bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning based prediction models in male reproductive health: Development of a proof‐of‐concept model for Klinefelter Syndrome in azoospermic patients
Authors: Krenz Henrike , Sansone Andrea , Fujarski Michael , Krallmann Claudia , Zitzmann Michael , Dugas Martin , Kliesch Sabine , Varghese Julian , Tüttelmann Frank , Gromoll Jörg
Published: December 2021

Background

Due to the highly variable clinical phenotype, Klinefelter Syndrome is underdiagnosed.

Objective

Assessment of supervised machine learning based prediction models for identification of Klinefelter Syndrome among azoospermic patients, and comparison to expert clinical evaluation.

Materials and methods

Retrospective patient data (karyotype, age, height, weight, testis volume, follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, semen pH and semen volume) collected between January 2005 and June 2019 were retrieved from a patient data bank of a University Centre. Models were trained, validated and benchmarked based on different supervised machine learning algorithms. Models were then tested on an independent, prospectively acquired set of patient data (between July 2019 and July 2020). Benchmarking against physicians was performed in addition.

Results

Based on average performance, support vector machines and CatBoost were particularly well‐suited models, with 100% sensitivity and >93% specificity on the test dataset. Compared to a group of 18 expert clinicians, the machine learning models had significantly better median sensitivity (100% vs. 87.5%, p = 0.0455) and fared comparably with regards to specificity (90% vs. 89.9%, p = 0.4795), thereby possibly improving diagnosis rate. A Klinefelter Syndrome Score Calculator based on the prediction models is available on http://klinefelter‐score‐calculator.uni‐muenster.de.

Discussion

Differentiating Klinefelter Syndrome patients from azoospermic patients with normal karyotype (46,XY) is a problem that can be solved with supervised machine learning techniques, improving patient care.

Conclusions

Machine learning could improve the diagnostic rate of Klinefelter Syndrome among azoospermic patients, even more for less‐experienced physicians.
Diagnostic values of different ECG durations in paroxysmal AF diagnosis
Authors: Li Qian , Su Bing , Liu Juan
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate the application value of different‐duration electrocardiograms (ECGs) in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) diagnosis.

Methods

A total of 220 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation diagnosed by 24‐h dynamic electrocardiogram in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected as the study subjects. The patients were monitored for 10 s, 5 min, and 24 hr, respectively. The results of the three different‐duration ECGs were compared and analyzed in order to evaluate their paroxysmal AF diagnosis value.

Results

Paroxysmal AF was detected in 18 patients (8.2%) with the 10‐s ECG; in 89 patients (40.5%) with the 5‐min ECG; and in 199 patients (90.5%) with the 24‐h dynamic ECG.

Conclusion

In patients with paroxysmal AF, ECGs with longer detection times had higher detection rates.
Risk models for recurrence and survival after kidney cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Usher‐Smith Juliet A. , Li Lanxin , Roberts Lydia , Harrison Hannah , Rossi Sabrina H. , Sharp Stephen J. , Coupland Carol , Hippisley‐Cox Julia , Griffin Simon J. , Klatte Tobias , Stewart Grant D.
Published: December 2021

Objective

To systematically identify and compare the performance of prognostic models providing estimates of survival or recurrence of localized renal cell cancer (RCC) in patients treated with surgery with curative intent.

Materials and Methods

We performed a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42019162349). We searched Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from 1 January 2000 to 12 December 2019 to identify studies reporting the performance of one or more prognostic model(s) that predict recurrence‐free survival (RFS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS) or overall survival (OS) in patients who have undergone surgical resection for localized RCC. For each outcome we summarized the discrimination of each model using the C‐statistic and performed multivariate random‐effects meta‐analysis of the logit transformed C‐statistic to rank the models.

Results

Of a total of 13 549 articles, 57 included data on the performance of 22 models in external populations. C‐statistics ranged from 0.59 to 0.90. Several risk models were assessed in two or more external populations and had similarly high discriminative performance. For RFS, these were the Sorbellini, Karakiewicz, Leibovich and Kattan models, with the UCLA Integrated Staging System model also having similar performance in European/US populations. All had C‐statistics ≥0.75 in at least half of the validations. For CSS, they the models with the highest discriminative performance in two or more external validation studies were the Zisman, Stage, Size, Grade and Necrosis (SSIGN), Karakiewicz, Leibovich and Sorbellini models (C‐statistic ≥0.80 in at least half of the validations), and for OS they were the Leibovich, Karakiewicz, Sorbellini and SSIGN models. For all outcomes, the models based on clinical features at presentation alone (Cindolo and Yaycioglu) had consistently lower discrimination. Estimates of model calibration were only infrequently included but most underestimated survival.

Conclusion

Several models had good discriminative ability, with there being no single ‘best’ model. The choice from these models for each setting should be informed by both the comparative performance and availability of factors included in the models. All would need recalibration if used to provide absolute survival estimates.
Automatization through Practice: The Opportunistic‐Stopping Phenomenon Called into Question
Authors: Dewi Jasinta D. M. , Bagnoud Jeanne , Thevenot Catherine
Published: December 2021

As a theory of skill acquisition, the instance theory of automatization posits that, after a period of training, algorithm‐based performance is replaced by retrieval‐based performance. This theory has been tested using alphabet‐arithmetic verification tasks (e.g., is A + 4  = E?), in which the equations are necessarily solved by counting at the beginning of practice but can be solved by memory retrieval after practice. A way to infer individuals’ strategies in this task was supposedly provided by the opportunistic‐stopping phenomenon, according to which, if individuals use counting, they can take the opportunity to stop counting when a false equation associated with a letter preceding the true answer has to be verified (e.g., A + 4  = D). In this case, such within‐count equations would be rejected faster than false equations associated with letters following the true answers (e.g., A + 4  = F, i.e., outside‐of‐count equations). Conversely, the absence of opportunistic stopping would be the sign of retrieval. However, through a training experiment involving 19 adults, we show that opportunistic stopping is not a phenomenon that can be observed in the context of an alphabet‐arithmetic verification task. Moreover, we provide an explanation of how and why it was wrongly inferred in the past. These results and conclusions have important implications for learning theories because they demonstrate that a shift from counting to retrieval over training cannot be deduced from verification time differences between outside and within‐count equations in an alphabet‐arithmetic task.
Application of artificial intelligence techniques in textile wastewater decolorisation fields: A systematic and citation network analysis review
Authors: Liu Senbiao , Lo Chris K. Y. , Kan Chi‐wai
Published: December 2021

This study reviewed 155 journal articles to examine how artificial intelligence techniques are being applied in textile coloration and related fields. Distribution of the reviewed articles was assessed in terms of the type of journals, year of publication, methods, and research background. Based on the citation network analysis method, an objective approach, CitNetExplorer and VOSviewer are used to identify the clusters. It is found that artificial intelligence techniques are mainly three‐layer artificial neural networks with different designs, which are mainly used in textile wastewater decolorisation fields, including wastewater treatment and colour fading, such as colour prediction and real‐time monitoring of textile wastewater, dye removal efficiency, and dye degradation. Finally, the future research direction and limitations of this article are put forward.
Complex genetic architecture of three‐dimensional craniofacial shape variation in domestic pigeons
Authors: Boer Elena F. , Maclary Emily T. , Shapiro Michael D.
Published: December 2021

Deciphering the genetic basis of vertebrate craniofacial variation is a longstanding biological problem with broad implications in evolution, development, and human pathology. One of the most stunning examples of craniofacial diversification is the adaptive radiation of birds, in which the beak serves essential roles in virtually every aspect of their life histories. The domestic pigeon (Columba livia) provides an exceptional opportunity to study the genetic underpinnings of craniofacial variation because of its unique balance of experimental accessibility and extraordinary phenotypic diversity within a single species. We used traditional and geometric morphometrics to quantify craniofacial variation in an F2 laboratory cross derived from the straight‐beaked Pomeranian Pouter and curved‐beak Scandaroon pigeon breeds. Using a combination of genome‐wide quantitative trait locus scans and multi‐locus modeling, we identified a set of genetic loci associated with complex shape variation in the craniofacial skeleton, including beak shape, braincase shape, and mandible shape. Some of these loci control coordinated changes between different structures, while others explain variation in the size and shape of specific skull and jaw regions. We find that in domestic pigeons, a complex blend of both independent and coupled genetic effects underlie three‐dimensional craniofacial morphology.
Promoting the European way of life: Migration and asylum in the EU
Authors: Guild Elspeth
Published: December 2021

Migration and asylum elicit intense debate in the EU. The Commission's New Pact for Migration and Asylum 2020 sought to diffuse some of the divisive issues among Member States by proposing a series of measures, mainly directed at diminishing asylum arrivals. In this article I argue that there is a profound incoherence at the centre of this policy, which is its embrace of the nineteenth‐century theoretical framework of migration as driven by push and pull factors. While EU statistics provided by Frontex and Eurostat reveal that hundreds of millions of third‐country nationals are welcomed to the EU each year as tourists but also as students, workers, etc., and a few hundred thousand are treated as unwanted, EU policy is still dominated by a framing of people as pushed and pulled to the detriment of the host state rather than as an essential element of the European way of life.
Equine ovarian teratomas: Diagnostic challenges illustrated by case reports
Authors: Duarte L. , Allen W. R. (Twink) , Guimei M. , Lores M. , Wilsher S.
Published: December 2021

Teratomas are the most common germ cell tumours to afflict the ovaries of the mare, even though they occur rarely. They are often found incidentally during routine ultrasonographic examinations of the mare’s ovaries and are usually asymptomatic. Their ultrasonographic appearance varies, but they commonly present with characteristic echogenicity signs. However, before a presumptive diagnosis of a teratoma can be made, the suspect ovary, along with the rest of the reproductive tract, should be examined ultrasonographically on several occasions to confirm that the unusual structure maintains its appearance as a teratoma. This paper discusses three confirmed cases of ovarian teratoma and two cases where the ultrasonographical appearance of an ovary, combined with clinical signs, initially suggested a teratoma, but was then ruled out when the ovary had a normal appearance at subsequent examinations.
Obergefell, Masterpiece Cakeshop, Fulton, and public–private partnerships: Unleashing v. harnessing “Armies of Compassion” 2.0?
Authors: McClain Linda C.
Published: December 2021

Fulton v. City of Philadelphia presented a by‐now familiar constitutional claim: recognizing civil marriage equality—the right of persons to marry regardless of gender—inevitably and sharply conflicts with the religious liberty of persons and religious institutions who sincerely believe that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. While the Supreme Court's 9‐0 unanimous judgment in favor of Catholic Social Services (CSS) surprised Court‐watchers, Chief Justice Roberts's opinion did not signal consensus on the Court over how best to resolve the evident conflicts raised by the contract between CSS and the City of Philadelphia. This article argues that it is productive and illuminating to compare such conflicts over public–private partnerships and the best understanding of pluralism in a constitutional democracy with controversies arising 20 years ago over the faith‐based initiative launched by President George W. Bush with the blueprint, Rallying the Armies of Compassion. That initiative also rested on premises about the place of religion in the public square and the role of civil society in carrying out governmental purposes. In both contexts, concerns over “discrimination” took two forms: first, that religious entities who contract with government might be subject to governmental discrimination in not receiving funding and, second, that religious entities who contract with government might themselves engage in discrimination. This article evaluates how the parties and their amici in Fulton argued over these forms of discrimination. It highlights how, in doing so, they enlisted or rejected analogies between race and sexual orientation discrimination—and between objections to interracial marriage and same‐sex marriage—that were powerful, pervasive, and contested in Obergefell v. Hodges and Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission but scarcely featured in Roberts' Fulton opinion.
Plausible causes of seed preferences and diet composition in seed‐eating passerines
Authors: Marone Luis , Cueto Víctor R. , Lopez de Casenave Javier , Zarco Agustín , Camín Sergio R.
Published: December 2021

We evaluated whether seed mass, handling time, handling efficiency and profitability account for (a) preferences in controlled experiments and (b) field‐diet composition of four bird species of the Monte desert, Argentina. The question of whether birds maximise their energy intake rates while feeding on seeds is assessed. We used feeding experiments with six native seed species of 0.07–0.75 mg (i.e. the seed‐size range consumed in nature), which account for 0.59–0.84 of the field diet of the four birds. We measured seed‐handling times and used published information on bird preferences and diets, and on seed chemistry, for further calculations. Bird preferences were always positively related to seed mass and also to seed profitability in the two intermediate‐sized birds. Diet composition correlated positively with seed mass and negatively with seed profitability in three species, but some birds also showed a flexible behaviour eating the most attractive seeds according to their availability. This behaviour is not genuinely opportunistic because it only focuses on a restricted fraction of the total seed species present in the field. Contrary to expectations of species coexistence due to resource partitioning, small and large birds showed similar feeding efficiencies when eating the smaller and the larger seeds. The positive association between seed mass and profitability in several studies suggests that most birds can maximise their energy reward, on average and in the long‐term, by preferring the larger seeds. A combination of potential feeding optimisation with certain flexibility in the field may characterise the feeding ecology of desert seed‐eating birds.
Eyelash trichomegaly: a systematic review of acquired and congenital aetiologies of lengthened lashes
Authors: Hutchison D. M. , Duffens A. , Yale K. , Park A. , Cardenas K. , Mesinkovska N. A.
Published: December 2021

Long eyelashes have been popularized and many commercially available products exist to achieve eyelash growth as a desired cosmetic effect. Eyelash trichomegaly may be induced by medications, procedures, or be related to medical conditions; however, the exact mechanisms that govern eyelash growth are not well elucidated. This study aims to identify and summarize aetiologies associated with eyelash trichomegaly. We report a systematic review of 148 clinical trials, prospective and retrospective studies, and case reports describing all evidence‐based potential aetiologies of eyelash trichomegaly obtained from the Medline/PubMed and Cochrane Library through January 2021. Inclusion criteria were defined as (i) human studies involving congenital and acquired diseases in which eyelash trichomegaly is a characteristic or (ii) assessment of trichomegaly as an adverse or desired effect of a medication or procedure. Exclusion criteria included: animal studies, articles not available in English, outcomes unrelated to eyelash trichomegaly, and secondary review articles. Pharmacologic agents associated with eyelash trichomegaly included prostaglandin analogues (15‐keto fluprostenol isopropyl ester, bimatoprost, latanoprost, and travoprost), epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (cetuximab, erlotinib, and panitumumab), interferon‐alpha, and calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus and cyclosporine). Surgical procedures of the eyelid, as well as allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, HIV, ichthyosis vulgaris (IV), uveitis, and vernal keratoconjunctivitis were also associated with increased eyelash growth. Congenital disorders associated with lengthened eyelashes included Cantú syndrome, CHOPS syndrome, Coffin–Siris syndrome, congenital heart disease, Cornelia de Lange syndrome, Costello syndrome, familial trichomegaly, Floating Harbor syndrome, Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome, Kabuki–Makeup syndrome, KBG syndrome, Oliver–McFarlane syndrome, Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome, and Smith–Magenis syndrome. While the most common cause of eyelash trichomegaly is topical bimatoprost use, better understanding of pathways implicated in eyelash trichomegaly may lead to the discovery of additional medications to stimulate eyelash growth and create avenues for future therapeutic interventions.
Development of novel deep multimodal representation learning‐based model for the differentiation of liver tumors on B‐mode ultrasound images
Authors: Sato Masaya , Kobayashi Tamaki , Soroida Yoko , Tanaka Takashi , Nakatsuka Takuma , Nakagawa Hayato , Nakamura Ayaka , Kurihara Makiko , Endo Momoe , Hikita Hiromi , Sato Mamiko , Gotoh Hiroaki , Iwai Tomomi , Tateishi Ryosuke , Koike Kazuhiko , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: December 2021

Background and Aim

Recently, multimodal representation learning for images and other information such as numbers or language has gained much attention. The aim of the current study was to analyze the diagnostic performance of deep multimodal representation model‐based integration of tumor image, patient background, and blood biomarkers for the differentiation of liver tumors observed using B‐mode ultrasonography (US).

Method

First, we applied supervised learning with a convolutional neural network (CNN) to 972 liver nodules in the training and development sets to develop a predictive model using segmented B‐mode tumor images. Additionally, we also applied a deep multimodal representation model to integrate information about patient background or blood biomarkers to B‐mode images. We then investigated the performance of the models in an independent test set of 108 liver nodules.

Results

Using only the segmented B‐mode images, the diagnostic accuracy and area under the curve (AUC) values were 68.52% and 0.721, respectively. As the information about patient background and blood biomarkers was integrated, the diagnostic performance increased in a stepwise manner. The diagnostic accuracy and AUC value of the multimodal DL model (which integrated B‐mode tumor image, patient age, sex, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, platelet count, and albumin data) reached 96.30% and 0.994, respectively.

Conclusion

Integration of patient background and blood biomarkers in addition to US image using multimodal representation learning outperformed the CNN model using US images. We expect that the deep multimodal representation model could be a feasible and acceptable tool for the definitive diagnosis of liver tumors using B‐mode US.
Doing research with intellectually disabled participants: reflections on the challenges of capacity and consent in socio‐legal research
Authors: HARDING ROSIE
Published: December 2021

In this article, I reflect on the praxis of doing qualitative interview research involving intellectually disabled people as participants. I explore the ways in which ethical and legal norms work together to shape what is possible in research with intellectually disabled participants. I use stories from the field to explore issues of recruitment and sampling, working with ‘gatekeeper’ organizations, accessible information and informed consent, and data sharing and open access. As these reflections demonstrate, undertaking fieldwork involving intellectually disabled participants presents multiple challenges for socio‐legal researchers. They also show that many of the challenges are surmountable, offering concerns, considerations, and solutions that can, and perhaps should, be considered by all socio‐legal researchers who wish to ensure that all of the voices of society are included and reflected in their research.
What teachers know about teaching reading to students with developmental disabilities: A survey of special educators
Authors: Conner Carlin , G. Jones Francesca , Ahlgrim‐Delzell Lynn , Walte Samantha , H. Allor Jill
Published: December 2021

Despite the fact that there is a growing body of knowledge about how to effectively teach reading to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), little is known about how teachers of these students are being trained in early literacy skills and implementing these practices in the classroom. As knowledge of the capacity of these student's ability to read grows, we need to know whether teachers' beliefs about their potential reading ability are changing as well. Teacher members of the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities, a subdivision of Council for Exceptional Children, were sent a survey that asked questions regarding training, instruction practices, and beliefs around literacy instruction. Results indicated teachers are receiving training in literacy instruction that is not always consistent with what they are implementing in the classroom. Additional results, implications, and recommendations are provided.
Surgical management of superficial digital flexor tendon luxation in dogs: 48 cases (2005‐2020)
Authors: Goh D. , House A. , Moores A. P. , Renwick A. , Franklin C. , Kulendra E. , Polak S. , Pink J. , Triglia M. , Neville‐Towle J. , Hamilton M. , Sajik D. , Pfeiffer C.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To report the outcome, frequency of complications and potential prognostic factors associated with surgical repair of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) luxation in dogs.

Materials and Methods

Medical records from 10 referral hospitals were reviewed retrospectively for cases of SDFT luxation in dogs that underwent surgical stabilisation. Signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, surgical method, type and length of post‐operative limb immobilisation, nature of and length of exercise restriction, presence of post‐operative complications and outcomes were recorded. Data were summarised descriptively and prognostic risk factors assessed for association with surgical outcome using risk ratios.

Results

Forty‐eight cases were included. A successful surgical outcome was recorded in 35 of 48 (73%) cases.Re‐luxation of the SDFT occurred in seven of 48 (15%). Six out of 48 (13%) had a persistent lameness despite a stable non‐luxating SDFT. A high frequency of post‐operative complications occurred (71%), with the majority resolved medically. The risk of surgical failure was 60% higher (risk ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 2.4) where absorbable suture material was used compared to non‐absorbable suture material. Surgical failure was more common in cases managed with non‐rigid immobilisation post‐operatively (57% failure) compared to cases managed with rigid immobilisation (19% failure), although this result was not statistically significant. Limb immobilisation of 6 weeks or longer did not significantly affect surgical outcome, compared to shorter periods of exercise restriction or limb immobilisation.

Clinical Significance

A good outcome can be expected following surgical stabilisation of SDFT luxation. The use of non‐absorbable suture was associated with a more successful surgical outcome.
A young age of formation of Rheasilvia basin on Vesta from floor deformation patterns and crater counts
Authors: Schenk Paul M. , Neesemann Alicia , Marchi Simone , Otto Katharina , Hoogenboom Trudi , O’Brien David P. , Castillo‐Rogez Julie , Raymond Carol A. , Russell Christopher T.
Published: December 2021

Delivery of significant volumes of howardite–eucrite–diogenite (HED) meteorites from Vesta to Earth is linked to the largest impact events on that protoplanet, especially the giant Rheasilvia basin. Dawn mapping of Rheasilvia reveals a well‐preserved impact structure with extensive deformation patterns and moderate superposed cratering. Spiral and radial deformation features across the floor of Rheasilvia are also common to complex craters on Ceres and icy satellites, as well as larger bodies like the Moon, Mars, and Mercury, when floor units are not buried by impact melt and debris. These deformation features predate the solidification of such melt/debris mixtures and are important structural elements in complex craters related to failure in converging floor material during late stages of crater formation. The similarity and commonality of such features and lack of preserved ancient units within Rheasilvia indicate that these patterns formed during the latter stages of the impact event and that the original basin floor and subsequent cratering record are preserved. Updated counts and interpretation of this observed superposed cratering indicate an ~0.8–0.9 Ga age of basin formation, supporting a young impact and ejection age. This young age is consistent with recent Ar‐Ar ages of feldspar grains in HED (Lindsay et al., 2015), and it may also be consistent with ancient bulk Ar‐Ar ages (>~3.2 Ga) for some HEDs because resetting such ages requires prolonged heating from the residual impact heating of rocks left on Vesta during earlier impacts. The complex morphology and recent formation of Rheasilvia basin are also consistent with dynamical estimates for delivery of these meteorites to the Earth–Moon system.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing predicts motility networks in purified human gastric interstitial cells of Cajal
Authors: Foong Daphne , Liyanage Liwan , Zhou Jerry , Zarrouk Ali , Ho Vincent , O’Connor Michael D.
Published: December 2021

Background

Gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders affect millions of people worldwide, yet they remain poorly treated in part due to insufficient knowledge of the molecular networks controlling GI motility. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are critical GI pacemaker cells, and abnormalities in ICC are implicated in GI motility disorders. Two cell surface proteins, KIT and ANO1, are used for identifying ICC. However, difficulties accessing human tissue and the low frequency of ICC in GI tissues have meant human ICC are insufficiently characterized. Here, a range of characterization assays including single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) was performed using KIT+CD45−CD11B− primary human gastric ICC to better understand networks controlling human ICC biology.

Methods

Excess sleeve gastrectomy tissues were dissected; ICC were analyzed by immunofluorescence, fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACSorting), real‐time PCR, mass spectrometry, and scRNA‐seq.

Key Results

Immunofluorescence identified ANO1+/KIT+ cells throughout the gastric muscle. Compared to the FACSorted negative cells, PCR showed the KIT+CD45−CD11B− ICC were enriched 28‐fold in ANO1 expression (p < 0.01). scRNA‐seq analysis of the KIT−CD45+CD11B+ and KIT+CD45−CD11B− ICC revealed separate clusters of immune cells and ICC (respectively); cells in the ICC cluster expressed critical GI motility genes (eg, CAV1 and PRKG1). The scRNA‐seq data for these two cell clusters predicted protein interaction networks consistent with immune cell and ICC biology, respectively.

Conclusions & Inferences

The single‐cell transcriptome of purified KIT+CD45−CD11B− human gastric ICC presented here provides new molecular insights and hypotheses into evolving models of GI motility. This knowledge will provide an improved framework to investigate targeted therapies for GI motility disorders.
17q12‐21 risk‐variants influence cord blood immune regulation and multitrigger‐wheeze
Authors: Laubhahn Kristina , Böck Andreas , Zeber Kathrin , Unterschemmann Sandra , Kunze Sonja , Schedel Michaela , Schaub Bianca
Published: December 2021

Background

Childhood wheeze represents a first symptom of asthma. Early identification of children at risk for wheeze related to 17q12‐21 variants and their underlying immunological mechanisms remain unknown. We aimed to assess the influence of 17q12‐21 variants and mRNA expression at birth on the development of wheeze.

Methods

Children were classified as multitrigger/viral/no wheeze until six years of age. The PAULINA/PAULCHEN birth cohorts were genotyped (n = 216; GSA‐chip). mRNA expression of 17q21 and innate/adaptive genes was measured (qRT‐PCR) in cord blood mononuclear cells. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and mediation analyses were performed. Genetic variation of 17q12‐21 asthma‐single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was summarized as the first principal component (PC1) and used to classify single SNP effects on gene expression as (locus)‐dependent/independent eQTL SNPs.

Results

Core region risk variants (IKZF3, ZPBP2, GSDMB, ORMDL3) were associated with multitrigger wheeze (OR: 3.05–5.43) and were locus‐dependent eQTL SNPs with higher GSDMA, TLR2, TLR5, and lower TGFB1 expression. Increased risk of multitrigger wheeze with rs9303277 was in part mediated by TLR2 expression. Risk variants distal to the core region were mainly locus‐independent eQTL SNPs with decreased CD209, CD86, TRAF6, RORA, and IL‐9 expression. Distinct immune signatures in cord blood were associated either with multitrigger wheeze (increased innate genes, e.g., TLR2, IPS1, LY75) or viral wheeze (decreased NF‐κB genes, e.g., TNFAIP3 and TNIP2).

Conclusion

Locus‐dependent eQTL SNPs (core region) associated with increased inflammatory genes (primarily TLR2) at birth and subsequent multitrigger wheeze indicate that early priming and imbalance may be crucial for asthma pathophysiology. Locus‐independent eQTL SNPs (mainly distal region, rs1007654) may be involved in the initiation of dendritic cell activation/maturation (TRAF6) and interaction with T cells (CD209, CD86). Identifying potential mechanistic pathways at birth may point to critical key points during early immune development predisposing to asthma.
Benefits of aquatic exercise in adults with and without chronic disease—A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Faíl Luís B. , Marinho Daniel A. , Marques Elisa A. , Costa Mário J. , Santos Catarina C. , Marques Mário C. , Izquierdo Mikel , Neiva Henrique P.
Published: December 2021

Aquatic exercise is being increasingly recommended for healthy individuals as well as people with some special health conditions. A systematic review with meta‐analysis was performed to synthesize and analyze data on the effects of water‐based training (WT) programs on health status and physical fitness of healthy adults and adults with diseases to develop useful recommendations for health and sports professionals. We searched three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) up to June 2021 for randomized trials that examined WT in adults. A total of 62 studies were included, of which 26 involved only healthy individuals and 36 focused on adults with chronic diseases. In the healthy group, the effects of WT on strength, balance, and cardiorespiratory fitness were beneficial, indicating the usefulness of performing WT for at least 12 weeks (2–3x/week, 46–65 min/session). Among adults with diseases, improvements were observed in patients with fibromyalgia (in balance and cardiorespiratory fitness), bone diseases (pain, balance, flexibility, and strength), coronary artery disease (strength and anthropometry), hypertension (quality of life), stroke (quality of life), diabetes (balance and quality of life), multiple sclerosis (quality of life and balance), and Parkinson's disease (pain, gait, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life). Research is required to determine the effects of WT on patients with heart disease, especially coronary artery disease. In adults with chronic disease, benefits in physical fitness and/or other health‐related measures were mainly observed after 8–16 weeks of training. WT is an effective physical activity when the intention is to enhance health and physical fitness in healthy adults and adults with chronic diseases.
Human perception evaluation system for urban streetscapes based on computer vision algorithms with attention mechanisms
Authors: Li Yunhao , Zhang Chunxiao , Wang Chang , Cheng Zhe
Published: December 2021

Virtual 3D modeling is widely implemented in urban planning and design. To evaluate urban planning modeling, based on existing computer vision models, this article aims to improve performance in the field of human perception analysis for urban street views. In this study, the PSP module extracts detailed features from recognized objects of different sizes, an attention mechanism is applied to solve the problem of large information differences in pictures, and transfer learning technology is used to expand the model to the field of virtual 3D modeling to extract more representative and universal features, similar to how humans perceive street view information. Finally, we obtain a more objective, stable, and accurate neural network model that imitates human perception. This evaluation model converges within the correct interval on the training and validation datasets compared with an evaluation of virtual modeling by a large number of people.
Ovariectomy reduces the risk of tumour development and influences the histologic continuum in canine mammary tumours
Authors: Gedon Julia , Wehrend Axel , Kessler Martin
Published: December 2021

Influence of neutering on canine mammary tumorigenesis has been a source of vivid discussion over the last decades. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the association between neuter status, tumour size and degree of malignancy in a large population of 625 female dogs with altogether 1459 removed mammary tumours (MTs). MT‐bearing dogs were predominantly intact (80.3%) and intact dogs were overrepresented in the tumour population compared to the control group of >19 000 females (p < .0001). Multiple MT occurred in 340 patients (54.4%) and were significantly more common in intact dogs (57.8% vs. 40.7% spayed). Neutered dogs were not only significantly more likely to have a malignant MT (p < .0001) but were significantly more often affected by more aggressive tumour subtypes (p < .0001). Positive correlation between increasing tumour size and increasingly malignant phenotype was slightly stronger in spayed (rs = .217;p = .021) compared to intact (rs = .179;p = .0003) patients. After ovariectomy, progression from benign to malignant occurs in smaller size tumours, as MT ≥2 cm in diameter were malignant in 86.9% of the spayed patients, compared to 62.0% in intact patients (p = .0002). Intact bitches have a higher risk for MTs and tumour multiplicity. MTs in neutered females are more often malignant and belong to more aggressive subtypes compared to MTs in intact dogs. In neutered bitches, histologic progression from benign to malignant and further along the cancer progression continuum occurs at smaller tumour sizes.
A Case Study on the ESL Upper Secondary Level Students Views in Engaging with Online Writing Lessons Conducted Via Google Classroom
Authors: Shelvam Hemamalini , Bahari Aireen Aina
Published: December 2021

Most of the researchers and experts are prompted to investigate why English as second language students (ESL) are running out of radar during their online classes especially for writing lesson conducted via Google Classroom. In order rectify the issues, the researchers of this study, wanted to find out how English as second language learners (ESL) secondary school students experienced about participating in online writing classes delivered via Google Classroom. This research focuses on the three upper level secondary students at SMK Batu Gajah in Perak. The students were introduced to the advantages of engaging with online writing class via Google Classroom, especially during this pandemic, to improve their writing ability, which can be measured, as it is the most difficult skill for students to master. This study is important for upper secondary students to enhance their writing skills before sitting for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam. As it is a case study, the interview sessions were accomplished via Google Meet with the learners at various times to maintain the validity and reliability of the instrument. The recorded interview sessions were then transcribed after the interview session. The researcher judiciously categorised and analysed the relevant key notes that strongly support the research questions in order to jot down the findings. The findings clearly show that all of the students are enthusiastic about their participation in a writing class facilitated via Google Meet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the students believed that Google Classroom has improved their writing abilities to some extent, despite some difficulties in familiarising with the new learning platform. However, the students mentioned that Google Classroom, the new teaching and learning platform, had boosted their motivation to improve their writing skills.
Reviewer Acknowledgements (Vol. 4, No. 2)
Authors: Brown Bennett
Published: December 2021

International Journal of Law and Public Administration (IJLPA) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this volume. Many authors, regardless of whether IJLPA publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this volume.Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 2Andrea Kajcsa, University of Medicine, RomaniaDragoljub Popović, Union University School of Law, SerbiaEncarnación Abad Arenas, National University of Distance Education (UNED), SpainJohn Mark R. Asio, Gordon College, PhilippinesJosé Sebastián Kurlat Aimar, University of Buenos Aires, ArgentinaMarcin Roman Czubala Ostapiuk, Universidad Nacional de Eduación a Distancia, SpainTaylisi de Souza Corrêa Leite, Anhanguera University, Brazil
Policy and Practice for Digital Archaeological Archiving in Italy
Authors: Calandra Elena , Boi Valeria , Falcone Annalisa , Acconcia Valeria , Di Giorgio Sara , Massara Flavia , Ronzino Paola
Published: December 2021

his article highlights how the Italian Central Institute for Archaeology (ICA) is developing the National Geoportal for Archaeology (GNA), based on the ARIADNEplus infrastructure and its policy framework. Thanks to the GNA project, it will be possible to search and learn about archaeological documentation managed by Superintendencies and Universities holding a significant amount of archaeological data, much of which is either completely or partially unpublished.
Relative Influence of Sensory Cues in a Multi-Modal Virtual Environment
Authors: Hendrix Claudia M. , Cheng Pi-Ming , Durfee William K.
Published: December 2021

Human subject experiments were performed to determine the influence of multimodal virtual environment display parameters on the perception of haptic, visual, and aural material properties. Twelve subjects participated in two experiments. Subjects were presented with a test material (real or virtual) and were asked to select one of three reference materials which most closely matched the test material. Subject were also asked to rate the quality of the match on a 1–5 scale. The test and reference materials were presented to subjects through a television monitor. The visual characteristics of the virtual materials were generated on a graphics display, the haptic characteristics were displayed using a single degree of freedom haptic device, and the aural characteristics were created using prerecorded sound clips. The results of the two experiments suggest that haptic characteristics played an important role in the matching process while sound and visual characteristics played an important role in the quality rating process.
Haptic Rendering: Practical Modeling and Collision Detection
Authors: Cai ZhuLiang , Dill John , Payandeh Shahram
Published: December 2021

3D collision detection and modeling techniques can be used in the development of haptic rendering schemes which can be used, for example, in surgical training, virtual assembly, or games. Based on a fast collision detection algorithm (RAPID) and 3D object representation, a practical haptic rendering system has been developed. A sub-system determines detailed collision information. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the practicality of our results.
Control-Oriented Model for Camless Intake Process: Part I
Authors: Ashhab M.-S. S. , Stefanopoulou A. G. , Cook J. A. , Levin M. B.
Published: December 2021

The improvement of internal combustion engine is largely accomplished though the introduction of innovative actuators that allow optimization and control of the flow, mixing, and combustion processes. The realization of such a novel system depends on the existence of an operational controller that will stabilize the engine and allow experimental testing which, consequently, leads to further development of the actuator and the engine controller. This iterative process requires a starting point which is the development of a control-oriented model. Although not fully validated, the control-oriented model reveals issues associated with uncertainties, nonlinearities, and limitation of different subsystems. Moreover, it aides in defining the controller structure and the necessary parameters for the calibration of the closed loop system. In this paper (Part I) we describe the development process of a control-oriented model for a camless intake process.
A Sensing Chair
Authors: Tan Hong Z.
Published: December 2021

This paper is concerned with how objects in an environment can be made aware of people via haptic sensing. It was motivated by the desire to make our environment “smarter” by providing it with sensory systems similar to our own. The work reported here focuses on an object that is involved in virtually all human-computer interactions, yet has remained sensory-deprived — the chair. A real-time sitting posture classification system has been developed using surface-mounted pressure sensors placed on the seatpan and backrest of a chair. The ultimate goal of this work is to build a robust multi-user sitting-posture tracking system that will have many applications including ergonomics and automatic control of airbag deployment in a car. Challenges for reaching the goal and plans of nature work are discussed.
Friction Identification for Haptic Display
Authors: Richard Christopher , Cutkosky Mark R. , MacLean Karon
Published: December 2021

A method of identifying the friction of real devices for haptic display is presented. The method is suitable for identifying both the friction and inertia of a system simultaneously. This paper begins with a brief survey of common friction models and identification procedures. After the identification method is outlined, results are presented for experiments conducted to identify the friction and mass of an aluminum block sliding on sheets of brass, teflon, and rubber.
Analysis and Control of Redundant Hybrid Master Arm
Authors: Kim Jungtae , Chang Sokho , Kim Insup , Borm Jin Hwan , Lee Jong Won , Park Jong Oh
Published: December 2021

In a teleoperation system, master device is the most important resource which is closely related to work performance of an operator. Thus, We have developed a human arm-like master arm for last few years. The master arm has characteristics of hybrid kinematics, redundant degree of freedom, distributed force refection function, dextrous motion and worn-type, which are as same as human arm characteristics. And the master arm was more improved in the view point of dexterousness, human friendliness and adaptability than the previous version of KIST master arm.

In this paper, design concept, analysis and control methodology of the new master arm (KIST master arm), are dealt with.
A Unified Frequency Equation and the Motion Analysis of a Moving Flexible Beam Carrying a Concentrated Mass
Authors: Park S. , Lee J. W. , Youm Y. , Chung W. K.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the mathematical model of a Bernoulli-Euler cantilever beam fixed on a moving cart and carrying an intermediate lumped mass is derived. The equations of motion of the beam-mass-cart system is analyzed utilizing unconstrained modal analysis, and a unified frequency equation which can be generally applied to this kind of system is obtained. The change of natural frequencies and mode shapes with respect to the change of the mass ratios of the beam, the lumped mass and the cart and to the position of the lumped mass is investigated. The open-loop responses of the system by arbitrary forcing function are also obtained through numerical simulations.
Theoretical Evaluation of the Influence of Displacement on Finger Photoplethysmography for Wearable Health Monitoring Sensors
Authors: Rhee Sokwoo , Yang Boo-Ho , Asada Haruhiko H.
Published: December 2021

This paper describes the development of an opto-physiological model of a finger in conjunction with a ring-type photoplethysmography device (the Ring Sensor). This model is a combination of an optical model, a mechanical model, a skin capillary model and the arterial wall dynamics. It describes the photoplethysmographic effects due to the relative displacement and rotation of a finger to a ring-type opto-electric device that monitors the arterial pulsation noninvasively and continuously. Numerical simulations and experiments were conducted to verify and evaluate this model. This model can be used for optimizing design parameters of the ring device to obtain optimal pulse signals and to minimize the influence of noise caused by the displacement of the finger.
Factors Affecting Perceptions of Ride Quality in Automobiles
Authors: Ferris John B.
Published: December 2021

Expert ride evaluators participated in instrumented ride appraisals to better understand the means by which a person perceives ride quality. A new process was developed by which the factors affecting a driver’s perception of ride quality are detected. The process is based on varying the exponential power to which each factor is raised and examining the resulting change in the correlation with the subjective ride quality rating. This process was used to discover the most influential factors affecting ride quality. The most influential measurement location is the driver’s seat, the most influential time derivative is jerk, and the attribute that best describes the signal is the crest factor. The most striking result is that the ISO 2631 standard was not confirmed as the basis for ride quality predictions. The ride quality was best described by temporal attributes not by spectral attributes.