bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional mixtures-of-experts
Authors: Chamroukhi Faïcel , Pham Nhat Thien , Hoang Van Hà , McLachlan Geoffrey J.
Published: March 2024

We consider the statistical analysis of heterogeneous data for prediction, in situations where the observations include functions, typically time series. We extend the modeling with mixtures-of-experts (ME), as a framework of choice in modeling heterogeneity in data for prediction with vectorial observations, to this functional data analysis context. We first present a new family of ME models, named functional ME (FME), in which the predictors are potentially noisy observations, from entire functions. Furthermore, the data generating process of the predictor and the real response, is governed by a hidden discrete variable representing an unknown partition. Second, by imposing sparsity on derivatives of the underlying functional parameters via Lasso-like regularizations, we provide sparse and interpretable functional representations of the FME models called iFME. We develop dedicated expectation–maximization algorithms for Lasso-like regularized maximum-likelihood parameter estimation strategies to fit the models. The proposed models and algorithms are studied in simulated scenarios and in applications to two real data sets, and the obtained results demonstrate their performance in accurately capturing complex nonlinear relationships and in clustering the heterogeneous regression data.
On Affective Installation Art
Authors: Caldarola Elisa , Leñador Javier
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we look at installation art through the lens provided by the notion of “affective artifact” (Piredda 2019). We argue that affective character is central to some works of installation art and that some of those works can expand our knowledge of our affective lives, while others can contribute to the construction of our identities. Sections (2), (3), and (4) set the stage for our discussion of affective installation artworks by, respectively, situating it within the debate on affective artifacts, looking at some general issues concerning the affective character of artworks, and sketching out a view of the ontology of installation art. In section (5), we discuss the affective character of six works of installation art. In section (6), we show how those artworks can reveal aspects of who we are. Section (7) concludes.
Renal mass imaging modalities: does body mass index (BMI) matter?
Authors: Son Young , Quiring Mark E. , Dalton Raeann M. , Thomas Brian , Davidson Noah , DeVincentz Dayna , Payne Collin , Parikh Sahil H. , Fink Benjamin A. , Mueller Thomas , Brown Gordon
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Accurate measurement of renal mass size is crucial in the management of renal cancer. With the burdensome cost of imaging yet its need for management, a better understanding of the variability among patients when determining mass size remains of urgent importance. Current guidelines on optimal imaging are limited, especially with respect to body mass index (BMI). The aim of this study is to discern which modalities accurately measure renal mass size and whether BMI influences such accuracy.

Methods

A multi-institutional chart review was performed for adult patients undergoing partial or radical nephrectomy between 2018 and 2021, with 236 patients ultimately included. Patients were categorized by BMI (BMI 1: 18.5–24.9, BMI 2: 25–29.9, BMI 3: 30–34.9, and BMI 4: ≥ 35). The greatest mass lengths were compared between the pathology report and the following: computerized tomography (CT), renal ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

The difference between greatest length on CT with contrast and MRI were significantly different when compared to pathologic measurement. BMI groups 3 and 4 were found to have a significant difference in size estimates compared to BMI 2 for CT with contrast. No difference was found between size estimates by BMI group for any other imaging modality.

Conclusion

CT with contrast becomes less accurate at estimating mass size for patients with BMI > 30. While contrast-enhanced CT remains a vital imaging modality for tissue enhancement in the context of unknown renal masses, caution must be used for mass size estimation in the obese population.
Sizeable net export of base cations from a Carpathian flysch catchment indicates their geogenic origin while the 26Mg/24Mg, 44Ca/40Ca and 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in runoff are indistinguishable from atmospheric input
Authors: Novak Martin , Kochergina Yulia V. Erban , Andronikov Alexandre V. , Holmden Chris , Veselovsky Frantisek , Kachlik Vaclav , Hruška Jakub , Laufek Frantisek , Paces Tomas , Komarek Arnost , Sebek Ondrej , Stepanova Marketa , Curik Jan , Prechova Eva , Fottova Daniela , Andronikova Irina E.
Published: March 2024

Nutrient imbalances may negatively affect the health status of forests exposed to multiple stress factors, including drought and bark beetle calamities. We studied the origin of base cations in runoff from a small Carpathian catchment underlain by base-poor flysch turbidites using magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and strontium (Sr) isotope composition of 10 ecosystem compartments. Our objective was to constrain conclusions drawn from long-term hydrochemical monitoring of inputs and outputs. Annual export of Mg, Ca and Sr exceeds 5-to-15 times their atmospheric input. Mass budgets per se thus indicate sizeable net leaching of Mg, Ca and Sr from bedrock sandstones and claystones. Surprisingly, δ26Mg, δ44Ca and 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios of runoff were practically identical to those of atmospheric deposition and soil water but significantly different from bedrock isotope ratios. We did not find any carbonates in the studied area as a hypothetical, easily dissolvable source of base cations whose isotope composition might corroborate the predominance of geogenic base cations in the runoff. Marine carbonates typically have lower δ26 Mg and 87Sr/86Sr ratios, and silicate sediments often have higher δ26Mg and 87Sr/86Sr ratios than runoff at the study site. Mixing of these two sources, if confirmed, could reconcile the flux and isotope data.
Fitness age outperforms body mass index in differentiating aging patterns and health risk profiles of healthy adults aged 51–80 years
Authors: A. Manca , L. Ventura , G. Martinez , M. Morrone , A. Boi , G. Fiorito , B. Mercante , A. Cano , G. Catte M. , S. Cruciani , C. Pozzati , A. Uccula , F. Ginatempo , M. Maioli , P. Delitala A. , G. Solinas , A. Zinellu , C. Carru , F. Deriu
Published: March 2024

Physical fitness has been extensively shown to strongly associate with general health status and major health risks. Here we tested the ability of a novel estimate of fitness age (FitAge) to differentiate aging trajectories.

This study aimed at (1) testing the ability of FitAge to differentiate aging patterns among decelerated, normal, and accelerated agers in selected health domains, (2) estimating the risk for developing major health issues depending on the aging trajectory, and (3) comparing FitAge to body mass index (BMI) categorization in differentiating healthy from unhealthy aging patterns.

A total of 176 volunteers participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants underwent clinical screening and a comprehensive assessment of body composition, nutritional and health-related status, cognitive functioning, and haematochemical analyses with routine tests, oxidative stress, and inflammation markers. Scores for major health risks were also computed.

FitAge outperformed BMI in estimating major health risk scores and was able to differentiate decelerated from normal and accelerated agers for health risk profile and several physiological domains. Body composition, immune system activation, and inflammation markers emerged as those variables flagging the largest differences between decelerated and accelerated aging patterns.

The novel estimate of biological aging can accurately differentiate both in women and men decelerated from accelerated agers in almost all the domains scrutinized. Overall, decelerated aging is linked to positively oriented features which associate with reduced risk of developing major health issues.

The present findings have potential relevance and practical implications to identify individuals at higher risk of accelerated aging according to their FitAge estimated via simple and cost-effective motor tests.
Association Between Self-Reported Opioid Use and Behavioral/Social Health Characteristics—Arizona, 2020
Authors: Davidson Samantha , Javadi Mercedeh , Gallaway M. Shayne
Published: March 2024

Background

Arizona observed a sharp increase in opioid overdose deaths between 2017 and 2021. Our objective was to better understand the relationship between behavioral/ social characteristics and self-reported opioid misuse among Arizona adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was done using data from the Arizona 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (N = 10,291). Confidence intervals and p-values were found using chi-square for respondents with and without a self-reported opioid misuse. Logistic regression models were developed for the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), mental health, and risk-taking behaviors (RTBs) and opioid misuse.

Results

Respondents who reported 2–3 ACEs (ORadjusted: 4.7; 95% CI: [2.8, 7.9]) and who reported 4 or more ACEs (ORadjusted: 8.3; 95% CI: [5.0, 13.6]); respondents who reported poor mental health (ORadjusted: 3.3; 95% CI: [2.1, 5.2]); and respondents who reported two or more RTBs (ORadjusted: 3.9; 95% CI: [2.5, 6.1]) had higher odds of self-reported opioid misuse compared to those without self-reported opioid misuse.

Discussion

Opioid misuse was found to be associated with poor mental and physical health, increased RTBs, and history of at least two ACEs among Arizona adults in this study. These findings stress the importance of opportunities for targeted prevention in both Arizona adults and youth, including screening for ACEs and RTBs, in early stages of life.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Health Outcomes in Urban Italy During the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout, January–November 2021
Authors: Fotakis Emmanouil Alexandros , Mateo-Urdiales Alberto , Fabiani Massimo , Sacco Chiara , Petrone Daniele , Riccardo Flavia , Bella Antonino , Pezzotti Patrizio
Published: March 2024

This study analysed the evolution of the association of socioeconomic deprivation (SED) with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 outcomes in urban Italy during the vaccine rollout in 2021. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis between January and November 2021, comprising of 16,044,530 individuals aged ≥ 20 years, by linking national COVID-19 surveillance system data to the Italian SED index calculated at census block level. We estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of infection and severe COVID-19 outcomes by SED tercile relative to the least deprived tercile, over three periods defined as low (0–10%); intermediate (> 10–60%) and high (> 60–74%) vaccination coverage. We found patterns of increasing relative socioeconomic inequalities in infection, hospitalisation and death as COVID-19 vaccination coverage increased. Between the low and high coverage periods, IRRs for the most deprived areas increased from 1.09 (95%CI 1.03–1.15) to 1.28 (95%CI 1.21–1.37) for infection; 1.48 (95%CI 1.36–1.61) to 2.02 (95%CI 1.82–2.25) for hospitalisation and 1.57 (95%CI 1.36–1.80) to 1.89 (95%CI 1.53–2.34) for death. Deprived populations in urban Italy should be considered as vulnerable groups in future pandemic preparedness plans to respond to COVID-19 in particular during mass vaccination roll out phases with gradual lifting of social distancing measures.
Modeling of Mouse Experiments Suggests that Optimal Anti-Hormonal Treatment for Breast Cancer is Diet-Dependent
Authors: Akman Tuğba , Arendt Lisa M. , Geisler Jürgen , Kristensen Vessela N. , Frigessi Arnoldo , Köhn-Luque Alvaro
Published: March 2024

Estrogen receptor positive breast cancer is frequently treated with anti-hormonal treatment such as aromatase inhibitors (AI). Interestingly, a high body mass index has been shown to have a negative impact on AI efficacy, most likely due to disturbances in steroid metabolism and adipokine production. Here, we propose a mathematical model based on a system of ordinary differential equations to investigate the effect of high-fat diet on tumor growth. We inform the model with data from mouse experiments, where the animals are fed with high-fat or control (normal) diet. By incorporating AI treatment with drug resistance into the model and by solving optimal control problems we found differential responses for control and high-fat diet. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to model optimal anti-hormonal treatment for breast cancer in the presence of drug resistance. Our results underline the importance of considering high-fat diet and obesity as factors influencing clinical outcomes during anti-hormonal therapies in breast cancer patients.
Drivers for Inter-city Innovation Networks Across Chinese Cities: Modelling Physical Versus Intangible Effects
Authors: Gao Yujie , Scherngell Thomas , Neuländtner Martina
Published: March 2024

Cross-region innovation is widely recognized as an important source of the long-term regional innovation capacity. In the recent past, a growing number of studies has investigated the network structure and mechanisms of cross-region innovation collaboration in various contexts. However, existing research mainly focuses on physical effects, such as geographical distance and high-speed railway connections. These studies ignore the intangible drivers in a changing environment, the more digitalized economy and the increasingly solidified innovation network structure. Thus, the focus of this study is on estimating determinants of innovation networks, especially on intangible drivers, which have been largely neglected so far. Using city-level data of Chinese patents (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Province of China), we trace innovation networks across Chinese cities over a long period of time. By integrating a measure on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) development gap and network structural effects into the general proximity framework, this paper explores the changing mechanisms of Chinese innovation networks from a new perspective. The results show that the structure of cross-region innovation networks has changed in China. As mechanisms behind this development, the results confirm the increasingly important role of intangible drivers in Chinese inter-city innovation collaboration when controlling for effects of physical proximity, such as geographical distance. Since digitalization and coordinated development are the mainstream trends in China and other developing countries, these countries’ inter-city innovation collaboration patterns will witness dramatic changes under the influence of intangible drivers.
Recovery of Cerium from Automotive Catalytic Converters
Authors: Peer Michael , Fehn Thomas , Hofmann Alexander , Berninger Burkhard , Kunz Werner
Published: March 2024

Platinum group metals (PGM) and cerium as one of the rare-earth elements are considered as critical raw materials, thus their recycling and re-use is of utmost importance. Among the PGMs, platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh) are the basic and most valuable metals used in catalytic converters. Due to the high price of PGMs, there are already recycling routes in Europe and especially in Germany. For PGM and rare-earth elements, research is focusing on greener, plain recovery techniques, which utilize milder reagents, offer better energy efficiency, and replace the existing recycling routes. In this work, a hydrometallurgical process is proposed to add a hydrometallurgy method to the mostly pyrometallurgical industrial recycling routes, resulting in recovery rates for cerium and PGMs of 63.21% and only 1.03% with sulfuric acid, respectively. With hydrochloric acid, the leaching efficiency for cerium is even lower, and for PGM it is comparable. In the method proposed in the present paper, the main PGMs remain in monoliths and can be recycled in existing recycling routes like pyrometallurgical recycling.
Experiences of Burnout, Post-Traumatic Growth, and Organisational Support in Police Officers Working in Specialised Units: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Tsirimokou Alexandra , Kloess Juliane A. , Dhinse Sonia K. , Larkin Michael
Published: March 2024

Repeated exposure to traumatogenic material is a part of every working day for police officers in specialist units, such as forensic scene investigation and digital forensic analysis, with recent years marking an increase in its volume and intensity (Office for National Statistics (2018). While this may be considered a price paid for choosing to pursue careers in these areas, it is likely to have a significant impact on a professional and personal level, with psychological and physical effects extending beyond the individual’s working hours (Burns et al. in Traumatology 14:20–31, 2008). On the other hand, this important work may contribute to elements of growth and self-development, recognised in existing literature as post-traumatic growth (Tedschi and Calhoun in SAGE Publications, Inc, 1995). The present study adopted a qualitative approach to understanding the lived experiences of seven digital forensic analysts and two forensic scene investigators. Semi-structured interviews explored the impact of their work, as well as their coping strategies and perceived organisational support. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), the study yielded rich personal accounts and identified three superordinate themes: “The effects are inevitable”, “Creating a safe environment”, and “Sense of responsibility and personal growth”. Participants described the inevitable effects of their work, along with their coping strategies developed in response to these. Furthermore, participants considered the safety of their work environment and relationships with their colleagues, while also reflecting on their experience of personal growth through their exposure to adversity. Findings are discussed in relation to theoretical and practical implications, as well as directions for future research.
From Pluripotent Stem Cells to Organoids and Bioprinting: Recent Advances in Dental Epithelium and Ameloblast Models to Study Tooth Biology and Regeneration
Authors: Hermans Florian , Hasevoets Steffie , Vankelecom Hugo , Bronckaers Annelies , Lambrichts Ivo
Published: March 2024

Ameloblasts are the specialized dental epithelial cell type responsible for enamel formation. Following completion of enamel development in humans, ameloblasts are lost and biological repair or regeneration of enamel is not possible. In the past, in vitro models to study dental epithelium and ameloblast biology were limited to freshly isolated primary cells or immortalized cell lines, both with limited translational potential. In recent years, large strides have been made with the development of induced pluripotent stem cell and organoid models of this essential dental lineage – both enabling modeling of human dental epithelium. Upon induction with several different signaling factors (such as transforming growth factor and bone morphogenetic proteins) these models display elevated expression of ameloblast markers and enamel matrix proteins. The advent of 3D bioprinting, and its potential combination with these advanced cellular tools, is poised to revolutionize the field – and its potential for tissue engineering, regenerative and personalized medicine. As the advancements in these technologies are rapidly evolving, we evaluate the current state-of-the-art regarding in vitro cell culture models of dental epithelium and ameloblast lineage with a particular focus toward their applicability for translational tissue engineering and regenerative/personalized medicine.

Graphical Abstract

Future perspectives for in vitro modeling of dental epithelium and ameloblasts. Development of iPSC and organoid models that can reliably generate dental epithelium and ameloblast-like cells, together with advances in 3D bioprinting, provide promising tools for enamel research. Advanced models will provide new avenues for development of enamel repair/regeneration approaches, for testing of dental materials or drugs, studying host-pathogen and/or cell-cell interactions, in vitro modeling of enamel diseases (e.g. amelogenesis imperfecta) and developing novel insights in fundamental tooth biology (e.g. regulation of amelogenesis, lineage specification). Abbreviations: iPSC: induced pluripotent stem cells; TO: tooth organoids; DE: dental epithelium; AB: ameloblast.
Early age at menarche and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a cohort study
Authors: Angelopoulou Anastasia , Athanasiadou Kleoniki I. , Zairi Maria , Zapanti Evangelia , Vasileiou Vasiliki , Paschou Stavroula A. , Anastasiou Eleni
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To evaluate whether there is an association between age at menarche (AAM) and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 5390 pregnant women who were screened for GDM at Alexandra Hospital in Athens, Greece over a 15-year period (2000–2014). Maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), height, family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, parity, educational and smoking status, and AAM were recorded. The results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

Pregnant women with GDM experienced earlier menarche compared to normoglycemic women (12.9 ± 1.5 vs 13.1 ± 1.6, p < 0.001, respectively). The OR for a woman with AAM <12 years to develop GDM was 1.08 (95% CI 1.03–1.14), while the OR to be obese was 1.70 (95% CI 1.50–1.90). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that AAM is a risk factor for GDM. However, that effect was lost after adjusting for BMI.

Conclusion

Early AAM may be associated with an increased risk of GDM. Therefore, it can be used to identify high-risk women and implement preconception interventions for GDM prevention. Future studies should be conducted to confirm these findings.
Treatment-changing news in urogenital cancer—a brief unstructured narrative review based on findings presented at the ESMO 2023 conference
Authors: Zgubic Alexander Jakob , Leitsmann Marianne , Ahyai Sascha , Pichler Martin
Published: March 2024

This article gives an overview through the most promising and practise changing studies presented for urothelial cancer at ESMO 2023 conference.
Deoxynivalenol triggers the expression of IL-8-related signaling cascades and decreases protein biosynthesis in primary monocyte-derived cells
Authors: Nossol Constanze , Landgraf P. , Oster M. , Kahlert S. , Barta-Böszörmenyi A. , Kluess J. , Wimmers K. , Isermann B. , Stork O. , Dieterich D. C. , Dänicke S. , Rothkötter H.-J.
Published: March 2024

Humans and their immune system are confronted with mold-contaminated food and/or mold-contaminated air in daily life and indoor activities. This results in metabolic stress and unspecific disease symptoms. Other studies provided evidence that exposure to mold is associated with the etiology of allergies. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is of great concern due to its frequent occurrence in toxically relevant concentrations. The exposure to this toxin is a permanent health risk for both humans and farm animals because DON cannot be significantly removed during standard milling and processing procedures. However, the direct effect on immunity or hematology is poorly defined because most investigations could not separate the effect of DON-contaminated feed intake. Due to the widespread distribution of DON after rapid absorption, it is not surprising that DON is known to affect the immune system. The immune system of the organism has one important function, to defend against the invasion of unknown substances/organisms. This study shows for the first time a synergistic effect of both—low physiological DON-doses in combination with low LPS-doses with the focus on the IL-8 expression on protein and RNA level. Both doses were found in vivo. IL-8 together with other anorectic cytokines like IL-1β can affect the food intake and anorexia. We could also show that a calcium-response is not involved in the increased IL-8 production after acute DON stimulation with high or low concentrations.
That was a foul! How viewing angles, viewing distances, and visualization methods influence football referees’ decision-making
Authors: Vater Christian , Schnyder Urs , Müller Daniel
Published: March 2024

A football referee must choose the right position on the field in order to perceive a foul accurately. In previous research, decision-making for foul calls was compared across different situations within a match or even across different matches, which questions the comparability of decisions that often depend on the situational context. In this study, we experimentally controlled this situational context to investigate the effect of viewing distance and viewing angle on referees’ decision-making. We recreated real-life decision-making situations using markerless tracking devices and virtual reality (VR) animation processes to render first-person situations. We compared the decision-making accuracy of ten experienced football referees when judging situations from three different viewing angles and distances. Furthermore, we compared their decision-making accuracy in VR scenes with accuracy when viewing the same scenes from a bird’s eye and slow-motion perspective, i.e., with the perspectives used in official referee training. We found that decision accuracy is not affected by viewing angles and distances, but that the referee’s decision certainty is lower when viewing the foul situation from a greater distance. The visualization of the situations had an impact on the referee’s decision-making but only for detecting a simulation (i.e., a player acts like they have been fouled). Slow-motion scenes led to higher decision-making accuracy than VR scenes. Our study suggests a way to recreate VR situations for experimental studies, allowing researchers to control the context of each situation. Our findings help to disentangle the mixed findings of previous studies on distance and viewing angle effects on decision accuracies. Finally, we propose potential avenues to improve VR animation processes in future studies.
Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas: current understanding on its malignant potential and management
Authors: Lu Xiaoyue , Chen Hao , Zhang Taiping
Published: March 2024

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPN) of the pancreas are presently recognized as low-grade malignant tumors that are frequently observed in young females. This tumor has a low incidence and is associated with an excellent prognosis following surgical resection. Typical SPNs primarily affect the pancreas and tend to have moderate or asymptomatic manifestations. Based on retrospective research, it is anticipated that patients with SPN can achieve disease-free survival, even in cases when metastasis is detected during inspection. However, the incidence of malignant SPN has been consistently underestimated, as evidenced by recent research findings. Malignancy of SPN primarily encompasses invasion and infiltration, metastasis, and recurrence after R0 resection. Imaging technologies such as Ultrasound, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Position Emission Tomography are capable of preliminarily identifying malignant SPN, which is primarily based on its invasive clinical features. Research on risk factors of malignant SPN revealed that larger tumor size, Ki-67 index, and several other parameters had significant correlations with invasive tumor behavior. Pathologic features of malignant SPNs overlay other pancreatic tumors, nevertheless they can provide valuable assistance in the process of diagnosis. Several confirmed specific pathologic biomarkers are related to its cellular origin, characteristic gene mutation, and cell proliferation. Considering the invasiveness of malignant SPN, it is imperative to enhance the comprehensiveness of its therapy. Tumor resection remains a suggested course of action in line with typical SPN, and additional lymph node dissection is seen as reasonable. Compared to benign SPNs, malignant SPNs have worse prognosis, underscoring the necessity of early identification and treatment in comprehensive medical centers to get improved clinical outcomes.
Inference for New Environmental Contours Using Extreme Value Analysis
Authors: Simpson Emma S. , Tawn Jonathan A.
Published: March 2024

Environmental contours are often used in engineering applications to describe risky combinations of variables according to some definition of an exceedance probability. These contours can be used to both understand multivariate extreme events in environmental processes and mitigate against their effects, e.g. in the design of structures. Such ideas are also useful in other disciplines, with the types of extreme events of interest depending on the context. Despite clear connections with extreme value modelling, much of this methodology has so far not been exploited in the estimation of environmental contours; in this work, we provide a way to unify these areas. We focus on the bivariate case, introducing two new definitions of environmental contours. We develop techniques for their inference which exploit a non-standard radial and angular decomposition of the variables, building on previous work for estimating limit sets. Specifically, we model the upper tails of the radial distribution using a generalised Pareto distribution, with adaptable smoothing of the parameters of this distribution. Our methods work equally well for asymptotically independent and asymptotically dependent variables, so do not require us to distinguish between different joint tail forms. Simulations demonstrate reasonable success of the estimation procedure, and we apply our approach to an air pollution data set, which is of interest in the context of environmental impacts on health.

Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear online.
Machine learning-based analysis of adverse events in mesh implant surgery reports
Authors: Bala Indu , Kelly Thu-Lan , Stanford Ty , Gillam Marianne H. , Mitchell Lewis
Published: March 2024

Mesh implant surgery, commonly used for various medical conditions, has been linked to a range of negative effects, significantly impacting patient experiences and outcomes. Additionally, the growing volume of medical data, especially text-based reports, presents challenges in deriving meaningful insights for informed healthcare decisions. To address these challenges, our study extensively analyzed the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) dataset from 2000 to 2021. We have meticulously identified a range of adverse events associated with mesh implant surgeries, including Dyspareunia, Urinary problems, Chronic Inflammation, Prolapse Recurrence, Mesh Erosion, Urinary Tract Infections, discomfort, and sleep disturbances. Using topic modeling, we explored patient experiences and the interrelationships among these adverse events. This approach uncovered key topics linked to mesh surgery, such as Stress Urinary Incontinence, Incisional Hernia, Inguinal Hernia, and Umbilical Hernia, along with their side effects. While the analysis focused on common symptoms such as pain, infection, and bleeding, it also brought to light specific symptoms like sleeping issues, mental stress, and discomfort. We also examined the interconnectedness of these adverse events with identified topics and their temporal trends, revealing shifts in patient experiences over time. Notably, there was an increase in reports of Stress Urinary Incontinence around 2011–2012 and a surge in Inguinal Hernia concerns in 2017–2018. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of adverse events and associated topics in mesh implant surgeries, contributing valuable insights into patient experiences and aiding in informed healthcare decision-making.
Collaborating and distributing leading: mosaics of leading practices
Authors: Charteris Jennifer , Smardon Dianne , Kemmis Stephen
Published: March 2024

A mosaic approach to leading practices leverages collaboration and makes it possible to renew the social fabric of a school. In this article, the authors use the notion of a ‘mosaic of leading practices’ to unsettle top-down, hierarchical, positional conceptions of leadership that focus on participants. The latter invites questions about participants’ responsibilities for leadership; the former invites questions about what leaders do (their practices) in and for an organisation. We report on research conducted with Aotearoa New Zealand school leaders that explored perceptions of leading practices that support or constrain communities of learning. Drawing on interviews with leaders and teachers who were working to build Communities of Learning |Kāhui Ako (CoL) in their schools and across school communities, the article re-imagines sites of collaboration by viewing them through the lens of practices, not just participants. A theoretical framework is proposed to illustrate mosaics of leading. Patterns of leadership and the concepts of connective enactment and collective accomplishment highlight different degrees of educator collaboration. The article re-imagines sites of collaboration as a means to foster a grassroots approach to culture and community building, rather than as a means for the delivery of school improvement alone.
Natural and hybrid immunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents
Authors: Rothoeft T. , Maier C. , Talarico A. , Hoffmann A. , Schlegtendal A. , Lange B. , Petersmann A. , Denz R. , Timmesfeld N. , Toepfner N. , Vidal-Blanco E. , Pfaender S. , Lücke T. , Brinkmann F.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

In contrast to adults, immune protection against SARS-CoV-2 in children and adolescents with natural or hybrid immunity is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyze different immune compartments in different age groups and whether humoral immune reactions correlate with a cellular immune response.

Methods

72 children and adolescents with a preceding SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited. 37 were vaccinated with an RNA vaccine (BNT162b2). Humoral immunity was analyzed 3–26 months (median 10 months) after infection by measuring Spike protein (S), nucleocapsid (NCP), and neutralizing antibodies (nAB). Cellular immunity was analyzed using a SARS-CoV-2-specific interferon-γ release assay (IGRA).

Results

All children and adolescents had S antibodies; titers were higher in those with hybrid immunity (14,900 BAU/ml vs. 2118 BAU/ml). NCP antibodies were detectable in > 90%. Neutralizing antibodies (nAB) were more frequently detected (90%) with higher titers (1914 RLU) in adolescents with hybrid immunity than in children with natural immunity (62.5%, 476 RLU). Children with natural immunity were less likely to have reactive IGRAs (43.8%) than adolescents with hybrid immunity (85%). The amount of interferon-γ released by T cells was comparable in natural and hybrid immunity.

Conclusion

Spike antibodies are the most reliable markers to monitor an immune reaction against SARS-CoV-2. High antibody titers of spike antibodies and nAB correlated with cellular immunity, a phenomenon found only in adolescents with hybrid immunity. Hybrid immunity is associated with markedly higher antibody titers and a higher probability of a cellular immune response than a natural immunity.
Prognostic value of liver stiffness in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure: a meta-analysis
Authors: Macerola Noemi , Riccardi Laura , Di Stasio Enrico , Montalto Massimo , Gasbarrini Antonio , Pompili Maurizio , Garcovich Matteo
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Heart failure (HF) is a major health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. In the latest years, many efforts have been made to identify predictors of poor prognosis in these patients. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to enlighten the correlation between liver stiffness (LS), assessed by Shear Wave Elastography techniques, and HF, particularly focusing on the prognostic value of LS on cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods

We searched the PUBMED databases (up to May 1st, 2023) for studies that enlightened the correlation between LS and cardiovascular outcomes in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We performed a meta-analysis to estimate the efficacy of LS in predicting the prognosis of patients with ADHF.

Results

We analyzed data from 7 studies, comprising 677 patients, that assessed the prognostic value of LS in predicting cardiovascular outcomes in patients hospitalized for ADHF. The pooled analysis showed that increased liver stiffness was associated with higher risk of adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio 1.07 [1.03, 1.12], 95% CI).

Conclusion

Increased LS is associated with poor prognosis in patients hospitalized for HF and might help effectively identify those patients at high risk for worse outcomes.
Emerging Antifungal Resistance in Fungal Pathogens
Authors: Hui Sui Ting , Gifford Hugh , Rhodes Johanna
Published: March 2024

Purpose of Review

Over recent decades, the number of outbreaks caused by fungi has increased for humans, plants (including important crop species) and animals. Yet this problem is compounded by emerging antifungal drug resistance in pathogenic species. Resistance develops over time when fungi are exposed to drugs either in the patient or in the environment.

Recent Findings

Novel resistant variants of fungal pathogens that were previously susceptible are evolving (such as Aspergillus fumigatus) as well as newly emerging fungal species that are displaying antifungal resistance profiles (e.g. Candida auris and Trichophyton indotineae).

This review highlights the important topic of emerging antifungal resistance in fungal pathogens and how it evolved, as well as how this relates to a growing public health burden.
Electrophysiological Mechanisms of Memory Consolidation in Human Non-rapid Eye Movement Sleep
Authors: Denis Dan , Cairney Scott A.
Published: March 2024

Purpose of Review

Pioneering work in rodents has shown that the reactivation of recently acquired memories during sleep is a key mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of sleep on memory consolidation. In this review, we consider recent evidence of memory reactivation processes in human sleep.

Recent Findings

The precise temporal coupling of sleep spindles to slow oscillations during non-rapid eye movement sleep plays a central role in sleep-associated memory consolidation. Both correlational studies and studies directly manipulating oscillatory activity in the sleeping brain have confirmed that spindles coupled to slow oscillations are better predictors of memory than uncoupled spindles and that the greatest memory benefit comes when spindles are tightly coupled to the up-state of the slow oscillation. Recent evidence suggests that memory content is reactivated during sleep, with a functional benefit for memory performance after sleep. Reactivation events are time-locked around slow oscillation-spindle coupling events, as well as sharp-wave ripples in hippocampus.

Memory reactivation, which is facilitated by slow oscillation-spindle coupling events, can be observed during human sleep and shows promise as a prime mechanism underlying sleep’s beneficial effects on memory.
Digital Twin and Deep Reinforcement Learning-Driven Robotic Automation System for Confined Workspaces: A Nozzle Dam Replacement Case Study in Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Park Su-Young , Lee Cheonghwa , Jeong Suhwan , Lee Junghyuk , Kim Dohyeon , Jang Youhyun , Seol Woojin , Kim Hyungjung , Ahn Sung-Hoon
Published: March 2024

Robotic automation has emerged as a leading solution for replacing human workers in dirty, dangerous, and demanding industries to ensure the safety of human workers. However, practical implementation of this technology remains limited, requiring substantial effort and costs. This study addresses the challenges specific to nuclear power plants, characterized by hazardous environments and physically demanding tasks such as nozzle dam replacement in confined workspaces. We propose a digital twin and deep-reinforcement-learning-driven robotic automation system with an autonomous mobile manipulator. The study follows a four-step process. First, we establish a simplified testbed for a nozzle dam replacement task and implement a high-fidelity digital twin model of the real-world testbed. Second, we employ a hybrid visual perception system that combines deep object pose estimation and an iterative closest point algorithm to enhance the accuracy of the six-dimensional pose estimation. Third, we use a deep-reinforcement-learning method, particularly the proximal policy optimization algorithm with inverse reachability map, and a centroidal waypoint strategy, to improve the controllability of an autonomous mobile manipulator. Finally, we conduct pre-performed simulations of the nozzle dam replacement in the digital twin and evaluate the system on a robot in the real-world testbed. The nozzle dam replacement with precise object pose estimation, navigation, target object grasping, and collision-free motion generation was successful. The robotic automation system achieved a $$92.0\%$$

92.0
%

success rate in the digital twin. Our proposed method can improve the efficiency and reliability of robotic automation systems for extreme workspaces and other perilous environments.
Collective Molecular Machines: Multidimensionality and Reconfigurability
Authors: Wang Bin , Lu Yuan
Published: March 2024

Molecular machines are key to cellular activity where they are involved in converting chemical and light energy into efficient mechanical work. During the last 60 years, designing molecular structures capable of generating unidirectional mechanical motion at the nanoscale has been the topic of intense research. Effective progress has been made, attributed to advances in various fields such as supramolecular chemistry, biology and nanotechnology, and informatics. However, individual molecular machines are only capable of producing nanometer work and generally have only a single functionality. In order to address these problems, collective behaviors realized by integrating several or more of these individual mechanical units in space and time have become a new paradigm. In this review, we comprehensively discuss recent developments in the collective behaviors of molecular machines. In particular, collective behavior is divided into two paradigms. One is the appropriate integration of molecular machines to efficiently amplify molecular motions and deformations to construct novel functional materials. The other is the construction of swarming modes at the supramolecular level to perform nanoscale or microscale operations. We discuss design strategies for both modes and focus on the modulation of features and properties. Subsequently, in order to address existing challenges, the idea of transferring experience gained in the field of micro/nano robotics is presented, offering prospects for future developments in the collective behavior of molecular machines.
Pullout Response of the Pre-displacement Bladed Anchor in Cohesionless Soil
Authors: Nazir Ashraf , Azzam Waseim , Farouk Ahmed , Nasr Ahmed , Aamer Farag
Published: March 2024

This study presents a new alternative technique, the pre-displacement pile, which aims to improve the uplift capacity of the regular pile. This modified pile intends to offer a bearing area underneath the sand during uplift using the blades. This method does not hinder the piles from being driven or penetrated the ground. An experimental study was conducted to investigate the uplift response of the modified anchor. The influence of the number of blades, the loading rate, and the relative density of the sand on the uplift capacity of the anchor pile with blades is studied. The ultimate pullout response of the pre-displacement anchor implanted in sand improves with an increase in blade number and loading rate. The percentage improvement in the pullout load for the anchor with four blades and a loading rate of 1 mm/s was (301%, 289%, and 249%) at sand relative densities of (30%, 50%, and 80%), respectively, compared to the unbladed pile. The existence of blades led to the creation of an ideal anchoring system. This piling modification is practical, suitable for marine projects, and easy to install for offshore applications.
Trust development in online competitive game environments: a network analysis approach
Authors: Fehlhaber Anna Lena , EL-Awad Usama
Published: March 2024

Trust seems to become established even in scenarios where the prerequisites for trust are complicated by conditions that evoke scepticism. Nonetheless, trust emerges, a phenomenon that is to be comprehended and examined in the present experimental inquiry. In order to comprehensively capture the process, a competitive online game environment was used to document the development of trust networks, directionality, and strength using network analysis. Despite the conditions conducive to distrust in this game setting, acts of trust were exhibited.Robust trust bonds persisting over the course of gameplay appear to manifest mostly dyadic or triadic, with participant embeddedness within the network and homophily in terms of general trustfulness towards strangers being conducive factors for trust bonding and game survivability. This study hence contributes to the overall understanding of online trust development and offers several further research opportunities in a mostly unexplored field.
Li–Solid Electrolyte Interfaces/Interphases in All-Solid-State Li Batteries
Authors: Jia Linan , Zhu Jinhui , Zhang Xi , Guo Bangjun , Du Yibo , Zhuang Xiaodong
Published: March 2024

The emergence of all-solid-state Li batteries (ASSLBs) represents a promising avenue to address critical concerns like safety and energy density limitations inherent in current Li-ion batteries. Solid electrolytes (SEs) show significant potential in curtailing Li dendrite intrusion, acting as natural barriers against short circuits. However, the substantial challenges at the SEs−electrode interface, particularly concerning the anode, pose significant impediments to the practical implementation of ASSLBs. This review aims to delineate the most viable strategies for overcoming anode interfacial hurdles across four distinct categories of SEs: sulfide SEs, oxide SEs, polymer SEs, and halide SEs. Initially, pivotal issues such as anode interfacial side reactions, inadequate physical contact, and Li dendrite formation are comprehensively outlined. Furthermore, effective methodologies aimed at enhancing anode interfacial stability are expounded, encompassing approaches like solid electrolyte interface (SEI) interlayer insertion, SE optimization, and the adoption of Li alloy in lieu of Li metal, each tailored to specific SE categories. Moreover, this review presents novel insights into fostering interfaces between diverse SE types and Li anodes, while also advocating perspectives and recommendations for the future advancement of ASSLBs.

Graphical Abstract