bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Volitional Self-Contradiction Interpretation of Kant’s Formula of Universal Law: A Response to Kleingeld
Authors: Walschots Michael
Published: January 2023

In this paper I critically engage with Pauline Kleingeld’s ‘volitional self-contradiction’ interpretation of Kant’s formula of universal law. I make three remarks: first, I seek to clarify what it means for a contradiction to be volitional as opposed to logical; second, I suggest that her interpretation might need to be closer to Korsgaard’s ‘practical contradiction’ interpretation than she thinks; and third, I suggest that more work needs to be done to explain how a volitional self-contradiction generates both a ‘contradiction in conception’ and a ‘contradiction in will.’
Difference in 30-Day Readmission Rates After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Versus Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass: a Propensity Score Matched Study Using ACS NSQIP Data (2015–2019)
Authors: Ahmed Md Ashfaq , Zhang Zhenwei , Ramamoorthy Venkataraghavan , Saxena Anshul , Rubens Muni , Appunni Sandeep , McGranaghan Peter , Jalal Ahmed Hasnain , Veledar Emir
Published: January 2023

Purpose

There are very few studies that have compared the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Among short-term outcomes, hospital readmission after these procedures is an area for quality enhancement and cost reduction. In this study, we compared 30-day readmission rates after LSG and LRYGB through analyzing a nationalized dataset. In addition, we identified the reasons of readmission.

Materials and Methods

The current study was a retrospective analysis of data from National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) All adult patients, ≥ 18 years of age and who had LSG or LRYGB during 2014 to 2019 were included. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify the procedures. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to calculate propensity score adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for all cause 30-day re-admissions.

Results

There were 109,900 patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgeries (67.5% LSG and 32.5% LRYGB). Readmissions were reported in 4168 (3.8%) of the patients and were more common among RYGB recipients compared to LSG (5.6% versus 2.9%, P < 0.001). The odds of 30-day readmissions were significantly higher among LRYGB group compared to LSG group (AOR, 2.20; 95% CI; 1.83, 2.64). In addition, variables such as age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, bleeding disorders, blood urea nitrogen, SGOT, alkaline phosphatase, hematocrit, and operation time were significantly predicting readmission rates.

Conclusions

Readmission rates were significantly higher among those receiving LRYGB, compared to LSG. Readmission was also affected by many patient factors. The factors could help patients and providers to make informed decisions for selecting appropriate procedures.

Graphical Abstract
The role of metamemory and personality in episodic memory performance in older adults
Authors: Lenti Graziana , Carbone Elena , Sella Enrico , Flegal Kristin E. , Borella Erika
Published: January 2023

This study newly investigated the joint contribution of metamemory and personality (traits and facets) in explaining episodic memory (EM) performance in typically aging older adults. Forty-eight participants (age range: 64–75 years) completed a self-paced word list (SPWL) recall task, a metamemory questionnaire assessing perceived control and potential improvement (PCPI) and self-efficacy and satisfaction (SESA) regarding one’s mental abilities (e.g., memory), and the Big-Five Questionnaire. Based on the SPWL encoding strategies reported, participants were then classified as effective (N = 20) or ineffective (N = 28) memory strategy users. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that a better SPWL performance was predicted by higher levels of PCPI, Scrupulousness and Dominance personality facets. Effective memory strategy users, then, showed higher SPWL performance and Dominance (Energy facet) than ineffective ones. These findings suggest that both specific metamemory processes and personality facets predict better EM performance in older adults. Moreover, personality dispositions relating to Dominance seem to characterize individuals adopting effective memory strategies to support EM performance. These results represent first evidence of the role of both metamemory and personality—facets—in explaining older adults’ EM performance, which should thus be considered when assessing or training EM in old age.
On Italian Economic Development: What the Long-term Says About the Short-term
Authors: Ardeni Pier Giorgio , Gallegati Mauro
Published: January 2023

In most of the literature on Italian economic development it is generally claimed that it was during the times of Giolitti that Italy came to be a rapidly industrializing country. In this paper we show that Italian economic development increasingly gained in speed during the first half a century after Unity. There are five breaking points that can be taken as “structural”, moments when the GDP growth trajectory changes and the economy enters a new phase. The first phase goes from 1861 to 1913, with its steady growth process, characterized by an acceleration in the last fifteen years. The second phase includes the two World Wars and the twenty-year period in between, from 1914 to 1946, with the ups and downs of the post-war rebound and the Great Depression. The third phase coincides with the post-war growth, from 1947 to the mid-Seventies, when the end of the Bretton Woods system, the first oil “shock” and the buildup of social tensions in Italy brought it to an end. It was in seven thousand days, during that phase, that Italy was able to converge to the other advanced economies’ growth path. Between 1975 and 2001 a fourth phase takes place, characterized by “productive decentralization”, “competitive devaluations”, and a slower growth rate, albeit in line with that of the other main economies. Italy undergoes the years of the “productivity slowdown” exploiting the margins on the cost side, without fundamentally changing its economic structure, with low investment and innovation rates. Between 1999 and 2001 the signs of a further phase start to materialize. Italian capitalism adapts with a jobless growth of its export sector and a non-productive employment growth for the rest of its firms. While industry keeps losing ground, the service sector continues to expand. And yet, it is more and more temporary, part-time, and precarious employment that grow. The lesson is that “nothing is forever”: nothing guarantees that even if we implemented all the “reforms” that we were told we would go back to on the old growth paths. Today we are on a track which is a declining table, and we would have to change too many things, this is what the long term says.
Prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, associated factors and pregnancy complications in a primigravida population
Authors: Mathew Rachel , Devanesan Benita P. , Srijana  , Sreedevi N.S.
Published: January 2023

Background

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are among obstetrics' most intriguing and yet unsolved problems. It is one of the major causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study estimates the prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, their associated risk factors and pregnancy complications in primiparous women.

Methods

All primigravida who gave birth in our hospital from December 2020 to December 2021 were included in the study. The prevalence, risk factors, mode of delivery, and maternal and fetal outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in primigravidae were collected from the patient's medical records. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS 18.0 software package. The Chi-square test was used to analyse the association between the risk factors and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in primigravida.

Results

A total of 807 women were included in the study, and the mean age was 26.34 ​± ​3.84 years. The prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in primigravidae was found to be 18.6%. Among the prevalent population, 79.3% of women had gestational hypertension. The findings indicate that hypertension in pregnancy has a significant relationship with risk factors such as increased maternal age (p ​< ​0.004), family history of hypertension in pregnancy (p ​< ​0.001), body mass index >30 ​kg/m2(p ​< ​0.001), hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (p ​< ​0.001), IVF pregnancy (p ​< ​0.004) and polycystic ovary syndrome (p ​< ​0.001). The most reported adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes were placental abruption (p ​< ​0.001), postpartum haemorrhage (p ​< ​0.001), prematurity (p ​< ​0.001), and fetal growth restriction (p ​< ​0.001).

Conclusion

The study emphasises the importance of knowledge and timely assessment of risk factors of HDP. It also highlights the need for pre-conceptional counselling, which includes early detection, careful monitoring and treatment of HDP for preventing morbidity and mortality related to this disorder and it should be followed up even in the postpartum period.
Attributing Past Carbon Fluxes to CO2 and Climate Change: Respiration Response to CO2 Fertilization Shifts Regional Distribution of the Carbon Sink
Authors: Quetin Gregory R. , Famiglietti Caroline A. , Dadap Nathan C. , Bloom A. Anthony , Bowman Kevin W. , Diffenbaugh Noah S. , Liu Junjie , Trugman Anna T. , Konings Alexandra G.
Published: January 2023

Over the past century, increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations have enhanced photosynthesis through CO2 fertilization across the globe. However, the increased growth has also led to greater respiration rates—both from vegetation (autotrophic respiration) and through the breakdown of plant litter and soil organic matter (heterotrophic respiration). The resulting change in carbon flux—and its spatial distribution—that can be attributed to increasing CO2 and climate change remains unknown. We used the Carbon Data Model Framework, a model‐data fusion system that assimilates global observations from satellites and other sources to create an ensemble of observationally constrained carbon cycle representations, to determine the photosynthesis and respiration fluxes that can be attributed to increased atmospheric CO2 and associated climate change from 1920 to 2015. Across the globe, the response of photosynthesis and respiration to atmospheric CO2 dominates their response to climate alone. The regional distribution of the carbon sink attributable to climate change and CO2 is strongly influenced by the 'loss ratio of carbon gained'—the fraction of enhanced photosynthesis that is lost to respiration. While the wet tropics' attributable photosynthesis flux is 1.4 times larger than that of the temperate region, the attributable flux of net carbon uptake is actually 1.25 larger in the temperate region, due to the wet tropics' greater heterotrophic respiration response to enhanced plant growth. At the global scale, the loss ratio of carbon gained is 83 ± 0.6%. Our results highlight the importance of the respiration responses to enhanced plant growth in regulating the land carbon sink.
On the Role of the Amazon River for N2 Fixation in the Western Tropical Atlantic
Authors: Louchard Domitille , Münnich Matthias , Gruber Nicolas
Published: January 2023

The high rates of N2 fixation observed in the Western Tropical Atlantic Ocean are powered, at least in parts, by large influx of nutrients from the Amazon River. To disentangle the impact of the Amazon on different factors controlling N2 fixation in the region, we use a high‐resolution regional model (Regional Oceanic Modeling System‐Biogeochemical Elemental Cycling model) that includes two diazotrophic phytoplankton classes (Trichodesmium and Diatom‐Diazotroph‐Assemblages, DDAs). In our simulations, the Amazon enhances marine N2 fixation by 74% (3.8 Tg N yr−1), with most of the enhancement driven by DDAs that represent 90% of the diazotrophic community in plume waters. To determine how the Amazon creates the conditions in which DDAs thrive, we analyze bottom‐up and top‐down controls on phytoplankton along the plume pathway and how the phytoplankton competition is disrupted by the delivery of nutrients by the river. Along the entire plume pathway, DDAs out‐compete Trichodesmium as their higher maximum growth makes them more efficient in building biomass. Nevertheless, DDAs never account for more than 25% of the total phytoplankton biomass as they face the competition of other non‐diazotrophic phytoplankton types in the use of the riverine nutrients. Overall, DDAs thrive in the offshore plume region where their nutrient uptake advantages (N‐fixation, DOP uptake) is concomitant with a relaxed grazing pressure.
In‐Situ and Triple Oxygen Isotope Characterization of Seafloor Drilled Cherts: Marine Diagenesis and Its Bearing on Seawater Reconstructions
Authors: Zakharov David O. , Marin‐Carbonne Johanna , Pack Andreas , Di Rocco Tommaso , Robyr Martin , Vennemann Torsten
Published: January 2023

Cherts are used to reconstruct the evolution of seawater δ18O and temperature over geological time. However, given the influence of marine diagenesis, reconstructing seawater from the isotope composition of cherts is not straightforward, resulting in ambiguity of interpretation. Here, we present a detailed isotope and petrographic investigation of deep‐sea drilled 135–40 Ma cherts with focus on the effects of marine diagenesis. We combined triple O‐isotope data with in‐situ δ′18O‐16OH/16O measurements using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). We also provide electron microprobe maps, traditional δ′18O measurements from petrographically diverse domains, and δD and H2O wt.% values. The bulk δ′18O values range between 29‰ and 38‰ in our collection, while SIMS δ′18O data reveal significant intra‐sample heterogeneities up to 6‰ related to distinct petrographic features (e.g., filled radiolarian tests) and to micrometer‐scale variations in silica forms. Further, the δ′18O—Δ′17O values of these seafloor‐drilled cherts plot near and under equilibrium curve. Both triple‐O and SIMS δ′18O results reflect diagenesis in presence of marine pore waters at temperatures higher than ambient seawater, which is especially appreciable in cherts deposited on young oceanic crust. Despite the relatively constant δ18O seawater values over last 135 Ma, the marine silica spanning between 0 and 135 Ma occupies a wide compositional space in the δ′18O—Δ′17O rather than an equilibrium curve. The δ′18O values of cherts from modern‐seafloor positively correlate with the oceanic crustal age at the time of deposition, hinting at the importance of the heat flux in the diagenetic recrystallization of marine silica.
Impacts of Ionospheric Conductance on Magnetosphere‐Ionosphere Coupling
Authors: Liu Jing , Wang Wenbin , Qian Liying , Pham Kevin , Liu Libo , Li Qiaoling , Li Shuhan , Liu Xuanqing
Published: January 2023

Understanding the consequence of the complex interplay between solar flare and geomagnetic storm on the magnetosphere‐ionosphere (M‐I) coupling is a critical aspect to space weather research. This is the first attempt to simulate the concurrent solar flare and geomagnetic storm effects on M‐I coupling using the state‐of‐art geospace model which integrates Lyon‐Fedder‐Mobarry ‐Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Electrodynamics General Circulation Model —the Rice Convection ring current Model (LTR) in a self‐consistent way. Our results indicate that dayside E‐region electron density enhancements peak nearly at the same time as the flare and these electron density enhancements at middle latitudes are not very sensitive to storm forcing. F‐region electron densities also have an immediate response to solar flares but take longer to recover compared to E‐region ionosphere, and dayside F‐region electron density enhancements are more prominent for more stormy conditions. These dayside middle‐latitude F‐region enhancements intensify tongue of ionization in the polar cap region. Both E‐ and F‐region electron density increases contribute to polar ionosphere conductance enhancements that have both local and global consequences. Flare‐induced conductance enhancements tend to reduce the amount of Joule dissipation into upper atmosphere and cross polar cap potential around solar flare peak (12:00 UT), and increase dayside field aligned currents and Joule dissipation afterward (12:20–13:30 UT). These effects are more appreciable for stronger solar wind driving conditions. These simulation results provide important references for interpreting observed solar activity/cycle dependence of magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling phenomena.
Formation of Thermochemical Heterogeneities by Core‐Mantle Interaction
Authors: Stein Claudia , Hansen Ulrich
Published: January 2023

Earth's core‐mantle boundary (CMB) shows a complex structure with various seismic anomalies such as the large low shear‐wave velocity provinces (LLSVPs) and ultra‐low velocity zones (ULVZs). As these structures are possibly induced by chemically distinct material forming a layer above the CMB, models of mantle convection made ad hoc assumptions to simulate the dynamics of this layer. In particular, density and mass were prescribed. Both conditions are critical for the dynamics but hardly constrained. Core‐mantle interaction is considered as one possible origin for this dense layer. For example, diffusion‐controlled enrichment of iron has been proposed. We here apply a chemical gradient between the mantle and the denser core to analyze the penetration of dense material into the mantle. As such, we employ 2D Cartesian models where a thermochemical layer at the base of the mantle develops self‐consistently by a diffusive chemical influx. Our simulations indicate that chemical diffusion is strongly affected by the convective mantle flow. This convection‐assisted diffusion yields a compositional influx mainly in the areas where slabs spread over the bottom boundary and sweep dense material aside to form accumulations with rising plumes atop. Like for a prescribed dense layer this process leads to chemically distinct piles, which are typically smaller (therefore more suited to explain ULVZs) but more persistent due to the constant chemical influx. Combining the influx scenario with the primordial layer can possibly explain the simultaneous existence of LLSVPs and ULVZs along with the observation of a core‐like isotopic composition in the mantle.
A Comparison of Hydrological and Geophysical Calibration Data in Layered Hydrologic Models of Mountain Hillslopes
Authors: Pleasants M. S. , Kelleners T. J. , Parsekian A. D. , Befus K. M.
Published: January 2023

Both hydrological and geophysical data can be used to calibrate hillslope hydrologic models. However, these data often reflect hydrological dynamics occurring at disparate spatial scales. Their use as sole objectives in model calibrations may thus result in different optimum hydraulic parameters and hydrologic model behavior. This is especially true for mountain hillslopes where the subsurface is often heterogeneous and the representative elementary volume can be on the scale of several m3. This study explores differences in hydraulic parameters and hillslope‐scale storage and flux dynamics of models calibrated with different hydrological and geophysical data. Soil water content, groundwater level, and two time‐lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data sets (transfer resistance and inverted resistivity) from two mountain hillslopes in Wyoming, USA, are used to calibrate physics‐based surface–subsurface hydrologic models of the hillslopes. Calibrations are performed using each data set independently and all data together resulting in five calibrated parameter sets at each site. Model predicted hillslope runoff and internal hydrological dynamics vary significantly depending on the calibration data set. Results indicate that water content calibration data yield models that overestimate near‐surface water storage in mountain hillslopes. Groundwater level calibration data yield models that more reasonably represent hillslope‐scale storage and flux dynamics. Additionally, ERT calibration data yield models with reasonable hillslope runoff predictions but relatively poor predictions of internal hillslope dynamics. These observations highlight the importance of carefully selecting data for hydrologic model calibration in mountain environments. Poor selection of calibration data may yield models with limited predictive capability depending on modeling goals and model complexity.
The H2A.Z and NuRD associated protein HMG20A controls early head and heart developmental transcription programs
Authors: Herchenröther Andreas , Gossen Stefanie , Friedrich Tobias , Reim Alexander , Daus Nadine , Diegmüller Felix , Leers Jörg , Sani Hakimeh Moghaddas , Gerstner Sarah , Schwarz Leah , Stellmacher Inga , Szymkowiak Laura Victoria , Nist Andrea , Stiewe Thorsten , Borggrefe Tilman , Mann Matthias , Mackay Joel P. , Bartkuhn Marek , Borchers Annette , Lan Jie , Hake Sandra B.
Published: January 2023

Specialized chromatin-binding proteins are required for DNA-based processes during development. We recently established PWWP2A as a direct histone variant H2A.Z interactor involved in mitosis and craniofacial development. Here, we identify the H2A.Z/PWWP2A-associated protein HMG20A as part of several chromatin-modifying complexes, including NuRD, and show that it localizes to distinct genomic regulatory regions. Hmg20a depletion causes severe head and heart developmental defects in Xenopus laevis. Our data indicate that craniofacial malformations are caused by defects in neural crest cell (NCC) migration and cartilage formation. These developmental failures are phenocopied in Hmg20a-depleted mESCs, which show inefficient differentiation into NCCs and cardiomyocytes (CM). Consequently, loss of HMG20A, which marks open promoters and enhancers, results in chromatin accessibility changes and a striking deregulation of transcription programs involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and differentiation processes. Collectively, our findings implicate HMG20A as part of the H2A.Z/PWWP2A/NuRD-axis and reveal it as a key modulator of intricate developmental transcription programs that guide the differentiation of NCCs and CMs.
HSFA1a modulates plant heat stress responses and alters the 3D chromatin organization of enhancer-promoter interactions
Authors: Huang Ying , An Jing , Sircar Sanchari , Bergis Clara , Lopes Chloé Dias , He Xiaoning , Da Costa Barbara , Tan Feng-Quan , Bazin Jeremie , Antunez-Sanchez Javier , Mammarella Maria Florencia , Devani Ravi-sureshbhai , Brik-Chaouche Rim , Bendahmane Abdelhafid , Frugier Florian , Xia Chongjing , Rothan Christophe , Probst Aline V. , Mohamed Zouine , Bergounioux Catherine , Delarue Marianne , Zhang Yijing , Zheng Shaojian , Crespi Martin , Fragkostefanakis Sotirios , Mahfouz Magdy M. , Ariel Federico , Gutierrez-Marcos Jose , Raynaud Cécile , Latrasse David , Benhamed Moussa
Published: January 2023

The complex and dynamic three-dimensional organization of chromatin within the nucleus makes understanding the control of gene expression challenging, but also opens up possible ways to epigenetically modulate gene expression. Because plants are sessile, they evolved sophisticated ways to rapidly modulate gene expression in response to environmental stress, that are thought to be coordinated by changes in chromatin conformation to mediate specific cellular and physiological responses. However, to what extent and how stress induces dynamic changes in chromatin reorganization remains poorly understood. Here, we comprehensively investigated genome-wide chromatin changes associated with transcriptional reprogramming response to heat stress in tomato. Our data show that heat stress induces rapid changes in chromatin architecture, leading to the transient formation of promoter-enhancer contacts, likely driving the expression of heat-stress responsive genes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that chromatin spatial reorganization requires HSFA1a, a transcription factor (TF) essential for heat stress tolerance in tomato. In light of our findings, we propose that TFs play a key role in controlling dynamic transcriptional responses through 3D reconfiguration of promoter-enhancer contacts.
A crowdsourced dataset of aerial images with annotated solar photovoltaic arrays and installation metadata
Authors: Kasmi Gabriel , Saint-Drenan Yves-Marie , Trebosc David , Jolivet Raphaël , Leloux Jonathan , Sarr Babacar , Dubus Laurent
Published: January 2023

Photovoltaic (PV) energy generation plays a crucial role in the energy transition. Small-scale, rooftop PV installations are deployed at an unprecedented pace, and their safe integration into the grid requires up-to-date, high-quality information. Overhead imagery is increasingly being used to improve the knowledge of rooftop PV installations with machine learning models capable of automatically mapping these installations. However, these models cannot be reliably transferred from one region or imagery source to another without incurring a decrease in accuracy. To address this issue, known as distribution shift, and foster the development of PV array mapping pipelines, we propose a dataset containing aerial images, segmentation masks, and installation metadata (i.e., technical characteristics). We provide installation metadata for more than 28000 installations. We supply ground truth segmentation masks for 13000 installations, including 7000 with annotations for two different image providers. Finally, we provide installation metadata that matches the annotation for more than 8000 installations. Dataset applications include end-to-end PV registry construction, robust PV installations mapping, and analysis of crowdsourced datasets.
Association between mask-associated dry eye (MADE) and corneal sensations
Authors: Itokawa Takashi , Okajima Yukinobu , Iwashita Hiroko , Koji Kakisu , Suzuki Takashi , Hori Yuichi
Published: January 2023

To determine the risk of mask-associated dry eye (MADE), we investigated the fluorescein tear break-up time (FBUT), ocular surface temperature and blood flow, along with corneal sensitivity, in mask wearers. We enrolled 60 mask wearers (mean age, 27.1 ± 5.2 years) and then measured FBUT, corneal temperature and conjunctival blood flow without wearing masks (no mask), with masks, and with taped masks. We defined MADE as the condition in which dry eye symptoms appeared and the FBUT with mask was less than 5 s. The FBUT with a mask was significantly shorter compared to the no mask and taped mask groups (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). The corneal temperature difference and conjunctival blood flow difference were significantly higher after wearing a mask than after wearing a taped mask (P < 0.01). Of the 60 subjects, 13 were diagnosed with MADE. Pain sensitivity and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the MADE group, with the FBUT without masks (P < 0.05) significantly shorter than in the non-MADE group. MADE may be associated with corneal hypersensitivity. Wearing masks decreased FBUT and increased ocular surface temperature and blood flow. Taping the top edge of masks prevented these changes. Fitting masks properly may reduce MADE risk.
Dissociating COVID-19 from other respiratory infections based on acoustic, motor coordination, and phonemic patterns
Authors: Talkar Tanya , Low Daniel M. , Simpkin Andrew J. , Ghosh Satrajit , O’Keeffe Derek T. , Quatieri Thomas F.
Published: January 2023

In the face of the global pandemic caused by the disease COVID-19, researchers have increasingly turned to simple measures to detect and monitor the presence of the disease in individuals at home. We sought to determine if measures of neuromotor coordination, derived from acoustic time series, as well as phoneme-based and standard acoustic features extracted from recordings of simple speech tasks could aid in detecting the presence of COVID-19. We further hypothesized that these features would aid in characterizing the effect of COVID-19 on speech production systems. A protocol, consisting of a variety of speech tasks, was administered to 12 individuals with COVID-19 and 15 individuals with other viral infections at University Hospital Galway. From these recordings, we extracted a set of acoustic time series representative of speech production subsystems, as well as their univariate statistics. The time series were further utilized to derive correlation-based features, a proxy for speech production motor coordination. We additionally extracted phoneme-based features. These features were used to create machine learning models to distinguish between the COVID-19 positive and other viral infection groups, with respiratory- and laryngeal-based features resulting in the highest performance. Coordination-based features derived from harmonic-to-noise ratio time series from read speech discriminated between the two groups with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.94. A longitudinal case study of two subjects, one from each group, revealed differences in laryngeal based acoustic features, consistent with observed physiological differences between the two groups. The results from this analysis highlight the promise of using nonintrusive sensing through simple speech recordings for early warning and tracking of COVID-19.
Charge density redistribution with pressure in a zeolite framework
Authors: Stachowicz Marcin , Gajda Roman , Huć Agnieszka , Parafiniuk Jan , Makal Anna , Sutuła Szymon , Fertey Pierre , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: January 2023

As a result of external compression applied to crystals, ions relax, in addition to shortening the bond lengths, by changing their shape and volume. Modern mineralogy is founded on spherical atoms, i.e., the close packing of spheres, ionic or atomic radii, and Pauling and Goldschmidt rules. More advanced, quantum crystallography has led to detailed quantitative studies of electron density in minerals. Here we innovatively apply it to high-pressure studies up to 4.2 GPa of the mineral hsianghualite. With external pressure, electron density redistributes inside ions and among them. For most ions, their volume decreases; however, for silicon volume increases. With growing pressure, we observed the higher contraction of cations in bonding directions, but a slighter expansion towards nonbonding directions. It is possible to trace the spatial redistribution of the electron density in ions even at the level of hundredths parts of an electron per cubic angstrom. This opens a new perspective to experimentally characterise mineral processes in the Earth’s mantle. The use of diamond anvil cells with quantum crystallography offers more than interatomic distances and elastic properties of minerals. Interactions, energetic features, a branch so far reserved only to the first principle DFT calculations at ultra-high-pressures, become available experimentally.
Investigating the magnetic, thermoelectric, and thermodynamic properties of the GeCH3 single-layer considering external magnetic field, doping, and strain
Authors: Abdi Mona , Astinchap Bandar
Published: January 2023

Extensive research is ongoing to improve the performance of thermoelectric and thermodynamic properties of the material because preventing energy waste is vital in modern society. Herein, we study the thermoelectric and thermodynamic properties of the GeCH3single-layer (SL) under the influence of an external magnetic field, electron doping, and tensile and compressive biaxial strain by using the tight-binding and equilibrium Green’s function method. We found that the electronic heat capacity, magnetic susceptibility, and electronic thermal and electrical conductivity increase by employing an external magnetic field, electron doping, and tensile biaxial strain. However, compressive biaxial strain yields a decrease in thermoelectric and thermodynamic properties. The results of our study show that the GeCH3SL is paramagnetic. The results presented here that the GeCH3SL is a suitable alternative for use in thermoelectric, spintronic, and valleytronics devices.
Deep learning based diagnostic quality assessment of choroidal OCT features with expert-evaluated explainability
Authors: Koidala S. P. , Manne S. R. , Ozimba K. , Rasheed M. A. , Bashar S. B. , Ibrahim M. N. , Selvam A. , Sahel J. A. , Chhablani J. , Jana S. , Vupparaboina K. K.
Published: January 2023

Various vision-threatening eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) are caused due to the dysfunctions manifested in the highly vascular choroid layer of the posterior segment of the eye. In the current clinical practice, screening choroidal structural changes is widely based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Accordingly, to assist clinicians, several automated choroidal biomarker detection methods using OCT images are developed. However, the performance of these algorithms is largely constrained by the quality of the OCT scan. Consequently, determining the quality of choroidal features in OCT scans is significant in building standardized quantification tools and hence constitutes our main objective. This study includes a dataset of 1593 good and 2581 bad quality Spectralis OCT images graded by an expert. Noting the efficacy of deep-learning (DL) in medical image analysis, we propose to train three state-of-the-art DL models: ResNet18, EfficientNet-B0 and EfficientNet-B3 to detect the quality of OCT images. The choice of these models was inspired by their ability to preserve the salient features across all the layers without information loss. To evaluate the attention of DL models on the choroid, we introduced color transparency maps (CTMs) based on GradCAM explanations. Further, we proposed two subjective grading scores: overall choroid coverage (OCC) and choroid coverage in the visible region(CCVR) based on CTMs to objectively correlate visual explanations vis-à-vis DL model attentions. We observed that the average accuracy and F-scores for the three DL models are greater than 96%. Further, the OCC and CCVR scores achieved for the three DL models under consideration substantiate that they mostly focus on the choroid layer in making the decision. In particular, of the three DL models, EfficientNet-B3 is in close agreement with the clinician’s inference. The proposed DL-based framework demonstrated high detection accuracy as well as attention on the choroid layer, where EfficientNet-B3 reported superior performance. Our work assumes significance in bench-marking the automated choroid biomarker detection tools and facilitating high-throughput screening. Further, the methods proposed in this work can be adopted for evaluating the attention of DL-based approaches developed for other region-specific quality assessment tasks.
ANXA10 is a prognostic biomarker and suppressor of hepatocellular carcinoma: a bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation
Authors: Zhang Chaohua , Peng Linglong , Gu Haitao , Wang Jijian , Wang Yaxu , Xu Zhiquan
Published: January 2023

Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is one of the main cancers worldwide and has high morbidity and mortality rates. Although previous studies have shown that ANXA10 is expressed at low levels in LIHC tumor tissues, the biological function of ANXA10 in LIHC is still unclear. Therefore, we utilized TCGA, TIMER, GEPIA2, TISIDB, LinkedOmics, ssGSEA algorithms and CIBERSORT methodology to preliminarily evaluate the potential mechanism of ANXA10 in LIHC. In vitro experiments were used to further verify some functions of ANXA10. Consequently, we found that ANXA10 mRNA/protein expression was downregulated in LIHC tissue compared to normal tissue. ANXA10 was significantly linked with clinicopathological features, immunocytes, multiple cancer-related pathways, m6A modification and a ceRNA network. A three-gene prognostic signature rooted in ANXA10-related immunomodulators was determined and found to be an independent prognostic predictor. A nomogram was constructed to predict survival with good accuracy. Additionally, in vitro trials revealed that ANXA10 upregulation inhibited LIHC cell proliferation and migration. This study reveals that ANXA10 may serve as a prognostic marker and promising therapeutic target in LIHC clinical practice through various biologic functions.
Assessing the United Nations sustainable development goals from the inclusive wealth perspective
Authors: Sugiawan Yogi , Kurniawan Robi , Managi Shunsuke
Published: January 2023

The statement of sustainability in the sustainable development goals (SDGs) framework needs to be supplemented by a formal proof that intergenerational well-being also improves. This is the first study that aims to provide empirical evidence that links the progress of the SDGs and the changes in well-being, which are proxied by the SDG Index and the Inclusive Wealth (IW) Index, respectively. We propose an SDGs-wealth model which was analyzed using a machine learning method involving a balanced panel of 147 countries for 2000–2019. We find a strong correlation between wealth and the SDGs, with Goals 12, 13, and 7 being the most significant predictors of wealth. In contrast to Goals 12 and 13, we find a positive correlation between Goal 7 and the per capita IW Index, suggesting that promoting affordable and clean energy is beneficial for wealth accumulation. Quite the opposite, fostering responsible consumption and production and climate actions might be detrimental to wealth. We also find an alarming result for 50 countries in our study since they have deviated from the sustainable development trajectories either in the short or long run. Our study suggests that to achieve sustainable development, instead of focusing on the complex interactions among the SDGs, policymakers should put a stronger focus on improving IW.
Non-rectangular neurostimulation waveforms elicit varied sensation quality and perceptive fields on the hand
Authors: Collu Riccardo , Earley Eric J. , Barbaro Massimo , Ortiz-Catalan Max
Published: January 2023

Electrical stimulation of the nerves is known to elicit distinct sensations perceived in distal parts of the body. The stimulation is typically modulated in current with charge-balanced rectangular shapes that, although easily generated by stimulators available on the market, are not able to cover the entire range of somatosensory experiences from daily life. In this regard, we have investigated the effect of electrical neurostimulation with four non-rectangular waveforms in an experiment involving 11 healthy able-bodied subjects. Weiss curves were estimated and rheobase and chronaxie values were obtained showing increases in stimulation time required to elicit sensations for some waveforms. The localization of the sensations reported in the hand also appeared to differ between waveforms, although the total area did not vary significantly. Finally, the possibility of distinguishing different charge- and amplitude-matched stimuli was demonstrated through a two-alternative-forced-choice (2AFC) match-to-sample task, showing the ability of participants to successfully distinguish between waveforms with similar electrical characteristics but different shapes and charge transfer rates. This study provides evidence that, by using different waveforms to stimulate nerves, it is possible to affect not only the required charge to elicit sensations but also the sensation quality and its localization.
Combinatorial therapy with BAR502 and UDCA resets FXR and GPBAR1 signaling and reverses liver histopathology in a model of NASH
Authors: Marchianò Silvia , Biagioli Michele , Morretta Elva , Di Giorgio Cristina , Roselli Rosalinda , Bordoni Martina , Bellini Rachele , Urbani Ginevra , Massa Carmen , Monti Maria Chiara , Zampella Angela , Distrutti Eleonora , Fiorucci Stefano
Published: January 2023

Non-alcoholic steatosis (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) are two highly prevalent human disorders for which therapy remains suboptimal. Bile acids are signaling molecules acting on two main receptors the Farnesoid-x-receptor (FXR) and G protein coupled receptor GPB AR1. Clinical trials have shown that FXR agonism might result in side effects along with lack of efficacy in restoring liver histopathology. For these reasons a multi-targets therapy combined FXR agonists with agent targeting additional molecular mechanisms might have improved efficacy over selective FXR agonists. In the present study we have compared the effects of BAR502, a dual FXR/GPBAR1 ligand) alone or in combination with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in a model of NAFLD/NASH induced by feeding mice with a Western diet for 10 weeks. The results demonstrated that while BAR502 and UDCA partially protected against liver damage caused by Western diet, the combination of the two, reversed the pro-atherogenic lipid profile and completely reversed the histopathology damage, attenuating liver steatosis, ballooning, inflammation and fibrosis. Additionally, while both agents increased insulin sensitivity and bile acid signaling, the combination of the two, modulated up top 85 genes in comparison of mice feed a Western diet, strongly reducing expression of inflammatory markers such as chemokines and cytokines. Additionally, the combination of the two agents redirected the bile acid metabolism toward bile acid species that are GPBAR1 agonist while reduced liver bile acid content and increased fecal excretion. Together, these data, highlight the potential role for a combinatorial therapy based on BAR502 and UDCA in treating of NAFLD.
Automatic detection of multilayer hexagonal boron nitride in optical images using deep learning-based computer vision
Authors: Ramezani Fereshteh , Parvez Sheikh , Fix J. Pierce , Battaglin Arthur , Whyte Seamus , Borys Nicholas J. , Whitaker Bradley M.
Published: January 2023

Computer vision algorithms can quickly analyze numerous images and identify useful information with high accuracy. Recently, computer vision has been used to identify 2D materials in microscope images. 2D materials have important fundamental properties allowing for their use in many potential applications, including many in quantum information science and engineering. One such material is hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), an isomorph of graphene with a very indistinguishable layered structure. In order to use these materials for research and product development, the most effective method is mechanical exfoliation where single-layer 2D crystallites must be prepared through an exfoliation procedure and then identified using reflected light optical microscopy. Performing these searches manually is a time-consuming and tedious task. Deploying deep learning-based computer vision algorithms for 2D material search can automate the flake detection task with minimal need for human intervention. In this work, we have implemented a new deep learning pipeline to classify crystallites of hBN based on coarse thickness classifications in reflected-light optical micrographs. We have used DetectoRS as the object detector and trained it on 177 images containing hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) flakes of varying thickness. The trained model achieved a high detection accuracy for the rare category of thin flakes ($$<50$$

<
50

atomic layers thick). Further analysis shows that our proposed pipeline could be generalized to various microscope settings and is robust against changes in color or substrate background.
An urgent health problem of indoor air pollution: results from a 15-years carbon monoxide poisoning observed study in Jinan City
Authors: Li Mingjun , Shan Bing , Peng Xiumiao , Chang Huiyun , Cui Liangliang
Published: January 2023

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a public health concern in developing countries especially in China with a high disease burden. We aimed to focus on non-occupational CO poisoning caused by household coal heating secular trends based on registry data in Jinan, China, and we aim to provide further evidence and suggestions for public health policy. We analyzed the occurrence and development trend and assess the spatial–temporal epidemiological characteristics of non-occupational CO poisoning caused by household coal heating in Jinan between 2007 and 2021. Among total of 6588 CO poisoning, 5616 cases (85.25%) and 180 deaths caused by household coal heating was identified during study period. The cumulative incidence rate was 5.78 per 100,000 person-years and the mortality rate was 0.19 per 100,000 person-years. The incidence in urban areas (6.55 per 100,000 person-years) was higher than rural areas (5.04 per 100,000 person-years), and there was a statistical difference between urban and rural (P < 0.001) (P < 0.001). The poisoning time point mainly occurs in the sleep stage. In Jinan, socioeconomic status, accessibility to health services and rural status are determinants for CO poisoning incidence and mortality. Implementation of urban and rural central heating renovation is an effective way to further reduce the disease burden of CO poisoning in the future.
A retrospective evaluation of short-term results from colonic stenting as a bridge to elective surgery versus emergency surgery for malignant colonic obstruction
Authors: Mu Chongjing , Chen Lei
Published: January 2023

The efficacy and safety of self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) placement as a bridge to elective surgery versus emergency surgery to treat malignant colonic obstruction is debated. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients with malignant colonic obstruction treated using different procedure. Subjects admitted to the authors’ department with colonic obstruction (n = 87) were studied. They underwent colonic stenting as a bridge to elective surgery (SEMS group: n = 14) or emergency surgery (ES group: n = 22).Their demographic characteristics, stoma rate, laparoscopy rate and postoperative complications were analyzed, and the potential risk factors of postoperative complications and the optimal time interval from SEMS implantation to elective surgery were explored. The stoma rate was 15.4% in the SEMS group versus 60.0% in the ES group (P = 0.015), and the postoperative complication rate was 7.7% in the SEMS group versus 40.0% in the ES group (P = 0.042). The proportion of patients undergoing laparoscopy in SEMS group was significantly higher than that in ES group (69.2% vs. 15.0%; P = 0.003).The effect of ASA grade on postoperative complications was statistically significant (OR = 24.565; P = 0.008). The Receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve could not determine the optimal time interval between SEMS implantation and elective surgery (AUC = 0.466). SEMS implantation has the advantages of lower temporary stoma rate, less postoperative complications and higher laparoscopy rate compared with ES in the treatment of left malignant intestinal obstruction. ASA grade is a risk factor for postoperative complications. However, larger sample size prospective randomized controlled trials (RCT) are still needed to confirm long-term oncological outcomes.