bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo assessment of TiO2 based wear nanoparticles in periprosthetic tissues
Authors: Gregar Filip , Gallo Jiří , Milde David , Hegrová Jitka , Kučerová Pavla , Grepl Jakub , Pluháček Tomáš
Published: May 2024

A multimodal approach combining inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), single-particle ICP-MS (spICP-MS), scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Raman spectroscopy enabled a deeper insight into the balance between total titanium (Ti), the soluble titanium fraction and titanium dioxide based particle fraction levels in periprosthetic tissues collected from patients undergoing revision surgery. Hydrofluoric acid usage in the sample digestion allowed for complete digestion of TiO2 particles, thus enabling accurate estimation of total Ti levels. The TiO2 fraction represents 38–94% of the titanium load in the six samples where particles were detected, and the fraction is present mainly in samples from patients with aseptically loosened total hip arthroplasty. Further attention was given to this fraction determining the elemental composition, particle count, particle size and modification of TiO2. The spICP-MS analysis confirmed the presence of the TiO2-derived (nano)particles (NPs) with a 39- to 187-nm median size and particle count up to 2.3 × 1011 particles per gram of tissue. On top of that, the SEM-EDS confirmed the presence of the TiO2 nanoparticles with 230-nm median size and an anatase crystal phase was determined by Raman spectroscopy. This study presents a novel multimodal approach for TiO2 particle determination and characterization in tissue samples and is the first in vivo study of this character.
Investigation of a novel biofilm model close to the original oral microbiome
Authors: Li Pengpeng , Zhang Yuwen , Chen Dongru , Lin Huancai
Published: May 2024

A more optimized culture medium used in vitro to mimic the bacterial composition of original oral flora as similar as possible remains difficult at present, and the goal of this study is to develop a novel oral biofilm medium to restore the original oral microbiome. Firstly, we conducted a systematic literature review by searching PubMed and summarized the current reported culture media in vitro. Seven culture media were found. We used mixed saliva as the origin of oral species to compare the effects of the above media in culturing oral multispecies biofilms. Results indicated that among the seven media brain heart infusion containing 1% sucrose (BHIs) medium, PG medium, artificial saliva (AS) medium, and SHI medium could obviously gain large oral biofilm in vitro. The nutrients contained in different culture media may be suitable for the growth of different oral bacteria; therefore, we optimized several novel media accordingly. Notably, results of crystal violet staining showed that the biofilm cultured in our modified artificial saliva (MAS) medium had the highest amount of biofilm biomass. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and Shannon index of biofilm cultured in MAS medium were also the highest among all the tested media. More importantly, the 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis indicated that the biofilm cultured in MAS medium was closer to the original saliva species. Besides, biofilm cultured by MAS was denser and produced more exopolysaccharides. MAS supported stable biofilm formation on different substrata. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a novel MAS medium that could culture oral biofilm in vitro closer to the original oral microbiome, showing a good application prospect.

Key points

• We compare the effects of different media in culturing oral biofilms

• A novel modified artificial saliva (MAS) medium was obtained in our study

• The MAS medium could culture biofilm that was closer to oral microbiome
Local environmental conditions structured discrete fish assemblages in Arctic lagoons
Authors: Laske Sarah M. , von Biela Vanessa R. , Stanek Ashley E. , Dunton Kenneth H.
Published: May 2024

Rapid changes in sea ice extent and changes in freshwater inputs from land are rapidly changing the nature of Arctic estuarine ecosystems. In the Beaufort Sea, these nearshore habitats are known for their high productivity and mix of marine resident and diadromous fishes that have great subsistence value for Indigenous communities. There is, however, a lack of information on the spatial variation among Arctic nearshore fish communities as related to environmental drivers. In summers of 2017–2019, we sampled fishes in four estuarine ecosystems to assess community composition and relate fish abundance to temperature, salinity, and wind conditions. We found fish communities were heterogeneous over larger spatial extents with rivers forming fresh estuarine plumes that supported diadromous species (e.g., broad whitefish Coregonus nasus), while lagoons with reduced freshwater input and higher salinities were associated with marine species (e.g., saffron cod Eleginus gracilis). West–East directional winds accounted for up to 66% of the community variation, indicating importance of the wind-driven balance between fresh and marine water masses. Salinity and temperature accounted for up to 54% and 37% of the variation among lagoon communities, respectively. Recent sea ice declines provide more opportunity for wind to influence oceanographic conditions and biological communities. Current subsistence practices, future commercial fishing opportunities, and on-going oil and gas activities benefit from a better understanding of current fish community distributions. This work provides important data on fish spatial distributions and community composition, providing a basis for fish community response to changing climatic conditions and anthropogenic use.
Safety and effectiveness of Evicel® fibrin sealant as an adjunct to sutured dural repair in children undergoing cranial neurosurgery
Authors: Sivakumar Gnanamurthy , Magdum Shailendra , Aquilina Kristian , Kandasamy Jothy , Josan Vivek , Ilie Bogdan , Barnett Ellie , Kocharian Richard , Pettorini Benedetta
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a challenging complication of intradural cranial surgery, and children are particularly at risk. The use of dural sealants confers protection in adults, but pediatric studies are scarce. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of Evicel® fibrin sealant as an adjunct to primary dural suturing in children undergoing cranial surgery.

Methods

A multicenter trial prospectively enrolled pediatric subjects (< 18 years) undergoing cranial neurosurgery who, upon completion of primary sutured dural repair, experienced CSF leakage. As agreed by the EMA Evicel® Pediatric Investigation Plan, 40 subjects were intra-operatively randomized 2:1 to Evicel® or additional sutures (‘Sutures’). Data analysis was descriptive. The efficacy endpoint was treatment success rate, with success defined as intra-operative watertight closure after provocative Valsalva maneuver (primary endpoint). Safety endpoints were postoperative CSF leakage (incisional CSF leakage, pseudomeningocele or both) and surgical site complications (secondary endpoints).

Results

Forty subjects (0.6–17 years) were randomized to Evicel® (N = 25) or Sutures (N = 15) (intention-to-treat). Intracranial tumor was the most common indication and procedures were mostly supratentorial craniotomies. Success rates were 92.0% for Evicel® and 33.3% for Sutures, with a 2.76 estimated ratio of success rates (Farrington-Manning 95% CI [1.53, 6.16]). Sensitivity analyses in per-protocol and safety sets showed similar results. Despite a higher rescue treatment rate, the frequencies of postoperative CSF leakage and wound complications were higher for Sutures than for Evicel®.

Conclusion

This small-scale prospective study shows Evicel® treatment to be safe and effective as an adjunct to primary sutured dura mater closure in a pediatric population. Compared to additional sutures, Evicel® was associated with reduced postoperative CSF leakage and surgical site complications. (Trial registration: The trial was registered as NCT02309645 and EudraCT 2013-003558-26).
Comparison of the effectiveness and efficiency of the grid and link search methods to recover scattered skeletal remains
Authors: Keyes Craig Adam
Published: May 2024

The grid and link search methods are used to recover scattered skeletal remains. Neither have not been compared robustly and clear guidelines for the link method have not been sufficiently developed. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of both methods and propose guidelines for the link method. The scattering patterns of two scavengers of forensic relevance—slender mongooses (Galerella sanguinea) and black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas)—were recreated using four pig skeletons (Sus scrofa domesticus). Two groups (n = 6 each) were assigned a different method to recover the scattered remains. The length of the search and when each bone was located for each scatter pattern was recorded for each group and scatter pattern. A Likert scale questionnaire assessed participants’ perceptions of their assigned method. A paired t-test (p = 0.005) compared the efficiency of each method and the questionnaire answers. Both methods were effective, recovering 100% of all remains. The link method was more efficient for both scatter patterns, despite there being no statistical significance (jackal: p = 0.089; mongoose: p = 0.464). Participants indicated favorable views for both methods; however, the link method scored significantly more favorably (p = 0.01) for efficiency. Specific guidelines were developed for the use of the link method. The link method is suggested for the recovery of scattered remains in forensic contexts, especially when the scavenger, its behavior, and scattering pattern is known or suspected.
Long-term clinical outcomes in patients with CIS treated with interferon beta-1b: results from the 15-year follow up of the BENEFIT trial
Authors: Kappos Ludwig , Edan Gilles , Freedman Mark S. , Hartung Hans-Peter , Montalbán Xavier , Barkhof Frederik , Koelbach Ralf , MacManus David G. , Wicklein Eva-Maria ,   for the BENEFIT and BENEFIT 15 Study Groups
Published: May 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment intervention with immunomodulating therapy at early disease stage improves short term clinical outcomes. The objective of this study is to describe the long-term outcomes and healthcare utilization of patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) included in the Betaferon®/Betaseron® in Newly Emerging MS for Initial Treatment (BENEFIT) randomized, parallel group trial. In BENEFIT patients were assigned to “early” IFNB-1b treatment or placebo (“delayed” treatment). After 2 years or conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS), all patients were offered IFNB-1b and were reassessed 15 years later. Of 468 patients, 261 (55.8%) were enrolled into BENEFIT 15 (161 [55.1%] from the early, 100 [56.8%] from the delayed treatment arm). In the full BENEFIT analysis set, risk of conversion to CDMS remained lower in the early treatment group ( – 30.5%; hazard ratio 0.695 [95% CI, 0.547–0.883]; p = 0.0029) with a 15.7% lower risk of relapse than in the delayed treatment group (p = 0.1008). Overall, 25 patients (9.6%; 9.9% early, 9.0% delayed) converted to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Disability remained low and stable with no significant difference between groups in Expanded Disability Status Scale score or MRI metrics. Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task-3 scores were better in the early treatment group (p = 0.0036 for treatment effect over 15 years). 66.3% of patients were still employed at Year 15 versus 74.7% at baseline. In conclusion, results 15 years from initial randomization support long-term benefits of early treatment with IFNB-1b.
Digital twin of surface acoustic wave transceivers for a computational design of an optimal wave guiding layer thickness
Authors: Baler Ufuk Tan , Okyar Ali Fethi , Abali Bilen Emek
Published: May 2024

Detection of biomarkers is exploited in lab-on-a-chip devices by means of Love type Surface Acoustic Waves (SAW). Finger type arrangement of electrodes, used for InterDigital-Transducers (IDT), perform well to create and detect SAW by using electro-mechanical coupling. Efficiency of such a transceiver depends on design parameters such as chosen material orientation, thickness, placement of electrodes. An optimized design reduces production costs, hence, we need a digital twin of the device with multiphysics simulations that compute deformation and electric field. In this study, we develop a framework with the open-source package called FEniCS for modal and transient analyses of IDTs by using the Finite Element Method (FEM). Specifically, we discuss all possible sensor design parameters and propose a computational design guideline that determines the “best” thickness parameter by maximizing mass sensitivity, thus, efficiency for a Love surface acoustic wave sensor.
Passive intervertebral restraint is different in patients with treatment-resistant chronic nonspecific low back pain: a retrospective cohort study and control comparison
Authors: Breen Alan , Nematimoez Mehdi , Branney Jonathan , Breen Alexander
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In vivo studies of continuous lumbar sagittal plane motion have found passive intervertebral motion to be more uneven in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) than healthy controls, but the mechanisms are unclear. This study aimed to compare patients with CNSLBP with a matched group of pain-free controls for intervertebral restraint during passive recumbent bending.

Methods

Seventeen patients with CNSLBP and minimal disc degeneration who had quantitative fluoroscopy investigations were matched to 17 healthy controls from a database acquired using the same imaging protocol. The entire database (n = 136) was examined for clustering of peaking times, magnitudes and ROM of the first derivatives of the intervertebral angle/motion curves (PTFD, PMFD and ROM) during flexion and return that might introduce confounding. The groups were then compared for differences in these variables.

Results

There were significant segmental ROM differences among clusters in the database when PMFD and ROM were used as clustering variables, indicating heterogeneity. However, in the patient–control study, it was PTFD (velocity) that differentiated the groups. At L5-S1, this was at 10.82% of the motion path compared with 25.06% in the controls (p = 0.0002). For L4-5, PTFD was at 23.42% of the motion path in patients and 16.33% in controls (p = 0.0694) suggesting a reduced initial bending moment there. There were no significant differences for PMFD or ROM.

Conclusion

Peaking time of passive intervertebral velocity occurs early at L5-S1 in patients with CNSLBP; however, these findings should be treated with caution pending their replication. Future studies should explore relationships with altered disc pressures and biochemistry. Usefulness for monitoring regenerative disc therapies should be considered.
Monitoring of singlet oxygen generation of a novel Schiff-base substituted silicon phthalocyanines by sono-photochemical studies and in vitro activities on prostate cancer cell
Authors: Messaoudi Hiba , Yaşa Atmaca Göknur , Türkkol Ayşegül , Bilgin Mehmet Dinçer , Erdoğmuş Ali
Published: May 2024

This study demonstrates the potential of sono-photodynamic therapy as an effective approach for enhancing singlet oxygen generation using the synthesized Schiff-base diaxially substituted silicon phthalocyanines. In photochemical studies, the singlet oxygen quantum yields (Φ∆) were determined as 0.43 for Si1a, 0.94 for Q-Si1a, 0.58 for S-Si1a, and 0.49 for B-Sia1. In sono-photochemical studies, the Φ∆ values were reached to 0.67 for Si1a, 1.06 for Q-Si1a, 0.65 for S-Si1a, and 0.67 for B-Sia1. In addition, this study demonstrates the therapeutic efficacy of phthalocyanines synthesized as sensitizers on the PC3 prostate cancer cell line through in vitro experiments. The application of these treatment modalities exhibited notable outcomes, leading to a substantial decrease in cell viability within the PC3 prostate cancer cell line. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing these synthesized phthalocyanines as promising therapeutic agents for prostate cancer treatment.

Graphical Abstract
Costs associated with insufficient physical activity in Germany: cross-sectional results from the baseline examination of the German national cohort (NAKO)
Authors: Gottschalk Sophie , König Hans-Helmut , Weber Andrea , Leitzmann Michael F. , Stein Michael J. , Peters Annette , Flexeder Claudia , Krist Lilian , Willich Stefan N. , Nimptsch Katharina , Pischon Tobias , Gastell Sylvia , Steindorf Karen , Herbolsheimer Florian , Ebert Nina , Michels Karin B. , Dorrn Anja , Harth Volker , Obi Nadia , Karch André , Teismann Henning , Völzke Henry , Meinke-Franze Claudia , Klimeck Leon , Seum Teresa L. , Dams Judith
Published: May 2024

Background

Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases posing a significant economic burden to healthcare systems and societies. The study aimed to examine the differences in healthcare and indirect costs between sufficient and insufficient PA and the cost differences between PA intensity groups.

Methods

The cross-sectional analysis was based on data from 157,648 participants in the baseline examination of the German National Cohort (NAKO) study. Healthcare and indirect costs were calculated based on self-reported information on health-related resource use and productivity losses. PA in the domains leisure, transport, and work was assessed by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized into sufficient/insufficient and intensity levels (very low/low/medium/high) based on PA recommendations of the World Health Organization. Two-part models adjusted for relevant covariates were used to estimate mean costs for PA groups.

Results and conclusion

Insufficiently active people had higher average annual healthcare costs (Δ €188, 95% CI [64, 311]) and healthcare plus indirect costs (Δ €482, 95% CI [262, 702]) compared to sufficiently active people. The difference was especially evident in the population aged 60 + years and when considering only leisure PA. An inverse association was observed between leisure PA and costs, whereas a direct association was found between PA at work and costs. Adjusting for the number of comorbidities reduced the differences between activity groups, but the trend persisted. The association between PA and costs differed in direction between PA domains. Future research may provide further insight into the temporal relationship between PA and costs.
A systematic review of chatbots in inclusive healthcare: insights from the last 5 years
Authors: Grassini Elia , Buzzi Marina , Leporini Barbara , Vozna Alina
Published: May 2024

Healthcare is one of the most important sectors of our society, and during the COVID-19 pandemic a new challenge emerged—how to support people safely and effectively at home regarding their health-related problems. In this regard chatbots or conversational agents (CAs) play an increasingly important role, and are spreading rapidly. They can enhance not only user interaction by delivering quick feedback or responses, but also hospital management, thanks to several of their features. Considerable research is focused on making CAs more reliable, accurate, and robust. However, a critical aspect of chatbots is how to make them inclusive, in order to effectively support the interaction of users unfamiliar with technology, such as the elderly and people with disabilities. In this study, we investigate the current use of chatbots in healthcare, exploring their evolution over time and their inclusivity. The study was carried out on four digital libraries (ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, and Google Scholar) on research articles published in the last 5 years, with a total of 21 articles describing chatbots implemented and actually used in the eHealth clinical area. The results showed a notable improvement in the use of chatbots in the last few years but also highlight some design issues, including poor attention to inclusion. Based on the findings, we recommend a different kind of approach for implementing chatbots with an inclusive accessibility-by-design approach.
Long-term monitoring of dwarf eggs in clutches of Yellow-legged Gulls (Larus michahellis) breeding in a western Mediterranean colony
Authors: Bosch Marc
Published: May 2024

The present study provides data on clutches with dwarf eggs from a large sampling in a colony of Yellow-legged Gulls (Larus michahellis) over 31 years. Their occurrence was very low, with a global percentage of 0.26%. Significant variations were not detected among periods of 10 or 11 years. In all the cases, only one dwarf egg was found per clutch. Mean volume of dwarf eggs was 34% of that of non-dwarf eggs. Their content was mostly albumen and a very reduced quantity of yolk, and they were infertile. Several results of the study (the laying order of the dwarf eggs, their mean clutch size and the mean size of the non-dwarf eggs from clutches with dwarf eggs) support the hypotheses that runt eggs occur from a temporary disturbance to the reproductive tract.
Mechanistic microclimate models and plant pest risk modelling
Authors: Mosedale Jonathan R. , Eyre Dominic , Korycinska Anastasia , Everatt Matthew , Grant Sam , Trew Brittany , Kaye Neil , Hemming Deborah , Maclean Ilya M. D.
Published: May 2024

Climatic conditions are key determining factors of whether plant pests flourish. Models of pest response to temperature are integral to pest risk assessment and management, helping to inform surveillance and control measures. The widespread use of meteorological data as predictors in these models compromises their reliability as these measurements are not thermally coupled to the conditions experienced by pest organisms or their body temperatures. Here, we present how mechanistic microclimate models can be used to estimate the conditions experienced by pest organisms to provide significant benefits to pest risk modelling. These well-established physical models capture how landscape, vegetation and climate interact to determine the conditions to which pests are exposed. Assessments of pest risk derived from microclimate conditions are likely to significantly diverge from those derived from weather station measurements. The magnitude of this divergence will vary across a landscape, over time and according to pest habitats and behaviour due to the complex mechanisms that determine microclimate conditions and their effect on pest biology. Whereas the application of microclimate models was once restricted to relatively homogeneous habitats, these models can now be applied readily to generate hourly time series across extensive and varied landscapes. We outline the benefits and challenges of more routine application of microclimate models to pest risk modelling. Mechanistic microclimate models provide a heuristic tool that helps discriminate between physical, mathematical and biological causes of model failure. Their use can also help understand how pest ecology, behaviour and physiology mediate the relationship between climate and pest response.
“Historical signs in the landscape”: Ecosystem services, motivation and challenges of pollarding in Western Norway
Authors: Milford Anna Birgitte , Johansen Jørund , Kårstad Signe , Schei Fride Høistad
Published: May 2024

Pollarding in agroforestry systems was traditionally an important practice for fodder acquisition in Western Norway, as well as in many other parts of the world. The practice has long been in decline, but to maintain cultural landscapes and biodiversity enhancement from pollarding, farmers now receive a public grant for each tree they pollard. In this interdisciplinary study we investigate which ecosystem services modern pollarding practices provide, under the influence of the current pollarding policy. We have performed both in-depth interviews and a quantitative survey targeting all pollarding farmers in the county of Vestland in Western Norway. We find that bioresources obtained from the branches from pollarding are to some extent still taken into use, mainly in the form of tree fodder for farm animals and firewood, but a lot of the branches remain unused. Biodiversity benefits are obtained from preserving old trees that often are located on agricultural land as solitary trees, as these trees provide important habitats, particularly for species growing on the bark, such as lichens and mosses, or within the decaying wood, such as, for example, fungi and insects. The modern practice of letting branches rot in the field provide habitats for insects and hence additional benefits to biodiversity. For the farmers, the main motivations to pollard are the cultural, aesthetic and historical values of pollarded trees. They see few disadvantages with pollarding, and most of them plan to continue in the future. The grant provides an incentive for pollarding, but our results indicate that the practice would continue without it, although less than now, especially with the establishment of new pollards.
Semantic matching in GUI test reuse
Authors: Khalili Farideh , Mariani Leonardo , Mohebbi Ali , Pezzè Mauro , Terragni Valerio
Published: May 2024

Reusing test cases across apps that share similar functionalities reduces both the effort required to produce useful test cases and the time to offer reliable apps to the market. The main approaches to reuse test cases across apps combine different semantic matching and test generation algorithms to migrate test cases across apps. In this paper we define a general framework to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of different choices of semantic matching with approaches on migrating test cases across apps. We offer a thorough comparative evaluation of the many possible choices for the components of test migration processes. We propose an approach that combines the most effective choices for each component of the test migration process to obtain an effective approach. We report the results of an experimental evaluation on 8,099 GUI events from 337 test configurations. The results attest the prominent impact of semantic matching on test reuse. They indicate that sentence level perform better than word level embedding techniques. They surprisingly suggest a negligible impact of the corpus of documents used for building the word embedding model for the . They provide evidence that semantic matching of events of selected types perform better than semantic matching of events of all types. They show that the effectiveness of overall approach depends on the characteristics of the test suites and apps. The replication package that we make publicly available online (https://star.inf.usi.ch/#/software-data/11) allows researchers and practitioners to refine the results with additional experiments and evaluate other choices for test reuse components.
Fundamental groups and group presentations with bounded relator lengths
Authors: Zamora Sergio
Published: May 2024

We study the geometry of compact geodesic spaces with trivial first Betti number admitting large finite groups of isometries. We show that if a finite group G acts by isometries on a compact geodesic space X whose first Betti number vanishes, then $${\text {diam}}(X) / {\text {diam}}(X / G ) \le 4 \sqrt{ \vert G \vert }$$

diam

(
X
)

/
diam

(
X
/
G
)

≤
4

|
G
|

. For a group G and a finite symmetric generating set S, $$P_k(\varGamma (G, S))$$

P
k

(
Γ

(
G
,
S
)

)

denotes the 2-dimensional CW-complex whose 1-skeleton is the Cayley graph $$\varGamma $$
Γ
of G with respect to S and whose 2-cells are m-gons for $$0 \le m \le k$$

0
≤
m
≤
k

, defined by the simple graph loops of length m in $$\varGamma $$
Γ
, up to cyclic permutations. Let G be a finite abelian group with $$\vert G \vert \ge 3$$

|
G
|
≥
3

and S a symmetric set of generators for which $$P_k(\varGamma (G,S))$$

P
k

(
Γ

(
G
,
S
)

)

has trivial first Betti number. We show that the first nontrivial eigenvalue $$-\lambda _1$$

-

λ
1

of the Laplacian on the Cayley graph satisfies $$\lambda _1 \ge 2 - 2 \cos ( 2 \pi / k ) $$

λ
1

≥
2
-
2
cos

(
2
π
/
k
)

. We also give an explicit upper bound on the diameter of the Cayley graph of G with respect to S of the form $$O (k^2 \vert S \vert \log \vert G \vert )$$

O
(

k
2

|
S
|
log
|
G
|
)

. Related explicit bounds for the Cheeger constant and Kazhdan constant of the pair (G, S) are also obtained.
Detectability of Seamount Eruptions Through a Quantum Technology Gravity Mission MOCAST+: Hunga Tonga, Fani Maoré and Other Smaller Eruptions
Authors: Braitenberg Carla , Pastorutti Alberto
Published: May 2024

Seamount eruptions alter the bathymetry and can occur undetected due to lack of explosive character. We review documented eruptions to define whether they could be detected by a future satellite gravity mission. We adopt the noise level in acquisitions of multi-satellite constellations as in the MOCAST+ study, with a proposed payload of a quantum technology gradiometer and clock. The review of underwater volcanoes includes the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai (HTHH) islands for which the exposed surface changed during volcanic unrests of 2014/2015 and 2021/2022. The Fani Maoré submarine volcanic eruption of 2018–2021 produced a new seamount 800 m high, emerging from a depth of 3500 m, and therefore not seen above sea surface. We review further documented submarine eruptions and estimate the upper limit of the expected gravity changes. We find that a MOCAST+ type mission should allow us to detect the subsurface mass changes generated by deep ocean submarine volcanic activity for volume changes of 6.5 km3 upwards, with latency of 1 year. This change is met by the HTHH and Fani Maoré volcanoes.
Regulation of Alternative Splicing of Lipid Metabolism Genes in Sepsis-Induced Liver Damage by RNA-Binding Proteins
Authors: Abuduaini Buzukela , Jiyuan Zhang , Rehati Aliya , Liang Zhao , Yunlin Song
Published: May 2024

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) have the potential for transcriptional regulation in sepsis-induced liver injury, but precise functions remain unclear. Our aim is to conduct a genome-wide expression analysis of RBPs and illuminate changes in the regulation of alternative splicing in sepsis-induced liver injury. RNA-seq data on “sepsis and liver” from the publicly available NCBI data set was analyzed, and differentially expressed RBPs and alternative splicing events (ASEs) in the healthy and septic liver were identified. Co-expression analyses of sepsis-regulated RBPs and ASEs were performed. Models of sepsis were established to validate hepatic RBP gene expression patterns with different treatments. Pairwise analysis of gene expression profiles of sham, cecum ligation puncture (CLP), and CLP with dichloroacetate (CLPDCA) mice allowed 1208 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 800 were up-regulated and 408 down-regulated, to be identified. DEGs were similar in both Sham and CLPDCA mice. The KEGG analysis showed that up-regulated genes as being involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and IL-17 signaling pathway and down-regulated genes in metabolic pathways. Differences in lipid metabolism–related alternative splicing events, including A3SS, were also found in CLP and CLPDCA compared with sham mice. Thirty-seven RBPs, including S100a11, Ads2, Fndc3b, Fn1, Ddx28, Car2, Cisd1, and Ptms, were differentially expressed in CLP mice and the regulated alternative splicing genes(RASG) with the RBP shown to be enriched in lipid metabolic and oxidation-reduction-related processes by GO functional analysis. In KEEG analysis the RASG mainly enriched in metabolic pathway. The models of sepsis were constructed with different treatment groups, and S100a11 expression in the CLP group found to be higher than in the sham group, a change that was reversed by DCA. The alternative splicing ratio of Srebf1 and Cers2 decreased compared with the sham group increased after DCA treatment. Abnormal profiles of gene expression and alternative splicing were associated with sepsis-induced liver injury. Unusual expression of RBPs, such as S100a11, may regulate alternative splicing of lipid metabolism–associated genes, such as Srebf1 and Cers2, in the septic liver. RBPs may constitute potential treatment targets for sepsis-induced liver injury.
Perspectives on Conservation Impacts of the Global Primate Trade
Authors: Badihi Gal , Nielsen Daniel R. K. , Garber Paul A. , Gill Mike , Jones-Engel Lisa , Maldonado Angela M. , Dore Kerry M. , Cramer Jennifer D. , Lappan Susan , Dolins Francine , Sy Emerson Y. , Fuentes Agustin , Nijman Vincent , Hansen Malene F.
Published: May 2024

The global trade in nonhuman primates represents a substantial threat to ecosystem health, human health, and primate conservation worldwide. Most of the primate trade involves trade for pet-keeping, consumption, or biomedical experimentation. We present an overview of international primate trade through five case studies; each describes a different facet of this trade. We draw on published scientific literature, media outlets, and open access datasets, including the CITES Trade Database to build these case studies. Case study 1 describes the role of introduced island populations ofMacacaandChlorocebusin trade for biomedical experimentation; case study 2 covers the global health threats posed by the primate trade, including zoonotic disease transmission once animals enter the trade pipeline; case study 3 addresses the ways that changing patterns of primate trade, from local markets to online, have increased the demand for primates as pets; case study 4 recognizes the role that local environmental activism can play in mitigating trade; and case study 5 shows variation between global regions in their contribution to the primate trade. We recommend greater oversight of primate trade, especially domestic trade within primate range countries, and real-time reporting to CITES to accurately track primate trade. Effective conservation-focused regulations that can minimise the negative effects of primate trade must be tailored to specific regions and species and require transparency, careful regulation, field research, and an understanding of the magnitude of this trade.
Robotics in the Construction Sector: Trends, Advances, and Challenges
Authors: Liu Yuming , A.H. Alias , Haron Nuzul Azam , N.A. Bakar , Wang Hao
Published: May 2024

Construction robots employ cutting-edge technology to perform tasks more accurately than traditional construction workers, producing higher-quality results and fewer mistakes. Moreover, although construction robotics is a demanding topic in construction sector research, more review studies that track and anticipate adoption trends are required in the construction sector. This study aims to bridge this gap by identifying the adoption challenges and limitations of construction robots and the opportunities offered to the construction sector. To achieve this aim, the study adopts a systematic literature review approach using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Additionally, the systematic literature review focuses on the framework for categorizing technological advances and potential trends in development over the past decade. The review results reveal that: (a) current robotic technology covered four critical perspectives including perception, mobility, manipulation, and collaboration; (b) promoting the sector requires attention to safety and ethical issues because of the risks associated.
Polyvinyl Alcohol/Zr-based Metal Organic Framework Mixed-matrix Membranes Synthesis and Application for Hydrogen Separation
Authors: Nigiz Filiz Ugur , Ünügül Tuba
Published: May 2024

Membrane gas separation is an environmentally friendly and economical method used to separate valuable gases, industrial process gas wastes, and carbon dioxide from mixed gases. The most important part of this method is the membranes. Gas separation membranes are expected to have high separation and permeability performance, high mechanical strength, easy and fast production capability, and low prices. Polymer-based membranes are mostly preferred depending on the ease of modification capability. In this study, a zirconium-based metal organic framework (Zr-MOF, MIL-140 A) was synthesized and used as a filler within polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix for the selective separation of hydrogen (H2) from carbon dioxide (CO2). The effect of MIL-140 A addition on the mechanical, structural, and morphological properties of PVA was evaluated. The MIL-140 A significantly improved the mechanical strength of the membrane. According to the gas separation results, the increasing concentration of MIL-140 A increased the selective separation performance of the nanocomposite membrane. The highest mechanical strength (43.1 MPa) and best film-forming ability were obtained with 3 wt% MIL-140 A loaded membrane. The ideal H2/CO2 selectivity and hydrogen permeability were obtained as 5.6 and 944 Barrer, respectively at 2 bar feed pressure and room temperature. The highest ideal H2/CO2 selectivity was obtained as 6.3 with the H2 permeability of 959 Barrer when the MIL-140 A ratio was 4 wt%.
Deep learning based anomaly detection in real-time video
Authors: Elmetwally Ahmed , Eldeeb Reem , Elmougy Samir
Published: May 2024

Many security cameras have been put up in places like airports, roads, and banks for the safety of these public places. These cameras make a lot of video data, and most security camera recordings are only ever seen when something strange happens. This means that monitoring has to be done by people, which is time-consuming and often wrong, so automatic ways of monitoring have to be used. In this paper, we propose a system that automatically detects irregular events in videos based on the integration of Inflated 3D Convolution Network (I3D-ResNet50) and deep Multiple Instance Learning (MIL). This system considers both regular and unusual videos as negative and positive packets, respectively. Each video snippet is a case of that packet. An anomaly score is generated for each video snippet using a fully connected Neural Network (NN). After processing videos, we used an I3D-ResNet50 to extract features after applying 10-crop augmentations to the UCF-101 dataset that contains 130 GB of videos with 13 abnormal events such as fighting, stealing, abuse, etc., as well as normal events. Our experimental results show that the AUC is 82.85% with only 10,000 iterations compared with other approaches. This means that our model is better at spotting anomalies in real-time videos.
Against the singularity hypothesis
Authors: Thorstad David
Published: May 2024

The singularity hypothesis is a hypothesis about the future of artificial intelligence on which self-improving artificial agents will quickly become orders of magnitude more intelligent than the average human. Despite the ambitiousness of its claims, the singularity hypothesis has been defended at length by leading philosophers and artificial intelligence researchers. In this paper, I argue that the singularity hypothesis rests on undersupported growth assumptions. I show how leading philosophical defenses of the singularity hypothesis fail to overcome the case for skepticism. I conclude by drawing out philosophical and policy implications of this discussion.
Incommensurability and healthcare priority setting
Authors: Herlitz Anders
Published: May 2024

This paper argues that accepting incommensurability can be a useful step for developing attractive hybrid theories to how to distribute scarce health-related resources. If one provides opportunity for distributive options to be incommensurable with respect to substantive criteria, one can hold on to substantive criteria while also providing room for decision processes to play a significant role. The paper also argues that the strategy of accepting incommensurability is preferable to the strategy of having substantive criteria establish sets of options that are equally, explains why incommensurability gives us reason to go hybrid, and argues that reasons grounded in decision processes have properties that make them appropriate as “tiebreakers” in choice situations characterized by incommensurability.
Mapping the evolution of gender dysphoria research: a comprehensive bibliometric study
Authors: Aria Massimo , D’Aniello Luca , Grassia Maria Gabriella , Marino Marina , Mazza Rocco , Stavolo Agostino
Published: May 2024

The definition of gender dysphoria has been the subject of extensive scientific debate in various fields. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-V) characterizes gender dysphoria as a psychological condition due to a discrepancy between perceived and assigned gender. The scientific community has engaged in an extensive debate over the years regarding the classification of gender dysphoria, initially characterizing it as a gender identity disorder and subsequently removing it from the category of mental disorder. This paper aims to use bibliometric techniques to analyze scientific productivity and study the evolution of content on gender dysphoria from 1991 to 2022. It provides to map the scientific research production in this field through the science mapping approach highlighting the changes that have taken place over the past three decades.
Effects of replacing of alfalfa hay with Plantago lanceolata hay on digestibility, methane production and microbial protein production of total mixed diet
Authors: Selcuk Bilal , Bilal Yakup , Bakir Tugba , Ozkan Cagri Ozgur
Published: May 2024

The aim of current experiment was to determine the effect of replacement of alfalfa hay with ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) hay in ruminant diets on the fermentation parameters such as gas production, methane (CH4) production, true digestible dry matter (TDDM), true digestibility (TD), partitioning factor, microbial protein, and efficiency of microbial protein using in vitro gas production technique. The alfalfa hay was replaced with P. lanceolata hay in a diets isocaloric (2650 kcal/kg DM) and nitrogenic (17% CP kg DM) at the ratio of 0, 5, 10 and 15%. Partial substitution of alfalfa hay with P. lanceolata hay had no significant effect on gas and methane (ml/incubated substrate or %) production whereas the partial substitution had a significant effect on TDDM, TD, gas (ml/digested DM), CH4 (ml ml/digested DM) and microbial MP of diets. The replacement of alfalfa hay with ribwort plantain hay shifted the fermentation pattern from gas and methane production to microbial protein production. Therefore alfalfa hay can be replaced with ribwort plantain hay with high digestibility and anti-methanogenic potential in ruminant diets up to 15% to decrease methane production and improve microbial protein production. However further in vivo experiments are required to determine the effect of replacement on feed intake and animal production.
Experimental Study of Nitinol Springs: Apparatus and Results
Authors: Alexandron I. , deBotton G.
Published: May 2024

Background

The behavior of shape memory alloys that admit large reversible deformations in response to thermal excitation has been extensively studied in recent years. Yet, the number of works dealing with springs made from these alloys is rather limited in spite of their attractiveness in various applications.

Objective

To bridge this gap we designed and constructed an experimental system for characterizing the behavior of the springs. It enables precise control of the three state variables: temperature, elongation, and force.

Methods

Control of the sample temperature is achieved by immersing it in a water-filled thermal bath, where the water temperature is adjusted using a thermoelectric Peltier device. A tension-compression motorized unit sets the spring elongation and a force gauge is used for measuring the force exerted on the spring. The data is continuously monitored and acquired with a self-coded LabVIEW program. An important aspect is the calibration procedure developed for identifying the spring load-free state and ensuring the repetitiveness of the measurements.

Results

Experiments in which the elongation or the force were measured as a function of the temperature demonstrate the role of the phase transformations. Isothermal experiments enabled to characterize the variations of the force versus the elongation at different temperatures.

Conclusions

The proposed system facilitates the execution of highly accurate experiments through which the complex history-dependent behavior of shape memory springs can be revealed and studied.
The performance of the node reporting and data system 1.0 (Node-RADS) and DWI–MRI in staging patients with cervical carcinoma according to the new FIGO classification (2018)
Authors: Ninkova Roberta Valerieva , Calabrese Alessandro , Curti Federica , Riccardi Sandrine , Gennarini Marco , Miceli Valentina , Cupertino Angelica , Di Donato Violante , Pernazza Angelina , Rizzo Stefania Maria , Panebianco Valeria , Catalano Carlo , Manganaro Lucia
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Node-RADS score and the utility of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in predicting metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) involvement in cervical cancer (CC) patients using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The applicability of the Node RADS score across three readers with different years of experience in pelvic imaging was also assessed.

Material and methods

Among 140 patients, 68 underwent staging MRI, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical surgery, forming the study cohort. Node-RADS scores of the main pelvic stations were retrospectively determined to assess LN metastatic likelihood and compared with the histological findings. Mean ADC, relative ADC (rADC), and correct ADC (cADC) values of LNs classified as Node-RADS ≥ 3 were measured and compared with histological reports, considered as gold standard.

Results

Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPVs and NPVs), and accuracy were calculated for different Node-RADS thresholds. Node RADS ≥ 3 showed a sensitivity of 92.8% and specificity of 72.5%. Node RADS ≥ 4 yielded a sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 100%, while Node RADS 5 yielded 42.9% and 100%, respectively. The diagnostic performance of mean ADC, cADC and rADC values from 78 LNs with Node-RADS score ≥ 3 was assessed, with ADC demonstrating the highest area under the curve (AUC 0.820), compared to cADC and rADC values.

Conclusion

The Node-RADS score provides a standardized LNs assessment, enhancing diagnostic accuracy in CC patients. Its ease of use and high inter-observer concordance support its clinical utility. ADC measurement of LNs shows promise as an additional tool for optimizing patient diagnostic evaluation.