bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SURFACE MORPHOLOGY OF SILICON NITRIDE (Si3N4)-TITANIUM NITRIDE (TiN) COMPOSITES USING GRA-RSM STRATEGY ENCOMPASSED WITH EDMed PARAMETERS
Authors: SELVARAJAN L. , VENKATARAMANAN K. , KANNAN S. , KUMAR S. SENTHIL , PERUMAL K. P. SRINIVASA , KUMAR P. MATHAN , PARTHASARATHI N. L. , KASTHURI N. , DURAISAMY KATHERASAN , ARUN C.
Published: May 2024

This investigation explores the application of electrical discharge machining (EDM) to ceramic composites constructed from Si3N4–TiN (Syalon 501) by testing both square and cylindrical electrodes. Various experimental methods have been employed, including design-of-experiments (DoE), Grey relational analysis (GRA), analysis of variance (ANOVA), confirmation testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in an effort to optimize machining settings and comprehend their effect on performance. While ANOVA revealed crucial parameter levels influencing overall machining conditions as measured by the grey relational grade (GRG), the sophisticated method of GRA considerably improved the machining characteristics. Significant improvements in the EDM process were shown experimentally, resulting in outstanding results for material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (SR), and electrode wear rate (EWR). In particular, numerous benefits of the square electrode layout over the more common cylindrical arrangement stood out. All of the aforementioned resulted in an impressively high MRR (measured at 0.0281[Formula: see text]gm/min), a low EWR (at 0.0020[Formula: see text]gm/min), and a significant improvement in SR (at 0.3150[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m). The GRG value was 0.0163 for the square electrode design, which was excellent, and 0.0025 for the cylindrical electrode, which was significantly better. The optimized parameters were successfully used, especially with the square electrode arrangement, leading to significant improvements in MRR and decreases in EWR. On the other hand, surface quality was negatively affected by larger parameter values, which increased the development of microfractures, particularly when using the square electrode design. In any case, our study provides strong proof that adjusted settings can greatly improve EDM performance, allowing for accurate machining of Si3N4–TiN composites with increased MRR, great surface texture, and reduced electrode wear. In conclusion, our study provides useful information to improve EDM procedures for Si3N4–TiN ceramic composites, as well as practical insights into increasing the efficiency and quality of EDM operations in a variety of industrial sectors.
Functions with image in a strip
Authors: Bhattacharyya T. , Vijaya Kumar U. , O’Farrell A. G. , Rastogi S.
Published: May 2024

We consider functions on the unit disc whose images are contained in a strip of the complex plane. Under an additional condition, such functions are constants. We also consider appropriate operator valued versions. Applications are found to the theory of semigroups.
A Note on “A Methodology for Solving Bimatrix Games Under 2-Tuple Linguistic Environment”
Authors: Kirti  , Verma Tina , Kumar Amit
Published: May 2024

To the best of authors’ knowledge, only two methods are proposed in the literature to solve 2-tuple linguistic bi-matrix games. In this paper, a 2-tuple linguistic bi-matrix game is considered to show that none of these methods is valid and hence, it is inappropriate to use these methods to solve 2-tuple linguistic bi-matrix games. Also, a new method is proposed to solve 2-tuple linguistic bi-matrix games. Furthermore, the origin of the proposed method as well as its validity is discussed. Finally, the proposed method is illustrated with the help of the considered 2-tuple linguistic bi-matrix game.
Exploring Gauss Bonnet gravity in the realm of Tolman–Kuchowicz spacetime
Authors: Malik Adnan , Rashid Aisha , Shamir M. Farasat , Ahmad Mushtaq , Alkhaldi Ali. H.
Published: May 2024

This study reveals the implication of charge within the framework of [Formula: see text] gravity models by considering the Tolman–Kuchowicz space–time. The use of the Bardeen model to describe the fundamental characteristics of the external geometry is an important aspect of current findings. Moreover, for the qualitative analysis, we compare all the parameters involved in the selected metric potentials with Bardeen’s model. We apply this analysis to the stars [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We study all the necessary characteristics of stellar structures, such as energy density and pressure progression, equation of state parameters, equilibrium conditions, mass–radius ratio, adiabatic index, and energy conditions. A thorough graphical analysis is provided to establish the viability of the considered [Formula: see text] models. It is important to emphasize that our acquired solutions are physically acceptable.
Unimodal sequences: From Isaac Newton to June Huh
Authors: Murty M. Ram
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we present a simple proof of a famous result of Newton on unimodal sequences associated to polynomials with real roots. We then give a brief exposition of the recent work of Huh on such sequences arising from combinatorial geometries.
The least primary factor of the multiplicative group
Authors: Martin Greg , Nguyen Chau
Published: May 2024

Let [Formula: see text] denote the least primary factor in the primary decomposition of the multiplicative group [Formula: see text]. We give an asymptotic formula, with order of magnitude [Formula: see text], for the counting function of those integers n for which [Formula: see text]. We also give an asymptotic formula, for any prime power q, for the counting function of those integers n for which [Formula: see text]. This group-theoretic problem can be reduced to problems of counting integers with restrictions on their prime factors, allowing it to be addressed by classical techniques of analytic number theory.
Number of 𝔽q-points on diagonal hypersurfaces and hypergeometric function
Authors: Sulakashna  , Barman Rupam
Published: May 2024

Let [Formula: see text] denote the family of monomial deformations of diagonal hypersurface over a finite field [Formula: see text] given by [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. The Dwork hypersurface is the case when [Formula: see text], that is, [Formula: see text]. Formulas for the number of [Formula: see text]-points on the Dwork hypersurfaces in terms of McCarthy’s p-adic hypergeometric functions are known. In this paper, we provide a formula for the number of [Formula: see text]-points on [Formula: see text] in terms of McCarthy’s p-adic hypergeometric function which holds for [Formula: see text].
Ductile Ag2S0.7Te0.3 compounds fabricated by using mechanical alloying method
Authors: Su Yuzhe , Xing Tong , Qiu Pengfei , Yang Shiqi , Shen Ke , Shi Xun
Published: May 2024

Recently, [Formula: see text]-based compounds have aroused intensive research interest due to their metal-like ductility, high shape-conformability, and decent thermoelectric (TE) performance at room temperature. The melting–annealing method is commonly adopted to prepare [Formula: see text]-based compounds. Compared with the melting–annealing method, the mechanical alloying (MA) method has the advantages of short period and low cost, but it has not been adopted to prepare ductile [Formula: see text]-based compounds. Herein, we successfully prepare the ductile [Formula: see text] compound by using the MA method. The as-prepared [Formula: see text] products are small spheres with a diameter of several millimeters rather than the powders. These spheres are phase pure with homogeneous element distribution and good deformability. After the consolidation process at 773 K, the [Formula: see text] prepared by using the MA method shows good ductility like that prepared by the melting-annealing method. Finally, a maximum bending strain of above 15%, a maximum compressive strain of above 40%, and a maximum figure-of-merit (zT) of 0.5 are obtained, indicating the feasibility of MA in the preparation of ductile TE compounds.
On Computing the
k
-Shortcut Fréchet Distance
Authors: Conradi Jacobus , Driemel Anne
Published: May 2024

The Fréchet distance is a popular measure of dissimilarity for polygonal curves. It is defined as a min–max formulation that considers all orientation-preserving bijective mappings between the two curves. Because of its susceptibility to noise, Driemel and Har-Peled introduced the shortcut Fréchet distance in 2012, where one is allowed to take shortcuts along one of the curves, similar to the edit distance for sequences. We analyse the parameterised version of this problem, where the number of shortcuts is bounded by a parameter

\(k\)

. The corresponding decision problem can be stated as follows: Given two polygonal curves

\(T\)

and

\(B\)

of at most

\(n\)

vertices, a parameter

\(k\)

and a distance threshold

\(\delta\)

, is it possible to introduce

\(k\)

shortcuts along

\(B\)

such that the Fréchet distance of the resulting curve and the curve

\(T\)

is at most

\(\delta\)

? We study this problem for polygonal curves in the plane. We provide a complexity analysis for this problem with the following results: (1) there exists a decision algorithm with running time in

\(\mathcal{O}(kn^{2k+2}\log n)\)

; (2) assuming the exponential-time hypothesis (ETH), there exists no algorithm with running time bounded by

\(n^{o(k)}\)

. In contrast, we also show that efficient approximate decider algorithms are possible, even when

\(k\)

is large. We present a

\((3+\varepsilon)\)

-approximate decider algorithm with running time in

\(\mathcal{O}(kn^{2}\log^{2}n)\)

for fixed

\(\varepsilon\)

. In addition, we can show that, if

\(k\)

is a constant and the two curves are

\(c\)

-packed for some constant

\(c\)

, then the approximate decider algorithm runs in near-linear time.
Confidential Container Groups
Authors: Johnson Matthew A. , Volos Stavros , Gordon Ken , Allen Sean T. , Wintersteiger Christoph M. , Clebsch Sylvan , Starks John , Costa Manuel
Published: May 2024

The experiments presented here demonstrate that Parma, the architecture that drives confidential containers on Azure container instances, adds less than one percent additional performance overhead beyond that added by the underlying TEE. Importantly, Parma ensures a security invariant over all reachable states of the container group rooted in the attestation report. This allows external third parties to communicate securely with containers, enabling a wide range of containerized workflows that require confidential access to secure data. Companies obtain the advantages of running their most confidential workflows in the cloud without having to compromise on their security requirements. Tenants gain flexibility, efficiency, and reliability; CSPs get more business; and users can trust that their data is private, confidential, and secure.
ASIFusion: An Adaptive Saliency Injection-Based Infrared and Visible Image Fusion Network
Authors: Liu Ziyi , Yang You , Wu Kejun , Liu Qiong , Xu Xinghua , Ma Xiaoxuan , Tang Jiang
Published: May 2024

The purpose of infrared and visible image fusion (IVIF) is to acquire a more informative fused image by leveraging complementary information, facilitating human perception and machine vision. Among the existing fusion methods, the saliency-based methods conform to human perception characteristics and achieve relatively advantageous fusion performance. However, such methods fail to adaptively maintain the edge and intensity of salient objects, resulting in fixed fusion performance. To address these issue, we present ASIFusion, an adaptive saliency injection-based IVIF network. First, source images are inputted to the feature extraction encoder for fully extracting features. Meanwhile, the proposed adaptive saliency injection module detects salient objects in the infrared image and then learns the fusion weights of each channel, which serve as supplementary information for further fusion. These learned weights are utilized to merge the source images’ extracted features. Finally, the feature reconstruction decoder produces a fused image with injected saliency. The fused image maintains the intensity and edge of the salient objects and fully preserves the complementary information. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our proposed network outperforms state-of-the-art (SOTA) approaches with regard to fusion performance and computational efficiency.
A Low-Density Parity-Check Coding Scheme for LoRa Networking
Authors: Yang Kang , Du Wan
Published: May 2024

This article presents a novel system,

LLDPC

,

1

which brings Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes into Long Range (LoRa) networks to improve Forward Error Correction, a task currently managed by less efficient Hamming codes. Three challenges in achieving this are addressed: First, Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) modulation used by LoRa produces only hard demodulation outcomes, whereas LDPC decoding requires Log-Likelihood Ratios (LLR) for each bit. We solve this by developing a CSS-specific LLR extractor. Second, we improve LDPC decoding efficiency by using symbol-level information to fine-tune LLRs of error-prone bits. Finally, to minimize the decoding latency caused by the computationally heavy Soft Belief Propagation (SBP) algorithm typically used in LDPC decoding, we apply graph neural networks to accelerate the process. Our results show that
LLDPC
extends default LoRa’s lifetime by 86.7% and reduces SBP algorithm decoding latency by 58.09×.
Sourcebook update: using near-infrared spectroscopy to assess skeletal muscle oxygen uptake
Authors: Pelka Edward Z. , Davis B. Ryan , McDaniel John
Published: May 2024

Compared to traditional methods, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides a relatively cheap and easy-to-use noninvasive technique to measure skeletal muscle oxygen uptake following exercise. This laboratory not only enables students to learn about the basics of NIRS and muscle energetics but also addresses more complex questions regarding skeletal muscle physiology.
Amiloride lowers plasma TNF and interleukin-6 but not interleukin-17A in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Thangaraj Sai Sindhu , Oxlund Christina S. , Andersen Henrik , Svenningsen Per , Stubbe Jane , Palarasah Yaseelan , Fonseca Micaella Pereira Da , Ketelhuth Daniel F. J. , Enggaard Camilla , Hansen Maria Høj , Henriksen Jan Erik , Jacobsen Ib Abildgaard , Jensen Boye L.
Published: May 2024

ENaC activity may contribute to macrophage-derived cytokine release, since amiloride exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppression of TNF and IL-6 cytokines in patients with resistant hypertension and type 2 diabetes and in THP-1-derived macrophages in vitro.
Investigation of the Impact of SSSC-Based FLC on the Stability of Power Systems Connected to Wind Farms
Authors: Abdollahi Chirani Ahmadreza , Karami A.
Published: May 2024

The integration of renewable energy sources into power systems has increased significantly in recent years. Among various types of renewable energy, the use of wind energy is growing rapidly due to its low operating cost, wide distribution worldwide, and no greenhouse gas emissions. However, power systems integrated with wind energy may face stability and reliability issues due to the intermittent nature of wind power. Therefore, in power systems connected to wind farms, it is usually required to use some compensators such as static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) to increase the system performance under abnormal conditions. On the other hand, for an SSSC to be effective in improving the system performance, it must be equipped with a suitable controller. In this paper, a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is used for the SSSC because of its advantages over conventional controllers. Extensive research has been conducted in power systems with wind turbines in which SSSC or FLC has been used; however, their simultaneous application in such systems has received less attention. Therefore, this article aims to fill this gap. The proposed method is implemented on two power systems and the simulation results are analyzed. In both systems, the dynamic behavior of three different wind farms is examined. In the first and second wind farms, either a squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG) or doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) are used, whereas in the third one which is a combined wind farm (CWF), an equal number of SCIG and DFIG are employed. In wind farms with SCIG or DFIG, an SSSC is also utilized. Furthermore, an FLC is employed for the SSSC to improve its efficacy. A proportional integral (PI) controller is also considered for the SSSC, and its results are compared with FLC results. The simulation results confirm the superiority of FLC over PI controller.
Effects of Storage Temperature and Spices Incorporation on the Stability and Antibacterial Properties of Fontitrygon margarita (Günther, 1870) Liver Oil
Authors: Simo Noutsa Boris , Deutchoua Djitieu Arlette Danelle , Dongho Dongmo Fabrice Fabien , Njike Ngamga Fabrice Hervé , Tchabong Sammuel Raymond , Tamgue Ousman , Ngono Ngane Rosalie Anne , Tchoumbougnang François
Published: May 2024

Fontitrygon margarita liver oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, is susceptible to oxidation during storage, which can diminish its antibacterial qualities. This study examines the effects of storage temperature and the addition of spices on the stability and antibacterial properties of F. margarita liver oil. Oils with added spices were stored in opaque bottles at room temperature (28 ± 2°C) and in a refrigerator (4°C) and were periodically analyzed over a six-month period. Standard methods were used to determine oil quality indices; the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) profile was assessed by spectroscopy; and antibacterial activities were measured using the broth microdilution method. The quality indices, FTIR profile, and antibacterial activities of the oil were evaluated and compared based on the incorporation of spices. The quality indices of oil extracted without a stabilizer and stored at room temperature significantly increased over time. The antibacterial activity of these oils gradually decreased during storage, with the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) on bacterial strains of Escherichia coli (EC 137), Enterobacter cloacae (ENT 119 and ENT 51), and Yersinia enterocolitica (YERB 1) increasing from 16 to 128 mg/ml. Regardless of oil quality indices, oils stored in a refrigerator had lower values and better antibacterial activities than those stored at room temperature ((16 ≤ MIC ≤ 64 mg/ml on the strains of EC 137, YERB 1, ENT 51, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (KL 11)). The inclusion of spices significantly reduced the oxidative reaction in the oils and maintained the antibacterial activities of the tested oils. Given its antibacterial properties, F. margarita liver oil holds significant potential for the nutraceutical industry and could be used as a dietary supplement. This research underscores the importance of proper storage conditions and the use of natural stabilizers in maintaining the quality of such valuable natural resources.
Serum Spexin Level Is Negatively Associated With Peripheral Neuropathy and Sensory Pain in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Liu Ying , Wu Di , Zheng Hangping , Ni Yunzhi , Zhu Lu , Jiang Yaojing , Dai Jiarong , Sun Quanya , Zhao Ying , Zhang Qi , Yang Yehong , Liu Rui
Published: May 2024

Background: Spexin is a novel peptide hormone and has shown antinociceptive effects in experimental mice. This study is aimed at evaluating the association of serum spexin level with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and related pain in a Chinese population.

Methods: We enrolled 167 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) including 56 patients without DPN (non‐DPN), 67 painless DPN, and 44 painful DPN. Serum spexin was measured using ELISA. Logistic regression models were performed to analyze the independent effects of spexin on prevalence of DPN and painful DPN. In streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic mice, mechanical pain threshold was measured using electronic von Frey aesthesiometer. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and further stimulated with lipopolysaccharide without or with spexin. The gene expression was assayed by qPCR.

Results: Compared with non‐DPN, serum spexin level decreased in painless DPN and further decreased in painful DPN. The odds of DPN was associated with low spexin level in T2DM, which was similar by age, sex, BMI, and diabetes duration, but attenuated in smokers. The odds of having pain was associated with decreased spexin level in DPN, which was similar by age, sex, smoking status, and diabetes duration, but attenuated in normal weight. Furthermore, we observed that mechanical pain threshold increased in spexin‐treated diabetic mice. We also found that lipopolysaccharide treatment increased the mRNA level of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and MCP‐1 in human PBMCs, while spexin treatment prevented this increase.

Conclusions: These results suggested that spexin might serve as a protective factor for diabetes against neuropathology and pain‐related pathogenesis.
Crizotinib Enhances PARP Inhibitor Efficacy in Ovarian Cancer Cells and Xenograft Models by Inducing Autophagy
Authors: Santiago-O’Farrill Janice M. , Blessing Bollu Alicia , Yang Hailing , Orellana Vivian , Pina Marc , Zhang Xudong , Liu Jinsong , Bast Robert C. , Lu Zhen
Published: May 2024

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) can encounter resistance through various mechanisms, limiting their effectiveness. Our recent research showed that PARPi alone can induce drug resistance by promoting autophagy. Moreover, our studies have revealed that anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) plays a role in regulating the survival of ovarian cancer cells undergoing autophagy. Here, we explored whether the ALK-inhibitor crizotinib could enhance the efficacy of PARPi by targeting drug-induced autophagic ovarian cancer cell and xenograft models. Our investigation demonstrates that crizotinib enhances the anti-tumor activity of PARPi across multiple ovarian cancer cells. Combination therapy with crizotinib and olaparib reduced cell viability and clonogenic growth in two-olaparib resistant cell lines. More importantly, this effect was consistently observed in patient-derived organoids. Furthermore, combined treatment with crizotinib and olaparib led to tumor regression in human ovarian xenograft models. Mechanistically, the combination resulted in increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), induced DNA damage, and decreased the phosphorylation of AKT, mTOR, and ULK-1, contributing to increased olaparib-induced autophagy and apoptosis. Notably, pharmacologic, or genetic inhibition or autophagy reduced the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cell lines to olaparib and crizotinib treatment, underscoring the role of autophagy in cell death. Blocking ROS mitigated olaparib/crizotinib-induced autophagy and cell death while restoring levels of phosphorylated AKT, mTOR and ULK-1. These findings suggest that crizotinib can improve the therapeutic efficacy of olaparib by enhancing autophagy.

Implications: The combination of crizotinib and PARPi presents a promising strategy, that could provide a novel approach to enhance outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer.
TABLE 2 from Use of Deep Learning to Evaluate Tumor Microenvironmental Features for Prediction of Colon Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Sinicrope Frank A. , Nelson Garth D. , Saberzadeh-Ardestani Bahar , Segovia Diana I. , Graham Rondell P. , Wu Christina , Hagen Catherine E. , Shivji Sameer , Savage Paul , Buchanan Dan D. , Jenkins Mark A. , Phipps Amanda I. , Swallow Carol , LeMarchand Loic , Gallinger Steven , Grant Robert C. , Pai Reetesh K. , Sinicrope Stephen N. , Yan Dongyao , Shanmugam Kandavel , Conner James , Cyr David P. , Kirsch Richard , Banerjee Imon , Alberts Steve R. , Shi Qian , Pai Rish K.
Published: May 2024

Multivariable models for the prediction of TTR by morphologic features and clinicopathological variables in initial cohort [p-MMR (n = 189) or d-MMR (n = 191) stage III colon cancers]
Literatura contemporânea no Paraná: autoria feminina, identidades e representação
Authors: Heupa Andriele Aparecida , Teixeira Níncia Cecília Ribas Borges
Published: May 2024

As mulheres, assim como outros grupos de minoria, foram constantemente silenciadas. Atualmente, o campo literário é um espaço que possibilita essas manifestações. Este artigo tece reflexões sobre a literatura contemporânea de autoria feminina no Paraná a partir da análise de algumas personagens do romance As filhas de Manuela (2017), da escritora paranaense Bárbara Lia. Buscamos discutir acerca da literatura contemporânea de autoria feminina e voltar nossa atenção para os conceitos de identidade, exemplificando com passagens sobre a personagem Manuela, e representação, enfatizando os dois extremos opostos que permeiam a maneira tradicional de representar a mulher: a mulher-anjo, que remonta à figura de Maria (com a personagem Miquelina) e a sua antítese, a mulher ligada ao pecado, muitas vezes a prostituta, em referência à Eva expulsa do Paraíso (com a mãe biológica da personagem Maria Teresa). Por meio dessa análise, é possível compreender que a escritora paranaense constrói personagens subversivas, que contrariam as representações femininas canônicas. O arcabouço teórico é composto, principalmente, pelos textos de Agamben (2009) e Schollhammer (2009), discutindo o conceito de contemporâneo; Teixeira (2008, 2009) e Zolin (2009, 2019), abordando a escrita de mulheres; Hall (2006) e Bauman (2005), refletindo acerca das identidades; Chartier (1991) e Dalcastagnè (2007, 2012), versando sobre representação.
Nas aberturas do tempo: Quilombo e descolonização cultural no Brasil contemporâneo em Torto Arado, de Itamar Vieira Jr.
Authors: Rodrigues Thiago Martins
Published: May 2024

This article aims to analyze the configuration of the quilombola territory in the novel Torto arado, by Itamar Vieira Junior. Therefore, the quilombo is taken as a historical event and as a political and artistic category capable of suggesting possibilities of cultural decolonization in contemporary Brazil.
Algumas notas sobre a mulher e o corpo em As 29 poetas hoje
Authors: Gonçalves Daniel José
Published: May 2024

Based on a reading of some poems from As 29 poetas hoje, a work organized by Heloisa Buarque de Hollanda, we intend to examine the notion of woman and her relationship with the body. The purpose is to make us realize how the theme can be configured as one of the ways to think about some trends in contemporary Brazilian poetry.
O que se cala: reflexões dos interditos nas pesquisas sobre estupro
Authors: Silva Maynara Costa de Oliveira
Published: May 2024

Quando se investiga um objeto de pesquisa parecido conosco, e principalmente, interage como nosso eu, o ato de pesquisar se torna um exercício de difícil manejo, pois quando no encontro com o outro você pensa estar se encontrando. Esta reflexão analisa, a partir de uma autoetnografia, os deslocamentos permanentes dentro da pesquisa de campo sobre estupro, e como eles interagem com nossa própria identidade, e a redefine.
Os circuitos do kula
Authors: Mello Marcelo Moura
Published: May 2024

Resenha de Argonautas do Pacífico Ocidental, de Bronislaw Malinowski
Influence of Polygenic Background on the Clinical Presentation of Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Trinder Mark , Cermakova Lubomira , Ruel Isabelle , Baass Alexis , Paquette Martine , Wang Jian , Kennedy Brooke A. , Hegele Robert A. , Genest Jacques , Brunham Liam R.
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is among the most common genetic conditions worldwide that affects ≈ 1 in 300 individuals. FH is characterized by increased levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), but there is a wide spectrum of severity within the FH population. This variability in expression is incompletely explained by known risk factors. We hypothesized that genome-wide genetic influences, as represented by polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for cardiometabolic traits, would influence the phenotypic severity of FH.

METHODS:

We studied individuals with clinically diagnosed FH (n=1123) from the FH Canada National Registry, as well as individuals with genetically identified FH from the UK Biobank (n=723). For all individuals, we used genome-wide gene array data to calculate PRSs for CAD, LDL-C, lipoprotein(a), and other cardiometabolic traits. We compared the distribution of PRSs in individuals with clinically diagnosed FH, genetically diagnosed FH, and non-FH controls and examined the association of the PRSs with the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS:

Individuals with clinically diagnosed FH had higher levels of LDL-C, and the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease was higher in individuals with clinically diagnosed compared with genetically identified FH. Individuals with clinically diagnosed FH displayed enrichment for higher PRSs for CAD, LDL-C, and lipoprotein(a) but not for other cardiometabolic risk factors. The CAD PRS was associated with a risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease among individuals with an FH-causing genetic variant.

CONCLUSIONS:

Genetic background, as expressed by genome-wide PRSs for CAD, LDL-C, and lipoprotein(a), influences the phenotypic severity of FH, expanding our understanding of the determinants that contribute to the variable expressivity of FH. A PRS for CAD may aid in risk prediction among individuals with FH.
3DVascNet: An Automated Software for Segmentation and Quantification of Mouse Vascular Networks in 3D
Authors: Narotamo Hemaxi , Silveira Margarida , Franco Cláudio A.
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

Analysis of vascular networks is an essential step to unravel the mechanisms regulating the physiological and pathological organization of blood vessels. So far, most of the analyses are performed using 2-dimensional projections of 3-dimensional (3D) networks, a strategy that has several obvious shortcomings. For instance, it does not capture the true geometry of the vasculature and generates artifacts on vessel connectivity. These limitations are accepted in the field because manual analysis of 3D vascular networks is a laborious and complex process that is often prohibitive for large volumes.

METHODS:

To overcome these issues, we developed 3DVascNet, a deep learning–based software for automated segmentation and quantification of 3D retinal vascular networks. 3DVascNet performs segmentation based on a deep learning model, and it quantifies vascular morphometric parameters such as vessel density, branch length, vessel radius, and branching point density. We tested the performance of 3DVascNet using a large data set of 3D microscopy images of mouse retinal blood vessels.

RESULTS:

We demonstrated that 3DVascNet efficiently segments vascular networks in 3D and that vascular morphometric parameters capture phenotypes detected by using manual segmentation and quantification in 2 dimension. In addition, we showed that, despite being trained on retinal images, 3DVascNet has high generalization capability and successfully segments images originating from other data sets and organs.

CONCLUSIONS:

Overall, we present 3DVascNet, a freely available software that includes a user-friendly graphical interface for researchers with no programming experience, which will greatly facilitate the ability to study vascular networks in 3D in health and disease. Moreover, the source code of 3DVascNet is publicly available, thus it can be easily extended for the analysis of other 3D vascular networks by other users.
Myocardial Blood Flow Reserve, Microvascular Coronary Health, and Myocardial Remodeling in Patients With Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Alahdab Fares , Ahmed Ahmed I. , Nayfeh Malek , Han Yushui , Abdelkarim Ola , Alfawara Moath S. , Little Stephen H. , Reardon Michael J. , Faza Nadeen N. , Goel Sachin S. , Alkhouli Mohamad , Zoghbi William , Al‐Mallah Mouaz H.
Published: May 2024

Background

Coronary microvascular function and hemodynamics may play a role in coronary circulation and myocardial remodeling in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). We aimed to evaluate the relationship between myocardial blood flow and myocardial function in patients with AS, no AS, and aortic valve sclerosis.

Methods and Results

We included consecutive patients who had resting transthoracic echocardiography and clinically indicated positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging to capture their left ventricular ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain (GLS), and myocardial flow reserve (MFR). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular event (all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or late revascularization). There were 2778 patients (208 with aortic sclerosis, 39 with prosthetic aortic valve, 2406 with no AS, and 54, 49, and 22 with mild, moderate, and severe AS, respectively). Increasing AS severity was associated with impaired MFR (
P
<0.001) and GLS (
P
<0.001), even when perfusion was normal. Statistically significant associations were noted between MFR and GLS, MFR and left ventricular ejection fraction, and MFR and left ventricular ejection fraction reserve. After a median follow‐up of 349 (interquartile range, 116–662) days, 4 (7.4%), 5 (10.2%), and 6 (27.3%) patients experienced a major adverse cardiovascular event in the mild, moderate, and severe AS groups, respectively. In a matched‐control analysis, patients with mild‐to‐moderate AS had higher rates of impaired MFR (52.9% versus 39.9%;
P
=0.048) and major adverse cardiovascular event (11.8% versus 3.0%;
P
=0.002).

Conclusions

Despite lack of ischemia, as severity of AS increased, MFR decreased and GLS worsened, reflecting worse coronary microvascular health and myocardial remodeling. Positron emission tomography–derived MFR showed a significant independent correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction and GLS. Patients with prosthetic aortic valve showed a high prevalence of impaired MFR.
Federated Learning for Exploiting Annotators’ Disagreements in Natural Language Processing
Authors: Rodríguez-Barroso Nuria , Cámara Eugenio Martínez , Collados Jose Camacho , Luzón M. Victoria , Herrera Francisco
Published: May 2024

The annotation of ambiguous or subjective NLP tasks is usually addressed by various annotators. In most datasets, these annotations are aggregated into a single ground truth. However, this omits divergent opinions of annotators, hence missing individual perspectives. We propose FLEAD (Federated Learning for Exploiting Annotators’ Disagreements), a methodology built upon federated learning to independently learn from the opinions of all the annotators, thereby leveraging all their underlying information without relying on a single ground truth. We conduct an extensive experimental study and analysis in diverse text classification tasks to show the contribution of our approach with respect to mainstream approaches based on majority voting and other recent methodologies that also learn from annotator disagreements.
Computational Complexity of Natural Morphology Revisited
Authors: Senuma Hajime , Aizawa Akiko
Published: May 2024

This paper revisits a classical, yet fundamental, discussion of theoretical computational linguistics: the computational complexity of natural languages. Past studies have revealed that syntax, as observed in Swiss-German, is not weakly context-free. Concerning morphology, Culy (1985) employed a construction in Bambara to show that morphology is not weakly context-free; however, Manaster-Ramer (1988) pointed out that the Bambara case can be problematic because the wordhood of the construction is reliant on special tonal behaviors, and it is ambiguous whether the behaviors belong to the morphological domain. This raises doubts about whether the case can be considered a genuine morphological phenomenon. In this paper, we argue that Classical Ainu, a language we examine, also defies weak context-freeness at the morphological level. The construction we introduce is unambiguously morphological because this language’s valency-sensitive structure and valency-changing operations, such as noun incorporation, preclude its grammatical interpretation as syntactic.
Evaluating Correctness and Faithfulness of Instruction-Following Models for Question Answering
Authors: Adlakha Vaibhav , BehnamGhader Parishad , Lu Xing Han , Meade Nicholas , Reddy Siva
Published: May 2024

Instruction-following models are attractive alternatives to fine-tuned approaches for question answering (QA). By simply prepending relevant documents and an instruction to their input, these models can be adapted to various information domains and tasks without additional training. However, these models tend to produce verbose responses with supplementary information, which makes traditional QA metrics like exact match (EM) and F1 unreliable for accurately quantifying model performance. In this work, we evaluate instruction-following models along two fronts: 1) how well they satisfy user’s information need (correctness), and 2) whether they disseminate information supported by the provided knowledge (faithfulness). Guided by human evaluation and analysis, we highlight the shortcomings of traditional metrics for both correctness and faithfulness and propose simple token-overlap metrics that correlate highly with human judgments. Our analysis reveals that for correctness, instruction-following models perform comparably to models specifically fine-tuned for that task. However, they struggle to accurately judge the relevance of the provided knowledge and often hallucinate in their responses. We hope our work encourages more holistic evaluation of instruction-following models for QA. Our code and human annotation data is available at https://github.com/McGill-NLP/instruct-qa.
A Linguistic Muddle. Sextus’ Arguments against Universals at PH 2.227–8
Authors: Pecorari Michele
Published: May 2024

At Outlines of Pyrrhonism (PH) 2.227–8, Sextus Empiricus argues that certain entities which his adversaries hold to be one and the same for different individuals are in fact not. This he does by, among other things, considering the truth-value of sentences of which the subject is a common noun, thereby drawing an interesting connection between metaphysics and semantics. In this article, I provide a careful analysis of Sextus’ arguments at PH 2.227–8 and explore the origins and limits of such a connection. In particular, I argue that Sextus’ argument at PH 2.227 probably reflects a Stoic argument against Aristotelian essences, thereby relying on specifically Stoic doctrines about universals and common nouns, whereas his next argument at PH 2.228 targets accidents. If this is true, it follows that the overall structure of PH 2.227–8 fits well with the typically Aristotelian distinction between essence and accident.
Extreme genetic depletion upon postglacial colonization hampers determining the provenance of introduced palmate newt populations
Authors: Elfering Robin , Mannix Sophie , Allain Steve , Ambu Johanna , Crochet Pierre-André , van Doorn Loïc , Dufresnes Christophe , Jehle Robert , Julian Angela , Baird Fairlie Kirkpatrick , O’Brien David , Secondi Jean , Speybroeck Jeroen , Theodoropoulos Anagnostis , Stark Tariq , Wielstra Ben
Published: May 2024

MtDNA barcoding is regularly applied to determine the provenance of invasive species. Variation in spatial genetic structuring across a species’ range, typically high within glacial refugia and low in postglacially colonized areas, influences the precision of this approach. The palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus) has been introduced north of its native range inside the Netherlands. We conduct mtDNA barcoding to try and retrace the origin of the introduced localities. A large increase in sample size, particularly focusing on temperate Europe, emphasizes that the palmate newt shows practically no genetic variation outside the Iberian Peninsula glacial refugium. While we find a haplotype previously only known from the Iberian Peninsula inside the native range in Belgium, the haplotype present in the introduced Dutch populations occurs widely throughout the native range north of the Iberian Peninsula. Although mtDNA barcoding can be a powerful tool in invasion biology, the palmate newt case exposes its limitations.
Gut microbiome and symptoms in females with irritable bowel syndrome: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Kamp K.J. , Plantinga A.M. , Cain K.C. , Burr R.L. , Tsai C.-S. , Wu Q. , So S.Y. , Badu S. , Savidge T. , Shulman R.J. , Heitkemper M.M.
Published: May 2024

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder of gut-brain interaction, is associated with abdominal pain and stool frequency/character alterations that are linked to changes in microbiome composition. We tested whether taxa differentially abundant between females with IBS vs healthy control females (HC) are associated with daily gastrointestinal and psychological symptom severity. Participants (age 18-50 year) completed a 3-day food record and collected a stool sample during the follicular phase. They also completed a 28-day diary rating symptom intensity; analysis focused on the three days after the stool sample collection. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used for bacterial identification. Taxon abundance was compared between IBS and HC using zero-inflated quantile analysis (ZINQ). We found that females with IBS (n = 67) had greater Bacteroides abundance (q = 0.003) and lower odds of Bifidobacterium presence (q = 0.036) compared to HC (n = 46) after adjusting for age, race, body mass index, fibre intake, and hormonal contraception use. Intestimonas, Oscillibacter, and Phascolarctobacterium were more often present and Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Collinsella, Coprococcus 2, Moryella, Prevotella 9, Ruminococcaceae UCG-002, Ruminococcaceae UCG-005, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 were less commonly present in IBS compared to HC. Despite multiple taxon differences in IBS vs HC, we found no significant associations between taxon presence or abundance and average daily symptom severity within the IBS group. This may indicate the need to account for interactions between microbiome, dietary intake, metabolites, and host factors.
Checklist of the Ichneumonidae (Insecta, Hymenoptera) of Ukraine
Authors: VARGA OLEKSANDR
Published: May 2024

This paper provides the first summary on the distribution of the Ukrainian Ichneumonidae based on both literature and collection resources. The checklist contains 1,840 species, of which 42 are first records from Ukraine and Apoclima rossicum Humala, 2007 is the first record from Western Palaearctic. The condition and representativeness of the national collection of Darwin wasps and prospective directions for further studies are discussed.
Decadal Changes (1980–2021) of Shoreline and Mangrove Cover in Sundarban Delta, India, Using Remote Sensing and GIS
Authors: Biswas Sipra , Sarkar Kallol , Das Tapan Kumar
Published: May 2024

Being situated in the estuary of the flood-dominated Hooghly River system, the macrotidal Indian Sundarban Delta (ISD) has become one of the most complex, dynamic, and rapidly changing landforms on Earth’s surface. To study the horizontal areal shifting of shoreline and its impact on mangrove cover in the region, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) satellite data of 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2021 were used. Remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques were employed in the investigation. Simultaneous prograding and retrograding shoreline shifting was distinguished almost in all the parts, although sediment-starved eastern and macrotidally more active southern lobes experienced dominantly retreating shift, and the sediment-engorged western lobe was demonstrated to be more dynamic. Net areal change over north–south tracks followed the trend of decreasing accretion to increasing erosion while going from west to east, whereas that over west–east tracks followed the trend of exponentially increasing erosion while going from north to south. Overall accretion of ∼91 km2 in the ISD accounted for the augmentation of sparse vegetation of ∼13 km2, whereas ∼243 km2 erosion called for the depletion of sparse and moderate vegetation of ∼18 and ∼174 km2, respectively, over the 41-yr period. Various oceanographic and riparian forces and actions, episodic natural events, etc., vis-a-vis several anthropogenic interventions—all together contributed to such changes. The findings may help the coastal environmentalists, professionals, planners, decision-makers, and implementers in formulating and taking up of suitable strategic measures for integrated and effective coastal zone management in this estuarine wetland forest.
Validation of Doppler Wind Lidar Measurements with an Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) in the Daytime Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: Boventer Jakob , Bramati Matteo , Savvakis Vasileios , Beyrich Frank , Kayser Markus , Platis Andreas , Bange Jens
Published: May 2024

One of the most widely used systems for wind speed and direction observations at meteorological sites is based on Doppler wind lidar (DWL) technology. The wind vector derivation strategies of these instruments rely on the assumption of stationary and homogeneous horizontal wind, which is often not the case over heterogeneous terrain. This study focuses on the validation of two DWL systems, operated by the German Weather Service [Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD)] and installed at the boundary layer field site Falkenberg (Lindenberg, Germany), with respect to measurements from a small, fixed-wing uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) of the type Multi-Purpose Airborne Sensor Carrier (MASC-3). A wind vector intercomparison at an altitude range from 100 to 500 m between DWL and UAS is performed, after a quality control of the aircraft’s data accuracy against a cup anemometer and wind vane mounted on a meteorological mast also operating at the location. Both DWL systems exhibit an overall root-mean-square difference in the wind vector retrieval of less than 22% for wind speed and lower than 18° for wind direction. The enhancement or deterioration of these statistics is analyzed with respect to scanning height and atmospheric stability. The limitations of this type of validation approach are highlighted and accounted for in the analysis.
Social participation and radicalism: the mediating role of group identification / Participación social y radicalismo: el papel mediador de la identificación grupal
Authors: Rodríguez-Suárez Julio , Morán-Neches Lorena , Herrero Juan
Published: May 2024

Group identification has been proven to be one of the best predictors of social protest, as it seems to influence the relationship between mobilization and radicalism, an issue that has scarcely been researched to date. The purpose of this study, within the framework of the new dynamics of proactive mobilization, is to analyse the mediating role of group identification in the intention of radicalism, comparing social movements with a power orientation (political) and with a cultural orientation (ecofeminisms). Causal models were used to evaluate the mediating role of group identification in the relationship between social participation and radicalism in 920 participants from the general population. We found the existence of two action models in the relationship between participation and radicalism. In the case of political participation, the direct effects between the two variables are higher. However, in the case of ecofeminisms, the indirect effects are higher via self-categorization with the group. Group identification appears as a mediating variable in radicalization processes, especially in movements with a cultural orientation.