bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Ecological Nano-Calcium from Eggshells: Effects on Calcium Nutrition and Oxidative Stress in Lettuce Under Saline and Boron Toxicity
Authors: Sahin Ozge , Yagcioglu Kiymet Deniz , Kadioglu Yusuf Kagan , Gunes Aydin
Published: June 2024

Nano-fertilizers with higher efficacy compared to conventional fertilizers can provide advantage for plant cultivation in both productive and problematic soils. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of nano-calcium (nano-Ca) on lettuce plants grown in saline-boron toxic soil. Nano-calcium fertilizer was prepared from eggshells. Functional and structural properties of nano-Ca was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) before plant experiment. The treatments was; control, 40 mM NaCl and 20 mg kg−1 B (NaCl + B), and 40 mM NaCl and 20 mg kg−1 B with 4 mM Nano-Ca (NaCl + B + nano-Ca). The nano-Ca significantly increased the dry weight and calcium (Ca) concentration of lettuce plants under saline-B toxic conditions. Although there was a decrease in the concentrations of sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), and boron (B) with nano-Ca treatment, it was not statistically significant. Salinity and boron toxicity lead to increased lipid peroxidation. In the present study, the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker for lipid peroxidation, along with a significant decrease in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, was observed with the application of nano-Ca. There was no significant alteration in superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) observed in lettuce grown under saline and boron toxic conditions. However, catalase activity (CAT) increased with nano-Ca application, while the activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) decreased. The study results suggest that nano-Ca serves a protective function for lettuce plants cultivated under saline and boron toxic conditions.
Mechanisms of early and late summer precipitation in Southwest China: dynamic and thermodynamic processes
Authors: Sun Xiaoting , Li Qingquan , Wu Qingyuan
Published: June 2024

This study investigates dynamic and thermodynamic components of moisture flux convergence in Southwest China (SW-MFC) and their underlying physical mechanisms during early and late summer. Using precipitation observation and CRA-40 reanalysis datasets from 1979 to 2023, the results show that both dynamic and thermodynamic processes modulate the SW-MFC in early summer (May-June), with dynamics playing a pivotal role. In contrast, the precipitation anomaly in late summer (July-August) is predominantly driven by the dynamic factors. Meanwhile, the large-scale circulation over the northern Indian Peninsula significantly modulates the SW-MFC. In early summer, anomalous convection around the Maritime Continent with the tripole sea surface temperature (SST) mode in the tropical Indo-Pacific can trigger the formation of “double ring” vertical zonal circulation cells. A large-scale westerly anomaly at the lower troposphere over the northern Arabian Sea foster cyclone strengthening over the northern Indian Peninsula, enhancing southerly moisture transport and increasing precipitation over Southwest China. During the late summer, large-scale dipole SST pattern between the subtropical central-eastern Pacific and the Indo-Pacific warm pool generates significant easterly anomalies towards the Maritime Continent. The SST gradient stimulates an extensive anticyclonic shear zone over the western equatorial Pacific, with an intensified low-pressure zone to its north. This atmospheric pattern over Southwest China and Indian Peninsula can form a vertical circulation circle that largely intensifies widespread precipitation. Numerical model experiments can reproduce the mechanisms of tropical Indo-Pacific joint effects on the Southwest precipitation in both early and late summer, providing a theoretical basis for understanding and forecasting summer precipitation over Southwest China.
Handedness in schizophrenia and affective disorders: a large-scale cross-disorder study
Authors: Mundorf Annakarina , Lischke Alexander , Peterburs Jutta , Alexander Nina , Bonnekoh Linda M. , Brosch Katharina , Flinkenflügel Kira , Goltermann Janik , Hahn Tim , Jansen Andreas , Meinert Susanne , Nenadić Igor , Schürmeyer Navid Nico , Stein Frederike , Straube Benjamin , Thiel Katharina , Teutenberg Lea , Thomas-Odenthal Florian , Usemann Paula , Winter Alexandra , Dannlowski Udo , Kircher Tilo , Ocklenburg Sebastian
Published: June 2024

While most people are right-handed, a minority are left-handed or mixed-handed. It has been suggested that mental and developmental disorders are associated with increased prevalence of left-handedness and mixed-handedness. However, substantial heterogeneity exists across disorders, indicating that not all disorders are associated with a considerable shift away from right-handedness. Increased frequencies in left- and mixed-handedness have also been associated with more severe clinical symptoms, indicating that symptom severity rather than diagnosis explains the high prevalence of non-right-handedness in mental disorders. To address this issue, the present study investigated the association between handedness and measures of stress reactivity, depression, mania, anxiety, and positive and negative symptoms in a large sample of 994 healthy controls and 1213 patients with DSM IV affective disorders, schizoaffective disorders, or schizophrenia. A series of complementary analyses revealed lower lateralization and a higher percentage of mixed-handedness in patients with major depression (14.9%) and schizophrenia (24.0%) compared to healthy controls (12%). For patients with schizophrenia, higher symptom severity was associated with an increasing tendency towards left-handedness. No associations were found for patients diagnosed with major depression, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder. In healthy controls, no association between hand preference and symptoms was evident. Taken together, these findings suggest that both diagnosis and symptom severity are relevant for the shift away from right-handedness in mental disorders like schizophrenia and major depression.
Diagnostic value of regional homogeneity and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in the classification of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders
Authors: Cattarinussi Giulia , Di Camillo Fabio , Grimaldi David Antonio , Sambataro Fabio
Published: June 2024

Schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorders (BD) show significant neurobiological and clinical overlap. In this study, we wanted to identify indexes of intrinsic brain activity that could differentiate these disorders. We compared the diagnostic value of the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) estimated from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in a support vector machine classification of 59 healthy controls (HC), 40 individuals with SCZ, and 43 individuals with BD type I. The best performance, measured by balanced accuracy (BAC) for binary classification relative to HC was achieved by a stacking model (87.4% and 90.6% for SCZ and BD, respectively), with ReHo performing better than fALFF, both in SCZ (86.2% vs. 79.4%) and BD (89.9% vs. 76.9%). BD were better differentiated from HC by fronto-temporal ReHo and striato-temporo-thalamic fALFF. SCZ were better classified from HC using fronto-temporal-cerebellar ReHo and insulo-tempo-parietal-cerebellar fALFF. In conclusion, we provided evidence of widespread aberrancies of spontaneous activity and local connectivity in SCZ and BD, demonstrating that ReHo features exhibited superior discriminatory power compared to fALFF and achieved higher classification accuracies. Our results support the complementarity of these measures in the classification of SCZ and BD and suggest the potential for multivariate integration to improve diagnostic precision.
Headache severity in patients with post COVID-19 condition: a case-control study
Authors: Rueb Mike , Ruzicka Michael , Fonseca Gerardo Jesus Ibarra , Valdinoci Elisabeth , Benesch Christopher , Pernpruner Anna , von Baum Max , Remi Jan , Jebrini Tarek , Schöberl Florian , Straube Andreas , Stubbe Hans Christian , Adorjan Kristina
Published: June 2024

Post COVID-19 conditions (PCC) present with a wide range of symptoms. Headache is one of the most frequently reported neurological symptoms by patients with PCC. We aimed to assess the prevalence of headache in patients with PCC who attended the Post-COVIDLMU outpatient department at LMU University Hospital in Munich. We hypothesized that headaches occur more frequently in patients with PCC than in the control group. Patients answered a questionnaire containing sociodemographic characteristics, their current symptoms, and prior psychiatric and somatic diagnoses, the WHO Quality of Life assessment (WHOQOL-BREF), 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). 188 PCC patients were included in this study and compared to a control group of patients with a history of COVID-19 or a different infectious disease – but no consecutive post-infectious condition (nc=27). 115 (61%) of our PCC patients were female. The median age was 41 years. 60 (32%, p = 0.001) had a pre-existing psychiatric diagnosis. PCC was associated with worse outcomes in all four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF (p < 0.001), high levels of fatigue (FSS; p < 0.001), and a higher likeliness for symptoms of depression (PHQ-9; p < 0.001). We were able to confirm that psychiatric disorders are more frequently associated with headaches in PCC patients. Headache should be assessed and treated in the context of PCC not only by neurologists but by multi-professional teams and regarding all PCC symptoms.
Disorganization in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis: psychopathology and treatment response
Authors: Biancalani Arianna , Occhionero Michele , Leuci Emanuela , Quattrone Emanuela , Azzali Silvia , Paulillo Giuseppina , Pupo Simona , Pellegrini Pietro , Menchetti Marco , Pelizza Lorenzo
Published: June 2024

Disorganization is a nuclear dimension of psychosis, especially in schizophrenia. Despite its relevant association with poor prognosis and negative outcomes, it is still under-investigated compared to positive and negative symptoms, in particular at the onset of illness. This study explored disorganization in youth at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHR-P) over a 2-year period. A sample of 180 CHR-P participants (50% males; 51.1% with baseline second-generation antipsychotic medication) recruited within a specialized CHR-P service completed the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. Across the follow-up, we examined key associations of disorganization with other domains of psychopathology, functioning, and treatment response using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients and linear regression analyses. Our results showed a significant longitudinal reduction in disorganization severity levels across the follow-up. This decrease was significantly associated with improvements in negative symptoms and daily functioning, with a shorter duration of untreated psychiatric symptoms, and with baseline equivalent dose of antipsychotic medication. No significant longitudinal associations with other treatment component of the PARMS program were found. Our findings suggest a longitudinal improvement in disorganization dimension in CHR-P individuals, especially in the context of early interventions targeting reduction in the duration of untreated psychiatric symptoms and favoring a prompt antipsychotic therapy.
Analysis and occurrence of biallelic pathogenic repeat expansions in RFC1 in a German cohort of patients with a main clinical phenotype of motor neuron disease
Authors: Schaub Annalisa , Erdmann Hannes , Scholz Veronika , Timmer Manuela , Cordts Isabell , Günther Rene , Reilich Peter , Abicht Angela , Schöberl Florian
Published: June 2024

Biallelic pathogenic repeat expansions in RFC1 were recently identified as molecular origin of cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) as well as of one of the most common causes of adult-onset ataxia. In the meantime, the phenotypic spectrum has expanded massively and now includes mimics of multiple system atrophy or parkinsonism. After identifying a patient with a clinical diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as a carrier of biallelic pathogenic repeat expansions in RFC1, we studied a cohort of 106 additional patients with a clinical main phenotype of motor neuron disease (MND) to analyze whether such repeat expansions are more common in MND patients. Indeed, two additional MND patients (one also with ALS and one with primary lateral sclerosis/PLS) have been identified as carrier of biallelic pathogenic repeat expansions in RFC1 in the absence of another genetic alteration explaining the phenotype, suggesting motor neuron disease as another extreme phenotype of RFC1 spectrum disorder. Therefore, MND might belong to the expanding phenotypic spectrum of pathogenic RFC1 repeat expansions, particularly in those MND patients with additional features such as sensory and/or autonomic neuropathy, vestibular deficits, or cerebellar signs. By systematically analyzing the RFC1 repeat array using Oxford nanopore technology long-read sequencing, our study highlights the high intra- and interallelic heterogeneity of this locus and allows the identification of the novel repeat motif ‘ACAAG’.
Validation of smartwatch electrocardiogram intervals in children compared to standard 12 lead electrocardiograms
Authors: Ernstsson Julia , Svensson Birgitta , Liuba Petru , Weismann Constance G.
Published: June 2024

Lay people are now able to obtain one-lead electrocardiograms (ECG) using smartwatches, which facilitates documentation of arrhythmias. The accuracy of smartwatch derived ECG intervals has not been validated in children though. Home-based monitoring of ECG intervals using a smartwatch could improve monitoring of children, e.g. when taking QTc prolonging medications. The aim of this study was to validate the ECG intervals measured by smartwatch in comparison to standard 12-lead ECGs in children and adolescents. Prospective study of children (age 5—17 years) at the outpatient clinic of a national pediatric heart center. Patients underwent a smartwatch ECG (ScanWatch, Withings) and a simultaneous standard 12-lead ECG. ECG intervals were measured both automatically and manually from the smartwatch ECG and the 12-lead ECG. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plots were performed. 100 patients (54% male, median age 12.9 (IQR 8.7–15.6) were enrolled. The ICC calculated from the automated smartwatch and automated 12-lead ECG were excellent for heart rate (ICC 0.97, p < 0.001), good for the PR and QT intervals (ICC 0.86 and 0.8, p < 0.001), and moderate for the QRS duration and QTc interval (ICC 0.7 and 0.53, p < 0.001). When using manual measurements for the smartwatch ECG, validity was improved for the PR interval (ICC 0.93, p < 0.001), QRS duration (ICC 0.92, p < 0.001), QT (ICC 0.95, p < 0.001) and QTc interval (ICC 0.84, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Automated smartwatch intervals are most reliable measuring the heart rate. The automated smartwatch QTc intervals are less reliable, but this may be improved by manual measurements.

What is Known:

In adults, smartwatch derived ECG intervals measured manually have previously been shown to be accurate, though agreement for automated QTc may be fair.

What is New:

In children, automated smartwatch QTc intervals are less reliable than RR, PR, QRS and uncorrected QT interval.

Accuracy of the QTc can be improved by peroforming manual measurements.
Spectrum and characteristics of germline PALB2 pathogenic variants in 1556 early-onset breast cancer patients in China
Authors: Li Jing , He Peng , Cai Qindong , Chen Lili , Wang Yali , Cai Weifeng , Qiu Yibin , Liu Shunyi , Guo Wenhui , Chen Minyan , Lin Yuxiang , Wang Chuan , Fu Fangmeng
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Limited data are available regarding the partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2) in Chinese patients with early breast cancer. This study aimed to assess the spectrum and characteristics of germline PALB2 pathogenic variants in this population.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples were collected from 1556 patients diagnosed with BRCA1/2-negative early-onset breast cancer. All coding regions and exon‒intron boundaries of the PALB2 genes were screened through next-generation sequencing.

Results

The prevalence of PALB2 pathogenic variants was approximately 0.77% in the cohort. Eleven PALB2 pathogenic variants were identified in twelve participants, including five frameshift mutations and six nonsense mutations. All other variants were detected once, except for PALB2 c.1056_1057del (detected twice). Two PALB2 carriers (2/12, 16.7%) have documented family history of breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer. Patients with a positive family history exhibited a threefold higher possibility of being identified as PALB2 carriers than those without a family history (2% vs. 0.69%), although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.178). Compared to non-carriers, PALB2 carriers has a tendency to appear in younger age (≤ 30 years) (25% vs 14.4%), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-negative status (83.3% vs. 70.2%), and diagnosed with invasive micropapillary carcinoma (16.7% vs 3.1%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of the germline PALB2 pathogenic variants was approximately 0.77% in Chinese patients with BRCA1/2-negative early-onset breast cancer. Our findings is crucial for understanding population-specific genetic risks and offering insights that can enhance genetic counseling and genetic testing strategies in this population.
Nab-paclitaxel plus platinum versus paclitaxel plus platinum as first-line therapy in patients with metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer
Authors: Liu Yuan , Fang Shan-shan , Zhao Run-sheng , Liu Bo , Jin Yi-qiang , Li Quan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) plus platinum versus paclitaxel plus platinum as first-line therapy in patients with metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer.

Methods

Between October 2020 and March 2022, consecutive patients with diagnosed with metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer were retrospectively recruited in our hospital. Fifty-four patients were treated with nab-paclitaxel plus cisplatin or carboplatin. Twenty-four patients were treated with paclitaxel plus cisplatin or carboplatin. A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was done using a multivariable logistic regression model. The two groups were compared for objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in the raw and matched dataset.

Results

The nab-paclitaxel group showed a higher ORR than the paclitaxel group both in the raw dataset (72.2% vs. 45.8%; P = 0.025) and matched dataset (81.1% vs. 47.6%; P = 0.008). The median PFS was significantly longer in the nab-paclitaxel group than in the paclitaxel group both in the raw and matched dataset (12 vs. 7 months; P < 0.05). The median OS was not reached in the nab-paclitaxel group compared with 15 months in the paclitaxel group, with a trend toward prolongation. The most common toxicity was hematological adverse events, including grade 3–4 neutropenia, grade 3 anemia and thrombocytopenia in both groups and no statistical differences were observed between the groups (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with paclitaxel plus platinum, nab-paclitaxel plus platinum may be an effective and tolerable option as first-line therapy for patients with metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer.
Enhancing hepatocellular carcinoma management: prognostic value of integrated CCL17, CCR4, CD73, and HHLA2 expression analysis
Authors: Gan Wei , Sun Bao-Ye , Yang Zhang-Fu , Ye Cheng , Wang Zhu-Tao , Zhou Cheng , Sun Guo-Qiang , Yi Yong , Qiu Shuang-Jian
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a critical global health concern, with existing treatments benefiting only a minority of patients. Recent findings implicate the chemokine ligand 17 (CCL17) and its receptor CCR4 as pivotal players in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of various cancers. This investigation aims to delineate the roles of CCL17 and CCR4 in modulating the tumor’s immune landscape, assessing their potential as therapeutic interventions and prognostic markers in HCC.

Methods

873 HCC patients post-radical surgery from 2008 to 2012 at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University were retrospectively examined. These individuals were stratified into a training cohort (n = 354) and a validation cohort (n = 519). Through immunohistochemical analysis on HCC tissue arrays, the expressions of CCL17, CCR4, CD73, CD47, HHLA2, and PD-L1 were quantified. Survival metrics were analyzed using the Cox model, and a prognostic nomogram was devised via R software.

Results

The investigation confirmed the presence of CCL17 and CCR4 within the cancerous and stromal compartments of HCC tissues, associating their heightened expression with adverse clinical markers and survival outcomes. Notably, the interplay between CD73 and CCR4 expression in tumor stroma highlighted a novel cellular entity, CCR4 + CD73 + stromal cells, impacting overall and relapse-free survival. A prognostic nomogram amalgamating these immunological markers and clinical variables was established, offering refined prognostic insights and aiding in the management of HCC. The findings suggest that reduced CCR4 and CCR4 + CD73 + cell prevalence may forecast improved outcomes post-TACE.

Conclusion

This comprehensive evaluation of CCR4, CCL17, and associated markers introduces a nuanced understanding of the HCC immunological milieu, proposing CCR4 + CD73 + stromal cells as critical to HCC pathogenesis and patient stratification.
Recurrent symptomatic urolithiasis in a patient with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Yel Sibel , Dursun Ismail , Köse Mehmet , Kiraz Aslıhan , Poyrazoglu Muammer Hakan , Dündar Munis
Published: June 2024

A 6-month-old girl, previously diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), was admitted to hospital for nephrolithiasis. Her parents were first-degree cousins. The patient underwent endoscopic stone management. Despite no family history of stones and medical treatment with potassium citrate, the patient developed recurrent renal stones and atypical urinary tract infections during follow-up. Basic investigations were all normal. Due to consanguinity and early presentation of nephrolithiasis, metabolic causes such as cystinuria and hyperoxaluria were considered. Cystinuria was excluded due to normal cystine levels. High urinary oxalate excretion was found as expected due to absorptive (secondary) hyperoxaluria in CF patients. An early stone burden in the patient with a history of medical treatment and consanguinity led us to perform a genetic testing. Genetic testing revealed a missense homozygous variant in exon 1 of the AGXT gene. The patient was diagnosed with primary hyperoxaluria type 1. Two rare life-threatening genetic diseases were found together in the same child.
Traffic flows time series in a flood-prone area: modeling and clustering on extreme values with a spatial constraint
Authors: Carpita Maurizio , De Luca Giovanni , Metulini Rodolfo , Zuccolotto Paola
Published: June 2024

Time series of traffic flows, extracted from mobile phone origin–destination data, are employed for monitoring people crowding and mobility in areas subject to flooding risk. By applying a vector autoregressive model with exogenous covariates combined with dynamic harmonic regression to such time series, we detected the presence of many extreme events in the residuals, which exhibit heavy-tailed distribution. For this reason, we propose a time series clustering procedure based on tail dependence which is suitable for data characterized by a spatial dimension, since objects’ geographical proximity is taken into account. The final aim is to obtain clusters of areas characterized by the common tendency to the manifestation of extreme events, that in this case study are represented by extremely high incoming traffic flows. The proposed method is applied to the Mandolossa, a strongly urbanized area located on the western outskirts of Brescia (northern Italy) which is subject to frequent flooding.
Epiperimetric inequalities in the obstacle problem for the fractional Laplacian
Authors: Carducci Matteo
Published: June 2024

Using epiperimetric inequalities approach, we study the obstacle problem $$\min \{(-\Delta )^su,u-\varphi \}=0,$$

min
{

(
-
Δ
)

s

u
,
u
-
φ
}
=
0
,

for the fractional Laplacian $$(-\Delta )^s$$

(
-
Δ
)

s

with obstacle $$\varphi \in C^{k,\gamma }(\mathbb {R}^n)$$

φ
∈

C

k
,
γ

(

R

n

)

, $$k\ge 2$$

k
≥
2

and $$\gamma \in (0,1)$$

γ
∈
(
0
,
1
)

. We prove an epiperimetric inequality for the Weiss’ energy $$W_{1+s}$$

W

1
+
s

and a logarithmic epiperimetric inequality for the Weiss’ energy $$W_{2m}$$

W

2
m

. Moreover, we also prove two epiperimetric inequalities for negative energies $$W_{1+s}$$

W

1
+
s

and $$W_{2m}$$

W

2
m

. By these epiperimetric inequalities, we deduce a frequency gap and a characterization of the blow-ups for the frequencies $$\lambda =1+s$$

λ
=
1
+
s

and $$\lambda =2m$$

λ
=
2
m

. Finally, we give an alternative proof of the regularity of the points on the free boundary with frequency $$1+s$$

1
+
s

and we describe the structure of the points on the free boundary with frequency 2m, with $$m\in \mathbb {N}$$

m
∈
N

and $$2\,m\le k.$$

2

m
≤
k
.
Karst cave, a seasonal carbon dioxide exchanger: an example of Sloup-Šošůvka Caves (Moravian Karst)
Authors: Faimon Jiří , Lang Marek , Štelcl Jindřich , Rez Jiří , Baldík Vít , Hebelka Jiří
Published: June 2024

Part of the gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2) produced in karst soils / epikarst is transported into underground cavities / caves during the growing season by advective flux, diffusive flux, and flux associated with degassing of seeping water. In dynamic caves, accumulated CO2 is released into the outside atmosphere during the autumn-winter period through advective flux associated with ventilation of the cave in the upward airflow mode. This case study from the Moravian Karst (MK) showed that the net weight of CO2 released annually from the Sloup-Šošůvka Caves (total volume of 131,580 m3 and a total area of 17,950 m2) into the external atmosphere was 348 kg. Extrapolating this value to all known MK caves (area about 352,080 m2) yielded a total of CO2 flux of 6820 kg yr−1. This flux is representing only 0.024‰ of the annual soil respiration from entire MK area (about 2.81 × 108 kg CO2 yr−1).
Reducing Obizhaeva–Wang-type trade execution problems to LQ stochastic control problems
Authors: Ackermann Julia , Kruse Thomas , Urusov Mikhail
Published: June 2024

We start with a stochastic control problem where the control process is of finite variation (possibly with jumps) and acts as integrator both in the state dynamics and in the target functional. Problems of such type arise in the stream of literature on optimal trade execution pioneered by Obizhaeva and Wang (J. Financ. Mark. 16:1–32, 2013) (models with finite resilience). We consider a general framework where the price impact and the resilience are stochastic processes. Both are allowed to have diffusive components. First we continuously extend the problem from processes of finite variation to progressively measurable processes. Then we reduce the extended problem to a linear–quadratic (LQ) stochastic control problem. Using the well-developed theory on LQ problems, we describe the solution to the obtained LQ one and translate it back to the solution for the (extended) initial trade execution problem. Finally, we illustrate our results by several examples. Among other things, the examples discuss the Obizhaeva–Wang model with random (terminal and moving) targets, the necessity to extend the initial trade execution problem to a reasonably large class of progressively measurable processes (even going beyond semimartingales), and the effects of diffusive components in the price impact process and/or the resilience process.
The effect of cone beam computerized tomography voxel size and the presence of root filling on the assessment of middle mesial canals in mandibular molar teeth
Authors: Çimen Tansu , Düzgün Salih , Akyüz İpek Eraslan , Topçuoğlu Hüseyin Sinan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The study aims to compare the detection of the middle mesial canal (MMC) in mandibular molar teeth using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with different voxel sizes when the mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) canals have three distinct phases (unpreparation, preparation and obturation and the removal of the obturation and repreparation).

Methods

Two hundred forty-two extracted human mandibular molars were collected and kept in a physiological saline solution prior to use. 0.2-, 0.28- and 0.35-mm voxel sizes CBCT (n = 242) were performed in three phases (Ph): Ph1, no MB and ML canal preparation or obturation; Ph2, after MB and ML canals preparation and obturation; and Ph3, after the removal of the obturation of MB and ML canals and canals repreparation. Images were analyzed using OnDemand3D® software. After the CBCT acquisition in Ph3, all the samples were clarified to visualize the presence of the MMC directly. A blinded, previously calibrated examiner analyzed all the images.

Results

The MMC was detected in 15 of the 242 teeth after the clearing technique. The lowest MMC detection rate was observed at 0.35-mm voxel size regardless of the ML and MB canal condition, while the highest was observed at 0.2-mm voxel size (P < 0.05). There is no statistically significant difference between 0.2-mm and 0.28-mm voxel sizes (P > 0.05). In all voxel sizes, the highest rate of detectability of the MMC was seen in Phase 1, while the lowest was in Phase 2.

Conclusions

It may be appropriate to take a 0.20-mm voxel size CBCT image, especially after the removal of root canal filling.

Clinical relevance

An appropriate CBCT voxel size and the absence of root canal filling in the root canal system help to detect the missing MMC.
Designing and evaluation of a mixed reality system for crime scene investigation training: a hybrid approach
Authors: Albeedan Meshal , Kolivanda Hoshang , Hammady Ramy
Published: June 2024

Police investigation in real-life crime scenes is an essential aspect of forensic science education. However, the practicality of bringing young investigators to actual crime scenes is often hindered by the costs and challenges involved. In order to overcome these obstacles, new technologies such as mixed reality (MR) are being explored as potential solutions. MR technology offers an interactive and cost-effective way to simulate real-life crime scenes, providing a valuable training experience for young investigators. This paper presents a novel design of a MR system using Microsoft HoloLens 2.0, which is tailored to work in a spatial 3D scanned and reconstructed crime scene using FARO point cloud 3D scanner X130 blended with photogrammetry techniques. The system was developed through the lens of Experiential Learning Theory and designed using a participatory approach, providing a cost-effective solution to help trained Kuwaiti police officers enhance their investigative skills. In order to evaluate the system’s user experience and user interaction, the Questionnaire of User Interaction Satisfaction and User Experience Questionnaire were utilised. Forty-four young police officers evaluated the system. Police students showed positive levels of satisfaction with user interaction and overall user experience with minimal negative feedback. Female students showed higher satisfaction with the overall impression compared to male students. Based on the positive feedback regarding the system expansion, the system will be taken into the commercialisation stage in the future to be provided as an essential tool for crime scene education and investigation practices.
Structures of Laminar Lean Premixed H2/CH4/Air Polyhedral Flames: Effects of Flow Velocity, H2 Content and Equivalence Ratio
Authors: Shi Shuguo , Breicher Adrian , Schultheis Robin , Hartl Sandra , Barlow Robert S. , Geyer Dirk , Dreizler Andreas
Published: June 2024

Polyhedral Bunsen flames, induced by hydrodynamic and thermo-diffusive instabilities, are characterized by periodic trough and cusp cellular structures along the conical flame front. In this study, the effects of flow velocity, hydrogen content, and equivalence ratio on the internal cellular structure of premixed fuel-lean hydrogen/methane/air polyhedral flames are experimentally investigated. A high-spatial-resolution one-dimensional Raman/Rayleigh scattering system is employed to measure the internal scalar structures of polyhedral flames in troughs and cusps. Planar laser-induced fluorescence of hydroxyl radicals and chemiluminescence imaging measurements are used to quantify the flame front morphology. In the experiments, stationary polyhedral flames with varying flow velocities from 1.65 to 2.50 m/s, hydrogen contents from 50 to 83%, and equivalence ratios from 0.53 to 0.64 are selected and measured. The results indicate that the positively curved troughs exhibit significantly higher hydrogen mole fractions and local equivalence ratios compared to the negatively curved cusps, due to the respective focusing/defocusing effect of trough/cusp structure on highly diffusive hydrogen. The hydrogen mole fraction and local equivalence ratio differences between troughs and cusps are first increased and then decreased with increasing measurement height from 5 to 13 mm, due to the three-dimensional effect of the flame front. With increasing flow velocity from 1.65 to 2.50 m/s, the hydrogen mole fraction and local equivalence ratio differences between troughs and cusps decrease, which is attributed to the overall decreasing curvatures in troughs and cusps due to the decreased residence time and increased velocity-induced strain. With increasing hydrogen content from 50 to 83%, the hydrogen mole fraction and local equivalence ratio differences between troughs and cusps are amplified, due to the enhanced effects of the flame front curvature and the differential diffusion of hydrogen. With increasing equivalence ratio from 0.53 to 0.64, a clear increasing trend in hydrogen mole fraction and equivalence ratio differences between troughs and cusps is observed at constant flow velocity condition, which is a trade-off result between increasing effective Lewis number and increasing curvatures in troughs and cusps.
The “IAS Management Attitude” scale: a tool for measuring consensus between experts and practitioners in invasion biology
Authors: Cerri Jacopo , Serra Elisa , Stefanuto Alberto , Mori Emiliano
Published: June 2024

Quantifying attitudes towards invasive alien species (IAS) is fundamental to understanding the extent to which conservation scientists agree and can collaborate in their management. We tested the IAS Management Attitude scale (IMA), a shortened version of the Pest Management Attitude Scale, originally invented to quantify attitudes towards pests in New Zealand, as a tool to quantify broader attitudes towards IAS among bioinvasion experts in Italy. We administered an online questionnaire to a sample of experts working on biological invasions in Italy. We collected 316 answers, both from conservation practitioners (26.6%) and researchers (73.4%), and we used structural equation modeling to test for the psychometric properties of the scale and compare attitude scores between groups. The scale showed both a good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.7), validity (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, SRMR = 0.03, RMSE = 0.02) and measurement invariance, when comparing researchers and practitioners, as well as when comparing respondents working on different invasive taxa. Both researchers and practitioners, as well as respondents of a different age, had similar attitudes about IAS and their management. Our study shows that this shortened version of PMA scale, a simple scale originally conceived to measure attitudes towards invasive alien mammals, could indeed be used to quantify the attitudes of experts towards IAS, even in countries where the public debate about biological invasions is much more recent than in New Zealand. The scale could potentially be used both for large-scale and long-term research about the attitudes of experts about IAS.
Feasibility of risk assessment for breast cancer molecular subtypes
Authors: McCarthy Anne Marie , Ehsan Sarah , Hughes Kevin S. , Lehman Constance D. , Conant Emily F. , Kontos Despina , Armstrong Katrina , Chen Jinbo
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Few breast cancer risk assessment models account for the risk profiles of different tumor subtypes. This study evaluated whether a subtype-specific approach improves discrimination.

Methods

Among 3389 women who had a screening mammogram and were later diagnosed with invasive breast cancer we performed multinomial logistic regression with tumor subtype as the outcome and known breast cancer risk factors as predictors. Tumor subtypes were defined by expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) based on immunohistochemistry. Discrimination was assessed with the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). Absolute risk of each subtype was estimated by proportioning Gail absolute risk estimates by the predicted probabilities for each subtype. We then compared risk factor distributions for women in the highest deciles of risk for each subtype.

Results

There were 3,073 ER/PR+ HER2 − , 340 ER/PR +HER2 + , 126 ER/PR−ER2+, and 300 triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). Discrimination differed by subtype; ER/PR−HER2+ (AUC: 0.64, 95% CI 0.59, 0.69) and TNBC (AUC: 0.64, 95% CI 0.61, 0.68) had better discrimination than ER/PR+HER2+ (AUC: 0.61, 95% CI 0.58, 0.64). Compared to other subtypes, patients at high absolute risk of TNBC were younger, mostly Black, had no family history of breast cancer, and higher BMI. Those at high absolute risk of HER2+ cancers were younger and had lower BMI.

Conclusion

Our study provides proof of concept that stratifying risk prediction for breast cancer subtypes may enable identification of patients with unique profiles conferring increased risk for tumor subtypes.
Depression Literacy and Self-Reported Help-Giving Behaviour in Adolescents in Ireland
Authors: Byrne Sadhbh J. , Swords Lorraine , Nixon Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

This questionnaire-based study aimed to explore depression literacy (DL) and help-giving experiences in 12–18-year-old adolescents (N = 535, Mage = 14.9 years, 51.8% male) in Ireland. In response to a vignette depicting a character displaying symptoms of depression, 46.7% labelled these symptoms ‘depression’, with increasing age and empathy associated with increased likelihood of labelling as such. Almost all (92.1%) believed the character needed help, but the perceived helpfulness of potential responses varied. Over one-third (38.2%) indicated they knew someone who had displayed similar symptoms in the past year, with 85.2% of these reporting having helped this person. Reported help-giving responses included comforting the person, encouraging professional help-seeking, and informing an adult. The findings suggest adolescent DL can be best supported by developmentally-sensitive interventions that encourage empathy and the importance of engaging adults’ assistance.
A framework for physically consistent storylines of UK future mean sea level rise
Authors: Palmer Matthew D. , Harrison Benjamin J. , Gregory Jonathan M. , Hewitt Helene T. , Lowe Jason A. , Weeks Jennifer H.
Published: June 2024

We present a framework for developing storylines of UK sea level rise to aid risk communication and coastal adaptation planning. Our approach builds on the UK national climate projections (UKCP18) and maintains the same physically consistent methods that preserve component correlations and traceability between global mean sea level (GMSL) and local relative sea level (RSL). Five example storylines are presented that represent singular trajectories of future sea level rise drawn from the underlying large Monte Carlo simulations. The first three storylines span the total range of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) likely range GMSL projections across the SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. The final two storylines are based upon recent high-end storylines of GMSL presented in AR6 and the recent literature. Our results suggest that even the most optimistic sea level rise outcomes for the UK will require adaptation of up to 1 m of sea level rise for large sections of coastline by 2300. For the storyline most consistent with current international greenhouse gas emissions pledges and a moderate sea level rise response, UK capital cities will experience between about 1 and 2 m of sea level rise by 2300, with continued rise beyond 2300. The storyline based on the upper end of the AR6 likely range sea level projections yields much larger values for UK capital cities that range between about 3 and 4 m at 2300. The two high-end scenarios, which are based on a recent study that showed accelerated sea level rise associated with ice sheet instability feedbacks, lead to sea level rise for UK capital cities at 2300 that range between about 8 m and 17 m. These magnitudes of rise would pose enormous challenges for UK coastal communities and are likely to be beyond the limits of adaptation at some locations.
Depth-dependent warming of the Gulf of Eilat (Aqaba)
Authors: Sengupta Sounav , Gildor Hezi , Ashkenazy Yosef
Published: June 2024

The Gulf of Eilat (Gulf of Aqaba) is a semi-enclosed basin situated at the northern end of the Red Sea, renowned for its exceptional marine ecosystem. To evaluate the response of the Gulf to climate variations, we analyzed various factors including temperature down to 700 m, surface air temperature, and heat fluxes. We find that the sea temperature is rising at all depths despite inconclusive trends in local atmospheric variables, including the surface air temperature. The Gulf’s sea surface temperature (SST) warms at a rate of a few hundredths of a degree Celsius per year, which is comparable to the warming of the global SST and the Mediterranean Sea. The increase in sea warming is linked to fewer winter deep mixing events that used to occur more frequently in the past. Based on the analysis of the ocean-atmosphere heat fluxes, we conclude that the lateral advection of heat from the southern part of the Gulf likely leads to an increase in water temperature in the northern part of the Gulf. Our findings suggest that local ocean warming is not necessarily associated with local processes, but rather with the warming of other remote locations.
Robust Picture Fuzzy Regression Functions Approach Based on M-Estimators for the Forecasting Problem
Authors: Bas Eren , Egrioglu Erol
Published: June 2024

A picture fuzzy regression function approach is a fuzzy inference system method that uses as input the lagged variables of a time series and the positive, negative and neutral membership values obtained by picture fuzzy clustering method. In a picture fuzzy regression functions method, the parameter estimation is also obtained by ordinary least squares method. Since the picture fuzzy regression functions approach is based on the ordinary least squares method, the forecasting performance decreases when there are outliers in the time series. In this study, a picture fuzzy regression function approach that can be used even in the presence of outliers in a time series is proposed. In the proposed method, the parameter estimation for the picture fuzzy regression function approach is performed based on robust regression with Bisquare, Cauchy, Fair, Huber, Logistic, Talwar and Welsch functions. The forecasting performance of the proposed method is evaluated on the time series of the Spanish and the London stock exchange time series. The forecasting performance of these time series are evaluated separately for both the original and outlier cases. Besides, the proposed method is compared with several different fuzzy regression function approaches and a neural network method. Based on the results of the analysis, it is concluded that the proposed method outperforms the other methods even when the time series contains both original and outliers.
Beware of the Woozle effect and belief perseverance in the PLS-SEM literature!
Authors: Henseler Jörg , Lee Nick , Roemer Ellen , Kemény Ildikó , Dirsehan Taşkın , Cadogan John W.
Published: June 2024

Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is a popular method of data analysis in marketing, information systems research, and related fields. Unfortunately, the literature on PLS-SEM contains a number of misstatements that ascribe characteristics to PLS-SEM that it does not possess. In our study, we consider why these misstatements continue to be made and reinforced. We show how inaccuracies, omissions, repetitions of past misconceptions, and the introduction of additional misconceptions lead to the so-called Woozle effect. As an example, we use perhaps the most serious misconception about PLS-SEM namely its alleged suitability for estimating the parameters of reflective measurement models. The Woozle effect is a cumulative process by which falsehoods become established as fact, and the self-correcting mechanisms of science are suspended. Through a literature review, we identify a number of factors that are likely to have contributed to the Woozle effect in the PLS-SEM literature. For the Woozle effect to disappear, researchers need to acknowledge that PLS-SEM, in its current incarnation, is not suitable for scientific work with reflective measurement models.
Mapping the landscape of ethical considerations in explainable AI research
Authors: Nannini Luca , Marchiori Manerba Marta , Beretta Isacco
Published: June 2024

With its potential to contribute to the ethical governance of AI, eXplainable AI (XAI) research frequently asserts its relevance to ethical considerations. Yet, the substantiation of these claims with rigorous ethical analysis and reflection remains largely unexamined. This contribution endeavors to scrutinize the relationship between XAI and ethical considerations. By systematically reviewing research papers mentioning ethical terms in XAI frameworks and tools, we investigate the extent and depth of ethical discussions in scholarly research. We observe a limited and often superficial engagement with ethical theories, with a tendency to acknowledge the importance of ethics, yet treating it as a monolithic and not contextualized concept. Our findings suggest a pressing need for a more nuanced and comprehensive integration of ethics in XAI research and practice. To support this, we propose to critically reconsider transparency and explainability in regards to ethical considerations during XAI systems design while accounting for ethical complexity in practice. As future research directions, we point to the promotion of interdisciplinary collaborations and education, also for underrepresented ethical perspectives. Such ethical grounding can guide the design of ethically robust XAI systems, aligning technical advancements with ethical considerations.