bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alexithymia as a mediator of the associations between child maltreatment and internalizing and externalizing behaviors in adolescence
Authors: Hamel Catherine , Rodrigue Christopher , Clermont Camille , Hébert Martine , Paquette Linda , Dion Jacinthe
Published: March 2024

Child maltreatment is a global concern that profoundly affects individuals throughout their lives. This study investigated the relationships between various forms of child maltreatment and behavior problems involving internalization and externalization during adolescence. Data obtained from a diverse sample of 1802 Canadians aged 14–18 years was used to examine the mediating role of alexithymia—a difficulty in recognizing and expressing emotions—in these associations. Results indicated that adolescents who experienced sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) in their childhood exhibited higher levels of alexithymia, which was correlated with elevated levels of both internalizing and externalizing problems. Physical abuse and parental neglect were only associated with externalizing problems. Gender differences also emerged, with gender-diverse adolescents reporting a higher prevalence of maltreatment, alexithymia, and behavior problems compared with their peers. However, alexithymia’s mediating role was consistent across genders. Overall, this study highlights the intricate relationships between child maltreatment, alexithymia, and adolescent behavior problems. The findings of this study how different forms of child maltreatment significantly shape behavioral outcomes and indicate the importance of interventions in enhancing emotional awareness and expression in adolescents with a childhood history of maltreatment.
High dose cholecalciferol supplementation causing morning blood pressure reduction in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Felício João , Moraes Lorena , Lemos Gabriela , Souza Ícaro , Vieira Giovana , Silva Lilian , Queiroz Natércia , Souza Ana Carolina , Melo Franciane , Neto João Felício Abrahão , Britto Hana , Lemos Manuela , Santos Márcia , Figueiredo Priscila , Motta Ana Regina , Reis Melissa , Caldeira Gisele , Leal Valéria , Piani Pedro , Aquino Vitória , Felício Karem
Published: March 2024

We evaluated the association of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN), blood pressure (BP) and Vitamin D (VD) levels before and after high-dose cholecalciferol supplementation (4000/10,000) UI/day) for 12 weeks in patients (N = 67) with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Based on this prospective controlled pilot study, patients were divided into group 1 (N = 23 with CAN) and group 2 (N = 44 without CAN). At baseline, group 1 had higher systolic BP (SBP) during sleep (115 ± 14 vs. 107 ± 12 mmHg, p = 0.04) and lower nocturnal dipping (3 ± 5 vs. 8 ± 6%, p = 0.009). Among those with loss of nocturnal dipping, 45.4% (20/44) had CAN, while in normal nocturnal dipping group it occurred only in 13% (3/23) (p = 0.007). Non-dipper group had worse CAN parameters when compared to dipper group [Very low frequency (VLF) (2.5 ± 0.5vs.2.8 ± 0.4 s, p = 0.01), total power (TP) (2.9 ± 0.6 vs. 3.3 ± 0.4 s, p = 0.01), Valsalva coefficient (1.5 ± 0.4 vs. 1.8 ± 0.6, p = 0.06)]. After VD, only group 1 improved CAN parameters [TP (2.5 ± 0.4 vs. 2.8 ± 0.6, p = 0.01) and VLF (2.2 ± 0.4 vs. 2.4 ± 0.5, p = 0.03). Group 1 presented a reduction in morning SBP (120 ± 20 vs. 114 ± 17 mmHg, p = 0.038) and in morning SBP surge (13 ± 13 vs. 5 ± 14, p = 0.04). High-dose VD was associated with improved CAN parameters and reduced awake SBP and morning SBP surge. These findings suggest that VD may benefit patients with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy. ISRCTN32601947, registration date: 31/07/2017.
Linoleic acid induces human ovarian granulosa cell inflammation and apoptosis through the ER-FOXO1-ROS-NFκB pathway
Authors: Zhang Wenying , Wu Fuju
Published: March 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex reproductive endocrinological disorder influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Linoleic acid (LA) is a widely consumed ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, accounting for approximately 80% of daily fatty acid intake. Building upon the prior investigations of our team, which established a connection between LA levels in the follicular fluid and PCOS, this study deeply examined the specific impact of LA using a granulosa cell line. Our findings revealed that LA exerts its influence on granulosa cells (GCs) by binding to the estrogen receptor (ER). Activated ER triggers the transcription of the FOXO1 gene. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation occur downstream of LA-induced FOXO1 activation. Increased OS and inflammation ultimately culminate in GC apoptosis. In summary, LA modulates the apoptosis and inflammation phenotypes of GCs through the ER-FOXO1-ROS-NF-κB pathway. Our study provides additional experimental evidence to comprehend the pathophysiology of PCOS and provides novel insights into the dietary management of individuals with PCOS.
Paternal-effect-genes revealed through sperm cryopreservation in Perca fluviatilis
Authors: Panda Abhipsa , Judycka Sylwia , Palińska-Żarska Katarzyna , Debernardis Rossella , Jarmołowicz Sylwia , Jastrzębski Jan Paweł , Rocha de Almeida Taina , Błażejewski Maciej , Hliwa Piotr , Krejszeff Sławomir , Żarski Daniel
Published: March 2024

Knowledge about paternal-effect-genes (PEGs) (genes whose expression in the progeny is influenced by paternal factors present in the sperm) in fish is very limited. To explore this issue, we used milt cryopreservation as a specific challenge test for sperm cells, thus enabling selection amidst cryo-sensitivity. We created two groups of Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) as a model – eggs fertilized either with fresh (Fresh group) or cryopreserved (Cryo group) milt from the same male followed by phenotypic-transcriptomic examination of consequences of cryopreservation in obtained progeny (at larval stages). Most of the phenotypical observations were similar in both groups, except the final weight which was higher in the Cryo group. Milt cryopreservation appeared to act as a "positive selection" factor, upregulating most PEGs in the Cryo group. Transcriptomic profile of freshly hatched larvae sourced genes involved in the development of visual perception and we identified them as PEGs. Consequently, larvae from the Cryo group exhibited enhanced eyesight, potentially contributing to more efficient foraging and weight gain compared to the Fresh group. This study unveils, for the first time, the significant influence of the paternal genome on the development of the visual system in fish, highlighting pde6g, opn1lw1, and rbp4l as novel PEGs.
Influence of nano-BN inclusion and mechanism involved on aluminium-copper alloy
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Zeng Qi , Wang Ning , Wang Lixia , Wu Quan , Li Xin , Tang Jiao , Li Rong
Published: March 2024

Taking advantage of the high specific surface area of the nanoparticles, boron nitride (BN) nanoparticles were incorporated into the semi-solidified aluminium-copper alloy Al–5Cu–Mn (ZL201) system during the casting process, and its properties and enhancement mechanism were studied. The results shown that the BN in the new composite material is more uniformly distributed in the second phase (Al2Cu), which can promote grain refinement and enhance the bonding with the aluminium-based interface, and the formation of stable phases such as AlB2, AlN, CuN, etc. makes the tensile strength and hardness of the material to be significantly improved (8.5%, 10.2%, respectively). The mechanism of the action of BN in Al2Cu was analyzed by establishing an atomic model and after calculation: BN can undergo strong adsorption on the surface of Al2Cu (0 0 1), and the adsorption energy is lower at the bridge sites on the two cut-off surfaces, which makes the binding of BN to the aluminum base more stable. The charge transfer between B, N and each atom of the matrix can promote the formation of strong covalent bonds Al–N, Cu–N and Al–B bonds, which can increase the dislocation density and hinder the grain boundary slip within the alloy.
Modeling pesticides and ecotoxicological risk assessment in an intermittent river using SWAT
Authors: Centanni Marco , Ricci Giovanni Francesco , De Girolamo Anna Maria , Gentile Francesco
Published: March 2024

The present work aimed to predict the fate of two pesticides, copper (Cu) and glyphosate in a Mediterranean basin with an intermittent river and to assess the ecotoxicological risk related to their presence in water bodies coupling field measurements of streamflow and pesticide concentrations, and an eco-hydrological model. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was calibrated and, subsequently used to assess predicted environmental concentrations of pesticides in surface waters. The ecotoxicological risk related to the presence of Cu and glyphosate in surface water was assessed at the reach scale by using the Toxicity to Exposure Ratio approach (TER). Measurements of glyphosate concentrations (< 0.5 μg l−1) exceeded the maximum European threshold of environmental quality standards for pesticides (EQS) of 0.1 μg l−1. High concentrations of glyphosate were predicted in the wet season and in September, when glyphosate is mostly used in vineyards and olive grove productions. Acute risk (TER < 100) associated with the presence of glyphosate was detected for several reaches. High concentrations of Cu (< 6.5 μg l−1), mainly used as a fungicide in vineyards, were predicted in several river reaches. The results of the ecotoxicological risk assessment revealed that November and January were the critical months during which most of the river reaches showed a chronic risk associated with the presence of Cu.
Chaotic Zeeman effect: a fractional diffusion-like approch
Authors: Postavaru Octavian , Stanescu Mariana M.
Published: March 2024

It is shown that the chaotic Zeeman effect of a quantum system can be formally viewed as a result of fractional calculus. The fractional calculation brings into the equations the angle $$\theta $$
θ
formed between the internal and the external magnetic field applied to the atom. The further the fractional coefficient $$\alpha $$
α
is from the ordinary case corresponding to $$\alpha =1$$

α
=
1

, the more important the chaotic effect is. The case corresponding to $$\alpha =1$$

α
=
1

does not depend on the angle $$\theta $$
θ
, obtaining the nonchaotic situation known in the literature. Non-Gaussian distributions correspond to non-stationary variables. Considering a Lorenzian type distribution, we can make a connection between the fractional formalism and random matrix theory. The connection validates the link between fractional calculus and chaos, and at the same time due to the $$\theta $$
θ
angle, it gives the phenomenon a physical interpretation.
Risk factors for collisions attributed to microsleep-related behaviors while driving in professional truck drivers
Authors: Sawatari Hiroyuki , Kumagai Hajime , Kawaguchi Kengo , Kiyohara Yuka , Konishi Noriyuki , Arita Aki , Hayashi Mitsuo , Shiomi Toshiaki
Published: March 2024

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is prevalent among professional drivers. Although SDB is a known risk factor for truck collisions attributed to microsleep-related behaviors at the wheel (TC-MRBs), the usefulness of overnight pulse oximetry for predicting TC-MRBs is debatable. This retrospective study assessed the association between overnight pulse oximetry parameters, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and TC-MRBs, confirmed by dashcam footage. This study included 108 matched professional truck drivers (TC-MRBs: N = 54; non-TC-MRBs: N = 54), with a mean age and body mass index of 41.9 ± 11.3 years and 23.0 ± 3.7 kg/m2, respectively. Night-time drivers, 4% oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and nadir oxygen saturation (SpO2) were associated with TC-MRBs (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 25.63 [5.88–111.77], p < 0.0001; 2.74 [1.02–7.33], p = 0.045; and 3.87 [1.04–14.39], p = 0.04, respectively). The area under the curve of 4% ODI and nadir SpO2 for TC-MRBs were 0.50 and 0.57, respectively. In conclusion, night-time driving, 4% ODI, and nadir SpO2 were significantly associated with TC-MRBs in professional truck drivers. However, the sensitivity of overnight pulse oximetry parameters to predict TC-MRBs in a real-world application was poor. Therefore, combining subjective and objective assessments such as dashcam video footage may be needed to achieve high accuracy for predicting TC-MRBs among professional truck drivers.
Effective social spider optimization algorithms for distributed assembly permutation flowshop scheduling problem in automobile manufacturing supply chain
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Hao Jianhua , Liu Fangai
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a novel distributed assembly permutation flowshop scheduling problem (DAPFSP) based on practical problems in automobile production. Different from the existing research on DAPFSP, this study considers that each component of the final product is composed of more than one part. Components are processed in a set of identical components manufacturing factories and are assembled into products in the assembly factory. The integration of manufacturing processes is an important objective of Industry 4.0. For solving this problem with the minimum makespan criterion, we introduce a three-level representation and a novel initialization method. To enhance the search ability of the proposed algorithms, we design three local search methods and two restart procedures according to characteristics of the problem. Then, by incorporating the problem specific knowledge with the social spider optimization algorithm (SSO), we propose three SSO variants: the SSO with hybrid local search strategies (HSSO), the HSSO with restart procedures (HSSOR), and the HSSOR with self-adaptive selection probability (HSSORP). Finally, 810 extended instances based on the famous instances are used to test the proposed algorithms. In most cases, HSSOR performs the best, with an average comparison metric value of 0.158% across three termination conditions, while the average comparison metric value for the best comparison method is 2.446%, which is 15.481 times that of HSSOR. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms can solve the problem efficiently.
The porcine islet-derived organoid showed the characteristics as pancreatic duct
Authors: Sakata Naoaki , Yoshimatsu Gumpei , Kawakami Ryo , Nakano Kazuaki , Yamada Teppei , Yamamura Akihiro , Nagashima Hiroshi , Kodama Shohta
Published: March 2024

Organoid is a tissue-engineered organ-like structure that resemble as an organ. Porcine islet-derived organoid might be used as an alternative donor of porcine islet xenotransplantation, a promising therapy for severe diabetes. In this study, we elucidated the characteristics of porcine islet organoids derived from porcine islets as a cell source for transplantation. Isolated porcine islets were 3D-cultured using growth factor-reduced matrigel in organoid culture medium consist of advanced DMEM/F12 with Wnt-3A, R-spondin, EGF, Noggin, IGF-1, bFGF, nicotinamide, B27, and some small molecules. Morphological and functional characteristics of islet organoids were evaluated in comparison with 2D-cultured islets in advanced DMEM/F12 medium. Relatively short-term (approximately 14 days)—cultured porcine islet organoids were enlarged and proliferated, but had an attenuated insulin-releasing function. Long-term (over a month)—cultured islet organoids could be passaged and cryopreserved. However, they showed pancreatic duct characteristics, including cystic induction, strong expression of Sox9, loss of PDX1 expression, and no insulin-releasing function. These findings were seen in long-term-cultured porcine islets. In conclusion, our porcine islet organoids showed the characteristics of pancreatic ducts. Further study is necessary for producing porcine islet-derived organoids having characteristics as islets.
Influence of saturation level on the acoustic emission characteristics of gas hydrate-bearing coal
Authors: Yu Kang , Miao Yu , Jinchao Zhu
Published: March 2024

To study the effects of gas hydrates on the prevention and control of coal and gas protrusions, this paper reports the results of acoustic emission experiments on coal bodies containing gas hydrates with different saturation levels. The results showed that few acoustic emission events were generated in the elasticity stages of coal bodies containing gas hydrates, and the first sudden increase in the number of ringing counts generally occurred before and after the yielding point. Additionally, the acoustic emission events in the yielding stage were more active, and the cumulative number of ringing counts increased faster. The peak ringing counts appeared around the damage point, and a small number of acoustic emission events were still generated after destruction of the coal samples. The cumulative ringing counts decreased linearly with increasing saturation. The effect of saturation on the cumulative ringing counts in the elasticity stage of the gas hydrate-containing coal samples was small, but the difference between the cumulative ringing counts in the yielding stage and those in the destruction stage was larger. The total cumulative ringing counts and the cumulative ringing counts during each stage for the gas hydrate-containing coal samples decreased with increasing enclosure pressure. The energy and amplitude of the loading process were consistent with the trend for the ringing counts. The acoustic emission ringing counts of gas-containing coals were greater than those of gas hydrate-containing coals in the yielding and destructing stages.
Sequence-structure-function characterization of the emerging tetracycline destructase family of antibiotic resistance enzymes
Authors: Blake Kevin S. , Kumar Hirdesh , Loganathan Anisha , Williford Emily E. , Diorio-Toth Luke , Xue Yao-Peng , Tang Wai Kwan , Campbell Tayte P. , Chong David D. , Angtuaco Steven , Wencewicz Timothy A. , Tolia Niraj H. , Dantas Gautam
Published: March 2024

Tetracycline destructases (TDases) are flavin monooxygenases which can confer resistance to all generations of tetracycline antibiotics. The recent increase in the number and diversity of reported TDase sequences enables a deep investigation of the TDase sequence-structure-function landscape. Here, we evaluate the sequence determinants of TDase function through two complementary approaches: (1) constructing profile hidden Markov models to predict new TDases, and (2) using multiple sequence alignments to identify conserved positions important to protein function. Using the HMM-based approach we screened 50 high-scoring candidate sequences in Escherichia coli, leading to the discovery of 13 new TDases. The X-ray crystal structures of two new enzymes from Legionella species were determined, and the ability of anhydrotetracycline to inhibit their tetracycline-inactivating activity was confirmed. Using the MSA-based approach we identified 31 amino acid positions 100% conserved across all known TDase sequences. The roles of these positions were analyzed by alanine-scanning mutagenesis in two TDases, to study the impact on cell and in vitro activity, structure, and stability. These results expand the diversity of TDase sequences and provide valuable insights into the roles of important residues in TDases, and flavin monooxygenases more broadly.
Time-dependent Gutzwiller simulation of Floquet topological superconductivity
Authors: Anan Takahiro , Morimoto Takahiro , Kitamura Sota
Published: March 2024

Periodically driven systems provide a novel route to control the topology of quantum materials. In particular, Floquet theory allows an effective band description of periodically-driven systems through the Floquet Hamiltonian. Here, we study the time evolution of d-wave superconductors irradiated with intense circularly-polarized laser light. We consider the Floquet t–J model with time-periodic interactions, and investigate its mean-field dynamics by formulating the time-dependent Gutzwiller approximation. We observe the development of the idxy-wave pairing amplitude along with the original $${d}_{{x}^{2}-{y}^{2}}$$

d

x

2

−

y

2

-wave order upon gradual increasing of the field amplitude. We further numerically construct the Floquet Hamiltonian for the steady state, with which we identify the system as the fully-gapped d + id superconducting phase with a nonzero Chern number. We explore the low-frequency regime where the perturbative approaches in the previous studies break down, and find that the topological gap of an experimentally-accessible size can be achieved at much lower laser intensities.
Locally controlled MOF growth on functionalized carbon nanotubes
Authors: Dzinnik Marvin J. , Akmaz Necmettin E. , Hannebauer Adrian , Schaate Andreas , Behrens Peter , Haug Rolf J.
Published: March 2024

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly versatile materials because of their tunable properties. However, the typically poor electrical conductivity of MOFs presents challenges for their integration into electrical devices. By adding carbon nanotubes to MOF synthesis, a highly intergrown material with increased conductivity and chemiresistive sensing properties can be obtained. Here, we present a patterning technique to control MOF growth on predefined areas of one particular carbon nanotube. We found that electron beam pretreatment of -COOH functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes inhibits the growth of UiO-66 MOF on these multi-walled carbon nanotubes. By irradiating individual multi-walled carbon nanotubes, we show that MOF growth can be inhibited in predefined tube areas, creating MOF-free spaces on the nanotube. In this way, our method shows a possibility to pattern MOF growth on individual nanotubes.
The complex composition of organic aerosols emitted during burning varies between Arctic and boreal peat
Authors: Schneider Eric , Rüger Christopher P. , Chacón-Patiño Martha L. , Somero Markus , Ruppel Meri M. , Ihalainen Mika , Köster Kajar , Sippula Olli , Czech Hendryk , Zimmermann Ralf
Published: March 2024

Peatlands in the northern hemisphere are a major carbon storage but face an increased risk of wildfires due to climate change leading to large-scale smoldering fires in boreal and Arctic peatlands. Smoldering fires release organic carbon rich particulate matter, which influences the earth’s radiative balance and can cause adverse health effects for humans. Here we characterize the molecular composition of biomass burning particulate matter generated by laboratory burning experiments of peat by electrospray ionization 21 T Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry, revealing a highly complex mixture of aromatic and aliphatic organic compounds with abundant heteroatoms including oxygen, sulfur and up to five nitrogen atoms. Primary organosulfur species are identified in the emissions of peat-smoldering, in part also containing nitrogen. Differences are observed when comparing structural motifs as well as the chemical composition of boreal and Arctic peat burning emissions, with the latter containing compounds with more nitrogen and sulfur.
Reverse charge transfer and decomposition in Ca–Te compounds under high pressure
Authors: Lv Yang , Li Jianfu , Zhang Zhaobin , Geng Yanlei , Xu Zhenzhen , Liu Yong , Yuan Jianan , Wang Qinglin , Wang Xiaoli
Published: March 2024

Pressure can decompose Ca–Te compounds into elements after undergoing a series of phase transitions and charge transfer reversals.
An improved chromatographic method for separation of Re and PGE mass fractions in organic-rich geological samples
Authors: Zou An-Ping , Chu Zhu-Yin , Wang Meng-Jie , Peng Peng
Published: March 2024

An improved two-stage column protocol for separation and purification of Re and PGE (Ir, Ru, Pt and Pd) from organic-rich geological samples was presented.
A self-powered electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of 17β-estradiol based on carbon nanocages/gold nanoparticles and DNA bioconjugate mediated biofuel cells
Authors: Wu Yongju , Luo Dan , Yi Jinfei , Li Rong , Yang Dan , Pang Pengfei , Wang Hongbin , Yang Wenrong , Zhang Yanli
Published: March 2024

A BFC-based electrochemical aptasensor for E2 detection based on CNCs/AuNPs and PMNPs@aptamer DNA bioconjugate.
Theoretical study on hydroformylation catalyzed by cationic cobalt(ii) complexes
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Li Zhewei , Qi Hexiang , Zhao Yaqi , Tang Yanhui , Liu Anqi , Pu Min , Lei Ming
Published: March 2024

Theoretical study on hydroformylation catalyzed by cobalt catalyst.
Quantifying particle concentration via AI-enhanced optical coherence tomography
Authors: Ye Siqi , Xing Lei , Myung David , Chen Fang
Published: March 2024

Al-enhanced OCT imaging module resulted in an accurate and robust quantification of particle concentration of gold nanorods, which exemplify nanoparticles with high light scattering signals (OCT signals).
Lattice engineering of noble metal-based nanomaterials via metal–nonmetal interactions for catalytic applications
Authors: Zheng Long , Xu Lei , Gu Ping , Chen Ye
Published: March 2024

The recent development of lattice engineering, including lattice strain and lattice symmetry, in noble metal–light nonmetal binary nanocompounds and some of the core–shell nanostructures derived from them are discussed.
Ensemble evolutionary algorithms equipped with Q‐learning strategy for solving distributed heterogeneous permutation flowshop scheduling problems considering sequence‐dependent setup time
Authors: Liu Fubin , Gao Kaizhou , Li Dachao , Sadollah Ali
Published: March 2024

A distributed heterogeneous permutation flowshop scheduling problem with sequence‐dependent setup times (DHPFSP‐SDST) is addressed, which well reflects real‐world scenarios in heterogeneous factories. The objective is to minimise the maximum completion time (makespan) by assigning jobs to factories, and sequencing them within each factory. First, a mathematical model to describe the DHPFSP‐SDST is established. Second, four meta‐heuristics, including genetic algorithms, differential evolution, artificial bee colony, and iterated greedy (IG) algorithms are improved to optimally solve the concerned problem compared with the other existing optimisers in the literature. The Nawaz‐Enscore‐Ham (NEH) heuristic is employed for generating an initial solution. Then, five local search operators are designed based on the problem characteristics to enhance algorithms' performance. To choose the local search operators appropriately during iterations, Q‐learning‐based strategy is adopted. Finally, extensive numerical experiments are conducted on 72 instances using 5 optimisers. The obtained optimisation results and comparisons prove that the improved IG algorithm along with Q‐learning based local search selection strategy shows better performance with respect to its peers. The proposed algorithm exhibits higher efficiency for scheduling the concerned problems.
Image and video analysis using graph neural network for Internet of Medical Things and computer vision applications
Authors: Sharma Amit , Sharma Ashutosh , Tselykh Alexey , Bozhenyuk Alexander , Kim Byung‐Gyu
Published: March 2024

Graph neural networks (GNNs) have revolutionised the processing of information by facilitating the transmission of messages between graph nodes. Graph neural networks operate on graph‐structured data, which makes them suitable for a wide variety of computer vision problems, such as link prediction, node classification, and graph classification. The authors explore in depth the applications of GNNs in computer vision, including their design considerations, architectural challenges, applications, and implementation concerns. While conventional convolutional neural networks (CNNs) excel at object recognition in images and videos, GNN architectures offer a novel method for addressing various image and video comprehension challenges. A novel deep neural network‐based model for image and video analysis is proposed, which combines a neural network with fully connected layers on a graph. The proposed architecture extracts highly discriminative information from images and videos by leveraging the graph structure. Also, the investigation focuses on the enhancement of underlying connection network estimation using cutting‐edge graph learning algorithms. Experimental results on real‐world datasets demonstrate that the proposed GNN model is preferable to existing state‐of‐the‐art methods. It obtains a remarkable 96.63% accuracy on the ImageNet dataset, outperforming heuristic approaches, artificial neural networks, and conventional CNN techniques. From the results, we can see that GNNs are a potent instrument for graph data analysis and pave the way for machines to achieve human‐level visual intuition.
Learnable fusion mechanisms for multimodal object detection in autonomous vehicles
Authors: Massoud Yahya , Laganiere Robert
Published: March 2024

Perception systems in autonomous vehicles need to accurately detect and classify objects within their surrounding environments. Numerous types of sensors are deployed on these vehicles, and the combination of such multimodal data streams can significantly boost performance. The authors introduce a novel sensor fusion framework using deep convolutional neural networks. The framework employs both camera and LiDAR sensors in a multimodal, multiview configuration. The authors leverage both data types by introducing two new innovative fusion mechanisms: element‐wise multiplication and multimodal factorised bilinear pooling. The methods improve the bird's eye view moderate average precision score by +4.97% and +8.35% on the KITTI dataset when compared to traditional fusion operators like element‐wise addition and feature map concatenation. An in‐depth analysis of key design choices impacting performance, such as data augmentation, multi‐task learning, and convolutional architecture design is offered. The study aims to pave the way for the development of more robust multimodal machine vision systems. The authors conclude the paper with qualitative results, discussing both successful and problematic cases, along with potential ways to mitigate the latter.
Real‐time monitoring and ageing detection algorithm design with application on SiC‐based automotive power drive system
Authors: Dini Pierpaolo , Basso Giovanni , Saponara Sergio , Romano Claudio
Published: March 2024

The article describes an innovative methodology for the design and experimental validation of monitoring and anomaly detection algorithms, with a particular focus on the aging phenomenon, linked to the anomalous modification of the , in devices switching in power electronic systems integrated into modern high‐performance electrified vehicles. The case study concerns an electric drive for fully electrified vehicles, in which a three‐phase axial flux synchronous motor integrated into a wheel motor (Elaphe) is used and in which a high‐efficiency three‐phase inverter, designed with SiC technology (silicon carbide). The article proposes the design and validation of the innovative aging monitoring and detection system, in four consecutive phases. The first phase involves the creation of a real‐time model of electric drive, validated through experimental data extrapolated directly during a WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure) test. The second phase consists of the creation of a virtual dataset representative of the aging phenomenon, via an anomaly injection procedure, emulating this phenomenon with a scaling factor (depending on the value of the ) on the current phase of the motor, relating to the inverter branch whose SiC device is affected. The third phase concerns the design of an estimator of the , based on an ANN (Artificial Neural Network) regression model, and involves a data manipulation phase with features extraction and reduction techniques. The fourth and final phase, involves the experimental validation of the method, through PIL (Processor‐In‐the‐Loop) tests, integrating the monitoring algorithm (consisting of a real‐time model and AI‐based regression model) on the NXPs32k144 embedded platform (based on Cortex‐M4), making the algorithm interact with the electric drive model on which anomaly injection is applied.
Grid‐forming converters in interconnected power systems: Requirements, testing aspects, and system impact
Authors: Rogalla Soenke , Ernst Philipp , Lens Hendrik , Schaupp Thomas , Schöll Christian , Singer Roland , Ungerland Jakob
Published: March 2024

In this study, the integration of grid‐forming (GFM) converters in power systems is discussed in terms of both the fundamental aspects of system stability and the technical possibilities of converter‐based resources. The paper provides a survey and comparison of various GFM control concepts with respect to their transient and stationary behavior. A method for black box characterization and conformity testing of GFM converters is presented and relevant results of lab and field tests with GFM converters are discussed. Finally, important system aspects are addressed. This includes an approach to consider the behavior of GFM converters in distribution grid models and investigations on the minimum share of GFM units required to ensure system stability. The findings of this paper provide valuable insights for the design and implementation of GFM converters in modern converter‐based power systems.
Predicting the coupling of HPEM waveform with a power amplifier in perforated conductive enclosure using FDDM/VF
Authors: Kalantarnia Ali , Mirzabeigi Abdollah
Published: March 2024

One of the most common methods to protect electronic and telecommunication systems in a high‐power electromagnetic (HPEM) environment is using a conductive enclosure. Amplifiers are the vital parts in transmitter and receiver systems as the main components of a telecommunication system, so investigating the effects of HPEM waveform on their performance is very important. The Presence of apertures in the body of the conductive enclosure, as well as non‐linear elements such as transistors in amplifiers, adds to the complexity of examining the coupling of electromagnetic fields on the performance of amplifiers. Considering the importance of the topic, in this study, the impact of the HPEM waveform on the power amplifier inside the conductive enclosure has been investigated. By using the finite difference delay modelling (FDDM) numerical method as a stable method followed by the vector fitting (VF) method, the electromagnetic problem has become a circuit problem, which allows examining the response of the power amplifier and any circuit, including non‐linear elements against the interference field. Responses of bipolar linear and non‐linear components in the perforated conductive enclosure by the proposed method have been compared with the results obtained by computer simulation technology microwave studio (CST‐MWS) for verification.
Broadband X-ray/UV/optical time-resolved spectroscopy of NGC 5548: The origin of the UV/optical variability in active galactic nuclei
Authors: Kammoun E. , Papadakis I. E. , Dovčiak M. , Panagiotou C.
Published: March 2024

Context. Recently, nearby bright galaxies have been the subject of long monitoring surveys in the X-rays, UV, and optical. All of these campaigns revealed a strong correlation between the various UV and optical bands, with time lags that increase with wavelength. In a series of papers, we have demonstrated that a scenario in which an X-ray source located on the rotation axis of the central black hole illuminating the accretion disc is a viable explanation for the observed correlations. However, some of the monitored sources showed low or moderate correlation between the X-rays and the UV, which could challenge this scenario.

Aims. In this paper, we analyse the time-averaged and the variable broadband X-ray/UV/optical spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of NGC 5548, one of the most intensely monitored Seyfert 1 galaxies, using Swift, HST, and ground-based telescopes. The aim of this paper is to test whether the broadband spectral behaviour of the source could be explained with the X-ray illumination hypothesis, despite the apparently moderate correlation between the X-rays and longer wavelength.

Methods. We modelled the broadband time-averaged SED, from the Space Telescope and Optical Reverberation Mapping (STORM) monitoring campaign of the source performed using the KYNSED model, which assumes X-ray illumination of the disc. We also modelled 15 time-resolved SEDs extracted from the same campaign to check whether this model can account for the spectral variability seen in the various wavebands during the monitoring. We assumed in our modelling that the X-ray corona is powered via the accretion process.

Results. Our results show that the proposed scenario could describe the time-averaged and the time-resolved SEDs of NGC 5548 perfectly well. In this scenario, the height of the corona, the X-ray photon index, and the power that is transferred to the corona all vary. This would explain the variability behaviour at the various wavelengths. The best-fit model is obtained for a non-spinning black hole accreting at a constant rate of 5% of its Eddington limit. Since each of the variable parameters will affect the observed flux in a particular way, the combined variability of all of these parameters will then account for the moderate correlation between the X-rays and UV/optical.

Conclusions. We demonstrate in this paper that X-ray illumination of the accretion disc can actually explain the observed properties of NGC 5548. In fact, this model not only fits the broadband spectra of the source well, but it also explains the time-lag behaviour as a function of wavelength as well as the power spectral distribution, providing a complete description of the behaviour of this source.
Zusammenhänge von Belastungsthemen und Coping-Strategien mit
psychischer Gesundheit und Lebenszufriedenheit bei COPD – eine
Mixed-Methods-Studie
Authors: Köbler Paul , Vogel Ralf T. , Joraschky Peter , Söllner Wolfgang
Published: March 2024

Dem umfassenden Verständnis von krankheitsauslösenden und -aufrechterhaltenden
Faktoren kommt im Hinblick auf die Ausprägung psychischer Komorbidität bei COPD
eine große Bedeutung zu. In der vorliegenden Mixed-Methods-Studie wurden
qualitative Interviewdaten zu Belastungen und Krankheitsverarbeitung mit
psychischer Komorbidität (mittels PHQ-D) sowie Lebenszufriedenheitsvariablen
(Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedulde, PANAS und Satisfaction with Life
Scale, SWLS) in Beziehung gesetzt und um den Freiburger Fragebogen zur
Krankheitsverarbeitung (FKV-LIS) ergänzt. Die beiden erzählanregenden
Interviewfragen lauteten: 1.) „Was beschäftigt Sie zur Zeit am meisten?“; 2.)
„Wie gehen Sie im Alltag mit Ihrer chronischen Erkrankung um?“ Insgesamt 62
aufgrund von COPD hospitalisierte Patient:innen nahmen teil. Die Schwere der
körperlichen Beeinträchtigung wurde mittels GOLD-Stadium und
Charlson-Komorbiditätsindex (CCI) bewertet. Die durchgeführten Interviews wurden
inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet und anschließend quantitativ erfasst. Die
erhobenen Daten wurden anschließend zwischen zwei Gruppen hinsichtlich
psychischer Belastung verglichen. Es wurden 13 Belastungsthemen und 11
Copingstrategien inhaltsanalytisch identifiziert. Insgesamt 42 Patient:innen
zeigten Anzeichen von psychosozialer Belastung, während 20 Patient:innen keine
derartigen Belastungen aufwiesen. Es gab keine signifikanten Unterschiede
zwischen den beiden Gruppen hinsichtlich soziodemografischer Merkmale und der
Schwere ihrer körperlichen Symptome. Bei der ersten Interviewfrage thematisierte
die belastete Gruppe häufiger Themen im Zusammenhang mit dem Tod (35,7%
gegenüber 15,0%) und sozialen Belastungen (21,4% gegenüber 0,0%). In der
nicht-belasteten Gruppe wurden in Bezug auf die zweite Interviewfrage
signifikant häufiger Strategien zur bewussten Betonung positiver Emotionen
genannt (70,0% gegenüber 31,0%). Darüber hinaus zeigten sich höhere Werte in den
FKV-Skalen für depressive Verarbeitung sowie Bagatellisierung und Wunschdenken
in der belasteten Gruppe. In der klinischen Betreuung bei COPD sollten
Lebensqualität und psychische Belastung berücksichtigt werden, wobei Maßnahmen
zur Beeinflussung der Krankheitswahrnehmung und der damit zusammenhängenden
Copingstile, insbesondere im Hinblick auf die Entwicklung einer realistischen
und optimistischen Sichtweise auf die Lebens- und Erkrankungssituation sowie der
Einbezug von Gruppen- und familientherapeutischen Interventionen von Bedeutung
sind.
Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Translation of the PedsQL™ 3.0 Neuromuscular Module for 2-to 4-Year-Olds in Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Kutlutürk Yıkılmaz Seval , Tanrıverdi Müberra , Öktem Sedat
Published: March 2024

Background The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) Neuromuscular Module (PedsQL™ 3.0 NM) evaluates the health-related quality of life in children who are affected by neuromuscular diseases. This study's aim is to assess the adaptation of the PedsQL™ 3.0 NM Turkish version (PedsQL™ 3.0 NM-TR) for 2- to 4-year-olds in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Methods The procedure of translating the PedsQL™ 3.0 NM into Turkish was conducted in accordance with the translation methodology outlined by the PedsQL™ measurement model. The PedsQL™ 3.0 NM-TR was administered to 54 parents of children with SMA aged 2 to 4 years. The test–retest reliability and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were measured for reliability analysis. Cronbach's α coefficient and item score correlations were calculated for internal consistency. Concurrent construct validity was evaluated by Pearson correlations between the outcomes of the PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scale (PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS) and the PedsQL™ 3.0 NM.

Results The PedsQL™ 3.0 NM-TR total score shows excellent reliability. The Cronbach's α values for the PedsQL™ 3.0 NM ranged between 0.871 and 0.906, while those for the PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS ranged between 0.843 and 0.897. Test–retest ICC values for the PedsQL™ 3.0 NM-TR ranged between 0.812 and 0.917, and for the PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS ranged between 0.773 and 0.899. The relationship between the PedsQL™ 3.0 NM-TR and the subscores of the PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS demonstrated a range of correlations from excellent to fair, indicating the interplay between two scales.

Conclusion This study established the PedsQL™ 3.0 NM-TR as reliable, valid, and feasible for use in children aged 2 to 4 years with SMA.
Impacts of environmental tobacco smoke on the onset and progression of multiple sclerosis: a systematic review
Authors: Schlindwein Marco Antônio Machado , de Moura Campos Marcelo Henrique , Breis Leticia Caroline , Chara Beatriz Sordi , Scherer Clara Sasse , Caminski Vitória Augusta Piva , Matta André , Gonçalves Marcus Vinicius Magno
Published: March 2024

Background Unlike cigarette smoking, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has not been as well described as an environmental risk for Multiple sclerosis (MS) nor as a risk factor for disease progression.

Objective We systematically reviewed the association between ETS and the risk of onset and/or progression of MS.

Methods We systematically screened MedLine/PubMed, Science Direct, LILACs, and SciELO searching for publications between January 1st, 2010, and July 5, 2021, with the following keywords: “multiple sclerosis and smoking”; “multiple sclerosis and passive smoking”; “multiple sclerosis and secondhand smoking”.

Results Fifteen articles were included in this review, which consisted of systematic reviews with meta-analysis (N = 2), systematic reviews (N = 2), and observational studies (N = 11). Both meta-analyses reported an impact of ETS on MS onset among secondhand smokers. One of the systematic reviews selected two observational studies showing the association between ETS and MS development, and one study that did not find a significant association between ETS and the risk of MS development. The other systematic review identified selected eight articles showing a relationship between ETS and MS. Seven observational studies reported higher odds of MS onset when associated with ETS. Four observational studies did not show a relationship between ETS and MS onset or progression.

Conclusion Most articles showed a positive association between ETS exposure and the risk of developing MS. On the other hand, an association between ETS and a higher risk for MS progression could not be established.
Guardians of ableist family formation: the legitimation work of Danish abortion committees in cases of termination for fetal anomaly
Authors: Heinsen Laura Louise
Published: March 2024

In Denmark, pregnant persons have a statutory right to abortion on-demand in the first trimester of pregnancy, after which abortion must be sanctioned by a regional abortion committee and may be warranted if there is danger that the fetus will suffer a serious mental or physical disability, yet what precisely constitutes ‘danger’ and ‘seriousness’ are left in the hands of the juridical abortion system to interpret. In this article, I explore how jurists and doctors arrive at and legitimate the authorization of disability-selective abortion. Building on van Wichelen’s (Legitimating life: adoption in the age of globalization and biotechnology, Rutgers University Press, New Brunswick, 2019) concept of ‘legitimation work,’ I show how abortion committees make legal decisions by dividing and distributing the task of —and moral responsibility for—making life-ending decisions by leaning on established legal practice, what I refer to as bureaucratic legitimation work; risk estimates made by external medical experts, what I refer to as collaborative legitimation work; and the ethical panacea of individual autonomy and informed choice, what I refer to as ethopolitical legitimation work. I argue that in conjunction, these forms of legitimation work turn termination of almost every non-conforming fetus into legitimate acts, hereby safeguarding ableist family formation.
CONSULT-II: accurate taxonomic identification and profiling using locality-sensitive hashing
Authors: Şapcı Ali Osman Berk , Rachtman Eleonora , Mirarab Siavash
Published: March 2024

Motivation

Taxonomic classification of short reads and taxonomic profiling of metagenomic samples are well-studied yet challenging problems. The presence of species belonging to groups without close representation in a reference dataset is particularly challenging. While k-mer-based methods have performed well in terms of running time and accuracy, they tend to have reduced accuracy for such novel species. Thus, there is a growing need for methods that combine the scalability of k-mers with increased sensitivity.

Results

Here, we show that using locality-sensitive hashing (LSH) can increase the sensitivity of the k-mer-based search. Our method, which combines LSH with several heuristics techniques including soft lowest common ancestor labeling and voting, is more accurate than alternatives in both taxonomic classification of individual reads and abundance profiling.

Availability and implementation

CONSULT-II is implemented in C++, and the software, together with reference libraries, is publicly available on GitHub https://github.com/bo1929/CONSULT-II.