bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dominant nitrogen metabolisms of a warm, seasonally anoxic freshwater ecosystem revealed using genome resolved metatranscriptomics
Authors: Fadum J. M. , Borton M. A. , Daly R. A. , Wrighton K. C. , Hall E. K.
Published: January 2024

In aquatic ecosystems where primary productivity is limited by nitrogen (N), whether continuously, seasonally, or in concert with additional nutrient limitations, increased inorganic N availability can reshape ecosystem structure and function, potentially resulting in eutrophication and even harmful algal blooms. Whereas microbial metabolic processes such as mineralization and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium increase inorganic N availability, denitrification removes bioavailable N from the ecosystem. Therefore, understanding these key microbial mechanisms is critical to the sustainable management and environmental stewardship of inland freshwater resources. This study identifies and characterizes these crucial metabolisms in a warm, seasonally anoxic ecosystem. Results are contextualized by an ecological understanding of the study system derived from a multi-year continuous monitoring effort. This unique data set is the first of its kind in this largely understudied ecosystem (tropical lakes) and also provides insight into microbiome function and associated taxa in warm, anoxic freshwaters.
Mitogenomic architecture and evolution of the soil ciliates
Colpoda
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Haichao , Wang Yaohai , Nie Mu , Zhang Kexin , Pan Jiao , Zhang Yu , Ye Zhiqiang , Zufall Rebecca A. , Lynch Michael , Long Hongan
Published: January 2024

Colpoda
, one of the most widespread ciliated protozoa in soil, are poorly understood in regard to their genetics and evolution. Our research revealed extreme mitochondrial gene rearrangements dominated by gene loss events, potentially leading to the streamlining of
Colpoda
mitogenomes. Surprisingly, while interspecific rearrangements abound, our population-level mitogenomic study revealed a conserved gene order within species, offering a potential new identification criterion. Phylogenomic analysis traced their lineage over 326 million years, revealing two distinct groups. Substantial genomic divergence might be associated with the lack of extended collinear blocks and relaxed purifying selection. This study systematically reveals
Colpoda
ciliate mitogenome structures and evolution, providing insights into the survival and evolution of these vital soil microorganisms.
Bacterial degradation of ctenophore
Mnemiopsis leidyi
organic matter
Authors: Fadeev Eduard , Hennenfeind Jennifer H. , Amano Chie , Zhao Zihao , Klun Katja , Herndl Gerhard J. , Tinta Tinkara
Published: January 2024

Jellyfish blooms are increasingly becoming a recurring seasonal event in marine ecosystems, characterized by a rapid build-up of gelatinous biomass that collapses rapidly. Although these blooms have the potential to cause major perturbations, their impact on marine microbial communities is largely unknown. We conducted an incubation experiment simulating a bloom of the ctenophore
Mnemiopsis leidyi
in the Northern Adriatic, where we investigated the bacterial response to the gelatinous biomass. We found that the bacterial communities actively degraded the gelatinous organic matter, and overall showed a striking similarity to the dynamics previously observed after a simulated bloom of the jellyfish
Aurelia aurita s.l
. In both cases, we found that a single bacterial species,
Pseudoalteromonas phenolica
, was responsible for most of the degradation activity. This suggests that blooms of different jellyfish are likely to trigger a consistent response from natural bacterial communities, with specific bacterial species driving the remineralization of gelatinous biomass.
Effects of the synergistic treatments of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and trehalose on adaptability to salt stress in tomato seedlings
Authors: Chen Gongshan , Yang Anna , Wang Jianzhong , Ke Lixia , Chen Shaoxing , Li Wentao
Published: January 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) could establish symbiosis with plant roots, which enhances plant resistance to various stresses, including drought stress and salt stress. Besides AMF, chemical stimulants such as trehalose (Tre) can also play an important role in helping plants alleviate damage of adversity. However, the mechanism of the effect of AMF combined with chemicals on plant stress resistance is unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the synergistic effects of
Claroideoglomus etunicatum
AMF and exogenous Tre on the antioxidant system, osmoregulation, and resistance-protective substance in plants in response to salt stress. Tomato seedlings were inoculated with
Claroideoglomus etunicatum
and combined with exogenous Tre in a greenhouse aseptic soil cultivation experiment. We measured the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiont development, organic matter content, and antioxidant enzyme activity in tomato seedlings. Both AMF and Tre improved the synthesis of chlorophyll content in tomato seedlings; regulated the osmotic substance including soluble sugars, soluble protein, and proline of plants; and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase. The combination of AMF and Tre also reduced the accumulation of malondialdehyde and alleviated the damage of harmful substances to plant cells in tomato seedlings. We studied the effects of AMF combined with extraneous Tre on salt tolerance in tomato seedlings, and the results showed that the synergistic treatment of AMF and Tre was more efficient than the effects of AMF inoculation or Tre spraying separately by regulating host substance synthesis, osmosis, and antioxidant enzymes. Our results indicated that the synergistic effects of AMF and Tre increased the plant adaptability against salt damage by enhancing cell osmotic protection and cell antioxidant capacity.

IMPORTANCE

AMF improve the plant adaptability to salt resistance by increasing mineral absorption and reducing the damage of saline soil. Trehalose plays an important role in plant response to salt damage by regulating osmotic pressure. Together, the use of AMF and trehalose in tomato seedlings proved efficient in regulating host substance synthesis, osmosis, and antioxidant enzymes. These synergistic effects significantly improved seedling adaptability to salt stress by enhancing cell osmotic protection and cell antioxidant capacity, ultimately reducing losses to crops grown on land where salinization has occurred.
Paraneoplastic anti-TIF1-gamma-positive dermatomyositis as expression of cervical squamous cell carcinoma recurrence
Authors: van Erp Mirthe A J M , Slaats Frank M A , Emmen Judith M A , van Hamont Dennis
Published: January 2024

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are neuromuscular disorders characterised by muscle weakness and histologically inflammation within the muscle. Dermatomyositis and polymyositis are highly associated with a wide range of cancers, especially in antitranscriptional intermediary factor-1 (TIF1)-gamma-positive myositis. We present a case of paraneoplastic dermatomyositis in a patient with a medical history of a FIGO stage 1B1 cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Anti-TIF1-gamma autoantibodies were detected by myositis lineblot analysis and a PET-CT scan revealed an abnormality positioned at the right ovary. She underwent laparoscopic exploration and pathological analysis of the PET-positive abnormality showed a lymphogenic metastasis of a squamous cell carcinoma, competitive with cervical carcinoma recurrence. She started chemoradiation as curative oncological treatment. The dermatomyositis was successfully treated with high-dose corticosteroids. Physicians should be aware of the association between myositis and the increased risk of malignancies.
Combined endovascular and percutaneous approach to the management of spontaneous splenic arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Das Chandan J , Selvaraju Anup , Aggarwal Piyush , Chumber Sunil
Published: January 2024

A splenic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an uncommon splenic vascular disease which can be congenital or acquired. A 40yr old woman, without any history of chronic liver disease, presented with non-specific pain abdomen, underwent contrast-enhanced CT and was diagnosed to have a splenic AVF with multiple intervening venous aneurysms and early filling of the portal vein. The vascular abnormality was successfully treated with a combined percutaneous glue embolisation and endovascular balloon-assisted coil embolisation. Neither recurrence nor other complications were observed in the patient during the follow-up after 6 months.
Experiences and perspectives on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy among recipients, carers and referrers (RE-TELL): a qualitative study to inform CAR T-cell service design
Authors: Fyfe Robert , Anstis Olivia , Kapadia Kushant , Jordan Mallory , Sword Danielle Oriwa , Weinkove Robert
Published: January 2024

Objectives

RE-TELL is a qualitative study, which aims to understand patient, support person, clinician and coordinator experiences and perspectives of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, to inform design of a clinical CAR T-cell service in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Design

Semistructured qualitative interviews focused on domains of: experience through treatment, elements that work well and those that could be improved on. Interviews used thematic analysis to identify key themes. A workshop was held to obtain participants’ reflections on interim analysis and proposed improvements.

Participants

New Zealanders with experience of CAR T-cell therapy, including recipients, support persons, clinicians and coordinators.

Results

We interviewed 19 participants comprising 5 CAR T-cell recipients, 3 support persons, 6 clinicians and 5 coordinators. Four participants identified as Māori. Thematic analysis identified three global themes. The first, ‘sociocultural factors impact CAR T access’, identified potential sources of inequity including geographic, financial and informed consent barriers. The second, ‘varying emotions, roles and enablers’, identified an easier treatment experience compared with alternatives; an underwhelming cell administration process; frustration with inpatient monitoring; burden on support persons and importance of ‘bridge’ organisations such as charities and patient support groups. Lastly, ‘golden opportunities: reimagining CAR T service delivery’, suggested: improved geographical access to CAR T-cell therapy, while retaining consolidated clinician experience; a ‘dashboard’ with information on CAR T-cell treatment, time frames and manufacture; a health navigator to co-ordinate non-medical aspects of treatment and signpost care; embedding of indigenous data sovereignty and ownership of cells; a cell infusion ceremony, incorporating family involvement and Māori cultural elements and outpatient administration and monitoring where possible.

Conclusion

This study documented the current experience of New Zealanders receiving CAR T-cell therapy and identified opportunities for future service development. These insights are relevant to service design within Aotearoa New Zealand, and other countries developing equitable CAR T-cell services.
AI-based X-ray fracture analysis of the distal radius: accuracy between representative classification, detection and segmentation deep learning models for clinical practice
Authors: Russe Maximilian Frederik , Rebmann Philipp , Tran Phuong Hien , Kellner Elias , Reisert Marco , Bamberg Fabian , Kotter Elmar , Kim Suam
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To aid in selecting the optimal artificial intelligence (AI) solution for clinical application, we directly compared performances of selected representative custom-trained or commercial classification, detection and segmentation models for fracture detection on musculoskeletal radiographs of the distal radius by aligning their outputs.

Design and setting

This single-centre retrospective study was conducted on a random subset of emergency department radiographs from 2008 to 2018 of the distal radius in Germany.

Materials and methods

An image set was created to be compatible with training and testing classification and segmentation models by annotating examinations for fractures and overlaying fracture masks, if applicable. Representative classification and segmentation models were trained on 80% of the data. After output binarisation, their derived fracture detection performances as well as that of a standard commercially available solution were compared on the remaining X-rays (20%) using mainly accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC).

Results

A total of 2856 examinations with 712 (24.9%) fractures were included in the analysis. Accuracies reached up to 0.97 for the classification model, 0.94 for the segmentation model and 0.95 for BoneView. Cohen’s kappa was at least 0.80 in pairwise comparisons, while Fleiss’ kappa was 0.83 for all models. Fracture predictions were visualised with all three methods at different levels of detail, ranking from downsampled image region for classification over bounding box for detection to single pixel-level delineation for segmentation.

Conclusions

All three investigated approaches reached high performances for detection of distal radius fractures with simple preprocessing and postprocessing protocols on the custom-trained models. Despite their underlying structural differences, selection of one’s fracture analysis AI tool in the frame of this study reduces to the desired flavour of automation: automated classification, AI-assisted manual fracture reading or minimised false negatives.
Factors influencing primary care access, utilisation and quality of management for patients living with hypertension in West Africa: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Amarteyfio Kezia Naa Amerley Akosua , Bondzie Eugene Paa Kofi , Reichenberger Veronika , Agyepong Irene Akua , Ansah Evelyn K , Diarra Aissa , Mirzoev Tolib , Perel Pablo , Yaogo Maurice , Antwi Edward
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Hypertension, one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases in West Africa, can be well managed with good primary care. This scoping review will explore what is documented in the literature about factors that influence primary care access, utilisation and quality of management for patients living with hypertension in West Africa.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review will employ the approach described by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) . The approach has five stages: (1) formulating the research questions, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) selecting eligible studies, (4) charting the data and (5) collating, summarising and reporting the results. This review will employ the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews to report the results. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cairn Info and Google Scholar will be searched for publications from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2023. Studies reported in English, French or Portuguese will be considered for inclusion. Research articles, systematic reviews, observational studies and reports that include information on the relevant factors that influence primary care management of hypertension in West Africa will be eligible for inclusion. Study participants should be adults (aged 18 years or older). Clinical case series/case reports, short communications, books, grey literature and conference proceedings will be excluded. Papers on gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia will be excluded.

Ethics and dissemination

This review does not require ethics approval. Our dissemination strategy includes peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, presentations at conferences, dissemination to stakeholders and intervention co-production forums.
Does pain optimisation impact delirium outcomes in critically ill patients? A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Leong Amanda Y. , Burry Lisa , Fiest Kirsten M. , Doig Christopher J. , Niven Daniel J.
Published: January 2024

Background

Untreated pain is associated with short-term and long-term consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder and insomnia. Side effects of some analgesic medications include dysphoria, hallucinations and delirium. Therefore, both untreated pain and analgesic medications may be risk factors for delirium. Delirium is associated with longer length of stay or cognitive impairment. Our systematic review and meta-analysis will examine the relationship between pain or analgesic medications with delirium occurrence, duration and severity among critically ill adults.

Methods and analysis

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials and a review of recent conference abstracts will be searched without restriction from inception to 15 May 2023. Study inclusion criteria are: (1) age≥18 years admitted to intensive care; (2) report a measure of pain, analgesic medications and delirium; (3) study design—randomised controlled trial, quasiexperimental designs and observational cohort and case–control studies excluding case reports. Study exclusion criteria are: (1) alcohol withdrawal delirium or delirium tremens; or (2) general anaesthetic emergence delirium; or (3) lab or animal studies. Risk of bias will be assessed with the Risk of Bias V.2 and risk of bias in non-randomised studies tools. There is no language restriction. Occurrence estimates will be transformed using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine. Point estimates will be pooled using Hartung-Knapp Sidik-Jonkman random effects meta-analysis to estimate a pooled risk ratio. Statistical heterogeneity will be estimated with the I2statistic. Risk of small study effects will be assessed using funnel plots and Egger test. Studies will be analysed for time-varying and unmeasured confounding using E values.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as this is an analysis of published aggregated data. We will share our findings at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

The finalised protocol was submitted to the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022367715).
Drug driving: a secondary analysis of factors associated with driving under the influence of cannabis in Jamaica
Authors: Lalwani Kunal , Martin Jacqueline , Barton Everard , Frazier Gralyn , Abel Wendel
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To determine cannabis use patterns, the predictive sociodemographic correlates of driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) and the association between risk perception and cannabis dependence among vehicle drivers in Jamaica.

Design

Secondary data analysis.

Setting

Used the Jamaica National Drug Prevalence Survey 2016 dataset.

Participants

1060 vehicle drivers extracted from the population sample of 4623.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Analysis used Pearson’s χ2test and logistic regression. ORs and 95% CIs were recorded. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

More than 10% of Jamaican drivers admitted to DUIC in the past year. Approximately 43.3% of drivers who currently use cannabis reported DUIC only. Evidently, 86.8% of drivers who DUIC were heavy cannabis users. Approximately 30% of drivers with moderate to high-risk perception of smoking cannabis sometimes or often were dependent on cannabis. Notwithstanding, drivers with no to low-risk perception of smoking cannabis sometimes or often were significantly likelier to be dependent (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Logistic regression highlighted male drivers (OR 4.14, 95% CI 1.59 to 14.20, p=0.009) that were 34 years and under (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.71 to 5.29, p<0.001) and were the head of the household (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.10 to 4.75, p=0.031) and operated a machine as part of their job (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.24, p=0.023) were more likely to DUIC, while those who were married (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.74, p=0.004) and had achieved a tertiary-level education (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.76, p=0.031) were less likely.

Conclusions

Two in five Jamaican drivers, who currently smoke cannabis, drive under its influence, with over 85% engaging in heavy use. Public health implications necessitate policy-makers consider mobile roadside drug testing and amending drug-driving laws to meet international standards.
Selective retina therapy with real-time feedback-controlled technology in central serous chorioretinopathy: a 24-month follow-up real-world prospective study
Authors: Yoon Chang Ki , Yu Hyeong Gon
Published: January 2024

Objective

Although central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) treatment using selective retinal therapy (SRT) has presented favourable outcomes, no long-term studies with a real-world clinical practice regimen have been conducted.

Methods and analysis

We performed a long-term assessment of CSC treatment using SRT with real-time feedback (RTF) technology. 50 patients (53 eyes) with CSC and more than a 1-month symptom duration were recruited and treated with SRT using a 1.7 µs pulse width, 527 nm neodymium-doped yttrium lithium fluoride (Nd:YLF) laser equipped with an RTF system.

Results

After 6 months of treatment, complete subretinal fluid resolution was achieved in 62% of the eyes. The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, mean±SD) improved slightly from 0.15±0.18 at baseline to 0.12±0.21 at 6 months (p=0.062). The central retinal thickness (CRT; mean±SD) was reduced significantly from 350.6±100.1 µm at baseline to 268.2±70.6 µm at 6 months (p<0.001). Long-term follow-up revealed significant improvements in BCVA, from 9 months until 24 months, and in CRT, from 1 month until 24 months. No treatment-related adverse events were observed during the 24-month follow-up period.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that SRT with RTF technology is a long-term safe treatment with anatomical improvement for patients with CSC.
Impact of the minimum wage increase on intimate partner violence (IPV): a quasi-experimental study in South Korea
Authors: Kim Chungah , Bai Yihong , O'Campo Patricia , Chum Antony
Published: January 2024

Background

Poverty is associated with intimate partner violence (IPV), but whether exogenous increases in wage could reduce IPV among low-income women is still unclear. We examined whether the 2018 minimum wage hike led to a reduction in IPV risk among women.

Methods

Using the 2015–2019 Korean Welfare Panel Study, we employed a difference-in-differences (DID) approach to assess the effect of the minimum wage hike on IPV. The analysis focused on married women aged 19 or older. We categorised participants into a target group (likely affected by the minimum wage increase) and a comparison group based on their hourly wage. Three IPV outcomes were examined: verbal abuse, physical threat and physical assault. We conducted DID analyses with two-way fixed-effects models.

Results

The increase in minimum wage was correlated with a 3.2% decrease in the likelihood of experiencing physical threat among low-income female workers (95% CI: −6.2% to −0.1%). However, the policy change did not significantly influence the risk of verbal abuse, physical assault or a combined IPV outcome. The study also highlights a higher incidence of all IPV outcomes in the target group compared with the comparison group.

Conclusions

The 2018 minimum wage increase in Korea was associated with a modest reduction in physical threat among low-income female workers. While economic empowerment through minimum wage policies may contribute to IPV prevention, additional measures should be explored. Further research is needed to understand the intricate relationship between minimum wage policies and IPV, and evidence-based prevention strategies are crucial to address IPV risk.
How can tracking and tracing systems give us a look at the dark side of the tobacco market?
Authors: Borkowski Filip , Fibbi Edoardo
Published: January 2024

Objective

The aim of this work is to present possible applications of the systems of tobacco traceability for guiding local enforcement against illicit trade.

Methods

The proposed three-step strategy relies on a robust regression technique and Local Moran’s I, a local indicator of spatial association, and aims at identifying retail outlets with significantly low sales compared to normal market conditions, which can indicate illegal sales activities. The ability of the method to produce alerts pointing to areas subject to illicit trade is tested on synthetic data in terms of precision and accuracy in different scenarios. Other metrics are also provided.

Results

Our approach performs well under different metrics and across various levels of illicit trade prevalence, achieving a precision of 94% under the main scenario and method parametrisation.

Conclusions

The proposed strategy provides high-quality leads for investigations into geographical areas disproportionately susceptible to illicit trade, potentially unveiling any form of illegal sales, including those involving products that have never entered the legal supply chain. Therefore, it can be a valuable tool for law enforcement agencies to tackle illegal sales activities. The findings of this study support also the argument in favour of expanding tobacco traceability systems downstream to the full length of the supply chain.
Methylmercury dietary pathways and bioaccumulation in Arctic benthic invertebrates of the Beaufort Sea
Authors: McClelland Christine , Chételat John , Conlan Kathleen , Aitken Alec , Forbes Mark R. , Majewski Andrew
Published: January 2024

This study investigated methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in Arctic benthic invertebrates from two shelf sites in the Canadian Beaufort Sea. Carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur stable isotopes and fatty acids were measured to examine diet influences on MeHg concentrations in 476 individuals from 53 taxa of benthic invertebrates representing three different feeding guilds. Taxonomic identifications were based on DNA-barcoding and traditional taxonomy. MeHg concentrations ranged from 3 to 421 ng/g dry weight and increased over three trophic levels (δ15N range = 4.4–14.2‰). Organic matter sources had small but significant influences on MeHg bioaccumulation in the benthic food web. Carbon stable isotope ratios (δ13C, range = −25.5 to −19.8‰) were positively correlated with MeHg concentrations, suggesting greater reliance on benthic carbon contributed to higher concentrations. Sulfur stable isotopes were unrelated to MeHg concentrations. Fatty acids suggested feeding on diatoms versus dinoflagellates, and reliance on benthic resources influenced MeHg concentrations. Higher MeHg concentrations were observed at the site closer to the Mackenzie River mouth than the Cape Bathurst site. This study generated the most taxonomically rich dataset of MeHg concentrations in invertebrates from the Arctic marine benthos to date and provides a basis for future research on food web MeHg dynamics in the Canadian Beaufort Sea.
Existence of gradient CKV and gradient conformally stationary LRS spacetimes
Authors: Koh Seoktae , Sherif A. M. , Tumurtushaa G.
Published: January 2024

In this work, we study the existence of gradient (proper) CKVs in locally rotationally symmetric spacetimes (LRS), those CKVs in the space spanned by the tangent to observers’ congruence and the preferred spatial direction, allowing us to provide a (partial) characterization of gradient conformally static (GCSt) LRS solutions. Irrrotational solutions with non-zero spatial twist admit an irrotational timelike gradient conformal Killing vector field and hence are GCSt. In the case that both the vorticity and twist vanish, that is, restricting to the LRS II subclass, we obtain the necessary and sufficient condition for the spacetime to admit a gradient CKV. This is given by a single wave-like PDE, whose solutions are in bijection to the gradient CKVs on the spacetime. We then introduce a characterization of these spacetimes as GCSt using the character of the divergence of the CKV, provided that the metric functions of the spacetimes obey certain inequalities.
Optimistic Rates: A Unifying Theory for Interpolation Learning and Regularization in Linear Regression
Authors: Zhou Lijia , Koehler Frederic , Sutherland Danica J. , Srebro Nathan
Published: January 2024

We study a localized notion of uniform convergence known as an “optimistic rate” [
34
,
39
] for linear regression with Gaussian data. Our refined analysis avoids the hidden constant and logarithmic factor in existing results, which are known to be crucial in high-dimensional settings, especially for understanding interpolation learning. As a special case, our analysis recovers the guarantee from Koehler et al. [
21
], which tightly characterizes the population risk of low-norm interpolators under the benign overfitting conditions. Our optimistic rate bound, though, also analyzes predictors with arbitrary training error. This allows us to recover some classical statistical guarantees for ridge and LASSO regression under random designs and helps us obtain a precise understanding of the excess risk of near-interpolators in the over-parameterized regime.
Leveraging Professional Ethics for Responsible AI
Authors: Diakopoulos N. , Trattner C. , Jannach D. , Meijer I. Costera , Motta E.
Published: January 2024

Applying AI techniques to journalism.
RANGO: A Novel Deep Learning Approach to Detect Drones Disguising from Video Surveillance Systems
Authors: Han Jin , Ren Yun-Feng , Brighente Alessandro , Conti Mauro
Published: January 2024

Video surveillance systems provide means to detect the presence of potentially malicious drones in the surroundings of critical infrastructures. In particular, these systems collect images and feed them to a deep-learning classifier able to detect the presence of a drone in the input image. However, current classifiers are not efficient in identifying drones that disguise themselves with the image background, e.g., hiding in front of a tree. Furthermore, video-based detection systems heavily rely on the image’s brightness, where darkness imposes significant challenges in detecting drones. Both these phenomena increase the possibilities for attackers to get close to critical infrastructures without being spotted and hence be able to gather sensitive information or cause physical damages, possibly leading to safety threats.

In this article, we propose RANGO, a drone detection arithmetic able to detect drones in challenging images where the target is difficult to distinguish from the background. RANGO is based on a deep learning architecture that exploits a Preconditioning Operation (PREP) that highlights the target by the difference between the target gradient and the background gradient. The idea is to highlight features that will be useful for classification. After PREP, RANGO uses multiple convolution kernels to make the final decision on the presence of the drone. We test RANGO on a drone image dataset composed of multiple already-existing datasets to which we add samples of birds and planes. We then compare RANGO with multiple currently existing approaches to show its superiority. When tested on images with disguising drones, RANGO attains an increase of 6.6% mean Average Precision (mAP) compared to YOLOv5 solution. When tested on the conventional dataset, RANGO improves the mAP by approximately 2.2%, thus confirming its effectiveness also in the general scenario.
Credit Card Fraud Detection via Intelligent Sampling and Self-supervised Learning
Authors: Chen Chiao-Ting , Lee Chi , Huang Szu-Hao , Peng Wen-Chih
Published: January 2024

The significant increase in credit card transactions can be attributed to the rapid growth of online shopping and digital payments, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. To safeguard cardholders, e-commerce companies, and financial institutions, the implementation of an effective and real-time fraud detection method using modern artificial intelligence techniques is imperative. However, the development of machine-learning-based approaches for fraud detection faces challenges such as inadequate transaction representation, noise labels, and data imbalance. Additionally, practical considerations like dynamic thresholds, concept drift, and verification latency need to be appropriately addressed. In this study, we designed a fraud detection method that accurately extracts a series of spatial and temporal representative features to precisely describe credit card transactions. Furthermore, several auxiliary self-supervised objectives were developed to model cardholders’ behavior sequences. By employing intelligent sampling strategies, potential noise labels were eliminated, thereby reducing the level of data imbalance. The developed method encompasses various innovative functions that cater to practical usage requirements. We applied this method to two real-world datasets, and the results indicated a higher F1 score compared to the most commonly used online fraud detection methods.
Exact and Approximate Moment Derivation for Probabilistic Loops With Non-Polynomial Assignments
Authors: Kofnov Andrey , Moosbrugger Marcel , Stankovič Miroslav , Bartocci Ezio , Bura Efstathia
Published: January 2024

Many stochastic continuous-state dynamical systems can be modeled as probabilistic programs with nonlinear non-polynomial updates in non-nested loops. We present two methods, one approximate and one exact, to automatically compute, without sampling, moment-based invariants for such probabilistic programs as closed-form solutions parameterized by the loop iteration. The exact method applies to probabilistic programs with trigonometric and exponential updates and is embedded in the
Polar
tool. The approximate method for moment computation applies to any nonlinear random function as it exploits the theory of polynomial chaos expansion to approximate non-polynomial updates as the sum of orthogonal polynomials. This translates the dynamical system to a non-nested loop with polynomial updates, and thus renders it conformable with the
Polar
tool that computes the moments of any order of the state variables. We evaluate our methods on an extensive number of examples ranging from modeling monetary policy to several physical motion systems in uncertain environments. The experimental results demonstrate the advantages of our approach with respect to the current state-of-the-art.
Ten Strategies for Fostering Instructor Presence in the Online Classroom
Authors: Robertson Sarah , Steele John , Mandernach Jean
Published: January 2024

Online education, while alleviating geographic constraints, amplifies the challenge of transactional distance, exacerbating students' sense of isolation during the learning process. This article suggests 10 strategies for enhancing instructional presence in a digital learning environment, including creating one-on-one spaces, establishing a reasonable response timeline, leading the class as a collective, using a consistent "voice," showing your face, being genuine, communicating expectations, sharing personal experiences, keeping course resources updated, and regularly checking-in; these strategies aim to mitigate the absence of physical proximity, fostering a more engaging and collaborative virtual classroom experience.
Experimental and Theoretical Realization of Morphology and Frequency Tuned Charge Transport Dynamics in Co-Zn Doped SrM Hexaferrite: Electrical, Impedance and Relaxation Realm
Authors: Thakur Manisha , Singh Charanjeet , Jotania R. B. , Hussein Shaban I. , Srivastava A. K.
Published: January 2024

The present report comprehensively investigates the influence of sol-gel synthesized cobalt and zinc-substituted SrFe12O19 on the morphological, structural, dielectric, and electrical characteristics. XRD analysis revealed that the substituents successfully replaced Fe3+ ions, leading to the existence of magneto-plumbite structure of M-type hexaferrite in all synthesized samples with some minor traces of CoFe2O4 in Sr

Co

0.8

Zn

0.8

Fe

10.4

O

19

.

With increasing the substitution level, SEM micrographs exhibited the formation of grain clusters. The electrical parameters had been investigated in the 20 Hz to 2 MHz frequency range. In the low-frequency region, both dielectric constant and loss tangent decreased with Co-Zn substitution. Sr

Co

0.8

Zn

0.8

Fe

10.4

O

19

sample shows the minimum value of AC conductivity 3.95 × 10−5 Ω−1m−1 in the high-frequency region. Both the electric modulus and impedance spectra exhibit non-Debye behavior in all samples. The Cole-Cole plots (

M''

versus

M'
)

reveal the existence of a single semicircular arc in the x = 0.0 sample, caused by the grain boundary contribution.
Anodic Porous Alumina Membranes with Chemical Stability Improved by Atomic Layer Deposition Coating of TiO2
Authors: Itoh Haruka , Yanagishita Takashi
Published: January 2024

Anodic porous alumina (APA) membranes with a high density of uniformly sized pores are promising materials for microfiltration. However, such membranes obtained by anodizing Al are amorphous, chemically less stable, and cannot be used to filter acidic or basic solutions. The chemical stability of APA membranes can be improved by heat treatment at temperatures above 1000 °C, resulting in membrane filters with excellent chemical stabilities. However, such a high-temperature treatment makes APA membranes brittle owing to alumina crystallization, which reduces their mechanical strength and makes them less durable. In this study, a membrane filter with both chemical resistance and mechanical strength was fabricated by coating an APA membrane with a TiO2 layer by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The resulting membrane filters showed improved chemical stability in acidic and basic solutions because the TiO2 layer coated on the surface of the APA membrane protected the membrane against its dissolution. In addition, the resulting TiO2-coated APA membrane retained its high mechanical strength, as the membrane itself was not exposed to high-temperature conditions during TiO2 coating by ALD, and the crystallization of the alumina layer did not proceed. The obtained TiO2-coated APA membranes are promising as microfiltration membranes applicable to acidic and basic solutions.
Engineering of Multidimensional Core‐Shell Perovskite Precursors to Obtain Superior Luminescence and Incorporating in Luminescent Solar Concentrators
Authors: Bagherzadeh-Khajehmarjan Elnaz , Ahmadi-Kandjani Sohrab , AmirKooshesh Nasim , Rajabi-Ghaleh Sajjad
Published: January 2024

The luminescence feature of perovskite NPs with high PLQY directs them to lighting and display applications. 2D (A)2MAn−1PbnBr3n+1 (n = 1 − 6) perovskites with A as octylammonium and benzylammonium cations are synthesized by the LARP method, in which the highest PL emission is attained to the n = 6 sample with benzylamine cation. XRD results reveal the appearance of diffraction peaks related to 3D perovskites with increasing n value. Mixing 3D perovskites with 2D ones leads to the formation of core‐shell MAPbBr3 − (A)2MAn−1PbnBr3n+1 (n = 1 − 6) nanostructures, confirmed by TEM images and optical properties. Incorporation of Zn to core‐shell perovskites improves the PL intensity and induces higher crystallinity. A blue shift in absorption and emission spectra of Zn‐doped perovskites is observed. The highest PLQY (94%) is attributed to the Zn‐doped core‐shell perovskite with n = 6 among the all‐synthesized samples. Luminescent solar concentrators with thicknesses of 2 mm and 5 mm are fabricated with benzylamine‐based perovskites, because of their greater PLQY versus octylamine‐based perovskites. The performance of LSC devices is boosted for the LSC with 5 mm thickness. The relative PCE obtained for the core‐shell perovskite‐based LSC with thickness of 5 mm reaches to almost 60%.
Spice Production, Marketing, and Value Chain in Ethiopia
Authors: Wondimnew Abdurahman
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this paper was to document and organize spice production, marketing, and value chain in Ethiopia. Spice is the most essential farming product. Several native and exotic spices are grown by smallholder farmers across the country because Ethiopia has diverse agroecology and favorable climate conditions. The spice subsector has great potential for the country’s economic development and poverty alleviation, cultivation, preparation, transport, and merchandising of spices and herbs. Spice market indicates the commodity value of spices. The major problems regarding the marketing system of spices were lack of communication between farmers and users, lack of linkage between sellers and buyers, and lack of postharvest management, storage facilities, regulated and cooperative markets, transportation, and knowledge of market news. The escalating value of spices is superficially envisioned, extending from smallholder production to partial handling, which seems to be the everyday value chain.
Genetic Components Derived Parameters and Heterosis in Okra under Saudi Arabia Conditions
Authors: Abdelkader Mohamed F. M. , Mahmoud Mohamed H. , Diyasty Mohamed Z. , Sukar Noha A. , Farag Maged I. , Mohamed Nesma N. I. , Salama Yasser A. M. A. , Abdein Mohamed A.
Published: January 2024

Four parental genotypes of okra were crossed in complete diallel design to study the direction and extent of relative heterosis and heterobeltiosis for yield and its associated traits for utilization of existing genetic diversity to develop heterotic F1 hybrids in okra. The additive genetic component (D) was significant in all studied traits except average pod weight. Nonadditive (H1 and H2) components were found to be significant in all studied traits. However, the values of the dominant effect (H1) were smaller than the D components for no. of nodes/plant, no. of pods/plant, weight of medium pods, weight of large pods, and total fresh pod yield. The maximum significant MP heterosis in the desirable direction (149.9%) was recorded for the weight of large pods/plot. The maximum significant heterobeltiosis in the desirable direction (120.1%) was recorded for the weight of small pods/plot followed by total fresh pod yield (107.4%), the weight of large pods/plot (104.9%), weight of medium pods/plot (92.1%), average pod weight (51.8%), number of pods/plant (38.4%), and plant height (34.3%). It could be concluded that plant height, average pod weight, and the number of branches could be considered for the development of elite hybrids (heterosis breeding) or inbred lines (pure line selection) in succeeding generations. Therefore, these parameters can be considered for selecting genotypes to improve the pod yield of okra. The superior crosses identified through heterosis analysis were Egyptian Balady × Line 4.1.18 (30.8 ton/ha), Line 4.1.18 × Egyptian Balady (29.8 ton/ha), Dwarf Green Long Pod × Line 4.1.18 (28.3 ton/ha), and Egyptian Balady × Dwarf Green Long Pod (27.6 ton/ha) as these crosses had high performance as well as significant and higher estimates of heterobeltiosis for fruit yield per plant and yield attributing other characters.
Singular Value and Matrix Norm Inequalities between Positive Semidefinite Matrices and Their Blocks
Authors: Zhang Feng , Ma Rong , Zhang Chunwen , Cao Yuxin
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we obtain some inequalities involving positive semidefinite 2×2 block matrices and their blocks.
Gastric, Colonic, and Rectal Amyloidosis in the Setting of Familial Mediterranean Fever: A Unique Cause of Intractable Diarrhea
Authors: Bathobakae Lefika , Ansari Nida , Mahmoud Anas , Hasan Shayee , Yuridullah Ruhin , Qayyum Sohail , Rae Sam
Published: January 2024

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary disorder characterized by episodes of fever, polyserositis, or cutaneous inflammation. The FMF attacks last 1–3 days and have no apparent triggers. Recurrent deposition of the serum amyloid A (SAA) protein in the gut can cause intractable diarrhea, dysmotility, and recurrent abdominal pain. Gastrointestinal amyloidosis is a rare, but serious, complication of FMF. In this case report, we describe a rare case of chronic diarrhea and recurrent abdominal pain due to FMF-induced gastrointestinal amyloidosis.
A Solution Approach to Nonlinear Integral Equations in Generalized b-Metric Spaces
Authors: Jaradat Mohammed M. M. , Ahmad Abeeda , Rehman Saif Ur , Muhammad Diaa Nabaa , Jabeen Shamoona , Haider Muhammad Imran , Shamas Iqra , Shlaka Rawan A.
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we study some generalized contraction conditions for three self-mappings on generalized b-metric spaces to prove the existence of some unique common fixed-point results. To unify our results, we establish a supportive example for three self-mappings to show the uniqueness of a common fixed point for a generalized contraction in the said space. In addition, we present a supportive application of nonlinear integral equations for the validation of our work. The concept presented in this paper will play an important role in the theory of fixed points in the context of generalized metric spaces with applications.
Data from RAS/MEK–Independent Gene Expression Reveals BMP2-Related Malignant Phenotypes in the Nf1-Deficient MPNST
Authors: Sun Daochun , Haddad Ramsi , Kraniak Janice M. , Horne Steven D. , Tainsky Michael A.
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that occurs in carriers of germline mutations in Nf1 gene as well as sporadically. Neurofibromin, encoded by the Nf1 gene, functions as a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) whose mutation leads to activation of wt-RAS and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) patients' tumors. However, therapeutic targeting of RAS and MAPK have had limited success in this disease. In this study, we modulated NRAS, mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal–regulated kinase (MEK)1/2, and neurofibromin levels in MPNST cells and determined gene expression changes to evaluate the regulation of signaling pathways in MPNST cells. Gene expression changes due to neurofibromin modulation but independent of NRAS and MEK1/2 regulation in MPNST cells indicated bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2) signaling as a key pathway. The BMP2-SMAD1/5/8 pathway was activated in NF1-associated MPNST cells and inhibition of BMP2 signaling by LDN-193189 or short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to BMP2 decreased the motility and invasion of NF1-associated MPNST cells. The pathway-specific gene changes provide a greater understanding of the complex role of neurofibromin in MPNST pathology and novel targets for drug discovery. Mol Cancer Res; 11(6); 616–27. ©2013 AACR.
Data from Significance of Divergent Expression of Prostaglandin EP4 and EP3 Receptors in Human Prostate Cancer
Authors: Huang Hosea F. S. , Shu Ping , Murphy Thomas F. , Aisner Seena , Fitzhugh Valerie A. , Jordan Mark L.
Published: January 2024

Abstract
PGE2 has been implicated in prostate cancer tumorigenesis. We hypothesized that abnormal prostaglandin receptor (EPR) expression may contribute to prostate cancer growth. Twenty-six archived radical prostatectomy specimens were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting for the expression of EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4. As a corollary, EPR expression in one normal (PZ-HPV7) and four prostate cancer cell lines (CA-HPV10, LNCaP, PC3, and Du145) were assessed by Western blotting. Prostate cancer and normal cell growth were compared in vitro after EPR blockade, siRNA EPR knockdown, or overexpression. EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 receptors were detected by IHC in all areas of benign tissue within the clinical prostate cancer specimens. In areas of prostate cancer, EP4 and EP2 were overexpressed in 85% (22 of 26) and 75% (18 of 24) and EP3 expression was reduced in all (26 of 26, 100%) specimens (P < 0.05 vs. benign tissue). EP1 showed no specific differential expression pattern. Increased EP4 and reduced EP3 was confirmed by Western blotting in fresh clinical specimens and in prostate cancer cell lines (CA-HPV10, LNCaP, PC3, and Du145) compared with the normal prostate cell line (PZ-HPV7). EP2 and EP4 siRNA knockdown resulted in reduced in vitro growth and metastasis-related gene expression (MMP9 and Runx2) of prostate cancer lines, and in vitro migration was inhibited by EP4 antagonists. As a corollary, EP3-overexpressing PC3 cells displayed impaired growth in vitro. Human prostate cancer is associated with EP4 and EP2 overexpression and reduced EP3 expression. These data suggest that targeting specific EPR may represent a novel therapeutic approach for prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 11(4); 427–39. ©2013 AACR.