bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypocretin-1 receptor antagonism improves inhibitory control during the Go/No-Go task in highly motivated, impulsive male mice
Authors: Metha Jeremy , Ji Yijun , Braun Clemens , Nicholson Janet R. , De Lecea Luis , Murawski Carsten , Hoyer Daniel , Jacobson Laura H.
Published: June 2024

Rationale

Motivation and inhibitory control are dominantly regulated by the dopaminergic (DA) and noradrenergic (NA) systems, respectively. Hypothalamic hypocretin (orexin) neurons provide afferent inputs to DA and NA nuclei and hypocretin-1 receptors (HcrtR1) are implicated in reward and addiction. However, the role of the HcrtR1 in inhibitory control is not well understood.

Objectives

To determine the effects of HcrtR1 antagonism and motivational state in inhibitory control using the go/no-go task in mice.

Methods

n = 23 male C57Bl/6JArc mice were trained in a go/no-go task. Decision tree dendrogram analysis of training data identified more and less impulsive clusters of animals. A HcrtR1 antagonist (BI001, 12.5 mg/kg, per os) or vehicle were then administered 30 min before go/no-go testing, once daily for 5 days, under high (food-restricted) and low (free-feeding) motivational states in a latin-square crossover design. Compound exposure levels were assessed in a satellite group of animals.

Results

HcrtR1 antagonism increased go accuracy and decreased no-go accuracy in free-feeding animals overall, whereas it decreased go accuracy and increased no-go accuracy only in more impulsive, food restricted mice. HcrtR1 antagonism also showed differential effects in premature responding, which was increased in response to the antagonist in free-feeding, less impulsive animals, and decreased in food restricted, more impulsive animals. HcrtR1 receptor occupancy by BI001 was estimated at ~ 66% during the task.

Conclusions

These data indicate that hypocretin signalling plays roles in goal-directed behaviour and inhibitory control in a motivational state-dependant manner. While likely not useful in all settings, HcrtR1 antagonism may be beneficial in improving inhibitory control in impulsive subpopulations.
2G-lactic acid from olive oil supply chain waste: olive leaves upcycling via Lactobacillus casei fermentation
Authors: Gugel Irene , Marchetti Filippo , Costa Stefania , Gugel Ilenia , Baldini Erika , Vertuani Silvia , Manfredini Stefano
Published: June 2024

The transition towards a sustainable model, particularly the circular economy, emphasizes the importance of redefining waste as a valuable resource, paving the way for innovative upcycling strategies. The olive oil industry, with its significant output of agricultural waste, offers a promising avenue for high-value biomass conversion into useful products through microbial processes. This study focuses on exploring new, high-value applications for olive leaves waste, utilizing a biotechnological approach withLactobacillus caseifor the production of second-generation lactic acid. Contrary to initial expectations, the inherent high polyphenol content and low fermentable glucose levels in olive leaves posed challenges for fermentation. Addressing this, an enzymatic hydrolysis step, following a preliminary extraction process, was implemented to increase glucose availability. Subsequent small-scale fermentation tests were conducted with and without nutrient supplements, identifying the medium that yielded the highest lactic acid production for scale-up. The scaled-up batch fermentation process achieved an enhanced conversion rate (83.58%) and specific productivity (0.26 g/L·h). This research confirms the feasibility of repurposing olive waste leaves for the production of lactic acid, contributing to the advancement of a greener economy through the valorization of agricultural waste.

Key points

• Olive leaves slurry as it did not allow L. casei to ferment.

• High concentrations of polyphenols inhibit fermentation of L. casei.

• Enzymatic hydrolysis combined to organosolv extraction is the best pretreatment for lactic acid production starting from leaves and olive pruning waste.

Graphical Abstract
Coccygectomy for refractory coccydynia, old-fashioned but effective procedure: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Perna Andrea , Franchini Andrea , Macchiarola Luca , Maruccia Francesco , Barletta Felice , Bosco Francesco , Rovere Giuseppe , Gorgoglione Franco Lucio
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Coccydynia, characterized by persistent pain in the coccygeal region, significantly impacts patients' quality of life. While various treatment modalities exist, including conservative measures and surgical interventions like coccygectomy, optimal management remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes, functional improvements, and quality of life in patients with chronic coccydynia undergoing either infiltrative treatment or coccygectomy.

Methods

Data from patients treated at our institution from January 2018 to December 2022 were analyzed. Participants meeting inclusion criteria were divided into two groups: Group A underwent coccygectomy, while Group B received conservative therapy. Clinical assessments, radiographic evaluations, and patient-reported outcomes were collected preoperatively and at follow-up intervals.

Results

Of the 223 initially examined patients, 55 met inclusion criteria. Group A (n = 21) underwent coccygectomy, while Group B (n = 34) received conservative therapy. Both groups showed significant pain reduction post-intervention, with sustained improvement in Group A. Functional outcomes favoured Group A, with significant improvements in disability and quality of life measures. Complications were minimal, with only one case of superficial wound infection in Group A.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that coccygectomy provides superior and lasting pain relief, functional improvement, and quality of life improvement compared to conservative therapy. While complications were minimal, further research with larger cohorts is warranted to validate these results and explore long-term outcomes. Despite its historical association with complications, advancements in surgical techniques and perioperative care have led to improved outcomes and reduced complication rates. Thus, coccygectomy should be considered in the treatment algorithm for patients with debilitating coccydynia.
Prolonged indwelling catheter time after RARP does not lead to follow-up surgery
Authors: Lenart Sebastian , Holub Markus , Gutjahr Georg , Berger Ingrid , Ponholzer Anton
Published: June 2024

Background

Indwelling catheterization following radical prostatectomy is used to aid healing and urinary drainage. While early removal is well investigated, prolonged catheterization has only been investigated in terms of urinary incontinence. Other complications such as anastomotic strictures are unexplored so far. This study aims to analyze the sequelae of catheterization lasting more than 14 days after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods

A prospective database of 3087 patients undergoing RARP was analyzed, focusing on 180 patients with catheterization exceeding 14 days (Group A) and 88 matched controls (Group B). Outcome measures included subsequent surgeries, complications, and functional outcomes.

Results

Prolonged catheterization did not significantly increase the need for subsequent surgeries (6% in Group A vs. 7% in Group B, p = .95). However, anastomotic strictures were more common in Group A (3%) compared to Group B (0%) after exclusion of risk factors. Incontinence rates were similar between groups, although a subgroup analysis revealed higher incontinence rates in patients with catheterization exceeding 28 days. No significant differences were observed in erectile function or quality of life between the groups.

Conclusion

Prolonged catheterization after RARP does not independently increase the risk of anastomotic strictures in the general population. However, in patients without risk factors, prolonged catheter dwell time may elevate the risk of strictures and subsequent surgeries. Additionally, patients with catheterization exceeding 28 days may experience higher rates of long-term incontinence. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the long-term implications of prolonged catheterization.
Patient experience and satisfaction after same-day discharge radical prostatectomy using a personalized, digital perioperative programme
Authors: d’Agate Daniele , Martini Alberto , Lesourd Marine , Tollon Christophe , Loison Guillaume , Almeras Christophe , Pradère Benjamin , Salin Ambroise , Beauval Jean-Baptiste , Ploussard Guillaume
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To assess the patient experience and satisfaction after the implementation in routine of a personalized, digital programme before and after same-day discharge (SDD) robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods

The study is a pre/post-interventional, multi-surgeon, unicentre, prospective study. All consecutive patients undergoing SDD RARP were included during a 6-month period. After a pre-interventional assessment of the satisfaction rate (n = 26), all patients (n = 46) were introduced to the Betty. Care platform and followed the BETTY COACHING programme which included a specific radical prostatectomy module. The primary endpoint was patient satisfaction 6 weeks after SDD RARP. Secondary endpoints were hospital stay, readmission and complications rates, unplanned visits, and remote monitoring data.

Results

Median age and PSA were 66 years and 7.0 ng/ml. Lymph node-dissection and nerve-sparing procedures were performed in 41.3 and 87.0% of patients, respectively. Median operative time and blood loss were 80 min and 150 ml, respectively. The 90-day rates of unplanned visits, readmission and complications were improved after the digital tool implementation (2.2, 2.2, and 8.7%, respectively). Mean satisfaction score was 9.6 out of 10 (8.0 before implementation). Median duration of pain was 2 days after discharge, with median pain intensity of 2/10. Median duration of daily active use of remote monitoring was 34 days. The urinary continence rate was 91.3% 6 weeks after surgery in the postinterventional cohort.

Conclusions

The implementation of a personalized, surgery-specific, digital programme combining prehabilitation, patient education, rehabilitation, patient-reported outcome measurement and remote monitoring, improves patient experience and satisfaction and could help promoting early discharge even after a major surgery.
Partitions of Vertices and Facets in Trees and Stacked Simplicial Complexes
Authors: Fløystad Gunnar
Published: June 2024

For stacked simplicial complexes, (special subclasses of such are: trees, triangulations of polygons, stacked polytopes with their triangulations), we give an explicit bijection between partitions of facets (for trees: edges), and partitions of vertices into independent sets. More generally, we give bijections between facet partitions whose parts have minimal distance $$\ge s$$

≥
s

and vertex partitions whose parts have minimal distance $$\ge s+1$$

≥
s
+
1

.
The impact of interrupted corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) treatment
Authors: Tholvsen Marit , Makdoumi Karim
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To evaluate progression of keratoconus in patients where CXL treatment was interrupted due to insufficient swelling of the cornea.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of all patients with keratoconus diagnosis who underwent CXL at the Department of Ophthalmology, Örebro University Hospital (USÖ) during the years 2010–2017. In total 377 eyes of 280 patients were screened for inclusion. In 17 eyes (15 patients), the treatment was interrupted due to insufficient swelling of the cornea. Patient journals were reviewed and keratometry examinations were analysed for long-term progression.

Results

Eleven eyes (nine patients) were included in the study. Five eyes showed no signs of progression after the interrupted CXL treatment. In one eye progression continued, however, first after a period of a number of years, indicating a delayed course of clinical progression.

Conclusion

This study indicates that debridement of the corneal epithelium and riboflavin administration without intense UVA radiation may slow or arrest the progression of keratoconus, likely due to photosensitisation from ambient light.
Extra-islet cells expressing insulin or glucagon in the pancreas of young organ donors
Authors: Granlund Louise , Korsgren Olle , Skog Oskar , Lundberg Marcus
Published: June 2024

Aims

The existence of insulin- or glucagon-expressing extra-islet endocrine cells scattered in the pancreas is well-known, but they have been sparsely characterized. The aim of this study was to examine their density, distribution, transcription-factor expression, and mitotic activity in young non-diabetic subjects.

Methods

Multispectral imaging was used to examine PDX1, ARX, Ki67, insulin and glucagon in extra-islet endocrine cells in pancreatic tissue from organ donors aged 1–25 years.

Results

Extra-islet insulin- or glucagon-positive cells were frequent in all donors (median 17.3 and 22.9 cells/mm2 respectively), with an insulin:glucagon cell ratio of 0.9. The density was similar regardless of age. PDX1 localized mainly to insulin-, and ARX mainly to glucagon-positive cells but, interestingly, many of the cells were negative for both transcription factors. Double-hormone-positive cells were rare but found in all age groups, as were insulin-positive cells expressing ARX and glucagon-positive cells expressing PDX1. Extra-islet endocrine cells with Ki67 expression were present but rare (0–2%) in all age groups.

Conclusions

Extra-islet endocrine cells are more frequent than islets. The preserved extra-islet cell density during pancreas volume-expansion from childhood- to adulthood indicates that new cells are formed, possibly from replication as cells with mitotic activity were discovered. The lack of transcription-factor expression in many cells indicates that they are immature, newly formed or plastic. This, together with the mitotic activity, suggests that these cells could play an important role in the expansion of beta-cell mass in situations of increasing demand, or in the turnover of the endocrine cell population.
Insights into Predicting Tooth Extraction from Panoramic Dental Images: Artificial Intelligence vs. Dentists
Authors: Motmaen Ila , Xie Kunpeng , Schönbrunn Leon , Berens Jeff , Grunert Kim , Plum Anna Maria , Raufeisen Johannes , Ferreira André , Hermans Alexander , Egger Jan , Hölzle Frank , Truhn Daniel , Puladi Behrus
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Tooth extraction is one of the most frequently performed medical procedures. The indication is based on the combination of clinical and radiological examination and individual patient parameters and should be made with great care. However, determining whether a tooth should be extracted is not always a straightforward decision. Moreover, visual and cognitive pitfalls in the analysis of radiographs may lead to incorrect decisions. Artificial intelligence (AI) could be used as a decision support tool to provide a score of tooth extractability.

Material and methods

Using 26,956 single teeth images from 1,184 panoramic radiographs (PANs), we trained a ResNet50 network to classify teeth as either extraction-worthy or preservable. For this purpose, teeth were cropped with different margins from PANs and annotated. The usefulness of the AI-based classification as well that of dentists was evaluated on a test dataset. In addition, the explainability of the best AI model was visualized via a class activation mapping using CAMERAS.

Results

The ROC-AUC for the best AI model to discriminate teeth worthy of preservation was 0.901 with 2% margin on dental images. In contrast, the average ROC-AUC for dentists was only 0.797. With a 19.1% tooth extractions prevalence, the AI model's PR-AUC was 0.749, while the dentist evaluation only reached 0.589.

Conclusion

AI models outperform dentists/specialists in predicting tooth extraction based solely on X-ray images, while the AI performance improves with increasing contextual information.

Clinical relevance

AI could help monitor at-risk teeth and reduce errors in indications for extractions.
Impact of the ventral hernia working group’s publication: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Maskal Sara M. , de Figueiredo Sergio Mazzola Poli , Weaver Matthew , Schleicher Mary , Tu Chao , Ellis Ryan C. , Woo Kimberly , Fafaj Aldo , Remulla Daphne , Miller Benjamin T. , Petro Clayton C. , Beffa Lucas R.A. , Prabhu Ajita S. , Rosen Michael J.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) proposed a ventral hernia grading guideline, primarily supported by expert opinion, recommending biologic mesh placement in high-risk patients. We investigated the relationship between this industry-sponsored guideline and discourse around ventral hernia repair (VHR).

Methods

Medline platform from Web of Science’s database identified publications “pre-VHWG”(1999-01-01 to 2009-12-31), and “post-VHWG”(2010-01-01 to 2020-12-31) describing VHR and complications or recurrence of VHR with the following comorbidities: COPD, smoking, diabetes, immunosuppression, or obesity. Poisson regression analyzed keyword frequency over time using logarithmically transformed data.

Results

Of 1291 VHR publications identified pre-VHWG and 3041 publications identified post-VHWG, 172 (13.3%) and 642 (21.1%) publications respectively included prespecified keywords. The keyword groups “biologic”(IRR 3.39,95%CI1.34-11.4,p = 0.022) and “comorbid”(IRR 1.95, 95%CI1.09-3.74,p = 0.033) significantly increased with frequency after publication of the VHWG.

Conclusion

The VHWG publication likely contributed to a focus on comorbidities and biologic mesh in the ensuing literature within the field of VHR.
Refined implicit characterization of engineering geology with uncertainties: a divide-and-conquer tactic-based approach
Authors: Li Mingchao , Chen Chuangwei , Liang Hui , Han Shuai , Ren Qiubing , Li Heng
Published: June 2024

In engineering geology, a reasonable assessment of the spatial distribution of uncertainty in a region is vital in guiding research, saving money, and shortening the period. However, the traditional modeling process requires a lot of manual interaction, and the uncertainty of the geological model cannot be accurately quantified and utilized. This paper proposes a novel implicit geological modeling and uncertainty analysis approach based on the triangular prism blocks, which is divided into data point acquisition, ensemble model with divide-and-conquer tactic (EMDCT), uncertainty analysis, and post-processing. By employing machine learning algorithms, the EMDCT gives superior results for implicit modeling. The sensitivity analysis of the prediction results is further evaluated via information entropy. According to the distribution of uncertainty, supplementary boreholes are selected as additional knowledge to retrain the local components of the model to enhance their performances. The implicit modeling method is applied to real hydraulic engineering problems by employing the EMDCT, and the proposed model has obvious advantages in the implicit geological characterization. The overall accuracy in the working area with sparse boreholes reaches 0.922, which is 0.013 higher than the traditional method. By evaluating the distribution of uncertainty, an accuracy of 0.962 can be achieved, which is equivalent to reducing 10 boreholes.
Can hair snares provide a reliable method for estimating abundance of an exotic ungulate?
Authors: Evans Tyler S. , Hileman Eric T. , Boudreau Melanie R. , Strickland Bronson K. , Iglay Raymond B.
Published: June 2024

Mitigating exotic species invasions requires reliable information on abundance and source-sink dynamics to evaluate effectiveness of control efforts. Despite being present in the southeastern United States for centuries, wild pigs (Sus scrofa) continue to invade new areas, including the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (NNWR) in Mississippi, a forested landscape with an emerging wild pig population. Considering the early stage of invasion, we designed and implemented a non-invasive hair sampling technique to estimate abundance and relatedness of wild pigs within the NNWR. Following 8-week sampling periods in 2021 (n = 160 samples) and 2022 (n = 159 samples), we identified 38 and 26 unique individuals, respectively, although recapture rates were too low to yield precise abundance estimates. We also identified low heterozygosity indicating high relatedness among our population which likely reflected lack of barrier features to gene flow and/or a limited number of external source populations. Finally, we observed positive trends in viable samples collected relative to sampling week, suggesting more optimal sampling period(s) may exist (e.g., autumn). We also acknowledge that use of grain in more accessible areas rather than our remote approach using scent-only attractants may increase hair snare attractiveness and wild pig encounters, while permitting increased sampling frequency. Collectively, these modifications (i.e., altered season, bait type, and access) provide viable pathways to increase precision for abundance estimates. When used concomitantly with ongoing monitoring and control efforts, non-invasive hair sampling will contribute to a more holistic understanding of this exotic species and better inform management actions.
Electrospun fiber materials based on polysaccharides and natural colorants for food packaging applications
Authors: Amorim Lúcia F. A. , Mouro Cláudia , Gouveia Isabel C.
Published: June 2024

In response to escalating concerns about environmental pollution from conventional plastic packaging, there is a growing interest in ecological and sustainable materials for food packaging. Consequently, biopolymer-based electrospun materials, particularly polysaccharides such as chitosan (CH), starch, and cellulose, have emerged as promising alternatives to synthetic ones due to their remarkable barrier properties and mechanical strength. Moreover, following the trend of employing polysaccharides as ecological and sustainable solutions for packaging materials, natural colorants have also been recognized as safer alternatives to synthetic dyes, addressing concerns about potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. These natural colorants add color to food packaging and enhance food freshness, possibly extending shelf life and promoting consumers' perception of food quality and safety. Therefore, this review summarizes recent advancements in fabricating and characterizing electrospun materials based on polysaccharides and natural colorants for sustainable food packaging. It explores various electrospinning techniques and highlights the incorporation of natural colorants, including bacterial pigments, for active and intelligent packaging applications. Moreover, it emphasizes the increasing role of the biobased industry in developing sustainable packaging materials with bioactive coloration. Lastly, the review addresses challenges, opportunities, and future research directions.

Graphical Abstract
Play Well Triple P: Developing and Evaluating a Program to Promote Positive Parental Involvement in Junior Sport
Authors: Dittman Cassandra K. , Sanders Matthew R. , Rynne Steven B. , Mallett Clifford J. , Lefebvere Jordan S.
Published: June 2024

Parents play a central role in children’s ongoing participation and enjoyment of sport. Despite compelling evidence that parental behaviour can undermine the quality of children’s experiences in sport, little research has examined whether strategies to support parents to engage in positive sports parenting behaviour are effective. In this paper, we report two studies that had the overall aim of developing, implementing and evaluating a program designed to promote positive parental involvement and improve spectator behaviour in junior rugby league in Australia. Study 1 involved the development of a prototype version of the program, named Play Well Triple P, which was qualitatively evaluated through interviews with 19 parents about their satisfaction with the program. In Study 2, we used feedback from Study 1 to refine the program and develop a pilot version, which was then evaluated in a quasi-experimental feasibility study with 101 parents (mean age = 38.42 years; 72% mothers) of junior rugby league players. The pilot version involved one interactive online module and text messages to reinforce content and prompt strategy implementation across the season. Participation in Play Well Triple P was associated with increased positive sports parenting behaviour and reduced controlling and intrusive sports parenting behaviour, with a trend towards reducing over-reactive parenting practices at home. These findings are discussed in relation to the feasibility of implementing a brief and engaging sports parenting intervention in the context of a broader integrated system designed to facilitate ongoing participation of children in sport.
New families of quaternionic Hadamard matrices
Authors: Barrera Acevedo Santiago , Dietrich Heiko , Lionis Corey
Published: June 2024

A quaternionic Hadamard matrix (QHM) of ordernis an$$n\times n$$n×nmatrixHwith non-zero entries in the quaternions such that$$HH^*=nI_n$$HH∗=nIn, where$$I_n$$Inand$$H^*$$H∗denote the identity matrix and the conjugate-transpose ofH, respectively. A QHM is dephased if all the entries in its first row and first column are 1, and it is non-commutative if its entries generate a non-commutative group. The aim of our work is to provide new constructions of infinitely many (non-commutative dephased) QHMs; such matrices are used by Farkas et al. (IEEE Trans Inform Theory 69(6):3814–3824, 2023) to produce mutually unbiased measurements.
Social media parenting scale: Validity and reliability study
Authors: Subaşı Sibel , Korkmaz Özgen , Kukul Volkan
Published: June 2024

In this study, the concept of social media parenting (SMP) was defined and a scale was developed to measure parents’ perceptions of SMP. Although SMP is referred to as “sharenting” in the literature, given that it has a much broader definition, an attempt was made to define it as a new concept that includes the concept of sharenting. The SMP scale is a five-point Likert-type scale consisting of 28 items that can be grouped under six factors. The study group consisted of 430 parents from different provinces of Türkiye who volunteered to participate in the study. To ensure the scale’s validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, item discrimination analyses, purpose levels, internal consistency levels, and stability analyses were conducted for reliability. It was concluded that the scale obtained from this research is a valid and reliable scale for measuring parents’ perceptions of SMP.
Lipopeptides from Bacillus tequilensis EA-CB0015 and cinnamon extract decrease the bioenergetic response of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense
Authors: Ramírez-Mejía Julieta M. , Villegas-Escobar Valeska , Gómez Luis A.
Published: June 2024

Lipopeptides (LPs) from B. tequilensis EA-CB0015 have antifungal activity against Fusarium species. Specifically, against F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), the cause of Fusarium wilt of banana. Cinnamon (CN) extract is also known for its inhibitory activity against the Fusarium genus. The main goal of this research was to determine whether the effect of LPs and CN extract or their combination against a Foc isolate is related to an impairment of mitochondrial function. Our results show that biomass decreased by 74% (p < 0.0001) and 84% (p < 0.0001) when cultures were treated with 128 ppm LPs and 152.5 ppm CN extract, respectively. In parallel, we found a pronounced impairment of the bioenergetic response. That is, the routine oxygen consumption rate diminished by 55% (p = 0.0148) and 38% (p < 0.0001), respectively. Moreover, the ATP-linked respiratory rate decreased by 63% (p = 0.0461) and 44% (p = 0.0005), while the FCCP-simulated respiratory rate by 63% (p = 0.0255) and 45% (p = 0.0002). Therefore, our data suggest that the altered bioenergetic response observed in cultures of Foc treated with LPs or CN is mainly caused by an impairment of the activity of the respiratory complexes. On the other hand, biomass production was reduced by 80% (p < 0.0001) when cultures were treated with a mixture comprising only 10% LPs and 40% CN extract. Furthermore, ATP-linked and FCCP-stimulated respiratory rates decreased by 62% (p = 0.0024) and 68% (p < 0.0001), respectively under the same conditions. A potentially synergistic antifungal effect of cyclic LPs with a CN extract is suggested.

Graphical Abstract
Engineering recommender systems for modelling languages: concept, tool and evaluation
Authors: Almonte Lissette , Guerra Esther , Cantador Iván , de Lara Juan
Published: June 2024

Recommender systems (RSs) are ubiquitous in all sorts of online applications, in areas like shopping, media broadcasting, travel and tourism, among many others. They are also common to help in software engineering tasks, including software modelling, where we are recently witnessing proposals to enrich modelling languages and environments with RSs. Modelling recommenders assist users in building models by suggesting items based on previous solutions to similar problems in the same domain. However, building a RS for a modelling language requires considerable effort and specialised knowledge. To alleviate this problem, we propose an automated, model-driven approach to create RSs for modelling languages. The approach provides a domain-specific language called Droid to configure every aspect of the RS: the type of the recommended modelling elements, the gathering and preprocessing of training data, the recommendation method, and the metrics used to evaluate the created RS. The RS so configured can be deployed as a service, and we offer out-of-the-box integration with Eclipse modelling editors. Moreover, the language is extensible with new data sources and recommendation methods. To assess the usefulness of our proposal, we report on two evaluations. The first one is an offline experiment measuring the precision, completeness and diversity of recommendations generated by several methods. The second is a user study – with 40 participants – to assess the perceived quality of the recommendations. The study also contributes with a novel evaluation methodology and metrics for RSs in model-driven engineering.
A de Broglie–Bohm Model of Pure Shape Dynamics: N-Body system
Authors: Farokhi Pooya , Koslowski Tim , Naranjo Pedro , Vassallo Antonio
Published: June 2024

We provide the construction of a de Broglie–Bohm model of the N-body system within the framework of Pure Shape Dynamics. The equation of state of the curve in shape space is worked out, with the instantaneous shape being guided by a wave function. In order to get a better understanding of the dynamical system, we also give some numerical analysis of the 3-body case. Remarkably enough, our simulations typically show the attractor-driven behaviour of complexity, well known in the classical case, thereby providing further evidence for the claim that the arrow of complexity is the ultimate cause of the experienced arrow of time.
The role of PCSK9 in heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases—mechanisms of action beyond its effect on LDL cholesterol
Authors: Dutka Mieczysław , Zimmer Karolina , Ćwiertnia Michał , Ilczak Tomasz , Bobiński Rafał
Published: June 2024

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) is a protein that regulates low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol metabolism by binding to the hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR), ultimately leading to its lysosomal degradation and an increase in LDL cholesterol (LDLc) levels. Treatment strategies have been developed based on blocking PCSK9 with specific antibodies (alirocumab, evolocumab) and on blocking its production with small regulatory RNA (siRNA) (inclisiran). Clinical trials evaluating these drugs have confirmed their high efficacy in reducing serum LDLc levels and improving the prognosis in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Most studies have focused on the action of PCSK9 on LDLRs and the subsequent increase in LDLc concentrations. Increasing evidence suggests that the adverse cardiovascular effects of PCSK9, particularly its atherosclerotic effects on the vascular wall, may also result from mechanisms independent of its effects on lipid metabolism. PCSK9 induces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines contributing to inflammation within the vascular wall and promotes apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes and is thus involved in the development and progression of heart failure. The elimination of PCSK9 may, therefore, not only be a treatment for hypercholesterolaemia but also for atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms of action of PCSK9 in the cardiovascular system are not yet fully understood. This article reviews the current understanding of the mechanisms of PCSK9 action in the cardiovascular system and its contribution to cardiovascular diseases. Knowledge of these mechanisms may contribute to the wider use of PCSK9 inhibitors in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Space Analysis in Palaeolithic Cave Art: Towards a Multidisciplinary and Integrated Approach
Authors: Spaey Olga , Garate Diego , Irurtzun Aritz
Published: June 2024

We present a revision of the concept of space in Palaeolithic cave art. Previous research attempting to approach this notion encounters several gaps, which surface on multiple levels: subjectivity, vagueness, restrictions on its conceptualisation, its illustration (two-dimensional description and representation), among others. We reassess the key elements at play, interpretative attempts, and theoretical concepts to gain a better understanding of the notion of space as applied to cave art. This is achieved by examining the historiography not only in prehistory but also in related disciplines, integrating new theoretical approaches and insights from ethnoarchaeology, linguistics, cognitive science, and analytic philosophy. Following this analysis of the existing research, we propose a new method to address the aforementioned issues. This method relies on digital quantitative tools for spatial analysis and three-dimensional representation, such as geographic information systems (GIS) and 3D visualisation. Through the application of these advanced technological tools, we aim to offer a more comprehensive and precise representation of the spatial aspects in Palaeolithic cave art, enabling researchers to analyse and comprehend the complexities of spatial distribution in a systematic and quantitative manner.
Direct Drive Laser Fusion Facility and Pilot Plant
Authors: McGeoch Malcolm W. , Obenschain Stephen P.
Published: June 2024

Direct-drive laser inertial fusion is a potential producer of baseline power that has increased credibility following the achievement at the National Ignition Facility of ignition and net gain using indirect-drive via laser-produced X-rays. Ultraviolet broad band lasers such as argon fluoride, at 193 nm and 10 THz, are predicted by hydrocode simulations to enable energy gains greater than 100 with laser energies less than 0.5 MJ, stimulating renewed reactor design effort in anticipation of experimental verification. The present study attempts to create a reactor design with very few unknowns in materials, corrosion, first wall viability, tritium breeding and ease of servicing. A new variant of magnetic intervention has an increased ion dump surface area combined with a simple structure. Around an inner vacuum vessel an all-ceramic tritium breeder blanket is possible in an unconstrained volume, allowing helium coolant to be used without excessive pressure or flow power. The case is made for development of a lead (Pb) ceramic as the neutron multiplier.
Solution combustion synthesis of iron-based magnetic nanoparticles: influence of inert gas pressure
Authors: Hambardzumyan Davit , Gyulasaryan Harutyun , Kuzanyan Astghik , Sargsyan Armenuhi , Avagyan Vardges , Kubrin Stanislav , Manukyan Aram , Mukasyan Alexander S.
Published: June 2024

We report the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles using solution combustion synthesis, focusing on the controlled manipulation of material characteristics, such as particle size, phase composition, and magnetic properties, by applying external inert gas pressure. It was shown that variation of nitrogen gas pressure in the reactor in the range 0.1 to 1.1 MPa changed the time-temperature history of the process and resulted in the gradual change of phase composition of the fabricated materials along the FeO → FeO∙Fe2O3 → Fe2O3 route. The particle size varied in the 50–400 nm range, with a maximum for powder synthesized at a pressure of 0.25 MPa. For magnetic fluid hyperthermia, the critical parameter is specific loss power. It was demonstrated that this parameter can be optimized by gas pressure variation. The maximum specific loss power measured under conditions suitable for magnetic hyperthermia (magnetic field 33.5 mT and frequency 259.6 kHz) appears to be 174 W/g. The proposed innovative approach is an effective tool for controlling the synthesis of various nanoparticles with desired properties.
The irrationality of human confidence that an ageless existence would be better
Authors: Levin Susan B.
Published: June 2024

Transhumanists and their fellow travelers urge humanity to prioritize the development of biotechnologies that would eliminate aging, delivering ‘an endless summer of literally perpetual youth.’ Aspiring not to age instantiates what philosopher Martha Nussbaum calls the yearning for ‘external transcendence,’ or the fundamental surpassing of human bounds due to confidence that life without them would be better. Based on Immanuel Kant’s account of the parameters of human understanding, I argue that engineering agelessness could not be a rational priority for humanity on the level of public policy. This stance is complemented by an argument focused on individual decision-making in liberal-democratic milieus, where no governing conception of the good is presumed and the first-personal level matters greatly. Here, drawing on philosopher and cognitive scientist Laurie Ann Paul’s concept of ‘transformative experience,’ I maintain that individuals could not ‘rationally,’ meaning, here, ‘prudentially,’ say ‘yes’ to agelessness. Absorbing the irrationality of human zeal to eliminate aging, based on assurance that an ageless existence would be better, should spur a redoubled dedication to human flourishing.
A Teleological Approach to Information Systems Design
Authors: Fumagalli Mattia , Ferrario Roberta , Guizzardi Giancarlo
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the design and production of information systems have seen significant growth. However, these information artefacts often exhibit characteristics that compromise their reliability. This issue appears to stem from the neglect or underestimation of certain crucial aspects in the application of Information Systems Design (ISD). For example, it is frequently difficult to prove when one of these products does not work properly or works incorrectly (falsifiability), their usage is often left to subjective experience and somewhat arbitrary choices (anecdotes), and their functions are often obscure for users as well as designers (explainability). In this paper, we propose an approach that can be used to support the analysis and re-(design) of information systems grounded on a well-known theory of information, namely, teleosemantics. This approach emphasizes the importance of grounding the design and validation process on dependencies between four core components: the producer (or designer), the produced (or used) information system, the consumer (or user), and the design (or use) purpose. We analyze the ambiguities and problems of considering these components separately. We then present some possible ways in which they can be combined through the teleological approach. Also, we debate guidelines to prevent ISD from failing to address critical issues. Finally, we discuss perspectives on applications over real existing information technologies and some implications for explainable AI and ISD.
In the Craftsman’s Garden: AI, Alan Turing, and Stanley Cavell
Authors: O’Connor Marie Theresa
Published: June 2024

There is rising skepticism within public discourse about the nature of AI. By skepticism, I mean doubt about what we know about AI. At the same time, some AI speakers are raising the kinds of issues that usually really matter in analysis, such as issues relating to consent and coercion. This essay takes up the question of whether we should analyze a conversation differently because it is between a human and AI instead of between two humans and, if so, why. When is it okay, for instance, to read the phrases “please stop” or “please respect my boundaries” as meaning something other than what those phrases ordinarily mean – and what makes it so? If we ignore denials of consent, or put them in scare quotes, we should have a good reason. This essay focuses on two thinkers, Alan Turing and Stanley Cavell, who in different ways answer the question of whether it matters that a speaker is a machine. It proposes that Cavell’s work on the problem of other minds, in particular Cavell’s story in The Claim of Reason of an automaton whom he imagines meeting in a craftsman’s garden, may be especially helpful in thinking about how to analyze what AI has to say.
Rope–sheave contact transient analysis in hoisting operations with a bristle model and an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian approach
Authors: Escalona José L.
Published: June 2024

This paper describes the development of a computational model for the rope–sheave contact interaction in reeving systems when the ropes are modeled with an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian approach. This discretization approach has been developed in previous publications as a general and systematic method for the modeling and simulation of reeving systems. However, the rope–sheave contact model was avoided assuming the no-slip contact condition. The contact model developed in this paper introduces specialized ALE-ANCF-cubic rope contact elements that are used to discretize the rope segment winded at the sheave. The contact is modeled using a set of virtual discrete bristles attached to material points in the mid-line of the rope in one end and in contact with the sheave in the other end. Therefore, a second Lagrangian mesh, apart of the ALE mesh used to discretize the rope, is used to define the fixed ends of the bristles. The kinematics and dynamics used to calculate the normal and tangential contact forces are described in detail. The contact model is 3D and can be used to analyze the contact with a sheave groove with arbitrary shape. The tangential contact force model can be used to describe stick and slip contact conditions and, to improve the simulation performance of the model, an LuGre regularization tangential contact force model is used. The rope-sheave contact model is used to analyze the behavior of a simple elevator system. The numerical results show that the static rope-sheave contact interaction agrees well with an analytical solution of the problem. Finally, the same elevator system is analyzed dynamically for a cabin ride of 8 meters with a steady velocity of 1 m/s. Results show that the normal and tangential contact forces during the steady velocity period are not so different from the static solution, but very different from the classical Creep Theory and Firbank’s Theory.
Predictive Modeling of Canadian Carbonatite-Hosted REE +/− Nb Deposits
Authors: Parsa Mohammad , Lawley Christopher J. M. , Cumani Renato , Schetselaar Ernst , Harris Jeff , Lentz David R. , Zhang Steven E. , Bourdeau Julie E.
Published: June 2024

Carbonatites are the primary geological sources for rare earth elements (REEs) and niobium (Nb). This study applies machine learning techniques to generate national-scale prospectivity models and support mineral exploration targeting of Canadian carbonatite-hosted REE +/− Nb deposits. Extreme target feature label imbalance, diverse geological settings hosting these deposits throughout Canada, selecting negative labels, and issues regarding the interpretability of some machine learning models are major challenges impeding data-driven prospectivity modeling of carbonatite-hosted REE +/− Nb deposits. A multi-stage framework, exploiting global hierarchical tessellation model systems, data-space similarity measures, ensemble modeling, and Shapley additive explanations was coupled with convolutional neural networks (CNN) and random forest to meet the objectives of this work. A risk–return analysis was further implemented to assist with model interpretation and visualization. Multiple models were compared in terms of their predictive ability and their capability of reducing the search space for mineral exploration. The best-performing model, derived using a CNN that incorporates public geoscience datasets, exhibits an area under the curve for receiver operating characteristics plot of 0.96 for the testing labels, reducing the search area by 80%, while predicting all known carbonatite-hosted REE +/− Nb occurrences. The framework used in our study allows for an explicit definition of input vectors and provides a clear interpretation of outcomes generated by prospectivity models.
Multi-objective Evolutionary Neural Architecture Search for Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Booysen Reinhard , Bosman Anna Sergeevna
Published: June 2024

Artificial neural network (NN) architecture design is a nontrivial and time-consuming task that often requires a high level of human expertise. Neural architecture search (NAS) serves to automate the design of NN architectures and has proven to be successful in automatically finding NN architectures that outperform those manually designed by human experts. NN architecture performance can be quantified based on multiple objectives, which include model accuracy and some NN architecture complexity objectives, among others. The majority of modern NAS methods that consider multiple objectives for NN architecture performance evaluation are concerned with automated feed forward NN architecture design, which leaves multi-objective automated recurrent neural network (RNN) architecture design unexplored. RNNs are important for modeling sequential datasets, and prominent within the natural language processing domain. It is often the case in real world implementations of machine learning and NNs that a reasonable trade-off is accepted for marginally reduced model accuracy in favour of lower computational resources demanded by the model. This paper proposes a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm-based RNN architecture search method. The proposed method relies on approximate network morphisms for RNN architecture complexity optimisation during evolution. The results show that the proposed method is capable of finding novel RNN architectures with comparable performance to state-of-the-art manually designed RNN architectures, but with reduced computational demand.