bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust best linear weighted estimator with missing covariates in survival analysis
Authors: Wang Ching‐Yun , Hsu Li , Harrison Tabitha
Published: February 2024

Missing data in covariates can result in biased estimates and loss of power to detect associations. We consider Cox regression in which some covariates are subject to missing. The inverse probability weighted approach is often applied to regression analysis with missing covariates. Inverse probability weighted estimators typically are less efficient than likelihood‐based estimators, but in general are more robust against model misspecification. In this article, we propose a robust best linear weighted estimator for Cox regression with missing covariates. Our proposed estimator is the projection of the simple inverse probability weighted estimator onto the orthogonal complement of the score space based on a working regression model of the observed data. The efficiency gain is from the use of the association between the survival outcome variable and the available covariates, which is the working regression model. The asymptotic distribution is derived, and the finite sample performance of the proposed estimator is examined via extensive simulation studies. The methods are applied to a colorectal cancer study to assess the association of the microsatellite instability status with colorectal cancer‐specific mortality.
SEM Electron‐Beam‐Induced Ultrathin Carbon Deposition Layer on Cu Substrate: Improved Dry Oxidation Protection Performance than CVD Single Layer Graphene
Authors: Feng Panpan , Zhang Dan , Zhang Guoxu , Li Chenwei , Wang You , Chen Guanying , Gan Yang
Published: February 2024

An amorphous carbon deposition layer (CDL) with nanoscale thickness induced by scanning electron microscope (SEM) electron beam is studied as a carbon‐based protective layer on copper (Cu). CDL is prepared by inducing the deposition of pollutants or hydrocarbons in the cavity of SEM through electron beam irradiation (EBI). Wrinkles and cracks will not form and the interfacial spacing of CDL/Cu is smaller than Graphene/Cu (Gr/Cu). The thickness and coverage of the interfacial oxide layer of CDL/Cu are all smaller than that of the Gr/Cu after the same oxidation conditions. Characterization of Raman mapping also demonstrates that CDL shows better oxidation inhibition effects than graphene. The structure of CDL is determined to be C = C and C = O, CH3‐ and C‐O can be loaded vertically on CDL. Density functional theory (DFT) is employed for demonstrating the smaller interfacial gap of CDL/Cu, less wrinkles and cracks and larger adsorbing energy of water/oxygen compared with Gr/Cu. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation also indicates that the diffusion of water or oxygen into CDL/Cu is more difficult and the oxidation of Cu covered by CDL is well suppressed. This work provides a new approach for the study of carbon‐based antioxidant materials on Cu.
Self‐Assembly of Silicon Nanotubes Driven by a Biphasic Transition from the Natural Mineral Montmorillonite in Molten Salt Electrolysis
Authors: Wang Fan , Liu Wei , Li Peng , Guan Ziheng , Li Wei , Wang Dihua
Published: February 2024

Silicon nanotubes (SNTs) have been considered as promising anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the reported strategies for preparing SNTs generally have special requirements for either expensive templates or complex catalysts. It is necessary to explore a cost‐effective and efficient approach for the preparation of high‐performance SNTs. In this work, a biphasic transformation strategy involving “solid‐state reduction” and “dissolution‐deposition” in molten salts is developed to prepare SNTs using montmorillonite as a precursor. The rod‐like intermediate of silicon‐aluminum‐calcium is initially reduced in solid state, which then triggers the continuous dissolution and deposition of calcium silicate in the inner space of the intermediate to form a hollow structure during the subsequent reduction process. The transition from solid to liquid is crucial for improving the kinetics of deoxygenation and induces the self‐assembly of SNTs during electrolysis. When the obtained SNTs is used as anode materials for LIBs, they exhibit a high capacity of 2791 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, excellent rate capability of 1427 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1, and stable cycling performance with a capacity of 2045 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5 A g−1. This work provides a self‐assembling, controllable, and cost‐effective approach for fabricating SNTs.
Efficient and Stable All‐Polymer Solar Cells Enabled by Dual Working Mechanism
Authors: Hu Zunyuan , Wang Jianxiao , Cui Chuanlong , Liu Tong , Li Yonghai , Song Liang , Wen Shuguang , Bao Xichang
Published: February 2024

Ternary strategy with integration characteristics and adaptability is a simple and effective method for blooming of the performance of photovoltaic devices. Herein, a novel wideband gap polymer donor PBB2‐Hs is synthesized as the guest component to optimize all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs). High‐energy photon absorption and long exciton lifetime of PBB2‐Hs constitute efficient energy transfer. Good miscibility and cascade energy levels promote the formation of alloy‐like structure between PBB2‐Hs and host system. The dual working mechanisms greatly improve photon capture and charge transfer in active layers. Additionally, the introduction of PBB2‐Hs also optimizes the ordered molecular stacking of acceptors and suppresses molecular peristalsis. Upon adding 15 wt% PBB2‐Hs, the ternary all‐PSC achieved a champion efficiency of 17.66%, and can still maintain 82% photostability (24 h) and 91% storage stability (1000 h) of the original PCE. Moreover, the strong molecular stacking and entanglement between PBB2‐Hs and the host material increased the elongation at break of ternary blend film by 1.6 times (16.2%), allowing the flexible device to maintain 83% of the original efficiency after 800 bends (R = 5 mm). This work highlights the effectiveness of guest polymer on simultaneously improving photovoltaic performance, photostability and mechanical stability in all‐PSCs.
Local Heating Induced Single‐Crystalline Phase Control in Electrochemical Synthesis of Nanomaterials
Authors: Lee Myoung Won , Park Joon Ho , Cho Sung‐Eun , Ahn Hyun S.
Published: February 2024

Development of synthetic strategies selectively yielding single crystals is desired owing to the facet‐dependent chemical reactivities. Recent advances in electrochemical materials synthesis yielded nanomaterials that are surfactant‐free, however, typically in polycrystalline forms. In this work, an electrochemical synthetic strategy selectively yielding single‐crystalline nanoparticles by implementation of surface‐selective heating of the working electrode is developed. Single crystals of copper, silver, gold, and platinum are afforded, and the crystallinity verified by electron diffraction and chemical reactivity studies. Notably, Cu (100) surface prepared by electrochemical synthesis yielded high single product selectivity when applied to electrochemical CO2 reduction catalysis.
“Multi‐in‐One” Yolk‐Shell Structured Nanoplatform Inducing Pyroptosis and Antitumor Immune Response Through Cascade Reactions
Authors: Wang Yu‐Ying , Li Shu‐Lan , Zhang Xiao‐Yang , Jiang Feng‐Lei , Guo Qing‐Lian , Jiang Peng , Liu Yi
Published: February 2024

Pyroptosis, a new mode of regulatory cell death, holds a promising prospect in tumor therapy. The occurrence of pyroptosis can trigger the release of damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and activate the antitumor immune response. Moreover, enhancing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation can effectively induce pyroptosis. Herein, an integrated nanoplatform (hCZAG) based on zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) with Cu2+ and Zn2+ as active nodes and glucose oxidase (GOx) loading is constructed to evoke pyroptosis. GOx can effectively elevate intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels to regulate the unfavorable tumor microenvironment (TME). Cu2+ can be reduced to Cu+ by endogenous overexpressed GSH and both Cu2+ and Cu+ can exert Fenton‐like activity to promote ROS generation and amplify oxidative stress. In addition, the accumulation of Cu2+ leads to the aggregation of lipoylated dihydrolipoamide S‐acetyltransferase (DLAT), thus resulting in cuproptosis. Notably, the outburst of ROS induced by hCZAG activates Caspase‐1 proteins, leads to the cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD), and induces pyroptosis. Pyroptosis further elicits an adaptive immune response, leading to immunogenic cell death (ICD). This study provides effective strategies for triggering pyroptosis‐mediated immunotherapy and achieving improved therapeutic effects.
Polymorphs of Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide: Optoelectronic Properties and Detection Using Raman
Authors: Yaghoubi Alireza , Hao Xiaojing
Published: February 2024

Despite its growing popularity as a solar material, there is no comprehensive reference to aid with determining various polymorphs of copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) in the lab. Understanding the diverse electronic, optical and vibrational properties of these polymorphs is crucial to further enhance the conversion efficiency of CZTS solar cells. Here, findings are presented that suggest the effective hole mass in a monoclinic polymorph, that is likely to form along with the more commonly reported tetragonal variations, is about 10 times heavier than that of its tetragonal counterparts, thereby affecting key attributes such as carrier transport and concentration. Among tetragonal polymorphs, the so‐called primitive mixed CuAu (PMCA) arrangement is likely to undergo a direct‐indirect gap transition due to internal strains. Optical absorption between different polymorphs could also vary by up to 90% in the visible spectrum. Finally, accurate Raman footprint of each polymorph is predicted to help establish a definitive method for their detection. From a modeling perspective, Becke‐Lee‐Yang‐Parr with spin‐orbit coupling is shown to be a superior yet 100X faster alternative to hybrid functionals when applied to studying electronic structure of CZTS.
A semi‐empirical approach for determining the number density and void fraction of acoustic cavitation bubbles in sono‐reactors
Authors: Dehane Aissa , Merouani Slimane
Published: February 2024

A new semi‐empirical technic has been established relying on the linkage between the chemistry in the bulk liquid and that taking place in the acoustic cavitation bubble. The open‐source COPASI software has been used for the optimization of number density according to the total yield of a single bubble and the fitting of the experimental yield of hydrogen peroxide in the sonicated solution. It was observed that the number density is increased with the rise of ultrasound frequency from 200 to 1140 kHz, independently of the saturating gas nature (O2, Ar or air). Within this range of wave frequencies, i.e. from 200 to 1140 kHz, the number of active bubbles goes up from 9.35 × 107 to 3.65 × 1015 L−1 s−1. On the other side, it has been demonstrated that the number density obtained under air atmosphere is greater than that resulting either under argon or oxygen‐saturating gas. Interestingly, with respect to the saturating gas nature (O2, Ar, air) and the range of ultrasound frequency (200–1140 kHz), it was observed that the increase of number density was not necessarily accompanied by a proportional increase of void fraction (total volume of bubbles).
Characterizing large‐scale preferential flow across Continental United States
Authors: Kocian Leah , Mohanty Binayak P.
Published: February 2024

Understanding preferential flow (PF) at large scales is critical for improving land management and groundwater (GW) quality. However, limited knowledge of this process, due to soil surface heterogeneity and observational constraints, hampers progress. In this study, we propose estimating effective PF at remote sensing footprint scale (4–9 km) by examining its impact on soil moisture (SM) distribution and shallow groundwater (SGW) table fluctuations (depth 5 m). Effective PF encompasses macropore, funnel, and finger flow pathways influencing SGW table fluctuations. We compiled daily SGW observations (2019–2021) from 19 Continental United States (CONUS) sites through United States Geological Survey. Using inverse modeling in HYDRUS‐1D, SGW data, and climate hazards group infrared precipitation with station data precipitation, we inversely estimated soil hydraulic parameters of the dual‐porosity model (DPM) simulating vertical flow from soil surface to subsurface. Effective PF presence was inferred using three criteria: (1) daily precipitation equal to or exceeding the site‐specific average across multiple (calibration) years, (2) daily observed SGW table increase, and (3) daily difference between observed and DPM simulated SGW tables 50% of the site‐specific root mean square error. Leveraging optimized DPM parameters and associated soil texture, classified PF events, and soil moisture active passive (SMAP L3E) satellite‐based SM, a random forest algorithm with 10‐fold cross validation predicted large‐scale effective PF events. Results indicate seasonal dependence, with spring having the highest occurrence of PF events. The random forest model achieved 98% accuracy in predicting large‐scale PF events, with SMAP SM and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) among the four most impactful variables. Our approach provides a soil hydraulic property, site characteristic, soil texture, and remote sensing‐based generalized tool to analyze large‐scale effective PF.
The rise of single‐cell transcriptomics in yeast
Authors: Nadal‐Ribelles Mariona , Solé Carme , de Nadal Eulalia , Posas Francesc
Published: February 2024

The field of single‐cell omics has transformed our understanding of biological processes and is constantly advancing both experimentally and computationally. One of the most significant developments is the ability to measure the transcriptome of individual cells by single‐cell RNA‐seq (scRNA‐seq), which was pioneered in higher eukaryotes. While yeast has served as a powerful model organism in which to test and develop transcriptomic technologies, the implementation of scRNA‐seq has been significantly delayed in this organism, mainly because of technical constraints associated with its intrinsic characteristics, namely the presence of a cell wall, a small cell size and little amounts of RNA. In this review, we examine the current technologies for scRNA‐seq in yeast and highlight their strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, we explore opportunities for developing novel technologies and the potential outcomes of implementing single‐cell transcriptomics and extension to other modalities. Undoubtedly, scRNA‐seq will be invaluable for both basic and applied yeast research, providing unique insights into fundamental biological processes.
Contest Political Ritualism
Authors: Braithwaite John
Published: February 2024

Relentless civil society activism is a remedy to the ritualism of states promising big and delivering poorly on crisis amelioration. Regulation must be a human, relational craft. Centralized bureaucracies that over-prioritize desk audits and risk measurement that dates quickly as it feeds into algorithmic regulation are a risk. Detective skills and relational skills of street-level inspectors must be re-prioritized.
In His Own Words: Epilogue and Reflexions
Authors: Schopper Herwig , Gillies James
Published: February 2024

You may ask me whether, when looking back, I consider my long life of 100 years to be a happy one, and am I satisfied with the outcome? Despite many up and downs, and a very difficult period during and after the Second World War, the answer is yes. I have been privileged to have had a joyful youth, a long and happy marriage, and a wonderful family (Chap. 1). Through a mixture of good fortune and good health, I have frequently found myself in a position to make decisions regarding areas of science and other fields that I have always felt passionately about. Science, of course, has always been at the centre of my life. In this final chapter, I would like to reflect on the essential points, and share some conclusions drawn from my long experience of a changing world.
Controlling Induction: Practices and Reflections in David Brewster’s Optical Studies
Authors: Steinle Friedrich
Published: February 2024

This chapter focuses on the process of learning from experiments or observation by induction, broadly understood. It examines how this process has been both conceived and practiced as more or less rigorous and more or less strictly controlled in its various steps. Rigor and control might appear on many levels, such as conceiving and performing the experiment or drawing conclusions from its outcomes. They secure or enhance the reliability of the inductive process and its results. The chapter begins with a specific example of eighteenth-century optical research. The historical case serves as illustration of three theses. First, experimental control in the physical sciences has different dimensions, which are connected to different experimental traditions. Second, the ways experimental control was practiced and reflected in historical cases are related to specific epistemic goals. Third, in nineteenth-century experimental optics, at least two different traditions of experimental control and rigor were intertwined, which gave rise to most remarkable optical achievements.
A “Careful Examination of All Kind of Phenomena”: Methodology and Psychical Research at the End of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Cristalli Claudia
Published: February 2024

What does psychical research teach us about the development of control strategies, not only in terms of improved experimental settings but also as criteria for data collection and interpretation? In this paper, I explore this question with the help of three historical cases: (1) Michael Faraday’s 1853, experiments on table turning, (2) Robert Hare’s Experimental Investigations on Spiritual Manifestations (1855), and (3) the later attempts at analysing telepathic phenomena statistically, as it was theorized by Edmund Gurney (1884, 1886) and criticized by Charles S. Peirce (1887). These cases do not aim to exhaust the topic of psychical research and of its methodological issues, but rather to point at methodological ideas as they emerge from the actors’ strategies and practices. Eventually, psychical research allows to investigate such methodologies all while acknowledging that their framing happens on the backdrop of religious, social and institutional concerns.
From the Determination of the Ohm to the Discovery of Argon: Lord Rayleigh’s Strategies of Experimental Control
Authors: Christopoulou Vasiliki , Arabatzis Theodore
Published: February 2024

Theory and experiment went hand in hand in the work of Lord Rayleigh, in which the quest for rigor was a ubiquitous theme. To Rayleigh’s mind, though, and in contrast to mathematicians, physicists could proceed in their investigations without seeking absolute rigor. In his experimental practice, pursuing rigor involved the application of control strategies, which pervaded his work at various levels. Moreover, experimental control had various aims, such as standardizing measurement units in determining the ohm and validating experimental results in the discovery of argon. In the former case, Rayleigh and his team varied the design of their apparatus to control the experimental conditions. Dealing with errors was the main aim of their control practices and lay at the heart of their methodology. In the latter case, control was present in every step of the discovery process: the detection of discrepancies between the densities of atmospheric and “chemical” nitrogen, the identification of argon as a constituent of the atmosphere, and the subsequent exploration of its properties. The aim of this paper is to investigate and contrast the strategies of control employed in those two cases and to clarify their various purposes.
Public perceptions of the use of artificial intelligence in Defence: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Hadlington Lee , Karanika-Murray Maria , Slater Jane , Binder Jens , Gardner Sarah , Knight Sarah
Published: February 2024

There are a wide variety of potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in Defence settings, ranging from the use of autonomous drones to logistical support. However, limited research exists exploring how the public view these, especially in view of the value of public attitudes for influencing policy-making. An accurate understanding of the public’s perceptions is essential for crafting informed policy, developing responsible governance, and building responsive assurance relating to the development and use of AI in military settings. This study is the first to explore public perceptions of and attitudes towards AI in Defence. A series of four focus groups were conducted with 20 members of the UK public, aged between 18 and 70, to explore their perceptions and attitudes towards AI use in general contexts and, more specifically, applications of AI in Defence settings. Thematic analysis revealed four themes and eleven sub-themes, spanning the role of humans in the system, the ethics of AI use in Defence, trust in AI versus trust in the organisation, and gathering information about AI in Defence. Participants demonstrated a variety of misconceptions about the applications of AI in Defence, with many assuming that a variety of different technologies involving AI are already being used. This highlighted a confluence between information from reputable sources combined with narratives from the mass media and conspiracy theories. The study demonstrates gaps in knowledge and misunderstandings that need to be addressed, and offers practical insights for keeping the public reliably, accurately, and adequately informed about the capabilities, limitations, benefits, and risks of AI in Defence.
Recent advance of microbial mercury methylation in the environment
Authors: Peng Xuya , Yang Yan , Yang Shu , Li Lei , Song Liyan
Published: February 2024

Methylmercury formation is mainly driven by microbial-mediated process. The mechanism of microbial mercury methylation has become a crucial research topic for understanding methylation in the environment. Pioneering studies of microbial mercury methylation are focusing on functional strain isolation, microbial community composition characterization, and mechanism elucidation in various environments. Therefore, the functional genes of microbial mercury methylation, global isolations of Hg methylation strains, and their methylation potential were systematically analyzed, and methylators in typical environments were extensively reviewed. The main drivers (key physicochemical factors and microbiota) of microbial mercury methylation were summarized and discussed. Though significant progress on the mechanism of the Hg microbial methylation has been explored in recent decade, it is still limited in several aspects, including (1) molecular biology techniques for identifying methylators; (2) characterization methods for mercury methylation potential; and (3) complex environmental properties (environmental factors, complex communities, etc.). Accordingly, strategies for studying the Hg microbial methylation mechanism were proposed. These strategies include the following: (1) the development of new molecular biology methods to characterize methylation potential; (2) treating the environment as a micro-ecosystem and studying them from a holistic perspective to clearly understand mercury methylation; (3) a more reasonable and sensitive inhibition test needs to be considered.

Key points

• Global Hg microbial methylation is phylogenetically and functionally discussed.

• The main drivers of microbial methylation are compared in various condition.

• Future study of Hg microbial methylation is proposed.

Graphical Abstract
Genetic structure and population diversity of Phytophthora infestans strains in Pacific western Canada
Authors: Babarinde Segun , Burlakoti Rishi R. , Peters Rick D. , Al-Mughrabi Khalil , Novinscak Amy , Sapkota Sanjib , Prithiviraj Balakrishnan
Published: February 2024

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is an economically important disease of potato and tomato worldwide. In Canada, an increase in late blight incidence and severity coincided with changes in genetic composition of P. infestans. We monitored late blight incidence on tomato and potato in Pacific western and eastern Canada between 2019 and 2022, identified genotypes of P. infestans, and examined their population genetic diversity. We identified four major existing genotypes US11, US17, US8, and US23 as well as 25 new genotypes. The US11 genotype was dominant in Pacific western Canada, accounting for 59% of the total population. We discovered the US17 genotype for the first time in Canada. We revealed a higher incidence of late blight and quite diverse genotypes of P. infestans in Pacific western Canada than in eastern Canada. We found high genetic diversity of P. infestans population from Pacific western Canada, as evidenced by the high number of multilocus genotypes, high values of genetic diversity indices, and emergence of 25 new genotypes. Considering the number of disease incidence, the detection of diverse known genotypes, the emergence of novel genotypes, and the high number of isolates resistant to metalaxyl-m (95%) from Pacific western Canada, the region could play a role in establishing sexual recombination and diverse populations, which could ultimately pose challenges for late blight management. Therefore, continuous monitoring of P. infestans populations in Pacific western region and across Canada is warranted.

Key points

• Genotypes of P. infestans in Pacific western were quite diverse than in eastern Canada.

• We discovered US17 genotype for the first time in Canada and identified 26 novel genotypes.

• Approximately 95% of P. infestans isolates were resistant to metalaxyl-m.
Public transport crowdshipping: moving shipments among parcel lockers located at public transport stations
Authors: Wyrowski Alexander , Boysen Nils , Briskorn Dirk , Schwerdfeger Stefan
Published: February 2024

In view of success stories of unicorn startups from the sharing and gig economy such as Airbnb, DiDi, or Uber, it is not surprising that postal service providers try to transfer the sharing idea toward their last-mile delivery services: owners of under-used assets (here private crowdshippers traveling anyway) are connected with users willing to pay for the use of these assets (here postal service providers having to deliver parcels). In this paper, we consider a special form of crowdshipping where public transport users, steered by a smartphone app, pick up parcels from parcel lockers, take these shipments with them on their subway rides, and deposit these parcels into other lockers. Finally, the actual recipients can pick up their shipments from their most convenient parcel lockers, e.g., on their own way back home from work. We formulate the optimization problem that matches crowdshipping demand and supply and determines the routes along lockers and crowdshippers each parcel takes. Specifically, we allow that each parcel is moved by multiple cooperating crowdshippers and solve this problem with different objective functions capturing the individual aims of the main stakeholders: shippers, crowdshippers, recipients, and the platform provider. We evaluate the relationship of these objectives and quantify the efficiency loss of a more restricted matching policy, where only a single crowdshipper can be assigned to each parcel’s complete path between origin and destination. Finally, we also explore the impact of delays and investigate whether specific objectives protect against unforeseen events.
Elastoplastic peridynamic formulation for materials with isotropic and kinematic hardening
Authors: Pirzadeh Atefeh , Dalla Barba Federico , Bobaru Florin , Sanavia Lorenzo , Zaccariotto Mirco , Galvanetto Ugo
Published: February 2024

We present an ordinary state-based peridynamic model in 2D and 3D consistent with rate-independent J2 plasticity with associated flow rule. The new contribution is the capability of the elastoplastic law to describe isotropic, kinematic and mixed hardening. The hardening formulations follow those available in the literature for classical elastoplasticity. The comparison between the results obtained with the peridynamic model and those obtained with a commercial FEM software shows that the two approaches are in good agreement. The extent of the plastic regions and von Mises stress computed with the new model for 2D and 3D examples match well those obtained with FEM-based solutions using ANSYS.
Ramsey Numbers and Graph Parameters
Authors: Lozin Vadim
Published: February 2024

According to Ramsey’s Theorem, for any natural p and q there is a minimum number R(p, q) such that every graph with at least R(p, q) vertices has either a clique of size p or an independent set of size q. In the present paper, we study Ramsey numbers R(p, q) for graphs in special classes. It is known that for graphs of bounded co-chromatic number Ramsey numbers are upper-bounded by a linear function of p and q. However, the exact values of R(p, q) are known only for classes of graphs of co-chromatic number at most 2. In this paper, we determine the exact values of Ramsey numbers for classes of graphs of co-chromatic number at most 3. It is also known that for classes of graphs of unbounded splitness the value of R(p, q) is lower-bounded by $$(p-1)(q-1)+1$$

(
p
-
1
)
(
q
-
1
)
+
1

. This lower bound coincides with the upper bound for perfect graphs and for all their subclasses of unbounded splitness. We call a class Ramsey-perfect if there is a constant c such that $$R(p,q)=(p-1)(q-1)+1$$

R
(
p
,
q
)
=
(
p
-
1
)
(
q
-
1
)
+
1

for all $$p,q\ge c$$

p
,
q
≥
c

in this class. In the present paper, we identify a number of Ramsey-perfect classes which are not subclasses of perfect graphs.
Dietary patterns associated with the incidence of hypertension among adult Japanese males: application of machine learning to a cohort study
Authors: Li Longfei , Momma Haruki , Chen Haili , Nawrin Saida Salima , Xu Yidan , Inada Hitoshi , Nagatomi Ryoichi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The previous studies that examined the effectiveness of unsupervised machine learning methods versus traditional methods in assessing dietary patterns and their association with incident hypertension showed contradictory results. Consequently, our aim is to explore the correlation between the incidence of hypertension and overall dietary patterns that were extracted using unsupervised machine learning techniques.

Methods

Data were obtained from Japanese male participants enrolled in a prospective cohort study between August 2008 and August 2010. A final dataset of 447 male participants was used for analysis. Dimension reduction using uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) and subsequent K-means clustering was used to derive dietary patterns. In addition, multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between dietary patterns and the incidence of hypertension.

Results

We identified four dietary patterns: ‘Low-protein/fiber High-sugar,’ ‘Dairy/vegetable-based,’ ‘Meat-based,’ and ‘Seafood and Alcohol.’ Compared with ‘Seafood and Alcohol’ as a reference, the protective dietary patterns for hypertension were ‘Dairy/vegetable-based’ (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.19–0.80, P = 0.013) and the ‘Meat-based’ (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.16–0.86, P = 0.022) after adjusting for potential confounding factors, including age, body mass index, smoking, education, physical activity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. An age-matched sensitivity analysis confirmed this finding.

Conclusion

This study finds that relative to the ‘Seafood and Alcohol’ pattern, the ‘Dairy/vegetable-based’ and ‘Meat-based’ dietary patterns are associated with a lower risk of hypertension among men.
Matrix Li–Yau–Hamilton estimates under Ricci flow and parabolic frequency
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Zhang Qi S.
Published: February 2024

We prove matrix Li–Yau–Hamilton estimates for positive solutions to the heat equation and the backward conjugate heat equation, both coupled with the Ricci flow. We then apply these estimates to establish the monotonicity of parabolic frequencies up to correction factors. As applications, we obtain some unique continuation results under the nonnegativity of sectional or complex sectional curvature.
Infant head and brain segmentation from magnetic resonance images using fusion-based deep learning strategies
Authors: Torres Helena R. , Oliveira Bruno , Morais Pedro , Fritze Anne , Hahn Gabriele , Rüdiger Mario , Fonseca Jaime C. , Vilaça João L.
Published: February 2024

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is widely used for assessing infant head and brain development and for diagnosing pathologies. The main goal of this work is the development of a segmentation framework to create patient-specific head and brain anatomical models from MR images for clinical evaluation. The proposed strategy consists of a fusion-based Deep Learning (DL) approach that combines the information of different image sequences within the MR acquisition protocol, including the axial T1w, sagittal T1w, and coronal T1w after contrast. These image sequences are used as input for different fusion encoder–decoder network architectures based on the well-established U-Net framework. Specifically, three different fusion strategies are proposed and evaluated, namely early, intermediate, and late fusion. In the early fusion approach, the images are integrated at the beginning of the encoder–decoder architecture. In the intermediate fusion strategy, each image sequence is processed by an independent encoder, and the resulting feature maps are then jointly processed by a single decoder. In the late fusion method, each image is individually processed by an encoder–decoder, and the resulting feature maps are then combined to generate the final segmentations. A clinical in-house dataset consisting of 19 MR scans was used and divided into training, validation, and testing sets, with 3 MR scans defined as a fixed validation set. For the remaining 16 MR scans, a cross-validation approach was adopted to assess the performance of the methods. The training and testing processes were carried out with a split ratio of 75% for the training set and 25% for the testing set. The results show that the early and intermediate fusion methodologies presented the better performance (Dice coefficient of 97.6 ± 1.5% and 97.3 ± 1.8% for the head and Dice of 94.5 ± 1.7% and 94.8 ± 1.8% for the brain, respectively), whereas the late fusion method generated slightly worst results (Dice of 95.5 ± 4.4% and 93.8 ± 3.1% for the head and brain, respectively). Nevertheless, the volumetric analysis showed that no statistically significant differences were found between the volumes of the models generated by all the segmentation strategies and the ground truths. Overall, the proposed frameworks demonstrate accurate segmentation results and prove to be feasible for anatomical model analysis in clinical practice.
Primiparas’ prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and salivary oxytocin level predict early postnatal maternal–infant bonding: a Japanese longitudinal study
Authors: Kanekasu Hitomi , Shiraiwa Yachiyo , Taira Shu , Watanabe Hiroko
Published: February 2024

Purpose

It was reported that maternal-infant bonding failure predicts abusive parenting. Maternal-infant bonding is important to prevent child abuse. This study aimed to investigate the association between prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, cortisol, and oxytocin levels, and postnatal maternal–infant bonding.

Methods

The participants completed a self-report prenatal questionnaire that included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in the second trimester. Blood and saliva were collected in the second trimester. Cortisol levels were measured in plasma, while oxytocin levels were measured in saliva. Postnatal questionnaires, including the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS), were administered at 2–5 days, 1 month, and 3 months postpartum. Multiple linear regression and generalized estimating equation (GEE) were conducted for analysis.

Results

Sixty-six primiparas participated in the study. Prenatal depressive symptoms (EPDS ≥ 9) and anxiety (STAI-S ≥ 42) were observed in 21.2% and 28.8% of the participants, respectively. The median cortisol and oxytocin levels were 21.0 µg/dL and 30.4 pg/mL, respectively. Multivariate linear regression showed that postnatal social support, prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and salivary oxytocin levels predicted MIBS scores at 2–5 days postpartum. At 1 month postpartum, household income, history of miscarriage, postnatal social support, and prenatal anxiety predicted MIBS scores. At 3 months postpartum, only postnatal social support predicted MIBS scores. The results of GEE showed that prenatal anxiety, oxytocin levels, postpartum period, household income, and postpartum social support were associated with MIBS scores.

Conclusion

Prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and lower salivary oxytocin levels were predicted to worsen maternal–infant bonding at 2–5 days postpartum. Prenatal anxiety was predicted to cause the same 1 month postpartum. Measuring prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and salivary oxytocin levels may render the assessment of the risk of maternal–infant bonding failure during the early postpartum period and intervene during pregnancy possible.
Effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors on ultrafiltration in patients with peritoneal dialysis: a protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial (EMPOWERED)
Authors: Doi Yohei , Shinzawa Maki , Arisato Tetsuya , Oka Hideaki , Matsumoto Ayumi , Kitamura Harumi , Nakazono Yumi , Nishiya Yoichi , Ueda Yoshiyasu , Kamimura Taro , Hayashi Terumasa , Yoshihara Fumiki , Isaka Yoshitaka
Published: February 2024

Background

Volume overload is common and associated with high mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Traditional strategies including diuretics, water/salt restriction, and icodextrin-based solutions cannot always fully correct this condition, necessitating novel alternative strategies. Recent studies confirmed the expression of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) in the human peritoneum. Experimental data suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors decrease glucose absorption from the PD solution, thereby increasing the ultrafiltration volume. This trial aims to assess whether SGLT2 inhibitors increase the ultrafiltration volume in patients on PD.

Methods

The EMPOWERED trial (trial registration: jRCTs051230081) is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Patients with clinically diagnosed chronic heart failure are eligible regardless of the presence of diabetes if they use at least 3 L/day glucose-based PD solutions. Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive empagliflozin 10 mg once daily and then placebo or vice versa. Each treatment period will last 8 weeks with a 4-week washout period. This study will recruit at least 36 randomized participants. The primary endpoint is the change in the daily ultrafiltration volume from baseline to week 8 in each intervention period. The key secondary endpoints include changes in the biomarkers of drained PD solutions, renal residual function, and anemia-related parameters.

Conclusions

This trial aims to assess the benefit of SGLT2 inhibitors in fluid management with a novel mechanism of action in patients on PD. It will also provide insights into the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on solute transport across the peritoneal membrane and residual renal function.
Measuring EQ-5D-5L utility values in parents who have experienced perinatal death
Authors: Camacho Elizabeth M. , Gold Katherine J. , Murphy Margaret , Storey Claire , Heazell Alexander E. P.
Published: February 2024

Background

Policymakers use clinical and cost-effectiveness evidence to support decisions about health service commissioning. In England, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend that in cost-effectiveness analyses “effectiveness” is measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), derived from health utility values. The impact of perinatal death (stillbirth/neonatal death) on parents’ health utility is currently unknown. This knowledge would improve the robustness of cost-effectiveness evidence for policymakers.

Objective

This study aimed to estimate the impact of perinatal death on parents’ health utility.

Methods

An online survey conducted with mothers and fathers in England who experienced a perinatal death. Participants reported how long ago their baby died and whether they/their partner subsequently became pregnant again. They were asked to rate their health on the EQ-5D-5L instrument (generic health measure). EQ-5D-5L responses were used to calculate health utility values. These were compared with age-matched values for the general population to estimate a utility shortfall (i.e. health loss) associated with perinatal death.

Results

There were 256 survey respondents with a median age of 40 years (IQR 26–40). Median time since death was 27 months (IQR 8–71). The mean utility value of the sample was 0.774 (95% CI 0.752–0.796). Utility values in the sample were 13% lower than general population values (p < 0.05). Over 10 years, this equated to a loss of 1.1 QALYs. This reduction in health utility was driven by anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

Perinatal death has important and long-lasting health impacts on parents. Mental health support following perinatal bereavement is especially important.
A framework for building comprehensive cancer center’s capacity for bidirectional engagement
Authors: Trapl Erika S. , Koopman Gonzalez Sarah , Austin Kristina
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Community engagement has benefits for cancer centers’ work and for its researchers. This study examined the experiences and perceptions of community engagement by members of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) to create and implement a framework to meet the needs of the entire cancer center.

Methods

This study included three phases: 1) Semi-structured interviews with 12 researchers from a basic science program to identify needs and suggestions for the support of community engagement; 2) Preliminary interview results informed the development of a survey of 86 cancer center members’ about their awareness of and readiness to integrate community outreach and engagement into their research; and 3) The Case CCC Office of Community Outreach and Engagement reviewed the results from phases 1 and 2 to develop and then utilize a framework of engagement opportunities.

Results

In the interviews and surveys, cancer center members recognized the importance of community engagement and expressed an interest in participating in COE-organized opportunities for bidirectional engagement. While participation barriers include communication issues, limited awareness of opportunities, and competing priorities, members were open to learning new skills, changing approaches, and utilizing services to facilitate engagement. The framework outlines engagement opportunities ranging from high touch, low reach to low touch, and high reach and was used to develop specific services.

Conclusion

This study identified varying needs around community engagement using an approach aimed at understanding the perspectives of a community of scientists. Implementing the framework enables reaching scientists in different ways and facilitates scientists’ recognition of and engagement with opportunities.
Balancing and sequencing of mixed-model parallel robotic assembly lines considering energy consumption
Authors: Soysal-Kurt Halenur , İşleyen Selçuk Kürşat , Gökçen Hadi
Published: February 2024

As technology advances, the integration of robots in the assembly line has become widespread. While robots offer numerous benefits, such as increased productivity and improved product quality, they also result in higher energy usage. Finding the optimal line balance while considering energy consumption is a challenging task in a robotic assembly line that produces multiple product models in a mixed sequence. This paper addresses the mixed-model parallel robotic assembly line balancing and model sequencing (MPRALB/S) problem. The objectives of this problem are to minimize cycle time and energy consumption. The authors have not found any existing research on this topic in the literature. To solve the MPRALB/S problem, a modified non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (MNSGA-II) is developed. Since there is no existing benchmark data for the MPRALB/S problem, new datasets are generated for this study. The MPRALB/S problem is illustrated through a numerical example. The performance of MNSGA-II is evaluated with non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) and restarted simulated annealing through commonly used performance metrics including hypervolume ratio (HVR), ratio of non-dominated solutions (RP) and generational distance (GD). According to the results of the computational study, MNSGA-II outperforms NSGA-II in approximately 81% of the problem instances for HVR, 71% for RP, and 76% for GD. The results show that MNSGA-II is an effective approach for solving the MPRALB/S problem and achieves competing performance compared to other algorithms.
Variants of distributed reaction systems
Authors: Csuhaj-Varjú Erzsébet , Vaszil György
Published: February 2024

A distributed reaction system consists of a finite set of reaction systems that either interact with a common environment or interact with each other by communicating products or reactions. A reaction system is a well-known qualitative formal model of interactions between biochemical reactions. A reaction is a triplet of nonempty sets representing chemicals, called the set of reactants, the set of inhibitors, and the set of products. A reaction corresponds to a chemical reaction performed on a set of chemicals, and a reaction system is a finite nonempty set of reactions. In this paper, we examine two variants of distributed reaction systems. We introduce the notion of a distributed reaction system with communication by request (a qDRS for short), where sets of products are communicated between the component reaction systems by queries. First, we show that every qDRS can be represented by a reaction system. After that we compare distributed reaction systems with communication by request to extended distributed reaction systems (EDRSs), models that were introduced in a previous paper. We prove that extended distributed reaction systems, where a context automaton provides input for the component reaction systems, simulate distributed reaction systems with communication by request and distributed reaction systems with communication by request simulate special variants of extended distributed reaction systems. Furthermore, we assign languages to these two variants of distributed reaction systems. We prove that the class of agreement languages of extended distributed reaction systems is equal to the class of languages of nondeterministic multihead finite automata and the agreement language of every distributed reaction system with communication by request is an element of a certain subregular language class.