bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CoTrFuse: a novel framework by fusing CNN and transformer for medical image segmentation
Authors: Chen Yuanbin , Wang Tao , Tang Hui , Zhao Longxuan , Zhang Xinlin , Tan Tao , Gao Qinquan , Du Min , Tong Tong
Published: August 2023

Medical image segmentation is a crucial and intricate process in medical image processing and analysis. With the advancements in artificial intelligence, deep learning techniques have been widely used in recent years for medical image segmentation. One such technique is the U-Net framework based on the U-shaped convolutional neural networks (CNN) and its variants. However, these methods have limitations in simultaneously capturing both the global and the remote semantic information due to the restricted receptive domain caused by the convolution operation’s intrinsic features. Transformers are attention-based models with excellent global modeling capabilities, but their ability to acquire local information is limited. To address this, we propose a network that combines the strengths of both CNN and Transformer, called CoTrFuse. The proposed CoTrFuse network uses EfficientNet and Swin Transformer as dual encoders. The Swin Transformer and CNN Fusion module are combined to fuse the features of both branches before the skip connection structure. We evaluated the proposed network on two datasets: the ISIC-2017 challenge dataset and the COVID-QU-Ex dataset. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed CoTrFuse outperforms several state-of-the-art segmentation methods, indicating its superiority in medical image segmentation. The codes are available at https://github.com/BinYCn/CoTrFuse.
Leveraging global binary masks for structure segmentation in medical images
Authors: Kazemimoghadam Mahdieh , Yang Zi , Chen Mingli , Ma Lin , Lu Weiguo , Gu Xuejun
Published: August 2023

Deep learning (DL) models for medical image segmentation are highly influenced by intensity variations of input images and lack generalization due to primarily utilizing pixels’ intensity information for inference. Acquiring sufficient training data is another challenge limiting models’ applications. Here, we proposed to leverage the consistency of organs’ anatomical position and shape information in medical images. We introduced a framework leveraging recurring anatomical patterns through global binary masks for organ segmentation. Two scenarios were studied: (1) global binary masks were the only input for the U-Net based model, forcing exclusively encoding organs’ position and shape information for rough segmentation or localization. (2) Global binary masks were incorporated as an additional channel providing position/shape clues to mitigate training data scarcity. Two datasets of the brain and heart computed tomography (CT) images with their ground-truth were split into (26:10:10) and (12:3:5) for training, validation, and test respectively. The two scenarios were evaluated using full training split as well as reduced subsets of training data. In scenario (1), training exclusively on global binary masks led to Dice scores of 0.77 ± 0.06 and 0.85 ± 0.04 for the brain and heart structures respectively. Average Euclidian distance of 3.12 ± 1.43 mm and 2.5 ± 0.93 mm were obtained relative to the center of mass of the ground truth for the brain and heart structures respectively. The outcomes indicated encoding a surprising degree of position and shape information through global binary masks. In scenario (2), incorporating global binary masks led to significantly higher accuracy relative to the model trained on only CT images in small subsets of training data; the performance improved by 4.3%–125.3% and 1.3%–48.1% for 1–8 training cases of the brain and heart datasets respectively. The findings imply the advantages of utilizing global binary masks for building models that are robust to image intensity variations as well as an effective approach to boost performance when access to labeled training data is highly limited.
Biaxial ultrasound driving technique for small animal blood–brain barrier opening
Authors: Pellow Carly , Li Siyun , Delgado Sagid , Pike G Bruce , Curiel Laura , Pichardo Samuel
Published: August 2023

Biaxial driving can more efficiently convert electrical power to forward acoustic power in piezoelectric materials, and the interaction between the orthogonal electric fields can produce a combination of extensional and shear deformations as a function of the phase difference between them to allow dynamic steering of the beam with a single-element. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time the application of a single-element biaxially driven ring transducer in vivo for blood–brain barrier opening in mice, and compare it to that achieved with a conventional single-element highly focused (F# = 0.7) spherical transducer operating at a similar frequency. Transcranial focused ultrasound (0.45 MPa, 10 ms pulse length, 1 Hz repetition frequency, 30 s duration) was applied bilaterally to mice with a 40 μl/kg bolus of DefinityTM microbubbles, employing either a single-element biaxial ring (1.482 MHz, 10 mm inner diameter, 13.75 mm outer diameter) or spherical (1.5 MHz, 35 mm diameter, F# = 0.7; RK50, FUS Instruments) transducer on each side. Follow-up MRI scans (T1 pre- and post- 0.2 mmol/kg Gd injection, T2) were acquired to assess blood–brain barrier opening volume and potential damage. Compared to blood–brain barrier opening achieved with a conventional single-element spherical focused transducer, the opening volume achieved with a single-element biaxial ring transducer was 35% smaller (p = 0.002) with a device of a ring diameter of 40% the aperture size. Axial refocusing was further demonstrated with the single-element biaxial ring transducer, yielding a 1.63 mm deeper, five-fold larger opening volume (p = 0.048) relative to its small-focus mode. The biaxial ring transducer achieved a more localized opening compared to the spherical focused transducer under the same parameters, and further enabled dynamic axial refocusing with a single-element transducer with a smaller fabrication footprint.
Accuracy evaluation of different machine learning force field features
Authors: Han Ting , Li Jie , Liu Liping , Li Fengyu , Wang Lin-Wang
Published: August 2023

Predicting energies and forces using machine learning force field (MLFF) depends on accurate descriptions (features) of chemical environment. Despite the numerous features proposed, there is a lack of controlled comparison among them for their universality and accuracy. In this work, we compared several commonly used feature types for their ability to describe physical systems. These different feature types include cosine feature, Gaussian feature, moment tensor potential (MTP) feature, spectral neighbor analysis potential feature, simplified smooth deep potential with Chebyshev polynomials feature and Gaussian polynomials feature, and atomic cluster expansion feature. We evaluated the training root mean square error (RMSE) for the atomic group energy, total energy, and force using linear regression model regarding to the density functional theory results. We applied these MLFF models to an amorphous sulfur system and carbon systems, and the fitting results show that MTP feature can yield the smallest RMSE results compared with other feature types for either sulfur system or carbon system in the disordered atomic configurations. Moreover, as an extending test of other systems, the MTP feature combined with linear regression model can also reproduce similar quantities along the ab initio molecular dynamics trajectory as represented by Cu systems. Our results are helpful in selecting the proper features for the MLFF development.
Velocity of interfaces with short and long ranged elasticity under sinusoidal creep
Authors: Savolainen Juha , Alava Mikko
Published: August 2023

Plenty of research on elastic interfaces has been done on systems where the interface is pushed with a constant force. We studied the average velocity of an interface under a sinusoidal driving in the creep region, considering both short-range elastic systems, such as magnetic domain walls during a hysteresis loop, and long-ranged systems such as fractures. We obtained a modified version of the creep velocity with approximate power-law behavior and a material-dependent exponent for short ranged systems and simpler behavior for long-range elasticity. We discuss whether the model can be applied to fatigue fractures or if extra physics is needed.
Unveiling herd behavior in financial markets
Authors: Neuman Yair , Cohen Yochai
Published: August 2023

Herd behavior is a powerful source of growth in financial markets. However, as available energy resources limit exponential growth, we should expect periods where an upward trend is balanced toward equilibrium or reverse its direction toward decline. This paper proposes a novel approach for modeling herd behavior and predicting a trend reversal in financial markets. Our approach relies on two key metrics: asymmetry and ‘steps to symmetry.’ We use Machine Learning to identify hidden patterns in the fluctuations of these metrics and use the patterns for predicting a transition from exponential growth. Analyzing three datasets of stock prices, we present solid empirical evidence supporting the proposed approach.
First-principles atomic level stresses: application to a metallic glass under shear
Authors: Lobzenko Ivan , Tsuru Tomohito , Shiihara Yoshinori , Iwashita Takuya
Published: August 2023

Unlike crystalline alloys, metallic glasses (MGs) do not possess distinctive defects but exhibit a highly heterogeneous response to shear deformation. The difficulties in describing such non-uniform behaviour hamper the prediction of the mechanical properties of MGs. Using the first-principles athermal quasi-static shear simulation on a CuZr glass, we investigate the mechanical responses of various atomic-level parameters, such as the first-principles atomic stresses and electronic properties (an atomic charge, chemical bonds, etc), and their correlations. We find that the atomic von Mises stress is correlated with a

D

min

2

parameter, which is commonly employed and also serves as a unique measure of the degree of non-uniform responses. We also show little correlation between the mechanical and electronic properties during the relaxation process, while we perceive a high correlation between the change in chemical and topological bonds. We discuss the physical insights behind these correlations.
Cutoff phenomenon and entropic uncertainty for random quantum circuits
Authors: Oh Sangchul , Kais Sabre
Published: August 2023

How fast a state of a system converges to a stationary state is one of the fundamental questions in science. Some Markov chains and random walks on finite groups are known to exhibit the non-asymptotic convergence to a stationary distribution, called the cutoff phenomenon. Here, we examine how quickly a random quantum circuit could transform a quantum state to a Haar-measure random quantum state. We find that random quantum states, as stationary states of random walks on a unitary group, are invariant under the quantum Fourier transform (QFT). Thus the entropic uncertainty of random quantum states has balanced Shannon entropies for the computational basis and the QFT basis. By calculating the Shannon entropy for random quantum states and the Wasserstein distances for the eigenvalues of random quantum circuits, we show that the cutoff phenomenon occurs for the random quantum circuit. It is also demonstrated that the Dyson-Brownian motion for the eigenvalues of a random unitary matrix as a continuous random walk exhibits the cutoff phenomenon. The results here imply that random quantum states could be generated with shallow random circuits.
Implementation of a multidisciplinary inpatient drug desensitization program
Authors: Martino Janine G , Cang William , Jaskowiak Jaclyn , Tavakoli Aran , Clapp Christopher , Marro Hannah , Kim Alexander
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this project was to analyze the process of adult inpatient drug desensitization and to create a multidisciplinary standardized procedure with the aim of improving patient safety, efficiency, length of stay, and patient satisfaction.

A team consisting of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, critical care specialists, and operational capacity managers was created. The electronic health system was queried to evaluate the frequency of desensitizations, level of care, implicated medications, and length of stay. An electronic desensitization request form was created along with a desensitization team and email listserver for notification of key stakeholders.

Conclusion

A standardized, safe, and efficient process for inpatient drug desensitization requires advance planning and participation from all disciplines involved. Operational and logistical aspects of desensitization are crucial components of rapid drug desensitization. A structured, multidisciplinary approach to inpatient desensitization is feasible.
Symmetry’s revenge
Authors: Schmid Joseph C
Published: August 2023

James Henry Collin recently developed a new symmetry breaker favouring the ontological argument’s possibility premiss over that of the reverse ontological argument. The symmetry breaker amounts to an undercutting defeater for the reverse possibility premiss based on Kripkean cases of a posteriori necessity. I argue, however, that symmetry re-arises in two forms. First, I challenge the purported asymmetry in epistemic entitlements to the original and reverse possibility premisses. Second, relevantly similar Kripkean cases equally undercut the original possibility premiss.
Measuring tissue water potential in marine macroalgae via an updated Chardakov method
Authors: Gibson V L , Richards Donà A , Smith C M
Published: August 2023

Regulation of tissue water potential is a key mechanism in macroalgal osmotic responses to changing external osmotic conditions, which are common in tidally influenced estuarine and intertidal systems. Nevertheless, significant knowledge gaps exist in our understanding of osmotic responses in macroalgae because few methods measure osmotic potential within macroalgal tissues. Leaf psychrometers have furthered understanding of osmotic potentials in terrestrial plant water relations, yet these have not been developed to measure the range of highly negative potential values found in marine macroalgae. To address these gaps, we present an effective, updated version of the Chardakov method to measure tissue water potential in macroalgae. Here, we present a case study examining macroalgal response in tissue water potential by two morphologically and evolutionarily distinct species, Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta) and Hypnea musciformis (Rhodophyta) to four paired salinity and nutrient treatments at two temperatures. These treatments simulate a gradient from full coastal ocean conditions to brackish submarine groundwater discharge, an ecosystem type found on basaltic shorelines. Both algae demonstrated plasticity in osmotic response to submarine groundwater discharge with significant positive correlations between tissue water potential and proportion of submarine groundwater discharge in the treatment. These results are the first to describe macroalgal response in tissue water potential, a first step to understanding algal physiological ecology in such complex coastal environments. This revised Chardakov method is a valuable tool to better understand species-specific osmotic responses to ecologically relevant conditions, and can augment the study of other tidal systems and ontogenetic stages.
Polarized Discourses of Abortion in English: A Corpus-based Study of Semantic Prosody and Discursive Salience
Authors: Malory Beth
Published: August 2023

Amidst ongoing global debate about reproductive rights, questions have emerged about the role of language in reinforcing stigma around termination. Amongst some ‘pro-choice’ groups, the use of pro-life is discouraged, and anti-abortion is recommended. In UK official documents, termination of pregnancy is generally used, and abortion is avoided. Lack of empirical research focused on lexis means it is difficult to draw conclusions about the role language plays in this polarized debate, however. This paper, therefore, explores whether the stigma associated with abortion may reflect negative semantic prosody. Synthesizing quantitative corpus linguistic methods and qualitative discourse analysis, it presents findings that indicate that abortion has unfavourable semantic prosody in a corpus of contemporary internet English. These findings are considered in relation to discursive salience, offering a theoretical framework and operationalization of this theory. Through this lens, the paper considers whether the discursive salience of extreme anti-abortion discourses may strengthen the negative semantic prosody of abortion. It, therefore, combines a contribution to theory around semantic prosody with a caution to those using abortion whilst unaware of its possibly unfavourable semantic prosody.
Capturing Thresholds and Continuities: Individual Differences as Predictors of L2 Sociolinguistic Repertoires in Adult Migrant Learners in Austria
Authors: Wirtz Mason A , Pfenninger Simone E
Published: August 2023

This cross-sectional study addresses for the first time the non/linear association between individual learner differences of social, proficiency-related, and socioaffective nature (length of residence [LoR], varietal proficiency, exposure, and socioaffect) and differential outcomes in L2 sociolinguistic repertoires against the backdrop of the Austro-Bavarian naturalistic context. Forty adult migrant L2 German learners participated in a virtual reality experiment involving interactions with dialect-speaking and standard German-speaking interlocutors. The goal was to explore differences in participants’ interpersonal varietal behavior, that is, their addressee-relational variable use of standard German, Austro-Bavarian dialect, and mixture varieties. The results of Bayesian multinomial modeling indicated that LoR, dialect exposure, and proficiency, as well as reduced anxiety when speaking dialect, predicted differences in interpersonal varietal behavior. That said, a visual-quantitative analysis revealed critical thresholds concerning when, within these predictors, changes in sociolinguistic behavior manifested, indicating a rapid change in sociolinguistic development at the inter-individual level and ultimately facilitating initial insights as to how advanced one needs to be in order to engage in sociolinguistic variation in the Austro-Bavarian naturalistic context.
TransFoxMol: predicting molecular property with focused attention
Authors: Gao Jian , Shen Zheyuan , Xie Yufeng , Lu Jialiang , Lu Yang , Chen Sikang , Bian Qingyu , Guo Yue , Shen Liteng , Wu Jian , Zhou Binbin , Hou Tingjun , He Qiaojun , Che Jinxin , Dong Xiaowu
Published: August 2023

Predicting the biological properties of molecules is crucial in computer-aided drug development, yet it’s often impeded by data scarcity and imbalance in many practical applications. Existing approaches are based on self-supervised learning or 3D data and using an increasing number of parameters to improve performance. These approaches may not take full advantage of established chemical knowledge and could inadvertently introduce noise into the respective model. In this study, we introduce a more elegant transformer-based framework with focused attention for molecular representation (TransFoxMol) to improve the understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) of molecular structure property relationships. TransFoxMol incorporates a multi-scale 2D molecular environment into a graph neural network + Transformer module and uses prior chemical maps to obtain a more focused attention landscape compared to that obtained using existing approaches. Experimental results show that TransFoxMol achieves state-of-the-art performance on MoleculeNet benchmarks and surpasses the performance of baselines that use self-supervised learning or geometry-enhanced strategies on small-scale datasets. Subsequent analyses indicate that TransFoxMol’s predictions are highly interpretable and the clever use of chemical knowledge enables AI to perceive molecules in a simple but rational way, enhancing performance.
Advancing dermatology: embracing the power of artificial intelligence. Comment on ‘Artificial intelligence-assisted publishing in five prominent dermatology journals: a quantitative study of recent publications’
Authors: Potestio Luca , Martora Fabrizio , Villani Alessia , Cacciapuoti Sara , Battista Teresa , Megna Matteo
Published: August 2023

This is a comment on an article published in CED entitled ‘Artificial intelligence-assisted publishing in five prominent dermatology journals: a quantitative study of recent publications’ by Heerfordt. The author conducted a study investigating current patterns in artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content specifically within abstracts of articles in five prominent dermatology journals. The primary outcome was the likelihood of abstracts being AI-generated but none of 57 abstracts selected were found to be possibly or likely AI-generated. Here we want to report our opinion about using AI in the field of dermatology.
Difference in respiratory syncytial virus-specific Fc-mediated antibody effector functions between children and adults
Authors: Lakerveld Anke J , Gelderloos Anne T , Schepp Rutger M , de Haan Cornelis A M , van Binnendijk Robert S , Rots Nynke Y , van Beek Josine , van Els Cécile A C M , van Kasteren Puck B
Published: August 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are a major cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and older adults, for which there is no known correlate of protection. Increasing evidence suggests that Fc-mediated antibody effector functions have an important role, but little is known about the development, heterogeneity, and durability of these functional responses. In light of future vaccine strategies, a clear view of the immunological background and differences between various target populations is of crucial importance.

In this study, we have assessed both quantitative and qualitative aspects of RSV-specific serum antibodies, including IgG/IgA levels, IgG subclasses, antibody-dependent complement deposition, cellular phagocytosis, and NK cell activation (ADNKA). Samples were collected cross-sectionally in different age groups (11-, 24-, and 46-month-old children, adults, and older adults; n = 31–35 per group) and longitudinally following natural RSV infection in (older) adults (2–36 months post-infection; n = 10).

We found that serum of 24-month-old children induces significantly lower ADNKA than the serum of adults (P < 0.01), which is not explained by antibody levels. Furthermore, in (older) adults we observed boosting of antibody levels and functionality at 2–3 months after RSV infection, except for ADNKA. The strongest decrease was subsequently observed within the first 9 months, after which levels remained relatively stable up to three years post-infection.

Together, these data provide a comprehensive overview of the functional landscape of RSV-specific serum antibodies in the human population, highlighting that while antibodies reach adult levels already at a young age, ADNKA requires more time to fully develop.
Effects of headgear timing on dental arch changes from 7 to 18 years of age: a follow-up study
Authors: Hannula Matti , Tolvanen Mimmi , Pirttiniemi Pertti , Pirilä-Parkkinen Kirsi , Julku Johanna
Published: August 2023

Background

Dental arch effects after cervical headgear (CHG) treatment have been researched from several different perspectives. However, the long-term effects of CHG timing are still unknown.

Objectives

To analyse the long-term effects of CHG timing on dental arches.

Material and methods

A total of 67 children with Angle Class II malocclusion comprised the study group in this trial. The participants were randomized into two equal-sized groups. In the early group (EG, n = 33), treatment was started after the eruption of the first upper molars. In the later-timed group (LG, n = 34), treatment was started 18 months later compared with the early group. Long-term effects were measured from dental casts taken at five time points between 7 and 18 years of age.

Results

The total maxillary dental arch length was achieved earlier, the gained length persisted better in the long term, and significantly more space was achieved in EG compared with LG (P = .048). The intermolar width in the maxillary dental arch was more stable and was reached earlier in EG compared with LG (P = .002). The results showed that in terms of total mandibular arch length increases, EG males benefited the most and LG females the least from CHG treatment (P = .031).

Conclusions

Both genders benefited from earlier CHG treatment. The maxillary dental arches remained longer, and the final width was gained earlier in EG compared with LG.
Costs and duration of orthodontic-surgical treatment with mandibular advancement surgery
Authors: Niemi Pekka , Kortelainen Mika , Harjunmaa Ulla , Waltimo-Sirén Janna
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The aim was to analyse the costs and duration of orthodontic-surgical treatment with mandibular advancement in the public health care sector in Finland.

Materials

The study was conducted as a retrospective registry study in a public district hospital on all nonsyndromic patients that were ethnic Finns and treated with full fixed appliances and mandibular advancement surgery in 2016–2020.

Results

The mean treatment duration of the included 45 patients was 28.1 months, including 18.9 months pre and 9.2 months postoperative orthodontics. The median number of visits was 27, including 17 visits before and 9 visits after surgery. The mean total treatment time was 14.5 h. The mean total direct costs per course of treatment were 7574 € to the municipality and 947 € to the patient. The costs positively correlated with the duration of the treatment (rho = 0.71, P = .000), but were not associated to gender or age of patient. The mean surgery time was 78 minutes, and significantly less with an experienced surgeon (P = .002). It was calculated that the mean minimum treatment costs would be 45% of the present total, achievable with a patient with optimum dental arches at the start of treatment.

Limitations

The major limitation of the study is the relatively small number of study subjects.

Conclusion

A 55% share of the costs is influenced by case- and operator-dependent factors. This indicates that the complexity and performance of the orthodontic phases of treatment are important determinants in the cost structure.
Paying for animal welfare labelling no matter what? A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Schwickert Henrike
Published: August 2023

Animal welfare is a credence attribute with public good characteristics. Using a discrete choice experiment, consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a concretely planned state animal welfare label is derived and compared by product group (fresh vs. processed meat) and tax scenario (no tax vs. additional animal welfare tax included in price). Consumers have a positive WTP for the state label. However, label WTP is significantly lower for processed than for fresh meat. An additional tax does not impact label WTP on average. Results provide insights for both policymakers on label implementation and farmers on further investments in animal welfare.
Early mobilization after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: observational cohort study
Authors: Lauck Sandra B , Yu Maggie , Bancroft Carrie , Borregaard Britt , Polderman Jopie , Stephenson Anna L , Durand Eric , Akodad Mariama , Meier David , Andrews Holly , Achtem Leslie , Tang Erin , Wood David A , Sathananthan Janarthanan , Webb John G
Published: August 2023

Aims

Early mobilization is associated with improved outcomes in hospitalized older patients. We sought to determine the effect of a nurse-led protocol on mobilization 4 h after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) across different units of care.

Methods and results

We conducted a prospective observational cohort single-centre study of consecutive patients. We implemented a standardized protocol for safe early recovery and progressive mobilization in the critical care and cardiac telemetry units. We measured the time to first mobilization and conducted descriptive statistics to identify patient and system barriers to timely ambulation. We recruited 139 patients (82.5 years, SD = 6.7; 46% women). At baseline, patients who were mobilized early (≤4 h) and late (>4 h) did not differ, except for higher rates of diabetes (25.5% vs. 43.9%, P = 0.032) and peripheral arterial disease (8.2% vs. 26.8%, P = 0.003) in the late mobilization group. The median time to mobilization was 4 h [inter-quartile range (IQR) 3.25, 4]; 98 patients (70.5%) were mobilized successfully after 4 h of bedrest; 118 (84.9%) were walking by the evening of the procedure (<8 h bedrest); and 21 (15.1%) were on bedrest overnight and mobilized the following day. Primary reasons for overnight bedrest were arrhythmia monitoring (n = 10, 7.2%) and haemodynamic and/or neurological instability (n = 6, 4.3%); six patients (4.3%) experienced delayed ambulation due to system issues. Procedure location in the hybrid operating room and transfer to critical care were associated with longer bedrest times.

Conclusion

Standardized nurse-led mobilization 4 h after TF TAVI is feasible in the absence of clinical complications and system barriers.
Meiotic drive does not impede success in sperm competition in the stalk-eyed fly, Teleopsis dalmanni
Authors: Bates Sadé , Meade Lara , Pomiankowski Andrew
Published: August 2023

Male X-linked meiotic drive systems, which cause the degeneration of Y-bearing sperm, are common in the Diptera. Sperm killing is typically associated with fitness costs that arise from the destruction of wildtype sperm and collateral damage to maturing drive sperm, resulting in poor success under sperm competition. We investigate X-linked meiotic drive fertility in the stalk-eyed fly, Teleopsis dalmanni. Drive male paternity was measured in double mating trials under sperm competition against a wildtype male. Drive males sired the same number of offspring as wildtype males, both when mated first or second. This is the first evidence that drive males can compete equally with non-drive males in double matings, challenging the assumption that drive males inevitably suffer reduced fertility. The finding is in accord with previous work showing that the number of sperm per ejaculate transferred to females during non-competitive single matings does not differ between drive and wildtype males, which is likely due to the adaptive evolution of enlarged testes in drive males. Future experiments will determine whether the competitive ability of drive males is maintained under higher rates of female remating likely to be experienced in nature.
Digest: Plastic responses to warmer climates: a seminatural experiment on lizard populations
Authors: Robertson Josephine E
Published: August 2023

Determining whether a phenotypic change is the result of microevolution or plasticity can be challenging. Bestion et al. investigate the contributions of plasticity (both intragenerational and intergenerational) and selection to phenotypic changes in common lizards (Zootoca vivipara) in response to a warmer climate that mirrors projections for 2080. Their results suggest that plasticity plays a more important role than selection in governing many of the phenotypic responses to temperature change.
Ca-HELP: Adaptation of a Communication Tool to Help Geriatric Cancer Patients in Rural Settings Talk to Their Doctors About Pain
Authors: Harrison Jill , Stokes Tammy , Hahne Jessica , Shen Megan
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

Among the older adult population living in the rural United States, undertreated cancer pain is very common. The need for interventions targeting pain management communication between older adults with cancer in rural communities and their doctors outpaces the current evidence base. Adaptation of existing pain interventions may improve the speed at which clinicians can respond to pain in this vulnerable population.

Research Design and Methods

The Cancer Health Empowerment for Living without Pain (Ca-HELP) is an evidence-based communication tool that coaches patients to communicate about pain by asking questions, making requests, and signaling distress to their physicians in order to achieve improved pain control. Guided by the Method for Program Adaptation through Community Engagement (M-PACE) model, which utilizes detailed stakeholder feedback to guide the adaptation of an intervention for an appropriate target audience, we proactively adapted the Ca-HELP and its delivery for use among geriatric cancer patients living in rural settings using qualitative feedback from patients, informal caregivers, and providers as a planned step in a multiphase pilot study.

Results

All stakeholders agreed that the Ca-HELP was a promising candidate intervention to improve pain among older adults with cancer. They suggested modifications to the delivery, context, and content of the intervention. A multidisciplinary team of nurse leaders and researchers evaluated stakeholder feedback and recommendations before determining which adaptations were made. Adaptations were cataloged and reported using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced model.

Discussion and Implications

Our multistakeholder team proactively modified the Ca-HELP intervention tool using end-user feedback with a goal to optimize fit for use by older adults with cancer in rural settings without compromising the active ingredients. Documenting and reporting modifications to interventions are critical to their implementation and will lay the groundwork for further testing of the efficacy of the adapted Ca-HELP intervention.
Learning with real data without real labels: a strategy for extrapolated full-waveform inversion with field data
Authors: Sun Hongyu , Sun Yen , Nammour Rami , Rivera Christian , Williamson Paul , Demanet Laurent
Published: August 2023

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) relies on low-frequency data to succeed if a good initial model is unavailable. However, field seismic data excited by active sources are typically band-limited above 3 Hz. By extrapolated FWI, we can start inversion from computational low frequencies extrapolated from band-limited data. However, low-frequency extrapolation with deep learning is challenging for field data since a neural network trained on synthetic data usually generalizes poorly on real seismic data. Here we use a semi-supervised learning method to extrapolate low frequencies for field data by training with real data without real labels. Specifically, by training CycleGAN with unpaired images of field 4–10 Hz band-limited and synthetic 0–4 Hz low-frequency shot gathers, we can extrapolate the 0–4 Hz low frequencies for the field data band-limited above 4 Hz. The source wavelet for the simulation of synthetic low-frequency data is used as the source in FWI using the extrapolated data. The inverted velocity model using only the extrapolated low frequencies is comparable to the tomography model. Our method strengthens the ability of FWI for mapping fine Earth structures by mitigating the cycle-skipping problem effectively.
Genome-wide identification of dominant polyadenylation hexamers for use in variant classification
Authors: Shiferaw Henoke K , Hong Celine S , Cooper David N , Johnston Jennifer J , NISC  , Biesecker Leslie G
Published: August 2023

Polyadenylation is an essential process for the stabilization and export of mRNAs to the cytoplasm and the polyadenylation signal hexamer (herein referred to as hexamer) plays a key role in this process. Yet, only 14 Mendelian disorders have been associated with hexamer variants. This is likely an under-ascertainment as hexamers are not well defined and not routinely examined in molecular analysis. To facilitate the interrogation of putatively pathogenic hexamer variants, we set out to define functionally important hexamers genome-wide as a resource for research and clinical testing interrogation. We identified predominant polyA sites (herein referred to as pPAS) and putative predominant hexamers across protein coding genes (PAS usage >50% per gene). As a measure of the validity of these sites, the population constraint of 4532 predominant hexamers were measured. The predominant hexamers had fewer observed variants compared to non-predominant hexamers and trimer controls, and CADD scores for variants in these hexamers were significantly higher than controls. Exome data for 1477 individuals were interrogated for hexamer variants and transcriptome data were generated for 76 individuals with 65 variants in predominant hexamers. 3′ RNA-seq data showed these variants resulted in alternate polyadenylation events (38%) and in elongated mRNA transcripts (12%). Our list of pPAS and predominant hexamers are available in the UCSC genome browser and on GitHub. We suggest this list of predominant hexamers can be used to interrogate exome and genome data. Variants in these predominant hexamers should be considered candidates for pathogenic variation in human disease, and to that end we suggest pathogenicity criteria for classifying hexamer variants.
Atlantic Oceanic Squids in the “Grey Speciation Zone”
Authors: Fernández-Álvarez Fernando Á , Sanchez Gustavo , Deville Diego , Taite Morag , Villanueva Roger , Allcock A Louise
Published: August 2023

Synopsis

Cryptic species complexes represent an important challenge for the adequate characterization of Earth’s biodiversity. Oceanic organisms tend to have greater unrecognized cryptic biodiversity since the marine realm was often considered to lack hard barriers to genetic exchange. Here, we tested the effect of several Atlantic and Mediterranean oceanic barriers on 16 morphospecies of oceanic squids of the orders Oegopsida and Bathyteuthida using three mitochondrial and one nuclear molecular marker and five species delimitation methods. Number of species recognized within each morphospecies differed among different markers and analyses, but we found strong evidence of cryptic biodiversity in at least four of the studied species (Chtenopteryx sicula, Chtenopteryx canariensis, Ancistrocheirus lesueurii, and Galiteuthis armata). There were highly geographically structured units within Helicocranchia navossae that could either represent recently diverged species or population structure. Although the species studied here can be considered relatively passive with respect to oceanic currents, cryptic speciation patterns showed few signs of being related to oceanic currents. We hypothesize that the bathymetry of the egg masses and duration of the paralarval stage might influence the geographic distribution of oceanic squids. Because the results of different markers and different species delimitation methods are inconsistent and because molecular data encompassing broad geographic sampling areas for oceanic squids are scarce and finding morphological diagnostic characters for early life stages is difficult, it is challenging to assess the species boundaries for many of these species. Thus, we consider many to be in the “grey speciation zone.” As many oceanic squids have cosmopolitan distributions, new studies combining genomic and morphological information from specimens collected worldwide are needed to correctly assess the actual oceanic squid biodiversity.
Integrating survey and observer data improves the predictions of New Zealand spatio-temporal models
Authors: Grüss A , Charsley A R , Thorson J T , Anderson O F , O'Driscoll R L , Wood B , Breivik O N , O’Leary C A
Published: August 2023

In many situations, species distribution models need to make use of multiple data sources to address their objectives. We developed a spatio-temporal modelling framework that integrates research survey data and data collected by observers onboard fishing vessels while accounting for physical barriers (islands, convoluted coastlines). We demonstrated our framework for two bycatch species in New Zealand deepwater fisheries: spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) and javelinfish (Lepidorhynchus denticulatus). Results indicated that employing observer-only data or integrated data is necessary to map fish biomass at the scale of the New Zealand exclusive economic zone, and to interpolate local biomass indices (e.g., for the east coast of the South Island) in years with no survey but available observer data. Results also showed that, if enough survey data are available, fisheries analysts should: (1) develop both an integrated model and a model relying on survey-only data; and (2) for a given geographic area, ultimately choose the index produced with integrated data or the index produced with survey-only data based on the reliability of the interannual variability of the index. We also conducted a simulation experiment, which indicated that the predictions of our spatio-temporal models are virtually insensitive to the consideration of physical barriers.
Digital assets and inheritance law: How to create fundamental principles of digital succession system?
Authors: Szwajdler Paweł
Published: August 2023

Currently, there are no generally applicable legal regulations in the field of digital succession in the majority of legal orders. However, such legal provisions are needed because digital assets are getting more and more significant in the contemporary world. Entry into force of legal regulations in this area should be preceded by creation of legal theory of digital succession. Therefore, it is necessary to consider fundamental principles of digital asset inheritance system. The author of this work reviews current theoretical and practical approaches to the matters of digital succession. Considerations included in this work lead to answer to the question how to create fundamental principles of digital succession system. Furthermore, there are separate recommendations for legislators, end-users, digital service providers and judiciary in this work. Hence, this article seems not only theoretical but also practical.
Antibiotic use and quality indicators of antibiotic prescription in Bhutan: a point prevalence survey using the Australian National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey tool
Authors: Chuki Pem , Dorji Thinley , James Rodney , Wangchuk Khando , Yangzom Sonam , Dema Yangchen , Wangchuk Sangay , Wangdi Dorji , Deki Tshering , Limbu Chandra , Dorji Kuenzang Rangdel , Wangda Sonam , Buising Kirsty , Thursky Karin
Published: August 2023

Background

The National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in Bhutan promotes the rational use of antibiotics. It is important to establish baseline data on the use of antibiotics and the quality indicators of antibiotic prescriptions to identify where improvement efforts may need to be focused.

Objectives

To describe the prevalence and patterns of antibiotic prescription and establish baseline data regarding quality indicators of antibiotic prescriptions in four major hospitals in Bhutan.

Methods

This was a point prevalence survey of antibiotic use among inpatients in June 2022 conducted using the Australian National Antibiotic Prescribing Survey (NAPS).

Results

There were 314 patients (41.5%) receiving at least one antibiotic on the audit day. Among prescriptions reviewed, 278 (88.5%) had indications for use documented, 102 (32.5%) had a review or stop date documented and 120 (38.2%) had microbiology samples collected prior to antibiotics. Ceftriaxone (68; 21.7%), cefazolin (41; 13.1%) and metronidazole (32; 10.2%), were the common antibiotics prescribed. The most common indications for use were surgical prophylaxis (42; 13.4%), community-acquired pneumonia (39; 12.4%) and sepsis (26; 8.3%). There were 125 prescriptions (39.8%) that were compliant with national/therapeutic antibiotic guidelines and 169 (53.8%) where antibiotic prescriptions were appropriate.

Conclusions

This study identified key areas for targeted interventions in antimicrobial stewardship programmes in Bhutan. The prevalence of antibiotic use, indications for use, and drug choices were similar to data from other countries. Documentation plans for durations of use, prolonged surgical prophylaxis and concordance of choices with guideline recommendations present opportunities for improvement.
Regulation of endogenous retroviruses in murine embryonic stem cells and early embryos
Authors: Lu Xinyi
Published: August 2023

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are important components of transposable elements that constitute ∼40% of the mouse genome. ERVs exhibit dynamic expression patterns during early embryonic development and are engaged in numerous biological processes. Therefore, ERV expression must be closely monitored in cells. Most studies have focused on the regulation of ERV expression in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and during early embryonic development. This review touches on the classification, expression, and functions of ERVs in mouse ESCs and early embryos and mainly discusses ERV modulation strategies from the perspectives of transcription, epigenetic modification, nucleosome/chromatin assembly, and post-transcriptional control.
Conservative approach for a giant prostatic hyperplasia of 1280 ml: a case report and literature review
Authors: Quaresima Luigi , Tramanzoli Pietro , Fasanella Daniela , Galosi Andrea Benedetto , Giannubilo Willy
Published: August 2023

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) affects at least one-third of men over 60 years. A giant prostatic hyperplasia (GPH) is a prostate enlargement that exceeds 500 g. We present a case of a 72-year-old man with a GPH volume of 1280 ml, referred to our hospital for a worsening of the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), bilateral loin pain and kidney failure. Although the patient had a negligible post-void residual urine, he had bilateral hydronephrosis. The patient was managed conservatory because of a high anesthesiologic risk but a bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy was placed soon due to kidney function worsening. The presence of serious comorbidities and the resolution of the loin pain and the renal failure, achieved first with the nephrostomy and then with periodic replacement of ureteral stents, along with an improvement of the LUTS obtained with medical therapy, have oriented us towards a conservative management of the patient.
Emergent conversion from single-anastomosis gastric bypass to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with subsequent obstruction of entero-enteric anastomosis by ascaris
Authors: Palacios Mauricio , Guachilema R Alex , Morocho Sandra , Lisintuña Andrea , Yepez Julio , Andrade Mariela
Published: August 2023

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), the third most commonly performed procedure worldwide, has shown excellent results in terms of weight loss and resolution of comorbidities compared with other bariatric surgeries. However, its use remains limited in various parts of the world due to postoperative complications. After the efficacy of this procedure was established, the focus of treatment shifted toward resolving postoperative complications. Protein-energy malnutrition after OAGB is one of the main issues that needs to be addressed. There are several operative options for patients who require revision surgery including reversal and conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The conversion from OAGB to RYGB is a feasible method that has shown excellent results when performed by experts in the field. Here, we present the case of a woman with symptoms of acute obstruction secondary to OAGB who underwent conversion to RYGB under emergent conditions.