bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CT‐value conservation based spatial transformer network for cardiac motion correction
Authors: Xu Xuan , Wang Peng , Zhao Liyi , Quan Guotao
Published: July 2023

Artifact correction is a great challenge in cardiac imaging. During the correction of coronary tissue with motion‐induced artifacts, the spatial distribution of CT value not only shifts according to the motion vector field (MVF), but also shifts according to the volume change rate of the local voxels. However, the traditional interpolation method does not conserve the CT value during motion compensation. A new sample interpolation algorithm is developed based on the constraint of conservation of CT value before and after image deformation. This algorithm is modified on the existing interpolation algorithms and can be embedded into neural networks with deterministic back propagation. Comparative experimental results illustrate that the method can not only correct motion‐induced artifacts, but also ensure the conservation of CT value in the region of interest (ROI) area, so as to obtain corrected images with clinically recognized CT value. Both effectiveness and efficiency are proved in forward motion correction process and backward training steps in deep learning. Simultaneously, using the network to learn the MVF making this method more interpretable than the existing image‐based end‐to‐end deep learning method.
Synthesis, structure, magnetic properties of one‐dimensional Cu‐Ln chains linked by a nitronyl nitroxide radical with two pyridyl groups
Authors: Song Hongwei , Lu Jiao , Wang Xiaotong , Li Licun
Published: July 2023

Two new Cu−Ln 1D coordination chains with formula [Ln(hfac)3Cu(hfac)2 (NIT‐3Py‐5‐3Py)(H2O)]n (LnIII=Gd 1, Dy 2; hfac=hexafluoroacetylacetonate, NIT‐3Py‐5‐3Py=2‐(5‐(3‐pyridyl)‐3‐pyridyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide) were successfully constructed by means of a new nitronyl nitroxide radical ligand containing two pyridine groups. In these two complexes, the radical ligand binds two CuII ions through its two pyridine groups to produce 1D chain while the aminoxyl moiety of the radical is bound to a Ln (III) ion. Direct‐current magnetic susceptibility investigations indicate that ferromagnetic exchanges are dominant and magnetic susceptibility data of Gd derivative are analyzed using a magnetic model, indicating that Cu‐NO coupling through pyridine group and Gd‐NO direct exchange are ferromagnetic interactions. There is no magnetic relaxation behavior for Dy analogue.
Correlation analysis between auto-immunological and mutational profiles in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Cristiano Antonio , Belardi Riccardo , Hajrullaj Hajro , Fabiani Emiliano , Falconi Giulia , Galossi Elisa , Bernardini Sergio , Voso Maria Teresa , Nuccetelli Marzia
Published: July 2023

Objective and design

Systemic-Inflammatory-Autoimmune-Diseases (SIAD) is increasingly considered in Myelodysplastic-Syndromes (MDS). In this line, we evaluated the MDS auto-immunological profile, correlating it to the mutational landscape, trying to identify a molecular-genetic trigger agent related to SIAD.

Methods and materials

Eighty-one MDS were enrolled and t-NGS was performed. Anti-Nuclear-Antibodies (ANA) were tested, and ANA-antigenic-specificity was characterized by ANA-profile, ENA-screen, anti-dsDNA. Non-Hematological-Patients (NHP) and Healthy-Donors (HD) were used as controls.

Results

At clinically relevant cut-off (≥ 1:160), ANA was significantly more frequent in MDS, while ANA-antigenic-specificity showed a low association rate. ANA ≥ 1:160-positive MDS showed a mutational landscape similar to ANA-negative/ANA < 1:160 MDS. No significant correlations between mutational and immunological profiles were found and UBA1 mutations, related to VEXAS, were absent.

Conclusions

Although ANA-positivity was found to be increased in MDS, the low ANA-antigenic-specificity suggests that autoantibodies didn’t recognize autoimmune-pathognomonic antigens. The lack of relationship between genetic profile and ANA-positivity, suggests that MDS genetic variants may not be the direct cause of SIAD.
Behavior in time of solutions of a Keller–Segel system with flux limitation and source term
Authors: Marras Monica , Vernier-Piro Stella , Yokota Tomomi
Published: July 2023

In this paper we consider radially symmetric solutions of the following parabolic–elliptic cross-diffusion system $$\begin{aligned} {\left\{ \begin{array}{ll} u_t = \Delta u - \nabla \cdot (u f(|\nabla v|^2 )\nabla v) + g(u), &{} \\ 0= \Delta v -m(t)+ u, \quad \int _{\Omega }v \,dx=0, &{} \\ u(x,0)= u_0(x), &{} \end{array}\right. } \end{aligned}$$

u
t

=
Δ
u
-
∇
·

(
u
f
(
|
∇
v
|

2

)
∇
v
)

+
g

(
u
)

,

0
=
Δ
v
-
m

(
t
)

+
u
,

∫
Ω

v

d
x
=
0
,

u

(
x
,
0
)

=

u
0

(
x
)

,

in $$\Omega \times (0,\infty )$$

Ω
×
(
0
,
∞
)

, with $$\Omega $$
Ω
a ball in $${\mathbb {R}}^N$$

R

N

, $$N\ge 3$$

N
≥
3

, under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions, where $$g(u)= \lambda u - \mu u^k$$

g

(
u
)

=
λ
u
-
μ

u
k

, $$\lambda>0, \ \mu >0$$

λ
>
0
,

μ
>
0

, and $$ k >1$$

k
>
1

, $$f(|\nabla v|^2 )= k_f(1+ |\nabla v|^2)^{-\alpha }$$

f
(
|
∇
v
|

2

)
=

k
f

(
1
+
|
∇
v
|

2

)

-
α

, $$\alpha >0$$

α
>
0

, which describes gradient-dependent limitation of cross diffusion fluxes. The function m(t) is the time dependent spatial mean of u(x, t) i.e. $$m(t):= \frac{1}{|\Omega |} \int _{\Omega } u(x,t) \,dx$$

m

(
t
)

:
=

1

|
Ω
|

∫
Ω

u

(
x
,
t
)

d
x

. Under smallness conditions on $$\alpha $$
α
and k, we prove that the solution u(x, t) blows up in $$L^{\infty }$$

L
∞

-norm at finite time $$T_{max}$$

T

max

and for some $$p>1$$

p
>
1

it blows up also in $$L^p$$

L
p

-norm. In addition a lower bound of blow-up time is derived. Finally, under largeness conditions on $$\alpha $$
α
or k, we prove that the solution is global and bounded in time.
New Atomic Decomposition for Besov Type Space $$\dot{B}^0_{1,1}$$ Associated with Schrödinger Type Operators
Authors: Bui The Anh , Duong Xuan Thinh
Published: July 2023

Let $$(X, d, \mu )$$

(
X
,
d
,
μ
)

be a space of homogeneous type. Let L be a nonnegative self-adjoint operator on $$L^2(X)$$

L
2

(
X
)

satisfying certain conditions on the heat kernel estimates which are motivated from the heat kernel of the Schrödinger operator on $$\mathbb {R}^n$$

R

n

. The main aim of this paper is to prove a new atomic decomposition for the Besov space $$\dot{B}^{0, L}_{1,1}(X)$$

B
˙

1
,
1

0
,
L

(
X
)

associated with the operator L. As a consequence, we prove the boundedness of the Riesz transform associated with L on the Besov space $$\dot{B}^{0, L}_{1,1}(X)$$

B
˙

1
,
1

0
,
L

(
X
)

.
On deformable object handling: multi-tool end-effector for robotized manipulation and layup of fabrics and composites
Authors: Papadopoulos Giorgos , Andronas Dionisis , Kampourakis Emmanouil , Theodoropoulos Nikolaos , Kotsaris Panagiotis Stylianos , Makris Sotiris
Published: July 2023

Over the past decades, robotic automation has expanded in numerous industrial sectors; however, manufacturing operations involving the manipulation of non-rigid products are mostly preserved manual. The dynamic distortion of flexible objects underlines limitations in robot cognition and dexterity. Inspired by the gaps in composites industry automation, this paper presents a novel multifunctional robot end-effector for the robotic automation of composites layup. Aiming a holistic confrontation of layup challenges, the proposed end-effector incorporates tools for (a) the manipulation of sheet materials, like composite fabrics of variable dimensions; (b) the grasping of core materials, like foam blocks; (c) the handling of peripheral tools; (d) the exertion of fitting forces; and (e) the application of resin in diverse mold geometry cavities. The meticulous design of the end-effector’s configuration allows for consistent and collision-free tool usage with no excess robot tool changes, granting even higher productivity and efficiency. The enhancement in robot dexterity and proficiency for layup operations is validated within an automotive case, where semi-automation is intended for the improvement in overall workstation’s efficiency, quality, ergonomics, and well-being.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) reveals potential lipid markers between infrapatellar fat pad biopsies of osteoarthritis and cartilage defect patients
Authors: Haartmans Mirella J. J. , Claes Britt S. R. , Eijkel Gert B. , Emanuel Kaj S. , Tuijthof Gabrielle J. M. , Heeren Ron M. A. , Emans Pieter J. , Cillero-Pastor Berta
Published: July 2023

The incidence of osteoarthritis (OA) has been expected to increase due to an aging population, as well as an increased incidence of intra-articular (osteo-) chondral damage. Lipids have already been shown to be involved in the inflammatory process of OA. This study aims at revealing region-specific lipid profiles of the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) of OA or cartilage defect patients by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI), which could be used as biomarkers for early OA detection. A higher presence of phospholipids was found in OA patients compared with cartilage defect patients. In addition, a higher abundance of ether-linked phosphatidylethanolamines (PE O-s) containing arachidonic acid was specifically found in OA patients compared with cartilage defect patients. These lipids were mainly found in the connective tissue of the IPFP. Specific lipid species were associated to OA patients compared with cartilage defect patients. PE O-s have been suggested as possible biomarkers for OA. As these were found more abundantly in the connective tissue, the IPFP’s intra-tissue heterogeneity might play an important role in biomarker discovery, implying that the amount of fibrous tissue is associated with OA.

Graphical Abstract
Diatoms Reduce Decomposition of and Fungal Abundance on Less Recalcitrant Leaf Litter via Negative Priming
Authors: Feckler Alexander , Baudy-Groh Patrick , Friedrichs Lisa , Gonçalves Sara , Lüderwald Simon , Risse-Buhl Ute , Bundschuh Mirco
Published: July 2023

Heterotrophic microbial decomposers colonize submerged leaf litter in close spatial proximity to periphytic algae that exude labile organic carbon during photosynthesis. These exudates are conjectured to affect microbial decomposers’ abundance, resulting in a stimulated (positive priming) or reduced (negative priming) leaf litter decomposition. Yet, the occurrence, direction, and intensity of priming associated with leaf material of differing recalcitrance remains poorly tested. To assess priming, we submerged leaf litter of differing recalcitrance (Alnus glutinosa [alder; less recalcitrant] and Fagus sylvatica [beech; more recalcitrant]) in microcosms and quantified bacterial, fungal, and diatom abundance as well as leaf litter decomposition over 30 days in absence and presence of light. Diatoms did not affect beech decomposition but reduced alder decomposition by 20% and alder-associated fungal abundance by 40% in the treatments including all microbial groups and light, thus showing negative priming. These results suggest that alder-associated heterotrophs acquired energy from diatom exudates rather than from leaf litter. Moreover, it is suggested that these heterotrophs have channeled energy to alternative (reproductive) pathways that may modify energy and nutrient availability for the remaining food web and result in carbon pools protected from decomposition in light-exposed stream sections.
In Vitro Plant Growth Promoting Effect of Fucoidan Fractions of Turbinaria decurrens for Seed Germination, Organogenesis, and Adventitious Root Formation in Finger Millet and Eggplant
Authors: Kaniyassery Arya , Thorat Sachin Ashok , Shanthi Nagarajan , Tantry Shashikala , Sudhakar M. P. , Arunkumar Kulanthaiyesu , Muthusamy Annamalai
Published: July 2023

Bioactive ingredients derived from brown algae have been extensively used in the food, medicine, and cosmetic industries. In this study, fucoidans of low and high molecular fractions (LMF and HMF) extracted and isolated from brown alga Turbinaria decurrens were analyzed for their efficacy on seed germination, seedling growth, callus induction, direct organogenesis, and adventitious root formation in eggplant and finger millet. The yield and sugar content of LMF were higher than HMF. FTIR confirmed that the isolated fractions containing fucoidan has more sulfate groups in HMF than in LMF. The results showed an enhanced seed germination and seedling growth in both crops. In eggplant, 1 mg/L LMF treatment showed the maximum germination (91.6%), whereas, in finger millet, 0.1 and 0.5 mg/L LMF recorded a substantial increase in germination percentage (41.6 and 46%). Maximum fresh weight (FW) was noted with 1.0 mg/L LMF, and 1.0 mg/L LMF and 0.5 mg/L HMF showed maximum dry weight (DW) in eggplant. In finger millet, maximum DW was observed in 0.5 mg/L LMF and 1.0 mg/L HMF. Maximum biomass was noted in the 0.1 mg/L LMF treated group in the case of callus growth in eggplant. Similarly, the shoot tip initiation, proliferation, and plantlet regeneration were significantly improved with fucoidan LMF (0.1 mg/L). In conclusion, fucoidan extracted from T. decurrens exhibiting natural growth promoter property is reported for the first time in this study. These fucoidan fractions, LMF and HMF, can be utilized as cost-effective supplements in plant tissue culture media replacing the commercial PGRs for micropropagation.
„Rheuma (be-)greifen“ – ein multimodales Lehrkonzept zur Verbesserung der rheumatologischen Lehre für Studierende der Humanmedizin
Authors: Schuster L. , Valor-Méndez L. , Wacker J. , Dannhardt-Thiem V. , Schmidt A. , Knitza J. , Simon D. , Manger B. , Schett G. , Kleyer A.
Published: July 2023

Hintergrund

Das Bündnis Rheumatologie fordert mithilfe der Kampagne Rheuma2025 eine Verbesserung der studentischen Ausbildung, um in Zukunft die Versorgung rheumatologischer Patientinnen und Patienten zu sichern.

Fragestellung

Wir stellten uns die Frage, ob eine Kombination aus traditionellen und innovativen Lehrmethoden sowohl eine Qualitätsverbesserung der Lehre als auch eine Attraktivitätssteigerung der Fachdisziplin Rheumatologie ermöglicht.

Material und Methoden

Das Lehrkonzept „Rheuma (be-)greifen“, bestehend aus 5 Modulen zu Anamnese mit Schauspielpatientinnen und -patienten, Gelenkultraschall, Gelenkpunktion, 3‑D-Druck von pathologischen Gelenken und Virtual-Reality-Applikation auf Basis realer Fälle in der curricularen Lehre von Studierenden der Humanmedizin, wurde konzipiert und etabliert.

Ergebnisse

Die Evaluation des Lehrkonzeptes bei 93 Studierenden der Humanmedizin erbrachte eine durchgehend hohe Akzeptanz aller Module, welche durchwegs mit „sehr effektiv“ oder „eher effektiv“ bewertet wurden. Module, die unmittelbar auf Patientinnen und Patienten bezogen sind, wie Anamnese mit Schauspielpatientinnen und -patienten, Gelenkultraschall und -punktion, zeigte eine noch etwas höhere Akzeptanz als die Visualisierungsmethoden mittels 3‑D-Druck und VR-Applikation.

Diskussion

Innovative Lehrmethoden können dabei helfen, die Akzeptanz der rheumatologischen Lehre zu stärken, insbesondere wenn klassische Lehrinhalte durch die Verwendung neuartiger Methoden unterstützt werden.
Ascent-driven differentiation: a mechanism to keep arc magmas metaluminous?
Authors: Marxer Felix , Ulmer Peter , Müntener Othmar
Published: July 2023

Arc magmatism is fundamental to the generation of new continental or island arc crust. However, the mechanisms that add to the chemical complexity of natural calc-alkaline magmas ranging from basaltic to rhyolitic compositions are debated. Differentiation mechanisms currently discussed include magma mixing, assimilation, crustal melting, or (fractional) crystallisation. In this contribution, the differentiation of arc magmas by decompression-driven crystallisation is investigated. We performed a set of equilibrium crystallisation experiments at variable crustal pressures (200–800 MPa) on a hydrous high-Al basalt (3.5 wt.% of H2O in the starting material) with run temperatures varying from near-liquidus conditions (1110 °C) to 900 °C. Oxygen fugacity was buffered at moderately oxidising conditions close to the NNO equilibrium. Combining these novel experiments with previous polybaric fractional crystallisation experiments (Marxer et al., Contrib Mineral Petrol 177:3, 2022) we demonstrate the effects of pressure on the crystallisation behaviour of calc-alkaline magmas with respect to liquid and cumulate lines of descent, mineral chemistry, and phase proportions. Decompression shifts the olivine-clinopyroxene cotectic curve towards melt compositions with higher normative clinopyroxene and enlarges the stability field of plagioclase. This exerts a key control on the alumina saturation index of residual liquids. We argue that near-adiabatic (or near-isothermal) decompression accompanied by dissolution of clinopyroxene entrained during residual melt extraction in the lower crust keeps arc magmas metaluminous during crystallisation-driven differentiation thereby closely reproducing the compositional spread observed for natural arc rocks.
Use cases also exist for attackers—how to foster the concept of misuse cases
Authors: Azamat Mana , Schütz Johann , Uslar Mathias
Published: July 2023

Due to the new digital control structures of cyber-physical energy systems (CPES), where the control interventions no longer take place physically on site but are triggered, released, executed and acknowledged remotely by automated control systems, there is not only the risk of incorrect actions by plants or operators, but also of possible attacks or misuses. In this contribution, we propose an integrated security-by-design approach (on a conceptual level) for testing the interoperability of various heterogeneous systems (e.g., TSO-DSO communications) by combining multiple, but yet separated, state-of-the-art approaches. With the objective of eliminating or minimizing the impact of cyber incidents, best practices from various sectors have been adapted and integrated with well-established methods and standards from the energy sector, such as the IEC 62559‑2 use case template.
Repeatability of Teethan® indexes analysis of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles during maximum clenching: a pilot study
Authors: Saracutu Ovidiu Ionut , Pollis Matteo , Cagidiaco Edoardo Ferrari , Ferrari Marco , Manfredini Daniele
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study is to assess the repeatability of a surface electromyographic (EMG) device (Teethan®, Teethan S.p.A., Milan, Italy), designed for the analysis of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles.

Materials and methods

Tests were performed on a sample of 30 healthy fully dentate TMD-free individuals randomly selected. Each test consisted of two distinct recordings performed at 5-min intervals: (i) the patient is asked to clench with maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), with two cotton rolls interposed between the dental arches; (ii) the patient is asked to repeat the same clenching activity without the cotton rolls. The outcomes of the study were the EMG indices conceptualized by the manufacturing company, based on the differences between the two test conditions (i.e., clenching on cotton rolls and on dentition). Pairwise correlation analysis and ANOVA test were performed to assess the strength of correlation and the significance of differences between the results of the three trials.

Results

Thirty TMD-free healthy individuals (20 females and 10 males; mean age 44 years, range 16–60 years) took part in the study. ANOVA test did not show any statistically significant difference between the three trials. The Global Index, which is the mean of the other EMG indices, showed the highest correlation values between the three trials, while some other indices showed a weak-to-medium correlation level. One out of five participants showed a coefficient of variation higher than 10%.

Conclusions

The statistical analysis showed that the indices provided by the device are quite repeatable. However, this does not necessarily imply a specific clinical application of the device, which was here used in fully controlled experimental conditions.

Clinical relevance

The clinical usefulness of the applied protocol remains questionable. Further studies should test the repeatability of EMG findings gathered with this device under various circumstances, in a more heterogeneous population.
Concise and interpretable multi-label rule sets
Authors: Ciaperoni Martino , Xiao Han , Gionis Aristides
Published: July 2023

Multi-label classification is becoming increasingly ubiquitous, but not much attention has been paid to interpretability. In this paper, we develop a multi-label classifier that can be represented as a concise set of simple “if-then” rules, and thus, it offers better interpretability compared to black-box models. Notably, our method is able to find a small set of relevant patterns that lead to accurate multi-label classification, while existing rule-based classifiers are myopic and wasteful in searching rules, requiring a large number of rules to achieve high accuracy. In particular, we formulate the problem of choosing multi-label rules to maximize a target function, which considers not only discrimination ability with respect to labels, but also diversity. Accounting for diversity helps to avoid redundancy, and thus, to control the number of rules in the solution set. To tackle the said maximization problem, we propose a 2-approximation algorithm, which circumvents the exponential-size search space of rules using a novel technique to sample highly discriminative and diverse rules. In addition to our theoretical analysis, we provide a thorough experimental evaluation and a case study, which indicate that our approach offers a trade-off between predictive performance and interpretability that is unmatched in previous work.
Graph states and the variety of principal minors
Authors: Galgano Vincenzo , Holweck Frédéric
Published: July 2023

In Quantum Information theory, graph states are quantum states defined by graphs. In this work we exhibit a correspondence between orbits of graph states and orbits in the variety of binary symmetric principal minors, under the action of SL$$(2,{\mathbb {F}}_2)^{\times n}\rtimes {\mathfrak {S}}_n$$

(
2
,

F
2

)

×
n

⋊

S
n

. First we study the orbits of maximal abelian subgroups of the n-fold Pauli group under the action of $${\mathcal {C}}_n^{\textrm{loc}}\rtimes {\mathfrak {S}}_n$$

C
n
loc

⋊

S
n

, where $${\mathcal {C}}_n^{\textrm{loc}}$$

C
n
loc

is the n-fold local Clifford group, and we show that this action corresponds to the natural action of SL$$(2,{\mathbb {F}}_2)^{\times n}\rtimes {\mathfrak {S}}_n$$

(
2
,

F
2

)

×
n

⋊

S
n

on the variety $${\mathcal {Z}}_n\subset {\mathbb {P}}({\mathbb {F}}_2^{2^n})$$

Z
n

⊂
P

(

F
2

2
n

)

of principal minors of binary symmetric $$n\times n$$

n
×
n

matrices: the crucial step is in translating the action of SL$$(2,{\mathbb {F}}_2)^{\times n}$$

(
2
,

F
2

)

×
n

into an action of the local symplectic group Sp$$_{2n}^{\textrm{loc}}({\mathbb {F}}_2)$$

2
n

loc

(

F
2

)

. We conclude by showing how the former action restricts onto stabilizer groups, stabilizer states and graph states.
My Turning Point Tells the Story: A Longitudinal Examination of Greater Episodic Detail and Youth Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Keats Laurel , Jose Paul , Salmon Karen
Published: July 2023

Although research findings show that the personal memories of people who are depressed are characterized by sparse episodic detail, under some circumstances, the opposite pattern emerges. Specifically, a recent study (Salmon et al., 2021) has shown that for community youth, greater episodic detail in a highly self-relevant narrative (a life turning point) predicted increased depressive symptoms concurrently and one year later. In a new longitudinal study of young people (N = 320 at Time 1, M = 16.9 years; 81% female) followed up over six months, we aimed to replicate and extend this finding. In Study A, we compared the turning point with a narrative about a conflict event, to establish whether the detail in a turning point memory uniquely predicted depressive symptoms. Supporting the first hypothesis, at both time-points, greater episodic detail was concurrently positively associated with depressive symptoms for turning point narratives only. Contrary to our second hypothesis, greater detail did not predict increased depressive symptoms longitudinally. The reverse pattern was significant, however, in that greater initial depressive symptoms predicted greater detail uniquely in the turning point narrative six months later. In Study B, we determined that the concurrent association between episodic detail and depressive symptoms in turning points (but not conflict events) was exacerbated by linguistic markers of self-focus (greater I-talk and lower distancing language). These findings suggest that greater detail in a turning point narrative may uniquely signify risk of psychological distress when youth narrate the experience with heightened self-focus.
Thermal Oxidative Degradation of Pure Cu2S and Industrial White Metal
Authors: Vázquez Vázquez M. , Blanco M. J. Díaz , Figueroa R. A. Parra , Varela E. R. Balladares , Riveros O. Jerez , Cerda M. Cuevas , Bravo I. Moreno-Ventas
Published: July 2023

The kinetics of the thermal oxidation of white metal and Cu2S have been studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), which was carried out under atmospheric oxidative conditions (O2 100%) with heating rates of 5, 10, 15 and 20 °C min−1. Each experiment was performed three times, the indicated values being the average of the three experiments. The experimental data were evaluated using isoconversional models based on the Arrhenius equation. The models are constructed using first-order mechanisms in the reactions and therefore, since most of them present adequate regression coefficients, it can be verified that order 1 is the most predominant order among the reactions found. In addition, the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose model, which has the highest regression coefficient, is considered to be the most optimal. Similar behavior was recorded between Cu2S and white metal, as well as a similar regular increase in the apparent activation energy (Ea) of 10–30 kJ mol−1 for both materials. The reactions that took place during the oxidation of white metal and Cu2S were determined using a computational model based on thermodynamics developed in this work. The identified phases include CuSO4, Cu2SO4, Cu2O, CuO, CuO·CuSO4.
Transferable supervised learning model for public transport service load estimation
Authors: Yin Tianwei , Nassir Neema , Leong Joseph , Tanin Egemen , Sarvi Majid
Published: July 2023

Detailed knowledge of service utilisation and passenger load profiles is the basis for the design, operation, and adjustment of a public transport service. The advancement in sensing technologies enable transit operators to monitor the variabilities in passenger flows continuously and consistently. There is a growing body of literature on using supervised learning models with direct passenger counts from historical observations. However, the incomplete, inaccurate, and biased data from automatic sensors pose challenges in this process. This paper proposes novel supervised learning models to estimate the onboard load profile of public transport services based on two main data sources: (1) limited data collected on a subset of service vehicles by automatic passenger counting (APC) systems, and (2) fare data collected by automatic fare collection (AFC) systems. The specific consideration is given to the fact that the developed models can be transferred across different routes. This is motivated by the commonly “limited coverage” of automated passenger counter devices on service vehicles. We introduce an array of new models, including a superior segment-based model, which demonstrates remarkable improvement in model transferability and accuracy. The proposed methodology utilises separate methods in different segments of a transit line. The proposed models were applied to three tram lines in Melbourne, Australia, where various types of shortcomings exist in the automated data. The test results demonstrate that the proposed models can be transferred and applied to other transit route without relying on historical observations. This would enable transit operators to reduce the number of required devices and monitor service utilisation in a more cost-efficiently manner, particularly in public transport networks where AFC coverage is usually incomplete and negatively skewed. The information on service utilisation will not only help operators to accommodate the variability in passenger demand but also assist passengers in journey planning to avoid overcrowding on services.
Electromagnetic field exposure affects the calling song, phonotaxis, and level of biogenic amines in crickets
Authors: Wyszkowska Joanna , Kobak Jarosław , Aonuma Hitoshi
Published: July 2023

The electromagnetic field (EMF) is ubiquitous in the environment, constituting a well-known but poorly understood stressor. Few studies have been conducted on insect responses to EMF, although they are an excellent experimental model and are of great ecological importance. In our work, we tested the effects of EMF (50 Hz, 7 mT) on the cricketGryllus bimaculatus: the male calling song pattern, female mate choice, and levels of biogenic amines in the brain. Exposure of males to EMF increased the number and shortened the period of chips in their calling song (by 2.7% and 5% relative to the control song, respectively), but not the sound frequency. Aged (3-week-old) females were attracted to both natural and EMF-modified male signals, whereas young (1-week-old, virgin) females responded only to the modified signal, suggesting its higher attractance. Stress response of males to EMF may be responsible for the change in the calling song, as suggested by the changes in the amine levels in their brains: an increase in dopamine (by 50% relative to the control value), tyramine (65%), and serotonin (25%) concentration and a decrease in octopamine level (by 25%). These findings indicate thatG. bimaculatusresponds to EMF, like stressful conditions, which may change the condition and fitness of exposed individuals, disrupt mate selection, and, in consequence, affect the species’ existence.

Graphical Abstract
Mathematical Derivation of Wave Propagation Properties in Hierarchical Neural Networks with Predictive Coding Feedback Dynamics
Authors: Faye Grégory , Fouilhé Guilhem , VanRullen Rufin
Published: July 2023

Sensory perception (e.g., vision) relies on a hierarchy of cortical areas, in which neural activity propagates in both directions, to convey information not only about sensory inputs but also about cognitive states, expectations and predictions. At the macroscopic scale, neurophysiological experiments have described the corresponding neural signals as both forward and backward-travelling waves, sometimes with characteristic oscillatory signatures. It remains unclear, however, how such activity patterns relate to specific functional properties of the perceptual apparatus. Here, we present a mathematical framework, inspired by neural network models of predictive coding, to systematically investigate neural dynamics in a hierarchical perceptual system. We show that stability of the system can be systematically derived from the values of hyper-parameters controlling the different signals (related to bottom-up inputs, top-down prediction and error correction). Similarly, it is possible to determine in which direction, and at what speed neural activity propagates in the system. Different neural assemblies (reflecting distinct eigenvectors of the connectivity matrices) can simultaneously and independently display different properties in terms of stability, propagation speed or direction. We also derive continuous-limit versions of the system, both in time and in neural space. Finally, we analyze the possible influence of transmission delays between layers, and reveal the emergence of oscillations.
More than meets the eye: a scoping review on the non-medical uses of THZ eye drops
Authors: Menshawey Esraa , Menshawey Rahma
Published: July 2023

Tetrahydrozoline is an alpha agonist imidazole derivative found in over-the-counter decongestive eye and nasal drops. The drug was patented in 1954 and was available for medical use in 1959. This drug recently gained the attention of law enforcement as it has been utilized in criminal activity such as homicide and drug-facilitated sexual assault. The aim of this scoping review is to scope the literature for all mentions of tetrahydrozoline eye/nasal drops use in a non-medical context to delineate areas of future research and development. We used Google Scholar and PUBMED/Medline databases to search for non-medicinal and criminal uses of THZ. The search word used was “tetrahydrozoline.” A total of 15 articles matched our criteria. Among the case reports, two (11.1%) cases reported on drug-facilitated sexual assault, and two (11.1%) cases used THZ eyedrops to attempt suicide. Incidental ingestion of THZ eyedrops was reported in eight (44.4%) cases, three (16.7%) cases of attempted murder were reported, two (11.1%) cases of intentional ingestion were reported, and one (5.5%) case was a combination of drug-facilitated sexual assault and attempted murder. The most common clinical presentation was unexplained and resistant bradycardia and hypotension. THZ eye drops can be used to produce false negative results on drug tests. This study recognizes that THZ can be used in non-medicinal and criminal uses. There is room for future research and development. More studies should be conducted to better understand the mechanism of action, therapeutic window, and toxicity levels among various age groups at different methods of intake and to find an effective treatment in case of overdose. Eyedrop and nasal decongestant bottles should be designed with child proofing to prevent incidental ingestion and should contain warning labels. A fast and alternative test to GC/MS can be developed to ease the diagnosis of THZ toxicity. Purchases of this medication may need to be monitored.
Current systemic treatment options and new developments in palliative first-line treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kocher Florian , Seeber Andreas
Published: July 2023

This short review gives an overview of current treatment concepts, recently published trials, and novel developments in relapsed or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) not amendable for local curative treatment. Trials with potential future clinical implications and relevant updates of landmark trials are provided as well.
The arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy phenotype associated with PKP2 c.1211dup variant
Authors: Bos Thomas A. , Piers Sebastiaan R. D. , Wessels Marja W. , Houweling Arjan C. , Bökenkamp Regina , Bootsma Marianne , Bosman Laurens P. , Evertz Reinder , Hellebrekers Debby M. E. I. , Hoedemaekers Yvonne M. , Knijnenburg Jeroen , Lekanne Deprez Ronald , van Mil Anneke M. , te Riele Anneline S. J. M. , van Slegtenhorst Marjon A. , Wilde Arthur A. M. , Yap Sing-Chien , Dooijes Dennis , Koopmann Tamara T. , van Tintelen J. Peter , Barge-Schaapveld Daniela Q. C. M. ,   European Reference Network for rare, low prevalence and complex diseases of the heart: ERN GUARD-Heart, Houweling Arjan C. , Lekanne Deprez Ronald , te Riele Anneline S. J. M. , Wilde Arthur A. M. , van Tintelen J. Peter
Published: July 2023

Background

The arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) phenotype, with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure, varies according to genetic aetiology. We aimed to characterise the phenotype associated with the variant c.1211dup (p.Val406Serfs*4) in the plakophilin‑2 gene (PKP2) and compare it with previously reported Dutch PKP2 founder variants.

Methods

Clinical data were collected retrospectively from medical records of 106 PKP2 c.1211dup heterozygous carriers. Using data from the Netherlands ACM Registry, c.1211dup was compared with 3 other truncating PKP2 variants (c.235C > T (p.Arg79*), c.397C > T (p.Gln133*) and c.2489+1G > A (p.?)).

Results

Of the 106 carriers, 47 (44%) were diagnosed with ACM, at a mean age of 41 years. By the end of follow-up, 29 (27%) had experienced sustained ventricular arrhythmias and 12 (11%) had developed heart failure, with male carriers showing significantly higher risks than females on these endpoints (p < 0.05). Based on available cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiographic data, 46% of the carriers showed either right ventricular dilatation and/or dysfunction, whereas a substantial minority (37%) had some form of left ventricular involvement. Both geographical distribution of carriers and haplotype analysis suggested PKP2 c.1211dup to be a founder variant originating from the South-Western coast of the Netherlands. Finally, a Cox proportional hazards model suggested significant differences in ventricular arrhythmia–free survival between 4 PKP2 founder variants, including c.1211dup.

Conclusions

The PKP2 c.1211dup variant is a Dutch founder variant associated with a typical right-dominant ACM phenotype, but also left ventricular involvement, and a possibly more severe phenotype than other Dutch PKP2 founder variants.
Structural analysis of peptide binding to integrins for cancer detection and treatment
Authors: Urquiza Mauricio , Benavides-Rubio Daniela , Jimenez-Camacho Silvia
Published: July 2023

Integrins are cell receptors involved in several metabolic pathways often associated with cell proliferation. Some of these integrins are downregulated during human physical development, but when these integrins are overexpressed in adult humans, they can be associated with several diseases, such as cancer. Molecules that specifically bind to these integrins are useful for cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment. This review focuses on the structures of integrin-peptidic ligand complexes to dissect how the binding occurs and the molecular basis of the specificity and affinity of these peptidic ligands. Understanding these interactions at the molecular level is fundamental to be able to design new peptides that are more specific and more sensitive to a particular integrin. The integrin complexes covered in this review are α5β1, αIIbβ3, αvβ3, αvβ6, and αvβ8, because the molecular structures of the complex have been experimentally determined and their presence on tumor cancer cells are associated with a poor prognosis, making them targets for cancer detection and treatment.
Spatially Clustered Survey Designs
Authors: Foster Scott D. , Lawrence Emma , Hoskins Andrew J.
Published: July 2023

Direct observation, through surveys, underpins nearly all aspects of environmental sciences. Survey design theory has evolved to make sure that sampling is as efficient as possible whilst remaining robust and fit-for-purpose. However, these methods frequently focus on theoretical aspects and often increase the logistical difficulty of performing the survey. Usually, the survey design process will place individual sampling locations one-by-one throughout the sampling area (e.g. random sampling). A consequence of these approaches is that there is usually a large cost in travel time between locations. This can be a huge problem for surveys that are large in spatial scale or are in inhospitable environments where travel is difficult and/or costly. Our solution is to constrain the sampling process so that the sample consists of spatially clustered observations, with all sites within a cluster lying within a predefined distance. The spatial clustering is achieved by a two-stage sampling process: first cluster centres are sampled and then sites within clusters are sampled. A novelty of our approach is that these clusters are allowed to overlap and we present the necessary calculations required to adjust the specified inclusion probabilities so that they are respected in the clustered sample. The process is illustrated with a real and on-going large-scale ecological survey. We also present simulation results to assess the methods performance. Spatially clustered survey design provides a formal statistical framework for grouping sample sites in space whilst maintaining multiple levels of spatial-balance. These designs reduce the logistical burden placed on field workers by decreasing total travel time and logistical overheads.Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear on-line.
An automated classification framework for glaucoma detection in fundus images using ensemble of dynamic selection methods
Authors: Pathan Sumaiya , Kumar Preetham , Pai Radhika M. , Bhandary Sulatha V.
Published: July 2023

Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy, which leads to vision loss and is irreversible due to damage in the optic nerve head mainly caused by increased intra-ocular pressure. Retinal fundus photography facilitates ophthalmologist in detection of glaucoma but is subjective to human intervention and is time-consuming. Computational methods such as image processing and machine learning classifiers can aid in computer-based glaucoma detection which helps in mass screening of glaucoma. In this context, the proposed method develops an automated glaucoma detection system, in the following steps: (i) pre-processing by segmenting the blood vessels using directional filter; (ii) segmenting the region of interest by using statistical features; (iii) extracting the clinical and texture-based features; and (iv) developing ensemble of classifier models using dynamic selection techniques. The proposed method is evaluated on two publically available datasets and 300 fundus images collected from a hospital. The best results are obtained using ensemble of random forest using META-DES dynamic ensemble selection technique, and the average specificity, sensitivity and accuracy for glaucoma detection on hospital dataset are 100%, respectively. For RIM-ONE dataset, the average specificity, sensitivity and accuracy for glaucoma detection are 100%, 93.85% and 97.86%, respectively. For Drishti dataset, the average specificity, sensitivity and accuracy for glaucoma detection are 90%, 100% and 97%, respectively. The quantitative results and comparative study indicate the ability of the developed method, and thus, it can be deployed in mass screening and also as a second opinion in decision making by the ophthalmologist for glaucoma detection.
Population aging in China from a multidimensional, comparative perspective
Authors: Gietel-Basten Stuart
Published: July 2023

In recent years, perhaps more than any others, changes in China’s population have been under the spotlight. Issues relating to population aging and stagnation/decline have been presented as a near existential threat to the political, social, and economic future of the country. The responses to these challenges have typically revolved around seeking a ‘demographic response’—namely more babies. These responses, however, are deaf to both the challenges of family formation in contemporary China, as well as the timespan needed for such policies to affect already stressed systems and institutions. Rather, policies which reformed such stressed systems and address the lifecycle challenges and opportunities of population aging are urgently required. This requires an improved, multidimensional ‘problem definition’ as well as considering comparative approaches to facilitate policy learning. This commentary explores these issues and identifies how the papers which make up this special issue of China Population and Development Studies contribute to developing our understanding of aging from a multidimensional and comparative perspective.
Water surface profile prediction in non-prismatic compound channel using support vector machine (SVM)
Authors: Kaushik Vijay , Kumar Munendra
Published: July 2023

The process of estimating the level of water surface in two-stage waterways is a crucial aspect in the design of flood control and diversion structures. Human activities carried out along the course of rivers, such as agricultural and construction operation, have the potential to modify the geometry of floodplains, leading to the formation of compound channels with non-prismatic floodplains, thus possibly exhibiting convergent, divergent, or skewed characteristics. In the current investigation, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) technique is employed to approximate the water surface profile of compound channels featuring narrowing floodplains. Some models are constructed by utilizing significant experimental data obtained from both contemporary and previous investigations. Water surface profiles in these channels can be estimated through the utilization of non-dimensional geometric and flow parameters, including: converging angle, width ratio, relative depth, aspect ratio, relative distance, and bed slope. The results of this study indicate that the SVM-generated water surface profile exhibits a high degree of concordance with both the empirical data and the findings from previous research, as evidenced by its R2 value of 0.99, RMSE value of 0.0199, and MAPE value of 1.263. The findings of this study based on statistical analysis demonstrate that the SVM model developed is dependable and suitable for applications in this particular domain, exhibiting superior performance in forecasting water surface profiles.
Sodium selenite increases drought tolerance by promoting jasmonic acid biosynthesis in cucumber
Authors: Wen Dan , Zheng Yang , Han Yujuan , Song Jiping , Sun Shengnan , Yang Ning , Wang Xiao
Published: July 2023

Jasmonic acid (JA) is an important and widely distributed plant hormone. However, the molecular and physiological mechanism of JA in improving drought tolerance in response to sodium selenite is limited. This work was performed to investigate the effects of exogenous sodium selenite application in promoting drought tolerance of cucumber. The drought tolerance of cucumber seedlings is enhanced under the application of selenite, positively influencing shoot fresh weight and chlorophyll relative content and altering the chloroplast ultrastructure. The contents of JA and JA-isoleucine (JA-ILE) increased significantly in response to selenite application under drought conditions. Furthermore, the expression of JA biosynthesis and regulatory genes, namely, LOX (Lipoxygenase), AOC (alleneoxide cyclase), AOS (alleneoxide synthase), and MYC2 (the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein) was upregulated to greater levels when selenite was added in combination with drought treatment. This study provides methods to mitigate drought stress and valuable theoretical support for further understanding the plant response to drought signals.
An Introduction to Mesoamerican Philosophy
Authors: McLeod Alexus
Published: July 2023

The philosophy of Mesoamerica – the indigenous groups of precolonial North-Central America – is rich and varied but relatively little-known. In this ground-breaking book, Alexus McLeod introduces the philosophical traditions of the Maya, Nahua (Aztecs), Mixtecs, Zapotecs, and others, focussing in particular on their treatment of language, truth, time, creation, personhood, knowledge, and morality. His wide-ranging discussion includes important texts of world literature such as the K'iche Maya Popol Vuh and the Aztec Florentine Codex, as well as precolonial glyphic texts and imagery. This comprehensive and accessible book will give students, specialists and other interested readers an understanding of Mesoamerican philosophy and a sense of the current scholarship in the field.