3% vs. 10%, p < 0.001). The 6-year OS rates for BCS and MS were 81.5% and 62%, respectively (p < 0.000). In multivariate OS analysis, MS was associated with worse outcomes (OR 1.678; 95% CI 1.069–2.635; p = 0.024), as was body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.031; 95% CI 1.006–1.058; p = 0.017), and stage IIIB or IIIC (OR 2.450; 95% CI 1.561–3.846; p < 0.000). Conversely, PCR (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.220–0.801; p = 0.008) was associated with improved survival. DRR was significantly lower in BCS (15.4%) compared to MS (36.8%) (OR 0.298; 95% CI 0.177–0.504). LRRs were comparable between BCS (9.2%) and MS (9.5%) (OR 0.693; 95% CI 0.347–1.383).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that BCS is oncologically safe, even for patients with large lesions, and is associated with superior OS rates compared to MS. Additionally, lower BMI, lower pretreatment stage, and achieving PCR were associated with improved survival outcomes.
Role of miRNAs in sucrose stress response, reactive oxygen species, and anthocyanin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Azad Md. Fakhrul , Dawar Pranav , Esim Nevzat , Rock Christopher D.
Published: November 2023

In plants, sucrose is the main transported disaccharide that is the primary product of photosynthesis and controls a multitude of aspects of the plant life cycle including structure, growth, development, and stress response. Sucrose is a signaling molecule facilitating various stress adaptations by crosstalk with other hormones, but the molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Accumulation of high sucrose concentrations is a hallmark of many abiotic and biotic stresses, resulting in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and secondary metabolite anthocyanins that have antioxidant properties. Previous studies have shown that several MYeloBlastosis family/MYB transcription factors are positive and negative regulators of sucrose-induced anthocyanin accumulation and subject to microRNA (miRNA)–mediated post-transcriptional silencing, consistent with the notion that miRNAs may be “nodes” in crosstalk signaling by virtue of their sequence-guided targeting of different homologous family members. In this study, we endeavored to uncover by deep sequencing small RNA and mRNA transcriptomes the effects of exogenous high sucrose stress on miRNA abundances and their validated target transcripts in Arabidopsis. We focused on genotype-by-treatment effects of high sucrose stress in Production of Anthocyanin Pigment 1-Dominant/pap1-D, an activation-tagged dominant allele of MYB75 transcription factor, a positive effector of secondary metabolite anthocyanin pathway. In the process, we discovered links to reactive oxygen species signaling through miR158/161/173-targeted Pentatrico Peptide Repeat genes and two novel non-canonical targets of high sucrose-induced miR408 and miR398b*(star), relevant to carbon metabolic fluxes: Flavonoid 3’-Hydroxlase (F3’H), an important enzyme in determining the B-ring hydroxylation pattern of flavonoids, and ORANGE a post-translational regulator of Phytoene Synthase expression, respectively. Taken together, our results contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms of carbon flux shifts from primary to secondary metabolites in response to high sugar stress.
Artificial intelligence in language instruction: impact on English learning achievement, L2 motivation, and self-regulated learning
Authors: Wei Ling
Published: November 2023

Introduction

This mixed methods study examines the effects of AI-mediated language instruction on English learning achievement, L2 motivation, and self-regulated learning among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. It addresses the increasing interest in AI-driven educational technologies and their potential to revolutionize language instruction.

Methods

Two intact classes, consisting of a total of 60 university students, participated in this study. The experimental group received AI-mediated instruction, while the control group received traditional language instruction. Pre-tests and post-tests were administered to evaluate English learning achievement across various domains, including grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills. Additionally, self-report questionnaires were employed to assess L2 motivation and self-regulated learning.

Results

Quantitative analysis revealed that the experimental group achieved significantly higher English learning outcomes in all assessed areas compared to the control group. Furthermore, they exhibited greater L2 motivation and more extensive utilization of self-regulated learning strategies. These results suggest that AI-mediated instruction positively impacts English learning achievement, L2 motivation, and self-regulated learning.

Discussion

Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 14 students from the experimental group shed light on the transformative effects of the AI platform. It was found to enhance engagement and offer personalized learning experiences, ultimately boosting motivation and fostering self-regulated learning. These findings emphasize the potential of AI-mediated language instruction to improve language learning outcomes, motivate learners, and promote autonomy.

Conclusion

This study contributes to evidence-based language pedagogy, offering valuable insights to educators and researchers interested in incorporating AI-powered platforms into language classrooms. The results support the notion that AI-mediated language instruction holds promise in revolutionizing language learning, and it highlights the positive impact of AI-driven educational technologies in the realm of language education.
Meeting preschool screen time recommendations: which parental strategies matter?
Authors: Fitzpatrick Caroline , Cristini Emma , Bernard Jonathan Y. , Garon-Carrier Gabrielle
Published: November 2023

Background

High levels of screen use by preschoolers may contribute to adverse health and developmental outcomes. Little is known about which parental strategies may be protective against intensive screen use by children. Our aim is to estimate whether parent strategies for mediating child screen time including restrictive and instructive mediation and social coviewing, predict preschooler adherence to the screen time recommendation of ≤1 h/day during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also examine if parent restrictive mediation interacts with child temperament characteristics.

Methods

Our sample is composed of 315 Canadian parents of preschoolers surveyed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents provided measures of child adherence to screen time guidelines at ages 3.5 (baseline) and 4.5 years. Parents also reported how often they used restrictive and instructional mediation, and social coviewing to manage their child’s screen use. Control variables include child sex and temperament (effortful control, negative affectivity, extraversion), educational attainment, and parenting stress at age 3.5.

Results

A logistic regression revealed that parental restrictiveness was associated with a 4 time increase in the odds of adherence to screen time guidelines, OR = 4.07 (95% CI [1.70–13.03]). Parental social coviewing decreased the chances of adherence by 80% (OR = 0.20, 95% CI [0.09–0.48]). Furthermore, children not meeting recommendation at 3.5 were 98% less likely to respect the recommendation 1 year later (OR = 0.02, 95% CI [0.01–0.07]). Results were adjusted for child sex, temperament, baseline screen time, and parent education and stress The interaction between the restriction mediation and child temperament on later screen time was not significant.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that some parental strategies may be more effective than others for managing preschooler screen time. Parent use of restrictive mediation was most likely to forecast child adherence to later screen time recommendations. The present results may contribute to the development of targeted family-based interventions designed to promote healthy development from a young age.
Climate change and mental health of Indigenous peoples living in their territory: a concept mapping study
Authors: Grande Antonio Jose , Dias Ieda M. A. V. , Jardim Paulo T. C. , Vieira Machado Alessandra Aparecida , Soratto Jacks , da Rosa Maria Inês , Roever Leonardo , Bisognin Ceretta Luciane , Zourntos Xanthi , Harding Seeromanie
Published: November 2023

Background

The alarming increase in annual deforestation rates has had devastating consequences in climate change, and it is affecting Indigenous people, who depend entirely on the land for survival and has also weakened the rainforest's crucial role in stabilizing the global climate. Recognizing and respecting Indigenous people's needs and social, economic, and historical conditions influence health and healthcare. This study aimed to conduct online concept mapping workshops with university students to identify perceived important and feasible actions for improving the mental health of Indigenous people living in their territory in association with climate change.

Methods

Concept mapping, a participatory mixed methodology, was conducted virtually with 20 Indigenous students at two universities in Brazil. A focus prompt was developed from consultations with Indigenous stakeholders and read—“To improve the mental health of Indigenous peoples in their territory during climate change crises, it is necessary to….”

Results

University students organized 42 unique statements in 6 clusters that cover a wide range of topics: family support, 0.68 (SD 0.19); respect and understanding, 0.37 (SD 0.08); improvement actions, 0.52 (SD 0.07); public policies in favor of Indigenous people's mental health, 0.24 (0.09); health actions, 0.15 (SD 0.08); Indigenous training in health and its importance in improving mental health 0.32 (SD 0.07).

Conclusion

These clusters range from community initiatives, public policies, health actions, and strengthening professional services in Indigenous communities. These all provide numerous concrete ideas for developing interventions designed to address mental health challenges associated with climate change.
Influenza vaccination rates among healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating influencing factors
Authors: Fan Jingchun , Xu Shijie , Liu Yijun , Ma Xiaoting , Cao Juan , Fan Chunling , Bao Shisan
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Healthcare workers risk of exposure to the influenza virus in their work, is a high-risk group for flu infections. Thus WHO recommends prioritizing flu vaccination for them–an approach adopted by >40 countries and/or regions worldwide.

Methods

Cross-sectional studies on influenza vaccination rates among healthcare workers were collected from PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, and CBM databases from inception to February 26, 2023. Influenza vaccination rates and relevant data for multiple logistic regression analysis, such as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), were extracted.

Results

A total of 92 studies comprising 125 vaccination data points from 26 countries were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that the overall vaccination rate among healthcare workers was 41.7%. Further analysis indicated that the vaccination rate was 46.9% or 35.6% in low income or high income countries. Vaccination rates in the Americas, the Middle East, Oceania, Europe, Asia, and Africa were 67.1, 51.3, 48.7, 42.5, 28.5, and 6.5%, respectively. Influencing factors were age, length of service, education, department, occupation, awareness of the risk of influenza, and/or vaccines.

Conclusion

The global influenza vaccination rate among healthcare workers is low, and comprehensive measures are needed to promote influenza vaccination among this population.

Systematic review registration

www.inplysy.com, identifier: 202350051.
The Evaluation of the Water Consumption and the Productive Parameters of a Table Grapevine, Cardinal Cultivar, Grafted onto Two Rootstocks
Authors: Dattola Antonio , Vonella Vincenzo , Olivadese Tommaso , Pullia Francesco Maria , Zappia Rocco , Gullo Gregorio
Published: November 2023

This trial was carried out over two years in southern Italy. Two grapevine rootstocks, 110R and SO4, were compared to evaluate their ability to extract water from the soil and the effect on the yield and quality of the Cardinal grapevine table cultivar. Therefore, a new approach to plant water consumption based on sap flow was adopted. The earlier and faster water refilling of the xylem in Cardinal onto 110R (C/110R) appears responsible for the earlier evolution of the phenological phases than Cardinal onto SO4 (C/SO4). The maximum length of the principal shoot was reached in Cardinal/110R compared to the C/SO4, while a higher number of lateral shoots with lower internode changed the canopy architecture and light distribution in the C/SO4. The 110R used more water compared to the SO4. It was possible to quantify the real transpired flux of the plant per day: the sap flow was 12.3 L.plant−1.d−1 and 11.7 L.plant−1.d−1 in C/110R in the first and second year, respectively, while it was 14% lower in the alternative graft combination. The overall lower C/SO4 water status does not compromise the production result, with similar or higher-quality aspects compared to the alternative graft combination C/110R, which can be also attributed to the strong resilience of Cardinal to water deficit.
Effect of Furrow Straw Mulching and Straw Decomposer Application on Celery (Apium graveolens L.) Production and Soil Improvement
Authors: Zheng Zijian , Zhou Wangpei , Yang Qianqian , Jiang Jiezeng , Miao Minmin
Published: November 2023

Straw mulching on wet beds is an effective method to alleviate continuous cropping obstacles in greenhouses. However, this technique cannot be applied in the production of leafy vegetables with high planting density. Straw mulching in furrows is an alternative method in this circumstance. In this study, celery (Apium graveolens L.), a vegetable that prefers a high planting density and wet soil, was used to test furrow straw mulching technology, and the effect of different straw amounts and straw decomposers on soil improvement and celery production was investigated. The results showed that straw mulching in furrows significantly reduced soil conductivity and nitrate nitrogen levels, increased the contents of soil organic carbon as well as phosphorus and potassium nutrients in the bed, and improved celery yield and quality, indicating the significant lateral movement of released nutrients between the furrow and bed. The positive effects of 15,000 kg/ha straw application were more pronounced than those of 7500 kg/ha and 11,250 kg/ha. In addition, straw decomposers accelerated nutrient release and improved celery yield and quality. A decomposer named “ZhuBang” containing Bacillus licheniformis was the most effective. We concluded that furrow straw mulching combined with straw decomposer application is an effective measure for the sustainable production of leafy vegetables in intensive vegetable production facilities.
A Novel ppb-Level Sensitive and Highly Selective Europium-Based Diketone Luminescent Sensor for the Quantitative Detection of Aluminum Ions in Water Samples
Authors: Perera Nawagamu A. K. Rajitha , Shankar Sindhu K. , Archambault Cynthia M. , Nesterov Vladimir N. , Marpu Sreekar B. , Yan Hao , Omary Mohammad A.
Published: November 2023

A novel Eu(tta)3([4,4′-(t-bu)2-2,2′-bpy)] complex (tta-thenoyltrifluoroacetone), a ratiometric luminescent-based optical sensor for the quantitative determination of aluminum ion, is synthesized and characterized using XRD and 1H NMR. The XRD data reveal the slightly distorted octahedral structure. The complex displays a bright red emission at 613 nm in methanol which is characteristic of europium (III) complexes. Upon the addition of Al3+ ions, the red emission disappears, and a new blue emission at 398 nm emerges, manifesting the ratiometric nature of the complex. The turn-off of the red emission and turn-on of the blue emission are attributed to Eu-Al trans-metalation, as supported by Raman data that show the emergence of Al-O vibrations at 418, 495, and 608 cm−1 concomitant with the disappearance of Eu-O and Eu-N bond vibrations. Most aluminum sensors are known to suffer from interferences from other metals including Cu2+, Co2+, and Cd2+. However, the sensor reported here is tested for 11 common cations and shows no interference on sensitivity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first known Eu-based luminescence sensor that successfully exhibited the ability to detect aluminum ions in ppb levels in aqueous environments. The calculated Al3+ binding constant is 2.496 × 103 ± 172. The complex shows a linear relationship in the range of 0–47.6 ppb (1.76 × 10−6 M) Al3+ and the limit of detection (LOD) is 4.79 ppb (1.77 × 10−7 M) in MeOH. ICP-OES is used for validation of the sensor complex in water and then it was used for quantitative detection of Al3+ ions in water as a real-life application. The complex can accurately detect Al3+ ions in the range of 4.97–24.9 ppb (1.84 × 10−7 M–9.2 × 10−7 M) with an LOD of 8.11 ppb (2.99 × 10−7 M). Considering that the aluminum ion serves no recognized function within the human body, its accumulation can lead to severe neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. With the LOD value significantly lower than the WHO-recommended maximum permissible level of 200 ppb for aluminum in drinking water, even without high-power laser-aided signal enhancement, the sensor shows promise for detecting trace amounts of aluminum contamination in water. Therefore, it can significantly aid in the monitoring of even the smallest aluminum ion contamination in drinking water, industrial effluents, and natural water bodies.
Interspecies Retinal Diversity and Optic Nerve Anatomy in Odontocetes
Authors: De Boeck Michiel W. E. , Cozzi Bruno , Graïc Jean-Marie
Published: November 2023

Throughout evolution, odontocete vision has had to readapt to the aquatic environment, which has had far-reaching effects on ocular anatomy and neurology. The most prominent features include the iris with an operculum, a well-developed choroid, the presence of giant ganglion cells in the retina, and the hemispherical shape of the thick eyecup. In the present study, the optic nerve and the retina were comparatively studied in Odontoceti (Cuvier’s beaked whale, common bottlenose dolphin, false killer whale, long-finned pilot whale, Risso’s dolphin, striped dolphin), the semi-aquatic common hippopotamus, and the fully terrestrial bovine. Cross-sections of the tissue were treated with histological and immunohistochemical techniques. Substantial differences were seen between the odontocetes and the reference species as well as within the cetaceans. The morphological structure of the optic nerve mainly appeared species specific, while the density of retinal ganglion cells was significantly higher in the terrestrial bovine than in the cetaceans. However, some typical characteristics of the cetacean retina were absent: the giant ganglion cells and the high retinal thickness. Immunohistochemical research showed varying degrees of neurofilament 200 expression in the retinal ganglion cells, while calretinin was only expressed in those of the common bottlenose dolphin and bovine.
Pharmacoepidemiological Analysis of Antibacterial Agents Used in a Provisional Hospital in Aktobe, Kazakhstan, in the Context of COVID-19: A Comparison with the Pre-Pandemic Period
Authors: Balapasheva Aigerim A. , Smagulova Gaziza A. , Mussina Aigul Z. , Ziganshina Liliya E. , Nurgaliyeva Zhansulu Zh.
Published: November 2023

In the context of the global spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the issue of evaluating and optimizing the use of antibacterial drugs becomes especially relevant. The coronavirus pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to study the dynamics of the consumption of antibacterial agents and their impact on public health. The rational use of antibiotics is a key aspect of the fight against antimicrobial resistance, which makes this study particularly important. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the consumption of antibacterial drugs among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the peak of the 2020 pandemic and compare them with data from 2019 prior to the pandemic. This study collated data on antibacterial drug consumption in a regional hospital in Aktobe, which served a large population of patients during the pandemic. A pharmacoepidemiological study was conducted using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC)/Defined Daily Dose (DDD) methodology. The pharmacoepidemiological study using the international ATC/DDD methodology revealed a concerning pattern of irrational consumption of antibacterial drugs, including cephalosporins, azalides, second-generation fluoroquinolones, and systemic aminoglycosides in Aktobe. Among antibacterial drugs during the pandemic, the most significant increase in consumption was from the group of cephalosporins (19,043 DDD/100 bed-days). The share of their consumption was 35.4% of the total consumption of antibacterial drugs. Pharmacoepidemiological studies using the international methodology ATC/DDD showed an alarming picture of irrational consumption of antibacterial drugs of the group of cephalosporins, azalides, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides in Aktobe, and, in this case, excessive use of the identified antibiotics raises concerns about the possibility of increasing the problem of resistance to microbes.
Oxidative Stress Induces Skin Pigmentation in Melasma by Inhibiting Hedgehog Signaling
Authors: Kim Nan-Hyung , Lee Ai-Young
Published: November 2023

There is growing evidence that oxidative stress plays a role in melasma and disrupts primary cilia formation. Additionally, primary cilia have been suggested to have an inhibitory role in melanogenesis. This study examined the potential link between oxidative stress, skin hyperpigmentation, and primary cilia. We compared the expression levels of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), intraflagellar transport 88 (IFT88), and glioma-associated oncogene homologs (GLIs) in skin samples from patients with melasma, both in affected and unaffected areas. We also explored the roles of NRF2, IFT88, and GLIs in ciliogenesis and pigmentation using cultured adult human keratinocytes, with or without melanocytes. Our findings revealed decreased levels of NRF2, heme oxygenase-1, IFT88, and GLIs in lesional skin from melasma patients. The knockdown of NRF2 resulted in reduced expressions of IFT88 and GLI1, along with fewer ciliated cells. Furthermore, NRF2, IFT88, or GLI1 knockdown led to increased expressions in protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2), K10, involucrin, tyrosinase, and/or melanin. These effects were reversed by the smoothened agonist 1.1. Calcium also upregulated these proteins, but not NRF2. The upregulation of involucrin and PAR2 after NRF2 knockdown was mitigated with a calcium chelator. In summary, our study suggests that oxidative stress in NRF2-downregulated melasma keratinocytes impedes ciliogenesis and related molecular processes. This inhibition stimulates keratinocyte differentiation, resulting in melanin synthesis and melanosome transfer, ultimately leading to skin hyperpigmentation.
Kernel Geometric Mean Metric Learning
Authors: Feng Zixin , Yun Teligeng , Zhou Yu , Zheng Ruirui , He Jianjun
Published: November 2023

Geometric mean metric learning (GMML) algorithm is a novel metric learning approach proposed recently. It has many advantages such as unconstrained convex objective function, closed form solution, faster computational speed, and interpretability over other existing metric learning technologies. However, addressing the nonlinear problem is not effective enough. The kernel method is an effective method to solve nonlinear problems. Therefore, a kernel geometric mean metric learning (KGMML) algorithm is proposed. The basic idea is to transform the input space into a high-dimensional feature space through nonlinear transformation, and use the integral representation of the weighted geometric mean and the Woodbury matrix identity in new feature space to generalize the analytical solution obtained in the GMML algorithm as a form represented by a kernel matrix, and then the KGMML algorithm is obtained through operations. Experimental results on 15 datasets show that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the accuracy of the GMML algorithm and other metric algorithms.
Online Voltage and Degradation Value Prediction of Lead Acid Battery Using Gaussian Process Regression
Authors: Winata Hadi , Surantha Nico
Published: November 2023

Monitoring battery voltage is important to ensure a steady supply of energy. A crucial aspect to avoid failure is estimating the voltage required by the battery load. Lead acid batteries play a vital role as engine starters when the generators are activated. The generator engine requires an adequate voltage to initiate the power generation process. This article discusses three prediction models for estimating the voltage and degradation values based on data-driven methods. The machine-learning models used were Gaussian process regression (GPR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Random Forest. The prediction results were compared using evaluation metrics, such as the Mean Squared Error (MSE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and R-squared (R2). The implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) was demonstrated to collect real-time battery data using a voltage sensor and a temperature sensor as inputs for the prediction model. According to the experiment, the Random Forest algorithm provided highly accurate predictions, with an RMSE of 0.0401, MAE of 0.0241, and R-squared of 0.9651.
The Analysis of Stiffness and Driving Stability in Cross-Member Reinforcements Based on the Curvature of a Small SUV Rear Torsion Beam Suspension System
Authors: Chung Keunuk , Lee Yeonghoon , Lee Jinwook
Published: November 2023

Most small SUVs in the automotive market are equipped with torsion beam suspension for the rear wheels. Torsion beam suspension consists of a cross-member and a trailing arm. The cross-member plays a crucial role in preventing the vehicle from twisting; therefore, a shape that can withstand loads is essential. In this study, various shapes of cross-member reinforcements were added to the existing torsion beam suspension to analyze its structural strength when subjected to arbitrary forces. Analysis results were obtained for stiffness and driving stability factors such as smooth road shake, impact hardness, and memory shake. Based on these results, we identified the optimal cross-member shape with low torsional stiffness and a small side view swing arm angle by examining the changes in driving stability.
Research on the Identification of Bridge Structural Damage Using Variational Mode Decomposition and Convolutional Self-Attention Neural Networks
Authors: Liu Qi , Nie Peng , Dai Hualin , Ning Liyuan , Wang Jiaxing
Published: November 2023

Convolutional neural networks (CNN) are widely used for structural damage identification. However, the presence of environmental disturbances introduces noise into the acquired acceleration response data, impairing the performance of CNN models. In this study, we apply empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and variational mode decomposition (VMD) to denoise the data from a steel truss bridge. By comparing the smoothness and convergence of the obtained modal functions (IMFs) using EMD and VMD, we confirm the effectiveness of VMD in smoothing and denoising the bridge structure signals. Additionally, we propose a convolutional self-attention neural network (CSANN) model to extract features and identify damage in the denoised data using VMD. Comparative analysis of the CNN, LSTM, and GRU models reveals that the VMD-CSANN model outperforms the others in terms of damage localization and identification accuracy. It also exhibits excellent performance when handling noise-contaminated data with a noise level of 10%. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method for identifying internal damage in steel truss structures, while maintaining smoothness and robustness during processing.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Mammographic Detection of Breast Cancer in Saudi Arabian Women
Authors: Aljondi Rowa , Alghamdi Salem Saeed , Tajaldeen Abdulrahman , Alassiri Shareefah , Alkinani Monagi H. , Bertinotti Thomas
Published: November 2023

Background: Breast cancer has a 14.8% incidence rate and an 8.5% fatality rate in Saudi Arabia. Mammography is useful for the early detection of breast cancer. Researchers have been developing artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for early breast cancer diagnosis and reducing false-positive mammography results. The aim of this study was to examine the performance and accuracy of an AI system in breast cancer screening among Saudi women. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study that included 378 mammograms collected from 2017 to 2021 from government hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The patients’ demographic and clinical information were collected from files and electronic medical records. The radiologists’ assessments of the mammograms were based on Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) scores. Follow-up or biopsy reports verified the radiologists’ findings. The MammoScreen system was the AI tool used in this study. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Results: The patients’ mean age was 50.31 years. Most patients had breast density B (42.3%) followed by A (27.2%) and C (25.9%). Most malignant cases were invasive ductal carcinomas (37.3%). Of the 181 cancer cases, 36.9% were BIRADS category V. The area under the curve for the AI detection (0.923; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.893–0.954) was greater than that for the radiologists’ interpretation (0.838; 95% CI, 0.796–0.881). The AI detection agreed with the histopathological result in 167 positive (91.3%) and 182 negative cases (93.3%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of the AI system were 92.8%, 91.9%, 91.3%, 93.3%, and 92.3%, respectively. The radiologist’s interpretation agreed with the pathology report in 180 positive (73.8%) and 134 negative cases (100%). Its sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy were 100%, 67.7%, 73.8%, 100%, and 83.1%, respectively. Conclusions: The AI system tested in this study had better accuracy and diagnostic performance than the radiologists and thus could be used as a support diagnostic tool for breast cancer detection in clinical practice and to reduce false-positive recalls.
Who Is an Artist? Identity, Individualism, and the Neoliberalism of the Art Complex
Authors: Jones Amelia G.
Published: November 2023

The fantasized artist-as-origin began as the quintessential figure manifesting Enlightenment European concepts of individual autonomy and sovereign subjectivity—and thus of identity and meaning as these come to define and situate human expression as well as securing educated, middle-class, European white male hegemony in the Euro-American context. While we think of this conventional figure of the straight white male artist as old-fashioned, as having been relentlessly critiqued since the mid-twentieth century by artists, often from a feminist, queer, anti-racist, or decolonial perspective, this article asserts that the artistic author still drives much of the discourse as well as underlying the money and status attached to visual art today. Citing key works by a range of contemporary artists who have challenged these value systems—Cassils, rafa esparza, James Luna, Guillermo Gómez-Peña, and Susan Silton—this article foregrounds the critique of whiteness and masculinity and the interrogation of capitalism and neoliberalism necessary to interrogating these structures of value attached to artistic authorship.
The Future: Missing Children, Time Travel, and Post-Nuclear Apocalypse in the Dark Series (Netflix)
Authors: Łysak Tomasz
Published: November 2023

The concept of the post-apocalypse, a cultural imagination of nuclear energy, the temporality of trauma, and time travel are linked herein in order to arrive at a political reading of the Dark series. This show is a commentary on the phasing out of nuclear power in Germany in response to the nuclear disaster in Fukushima. Two readings of this series are proposed: a meditation on the possible futures of the world (the possibility of reparative action and the post-apocalypse) and a traumatic narrative (the concepts of trauma and loss are crucial to understanding the plot, while both the visuals and the plot borrow from posttraumatic cinema). Nevertheless, the series plays by the rules of popular trauma culture, rules whereby a tragedy suffered by others serves the economic interests of the media.
Identification of a Novel Acid Sphingomyelinase Activity Associated with Recombinant Human Acid Ceramidase
Authors: He Xingxuan , Schuchman Edward H.
Published: November 2023

Acid ceramidase (AC) is a lysosomal enzyme required to hydrolyze ceramide to sphingosine by the removal of the fatty acid moiety. An inherited deficiency in this activity results in two disorders, Farber Lipogranulomatosis and spinal muscular atrophy with myoclonic epilepsy, leading to the accumulation of ceramides and other sphingolipids in various cells and tissues. In addition to ceramide hydrolysis, several other activities have been attributed to AC, including a reverse reaction that synthesizes ceramide from free fatty acids and sphingosine, and a deacylase activity that removes fatty acids from complex lipids such as sphingomyelin and glycosphingolipids. A close association of AC with another important enzyme of sphingolipid metabolism, acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), has also been observed. Herein, we used a highly purified recombinant human AC (rhAC) and novel UPLC-based assay methods to investigate the recently described deacylase activity of rhAC against three sphingolipid substrates, sphingomyelin, galactosyl- and glucosylceramide. No deacylase activities were detected using this method, although we did unexpectedly identify a significant ASM activity using natural (C-18) and artificial (Bodipy-C12) sphingomyelin substrates as well as the ASM-specific fluorogenic substrate, hexadecanoylamino-4-methylumbelliferyl phosphorylcholine (HMU-PC). We showed that this ASM activity was not due to contaminating, hamster-derived ASM in the rhAC preparation, and that the treatment of ASM-knockout mice with rhAC significantly reduced sphingomyelin storage in the liver. However, unlike the treatment with rhASM, this did not lead to elevated ceramide or sphingosine levels.
The Prokineticin System in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Clinical and Preclinical Overview
Authors: Amodeo Giada , Franchi Silvia , Galimberti Giulia , Riboldi Benedetta , Sacerdote Paola
Published: November 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), which are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. IBDs clinical manifestations are heterogeneous and characterized by a chronic relapsing-remitting course. Typical gastrointestinal signs and symptoms include diarrhea, GI bleeding, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Moreover, the presence of pain often manifests in the remitting disease phase. As a result, patients report a further reduction in life quality. Despite the scientific advances implemented in the last two decades and the therapies aimed at inducing or maintaining IBDs in a remissive condition, to date, their pathophysiology still remains unknown. In this scenario, the importance of identifying a common and effective therapeutic target for both digestive symptoms and pain remains a priority. Recent clinical and preclinical studies have reported the prokineticin system (PKS) as an emerging therapeutic target for IBDs. PKS alterations are likely to play a role in IBDs at multiple levels, such as in intestinal motility, local inflammation, ulceration processes, localized abdominal and visceral pain, as well as central nervous system sensitization, leading to the development of chronic and widespread pain. This narrative review summarized the evidence about the involvement of the PKS in IBD and discussed its potential as a druggable target.
Integrative Meta-Analysis during Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Reprogramming Reveals Conserved Networks and Chromatin Accessibility Signatures in Human and Mouse
Authors: Thangavelu Chloe S. , Norden-Krichmar Trina M.
Published: November 2023

iPSC reprogramming involves dynamic changes in chromatin accessibility necessary for the conversion of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). IPSCs can be used to generate a wide range of cells to potentially replace damaged cells in a patient without the threat of immune rejection; however, efficiently reprogramming cells for medical applications remains a challenge, particularly in human cells. Here, we conducted a cross-species meta-analysis to identify conserved and species-specific differences in regulatory patterns during reprogramming. Chromatin accessibility and transcriptional data as fibroblasts transitioned to iPSCs were obtained from the publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and integrated to generate time-resolved regulatory networks during cellular reprogramming. We observed consistent and conserved trends between the species in the chromatin accessibility signatures as cells transitioned from fibroblasts into iPSCs, indicating distal control of genes associated with pluripotency by master reprogramming regulators. Multi-omic integration showed key network changes across reprogramming states, revealing regulatory relationships between chromatin regulators, enhancers, transcription factors, and target genes that result in the silencing of the somatic transcription program and activation of the pluripotency gene regulatory network. This integrative analysis revealed distinct network changes between timepoints and leveraged multi-omics to gain novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying reprogramming.
Complex Evaluation of Nanocomposite-Based Hydroxyapatite for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Predoi Daniela , Iconaru Simona Liliana , Ciobanu Steluta Carmen , Buton Nicolas , Predoi Mihai Valentin
Published: November 2023

A magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite in chitosan matrix (MgHApC) sample was developed as a potential platform for numerous applications in the pharmaceutical, medical, and food industries. Magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite suspensions in the chitosan matrix were obtained by the coprecipitation technique. The surface shape and morphological features were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hydrodynamic diameter of the suspended particles was determined by Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. The stability of MgHApC suspensions was evaluated by ultrasonic measurements. The hydrodynamic diameter of the MgHApC particles in suspension was 29.5 nm. The diameter of MgHApC particles calculated from SEM was 12.5 ± 2 nm. Following the SEM observations, it was seen that the MgHApC particles have a spherical shape. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies conducted on MgHApC proved the presence of chitosan and hydroxyapatite in the studied specimens. In vitro antimicrobial assays were performed on Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 microbial strains. The antimicrobial experiments showed that MgHApC exhibited very good antimicrobial properties against all the tested microorganisms. More than that, the results of the in vitro studies revealed that the antimicrobial properties of the samples depend on the incubation time. The evaluation of the sample’s cytotoxicity was performed using the human colon cancer (HCT-8) cell line. Our results suggested the great potential of MgHApC to be used in future applications in the field of biomedical applications (e.g., dentistry, orthopedics, etc.).
Brain Networks Involved in Sensory Perception in Parkinson’s Disease: A Scoping Review
Authors: Permezel Fiona , Alty Jane , Harding Ian H. , Thyagarajan Dominic
Published: November 2023

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) has historically been considered a disorder of motor dysfunction. However, a growing number of studies have demonstrated sensory abnormalities in PD across the modalities of proprioceptive, tactile, visual, auditory and temporal perception. A better understanding of these may inform future drug and neuromodulation therapy. We analysed these studies using a scoping review. In total, 101 studies comprising 2853 human participants (88 studies) and 125 animals (13 studies), published between 1982 and 2022, were included. These highlighted the importance of the basal ganglia in sensory perception across all modalities, with an additional role for the integration of multiple simultaneous sensation types. Numerous studies concluded that sensory abnormalities in PD result from increased noise in the basal ganglia and increased neuronal receptive field size. There is evidence that sensory changes in PD and impaired sensorimotor integration may contribute to motor abnormalities.
Enhancing Compressive Strength in Cementitious Composites through Effective Use of Wasted Oyster Shells and Admixtures
Authors: Cha Inyeong , Kim Jinwoong , Lee Heeyoung
Published: November 2023

Wasted oyster shells generate environmental pollution and odor, thereby causing inconvenience to people. In addition, low-quality aggregates are generated owing to the lack of sand. To address these problems, cementitious composites that replaced sand with oyster shell powder were fabricated in this study, and a total 120 specimens were fabricated (specimen size: 50×50×50 mm3). The oyster shell substitution rate for sand, admixture type, and presence or absence of admixture were set as the experimental parameters. Herein, 0, 30, 70, and 100% of sand was replaced with oyster shell powder to examine the compressive strength of the cementitious composites according to the oyster shell powder content. The experiment results confirmed the decrease in the compressive strength of the cementitious composite with an increase in the oyster shell powder content. In the case of the cementitious composites mixed with oyster shell powder, silica fume, blast furnace slag, and an air-entraining water-reducing agent, the compressive strength increased by up to 30% with an increase in the oyster shell powder content. The results of cementitious composites containing oyster shell powder and admixture fabricated in this study indicate the potential of oyster shells as a new construction material that can replace sand.
Assessment of Existing Masonry Resistance Using Partial Factors Approaches and Field Measurements
Authors: Lulić Luka , Lukačević Ivan , Skejić Davor , Stepinac Mislav
Published: November 2023

The vast majority of existing structures in Croatia, as well as in other European countries, are made of unreinforced masonry. The seemingly ideal building material presents a great challenge for engineers in earthquake-prone zones. Given that structural failure can have significant consequences in terms of loss of human lives as well as financial losses, a comprehensive structural reliability assessment is needed. Old existing masonry structures often do not have design documentation, and even when they do, the initial mechanical properties have almost certainly degraded over time. That is why in situ testing is of great importance, but masonry is also characterized by a large scattering of results. After recent severe earthquakes in Croatia, more than ever, there is a need for a more reliable assessment of existing masonry structures. This paper presents reliability approaches for resistance evaluation of existing masonry in a real case study where basic failure modes of the masonry were observed. First, the data recommended in standards were used, followed by the updated data obtained from the flat-jack test. Finally, the design value method (DVM) and the adjusted partial factor method (APFM) were used. These methods align with Eurocode standards for new structures but are also adaptable for the assessment of existing structures. Differences in the results between the existing and the new version of the standard were observed, as well as an increase in the obtained resistances with an increase in the complexity of the methods used. Also, the influence of in situ testing proved to be an important factor in the analysis.
Exploring the Impact of DAHP Impregnation on Activated Carbon Fibers for Efficient Charge Storage and Selective O2 Reduction to Peroxide
Authors: Gavrilov Nemanja , Breitenbach Stefan , Unterweger Christoph , Fürst Christian , Pašti Igor A.
Published: November 2023

Understanding the properties and behavior of carbon materials is of paramount importance in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions and technological advancements. As versatile and abundant resources, carbon materials play a central role in various energy conversion and storage applications, making them essential components in the transition toward a greener and more efficient future. This study explores the impact of diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAHP) impregnation on activated carbon fibers (ACFs) for efficient energy storage and conversion applications. The viscose fibers were impregnated with varying DAHP concentrations, followed by carbonization and activation processes. The capacitance measurements were conducted in 6 mol dm−3 KOH, 0.5 mol dm−3 H2SO4, and 2 mol dm−3 KNO3 solutions, while the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) measurements were performed in O2-saturated 0.1 mol dm−3 KOH solution. We find that the presented materials display specific capacitances up to 160 F g−1 when the DAHP concentration is in the range of 1.0 to 2.5%. Moreover, for the samples with lower DAHP concentrations, highly selective O2 reduction to peroxide was achieved while maintaining low ORR onset potentials. Thus, by impregnating viscose fibers with DAHP, it is possible to tune their electrochemical properties while increasing the yield, enabling the more sustainable and energy-efficient synthesis of advanced materials for energy conversion applications.