bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MHC2AffyPred: A machine‐learning approach to estimate affinity of MHC class II peptides based on structural interaction fingerprints
Authors: Jani Siddhi P. , Kumar Sivakumar Prasanth , Mangukia Naman , Patel Saumya K. , Pandya Himanshu A. , Rawal Rakesh M.
Published: September 2022

Understanding how MHC class II (MHC‐II) binding peptides with differing lengths exhibit specific interaction at the core and extended sites within the large MHC‐II pocket is a very important aspect of immunological research for designing peptides. Certain efforts were made to generate peptide conformations amenable for MHC‐II binding and calculate the binding energy of such complex formation but not directed toward developing a relationship between the peptide conformation in MHC‐II structures and the binding affinity (BA) (IC50). We present here a machine‐learning approach to calculate the BA of the peptides within the MHC‐II pocket for HLA‐DRA1, HLA‐DRB1, HLA‐DP, and HLA‐DQ allotypes. Instead of generating ensembles of peptide conformations conventionally, the biased mode of conformations was created by considering the peptides in the crystal structures of pMHC‐II complexes as the templates, followed by site‐directed peptide docking. The structural interaction fingerprints generated from such docked pMHC‐II structures along with the Moran autocorrelation descriptors were trained using a random forest regressor specific to each MHC‐II peptide lengths (9–19). The entire workflow is automated using Linux shell and Perl scripts to promote the utilization of MHC2AffyPred program to any characterized MHC‐II allotypes and is made for free access at https://github.com/SiddhiJani/MHC2AffyPred. The MHC2AffyPred attained better performance (correlation coefficient [CC] of .612–.898) than MHCII3D (.03–.594) and NetMHCIIpan‐3.2 (.289–.692) programs in the HLA‐DRA1, HLA‐DRB1 types. Similarly, the MHC2AffyPred program achieved CC between .91 and .98 for HLA‐DP and HLA‐DQ peptides (13‐mer to 17‐mer). Further, a case study on MHC‐II binding 15‐mer peptides of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 showed very close competency in computing the IC50 values compared to the sequence‐based NetMHCIIpan v3.2 and v4.0 programs with a correlation of .998 and .570, respectively.
Metal–Organic Vapor‐Phase Epitaxy of Semipolar InGaN Quantum Dots Based on GaN V‐Shaped Pits
Authors: Wang Xun , Han Xu , Yu Jiadong , Hao Zhibiao , Luo Yi , Sun Changzheng , Han Yanjun , Xiong Bing , Wang Jian , Li Hongtao , Wang Lai
Published: September 2022

Semipolar {101} InGaN quantum dots (QDs) formed on GaN V‐shaped pits by metal–organic vapor‐phase epitaxy (MOVPE) with a growth interruption method are reported. The 3D GaN V‐pit structures are directly grown on a patterned sapphire substrate (PSS). By adjusting the pattern arrangement direction on the substrate, it is observed in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image that elliptical QDs are formed on the {101} semipolar sidewalls of the V‐pits with a density of about 5 × 1010 cm−2. The emission wavelength of semipolar InGaN QDs is confirmed by cathodoluminescence (CL). The gradient distribution of In composition and QD size are observed along the sidewall of the V‐pits. On this basis, a three‐period semipolar InGaN QD sample is prepared. For the temperature‐dependent photoluminescence (TDPL) test, the prominent peak of the sample shows a blueshift with the increase in temperature and reaches the green band (≈523 nm) at room temperature (RT). According to time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) decay curves, a carrier lifetime of 329.3 ps fit by the stretched exponential model is obtained at RT. Compared with c‐plane QDs with the same growth method, the semipolar QDs have a shorter radiative recombination lifetime due to suppressed polarization electric field.
6‐Methoxydihydrosanguinarine induces apoptosis and autophagy in breast cancer MCF‐7 cells by accumulating ROS to suppress the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Xinyue , Che Delu , Zeng Lizhong , Zhang Yu , Nan Kai , Zhang Xinxin , Zhang Hui , Guo Zengjun
Published: September 2022

6‐Methoxydihydrosanguinarine (6‐MDS) is a natural benzophenanthridine alkaloid extracted from Hylomecon japonica (Thunb.) Prantl. It is the first time to explore the effect and mechanism of 6‐MDS in breast cancer. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation technology were adopted to identify the potential targets and pathways of 6‐MDS in breast cancer. Besides, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and western blotting assays were conducted to investigate the effect of 6‐MDS on MCF‐7 cells. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation results confirmed the effect of 6‐MDS on resisting breast cancer via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In addition, the functional experiments results demonstrated that 6‐MDS inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis and autophagy. The autophagy inhibitor chloroquine and the silence of Atg5 augmented the effect of 6‐MDS on promoting apoptosis. Furthermore, 6‐MDS suppressed the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 enhanced these changes and promoted the 6‐MDS pro‐apoptotic and autophagy effects. 6‐MDS triggered the generation of reactive oxygen species. The pretreatment with antioxidant N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine reversed the changes induced by 6‐MDS, including increases in apoptosis and autophagy and inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, 6‐MDS induces the apoptosis and autophagy of MCF‐7 cells by ROS accumulation to suppress the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
About Shewhart control charts to monitor the Weibull mean based on a Gamma distribution
Authors: Vasconcelos Renata M. R. , Quinino Roberto C. , Ho Linda L. , Cruz Frederico R. B.
Published: September 2022

A control chart for the mean of a process whose quality characteristic follows a Weibull distribution is evaluated. In this sense, a transformation that follows an exponential distribution is used involving the parameters of scale and form of a Weibull distribution. Such a transformation allows to obtain analytically the control limits to monitor the mean using the Gamma distribution. Compared with recent results in the literature, lower average run lengths after a change (ARL1) values are measured without the need to use intensive Monte Carlo simulation to obtain the control limits as well as to calculate the ARL1 values. A numerical example is presented in detail to illustrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the developed control chart.
A highly accelerated stress reliability growth test method
Authors: Xing Hao , Yang Jun
Published: September 2022

Reliability growth test (RGT) is one of the main methods to improve product reliability. In order to effectively solve the problem of short development cycles faced by enterprises, the accelerated reliability growth test (ARGT) is developed. Since the traditional ARGT is carried out separately under all of the accelerated stress levels, and the time of RGT is too long under low accelerated stress levels. So, a highly accelerated stress reliability growth test (HARGT) is proposed, where the RGT is designed to carry out at the highest accelerated stress level. Firstly, AMSAA model is adopted to track the reliability growth process under the highest accelerated stress level, and its parameters are determined by the maximum likelihood estimation method. Secondly, taking temperature as the accelerated stress, the relationship of the reliability with different accelerated stress levels is established under the accelerated life test (ALT) in the first stage. Based on the Arrhenius model and combined with the acceleration coefficient, the product reliability at the end of the test is extrapolated to the product reliability at the normal stress level. The parameters of the Arrhenius model are got through the least square estimation method, and the acceleration coefficient and equation are also obtained. Finally, a case study on the communication service system is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Enabling High‐Stability of Aqueous‐Processed Nickel‐Rich Positive Electrodes in Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Wu Fanglin , Kuenzel Matthias , Diemant Thomas , Mullaliu Angelo , Fang Shan , Kim Jae‐Kwang , Kim Hee Woong , Kim Guk‐Tae , Passerini Stefano
Published: September 2022

Lithium batteries occupy the large‐scale electric mobility market raising concerns about the environmental impact of cell production, especially regarding the use of poly(vinylidene difluoride) (teratogenic) and N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP, harmful). To avoid their use, an aqueous electrode processing route is utilized in which a water‐soluble hybrid acrylic‐fluoropolymer together with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used as binder, and a thin phosphate coating layer is in situ formed on the surface of the nickel‐rich cathode during electrode processing. The resulting electrodes achieve a comparable performance to that of NMP‐based electrodes in conventional organic carbonate‐based electrolyte (LP30). Subsequently, an ionic liquid electrolyte (ILE) is employed to replace the organic electrolyte, building stable electrode/electrolyte interphases on the surface of the nickel‐rich positive electrode (cathode) and metallic lithium negative electrode (anode). In such ILE, the aqueously processed electrodes achieve high cycling stability with a capacity retention of 91% after 1000 cycles (20 °C). In addition, a high capacity of more than 2.5 mAh cm–2 is achieved for high loading electrodes (≈15 mg cm–2) by using a modified ILE with 5% vinylene carbonate additive. A path to achieve environmentally friendly electrode manufacturing while maintaining their outstanding performance and structural integrity is demonstrated.
The Prediction of Ferrite Ratio in HAZ of EH36 Steel Electro‐Gas Welding Joints Based on Leblond Equation
Authors: Liu Fangfang , Zhou Shouzhen , Dong Zhibo , Jiang Kun , Han Fang , Zhang Zhihang , Shen Chen
Published: September 2022

A favorable microstructure is a perquisite for ensuring the quality of welding joints, but grain coarsing inevitably occurs in the heat‐affected zone (HAZ). Controlling the reduction of deterioration as much as possible is a key problem in welding engineering. Based on the welding experiment, a finite element model considering the contact heat transfer of water‐cooled sliders is constructed to obtain key information about the welding heat cycle, such as T8/5, and a prediction algorithm for the microstructure prediction of HAZ is developed based on the Leblond model. The results show that the proportion of ferrite gradually decreases with the increase in cooling rate. The evolution law of the model prediction is the same as that of the experimental results, and the maximum error is within 5%, indicating that the prediction is accurate and reliable. This observation has great significance for the optimization of the electro‐gas welding process.
Microstructural Effects on J‐Integral Fracture Toughness of Welded High‐Mn Steels at 298 and 77 K
Authors: Park Sangeun , Kayani Saif Haider , Park Eun Hye , Kim Jung Gi , Kim Sangshik , Sung Hyokyung , Seol Jae Bok
Published: September 2022

J‐integral fracture toughness tests are conducted on welded high‐Mn steels at room and cryogenic temperatures. The specimens are categorized into weld metal (WM) and heat‐affected zone (HAZ) to consider the different microstructural effects. The microstructure of WM is composed of dendrites formed during solidification, while the microstructure of HAZ consists of coarsened grains from the welding process. Both specimens show twinning behavior after J‐integral fracture toughness tests at 298 K and the superior K
JIc fracture toughness of WM (389 MPa√m) due to the formation of plentiful twins at the crack tip. At 77 K, K
JIc fracture toughness of HAZ (221 MPa√m) is lower than that of  WM (264 MPa√m) due to different stacking fault energies (SFEs). Twinning still prevails in WM at 77 K, while ε‐martensite is formed in HAZ by relatively low SFE. The interface between γ‐matrix and ε‐martensite can act as a crack initiation site during the fracture toughness test, leading to the deterioration of J‐integral fracture toughness in HAZ.
How to write about alternatives to classical hypothesis testing outside of the statistical literature: Approximate Bayesian model selection applied to a biomechanics study
Authors: Franck Christopher T. , Madigan Michael L. , Lazar Nicole A.
Published: September 2022

By now, statisticians and the broader research community are aware of the controversies surrounding traditional hypothesis testing and p values. Many alternative viewpoints and methods have been proposed, as exemplified by The American Statistician's recent special issue themed “World beyond p<0.05.” However, it seems clear that the broader scientific effort may benefit if alternatives to classical hypothesis testing are described in venues beyond the statistical literature. This paper addresses two relevant gaps in statistical practice. First, we describe three principles statisticians and their collaborators can use to publish about alternatives to classical hypothesis testing in the literature outside of statistics. Second, we describe an existing BIC‐based approximation to Bayesian model selection as a complete alternative approach to classical hypothesis testing. This approach is easy to conduct and interpret, even for analysts who do not have fully Bayesian expertise in analyzing data. Perhaps surprisingly, it does not appear that the BIC approximation has yet been described in the context of “World beyond p<0.05.” We address both gaps by describing a recent collaborative effort where we used the BIC‐based techniques to publish a paper about hypothesis testing alternatives in a high‐end biomechanics journal.
Development of a portable Raman device with artificial intelligence method for the detection and staging of endometrial cancer
Authors: Nambudiri Manu Krishnan Krishnan , Rajanbabu Anupama , Nair Indu Ramachandran , Anandita  , Nair Shantikumar V. , Koyakutty Manzoor , Madathil Girish Chundayil
Published: September 2022

The success of a Raman spectroscopy device in cancer detection lies in its ability to acquire high‐quality Raman signals from samples and to employ efficient classification algorithms in analysing spectral data. Portable Raman systems enabled with artificial intelligence tools are well adaptable to clinical settings and for accuracy for community‐level rapid screening. Here, we developed a robotic Raman device with a high‐efficiency Raman probe, validating it against endometrial cancers detecting high‐grade, low‐grade cancers and normal classes. Algorithms like principal component analysis‐discriminant analysis, and support vector machine were compared against the deep learning methodology; convolutional neural network (CNN) with and without data augmentation. Eventually, the system could classify high‐grade, low‐grade and normal tissues with an F1‐score of 91%, 94% and 97%, respectively. CNN with data augmentation proved to be the most dependable classifier that works well even in the presence of high background noise. Thus, we demonstrate a unique portable Raman device with AI tools for high‐sensitivity Raman analysis of endometrial cancer.
Explanatory black boxes and mechanistic reasoning
Authors: Haskel‐Ittah Michal
Published: September 2022

Many studies have characterized students' difficulties in understanding and reasoning about scientific mechanisms. Some of those studies have drawn implications on teaching mechanisms and how to guide students while reasoning mechanistically. In this theoretical article, I claim that one component that has not garnered much attention in the science education literature, unlike other components of mechanistic explanations, is the black box construct, that is, missing mechanistic parts within mechanistic explanations (explanatory black box). By reviewing the literature on mechanisms and mechanistic explanations in the philosophy of science and cognitive psychology, I argue that explanatory black boxes are an inherent part of mechanistic explanations and that their recognition is essential for learning mechanisms, scientific literacy, and understanding the nature of science. Examples from biology education are provided as a case of a complex multileveled scientific field. In the absence of a pedagogical approach for teaching explanatory black boxes, I turn to studies and frameworks from computer science education that may guide educators on how to begin discussing this construct in the science classroom.
Applications of solar radiation toward the slip flow of a non‐Newtonian viscoelastic hybrid nanofluid over a rotating disk
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Saeed Anwar , Dawar Abdullah , Lone Showkat Ahmad , Kumam Poom , Watthayu Wiboonsak
Published: September 2022

This work explores a semi‐analytical solution of the Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) viscoelastic water‐based hybrid nanoliquid flow containing TiO2 and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles past a rotating disk along with velocity slip condition. The impact of solar radiation is incorporated in the temperature equation. The current study consists of non‐Newtonian viscoelastic hybrid nanofluid flow problem which is comprised of momentum and temperature equations. By using suitable similarity transformations, the higher‐order nonlinear ordinary differential equations are transformed into the nonlinear ordinary differential equations and then resolved with the execution of the homotopy analysis scheme in MATHEMATICA 10.0. The behavior of the involved physical parameters on the hybrid nanoliquid radial and tangential velocities and temperature profiles are calculated in a graphical form. Also, the skin friction and Nusselt number for /water nanoliquid are described in tabular form. Some major results related to the current work are that by rising the values of the viscoelastic parameter, nanoparticle volume fraction of the titanium dioxide and cobalt oxide increases the skin friction coefficient . The viscoelastic parameter, nanoparticles volume fraction of the cobalt oxide and magnetic parameter reduced the skin friction coefficient of the hybrid nanofluid. It is noted that Nusselt number is lower for both and cases against the absorption factor. The expansion in hybrid nanofluid temperature is examined for both and cases. It is obtained that the temperature and heat rate transfer of the hybrid nanofluid are dominant in the presence of solar radiation.
Magnetic Carrollian gravity from the Carroll algebra
Authors: Campoleoni Andrea , Henneaux Marc , Pekar Simon , Pérez Alfredo , Salgado-Rebolledo Patricio
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We explicitly establish the equivalence between the magnetic Carrollian limit of Einstein gravity defined through the Hamiltonian formalism and the Carrollian theory of gravity defined through a gauging of the Carroll algebra along the lines of standard Poincaré (or (A)dS) gaugings.
Using deceased people’s personal data
Authors: Nakagawa Hiroshi , Orita Akiko
Published: September 2022

It is important to manage individuals’ personal data after their death to maintain their dignity or follow their wishes as much as possible. From this perspective, this report describes the real-world commercialization of immortal digital personalities, which gives eternal life to the deceased in a digital form. We identify the problems with the commercialization of deceased users’ images and personal data, which becomes postmortem entertainment. Considering these problems, we seek out the ideal form of deceased users’ personal data for commercialization. We conduct a social survey to understand how ordinary Japanese people feel about the various types of publicly available services that use personal data after death, such as social network service logs. By analyzing our survey results approximately 20% of respondents would allow the commercial use of their personal data, such as browsing their social network service logs, if they could receive compensation during their lifetime.
The chips are down: the influence of family on children’s trust formation
Authors: Giulietti Corrado , Rettore Enrico , Tonini Sara
Published: September 2022

Understanding the formation of trust is a key issue because of the impact of trust on economic performance. Earlier attempts to measure the strength of intergenerational transmission of trust relied on the cross-sectional regression of children’s trust on the contemporaneous trust of parents. In this paper, we take an original approach to the analysis of the transmission process by introducing the distinction between permanent trust (the long-lasting belief on whether one trusts people) and transient trust (capturing, e.g., random errors in the reported trust), and argue that only permanent trust is relevant for the transmission process. Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel, we show that 2/3 of the observed variability in children’s trust is due to the transient component. The remaining variability due to the permanent component is only moderately determined by the permanent trust of the parents, with mothers being much more relevant than fathers. Focusing on the subsample of families with more than one child, we show that most of the variability in children’s permanent trust is due to unobservable family-specific features of the environment shared by siblings. We conclude that while the family environment in which children grew up determines most of their permanent trust, the direct role of intergenerational transmission is small.
Paenibacillus allorhizoplanae sp. nov. from the rhizoplane of a Zea mays root
Authors: Kämpfer Peter , Lipski André , Lamothe Lucie , Clermont Dominique , Criscuolo Alexis , McInroy John A. , Glaeser Stefanie P.
Published: September 2022

A Gram-positive staining, aerobic, endospore-forming bacterial strain, isolated from the rhizosphere of Zea mays was studied for its detailed taxonomic allocation. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, strain JJ-42 T was shown to be a member of the genus Paenibacillus, most closely related to the type strain of Paenibacillus pectinilyticus (98.8%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to all other Paenibacillus species was below 98.5%. The pairwise average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA−DNA hybridization (dDDH) values of the JJ-42 T genome assembly against publicly available Paenibacillus type strain genomes were below 92% and 47%, respectively. The quinone system of strain JJ-42 T consisted exclusively of menaquinone MK-7. The polar lipid profile consisted of the major components diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, three aminophospholipids (APL), and one unidentified lipid. The major fatty acids were iso- and anteiso-branched with the major compound anteiso C15:0. Physiological and biochemical characteristics allowed a further phenotypic differentiation of strain JJ-42 T from the most closely related species. Thus, JJ-42 T represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus allorhizoplanae sp. nov. is proposed, with JJ-42 T (= LMG 32089 T = CCM 9085 T = DSM 111786 T = CIP 111891 T) as the type strain.
A stochastic mathematical model for coupling the cytosolic and sarcoplasmic calcium movements in diseased cardiac myocytes
Authors: Arif Serife
Published: September 2022

Several computational studies have been undertaken to explore the Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) events in cardiac myocytes and along with experimental studies it has given us invaluable insight into the mechanism of CICR from spark/blink initiation to termination and regulation, and their interplay under normal and pathological conditions. The computational modelling of this mechanism has mainly been investigated using coupled differential equations (DEs). However, there is a lack of computational investigation into (1) how the different formulation of coupled DEs capture the Ca2+ movement in the cytosol and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), (2) the buffer and dye inclusion in both compartments, and (3) the effect of buffer and dye properties on the calcium behaviour. This work is set out to explore (1) the effect of different coupled formulation of DEs on spark/blink occurrence, (2) the inclusion of improved sarcoplasmic buffering properties, and (3) the effects of cytosolic and sarcoplasmic dye and buffer properties on Ca2+ movement. The simulation results show large discrepancies between different formulations of the governing equations. Additionally, extension of the model to include sarcoplasmic buffering properties show normalised fluorescent dye profiles to be in good agreement with experimental and amongst its one- and two-dimensional representations.
The role of Atlantic variability in modulating the tropical cyclone formation in the Australian region
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Ma Ming , Li Ming , Chen Jian , Bai Chengzu
Published: September 2022

Previously the interannual variability of tropical cyclone genesis (TCG) in the Australian region has mainly been attributed to the climate variability in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. In this study, we found that the influence from climate variability in the Atlantic is of equal importance. Application of a state-of-the-art causality analysis reveals that the Atlantic meridional mode (AMM), Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) and north tropical Atlantic (NTA) sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies are all causal to the Australian region TCG frequency. The associated physical mechanisms are investigated as well. Based on this causal analysis and inference, a statistical model is constructed to forecast TCG, using the Poisson regression and the step-by-step predictor selection method. The Atlantic causal factors, after being taken in as new predictors, help increase the forecast skill for the seasonal Australian region TCG by as much as 10% in terms of correlation increase and 40% in terms of root-mean-square error reduction.
Echocardiogram screening in pediatric dialysis and transplantation
Authors: Le Page Amelia K. , Nagasundaram Naganandini , Horton Ari E. , Johnstone Lilian M.
Published: September 2022

Transthoracic echocardiography is commonly used to identify structural and functional cardiac abnormalities that can be prevalent in childhood chronic kidney failure (KF). Left ventricular mass (LVM) increase is most frequently reported and may persist post-kidney transplant especially with hypertension and obesity. While systolic dysfunction is infrequently seen in childhood chronic KF, systolic strain identified by speckle tracking echocardiography has been frequently identified in dialysis and it can also persist post-transplant. Echocardiogram association with long-term outcomes has not been studied in childhood KF but there are many adult studies demonstrating associations between increased LVM, systolic dysfunction, strain, diastolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular events and mortality. There has been limited study of interventions to improve echocardiogram status. In childhood, improved blood pressure has been associated with better LVM, and conversion from hemodialysis to hemodiafiltration has been associated with better diastolic and systolic function. Whether long-term cardiac outcomes are also improved with these interventions is unclear. Echocardiography is a well-established technique, and regular use in childhood chronic KF seems justified. A case can be made to extend screening to include speckle tracking echocardiography and intradialytic studies in high-risk populations. Further longitudinal studies including these newer echocardiogram modalities, interventions, and long-term outcomes would help clarify recommendations for optimal use as a screening tool.
Interventions for promoting evidence-based guideline-consistent surgery in low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Belavy Daniel L. , Tagliaferri Scott D. , Buntine Paul , Saueressig Tobias , Ehrenbrusthoff Katja , Chen Xiaolong , Diwan Ashish , Miller Clint T. , Owen Patrick J.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Examine the effectiveness of interventions to approach guideline-adherent surgical referrals for low back pain assessed via systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Five databases (10 September 2021), Google Scholar, reference lists of relevant systematic reviews were searched and forward and backward citation tracking of included studies were implemented. Randomised controlled/clinical trials in adults with low back pain of interventions to optimise surgery rates or referrals to surgery or secondary referral were included. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane ROB2 tool and evidence certainty via Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). A random effects meta-analysis with a Paule Mandel estimator plus Hartung–Knapp–Sidik–Jonkman method was used to calculate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval, respectively.

Results

Of 886 records, 6 studies were included (N = 258,329) participants; cluster sizes ranged from 4 to 54. Five studies were rated as low risk of bias and one as having some concerns. Two studies reporting spine surgery referral or rates could only be pooled via combination of p values and gave evidence for a reduction (p = 0.021, Fisher’s method, risk of bias: low). This did not persist with sensitivity analysis (p = 0.053). For secondary referral, meta-analysis revealed a non-significant odds ratio of 1.07 (95% CI [0.55, 2.06], I2 = 73.0%, n = 4 studies, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation [GRADE] evidence certainty: very low).

Conclusion

Few RCTs exist for interventions to improve guideline-adherent spine surgery rates or referral. Clinician education in isolation may not be effective. Future RCTs should consider organisational and/or policy level interventions.

PROSPERO registration

CRD42020215137.
Reproductive history differs by molecular subtypes of breast cancer among women aged ≤ 50 years in Scotland diagnosed 2009–2016: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chitkara Anushri , Mesa-Eguiagaray Ines , Wild Sarah H. , Hall Peter S. , Cameron David A. , Sims Andrew H. , Figueroa Jonine D.
Published: September 2022

Background

The aetiology of breast cancers diagnosed ≤ 50 years of age remains unclear. We aimed to compare reproductive risk factors between molecular subtypes of breast cancer, thereby suggesting possible aetiologic clues, using routinely collected cancer registry and maternity data in Scotland.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 4108 women aged ≤ 50 years with primary breast cancer diagnosed between 2009 and 2016 linked to maternity data. Molecular subtypes of breast cancer were defined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) tumour markers, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), and tumour grade. Age-adjusted polytomous logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of number of births, age at first birth and time since last birth with IHC-defined breast cancer subtypes. Luminal A-like was the reference compared to luminal B-like (HER2−), luminal B-like (HER2+), HER2-overexpressed and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Results

Mean (SD) for number of births, age at first birth and time since last birth was 1.4 (1.2) births, 27.2 (6.1) years and 11.0 (6.8) years, respectively. Luminal A-like was the most common subtype (40%), while HER2-overexpressed and TNBC represented 5% and 15% of cases, respectively. Larger numbers of births were recorded among women with HER2-overexpressed and TNBC compared with luminal A-like tumours (> 3 vs 0 births, OR 1.87, 95%CI 1.18–2.96; OR 1.44, 95%CI 1.07–1.94, respectively). Women with their most recent birth > 10 years compared to < 2 years were less likely to have TNBC tumours compared to luminal A-like (OR 0.63, 95%CI 0.41–0.97). We found limited evidence for differences by subtype with age at first birth.

Conclusion

Number of births and time since last birth differed by molecular subtypes of breast cancer among women aged ≤ 50 years. Analyses using linked routine electronic medical records by molecularly defined tumour pathology data can be used to investigate the aetiology and prognosis of cancer.
Progress of Design and Development for the ITER Radial Neutron Camera
Authors: Esposito B. , Marocco D. , Gandolfo G. , Belli F. , Bertalot L. , Blocki J. , Bocian D. , Brolatti G. , Cecconello M. , Centioli C. , Pereira R. C. , Conroy S. , Crescenzi F. , Cruz N. , de Bilbao L. , Domenicone A. , Ducasse Q. , Di Mambro G. , Dongiovanni D. , Eletxigerra I. , Etxeita B. , Fernandez A. , Ficker O. , Gallina P. , Giacomin T. , Ginoulhiac G. , Godlewski J. , Hjalmarsson A. , Imrisek M. , Kantor R. , Kasprzak K. , Kotula J. , Krasilnikov V. , Lewandowska M. , Maffucci A. , Marotta U. , Marzullo D. , Mazzitelli G. , Mazzone G. , Miklaszewski R. , Mikszuta-Michalik K. , Maciocha W. , Magagnino S. , Misano M. , Mlynar J. , Monti C. , Moro F. , Ortwein R. , Passeri M. , Pinna T. , Pirovano E. , Pisciotta V. , Pompili F. , Podda S. , Riva M. , Santos B. , Sousa J. , Swierblewski J. , Szklarz P. , Tatí A. , Ventre S. , Villone F. , Virgili N. , Zimbal A.
Published: September 2022

The paper presents an overview of the design status of the Radial Neutron Camera (RNC), that, together with the Vertical Neutron Camera, will provide, through reconstruction techniques applied to the measured line-integrated neutron fluxes, the time resolved measurement of the ITER neutron and α-source profile (i.e. neutron emissivity, neutrons emitted per unit time and volume). The RNC is composed of two subsystems, the In-Port RNC and Ex-Port RNC located, respectively, inside and outside the Plug of Equatorial Port #01. The In-Port subsystem is in a more advanced design stage since it has recently undergone the Final Design Review in the ITER procurement process. The paper describes the diagnostic layout, the interfaces, the measurement capabilities and the main challenges in its realization. Prototyping and testing of neutron detectors and electronics components were carried out and led to the choice of the component solutions that can match the environmental and operational constraints in terms radiation hardness, high temperature and electromagnetic compatibility. The performance of the RNC in terms of neutron emissivity measurement capability was assessed through 1D and 2D reconstruction analysis. It is proven that the neutron emissivity can be reconstructed in real-time within the measurement requirements: 10% accuracy, 10 ms time resolution and a/10 (a = plasma minor radius) space resolution.
New Notions of Proper Efficiency in Set Optimization with the Set Criterion
Authors: Huerga L. , Jiménez B. , Novo V.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we introduce new notions of proper efficiency in the sense of Henig for a set optimization problem by using the set criterion of solution. The relationships between them are studied. Also, we compare these concepts with the homologous ones given by considering the vector criterion. Finally, a Lagrange multiplier rule for Henig proper solutions of a set optimization problem with a cone constraint is obtained under convexity hypotheses. Illustrative examples are also given.
Asymptotic extrapolation of model-free implied variance: exploring structural underestimation in the VIX Index
Authors: Stahl Philip
Published: September 2022

We show that the VIX Index structurally underestimates model-free implied volatility because its implementation omits extrapolation of the volatility smile in the tails. We use the asymptotic behavior of the volatility surface to construct a correction term that is model-independent and only requires option prices at the two outermost strikes. We show how to apply this correction to the VIX Index ex-post as well as how to modify its implementation accordingly. Furthermore, we show that the degree of underestimation varies over time. For the S&P 500 Index and the DJIA Index the error is larger in periods of sustained low volatility. This cannot be observed for the Volatility-of-VIX Index.
Measuring Competitiveness: A Composite Indicator for Italian Municipalities
Authors: Scaccabarozzi Anna , Mazziotta Matteo , Bianchi Annamaria
Published: September 2022

This study measures territorial competitiveness at the municipal level in Italy, by proposing a robust composite indicator based on variables not yet used in the literature. The underlying theoretical framework is identified based on the literature on regional competitiveness. The proposed indicator consists of the following seven dimensions of competitiveness: Education, Job, Economic Wellbeing, Territory and Environment, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Infrastructures and Mobility. Data are retrieved mainly from administrative sources, for 2014 and 2015. In the building process, three aggregation methods are compared: a compensatory method, the arithmetic mean, and two partially compensatory methods, the geometric mean and the Adjusted Mazziotta-Pareto Index (AMPI). The arithmetic mean turns out to be the most robust method among the three considered, but the AMPI is the most robust method among the two partially compensatory methods. All the methods considered agree in identifying Innovation and Entrepreneurship as the most influential pillars in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The detailed geographical focus provides specific insights into territorial competitiveness in Italy. It emerges a rather heterogeneous picture of municipal competitiveness within the Italian regions. Highly competitive municipalities are present in every region, though with different concentration levels.
Learned Anomaly Detection with Terahertz Radiation in Inline Process Monitoring
Authors: Meiser Clemens , Wald Anne , Schuster Thomas
Published: September 2022

Terahertz tomographic imaging as well as machine learning tasks represent two emerging fields in the area of nondestructive testing. Detecting outliers in measurements that are caused by defects is the main challenge in inline process monitoring. An efficient inline control enables to intervene directly during the manufacturing process and, consequently, to reduce product discard. We focus on plastics and ceramics, for which terahertz radiation is perfectly suited because of its characteristics, and propose a density based technique to automatically detect anomalies in the measured radiation data. The algorithm relies on a classification method based on machine learning. For a verification, supervised data are generated by a measuring system that approximates an inline process. The experimental results show that the use of terahertz radiation, combined with the classification algorithm, has great potential for a real inline manufacturing process. In a further investigation additional data are simulated to enlarge the data set, especially the variety of defects. We model the propagation of terahertz radiation by means of the Eikonal equation.
Achieving fairness with a simple ridge penalty
Authors: Scutari Marco , Panero Francesca , Proissl Manuel
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we present a general framework for estimating regression models subject to a user-defined level of fairness. We enforce fairness as a model selection step in which we choose the value of a ridge penalty to control the effect of sensitive attributes. We then estimate the parameters of the model conditional on the chosen penalty value. Our proposal is mathematically simple, with a solution that is partly in closed form and produces estimates of the regression coefficients that are intuitive to interpret as a function of the level of fairness. Furthermore, it is easily extended to generalised linear models, kernelised regression models and other penalties, and it can accommodate multiple definitions of fairness. We compare our approach with the regression model from Komiyama et al. (in: Proceedings of machine learning research. 35th international conference on machine learning (ICML), vol 80, pp 2737–2746, 2018), which implements a provably optimal linear regression model and with the fair models from Zafar et al. (J Mach Learn Res 20:1–42, 2019). We evaluate these approaches empirically on six different data sets, and we find that our proposal provides better goodness of fit and better predictive accuracy for the same level of fairness. In addition, we highlight a source of bias in the original experimental evaluation in Komiyama et al. (in: Proceedings of machine learning research. 35th international conference on machine learning (ICML), vol 80, pp 2737–2746, 2018).
Diaphonic pluralism: from truth pluralism to disagreement pluralism
Authors: Moruzzi Sebastiano
Published: September 2022

In this paper, I offer a pluralistic framework for disagreement and I develop a strategy to account for the varieties of disagreement on the basis of the varieties of the truth across different domains of discourse. Truth-pluralism is thus sufficient for delivering pluralism about disagreement—that is, diaphonic pluralism.
Rationality applied: resolving the two envelopes problem
Authors: Hoffmann Christian Hugo
Published: September 2022

The Two Envelopes Problem is a beautiful and quite confusing problem in decision theory which is ca. 35 years old and has provoked at least 150 papers directly addressing the problem and displaying a surprising variety of different responses. This paper finds decisive progress in an approach of Priest and Restall in 2003, contends that the recent papers having appeared since did not really go beyond that paper, argues further that Priest’s and Restall’s solution is still not complete, and proposes a completion of their solution. If the analysis is correct, this work has the potential of laying the Two Envelopes Problem at rest.
Biparametric prostate MRI: impact of a deep learning-based software and of quantitative ADC values on the inter-reader agreement of experienced and inexperienced readers
Authors: Cipollari Stefano , Pecoraro Martina , Forookhi Alì , Laschena Ludovica , Bicchetti Marco , Messina Emanuele , Lucciola Sara , Catalano Carlo , Panebianco Valeria
Published: September 2022

Objective

To investigate the impact of an artificial intelligence (AI) software and quantitative ADC (qADC) on the inter-reader agreement, diagnostic performance, and reporting times of prostate biparametric MRI (bpMRI) for experienced and inexperienced readers.

Materials and methods

A total of 170 multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) of patients with suspicion of prostate cancer (PCa) were retrospectively reviewed by one experienced and one inexperienced reader three times, following a wash-out period. First, only the bpMRI sequences, including T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, were used. Then, bpMRI and quantitative ADC values were used. Lastly, bpMRI and the AI software were used. Inter-reader agreement between the two readers and between each reader and the mpMRI original reports was calculated. Detection rates and reporting times were calculated for each group.

Results

Inter-reader agreement with respect to mpMRI was moderate for bpMRI, Quantib, and qADC for both the inexperienced (weighted k of 0.42, 0.45, and 0.41, respectively) and the experienced radiologists (weighted k of 0.44, 0.46, and 0.42, respectively). Detection rate of PCa was similar between the inexperienced (0.24, 0.26, and 0.23) and the experienced reader (0.26, 0.27 and 0.27), for bpMRI, Quantib, and qADC, respectively. Reporting times were lower for Quantib (8.23, 7.11, and 9.87 min for the inexperienced reader and 5.62, 5.07, and 6.21 min for the experienced reader, for bpMRI, Quantib, and qADC, respectively).

Conclusions

AI and qADC did not have a significant impact on the diagnostic performance of both readers. The use of Quantib was associated with lower reporting times.
Timber Provision on Soft Soils in Forests Providing Protection Against Natural Hazards: A Productivity and Cost Analysis Using the Koller 507 in the Horizontal Yarding Direction in Switzerland
Authors: Schweier Janine , Werder Marc , Bont Leo G.
Published: September 2022

Forest soils can be sensitive to traffic for various reasons, such as a high water table and the absence of sturdy ground, both of which can lead to fragile ground conditions under wet weather conditions. Extracting timber from such stands is a challenge, and cable-based systems might be the best option. While damage to the remaining stand and to the soil during extraction is not always avoidable, the use of cable-based systems completely eliminates ground-based traffic in the case of fully suspended loads and at least reduces soil compaction, soil surface damage and erosion. From a technical viewpoint, cable-based systems can be applied in most forest types and at almost any time if they are equipped properly and with an appropriate configuration (e.g. with all-terrain cable yarders). However, only a few previous studies have been focused on the productivity and related costs that can be expected when cable-based systems are used in flat and environmentally sensitive areas. Therefore, we evaluated a forest operation using a Koller tower yarder with the aim to develop a productivity model that makes it possible to predict the productivity of comparable yarding operations beforehand and estimate related costs. In June 2021, we collected data from 473 cubic metres over bark (m3ob) during 104.25 h of commercial operation. We analysed the resulting 276 work cycles using ordinary least squares regression models. We categorised the work steps into felling (28.3%), yarding (68.0%) and piling (3.7%). The average yarding cycle time was 10.77 ± 5.40 min and resulted in an average yarding productivity of 9.95 m3ob PMH15−1. The variable payload, which was suboptimal in the analysed case, was the predictor with the greatest impact on productivity. Production costs were 86.65 CHF m3ob−1 at roadside, corresponding to 80.59 € m3ob−1.
Grounding Functionalism and Explanatory Unificationism
Authors: STAMATIADIS-BRÉHIER ALEXIOS
Published: September 2022

In this essay, I propose a functionalist theory of grounding (functionalist-grounding). Specifically, I argue that grounding is a second-order phenomenon that is realized by relations that play the noncausal explanatoriness role. I also show that functionalist-grounding can deal with a powerful challenge. Appeals to explanatory unificationism have been made to argue that the success of noncausal explanations does not depend on the existence of grounding relations. Against this, I argue that a systematization involving functionalist-grounding is superior to its anti-relational counterpart.
Examining competition during the agnathan/gnathostome transition using distance-based morphometrics
Authors: Scott Bradley R. , Anderson Philip S. L.
Published: September 2022

The rise of jawed vertebrates (gnathostomes) and extinction of nearly all jawless vertebrates (agnathans) is one of the most important transitions in vertebrate evolution, but the causes are poorly understood. Competition between agnathans and gnathostomes during the Devonian period is the most commonly hypothesized cause; however, no formal attempts to test this hypothesis have been made. Generally, competition between species increases as morphological similarity increases; therefore, this study uses the largest to date morphometric comparison of Silurian and Devonian agnathan and gnathostome groups to determine which groups were most and least likely to have competed. Five agnathan groups (Anaspida, Heterostraci, Osteostraci, Thelodonti, and Furcacaudiformes) were compared with five gnathostome groups (Acanthodii, Actinopterygii, Chondrichthyes, Placodermi, and Sarcopterygii) including taxa from most major orders. Morphological dissimilarity was measured by Gower's dissimilarity coefficient, and the differences between agnathan and gnathostome body forms across early vertebrate morphospace were compared using principal coordinate analysis. Our results indicate competition between some agnathans and gnathostomes is plausible, but not all agnathan groups were similar to gnathostomes. Furcacaudiformes (fork-tailed thelodonts) are distinct from other early vertebrate groups and the least likely to have competed with other groups.