bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related myositis and myocarditis: diagnostic pitfalls and imaging contribution in a real-world, institutional case series
Authors: Vicino Alex , Hottinger Andreas F. , Latifyan Sofiya , Boughdad Sarah , Becce Fabio , Prior John O. , Kuntzer Thierry , Brouland Jean-Philippe , Dunet Vincent , Obeid Michel , Théaudin Marie
Published: December 2023

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are reshaping the prognosis of many cancers, but often cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Among neurological irAEs, myositis is the most frequently reported. Our aim is to describe clinical and non-clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of all irMyositis (skeletal limb-girdle and/or ocular myositis) and irMyocarditis cases in our reference center.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled all irMyositis/irMyocarditis patients seen between 2018 and 2022. We reviewed demographics, clinical characteristics, biological, neurophysiological, imaging workup, treatment and outcome.

Results

We included 14 consecutive patients. The most frequent treatments were pembrolizumab (35%) or ipilimumab–nivolumab combination (35%). Limb-girdle, ocular (non-fluctuating palpebral ptosis and/or diplopia with or without ophthalmoparesis) and cardiac phenotypes were equally distributed, overlapping in 40% of cases. Ocular involvement was frequently misdiagnosed; review of brain MRIs disclosed initially missed signs of skeletal myositis in one patient and ocular myositis in 3. Seven patients had other co-existing irAEs. When performed, myography showed a myogenic pattern. CK was elevated in 8/15 patients, troponin-T in 12/12 and troponin-I in 7/9 tested patients. ICI were discontinued in all cases, with further immunosuppressive treatment in nine patients. In most cases, neurological and cardiological outcome was good at last follow-up.

Conclusion

Myositis is a potentially severe irAE. Despite its heterogeneous presentation, some highly suggestive clinical symptoms, such as ocular involvement, or radiological signs should raise physicians’ attention to avoid misdiagnosis. We thus recommend a multidisciplinary assessment (including complete neuromuscular evaluation) even in case of isolated myocarditis. Our series underlines the importance of an early diagnosis, since suspension of ICI and adequate treatment are usually associated with good functional outcome.
Comparison of head tilt test between sagging eye syndrome and acquired unilateral trochlear nerve palsy
Authors: Yamadera Katsuhide , Kimura Akiko , Okita Yoichi , Mochizuki Yoshihito , Gomi Fumi
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To investigate the distinction between sagging eye syndrome (SES group) and acquired unilateral trochlear nerve palsy (Trochlear group) in the Bielschowsky head tilt test (BHTT).

Methods

Fifteen patients in the SES group (mean age 74.6 ± 5.2 years) and 14 patients in the Trochlear group (55.2 ± 15.9 years) visited the Department of Ophthalmology, Hyogo Medical University Hospital between November 2016 and October 2022 for treatment of their diplopia. Eye position was measured with the alternate prism cover test, and values for fixation of the dominant eye, or unaffected eye, were used. Cyclodeviation was measured with the synoptophore and the Glaucoma Module Premium Edition of the SPECTRALIS optical coherence tomography. In the BHTT, eye position was measured in three head postures: primary position (PP), head tilt to the side with hypertropia (Hyper), and head tilt to the side with hypotropia (Hypo). The differences in vertical deviation between PP and Hyper (Hyper − PP), PP and Hypo (PP − Hypo) and Hyper − Hypo were measured and compared.

Results

Vertical deviation in primary position was 7.3 ± 4.5 PD in the SES group and significantly larger (17.1 ± 8.4 PD) in the Trochlear group (p = 0.002). The vertical deviation in Hyper was significantly larger in the Trochlear group with 7.7 ± 4.7 PD and 22.1 ± 9.4 PD, respectively (p < 0.001), whereas the that in Hypo was not significantly different between the two groups with 6.5 ± 3.4 PD and 8.4 ± 6.6 PD, respectively (p = 0.725). The SES group showed no significant difference according to the 3 head postures (p = 0.311), while the Trochlear group showed a significantly different with smaller mean values in vertical deviation in Hypo (p < 0.001). The difference in the vertical deviation for the 3 head postures was the largest in Hyper − Hypo (1.7 ± 2.1 PD and 13.6 ± 7.1 PD, respectively), and the accuracy of SES was at the cutoff value of 6 PD, and it was considered not to be SES if the value was 6PD or higher. The accuracy of SES determination was 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, and the area under the curve was 1.0.

Conclusion

The difference in Hyper − Hypo in the BHTT may be the most useful index in differentiating SES from acquired unilateral trochlear nerve palsy; if the difference was more than 6 PD, the probability of SES was very low.
NTRK-rearranged spindle cell sarcoma of the uterine cervix with a novel NUMA1::NTRK1 fusion
Authors: Szalai Luca , Vereczkey Ildikó , Szemes Marianna , Rókusz András , Csernák Erzsébet , Tóth Erika , Melegh Zsombor
Published: December 2023

NTRK-rearranged uterine sarcoma is a recently described entity that represents a subset of uterine sarcomas with distinct clinicopathological features. From a molecular point of view, this tumour is defined by NTRK gene rearrangement, resulting in overexpression or constitutive activation of Trk receptors. The presence of NTRK fusion is indicative of treatment response with a selective small-molecule inhibitor of the Trk kinases. Here, we report a case of an NTRK-rearranged sarcoma of the uterine cervix in a 43-year-old patient, measuring 80 mm in its largest dimension, with a novel NUMA1-NTRK1 fusion, not previously reported in NTRK-rearranged uterine sarcomas or other NTRK-rearranged tumours. The fusion, involving NUMA1 exon 14 (NM_006185.4) and NTRK1 exon 11 (NM_002529.4), was identified by next-generation sequencing (NGS) studies (FusionPlex Pan Solid Tumor v2 panel). Although the presence of NTRK fusion has been reported in a variety of neoplasms, a fusion involving NUMA1 (nuclear mitotic apparatus protein 1) and a tyrosine kinase partner has previously been reported in human neoplasms only in a handful of cases. The resulting fusion protein comprises the oligomerization domain of NUMA1, which is predicted to cause constant activation of the tyrosine kinase domain of NTRK1. The recognition and accurate diagnosis of these tumours are important due to the availability of potential targeted therapeutic options.
Effect of radiation therapy on patients with stage T3 or T4 malignant phyllodes tumors: a retrospective observational study based on SEER
Authors: Zhang Gongyin , Yang Ping , Zeng Jinsheng , Wei Changlong
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Among all primary breast tumors, malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast (MPTB) make up less than 1%. In the treatment of phyllode tumors, surgical procedures such as mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery are the mainstay. MPTB has, however, been controversial when it comes to treating it with RT. We aimed to explore the prognostic impact of RT and other clinicopathologic factors on long-term survival for patients with stage T3 or T4 malignant phyllodes tumors.

Methods

We select patients with stage T3 or T4 MPTB who qualified for the criteria between 2000 and 2018 via the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We performed 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) and Kaplan–Meier analysis to explore the role of RT in long-term survival of patients with stage T3 or T4 MPTB. A univariate and multivariate analysis of breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) risk factors was carried out using a Cox proportional hazards model. In addition, the nomogram graph of OS and BCSS was constructed.

Results

A total of 583 patients with stage T3 or T4 malignant phyllodes tumors were included in this study, of whom 154 (26.4%) received RT, and 429 (73.6%) were treated without RT. Before adjustment, between groups with and without RT, BCSS (p = 0.1) and OS (p = 0.212) indicated no significant difference respectively. Using of PSM, the two groups still did not differ significantly in BCSS (p = 0.552) and OS (p = 0.172). In multivariate analysis, age (p < 0.001), surgery of primary site (p < 0.001) and distant metastatic status (p < 0.001) were related to prognosis, while RT still did not affect BCSS (p = 0.877) and OS (p = 0.554).

Conclusion

Based on the SEER database analysis, the study suggests that the patients with stage T3 or T4 MPTB treated with RT after surgery didn't have significant differences in BCSS or OS compared to those not treated with RT.
The association between haemosporidian infection and non-breeding moult location in great reed warblers revisited by combining feather stable isotope profiles and geolocator data
Authors: Procházka Petr , Emmenegger Tamara , Bauer Silke , Ciloglu Arif , Dimitrov Dimitar , Hansson Bengt , Hasselquist Dennis , Yohannes Elizabeth , Zehtindjiev Pavel , Bensch Staffan
Published: December 2023

Stable isotope analysis provides valuable insights into the ecology of long-distance migratory birds during periods spent away from a specific study site. In a previous study, Swedish great reed warblers (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) infected with haemosporidian parasites differed in feather isotope ratios compared to non-infected birds, suggesting that infected and non-infected birds spent the non-breeding season in different locations or habitats. Here, we use a novel dataset comprising geolocator data, isotopes, and haemosporidian infection status of 92 individuals from four Eurasian populations to investigate whether parasite transmission varies with geography or habitats. We found that the probability of harbouring Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon parasites was higher in birds moulting in the eastern region of the non-breeding grounds. However, no geographic pattern occurred for Haemoproteus infections or overall infection status. In contrast to the previous study, we did not find any relationship between feather isotope ratios and overall haemosporidian infection for the entire current dataset. Plasmodium-infected birds had lower feather δ15N values indicating that they occupied more mesic habitats. Leucocytozoon-infected birds had higher feather δ34S values suggesting more coastal sites or wetlands with anoxic sulphate reduction. As the composition and prevalence of haemosporidian parasites differed between the old and the current dataset, we suggest that the differences might be a consequence of temporal dynamics of haemosporidian parasites. Our results emphasize the importance of replicating studies conducted on a single population over a restricted time period, as the patterns can become more complex for data from wider geographical areas and different time periods.
Adolescent delinquency following co-occurring childhood head injuries and conduct problem symptoms: findings from a UK longitudinal birth cohort
Authors: Carr Hannah R. , Hall James E. , Brandt Valerie C.
Published: December 2023

Childhood conduct problems and head injuries share a bidirectional association, but how this affects the risk of adolescent delinquency is unknown. Due to their similar underlying mechanisms (i.e. increased impulsivity), this study aims to identify whether their co-occurrence increases the risk of adolescent delinquency. Data was obtained from 11,272 children at age 14 and 10,244 at age 17 years enrolled in the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Conduct problem symptoms (via the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) and head injuries were parent reported from ages 3 to 14 years. Delinquency was self-reported at ages 14 and 17 including substance use, criminality, and antisocial behaviour. Incident rate ratios (IRR) were estimated for delinquency at ages 14 and 17 by childhood conduct problem and head injury status. Co-occurring head injuries and high conduct problem symptoms presented the greatest risk for overall delinquency and substance use at age 14 compared to those with the presence of one or neither (IRRs from 1.20 to 1.60). At age 17, conduct problems (with or without co-occurring head injuries) presented the greatest risk for overall delinquency, substance use, and antisocial behaviour. There was no evidence for an increased risk of delinquency at ages 14 or 17 following a head injury only. Whilst these findings suggest childhood head injuries alone do not increase the risk of adolescent delinquency, when co-occurring alongside high conduct problem symptoms there is a heightened earlier risk. These results provide further insight into adolescent delinquency and the outcomes of co-occurring childhood head injury and conduct problem symptoms.
Is there an association between endometriosis and subsequent breast cancer? A retrospective cohort study from Germany
Authors: Gremke Niklas , Griewing Sebastian , Göhring Jacob , Isselhard Anna , Wagner Uwe , Kostev Karel , Kalder Matthias
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Given the relatively high incidence of both endometriosis and breast cancer, investigating the potential connection between these gynecological diseases is of substantial clinical significance. However, there is no clear consensus in the literature on the extent to which the risk of breast cancer is increased in patients with endometriosis. Therefore, we conducted a large-scale observational study investigating the association between endometriosis and breast cancer risk.

Methods

This study included women aged ≥ 18 years with an initial endometriosis diagnosis from one of 315 office-based gynecologists in Germany between January 2005 and December 2021. Non-endometriosis patients were matched 1:1 to patients with endometriosis based on age, index year, average yearly consultation frequency, and predefined co-diagnoses within 12 months before or on the index date, including obesity and benign breast disorders. The association between endometriosis and the 10-year incidence of breast cancer was studied using Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank tests. Finally, a univariable Cox regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between endometriosis and breast cancer.

Results

Over a follow-up period of up to 10 years, no significant difference was observed between the endometriosis (2.4%) and the matched non-endometriosis group (2.5%) with regard to breast cancer diagnoses. Furthermore, the regression analysis revealed no significant association between endometriosis and subsequent breast cancer.

Conclusion

In summary, our comprehensive 10-year study involving a substantial sample of women indicates that endometriosis is not significantly associated with an increased risk of subsequent breast cancer.
Characterization of cornea donors at a tissue center in the city of Medellin, Colombia
Authors: Cadavid Usuga Juan Camilo , Maya Naranjo María Isabel , Mesa Mesa Sara , Rivera Ana Isabel , Hincapié María Paula , Granados María Fernanda , Betancur Catalina , Donado Gomez Jorge Hernando
Published: December 2023

The cornea transplant is considered the most frequently performed type of transplant in the world, with a demand that has been increasing in recent years. An observational descriptive study was conducted, focusing on the ocular tissue extracted from cadaveric donors from January 2019 to December 2021 at the Red Cross Eye Bank in Medellin, Colombia. This is the first epidemiological characterization of corneal donor tissues within the eye banks of our city, where high rates of violence-related deaths explain that tissue donors are mostly young individuals. This, in turn, results in excellent counts of endothelial cells and tissue viability in their microscopic studies. Additionally, there are lower rates of discarded tissues compared to similar studies.
Occludin is overexpressed in tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma compared to mesothelioma and is a marker of tumor progression and chemoresistance
Authors: dos Santos Margarida Varela , Holth Arild , Bischof Katharina , Davidson Ben
Published: December 2023

The objective of this study was to analyze the expression and prognostic role of the tight junction protein occludin in high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Occludin protein expression by immunohistochemistry was analyzed in 602 HGSC (417 effusions, 185 surgical specimens). Expression in mesothelioma (n = 87; 45 effusions, 42 surgical specimens) was studied for comparative purposes. Occludin protein expression was found in 587/602 (98%) HGSC vs. 40/87 (46%) mesotheliomas and was predominantly limited to < 5% of cells in the latter (p < 0.001). Occludin was additionally overexpressed in HGSC effusions compared to surgical specimens (p < 0.001) and was overexpressed in post-chemotherapy effusions compared to chemo-naive effusions tapped at diagnosis (p = 0.015). Occludin expression in HGSC surgical specimens was associated with poor chemoresponse (p < 0.001) and primary resistance (p = 0.001). Expression in effusions and surgical specimens was unrelated to survival (p > 0.05). In conclusion, occludin expression is higher in HGSC compared to mesothelioma, and this protein is overexpressed in HGSC effusions, possibly reflecting changes in adhesion related to anchorage-independent growth in this microenvironment. Overexpression in post-chemotherapy compared to chemo-naïve effusions suggest a role in disease progression. Occludin expression in surgical specimens may be related to chemoresistance.
Median quasimorphisms on $${{\,\mathrm{{CAT}}\,}}(0)$$ cube complexes and their cup products
Authors: Brück Benjamin , Fournier-Facio Francesco , Löh Clara
Published: December 2023

Cup products provide a natural approach to access higher bounded cohomology groups. We extend vanishing results on cup products of Brooks quasimorphisms of free groups to cup products of median quasimorphisms, i.e., Brooks-type quasimorphisms of group actions on$${{\,\mathrm{{CAT}}\,}}(0)$$CAT(0)cube complexes. In particular, we obtain such vanishing results for groups acting on trees and for right-angled Artin groups. Moreover, we outline potential applications of vanishing results for cup products in bounded cohomology.
The Ricci decomposition of the inertia tensor for a rigid body in arbitrary spatial dimensions
Authors: Parker Edward
Published: December 2023

The rotations of rigid bodies in Euclidean space are characterized by their instantaneous angular velocity and angular momentum. In an arbitrary number of spatial dimensions, these quantities are represented by bivectors (antisymmetric rank-2 tensors), and they are related by a rank-4 inertia tensor. Remarkably, this inertia tensor belongs to a well-studied class of algebraic curvature tensors that have the same index symmetries as the Riemann curvature tensor field used in general relativity. Any algebraic curvature tensor can be decomposed into irreducible representations of the orthogonal group via the Ricci decomposition. We calculate the Ricci decomposition of the inertia tensor for a rigid body in any number of dimensions, and we find that (unlike for the Riemann curvature tensor field) its traceless Weyl tensor is always zero, so the inertia tensor is completely characterized by its (rank-2) Ricci contraction. So unlike in general relativity, the traceless Weyl tensor does not cause any qualitatively new phenomenology for rigid-body dynamics in $$n \ge 4$$

n
≥
4

dimensions.
Beyond expectations: residual dynamic mode decomposition and variance for stochastic dynamical systems
Authors: Colbrook Matthew J. , Li Qin , Raut Ryan V. , Townsend Alex
Published: December 2023

Koopman operators linearize nonlinear dynamical systems, making their spectral information of crucial interest. Numerous algorithms have been developed to approximate these spectral properties, and dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) stands out as the poster child of projection-based methods. Although the Koopman operator itself is linear, the fact that it acts in an infinite-dimensional space of observables poses challenges. These include spurious modes, essential spectra, and the verification of Koopman mode decompositions. While recent work has addressed these challenges for deterministic systems, there remains a notable gap in verified DMD methods for stochastic systems, where the Koopman operator measures the expectation of observables. We show that it is necessary to go beyond expectations to address these issues. By incorporating variance into the Koopman framework, we address these challenges. Through an additional DMD-type matrix, we approximate the sum of a squared residual and a variance term, each of which can be approximated individually using batched snapshot data. This allows verified computation of the spectral properties of stochastic Koopman operators, controlling the projection error. We also introduce the concept of variance-pseudospectra to gauge statistical coherency. Finally, we present a suite of convergence results for the spectral information of stochastic Koopman operators. Our study concludes with practical applications using both simulated and experimental data. In neural recordings from awake mice, we demonstrate how variance-pseudospectra can reveal physiologically significant information unavailable to standard expectation-based dynamical models.
Nitrogen mineralization in the oldest climax communities in the eastern Mediterranean region
Authors: Sakar Fatma Selcen , Güleryüz Gürcan
Published: December 2023

In this study, we investigated how tree species affect N mineralization in connection to some soil properties and seconder metabolite levels of litter, in the soil of the oldest native forest communities. In the oldest pure communities of Pinus nigra (PN), Fagus orientalis (FO), and Abies bornmuelleriana (AB) in the mountain range of Mount Uludağ, Bursa, Turkey, annual net yield and N mineralization in the 0–5- and 5–20-cm soil layers were determined in a field incubation study over 1 year. Sampling locations were chosen from 1300 to 1600 m a.s.l., and moisture content (%), pH, water-holding capacity (%), organic C, total N, and C/N ratio, and annual net mineral N yield of the soil and hydrolyzed tannic acid and total phenolic compounds in litter were compared for these forest communities. F. orientalis had the highest annual net Nmin yield (43.9 ± 4.8 kg ha–1 a–1), P. nigra the lowest (30.5 ± 4.2 kg ha–1 a–1). Our findings show that in the oldest forest ecosystems, the seasonal soil moisture content and tree species play an essential role in N cycling and that hydrolyzed tannic acids and total phenolic compounds effectively control N turnover. Tannic acid and total phenolics in the litter were found to inhibit nitrification, but total phenolics were found to stimulate ammonification.
Using free Wi-Fi to assess impact of COVID-19 pandemic on traditional wet markets in Hanoi
Authors: Reymondin Louis , Vantalon Thibaud , Pham Huong Thi Mai , Le Hieu Trung , Huynh Tuyen Thi Thanh , Hernandez Ricardo , Even Brice , Nguyen Thang Cong , Phan Trong Van , Nguyen Kien Tri , Béné Christophe
Published: December 2023

Traditional wet markets are the main source of fresh food and the largest source of daily nutrient intake for citizens of Hanoi. Nevertheless, due to the lack of traceability and sales registration systems, food flows within these markets remain largely invisible. This makes it challenging to assess the impact of shocks, such as pandemics, on these markets. In this paper, we characterize the impact of COVID-19 by analyzing data from 25 Wi-Fi access points installed in five formally established wet markets. The study timeframe covers a pre-pandemic period from July 2019 to the end of the initial stage of the pandemic in November 2020. While providing free Internet access, data were continuously collected about devices in close vicinity to the access points. Based on this information, we tested five hypotheses about the number, frequency, time, and duration of visits to the markets as well as changes in inter-market activities. The results show that during the shock (February to mid-April 2020) and aftershock (mid-April to July 2020) periods, market actors significantly decreased the total number of market visits (-26% P < 0.001) and the frequency of market visits (up to -47% for very frequent market users, P < 0.001). The number of inter-market visits dropped sharply during the shock period (66% $$\pm$$
±
17% of the baseline level, P < 0.001), and the peak time for market shopping shifted significantly by 90 min later in the day, P < 0.001. No change was observed in visit duration. Several factors identified in existing literature as affecting consumer behaviors provide possible explanations for the changes observed. We present a set of recommendations to limit the negative impact of the pandemic in terms of food security and livelihoods in Hanoi and to mitigate consumers’ negative perception of wet markets in terms of food safety.
Biofortification versus diversification to fight micronutrient deficiencies: an interdisciplinary review
Authors: Malézieux Eric , Verger Eric O. , Avallone Sylvie , Alpha Arlène , Ngigi Peter Biu , Lourme-Ruiz Alissia , Bazile Didier , Bricas Nicolas , Ehret Isabelle , Martin-Prevel Yves , Amiot Marie Josèphe
Published: December 2023

Two plant production-based strategies – biofortification and dietary diversification – have been advocated to overcome micronutrient deficiencies, which are major contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide. The respective benefits and effectiveness of these two strategies are the subject of controversy. Expanding the scope of this debate beyond the sole nutritional outcomes, and using a food system approach, this interdisciplinary review aims to providing a novel and holistic perspective on the ongoing debate. The literature shows that biofortification can be an effective medium-term strategy to tackle nutritional risk in vulnerable populations in some contexts, but that it also may have negative environmental, economic, and social impacts. Dietary diversification, on the other hand, is known to be a sustainable way to overcome micronutrient deficiencies, bringing with it long-term benefits, including nutritional, and beyond, the provision of ecosystem services. Dietary diversification is however challenging to implement, with benefits that are not immediate. Biodiversity as a basis of human diets is critically important to improving both human and environmental health. Diet diversification through increased mobilisation of biodiversity in food systems deserves much more attention and support in policies for food and nutrition in low- and middle-income countries.
Smart contract applications in the built environment: How prepared are Nigerian construction stakeholders?
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Aigbavboa Clinton , Adekunle Samuel Adeniyi , Samsurijan Mohamad Shaharudin , Aliu John , Arthur-Aidoo Bernard Martins , Amadi Godpower Chinyeru
Published: December 2023

Studies have demonstrated that advanced technology, such as smart contract applications, can enhance both pre- and post-contract administration within the built environment sector. Smart contract technology, exemplifying blockchain technologies, has the potential to improve transparency, trust, and the security of data transactions within this sector. However, there is a dearth of academic literature concerning smart contract applications within the construction industries of developing countries, with a specific focus on Nigeria. Consequently, this study seeks to explore the relevance of smart contract technology and address the challenges impeding its adoption, offering strategies to mitigate the obstacles faced by smart contract applications. To investigate the stakeholders, this research conducted 14 virtual interview sessions to achieve data saturation. The interviewees encompassed project management practitioners, senior management personnel from construction companies, experts in construction dispute resolution, professionals in construction software, and representatives from government construction agencies. The data obtained from these interviews underwent thorough analysis employing a thematic approach. The study duly recognizes the significance of smart contract applications within the sector. Among the 12 identified barriers, issues such as identity theft and data leakage, communication and synchronization challenges, high computational expenses, lack of driving impetus, excessive electricity consumption, intricate implementation processes, absence of a universally applicable legal framework, and the lack of a localized legal framework were recurrent impediments affecting the adoption of smart contract applications within the sector. The study also delves into comprehensive measures to mitigate these barriers. In conclusion, this study critically evaluates the relevance of smart contract applications within the built environment, with a specific focus on promoting their usage. It may serve as a pioneering effort, especially within the context of Nigeria.
An Analysis of the Hebrew Translation of the OLIW-S to Assess Adult Playfulness
Authors: Rubinstein Dori , Lahad Mooli , Weinstock Gilad , Brauer Kay , Proyer René T.
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Adult playfulness is an individual difference variable that receives increasing interest. A multifacetted model of playfulness distinguishes between Other-directed, Lighthearted, Intellectual, and Whimsical playfulness. A 12-item brief version to assess these four facets with three items each, the OLIW-S, has been introduced in German. In this study, we investigate the psychometric properties of the Hebrew translation of the OLIW-S in an Israeli sample ( N = 298). Our analyses of the item and scale parameters showed acceptable internal consistencies for short scales aimed for research purposes (αs and ωs between .53 and .80), item-total correlations, factorial validity, and metric measurement invariance with the original German language version (German sample, N = 302). Overall, our findings provide initial evidence for the psychometric qualities of the Hebrew translation of the OLIW-S, and analyses using the data from Germany replicate prior findings. We discuss future perspectives for extending the study of the reliability and validity of the Hebrew OLIW-S.
Multi‐Temporal InSAR, GNSS and Seismic Measurements Reveal the Origin of the 2021 Vulcano Island (Italy) Unrest
Authors: Di Traglia F. , Bruno V. , Casu F. , Cocina O. , De Luca C. , Giudicepietro F. , Macedonio G. , Mattia M. , Monterroso F. , Privitera E. , Lanari R.
Published: December 2023

La Fossa Caldera at Vulcano (Italy) has been showing signs of unrest since September 2021. To investigate this phenomenon, we conducted an analysis of geodetic and seismological data from July to December 2021. In particular, we analyzed Multi Temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar and Global Navigation Satellite System data, showing a pronounced elliptical uplift signal, which we elaborated using analytical source modeling. Additionally, seismic data were used to identify seismicity associated with hydrothermal system activity and assess its temporal evolution. The results indicate that the observed deformation is consistent with the expansion of the hydrothermal system within the La Fossa Caldera. These findings align with the analysis of seismic data, revealing signals indicative of hydrothermal activity, such as Very Long Period events. The results suggest that the ongoing phenomenon since 2021 represents a hydrothermal unrest, similar to the one observed during the late 1970s to early 1990s.
Intense Magnetic Reconnection Process Embedded in Three‐Dimensional Turbulent Current Sheet
Authors: Liu Yi‐Nan , Fujimoto Keizo , Cao Jin‐Bin
Published: December 2023

Recent magnetospheric observations and three‐dimensional (3D) kinetic simulations have shown that plasma wave activities are significantly enhanced around the reconnection x‐line, implying that the reconnection process is fully 3D. However, how the turbulence affects the local reconnection process has been poorly understood so far. We find by means of large‐scale particle‐in‐cell simulation in 3D system that the local reconnection rate can be significantly enhanced, reaching 0.4, which is much larger than theoretical predictions for two‐dimensional (2D) reconnection. The large reconnection rate is associated with large energy conversion rate and strong electron acceleration. The enhancement of the reconnection rate is caused by local increases of electron momentum transport and pressure gradient force induced by turbulence, which can not occur in 2D system. The result is expected to give better interpretations to in‐situ satellite observations where magnetic reconnection proceeds in 3D system.
Precipitation Microphysics in Tropical Cyclones: A Global Perspective Using the NASA Global Precipitation Measurement Mission Dual‐Frequency Precipitation Radar
Authors: Brauer Noah S. , Kirstetter Pierre E. , Basara Jeffrey B. , Hristova‐Veleva Svetla , Tanelli Simone , Joseph Turk F.
Published: December 2023

Precipitation microphysics in tropical cyclones (TCs) are often poorly represented in numerical simulations, which ultimately affects TC structure, evolution, and prediction. This provides a large incentive to better observe and understand the underlying microphysical processes in TCs in order to improve precipitation forecasts and warning operations. 112 TCs from 2014 to 2020 were matched up with overpasses from the NASA Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission Dual‐Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) on a global scale to identify cloud properties and associated precipitation processes by quantifying vertical slopes of reflectivity in the liquid and ice phase. Further, vertical profiles of reflectivity were partitioned into different 850–200 hPa shear‐relative quadrants of each storm, different annuli from the storm center, and 5 TC ocean basins globally. Preliminary results showed the highest echo top heights occurred in the Northwest Pacific and Indian Ocean basins, with all basins and quadrants exhibiting median negative slopes of KuPR in the liquid phase. Additionally, all shear‐relative quadrants revealed negative slopes of reflectivity in the ice phase implying ice hydrometeor growth. These findings can potentially be used to improve the representation of cloud properties and the accuracy of the DPR particle size distribution algorithm in TCs.
A Variational LSTM Emulator of Sea Level Contribution From the Antarctic Ice Sheet
Authors: Van Katwyk Peter , Fox‐Kemper Baylor , Seroussi Hélène , Nowicki Sophie , Bergen Karianne J.
Published: December 2023

The Antarctic ice sheet (AIS) will be a dominant contributor to global mean sea level rise in the 21st century but remains a major source of uncertainty. The Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison for CMIP6 (ISMIP6) is an ensemble of continental‐scale models for studying the evolution of the AIS and projecting its future contribution to sea level. Due to their complexity and computational cost, ISMIP6 simulations are sparse and generated infrequently. Emulators are smaller‐scale models that approximate ISMs and enable experimentation and exploration into the drivers of sea level change. We introduce a neural network (NN) emulator to approximate the ISMIP6 ensemble, using a variational Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) with Monte Carlo dropout to quantify single‐projection uncertainty. The proposed NN emulator is compared to a Gaussian Process (GP) emulator on four criteria: accuracy of point estimates and predictive distributions of individual model projections, approximation of the ensemble projections, and model training time. The NN predicts more accurately on single projections, with a mean absolute error of 0.46 mm Sea Level Equivalent (SLE) versus 0.73 mm SLE for the GP, and has more accurate uncertainty estimates. The NN emulator also better approximates the ensemble distribution of ISMIP6 model projections, with a Kullback‐Leibler divergence of 18.26 versus 199.14 for GP at the projection year 2100. The NN enables more accurate experimentation with a reduced runtime, offering a new tool for understanding the important role of regional precipitation, ice sheet drainage systems, and interannual and longer timescale dynamics.
Study on the microcrystal cellulose and the derived 2D graphene and relative carbon materials
Authors: Long Si-Yu , Liu Jin-Lei , Zhou Ling-Qiang , Lv Wen-Da , Xian Xue-Quan , Tang Pei-Duo , Du Qi-Shi
Published: December 2023

Microcrystal cellulose (MCC) is a green and sustainable resource that widely exists in various lignocellulose species in percentage 10% to 30%. The fine powder of MCC is often discarded in industrial productions that use lignocellulose as feedstock. The crystal structure of two types of MCC (sugarcane pith and bamboo pith) and their derived carbon materials are studied, and the key findings are summarized as follows. (1) In the MCC refined from sugarcane pith, there are large amount of cellulose 2D crystal, which can be converted to valuable 2D graphene crystal. (2) In the MCC refined from bamboo pith there are large amount of cluster microcrystal cellulose, which can be converted to soft and elastic graphene microcrystal (GMC). (3) The 2D cellulose in MCC of sugarcane pith has large surface area and is easily to be degraded to sugars by acid–base hydrolysis reaction, which can be carbonized to Fullerenes-like carbon spheres. (4) The crystal structures of MCC derived carbon materials are strongly impacted by the crystal structures of MCC, and the carbonization reaction of MCC follows “in situ carbonization” and “nearby recombination” mechanism. In general, the results from this study may open a new way for value-added applications of microcrystal cellulose.
Copper pyrithione and zinc pyrithione induce cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity in neuronal/astrocytic co-cultured cells via oxidative stress
Authors: Oh Ha-Na , Kim Woo-Keun
Published: December 2023

Previous studies on copper pyrithione (CPT) and zinc pyrithione (ZPT) as antifouling agents have mainly focused on marine organisms. Even though CPT and ZPT pose a risk of human exposure, their neurotoxic effects remain to be elucidated. Therefore, in this study, the cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity of CPT and ZPT were evaluated after the exposure of human SH-SY5Y/astrocytic co-cultured cells to them. The results showed that, in a co-culture model, CPT and ZPT induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner (~ 400 nM). Exposure to CPT and ZPT suppressed all parameters in the neurite outgrowth assays, including neurite length. In particular, exposure led to neurotoxicity at concentrations with low or no cytotoxicity (~ 200 nM). It also downregulated the expression of genes involved in neurodevelopment and maturation and upregulated astrocyte markers. Moreover, CPT and ZPT induced mitochondrial dysfunction and promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species. Notably, N-acetylcysteine treatment showed neuroprotective effects against CPT- and ZPT-mediated toxicity. We concluded that oxidative stress was the major mechanism underlying CPT- and ZPT-induced toxicity in the co-cultured cells.
Microfluidic devices for precise measurements of cell directionality reveal a role for glutamine during cell migration
Authors: Gural Nil , Irimia Daniel
Published: December 2023

Cancer cells that migrate from tumors into surrounding tissues are responsible for cancer dissemination through the body. Microfluidic devices have been instrumental in discovering unexpected features of cancer cell migration, including the migration in self-generated gradients and the contributions of cell–cell contact during collective migration. Here, we design microfluidic channels with five successive bifurcations to characterize the directionality of cancer cell migration with high precision. We uncover an unexpected role for glutamine in epithelial cancer cell orientation, which could be replaced by alfa-keto glutarate but not glucose.
Transformer fault diagnosis method based on TLR-ADASYN balanced dataset
Authors: Guan Shan , Yang Haiqi , Wu Tongyu
Published: December 2023

As the cornerstone of transmission and distribution equipment, power transformer plays a very important role in ensuring the safe operation of power system. At present, the technology of dissolved gas analysis (DGA) has been widely used in fault diagnosis of oil-immersed transformer. However, in the actual scene, the limited number of transformer fault samples and the uneven distribution of different fault types often lead to low overall fault detection accuracy or a few types of fault misjudgment. Therefore, a transformer fault diagnosis method based on TLR-ADASYN balanced data set is presented. This method effectively addresses the issue of samples imbalance, reducing the impact on misjudgment caused by a few samples. It delves deeply into the correlation between the ratio of dissolved gas content in oil and fault type, eliminating redundant informations and reducing characteristic dimensions. The diagnostic model SO-RF (Snake Optimization-Random Forest) is established, achieving a diagnostic accuracy rate of 97.06%. This enables online diagnosis of transformers. Comparative analyses using different sampling methods, various features, and diverse diagnostic models were conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. In conclusion, validation was conducted using a public dataset, and the results demonstrate that the proposed method in this paper exhibits strong generalization capabilities.
White shark optimizer with optimal deep learning based effective unmanned aerial vehicles communication and scene classification
Authors: Nadana Ravishankar T. , Ramprasath M. , Daniel A. , Selvarajan Shitharth , Subbiah Priyanga , Balusamy Balamurugan
Published: December 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) become a promising enabler for the next generation of wireless networks with the tremendous growth in electronics and communications. The application of UAV communications comprises messages relying on coverage extension for transmission networks after disasters, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and dispatching distress messages from the device positioned within the coverage hole to the emergency centre. But there are some problems in enhancing UAV clustering and scene classification using deep learning approaches for enhancing performance. This article presents a new White Shark Optimizer with Optimal Deep Learning based Effective Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Communication and Scene Classification (WSOODL-UAVCSC) technique. UAV clustering and scene categorization present many deep learning challenges in disaster management: scene understanding complexity, data variability and abundance, visual data feature extraction, nonlinear and high-dimensional data, adaptability and generalization, real-time decision making, UAV clustering optimization, sparse and incomplete data. the need to handle complex, high-dimensional data, adapt to changing environments, and make quick, correct decisions in critical situations drives deep learning in UAV clustering and scene categorization. The purpose of the WSOODL-UAVCSC technique is to cluster the UAVs for effective communication and scene classification. The WSO algorithm is utilized for the optimization of the UAV clustering process and enables to accomplish effective communication and interaction in the network. With dynamic adjustment of the clustering, the WSO algorithm improves the performance and robustness of the UAV system. For the scene classification process, the WSOODL-UAVCSC technique involves capsule network (CapsNet) feature extraction, marine predators algorithm (MPA) based hyperparameter tuning, and echo state network (ESN) classification. A wide-ranging simulation analysis was conducted to validate the enriched performance of the WSOODL-UAVCSC approach. Extensive result analysis pointed out the enhanced performance of the WSOODL-UAVCSC method over other existing techniques. The WSOODL-UAVCSC method achieved an accuracy of 99.12%, precision of 97.45%, recall of 98.90%, and F1-score of 98.10% when compared to other existing techniques.
A rapid and reference-free imputation method for low-cost genotyping platforms
Authors: Chi Duong Vinh , Minh Vu Giang , Khac Nguyen Thien , Tran The Nguyen Hung , Luong Pham Thang , S. Vo Nam , Hong Hoang Tham
Published: December 2023

Most current genotype imputation methods are reference-based, which posed several challenges to users, such as high computational costs and reference panel inaccessibility. Thus, deep learning models are expected to create reference-free imputation methods performing with higher accuracy and shortening the running time. We proposed a imputation method using recurrent neural networks integrating with an additional discriminator network, namely GRUD. This method was applied to datasets from genotyping chips and Low-Pass Whole Genome Sequencing (LP-WGS) with the reference panels from The 1000 Genomes Project (1KGP) phase 3, the dataset of 4810 Singaporeans (SG10K), and The 1000 Vietnamese Genome Project (VN1K). Our model performed more accurately than other existing methods on multiple datasets, especially with common variants with large minor allele frequency, and shrank running time and memory usage. In summary, these results indicated that GRUD can be implemented in genomic analyses to improve the accuracy and running-time of genotype imputation.
Whole-genome sequencing provides novel insights into the evolutionary history and genetic adaptation of reindeer populations in northern Eurasia
Authors: Pokharel Kisun , Weldenegodguad Melak , Dudeck Stephan , Honkatukia Mervi , Lindeberg Heli , Mazzullo Nuccio , Paasivaara Antti , Peippo Jaana , Soppela Päivi , Stammler Florian , Kantanen Juha
Published: December 2023

Domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) play a vital role in the culture and livelihoods of indigenous people across northern Eurasia. These animals are well adapted to harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme cold, limited feed availability and long migration distances. Therefore, understanding the genomics of reindeer is crucial for improving their management, conservation and utilisation. In this study, we have generated a new genome assembly for the Fennoscandian domestic reindeer with high contiguity, making it the most complete reference genome for reindeer to date. The new genome assembly was utilised to explore genetic diversity, population structure and selective sweeps in Eurasian Rangifer tarandus populations which was based on the largest population genomic dataset for reindeer, encompassing 58 individuals from diverse populations. Phylogenetic analyses revealed distinct genetic clusters, with the Finnish wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus) standing out as a unique subspecies. Divergence time estimates suggested a separation of ~ 52 thousand years ago (Kya) between the northern European Rangifer tarandus fennicus and Rangifer tarandus tarandus. Our study identified four main genetic clusters: Fennoscandian, the eastern/northern Russian and Alaskan group, the Finnish forest reindeer, and the Svalbard reindeer. Furthermore, two independent reindeer domestication processes were inferred, suggesting separate origins for the domestic Fennoscandian and eastern/northern Russian reindeer. Notably, shared genes under selection, including retroviral genes, point towards molecular domestication processes that aided adaptation of this species to diverse environments.