bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Figuring Out Exposure: Exploring Computational Environments and Personalisation in Interdisciplinary Air Pollution Research
Authors: Garnett Emma , Bhatnagar Srishti
Published: October 2022

Air pollution is often understood through a composition of different kinds of data that increasingly include personal exposure measurements. This chapter is based on our involvement in an interdisciplinary project in Delhi that is combining computational methods and embodied data to simultaneously map, know and respond to air pollution. We use the concept and method of figure, and specifically the figure of ‘the child with asthma’, to explore the tensions that emerge when participants are both objects (sensing bodies that measure air pollution) and subjects (knowing bodies that experience and respond to environmental exposures) of research. This dynamic relationship allows for different ways of figuring out exposure in public health, and thereby possibilities for approaching personalisation that go beyond individualised notions of risk and harm.
Figure to Ground: Felicity Allen Interviewed by Celia Lury
Authors: Allen Felicity , Lury Celia
Published: October 2022

In this interview, the artist Felicity Allen discusses her residency as part of the research project People Like You: Contemporary Figures of Personalisation, which included the making of the film Figure to Ground—A Site Losing Its System. The interview locates the film in relation to Allen’s ongoing practice of Dialogic Portraits and considers the notion of the figure in relation to three meanings of site: the site as in a specific site and its parallel ‘non-sites’ as elucidated by the US sculptor Robert Smithson; the site as the commonly foreshortened term for a website; and sight.
Engines, Puppets, Promises: The Figurations of Configuration Management
Authors: Spencer Matt
Published: October 2022

This chapter examines the kinds of agency imputed to machines by the tradition of IT configuration management. While it is rarely examined by social or cultural studies of technology, IT configuration management is of profound importance in the story of cloud computing and recent paradigms of information security. Like infrastructure studies, configuration management took shape in relation to the pragmatics of managing “heterogeneous distributed computing” in the 1990s, and shares with Susan Leigh Star’s early work a concern with the problem of coordination in distributed systems. Given an obsession with figurative imagery in configuration management’s self-descriptions (engines, puppets, conductors, chefs, promises), I ask whether we can detect a shift here in how human-machine relations are figured, from one of control to one of stewardship.
Figuring Molecular Relapse in Breast Cancer Medicine
Authors: Viney William , Day Sophie
Published: October 2022

We wanted to learn about new ways of diagnosing and treating cancers that are associated with what in the UK is called ‘personalised medicine’. We followed the work of one scientific team who use samples to develop ‘liquid biopsies’, extracting and tracking circulating tumour DNA. We propose this ‘personalised’ monitoring involves the figuration of disease. Using the terms developed by Erich Auerbach (1938; 1946), we suggest that personalised tracking may establish serial, figure-fulfilment relationships, connecting events and persons. We show how the development of liquid biopsies in oncology involves multiple figures in pictorial, numerical, and conceptual forms. Using serial liquid biopsies, patients can be stratified into sub-groups but also into figures of personalisation.
Pion spectral properties above the chiral crossover of QCD
Authors: Lowdon Peter , Philipsen Owe
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Spectral functions encode a wealth of information about the dynamics of any given system, and the determination of their non-perturbative characteristics is a long-standing problem in quantum field theory. Whilst numerical simulations of lattice QCD provide ample data for various Euclidean correlation functions, the inversion required to extract spectral functions is an ill-posed problem. In this work, we pursue previously established constraints imposed by field locality at finite temperature T, namely that spectral functions possess a non-perturbative representation which generalises the well-known Källén-Lehmann spectral form to T > 0. Using this representation, we analyse lattice QCD data of the spatial pseudo-scalar correlator in the temperature range 220–960 MeV, and obtain an analytic expression for the corresponding spectral function, with parameters fixed by the data. From the structure of this spectral function we find evidence for the existence of a distinct pion state above the chiral pseudo-critical temperature Tpc, and contributions from its first excitation, which gradually melt as the temperature increases. As a non-trivial test, we find that the extracted spectral function reproduces the corresponding temporal lattice correlator data for T = 220 MeV.
Hypolimnetic oxygen depletion in a deep oligomictic lake under climate change
Authors: Dresti Claudia , Rogora Michela , Fenocchi Andrea
Published: October 2022

Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration is a fundamental metric to describe climate-related alterations in deep lakes. Increasing water temperatures enhance thermal stratification, leading in temperate basins to a growing isolation of deep waters. This leads to the depletion of hypolimnetic DO, which adds up to limited nutrient circulation and restricted replenishment of the trophogenic layers. With vanishing convective mixing, it is commonly believed that the only source of hypolimnetic DO replenishment will be represented by deep intrusions of cold oxygenated waters from the tributaries. In this study, we first analyse the 1993–2020 long-term observed trends of DO concentrations in the subalpine deep oligomictic Lake Maggiore (Italy/Switzerland). Then, through an algorithm calculating daily intrusion depths and mass discharges of DO for the major tributaries, we show that deep insertions are suppressed for increasing winter water temperatures and residual thermal stratification. Turbulent entrainment is proved fundamental for DO replenishment, leading to mass discharges of DO released into the deep hypolimnion up to more than two orders of magnitude larger than the original ones from the tributaries. Last, we discuss the results of simulations made through a one-dimensional coupled ecological–hydrodynamic model about the possible effects of a full turnover on DO concentrations in the deep hypolimnion. Two cases are displayed, with the turnover taking place either now or with an anoxic hypolimnion deriving from decades of isolation due to severe climate warming. Through this study, climate warming is shown to be a fundamental driver of DO in Lake Maggiore, its depletion harming both water quality and the ecosystem.
Artificial intelligence fracture recognition on computed tomography: review of literature and recommendations
Authors: Dankelman Lente H. M. , Schilstra Sanne , IJpma Frank F. A. , Doornberg Job N. , Colaris Joost W. , Verhofstad Michael H. J. , Wijffels Mathieu M. E. , Prijs Jasper ,   On Behalf of Machine Learning Consortium, Algra Paul , van den Bekerom Michel , Bhandari Mohit , Bongers Michiel , Court-Brown Charles , Bulstra Anne-Eva , Buijze Geert , Bzovsky Sofia , Colaris Joost , Chen Neil , Doornberg Job , Duckworth Andrew , Goslings J. Carel , Gordon Max , Gravesteijn Benjamin , Groot Olivier , Guyatt Gordon , Hendrickx Laurent , Hintermann Beat , Hofstee Dirk-Jan , IJpma Frank , Jaarsma Ruurd , Janssen Stein , Jeray Kyle , Jutte Paul , Karhade Aditya , Keijser Lucien , Kerkhoffs Gino , Langerhuizen David , Lans Jonathan , Mallee Wouter , Moran Matthew , McQueen Margaret , Mulders Marjolein , Nelissen Rob , Obdeijn Miryam , Oberai Tarandeep , Olczak Jakub , Oosterhoff Jacobien H. F. , Petrisor Brad , Poolman Rudolf , Prijs Jasper , Ring David , Tornetta Paul , Sanders David , Schwab Joseph , Schemitsch Emil H. , Schep Niels , Schipper Inger , Schoolmeesters Bram , Schwab Joseph , Swiontkowski Marc , Sprague Sheila , Steyerberg Ewout , Stirler Vincent , Tornetta Paul , Walter Stephen D. , Walenkamp Monique , Wijffels Mathieu , Laane Charlotte
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The use of computed tomography (CT) in fractures is time consuming, challenging and suffers from poor inter-surgeon reliability. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs), a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), may overcome shortcomings and reduce clinical burdens to detect and classify fractures. The aim of this review was to summarize literature on CNNs for the detection and classification of fractures on CT scans, focusing on its accuracy and to evaluate the beneficial role in daily practice.

Methods

Literature search was performed according to the PRISMA statement, and Embase, Medline ALL, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Google Scholar databases were searched. Studies were eligible when the use of AI for the detection of fractures on CT scans was described. Quality assessment was done with a modified version of the methodologic index for nonrandomized studies (MINORS), with a seven-item checklist. Performance of AI was defined as accuracy, F1-score and area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Of the 1140 identified studies, 17 were included. Accuracy ranged from 69 to 99%, the F1-score ranged from 0.35 to 0.94 and the AUC, ranging from 0.77 to 0.95. Based on ten studies, CNN showed a similar or improved diagnostic accuracy in addition to clinical evaluation only.

Conclusions

CNNs are applicable for the detection and classification fractures on CT scans. This can improve automated and clinician-aided diagnostics. Further research should focus on the additional value of CNN used for CT scans in daily clinics.
Secular trend for increasing birthweight in offspring of pregnant women with type 1 diabetes: is improved placentation the reason?
Authors: Desoye Gernot , Ringholm Lene , Damm Peter , Mathiesen Elisabeth R. , van Poppel Mireille N. M.
Published: October 2022

Despite enormous progress in managing blood glucose levels, pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes still carries risks for the growing fetus. While, previously, fetal undergrowth was not uncommon in these women, with improved maternal glycaemic control we now see an increased prevalence of fetal overgrowth. Besides short-term implications, offspring of women with type 1 diabetes are more likely to become obese and to develop diabetes and features of the metabolic syndrome. Here, we argue that the increase in birthweight is paradoxically related to improved glycaemic control in the pre- and periconceptional periods. Good glycaemic control reduces the prevalence of microangiopathy and improves placentation in early pregnancy, which may lead to unimpeded fetal nutrition. Even mild maternal hyperglycaemia may then later result in fetal overnutrition. This notion is supported by circumstantial evidence that lower HbA1c levels as well as increases in markers of placental size and function in early pregnancy are associated with large-for-gestational age neonates. We also emphasise that neonates with normal birthweight can have excessive fat deposition. This may occur when poor placentation leads to initial fetal undergrowth, followed by fetal overnutrition due to maternal hyperglycaemia. Thus, the complex interaction of glucose levels during different periods of pregnancy ultimately determines the risk of adiposity, which can occur in fetuses with both normal and elevated birthweight. Prevention of fetal adiposity calls for revised goal setting to enable pregnant women to maintain blood glucose levels that are closer to normal. This could be supported by continuous glucose monitoring throughout pregnancy and appropriate maternal gestational weight gain. Future research should consider the measurement of adiposity in neonates.

Graphical abstract
Conditional inference and bias reduction for partial effects estimation of fixed-effects logit models
Authors: Bartolucci Francesco , Pigini Claudia , Valentini Francesco
Published: October 2022

We propose a multiple-step procedure to compute average partial effects (APEs) for fixed-effects static and dynamic logit models estimated by (pseudo) conditional maximum likelihood. As individual effects are eliminated by conditioning on suitable sufficient statistics, we propose evaluating the APEs at the maximum likelihood estimates for the unobserved heterogeneity, along with the fixed-Tconsistent estimator of the slope parameters, and then reducing the induced bias in the APEs by an analytical correction. The proposed estimator has bias of order$$O(T^{-2})$$O(T-2), it performs well in finite samples and, when the dynamic logit model is considered, better than alternative plug-in strategies based on bias-corrected estimates for the slopes, especially in panels with shortT. We provide a real data application based on labour supply of married women.
PPP–RTK theory for varying transmitter frequencies with satellite and terrestrial positioning applications
Authors: Teunissen P. J. G. , Khodabandeh A.
Published: October 2022

In this contribution, we generalize PPP–RTK theory by allowing the transmitters to transmit on different frequencies. The generalization is based on the integer-estimability theory of Teunissen (A new GLONASS FDMA model. GPS Solutions, 2019). As the theory and associated algorithms provided are generally applicable, they apply to satellite-based carrier-phase positioning as well as to terrestrial interferometric sensory networks. Based on an identification of the constraints imposed on the admissible ambiguity transformations by PPP–RTK, a fundamental network+user condition is found that determines whether PPP–RTK is possible or not. The discriminating contributions of both the network and user observation equations to this PPP–RTK condition are analysed, followed by a description of PPP–RTK enabling classes of measurement scenarios.
Tn6553, a Tn7-family transposon encoding putative iron uptake functions found in Acinetobacter
Authors: Hamidian Mehrad
Published: October 2022

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen that has become difficult to eradicate mainly because of its high level of antibiotic resistance. Other features that contribute to this organism's success are the ability to compete for nutrients and iron. Recently, several novel Tn7-family transposons that encode synthesis and transport of siderophore and iron uptake systems were characterised. Here, another Tn7-type transposon (named Tn6553) is described. Tn6553 contains a set of iron utilisation genes with a transposition module related to Tn7. Tn7-family transposons that carry iron uptake systems facilitate the spread of these functions in Acinetobacter strains. Given that Tn7 is known to transpose efficiently into its preferred target site, finding siderophore functions on Tn7 family transposons is important in the context of dissemination of virulence genes amongst Acinetobacter strains.
The long-term effects of repeated heroin vapor inhalation during adolescence on measures of nociception and anxiety-like behavior in adult Wistar rats
Authors: Gutierrez Arnold , Harvey Eric L. , Creehan Kevin M. , Taffe Michael A.
Published: October 2022

Rationale

Adolescents represent a vulnerable group due to increased experimentation with illicit substances that is often associated with the adolescent period, and because adolescent drug use can result in long-term effects that differ from those caused by drug use initiated during adulthood.

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of repeated heroin vapor inhalation during adolescence on measures of nociception, and anxiety-like behavior during adulthood in female and male Wistar rats.

Methods

Rats were exposed twice daily to 30 min of heroin vapor from post-natal day (PND) 36 to PND 45. At 12 weeks of age, baseline thermal nociception was assessed across a range of temperatures with a warm-water tail-withdrawal assay. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed in an elevated plus-maze (EPM) and activity was measured in an open-field arena. Starting at 23 weeks of age, baseline thermal nociception was re-assessed, nociception was determined after acute heroin or naloxone injection, and anxiety-like behavior was redetermined in the EPM.

Results

Adolescent heroin inhalation altered baseline thermal nociception in female rats at 12 weeks of age and in both female and male rats at ~ 23 weeks. Heroin-treated animals exhibited anxiety-like behavior when tested in the elevated plus-maze, showed blunted heroin-induced analgesia, but exhibited no effect on naloxone-induced hyperalgesia.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that heroin vapor inhalation during adolescence produces behavioral and physiological consequences in rats that persist well into adulthood.
Oral mannitol for bowel preparation: a dose-finding phase II study
Authors: Spada Cristiano , Fiori Giancarla , Uebel Peter , Tontini Gian Eugenio , Cesaro Paola , Grazioli Leonardo Minelli , Soru Pietro , Bravi Ivana , Hinkel Carsten , Prada Alberto , Di Paolo Dhanai , Zimmermann Tim , Manes Gianpiero , Valats Jean Christophe , Jakobs Ralf , Elli Luca , Carnovali Marino , Ciprandi Giorgio , Radaelli Franco , Vecchi Maurizio
Published: October 2022

Background

Successful bowel preparation (BP) for colonoscopy depends on the instructions, diet, the laxative product, and patient adherence, which all affect colonoscopy quality. Nevertheless, there are no laxatives which combine effectiveness, safety, easy self-administration, good patient acceptance, and low cost. However, mannitol, a sugar alcohol, could be an attractive candidate for use in clinical practice if it is shown to demonstrate adequate efficacy and safety.

Aims

The present phase II dose-finding study compared three doses of mannitol (50, 100, and 150 g) to identify the best dose to be used in a subsequent phase III study.

Methods

The Boston Bowel Preparation Scale, caecal intubation rate, adherence, acceptability, and safety profile, including measurement of potentially dangerous colonic gas concentrations (CH4, H2, O2), were considered in all patients. A weighted algorithm was used to identify the best mannitol dose for use in the subsequent study.

Results

The per-protocol population included 60 patients in the 50 g group, 54 in the 100 g group, and 49 in the 150 g group. The 100 g dose was the best as it afforded optimal colon cleansing efficacy (94.4% of patients had adequate BP), adherence, acceptability, and safety, including negligible gas concentrations.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that the colon cleansing efficacy and safety of mannitol were dose dependent. Conversely, gas concentrations were not dose dependent and negligible in all patients. Combined evaluation of efficacy, tolerability, and safety, using a weighted algorithm, determined that mannitol 100 g was the best dose for the phase III study.
Production and characterisation of modularly deuterated UBE2D1–Ub conjugate by small angle neutron and X-ray scattering
Authors: Pietras Zuzanna , Duff Anthony P. , Morad Vivian , Wood Kathleen , Jeffries Cy M. , Sunnerhagen Maria
Published: October 2022

This structural study exploits the possibility to use modular protein deuteration to facilitate the study of ubiquitin signalling, transfer, and modification. A protein conjugation reaction is used to combine protonated E2 enzyme with deuterated ubiquitin for small angle X-ray and neutron scattering with neutron contrast variation. The combined biomolecules stay as a monodisperse system during data collection in both protonated and deuterated buffers indicating long stability of the E2–Ub conjugate. With multiphase ab initio shape restoration and rigid body modelling, we reconstructed the shape of a E2–Ub-conjugated complex of UBE2D1 linked to ubiquitin via an isopeptide bond. Solution X-ray and neutron scattering data for this E2–Ub conjugate in the absence of E3 jointly indicate an ensemble of open and backbent states, with a preference for the latter in solution. The approach of combining protonated and labelled proteins can be used for solution studies to assess localization and movement of ubiquitin and could be widely applied to modular Ub systems in general.
A Conceptual Classification of Resectability for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yoh Tomoaki , Ishii Takamichi , Nishio Takahiro , Koyama Yukinori , Ogiso Satoshi , Fukumitsu Ken , Uchida Yoichiro , Ito Takashi , Seo Satoru , Hata Koichiro , Hatano Etsuro
Published: October 2022

Backgrounds

In the era of multidisciplinary treatment strategy, resectability for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) should be defined. This study aimed to propose and validate a resectability classification of HCC.

Methods

We proposed following the three groups; resectable‐(R), borderline resectable‐(BR), and unresectable (UR)‐HCCs. Resectable two groups were sub‐divided according to the value of indocyanine green clearance of remnant liver (ICG‐Krem) and presence of macrovascular invasion (MVI); BR‐HCC was defined as resectable HCCs with MVI and/or ICG‐Krem≥0.03–<0.05, and R‐HCC was the remaining. Consecutive patients with HCC who underwent liver resection (LR) and non‐surgical treatment(s) (i.e., UR‐HCC) between 2011 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed to validate the proposed classification.

Results

A total of 361 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these, R‐, BR‐ and UR‐HCC were found in 251, 46, and 64 patients, respectively. In patients with resected HCC, ICG‐Krem≥0.05 was associated with decreased risk of clinically relevant posthepatectomy liver failure (p=0.013) and the presence of MVI was associated with worse overall survival (OS) (p<0.001). The 3–5‐years OS rates according to the proposed classification were 80.3, and 68.3% versus 51.4, and 35.6%, in the R and BR groups, respectively (both p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed BR‐HCC was independently associated with poorer OS (p<0.001) after adjusting for known tumor prognostic factors. Meanwhile, BR‐HCC was associated with benefit in terms of OS compared with UR‐HCC (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our proposal of resectability for HCC allows for stratifying survival outcomes of HCC and may help to determine treatment strategy.
Abusive head trauma in small children — a single-centre experience in Finland
Authors: Salokorpi Niina , Sinikumpu Juha-Jaakko , Serlo Willy
Published: October 2022

Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a challenging condition from both a medical and legal perspective. The path of the patients differs significantly from those with noninflicted traumas. While treating these cases, it is essential that all history, information and treatment are comprehensively documented. This article describes the investigations and interventions necessary as soon as SBS is suspected. The Oulu University Hospital protocol for suspected child abuse is described. Authors also give an overview of the SBS path in Finland from the police and prosecution’s point of view.
The SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin reduces tissue sodium content in patients with chronic heart failure: results from a placebo-controlled randomised trial
Authors: Kolwelter Julie , Kannenkeril Dennis , Linz Peter , Jung Susanne , Nagel Armin M. , Bosch Agnes , Ott Christian , Bramlage Peter , Nöh Lisa , Schiffer Mario , Uder Michael , Achenbach Stephan , Schmieder Roland E.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have cardiovascular protective properties in addition to the metabolic effects and represent a cornerstone of treating patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). We hypothesised that empagliflozin reduces tissue sodium content in patients with CHF.

Methods

In a double-blind, randomised (2:1), placebo-controlled, parallel-group, clinical trial, 74 patients with NYHA class II–III CHF and an ejection fraction of 49% or less received empagliflozin 10 mg once daily or placebo for 3 months. In each patient, tissue sodium content of the lower leg was assessed non-invasively by sodium-MRI (23Na-MRI) at baseline, after 1 and 3 months of treatment.

Results

After 1 and 3 months treatment with empagliflozin (n = 48), a significant decrease in skin sodium content was observed (1 month: 22.8 ± 6.1 vs. 21.6 ± 6.0 AU, p = 0.039; 3 months: 22.9 ± 6.1 vs. 21.6 ± 6.1 AU, p = 0.013), while there was no change in muscle sodium and muscle water content. In direct comparison, the change in skin sodium content between baseline and 3 months was − 1.3 ± 3.5 AU in the empagliflozin group versus 0.6 ± 3.5 AU in the placebo group (p for between-group difference = 0.022). No significant difference regarding change in muscle sodium and in muscle water content was observed after 3 months treatment between the two groups.

Conclusion

This trial showed a significant decrease in skin sodium content after 1 and 3 months of treatment with empagliflozin. The decrease in skin sodium content may reflect a decrease in subclinical micro-oedema or/and in non-osmotic bound tissue sodium, both reported to impair left ventricular function.

Trial registration number

NCT03128528 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Trial registration date

25th April 2017.
Lung cancer risk in workers occupationally exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with emphasis on the role of DNA repair gene
Authors: Moubarz Gehan , Saad-Hussein Amal , Shahy Eman M. , Mahdy-Abdallah Heba , Mohammed Atef M. F. , Saleh Inas A. , Abo-Zeid Mona A. M. , Abo-Elfadl Mahmoud T.
Published: October 2022

Objective

Workers in secondary aluminum production plants are occupationally exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We aimed to monitor the concentrations of PAHs in air and in serum of workers at two secondary aluminum production plants. We also investigated the potential risk of lung cancer development among PAHs exposed workers with emphasis on the role of A1AT mutation and APEX1 gene polymorphisms.

Methods

This study included 177 workers from administrative departments and production lines. Blood samples were obtained for estimation of benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide albumin adduct (BPDE-Alb adduct), anti-Cyclin-B1 marker (CCNB1) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCAg). Genes’ polymorphism for human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APEX1) and alpha-1-anti-trypsin (A1AT) gene mutation were detected.

Results

There was a significant increase in the level of BPDE-Alb adduct among exposed workers in comparison to non-exposed group. Moreover, 41.67% of exposed workers in El Tebbin had BPDE-Alb adduct level ≥ 15 ng/ml versus 29.6% of workers in Helwan factory. There was a significant increase in tumor markers (SCCAg and CCNB1) among workers whose BPDE-Alb adduct ≥ 15 ng/ml. There was a significant increase in the level of BPDE-Alb adducts in exposed workers carrying homozygous APEX1 genotype Glu/Glu. Furthermore, exposed workers with the Glu/Glu genotype had high tumor markers levels. There was a significant increase in levels of BPDE-Alb adducts in workers carrying A1AT mutant allele. Moreover, workers with mutant A1AT genotype had significantly high tumor markers (SCCAg and CCNB1) levels.

Conclusion

Therefore, we conclude that aluminum workers may be at a potential risk of lung cancer development due to PAHs exposure. Although PAHs concentrations in air were within the permissible limits, yet evidence of DNA damage was present as expressed by high BPDE-albumin adduct level in exposed workers. Also, elevation of tumor markers (SCCAg and CCNB1) in exposed workers points to the importance of periodic biological monitoring of such workers to protect them from cancer risk.
Policy regularization for legible behavior
Authors: Persiani Michele , Hellström Thomas
Published: October 2022

In this paper we propose a method to augment a Reinforcement Learning agent with legibility. This method is inspired by the literature in Explainable Planning and allows to regularize the agent’s policy after training, and without requiring to modify its learning algorithm. This is achieved by evaluating how the agent’s optimal policy may produce observations that would make an observer model to infer a wrong policy. In our formulation, the decision boundary introduced by legibility impacts the states in which the agent’s policy returns an action that is non-legible because having high likelihood also in other policies. In these cases, a trade-off between such action, and legible/sub-optimal action is made. We tested our method in a grid-world environment highlighting how legibility impacts the agent’s optimal policy, and gathered both quantitative and qualitative results. In addition, we discuss how the proposed regularization generalizes over methods functioning with goal-driven policies, because applicable to general policies of which goal-driven policies are a special case.
CmirC: an integrated database of clustered miRNAs co-localized with copy number variations in cancer
Authors: Ware Akshay Pramod , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu , Paul Bobby
Published: October 2022

Genomic rearrangements and copy number variations (CNVs) are the major regulators of clustered microRNAs (miRNAs) expression. Several clustered miRNAs are harbored in and around chromosome fragile sites (CFSs) and cancer-associated genomic hotspots. Aberrant expression of such clusters can lead to oncogenic or tumor suppressor activities. Here, we developed CmirC (Clustered miRNAs co-localized with CNVs), a comprehensive database of clustered miRNAs co-localized with CNV regions. The database consists of 481 clustered miRNAs co-localized with CNVs and their expression patterns in 35 cancer types of the TCGA. The portal also provides information on CFSs, miRNA cluster candidates, genomic coordinates, target gene networks, and gene functionality. The web portal is integrated with advanced tools such as JBrowse, NCBI-BLAST, GeneSCF, visNetwork, and NetworkD3 to help the researchers in data analysis, visualization, and browsing. This portal provides a promising avenue for integrated data analytics and offers additional evidence for the complex regulation of clustered miRNAs in cancer. The web portal is freely accessible at http://slsdb.manipal.edu/cmirclust to explore clinically significant miRNAs.
Nonlinear fiber-bundle-cells-based phenomenological modeling of human tissue samples
Authors: Vas László M. , Tamás Péter , Bognár Eszter , Nagy Péter , Késmárszky Róbert , Pap Károly , Szebényi Gábor
Published: October 2022

Certain assemblies of fibers, called fiber bundles, play a crucial role in the statistical macroscale properties of fibrous structures like natural or artificial materials. Based on the concept of using idealized statistical fiber bundle cells (FBCs) as model elements, the software named FiberSpace was developed by us earlier for the phenomenological modeling of the tensile test process of real fibrous structures. The model fibers of these FBCs had been considered linear elastic, which was suitable for modeling certain textiles and composites. However, the biological tissues are multilevel structures with fiber-like building elements on every structural level where the fiber elements on the dominant level are statistical bundles of elementary fibers. Hence, their modeling required us to introduce model fibers of nonlinear mechanical behavior and derive the proper mathematical formulas for the calculation of the expected tensile force processes of the FBCs. Accordingly, we developed a new version of FiberSpace. The proposed nonlinear FBCs-based modeling method is essentially phenomenological that decomposes the measured and averaged stress–strain curve into the weighted sum of the responses of different idealized nonlinear FBCs. However, this decomposition can give certain information about the fibrous structure and some details of its damage and failure sub-processes. A special application of nonlinear E-bundles, where the measured stress–strain curve is expanded into a product-function series, may give another type of description for the failure process and can be applied to single measurements of structured failure process containing significant peaks and drops as well. The fitted phenomenological FBC models provide a decomposition of the measured force–strain curve, which enables to construct informative damage and failure maps. The applicability of the phenomenological modeling method and the fitting procedure is demonstrated with the tensile test data of some human and animal tissues, such as facial nerves and tendons.
A three-dimensional whole-body model to predict human walking on level ground
Authors: Hu Dan , Howard David , Ren Lei
Published: October 2022

Predictive simulation of human walking has great potential in clinical motion analysis and rehabilitation engineering assessment, but large computational cost and reliance on measurement data to provide initial guess have limited its wide use. We developed a computationally efficient model combining optimization and inverse dynamics to predict three-dimensional whole-body motions and forces during human walking without relying on measurement data. Using the model, we explored two different optimization objectives, mechanical energy expenditure and the time integral of normalized joint torque. Of the two criteria, the sum of the time integrals of the normalized joint torques produced a more realistic walking gait. The reason for this difference is that most of the mechanical energy expenditure is in the sagittal plane (based on measurement data) and this leads to difficulty in prediction in the other two planes. We conclude that mechanical energy may only account for part of the complex performance criteria driving human walking in three dimensions.
Transient changes during microwave ablation simulation : a comparative shape analysis
Authors: Kernot Dale , Yang Jimmy , Williams Nicholas , Thomas Tudor , Ledger Paul , Arora Hari , van Loon Raoul
Published: October 2022

Microwave ablation therapy is a hyperthermic treatment for killing cancerous tumours whereby microwave energy is dispersed into a target tissue region. Modelling can provide a prediction for the outcome of ablation, this paper explores changes in size and shape of temperature and Specific absorption rate fields throughout the course of simulated treatment with different probe concepts. Here, an axisymmetric geometry of a probe embedded within a tissue material is created, solving coupled electromagnetic and bioheat equations using the finite element method, utilizing hp discretisation with the NGSolve library. Results show dynamic changes across all metrics, with different responses from different probe concepts. The sleeve probe yielded the most circular specific absorption rate pattern with circularity of 0.81 initially but suffered the largest reduction throughout ablation. Similarly, reflection coefficients differ drastically from their initial values, with the sleeve probe again experiencing the largest change, suggesting that it is the most sensitive the changes in the tissue dielectric properties in these select probe designs. These collective characteristic observations highlight the need to consider dielectric property changes and probe specific responses during the design cycle.
Investigating slow-moving shallow soil landslides using Sentinel-1 InSAR data in Gisborne, New Zealand
Authors: Cook Matthew E. , Brook Martin S. , Hamling Ian J. , Cave Murry , Tunnicliffe Jon F. , Holley Rachel
Published: October 2022

Landslides are widespread geomorphological features on the North Island of New Zealand, where they represent one of the primary landscape-forming processes. This study focuses on the steepland terrain surrounding Gisborne, a city located on the east coast of the North Island, at the Hikurangi subduction margin. This terrain consists of young, weak, sedimentary rocks and soils; the most common modes of slope failures are soil creep, slides and flows in shallow, clay-rich soil and regolith, triggered by heavy rainfall. Based on observational data from Sentinel-1 imagery, this study leverages results from interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) processing to reveal the distribution of deformation across Gisborne’s steepland periphery from January 2016 to December 2021. Velocities in the line of sight were obtained from the stack of interferograms and projected along the direction of maximum slope, to extract the true displacement on the slopes. The ascending and descending data sets were combined to reveal the vertical and horizontal components of the deformation. The results were combined with a regional LiDAR data set, aerial imagery and field observations to delineate areas of slope deformation. Finally, slope deformation time series data was compared with rainfall records to identify seasonal changes, due to shrinking and swelling of expansive soils. Although the InSAR displacement data contains some noise, results could be used to identify 132 unstable slopes within the study area, caused by soil creep and earthflows. Also, the shrink-swell of expansive soils causes a seasonal pattern of displacements, which varied by 10–20 mm/year between Austral winter and summer, strongly correlated to rainfall.
Data-driven subjective performance evaluation: An attentive deep neural networks model based on a call centre case
Authors: Ahmed Abdelrahman , Sivarajah Uthayasankar , Irani Zahir , Mahroof Kamran , Charles Vincent
Published: October 2022

Every contact centre engages in some form of Call Quality Monitoring in order to improve agent performance and customer satisfaction. Call centres have traditionally used a manual process to sort, select, and analyse a representative sample of interactions for evaluation purposes. Unfortunately, such a process is marked by subjectivity, which in turn results in a distorted picture of agent performance. To address the challenge of identifying and removing subjectivity, empirical research is required. In this paper, we introduce an evidence-based, machine learning-driven framework for the automatic detection of subjective calls. We analyse a corpus of seven hours of recorded calls from a real-estate call centre using Deep Neural Network (DNN) for a multi-classification problem. The study establishes the first baseline for subjectivity detection, with an accuracy of 75%, which is comparable to relevant speech studies in emotional recognition and performance classification. We conclude, among other things, that in order to achieve the best performance evaluation, subjective calls should be removed from the evaluation process or subjective scores deducted from the overall results.
Job Retention and Reintegration in People with Mental Health Problems: A Descriptive Evaluation of Supported Employment Routine Programs
Authors: Zürcher Simeon J , Zürcher Micha , Burkhalter Michael , Richter Dirk
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Striking evidence supports the effectiveness of supported employment (SE) in achieving competitive employment in individuals with mental health problems. Yet, little is known whether SE is effective to maintain employment in individuals at risk of job loss. We aimed to descriptively compare SE for employed clients (SE-retention) and unemployed clients (SE-integration) regarding competitive employment.

Methods

We used administrative data from January 2017 to October 2021 provided by a vocational rehabilitation center in Switzerland including all individuals (≥ 18yrs.) with mental health problems who participated either in SE-retention or SE-reintegration. The outcome was the proportion with competitive employment at discharge. Logistic regression was used to assess time trends and to descriptively compare SE-treatments. We used propensity score weighting, including personal, clinical and program-specific information to reduce group differences.

Results

A total of 556 participants primarily diagnosed with mood/stress-related, schizophrenia and personality disorders were included (n = 297 SE-retention, n = 259 SE-reintegration) with median age 41 years and 57% female gender. The overall weighted comparison favored SE-retention over SE-reintegration OR 4.85 (95%-CI 3.10 to 7.58, p < 0.001) with predicted employment of 67.3% and 29.9% for SE-retention and SE-reintegration, respectively. While success for SE-reintegration remained stable over time, SE-retention showed an increase in more recent years.

Conclusion

SE-retention provides an approach for early work-related support that can prevent labor market exclusion. In contrast, reintegration is likely to require more efforts to achieve employment and may result in less favorable outcomes. It is therefore necessary that further research includes appropriate comparison groups to evaluate the effectiveness of SE-retention programs as well as the economic and individual benefits.
Field testing of gravel-rubber mixtures as geotechnical seismic isolation
Authors: Vratsikidis Athanasios , Pitilakis Dimitris
Published: October 2022

We present the results of the forced-vibration experiments performed at the large-scale prototype structure of EuroProteas founded on gravel-rubber mixture (GRM) layers acting as a means of Geotechnical Seismic Isolation (GSI). Three GRM with different rubber content per mixture weight (0%, 10%, and 30%) but the same mean grain size ratio were used as foundation soil. Each GRM-structure system was subjected to harmonic forces in a wide range of excitation frequencies and force amplitude. It was found that a 0.5 m thick GRM foundation soil layer with 30% rubber content can effectively isolate the structure. The strong effect of the rubber fraction was expressed in the detected period elongation and the dominating rocking component which leads to a more “rigid-body” response of the structure. Moreover, the developed base shear and base moment are significantly reduced regardless of the excitation frequency, while the increased damping of the system and the important energy dissipation demonstrate the effectiveness of the GRM foundation soil layer. Overall, the experimental results demonstrated that the use of GRM as a GSI system can be considered as a low-cost alternative seismic isolation technique.
Can the extinction risk of Irish vascular plants be predicted using leaf traits?
Authors: O’Rourke Harrison , Lughadha Eimear Nic , Bacon Karen L.
Published: October 2022

Globally, 39% of vascular plant species are estimated to be threatened with extinction. Many factors are responsible for this figure; however, in numerous regions the primary drivers of plant extinction remain unknown. In this study, leaf traits were examined to determine whether there is an association between any specific leaf trait and extinction risk for the Irish flora. Ireland has a relatively small flora that is influenced by a temperate, oceanic climate. Fourteen leaf traits were measured for 1,029 angiosperm taxa, primarily from online herbarium images. Extinction risk was based on national Red List assessments for the Irish flora. Multivariate analysis of the data showed no correlation between leaf traits and extinction risk for the Irish flora. One-way ANOVA and Pearson’s Chi-squared tests largely supported this result, with some indication that leaf teeth may be associated with extinction risk. The correlation of extinction risk and leaf traits with phylogenetic relatedness was also considered, with the presence of a phylogenetic signal detected for the distribution of extinction risk across the Irish flora and significant phylogenetic signal observed for individual leaf traits. It was concluded that the leaf traits analysed do not significantly correlate with the extinction risk of the Irish flora and that leaf traits are not a good predictor of extinction risk for this flora.
Combining reconstructive and ablative surgical treatment of chronic breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL): safe and effective
Authors: Ghazaleh Alina A. , Handschin Tristan M. , Buckowiecki Julia , Chammartin Frédérique S. , Andree Christoph , Schaefer Dirk J. , Haug Martin , Kappos Elisabeth A. , Seidenstuecker Katrin
Published: October 2022

Purpose

We investigated whether a one-stage combination of vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) with water jet-assisted liposuction (WAL) can be safely performed and results in improved patient outcomes such as a greater reduction in arm volume when treating chronic breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we included all patients from our encrypted lymphedema database treated for chronic BCRL with VLNT or VLNT + WAL who had a minimum follow-up of two years. We analyzed patient-specific variables including arm circumferences as well as patient-reported outcomes before and after surgery as well as surgery time, surgery-related complications and patient satisfaction.

Results

Only the mean preoperative differences of the circumferences between the lymphedematous and the unaffected arm in individual patients showed a statistically significant difference between treatment groups (p < 0.05). Indeed, patients treated with VLNT + WAL had consistently larger differences in individual sets of arms and therefore more pronounced chronic BCRL. The mean surgery time was significantly longer in the VLNT + WAL group (p < 0.05). Complications were seldom and similar in both groups. Using a numeric rating scale, the level of patient satisfaction following treatment did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.323).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a one-stage combination of VLNT with WAL does not result in more complications even though it also entails a longer surgery time. This is acceptable as secondary interventions resulting in overall longer surgery times and higher costs can be avoided. A one-stage combination might be especially favourable for patients suffering from more severe chronic BCRL.
Composite membranes of cellulose–mesoporous silica: optimization of membrane fabrication and adsorption capacity
Authors: Miri Simin , De Girolamo Anthony , Nadeem Humayun , Chin Benjamin Wey Xien , Hora Yvonne , Andrews Philip C. , Batchelor Warren
Published: October 2022

In this work, we produced composites of mesoporous silica synthesized in-situ on never-dried bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp fibers with the aim of providing cost-effective depth filters, having high flux, and adsorptivity. The mesoporous silica loading for the produced samples was in the range of 12–35 wt%. The performance of double-layer membranes was studied for the adsorption of charged molecules. The best nanofibrillated cellulose-pulp-mesoporous silica membrane adsorbed 1160 mg/m2 of methylene blue and had a flux of 10 L m−2 h−1 bar−1. The nanofibrillated cellulose layer supported the pulp-mesoporous silica layer and improved the adsorptivity of the pulp-mesoporous silica depth filter layer by controlling flux. The membranes showed non-linear-pseudo-first-order adsorption kinetics and non-linear Freundlich isotherm for methylene blue adsorption. The nanofibrillated cellulose-pulp-mesoporous silica membrane was modified for metanil yellow adsorption by adding polyamide amine-epichlorohydrin resin. The best metanil yellow saturated adsorption capacity was 9400 mg/m2. The nanofibrillated cellulose-pulp-mesoporous silica depth filter without modification with a polyelectrolyte also had 92% and 94% heavy metal removal of 20 mg of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions, respectively. The novel pulp-mesoporous silica composite membrane, with high adsorption capacity and manufactured by lower embodied energy of cellulose fiber, can significantly lower large-scale depth filter production costs due to the elimination of cellulose pre-treatment for the depth filter layer. The reusability performance in the fifth cycle, after four cycles of metanil yellow adsorption and desorption, was 5.2 mg/g, which was stabilized from the 3rd to 5th cycles. This suggests the suitability of these membranes for industrial applications.