bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of non-contrast-enhanced imaging input sequences on the generation of virtual contrast-enhanced breast MRI scans using neural network
Authors: Liebert Andrzej , Schreiter Hannes , Kapsner Lorenz A. , Eberle Jessica , Ehring Chris M. , Hadler Dominique , Brock Luise , Erber Ramona , Emons Julius , Laun Frederik B. , Uder Michael , Wenkel Evelyn , Ohlmeyer Sabine , Bickelhaupt Sebastian
Published: October 2024

Objective

To investigate how different combinations of T1-weighted (T1w), T2-weighted (T2w), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) impact the performance of virtual contrast-enhanced (vCE) breast MRI.

Materials and methods

The IRB-approved, retrospective study included 1064 multiparametric breast MRI scans (age: 52 ± 12 years) obtained from 2017 to 2020 (single site, two 3-T MRI). Eleven independent neural networks were trained to derive vCE images from varying input combinations of T1w, T2w, and multi-b-value DWI sequences (b-value = 50–1500 s/mm2). Three readers evaluated the vCE images with regard to qualitative scores of diagnostic image quality, image sharpness, satisfaction with contrast/signal-to-noise ratio, and lesion/non-mass enhancement conspicuity. Quantitative metrics (SSIM, PSNR, NRMSE, and median symmetrical accuracy) were analyzed and statistically compared between the input combinations for the full breast volume and both enhancing and non-enhancing target findings.

Results

The independent test set consisted of 187 cases. The quantitative metrics significantly improved in target findings when multi-b-value DWI sequences were included during vCE training (p < 0.05). Non-significant effects (p > 0.05) were observed for the quantitative metrics on the full breast volume when comparing input combinations including T1w. Using T1w and DWI acquisitions during vCE training is necessary to achieve high satisfaction with contrast/SNR and good conspicuity of the enhancing findings. The input combination of T1w, T2w, and DWI sequences with three b-values showed the best qualitative performance.

Conclusion

vCE breast MRI performance is significantly influenced by input sequences. Quantitative metrics and visual quality of vCE images significantly benefit when multi b-value DWI is added to morphologic T1w-/T2w sequences as input for model training.

Key Points

QuestionHow do different MRI sequences impact the performance of virtual contrast-enhanced (vCE) breast MRI?

FindingsThe input combination of T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and diffusion-weighted imaging sequences with three b-values showed the best qualitative performance.

Clinical relevanceWhile in the future neural networks providing virtual contrast-enhanced images might further improve accessibility to breast MRI, the significant influence of input data needs to be considered during translational research.

Graphical Abstract
An online workshop to raise awareness of pelvic floor in track and field female athletes: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Vico-Moreno Elena , Fernández-Domínguez Juan Carlos , Romero-Franco Natalia , Molina-Mula Jesús , González-Trujillo Antonio , Bosch-Donate Elisa
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Track and field is a high-impact sport that may facilitate pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) of females. Although increasing the information may reduce deleterious habits, the traditional workshops to date did not motivate and engage the female athletes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an online educational workshop about pelvic floor awareness on knowledge and habits of track and field female athletes.

Methods

A total of 49 track and field athletes participated in this quasi-experimental study: 38 attended an educational workshop and 11 did not. The workshop included innovative resources, such as 3D anatomic models, practical proprioceptive exercises guided by physiotherapists, and an anonymous questions and answers section. Before and 1 month later, all the athletes fulfilled an anonymous questionnaire to assess their knowledge about urinary incontinence (UI), ano-rectal incontinence (ARI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD), as well as toileting and sports habits.

Results

After attending the workshop, athletes obtained higher scores in knowledge about ARI (p = 0.019), POP (p < 0.001), and FSD (p = 0.018) compared to baseline and athletes who did not attend it. No improvements were observed in habits and knowledge about UI (p > 0.05). The athletes who reached 70% of correct responses about POP had greater number of healthy habits than the rest of the athletes.

Conclusions

An innovative educational workshop about pelvic floor increases knowledge of track and field female athletes but is insufficient to modify their habits. Sports and health professionals should design educational strategies to manage the most unknown topics about pelvic floor care, considering that the proposed methodology and innovative resources are effective to increase knowledge.
Effects of endurance exercise under hypoxic conditions on the gastric emptying rate and intestinal cell damage
Authors: Nomura Sayaka , Sumi Daichi , Nagatsuka Haruna , Suzuki Tomotaka , Goto Kazushige
Published: October 2024

The present study examined the effects of gastric emptying rate and intestinal cell damage following a single session of endurance exercise under “hypoxic” or “normoxic” conditions at the same relative intensity. Eleven healthy males performed two trials on different days, consisting of a 60 min run on a treadmill at 70% maximal running velocity (vMax) while inspiring hypoxic (FiO2: 14.5%; HYP) or normoxic air (FiO2: 20.9%; NOR). The average running velocity was 11.4  ±  0.7 km/h in NOR and 10.8  ±  0.5 km/h in HYP, respectively. Venous blood samples were collected to evaluate plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) as an indicator of exercise-induced intestinal cell damage. The gastric emptying rate was determined by the 13C-sodium acetate breath test. Running velocities at 70% vMax and arterial oxygen saturation were significantly lower under HYP than NOR (p < 0.001). Peak heart rate and rating of perceived exertion during exercise did not differ significantly between the trials. Maximum 13C excretion time (an indication of the gastric emptying rate) was significantly delayed in the HYP (NOR: 38.5  ±  5.0 min, HYP: 45.5  ±  9.6 min; p = 0.010). Furthermore, the score of nausea increased slightly, but increased significantly after exercise only in the HYP (p = 0.04). However, exercise-induced changes in plasma I-FABP, adrenaline, and noradrenaline concentrations did not differ significantly between the two trials. These results suggest that endurance exercise under hypoxic conditions impairs digestive function in the stomach compared to exercise under normoxic conditions performed at the same relative intensity.
Biallelic germline DDX41 variants in a patient with bone dysplasia, ichthyosis, and dysmorphic features
Authors: Sharma Prashant , McFadden Jason R. , Frost F. Graeme , Markello Thomas C. , Grange Dorothy K. , Introne Wendy J. , Gahl William A. , Malicdan May Christine V.
Published: October 2024

DDX41 (DEAD‑box helicase 41) is a member of the largest family of RNA helicases. The DEAD-box RNA helicases share a highly conserved core structure and regulate all aspects of RNA metabolism. The functional role of DDX41 in innate immunity is also highly conserved. DDX41 acts as a sensor of viral DNA and activates the STING-TBK1-IRF3-type I IFN signaling pathway. Germline heterozygous variants in DDX41 have been reported in familial myelodysplasia syndrome (MDS)/acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients; most patients also acquired a somatic variant in the second DDX41 allele. Here, we report a patient who inherited compound heterozygous DDX41 variants and presented with bone dysplasia, ichthyosis, and dysmorphic features. Functional analyses of the patient-derived dermal fibroblasts revealed a reduced abundance of DDX41 and abrogated activation of the IFN genes through the STING-type I interferon pathway. Genome-wide transcriptome analyses in the patient’s fibroblasts revealed significant gene dysregulation and changes in the RNA splicing events. The patient’s fibroblasts also displayed upregulation of periostin mRNA expression. Using an RNA binding protein assay, we identified DDX41 as a novel regulator of periostin expression. Our results suggest that functional impairment of DDX41, along with dysregulated periostin expression, likely contributes to this patient’s multisystem disorder.
Exploring failure evolution of anti-dip slate slope using centrifuge test and discrete element method
Authors: Weng Meng-Chia , Peng Chia-Hsun , Hung Wen-Yi , Guo Yu-Jiun
Published: October 2024

Toppling failure commonly occurs in anti-dip slate slopes due to foliation splitting and gravitational deformation. The study uses centrifuge tests and the discrete element method (DEM) to investigate the influence of foliation and existing fractures on the toppling failure evolution of anti-dip slopes. Six centrifuge tests with slate blocks obtained from an actual slope were carried out. Then, a proposed foliation model was implemented in the DEM software 3DEC to simulate the failure evolution of anti-dip slopes. The 3DEC analysis was validated by the actual failure pattern of slopes in centrifuge tests. The results indicate that the toppling failure of the anti-dip slope was initiated by existing fractures rather than the original cohesive foliation. Though the slate foliation is regarded as a weak plane in the rock mass, it retains a higher strength than the existing fracture, so the toppling failure is difficult to initiate from the cohesive foliation. The closer the fracture is to the free surface, the more pronounced the damage. In addition, the simulation indicates that the existing fracture's position also affects the anti-dip slope's failure degree. The fractures on the top propagate more easily than those on the bottom.
Circadian and sleep–wake homeostatic modulation of EEG activity during sleep and wakefulness
Authors: Cajochen Christian
Published: October 2024

The human sleep–wake cycle is regulated by two distinct processes: the circadian timing system (CTS) and the sleep–wake homeostatic (SWH) process. The CTS is driven by a small region in the anterior hypothalamus of the brain, which is known as the “circadian clock.” By contrast, the SWH can be conceptualized as an hourglass, whereby sleep pressure builds up during waking hours and is released during sleep. In contrast to the CTS, there is no specific brain region that controls this hourglass process. A complex modulation of these two processes affects electroencephalographic (EEG) activity throughout the 24‑h day, resulting in the emergence of specific EEG features. These features can be classified into three categories: those that show clear circadian patterns, those that are predominantly influenced by the homeostatic process, and those that show a combination of both. This review describes the EEG features quantified by spectral analysis during sleep and wakefulness derived from specific human study protocols, which enable the separation of the influence of the circadian clock and the sleep–wake hourglass process. Second, the potential for circadian and SWH modulation to influence interictal activity and seizure occurrence will be discussed, along with its implications for the diagnosis, treatment, and seizure prediction and prevention.
The presence of experienced individuals enhance the behavior and survival of reintroduced woolly monkeys in Colombia
Authors: Gómez-Muñoz Mariana , Ramírez Mónica A. , Pérez-Torres Jairo , Stevenson Pablo R.
Published: October 2024

Primate populations are under threat due to human activities, like illegal trafficking, requiring conservation efforts such as reintroduction programs. However, these initiatives often encounter challenges, such as aspects of individual behavior related to movement and foraging. The presence of experienced conspecifics has been suggested to improve the success of these programs. This study focuses on woolly monkeys and examines how the presence of experienced conspecifics influences the performance of reintroduced individuals. Focal animal sampling was used to collect data on proximity, diet composition, home range, and use of vertical strata of three groups of reintroduced woolly monkeys. Data was analyzed for the first 2 and 6 months after release of individuals. The results reveal that the involvement of experienced conspecifics speeds up the process of adaptation, particularly in terms of diet diversity and spatial utilization; however, differences in individual responses were also prevalent. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating individuals with prior wild experience into reintroduction groups for improving the likelihood of success. Additionally, the study underscores the role of social learning in captive management practices, aiding in post-release behavioral adaptation and survival. This research offers valuable insights for primate conservation, emphasizing the significance of considering the presence of experienced individuals and possible social learning processes in the planning and execution of effective reintroduction efforts.
The More the Better? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Benefits of More than Two External Representations in STEM Education
Authors: Rexigel Eva , Kuhn Jochen , Becker Sebastian , Malone Sarah
Published: October 2024

Over the last decades, a multitude of results in educational and psychological research have shown that the implementation of multiple external representations (MERs) in educational contexts represents a valuable tool for fostering learning and problem-solving skills. The context of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education has received great attention because it necessitates using various symbolic (e.g., text and formula) and graphical representations (e.g., pictures and graphs) to convey subject content. Research has mainly explored effects of combining two representations, but the potential benefits of integrating more than two representations on students’ learning remain underexplored. This gap limits our understanding of promising educational practices and restricts the development of effective teaching strategies catering to students’ cognitive needs. To close this gap, we conducted a systematic review of 46 studies and a meta-analysis that included 132 effect sizes to evaluate the effectiveness of using more than two representations in STEM education and to identify moderating factors influencing learning and problem-solving. A network diagram analysis revealed that the advantages of learning and problem-solving with MERs are also applicable to more than two representations. A subsequent meta-analysis revealed that the learning with more than two representations in STEM can have advantageous effects on students cognitive load ($${\text{Hedges}}{^\prime}g =0.324,~p<.001,~95\%~\text{CI}~[0.164, 0.484]$$

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Fairness Deliberations and Fair Allocations in Symmetric and Asymmetric Bargaining–An Experimental Study on Group Decisions in Germany and China
Authors: Hennig-Schmidt Heike , Li Zhuyu , Walkowitz Gari
Published: October 2024

The study’s primary focus is on examining fairness deliberations of bargainers in Germany and in China under symmetric and asymmetric bargaining power to understand whether they incorporate fairness into their decision process and, if so, how this affects bargaining outcomes. To this end, we conducted an incentivized ultimatum bargaining experiment with symmetric and asymmetric outside options. Groups (N = 142) of three persons interact as proposers and responders in dyads and decide simultaneously on their offer or which offers to accept or reject. Communication between parties is inhibited. We videotaped in-group discussions; the resulting transcripts were text analyzed by eliciting whether groups make fairness an issue, which fairness norms they discuss, and whether they use fairness-related perspective-taking to overcome the communication constraint. We find that asymmetry of bargaining power in favor of the proposer leads to lower offers relative to the symmetric situation. Not all groups make fairness an issue, and fairness deliberations alone have no significant impact on offers. However, when associated with the equal-payoff norm, and in Chinese groups in particular, discussing fairness increases offers in symmetric but also in asymmetric situations, in which other fairness norms could have been applied, too. Fairness-related perspective-taking is used by German and Chinese groups and is associated with higher offers in the former. Our study makes an epistemological and related methodological contribution: a possibly biased interpretation of bargaining outcomes can be mitigated if information on decision processes and underlying mechanisms were available.
A Non-targeted Proteomics Newborn Screening Platform for Inborn Errors of Immunity
Authors: Shibata Hirofumi , Nakajima Daisuke , Konno Ryo , Hijikata Atsushi , Higashiguchi Motoko , Nihira Hiroshi , Shimodera Saeko , Miyamoto Takayuki , Nishitani-Isa Masahiko , Hiejima Eitaro , Izawa Kazushi , Takita Junko , Heike Toshio , Okamura Ken , Ohnishi Hidenori , Ishimura Masataka , Okada Satoshi , Yamashita Motoi , Morio Tomohiro , Kanegane Hirokazu , Imai Kohsuke , Nakamura Yasuko , Nonoyama Shigeaki , Uchiyama Toru , Onodera Masafumi , Nishikomori Ryuta , Ohara Osamu , Kawashima Yusuke , Yasumi Takahiro
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Newborn screening using dried blood spot (DBS) samples for the targeted measurement of metabolites and nucleic acids has made a substantial contribution to public healthcare by facilitating the detection of neonates with genetic disorders. Here, we investigated the applicability of non-targeted quantitative proteomics analysis to newborn screening for inborn errors of immunity (IEIs).

Methods

DBS samples from 40 healthy newborns and eight healthy adults were subjected to non-targeted proteomics analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry after removal of the hydrophilic fraction. Subsequently, DBS samples from 43 IEI patients were analyzed to determine whether patients can be identified by reduced expression of disease-associated proteins.

Results

DBS protein profiling allowed monitoring of levels of proteins encoded by 2912 genes, including 1110 listed in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database, in healthy newborn samples, and was useful in identifying patients with IEIs by detecting reduced levels of disease causative proteins and their interacting proteins, as well as cell-phenotypical alterations.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that non-targeted quantitative protein profiling of DBS samples can be used to identify patients with IEIs and develop a novel newborn screening platform for genetic disorders.
Negative Beliefs About Working with Health Problems and Support at Work as Predictors for Return to Work for People Struggling with Common Mental Disorders
Authors: Bjørndal Marianne Tranberg , Frederiksen Kristian Pihl , Gjengedal Ragne Gunnarsdatter Hole , Bull-Hansen Bente , Osnes Kåre , Hannisdal Marit , Hjemdal Odin
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors for return to work for people struggling with common mental disorders on sick leave or at risk of sick leave. The first aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a set of statements exploring different conditions at the workplace and assumptions about working with health problems, by investigating the factor structure, reliability and construct validity of these statements. The second aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of the identified factors.

Methods

A total of 797 patients from an outpatient mental health clinic were included in a naturalistic observational study. The study design was longitudinal. The participants filled out self-report questionnaires pre- and post-treatment.

Results

A principal component factor analysis with a varimax rotation identified two factors, Negative beliefs about working with health problems and Support at work, displaying high internal consistency, 0.83 and 0.84, respectively. Separately, both factors were significant predictors of full return to work after treatment. The final multivariable analysis including both factors left Negative beliefs about working with health problems as a significant predictor explaining unique variance.

Conclusions

Negative beliefs about working with health problems and Support at work are important predictors for work status after treatment and should therefore be addressed during treatment for common mental disorders to assist people return to work.
Combining graph theory and spatially-explicit, individual-based models to improve invasive species control strategies at a regional scale
Authors: Drake Joseph , O’Malley Grace , Kraft John , Mims Meryl C.
Published: October 2024

Context

Invasive species cause widespread species extinction and economic loss. There is an increasing need to identify ways to efficiently target control efforts from local to regional scales.

Objectives

Our goal was to test whether prioritizing managed habitat using different treatments based on spatial measures of connectivity, including graph-theoretic measures, can improve management of invasive species and whether the level of control effort affects treatment performance. We also explored how uncertainty in biological variables, such as dispersal ability, affects measures performance.

Methods

We used a spatially-explicit, individual-based model (sIBM) based on the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), a globally pervasive invasive species. Simulations were informed by geographic data from part of the American bullfrog’s non-native range in southeastern Arizona, USA where they are known to pose a threat to native species.

Results

We found that total bullfrog populations and occupancy declined in response to all treatments regardless of effort level or patch prioritization methods. The most effective spatial prioritization was effort-dependent and varied depending on spatial context, but frequently a buffer strategy was most effective. Treatments were also sensitive to dispersal ability. Performance of treatments prioritizing habitat patches using betweenness centrality improved with increasing dispersal ability, while performance of eigenvalue centrality improved as dispersal ability decreased.

Conclusions

With the careful application of connectivity measures to prioritize control efforts, similar reductions in invasive species population size and occupancy could be achieved with less than half the effort of sub-optimal connectivity measures at higher effort rates. More work is needed to determine if trait-based generalities may define appropriate connectivity measures for specific suites of dispersal abilities, demographic traits, and population dynamics.
Predicting and assessing the impacts of COVID-19 disruption on marine science and sectors in Australia
Authors: Hobday Alistair J. , Walters Vicki M. , Stephenson Robert L. , Baylis Shane , Bessey Cindy , Boschetti Fabio , Bulman Catherine , Contardo Stephanie , Dambacher Jeffrey M. , Day Jemery , Dowling Natalie A. , Dunstan Piers , Eveson J. Paige , Farley Jessica H. , Green Mark , Fulton Elizabeth A. , Grewe Peter , Kunnath Haris , Lenton Andrew , Mackay Mary , McDonald Karlie S. , Melbourne-Thomas Jess , Moeseneder Chris , Pascoe Sean , Patterson Toby A. , Pethybridge Heidi , Plagányi Éva E. , Scheufele Gabriela , Schuyler Qamar , Strzelecki Joanna , Thomson Robin , van Putten E. Ingrid , Wilcox Chris
Published: October 2024

By March 2020 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was anticipated to present a major challenge to the work undertaken by scientists. This pandemic could be considered just one of the shocks that human society has had and will be likely to confront again in the future. As strategic thinking about the future can assist performance and planning of scientific research in the face of change, the pandemic presented an opportunity to evaluate the performance of marine researchers in prediction of future outcomes. In March 2020, two groups of researchers predicted outcomes for the Australian marine research sector, and then evaluated these predictions after 18 months. The self-assessed coping ability of a group experienced in ‘futures studies’ was not higher than the less-experienced group, suggesting that scientists in general may be well placed to cope with shocks. A range of changes to scientific endeavours (e.g., travel, fieldwork) and to marine sectors (e.g., fisheries, biodiversity) were predicted over the first 12–18 months of COVID-19 disruption. The predicted direction of change was generally correct (56%) or neutral (25%) for predictions related to the scientific endeavour, and correct (73%) or mixed (9%) for predictions related to sectors that are the focus of marine research. The success of this foresighting experiment suggests that the collective wisdom of scientists can be used by their organisations to consider the impact of shocks and disruptions and to better prepare for and cope with shocks.

Graphical abstract

Word cloud analysis of free text responses to questions about expected impact of COVID-19 on the activities associated with marine science
Feminist Beliefs, Not Gender Equality Primes, Shape Self-Reported Partner Preferences
Authors: Wareham Natalie , Pákozdy Csilla , Brown Gillian R.
Published: October 2024

Men are reported to prioritise physical attractiveness in potential intimate partners, while women focus on the abilities of potential partners to provide resources. Yet previous research has suggested that these traditional gender differences vary according to national levels of gender equality. Here, we used priming material to manipulate participants’ perceptions of gender equality and examined the effects on self-reported partner preferences, and we also investigated the association between participants’ gender role attitudes and partner preferences. In Study 1 and 2 (n = 224 and 380), participants were presented with priming material that focused on either inequality between the genders in the present day (Inequality Condition) or recent improvements in gender equality (Equality Condition). Contrary to our predictions, the importance that participants placed on the physical traits and resource-gaining potential of partners did not differ between conditions in either study. However, on average, men placed greater emphasis on physical traits and preferred younger partners, and women placed greater emphasis on resource-gaining characteristics and preferred older partners, in line with previous research. In addition, men who reported more positive feminist attitudes placed less emphasis on physical traits, and women who reported more positive feminist attitudes placed greater emphasis on kindness, compared to same-gender participants who scored lower on feminist attitudes. This research suggests that self-reported partner preferences are related to an individual’s feminist attitudes and highlight the challenges of exploring these associations with forced-choice and experimental priming designs.
Calibration and Release of Magnetograms/Dopplergrams Obtained at the Mt. Wilson 150-Foot Tower Telescope (MWO)
Authors: Ulrich Roger K. , Boyden John , Tran Tham
Published: October 2024

The Mt. Wilson Observatory archive of observations of solar disk magnetic fields, Doppler velocities, and spectral line intensities is a resource for studying the Sun’s state from 1967 to 2013. Instrument changes/upgrades during this time must be considered when interpreting this record. Portions of this record have been previously released. This publication documents the data record in order to allow its independent interpretation. The archive is available through two directory trees which can be accessed at http://sha.stanford.edu/mwo/msm.html. The calibration of the observations is impacted by the solar surface convective flows, which produce offsets for both differential rotation and meridional circulation functions. The effects of these offsets have been reduced in this and other publications by temporal averaging.
A fire risk pre-warning framework for high-rise buildings based on unascertained method
Authors: Zhang Li-Ning , Wang Xiang-Ming , An Jing , Li Hong Xian , Guo Jiao-Qian , Han Guo-bo , Gou Peng-Fei
Published: October 2024

The growing global interest in preventing and controlling fires in high-rise buildings reflects the increasing significance of this issue today. This research aims to establish an early warning framework for fire risk in high-rise buildings. Firstly, considering the importance of a scientific indicator system for the application of the model, this study combines the event analysis method with the building design fire code to identify 11 key risk factors that have a far-reaching impact on the prevention of fires in high-rise buildings. Based on identifying the risk factors, a high-rise building fire risk warning tree is also established, which scientifically solves the problem of the indicator system of the warning object. Subsequently, in response to the various complex issues arising from the uncertainty of fire occurrence in high-rise buildings, this study adopts the unascertained method to model the fire risk of high-rise buildings for early warning. In addition, the developed methodology was empirically validated through case studies and analyses of empirical data on fire risks in nine representative high-rise buildings. The results of the unascertained method were also compared with the results of the K-means method, from which it was concluded that the unascertained method can predict building fires more accurately. The research results provide a reliable decision support system for fire disaster prevention and control in high-rise buildings.
Telomere- and oxidative stress dynamics in Psittacidae species with different longevity trajectories
Authors: Domínguez-de-Barros Angélica , Sifaoui Inés , Dorta-Guerra Roberto , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob , Castro-Fuentes Rafael , Córdoba-Lanús Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

Telomeres, conserved DNA sequences at chromosome ends, naturally shorten with age, exacerbated by external factors like environmental challenges and reproduction. Birds, particularly psittacine, are gaining prominence as new aging models over the years because of their unique characteristics. This study explores erythrocyte telomere length (TL) and oxidative stress markers in plasma of long- and short-lived captive birds of the order Psittaciformes over four years. Long-lived birds consistently exhibited longer TL than short-lived ones (p = 0.012) but experienced a more pronounced TL shortening rate (p < 0.001) than short-lived ones. Breeding individuals experienced increased TL shortening compared to non-reproductive counterparts in long-lived birds (p = 0.008). Interestingly, long-lived birds showed a higher total antioxidant capacity than short-lived ones (p < 0.001), which was also increased during breeding (p = 0.026). A significant correlation was found between the telomere length shortening rate within the 4 years of study and the accumulated oxidative stress (r = 0.426, p = 0.069) in short-lived birds. These findings shed light on TL and oxidative stress dynamics over time, revealing distinct patterns influenced by life-traits among longevity groups.
Ultrastructural Changes in the Tegument and Tissues of Fasciola hepatica Adults and Their Eggs Due to the Effect of an Ethyl Acetate Extract of Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt. spp Mexicana
Authors: Ezeta-Miranda Alonso , Avila-Acevedo José Guillermo , Espinosa-González Adriana Montserrat , Benítez-Flores José del Carmen , Francisco-Marquez Gerardo , Vera-Montenegro Yolanda
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of an ethyl acetate extract of Artemisia ludoviciana on the viability of adult Fasciola hepatica parasites and eggs.

Methods

The collection of plant material was performed as described in previous reports. The dried material was macerated with ethyl acetate. Ovicidal assays were performed at concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/L A. ludoviciana extract. Bioassays of fasciolicidal efficacy in adult specimens of F. hepatica were performed at extract concentrations of 125, 250, 375 and 500 mg/L. The effects of triclabendazole, a reference drug, and artemisinin were also evaluated.

Results

The ovicidal effectiveness of the extracts obtained after 16 h of incubation at concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/L was 48%, 52%, 87%, 89% and 92%, respectively (p < 0.05), and the fasciolicidal efficiencies during the first 24 h post-treatment ranged from 82 to 100% (p < 0.05). In both cases, scanning electron microscopy revealed damage to the shells of the eggs treated with the extract, compromising their stability. In adult fasciolae, alterations to the integument that resulted in its erosion and detachment were observed. Histopathological studies of the affected specimens revealed damage to the tegumentary and subtegumentary cells and alterations in the ovaries, testicles and intestine. This damage was more severe after treatment with the extract than after treatment with the other compounds.

Methods

Extract of A. ludoviciana causes damage to the tegument, intestine, ovaries, testes and eggs of F. hepatica.
For the Sake of Knowledge: The Epistemic Value of Other-Regarding Epistemic Virtues
Authors: Jarczewski Dominik
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the epistemic value of other-regarding epistemic virtues, challenging the common view that these virtues are primarily moral in nature. To this end, it proposes a new framework to explain the role of epistemic virtues: the Epistemic Social Environment (ESE). It is argued that the value of an epistemic virtue stems from its contribution to a healthy ESE. This approach enables a broader and unified theory of epistemic virtues, emphasising their role in the communal production of knowledge. Ultimately, the paper aims to reconcile virtue epistemology with insights from social epistemology, offering a comprehensive account of the epistemic value of sharing knowledge.
Volcanic tuff as a World Heritage Georesource, a Case Study of Tokaj Wine Region UNESCO Cultural Landscape
Authors: Szepesi János , Ésik Zsuzsanna , Novák Tibor József , József Incze , Sütő László , Harangi Szabolcs , Lukács Réka
Published: October 2024

Volcanic tephra and pyroclastic rocks are common georesources worldwide. Volcanic eruptions produce these materials, and the freshly deposited volcaniclastic sediments undergo variable diagenesis and possible hydrothermal alteration. The rhyolitic pyroclastic rocks of the Carpathian Basin were formed as a result of major silicic volcanism during the Miocene and are exposed in several volcanic regions. The use of these stones depends on their physical properties, such as hardness, colour, and transportability, especially in masonry and ornamental design. The study site, the Tokaj Wine Region (TWR) Historic Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO site located in NE Hungary, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2002. The silicic pyroclastic rocks, here we also referred to them as rhyolite tuffs, are significant geological resources in the UNESCO cultural heritage designation. The pyroclastic formations cover an area of about 100 km2 and were deposited by three major explosive eruptions (13.1–11.5 Ma). The local varieties are defined by primary volcanological features and secondary (diagenetic, hydrothermal) effects. The stone was extracted from more than 40 open pit quarries dating from the Middle Ages. The wine cellars and dry-built terrace walls are important cultural features of the volcanic tuff use. The geoconservation value of the rhyolite tuff is well illustrated by the exposed special geological features, which represent important sites of volcanic formations. However, only one site has been declared a nature conservation area. Several historic quarries are currently abandoned, and there are many problems due to the lack of their restoration. The most common problems are the instability of quarry walls, illegal dumping, pollution, and dense vegetation covering the geological values. The volcanic tuff has a great potential as a georesource (quarries, cellars, and terrace walls) adding value to World Heritage Site, but special efforts are needed to demonstrate its potential for geoconservation, geotourism, and geo-education.
Development and Implementation of the “Exercise is Medicine” Elective at an Osteopathic Medical School
Authors: Mitchell Cameron , DeMartino Samantha , Ivers Lauren , Brown Abigail , Maccabee Emily , Griffith Brian , Pankey Christopher L.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Lifestyle changes are a powerful way to combat many chronic illnesses. However, education on appropriate instruction of physical activity appears to be insufficient among medical students. This manuscript highlights development, incorporation, and feedback of the Exercise is Medicine elective at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-four medical students attended ten weekly sessions, each of which lasted 2 h and covered a different topic. Participants were selected based on previous experience with exercise-based medicine and their personal beliefs on incorporating it into clinical encounters. Outcomes were gathered using surveys consisting of the Likert Scale, rating, yes/no/maybe, and free text questions.

Results

Confidence in prescribing lifestyle changes increased (p < 0.0001) from pre- to post-elective. Feelings of incorporating course material into practice increased (p < 0.05) after the elective. Feelings that physicians could impact their patients’ physical activity did not change.

Conclusion

Implementation of the Exercise is Medicine elective was well received among students and increased student knowledge and confidence in prescribing lifestyle changes to a variety of patient populations.
Poverty and Temporary Employment in Italy
Authors: Mussida Chiara , Sciulli Dario
Published: October 2024

This paper explores the relationship between temporary employment and poverty in Italy by using 2016–2019 longitudinal EU-SILC data. We model both poverty and labour market outcomes and account for possible endogeneity of temporary employment in the poverty equation. We find that temporary employment reduces the risk of poverty whether compared with inactivity and unemployment. Temporary workers are more likely to stay in poverty with respect to their permanent counterpart. The different effect of permanent/temporary employment on the risk of poverty is more pronounced for householders than for partners, thereby stressing the leading role of the former in income formation. There is evidence of feedback effects from past poverty to current temporary employment. We also find significant genuine state dependence in both the processes of poverty and temporary employment. For the latter, we note the prevalence of a trapping effect into unstable jobs relationships, especially for householders. Finally, we stress the relatively weak role of social transfers in integrating labour income from temporary employment and therefore in breaking the detrimental effect of temporary work on poverty.
A Flexible Smart Healthcare Platform Conjugated with Artificial Epidermis Assembled by Three-Dimensionally Conductive MOF Network for Gas and Pressure Sensing
Authors: Zhou Qingqing , Ding Qihang , Geng Zixun , Hu Chencheng , Yang Long , Kan Zitong , Dong Biao , Won Miae , Song Hongwei , Xu Lin , Kim Jong Seung
Published: October 2024

The rising flexible and intelligent electronics greatly facilitate the noninvasive and timely tracking of physiological information in telemedicine healthcare. Meticulously building bionic-sensitive moieties is vital for designing efficient electronic skin with advanced cognitive functionalities to pluralistically capture external stimuli. However, realistic mimesis, both in the skin’s three-dimensional interlocked hierarchical structures and synchronous encoding multistimuli information capacities, remains a challenging yet vital need for simplifying the design of flexible logic circuits. Herein, we construct an artificial epidermal device by in situ growing Cu3(HHTP)2 particles onto the hollow spherical Ti3C2Tx surface, aiming to concurrently emulate the spinous and granular layers of the skin’s epidermis. The bionic Ti3C2Tx@Cu3(HHTP)2 exhibits independent NO2 and pressure response, as well as novel functionalities such as acoustic signature perception and Morse code-encrypted message communication. Ultimately, a wearable alarming system with a mobile application terminal is self-developed by integrating the bimodular senor into flexible printed circuits. This system can assess risk factors related with asthmatic, such as stimulation of external NO2 gas, abnormal expiratory behavior and exertion degrees of fingers, achieving a recognition accuracy of 97.6% as assisted by a machine learning algorithm. Our work provides a feasible routine to develop intelligent multifunctional healthcare equipment for burgeoning transformative telemedicine diagnosis.
Application of nano-TiO2 and micro-ZnO on cementitious surfaces for self-cleaning façades by spray coating and dip coating: A comparative study
Authors: Pereira Lessa Fabíula , Lima Jr Orlando , Margalho Élida , Pinheiro Claver , Rocha Segundo Iran , Oliveira Carneiro Joaquim
Published: October 2024

Building façades are constantly exposed to atmospheric pollution and various external agents that can degrade their aesthetic qualities and introduce degradation patterns that affect the durability and performance of the materials. Façades with self-cleaning properties are important in the modern construction industry and the conservation of historic buildings, as they reduce costs and allow the preservation of original surfaces without the need for invasive interventions that could compromise cultural heritage. This study does a comparative analysis of the application of photocatalytic coatings composed of aqueous dispersions of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂) and zinc oxide microparticles (ZnO) on cementitious substrates for use on façades by two functionalisation methods: spray coating and dip coating. A comprehensive characterisation was carried out using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) to assess the morphology, crystal structure and light absorption properties of the photocatalyst particles while Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to evaluate the substrate. The self-cleaning performance was evaluated by monitoring the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye under simulated sunlight. Spectrophotometric analysis was used to assess the colour coordinates using a standard colour system (CIELAB colour space). The results showed that the photocatalytic coatings improved the surfaces' self-cleaning properties while maintaining the substrate's original aesthetics. Spray-applied micro-ZnO-based coatings showed the most significant effectiveness in terms of self-cleaning.
Society in charge: the connection of artificial intelligence, responsibility, and ethics in German media discourse
Authors: Winkel Marek
Published: October 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in society, and applications like ChatGPT and Dall-E, which can produce texts and pictures on their own, are becoming very popular. This development raises questions regarding ethics, values, and responsibility, as AI-generated documents may promote misinformation and erode democracy, while human actors can scarcely be held accountable. AI technology may also support an efficient, rationalized society, which has its advantages and disadvantages. Two main spheres, which influence society’s perspective on the connection between AI, ethics and responsibility, are public media debates and the legal system. Popular newspapers reach broad audiences, so insight is provided into what perspectives on these issues are helping everyday citizens form their opinions. Legal frameworks potentially regulate citizens’ and companies’ dealing with AI technology—and may get included in media discussions on AI. Acknowledging that, this article presents a two-folded analysis. First, the article presents the results of a discourse analysis of 113 articles from German newspapers, ranging from the center-left to the conservative spectrum. The analysis examined how these media frame the connection of AI, ethics, values, and responsibility. The article discusses the discourse analysis together with theoretical assumptions around the question, which actors in society could be counted as accountable in AI regards. Second, a discussion of the European AI legal system is added, to evaluate its connection with the media discourses. The article presents the results of both parts of the analysis together and finally discusses further research perspectives.
A multi-step regularity assessment and joint prediction system for ordering time series based on entropy and deep learning
Authors: Zhou Yichen , Han Wenhe , Zhou Heng
Published: October 2024

Customer maintenance is of vital importance to the enterprise management. Valuable assessment and efficient prediction for customer ordering behavior can offer better decision-making and reduce business costs significantly. According to existing studies about customer behavior regularity segment and demand prediction most focus on e-commerce and other fields with large amount of data, making them not suitable for small enterprises and data features like sparsity and outliers are not mined when doing regularity quantification. Additionally, more and more complex network structures for demand prediction are proposed, which builds on the assumption that all the samples have predictive value, ignoring the fine-grained analysis of different time series regularity with high cost. To deal with the above issues, a multi-step regularity assessment and joint prediction system for ordering time series is proposed. For extracting features, comprehensive assessment of customer regularity based on entropy weight method with the result of predictability quantification using K-Means clustering algorithm, real entropy, LZW algorithm and anomaly detection adopting Isolation Forest algorithm not only gives an objective result to ‘how high the regularity of customers is’, filling the gap in the field of regularity quantification, but also provides a theoretical basis for demand prediction models selection. Prediction models: Random Forest regression, XGBoost, CNN and LSTM network are experimented with sMAPE and MSLE for performance evaluation to verify the effectiveness of the proposed regularity quantitation method. Moreover, a merged CNN-BiLSTM neural network model is established for predicting those customers with low regularity and difficult to predict by traditional machine leaning algorithms, which performs better on the data set compared to others. Random Forest is still used for prediction of customers with high regularity due to its high training efficiency. Finally, the results of prediction, regularity quantification, and classification are output from the intelligent system, which is capable of providing scientific basis for corporate strategy decision and has highly extendibility in other enterprises and fields for follow-up research.