bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian federated inference for estimating statistical models based on non‐shared multicenter data sets
Authors: Jonker Marianne A , Pazira Hassan , Coolen Anthony CC
Published: April 2024

Identifying predictive factors for an outcome of interest via a multivariable analysis is often difficult when the data set is small. Combining data from different medical centers into a single (larger) database would alleviate this problem, but is in practice challenging due to regulatory and logistic problems. Federated learning (FL) is a machine learning approach that aims to construct from local inferences in separate data centers what would have been inferred had the data sets been merged. It seeks to harvest the statistical power of larger data sets without actually creating them. The FL strategy is not always efficient and precise. Therefore, in this paper we refine and implement an alternative Bayesian federated inference (BFI) framework for multicenter data with the same aim as FL. The BFI framework is designed to cope with small data sets by inferring locally not only the optimal parameter values, but also additional features of the posterior parameter distribution, capturing information beyond what is used in FL. BFI has the additional benefit that a single inference cycle across the centers is sufficient, whereas FL needs multiple cycles. We quantify the performance of the proposed methodology on simulated and real life data.
Individualized empirical null estimation for exact tests of healthcare quality
Authors: Hartman Nicholas , He Kevin
Published: April 2024

United States federal agencies evaluate healthcare providers to identify, flag, and potentially penalize those that deliver low‐quality care compared to national expectations. In practice, evaluation metrics are inevitably impacted by unobserved confounding factors, which reduce flagging accuracy and cause the statistics to be overdispersed relative to the theoretical null distributions. In response to this issue, several authors have proposed individualized empirical null (IEN) methods to estimate an appropriate null distribution for each provider's evaluation statistic while taking into account the provider's effective size. However, existing IEN methods require that the statistics asymptotically follow normal distributions, which often does not hold in applications with small providers or misspecified models. In this article, we develop an IEN framework for exact hypothesis tests that accounts for the impact of unobserved confounding without making any asymptotic assumptions. Simulations show that the proposed IEN method has greater flagging accuracy compared to conventional approaches. We apply these methods to evaluate dialysis facilities and transplant centers that are monitored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Synthesis and Anti‐Bacterial Evaluation of Novel Scaffolds Based on Bis‐Thiazole or bis‐1,3,4‐Thiadiazole Linked to Thieno[2,3‐b]Thiophene as New Hybrid Molecules
Authors: Laboud Yara N. , Zahran Doaa , Hassaneen Hamdi M , Elwahy Ahmed H. M. , Saleh Fatma M.
Published: April 2024

The reaction of bis‐2‐(methylthiocarbonothioyl)hydrazone with the appropriate hydrazonoyl halides in 1,4‐dioxane in the presence of triethylamine at reflux yielded a novel series of bis(1,3,4‐thiadiazoles) linked to a thieno[2,3‐b]thiophene core. The reaction of the appropriate α‐ketohydrazonoyl halides or α‐haloketones with the corresponding bis(2‐carbamothioylhydrazone) in ethanol at reflux in the presence of a few drops of triethylamine produced good yields of novel bis‐thiazoles linked to the thieno[2,3‐b]thiophene core as novel hybrid molecules. Elemental analyses and spectral data were used to determine the structures of the novel compounds. The antibacterial activity of newly synthesized compounds was evaluated. The MIC determination using resazurin was studied for the most reactive compounds. The pharmacokinetic properties were evaluated by in silico ADMET analysis.
An Innovative Concept of Membrane‐Free Redox Flow Batteries with Near‐Zero Contact Distance Between Electrodes
Authors: Liu Xiaoting , Zhou Chenming , Qi Houkai , Wang Fang , Huang Gang , Li Kai , Na Zhaolin
Published: April 2024

Given that the ion‐exchange membrane takes up more than 30% of redox flow battery (RFB) cost, considerable cost reduction is anticipated with the membrane‐free design. However, eliminating the membrane/separator would expose the membrane‐free RFBs to a higher risk of short‐circuits, and the dendrite growth may aggravate this issue. The current strategy based on expanding distances between electrodes is proposed to address short‐circuit issues. Nevertheless, this approach would decrease the energy efficiency (EE) and could not restrain dendrite growth fundamentally. Herein, an inexpensive and electron‐insulating boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs)‐Nylon hybrid interlayer (BN/Nylon) is developed for general membrane‐free RFBs to achieve “near‐zero distance” contact between electrodes. And the Lewis acid sites (B atoms) in BNNS can interact with the Lewis base anions in electrolytes, enabling a reduced Pb2+concentration gradient. Additionally, the ultrahigh thermal conductivity and mechanical strength of BNNSs promote the uniform plating/stripping process of Pb and PbO2. Compared with conventional soluble lead RFBs, introducing BN/Nylon interlayers boosts EE by ≈38.2% at 25 mA cm−2, and extends the cycle life to 100 cycles. This innovative strategy premieres the application of the BN/Nylon interlayer concept, offering a novel perspective for the development of general membrane‐free RFBs.
MXene‐Bimetallic Hybrids via Mixed Molten Salts Etching for Kinetics‐Enhanced and Dendrite‐Free Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Ren Yilun , Hu Libing , Chang Shaozhong , Ma Yujie , Wang Biao , Wu Hao , Li Fengqi , Yang Yurong , Tang Shaochun , Meng Xiangkang
Published: April 2024

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries with high theoretical energy density (2600 Wh kg−1) are considered to be one of the most promising secondary batteries. However, the practical application of Li–S batteries is limited by the polysulfides shuttling and unstable lithium metal anodes. Herein, an asymmetric separator (CACNM@PP), composed of Co–Ni/MXene (CNM) on the cathode and Cu–Ag/MXene (CAM) on the anode for high‐performance Li–S batteries is reported. For the cathode, CNM provides a synergistic effect by integrating Co, Ni, and MXene, resulting in strong chemical interactions and fast conversion kinetics for polysulfides. For the anode, CAM with abundant lithiophilicity active sites can lower the nucleation barrier of Li. Moreover, LiCl/LiF layers are generated in situ as an ion conductor layer during charging and discharging, inducing a uniform deposition of Li. Therefore, the assembled cells with the CACNM@PP separators harvest excellent electrochemical performance. This work provides novel insights into the development of commercially available high‐energy density Li–S batteries with asymmetric separators.
Island‐in‐Sea Structured Pt3Fe Nanoparticles‐in‐Fe Single Atoms Loaded in Carbon Materials as Superior Electrocatalysts toward Alkaline HER and Acidic ORR
Authors: Sun Benteng , Lv Hang , Xu Qi , Tong Peiran , Qiao Panzhe , Tian He , Xia Haibing
Published: April 2024

In this work, Pt3Fe nanoparticles (Pt3Fe NPs) with the ordered internal structure and Pt‐rich shells surrounded by plenty of Fe single atoms (Fe SAs) as active species (Pt3Fe NP‐in‐Fe SA) loaded in the carbon materials are successfully fabricated, which are abbreviated as island‐in‐sea structured (IISS) Pt3Fe NP‐in‐Fe SA catalysts. Moreover, the synergistic effect of O‐bridging between Pt3Fe NPs and Fe SAs, and the ordered internal structured Pt3Fe NPs with Pt‐rich shells of an optimal thickness contributes to the achievement of the local acidic environments on the surfaces of Pt3Fe NPs in the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the enhancement of the desorption rate of *OH intermediate in the acidic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In addition, the electronic interactions between Pt3Fe NPs and dispersed Fe SAs cannot only provide efficient electrons transfer, but also prevent the aggregation and dissolution of Pt3Fe NPs. Furthermore, the overpotential and the half wave potential of the as‐prepared IISS Pt3Fe NP‐in‐Fe SA catalysts toward the alkaline HER and toward the acidic ORR are 8 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and 0.933 V, respectively, which is 29 lower and 86 mV higher than those (37 mV and 0.847 V) of commercial Pt/C catalysts.
Metal‐Free Electron Donor‐Acceptor Pair Enabled Long‐Term Stability of Li‐CO2 Battery
Authors: Liu Zhihao , Zhai Xingwu , Wei Tianchen , Liu Yuchun , Sun Zhixin , Zhang Jing , Ding Honghe , Xia Yujian , Zhou Min
Published: April 2024

The challenges of Lithium‐carbon dioxide (Li‐CO2) batteries for ensuring long‐term cycling stability arise from the thermodynamically stable and electrically insulating discharge products (e.g., Li2CO3), which primarily rely on their interaction with the active materials. To achieve the optimized intermediates, the bifunctional electron donor–acceptor (D–A) pairs are proposed in cathode design to adjust such interactions in the case of B–O pairs. The inclusion of BC2O sites allows for the optimized redistribution of electrons via p–π conjugation. The as‐obtained DO–AB pairs endow the enhanced interactions with Li+, CO2, and various intermediates, accompanied by the adjustable growth mode of Li2CO3. The shift from solvation‐mediated mode into surface absorption mode in turn manipulates the morphology and decomposition kinetics of Li2CO3. Therefore, the corresponding Li‐CO2 battery got twofold improved in both the capacity and reversibility. The cycling prolongs exceed 1300 h and well operates at a wide temperature range (20–50 °C) and different folding angles (0–180°). Such a strategy of introducing electron donor–acceptor pairs provides a distinct direction to optimize the lifetime of Li‐CO2 battery from local structure regulation at the atomic scale, further inspiring in‐depth understandings for developing electrochemical energy storage and carbon capture technologies.
Electricity‐Driven Strategies for Bioinspired Multifunctional Swimming Marangoni Robots Based on Super‐Aligned Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors: Lin Hai , Qian Yongqiang , Zhou Peidi , Lin Jian , Luo Zhiling , Zhang Wei , Chen Luzhuo
Published: April 2024

Marangoni actuators that are propelled by surface tension gradients hold significant potential in small‐scale swimming robots. Nevertheless, the release of “fuel” for conventional chemical Marangoni actuators is not easily controllable, and the single swimming function also limits application areas. Constructing controllable Marangoni robots with multifunctions is still a huge challenge. Herein, inspired by water striders, electricity‐driven strategies are proposed for a multifunctional swimming Marangoni robot (MSMR), which is fabricated by super‐aligned carbon nanotube (SACNT) and polyimide (PI) composite. The MSMR consists of a Marangoni actuator and air‐ambient actuators. Owing to the temperature gradient generated by the electrical stimulation on the water surface, the Marangoni actuators can swim controllably with linear, turning, and rotary motions, mimicking the walking motion of water striders. In addition, the Marangoni actuators can also be driven by light. Importantly, the air‐ambient actuators fabricated by SACNT/PI bilayer structures demonstrate the function of grasping objects on the water surface when electrically Joule‐heated, mimicking the predation behavior of water striders. With the synergistic effect of the Marangoni actuator and air‐ambient actuators, the MSMR can navigate mazes with tunnels and grasp objects. This research will provide a new inspiration for smart actuators and swimming robots.
Solution‐Processable Large‐Area Black Phosphorus/Reduced Graphene Oxide Schottky Junction for High‐Temperature Broadband Photodetectors
Authors: Zhou Yanan , Yang Xue , Wang Ning , Wang Xiaojian , Wang Jiaxin , Zhu Guangming , Feng Qingliang
Published: April 2024

2D materials‐based broadband photodetectors have extensive applications in security monitoring and remote sensing fields, especially in supersonic aircraft that require reliable performance under extreme high‐temperature conditions. However, the integration of large‐area heterostructures with 2D materials often involves high‐temperature deposition methods, and also limited options and size of substrates. Herein, a liquid‐phase spin‐coating method is presented based on the interface engineering to prepare larger‐area Van der Waals heterojunctions of black phosphorus (BP)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) films at room temperature on arbitrary substrates of any required size. Importantly, this method avoids the common requirement of high‐temperature, and prevents the curling or stacking in 2D materials during the liquid‐phase film formation. The BP/RGO films‐based devices exhibit a wide spectral photo‐response, ranging from the visible of 532 nm to infrared range of 2200 nm. Additionally, due to Van der Waals interface of Schottky junction, the array devices provide infrared detection at temperatures up to 400 K, with an outstanding photoresponsivity (R) of 12 A W−1 and a specific detectivity (D*) of ≈2.4 × 109 Jones. This work offers an efficient approach to fabricate large‐area 2D Schottky junction films by solution‐coating for high‐temperature infrared photodetectors.
Scalable Synthesis of Si Nanosheets as Stable Anodes for Practical Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wei Yanwei , Wang Tong , Wang Jinxiu , Wang Shun , Zhang Dian , Ma Yuzhu , Gao Yihan , Duan Linlin , Yang Dong , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2024

Silicon (Si) is regarded as a promising anode material because of its outstanding theoretical capacity, abundant existence, and mature infrastructure, but it suffers from an inherent volume expansion problem. Herein, a facile, scalable, and cost‐effective route to produce Si nanosheets (Si NSs) using a low‐cost silica fume as the start materials is proposed. After coated with carbon, the as‐prepared Si‐NSs@C material delivers ultrahigh capability (2770 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C), high initial Coulombic efficiency (87.9%), and long cycling lifespan (100 cycles at 0.5 C with a capacity decay rate of 0.3% per cycle). Beyond proof of concept, this work demonstrates a Si‐NSs based pouch cell with an impressive capacity retention of 70.9% after 400 cycles, making it more promising for practical application. Revealed by the theoretical simulation, kinetics analysis, and in situ thickness/pressure detection, it is found that the superior performance of Si‐NSs is attributed to the improved diffusivity and reversibility of Li+ ions and low expansion.
Mass spectrometry based proteomics: Changing the impact of protein analysis in forensic science
Authors: Keane Romy Elise , Tidy Rebecca Jayne , Parker Glendon J. , Gummer Joel P. A. , Priddis Colin
Published: April 2024

Mass spectrometry‐based proteomics, born from the invention of soft ionization, has revolutionized protein analysis. In‐depth characterization of complex and variable mixtures of proteins, such as that found at crime‐scenes, is now possible. This capability continues to expand with advancements in mass spectral instrumentation and computational power, allowing for the development of dynamic data acquisition approaches and sophisticated bioinformatics tools for data interpretation. Proteins are the major component of all biological material, as a result they have been of interest to forensic practitioners for centuries. While DNA is the gold standard for identification, proteins are able to provide contextual information about biological material not available through genomic approaches alone. Mass spectrometry‐based proteomics has expanded the breadth and ease of forensic protein analysis with several emerging applications that promise to become common place as investigative tools, particularly in forensic serology and toxicology. This includes the targeted analysis of protein biomarkers for the classification of biological tissue and fluids, the detection of protein toxins such as ricin and identification of peptide hormones such as insulin. The ability of protein analysis to leverage information from the genome has been demonstrated to achieve individual identification from biological material, an emerging technology that can be used in the absence of extractable DNA. In recent years, there has been considerable scrutiny of forensic techniques that lack objectivity and a statistical basis, an alternative molecular approach for forensic analysis that utilizes the high specificity of mass spectrometry, is a welcome addition with many potential future applications.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Trace Evidence
Early safety outcomes of laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass in patients with class III, IV, and V obesity
Authors: Sakran Nasser , Raziel Asnat , Hod Keren , Azaria Bella , Kaplan Uri ,   Assuta Bariatric Surgeons Collaborative
Published: April 2024

Background

The extremely obese patient deserves special consideration: significant comorbidities, technical difficulties, and increased postoperative morbidity and mortality are all expected in this patient population. The study compared early postoperative complications (≤30‐day) following one‐anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) morbidity in patients with morbid obesity class IV obesity, body mass index (BMI) ≥50–59.9 kg/m2, and class V obesity, BMI ≥60 patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed perioperative OAGB outcomes in three BMI groups. Operative time, length of stay (LOS), and overall early postoperative complication rates were studied. Patient‐reported complications were ranked by Clavien–Dindo Classification (CDC).

Results

Between January 2017–December 2021, consecutive patients with obesity class III (n = 2950), IV (n = 256), and V (n = 23) underwent OAGB. BMI groups were comparable in sex, age, and associated comorbidities. Mean operative time was significantly longer in the higher BMI groups: class III (66.5 ± 25.6 min), IV (70.5 ± 28.7 min), and V (80.0 ± 34.7 min), respectively (p = 0.018); no difference in LOS. In respective BMI classes, ≤30‐day complication rates were 3.2%, 3.5%, and 4.3% (p = 0.926). The respective number of patients with CDC grades of one to two were 45 (1.5%), 6 (2.3%), and 1 (4.3%), p = 0.500; and in grade ≥3a, 25 (0.8%), 1 (0.4%), 0 (0.0%), p = 0.669. There was 0.06% mortality (n = 2 in 3229), both in BMI class III.

Conclusions

OAGB is a safe BS procedure in patients with class III, IV, and V obesity in the perioperative term with comparable ≤30‐day morbidity in the three BMI groups.
Kapitel 2. Auswirkungen der Landnutzung und -bewirtschaftung sowie naturnaher Ökosysteme auf den Klimawandel: Biophysikalische Effekte, Treibhausgasemissionen und Kohlenstoffspeicher
Authors: Gingrich Simone , Weiss Peter , Wenzel Walter , Anderl Michael , Bruckner Martin , Díaz-Pinés Eugenio , Hörtenhuber Stefan , Kitzler Barbara , Schindlbacher Andreas , Schöner Wolfgang
Published: April 2024

Kap. 2 beschreibt die Auswirkungen der Landnutzung und -bewirtschaftung auf den Klimawandel und bezieht nicht bewirtschaftete Ökosysteme explizit mit ein. Das zentrale Instrument für die Bilanzierung der Auswirkungen der österreichischen Landnutzung auf den Klimawandel ist die Treibhausgasinventur (THG-Inventur), die jährlich basierend auf international akkordierten Methoden erfasst und publiziert wird. Neben der Präsentation und Diskussion der Ergebnisse der THG-Inventur für die beiden Sektoren Landwirtschaft sowie Landnutzung, Landnutzungswechsel und Forstwirtschaft (LULUCF; beide Sektoren zusammen auch als AFOLU, für Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use, abgekürzt) werden in weiteren Abschnitten andere Aspekte, die zum Verständnis der Klimawirksamkeit von Landnutzung und Landbewirtschaftung auf den Klimawandel beitragen, vorgestellt.
Kapitel 7. Raumplanung und Klimawandel
Authors: Dumke Hartmut , Fischer Tatjana , Stöglehner Gernot , Getzner Michael
Published: April 2024

Das Ziel dieses Kap. 7 erfüllt eine wichtige Forderung aus dem letzten Klimawandelsachstandsbericht – nämlich, intensiv zu den Zusammenhängen zwischen Raumplanung und Klimawandel zu berichten. Denn die klimapolitisch bedenkliche Zunahme versiegelter Flächen in Österreich, die von den Expert_innen (z. B. Schindegger, 2020; Umweltbundesamt, 2020a) mit großer Sicherheit und empirischen Nachweisen festgestellt wird, ist derzeit eindeutig nicht im Einklang mit den Nachhaltigkeitszielen der österreichischen Bundesregierung (BMLFUW, 2002).
Glacier retreat triggers changes in biodiversity and plant–pollinator interaction diversity
Authors: Tu Bao Ngan , Khelidj Nora , Cerretti Pierfilippo , de Vere Natasha , Ferrari Andrea , Paone Francesco , Polidori Carlo , Schmid Jürg , Sommaggio Daniele , Losapio Gianalberto
Published: April 2024

Due to global warming, the worldwide retreat of glaciers is causing changes in species diversity, community composition, and species interactions. However, the impact of glacier retreat on interaction diversity and ecological networks remains poorly understood. An integrative understanding of network dynamics may inform conservation actions that support biodiversity and ecosystem functioning after glacier extinction. Here, we address how glacier retreat affects the frequency, diversity, and complexity of plant–pollinator interactions, both directly and indirectly through biodiversity change. We surveyed flower visitors (pollinators) and analyzed pollination networks across a gradient of 170 years of glacier retreat (Mont Miné glacier, Valais, Switzerland) which ranges from patchy grasslands to closed forests. We reported a strong impact of glacier retreat on both plant and pollinator communities. Notably, the diversity of plant–pollinator interactions was sharply affected by glacier retreat: interaction diversity increased few years after glacier retreat, but it ultimately decreased in late stages dominated by forests. In contrast, we found that plant–pollinator network complexity did not change with glacier retreat. Our results indicate that the development of plant–pollinator networks is a two-phases process. In the first phase, glacier retreat makes space to plant colonization. This initial increase in plant diversity drives the increase in pollinator and interaction diversity. The second phase is characterized by turnover as woody species encroaches and dominates the community, decreasing the diversity of plant species in ultimate instance. The local decrease of plant diversity leads to a local decrease in pollinator and interaction diversity. Slowing down woody encroachment and enhancing flower diversity, which is initially supported by the glacial landscape, may be key strategies for halting the erosion of ecological networks while increasing biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Our research thus can help resolve the overarching question of how to conserve ecosystems once glaciers are extinct, pointing toward a composite role of both habitat structure and biological functions.
ChatGPT: towards AI subjectivity
Authors: D’Amato Kristian
Published: April 2024

Motivated by the question of responsible AI and value alignment, I seek to offer a uniquely Foucauldian reconstruction of the problem as the emergence of an ethical subject in a disciplinary setting. This reconstruction contrasts with the strictly human-oriented programme typical to current scholarship that often views technology in instrumental terms. With this in mind, I problematise the concept of a technological subjectivity through an exploration of various aspects of ChatGPT in light of Foucault’s work, arguing that current systems lack the reflexivity and self-formative characteristics inherent in the notion of the subject. By drawing upon a recent dialogue between Foucault and phenomenology, I suggest four techno-philosophical desiderata that would address the gaps in this search for a technological subjectivity: embodied self-care, embodied intentionality, imagination and reflexivity. Thus I propose that advanced AI be reconceptualised as a subject capable of “technical” self-crafting and reflexive self-conduct, opening new pathways to grasp the intertwinement of the human and the artificial. This reconceptualisation holds the potential to render future AI technology more transparent and responsible in the circulation of knowledge, care and power.
Gaps in kidney stone disease management: From clinical theory to patient reality
Authors: Pozdzik Agnieszka , Grillo Viridiana , Sakhaee Khashayar
Published: April 2024

With nephrolithiasis projected to affect 25% of the global population in the next three decades, there is an urgent call for innovative management strategies to prevent and reduce stone recurrence. This study aims to explore the evolving management needs in nephrolithiasis from both patient and healthcare provider perspectives. An expert-collaborative online survey comprising 10 targeted questions on kidney stone management was developed and disseminated. This survey was designed to gather comprehensive insights from patients, physicians and dietician and other person in the field of nephrolithiasis. Analysis of responses from 120 participants, including 45 nephrologists, 38 dieticians, 11 urologists, and 14 kidney stones patients followed in our hospital, revealed critical insights. A significant 97.5% emphasized the necessity of optimizing daily water intake, and 94.1% recognized the need for practical dietary modifications. Additionally, 88.3% of respondents found timely hydration reminders beneficial. Notably, monitoring urine color and pH was valued by 85% and 84.3% of the participants, respectively. A striking disparity emerged in the perception of fatigue and wellness monitoring, with 65% of patients prioritizing fatigue monitoring, a view less shared by healthcare professionals. Similarly, 71% of patients deemed wellness monitoring essential, highlighting a gap in understanding between patients and their caregivers. This study underscores the critical need for more tailored guidance on hydration strategies and the promise of remote urine parameters monitoring in nephrolithiasis management. The findings strongly advocate for a patient-centered approach, aligning medical recommendations with patient lifestyles and experiences, to enhance the effectiveness of nephrolithiasis management.
Minimal Obstructions for Polarity, Monopolarity, Unipolarity and (s, 1)-Polarity in Generalizations of Cographs
Authors: Contreras-Mendoza Fernando Esteban , Hernández-Cruz César
Published: April 2024

It is known that every hereditary property can be characterized by finitely many minimal obstructions when restricted to either the class of cographs or the class of$$P_4$$P4-reducible graphs. In this work, we prove that the same is true when restricted to some other superclasses of cographs, including$$P_4$$P4-sparse and$$P_4$$P4-extendible graphs (both of which extend$$P_4$$P4-reducible graphs). We also present complete lists of$$P_4$$P4-sparse and$$P_4$$P4-extendible minimal obstructions for polarity, monopolarity, unipolarity, and (s, 1)-polarity, wheresis a positive integer. In parallel to the case of$$P_4$$P4-reducible graphs, all the$$P_4$$P4-sparse minimal obstructions for these hereditary properties are cographs.
Minor impact of anastomotic leakage in anterior resection for rectal cancer on long-term male urinary and sexual function
Authors: Rutegård Martin , Jutesten Henrik , Buchwald Pamela , Angenete Eva , Lydrup Marie-Louise
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer induces bowel dysfunction, but the influence on urinary and sexual function is largely unknown. This cross-sectional cohort study evaluated long-term effect of anastomotic leakage on urinary and sexual function in male patients.

Methods

Patients operated with anterior resection for rectal cancer in 15 Swedish hospitals 2007–2013 were identified. Anastomotic leakage and other clinical variables were retrieved from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry and medical records. Urinary and sexual dysfunction were evaluated at 4 to 11 years after surgery using the International Prostate Symptom Score, International Index of Erectile Function, and European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire CR29. The effect of anastomotic leakage on average scores of urinary and sexual dysfunction was evaluated as a primary outcome, and the single items permanent urinary catheter and sexual inactivity as secondary outcomes. The association of anastomotic leakage and functional outcomes was analyzed using regression models with adjustment for confounders.

Results

After a median follow-up of 84 months (interquartile range: 67–110), 379 out of 864 eligible men were included. Fifty-nine (16%) patients had anastomotic leakage. Urinary incontinence was more common in the leakage group, with an adjusted mean score difference measured by EORTC QLQ ColoRectal–29 of 8.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.72–16.67). The higher risks of urinary frequency, permanent urinary catheter, and sexual inactivity did not reach significance.

Conclusion

Anastomotic leakage after anterior resection had a minor negative impact on urinary and sexual function in men.
Pulse oximetry signal loss during hypoxic episodes in preterm infants receiving automated oxygen control
Authors: Langanky Lukas O. , Kreutzer Karen B. , Poets Christian F. , Franz Axel R. , Schwarz Christoph E.
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to analyze signal loss (SL) resulting from low signal quality of pulse oximetry-derived hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurements during prolonged hypoxemic episodes (pHE) in very preterm infants receiving automatic oxygen control (AOC). We did a post hoc analysis of a randomized crossover study of AOC, programmed to set FiO2 to “back-up FiO2” during SL. In 24 preterm infants (median (interquartile range)) gestational age 25.3 (24.6 to 25.6) weeks, recording time 12.7 h (12.2 to 13.6 h) per infant, we identified 76 pHEs (median duration 119 s (86 to 180 s)). In 50 (66%) pHEs, SL occurred for a median duration of 51 s (33 to 85 s) and at a median frequency of 2 (1 to 2) SL-periods per pHE. SpO2 before and after SL was similar (82% (76 to 88%) vs 82% (76 to 87%), p = 0.3)).

  Conclusion: SL is common during pHE and must hence be considered in AOC-algorithm designs. Administering a “backup FiO2” (which reflects FiO2-requirements during normoxemia) during SL may prolong pHE with SL.

  Trial registration: The study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov under the registration no. NCT03785899.

What is Known:• Previous studies examined SpO2 signal loss (SL) during routine manual oxygen control being rare, but pronounced in lower SpO2 states.• Oxygen titration during SL is unlikely to be beneficial as SpO2 may recover to a normoxic range.

What is New:• Periods of low signal quality of SpO2 are common during pHEs and while supported with automated oxygen control (SPOC), FiO2 is set to a back-up value reflecting FiO2 requirements during normoxemia in response to SL, although SpO2 remained below target until signal recovery.• FiO2 overshoots following pHEs were rare during AOC and occurred with a delayed onset; therefore, increased FiO2 during SL does not necessarily lead to overshoots.
Considering ivermectin for treatment of schistosomiasis
Authors: Golenser Jacob , Birman Ida , Gold Daniel
Published: April 2024

Because of recent reports of praziquantel resistance in schistosome infections, there have been suggestions to employ ivermectin as a possible alternative, especially as its chemical composition is different from that of praziquantel, so cross-resistance is not expected. In order to ascertain possible damage and elimination of worms, we used ivermectin by oral gavage in infected mice, at a high dose (30.1 mg/kg, bordering toxicity). We also tested the efficacy of the drug at various times postinfection (PI), to check on possible effect on young and mature stages of the parasites. Thus, we treated mice on days 21 and 22 or on days 41 and 42 and even on days 21, 22, 41, and 42 PI. None of the treatment regimens resulted in cure rates or signs of lessened pathology in the mice. We also compared the effect of ivermectin to that of artemisone, an artemisinin derivative which had served us in the past as an effective anti-schistosome drug, and there was a stark difference in the artemisone’s efficacy compared to that of ivermectin; while ivermectin was not effective, artemisone eliminated most of the worms, prevented egg production and granulomatous inflammatory response. We assume that the reported lack of activity of ivermectin, in comparison with praziquantel and artemisinins, originates from the difference in their mode of action. In wake of our results, we suggest that ivermectin is not a suitable drug for treatment of schistosomiasis.
Social demonstration of colour preference improves the learning of associated demonstrated actions
Authors: Zurek Noam , Aljadeff Na’ama , Khoury Donya , Aplin Lucy M. , Lotem Arnon
Published: April 2024

We studied how different types of social demonstration improve house sparrows' (Passer domesticus) success in solving a foraging task that requires both operant learning (opening covers) and discrimination learning (preferring covers of the rewarding colour). We provided learners with either paired demonstration (of both cover opening and colour preference), action-only demonstration (of opening white covers only), or no demonstration (a companion bird eating without covers). We found that sparrows failed to learn the two tasks with no demonstration, and learned them best with a paired demonstration. Interestingly, the action of cover opening was learned faster with paired rather than action-only demonstration despite being equally demonstrated in both. We also found that only with paired demonstration, the speed of operant (action) learning was related to the demonstrator’s level of activity. Colour preference (i.e. discrimination learning) was eventually acquired by all sparrows that learned to open covers, even without social demonstration of colour preference. Thus, adding a demonstration of colour preference was actually more important for operant learning, possibly as a result of increasing the similarity between the demonstrated and the learned tasks, thereby increasing the learner’s attention to the actions of the demonstrator. Giving more attention to individuals in similar settings may be an adaptive strategy directing social learners to focus on ecologically relevant behaviours and on tasks that are likely to be learned successfully.
Mathematics motivation in primary education: building blocks that matter
Authors: Radišić Jelena , Baucal Aleksandar
Published: April 2024

In this introduction, we set the stage for a collection of papers from the Co-constructing Mathematics Motivation in Primary Education–A Longitudinal Study in Six European Countries Project (MATHMot for short), an international study aiming to identify the factors that shape the development of motivation in mathematics from a comparative perspective in primary education. Students’ motivation, performance, academic emotions, and subject-related identity and agency are observed across six countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Portugal, and Serbia. MATHMot builds on the belief that one of the main goals of mathematics teaching should be children’s long-term motivation for learning the subject, which in turn supports students in striving for exemplary achievement in mathematics. This special section attempts to observe students’ mathematics motivation in early grades and how different contributions from the classroom, home or the student’s individual characteristics shed light on its development and adjacent concepts like academic emotions and math-related identity and agency.
Leaf form diversity and evolution: a never-ending story in plant biology
Authors: Nakayama Hokuto
Published: April 2024

Leaf form can vary at different levels, such as inter/intraspecies, and diverse leaf shapes reflect their remarkable ability to adapt to various environmental conditions. Over the past two decades, considerable progress has been made in unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying leaf form diversity, particularly the regulatory mechanisms of leaf complexity. However, the mechanisms identified thus far are only part of the entire process, and numerous questions remain unanswered. This review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving leaf form diversity while highlighting the existing gaps in our knowledge. By focusing on the unanswered questions, this review aims to shed light on areas that require further research, ultimately fostering a more comprehensive understanding of leaf form diversity.
STING agonist, SMA-2, inhibits clear cell renal cell carcinoma through improving tumor microenvironment
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Fengqing , Hu Yan , Liu Guangming
Published: April 2024

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent and lethal subtype of kidney cancer, patients with ccRCC usually have very poor prognosis and short survival. Therefore, it is urgent to develop more effective therapeutics or medications to suppress ccRCC progression. Here, we demonstrated that STING agonist, MSA-2 significantly inhibits tumor progress and prolongs the survival of ccRCC mice by promoting cytokines secretion. Moreover, MSA-2 triggered the trafficking and infiltration of CD8+ T cells, supported by the generation of a chemokine milieu that promoted recruitment and modulation of the immunosuppressive TME in ccRCC. These findings suggest that MSA-2 potentially serves an effective and preferable adjuvant immunotherapy of ccRCC.
Novel opportunities for clinical pharmacy research: development of a machine learning model to identify medication related causes of delirium in different patient groups
Authors: Weidmann Anita Elaine , Watson Edward William
Published: April 2024

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has taken the world of science by storm in 2023. The opportunities of this easy to access technology for clinical pharmacy research are yet to be fully understood. The development of a custom-made large language model (LLM) (DELSTAR) trained on a wide range of internationally recognised scientific publication databases, pharmacovigilance sites and international product characteristics to help identify and summarise medication related information on delirium, as a proof-of-concept model, identified new facilitators and barriers for robust clinical pharmacy practice research. This technology holds great promise for the development of much more comprehensive prescribing guidelines, practice support applications for clinical pharmacy, increased patient and prescribing safety and resultant implications for healthcare costs. The challenge will be to ensure its methodologically robust use and the detailed and transparent verification of its information accuracy.
How artificial intelligence will transform project management in the age of digitization: a systematic literature review
Authors: Nenni Maria Elena , De Felice Fabio , De Luca Cristina , Forcina Antonio
Published: April 2024

Among the causes of the low success rate of the projects (around 35% of the total) is the low level of maturity of the technologies available for the management of the projects themselves. However, today many researchers, startups and innovative companies are starting to apply artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and other advanced technologies to the field of project management. By 2030 the industry will undergo significant changes. By using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol this paper explores the intersection of project risk management and AI. The study highlights how AI-driven methodologies and tools can revolutionize the way project risks are managed throughout the project lifecycle. Specifically, 215 papers have been analysed to explore how the scientific community has been moving so far on the topic. Besides, a cross-sectional investigation of the PM processes and AI categories/tools was carried out to identify any path that is prevalent, where the prevalence comes from, and for which PM process or sector it is most successful. Finally, from this study several gaps emerged that scientific research would have to fill to effectively implement AI in PM and that have been turned into opportunities for future research in the form of a research agenda.
Polytomous Effectiveness Indicators in Complex Problem-Solving Tasks and Their Applications in Developing Measurement Model
Authors: Wang Pujue , Liu Hongyun
Published: April 2024

Recent years have witnessed the emergence of measurement models for analyzing action sequences in computer-based problem-solving interactive tasks. The cutting-edge psychometrics process models require pre-specification of the effectiveness of state transitions often simplifying them into dichotomous indicators. However, the dichotomous effectiveness becomes impractical when dealing with complex tasks that involve multiple optimal paths and numerous state transitions. Building on the concept of problem-solving, we introduce polytomous indicators to assess the effectiveness of problem states <mml:math xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content">ds\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$${\mathrm {\Delta }d}_{\mathrm {s\rightarrow s'}}$$\end{document}. The three-step evaluation method for these two types of indicators is proposed and illustrated across two real problem-solving tasks. We further present a novel psychometrics process model, the sequential response model with polytomous effectiveness indicators (SRM-PEI), which is tailored to encompass a broader range of problem-solving tasks. Monte Carlo simulations indicated that SRM-PEI performed well in the estimation of latent ability and transition tendency parameters across different conditions. Empirical studies conducted on two real tasks supported the better fit of SRM-PEI over previous models such as SRM and SRMM, providing rational and interpretable estimates of latent abilities and transition tendencies through effectiveness indicators. The paper concludes by outlining potential avenues for the further application and enhancement of polytomous effectiveness indicators and SRM-PEI.
Spousal bereavement and its effects on later life physical and cognitive capability: the Tromsø study
Authors: Strand Bjørn Heine , Håberg Asta K. , Eyjólfsdóttir Harpa Sif , Kok Almar , Skirbekk Vegard , Huxhold Oliver , Løset Gøril Kvamme , Lennartsson Carin , Schirmer Henrik , Herlofson Katharina , Veenstra Marijke
Published: April 2024

Spousal bereavement is associated with health declines and increased mortality risk, but its specific impact on physical and cognitive capabilities is less studied. A historical cohort study design was applied including married Tromsø study participants (N=5739) aged 50–70 years with baseline self-reported overall health and health-related factors and measured capability (grip strength, finger tapping, digit symbol coding, and short-term recall) at follow-up. Participants had data from Tromsø4 (1994–1995) and Tromsø5 (2001), or Tromsø6 (2007–2008) and Tromsø7 (2015–2016). Propensity score matching, adjusted for baseline confounders (and baseline capability in a subset), was used to investigate whether spousal bereavement was associated with poorer subsequent capability. Spousal bereavement occurred for 6.2% on average 3.7 years (SD 2.0) before the capability assessment. There were no significant bereavement effects on subsequent grip strength, immediate recall, or finger-tapping speed. Without adjustment for baseline digit symbol coding test performance, there was a negative significant effect on the digit symbol coding test (ATT −1.33; 95% confidence interval −2.57, −0.10), but when baseline digit symbol coding test performance was taken into account in a smaller subsample, using the same set of matching confounders, there was no longer any association (in the subsample ATT changed from −1.29 (95% CI −3.38, 0.80) to −0.04 (95% CI −1.83, 1.75). The results in our study suggest that spousal bereavement does not have long-term effects on the intrinsic capacity components physical or cognition capability to a notable degree.
The association between blood biological age at rehabilitation admission and physical activity during rehabilitation in geriatric inpatients: RESORT
Authors: Lu Jessica K. , Guan Lihuan , Wang Weilan , Rojer Anna G. M. , Galkin Fedor , Goh Jorming , Maier Andrea B.
Published: April 2024

Geriatric rehabilitation inpatients have high levels of sedentary behaviour (SB) and low levels of physical activity (PA). Biological age predicted by blood biomarkers is indicative of adverse outcomes. The objective was to determine the association between blood biological age at rehabilitation admission and levels of SB and PA during rehabilitation in geriatric inpatients. Inpatients admitted to geriatric rehabilitation wards at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (Melbourne, Australia) from October 22, 2019, to March 29, 2020, in the REStORing health of acute unwell adulTs (RESORT) observational cohort were included. Blood biological age was predicted using SenoClock-BloodAge, a hematological ageing clock. Patients wore an inertial sensor to measure SB and PA. Logistic regression analyses were conducted. A total of 111 patients (57.7% female) with mean age 83.3 ± 7.5 years were included in the analysis. The mean blood biological age was 82.7 ± 8.4 years. Patients with 1-year higher blood biological age had higher odds of having high SB measured as non-upright time greater than 23 h/day (odds ratio (OR): 1.050, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.000–1.102). Individuals having 1-year higher age deviation trended towards lower odds of having high levels of PA measured as stepping time greater than 7.4 min/day (OR: 0.916, CI: 0.836–1.005) and as greater than 19.5 sit-to-stand transitions/day (OR: 0.915, CI: 0.836–1.002). In conclusion, higher biological age was associated with higher levels of SB and trended towards lower PA. Incorporating blood biological age could facilitate resource allocation and the development of more tailored rehabilitation plans.