bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostate cancer in a nutshell
Authors: Kirby Mike
Published: March 2024

Professor Mike Kirby, Editor of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, summarises recent guideline updates on prostate cancer.
Using iterative 2δ‐technique and 4δ‐outlier test for evaluating the geochemical background concentrations of trace elements in topsoil at Cao Bang province, Vietnam
Authors: Tran Anh Tuan , Nguyen Ha Manh , Dang Quan Tran , Duong Lim Thi , Pham Dang Thanh , Nguyen Bac Quang
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the geochemical background values for seven trace elements in topsoil samples collected from highland areas within Cao Bang province, Vietnam. Total concentrations of these elements were determined, revealing the following order of mean concentration: Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > As > Ni > Co. The background values were calculated using two different methods including iterative 2δ‐technique and 4δ‐outlier test. The 4δ‐outlier test yielded the following background concentrations (dry weight) for the seven elements: As (24.41 ± 12.42 mg kg−1), Co (15.64 ± 10.57 mg kg−1), Cr (49.31 ± 33.41 mg kg−1), Cu (29.77 ± 27.14 mg kg−1), Ni (22.52 ± 13.33 mg kg−1), Pb (38.06 ± 31.48 mg kg−1), Zn (71.79 61.09 mg kg−1). The 2δ‐technique, on the other hand, resulted in the following background concentrations (dry weight) for the same elements: As (8.41 ± 8.57 mg kg−1), Co (5.06 ± 4.31 mg kg−1), Cr (26.72 ± 26.20 mg kg−1), Cu (25.31 ± 24.81 mg kg−1), Ni (8.02 ± 7.83 mg kg−1), Pb (28.12 ± 27.58 mg kg−1), Zn (51.91 ± 49.44 mg kg−1). These results provide valuable baseline data for future environmental assessments and monitoring programs in the region. They also highlight the potential impact of human activities, such as mining, on the geochemical landscape of highland areas.
Surgical outcomes and healthcare expenditures among patients with dementia undergoing major surgery
Authors: Khalil Mujtaba , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Munir Muhammad Musaab , Katayama Erryk , Mehdi Khan Muhammad Muntazir , Altaf Abdullah , Rashid Zayed , Endo Yutaka , Dillhoff Mary , Tsai Susan , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: March 2024

Background

We sought to define surgical outcomes among elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) following major thoracic and gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was used to identify patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, pneumonectomy, pancreatectomy, and colectomy. Individuals were identified from the Medicare Standard Analytic Files and multivariable regression was utilized to assess the association of ADRD with textbook outcome (TO), expenditures, and discharge disposition.

Results

Among 1,175,010 Medicare beneficiaries, 19,406 (1.7%) patients had a preoperative diagnosis of ADRD (CABG: n = 1,643, 8.5%; AAA repair: n = 5,926, 30.5%; pneumonectomy: n = 590, 3.0%; pancreatectomy: n = 181, 0.9%; and colectomy: n = 11,066, 57.0%). After propensity score matching, patients with ADRD were less likely to achieve a TO (ADRD: 31.2% vs. no ADRD: 40.1%) or be discharged to home (ADRD: 26.7% vs. no ADRD: 46.2%) versus patients who did not have ADRD (both p < 0.001). Median index surgery expenditures were higher among patients with ADRD (ADRD: $28,815 [IQR $14,333–$39,273] vs. no ADRD: $27,101 [IQR $13,433–$38,578]; p < 0.001) (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, patients with ADRD had higher odds of postoperative complications (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.25–1.40), extended length‐of‐stay (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.21–1.32), 90‐day readmission (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.31–1.43), and 90‐day mortality (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.66–1.86) (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Preoperative diagnosis of ADRD was an independent risk factor for poor postoperative outcomes, discharge to non‐home settings, as well as higher healthcare expenditures. These data should serve to inform discussions and decision‐making about surgery among the growing number of older patients with cognitive deficits.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for Healthcare and Health Sciences: The Need for Best Practices Enabling Trust in AI and ML
Authors: Aliferis Constantin , Simon Gyorgy
Published: March 2024

In the opening chapter we first introduce essential concepts about Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) in Health Care and the Health Sciences (aka Biomedical AI/ML). We then provide a brief historical perspective of the field including highlights of achievements of Biomedical AI/ML, the various generations of AI/ML efforts, and the recent explosive interest in such methods and future growth expectations. We summarize how biomedical AI and ML differ from general-purpose AI/ML. We show that pitfalls and related lack of best practices undermine practice and potential of Biomedical AI/ML. We introduce high-level requirements for biomedical AI/ML and 7 dimensions of trust, acceptance and ultimately adoption, which serve as the driving principles of the present volume. We outline the contents of the volume, both overall and chapter-by-chapter, noting the interconnections. We discuss the intended audience, and differences from other AI/ML books. We finally discuss format, style/tone, and state a few important caveats and disclosures.
Considerations for Specialized Health AI & ML Modelling and Applications: NLP
Authors: Schutte Dalton , Zhang Rui
Published: March 2024

Much information about patients is documented in the unstructured textual format in the electronic health record system. Research findings are also reported in the biomedical literature. In this chapter, we will discuss the background, resources and methods used in biomedical natural language processing (NLP), which will help unlock information from the textual data.
Data Design in Biomedical AI/ML
Authors: Simon Gyorgy , Aliferis Constantin
Published: March 2024

Data Design refers to the systematic choice of what data are modeled for analysis and how these data and the model output(s) are mapped between the Problem Space (real-world) and the Model Space (features for the ML modeling). ML data design is an essential element of ML modeling. ML data design differs from classical statistical, epidemiological etc. study designs in that (a) ML data design relies heavily on the existence of digital data repositories that are created independently of the problem solving intent at hand, (b) ML modeling is highly scalable and mostly automated, (c) when using experimental data, ML data design may be used to guide the experiments conducted, (d) uses a richer set of data representations that transcend the classical design matrices such as text, relational databases, graphs etc.; and (e) ML modeling has its own distinct capabilities, limitations and other properties and these are reflected in the data design choices. The present chapter covers tried and tested strategies and protocols that contribute to successful data designs and addresses a number of important biases that threaten validity and generalizability of results. Lower level data transformations, data storage, and security aspects are covered in the “Data Preparation, Transforms, Quality, and Management” chapter.
Evaluation
Authors: Simon Gyorgy , Aliferis Constantin
Published: March 2024

The purpose of model evaluation is to assess the model’s suitability for the intended purpose. In the evaluation of clinical models, we consider three levels of evaluation. At the core, we are concerned with predictive performance, namely whether the model we constructed has sufficiently high predictive ability. On the next level, we are concerned with generalizability. We wish to ensure the model is robust to changes over time and we may wish to know whether the model can generalize to different demographics at different geographic locations or to a different service with different disease severity. Finally, on the third level, we evaluate the model from the perspective of achieving the clinical objective and doing so at a cost that is acceptable to the health system.
Chasing Maximal Pro-p Galois Groups via 1-Cyclotomicity
Authors: Quadrelli Claudio
Published: March 2024

Let p be a prime. We prove that certain amalgamated free pro-p products of Demushkin groups with pro-p-cyclic amalgam cannot give rise to a 1-cyclotomic oriented pro-p group, and thus do not occur as maximal pro-p Galois groups of fields containing a root of 1 of order p. We show that other cohomological obstructions which are used to detect pro-p groups that are not maximal pro-p Galois groups—the quadraticity of $$\mathbb {Z}/p\mathbb {Z}$$

Z
/
p
Z

-cohomology and the vanishing of Massey products—fail with the above pro-p groups. Finally, we prove that the Minač–Tân pro-p group cannot give rise to a 1-cyclotomic oriented pro-p group, and we conjecture that every 1-cyclotomic oriented pro-p group satisfy the strong n-Massey vanishing property for $$n=3,4$$

n
=
3
,
4

.
H2020-ROBOMINERS Prototype Field Test
Authors: Berner Michael , Sifferlinger Nikolaus August
Published: March 2024

ROBOMINERS was a project funded under the European Union’s Research and Innovation programme Horizon 2020 (grant agreement n°820971) and started in June 2019 with the primary objective of facilitating the extraction of mineral resources, including strategically important metals crucial for the ongoing energy transition, from domestic sources within the European Union. To achieve this goal, the ROBOMINERS consortium—including 14 partners from 11 European countries, has developed a bio-inspired robot specifically designed for mining deposits that are challenging to access or relatively small in scale. The prototype was tested and demonstrated in July, August and October 2023.
Surface-subsurface filtration transport with seawater intrusion: multidomain mixed variational evolution problems
Authors: Alduncin Gonzalo
Published: March 2024

Surface-subsurface filtration transport with seawater intrusion phenomena are formulated and variationally analyzed, as coupled multimedia mixed pairs of free boundary interface problems. Physically, multidomain subsurface mixed velocity-pressure fractional Darcian flow models coupled with surface evolution Stokesian mixed flows are considered. Specifically, two-phase air-fresh water above the sea level and fresh water-seawater characterizations are considered. Internal boundary synchronizing transmission conditions of multidomain nonoverlapping decompositions are modeled in terms of variational Lagrangian dual subpotential maximal monotone inclusions. Similarly, filtration transport coupling interface transmission constraints are implemented by mass flux-velocity-pressure Lagrange dual multipliers as solutions of subpotential subdifferential equations.
STK3 kinase activation inhibits tumor proliferation through FOXO1-TP53INP1/P21 pathway in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Ziying , Chu Yuan , Feng Anqi , Zhang Shihan , Wu Hao , Li Zhaoxing , Sun Mingchuang , Zhang Li , Chen Tao , Xu Meidong
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an aggressive disease with a poor prognosis, caused by the inactivation of critical cell growth regulators that lead to uncontrolled proliferation and increased malignancy. Although Serine/Threonine Kinase 3 (STK3), also known as Mammalian STE20-like protein kinase 2 (MST2), is a highly conserved kinase of the Hippo pathway, plays a critical role in immunomodulation, organ development, cellular differentiation, and cancer suppression, its phenotype and function in ESCC require further investigation. In this study, we report for the first time on the role of STK3 kinase and its activation condition in ESCC, as well as the mechanism and mediators of kinase activation.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the expression and clinical significance of STK3 in ESCC. We first used bioinformatics databases and immunohistochemistry to analyze STK3 expression in the ESCC patient cohort and conducted survival analysis. In vivo, we conducted a tumorigenicity assay using nude mouse models to demonstrate the phenotypes of STK3 kinase. In vitro, we conducted Western blot analysis, qPCR analysis, CO-IP, and immunofluorescence (IF) staining analysis to detect molecule expression, interaction, and distribution. We measured proliferation, migration, and apoptosis abilities in ESCC cells in the experimental groups using CCK-8 and transwell assays, flow cytometry, and EdU staining. We used RNA-seq to identify genes that were differentially expressed in ESCC cells with silenced STK3 or FOXO1. We demonstrated the regulatory relationship of the TP53INP1/P21 gene medicated by the STK3-FOXO1 axis using Western blotting and ChIP in vitro.

Results

We demonstrate high STK3 expression in ESCC tissue and cell lines compared to esophageal epithelium. Cellular ROS induces STK3 autophosphorylation in ESCC cells, resulting in upregulated p-STK3/4. STK3 activation inhibits ESCC cell proliferation and migration by triggering apoptosis and suppressing the cell cycle. STK3 kinase activation phosphorylates FOXO1Ser212, promoting nuclear translocation, enhancing transcriptional activity, and upregulating TP53INP1 and P21. We also investigated TP53INP1 and P21’s phenotypic effects in ESCC, finding that their knockdown significantly increases tumor proliferation, highlighting their crucial role in ESCC tumorigenesis.

Conclusion

STK3 kinase has a high expression level in ESCC and can be activated by cellular ROS, inhibiting cell proliferation and migration. Additionally, STK3 activation-mediated FOXO1 regulates ESCC cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by targeting TP53INP1/P21. Our research underscores the anti-tumor function of STK3 in ESCC and elucidates the mechanism underlying its anti-tumor effect on ESCC.
Impact of Different Heat Treatments on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Precipitation-Hardened Stainless Steel Fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Negron Juan , Ali Majed , Almotari Abdalmageed , Algamal Anwar , Alafaghani Ala’aldin , Qattawi Ala
Published: March 2024

The mechanical properties of additively manufactured metal parts are often considered inferior to those of their traditionally manufactured counterparts. These inferior mechanical properties are primarily attributed to prevalent defects inherent in additive manufacturing processes, leading to reduced performance and durability. Researchers have extensively studied processing parameters and post-processing techniques to determine optimal conditions for improving the mechanical properties of laser powder bed fusion. This study investigates the densification and microstructure characteristics of laser powder bed fusion 15-5 precipitation-hardened stainless steel. The effects of three developed post-heat treatments and three build directions are examined. The results reveal that heat treatment schedules influence material strength and hardness at the cost of reduced ductility, while the fabrication build direction impacts surface porosity. Prolonged heat treatment procedures resulted in the highest hardness values due to enhanced homogenization.
3α-Hydroxybufadienolides in Bufo gallbladders: structural insights and biotransformation
Authors: Ruan Li-Jun , Song Zhi-Jun , Jiang Ren-Wang
Published: March 2024

Bufadienolides, naturally occurring steroids primarily found in toads, have garnered attention for their pharmacological properties and ecological significance. In this study, we isolated and identified 21 bufadienolides from the gallbladders of Bufo gargarizans, comprising four new compounds and 17 known ones. Notably, the predominance of 15 bufadienolides with a 3α-OH configuration in toad bile differs significantly from the 3β-OH bufadienolides found in venom secreted by toad glands. Moreover, our investigation into the biotransformation of 3β-OH and 3α-OH bufadienolides in the liver and kidney tissues of toads revealed an irreversible conversion from 3β-OH to 3α-OH bufadienolides, suggesting a crucial role in toad self-detoxification. These findings provide valuable insights into the structural diversity of bufadienolides and advance our understanding of their medical and ecological significance.

Graphical Abstract
Investigating the thickness of patterned polyethylene layers by changing the line speed and temperature in the embossing machine
Authors: Altuncu Ekrem , Tuccar Kilic Nilay
Published: March 2024

Patterned polyethylene films are mandatory products in the rubber tire industry. They are used as protective lining to prevent contamination of the rubber. This pattern geometry (2D and 3D) prevents the rubber from sticking to each other. The film is desired to be homogeneous, precise in thickness, and have sufficient mechanical strength. The speed and the temperature of the pattern-forming machine are among the factors that determine this relationship between the thickness of the film and its mechanical properties for sustainable quality production. In this study, the effect of the speed and the temperature of the pattern machine on the pattern thickness during the creation of the pyramid-shaped pattern applied on a 100 ± 5 µm thick polyethylene film were examined. Four different machine speeds (24, 26, 28, and 30 m/min) and three different temperatures (100, 110, and 120 °C) were studied as variables. The impact of parameters on film thicknesses and tensile properties was assessed. Film thickness varied from ~ 375 to ~ 340 µm at higher machine speed, strength-at-break values decreased from 28 to 22 MPa, and elongation values dropped from 575 to 437% with the increment in speed. On the other hand, at higher temperatures, thickness rose from ~ 360 to ~ 390 µm, and elongation values reduced from 440 to 410%. Within the scope of the experimental studies, it was observed that the film thickness changes and the mechanical properties can be controlled by changing the line speed or process temperature.

Graphical abstract
Validation of the Slovenian version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale as a screening tool for the detection of mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Špeh Andreja , Kalar Irena , Pirtošek Zvezdan , Kramberger Milica Gregorič
Published: March 2024

Objective

The Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA) is commonly used for detecting individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the validity of the Slovenian MoCA as a screening tool for MCI and to determine the optimal cut-off point to detect MCI in the elderly population.

Methods

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), MoCA, and neuropsychological testing assessment were conducted on 93 individuals aged ≥ 60 years. MCI was found in 35 individuals with 58 cognitively asymptomatic controls. Cut-off values, sensitivity, and specificity of MoCA were calculated with the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

MCI and healthy individuals did not differ with respect to age and education. Healthy individuals (M = 24.5, SD = 1.7) performed significantly better on MoCA compared to MCI individuals (M = 21.4, SD = 3.2) (p < 0.001). The Cronbach’s α of MoCA as an index of internal consistency was 0.64. MoCA distinguished between healthy controls and MCI individuals with a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 74%, using a cut-off of 23/24 points.

Conclusion

The Slovenian version of MoCA demonstrates an optimal cut-off value of 23/24 points for detecting older individuals with MCI. As a screening tool for MCI, its better diagnostic accuracy makes it preferable to using MMSE.
Linking conventional activated sludge treatment plant performances for micropollutants removal to environmental risk and SimpleTreat model assessment
Authors: Di Marcantonio C. , Chiavola A. , Spagnoli D. , Meşe B. , Margarita F. , Gioia V. , Frugis A. , Leoni S. , Cecchini G. , Spizzirri M. , Boni M. R.
Published: March 2024

The attention to the contaminants of emerging concerns or micropollutants is continuously rising, also stimulated by the new initiatives at European level. The present study focuses on the removal of target micropollutants in a conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plant which is the most common system and considered a source of micropollutants to the environment. The aims were to evaluate the removal efficiency of different stages of the wastewater treatment plant and to conduct the Environmental Risk Assessment on the final effluent. As indicated by the European’s guidelines on Environmental Risk Assessment, the SimpleTreat4.1 model was applied to this purpose: different values of the biodegradation constant, which represents the key factor for modelling, were applied, and the effects on the quality of prediction were evaluated. The evaluations were carried out thorough 3-year monitoring activity in a full-scale wastewater treatment plant on 10 micropollutants belonging to the classes of illicit drugs, pharmaceuticals and psychoactive. The model was found statistically not satisfactory for most of the investigated micropollutants. A better prediction was obtained when the biodegradation constant was calculated based on the full-scale data. Nonetheless, the results obtained in terms of risk were considered acceptable and comparable among each other.

Graphical abstract
Students’ Verification and Elaboration in Outdoor Mathematics: The Role of Digital Feedback in MathCityMap
Authors: Jablonski Simone
Published: March 2024

In this article, the role of digital feedback that was provided in an outdoor mathematics education setting is taken into consideration. Using the app MathCityMap (2020) in the context of a mathematics trail, the influence of positive and/or negative feedback is examined in relation to how it influences the processes of verification and elaboration. In this context, special emphasis is placed on the students’ verification and elaboration and their relation to reasoning. In this qualitative study, 19 secondary students were filmed while solving mathematics tasks outdoors without digital support, as well as in indoor settings to enable a comparison. The results show that negative feedback in particular leads to a verification of the result. Still, an elaboration and explanation of why a result was incorrect was not often explicitly formulated by the students. Therefore, the potential of feedback is mainly seen in giving students a clear idea about the correctness of the result and searching for an alternative strategy to solve the task when in an outdoor setting.
Becoming-Woman and Time: When is the Subject of Feminism?
Authors: Bowen Charlie
Published: March 2024

This paper considers the use of Deleuze and Guattari's concept of “becoming-woman” for feminist theory. Since its first use, the concept has polarized feminist theory. For some, it presents the route out of masculinist logics that third-wave feminism has sought; for others, it denies the female experience and returns “woman” to universalizing, implicitly masculine presuppositions. The paper argues that both are partly right, and that the disagreement stems from an underdeveloped consideration of how “being” and “becoming” coexist in time. Following Rosi Braidotti, the paper claims that “woman” must be understood not in essentialist terms, but as the “virtual feminine” who is the contested subject of sexual difference. Seen this way, woman's being is inseparable from her becoming. The paper therefore argues that we must understand the mutually constitutive relation of being and becoming that produces “woman” in this sense. Drawing on Deleuze's discussion of Aion and Chronos, the paper sees the subject of feminism as temporally dislocated, with both a being and a becoming, rooted in a present that she is always moving beyond. But it claims that this is central for reconciling the conflicting understandings of becoming-woman, and so for preserving the concept as a feminist tool.
Rethinking Innovation in Drugs: A Pathway to Health for All
Authors: Mazzucato Mariana
Published: March 2024

This article discusses the misalignment of the drug innovation model in the US with broader societal goals. The paper calls for a reconfiguration of this model to prioritize the common good and ensure equitable access to health innovations. The article stresses the importance of adopting a mission-oriented approach to shape the drug market, including reforming intellectual property rights.
NIH Licensing Would Benefit from Free-Market Provisions
Authors: Feldman Robin , Rosen Zachary
Published: March 2024

Government encouragement of free markets is a highly effective means of fostering pharmaceutical innovation; the NIH, by including “free-market provisions” in its licensing agreements that discourage anti-competitive and research-impeding behavior, can do a great deal to support this goal even without legislative overhaul.
The diversity of teleost fishes during the terminal Cretaceous and the consequences of the K/Pg boundary extinction event
Authors: Schwarzhans Werner W. , Carnevale Giorgio , Stringer Gary L.
Published: March 2024

The Late Cretaceous was a time of blossoming teleost diversification that came to a sudden restriction and partial termination during the extinction event at the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K/Pg) boundary. Among the dominant and diverse Late Cretaceous teleost groups prior to the K/Pg boundary event were certain pelagic Aulopiformes (e.g., Ichthyotringoidei and Enchodontoidei) and a large variety of basal Acanthomorpha whose relationships are difficult to determine. The skeletal record diminishes during the late Campanian and is low in the Maastrichtian and Paleocene, constituting the so-called ‘Patterson’s Gap’. Recent studies of fossil otoliths, however, have significantly increased the number of taxa recognised for this time inerval, but most of the putative extinct forms lack adequate calibration with otoliths found in situ in articulated skeletons. However, the otolith assemblages do confirm the presence of great morphological diversity among Aulopiformes and Acanthomorpha incertae sedis that became extinct at the K/Pg boundary. In the present review, we elucidate the effect of the K/Pg boundary from an otolith perspective and categorise extinct lineages and survivors. It is interesting to recognise that several of the surviving lineages are represented by groups that probably originated during the Late Cretaceous but were not particularly common up to the K/Pg boundary and began to expand rapidly and diversify during the early Paleogene. Such lineages probably took advantage to populate void ecospace that may have opened following the extirpation of previously dominant lineages. During the early Paleogene, the otolith record shows that the Ophidiiformes and perciforms s. lat. were the ones that diversified the most rapidly and became the most abundant, and in certain areas associated with the Gadiformes.
Invariant measures and large deviation principles for stochastic Schrödinger delay lattice systems
Authors: Chen Zhang , Sun Xiaoxiao , Wang Bixiang
Published: March 2024

This paper is concerned with stochastic Schrödinger delay lattice systems with both locally Lipschitz drift and diffusion terms. Based on the uniform estimates and the equicontinuity of the segment of the solution in probability, we show the tightness of a family of probability distributions of the solution and its segment process, and hence the existence of invariant measures on

$l^2\times L^2((-\rho,\,0);l^2)$

with

$\rho >0$

. We also establish a large deviation principle for the solutions with small noise by the weak convergence method.
Digital learning in techno-utopia? Do-it-yourself education in Kibera, Nairobi
Authors: Van Doninck Nele
Published: March 2024

This article argues that, despite techno-utopian narratives of digital self-directed learning (through content freely available on the internet) and its proposed opportunities for upward social mobility, digital learning is and remains a highly contextual practice, rooted in local realities and aspirational trajectories. Through learning with a community-based organization (CBO) that offers tech training to youth from low-income neighbourhoods in Kibera, Nairobi, I argue that digital learning does not replace formal education but rather is strategically incorporated into already existing learning practices. Although Nairobi has been extensively studied as a frontrunner in technology uptake and development in Africa, it is crucial to also look at technology practices and uptake away from elite design and use, to extend and deepen our knowledge of how the digital realm plays out in the lives of the majority of urban residents.
FabricFolding: learning efficient fabric folding without expert demonstrations
Authors: He Can , Meng Lingxiao , Sun Zhirui , Wang Jiankun , Meng Max Q.-H.
Published: March 2024

Autonomous fabric manipulation is a challenging task due to complex dynamics and potential self-occlusion during fabric handling. An intuitive method of fabric-folding manipulation first involves obtaining a smooth and unfolded fabric configuration before the folding process begins. However, the combination of quasi-static actions like pick & place and dynamic action like fling proves inadequate in effectively unfolding long-sleeved T-shirts with sleeves mostly tucked inside the garment. To address this limitation, this paper introduces an enhanced quasi-static action called pick & drag, specifically designed to handle this type of fabric configuration. Additionally, an efficient dual-arm manipulation system is designed in this paper, which combines quasi-static (including pick & place and pick & drag) and dynamic fling actions to flexibly manipulate fabrics into unfolded and smooth configurations. Subsequently, once it is confirmed that the fabric is sufficiently unfolded and all fabric keypoints are detected, the keypoint-based heuristic folding algorithm is employed for the fabric-folding process. To address the scarcity of publicly available keypoint detection datasets for real fabric, we gathered images of various fabric configurations and types in real scenes to create a comprehensive keypoint dataset for fabric folding. This dataset aims to enhance the success rate of keypoint detection. Moreover, we evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed system in real-world settings, where it consistently and reliably unfolds and folds various types of fabrics, including challenging situations such as long-sleeved T-shirts with most parts of sleeves tucked inside the garment. Specifically, our method achieves a coverage rate of 0.822 and a success rate of 0.88 for long-sleeved T-shirts folding. Supplemental materials and dataset are available on our project webpage at https://sites.google.com/view/fabricfolding.
Adapting language development research paradigms to online testing: Data from preferential looking, word learning and vocabulary assessment in toddlers
Authors: NGUYEN Delphine K-L. , FITZPATRICK Nadine , FLOCCIA Caroline
Published: March 2024

During the recent pandemic, it became necessary to adapt lab-based studies to online experiments. To investigate the impact of online testing on the quality of data, we focus on three paradigms widely used in infant research: a word recognition task using the Intermodal Preferential Looking Paradigm, a word learning task using the Switch task, and a language assessment tool (WinG) where children identify a target word amongst a set of picture cards. Our results for synchronous and asynchronous studies provide support for the robustness of online testing. In Experiment 1, robust word recognition was found in 24-month-old toddlers. In Experiment 2, 17-month-old infants consistently learned a new word. Finally, Experiment 3 demonstrated that 19- to 26-month-old children performed well on a language assessment test administered online. Overall, effect sizes or language scores were found to be higher than in lab-based studies. These experiments point to promising possibilities for reaching out to families around the world.
Prevalence and clinical significance of late gadolinium enhancement in children and adolescents with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ong Leong Tung , Fan Si Wei David
Published: March 2024

Objectives:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death among the paediatric population. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of late gadolinium enhancement, as assessed by cardiac MRI, in paediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, and Ovid SP to identify relevant studies. Pooled estimates with a 95% confidence interval were calculated using the random-effects generic inverse variance model. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager v5.4 and R programming.

Results:

Seventeen studies were included in this meta-analysis, encompassing a total of 778 patients. Late gadolinium enhancement was highly prevalent in paediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with a pooled prevalence of 51% (95% confidence interval, 40–62%). The estimated extent of focal fibrosis expressed as a percentage of left ventricular mass was 4.70% (95% confidence interval, 2.11–7.30%). The presence of late gadolinium enhancement was associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiac events (pooled odds ratio 3.49, 95% confidence interval 1.10–11.09). The left ventricular mass index of late gadolinium enhancement-positive group was higher than the negative group, with a standardised mean difference of 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.42–1.41).

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis demonstrates that prevalence of late gadolinium enhancement in paediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is similar to that in the adult population. The presence and extent of late gadolinium enhancement are independent predictors of adverse cardiac events, underscoring their prognostic significance among the paediatric population.
Evaluation of yield-based selection indices for drought tolerance involving recombinant inbred line population derived from a chickpea cultivar (C. arietinum L.) and its wild relative (C. reticulatum)
Authors: Kushwah Ashutosh , Singh Inderjit , Singh Gurprit , Bindra Shayla , Vij Suruchi , Johal Norah , Kaur Kuldeep , Bhatia Dharminder , Singh Sarvjeet
Published: March 2024

Drought is a major abiotic stress worldwide limiting chickpea yield drastically. Low heritability and high genotype × environment interactions make the trait-based breeding strategy an unreliable approach. This study was planned to identify the drought-tolerant lines by evaluating yield-based selection indices in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from an inter-specific cross between drought-tolerant genotype GPF 2 (Cicer arietinum L.) and drought-sensitive accession ILWC 292 (C. reticulatum) at two locations in India (Ludhiana and Faridkot). A total of six yield-based selection indices were calculated and significant variation was observed in the RILs and their parents for yield-based selection indices at both locations. A holistic approach across association analysis and principal component analysis identified drought tolerance index, mean productivity, geometric mean productivity and harmonic mean productivity as key selection indices, which could be used for indirect selection of drought-tolerant lines. Overall, on the basis of these approaches, a total of 15 promising RILs were identified for their use in chickpea breeding programme for developing drought-tolerant cultivars.
Where are the Eddington-limited starbursts? Gravitational lensing provides a way forward for sub-kiloparsec views of star formation
Authors: Kamieneski Patrick S.
Published: March 2024

In the past decade, submillimeter surveys have been employed to define samples of gravitationally-lensed dusty star-forming galaxies (DSFGs) at z ∼ 1 − 4. These extreme objects () appear to form stars prodigiously at rates of . Using all-sky Planck and WISE surveys, and wide-area Herschel surveys, we have identified the PASSAGES sample, with some of the rarest hyper-luminous IR galaxies ever discovered. We have found that their globally-averaged star formation surface densities are always sub-Eddington, typically by an order of magnitude. This may suggest that our understanding of how radiation pressure from massive stars disrupts the collapse of molecular clouds (thereby quenching star formation) is flawed—or simply that smaller physical resolutions are necessary. With the aid of lensing, we can now capture the source-plane distribution of star formation at ∼ 100pc scales, letting us identify isolated super-Eddington regions where quenching is occurring.
Simulating high-realistic galaxy scale strong lensing in galaxy clusters to train deep learning methods
Authors: Angora G. , Rosati P. , Meneghetti M. , Brescia M. , Mercurio A. , Grillo C. , Bergamini P. , Acebron A. , Caminha G. , Tortorelli L. , Bazzanini L. , Vanzella E.
Published: March 2024

Galaxy-galaxy strong lensing in galaxy clusters is a unique tool for studying the subhalo mass distribution, as well as for testing predictions from cosmological simulations. We describe a novel method that simulates realistic lensed features embedded inside the complexity of observed data by exploiting high-precision cluster lens models. Such methodology is used to build a large dataset with which Convolutional Neural Networks have been trained to identify strong lensing events in galaxy clusters. In particular, we inject lensed sources around cluster members using the images acquired by the Hubble Space Telescope. The resulting simulated mock data preserve the complexity of observation by taking into account all the physical components that could affect the morphology and the luminosity of the lensing events. The trained networks achieve a purity-completeness level of ∼ 91% in detecting such events. The methodology presented can be extended to other data-intensive surveys carried out with the next-generation facilities.
The last stand before Rubin: semi-automated inverse modelling of galaxy-galaxy strong lensing systems
Authors: França João Paulo C. , Makler Martin , Beloto Ingrid , Cypriano Eduardo , Oliveira Renan A. , Gonçalves Thiago S. , Nightingale James
Published: March 2024

Galaxy-galaxy strong lensing (SL) systems provide a unique opportunity to test modified gravity theories. Deviations from General Relativity are encoded in the post-Newtonian parameter (γ). As a preparation for the upcoming data from the Vera Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), our research group collected imaging data of SL systems from ground-based telescopes and conducted spectroscopic observations of 21 systems on the Southern Astrophysical Research (SOAR) Telescope to measure the lens velocity dispersions, σv. We briefly describe the semi-automated SL modelling of the systems in this sample and combine the results with σv from SOAR to derive an estimate for γ. Our preliminary results yield a value of $$\gamma = 1.17_{ - 0.33}^{ + 0.29}$$, which is consistent with General Relativity. Although the error bars are limited by the sample size, this result represents the first constraint on modified gravity obtained purely from ground-based data, with a sample completely independent from previous studies, and which allows for a self consistent end-to-end analysis.
Effectively Investigating Dark Matter Microphysics With Strong Gravitational Lensing Anisotropies
Authors: Dhanasingham Birendra
Published: March 2024

Over the last two decades, strong gravitational lensing has emerged as a potential method for studying the nature and distribution of dark matter on sub-galactic scales. In addition to the main lens substructure, line-of-sight dark matter haloes contribute greatly to the subtle perturbations of lensed images. Line-of-sight haloes, unlike dark matter subhaloes, imprint distinct anisotropic and quadrupole signatures in the maps that depict the divergence and curl of the effective deflection field, respectively, giving rise to quadrupole moments of the image-plane averaged two-point correlation function of these maps. In terms of central density evolution and dark matter halo distribution, the shapes and amplitudes of the two-point function multipoles alter dramatically in the presence of warm dark matter and self-interacting dark matter. This method, in conjunction with upcoming large-scale surveys, provides the prospect of improving the constraints on dark matter at a critical time in strong gravitational lensing research.
The Ocean's Meridional Oxygen Transport
Authors: Portela Esther , Kolodziejczyk Nicolas , Gorgues Thomas , Zika Jan , Perruche Coralie , Mignot Alexandre
Published: March 2024

Quantification of oxygen uptake at the ocean surface and its surface‐to‐interior pathways is crucial for understanding oxygen concentration change in a warming ocean. We investigate the mean meridional global oxygen transport between 1950 and 2009 using coupled physical‐biogeochemical model output. We introduce a streamfunction in latitude‐oxygen coordinates to reduce complexity in the description of the mean meridional oxygen pathways. The meridional oxygen transport occurs in two main cells: (a) the Northern Cell, dominated by the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, is nearly adiabatic in the Northern Hemisphere, and transports well oxygenated waters equatorward; (b) The Southern Cell, strongly diabatic, is shaped by the circulation in the Indo‐Pacific basin, and combines the subtropical and abyssal meridional circulation cells when represented in depth‐latitude coordinates. Analysis of isopycnal meridional oxygen transport shows that the northward flow from the Southern Ocean transports well oxygenated waters within intermediate and bottom layers, while oxygen‐rich waters reach the Southern Ocean within deep layers (27.6 < σ0 < 27.9 kg m−3), carried by the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW). This oxygenated NADW loses around 25% of its oxygen concentration along its meridional journey from the North Atlantic (at 55°N) to the Southern Ocean. These insights into the oxygen dynamics as driven by the meridional overturning circulation provide a new framework for future studies on ocean deoxygenation.
New light on ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and diabetes debate: a population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling and intake threshold study
Authors: Wang Ling , Huang Xiaomin , Sun Mingyao , Zheng Tian , Zheng Luyan , Lin Xiaolan , Ruan Junshan , Lin Fan
Published: March 2024

Objective

ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are a key modifiable factor in the intervention of type 2 diabetes, yet recommendations for dietary consumption of ω-3 PUFA in type 2 diabetes remain ambiguous and controversial. Here, we revisit the subject in the light of population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PPK-PD) modeling and propose a threshold for intake.

Research design and methods

Plasma levels of ω-3 PUFA and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic indicator, respectively. The nonlinear mixed effect analysis was used to construct a PPK-PD model for ω-3 PUFA and to quantify the effects of FADS gene polymorphism, age, liver and kidney function, and other covariables.

Results

Data from 161 patients with type 2 diabetes in the community were modeled in a two-compartment model with primary elimination, and HDL was a statistically significant covariate. The simulation results showed that HbA1c showed a dose-dependent decrease of ω-3 PUFA plasma level. A daily intake of ω-3 PUFA at 0.4 g was sufficient to achieve an HbA1c level of 7% in more than 95% of patients.

Conclusions

PPK/PD modeling was proposed as a multilevel analytical framework to quantitatively investigate finer aspects of the complex relationship between ω-3 PUFA and type 2 diabetes on genetic and non-genetic influence factors. The results support a beneficial role for ω-3 PUFA in type 2 diabetes and suggested the intake threshold. This new approach may provide insights into the interaction of the two and an understanding of the context in which changes occur.
Biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance pattern of uropathogenic E. coli ST131 isolated from children with malignant tumors
Authors: Hassuna Noha Anwar , Rabea Eman M. , Mahdi W. K. M. , Abdelraheem Wedad M.
Published: March 2024

The multidrug-resistant clone identified as Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (E. coli ST131) has spread world-wide. This study sought to ascertain the frequency and biofilm formation of E. coli ST131 isolated from children with various malignancies. A total of 60 uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) isolates from children without cancer and 30 UPEC isolates from children with cancer were assessed in this study. The microdilution method was used to investigate the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics. The microtiter plate (MTP) approach was used to phenotypically assess biofilm formation. The lasR, pelA, and lecA biofilm-encoding genes were detected by PCR in biofilm-producing isolates of E. coli. Thirty-seven out of 90 E. coli isolates were found to be ST131 (41.1%), with 17 (56.7%) from cancer-affected children and 20 (33.3%) from children without cancer, respectively (P-value = 0.036). The frequency of antimicrobial resistance was higher in ST131 strains were compared to non-ST131 strains and when they were isolated from healthy children vs. those who had cancer. In contrast to non-ST131 isolates, ST131 isolates were more biofilm-producers. There was a significant difference between the percentage of biofilm producers between the 22 (100%) ST131-O16 isolates and the 13 (86.7%) ST131-O25b isolates (P-value = 0.04). Children with cancer are more likely than children without cancer to develop biofilm forming E. coli ST131, the latter having a higher profile of antibiotic resistance. Interestingly, E. coli ST131 isolates from non-cancer patients had higher levels of overall antibiotic resistance and while more E. coli ST131isolates from cancer patients formed biofilms.
Sleep-related breathing disorder in a Japanese occupational population and its association with hypertension—stratified analysis by obesity status
Authors: Inoue Minako , Sakata Satoko , Arima Hisatomi , Yamato Ikumi , Oishi Emi , Ibaraki Ai , Goto Kenichi , Kitazono Takanari
Published: March 2024

Sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD) causes hypertension, and obesity has been highly associated with SRBD, which has become a serious health problem in young and middle-aged Japanese males. However, the relation between SRBD and hypertension considering the effects of obesity remains unknown. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the relationship between SRBD and hypertension, with consideration for the effects of obesity, in Japanese occupational population. Using 3% oxygen desaturation index (3%ODI) obtained by simplified polysomnography (PSG), participants were classified into low (0 ≤ 3%ODI < 5), medium (5 ≤ 3%ODI < 15), and high (15 ≤ 3%ODI) 3%ODI groups. We excluded employees who had not undergone medical examination with simplified PSG in the same year from 2012 to 2018. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios for having hypertension according to 3%ODI levels. In total, 2532 employees were included. Among them, 25% and 4% were categorized into the medium and high 3%ODI groups, respectively. The odds ratio for hypertension increased significantly with higher 3%ODI levels after adjustment for age, sex, alcohol drinking status and smoking status (p for trend < 0.0001). However, further adjustment for obesity status (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) attenuated the associations. When we performed the stratified analysis by obesity status, the odds ratio for hypertension increased significantly with higher 3%ODI only for non-obese individuals, with significant interaction (p for interaction = 0.014). Higher 3%ODI was significantly associated with higher prevalence of hypertension especially in non-obese participants, suggesting the importance of vigilance for the presence of SRBD even in non-obese individuals.