bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic-based automatic speech intelligibility scoring using deep neural networks
Authors: Emberi Nikita B. , Schnoor Tyler T. , Wright Richard A. , Tucker Benjamin V.
Published: November 2022

Human-generated measures of speech intelligibility are time-intensive methods for assessing the intelligibility of speech. The purpose of the present study is to automate the assessment of speech intelligibility by developing a deep neural network that estimates a standardized intelligibility score based on acoustic input. We extracted Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients from the UW/NU IEEE sentence corpus which had been manipulated with three signal-to-noise ratios (−2, 0, 2 dB). We obtained listener transcriptions from the UAW speech intelligibility dataset and calculated the Levenshtein distance between the transcriptions and the speaker's prompt. The neural network was trained to predict the Levenshtein distance given MFCC representations of sentences. We use tenfold cross-validation to verify the accuracy of the model and investigate the correlation of the model predictions with the average human responses. We also compare our model’s accuracy with the Levenshtein distance generated by transcriptions produced by the DeepSpeech ASR model. This study investigates the reliability of deep neural networks as an alternative to human-based inference in quantifying the intelligibility of speech. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches to assessing speech intelligibility.
Implementation and validation of a three-dimensional semi-coherent energy flux model for underwater acoustic propagation
Authors: Langhirt Mark A. , Holland Charles W. , Lin Ying-Tsong , Martinelli Sheri , Brown Daniel C.
Published: November 2022

The energy flux method uses a continuum of adiabatic Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin modes to integrate intensity directly as a function of propagation angle. Work published a decade ago extended the energy flux method to include semi-coherent interference between neighboring modes to capture convergence zones. This study seeks to generalize the energy flux method to three-dimensional inhomogeneous underwater environments by converting a cross-product of double mode-sums to a double integration over solid angle. Theoretical derivations for a proof of concept model were presented previously, and current work has been focused on the numerical implementation of the model. Model validation will be discussed with comparisons to analytical solutions and other three-dimensional underwater acoustic propagation models.
Using random matrix theory to quantify pulmonary fibrosis: Investigating the effect of time window duration
Authors: Cole Azadeh D. , Blackwell John , Montgomery Stephanie A. , Egan Thomas M. , Muller Marie
Published: November 2022

Random matrix theory (RMT) exploits the distribution of singular values of the inter-element response matrix (IRM). If multiple scattering dominates the propagation, the singular value distribution follows the quarter circle law. However, dominance of single scattering results in Henkel function behavior of the singular value distribution. In our previous work, we have shown that this can be exploited to estimate severity of bleomycin-induced fibrosis (measured by histology) in rodent lungs. We showed that E(x), the expected value of the singular value distribution, as well as the singular value with the highest probability, correlated significantly with histology scores. Here, we investigate the sensitivity of these metrics to the time window duration used for the Singular Value Decomposition of the IRM, which is performed in the frequency domain, using overlapping time windows. A linear transducer with a central frequency of 7.8 MHz and a Verasonics scanner were used to obtain IRMs in 24 rat lungs. Different degrees of pulmonary fibrosis were induced using bleomycin in 18 rats while 6 rats were left as controls. The IRMs were time-windowed with different duration of 2T, 4T, and 6T where T is the transmitted pulse period. E(x) and were evaluated for each time window duration for all rat lungs. For all time window durations significant correlations were observed between and E(x), and histology scores. Wilcoxon ranksum tests show that the distributions obtained for and E(x) are not affected by the time window duration.
Investigation of the planar reflector substitution method using the finite element method
Authors: West George , Harris Emma , Bamber Jeff , Huthwaite Peter , Lowe Michael J.
Published: November 2022

The backscatter coefficient (BSC) has been shown to be an indicator of tissue state in assessing tumour response to therapy, but it is limited in its clinical applicability by the difficulty in acquiring the appropriate reference spectrum. The accuracy of a BSC estimate made by the substitution method is influenced by the quality of the reference spectrum, which normalises the measurement to the source’s diffraction field and spectral characteristics. Among the reference objects employed for normalisation, a planar reflector has been popular. With the sample region at the focus of a focused source or the last axial maximum of an unfocused source, the reflector has been placed either at this depth or half this depth by different authors. This work explores the effect of planar reflector positioning on BSC estimation. FE models were constructed to simulate BSC measurements of virtual phantoms with various sources, and the estimates compared to scattering theory. The results indicate that unfocused sources provide more accurate BSC estimates when the reflector is placed at half the distance to the last axial maximum (d), while focused sources provide better estimates with the planar reflector at the focal plane, and that focal-plane reflector positioning is preferable for source radii-of-curvature ≤ d.
Finite element studies to understand reflection of nonlinear waves in a continuous functionally graded material
Authors: Ghodake Pravinkumar R.
Published: November 2022

The nonlinear pulse-echo ultrasonics technique is effective when only one side of pressure vessels mainly used in thermal and nuclear power plants is assessable. As another side is exposed to continuous thermal and nuclear damages, the early-stage damages accumulate as a function of position. Concluding experimental results from such a complex interaction of reflected nonlinear waves during pulse-echo testing is difficult. Obtaining analytical solutions to the reflected waves from a functionally graded nonlinear region with an extended linear part is challenging. This complexity in understanding is resolved through various computational studies presented in this article. The linear and exponential variation of nonlinear parameters, loss in elastic stiffness, and density of the damaged region are modeled by updating linear and nonlinear constitutive equations. The results demonstrate higher energy of reflected longitudinal harmonic waves (2f, 3f, 4f,….) from a fixed boundary than a free boundary. Amplitudes of higher harmonic responses as a function of the position are verified. Harmonically reflected higher harmonics are more sensitive to the spatial distribution of nonlinear parameters than the loss in linear elastic stiffness, whereas a significant change in the overall shapes of the pulses in time domains is observed. Self-wave mixing increases the number of higher harmonics.
Time-varying elastic wave mode conversion in vibrating elastic beams with subwavelength nonlinearity
Authors: Parker Samuel D. , Haberman Michael R. , Roettgen Daniel R.
Published: November 2022

Introduction of time-varying properties in a background medium can enable unconventional wave behavior. Furthermore, it is well-known that subjecting nonlinear materials to time-varying stress can be used for material characterization [Appl. Phys. Lett. 94, 011905 (2009)]. We propose a technique called Dynamic Asymmetric Transmission Measurement (DATM) that combines structural dynamic (SD) and ultrasonic (US) testing modalities in an elastic waveguide to detect and characterize changes in the global stress state of a structure that result in local time-varying stress conditions due to local nonlinearity. Asymmetric geometric features in beams and plates, paired with time-varying stress conditions, result in asymmetric mode conversion of guided US waves that depend on large-scale structural dynamics. The DATM technique is explored through finite element modeling, semi-analytical methods, and experiments and discussed in a structural health monitoring context. We also discuss the use of dynamic structures with engineered defects to introduce time-varying stress conditions for the purpose of manipulating elastic waves. [Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by the National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.]
Investigating cepstral methods for blind deconvolution
Authors: Douglass Alexander S. , Abadi Shima
Published: November 2022

Cepstral methods are homomorphic signal processing techniques in which signals are transformed into the cepstral domain, typically to be averaged or filtered. In the cepstral domain, the convolution of the source signal and impulse response changes to a sum of the two parts by taking a logarithm in the frequency domain, followed by an inverse Fourier transform. Cepstral methods have been utilized in speech processing to separate vocal tract information from speech excitation, in marine mammal bioacoustics to classify vocalizations, and in seismic surveys to estimate source wavelets from airgun arrays, but do not appear to have been considered for blind deconvolution in other underwater acoustic applications. By assuming either the source signal or impulse response is stationary in time and/or space, averaging cepstral domain windows from a receiver array can suppress the non-stationary term. Here, we investigate the capabilities of cepstral averaging techniques for the purposes of blind deconvolution. We will exploit the spatial dependence of the impulse response across a receiver array to suppress this non-stationary term, while constructively combining the source signal term. We will consider the effects of different signal types, environmental characteristics, signal-to-noise ratios, and array design on its success. [Work supported by the ONR.]
Automatic detection and classification of baleen and toothed whale calls via machine learning approaches over instantaneous wide areas in the Gulf of Maine received on a coherent hydrophone array
Authors: Mohebbi-Kalkhoran Hamed , Ratilal Purnima
Published: November 2022

Large acoustic data sets are typically generated from ocean observations with a 160-element coherent hydrophone array and correspondingly larger volumes of acoustic detection events stem from coherent array processing. Beamforming enhances detection signal to-noise ratio, significantly improving detection ranges, as well as providing signal bearing. Here, we develop and train algorithms for the automatic detection and classification of baleen and toothed whale calls present in multiple beamformed spectrograms spanning 360 degree azimuths generated via the passive ocean acoustic waveguide remote sensing technique in the following six categories for the Gulf of Maine: Fin, Sei, Minke, Humpback, unidentified baleen whale downsweep chirps, and general toothed whale encompassing echolocation clicks and whistles below 4 kHz. The classifiers include random forest, support vector machine (SVM), and decision tree applied to hand-engineered features, as well as Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based model on the per-channel energy normalization transform (PCEN) applied directly to beamformed spectrogram imagery. Total accuracy of 95% and average F1-score of 85% are achieved using random forest classifier. The processing flow, including beamforming, PCEN extraction and call classification, run in real-time making the methods suitable for real-world applications, such as marine mammal monitoring and mitigation in ocean hydrocarbon prospecting and wind farm installations.
CMTM4 makes IL-17 signaling more complex
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: November 2022

A transmembrane protein promotes the plasma membrane localization and signaling mediated by an IL-17 receptor subunit.
Long-Term and Low-Level Envelope C2V3 Stimulation by Highly Diverse Virus Isolates Leads to Frequent Development of Broad and Elite Antibody Neutralization in HIV-1-Infected Individuals
Authors: Martin Francisco , Marcelino José Maria , Palladino Claudia , Bártolo Inês , Tracana Susana , Moranguinho Inês , Gonçalves Paloma , Mateus Rita , Calado Rita , Borrego Pedro , Leitner Thomas , Clemente Sofia , Taveira Nuno
Published: November 2022

Studies on neutralization by antibodies and their determinants in HIV-1-infected individuals have mostly been conducted in relatively recent epidemics caused by subtype B and C viruses. Results have suggested that elicitation of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) is uncommon.
Selective Enrichment of Nitrososphaera viennensis-Like Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaea over Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria from Drinking Water Biofilms
Authors: Woo Yissue , Cruz Mercedes Cecilia , Wuertz Stefan
Published: November 2022

Chloramination has been known to increase the risk of nitrification episodes in DWDS due to the presence of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms. Among them, AOB are more frequently detected than AOA.
Genomic and Environmental Factors Shape the Active Gill Bacterial Community of an Amazonian Teleost Holobiont
Authors: Sylvain François-Étienne , Leroux Nicolas , Normandeau Éric , Holland Aleicia , Bouslama Sidki , Mercier Pierre-Luc , Luis Val Adalberto , Derome Nicolas
Published: November 2022

Host-associated microbial communities respond to factors specific to the host physiology, genetic backgrounds, and life history. However, these communities also show different degrees of sensitivity to environment-dependent factors, such as abiotic physico-chemical parameters and ecological interactions.
Growth Rates of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Sequence Type 36 Strains in Live Oysters and in Culture Medium
Authors: Ellett Ava N. , Rosales Detbra , Jacobs John M. , Paranjpye Rohinee , Parveen Salina
Published: November 2022

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is the leading cause of seafood-related gastroenteritis in the United States, with an estimated 45,000 cases per year. Most individuals who suffer from vibriosis consume raw or undercooked seafood, including oysters.
Characteristics of the GlnH and GlnX Signal Transduction Proteins Controlling PknG-Mediated Phosphorylation of OdhI and 2-Oxoglutarate Dehydrogenase Activity in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Sundermeyer Lea , Bosco Graziella , Gujar Srushti , Brocker Melanie , Baumgart Meike , Willbold Dieter , Weiergräber Oliver H. , Bellinzoni Marco , Bott Michael
Published: November 2022

Actinobacteriacomprise a large number of species playing important roles in biotechnology and medicine, such asCorynebacterium glutamicum, the major industrial amino acid producer, andMycobacterium tuberculosis, the pathogen causing tuberculosis. Many actinobacteria use a signal transduction process in which the phosphorylation status of OdhI (corynebacteria) or GarA (mycobacteria) regulates the carbon flux at the 2-oxoglutarate node.
Rapid On-Site Detection of Extensively Drug-Resistant Genes in
Enterobacteriaceae
via Enhanced Recombinase Polymerase Amplification and Lateral Flow Biosensor
Authors: Tao Jin , Liu Dejun , Xiong Jincheng , Dou Leina , Zhai Weishuai , Zhang Rong , Wang Yang , Shen Jianzhong , Wen Kai
Published: November 2022

Carbapenem, colistin, and tigecycline are considered the last resorts for treating severe bacterial infections caused by extensively drug-resistant (XDR) pathogens. A major threat to public health is the emergence and prevalence of transferable XDR genes in
Enterobacteriaceae
, such as
bla
NDM
and
bla
KPC
for carbapenem resistance,
mcr-1
for colistin resistance, and
tet
(X4) and
tet
(X6) for tigecycline resistance.
Genetic Features of Mycobacterium avium subsp.
paratuberculosis
Strains Circulating in the West of France Deciphered by Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Conde Cyril , Thézé Julien , Cochard Thierry , Rossignol Marie-Noëlle , Fourichon Christine , Delafosse Arnaud , Joly Alain , Guatteo Raphael , Schibler Laurent , Bannantine John P. , Biet Franck
Published: November 2022

Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
causes Johne's disease in ruminants, which is present worldwide and has significant negative impacts on the dairy cattle industry and animal welfare. Prevention and control of
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
infection are hampered by knowledge gaps in strain virulence, genotype distribution, and transmission dynamics.
Added Value of Next Generation over Sanger Sequencing in Kenyan Youth with Extensive HIV-1 Drug Resistance
Authors: Novitsky V. , Nyandiko W. , Vreeman R. , DeLong A. K. , Manne A. , Scanlon M. , Ngeresa A. , Aluoch J. , Sang F. , Ashimosi C. , Jepkemboi E. , Orido M. , Hogan J. W. , Kantor R. ,   for the RESistance in a PEdiatric CohorT (RESPECT) Study
Published: November 2022

HIV-1 drug resistance in children and adolescents remains a significant problem in countries facing the highest burden of the HIV epidemic. Surveillance of HIV-1 drug resistance in children and adolescents is an important public health strategy, particularly in resource-limited settings, and yet, it is limited due mostly to cost and infrastructure constraints.
6H–SiC Nanoparticles Integrated with an Atomic Force Microscope for Scanning Quantum Sensors
Authors: Likhachev K. V. , Breev I. D. , Kidalov S. V. , Baranov P. G. , Nagalyuk S. S. , Ankudinov A. V. , Anisimov A. N.
Published: November 2022

We fabricate a quantum magnetic field sensor based on the silicon vacancy centers in 6H–SiC using atomic force microscopy technique. The quantum sensing is based on optically detected magnetic resonance. To implement quantum scanning microscopy, we attach a single 6H–SiC nanoparticle on the tip of the atomic force microscopy cantilever. Our quantum sensors are characterized using optical spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The use of such probes significantly reduces the cost of a quantum sensor and enables the extension of quantum scanning microscopes to physiological and conductive environments.
Parameters of Axion-Like Particles Required to Explain High-Energy Photons from GRB 221009A
Authors: Troitsky S. V.
Published: November 2022

Recent astrophysical transient Swift J1913.1+1946 is possibly associated with the gamma-ray burst GRB 221009A at the redshift $$z \approx 0.151$$. The transient was accompanied by very high-energy gamma rays up to 18 TeV observed by LHAASO and a photon-like air shower of 251 TeV detected by Carpet-2. These energetic gamma rays cannot reach us from the claimed distance of the source because of the pair production on cosmic background radiation. If the identification and redshift measurements are correct, one would require new physics to explain the data. One possibility invokes axion-like particles (ALPs) which mix with photons but do not attenuate on the background radiation. Here we explore the ALP parameter space and find that the ALP–photon mixing in the Milky Way, and not in the intergalactic space, may help to explain the observations. However, given the low Galactic latitude of the event, misidentification with a Galactic transient remains an undiscarded explanation.
Cardiopulmonary fitness in children with asthma versus healthy children
Authors: Moreau Johan , Socchi Floriane , Renoux Marie Catherine , Requirand Anne , Abassi Hamouda , Guillaumont Sophie , Matecki Stefan , Huguet Helena , Avesani Martina , Picot Marie-Christine , Amedro Pascal
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To evaluate, with a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), the cardiopulmonary fitness of children with asthma, in comparison to healthy controls, and to identify the clinical and CPET parameters associated with the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) in childhood asthma.

Design

This cross-sectional controlled study was carried out in CPET laboratories from two tertiary care paediatric centres. The predictors of VO2maxwere determined using a multivariable analysis.

Results

A total of 446 children (144 in the asthma group and 302 healthy subjects) underwent a complete CPET. Mean VO2maxwas significantly lower in children with asthma than in controls (38.6±8.6 vs 43.5±7.5 mL/kg/min; absolute difference (abs. diff.) of −4.9 mL/kg/min; 95% CI of (−6.5 to −3.3) mL/kg/min; p<0.01) and represented 94%±9% and 107%±17% of predicted values, respectively (abs. diff. −13%; 95% CI (−17 to −9)%; p<0.01). The proportion of children with an impaired VO2maxwas four times higher in the asthma group (24% vs 6%, p<0.01). Impaired ventilatory efficiency with increased VE/VCO2slope and low breathing reserve (BR) were more marked in the asthma group. The proportion of children with a decreased ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT), indicative of physical deconditioning, was three times higher in the asthma group (31% vs 11%, p<0.01). Impaired VO2maxwas associated with female gender, high body mass index (BMI), FEV1, low VAT and high BR.

Conclusion

Cardiopulmonary fitness in children with asthma was moderately but significantly altered compared with healthy children. A decreased VO2maxwas associated with female gender, high BMI and the pulmonary function.

Trial registration number

NCT04650464.
Thiamethoxam intoxication due to occupational inhalational exposure
Authors: Nishizawa Toshinori , Ikenaka Yoshinori , Ichikawa Go , Taguchi Tomohiro
Published: November 2022

Neonicotinoid is a new class of systemic insecticides that are selectively toxic to insects. However, cases of human toxicity have been reported. A man in his 60s, who worked as a pest control operator (which required the use of thiamethoxam), presented with fever and headache. We investigated the levels of thiamethoxam and clothianidin in the blood and urine. Our results suggested that chronic thiamethoxam intoxication was caused by occupational inhalation exposure and environmental pollution. After cessation of insecticide use, the patient remained asymptomatic but had persistent oral dysesthesia and postural finger tremor, even at undetectable levels of thiamethoxam and clothianidin. This case report is the first to describe human thiamethoxam intoxication after occupational inhalation exposure. When similar symptoms are encountered and a history of insecticide use is confirmed, clinicians should consider the diagnosis of neonicotinoid intoxication.
Small bowel obstruction secondary to a plastic bezoar
Authors: Goh Sarah Li-Ling , Steen Christopher , Wong Enoch , Scott Monique
Published: November 2022

We present a case of a small bowel obstruction secondary to a rare plastic bezoar. A man in their early 20s with autism and an intellectual disability presented with symptoms of small bowel obstruction. CT revealed very subtle signs and, despite passage of gastrografin, ongoing clinical suspicion led to operative management which confirmed the diagnoses of plastic bezoar.
Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting as right-sided massive pleural effusion with autoimmune hypothyroidism and medium vessel vasculopathy
Authors: Sain Baijaeek , Chakraborty Ritam , Ghosh Natalia , Saha Arpit
Published: November 2022

Segmental involvement of medium-sized vessels are lesser-known manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) vasculopathy. Medium vessel vasculopathy and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) mimicking manifestations of SLE, although rare, have been reported, particularly in Asian women mostly under the age of 30 years. This is due to metabolic disadvantages in their ethnicity, with high incidence of insulin resistance and resulting metabolic syndrome, leading to lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, higher triglyceride levels and small dense low-density lipoprotein, increased proinflammatory cytokines, endothelial dysfunction and procoagulant tendency. Owing to the longer duration of the disease with the simultaneous use of steroids, vessels are often affected. SLE may also present with thyroid manifestations against a background of a proinflammatory immune state, where autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, may coexist. Here, we describe the case of a young woman who presented with progressive shortness of breath, right leg pain and cough with amenorrhoea and was diagnosed with SLE.
EUS-guided drainage of large walled-off pancreatic necroses using plastic versus lumen-apposing metal stents: a single-centre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Karstensen John Gásdal , Novovic Srdan , Hansen Erik Feldager , Jensen Annette Bojer , Jorgensen Henrik Lovendahl , Lauritsen Morten Laksafoss , Werge Mikkel Parsberg , Schmidt Palle Nordblad
Published: November 2022

Objective

In treating pancreatic walled-off necrosis (WON), lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) have not proven superior to the traditional double pigtail technique (DPT). Among patients with large WON (>15 cm) and their associated substantial risk of treatment failure, the increased drainage capacity of a novel 20-mm LAMS might improve clinical outcomes. Hence, we conducted a study comparing the DPT and 20-mm LAMS in patients with large WON.

Design

A single-centre, open-label, randomised, controlled superiority trial using an endoscopic step-up approach in patients with WON exceeding 15 cm in size. The primary endpoint was the number of necrosectomies needed to achieve clinical success (clinical and CT resolution), while the secondary endpoints included technical success, adverse events, length of stay and mortality.

Results

Twenty-two patients were included in the DPT group and 20 in the LAMS group, with no significant differences in patient characteristics. The median size of WON was 24.1 cm (P25–P75: 19.6–31.1). The technical success rates were 100% for DPT and 95% for LAMS (p=0.48), while clinical success rates were 95.5% and 94.7%, respectively (p=1.0). The mean number of necrosectomies was 2.2 for DPT and 3.2 for LAMS (p=0.42). Five patients (12%) developed procedure-related serious adverse events (DPT=4, LAMS=1, p=0.35). The median length of stay was 43 (P25–P75: 40–67) and 58 days (P25–P75: 40–86) in the DPT and LAMS groups (p=0.71), respectively, with an overall mortality of 4.8%.

Conclusions

For treating large WON, LAMS are not superior to DPT. The techniques are associated with comparable needs for necrosectomy and hospital stay, and no gross difference in adverse events.

Trial registration number

NCT04057846.
Clinical and psychological implications of secondary and incidental findings in cancer susceptibility genes after exome sequencing in patients with rare disorders
Authors: Carrasco Estela , López-Fernández Adrià , Codina-Sola Marta , Valenzuela Irene , Cueto-González AM , Villacampa Guillermo , Navarro Victor , Torres-Esquius Sara , Palau Dolors , Cruellas Mara , Torres Maite , Perez-Dueñas Belen , Abulí Anna , Diez Orland , Sábado-Álvarez Constantino , García-Arumí Elena , Tizzano Eduardo F , Moreno Lucas , Balmaña Judith
Published: November 2022

Background/Objectives

Exome sequencing may identify pathogenic variants unrelated with the purpose of the analysis. We investigated the frequency of secondary and incidental findings (SF/IF) in cancer susceptibility genes (CSG), their clinical actionability and the psychological impact in individuals with an SF/IF (cases) compared with individuals tested due to their cancer history (controls).

Methods

This study analysed 533 exomes ordered for non-cancer conditions. Medical records were reviewed for clinical actionability of SF/IF. Psychological impact was analysed using the Multidimensional Impact of Cancer Risk Assessment (MICRA) scale and compared between cases and controls with a propensity score weighting method.

Results

The frequency of SF/IF in CSG was 2.1% (95% CI 1.1% to 3.8%): threeBRCA2, threePMS2, twoSDHB, and one each inBRCA1,MLH1andRAD51C. Among the relatives, 18 were carriers. Twenty enrolled for surveillance, and a neoplasm was diagnosed in 20%: three paragangliomas and one breast cancer. Cases presented higher MICRA mean scores than controls (21.3 vs 16.2 in MICRA total score, 6.3 vs 4.2 in the distress subscale, and 8.3 vs 6.6 in the uncertainty subscale; all p<0.001).

Conclusion

SF/IF in CSG were identified in 2.1% of patients. Despite a numerically higher psychological impact, the identification of SF/IF allowed early detection and cancer prevention in families without cancer history.
Should menthol e-cigarettes be banned? Reaction of adult smokers and users of e-cigarettes to hypothetical bans
Authors: Yang Yong , Lindblom Eric N , Ward Kenneth D , Salloum Ramzi G
Published: November 2022

Introduction

This study examines how current smokers using menthol cigarettes or flavoured cigars, and current users of flavoured e-cigarettes may respond to three hypothetical flavour-ban scenarios: (1) banning only menthol cigarettes and flavoured cigars; (2) also banning e-cigarettes with any non-tobacco flavours except menthol; and (3) also banning e-cigarettes with any non-tobacco flavours, including menthol.

Methods

Recruited from mTurk, respondents were asked if they would quit all tobacco-nicotine use or continue or start using products that were still legally available. The patterns of responding to each ban scenario, for both flavoured smokers and users of non-tobacco flavoured e-cigarettes, were summarised. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to estimate associations between demographics, smoking or e-cigarette use status and reactions to a ban.

Results

A ban on menthol cigarettes and flavoured cigars would lead to 12%–20% of flavoured smokers trying to quit all tobacco use and 32%–52% switching to non-flavoured smoking, with the remaining switching to e-cigarettes or other products. Compared with a ban on only menthol cigarettes and flavoured cigars, also banning flavoured e-cigarettes would increase the likelihood of quitting all tobacco-nicotine use (OR=2.58) but also increase the likelihood of switching to non-flavoured smoking (OR=1.74).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that a ban on menthol cigarettes and flavoured cigars would decrease smoking. However, it is unclear if adding a ban of menthol e-cigarettes would lead to additional benefits because without menthol e-cigarettes as an alternative, some smokers and e-cigarette users may switch to non-flavoured tobacco smoking, rather than quit all tobacco use.
On thermodynamic and ultraviolet stability bounds for bosonic lattice QCD models in Euclidean dimensions d = 2,3,4
Authors: Faria da Veiga Paulo A. , O’Carroll Michael
Published: November 2022

We prove thermodynamic and ultraviolet stable stability bounds for lattice scalar QCD quantum models, with multiflavor real or complex scalar Bose matter fields and a compact, connected gauge Lie group [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] with Lie algebra dimension [Formula: see text]. Our models are defined on a finite hypercubic lattice [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text], even, sites on a side, [Formula: see text] sites, and with free boundary conditions. The models action is a sum of a minimally coupled Bose-gauge part and a Wilson pure-gauge plaquette action. We use local, scaled scalar multiflavor Bose fields. The scaling is global, [Formula: see text]-dependent and noncanonical, and corresponds to an a priori renormalization. The Wilson action is a sum over positive plaquette actions times a factor [Formula: see text], with the gauge coupling [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. By local gauge invariance, to eliminate the excess of gauge variables, sometimes we use an enhanced temporal gauge, leaving only [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], retained bonds. Fixing this gauge does not alter the value of the partition function. Considering the original physical, unscaled partition function [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the unscaled (bare) hopping parameter and [Formula: see text] are the boson fields bare masses, and letting [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we show that the scaled partition function [Formula: see text] satisfies the thermodynamic and ultraviolet stable stability bounds [Formula: see text], with finite constants [Formula: see text], independent of the lattice size [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and the spacing [Formula: see text]. For the normalized finite-lattice free energy [Formula: see text], a finite thermodynamic limit ([Formula: see text]) for [Formula: see text], and then the continuum limit [Formula: see text], both exist in the sense of subsequences. They give the model normalized free energies [Formula: see text]. The finiteness of [Formula: see text] is the only question addressed here! The use of the Weyl integration formula is essential in showing these bounds. It allows us to replace the gauge integral over [Formula: see text] gauge bond matrix elements by the integration over its [Formula: see text] eigenvalues. A new global upper bound on the Wilson plaquette action is obtained, which is quadratic in the gluon fields. Our method bypasses the use of diamagnetic inequality and can be extended to treat more general lattices and Lie gauge groups.
Corrections to scaling in the 3D Ising model: A comparison between MC and MCRG results
Authors: Kaupužs J. , Melnik R. V. N.
Published: November 2022

Corrections to scaling in the 3D Ising model are studied based on Monte Carlo (MC) simulation results for very large lattices with linear lattice sizes up to [Formula: see text]. Our estimated values of the correction-to-scaling exponent [Formula: see text] tend to decrease below the usually accepted value about 0.83 when the smallest lattice sizes, i.e. [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], are discarded from the fits. This behavior apparently confirms some of the known estimates of the Monte Carlo renormalization group (MCRG) method, i.e. [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We discuss the possibilities that [Formula: see text] is either really smaller than usually expected or these values of [Formula: see text] describe some transient behavior which, eventually, turns into the correct asymptotic behavior at [Formula: see text]. We propose refining MCRG simulations and analysis to resolve this issue. Our actual MC estimations of the critical exponents [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] provide stable values [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], which well agree with those of the conformal bootstrap method, i.e. [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Quantum asymmetric cyclic teleportation of arbitrary single-particle and two-particle states
Authors: Yang Benchao
Published: November 2022

In this paper, two three-party cyclic teleportation schemes for real arbitrary quantum states of a single particle and two particles are proposed for the first time. In the first ([Formula: see text]) scheme, Alice sends any single particle state to Bob, Bob sends any two-particle states to Charlie, and meanwhile Charlie sends any single particle state to Alice. In the second ([Formula: see text]) scheme, with the help of the controller David, Alice sends any two-particle states to Bob, Bob sends any two-particle states to Charlie, and Charlie sends any single particle state to Alice simultaneously. Based on the maximum entangled quantum channel shared in advance, the communication participants carry out some Bell state measurement (BSM) measurements and carry out corresponding unitary transformation according to the results published by each other. After that, the cyclic teleportation of predetermined quantum information can be successfully realized. The success probability of teleportation of both schemes can reach 100%. Finally, this paper briefly analyzes the security of the two schemes and compares them with some previously published schemes from the perspective of inherent efficiency. The results show that the two schemes proposed in this paper are safe and have high inherent efficiency. Different from the previous symmetric cyclic quantum teleportation methods, the asymmetric cyclic quantum teleportation schemes proposed in this paper are more universal.
COMPLEX BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS FOR THE CAUCHY–RIEMANN OPERATOR ON A TRIANGLE
Authors: AKEL MOHAMED , HIDAN MUAJEBAH , ABDALLA MOHAMED
Published: November 2022

There are three over-determined boundary value problems for the inhomogeneous Cauchy–Riemann equation, the Dirichlet problem, the Neumann problem and the Robin problem. These problems have found their significant importance and applications in diverse fields of science, for example, applied mathematics, physics, engineering and medicine. In this paper, we explicitly investigate the solvability of these three basic boundary value problems for the Cauchy–Riemann operator on an isosceles orthogonal triangle. The solvability conditions are explicitly obtained. The plane parqueting reflection principle is used. Cauchy–Pompeiu-type formulae for the triangle are established. The boundary behavior of a related integral operator of the Schwarz type is studied in detail. Then, the boundary values of solutions at the corner points are found.
A Survey on Perceptually Optimized Video Coding
Authors: Zhang Yun , Zhu Linwei , Jiang Gangyi , Kwong Sam , Kuo C.-C. Jay
Published: November 2022

To provide users with more realistic visual experiences, videos are developing in the trends of Ultra High Definition (UHD), High Frame Rate (HFR), High Dynamic Range (HDR), Wide Color Gammut (WCG), and high clarity. However, the data amount of videos increases exponentially, which requires high efficiency video compression for storage and network transmission. Perceptually optimized video coding aims to maximize compression efficiency by exploiting visual redundancies. In this article, we present a broad and systematic survey on perceptually optimized video coding. Firstly, we present problem formulation and framework of the perceptually optimized video coding, which includes visual perception modeling, visual quality assessment, and perceptual video coding optimization. Secondly, recent advances on visual factors, computational perceptual models, and quality assessment models are presented. Thirdly, we review perceptual video coding optimizations from four key aspects, including perceptually optimized bit allocation, rate-distortion optimization, transform and quantization, and filtering and enhancement. In each part, problem formulation, working flow, recent advances, advantages, and challenges are presented. Fourthly, perceptual coding performances of the latest coding standards and tools are experimentally analyzed. Finally, challenging issues and future opportunities are identified.
Exploring Participants’ Representations and Shifting Sensitivities in a Hackathon for Dementia
Authors: Hodge James , Foley Sarah , Lambton-Howard Dan , Booi Laura , Montague Kyle , Coulter Sandra , Kirk David , Morrissey Kellie
Published: November 2022

Recent HCI research has addressed emerging approaches for public engagement. One such public-facing method which has gained popularity over the previous decade has been open design events, or hackathons. In this article, we report on DemVR, a hackathon event that invited designers, technologists, and students of these disciplines to design Virtual Reality (VR) environments for people with dementia and their care partners. While our event gained reasonable attraction from designers and developers, this article unpacks the challenges in representing and involving people with dementia in these events, which had multiple knock-on effects on participant's outputs. Our analysis presents insights into participants’ motivations, challenges participants faced when constructing their “absent user”, and the design features teams developed to address the social context of the user. We conclude the article by proposing a set of commitments for collaborative design events, community building through design, and reification in design.
Predicting Personalized Responses to Dietary Fiber Interventions: Opportunities for Modulation of the Gut Microbiome to Improve Health
Authors: Kok Car Reen , Rose Devin , Hutkins Robert
Published: November 2022

Inadequate dietary fiber consumption has become common across industrialized nations, accompanied by changes in gut microbial composition and a dramatic increase in chronic metabolic diseases. The human gut microbiome harbors genes that are required for the digestion of fiber, resulting in the production of end products that mediate gastrointestinal and systemic benefits to the host. Thus, the use of fiber interventions has attracted increasing interest as a strategy to modulate the gut microbiome and improve human health. However, considerable interindividual differences in gut microbial composition have resulted in variable responses toward fiber interventions. This variability has led to observed nonresponder individuals and highlights the need for personalized approaches to effectively redirect the gut ecosystem. In this review, we summarize strategies used to address the responder and nonresponder phenomenon in dietary fiber interventions and propose a targeted approach to identify predictive features based on knowledge of fiber metabolism and machine learning approaches.
Sweat Cortisol and Cortisone Determination in Healthy Adults: UHPLC-MS/MS Assay Validation and Clinical Application
Authors: Alvi Syed N. , Abuhdeeb Kafa , Hammami Muhammad M.
Published: November 2022

A simple and effective ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography assay linked to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) for measuring cortisol and cortisone levels in human sweat has been developed and validated. A noninvasive world standard sweat collecting equipment was utilized to collect samples. The samples were analyzed using an Atlantis dC18 (2.1 × 100 mm, 3 μm) column with a 2 mM ammonium acetate and acetonitrile (1 : 1, v : v) mobile phase. In an isocratic condition, the mobile phase was delivered at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/minute. A positive electrospray ionization interface with multiple-reaction monitoring mode was used to provide simultaneous quantification of cortisol, cortisone, and internal standard at transitions of 363.11 to 121.00, 361.18 to 163.11, and 367.19 to 121.24, respectively. The method was validated for cortisol and cortisone determination over a concentration range of 0.5–50 ng/mL The detection limits for cortisol and cortisone in human sweat were 0.3 and 0.2 ng/ml, respectively. The interday coefficients of variation of cortisol and cortisone were ≤8.5% and ≤10.01%, whereas bias was in the range from −7.9% to 2.1% and from −4.3% to 3.0%, respectively. The assay was successfully applied to evaluate the cortisol-to-cortisone ratio in sweat samples collected from healthy adult volunteers.
Comparing the Effects of Thyme (Zataria multiflora) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Essential Oils on Microbiological, Physicochemical, and Sensory Properties of Vacuum-Packaged and Refrigerated Chicken Breast
Authors: Piruz Sahar , Khani Mohammadreza
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to compare the effects of thyme and rosemary essential oils (EOs) with vacuum packaging on shelf life extension and organoleptic properties of chicken breast meat. For this purpose, two concentrations of 0.1% and 0.3% (v/w) from thyme and rosemary EOs were added individually to fresh chicken breast samples, packed under vacuum conditions, and stored at 4°C for 12 days. All the samples were evaluated for microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory properties at 3-day intervals. The results showed that the thyme EO treatments, especially at 0.3% concentration, significantly reduced both total and psychrotrophic colony counts, and they were more effective in reducing microbial counts compared to rosemary EO treatments. Moreover, thyme EO significantly controlled Escherichia coli growth in treated samples. TBA values in treated samples with thyme EOs were significantly less than in rosemary EOs and control samples. Results indicated that rosemary EO treatments had the lowest pH during 12 days. Colorimetric and organoleptic analysis of the samples showed statistical differences on various days. In the EOs-treated chicken breasts, the color and texture of the samples improved compared to controls, but the taste and odor were not desired at the higher concentration of thyme and rosemary EOs.
Structured Pre-Consultation Interview at the First Call of Caregiver Regarding Memory Consultation: Effects on Caregiver Burden, Expectations, and Quality of Life
Authors: Guillard Isabelle , Saillour Florence , Lafargue Aurélie , Salesses Fabien , Roubaud Baudron Claire , Berger Valérie , Bourdel-Marchasson Isabelle
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Case managers can guide caregivers during their search for care for relatives with neurocognitive disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of this procedure on caregiver burden and quality of life. Methods: Family caregivers searching for care at a memory clinic before the first consultation were provided written information and they provided verbal consent to participate in this pre-post intervention study. Intervention was a structured pre-consultation phone call interview given by the case manager to inform and organize individualize pathway of care. The mini-Zarit Burden Interview and the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire quality of life scores were recorded by an independent assessor before the intervention and 1 month thereafter. An expectation questionnaire was also completed during the assessments. The pre and post scores were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: In total, 45 participants were enrolled and 35 were assessed twice. There was no significant change in the total mini-Zarit Burden Interview score; however, the levels of stress due to caring and meeting familial responsibilities (p = 0.025), and the fear of what the future holds for the participants’ relative (p = 0.01) was lower at 1 month. The need for information about the pathways of care decreased, but no change in support satisfaction was observed. Quality of life was good and did not change. Conclusions: During the pre-consultation intervention, the case manager may fulfill several needs of caregivers, particularly to obtain personalized information, which should be implemented in memory clinics.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Brown Tumor in the Femur Induced by Parathyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Yamauchi Ryota , Ohshika Shusa , Ono Hiroya , Saruga Tasturo , Ogawa Testuya , Ishibashi Yasuyuki
Published: November 2022

Brown tumors are rare destructive bone lesions caused by hyperparathyroidism. As their clinical symptoms, radiographic findings, and laboratory results closely mimic those of metastatic tumors or multiple myeloma, the diagnosis may often be mistaken. We report a case of a 61-year-old woman with brown tumors in both femurs due to parathyroid carcinoma. The patient presented with multiple osteolytic lesions that caused pain in the right thigh. Whole-body computed tomography (CT), including the neck, suspected a parathyroid tumor, and a biopsy of the bone lesion revealed no malignancy. Following parathyroidectomy, she was diagnosed with a brown tumor with hyperparathyroidism due to a very rare parathyroid carcinoma. Although the right femoral lesion was indicated as an impending fracture, conservative treatment was performed because of the instability of her general condition after parathyroidectomy and her wishes. Bone remodeling of the right femur progressed, and the patient was ambulatory; however, 9 months postoperatively, the patient fell, developed a pathological fracture, and underwent internal fixation. When multiple osteolytic bone lesions are present, CT imaging of the neck should be performed to determine the possibility of a brown tumor due to parathyroid disease. Bone lesions of brown tumors are known to be naturally cured after treatment for hyperparathyroidism. However, when the lesion of a brown tumor in the femur is an impending fracture, prophylactic internal fixation is recommended aggressively if the patient’s general condition permits.