bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRAIL: Simulating the impact of human locomotion on natural landscapes
Authors: Alvarado Eduardo , Argudo Oscar , Rohmer Damien , Cani Marie-Paule , Pelechano Nuria
Published: June 2024

Human and animal presence in natural landscapes is initially revealed by the immediate impact of their locomotion, from footprints to crushed grass. In this work, we present an approach to model the effects of virtual characters on natural terrains, focusing on the impact of human locomotion. We introduce a lightweight solution to compute accurate foot placement on uneven ground and infer dynamic foot pressure from kinematic animation data and the mass of the character. A ground and vegetation model enables us to effectively simulate the local impact of locomotion on soft soils and plants over time, resulting in the formation of visible paths. As our results show, we can parameterize various soil materials and vegetation types validated with real-world data. Our method can be used to significantly increase the realism of populated natural landscapes and the sense of presence in virtual applications and games.
Gehirn-Check-up: strukturiertes Vorgehen zur Diagnostik von kognitiven Störungen im hausärztlichen Setting
Authors: Wolski Lucas , Bopp Ann-Kathrin , Schwientek Ann-Kathrin , Langer Sandra , Dogan Vildan , Grimmer Timo
Published: June 2024

Hintergrund

Die anlassbezogene Identifizierung der leichten kognitiven Störung („mild cognitive impairment“, MCI) in der Primärversorgung ist wichtig, um reversible Ursachen zu behandeln oder das Fortschreiten zu einem demenziellen Syndrom zu verlangsamen. Hierzu wurde die Praxistauglichkeit eines Diagnosealgorithmus, im Weiteren als „Gehirn-Check-up“ bezeichnet, untersucht.

Methodik

Mittels eines standardisierten Fragebogens wurden das Nutzungsverhalten und die Praxistauglichkeit des Gehirn-Check-up in n = 37 allgemeinmedizinischen und internistischen Arztpraxen in Deutschland erhoben.

Ergebnisse

Der Gehirn-Check-up wurde von n = 37 Ärzt:innen bei 389 Personen (66 %) durchgeführt. Zu den Barrieren bezüglich der Durchführung zählten: Angst der Betroffenen vor dem Ergebnis, Zeitmangel des Fachpersonals sowie Kosten. Insgesamt bewerteten 73 % der Teilnehmenden den Gehirn-Check-up im Behandlungsalltag als praxistauglich. Lange Wartezeiten auf einen Termin bei neurologischen/psychiatrischen Fachärzt:innen wurden als Hürde für eine optimale Betreuung genannt.

Schlussfolgerung

Der strukturierte Algorithmus Gehirn-Check-up scheint hilfreich in der Primärversorgung zu sein, da dieser unter Routinebedingungen im hausärztlichen Setting praxistauglich ist und dazu beitragen kann, anlassbezogen Patient:innen mit einer MCI leichter zu identifizieren. Um weitere Barrieren besser adressieren zu können, bedarf es jedoch weiterer Machbarkeitsstudien.
Correlation of RANK and RANKL with mammographic density in primary breast cancer patients
Authors: Wunderle Marius , Heindl Felix , Behrens Annika S. , Häberle Lothar , Hack Carolin C. , Heusinger Katharina , Huebner Hanna , Gass Paul , Ruebner Matthias , Schulz-Wendtland Rüdiger , Erber Ramona , Hartmann Arndt , Beckmann Matthias W. , Dougall William C. , Press Michael F. , Fasching Peter A. , Emons Julius
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) and its ligand (RANKL) have been shown to promote proliferation of the breast and breast carcinogenesis. The objective of this analysis was to investigate whether tumor-specific RANK and RANKL expression in patients with primary breast cancer is associated with high percentage mammographic density (PMD), which is a known breast cancer risk factor.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining of RANK and RANKL was performed in tissue microarrays (TMAs) from primary breast cancer samples of the Bavarian Breast Cancer Cases and Controls (BBCC) study. For RANK and RANKL expression, histochemical scores (H scores) with a cut-off value of > 0 vs 0 were established. PMD was measured in the contralateral, non-diseased breast. Linear regression models with PMD as outcome were calculated using common predictors of PMD (age at breast cancer diagnosis, body mass index (BMI) and parity) and RANK and RANKL H scores. Additionally, Spearman rank correlations (ρ) between PMD and RANK and RANKL H score were performed.

Results

In the final cohort of 412 patients, breast cancer-specific RANK and RANKL expression was not associated with PMD (P = 0.68). There was no correlation between PMD and RANK H score (Spearman’s ρ = 0.01, P = 0.87) or RANKL H score (Spearman’s ρ = 0.04, P = 0.41). RANK expression was highest in triple-negative tumors, followed by HER2-positive, luminal B-like and luminal A-like tumors, while no subtype-specific expression of RANKL was found.

Conclusion

Results do not provide evidence for an association of RANK and RANKL expression in primary breast cancer with PMD.
Anterior enterocele after cystectomy: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Schröder Carolin , Plöger Ruben , Knüpfer Stephanie , Tascón Padrón Laura , Ralser Damian J. , Otten Lucia A. , Egger Eva K. , Mustea Alexander , Könsgen Dominique
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Anterior enterocele is a rare but potentially serious complication after cystectomy with heterogeneous treatment options.

Methods

Here we report on the management of a 71-year-old patient with recurrence of anterior enterocele after cystectomy and provide a systematic review of the literature using the PubMed/MEDLINE database.

Results

The 71-year-old patient with recurrence of anterior enterocele after cystectomy was successfully treated with colpocleisis and anterior colporrhaphy at the Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Hospital Bonn. The use of a synthetic mesh was not needed. At 16-month follow-up postoperatively, the patient was asymptomatic and had no signs of recurrence. n = 14 publications including n = 39 patients were identified for the systematic review including case reports and reviews. The median duration of developing an anterior enterocele after cystectomy was 9 months (range 3 months to 8 years). Patients had a median age of 71 years (range 44–84). In all cases, a surgical approach was described using a wide variety of surgical procedures. In total, 36% of all patients developed a recurrence with an average time period of 7 months after primary surgery. A rare complication represents a vaginal evisceration with the need of urgent surgery. Furthermore, the occurrence of a fistula is a possible long-term complication.

Conclusion

Anterior enterocele after cystectomy is a rare complication requiring an individual and interdisciplinary treatment.
Decomposing geographical judgments into spatial, temporal and linguistic components
Authors: Gatti Daniele , Anceresi Giorgia , Marelli Marco , Vecchi Tomaso , Rinaldi Luca
Published: June 2024

When mentally exploring maps representing large-scale environments (e.g., countries or continents), humans are assumed to mainly rely on spatial information derived from direct perceptual experience (e.g., prior visual experience with the geographical map itself). In the present study, we rather tested whether also temporal and linguistic information could account for the way humans explore and ultimately represent this type of maps. We quantified temporal distance as the minimum time needed to travel by train across Italian cities, while linguistic distance was retrieved from natural language through cognitively plausible AI models based on non-spatial associative learning mechanisms (i.e., distributional semantic models). In a first experiment, we show that temporal and linguistic distances capture with high-confidence real geographical distances. Next, in a second behavioral experiment, we show that linguistic information can account for human performance over and above real spatial information (which plays the major role in explaining participants’ performance) in a task in which participants have to judge the distance between cities (while temporal information was found to be not relevant). These findings indicate that, when exploring maps representing large-scale environments, humans do take advantage of both perceptual and linguistic information, suggesting in turn that the formation of cognitive maps possibly relies on a strict interplay between spatial and non-spatial learning principles.
The effectiveness of mind-body therapy and physical training in alleviating depressive symptoms in adult cancer patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Yixian , Huang Ruixin , Zhao Li , He Xingfei , Mao Shanshan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of mind-body therapy (MBT) and/or physical training in alleviating depressive symptoms among adult cancer patients through a meta-analysis.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from up to October 21, 2023. Effect sizes, 95% confidence intervals, and other pertinent values were computed utilizing a random-effects model with Review Manager 5.3 and StataMP 14. The reporting of findings adhered to the guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The PROSPERO registration code for this review is 4,203,477,316.

Results

10 randomized controlled trials (11 datasets) involving a total of 620 participants were selected for analysis. The results demonstrated that complementary therapies, encompassing MBT and physical training, were effective in alleviating depressive symptoms in adult cancer patients (SMD= -0.47; 95%CI: -0.87, -0.08; P = 0.02). Subgroup analysis indicate that physical training may effectively alleviate depressive symptoms (SMD= -0.72; 95%CI: -1.31, -0.13; P = 0.02), demonstrating moderate effect sizes. Conversely, MBT does not seem to significantly influence depressive symptoms (P = 0.69).

Conclusions

Complementary therapy lasting four weeks or more, incorporating physical training and MBT, has been shown to alleviate depressive symptoms in adult cancer patients. And physical training has a significant effect on depressive symptoms, while MBT has no effect. Nevertheless, given the constraints of the included studies, further research is required in the future to provide more robust evidence.
Effectiveness of increasing the scalp cooling duration to prevent alopecia during adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Carton Edith , Blas Anne Mercier , Perret Clément , Le Bihan Marcelle
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Alopecia is a common side-effect of chemotherapy and can be extremely distressing to patients. Scalp cooling can be used to reduce hair loss, but the optimal duration of cooling remains unclear. Our aim was to determine whether increasing the duration of scalp cooling improves hair preservation.

Methods

Patients with HER2-negative, non-metastatic, breast cancer received scalp cooling during adjuvant chemotherapy: three cycles of epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (EC) followed by three cycles of paclitaxel. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A (n=18) wore a Paxman cooling cap during each infusion and for 30 min post-infusion while Group B (n=19) wore the cap from 30 min before to 2 h after each infusion. All patients were asked to complete a questionnaire recording hair loss/regrowth, adverse events, and quality of life. Success of treatment was defined as <50% hair loss.

Results

The success rates after each of the three cycles did not differ significantly between the two groups (EC: Group A: 40%, Group B: 44%; paclitaxel: Group A: 50%, Group B: 36%; p>0.05). Hair regrowth was significantly higher in Group B at the 8-week follow-up, but not at the 6-month follow-up. Head discomfort affected more patients in Group B than in Group A during the first session (94% vs. 62%, respectively; p=0.039).

Conclusion

Long duration scalp cooling during chemotherapy might increase patients’ discomfort and does not appear to improve hair preservation.
An Anisotropic Thermal–Mechanical Coupling Failure Criterion for Slate
Authors: Weng Meng-Chia , Lin Shih-Shiang , Lee Chih-Shan , Wu Wei-Han , Li Jia Han , Liu Chih-Hsi
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the thermal–mechanical behavior of slates in geothermal reservoirs and establishes an anisotropic thermal–mechanical coupling failure criterion. Slate samples obtained from a geothermal site were subjected to a series of direct-shear and triaxial-compression tests at various confining pressures and temperatures. The results showed that the orientation angle within a specific range caused shear sliding failure of the slate, primarily due to foliation strength; beyond this range, intrinsic rock properties led to different failure modes. Elevated temperatures significantly diminished the strength anisotropy of the slate. These findings provided a foundation for the development of an anisotropic thermal–mechanical coupling failure criterion. The validity of the proposed criterion, which incorporates both the orientation angle and thermal degradation effects, was demonstrated through experimental results. A three-dimensional surface diagram was constructed to visualize the relationship between the temperature, orientation angle, and failure principal stress, highlighting the anisotropic thermal-degradation characteristics of the slate under varying confining pressures. This study enhances the understanding of the thermal–mechanical behavior of these materials in geothermal reservoirs.
Identification and characterization of two Bacillus anthracis bacteriophages
Authors: Li Lun , Zhang Huijuan , Jin Haixiao , Guo Jin , Liu Pan , Yang Jiao , Wang Zijian , Zhang Enmin , Yu Binbin , Shi Liyuan , He Jinrong , Wang Peng , Wei Jianchun , Zhong Youhong , Li Wei
Published: June 2024

Anthrax is an acute infectious zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that is considered a potential biological warfare agent. Bacillus bacteriophages shape the composition and evolution of bacterial communities in nature and therefore have important roles in the ecosystem community. B. anthracis phages are not only used in etiological diagnostics but also have promising prospects in clinical therapeutics or for disinfection in anthrax outbreaks. In this study, two temperate B. anthracis phages, vB_BanS_A16R1 (A16R1) and vB_BanS_A16R4 (A16R4), were isolated and showed siphovirus-like morphological characteristics. Genome sequencing showed that the genomes of phages A16R1 and A16R4 are 36,569 bp and 40,059 bp in length, respectively. A16R1 belongs to the genus Wbetavirus, while A16R4 belongs to the genus Hubeivirus and is the first phage of that genus found to lyse B. anthracis. Because these two phages can comparatively specifically lyse B. anthracis, they could be used as alternative diagnostic tools for identification of B. anthracis infections.
A history of depression and prenatal depression are associated with a lower likelihood of breastfeeding initiation and maintenance, and more breastfeeding problems
Authors: Braithwaite Elizabeth C. , Oftedal Aurora , Kaasen Anne , Ayorech Ziada , Bekkhus Mona
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study tests the hypotheses that lifetime history of depression, and prenatal depression, are associated with a reduced likelihood of breastfeeding initiation (giving the baby any breastmilk during the first week of life) and breastfeeding maintenance (giving the baby breastmilk for at least 6 months), and a greater likelihood of reporting breastfeeding problems.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child cohort study (MoBa), N = 78,307. Mothers reported a lifetime history of depression during the second trimester of pregnancy, and current symptoms of depression during the third trimester using the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist short version (SCL-8). At six months postpartum, mothers self-reported breastfeeding initiation, maintenance, and difficulties.

Results

Using binary logistic regression analyses, we report that a lifetime history of depression is associated with a lower likelihood of breastfeeding initiation (OR = 0.751, 95%CI = 0.650–0.938), breastfeeding maintenance (OR = 0.712, 95%CI = 0.669–0.785), and a greater likelihood of breastfeeding difficulties (OR = 1.86, 95%CI = 1.72–2.06). Similarly, prenatal depression was associated with a lower likelihood of breastfeeding initiation (OR = 0.904, 95%CI = 0.878–0.929), breastfeeding maintenance (OR = 0.929, 95%CI = 0.920–0.938), and a greater likelihood of breastfeeding difficulties (OR = 1.10, 95%CI = 1.09–1.12). Results remained largely unchanged when covaried for several confounding variables, including medication use.

Conclusion

We provide novel evidence that pre-conception and prenatal symptoms of depression are associated with breastfeeding outcomes. This information could be used to identify women very early in pregnancy who may need additional support with breastfeeding. There is also a need to fully understand the biopsychosocial mechanisms that mediate the relationship between depression prior to birth and breastfeeding outcomes.
Significance of Dynamic Axial Stretching on Estimating Biomechanical Behavior and Properties of the Human Ascending Aorta
Authors: Parikh Shaiv , Giudici Alessandro , Huberts Wouter , Delhaas Tammo , Bidar Elham , Spronck Bart , Reesink Koen
Published: June 2024

Contrary to most vessels, the ascending thoracic aorta (ATA) not only distends but also elongates in the axial direction. The purpose of this study is to investigate the biomechanical behavior of the ascending thoracic aorta (ATA) in response to dynamic axial stretching during the cardiac cycle. In addition, the implications of neglecting this dynamic axial stretching when estimating the constitutive model parameters of the ATA are investigated. The investigations were performed through in silico simulations by assuming a Gasser–Ogden–Holzapfel (GOH) constitutive model representative of ATA tissue material. The GOH model parameters were obtained from biaxial tests performed on four human ATA tissues in a previous study. Pressure–diameter curves were simulated as synthetic data to assess the effect of neglecting dynamic axial stretching on estimating constitutive model parameters. Our findings reveal a significant increase in axial stress (~ 16%) and stored strain energy (~ 18%) in the vessel when dynamic axial stretching is considered, as opposed to assuming a fixed axial stretch. All but one artery showed increased volume compliance while considering a dynamic axial stretching condition. Furthermore, we observe a notable difference in the estimated constitutive model parameters when dynamic axial stretching of the ATA is neglected, compared to the ground truth model parameters. These results underscore the critical importance of accounting for axial deformations when conducting in vivo biomechanical characterization of the ascending thoracic aorta.
A hierarchical Bayesian model to monitor pelagic larvae in response to environmental changes
Authors: Granata Alessia , Abbruzzo Antonino , Patti Bernardo , Cuttitta Angela , Torri Marco
Published: June 2024

European anchovies and round sardinella play a crucial role, both ecological and commercial, in the Mediterranean Sea. In this paper, we investigate the distribution of their larval stages by analyzing a dataset collected over time (1998–2016) and spaced along the area of the Strait of Sicily. Environmental factors are also integrated. We employ a hierarchical spatio-temporal Bayesian model and approximate the spatial field by a Gaussian Markov Random Field to reduce the computation effort using the Stochastic Partial Differential Equation method. Furthermore, the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation is used for the posterior distributions of model parameters. Moreover, we propose an index that enables the temporal evaluation of species abundance by using an abundance aggregation within a spatially confined area. This index is derived through Monte Carlo sampling from the approximate posterior distribution of the fitted models. Model results suggest a strong relationship between sea currents’ directions and the distribution of larval European anchovies. For round sardinella, the analysis indicates increased sensitivity to warmer ocean conditions. The index suggests no clear overall trend over the years.
Examining chronic kidney disease screening frequency among diabetics: a POMDP approach
Authors: Wu Chou-Chun , Cao Yiwen , Suen Sze-chuan , Lin Eugene
Published: June 2024

Forty percent of diabetics will develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) in their lifetimes. However, as many as 50% of these CKD cases may go undiagnosed. We developed screening recommendations stratified by age and previous test history for individuals with diagnosed diabetes and unknown proteinuria status by race and gender groups. To do this, we used a Partially Observed Markov Decision Process (POMDP) to identify whether a patient should be screened at every three-month interval from ages 30-85. Model inputs were drawn from nationally-representative datasets, the medical literature, and a microsimulation that integrates this information into group-specific disease progression rates. We implement the POMDP solution policy in the microsimulation to understand how this policy may impact health outcomes and generate an easily-implementable, non-belief-based approximate policy for easier clinical interpretability. We found that the status quo policy, which is to screen annually for all ages and races, is suboptimal for maximizing expected discounted future net monetary benefits (NMB). The POMDP policy suggests more frequent screening after age 40 in all race and gender groups, with screenings 2-4 times a year for ages 61-70. Black individuals are recommended for screening more frequently than their White counterparts. This policy would increase NMB from the status quo policy between $1,000 to  $8,000 per diabetic patient at a willingness-to-pay of $150,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY).
‘If I Don’t Have My Support Worker in the Room…’: A Multi-perspective Mixed Methods Study of Remote Daily Living Support for Neurodivergent Young Adults
Authors: Löthberg Maria , Wirström Eda , Meyer Jenny , Girdler Sonya , Bölte Sven , Jonsson Ulf
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Information technology is increasingly being employed for providing support and interventions in disability and health service contexts. This study aimed to investigate service users’ and support workers’ perspectives on remote support in daily living for young adults with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Methods

Using a convergent mixed methods approach, we integrated qualitative and quantitative findings from survey responses and focus groups. Young service users (aged 18 to 29) diagnosed with ADHD and/or autism (n = 35) and support workers (n = 64) from four municipalities in Sweden responded to a survey designed to tap into their lived experiences and views. The topic was explored further in focus groups with young service users (n = 7) and support workers (n = 3). Open-ended survey questions were analyzed using qualitative content analyses and complemented with information from the focus groups, while closed survey questions were summarized descriptively. Inferences were merged in a joint display.

Results

While participants reported having access to digital devices, service routines for remote contact were not in place. Service users were more hesitant than support workers in endorsing remote support, expressing concerns that this approach would be inferior to in-person support (e.g., owing to miscommunications and insufficient social and emotional contact). Still, both groups expressed that remote contact may at times be a beneficial complement to in-person meetings, increasing accessibility and user choice.

Conclusion

Service providers planning to implement remote support elements should explore the demand, acceptability, and organizational readiness for this approach. Moving forward, user engagement will be crucial to meet individual preferences, values, and needs.
Co-relation between Rietveld analysis, dielectric studies and impedance spectroscopy of the Ba1−xSrxTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Devi Sheela , Chaudhary Shristi , Hashim Mohd. , Batoo Khalid Mujasam , Hadi Muhammad , Shirsath Sagar E.
Published: June 2024

Barium strontium titanate (BST), with varying Sr doping levels (x = 0, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.15, 0.3), was successfully synthesized using the solid-state reaction technique. The aim was to investigate the microstructural, dielectric, and impedance properties as Sr doping increases. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a tetragonal phase structure for these materials, belonging to the P4mm space group, confirmed via Rietveld refinement using the Fullprof suite. SEM analysis indicated the decrement in grain sizes ranging from 0.198 to 0.0582 μm as doping concentration increases. The temperature and frequency dependencies of the dielectric constant were examined, with the Curie temperature observed in the range of 295 to 351 K with decreasing trend with substitution of strontium in pure barium titanate, showing an increase in dielectric constant with rising temperatures and non-relaxor behavior. P–E loops of BST samples illustrated bulk ferroelectric behavior, with maximum values of retentivity and coercivity reaching 1.56 and 13.97, respectively, in the highly doped BST sample. Various analytical techniques, including Nyquist plots, real and imaginary components of impedance, conductivity measurements, modulus formalism, and determination of charge carrier activation energy, were employed to elucidate the relationships between microstructure and electrical properties. Temperature-dependent resistivity demonstrated the negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) behavior in Sr-doped barium titanate. Impedance studies revealed semicircular arcs in Nyquist plots, indicating contributions from both grains and grain boundaries. The formation of well-defined grains in the BST samples was further confirmed through modulus spectroscopy.
White matter connectivity and social functioning in survivors of pediatric brain tumor
Authors: Hocking Matthew C. , Schultz Robert T. , Yerys Benjamin E. , Minturn Jane E. , Fantozzi Peter , Herrington John D.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Survivors of pediatric brain tumors (SPBT) are at risk for social deficits, fewer friendships, and poor peer relations. SPBT also experience reduced brain connectivity via microstructural disruptions to white matter from neurological insults. Research with other populations implicates white matter connectivity as a key contributor to poor social functioning. This case-controlled diffusion-weighted imaging study evaluated structural connectivity in SPBT and typically developing controls (TDC) and associations between metrics of connectivity and social functioning.

Methods

Diffusion weighted-imaging results from 19 SPBT and 19 TDC were analyzed using probabilistic white matter tractography. Survivors were at least 5 years post-diagnosis and 2 years off treatment. Graph theory statistics measured group differences across several connectivity metrics, including average strength, global efficiency, assortativity, clustering coefficient, modularity, and betweenness centrality. Analyses also evaluated the effects of neurological risk on connectivity among SPBT. Correlational analyses evaluated associations between connectivity and indices of social behavior.

Results

SPBT demonstrated reduced global connectivity compared to TDC. Several medical factors (e.g., chemotherapy, recurrence, multimodal therapy) were related to decreased connectivity across metrics of integration (e.g., average strength, global efficiency) in SPBT. Connectivity metrics were related to peer relationship quality and social challenges in the SPBT group and to social challenges in the total sample.

Conclusions

Microstructural white matter connectivity is diminished in SPBT and related to neurological risk and peer relationship quality. Additional neuroimaging research is needed to evaluate associations between brain connectivity metrics and social functioning in SPBT.
Defoliation modifies the impact of drought on the transfer of recent plant-assimilated carbon to soil and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Xu Tianyang , Johnson David , Bardgett Richard D.
Published: June 2024

Aims

The allocation of recent plant photosynthates to soil via arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is a critical process driving multiple ecosystem functions in grasslands. Yet, our understanding of how defoliation modifies below-ground allocation of recent plant photosynthate and its response to drought, which is becoming more intense and frequent, remains unresolved.

Methods

Here we undertook a 13C pulse-labelling experiment in a mesotrophic temperate grassland to evaluate in situ how defoliation intensity modifies the transfer of recently assimilated 13C from plant shoots to roots, extraradical AM fungal hyphae, soil, and 13C-CO2 efflux (soil respiration) in response to simulated drought.

Results

We found that, individually, both defoliation and drought reduced initial plant 13C uptake, but when defoliation and drought were combined, we detected a significant reduction in below-ground 13C allocation to soil. Furthermore, while defoliation stimulated 13C transfer to plant roots and soil, high intensity defoliation amplified 13C-CO2 efflux relative to the amount of 13C taken up by plants. Drought stimulated 13C transfer to fungal hyphae relative to initial plant uptake. High intensity defoliation, however, suppressed both 13C enrichment of extraradical AM fungal hyphae and 13C transfer to fungal hyphae relative to initial uptake.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that defoliation can reduce the transfer of recent photosynthate below-ground under simulated drought and provide new insights into how defoliation may influence grassland C allocation dynamics and cycling between plants and AM fungi in grasslands facing drought.
Social learning in models and minds
Authors: Yon Daniel , Heyes Cecilia
Published: June 2024

After more than a century in which social learning was blackboxed by evolutionary biologists, psychologists and economists, there is now a thriving industry in cognitive neuroscience producing computational models of learning from and about other agents. This is a hugely positive development. The tools of computational cognitive neuroscience are rigorous and precise. They have the potential to prise open the black box. However, we argue that, from the perspective of a scientific realist, these tools are not yet being applied in an optimal way. To fulfil their potential, the shiny new methods of cognitive neuroscience need to be better coordinated with old-fashioned, contrastive experimental designs. Inferences from model complexity to cognitive complexity, of the kind made by those who favour lean interpretations of behaviour (‘associationists’), require social learning to be tested in challenging task environments. Inferences from cognitive complexity to social specificity, made by those who favour rich interpretations (‘mentalists’), call for non-social control experiments. A parsimonious model that fits current data is a good start, but carefully designed experiments are needed to distinguish models that tell us how social learning could be done from those that tell us how it is really done.
Development of simplified probabilistic models for predicting phytoextraction timeframes of soil contaminants: demonstration at the DDX-contaminated Kolleberga tree nursery in Sweden
Authors: Drenning Paul , Enell Anja , Kleja Dan Berggren , Volchko Yevheniya , Norrman Jenny
Published: June 2024

Phytoextraction, utilizing plants to remove soil contaminants, is a promising approach for environmental remediation but its application is often limited due to the long time requirements. This study aims to develop simplified and user-friendly probabilistic models to estimate the time required for phytoextraction of contaminants while considering uncertainties. More specifically we: i) developed probabilistic models for time estimation, ii) applied these models using site-specific data from a field experiment testing pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo ssp. pepo cv. Howden) for phytoextraction of DDT and its metabolites (ΣDDX), iii) compared timeframes derived from site-specific data with literature-derived estimates, and iv) investigated model sensitivity and uncertainties through various modelling scenarios. The models indicate that phytoextraction with pumpkin to reduce the initial total concentration of ΣDDX in the soil (10 mg/kg dw) to acceptable levels (1 mg/kg dw) at the test site is infeasible within a reasonable timeframe, with time estimates ranging from 48–123 years based on literature data or 3 570–9 120 years with site-specific data using the linear or first-order exponential model, respectively. Our results suggest that phytoextraction may only be feasible at lower initial ΣDDX concentrations (< 5 mg/kg dw) for soil polishing and that alternative phytomanagement strategies should be considered for this test site to manage the bioavailable fraction of DDX in the soil. The simplified modes presented can be useful tools in the communication with site owners and stakeholders about time approximations for planning phytoextraction interventions, thereby improving the decision basis for phytomanagement of contaminated sites.
Image-Based Fracture Surface Defect Characterization Methods for Additively Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V Tested in Fatigue
Authors: Ngo Austin , Hernandez Kristen , Olatunde Ayorinde E. , Ciardi Thomas G. , Harding Alex , Nihar Arafath , Mondal Anirban , French Roger H. , Bruckman Laura S. , Lewandowski John J.
Published: June 2024

Fatigue initiation in additively manufactured samples/parts often occurs at processed-induced defects such as lack-of-fusion (LoF), keyhole, or other morphological/microstructural defects that have unique characteristics and measurable qualities. Attempts at identifying and minimizing such defects have utilized optimized processing conditions along with in situ and ex situ characterization that includes metallography and/or X-ray computed tomography (XCT). This paper highlights the benefits of using fracture surface analyses to detect and quantify defects that may not be detected by metallography/XCT due to sectioning and resolution limits. In addition to using manual quantification of fatigue initiating LoF and keyhole defects on fracture surfaces, image-based machine learning using convolutional neural networks such as U-Net were also used to automate the process. Statistical analyses were used to identify the extreme cases of defects that initiated and accelerated fatigue and to model the distribution of defect size and shape characteristics to distinguish the type of defect. Initial results show agreement between trained machine learning models and ground truth data in defect segmentation, and the distributions of defect characteristics are distinguishable to particular process-induced defect types.
Urinary extracellular vesicle-derived miR-126-3p predicts lymph node invasion in patients with high-risk prostate cancer
Authors: Dong Liang , Hu Cong , Ma Zehua , Huang Yiyao , Shelley Greg , Kuczler Morgan D. , Kim Chi-Ju , Witwer Kenneth W. , Keller Evan T. , Amend Sarah R. , Xue Wei , Pienta Kenneth J.
Published: June 2024

To investigate extracellular vesicles (EVs), biomarkers for predicting lymph node invasion (LNI) in patients with high-risk prostate cancer (HRPCa), plasma, and/or urine samples were prospectively collected from 45 patients with prostate cancer (PCa) and five with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Small RNA sequencing was performed to identify miRNAs in the EVs. All patients with PCa underwent radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in patients with and without pathologically-verified LNI. The candidate miRNAs were validated in low-risk prostate cancer (LRPCa) and BPH. Four miRNA species (e.g., miR-126-3p) and three miRNA species (e.g., miR-27a-3p) were more abundant in urinary and plasma EVs, respectively, of patients with PCa. None of these miRNA species were shared between urinary and plasma EVs. miR-126-3p was significantly more abundant in patients with HR PCa with LNI than in those without (P = 0.018). miR-126-3p was significantly more abundant in the urinary EVs of patients with HRPCa than in those with LRPCa (P = 0.017) and BPH (P = 0.011). In conclusion, urinary EVs-derived miR-126-3p may serve as a good biomarker for predicting LNI in patients with HRPCa.
“I was always told to fit in, but never to excel”: Men’s Post-Migration Practices of Success in the Public Sector
Authors: Talmi-Cohn Ravit , Chachashvili-Bolotin Svetlana
Published: June 2024

What post-migration practices of success at the labor market do migrants employ on their way to attaining senior professional positions? This paper offers new insights to the study of migration by focusing on success and masculinity among Ethiopian men, a marginalized group in the Israeli labor market. Using findings from 27 semi-structured interviews and six semi-structured interviews with experts or professionals, we investigate the relationships between career success, gender, and migration through a transnational perspective. Migrant success continues to be assessed and viewed primarily through the lenses of the nation-state and integration, in comparison to the native population in general and in the labor market in particular. This paper analyzes the post-migration practices of success described by migrant men who have achieved senior positions in the public sector, with the aim of illuminating the mechanisms and circumstances, as they understand them, that contribute to achieving success. The findings challenge the concept of integration in the context of migrant men’s success which defines success as fitting in and mediocrity rather than excellence both on the personal and societal level. Although limited to Ethiopian men who have achieved labor market success, this study provides an opportunity to demonstrate the value of examining migrant men’s success from the perspective of cultural capital and views migration masculinity as a dynamic concept.
New liver window width in detecting hepatocellular carcinoma on dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography with deep learning reconstruction
Authors: Okimoto Naomasa , Yasaka Koichiro , Cho Shinichi , Koshino Saori , Kanzawa Jun , Asari Yusuke , Fujita Nana , Kubo Takatoshi , Suzuki Yuichi , Abe Osamu
Published: June 2024

Changing a window width (WW) alters appearance of noise and contrast of CT images. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of adjusted WW for deep learning reconstruction (DLR) in detecting hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) on CT with DLR. This retrospective study included thirty-five patients who underwent abdominal dynamic contrast-enhanced CT. DLR was used to reconstruct arterial, portal, and delayed phase images. The investigation of the optimal WW involved two blinded readers. Then, five other blinded readers independently read the image sets for detection of HCCs and evaluation of image quality with optimal or conventional liver WW. The optimal WW for detection of HCC was 119 (rounded to 120 in the subsequent analyses) Hounsfield unit (HU), which was the average of adjusted WW in the arterial, portal, and delayed phases. The average figures of merit for the readers for the jackknife alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic analysis to detect HCC were 0.809 (reader 1/2/3/4/5, 0.765/0.798/0.892/0.764/0.827) in the optimal WW (120 HU) and 0.765 (reader 1/2/3/4/5, 0.707/0.769/0.838/0.720/0.791) in the conventional WW (150 HU), and statistically significant difference was observed between them (p < 0.001). Image quality in the optimal WW was superior to those in the conventional WW, and significant difference was seen for some readers (p < 0.041). The optimal WW for detection of HCC was narrower than conventional WW on dynamic contrast-enhanced CT with DLR. Compared with the conventional liver WW, optimal liver WW significantly improved detection performance of HCC.
A Taxonomy of Explanation Types and Need Indicators in Human–Agent Collaborations
Authors: Wachowiak Lennart , Coles Andrew , Canal Gerard , Celiktutan Oya
Published: June 2024

In recent years, explanations have become a pressing matter in AI research. This development was caused by the increased use of black-box models and a realization of the importance of trustworthy AI. In particular, explanations are necessary for human–agent interactions to ensure that the user can trust the agent and that collaborations are effective. Human–agent interactions are complex social scenarios involving a user, an autonomous agent, and an environment or task with its own distinct properties. Thus, such interactions require a wide variety of explanations, which are not covered by the methods of a single AI discipline, such as computer vision or natural language processing. In this paper, we map out what types of explanations are important for human–agent interactions, surveying the field via a scoping review. In addition to the typical introspective explanation tackled by explainability researchers, we look at assistive explanations, aiming to support the user with their task. Secondly, we survey what causes the need for an explanation in the first place. We identify a variety of human–agent interaction-specific causes and categorize them by whether they are centered on the agent’s behavior, the user’s mental state, or an external entity. Our overview aims to guide robotics practitioners in designing agents with more comprehensive explanation-related capacities, considering different explanation types and the concrete times when explanations should be given.
Familien(er)leben in Erwerbsarmut
Authors: Vogel Campanello Margot , Bombach Clara , Schneider Lea , Burri Melodie
Published: June 2024

Die vom Schweizerischen Nationalfonds finanzierte Studie hat zum Ziel, die Auswirkungen von Erwerbsarmut auf das Familien(er)leben, insbesondere die damit verbundene Sorgearbeit sowie die Perspektive der Kinder und Eltern, zu untersuchen. Anhand eines qualitativen, multiperspektivistischen Vorgehens wird nach dem subjektiven Erleben der Familienmitglieder aus 42 Haushalten gefragt. Das Projekt generiert Wissen über die von Erwerbsarmut betroffenen Familien und gibt dabei Kindern eine eigene von den Eltern unabhängige Stimme. Es trägt zu einer Sensibilisierung prekärer Lebenslagen bei und schafft Voraussetzungen dafür, strukturelle Bedingungen des Aufwachsens von Kindern zu verbessern.
Modulation of Mouse Dendritic Cells In Vitro by Lactobacillus gasseri Postbiotic Proteins
Authors: Luongo Diomira , De Sena Vincenzo , Maurano Francesco , Rossi Mauro
Published: June 2024

Different lactobacilli are probiotics for their beneficial effects that confer to the host. Recently, some of these effects were associated with released metabolic products/constituents (postbiotics). In the present study, the potential immunomodulatory capacity of the probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2809 cell-free supernatant (sup) was investigated in murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs). Bacteria induced significantly higher expression of all examined cytokines than those induced by the stimulatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS) itself. On the contrary, sup only induced the anti-inflammatory IL-10 similarly to LPS, whereas IL-12 and IL-6 secretions were stimulated at a lower level. Moreover, sup reduced the surface expression of the analyzed co-stimulatory markers CD40, CD80, and CD86. Treatments of sup with different digestive enzymes indicated the proteinaceous nature of these immunomodulatory metabolites. Western blot and immunoadsorption analyzes revealed cross-reactivity of sup with the surface-layer proteins (SLPs) isolated from OLL2809. Therefore, we directly tested the ability of OLL2809 SLPs to stimulate specifically cytokine expression in iDCs. Interestingly, we found that all tested cytokines were induced by SLPs and in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, our results highlighted distinct immune properties between L. gasseri OLL2809 and its metabolites, supporting the concept that bacterial viability is not an essential prerequisite to exert immunomodulatory effects.
Ochrobactrum Bacterial Mediated pH Dependent Synthesis of Silver Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Ndulini Sinqobile Fanele , Mthembu Mathews Simon , Pullabhotla Viswanadha Srirama Rajasekhar
Published: June 2024

Green synthesis of nanoparticles from bacterial origin has become popular due to the advantages associated with it. Ochrobacrtum species supernatant of various pH (4, 7 and 10) was subjected to a filtered 1.0 mM AgNO3 solution, and the mixture was incubated at 37 ℃ for 48 h. This was done to reduce silver ions into elemental silver to form nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were harvested by centrifugation and were characterized using various analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Crystallographic studies revealed that the synthesized AgNPs were of face centered cubic crystalline phase. Silver nanoparticles with the average sizes of 55, 41 and 32 nm were obtained for Ochrobactrum anthropi silver nanoparticles synthesized at pH 4, 7 and 10 (OA4, OA7 and OA10) respectively. Ochrobactrum oryzae AgNPs synthesized at pH 4, 7 and 10 (OO4, OO7 and OO10) were 55, 37 and 43 nm respectively. A statistically significant particle size distribution was noted for both OA and OO AgNPs. Elemental analysis showed main elements to be C, O, Cl and Ag with Ag dominating. The bigger sizes of AgNPs produced under acidic conditions attributed to their ability to survive high temperatures up to 600 ℃.
Recent advances in solar still technology for solar water desalination
Authors: Tony Maha A. , Nabwey Hossam A.
Published: June 2024

Water is signified as the gift of nature. However, modern societies are in tremendous need of fresh water due to the abundant industrial sector and factory growth that is leading to more and more such natural resource pollution. Also, there are global arid and desert areas where there are fewer regular rainfalls besides groundwater scarcity. Additionally, although there are abundant water bodies, most of them are not suitable for domestic irrigation, and especially for drinking purposes since they are brackish or saline water. Thus, water desalination is essential with no impact on the environment. Solar desalination is proven to be a sustainable and reasonable way for producing potable water. Numerous sorts of solar stills are introduced, and the most exhibited one is the conventional type of solar still, that is, so-called basin solar still. However, the low productivity of such solar still is signified as its major concern. Researchers have made their efforts to improve the productivity of solar stills through various designs and operating parameters. This detailed review is mainly focused on the various types of solar stills, their analyses and the status of several solar distillers. Throughout the entire work, it is confirmed and recommended to enhance the performance through advanced modifications that are also discussed. Such modifications are including advanced designs such as pyramid triangular solar stills, tubular, double basins and hemispherical and spherical solar stills. Also, integrated systems stills are recommended, such as connected solar stills with photo voltaic cells (PVC) or solar collectors to increase productivity.