bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How incidental and intentional news exposure in social media relate to political knowledge and voting intentions
Authors: Dreston Jana H. , Neubaum German
Published: December 2023

Background

Citizens are expected to make informed voting decisions. Theoretical approaches suggest that people are most likely to acquire their political knowledge through media. As more people turn to social media as a source of news, the political knowledge gains from using these technologies are called into question. Previous research has shown that rather than increasing objective political knowledge, the use of social media for news only increases people’s metacognitive sense of being knowledgeable (subjective knowledge), which in turn increases their political participation. However, it remains to be understood which particular forms of social media use, e.g., incidental or intentional news exposure, are related to which dimension of political knowledge. The present work examines (a) the extent to which different motivational forms of social media news consumption foster subjective knowledge, and (b) whether this metacognition is related not only to political participation as a broad concept, but also to specific democratic outcomes such as voting intentions.

Methods and results

Results from a pre-registered, pre-election survey (N = 1,223) of social media users show that intentional news seeking, but not incidental news exposure on social media, is directly related to increased subjective knowledge. Subjective knowledge appears to explain the relationship between social media news use and voting.

Discussion

By showing that incidental and intentional social media news use affect subjective knowledge differently, this study provides preliminary and nuanced insights into the ultimate role that social media technologies can play in democratic processes.
Identifying and regulating emotions after acquired brain injury: the role of interoceptive sensibility
Authors: Desdentado Lorena , Miragall Marta , Llorens Roberto , Navarro María Dolores , Baños Rosa M.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Interoceptive deficits are associated with difficulties in identifying and regulating emotions. However, research on interoception after acquired brain injury (ABI) is scarce, and its relationship with emotional difficulties in this population is unknown. This study aimed to (1) examine differences in self-reported alexithymia, performance-based emotional awareness, emotion regulation, depression, and interoceptive sensibility between ABI and control individuals; and (2) analyze the role of adaptive interoceptive dimensions in these emotional processes after ABI.

Methods

Forty-three individuals with ABI and 42 matched control individuals completed the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness-2, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results

Compared to the control group, individuals with ABI showed reduced tendency to ignore unpleasant sensations increased severity of depressive symptoms, as well as tendencies to have greater difficulties in emotion regulation and lower emotional awareness. Additionally, interoceptive dimensions such as trusting, as well as not-distracting from and not-worrying about bodily sensations, played a relevant role in explaining lower alexithymia and difficulties in emotion regulation. Moreover, lower alexithymia and emotion dysregulation were related to less depressive symptoms. These relationships were invariant across ABI and control individuals.

Discussion

Although individuals with ABI may have different levels of emotional abilities compared to non-ABI individuals, the relationship patterns between interoceptive and emotional processes appear to be similar between the two groups. This study suggests the potential benefit of addressing both interoceptive and emotional difficulties in treatments targeting such prevalent sequelae of ABI as depressive symptoms.
Uncovering the connection between ceiling height and emotional reactions in art galleries with editable 360-degree VR panoramic scenes
Authors: Zhang Zhihui , Fort Josep M. , Giménez Mateu Lluis , Chi Yuwei
Published: December 2023

Introduction

This study investigates the relationship between ceiling height and emotional responses in art galleries, using editable 360-degree VR panoramic scenes. Prior research has explored the influence of spatial dimensions on general emotions, but the specific impact of ceiling height in art gallery settings, particularly on discrete emotions, remains understudied.

Methods

The study utilized 360-degree panoramic photo scene modeling to modify ceiling heights within virtual art galleries, assessing emotional responses through self-report measures. Participants were presented with virtual art gallery environments featuring varying ceiling heights. Two studies were conducted: Study 1 involved absolute emotion rating across different ceiling heights, and Study 2 focused on selecting ceiling heights based on assigned emotions.

Results

The data revealed that ceiling height significantly impacts specific emotions, notably disgust and joy. Lower ceiling heights generally evoked higher levels of fear and anger, while higher ceiling heights were associated with increased joy. The impact on other emotions like sadness, surprise, and disgust was more nuanced and varied across different ceiling heights.

Discussion

The findings highlight a complex relationship between ceiling height and emotional responses in art galleries. The study demonstrates the efficacy of using editable 360-degree VR panoramic scenes in environmental psychology and architecture research, offering insights into how spatial dimensions influence emotional experiences in architectural settings.
The dual influence path of decent work perception on employee innovative behavior
Authors: Yan Yan , Deng Di , Geng Yuqing , Gao Juan , Lin Enzhong
Published: December 2023

Background

The goal of decent work (DW) is a win-win situation for both employees and employers. It promotes an individual’s employability and enhances the competitiveness of the organization.

Design

Based on the conservation of resources theory (COR), this paper conducted survey on knowledge workers and analyzed the data by hierarchical linear model (HLM).

Research purposes

This paper aims to examine how decent work perception (DWP) influences employee innovation behavior through the mediating effect of job engagement and burnout and the moderating effect of authoritarian leadership.

Findings

Based on the results of statistical analyses conducted on 489 valid knowledge workers, it was demonstrated that DWP positively influence employee innovative behavior. Job engagement has a full mediating effect on the relationship between DWP and employee innovative behavior. The study did not support the mediating effect of job burnout, however. There is a positive moderating effect of authoritarian leadership on the relationship between DWP and job engagement and a negative moderating effect on the relationship between DWP and job burnout.

Implications

In addition to contributing to theoretical studies on DW and work behavior, this paper also contributes to practice on employee motivation and leadership.
Association of nocturia with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality: a prospective cohort study with up to 31 years of follow-up
Authors: Chen Min , He Wangan , Cai Shaoqian , Chen Zhi , Ye Huarong , Jin Zhigang , Lv Xuexiang
Published: December 2023

Background

Nocturia is a highly prevalent and under-considered condition and impacts the quality of life for many individuals. The long-term impact of nocturnal voiding on mortality, especially mortality from cardiovascular disease, remains unknown. The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship of nocturnal voiding episodes with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among adults in the United States.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of a nationally representative sample of 13,862 U.S. adults aged 20 years or older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988–1994). Nighttime urination frequency was reported during an in-house interview. All-cause and cause-specific mortality were ascertained by linking to National Death Index mortality data through December 31, 2019. The associations of nocturia with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality were estimated using weighted Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

Throughout a median follow-up of 26.7 years, 5,029 deaths were reported, comprising 1,720 deaths from cardiovascular disease. In the fully adjusted model, participants who reported once, twice, and three or more times nocturnal voiding episodes have a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR1, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.997–1.49], HR2, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.13–1.91], and HR ≥ 3, 1.96 [95% CI, 1.52–2.53]) as well as all-cause mortality (HR1, 1.12 [95% CI, 0.90–1.39], HR2, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.23–1.93], and HR ≥ 3, 2.48 [95% CI, 1.81–3.40]), compared to those without nocturia, and heart disease-specific mortality (HR1, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.08–1.64], HR2, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.25–2.10], and HR≥3, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.61–2.67]). Nevertheless, there was no significant relationship between the number of nocturia episode changes and stroke-specific mortality.

Conclusion

Nocturia was associated with a significantly augmented risk of overall and heart disease-specific mortality in a dosage-dependent manner. Early recognition and taking precautions may benefit individuals with nocturia by promoting quality of life and cardiac health.
Apparent surface-to-sky radiance ratio of natural waters including polarization and aerosol effects: implications for above-water radiometry
Authors: Harmel Tristan
Published: December 2023

Above-water radiometry (AWR) methods have been developed to provide “ground-truth” (or fiducial) measurements for calibration and validation of the water color satellite missions. AWR is also an important tool for environmental survey from dedicated field missions. Under clear sky, the critical step of AWR is to retrieve the water-leaving radiance from radiometric measurements of the upward radiance that also includes the reflection of the direct sunlight and diffuse skylight reflected by the wind ruffled water surface toward the sensor. In order to correct for the surface reflection, sky radiance measurements are performed and converted into surface radiance through a factor often called “sea surface reflectance factor” or “effective Fresnel reflectance coefficient”. Based on theoretical and practical considerations, this factor was renamed surface-to-sky radiance ratio, Rss, to avoid misuse of the term reflectance as often encountered in the literature. Vector radiative transfer computations were performed over the spectral range 350–1,000 nm to provide angular values of Rss for a comprehensive set of aerosol loads and types (including maritime, continental desert and polluted models) and water surface roughness expressed in wave slope variances or in equivalent Cox-Munk wind speeds, for practical use. After separating direct and diffuse light components, it was shown that the spectral shape and amplitude of Rss are very sensitive to aerosol load and type even for extremely low values of the aerosol optical thickness. Uncertainty attached to Rss was computed based on propagation of errors made in aerosol and surface roughness parameters demonstrating the need to adapt the viewing geometry according to the Sun elevation and to associate concurrent aerosol measurements for optimal AWR protocols.
Predicting seepage losses from lined irrigation canals using machine learning models
Authors: Eltarabily Mohamed Galal , Abd-Elhamid Hany Farhat , Zeleňáková Martina , Elshaarawy Mohamed Kamel , Elkiki Mohamed , Selim Tarek
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Efficient water resource management in irrigation systems relies on the accurate estimation of seepage loss from lined canals. This study utilized machine learning (ML) algorithms to tackle this challenge in seepage loss prediction.

Methods

Firstly, seepage flow through irrigation canals was modeled numerically and experimentally using Slide2 and physical models, respectively. Then, the Slide2 model results were compared to the experimental tests. Thus, the model was used to conduct 600 simulation scenarios. A parametric analysis was performed to investigate the effect of canal geometry and liner properties on seepage loss. Based on the conducted scenarios, ML models were developed and evaluated to determine the best predictive model. The ML models included non-ensemble (regression-based, evolutionary, neural network) and ensemble models. Non-ensemble models (adaptive boosting, random forest, gradient boosting). There were four input ratios in these models: bed width to water depth, side slope, liner to soil hydraulic conductivity, and liner thickness to water depth. The output variable was the seepage loss ratio. Seven performance indices and k-fold cross-validation were employed to evaluate reliability and accuracy. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to investigate the significance of each input in predicting seepage loss.

Results and discussion

The findings revealed that the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was the most dependable predictor, achieving the highest determination-coefficient (R2) value of 0.997 and root-mean-square-error (RMSE) of 0.201. The eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) followed the ANN model closely, which achieved an R2 of 0.996 and RMSE of 0.246. Sensitivity analysis showed that liner hydraulic conductivity is the most significant parameter, contributing 62% predictive importance, while the side slope has the lowest significance. In conclusion, this study presented efficient and cost-effective models for predicting seepage loss, eliminating the need for resource-intensive experimental or field investigations.
Mechanism of enhanced freshness formulation in optimizing antioxidant retention of gold kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) harvested at two maturity stages
Authors: Mthembu Sisanda S. L. , Magwaza Lembe S. , Tesfay Samson Z. , Mditshwa Asanda
Published: December 2023

Kiwifruit exhibits a climacteric ripening pattern and has as an extremely perishable nature. Considering that high perishability leads to a loss in antioxidants and overall nutritional quality. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of enhanced freshness formulation (EFF), a hexanal-based formulation containing antioxidants such as geraniol, α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid, on maintaining the bioactive compounds of gold kiwifruit (cv. ‘Y368’) harvested at two maturity stages. Kiwifruits were treated with three treatments, namely, control (untreated fruit), 0.01 and 0.02% (v/v) EFF. Fruits were treated with 8 weeks of cold storage at 0°C and 90% relative humidity, then transferred to 20°C for 8 days. Three bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, total phenolics and flavonoids), antioxidant capacities using DPPH and FRAP assays, polyphenol oxidase, ascorbate oxidase, phenylalanine and tyrosine ammonia lyase enzyme activities were evaluated. The results showed that EFF significantly (p < 0.05) influenced bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacities and the activity of enzymes involved in the synthesis and oxidation of bioactive compounds. The maturity stage significantly influenced the content of bioactive compounds. Later harvested kiwifruit had greater content of bioactive compounds, compared to earlier harvested kiwifruit. The total phenolic content was 0.77, 1.09 and 1.22 mg GAE g−1 FW for control, 0.01 and 0.02% EFF, respectively. The FRAP antioxidant concentration was 0.76, 0.91 and 0.96 μmol Fe (II) g−1 FW for control, 0.01 and 0.02% EFF. The findings illustrate the capacity of EFF to optimize bioactive compounds and storability of kiwifruit during postharvest storage.
A simple and sensitive fluoroimmunoassay based on the nanobody-alkaline phosphatase fusion protein for the rapid detection of fenitrothion
Authors: Chen Zi-Jian , Huang Ai-Jun , Dong Xiu-Xiu , Zhang Yi-Feng , Zhu Lin , Luo Lin , Xu Zhen-Lin , Wang Hongwu
Published: December 2023

Immunoassay is a powerful tool for the rapid detection of small harmful organic molecules. In this study, a simple and sensitive fluoroimmunoassay (FIA) based on a nanobody-alkaline phosphatase fusion protein (VHHjd8-ALP) and blue-emissive carbon dots (bCDs) was developed for the rapid detection of fenitrothion. The bCDs were synthesized using the one-step hydrothermal method. Citric acid and urea were used as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The synthesized bCDs were characterized by fluorescence spectrum, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. After one step of competitive immunoassay, the VHHjd8-ALP bound to the microplate and catalyzed the substrate p-nitrophenylphosphate (pNPP) into p-nitrophenol (pNP); the latter can quench the blue of bCDs due to an inner-filter effect. After condition optimization, an FIA calibration curve was finally created, which showed an IC50 value of 16.25 ng/mL and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.19 ng/mL. Compared with the pNPP-based one-step conventional indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay (icELISA), the developed FIA showed an 11-fold sensitivity improvement. Furthermore, the analysis period of FIA only takes approximately 55 min, which was obviously faster than that of the conventional icELISA. The recovery test showed recoveries from 81.8 to 119% with fruits and vegetable samples, which verified the practicability and accuracy of the developed FIA.
Numerical Investigation on Intermittent Maximum Ice Accretion and Aerodynamic Performances of RG-15 Aerofoil at Low Reynolds Number
Authors: Cheng Haoyu , Zhao Dan , Oo Nay Lin , Liu Xiran , Dong Xu
Published: December 2023

Ice accretion is inevitable on fix-wing UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) when they are applied to surveillance and mapping over colder climates and arctic regions. Subsequent aerodynamic profile changes have caused the current interest in the better prediction of the effect of icing shapes/sizes/distribution patterns on the aerodynamic performances of an aircraft. This study employs a numerical model which investigates the RG-15 aerofoil’s response to various icing scenarios at a Reynolds number of Re=2×105. Under icing conditions, compared to a clean aerofoil, a reduction in the lift coefficient and an increase in the drag coefficient are observed. Lower temperatures and reduced liquid water content lead to a decrease in the maximum thickness of ice accretion on the RG-15 aerofoil. Particularly noteworthy is the 10.85% reduction in the lift coefficient at a 10° angle of attack, which is in the icing condition at −10 °C with a mean volume diameter of 15 μm. Power consumption increases in the range of 0.46% to 26.5% under various icing conditions, showing synchronization with the rise in drag coefficient. This study underscores the need for future research to investigate various cloud conditions comprehensively and deeply in the context of aerofoil icing.
Integrated Guidance and Control for Collision Course Stabilization of Dual-Controlled Interceptors
Authors: Kim Hyeong-Geun , Beck Donghyun
Published: December 2023

We propose an integrated guidance and control law for dual-controlled interceptor dynamics controlled via tail-fin deflection and reaction jets. Because dual-controlled interceptors have two input channels in each axis, we define two error variables as the first step to derive an integrated controller. One variable is configured as a line-of-sight rate for nullifying heading errors to a target, and the other is established to allocate the control strategy for the fast response of an integrated loop. Consequently, interceptor dynamics are controlled to produce a required maneuver by the net force of the two control inputs when a large heading error occurs, thereby accelerating the control response compared with conventional control methods. After the heading error is sufficiently reduced, it is switched to a general control strategy that performs a maneuver through the lift generated by the fuselage angle of attack to prevent excessive use of the control inputs. Based on such a control strategy, the proposed integrated law is expected to exhibit enhanced homing performance compared with existing control methods that perform guidance and control in separate loops. Moreover, numerical simulations considering engagement scenarios with highly maneuverable targets are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed integrated guidance and control law.
Difructose Anhydride and Passive Immunity Effects on Passive Immune Transfer and Performance of Feeding Difructose Anhydride to Neonatal Calves
Authors: Escartín Miguel , Rialp Núria , Bach Alex
Published: December 2023

The objective of this study was to assess the potential effects of supplementing difructose anyhdride III (DFAIII) during the first days of life on the absorption of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and growth performance of calves early in life fed colostrum with a high IgG concentration. Sixty-six healthy new-born Holstein calves were randomly assigned to three treatments consisting of no supplementation (control), supplementation of 12 g/d (DFA12), or 36 g/d (DFA36) of DFAIII during the first 7 d of life via colostrum and milk replacer (MR). Calves were separated from dams at birth and bottle-fed colostrum in two meals, each targeting 2.5 L within the first 18 h of birth. Colostrum had been previously collected from other dams (and preserved frozen) within the first 2 h of calving and had a Brix value ≥32%. Daily consumption of starter concentrate and MR (and colostrum on the first day) were individually monitored. Calves were body weighed using an electronic scale at birth and on a weekly basis thereafter until the end of study at 42 d of age. A sample of colostrum fed to each calf and a blood sample from the jugular vein of the calves were collected at 12 and 24 h of life to determine the IgG concentration. The mean colostrum IgG concentration fed in the current study was 110 ± 33.7 g/L (mean ± SD). No differences in animal performance were found among the treatments. Calves on all treatments consumed the same amount of colostrum with a similar concentration of IgG, and thus the amount of IgG consumed was also similar. Serum IgG concentrations were greater at 24 than at 12 h but did not differ among treatments. However, the apparent efficiency of absorption of colostral immunoglobulins was greater in DFA12 and DFA36 at 12 h of life than in control calves, with no differences observed at 24 h. Even when feeding high-quality colostrum, in terms of IgG concentration, supplementation with difructose anhydride III may pose an additional advantage in promoting the passive transfer of immunoglobulins in neonatal Holstein calves during the first 12 h of life.
Influences of Supplementing Selective Members of the Interleukin-6 Cytokine Family on Bovine Oocyte Competency
Authors: McKinley Endya , Speckhart Savannah L. , Keane Jessica A. , Oliver Mary A. , Rhoads Michelle L. , Edwards J. Lannett , Biase Fernando H. , Ealy Alan D.
Published: December 2023

This work explored whether supplementing selective members of the interleukin-6 (IL6) cytokine family during in vitro bovine oocyte maturation affects maturation success, cumulus–oocyte complex (COC) gene expression, fertilization success, and embryo development potential. Human recombinant proteins for IL6, IL11, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) were supplemented to COCs during the maturation period, then fertilization and embryo culture commenced without further cytokine supplementation. The first study determined that none of these cytokines influenced the rate that oocytes achieved arrest at meiosis II. The second study identified that LIF and IL11 supplementation increases AREG transcript abundance. Supplementation with IL6 supplementation did not affect AREG abundance but reduced HAS2 transcript abundance. Several other transcriptional markers of oocyte competency were not affected by any of the cytokines. The third study determined that supplementing these cytokines during maturation did not influence fertilization success, but either LIF or IL11 supplementation increased blastocyst development. No effect of IL6 supplementation on subsequent blastocyst development was detected. The fourth experiment explored whether each cytokine treatment affects the post-thaw survivability of cryopreserved IVP blastocysts. None of the cytokines supplemented during oocyte maturation produced any positive effects on post-thaw blastocyst re-expansion and hatching. In conclusion, these outcomes implicate IL11 and LIF as potentially useful supplements for improving bovine oocyte competency.
Foodborne Pathogen Dynamics in Meat and Meat Analogues Analysed Using Traditional Microbiology and Metagenomic Sequencing
Authors: Bonaldo Francesco , Avot Baptiste Jacques Philippe , De Cesare Alessandra , Aarestrup Frank M. , Otani Saria
Published: December 2023

Meat analogues play an increasing role in meeting global nutritional needs. However, while it is well known that meat possesses inherent characteristics that create favourable conditions for the growth of various pathogenic bacteria, much less is known about meat analogues. This study aimed to compare the growth and survival of Escherichia coli HEHA16, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica Typhi, Cronobacter sakazakii, and a cocktail of these bacteria in sterile juices from minced chicken, pig, and beef, as well as pea-based and soy-based minced meat. Traditional microbiology and next-generation sequencing of those metagenomes were employed to analyse the pathogen variability, abundance, and survival after an incubation period. Our findings show that all the meat juices provided favourable conditions for the growth and proliferation of the studied bacteria, with the exception of E. coli HEHA16, which showed lower survival rates in the chicken matrix. Meat analogue juice mainly supported L. monocytogenes survival, with C. sakazakii survival supported to a lesser extent. A correlation was observed between the traditional culturing and metagenomic analysis results, suggesting that further work is needed to compare these technologies in foodborne setups. Our results indicate that plant-based meats could serve as vectors for the transmission of certain, but likely not all, foodborne pathogens, using two accurate detection methods. This warrants the need for additional research to better understand and characterise their safety implications, including their potential association with additional pathogens.
Sensitivity of Simulated Conditions to Different Parameterization Choices Over Complex Terrain in Central Chile
Authors: Arévalo Jorge , Marín Julio C. , Díaz Mailiu , Raga Graciela , Pozo Diana , Córdova Ana María , Baumgardner Darrel
Published: December 2023

This study evaluates the performance of fourteen high-resolution WRF runs with different combinations of parameterizations in simulating the atmospheric conditions over the complex terrain of central Chile during austral winter and spring. We focus on the validation of results for coastal, interior valleys, and mountainous areas independently, and also present an in-depth analysis of two synoptic-scale events that occurred during the study period: a frontal system and a cut-off low. The performance of the simulations decreases from the coast to higher altitudes, even though the differences are not very clear between the coast and interior valleys for 10 m wind speeds and precipitation. The simulated vertical profiles show a warmer and drier boundary layer and a cooler and moister free atmosphere than observed. The choice of the land-surface model has the largest positive impact on near-surface variables with the five-layer thermal diffusion scheme showing the smallest errors. Precipitation is more sensitive to the choice of cumulus parameterizations, with the simplified Arakawa–Schubert scheme generally providing the best performance for absolute errors. When examining the performance of the model simulating rain/no-rain events for different thresholds, also the cumulus parameterizations better represented the false alarm ratio (FAR) and the bias score (BS). However, the Morrison microphysics scheme resulted in the best critical success index (CSI), while the probability of detection (POD) was better in the simulation without analysis nudging. Overall, these results provide guidance to other researchers and help to identify the best WRF configuration for a specific research or operational goal.
GAN-Based Approach for Diabetic Retinopathy Retinal Vasculature Segmentation
Authors: Sebastian Anila , Elharrouss Omar , Al-Maadeed Somaya , Almaadeed Noor
Published: December 2023

Most diabetes patients develop a condition known as diabetic retinopathy after having diabetes for a prolonged period. Due to this ailment, damaged blood vessels may occur behind the retina, which can even progress to a stage of losing vision. Hence, doctors advise diabetes patients to screen their retinas regularly. Examining the fundus for this requires a long time and there are few ophthalmologists available to check the ever-increasing number of diabetes patients. To address this issue, several computer-aided automated systems are being developed with the help of many techniques like deep learning. Extracting the retinal vasculature is a significant step that aids in developing such systems. This paper presents a GAN-based model to perform retinal vasculature segmentation. The model achieves good results on the ARIA, DRIVE, and HRF datasets.
Design and Implementation of Analog-Digital Hybrid Beamformers for Low-Complexity Ultrasound Systems: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Yoon Heechul , Kim Junseung , Lee Kunkyu , Song Tai-Kyong
Published: December 2023

Low-complexity ultrasound systems are increasingly desired for both wearable, point-of-care ultrasound and high-end massive-channel ultrasound for 3-D matrix imaging. However, the imaging capabilities, including spatial resolution and contrast, could suffer as low complexity systems are pursued, which remains as an unresolved tradeoff. To mitigate this limitation, this study revisits the general structures of analog and digital beamformers and introduces a hybrid approach, referred to as analog-digital hybrid beamforming, to implement efficient ultrasound systems. The suggested hybrid beamforming takes two stages sequentially, where the first analog stage partially beamforms M-channel RF signals to N sum-out data (i.e., M-to-N beamforming), and the second digital stage beamforms N partial sums to single final beamformed data (i.e., N-to-1 beamforming). Our approach was systematically designed and implemented with only four major integrated circuits, which was capable of driving full 64-channel transmission and reception. The developed system was demonstrated with a customized 64-channel 1-D phased array using a commercial tissue mimicking phantom. From the phantom imaging results, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and full beam width at half maximum values were quantitatively evaluated. The demonstrated results indicate that the analog-digital hybrid beamforming can be applied to any type of array for sophisticated 3-D imaging and tiny wearable ultrasound applications.
Utility of Genetic Testing in Patients with Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy: A Brief Review
Authors: Merino-Merino Ana-Maria , Labrador-Gomez Jorge , Sanchez-Corral Ester , Delgado-Lopez Pedro-David , Perez-Rivera Jose-Angel
Published: December 2023

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is an increasingly diagnosed condition. Although wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt) is the most common ATTR-CM, hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) may also occur. Currently, genetic testing for transthyretin pathogenic variants is recommended for patients with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of ATTR-CM. In fact, confirmation of this autosomal dominant pathogenic variant prompts genetic counselling and allows early identification of affected relatives. Additionally, in the presence of an ATTR-CM-associated polyneuropathy, specific drugs targeting transthyretin can be used. In this paper, we review the utility of genetic testing for the detection of pathogenic variants among patients harboring ATTR-CM and its impact on the natural history of the disease.
Whole Blood Reactivity to Viral and Bacterial Pathogens after Non-Emergent Cardiac Surgery during the Acute and Convalescence Periods Demonstrates a Distinctive Profile of Cytokines Production Compared to the Preoperative Baseline in Cohort of 108 Patients, Suggesting Immunological Reprogramming during the 28 Days Traditionally Recognized as the Post-Surgical Recovery Period
Authors: Laudanski Krzysztof , Liu Da , Karnatovskaia Lioudmila , Devang Sanghavi , Mathew Amal , Szeto Wilson Y.
Published: December 2023

The release of danger signals from tissues in response to trauma during cardiac surgery creates conditions to reprogram the immune system to subsequent challenges posed by pathogens in the postoperative period. To demonstrate this, we tested immunoreactivity before surgery as the baseline (tbaseline), followed by subsequent challenges during the acute phase (t24h), convalescence (t7d), and long-term recovery (t3m). For 108 patients undergoing elective heart surgery, whole blood was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Influenza A virus subtype N2 (H3N2), or the Flublok™ vaccine to represent common pathogenic challenges. Leukocytosis, platelet count, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were used to measure non-specific inflammation. Cytokines were measured after 18 h of stimulation to reflect activation of the various cell types (activated neutrophils–IL-8; activated T cells-IL-2, IFNγ, activated monocyte (MO)-TNFα, IL-6, and deactivated or atypically activated MO and/or T cells–M-CSF, IL-10). IL-2 and IL-10 were increased at t7d, while TNFα was suppressed at t24h when LPS was utilized. Interestingly, M-CSF and IL-6 production was elevated at seven days in response to all stimuli compared to baseline. While some non-specific markers of inflammation (white cell count, IL-6, and IL-8) returned to presurgical levels at t3m, CRP and platelet counts remained elevated. We showed that surgical stimulus reprograms leukocyte response to LPS with only partial restoration of non-specific markers of inflammation.
Depressive Symptoms Associated with Peripheral Artery Disease and Predicting Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Li Yu-Hsuan , Cheng Yu-Cheng , Liu Hsiu-Chen , Wu Junyi , Lee I-Te
Published: December 2023

This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the mortality risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) by screening for depressive symptoms and peripheral artery disease (PAD). We enrolled patients aged ≥60 years who had undergone assessments of both the ankle–brachial index (ABI) and the five-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-5). PAD and depression were defined as ABI ≤ 0.90 and GDS-5 ≥ 1, respectively. The primary endpoint was total mortality. In 1673 enrolled patients, the prevalence of PAD was higher in those with depression than in those without depression (8.9% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.021). After a median follow-up of 56.6 months (interquartile range: 47.0–62.3 months), a total of 168 (10.0%) deaths occurred. The patients in the depression and PAD subgroup had the highest hazard ratio of mortality, followed by the PAD without depression subgroup and the depression without PAD subgroup (2.209, 95%CI: 1.158–4.217; 1.958, 95%CI: 1.060–3.618; and 1.576, 95%CI: 1.131–2.196; respectively) in comparison to the patients without depression and PAD after adjustment for associated factors. In conclusion, a combination of depression and PAD predicted the highest mortality risk. Screening for depression and PAD is recommended in patients aged ≥60 years with type 2 DM.
Preliminary Study of the Relationship between Osteopontin and Relapsed Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: De Re Valli , Lopci Egesta , Brisotto Giulia , Elia Caterina , Mussolin Lara , Mascarin Maurizio , d’Amore Emanuele Stefano Giovanni ,   AIEOP The Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Research Network
Published: December 2023

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the potential role of tissue osteopontin, also known as secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), as a contributing factor to an unfavorable prognosis in classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) patients who received the same treatment protocol. The study involved 44 patients aged 4–22 years, with a median follow-up period of 3 years. Patients with higher levels of SPP1 were associated with tissue necrosis and inflammation, and there was a trend toward a poorer prognosis in this group. Before therapy, we found a correlation between positron emission tomography (PET) scans and logarithmic SPP1 levels (p = 0.035). However, the addition of SPP1 levels did not significantly enhance the predictive capacity of PET scans for recurrence or progression. Elevated SPP levels were associated with tissue mRNA counts of chemotactic and inflammatory chemokines, as well as specific monocyte/dendritic cell subtypes, defined by IL-17RB, PLAUR, CXCL8, CD1A, CCL13, TREM1, and CCL24 markers. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the potential factors influencing the prognosis of HL patients and the potential role of SPP1 in the disease. While the predictive accuracy of PET scans did not substantially improve during the study, the results underscore the complexity of HL and highlight the relationships between SPP1 and other factors in the context of HL relapse.
BioMedInformatics, the Link between Biomedical Informatics, Biology and Computational Medicine
Authors: de Brevern Alexandre G.
Published: December 2023

Welcome to BioMedInformatics (ISSN: 2673-7426) [...]
Implementing an On-Slide Molecular Classification of Gastric Cancer: A Tissue Microarray Study
Authors: Costache Simona , de Havilland Rebecca , Diaz McLynn Sofia , Sajin Maria , Baltan Adelina , Wedden Sarah , D’Arrigo Corrado
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and the fourth cause of cancer death worldwide. Personalised treatment improves GC outcomes. A molecular classification is needed to choose the appropriate therapy. A classification that uses on-slide biomarkers and formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue is preferable to comprehensive genomic analysis. In 2016, Setia and colleagues proposed an on-slide classification; however, this is not in widespread use. We propose a modification of this classification that has six subgroups: GC associated with Epstein–Barr virus (GC EBV+), GC with mismatch-repair deficiency (GC dMMR), GC with epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (GC EMT), GC with chromosomal instability (GC CIN), CG that is genomically stable (GC GS) and GC not otherwise specified (GC NOS). This classification also has a provision for biomarkers for current or emerging targeted therapies (Her2, PD-L1 and Claudin18.2). Here, we assess the implementation and feasibility of this inclusive working classification. Materials and Methods: We constructed a tissue microarray library from a cohort of 79 resection cases from FFPE tissue archives. We used a restricted panel of on-slide markers (EBER, MMR, E-cadherin, beta-catenin and p53), defined their interpretation algorithms and assigned each case to a specific molecular subtype. Results: GC EBV(+) cases were 6%, GC dMMR cases were 20%, GC EMT cases were 14%, GC CIN cases were 23%, GC GS cases were 29%, and GC NOS cases were 8%. Conclusions: This working classification uses markers that are widely available in histopathology and are easy to interpret. A diagnostic subgroup is obtained for 92% of the cases. The proportion of cases in each subgroup is in keeping with other published series. Widescale implementation appears feasible. A study using endoscopic biopsies is warranted.
Establishment and Characterization of Cell Lines from Canine Metastatic Osteosarcoma
Authors: Yang Ya-Ting , Engleberg Alexander I. , Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan Vilma
Published: December 2023

Despite the advancements in treatments for other cancers, the outcomes for osteosarcoma (OSA) patients have not improved in the past forty years, especially in metastatic patients. Moreover, the major cause of death in OSA patients is due to metastatic lesions. In the current study, we report on the establishment of three cell lines derived from metastatic canine OSA patients and their transcriptome as compared to normal canine osteoblasts. All the OSA cell lines displayed significant upregulation of genes in the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway, and upregulation of key cytokines such as CXCL8, CXCL10 and IL6. The two most upregulated genes are MX1 and ISG15. Interestingly, ISG15 has recently been identified as a potential therapeutic target for OSA. In addition, there is notable downregulation of cell cycle control genes, including CDKN2A, CDKN2B and THBS1. At the protein level, p16INK4A, coded by CDKN2A, was undetectable in all the canine OSA cell lines, while expression of the tumor suppressor PTEN was variable, with one cell line showing complete absence and others showing low levels of expression. In addition, the cells express a variety of actionable genes, including KIT, ERBB2, VEGF and immune checkpoint genes. These findings, similar to those reported in human OSA, point to some genes that can be used for prognosis, targeted therapies and novel drug development for both canine and human OSA patients.
Writing Tiny Nanoclusters Using a Nanofountain Pen Operated by Spontaneous Evaporation
Authors: Kim Sung-Jo , Yi Dongwon , Lee Il Hyun , Kim Won-Geun , Kim Ye-Ji , Moon Jong-Sik , Oh Jin-Woo
Published: December 2023

Tow-dimensional and 3-dimensional colloidal structures have been used to study surface-enhanced Raman scattering and localized surface plasmon resonance because of their regular stacking structures. However, freely controlling the number and size of the colloidal assemblies remains a challenge. In this study, we demonstrated the fabrication and mechanism of tiny nanoclusters using spontaneous evaporation-based nanofountain pens (NFPs). A micrometer-scale NFP nozzle was fabricated using a glass capillary. The gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) dispersed ink formed the pendant droplet at the NFP nozzle tip, where the AuNPs accumulated within the pendant droplet because of evaporation. The accumulated AuNPs were transferred onto the substrate via a stamp-like process to create nanoclusters. Using water evaporation analyzed by diffusion equations, we showed that reducing the AuNP accumulation to one hundred is possible. This precise adjustment enables fabrication until submicrometer-level nanoclusters. The fabrication method using NFPs can create 3D structures, and this operation is not significantly affected by the size or composition of the AuNPs. This could be expanded to metabolite-included nanocluster where metabolite can be located at the hot spot among AuNPs. Therefore, we expect that this will be utilized to create SERS signals and conduct disease diagnosis research using extremely small amounts of metabolites.
Resection of a Large Growing Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumor Using a Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Greene Alison , Wood Lori , Champion Philip , Castonguay Mathieu , Scheffler Matthias , Deshaies Catherine , Wood Jeremy , French Daniel
Published: December 2023

Mediastinal germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare. Post-chemotherapy residual masses in patients with a nonseminomatous GCT require resection. A patient with a large mediastinal GCT involving the left subclavian artery, superior vena cava (SVC) and hilum of the right lung is presented. Despite a biochemical response to chemotherapy, the tumor enlarged on serial imaging. With guidance from medical oncology, a multidisciplinary surgical team, including cardiac anesthesia, cardiac surgery and thoracic surgery resected the tumor with a staged reconstruction of the SVC. The procedure was well tolerated and yielded clear margins. The final pathology showed a significant associated component of rhabdomyosarcoma.
High-Dose-Rate Three-Dimensional Image-Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy (3D IGABT) for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer (LACC): A Narrative Review on Imaging Modality and Clinical Evidence
Authors: Wang Kaiyue , Wang Junjie , Jiang Ping
Published: December 2023

Background: Brachytherapy (BT) is a critical component of radiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC), and it has rapidly developed in recent decades. Since the advent of three-dimensional image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (3D-IGABT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as the primary modality for image guidance. Meanwhile, other imaging modalities, such as computed tomography, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, ultrasound, and their combinations have also been widely studied. Materials and methods: We reviewed studies on different imaging modalities utilized for target delineation and planning. Emerging techniques in IGABT like real-time image guidance and 3D printing were also included. We summarized research on their feasibility and concentrated on their clinical outcomes. Results: MRI-guided BT was the gold standard, and CT-guided BT was the most widely applied. Other modalities have shown feasibility and promising efficacy in dosimetry studies and preliminary outcomes. The longer-term clinical outcomes associated with these approaches require further elucidation. Conclusions: As 3D-IGABT was validated by promising clinical outcomes, the future of BT for LACC is expected to progress toward the refinement of more effective image-guided procedures. Moreover, achieving operational consensus and driving technological advancements to mitigate the inherent limitations associated with different imaging modes remain essential.
Non-Additive Effects of Inundation Duration and Soil Depth on Seed Banks in a Shoreline Meadow of Poyang Lake in China
Authors: Liu Yizhen , Liao Ning , Jia Chunyu , Cai Qiying , Ge Gang
Published: December 2023

Seed banks are fundamentally important components of the wetland ecosystem. Water levels on germination in soil seed banks have been documented in many ecosystems. However, there is a lack of knowledge about water levels on seed banks in freshwater wetlands, especially in those buried by sedimentation. Three burial depths (0–5 cm, 5–10 cm and 10–15 cm) within five water level gradient zones along the elevation in Poyang Lake, Eastern China, were sampled. The seedling-emergence method in a greenhouse under moist conditions and submersion was applied to allow all active seeds to be germinated. The experiment continued over an eight-week period in late spring up to early summer. A total of 7090 seedlings emerged, belonged to 20 families, 36 genera and 49 species. In terms of results, an average active soil seed density of 17,328 ± 1675 seeds/m2 was found in 0–15 cm in Poyang Lake, and the greatest average seed density was found at 0–5 cm with 7607 ± 790 seeds/m2, along with 5–10 cm and 10–15 cm with 5419 ± 589 seeds/m2 and 3855 ± 790 seeds/m2, respectively. An obvious difference in composition was found in the species composition of the seed bank at different water levels and burial depths. The highest water level and top layer of soil had the highest diversity index, with a Shannon–Wiener value of 2.011. Seed density, species richness and diversity decreased with the water level gradient zone from low elevation to high elevation and burial depth from surface to deepness. However, there was no interaction between inundation duration and burial depth, indicating that the water level fluctuation and sediment buried had a separate impact on the seed bank composition and diversity index. The present findings can be directly applied to the ecosystem conservation of healthy wetlands, and the ecological restoration of devastated and degraded wetlands in Poyang Lake.