bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicted yield and detectability of GW events from the IllustrisTNG simulations
Authors: Niu Luchang , Zhang Tiangang , Zhang Kun , Li Yiting
Published: July 2024

The forthcoming generation of space-based gravitational wave (GW) observatories promises robust capabilities for multi-bandwidth measurements, particularly for the study of supermassive black holes (SMBHs). In this research, we employ the IllustrisTNG simulation to investigate GW signals originating from SMBHs. Our approach involves extracting the merger history of black holes (BHs) from the simulation data and utilizing a phenomenological waveform model to calculate the GW strains, signal-to-noise ratios and event rates. Notably, detectors like LISA, Taiji, and Tianqin demonstrate the potential to detect SMBHs with masses exceeding approximately 106
M
⨀, and exhibit the capability to detect one merger in the Merger-Ringdown phase and one merger in the Inspiral phase annually, at redshifts reaching up to z∼6.
On propagation of gradual and impulsive Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)
Authors: Mohamad Ansor N , Hamidi Z S , Shariff N N M
Published: July 2024

Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) is a significant solar activity that releases magnetic field and plasma out of the corona and they are known as the main driver of space weather. In general, CMEs are characterized as gradual and impulsive based on their kinematic properties that include velocity and acceleration. This paper is aimed to analyze the differences in behaviour of gradual and impulsive CME based on recent events (dates) in solar cycle 25 and to justify their characterizations that have been demonstrated a while ago. Data analysis is conducted by studying the height-time, height-velocity and height-acceleration profiles for each event, based on SOHO LASCO Catalogue. Results show that impulsive CME travels a lot faster than gradual CME, with average velocity of 1239 km/s and 503.6 km/s respectively. It is believed that M6.7 flare accompanying the impulsive CME has been the main reason to high velocity due to its ability to contribute more heat energy and enhances the energy conversion during magnetic reconnection. Deceleration is observed in impulsive CME that is caused by the loss of momentum as interacting with the background solar wind and small-scale acceleration is manifested by gradual CME all through the propagation.
Dynamical concurrence of initially separable bipartite system immersed in N-qubit environment
Authors: Alporha R , Sese L J , Gammag R
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we calculate the concurrence for two entangled qubits that are immersed in either a homogeneous or a heterogeneous N-qubit environment. The concurrence for the discrete homogeneous environment was found to behave periodically depending on the interaction strengths ω

S
1
S
2
and Γ. For the case of a heterogeneous environment, we set the interaction strength Γ
Siεk

as uniformly random. This case mimics of a noisy environment as it illustrates an asymptotic decay of entanglement. The sudden death behavior found in the heterogenous case becomes more prominent for larger N number of qubit environments, and no other entanglement is found as time t → ∞.
Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization for Coordinated Robust Configuration of Photovoltaic Energy Storage in Distribution Network
Authors: Yin Zhi , Li Chao , Ouyang Lilin , Liu Chensong
Published: July 2024

This paper focuses on examining the coordination and optimization of photovoltaic energy storage systems within distribution networks. It introduces a configuration approach utilizing the Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization (DPSO) algorithm and validates its efficacy through simulation experiments. Initially, the research establishes a coordinated optimization framework for photovoltaic energy storage, accounting for uncertainties like light intensity fluctuations and load variations. The primary objective is to minimize the system’s overall operational costs. To address this optimization challenge, the study employs the DPSO algorithm. By seeking out the best configuration of photovoltaic generation and energy storage units, it achieves a multi-faceted optimization encompassing economic efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Simulation outcomes reveal that the proposed DPSO algorithm exhibits notable strengths in solution quality, convergence rate, robustness, and adaptability. When benchmarked against other algorithms, the DPSO method demonstrates a shorter runtime, improved by approximately 32%. Moreover, it attains a high solution quality, exceeding 92%. These findings underscore the algorithm’s proficiency in swiftly identifying superior solutions. Overall, this research offers valuable insights for optimizing the design and operation of photovoltaic energy storage systems within distribution networks.
Design and optimization of a circuit for ECG signal processing using 180nm technology
Authors: Lu Jinshan , Sun Yimeng , Yuan Tiancan
Published: July 2024

In the medical industry, electrocardiogram (ECG) plays a decisive role in helping people diagnose different diseases. This article applies the designed high-performance differential amplifier to the amplification and denoising of ECG signals, using TSMC 180nm CMOS process and a 1.8V power supply. The differential pair is used to suppress common-mode signals and amplify differential effective signals. The tail current stabilizes the working status of the device and helps achieve a better common mode rejection ratio and linearity. Considering actual manufacturing, the ideal current source in the circuit is replaced with a proportional current mirror (composed using MOS transistors) and a linear resistor, even though the ideal current source works better. This article uses CoolSpice to design schematics and simulations and build different circuits to test various parameters, including gain, input common mode range, DC output swing, etc. What is unique is that the circuit is finally connected to the human body model to observe the ECG results. When optimizing, it is very efficient to use Excel to list and process the data obtained from the simulation in CoolSpice into a line chart. After this, the aspect ratios of transistors and tail current are modified to find excellent differential mode gain, common-mode gain, common-mode rejection ratio, power consumption and bandwidth, which are 46.14dB, −45.46dB, 91.6, 36μW and 77.45MHz respectively. For application scenarios with wider bandwidth and lower power consumption, these parameters are also found, which are 42.74dB, −47.07dB, 89.81, 27μW and 144.36MHz respectively.
Optimization of Reinforcement Learning Algorithms for Addressing the Linear Function Fitting Challenge in the Electric Power Internet of Things
Authors: Wang Chunxin , Lu Yang , Shan Guodong , Qu Wenyu , Xu Jun
Published: July 2024

With the rapid development of the Electric Power Internet of Things (EPIoT), effectively utilizing reinforcement learning algorithms for optimizing energy management and distribution has become crucial. This paper aims to explore and address one of the primary challenges when applying reinforcement learning algorithms in the context of EPIoT: the issue of linear function fitting. Firstly, we analyze the complexity of data processing in the EPIoT and why standard reinforcement learning algorithms perform poorly in this environment. Subsequently, this research proposes an improved reinforcement learning framework that enhances the accuracy and efficiency of the algorithm in handling large-scale, high-dimensional data by optimizing the linear function fitting process. We validate the performance of the proposed algorithm through a series of experiments using real-world power data. The experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in accuracy and computational speed compared to traditional methods. Finally, this paper discusses the limitations of the study and future research directions, providing new perspectives and ideas for further research in the Electric Power Internet of Things.
Design and optimization of 1 × 8 PLC splitter with backpropagation neural networks and genetic algorithm
Authors: Wan Qiangwei , Zheng Yu , Ouyang Xinyu , Li Zetong , Duan Ji’an
Published: July 2024

The planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitter serves as a crucial component in fiber-to-the-home. Diverse applications in complex scenarios necessitate a variety of PLC splitters, thereby escalating the complexity of their design. A novel optimization method based on orthogonal experimental design integrating a backpropagation neural network with a genetic algorithm is proposed. The optimization results demonstrate that for the 1 × 8 PLC splitter example, the insertion loss (IL), wavelength-dependent loss (WDL), and uniformity loss (UL) of the designed device are 9.2202 dB, 0.0915 dB, and 0.0914 dB, respectively. Compared to the previous results obtained using a single-parameter optimization method, which yielded an IL, WDL, and UL of 9.5 dB, 0.35 dB, and 0.30 dB respectively, there is a significant performance improvement.
Adaptive fine-tuning based transfer learning for the identification of MGMT promoter methylation status
Authors: Schmitz Erich , Guo Yunhui , Wang Jing
Published: July 2024

Background. Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive form of malignant brain tumor with a generally poor prognosis. O
6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation has been shown to be a predictive bio-marker for resistance to treatment of GBM, but it is invasive and time-consuming to determine methylation status. There has been effort to predict the MGMT methylation status through analyzing MRI scans using machine learning, which only requires pre-operative scans that are already part of standard-of-care for GBM patients. Purpose. To improve the performance of conventional transfer learning in the identification of MGMT promoter methylation status, we developed a 3D SpotTune network with adaptive fine-tuning capability. Using the pretrained weights of MedicalNet with the SpotTune network, we compared its performance with a randomly initialized network for different combinations of MR modalities. Methods. Using a ResNet50 as the base network, three categories of networks are created: (1) A 3D SpotTune network to process volumetric MR images, (2) a network with randomly initialized weights, and (3) a network pre-trained on MedicalNet. These three networks are trained and evaluated using a public GBM dataset provided by the University of Pennsylvania. The MRI scans from 240 patients are used, with 11 different modalities corresponding to a set of perfusion, diffusion, and structural scans. The performance is evaluated using 5-fold cross validation with a hold-out testing dataset. Results. The SpotTune network showed better performance than the randomly initialized network. The best performing SpotTune model achieved an area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUC), average precision of the precision-recall curve (AP), sensitivity, and specificity values of 0.6604, 0.6179, 0.6667, and 0.6061 respectively. Conclusions. SpotTune enables transfer learning to be adaptive to individual patients, resulting in improved performance in predicting MGMT promoter methylation status in GBM using equivalent MRI modalities as compared to a randomly initialized network.
On physical measures of multi-singular hyperbolic vector fields
Authors: Crovisier Sylvain , Wang Xiaodong , Yang Dawei , Zhang Jinhua
Published: July 2024

Bonatti and da Luz have introduced the class of multi-singular hyperbolic vector fields to characterize systems whose periodic orbits and singularities do not bifurcate under perturbation (called star vector fields).

In this paper, we study the Sinaï-Ruelle-Bowen measures for multi-singular hyperbolic vector fields: in a

C
1

C^1

open and

C
1

C^1

dense subset of multi-singular hyperbolic vector fields, each

C
∞

C^\infty

one admits finitely many physical measures whose basins cover a full Lebesgue measure subset of the manifold. Similar results are also obtained for

C
1

C^1

generic multi-singular hyperbolic vector fields.
The infinitesimal earthquake theorem for vector fields on the circle
Authors: Diaf Farid
Published: July 2024

We prove that any continuous vector field on a circle is the extension in a suitable sense, of a unique infinitesimal earthquake of the hyperbolic plane. Furthermore, we obtain other extension results when the vector field is assumed only to be upper or lower semicontinuous. This leads to a generalization of Kerckhoff’s and Gardiner’s infinitesimal earthquake theorems to a broader setting, using a completely novel approach. The proof is based on the geometry of the dual of Minkowski three-space, also called Half-pipe three-geometry. In this way, we obtain a simple characterization of Zygmund vector fields on the circle in terms of width of convex hulls.
Perception, Vision and Causation
Authors: Snowdon Paul F
Published: July 2024

The causal theory of perception advanced by H. P. Grice, P. F. Strawson, and others affirms three claims: (1) if a subject (S) sees a public object (O) then O causally affects S; (2) if S sees O then O produces in S a state reportable in a sentence beginning ‘It looks to S as if … ’ (looks-state), where these words are interpreted phenomenologically; and (3) claims (1) and (2) represent requirements of our concept of vision. Against this theory, it is argued here that visual perception does not depend on a casual relation between looks-states and objects perceived. This, it is argued, is because to be in a looks-state is either to be in a state that is independent of surrounding objects or to be in a state that involves the surrounding objects. If this disjunctivism about visual perception is true, then the causal theory is false.
How to Interpret ‘Direct Perception’
Authors: Snowdon Paul F
Published: July 2024

Do our perceptual experiences enable us to directly perceive external objects? What is it to perceive something “directly”? Some philosophers have failed to avoid running together an epistemological with a non-epistemological way of understanding the phrase ‘direct perception’ (or ‘directly perceives’). The present essay explores a non-epistemological interpretation which identifies the direct object of perception as the direct object of demonstrative thought. Roughly, on the view offered here, a subject, S, perceives an object, O, if and only if S can demonstratively identify O. Against this backdrop, an interpretation of the phrase ‘naïve realism’ and an answer to the argument from illusion are proposed.
The Formulation of DisjunctivismA Response to Fish
Authors: Snowdon Paul F
Published: July 2024

William Fish proposes that we need to elucidate what ‘disjunctivism’ stands for, and he also proposes that it stands for the rejection of a principle about the nature of experience that he calls the decisiveness principle. The present chapter argues that his first proposal is reasonable, but then argues, in §II, that his positive suggestion does not draw the line between disjunctivism and non-disjunctivism in the right place. In §III, it is argued that disjunctivism is a thesis about the special nature of perceptual experience, and the thesis as elucidated here is then distinguished from and related to certain other ideas about perception, namely, direct realism and also McDowell’s epistemological disjunctivism.
Perceptual Concepts as Non-Causal Concepts
Authors: Snowdon Paul F
Published: July 2024

The question discussed is whether our perceptual concepts should be thought of as causal concepts. The notion of a causal concept is clarified, as is the nature of the question, and it is argued that there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that perceptual concepts are causal concepts. It is also argued that in the nature of the case it is very hard to demonstrate that the concepts are non-causal. Part of the evidence considered is that provided in earlier publications by Bill Child. An alternative, although partial, treatment of these concepts is sketched.
Rule-Following, Meaning, and Content
Authors: Miller Alexander
Published: July 2024

This chapter explores the relations between the notions of rule-following, linguistic meaning, and intentional content. It first outlines Paul Boghossian’s intuitive ACER model of rule-following, according to which following a rule R involves accepting R such that one’s behaviour counts as correct or incorrect relative to R and is sometimes rationally explained in terms of that acceptance. It extends the ACER model to meaningful language use and intentional action generally. It then argues that meaningful use of language is analogous to a rule-guided activity to the extent that arguments about the possibility and nature of rule-following can deliver conclusions about the possibility and nature of linguistic understanding; it also argues that the life of the mind is analogous to a rule-guided activity to the extent that arguments about the possibility and nature of rule-following are capable of delivering conclusions about the possibility and nature of intentional content. It responds to a recent argument that the later Wittgenstein rejects the idea that speaking a language is a rule-guided activity.
Appetite (Epithumia)
Authors: Pearson Giles
Published: July 2024

This chapter considers the puzzling status of appetite (epithumia) for Aristotle’s account of the emotions. This appears on several of Aristotle’s lists of emotions, but does not receive separate discussion in his catalogue of emotions in Rhetoric II. Also, elsewhere, Aristotle seems to view appetite as one of his three species of desire (alongside, thumos (spirit), and boulēsis (rational desire or wish)). It is argued that, appearances to the contrary notwithstanding, there is good evidence that Aristotle thinks appetite can count as an emotion in the Rhetoric. And it is argued that we can make sense of this if we envisage him as holding that (at least one category of) appetites can be construed along the lines of anger, viz. as involving both a representational distress (an emotion) and a desire. In appetite’s case, the representational distress concerns not a perceived slight, but a perceived lack, discomfort, or bodily pain.
Truce, Negotiations, and Damietta’s Fall, September–November 1219
Authors: Marvin Laurence W
Published: July 2024

Chapter 5 covers the truce requested by al-Kamil after Fariskur from early September 1219, Damietta’s fall, and the taking of Tinnīs. The sultan wished to end the war as he anticipated famine because the Nile’s annual flood failed. He also expected crusader reinforcements, though many veterans also departed. Al-Kamil broke the truce by attacking the Latin Christians’ west bank defenses. The two sides negotiated throughout to end the fighting, though both dissembled. Eventually al-Kamil offered to return the True Cross, restore most of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, including Jerusalem, and pay tribute for fortresses he could not return. Crusader opinion was divided. Some thought accepting the terms would achieve the grand strategic goal of Jerusalem’s return to Latin Christian hands. Others believed it was a ploy to weaken their resolve and that a diplomatic solution discounted the massive casualties and effort the crusaders had expended. By late October Damietta was teetering, and doubts as to a diplomatic solution’s efficacy caused the crusaders to reject al-Kamil’s offer. Al-Kamil unsuccessfully attempted to sneak several hundred men into Damietta. This strengthened crusader resolve to continue until Damietta fell. Before the crusaders mounted one final storm, Pelagius dispatched a small force through an unguarded gate at night and seized the city. No massacre ensued, but the siege had caused thousands of deaths and massive starvation among the population. The crusaders discovered much wealth and foodstuffs, and squabbles broke out over this. In late November the crusaders seized the island city of Tinnīs.
Chromosome-scale genome assembly of the hunt bumble bee, Bombus huntii Greene, 1860, a species of agricultural interest
Authors: Koch Jonathan Berenguer Uhuad , Sim Sheina B , Scheffler Brian , Lozier Jeffrey D , Geib Scott M
Published: July 2024

The Hunt bumble bee, Bombus huntii, is a widely distributed pollinator in western North America. The species produces large colony sizes in captive rearing conditions, experiences low parasite and pathogen loads, and has been demonstrated to be an effective pollinator of tomatoes grown in controlled environment agriculture systems. These desirable traits have galvanized producer efforts to develop commercial Bombus huntii colonies for growers to deliver pollination services to crops. To better understand Bombus huntii biology and support population genetic studies and breeding decisions, we sequenced and assembled the Bombus huntii genome from a single haploid male. High-fidelity sequencing of the entire genome using PacBio, along with HiC sequencing, led to a comprehensive contig assembly of high continuity. This assembly was further organized into a chromosomal arrangement, successfully identifying 18 chromosomes spread across the 317.4 Mb assembly with a BUSCO score indicating 97.6% completeness. Synteny analysis demonstrates shared chromosome number (n = 18) with Bombus terrestris, a species belonging to a different subgenus, matching the expectation that presence of 18 haploid chromosomes is an ancestral trait at least between the subgenera Pyrobombus and Bombus sensu stricto. In conclusion, the assembly outcome, alongside the minimal tissue sampled destructively, showcases efficient techniques for producing a comprehensive, highly contiguous genome.
QTL discovery for agronomic and quality traits in diploid potato clones using PotatoMASH amplicon sequencing
Authors: Vexler Lea , Leyva-Perez Maria de la O , Konkolewska Agnieszka , Clot Corentin R , Byrne Stephen , Griffin Denis , Ruttink Tom , Hutten Ronald C B , Engelen Christel , Visser Richard G F , Prigge Vanessa , Wagener Silke , Lairy-Joly Gisele , Driesprong Jan-David , Riis Sundmark Ea Høegh , Rookmaker A Nico O , van Eck Herman J , Milbourne Dan
Published: July 2024

We genotyped a population of 618 diploid potato clones derived from six independent potato-breeding programmes from NW-Europe. The diploids were phenotyped for 23 traits, using standardized protocols and common check varieties, enabling us to derive whole population estimators for most traits. We subsequently performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for all traits with SNPs and short-read haplotypes derived from read-backed phasing. In this study, we used a marker platform called PotatoMASH (Potato Multi-Allele Scanning Haplotags); a pooled multiplex amplicon sequencing based approach. Through this method, neighboring SNPs within an amplicon can be combined to generate multiallelic short-read haplotypes (haplotags) that capture recombination history between the constituent SNPs and reflect the allelic diversity of a given locus in a different way than single bi-allelic SNPs. We found a total of 37 unique QTL across both marker types. A core of 10 QTL was detected with SNPs as well as with haplotags. Haplotags allowed to detect an additional 14 QTL not found based on the SNP set. Conversely, the bi-allelic SNP set also found 13 QTL not detectable using the haplotag set. We conclude that both marker types should routinely be used in parallel to maximize the QTL detection power. We report 19 novel QTL for nine traits: Skin Smoothness, Sprout Dormancy, Total Tuber Number, Tuber Length, Yield, Chipping Color, After-cooking Blackening, Cooking Type, and Eye depth.
Overlapping coactivator function is required for transcriptional activation by the Candida glabrata Pdr1 transcription factor
Authors: Conway Thomas P , Simonicova Lucia , Moye-Rowley W Scott
Published: July 2024

Azole resistance in the pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata is a serious clinical complication and increasing in frequency. The majority of resistant organisms have been found to contain a substitution mutation in the Zn2Cys6 zinc cluster-containing transcription factor Pdr1. These mutations typically lead to this factor driving high, constitutive expression of target genes like the ATP-binding cassette transporter-encoding gene CDR1. Overexpression of Cdr1 is required for the observed elevated fluconazole resistance exhibited by strains containing one of these hyperactive PDR1 alleles. While the identity of hyperactive PDR1 alleles has been extensively documented, the mechanisms underlying how these gain-of-function (GOF) forms of Pdr1 lead to elevated target gene transcription are not well understood. We have used a tandem affinity purification-tagged form of Pdr1 to identify coactivator proteins that biochemically purify with the wild-type and 2 different GOF forms of Pdr1. Three coactivator proteins were found to associate with Pdr1: the SWI/SNF complex Snf2 chromatin remodeling protein and 2 different components of the SAGA complex, Spt7 and Ngg1. We found that deletion mutants lacking either SNF2 or SPT7 exhibited growth defects, even in the absence of fluconazole challenge. To overcome these issues, we employed a conditional degradation system to acutely deplete these coactivators and determined that loss of either coactivator complex, SWI/SNF or SAGA, caused defects in Pdr1-dependent transcription. A double degron strain that could be depleted for both SWI/SNF and SAGA exhibited a profound defect in PDR1 autoregulation, revealing that these complexes work together to ensure high-level Pdr1-dependent gene transcription.
spatiAlign: an unsupervised contrastive learning model for data integration of spatially resolved transcriptomics
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liu Lin , Zhang Ying , Li Mei , Fang Shuangsang , Kang Qiang , Chen Ao , Xu Xun , Zhang Yong , Li Yuxiang
Published: July 2024

Background

Integrative analysis of spatially resolved transcriptomics datasets empowers a deeper understanding of complex biological systems. However, integrating multiple tissue sections presents challenges for batch effect removal, particularly when the sections are measured by various technologies or collected at different times.

Findings

We propose spatiAlign, an unsupervised contrastive learning model that employs the expression of all measured genes and the spatial location of cells, to integrate multiple tissue sections. It enables the joint downstream analysis of multiple datasets not only in low-dimensional embeddings but also in the reconstructed full expression space.

Conclusions

In benchmarking analysis, spatiAlign outperforms state-of-the-art methods in learning joint and discriminative representations for tissue sections, each potentially characterized by complex batch effects or distinct biological characteristics. Furthermore, we demonstrate the benefits of spatiAlign for the integrative analysis of time-series brain sections, including spatial clustering, differential expression analysis, and particularly trajectory inference that requires a corrected gene expression matrix.
A ghost moth olfactory prototype of the lepidopteran sex communication
Authors: Tang Rui , Huang Cong , Yang Jun , Rao Zhong-Chen , Cao Li , Bai Peng-Hua , Zhao Xin-Cheng , Dong Jun-Feng , Yan Xi-Zhong , Wan Fang-Hao , Jiang Nan-Ji , Han Ri-Chou
Published: July 2024

Sex role differentiation is a widespread phenomenon. Sex pheromones are often associated with sex roles and convey sex-specific information. In Lepidoptera, females release sex pheromones to attract males, which evolve sophisticated olfactory structures to relay pheromone signals. However, in some primitive moths, sex role differentiation becomes diverged. Here, we introduce the chromosome-level genome assembly from ancestral Himalaya ghost moths, revealing a unique olfactory evolution pattern and sex role parity among Lepidoptera. These olfactory structures of the ghost moths are characterized by a dense population of trichoid sensilla, both larger male and female antennal entry parts of brains, compared to the evolutionary later Lepidoptera. Furthermore, a unique tandem of 34 odorant receptor 19 homologs in Thitarodes xiaojinensis (TxiaOr19) has been identified, which presents overlapped motifs with pheromone receptors (PRs). Interestingly, the expanded TxiaOr19 was predicted to have unconventional tuning patterns compared to canonical PRs, with nonsexual dimorphic olfactory neuropils discovered, which contributes to the observed equal sex roles in Thitarodes adults. Additionally, transposable element activity bursts have provided traceable loci landscapes where parallel diversifications occurred between TxiaOr19 and PRs, indicating that the Or19 homolog expansions were diversified to PRs during evolution and thus established the classic sex roles in higher moths. This study elucidates an olfactory prototype of intermediate sex communication from Himalaya ghost moths.
Playing Regulatory Catch-up? – The Relevance of EDPB Guidelines 2/2023 on the Technical Scope of Art. 5(3) of the ePrivacy Directive
Authors: Idelberger Florian
Published: July 2024

Recently, the European Data Protection Board (the EDPB) released new guidelines on the technical scope of Art. 5(3) of the ePrivacy Directive (the ePD) and held its consultation procedure. These guidelines aim to clarify the scope and details of Art. 5(3), specifically what ‘the storing of information, or to gain access to information stored in the terminal equipment of a subscriber or user’ means on a technical level. This opinion describes the circumstances under which such information may be stored or accessed.

In this contribution I pose the hypothesis that the broadening of the published guidelines is at least in part necessary to prevent the ePD from becoming irrelevant, if only non-covered techniques are to be used. In this opinion, I will first discuss the background of the ePD, provide context for the guidelines and their structure, and then follow and comment on the respective parts of the analysed phrase alongside the analysis of the EDPB. In the end, I will conclude and check if all the latest developments are likely to be caught by the new interpretation according to the technical guidelines, and what this could mean for legal practice.
(311) REVITALIZING VASCULOGENIC ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION MANAGEMENT: A MULTICENTER STUDY INVESTIGATING THE EFFICACY OF LOW-INTENSITY SHOCKWAVE THERAPY IN NONRESPONSIVE PDE5 INHIBITOR PATIENTS
Authors: Palmieri Prof Alessandro , Marino Dr Claudio , Giordano Dr Alessandro , D'Alterio Dr Carlo , Palumbo Dr Fabrizio , Zimarra Dr Assunta , Sansone Dr Catello , Capece Dr Marco
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This multicenter single-arm clinical trial aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of combining Li-ESWT with PDE5-i in vasculogenic ED patients who did not respond to conventional oral treatments.

Methods

A cohort of nonresponsive PDE5-i patients underwent Li-ESWT, consisting of 3000 shockwaves at 0.25 mJ/mm2 and 4–6 Hz frequency, administered twice weekly for 3 weeks. Outcome measures included International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores, Erection Hardness Score (EHS), Sexual Quality of Life-Male (SQOL-M) questionnaires, and penile doppler ultrasound (PDU) results.

Results

Of the 109 participants, 106 (97.2%) completed the treatment and follow-up. Post-Li-ESWT, the mean IIEF-EF score significantly increased (13.47 ± 4.61 vs. 22.07 ± 5.27; p < 0.0001), with 70.7% experiencing clinically significant improvement. Additionally, 67.9% achieved an EHS score ≥ 3, indicating readiness for intercourse, and 34.9% reported a full rigid penis (EHS = 4). Li-ESWT notably enhanced quality of life (SQOL-M: 45.56 ± 8.00 vs. 55.31 ± 9.56; p < 0.0001) and improved penile hemodynamics, as evidenced by increased mean peak systolic velocity (PSV) and decreased mean end-diastolic velocity (EDV) in PDU (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The integration of Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy with Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors emerges as a promising and secure treatment avenue for vasculogenic ED patients resistant to initial oral therapies. This approach not only augments erectile function but also enhances overall quality of life, offering a renewed hope for those grappling with vasculogenic ED challenges.

Conflicts of Interest

We, the undersigned authors, declare that there are no financial or personal relationships with other people or organizations that could have inappropriately influenced our work on this abstract. We have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
(302) THE EFFECTS OF PDE5I ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN ED PATIENTS
Authors: Belladelli Dr Federico , Pozzi Dr Edoardo , Bertini Dr Alessandro , Corsini Dr Christian , Raffo Dr Massimiliano , Negri Dr Fausto , Oddo Dr Marco , Candela Dr Luigi , Capogrosso Dr Paolo , Boeri Dr Luca , d'Arma Alessia , Montorsi Prof Francesco , Salonia Prof Andrea
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are considered among the first-line treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED). Their impact in terms of long-term psychological well-being has been scantly analysed. This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to investigate PDE5i effects on psychological well-being in a cohort of ED patients.

Methods

Complete data from the last 437 sexually active heterosexual men seeking medical help for ED and treated with PDE5i were analysed. Health-significant comorbidities were scored using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). All patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Response to PDE5i therapy was defined as any improvement in IIIEF-Erectile Function domain. Duration of PDE5i use was defined as the time passing from the prescription date to the last visit reporting PDE5i discontinuation or the last follow-up. Likewise, all men completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at baseline and at the last visit. Descriptive statistics and Cox regression model tested the association between PDE5i response and any improvement in BDI scores. Cumulative Incidence (CI) curves were used to define the minimum time needed for BDI score improvements throughout the follow-up.

Results

Median (IQR) age was 55 (43-62) years and BMI was 25.3 (23.1-27.4) kg/m2. 98 (22%) and 77 (18%) men were active smokers and presented with CCI≥1, respectively. The median treatment duration was 12.86 (3.2-51.8) weeks. Overall, 74 (17%) and 31 (7%) patients reported improvement in IIEF-EF score after PDE5i therapy and BDI scores, respectively. At Cox linear regression analysis, response to PDE5i was associated with improvements in BDI scores (HR: 5.47; 95%CI 2.52-11.89; p<0.001) after accounting for age, BMI and CCI. Figure 1 depicts CI curves of BDI score improvements among PDE5i responders and non-responders. At least 12 months of therapy was needed to achieve a 25% probability of BDI score improvement.

Conclusions

Current findings suggest that a 12-month period is needed to observe significant improvement in patients’ psychological well-being.

Conflicts of Interest

None.
(270) CLINICAL RESULTS OF LOW INTENSITY EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE THERAPY (LI-ESWT) AFTER 3 YEARS OF THERAPY
Authors: Polito Dr Massimo , Cormio Dr Angelo , Galosi Prof Andrea B
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To investigate the effects of Low Intensity Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) in patients with Peyronie’s disease (PD) and erectile dysfunction (ED)

Methods

57 patients with a history of PD and DE were enrolled in a retrospective study. All patients were evaluated for DE and LUTS and in all of them penile ultrasound and photographs were performed. Erectile function (EF), pain during erection, plaque size, penile curvature, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed at baseline and at 3 months of follow up. Six weekly treatment sessions were administered. Each LI-ESWT session consisted of 3000 focused shocks waves with a running time ranging from 18 to 25 minutes. EF was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Penile curvature was measured in degrees.

Results

The mean age was 62.8 years. Of the 57 patients, three of them dropped out for other reasons. After 3 months overall patients improved their QoL score. At 3 months patients had an improvement in penile curvature and a decrease in plaque size. Many of them reported a non-painful erection. Interesting outcomes were reported for IIEF-5 score: 3 patients switched from severe to moderate IIEF5, from 9 to 15.3 (p=0.005); 9 patients switched from moderate to slight, from 19.4 to 21.7 (p=0.007). Unfortunately, 3 patients remained with severe DE (p=0.03). The main limitation of this study was that the QoL score questionnaire was not validated.

Conclusions

In patients with PD and DE, LI-ESWT is a safe and efficient treatment that improves patients' quality of life and erectile function.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declaire no conflict of interest.
Salicylic acid accumulation: emerging molecular players and novel perspectives on plant development and nutrition
Authors: Salinas Paula , Velozo Sebastián , Herrera-Vásquez Ariel
Published: July 2024

Salicylic acid (SA) is a central phytohormone that orchestrates genetic and physiological responses involving defense mechanisms against pathogens. This review presents cutting-edge research on emerging molecular players identified within the past 5 years contributing to SA accumulation. Furthermore, we delve into two relatively underexplored domains: the dynamic production of SA throughout the plant life cycle, with a specific focus on senescence, and the intricate interplay between SA, nutrition, and its multifaceted implications on plant development and defense response. This synthesis aims to provide a contemporary and comprehensive understanding of the diverse roles of SA in plant biology.
Damage Control Training: A Cross-sectional Survey of Health care Personnel of French Emergency Medicine Structures
Authors: Bousigues Maud , Pretalli Jean-Baptiste , Vivien Benoit , Lambert Christophe , Outrey Justin , Khoury Abdo
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Terrorist threats are a worldwide phenomenon. The injuries caused with military weapons or explosives are multiple and unusual for civilian care services. Damage control (DC) training has then become a critical need. In response to the November 2015 attacks, the French authorities launched a national DC training campaign for emergency care personnel. The aim was to describe the implementation of DC training campaign and its perception according to the respondent’s profession, DC teaching levels, and the history of terrorist attacks in the last decade of the hospital center’s activities.

Materials and Methods

A survey was distributed to all Casualty Department staff in France. The answers were collected between June 9, 2020 and July 22, 2020. The project was qualified as not involving humans and participation was on voluntary basis. The study is out of the French Jardé law.

Results

Two-thirds of the 1,525 respondents considered themselves trained in DC (emergency physicians [76.8%], nurse anesthetists [68.1%], and ambulance drivers [65.3%]). Less than half considered their theoretical (41.1%) and practical (44.7%) knowledge excellent or good. More than 95% of the untrained personnel wanted to receive this type of training. Trained personnel were in favor of annual refresher training (95.7%) and training for practical applications (95.1%). Personnel at teaching centers were more frequently trained than personnel at nonteaching centers (respectively 75.3% and 64.3%, P < .0001) and had applied their knowledge significantly more often (50.1% vs. 43.4%, P = .038). They often considered their knowledge to be excellent (respectively 50.8% vs. 42.4%, P = .064).

Conclusion

The training of emergency personnel in DC is far from being generalized in France. Among the trained personnel, it was often deemed insufficient, in theory and in practice. There was an inequity of training in favor of those in teaching centers. It is therefore essential that training in DC techniques in France be continued, generalized, improved, and standardized throughout the country in order to guarantee an optimal response from the health care systems in the event of new terrorist attacks.
Fc-enhanced anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-1, doxorubicin, and ultrasound-mediated blood–brain barrier opening: A novel combinatorial immunotherapy regimen for gliomas
Authors: Kim Kwang-Soo , Habashy Karl , Gould Andrew , Zhao Junfei , Najem Hinda , Amidei Christina , Saganty Ruth , Arrieta Víctor A , Dmello Crismita , Chen Li , Zhang Daniel Y , Castro Brandyn , Billingham Leah , Levey Daniel , Huber Olivia , Marques Marilyn , Savitsky David A , Morin Benjamin M , Muzzio Miguel , Canney Michael , Horbinski Craig , Zhang Peng , Miska Jason , Padney Surya , Zhang Bin , Rabadan Raul , Phillips Joanna J , Butowski Nicholas , Heimberger Amy B , Hu Jian , Stupp Roger , Chand Dhan , Lee-Chang Catalina , Sonabend Adam M
Published: July 2024

Background

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive brain cancer that is resistant to conventional immunotherapy strategies. Botensilimab, an Fc-enhanced anti-CTLA-4 antibody (FcE-aCTLA-4), has shown durable activity in “cold” and immunotherapy-refractory cancers.

Methods

We evaluated the efficacy and immune microenvironment phenotype of a mouse analogue of FcE-aCTLA-4 in treatment-refractory preclinical models of glioblastoma, both as a monotherapy and in combination with doxorubicin delivered via low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and microbubbles (LIPU/MB). Additionally, we studied 4 glioblastoma patients treated with doxorubicin, anti-PD-1 with concomitant LIPU/MB to investigate the novel effect of doxorubicin modulating FcγR expressions in tumor-associated macrophages/microglia (TAMs).

Results

FcE-aCTLA-4 demonstrated high-affinity binding to FcγRIV, the mouse ortholog of human FcγRIIIA, which was highly expressed in TAMs in human glioblastoma, most robustly at diagnosis. Notably, FcE-aCTLA-4-mediated selective depletion of intratumoral regulatory T cells (Tregs) via TAM-mediated phagocytosis, while sparing peripheral Tregs. Doxorubicin, a chemotherapeutic drug with immunomodulatory functions, was found to upregulate FcγRIIIA on TAMs in glioblastoma patients who received doxorubicin and anti-PD-1 with concomitant LIPU/MB. In murine models of immunotherapy-resistant gliomas, a combinatorial regimen of FcE-aCTLA-4, anti-PD-1, and doxorubicin with LIPU/MB, achieved a 90% cure rate, that was associated robust infiltration of activated CD8+ T cells and establishment of immunological memory as evidenced by rejection upon tumor rechallenge.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that FcE-aCTLA-4 promotes robust immunomodulatory and anti-tumor effects in murine gliomas and is significantly enhanced when combined with anti-PD-1, doxorubicin, and LIPU/MB. We are currently investigating this combinatory strategy in a clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT05864534).
Estimating and Explaining the Differences in Health Care Seeking by Symptom Burden Among Persons With Presumptive Tuberculosis: Findings From a Population-Based Tuberculosis Prevalence Survey in a High-Burden Setting in India
Authors: Giridharan Prathiksha , Nagarajan Karikalan , Selvaraju Sriram , Frederick Asha , Subbiah Esakkipriya , Mani Sasikumar , Thiruvengadam Kannan , Selvavinayagam T S , Padmapriyadarsini Chandrasekaran ,   Tamil Nadu TB Prevalence Study Group, Murugesan Havenesh , Rajendran Priya , Kumar Makesh , Krishnan Rajendran , Kumaran Paul , Chitra J , Rani V , Venkatesan L , Munivaradhan P , Nithyakumar D , Rameshbabu V , Venkatramana P K , Premkumar N , Joseph Rajkumar S V , Thangaraj T , Devanathan A , Balaji P , Bharath T K , Udayakumar J , Mathew Wilkingson , Arockia Doss John , Vasudevan A , Anbarasan K , Mahesh Kumar M , Kumaravel P , Chandrasekar P , Vasudevan K , Eswaran G , Krishna Bahadur R , Jeeva J , Duraivel E , Karunanidhi R , Kathiravan S
Published: July 2024

Background

There is a lack of research evidence on the quantitative relationship between symptom burden and health care seeking among individuals with presumptive tuberculosis (TB).

Methods

Data were derived from a cross-sectional population-based TB survey conducted between February 2021 and July 2022 in 32 districts of India. Eligible and consented participants (age >15 years) underwent TB symptom screening and history elicitation. Fairlie decomposition analysis was used to estimate the net differences in health care seeking due to varied symptom burden—from 1+ burden (>1 symptom) to 4+ burden (>4 symptoms)—and decomposed by observable covariates based on logit models with 95% CIs.

Results

Of the 130 932 individuals surveyed, 9540 (7.3%) reported at least 1 recent TB symptom, of whom 2678 (28.1%; 95% CI, 27.1%–28.9%) reportedly sought health care. The net differences in health care seeking among persons with symptom burden 1+ to 4+ ranged from 6.6 percentage points (95% CI, 4.8–8.4) to 7.7 (95% CI, 5.2–10.2) as compared with persons with less symptom burden. The presence of expectoration, fatigue, and loss of appetite largely explained health care seeking (range, 0.9–3.1 percentage points [42.89%–151.9%]). The presence of fever, cough, past TB care seeking, weight loss, and chest pain moderately explained (range, 5.3%–25.3%) health care seeking.

Conclusions

Increased symptom burden and symptoms other than the commonly emphasized cough and fever largely explained health care seeking. Orienting TB awareness and risk communications toward symptom burden and illness perceptions could help address population gaps in health care seeking for TB.
Phases and Duality in the Fundamental Kazakov–Migdal Model on the Graph
Authors: Matsuura So , Ohta Kazutoshi
Published: July 2024

We examine the fundamental Kazakov–Migdal (FKM) model on a generic graph, whose partition function is represented by the Ihara zeta function weighted by unitary matrices. The FKM model becomes unstable in the critical strip of the Ihara zeta function. We discover a duality between small and large couplings, associated with the functional equation of the Ihara zeta function for regular graphs. Although the duality is not precise for irregular graphs, we show that the effective action in the large coupling region can be represented by a summation of all possible Wilson loops on a graph similar to that in the small coupling region. We estimate the phase structure of the FKM model in both the small and large coupling regions by comparing it with the Gross–Witten–Wadia model. We further validate the theoretical analysis through detailed numerical simulations.
Transformer models for astrophysical time series and the GRB prompt–afterglow relation
Authors: Boersma Oliver M , Ayache Eliot H , van Leeuwen Joeri
Published: July 2024

Transformer models have recently become very successful in the natural language domain. Their value as sequence-to-sequence translators there also makes them a highly interesting technique for learning relationships between astrophysical time series. Our aim is investigating how well such a transformer neural network can establish causal temporal relations between different channels of a single-source signal. We thus apply a transformer model to the two phases of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), reconstructing one phase from the other. GRBs are unique instances where a single process and event produces two distinct time variable phenomena: the prompt emission and the afterglow. We here investigate if a transformer model can predict the afterglow flux from the prompt emission. If successful, such a predictive scheme might then be distilled to the most important underlying physics drivers in the future. We combine the transformer model with a novel dense neural network set-up to directly estimate the starting value of the prediction. We find that the transformer model can, in some instances, successfully predict different phases of canonical afterglows, including the plateau phase. Hence it is a useful and promising new astrophysical analysis technique. For the GRB test case, the method marginally exceeds the baseline model overall, but still achieves accurate recovery of the prompt–afterglow fluence–fluence correlation in reconstructed light curves. Despite this progress, we conclude that consistent improvement over the baseline model is not yet achieved for the GRB case. We discuss the future improvements in data and modelling that are required to identify new physical-relation parameters or new insights into the single process driving both GRB phases.