bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Should I stay or should I go? The influence of environmental conditions on green turtle residence time and outward transit in foraging areas
Authors: Webster Emily G. , Duce Stephanie , Hamann Mark , Murray Nicholas , Shimada Takahiro , Limpus Colin
Published: June 2024

Foraging animals move through the environment to satisfy their requirements for food, rest, reproduction and risk-avoidance. Understanding how animals respond to changing environmental conditions can help to characterise favourable habitat and determine whether they might be motivated to depart when those habitats become unsuitable. Foraging green turtles are typically residents that scarcely move in response to environmental changes or disturbances. Some individuals though, exhibit high mobility at fine scales. We developed an analysis of Fastloc GPS tracks of 61 green turtles using cox regression models and generalised linear mixed models to investigate the influence of a suite of environmental characteristics on the length of residence time and probability of turtles transitioning between two behavioural modes, “stay” or “go”. Decisions to move (“go”) were influenced by short-term changes in the local environmental conditions. Individuals were more likely to “stay” when temperature increased during their stay and were more likely to “go” when turbidity decreased, and they entered deeper habitats. This result implies that foraging and resting (“staying”) primarily occurs in benthic, shallow, warm habitats, while transit (“going”) is facilitated in deeper, clear water. We also determined that individuals within the green turtle foraging aggregation respond differently to environmental cues to move and hypothesise that a diversity of strategies within a foraging aggregation could confer its resilience to disturbance events. Our study provides new evidence of the factors influencing movements in green turtles and can aid in predicting how they may respond to future changes and enhance risk mitigation efforts through dynamic and adaptive planning.
Assessment of bone marrow edema on dual-energy CT scans in people with diabetes mellitus and suspected Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy
Authors: Bouman Carlijn M. B. , Mens Marieke A. , Wellenberg Ruud H. H. , Streekstra Geert J. , Bus Sicco A. , Busch-Westbroek Tessa E. , Nieuwdorp Max , Maas Mario
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aimed to quantitatively assess the diagnostic value of bone marrow edema (BME) detection on virtual non-calcium (VNCa) images calculated from dual-energy CT (DECT) in people with diabetes mellitus and suspected Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CN).

Materials and Methods

People with diabetes mellitus and suspected CN who underwent DECT of the feet (80kVp/Sn150kVp) were included retrospectively. Two blinded observers independently measured CT values on VNCa images using circular regions of interest in five locations in the midfoot (cuneiforms, cuboid and navicular) and the calcaneus of the contralateral or (if one foot was available) the ipsilateral foot. Two clinical groups were formed, one with active CN and one without active CN (no-CN), based on the clinical diagnosis.

Results

Thirty-two people with diabetes mellitus and suspected CN were included. Eleven had clinically active CN. The mean CT value in the midfoot was significantly higher in the CN group (-55.6 ± 18.7 HU) compared to the no-CN group (-94.4 ± 23.5 HU; p < 0.001). In the CN group, the difference in CT value between the midfoot and calcaneus was statistically significant (p = 0.003); this was not the case in the no-CN group (p = 0.357). The overall observer agreement was good for the midfoot (ICC = 0.804) and moderate for the calcaneus (ICC = 0.712). Sensitivity was 100.0% and specificity was 71.4% using a cutoff value of -87.6 HU.

Conclusion

The detection of BME on VNCa images has a potential value in people with diabetes mellitus and suspected active CN.
Sex and survival outcomes in patients with renal cell carcinoma receiving first-line immune-based combinations
Authors: Incorvaia Lorena , Monteiro Fernando Sabino Marques , Massari Francesco , Park Se Hoon , Roviello Giandomenico , Fiala Ondřej , Myint Zin W. , Kucharz Jakub , Molina-Cerrillo Javier , Santini Daniele , Buttner Thomas , Poprach Alexandr , Kopecky Jindrich , Zeppellini Annalisa , Pichler Martin , Buchler Tomas , Pichler Renate , Facchini Gaetano , Fay Andre Poisl , Soares Andrey , Manneh Ray , Iezzi Laura , Kuronya Zsofia , Russo Antonio , Bourlon Maria T. , Bhuva Dipen , Ansari Jawaher , Kanesvaran Ravindran , Grande Enrique , Buti Sebastiano , Santoni Matteo
Published: June 2024

Background

There is an ongoing debate as to whether sex could be associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) benefit. Existing literature data reveal contradictory results, and data on first-line immune combinations are lacking.

Method

This was a real-world, multicenter, international, observational study to determine the sex effects on the clinical outcomes in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients treated with immuno-oncology combinations as first-line therapy.

Results

A total of 1827 mRCC patients from 71 cancer centers in 21 countries were included. The median OS was 38.7 months (95% CI 32.7–44.2) in the overall study population: 40.0 months (95% CI 32.7–51.6) in males and 38.7 months (95% CI 26.4–41.0) in females (p = 0.202). The median OS was higher in males vs. females in patients aged 18-49y (36.9 months, 95% CI 29.0–51.6, vs. 24.8 months, 95% CI 16.8–40.4, p = 0.426, with + 19% of 2y-OS rate, 72% vs. 53%, p = 0.006), in the clear cell histology subgroup (44.2 months, 95% CI 35.8–55.7, vs. 38.7 months, 95% CI 26.0–41.0, p = 0.047), and in patients with sarcomatoid differentiation (34.4 months, 95% CI 26.4–59.0, vs. 15.3 months, 95% CI 8.9–41.0, p < 0.001). Sex female was an independent negative prognostic factor in the sarcomatoid population (HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.15 − 2.57, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Although the female’s innate and adaptive immunity has been observed to be more active than the male’s, women in the subgroup of clear cell histology, sarcomatoid differentiation, and those under 50 years of age showed shorter OS than males.
Evaluation of the clinical application value of cytokine expression profiles in the differential diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Chen Rongfa , Liu Linna , Chen Hui , Xing Chao , Zhang Tingting , Pang Yilin , Yang Xunjun
Published: June 2024

Background

The significance of tumor-secreted cytokines in tumor development has gained substantial attention. Nevertheless, the precise role of tumor-related inflammatory cytokines in prostate cancer (PCa) remains ambiguous.

Objectives

To gain deeper insights into the inflammatory response in the process of PCa.

Methods

A total of 233 cases were collected, including 80 cases of prostate hyperplasia as disease control, 65 cases of postoperative prostate cancer and 36 cases of prostate cancer as PCa group. Additionally, 52 patients undergoing physical examinations during the same period were collected as the healthy control. The levels of 12 inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood samples were analyzed using flow cytometric bead array technology. The levels of total prostate-specific antigen (TPSA) and free prostate-specific antigen (FPSA) in peripheral blood samples were analyzed using electrochemiluminescence technology.

Results

Our findings revealed significant increases in serum IL-8 levels in PCa group compared to the healthy control group. Additionally, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ and IL-12p70 levels were markedly elevated in the PCa group compared to the disease control group (all p < 0.05). Conversely, the level of IL-4, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17A and IFN-α were lower in the PCa group compared to those in control group. Following surgery, the concentration of IL-6 decreased; whereas, the concentrations of IL-4, TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-1β, IL-12p70, and IFN-α increased, demonstrating significant differences (p < 0.05). The differential upregulation of IL-6 or downregulation of IL-17A in peripheral blood exhibited diagnostic efficacy in PCa patients. Moreover, we observed a significant increase in IL-17A levels, accompanied by decreased of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-a, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-12P70 in patients with distant metastasis.

Conclusion

The peripheral blood cytokines are closely associated with the occurrence and development of prostate cancer, especially the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-17A may be useful as potential predictors of PCa diagnosis.
Integration of deep learning and habitat radiomics for predicting the response to immunotherapy in NSCLC patients
Authors: Caii Weimin , Wu Xiao , Guo Kun , Chen Yongxian , Shi Yubo , Chen Junkai
Published: June 2024

Background

The non-invasive biomarkers for predicting immunotherapy response are urgently needed to prevent both premature cessation of treatment and ineffective extension. This study aimed to construct a non-invasive model for predicting immunotherapy response, based on the integration of deep learning and habitat radiomics in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Independent patient cohorts from three medical centers were enrolled for training (n = 164) and test (n = 82). Habitat imaging radiomics features were derived from sub-regions clustered from individual’s tumor by K-means method. The deep learning features were extracted based on 3D ResNet algorithm. Pearson correlation coefficient, T test and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were used to select features. Support vector machine was applied to implement deep learning and habitat radiomics, respectively. Then, a combination model was developed integrating both sources of data.

Results

The combination model obtained a strong well-performance, achieving area under receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.865 (95% CI 0.772–0.931). The model significantly discerned high and low-risk patients, and exhibited a significant benefit in the clinical use.

Conclusion

The integration of deep-leaning and habitat radiomics contributed to predicting response to immunotherapy in patients with NSCLC. The developed integration model may be used as potential tool for individual immunotherapy management.
Two nomograms constructed for predicting the efficacy and prognosis of advanced non‑small cell lung cancer patients treated with anti‑PD‑1 inhibitors based on the absolute counts of lymphocyte subsets
Authors: Liu Aqing , Zhang Guan , Yang Yanjie , Xia Ying , Li Wentao , Liu Yunhe , Cui Qian , Wang Dong , Yu Jianchun
Published: June 2024

Background

Patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are at risk of considerable adverse events, and the ongoing struggle is to accurately identify the subset of patients who will benefit. Lymphocyte subsets play a pivotal role in the antitumor response, this study attempted to combine the absolute counts of lymphocyte subsets (ACLS) with the clinicopathological parameters to construct nomograms to accurately predict the prognosis of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) patients treated with anti-PD-1 inhibitors.

Methods

This retrospective study included a training cohort (n = 200) and validation cohort (n = 100) with aNSCLC patients treated with anti-PD-1 inhibitors. Logistic and Cox regression were conducted to identify factors associated with efficacy and progression-free survival (PFS) respectively. Nomograms were built based on independent influencing factors, and assessed by the concordance index (C-index), calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Result

In training cohort, lower baseline absolute counts of CD3+ (P < 0.001) and CD4+ (P < 0.001) were associated with for poorer efficacy. Hepatic metastases (P = 0.019) and lower baseline absolute counts of CD3+ (P < 0.001), CD4+ (P < 0.001), CD8+ (P < 0.001), and B cells (P = 0.042) were associated with shorter PFS. Two nomograms to predict efficacy at 6-week after treatment and PFS at 4-, 8- and 12-months were constructed, and validated in validation cohort. The area under the ROC curve (AUC-ROC) of nomogram to predict response was 0.908 in training cohort and 0.984 in validation cohort. The C-index of nomogram to predict PFS was 0.825 in training cohort and 0.832 in validation cohort. AUC-ROC illustrated the nomograms had excellent discriminative ability. Calibration curves showed a superior consistence between the nomogram predicted probability and actual observation.

Conclusion

We constructed two nomogram based on ACLS to help clinicians screen of patients with possible benefit and make individualized treatment decisions by accurately predicting efficacy and PFS for advanced NSCLC patient treated with anti-PD-1 inhibitors.
The packing fraction of the oxygen sublattice: its impact on the heat of mixing
Authors: Benisek Artur , Dachs Edgar
Published: June 2024

The heat of mixing of some petrological relevant substitutions (i.e., Mg-Al, Si-Al, Mg-Ti, Mg-Ca, and Mg-Fe) was investigated systematically in silicates, titanates, tungstates, carbonates, oxides, hydroxides, and sulphates by density functional theory calculations (e.g., melilite, chlorite, biotite, brucite, cordierite, amphibole, talc, pseudobrookite, pyroxene, olivine, wadsleyite, ilmenite, MgWO4, ringwoodite (spinel), perovskite, pyrope-grossular, magnesite-calcite, MgO-CaO, anhydrous and different hydrated MgSO4). A specific substitution is characterised by different microscopic interaction energies in different minerals, e.g., the octahedral Mg-Al exchange on a single crystallographic site in pyroxene has a microscopic interaction energy that is more than twice compared to that in biotite. A comparative investigation of the heat of mixing using microscopic interaction energies on a single crystallographic site has the advantage that they are not influenced by cation ordering. They could be successfully correlated with the stiffnesses of the minerals, which in turn were scaled to the oxygen packing fraction, a parameter that is easily available for poorly investigated minerals. With this information, the interaction energies of a certain substitution can be transferred from minerals where they are well-known to mineral groups where they are less- or unknown. Using the cross-site terms and the microscopic interaction energies, the macroscopic interaction energies of the coupled substitution, e.g., Mg + Si = Al + Al, of biotite and pyroxene were calculated, which are, however, affected by cation ordering and different degrees of local charge balance, for which appropriate models are necessary.
Evapotranspiration estimation using high-resolution aerial imagery and pySEBAL for processing tomatoes
Authors: Peddinti Srinivasa Rao , Nicolas Floyid , Raij-Hoffman Iael , Kisekka Isaya
Published: June 2024

The use of high-resolution aerial imagery for assessing actual crop evapotranspiration
$$ \left({ET}_{a}\right)$$
holds the potential to optimize the use of limited water resources in agriculture. Despite this potential, there is a shortage of information regarding the effectiveness of energy balance algorithms, initially designed for satellite remote sensing in estimating
$$ {ET}_{a}$$
using aerial imagery. This study addresses this gap by employing the remote sensing model pySEBAL (Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land) in conjunction with high-resolution aerial imagery to estimate
$$ {ET}_{a}$$
for processing tomatoes. Throughout the 2021 growing season, an aircraft captured multispectral and thermal imagery over a processing tomato field near Esparto, California, USA. Simultaneously, an eddy covariance flux tower within the field measured high-frequency turbulent fluxes and low-frequency biometeorology variables essential for evaluating the energy balance. The comprehensive assessment of energy balance components, including
$$ {ET}_{a}$$
, yielded compelling evidence that pySEBAL accurately estimated
$$ {ET}_{a}$$
at high spatial resolution. The root mean square error (RMSE) and normalized RMSE for various energy balance components were as follows: 33 W m− 2 (12%) for latent heat flux, 29 W m− 2 (35%) for sensible heat flux, 24 W m− 2 (4%) for net radiation, and 10 W m− 2 (15%) for soil heat flux. Additionally,
$$ {ET}_{a}$$
exhibited an RMSE and NRMSE of 0.26 mm d− 1 (6%). Moreover, the spatial mapping of
$$ {ET}_{a}$$
across the processing tomato field visually depicted the spatial variability associated with irrigation scheduling, crop development, areas affected by disease, and soil heterogeneity. This research underscores the value of high resolution spatial aerial imagery and pySEBAL algorithm for estimating
$$ {ET}_{a}$$
variability in the field, a crucial aspect for guiding precision irrigation management and ensuring the optimal use of limited water resources in agriculture.
Macroalgal presence decreases coral calcification rates more than ocean acidification
Authors: Isaak Ashtyn L. , Ho Maureen , Dhillon Max S. , Johnson Maggie D. , Westphal Hildegard , Doo Steve S.
Published: June 2024

Global coral reef degradation has precipitated phase shifts toward macroalgal-dominated communities. Despite the negative repercussions for reefscapes, higher abundances of primary producers have the potential to positively impact the physicochemical environment and mitigate negative impacts of ocean acidification (OA). In this study, we investigated the influence of macroalgal (cf. Sargassum vulgare) density on coral (Acropora millepora and A. hemprichii) calcification rates under current and future OA conditions. Corals were resistant to OA up to ~ 1100 µatm, with no changes in calcification rates. However, the presence of (low and high density) algae reduced calcification rates by ~ 41.8%, suggesting either a chemical defense response due to algal metabolites or potential physical impacts from shading or abrasion. Documented beneficial buffering effects of macroalgae in OA may also elicit negative impacts on coral calcification, suggesting further work is needed to elucidate how species interactions influence responses to projected climate change.
Butyrate inhibits the malignant biological behaviors of breast cancer cells by facilitating cuproptosis-associated gene expression
Authors: Zhang Liming , Huang Shan , Yuan Ying
Published: June 2024

Background

Butyrate is a common short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and it has been demonstrated to regulate the development of breast cancer (BC), while the underlying mechanism is still unreported.

Methods

Gas chromatography was used to measure the amounts of SCFA (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) in the feces. Cell viability was measured by the CCK-8 assay. The wound healing assay demonstrated cell migration, and the transwell assay demonstrated cell invasion. The levels of protein and gene were determined by western blot assay and RT-qPCR assay, respectively.

Results

The levels of SCFA were lower in the faecal samples from BC patients compared to control samples. In cellular experiments, butyrate significantly suppressed the cell viability, migration and invasion of T47D in a dose-dependent manner. In animal experiments, butyrate effectively impeded the growth of BC tumors. Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) was highly expressed in the tumors from BC patients. Butyrate inhibited the expression of TLR4. In addition, butyrate promoted the expression of cuproptosis-related genes including PDXK (pyridoxal kinase) and SLC25A28 (solute carrier family 25 member 28), which was lowly expressed in BC tumors. Importantly, overexpression of TLR4 can reverses the promotion of butyrate to PDXK and SLC25A28 expression and the prevention of butyrate to the malignant biological behaviors of T47D cells.

Conclusion

In summary, butyrate inhibits the development of BC by facilitating the expression of PDXK and SLC25A28 through inhibition of TLR4. Our investigation first identified a connection among butyrate, TLR4 and cuproptosis-related genes in BC progression. These findings may provide novel target for the treatment of BC.
lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 regulates collagen expression
Authors: Shi Weiwei , Song Jiahui , Weiner January Mikolaj , Chopra Avneesh , Dommisch Henrik , Beule Dieter , Schaefer Arne S.
Published: June 2024

The long noncoding RNA CDKN2B-AS1 harbors a major coronary artery disease risk haplotype, which is also associated with progressive forms of the oral inflammatory disease periodontitis as well as myocardial infarction (MI). Despite extensive research, there is currently no broad consensus on the function of CDKN2B-AS1 that would explain a common molecular role of this lncRNA in these diseases. Our aim was to investigate the role of CDKN2B-AS1 in gingival cells to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the increased risk of progressive periodontitis. We downregulated CDKN2B-AS1 transcript levels in primary gingival fibroblasts with LNA GapmeRs. Following RNA-sequencing, we performed differential expression, gene set enrichment analyses and Western Blotting. Putative causal alleles were searched by analyzing associated DNA sequence variants for changes of predicted transcription factor binding sites. We functionally characterized putative functional alleles using luciferase-reporter and antibody electrophoretic mobility shift assays in gingival fibroblasts and HeLa cells. Of all gene sets analysed, collagen biosynthesis was most significantly upregulated (Padj=9.7 × 10− 5 (AUC > 0.65) with the CAD and MI risk gene COL4A1 showing strongest upregulation of the enriched gene sets (Fold change = 12.13, Padj = 4.9 × 10− 25). The inflammatory “TNFA signaling via NFKB” gene set was downregulated the most (Padj=1 × 10− 5 (AUC = 0.60). On the single gene level, CAPNS2, involved in extracellular matrix organization, was the top upregulated protein coding gene (Fold change = 48.5, P < 9 × 10− 24). The risk variant rs10757278 altered a binding site of the pathogen responsive transcription factor STAT1 (P = 5.8 × 10− 6). rs10757278-G allele reduced STAT1 binding 14.4% and rs10757278-A decreased luciferase activity in gingival fibroblasts 41.2% (P = 0.0056), corresponding with GTEx data. CDKN2B-AS1 represses collagen gene expression in gingival fibroblasts. Dysregulated collagen biosynthesis through allele-specific CDKN2B-AS1 expression in response to inflammatory factors may affect collagen synthesis, and in consequence tissue barrier and atherosclerotic plaque stability.
Classification of Width 1 Lattice Tetrahedra by Their Multi-Width
Authors: Hamm Girtrude
Published: June 2024

We introduce the multi-width of a lattice polytope and use this to classify and count all lattice tetrahedra with multi-width $$(1,w_2,w_3)$$

(
1
,

w
2

,

w
3

)

. The approach used in this classification can be extended into a computer algorithm to classify lattice tetrahedra of any given multi-width. We use this to classify tetrahedra with multi-width $$(2,w_2,w_3)$$

(
2
,

w
2

,

w
3

)

for small $$w_2$$

w
2

and $$w_3$$

w
3

and make conjectures about the function counting lattice tetrahedra of any multi-width.
Numerical study on guided-wave reflection and transmission at water pipe joint using hybrid finite element method
Authors: Maruyama Taizo , Matsuo Taisei , Nakahata Kazuyuki
Published: June 2024

This study investigates guided-wave reflection and transmission at a water pipe joint. The system comprises a linearly elastic pipe filled with water with a joint that is modeled as a discontinuity of the solid region. Wave reflection and transmission are solved using the finite element method (FEM) with radiation conditions for reflected and transmitted guided waves into infinite waveguides. For the radiation conditions, the reflected and transmitted waves are expressed by modal expansion using the semi-analytical finite-element (SAFE) dispersion analysis method. This study extends the hybrid SAFE-FEM to the coupled fluid–solid axisymmetric problem. Numerical results demonstrate that the hybrid SAFE-FEM provides sufficiently accurate solutions. The propagation modes, similar to the modes in a solid pipe, are strongly or perfectly reflected by the joint. However, the modes are transmitted through the joint with little scattering after they converge to the modes in a water bar. The crossing of dispersion curves with those for modes in a solid pipe causes mode conversion and induces scattering attenuation.
Measures of financial toxicity in cancer survivors: a systematic review
Authors: Thomy L. B. , Crichton M. , Jones L. , Yates P. M. , Hart N. H. , Collins L. G. , Chan R. J.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Comprehensive cancer-related financial toxicity (FT) measures as a multidimensional construct are lacking. The aims of this systematic review were to (1) identify full measures designed explicitly for assessing FT and evaluate their psychometric properties (content validity, structural validity, reliability, and other measurement properties) using Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN), and (2) provide an analysis of the domains of FT covered in these measures.

Methods

MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched for quantitative studies published from January 2000 to July 2023 that reported psychometric properties of FT measures in cancer survivors. The psychometric properties of FT measures and study risk of bias were analysed using COSMIN. Each FT measure was compared against the six domains of FT recommended by Witte and colleagues. Results were synthesized narratively. The detailed search strategies are available in Table S1.

Results

Six FT tools including the COST-FACIT, PROFFIT, FIT, SFDQ, HARDS, and ENRICh-Spanish were identified. The COST-FACIT measure had good measurement properties. No measure reached an excellent level for overall quality but was mostly rated as sufficient. The SFDQ, HARDS, and ENRICh-Spanish were the most comprehensive in the inclusion of the six domains of FT.

Conclusion

This review emphasizes the need for validated multidimensional FT measures that can be applied across various cancer types, healthcare settings, and cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, a need to develop practical screening tools with high predictive ability for FT is highly important, considering the significant consequences of FT. Addressing these gaps in future research will further enhance the understanding of FT.
Integrating fuzzy metrics and negation operator in FCM algorithm via genetic algorithm for MRI image segmentation
Authors: Kutlu Fatih , Ayaz İbrahim , Garg Harish
Published: June 2024

In this study, we redefine FCM algorithm by integrating fuzzy set theory, fuzzy metrics, and Sugeno negation principles. This innovative approach overcomes the limitations inherent in conventional machine learning models, especially in situations characterized by uncertainty, noise, and ambiguity. Our model utilizes the membership degrees from fuzzy set theory, and transforms the concept of proximity defined by fuzzy metrics into a minimization problem. This transformation is achieved using a linguistic negation operator, which is crucial for optimizing FCM algorithm's objective function. A significant innovation in our research is the use of GA for optimizing parameters within the contexts of fuzzy metrics and Sugeno negation. The precise optimization capabilities of GA greatly enhance the sensitivity and adaptability of FCM algorithm, thereby improving overall performance. By leveraging the meticulous parameter adjustments provided by GA, our approach has shown superior results in practical applications, such as brain MRI image segmentation, surpassing traditional methods. Experimental results highlight the considerable enhancements our proposed FCM algorithms bring over existing methods across various performance metrics. In conclusion, this study makes a valuable addition to the field of fuzzy-based machine learning methodologies. It combines the optimization strength of GA with the flexible classification capabilities of fuzzy logic. The integration of Sugeno negation and fuzzy metrics not only improves the accuracy and precision of FCM algorithm but also provides significant benefits in handling complex and ambiguous datasets. This research signifies a major advance in machine learning and fuzzy logic, setting the stage for future applications and studies.
Effectiveness of the flash glucose monitoring system in preventing severe hypoglycemic episodes and in improving glucose metrics and quality of life in subjects with type 1 diabetes at high risk of acute diabetes complications
Authors: Dei Cas Alessandra , Aldigeri Raffaella , Bellei Giulia , Raffaeli Davide , Di Bartolo Paolo , Sforza Alessandra , Marchesini Giulio , Ciardullo Anna Vittoria , Manicardi Valeria , Bianco Maurizio , Monesi Marcello , Vacirca Anna , Cimicchi Maria Cristina , Sordillo Paola Anna , Altini Mattia , Fantuzzi Federica , Bonadonna Riccardo C ,   for the Flash-glucose monitoring Emilia Romagna Regional network, Magotti Maria Grazia , Haddoub Silvia , Turola Elena , Di Seclì Clelia , Ugolotti Diletta , Marchignoli Francesca , Petroni Maria Letizia , Laffi Gilberto , D’Urso Rossella , Malchiodi Elena , Manicardi Elisa , Bonilauri Lisa , Manini Rita , Farabegoli Costanza , Scolozzi Patrizia
Published: June 2024

Aims

To assess the effectiveness of the intermittent-scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) system in preventing severe hypoglycemic episodes and in improving glucose parameters and quality of life.

Methods

Four hundred T1D individuals were enrolled in a prospective real-word study with an intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring device during the 12-months follow-up. The primary endpoint was the incidence of severe hypoglycemic events.

Results

82% of subjects were naïve to the use of the device (group A) and 18% were already wearing the system (group B). The cumulative incidence of severe hypoglycemia (SH) at 12 months was 12.06 per 100 person-year (95% CI: 8.35–16.85) in group A and 10.14 (95% CI: 4.08–20.90) in group B without inter-group differences. In group A there was a significant decrease in SH at 12 months compared to 3 months period (p = 0.005). Time in glucose range significantly increased in both groups accompanied with a significant decrease in glucose variability. HbA1c showed a progressive significant time-dependent decrease in group A. The use of the device significantly improved the perceived quality of life.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the effectiveness of the isCGM in reducing hypoglycemic risk without glucose deterioration, with potential benefits on adverse outcomes in T1D individuals.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov registration no. NCT04060732.
Does botulinum toxin affect psycho-social aspects in dystonia?
Authors: Marfoli Angelica , Mameli Francesca , Aiello Edoardo Nicolò , Ruggiero Fabiana , Sandi Angelica De , Mellace Denise , Curti Beatrice , Vimercati Roberto , Poletti Barbara , Ticozzi Nicola , Chieffo Daniela , Santangelo Gabriella , Barbieri Sergio , Priori Alberto , Ferrucci Roberta
Published: June 2024

Dystonia is a movement disorder in which sustained muscle contractions give rise to abnormal postures or involuntary movements. It is a disabling and disfiguring disorder that affects activities of daily living and gives people a bizarre appearance often associated with psychological morbidity, embarrassment and social avoidance. Intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin (BoNT) is the most effective treatment for motor symptoms in focal dystonia, but little is known about its impact on the psycho-social dimension. The main aim of this study was to evaluate psycho-social changes in patients with focal dystonia after starting BoNT treatment using self-reported scales. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) assessing body self-image, satisfaction with physical aspects, social avoidance, self-reported depression, and self-distress were completed by 11 patients with dystonia and 9 patients with hyperhidrosis as a control group before BoNT (T0). VAS was then performed after four weeks (T1) to assess whether BoNT induced changes in the psychosocial dimension. Our results showed that only depressive symptoms and rumination about body defects improved in patients with dystonia after BoNT treatment, while improvement in self-distress and satisfaction with physical aspects was also found in hyperhidrosis. Individuals with hyperhidrosis experience poorer psychological well-being and suffer from higher levels of distress compared to dystonic patients. This suggests that individuals with this disabling condition are more vulnerable to social impact than dystonic patients.
A survey on hybrid transactional and analytical processing
Authors: Song Haoze , Zhou Wenchao , Cui Heming , Peng Xiang , Li Feifei
Published: June 2024

To provide applications with the ability to analyze fresh data and eliminate the time-consuming ETL workflow, hybrid transactional and analytical (HTAP) systems have been developed to serve online transaction processing and online analytical processing workloads in a single system. In recent years, HTAP systems have attracted considerable interest from both academia and industry. Several new architectures and technologies have been proposed. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of these HTAP systems. We review recently published papers and technical reports in this field and broadly classify existing HTAP systems into two categories based on their data formats: monolithic and hybrid HTAP. We further classify hybrid HTAP into four sub-categories based on their storage architecture: row-oriented, column-oriented, separated, and hybrid. Based on such a taxonomy, we outline each stream’s design challenges and performance issues (e.g., the contradictory format demand for monolithic HTAP). We then discuss potential solutions and their trade-offs by reviewing noteworthy research findings. Finally, we summarize emerging HTAP applications, benchmarks, future trends, and open problems.
Family and parenting factors are associated with emotion regulation neural function in early adolescent girls with elevated internalizing symptoms
Authors: Lin Sylvia C. , Pozzi Elena , Kehoe Christiane E. , Havighurst Sophie , Schwartz Orli S. , Yap Marie B. H. , Zhao Junxuan , Telzer Eva H. , Whittle Sarah
Published: June 2024

A prominent tripartite model proposes that parent role modeling of emotion regulation, emotion socialization behaviors, and the emotional climate of the family are important for young people’s emotional development. However, limited research has examined the neural mechanisms at play. Here, we examined the associations between family and parenting factors, the neural correlates of emotional reactivity and regulation, and internalizing symptoms in early adolescent girls. Sixty-four female adolescents aged 10–12 years with elevated internalizing symptoms completed emotional reactivity, implicit (affect labeling) and explicit (cognitive reappraisal) emotion regulation tasks during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Positive family emotional climate was associated with greater activation in the anterior cingulate and middle temporal cortices during emotional reactivity. Maternal emotion regulation difficulties were associated with increased frontal pole and supramarginal gyrus activation during affect labeling, whereas supportive maternal emotion socialization and positive family emotional climate were associated with activation in prefrontal regions, including inferior frontal and superior frontal gyri, respectively, during cognitive reappraisal. No mediating effects of brain function were observed in the associations between family/parenting factors and adolescent symptoms. These findings highlight the role of family and parenting behaviors in adolescent emotion regulation neurobiology, and contribute to prominent models of adolescent emotional development.
The healthy context paradox: a cross-country analysis of the association between bullying victimisation and adolescent mental health
Authors: Odigie Tracy , Elsden Esme , Hosozawa Mariko , Patalay Praveetha , Pingault Jean-Baptiste
Published: June 2024

Bullying victimisation is an increasing global health problem among adolescents and is associated with short- and long-term adverse mental health outcomes. Investigating whether associations with mental health vary across national contexts and why, can provide insights into mechanisms underlying those associations and inform policy. We used data from 479,685 adolescents participating in the 2018 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) cross-sectional survey and examined whether the associations between bullying victimisation, psychological distress and life satisfaction vary across 63 countries. We further tested the modifying role of country-level factors – bullying prevalence, income inequality and national wealth, by implementing multilevel cross-country analyses. We found significant associations between bullying victimisation, increased psychological distress (β = 0.181; 95%CI: 0.178, 0.184) and decreased life satisfaction (β = -0.158; 95%CI: -0.162, -0.155). Associations between bullying victimisation, psychological distress and life satisfaction among adolescents were consistent across countries in terms of direction but effect sizes varied substantially. The effects ranged from β = 0.08 in the Philippines to β = 0.40 in South Korea for psychological distress and from β = −0.05 in the Philippines to β = −0.36 in the United Kingdom for life satisfaction. In addition, consistent with the “healthy context paradox” effect, associations between bullying and mental health were larger in countries where the prevalence of bullying was lower, as well as in higher-income countries. Interventions aiming to reduce bullying victimisation should aim to provide additional targeted support for those who still experience bullying after the intervention.
An asynchronous proximal bundle method
Authors: Fischer Frank
Published: June 2024

We develop a fully asynchronous proximal bundle method for solving non-smooth, convex optimization problems. The algorithm can be used as a drop-in replacement for classic bundle methods, i.e., the function must be given by a first-order oracle for computing function values and subgradients. The algorithm allows for an arbitrary number of master problem processes computing new candidate points and oracle processes evaluating functions at those candidate points. These processes share information by communication with a single supervisor process that resembles the main loop of a classic bundle method. All processes run in parallel and no explicit synchronization step is required. Instead, the asynchronous and possibly outdated results of the oracle computations can be seen as an inexact function oracle. Hence, we show the convergence of our method under weak assumptions very similar to inexact and incremental bundle methods. In particular, we show how the algorithm learns important structural properties of the functions to control the inaccuracy induced by the asynchronicity automatically such that overall convergence can be guaranteed.
A phase 1/1b, open-label, dose-escalation study of PD-1 inhibitor, cetrelimab alone and in combination with FGFR inhibitor, erdafitinib in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Yamamoto Noboru , Kuboki Yasutoshi , Harano Kenichi , Koyama Takafumi , Kondo Shunsuke , Hagiwara Akiko , Suzuki Noriko , Fujikawa Ei , Toyoizumi Kiichiro , Mukai Mayumi , Doi Toshihiko
Published: June 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are the leading approaches in tumor immunotherapy. The aim of the study was to establish recommended phase 2 doses (RP2Ds) of intravenous cetrelimab, a checkpoint inhibitor, alone and with oral erdafitinib in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. This open-label, non-randomized, dose-escalation phase 1/1b study enrolled adults with advanced solid tumors who were ineligible for standard therapy. Study was conducted in two parts: phase 1a assessed cetrelimab at three dosing levels (80 mg every 2 weeks [Q2W], 240 mg Q2W, and 480 mg Q4W); phase 1b assessed cetrelimab+erdafitinib at two dosing levels (240 mg Q2W + 6 mg once daily [QD] and 240 mg Q2W + 8 mg QD). Primary endpoint was frequency and severity of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of cetrelimab ± erdafitinib. In total 22 patients (phase 1a, n = 9; phase 1b, n = 13) were enrolled. Median duration of follow-up was 8.64 months in phase 1a and 2.33 months in phase 1b. In phase 1a, DLTs weren’t reported while in phase 1b, 1 patient who received 240 mg cetrelimab + 6 mg erdafitinib reported Stevens-Johnson syndrome (grade 3, immune-related). Overall, 88.9% patients in phase 1a (grade ≥ 3: 44.4%) and 100.0% in phase 1b (grade ≥ 3: 53.8%) experienced ≥ 1 treatment-related adverse events (TEAEs); 33.3% in phase 1a and 38.5% in phase 1b reported serious TEAEs, of which 11.1% patients in phase 1a and 15.4% in phase 1b had TEAEs which led to treatment discontinuation. Cetrelimab alone and in combination with erdafitinib showed manageable safety in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. RP2Ds were determined as 480 mg cetrelimab Q4W for monotherapy, and cetrelimab 240 mg Q2W + erdafitinib 8 mg QD for combination therapy.
Humanoid Robots as Learning Assistants? Useability Perspectives of Grade 6 Students
Authors: Tilden Solveig , Parish Karen , Mishra Deepti , Lugo Ricardo G. , Andersen Per Normann
Published: June 2024

Despite the increasing number of robots in educational settings, they are relatively new, with ambiguous research findings regarding a robot’s influence on students’ learning, psychosocial aspects, and gender differences. In this study, 17 Grade 6 students in a Norwegian school participated in a human–robot interaction (HRI) session with mathematics and programming tasks followed by focus group interviews to explore their experiences. Thematic analysis resulted in four main themes: (1) Technical aspects, (2) Robots as educational assistants, (3) Robot features, and (4) Attitudes regarding robots. Overall, the students found the robot entertaining, providing mastery experiences in mathematics and programming. Some technical difficulties were experienced, and the robot’s lack of facial expressions, emotions, and tailored feedback created interaction challenges. Gender differences regarding interest in people versus things were found. The implementation of robots in education shows potential, however, more research is needed, especially longitudinal exploring the impact of HRI in education.
Artificial Intelligence in Education: Implications for Policymakers, Researchers, and Practitioners
Authors: Ifenthaler Dirk , Majumdar Rwitajit , Gorissen Pierre , Judge Miriam , Mishra Shitanshu , Raffaghelli Juliana , Shimada Atsushi
Published: June 2024

One trending theme within research on learning and teaching is an emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI). While AI offers opportunities in the educational arena, blindly replacing human involvement is not the answer. Instead, current research suggests that the key lies in harnessing the strengths of both humans and AI to create a more effective and beneficial learning and teaching experience. Thus, the importance of ‘humans in the loop’ is becoming a central tenet of educational AI. As AI technology advances at breakneck speed, every area of society, including education, needs to engage with and explore the implications of this phenomenon. Therefore, this paper aims to assist in this process by examining the impact of AI on education from researchers’ and practitioners' perspectives. The authors conducted a Delphi study involving a survey administered to N = 33 international professionals followed by in-depth face-to-face discussions with a panel of international researchers to identify key trends and challenges for deploying AI in education. The results indicate that the three most important and impactful trends were (1) privacy and ethical use of AI; (2) the importance of trustworthy algorithms; and (3) equity and fairness. Unsurprisingly, these were also identified as the three key challenges. Based on these findings, the paper outlines policy recommendations for AI in education and suggests a research agenda for closing identified research gaps.
Investigation of different deposition methods for synthesized gold nanoparticles on a South African sugarcane leaves derived silica xerogel support
Authors: Maseko Ncamisile Nondumiso , Enke Dirk , Iwarere Samuel Ayodele , Oluwafemi Oluwatobi Samuel , Pocock Jonathan
Published: June 2024

Value added materials made from agricultural residues are very attractive since they contribute in reducing environmental waste and enhancing economic sustainability. Two deposition methods were investigated where silica xerogel from sugarcane leaves (a waste from sugarcane industry) was used as a support for the synthesized gold nanoparticles. Biogenic silica was refluxed with sodium hydroxide at 80 °C to form sodium silicate solution. The gold nanoparticles were either synthesized in the sodium silicate solution or separately to form silica/Au nanoparticles through a sol-gel method. Ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption were used to characterize the produced Si/Au nanoparticles. The two investigated methods resulted in distinctive deposition of gold nanoparticles on a silica xerogel support and also significantly different textural properties. The produced silica/gold nanoparticles had a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of up to 619 m2/g, pore diameter of 8.3 nm and pore volume of 1.28 cm3.g−1.
Enhancing thermal properties and surface quality of lappato glazed porcelain tiles through milling time optimization
Authors: Bayer Ozturk Zahide , Karaca Yusuf , Ubay Elif
Published: June 2024

Increasing the surface quality of porcelain tiles, preferred in public, commercial, and living centers, where human density is high, is one of the crucial goals. Surface applications can be applied on the tiles produced as glazed and unglazed tiles in different versions. In lappato glazed tiles, staining-resistance is of great importance besides glossy-surface and wear-resistance. In this study, technical properties such as staining, chemical agent-resistance, color-parameters, thermal-behavior (heat microscopy), roughness, abrasion resistance, and microstructure of glazes (SEM/EDS) depending on the optimizing grinding time were examined with compared to standard lappato-glaze under the industrial conditions. It was observed that with the increase of the glaze grinding, the whiteness value and the increasing smoothness, and higher staining chemicals resistance and the glaze which has lower characteristic temperatures than the standard. As the surface roughness decreased due to grinding, the number and size of pores in the microstructure decreased. The glassy phase exhibited homogeneous distribution due to the dissolution of anorthite crystals.