bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioprospecting CAZymes repertoire of Aspergillus fumigatus for eco-friendly value-added transformations of agro-forest biomass
Authors: Joshi Namrata , Grewal Jasneet , Drewniak Lukasz , Pranaw Kumar
Published: January 2024

Background

Valorizing waste residues is crucial to reaching sustainable development goals and shifting from a linear fossil-based economy to a circular economy. Fungal cell factories, due to their versatility and robustness, are instrumental in driving the bio-transformation of waste residues. The present work isolated a potent strain, i.e., Aspergillus fumigatus (ZS_AF), from an ancient Złoty Stok gold mine, which showcased distinctive capabilities for efficient hydrolytic enzyme production from lignocellulosic wastes.

Results

The present study optimized hydrolytic enzyme production (cellulases, xylanases, and β-glucosidases) from pine sawdust (PSD) via solid-state fermentation using Aspergillus fumigatus (ZS_AF). The optimization, using response surface methodology (RSM), produced a twofold increase with maximal yields of 119.41 IU/gds for CMCase, 1232.23 IU/gds for xylanase, 63.19 IU/gds for β-glucosidase, and 31.08 IU/gds for FPase. The secretome profiling validated the pivotal role of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and auxiliary enzymes in biomass valorization. A total of 77% of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) were constituted by glycoside hydrolases (66%), carbohydrate esterases (9%), auxiliary activities (3%), and polysaccharide lyases (3%). The saccharification of pretreated wheat straw and PSD generated high reducing sugar yields of 675.36 mg/g and 410.15 mg/g, respectively.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the significance of an efficient, synergistic, and cost-effective arsenal of fungal enzymes for lignocellulosic waste valorization and their potential to contribute to waste-to-wealth creation through solid-waste management. The utilization of Aspergillus fumigatus (ZS_AF) from an unconventional origin and optimization strategies embodies an innovative approach that holds the potential to propel current waste valorization methods forward, directing the paradigm toward improved efficiency and sustainability.
Cross-species immunoprotective antigens (subolesin, ferritin 2 and P0) provide protection against Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato
Authors: Zeb Ismail , Parizi Luís Fernando , Israr Muhammad , da Silva Vaz Itabajara , Ali Abid
Published: January 2024

Background

Tick control is mostly hampered by the rise of acaricide-resistant tick populations. Significant efforts have focused on developing alternative control methods, including cross-species protective and/or cocktail-based anti-tick vaccines, to achieve protection against various tick species.

Methods

In this study, full-length open reading frames encoding subolesin (SUB) from Rhipicephalus microplus and ferritin 2 (FER2) from Hyalomma anatolicum as well as the partial 60S acidic ribosomal protein (P0) from R. microplus were cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli and used as vaccine antigens against Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (R. sanguineus s.l.) infestation in rabbits.

Results

In silico analyses revealed that the SUB, P0 and FER2 proteins were antigenic and displayed limited similarity to the host's homologous proteins. The proteins shared identities of 97.5%, 100% and 89.5% with their SUB, P0 and FER2 R. sanguineus s.l. orthologous sequences, respectively. Antibodies against each recombinant protein cross-recognized the native proteins in the different tissues and developmental stages of R. sanguineus s.l. Overall efficacy of the SUB, FER2 and cocktail (SUB+FER2+P0) vaccines against R. sanguineus s.l. infestation was 86.3%, 95.9% and 90.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Both mono-antigen and the cocktail anti-tick vaccines affected the biological parameters of R. sanguineus s.l. infestation in the rabbit model, which could be extrapolated to its infested host under natural conditions. These findings support the possibility of using mono-antigenic and cocktail-based vaccines for large-scale anti-tick vaccine development against multiple tick species.

Graphical Abstract
Tumor microenvironment deconvolution identifies cell-type-independent aberrant DNA methylation and gene expression in prostate cancer
Authors: Reynolds Samuel R. , Zhang Ze , Salas Lucas A. , Christensen Brock C.
Published: January 2024

Background

Among men, prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death. Etiologic factors associated with both prostate carcinogenesis and somatic alterations in tumors are incompletely understood. While genetic variants associated with PCa have been identified, epigenetic alterations in PCa are relatively understudied. To date, DNA methylation (DNAm) and gene expression (GE) in PCa have been investigated; however, these studies did not correct for cell-type proportions of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which could confound results.

Methods

The data (GSE183040) consisted of DNAm and GE data from both tumor and adjacent non-tumor prostate tissue of 56 patients who underwent radical prostatectomies prior to any treatment. This study builds upon previous studies that examined methylation patterns and GE in PCa patients by using a novel tumor deconvolution approach to identify and correct for cell-type proportions of the TME in its epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) and differential expression analysis (DEA).

Results

The inclusion of cell-type proportions in EWASs and DEAs reduced the scope of significant alterations associated with PCa. We identified 2,093 significantly differentially methylated CpGs (DMC), and 51 genes associated with PCa, including PCA3, SPINK1, and AMACR.

Conclusions

This work illustrates the importance of correcting for cell types of the TME when performing EWASs and DEAs on PCa samples, and establishes a more confounding-adverse methodology. We identified a more tumor-cell-specific set of altered genes and epigenetic marks that can be further investigated as potential biomarkers of disease or potential therapeutic targets.
The MuSK-BMP pathway maintains myofiber size in slow muscle through regulation of Akt-mTOR signaling
Authors: Jaime Diego , Fish Lauren A. , Madigan Laura A. , Xi Chengjie , Piccoli Giorgia , Ewing Madison D. , Blaauw Bert , Fallon Justin R.
Published: January 2024

Myofiber size regulation is critical in health, disease, and aging. MuSK (muscle-specific kinase) is a BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) co-receptor that promotes and shapes BMP signaling. MuSK is expressed at all neuromuscular junctions and is also present extrasynaptically in the mouse soleus, whose predominantly oxidative fiber composition is akin to that of human muscle. To investigate the role of the MuSK-BMP pathway in vivo, we generated mice lacking the BMP-binding MuSK Ig3 domain. These ∆Ig3-MuSK mice are viable and fertile with innervation levels comparable to wild type. In 3-month-old mice, myofibers are smaller in the slow soleus, but not in the fast tibialis anterior (TA). Transcriptomic analysis revealed soleus-selective decreases in RNA metabolism and protein synthesis pathways as well as dysregulation of IGF1-Akt-mTOR pathway components. Biochemical analysis showed that Akt-mTOR signaling is reduced in soleus but not TA. We propose that the MuSK-BMP pathway acts extrasynaptically to maintain myofiber size in slow muscle by promoting protein synthetic pathways including IGF1-Akt-mTOR signaling. These results reveal a novel mechanism for regulating myofiber size in slow muscle and introduce the MuSK-BMP pathway as a target for promoting muscle growth and combatting atrophy.
Equivalence of some results and fixed-point theorems in S-multiplicative metric spaces
Authors: Adewale Olusola Kayode , Ayodele Samuel Olusola , Oyelade Babatunde Eriwa , Aribike Emmanuella Ehui
Published: January 2024

In this paper, some fixed-point theorems are stated and proved in S-multiplicative metric spaces. We also show in this paper that some fixed-point results for various S-multiplicative metric spaces are equivalent to those of corresponding fixed-point results in S-metric spaces. Some examples are presented to validate the originality and applicability of our main results.
Genome-wide investigation to assess copy number variants in the Italian local chicken population
Authors: Cendron Filippo , Cassandro Martino , Penasa Mauro
Published: January 2024

Background

Copy number variants (CNV) hold significant functional and evolutionary importance. Numerous ongoing CNV studies aim to elucidate the etiology of human diseases and gain insights into the population structure of livestock. High-density chips have enabled the detection of CNV with increased resolution, leading to the identification of even small CNV. This study aimed to identify CNV in local Italian chicken breeds and investigate their distribution across the genome.

Results

Copy number variants were mainly distributed across the first six chromosomes and primarily associated with loss type CNV. The majority of CNV in the investigated breeds were of types 0 and 1, and the minimum length of CNV was significantly larger than that reported in previous studies. Interestingly, a high proportion of the length of chromosome 16 was covered by copy number variation regions (CNVR), with the major histocompatibility complex being the likely cause. Among the genes identified within CNVR, only those present in at least five animals across breeds (n = 95) were discussed to reduce the focus on redundant CNV. Some of these genes have been associated to functional traits in chickens. Notably, several CNVR on different chromosomes harbor genes related to muscle development, tissue-specific biological processes, heat stress resistance, and immune response. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) were also analyzed to investigate potential overlapping with the identified CNVR: 54 out of the 95 gene-containing regions overlapped with 428 QTL associated to body weight and size, carcass characteristics, egg production, egg components, fat deposition, and feed intake.

Conclusions

The genomic phenomena reported in this study that can cause changes in the distribution of CNV within the genome over time and the comparison of these differences in CNVR of the local chicken breeds could help in preserving these genetic resources.
Desulfovibrio vulgaris interacts with novel gut epithelial immune receptor LRRC19 and exacerbates colitis
Authors: Xie Runxiang , Gu Yu , Li Mengfan , Li Lingfeng , Yang Yunwei , Sun Yue , Zhou Bingqian , Liu Tianyu , Wang Sinan , Liu Wentian , Yang Rongcun , Su Xiaomin , Zhong Weilong , Wang Bangmao , Cao Hailong
Published: January 2024

Background

The overgrowth of Desulfovibrio, an inflammation promoting flagellated bacteria, has been found in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. However, the molecular mechanism in promoting colitis remains unestablished.

Methods

The relative abundance Desulfovibrio vulgaris (D. vulgaris) in stool samples of UC patients was detected. Mice were treated with dextran sulfate sodium to induce colitis with or without administration of D. vulgaris or D. vulgaris flagellin (DVF), and the severity of colitis and the leucine-rich repeat containing 19 (LRRC19) signaling were assessed. The interaction between DVF and LRRC19 was identified by surface plasmon resonance and intestinal organoid culture. Lrrc19−/− and Tlr5−/− mice were used to investigate the indispensable role of LRRC19. Finally, the blockade of DVF-LRRC19 interaction was selected through virtual screening and the efficacy in colitis was assessed.

Results

D. vulgaris was enriched in fecal samples of UC patients and was correlated with the disease severity. D. vulgaris or DVF treatment significantly exacerbated colitis in germ-free mice and conventional mice. Mechanistically, DVF could interact with LRRC19 (rather than TLR5) in colitis mice and organoids, and then induce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Lrrc19 knockdown blunted the severity of colitis. Furthermore, typhaneoside, a blockade of binding interfaces, blocked DVF-LRRC19 interaction and dramatically ameliorated DVF-induced colitis.

Conclusions

D. vulgaris could promote colitis through DVF-LRRC19 interaction. Targeting DVF-LRRC19 interaction might be a new therapeutic strategy for UC therapy.
Unraveling the interplay between root exudates, microbiota, and rhizosheath formation in pearl millet
Authors: Alahmad Abdelrahman , Harir Mourad , Fochesato Sylvain , Tulumello Joris , Walker Alesia , Barakat Mohamed , Ndour Papa Mamadou Sitor , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Cournac Laurent , Laplaze Laurent , Heulin Thierry , Achouak Wafa
Published: January 2024

Background

The rhizosheath, a cohesive soil layer firmly adhering to plant roots, plays a vital role in facilitating water and mineral uptake. In pearl millet, rhizosheath formation is genetically controlled and influenced by root exudates. Here, we investigated the impact of root exudates on the microbiota composition, interactions, and assembly processes, and rhizosheath structure in pearl millet using four distinct lines with contrasting soil aggregation abilities.

Results

Utilizing 16S rRNA gene and ITS metabarcoding for microbiota profiling, coupled with FTICR-MS metabonomic analysis of metabolite composition in distinct plant compartments and root exudates, we revealed substantial disparities in microbial diversity and interaction networks. The ß-NTI analysis highlighted bacterial rhizosphere turnover driven primarily by deterministic processes, showcasing prevalent homogeneous selection in root tissue (RT) and root-adhering soil (RAS). Conversely, fungal communities were more influenced by stochastic processes. In bulk soil assembly, a combination of deterministic and stochastic mechanisms shapes composition, with deterministic factors exerting a more pronounced role. Metabolic profiles across shoots, RT, and RAS in different pearl millet lines mirrored their soil aggregation levels, emphasizing the impact of inherent plant traits on microbiota composition and unique metabolic profiles in RT and exudates. Notably, exclusive presence of antimicrobial compounds, including DIMBOA and H-DIMBOA, emerged in root exudates and RT of low aggregation lines.

Conclusions

This research underscores the pivotal influence of root exudates in shaping the root-associated microbiota composition across pearl millet lines, entwined with their soil aggregation capacities. These findings underscore the interconnectedness of root exudates and microbiota, which jointly shape rhizosheath structure, deepening insights into soil–plant-microbe interactions and ecological processes shaping rhizosphere microbial communities. Deciphering plant–microbe interactions and their contribution to soil aggregation and microbiota dynamics holds promise for the advancement of sustainable agricultural strategies.
Comparison of the effects on facial soft tissues produced by rapid and slow maxillary expansion using stereophotogrammetry: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Marino Merlo Matilde , Quiroga Souki Bernardo , Nieri Michele , Bonanno Agnese , Giuntini Veronica , McNamara James A. , Franchi Lorenzo
Published: January 2024

Objective

To compare the effects on facial soft tissues produced by maxillary expansion generated by rapid maxillary expansion (RME) versus slow maxillary expansion (SME).

Materials and methods

Patients in the mixed dentition were included with a transverse discrepancy between the two arches of at least 3 mm. A conventional RME screw was compared to a new expansion screw (Leaf expander) designed to produce SME. Both screws were incorporated in a fixed expander. The primary outcome was the difference of the facial tissue changes in the nasal area measured on facial 3D images captured immediately before application of the expander (T0) and after one year of retention, immediately after the expander removal (T1). Secondary outcomes were soft tissue changes of other facial regions (mouth, lips, and chin). Analysis of covariance was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Fourteen patients were allocated to the RME group, and 14 patients were allocated to the SME group. There were no dropouts. Nasal width change showed a difference between the two groups (1.3 mm greater in the RME group, 95% CI from 0.4 to 2.2, P = 0.005). Also, intercanthal width showed a difference between treatments (0.7 mm greater in the RME group, 95% CI from 0.0 to 1.3, P = 0.044). Nasal columella width, mouth width, nasal tip angle, upper lip angle, and lower lip angle did not show any statistically significant differences. The Y-axis (anterior–posterior) components of the nasal landmark showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (0.5 mm of forward displacement greater in the RME group, 95% CI from 0.0 to 1.2, P = 0.040). Also, Z-axis (superior-inferior) components of the lower lip landmark was statistically significant (0.9 mm of downward displacement in favor of the RME group, 95% CI from 0.1 to 1.7, P = 0.027). All the other comparisons of the three-dimensional assessments were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

RME produced significant facial soft tissue changes when compared to SME. RME induced greater increases in both nasal and intercanthal widths (1.3 mm and 0.7 mm, respectively). These findings, though statistically significant, probably are not clinically relevant.

Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN18263886. Registered 8 November 2016, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN18263886?q=Franchi&filters=&sort=&offset=2&totalResults=2&page=1&pageSize=10
Impact of random oversampling and random undersampling on the performance of prediction models developed using observational health data
Authors: Yang Cynthia , Fridgeirsson Egill A. , Kors Jan A. , Reps Jenna M. , Rijnbeek Peter R.
Published: January 2024

Background

There is currently no consensus on the impact of class imbalance methods on the performance of clinical prediction models. We aimed to empirically investigate the impact of random oversampling and random undersampling, two commonly used class imbalance methods, on the internal and external validation performance of prediction models developed using observational health data.

Methods

We developed and externally validated prediction models for various outcomes of interest within a target population of people with pharmaceutically treated depression across four large observational health databases. We used three different classifiers (lasso logistic regression, random forest, XGBoost) and varied the target imbalance ratio. We evaluated the impact on model performance in terms of discrimination and calibration. Discrimination was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and calibration was assessed using calibration plots.

Results

We developed and externally validated a total of 1,566 prediction models. On internal and external validation, random oversampling and random undersampling generally did not result in higher AUROCs. Moreover, we found overestimated risks, although this miscalibration could largely be corrected by recalibrating the models towards the imbalance ratios in the original dataset.

Conclusions

Overall, we found that random oversampling or random undersampling generally does not improve the internal and external validation performance of prediction models developed in large observational health databases. Based on our findings, we do not recommend applying random oversampling or random undersampling when developing prediction models in large observational health databases.
Extracellular vesicle-derived TP53BP1, CD34, and PBX1 from human peripheral blood serve as potential biomarkers for the assessment and prediction of vascular aging
Authors: Wen Yichao , Chen Haiyang , Wang Yu , Sun Yiqing , Dou Fangfang , Du Xiling , Liu Te , Chen Chuan
Published: January 2024

Background

Vascular aging is an important pathophysiological basis for the senescence of various organs and systems in the human body, and it is a common pathogenetic trigger for many chronic diseases in the elderly.

Methods

The extracellular vesicles (EVs) from young and aged umbilical vein endothelial cells were isolated and identified by qPCR the differential expression levels of 47 mRNAs of genes closely related to aging in the two groups.

Results

There were significant differences in the expression levels of 18 genes (we noted upregulation in PLA2G12A, TP53BP1, CD144, PDE11A, FPGT, SERPINB4, POLD1, and PPFIBP2 and downregulation in ATP2C2, ROBO2, RRM2, GUCY1B1, NAT1-14, VEGFR2, WTAPP1, CD146, DMC1, and GRIK2). Subsequent qPCR identification of the above-mentioned genes in PBMCs and plasma-EVs from the various age groups revealed that the trend in expression levels in peripheral blood plasma-EVs of the different age groups was approximately the same as that in PBMCs. Of these mRNAs, the expression of four genes–PLA2G12A, TP53BP1, OPRL1, and KIAA0895–was commensurate with increasing age. In contradistinction, the expression trend of four genes (CREG1, PBX1, CD34, and SLIT2) was inversely proportional to the increase in age. Finally, by taking their intersection, we determined that the expression of TP53BP1 was upregulated with increasing human age and that CD34 and PBX1 were downregulated with increasing age.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that human peripheral blood plasma-EV-derived TP53BP1, CD34, and PBX1 potentially comprise a noninvasive biomarker for assessing and predicting vascular aging.
Diffusion-weighted-MRI versus PET-CT in assessment of chest wall lesions
Authors: Sabri Youssriah Yahia , Mahmoud Ikram Hamed , Mabrouk Aya Hussein Muhammed , Kahiry Mostafa Ahmed , Abd El-Mageed Mohamed Raafat , El Hinnawy Yasmine Hamdy , Zawam Hossam , Hegazy Amira Aly , Tadros Sally Fouad
Published: January 2024

Background

Chest wall lesions comprise benign and malignant etiologies. Numerous classification systems have been proposed based on etiology, origin site, tissue composition and whether the lesion is benign or malignant. Despite that conventional radiological studies are able to provide detailed information about the tumor morphology such as size, location, and extent tissue characteristics, yet, they cannot reliably differentiate benign from malignant neoplasms. This study aimed to detect the diagnostic value of diffusion weighted MRI and PET/CT in evaluating chest wall lesions, and in differentiating benign from malignant lesions.

Results

The chest wall lesions were divided into either benign or malignant; 34 cases (47.9%) were diagnosed as benign, while 37 cases (52.1%) were diagnosed as malignant. The mean ADC value of malignant lesions (0.8 ± 0.3 × 10–3 mm2/s) was significantly lower than that of benign lesions (1.3 ± 0.6 × 10–3 mm2/s). This yielded statistically significant results with cut off value of 1.25 × 10–3 mm2/s for confident diagnosis and differentiation of benign from malignant lesions, with sensitivity of 91.9%, specificity of 70.6%, positive predictive value of 77.27%, negative predictive value of 88.89% and accuracy of 81.7%. The mean SUV of malignant lesions (14.2 ± 6.1) was significantly higher than that of benign lesions (1.5 ± 1.3). This yielded statistically significant results with cut off value of 2.45 for confident diagnosis and differentiation of benign from malignant lesions, with sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 82.4%, positive predictive value of 86.05%, negative predictive value of 100%, and accuracy of 91.5%.

Conclusions

Both DWI-MRI and PET/CT can reliably differentiate benign from malignant lesions, yet, PET/CT showed higher sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.
Strength properties prediction of RCA concrete via hybrid regression framework
Authors: Yu Linlin
Published: January 2024

High-performance concrete (HPC) is commonly utilized in the construction industry because of its strength and durability. The mechanical properties of HPC, specifically its compressive and tensile strength, are crucial indicators. Accurate prediction of concrete strength is crucial for optimizing the design as well as the performance of concrete structures. In this investigation, a novel approach for strength prediction of HPC is proposed, employing the Support Vector Regression (SVR) algorithm in conjunction with three optimizers: the Slime Mold Algorithm (SMA), Adaptive Opposition Slime Mold Algorithm (AOSM), and Equilibrium Slime Mold Algorithm (ESMA). The SVR algorithm is a robust machine-learning technique that has displayed promising results in various prediction tasks. The utilization of SVR allows for the effective modeling and prediction of the complex relationship between the strength properties of HPC and the influencing factors. To achieve this, a dataset comprising 344 samples of high-performance concrete was collected and utilized to train and assess the SVR algorithm. However, the choice of suitable optimization algorithms becomes crucial to enhance prediction accuracy and convergence speed. Through extensive experimentation and comparative analysis, the proposed framework’s performance is evaluated using real-world HPC strength data. The results demonstrate that combining SVR with AOSM, ESMA, and SMA outperforms traditional prediction accuracy and convergence speed optimization methods. The suggested framework provides an effective and reliable solution for accurately predicting the compressive strength (CS) of HPC, enabling engineers and researchers to optimize the design and construction processes of HPC structures.
Optimizing the printing parameters for dimensional accuracy of distal femur bone by using Taguchi’s method
Authors: Singh Thoudam Kheljeet , Birru Anil Kumar , Singh Khundrakpam Nimo
Published: January 2024

Background

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is a popular additive manufacturing technique with capability of producing complex and integrate shapes. One of the critical aspects of FDM is the dimensional accuracy of 3D (three-dimension) printed model, especially in medical science applications, as proper fit and function with human body can prevent patient’s discomfort, complication or even harm.

Objective

In this research work, the optimisation of print parameters: layer height, nozzle temperature, printing speed, infill pattern and infill density for improving the dimensional accuracy of distal femur bone, an irregular and complex shaped geometry is carried out using Taguchi’s method and to study its influence using ANOVA (analysis of variance).

Methodology

3D CAD (computer-aided design) model of the distal femur bone is generated from a CT (computerized tomography) scan using 3D slicer and its associated errors are corrected using Ansys SpaceClaim. The model is prepared for printing using Ultimaker Cura as per L16 orthogonal array experimental layout where TEA (trans epicondylar axis), which is the distance between the most prominent point of the lateral and medial epicondyle, is set at 45° from X-axis in XY plane, i.e. diagonally on the plane of printing bed. It is then printed with PLA (polylactic acid) filament. Length along TEA is compared accordingly with 3D CAD model. Taguchi’s method of ‘smaller the better’ is applied for reducing deviation. Further, ANOVA analysis is done on the data set and a linear regression model is also developed.

Result

Through Taguchi’s method, the optimum parameters were found to be triangle for infill pattern, 200 °C for nozzle temperature, 30 mm/s for nozzle speed, 0.1 mm for layer height and 40% for infill density. ANOVA analysis shows that all parameters contribute significantly with layer height being the most influential parameter, followed by infill pattern, nozzle speed, nozzle temperature and infill density. Mathematical model through multiple linear regression method was developed with determination of coefficient value of 96.91% and standard residual value is within the acceptable range of ± 2 indicating that there is no outliner in the data.
FPGA implementation of an improved envelope detection approach for bearing fault diagnosis
Authors: Rebiai Mohamed , Bengharbia Billel , Maazouz Mohamed , Toumi Yassine
Published: January 2024

This study presents an enhanced envelope detection technique implemented on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to diagnose bearing faults in rotating machinery. Bearing faults frequently result in machinery breakdowns, incurring substantial downtime and maintenance expenses. In our approach, we employ the Teager energy operator (TEO) to extract the vibration signal envelope. Subsequently, we subject the envelope signal to the fast Fourier transform (FFT) to generate the envelope spectrum of the vibration signal. Finally, we further refine the envelope spectrum using TEO for a second time, resulting in a pronounced fault peak that facilitates early fault detection. We evaluate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed method using two distinct types of bearing vibration signals, one being simulated and the other measured. Our findings reveal that the suggested approach outperforms traditional envelope detection methods, leading to a substantially enhanced fault diagnosis capability. For instance, when we assess the characteristic frequency ratio (FCFR) for faults in the inner and outer rings of the bearing using the proposed method, we observe that the FCFR values are significantly elevated, ranging from 160 to 330% higher compared to the analysis performed by the TEO and HT methods. Consequently, this indicates that the proposed approach has the ability to detect faults at an earlier stage than other methods. Furthermore, the FPGA-based implementation makes it suitable for critical industrial applications where rapid fault detection is essential to prevent catastrophic failures.
Association Between Plasma LRG1 and Lower Cognitive Function in Asians With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Low Serena , Moh Angela , Pandian Bhuvaneswari , Tan Xin Li , Pek Sharon , Zheng Huili , Ang Keven , Tang Wern Ee , Lim Ziliang , Subramaniam Tavintharan , Sum Chee Fang , Lim Su Chi
Published: January 2024

Context

Leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, but its association with cognitive function remains unclear.

Objective

Our primary objective is to investigate the longitudinal association between LRG1 and cognitive function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Secondarily, we determine the causal relationship using Mendelian randomization (MR) and the role of arterial stiffness as a potential mediator.

Methods

T2DM patients (n = 1039; age = 64.1 ± 6.4 years) were followed-up for 5.3 ± 1.2 years. Plasma LRG1 was measured at baseline using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Baseline and follow-up cognitive function was assessed using Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). One-sample MR was performed with rs4806985 as plasma LRG1-associated single-nucleotide polymorphism. Mediation analysis was performed to examine if pulse wave velocity (PWV), an arterial stiffness index, mediated the association between plasma LRG1 and follow-up cognitive function.

Results

Elevated baseline natural log (Ln)-transformed LRG1 was inversely associated with baseline and follow-up RBANS total score with adjusted coefficients −1.38 (95% CI −2.55 to −.21; P = .021) and −1.38 (95% CI −2.70 to −.07; P = .039), respectively. Genetically predicted higher levels of plasma LRG1 was associated with lower follow-up RBANS total score with coefficient −7.44 (95% CI −14.14 to −.74; P = .030) per unit increase in LnLRG1. Higher PWV accounted for 27.7% of the association between LnLRG1 and follow-up RBANS total score.

Conclusion

Baseline plasma LRG1 was associated with lower cognitive function at follow-up in patients with T2DM, mediated by PWV. MR analysis provided evidence of an association between genetically influenced plasma LRG1 and lower cognitive function at follow-up.
Defining and Identifying Only Children: A Research Note on the Concept and Measurement Illustrated With UK Survey Data
Authors: Chanfreau Jenny , Goisis Alice
Published: January 2024

Despite increasing interest in the circumstances and outcomes of only children in the demographic literature, the conceptualization of this group has received limited scholarly attention. This research note argues for greater engagement by demographers and social scientists in the conceptualization and identification of only children by addressing three aims. First, we outline potential definitions of only children, present a framework to guide researchers' decisions, and evaluate whether only children can be reliably identified using the British birth cohort studies. Second, we show that the prevalence estimates are contingent on the timing of measurement in childhood, indicating the need for caution when deriving only-child status from cross-sectional household grid data. Third, we demonstrate that both the size and the characteristics of the only-child group may differ across definitions, highlighting that the accurate operationalization of some definitions is particularly restricted by survey designs that prioritize mothers for data collection on children and families. We argue that researchers interested in sole children's outcomes must choose the most appropriate measure for a given research question and, given that many datasets limit how accurately any indicator of only children can capture the chosen definition, reflect on how the operationalization of their measure might affect the results.
Columbo
Authors: Hastie Amelie
Published: January 2024

For decades, generations of television fans have been enraptured by Lt. Columbo, played by Peter Falk, as he unravels clues to catch killers who believe they are above the law. In her investigation of the 1970s series cocreated by Richard Levinson and William Link, Amelie Hastie explores television history through an emphasis on issues of stardom, authorship, and its interconnections with classical and New Hollywood cinema. Through close textual analysis, attentive to issues of class relations and connections to other work by Falk as well as Levinson and Link, Columbo: Make Me a Perfect Murder sees American television as an intertextual system, from its origins as a commercial broadcast medium to its iterations within contemporary streaming platforms. Ultimately, Hastie argues, in the titular detective’s constant state of learning about cultural trends and media forms, Columbo offers viewers the opportunity to learn with him and, through his tutelage, to become detectives of television itself.
Doctors with Borders
Authors: Dunford Lu-Vada
Published: January 2024

This paper presents the real case of a military surgeon who is the only one working at a small hospital in Iraq. The military surgeon can only operate on one wounded soldier due to limited medical resources. The first wounded soldier to arrive is the enemy. The second wounded soldier to arrive shortly after the enemy is a compatriot. Both soldiers will die without lifesaving surgery. The military surgeon is ordered by his superior not to operate on the enemy. Under the Geneva Conventions, physician-soldiers are legally required to give medical attention impartially. The only exception is urgent medical need. Both soldiers, friend and foe, have an urgent medical need. Dual-loyalty dilemmas such as this one can arise for military medical practitioners when loyalty to patients comes into conflict with loyalty to third parties such as the state. In this paper, several solutions to the dual-loyalty dilemma are considered and rejected. Solutions to the dual-loyalty dilemma ultimate fail because they rest on the physician-as-healer model which grounds contemporary medical ethics. The view that the ultimate objective of physicians and medicine is winning battles is defended. Physicians are non-neutral and partial fighters who sometimes must do harm. Medicine is a weapon that physicians use to fight an enemy. The only relevant differences between a soldier and physician are the kind of enemy, location of the enemy, and the type of weapons used against the enemy. The paper concludes that physician-soldiers are doctors with borders. There is no dual-loyalty dilemma on the physician-as-fighter model. The military surgeon should obey his orders and not operate on the enemy. Implications of the physician-as-fighter model for mass casualty triage and physician-soldier participation in non-lethal weapons development are considered.
Exploring Enhanced Military Ethics and Legal Compliance through Automated Insights: An Experiment on Military Decision-making in Extremis
Authors: Lekea Ioanna , Lekeas George , Topalnakos Pavlos
Published: January 2024

Numerous factors are known to impact human decision-making: fatigue, stress, fear, sleep deprivation, organizational culture, ethics, and even substances consumed, among others. Making decisions within the context of a military operation poses exceptional challenges. Time constraints are consistently tight, and military personnel often contend with physical and mental exhaustion, along with substantial stress and fear. Our proactive strategies for addressing these hurdles predominantly revolve around educating military personnel, incorporating both theoretical training and immersive simulations that may include different types of war games, role playing and VR applications that mimic real-world challenges. However, can we extend our efforts further to ensure that military personnel surmount difficulties and consistently make morally and legally sound decisions amidst exceptional situations? Moreover, where does trust lie: in the insights of a comrade, a commanding officer, or the guidance provided by sophisticated algorithms and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems? Could AI potentially outperform human guidance when it comes to elevating the ethical and legal discernment of military personnel amid the intensity of combat situations?
Autonomy, Enlightenment, Justice, Peace – and the Precarities of Reasoning Publically
Authors: Westphal Kenneth R.
Published: January 2024

The First World War was supposed to end all wars, though soon followed WWII. Since 1945 wars continued to abound; now we confront a real prospect of a third world war. Many armed struggles and wars arise in attempts to end repressive government; still more are fomented by repressive governments, few of which acknowledge their repressive character. It is historically and culturally naive to suppose that peace is normal, and war an aberration; war, preparations for war and threats of war belong to ‘normal’ human life. Our tolerance, acceptance or fostering of such repeated injustices and atrocities indicate pervasive failures to understand fundamentals of justice, and what we owe morally to ourselves and to all others, together with our responsibilities to preserve the biosphere, not merely our own store(s) of reserves. As matters both of justice and prudence we must re-orient ourselves, individually and collectively, to promote justice, peace and ecological responsibilities by identifying and instituting just forms of social cooperation, domestically and internationally. All of these are our problems, whether we recognize them or continue our pervasive negligence. We urgently require cogent understanding of the social dimensions of human judgment, rational assessment, right action, and public reason. This requires understanding (inter alia) how Kant’s explication of rational judgment and justification is fundamentally social, how these features of rational judgment and justification are constitutive of Kant’s account of individual autonomy, and how they are central to Kant’s account of proper public use of reason. Reasoning publically remains precarious, not because – as often alleged – the ‘Enlightenment project’ has failed. It has not failed, it has been thwarted, and in our public responsibilities we have too often failed it.
Robotic Virtue, Military Ethics Education, and the Need for Proper Storytellers
Authors: Syse Henrik , Cook Martin
Published: January 2024

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) challenges much of our traditional understanding of military ethics. What virtues and what sort of ethics education are needed as we move into an ever more AI-driven military reality? In this article we suggest and discuss key virtues that are needed, including the virtue of prudence and the accompanying virtue of good and proper storytelling. We also reflect on the ideal of “explainable AI,” and philosophize about the role of fear in helping us understand what is actually at stake in a military infused with AI-enabled and AI-driven weapons.
Machiavelli and Tocqueville on War and Armies
Authors: Tegos Spyridon
Published: January 2024

In the Democracy in America’s chapters on war and armies in the transition from the aristocratic to the democratic social state (état social), Tocqueville briefly draws on Machiavelli regarding the conquest of a country with or without intermediary powers between political leadership and the people by which he primarily understands the existence of local nobilities. In this reference, Tocqueville is quick to express skepticism about the overstated importance of Machiavelli in the history of political philosophy. In different places of his work though a more mitigated stance is documented. A comparative approach of Machiavelli and Tocqueville on war may seem odd, even inappropriate. In this paper I argue that the “brief encounter,” in Melvin Richter’s terms, of Tocqueville with Machiavelli can be fruitfully explored in order to make sense of the key importance for modern warfare of the collapse of nobility in Europe. Concomitantly, Machiavelli ‘s intuitions about conquering an absolutist state without intermediary powers compared to a state endowed with “prince” and “barons” can be further elaborated to better grasp its impact on wars including civil strife. In this paper I first explore Machiavelli’s perception of the intermediary powers in conquest and broadly in warfare paying due attention to the importance for the preservation of liberty of latent or open civil discord between social powers or classes; then I turn to Tocqueville’s rich analysis of the transformation of modern warfare due to democratic centralization and obsession with private welfare. Democratic armies constantly challenge democratic liberty and they can sometimes successfully albeit perversely integrate democratic ambition and turn it against democracy. I conclude with some reflections on the connection between war and politics regarding latent civil conflicts in democracies.
Διεγχειρητική στοχευμένη χορήγηση υγρών, με χρήση μη επεμβατικού monitoring της καρδιακής παροχής (Nexfin HD monitor)
Authors: Φαλάρα Αρετή
Published: January 2024

Τα κατάγματα ισχίου αποτελούν μια από τις πιο συχνές κακώσεις που οδηγούν τους ηλικιωμένους ασθενείς στο χειρουργείο και σχετίζονται με υψηλά ποσοστά νοσηρότητας και θνητότητας. Μια πλευρά της διεγχειρητικής διαχείρισης αυτών των ασθενών, η οποία θα μπορούσε να παίξει ευεργετικό ρόλο στην ελάττωση των μετεγχειρητικών επιπλοκών είναι η στοχευμένη χορήγηση υγρών (Goal Directed Fluid Therapy - GDFT ). Στην κλινική δοκιμή μας, μελετήσαμε εάν και κατά πόσο η στοχευμένη χορήγηση υγρών με βάση αιμοδυναμικούς δείκτες και μέσω μιας απόλυτα μη επεμβατικής μεθόδου, έχει θετική επίδραση στη συνολική έκβαση ηλικιωμένων ασθενών που υποβάλλονται σε χειρουργική αποκατάσταση καταγμάτων ισχίου, υπό περιοχική αναισθησία. Πραγματοποιήσαμε μια μονοκεντρική, προοπτική μελέτη σε σύνολο 60 ασθενών, οι οποίοι οδηγήθηκαν στο χειρουργείο για αποκατάσταση καταγμάτων ισχίου υπό περιοχική (υπαραχνοειδή) αναισθησία. Με τυχαίο τρόπο (μέσω της επιλογής ενός κλειστού φακέλου), οι ασθενείς τοποθετήθηκαν είτε στην ομάδα ελέγχου είτε στην ομάδα στοχευμένης χορήγησης υγρών (ομάδα GDFT). Στην ομάδα ελέγχου, η διεγχειρητική χορήγηση υγρών γινόταν βάσει των εκτιμήσεων του υπεύθυνου αναισθησιολόγου, με στόχο την διατήρηση της ΜΑΠ>65mmHg. Στην ομάδα στοχευμένης χορήγησης, η διεγχειρητική χορήγηση υγρών καθοδηγούταν από αλγόριθμο που λάμβανε υπ' όψιν του τις μεταβολές του όγκου παλμού των ασθενών, μέσω του Nexfin monitor. Πρωτογενώς, μελετήσαμε τη διάρκεια του χρόνου νοσηλείας μετά την χειρουργική επέμβαση και την εμφάνιση επιπλοκών κατά τη διάρκεια της μετεγχειρητικής περιόδου. Δευτερευόντως, διερευνήσαμε την πιθανότητα εμφάνισης διεγχειρητικών υποτασικών επεισοδίων (ΜΑΠ<65mmHg) και στις δύο ομάδες ασθενών αλλά και την αναγκαιότητα χορήγησης αγγειοδραστικών παραγόντων με στόχο την υποστήριξη της αρτηριακής πίεσης κατά τη διάρκεια της επέμβασης. Τα δημογραφικά και σωματομετρικά χαρακτηριστικά ήταν παρόμοια μεταξύ των ασθενών των δύο ομάδων. Το ίδιο ίσχυσε και όσον αφορά στη διάρκεια της επέμβασης στην οποία υποβλήθηκαν αλλά και στην συνολική ποσότητα των υγρών και των μονάδων αίματος που έλαβαν διεγχειρητικά. Οι ασθενείς της ομάδας GDFT είχαν μικρότερη ανάγκη χορήγησης αγγειοδραστικών παραγόντων κατά την διάρκεια της επέμβασης, εμφάνισαν μικρότερα ποσοστά οξείας νεφρικής βλάβης στην άμεση μετεγχειρητική περίοδο και χρειάστηκε να παραμείνουν στο νοσοκομείο για μικρότερο χρονικό διάστημα μετά την επέμβαση. Η στοχευμένη χορήγηση υγρών – κατευθυνόμενη από απόλυτα μη επεμβατική μέθοδοκατά τη διάρκεια χειρουργικής αποκατάστασης καταγμάτων ισχίου σε ηλικιωμένους ασθενείς υπό περιοχική αναισθησία, ελαττώνει τη συνολική διάρκεια νοσηλείας και την πιθανότητα εμφάνισης μετεγχειρητικής οξείας νεφρικής βλάβης. Επιπρόσθετα συμβάλλει στην ελάττωση της ανάγκης χορήγησης αγγειοδραστικών παραγόντων με στόχο την υποστήριξη της διεγχειρητικής αιμοδυναμικής κατάστασης των ασθενών.
“Mantle of the Expert” & the Distal Method: Enhancing Tennis Training
Authors: Papageorgiou Konstantinos
Published: January 2024

This paper explores the application of the “mantle of the expert” technique, a concept rooted in theatre pedagogy, to tennis training, within the Distal Method framework. It delves into the technique's potential to enhance technical understanding, knowledge of rules, and the dynamics of the coach-athlete relationship. The paper discusses the philosophical and epistemological underpinnings of this approach, emphasizing its implications in learning and knowledge acquisition in sports. It also outlines practical steps for implementation across various age groups and skill levels, considering the developmental aspects of learners. The paper concludes by highlighting the need for future research at the intersection of theatre pedagogy, sports training, and the Distal Method.
Creating cloud platforms for supporting FAIR data management in biomedical research projects.
Authors: Jentsch Marcel , Schneider-Lunitz Valentin , Taron Ulrike , Braun Martin , Ishaque Naveed , Wagener Harald , Conrad Christian , Twardziok Sven
Published: January 2024

Biomedical research projects are becoming increasingly complex and require technological solutions that support all phases of the data lifecycle and application of the FAIR principles. At the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), we have developed and established a flexible and cost-effective approach to building customized cloud platforms for supporting research projects. The approach is based on a microservice architecture and on the management of a portfolio of supported services. On this basis, we created and maintained cloud platforms for several international research projects. In this article, we present our approach and argue that building customized cloud platforms can offer multiple advantages over using multi-project platforms. Our approach is transferable to other research environments and can be easily adapted by other projects and other service providers.