bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo quantitative MRI: T1 and T2 measurements of the human brain at 0.064 T
Authors: Jordanova Kalina V. , Martin Michele N. , Ogier Stephen E. , Poorman Megan E. , Keenan Kathryn E.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To measure healthy brain $${T}_{1}$$

T
1

and $${T}_{2}$$

T
2

relaxation times at 0.064 T.

Materials and methods

$${T}_{1}$$

T
1

and $${T}_{2}$$

T
2

relaxation times were measured in vivo for 10 healthy volunteers using a 0.064 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and for 10 test samples on both the MRI and a separate 0.064 T nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system. In vivo $${T}_{1}$$

T
1

and $${T}_{2}$$

T
2

values are reported for white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for automatic segmentation regions and manual regions of interest (ROIs).

Results

$${T}_{1}$$

T
1

sample measurements on the MRI system were within 10% of the NMR measurement for 9 samples, and one sample was within 11%. Eight $${T}_{2}$$

T
2

sample MRI measurements were within 25% of the NMR measurement, and the two longest $${T}_{2}$$

T
2

samples had more than 25% variation. Automatic segmentations generally resulted in larger $${T}_{1}$$

T
1

and $${T}_{2}$$

T
2

estimates than manual ROIs.

Discussion

$${T}_{1}$$

T
1

and $${T}_{2}$$

T
2

times for brain tissue were measured at 0.064 T. Test samples demonstrated accuracy in WM and GM ranges of values but underestimated long $${T}_{2}$$

T
2

in the CSF range. This work contributes to measuring quantitative MRI properties of the human body at a range of field strengths.
When it rains it pours? A time-series approach to the relationship between homicide and other adverse health phenomena
Authors: van Breen Jolien , Liem Marieke
Published: May 2023

Aim

This paper aims to better understand the relationship between homicide and other public health outcomes, by studying their trends over time.

Subject and methods

Research in both criminology and public health has long identified that crime and violence tend to cluster together with adverse phenomena in the social and health domains. However, such work has relied primarily on cross-sectional analyses. Here, we instead study trends over time. We take data from the Netherlands, between 2000 and 2020, and ask whether homicide shows similar trends over time as other public health phenomena – such as smoking behaviour, alcohol use, child mortality, adolescent pregnancies, and suicide.

Results

We observe, first, that all of the phenomena – with the exception of suicide – declined over the period under study. We then employ a time series analysis to examine whether these trends arise independently, or whether they are the result of structural similarities between phenomena. Results showed that the decline in homicide rates is linked to a similar decline in adolescent pregnancies – the rates of these phenomena ‘move together’ during the period under study.

Conclusion

This work shows that the phenomenon of homicide shares structural similarities with teenage pregnancies – a decline in one is linked to a similar decline in the other. More generally, the current work furthers our understanding of the place of homicide in the domain of (public) health.
Fabrication of polysulfone membranes by blending with polyaniline and cellulose nanocrystals: towards the effective separation of oil-in-water emulsions
Authors: Fahmy Hanan S. , Abouzeid Ragab , El-sadek M. S. Abd , Abdel-Jaber G. T. , Ali W. Y. , Mousa Hamouda M.
Published: May 2023

In the present work, we developed a hybrid membrane via phase inversion process composed from polysulfone (PSF), cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), and polyaniline (PANI) polymers for oil/water separation. Multiple techniques were used to characterize the developed membranes. Results demonstrated that under a gravity-driven process, the blended PSF membrane with CNC and PANI had a greatly higher water flux of 31.10, 29.01 and 29.95 L m−2 h−1 for pure water, soybean water mixture, and diesel water mixture respectively as compared to pure PSF and PSF/CNC membranes. Meanwhile, the water flux values under constant pressure-driven process, high water flux of PSF/CNC/PANI membrane could reach 800 L m−2 h−1 KPa−1 for various types of oils. The results showed ultrafiltration (UF) membrane with good micro-porosity, acceptable hydrophilicity, and good mechanical properties. Moreover, PSF/CNC/PANI membrane possessed high permeability properties at gravity-driven and pressure-driven processes for various oil water mixture separation with oil rejection efficiency (~ 88.2%).
Primary tumor resection or systemic treatment as palliative treatment for patients with isolated synchronous colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases in a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Rijken Anouk , van de Vlasakker Vincent C. J. , Simkens Geert A. , Rovers Koen P. , van Erning Felice N. , Koopman Miriam , Verhoef Cornelis , de Wilt Johannes H. W. , de Hingh Ignace H. J. T.
Published: May 2023

Limited data are available to guide the decision-making process for clinicians and their patients regarding palliative treatment options for patients with isolated synchronous colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases (CRC-PM). Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the outcome of the different palliative treatments for these patients. All patients diagnosed with isolated synchronous CRC-PM between 2009 and 2020 (Netherlands Cancer Registry) who underwent palliative treatment were included. Patients who underwent emergency surgery or curative intent treatment were excluded. Patients were categorized into upfront palliative primary tumor resection (with or without additional systemic treatment) or palliative systemic treatment only. Overall survival (OS) was compared between both groups and multivariable cox regression analysis was performed. Of 1031 included patients, 364 (35%) patients underwent primary tumor resection and 667 (65%) patients received systemic treatment only. Sixty-day mortality was 9% in the primary tumor resection group and 5% in the systemic treatment group (P = 0.007). OS was 13.8 months in the primary tumor resection group and 10.3 months in the systemic treatment group (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that primary tumor resection was associated with improved OS (HR 0.68; 95%CI 0.57–0.81; P < 0.001). Palliative primary tumor resection appeared to be associated with improved survival compared to palliative systemic treatment alone in patients with isolated synchronous CRC-PM despite a higher 60-day mortality. This finding must be interpreted with care as residual bias probably played a significant role. Nevertheless, this option may be considered in the decision-making process by clinicians and their patients.
Preschool children’s conceptions of the meanings and use of written numerals in everyday life: a phenomenographic study of the nature and structure of qualitative variation
Authors: Voutsina Chronoula , Stott Debbie
Published: May 2023

Supporting children’s understanding of the everyday, cultural use of written numerals is highly significant, as it is this understanding that gives meaning to classroom conversations on the purposes of written numbers. This paper presents findings from a phenomenographic study of the qualitatively different ways in which 3–5-year-old children interpret the meanings and use of numerals in everyday contexts. The study involved a volunteer sample of 37 preschool children. With their family’s support, children played a Number Spotting game, taking photographs of numerals in their environments. These photographs were supplemented with other photographs selected by the researchers and used in individual photo-elicitation interviews with children. We collected data on children’s interpretations of a range of examples of numerals used to denote quantity, order and measurement, and numerals used as labels/identifiers. The findings document qualitatively different categories that capture the range of children’s expressed conceptions as well as the critical aspects of variation that underpin how qualitatively different categories of conceptions differ or relate to each other. The study provides original insights into the nature and structure of children’s awareness of the cultural uses of written numerals. The findings can support early mathematics teaching to make meaningful connections between the knowledge that children develop outside of school and the new knowledge about written numbers that they develop in formal education.
Peracetic acid as a disinfectant for wastewater reuse — Regulation (EU) 2020/741 application on a pilot-scale
Authors: Dias Rita , Sousa Diogo , Lourinho Rita , Maurício Rita
Published: May 2023

Water scarcity affects already a large part of the world's population. To overcome this situation, water management is needed, and wastewater reuse must be implemented and included as a new approach. To achieve that objective water quality must comply with the parameters established in the Regulation (EU) 2020/741 of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union and new treatment solutions have to be developed. The main goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the peracetic acid (PAA) disinfection efficiency in a real wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in order to accomplish the wastewater reuse objective. To this end, six disinfection conditions were studied, three PAA doses (5, 10, and 15) and three contact times (5, 10, and 15) based on the commonly used disinfection operational conditions in real WWTP. Comparing the Total Suspended Solids (TSS), turbidity, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5) and Escherichia coli content, after and before the disinfection step, was possible to conclude that PAA ensures the Regulation (EU) 2020/741 requirements and that the disinfected effluent can be reused for several uses. All the conditions in which the PAA dose was 15 mg/L and the condition with 10 mg/L of PAA with a contact time of 15 min were the most promising, presenting the second highest water quality class achieved. The results of this study illustrate the potential of PAA as an alternative disinfectant for wastewater treatment and, bring it closer to the water reuse objective by presenting several possibilities for water uses.
Sām.ṃkhya’s Challenge to the Buddhist Claim of the Identity of a Pramān.ṇa and Its Result
Authors: Łucyszyna Ołena
Published: May 2023

Sāṃkhya, in its commentary Yuktidīpikā, responds to the Buddhist claim that a means of valid cognition (pramāṇa) and a valid cognition (pramā), its result (phala), are identical. The response of Sāṃkhya was pioneering: it is one of the two earliest responses to the Buddhists in the lively polemic on the relationship between a pramāṇa and its result. (The other of these two earliest responses is in the Ślokavārttika by Kumārila Bhaṭṭa.) Sāṃkhya’s voice in this polemic is earlier than that of Nyāya, which is, as well as Mīmāṃsā, the main rival of the Buddhists in addressing this issue. This study provides a translation and detailed reconstruction of the Yuktidīpikā’s polemic with the Buddhist opponent, which has not been researched before, as well as a critical assessment of the Sāṃkhya position. The Yuktidīpikā polemicizes against Dignāga. It aptly questions the standpoint of the Buddhist opponent and presents an alternative standpoint, contrasting its own view with that of the opponent. Though the Sāṃkhya position formulated in the Yuktidīpikā evokes several critical remarks, the Yuktidīpikā’s response is an important contribution to Indian thought.
Current Tensions and Challenges in Mindfulness Research and Practice
Authors: Ainsworth Ben , Atkinson Melissa J. , AlBedah Eman , Duncan Sian , Groot Julia , Jacobsen Pamela , James Amanda , Jenkins Tom A. , Kylisova Katerina , Marks Elizabeth , Osborne Emma L. , Remskar Masha , Underhill Rosalia
Published: May 2023

The field of mindfulness practice and research has expanded over recent years and become more established in the public consciousness. In this paper we explore four key tensions for the mindfulness community to hold in awareness. These include: Mindfulness for me vs. mindfulness for others (an awareness of the loss of the spiritual and collective elements historically essential to mindfulness), Mindfulness for some vs. mindfulness for all (understanding why mindfulness may be more appealing for some more than others), The whole vs. the sum of its parts (the need to understand the mechanisms of mindfulness and still preserve its integrity), and Improving access vs. preserving fidelity (balancing modifications to address issues such as accessibility with retaining core components). Recognising such challenges is a vital aspect of ensuring that mindfulness researchers and practitioners continue to work in a way that retains authenticity and trust within this burgeoning field and helps to support engagement from a diverse range of people across the modern world.
A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Trajectories of Mental Health Problems in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
Authors: Danielsson Henrik , Imms Christine , Ivarsson Magnus , Almqvist Lena , Lundqvist Lars-Olov , King Gillian , Adams Lyngbäck Liz , Andersson Anna Karin , Arnell Susann , Arvidsson Patrik , Augustine Lilly , Brooks Rob , Eldh Maria , Engde Lisa , Engkvist Helena , Gimbler Berglund Ingalill , Green Dido , Huus Karina , Karlsson Charlotte , Lygnegård Frida , Sjödin Linda , Granlund Mats
Published: May 2023

To review the longitudinal trajectories – and the factors influencing their development – of mental health problems in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Systematic review methods were employed. Searches of six databases used keywords and MeSH terms related to children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, mental health problems, and longitudinal research. After the removal of duplicates, reviewers independently screened records for inclusion, extracted data (outcomes and influencing factors), and evaluated the risk of bias. Findings were tabulated and synthesized using graphs and a narrative. Searches identified 94,662 unique records, from which 49 publications were included. The median publication year was 2015. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were the most commonly included population in retrieved studies. In almost 50% of studies, trajectories of mental health problems changed by < 10% between the first and last time point. Despite multiple studies reporting longitudinal trajectories of mental health problems, greater conceptual clarity and consideration of the measures included in research is needed, along with the inclusion of a more diverse range of populations of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Reflections on “place attachment”: perceptions of urban redevelopment in an informal neighborhood in Istanbul
Authors: İnal-Çekiç Tuba , Kozaman-Aygün Senem , Bilen Ömer
Published: May 2023

In the last two decades, urban redevelopment practices in informal settlements in Turkey often neglected inhabitants' spatial practices. The contradictions between conceived and lived space constitutes reactions to these spatial interventions. Against this background, this paper examines the association between place attachment and residents' attitudes toward the redevelopment project in an informally developed neighborhood. Using path and decision tree analysis of survey data, the paper explores the relationship between their attitudes towards and their attachment to the neighborhood. Our findings reveal that individuals' social and physical bonds with their neighborhood shape their attitude toward urban redevelopment. As such, this study confirms the idea that daily interactions between residents reinforce their place attachment in informal settlements where place identity compensates for the (low) quality of life. Still, our findings also demonstrate that residents' identification with the place is a more influential factor, compared to the risk of leaving the neighborhood, on the level of concern against spatial interventions.
Private renters in shared housing: investigating housing conditions and mental well-being in Australia during COVID-19
Authors: Veeroja Piret , Goodall Zoë , Guity-Zapata Nestor Agustin , Stone Wendy
Published: May 2023

Lockdowns were the major policy response to COVID-19 containment in many countries, and subsequently many people spent abnormal amounts of time at home. Research has found that housing conditions affected more peoples’ mental health during the COVID-19 crisis than prior to it, and vulnerable groups were especially affected. One group that may be particularly vulnerable is private renters in shared housing. Using a socio-economic lens, our research examined to what extent mental well-being outcomes were associated with housing conditions in shared housing under COVID-19 restrictions in Australia. Data about private renters were obtained from the Australian Rental Housing Conditions Dataset (n = 1908), collected in mid-2020 during the easing of the first lockdown restrictions. Respondents living in shared arrangements reported higher levels of worry and anxiety (8.5–13.2%) and loneliness and isolation (3.7–18.3%) compared to other household types. Binary logistic regressions showed that COVID-19-related mental and financial well-being variables were the main contributors in COVID-19-related worry/anxiety and loneliness/isolation models. Accumulated housing problems were the only housing condition measure that was significant in the worry/anxiety model. Participants who had more than two people living in a household felt 1.4 times lonelier/isolated compared to those who lived with four or more people. Males and participants who reported good mental health were less likely to feel COVID-19-related worry/anxiety and loneliness/isolation. Our analysis demonstrates the importance of measures for mental health and income during a pandemic and concludes with recommendations of support for shared housing renters during and beyond crisis events.
Bioinformatics analysis of paravertebral muscles atrophy in adult degenerative scoliosis
Authors: Rong Zhigang , Yang Zhong , Zhang Chengmin , Pu Rongxi , Chen Can , Xu Jianzhong , Luo Fei
Published: May 2023

Paravertebral muscles (PVM) act as one of the major dynamic factors to maintain human upright activities and play a remarkable role in maintaining the balance of the trunk. Adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) has become one of the important causes of disability in the elderly population owing to the changes in spinal biomechanics, atrophy and degeneration of PVM, and imbalance of the spine. Previously, many studies focused on the physical evaluation of PVM degeneration. However, the molecular biological changes are still not completely known. In this study, we established a rat model of scoliosis and performed the proteomic analysis of the PVM of ADS. The results showed that the degree of atrophy, muscle fat deposition, and fibrosis of the PVM of rats positively correlated with the angle of scoliosis. The proteomic results showed that 177 differentially expressed proteins were present in the ADS group, which included 105 upregulated proteins and 72 downregulated proteins compared with the PVM in individuals without spinal deformities. Through the construction of a protein–protein interaction network, 18 core differentially expressed proteins were obtained, which included fibrinogen beta chain, apolipoprotein E, fibrinogen gamma chain, thrombospondin-1, integrin alpha-6, fibronectin-1, platelet factor 4, coagulation factor XIII A chain, ras-related protein Rap-1b, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, complement C1q subcomponent subunit A, cathepsin G, myeloperoxidase, von Willebrand factor, integrin beta-1, integrin alpha-1, leukocyte surface antigen CD47, and complement C1q subcomponent subunit B. Further analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) and immunofluorescence showed that the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation signaling pathway plays a major role in the pathogenesis of PVM degeneration in ADS. The results of the present study preliminarily laid the molecular biological foundation of PVM atrophy in ADS, which will provide a new therapeutic target for alleviating PVM atrophy and decreasing the occurrence of scoliosis.
How did the animal come to cross the road? Drawing insights on animal movement from existing roadkill data and expert knowledge
Authors: Cassimiro Isabella M. F. , Ribeiro Milton Cezar , Assis Julia C.
Published: May 2023

Context

Animal movement through the landscape is essential to several ecological processes, assuring genetic flow, reproductive success and population dynamics. In fragmented landscapes, species change their movement patterns according to their sensitivity to landscape cover and configuration. Increased landscape habitat loss and fragmentation affects resource distribution and habitat availability, compelling species to move more frequently through anthropized matrices.

Objectives

Our aim was to provide a new prospect for what is known about animal movement through the landscape anthropogenic matrix in the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot, by analyzing the potential movement distances of several mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species.

Methods

We used recorded roadkills within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest as a source of information of species’ occurrence. We assumed the euclidean distance from the roadkill spot to the nearest forest fragment as the potential movement distance by different species through the anthropogenic matrix. Experts’ classification of species’ forest dependence degree, and animal movement information from the literature survey was used to analyze the variation in potential animal movement distance in these matrices.

Results

We analyzed 90 species, the majority of them being non-forest dependent (n = 64; 71%). The potential movement distances ranged from 0 to > 1500 m, and forest-dependent species presented lower mean distances (between 772 and 978 m) than non-forest dependent species (between 673 and 1015 m). The literature survey resulted in 44 articles regarding animal movement in the matrix, referred only to 22 species. No articles were found for 20 species, mainly reptiles and amphibians.

Conclusions

By comparing these values to the average distance between forest remnants in the Atlantic Forest, we expect that the distance to be traveled through the matrix to reach forest fragments may be restrictive, mainly for species with higher degree of forest dependence. Despite being descriptive, our results provide important insights on animal movement through the matrix, especially for less studied species, such as amphibians and reptiles.
Analysis and effectiveness of deeper levels of SVD on performance of hybrid DWT and SVD watermarking
Authors: Araghi Tanya Koohpayeh , Megías David
Published: May 2023

In this paper, an analysis on hybrid Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) for image watermarking is carried out to investigate the effect of a deeper level of the SVD on imperceptibility and robustness to resist common signal processing and geometric attacks. For this purpose, we have designed two hybrid watermarking schemes, the first one with DWT and first level of SVD, whereas, in the second scheme, the same design is employed with a second level of SVD. In this experiment, a comprehensive analysis is performed on the two designed schemes and the effect of robustness and imperceptibility is compared in the first and second levels of SVD in each DWT sub-band. Having analyzed more than 100 medical and non-medical images in standard datasets and real medical samples of patients, the experimental outcomes show a remarkable increase in both imperceptibility and robustness in the second level of SVD, in comparison to the first level. In addition, the achieved result shows that the SVD2 scheme offers the highest imperceptibility in the LL sub-band (more than 60 dB on average PSNR), with satisfactory robustness against noise attacks, but less persistence in some geometric attacks such as cropping. For the HH sub-band, strong robustness against all types of tested of attacks is obtained, though its imperceptibility is slightly lower than the achieved PSNR in the LL sub-band. In HH sub-band, an average growth of 5 dB in PSNR and 2% in NC can be observed from the second level of SVD in comparison to the first level. These results make SVD2 a good candidate for content protection, especially for medical images.
Direct limits in categories of normed vector lattices and Banach lattices
Authors: Ding Chun , de Jeu Marcel
Published: May 2023

After collecting a number of results on interval and almost interval preserving linear maps and vector lattice homomorphisms, we show that direct systems in various categories of normed vector lattices and Banach lattices have direct limits, and that these coincide with direct limits of the systems in naturally associated other categories. For those categories where the general constructions do not work to establish the existence of general direct limits, we describe the basic structure of those direct limits that do exist. A direct system in the category of Banach lattices and contractive almost interval preserving vector lattice homomorphisms has a direct limit. When the Banach lattices in the system all have order continuous norms, then so does the Banach lattice in a direct limit. This is used to show that a Banach function space over a locally compact Hausdorff space has an order continuous norm when the topologies on all compact subsets are metrisable and (the images of) the continuous compactly supported functions are dense.
The structure of well-being: a single underlying factor with genetic and environmental influences
Authors: Bjørndal Ludvig Daae , Nes Ragnhild Bang , Czajkowski Nikolai , Røysamb Espen
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The structure of well-being has been debated for millennia. Dominant conceptualisations, such as the hedonic and eudaimonic models, emphasise different constituents of the well-being construct. Some previous studies have suggested that the underlying structure of well-being may consist of one or a few general well-being factors. We conducted three studies to advance knowledge on the structure of well-being comprising more than 21,500 individuals, including a genetically informative twin sample.

Methods

In Study 1, we used hierarchical exploratory factor analysis to identify well-being factors in a population-based sample of Norwegian adults. In Study 2, we used confirmatory factor analysis to examine the model fit of the identified factor model in an independent sample. In Study 3, we used biometric models to examine genetic and environmental influences on general well-being factors.

Results

We identified six well-being factors which all loaded on a single higher-order factor. This higher-order factor may represent a general “happiness factor”, i.e. an h-factor, akin to the p-factor in psychopathology research. The identified factor model had excellent fit in an independent sample. All well-being factors showed moderate genetic and substantial non-shared environmental influence, with heritability estimates ranging from 26% to 40%. Heritability was highest for the higher-order general happiness factor.

Conclusion

Our findings yield novel insights into the structure of well-being and genetic and environmental influences on general well-being factors, with implications for well-being and mental health research, including genetically informative studies.
Meta-Inductive Probability Aggregation
Authors: Feldbacher-Escamilla Christian J. , Schurz Gerhard
Published: May 2023

There is a plurality of formal constraints for aggregating probabilities of a group of individuals. Different constraints characterise different families of aggregation rules. In this paper, we focus on the families of linear and geometric opinion pooling rules which consist in linear, respectively, geometric weighted averaging of the individuals’ probabilities. For these families, it is debated which weights exactly are to be chosen. By applying the results of the theory of meta-induction, we want to provide a general rationale, namely, optimality, for choosing the weights in a success-based way by scoring rules. A major argument put forward against weighting by scoring is that these weights heavily depend on the chosen scoring rule. However, as we will show, the main condition for the optimality of meta-inductive weights is so general that it holds under most standard scoring rules, more precisely under all scoring rules that are based on a convex loss function. Therefore, whereas the exact choice of a scoring rule for weighted probability aggregation might depend on the respective purpose of such an aggregation, the epistemic rationale behind such a choice is generally valid.
Occult hepatitis C virus infection in hemodialysis patients who achieved a sustained virological response to directly acting antiviral drugs: is it a concern?
Authors: Naguib Hend , Abouelnaga Shady Fouad , Elsayed Mohamed Mamdouh
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Hepatitis C virus infection is a major health problem in hemodialysis patients. Occult HCV infection is defined as the presence of HCV-RNA in hepatocytes or peripheral blood mononuclear cells without the detection of HCV-RNA in the serum. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of occult HCV infection among hemodialysis patients after treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents.

Methods

This research is a cross-sectional study that included 60 HCV patients maintained on regular HD patients who achieved 24 weeks of sustained virological response after treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents. Real-time PCR was performed to detect HCV-RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results

HCV-RNA was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of three patients (5%). Occult HCV infection cases were treated by Interferon/ribavirin before direct-acting antiviral agents and two of them had raised pre-treatment alanine aminotransferase levels. Logistic regression analyses revealed that high pre-treatment viral load and raised pre-treatment alanine aminotransferase were associated with an increased risk of occult HCV infection with p value of 0.041 and 0.029, respectively.

Conclusions

Occult HCV infection in hemodialysis patients who achieved sustained virological response after treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents may occur, and this may necessitate dual testing for HCV in both serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells to ensure viral clearance.

Clinical trials registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04719338.
Applying simple genomic workflows to optimise practical plant translocation outcomes
Authors: Rossetto Maurizio , Bragg Jason , Brown Dianne , van der Merwe Marlien , Wilson Trevor C. , Yap Jia-Yee Samantha
Published: May 2023

Translocation is an important conservation tool for reducing the probability of extinction of threatened plants. It is also becoming an increasingly common management practice, as habitats are destroyed and climate change pushes more plants beyond the limits of their tolerances. Here we outline the case for informing translocations with dedicated genomic data. We begin by describing principles for using genomic and genetic approaches to enhance the efficiency and success of translocation actions. This includes ensuring that translocated populations are adaptively representative, diverse, and composed (to the greatest possible extent) of unrelated individuals. We then use two Australian case studies to illustrate how these principles have been applied in practice and in a resource-efficient way. For Prostanthera densa, we describe how genomic data have quantitatively informed complex decisions, such as whether, and how extensively, to mix individuals from spatially isolated populations in translocated populations. For Fontainea oraria, genomic data have been used during post-translocation monitoring to confirm that newly established populations incorporate and recombine the little diversity that remained in wild individuals. Overall, we illustrate how a simple workflow can support the development and planning of genomic studies and translocation activities in tandem. In order to ensure greater adoption of translocation genomic workflows, funding bodies in charge of biodiversity management and conservation must direct the necessary resources towards them.
Rethinking Portrait Matting with Privacy Preserving
Authors: Ma Sihan , Li Jizhizi , Zhang Jing , Zhang He , Tao Dacheng
Published: May 2023

Recently, there has been an increasing concern about the privacy issue raised by identifiable information in machine learning. However, previous portrait matting methods were all based on identifiable images. To fill the gap, we present P3M-10k, which is the first large-scale anonymized benchmark for Privacy-Preserving Portrait Matting (P3M). P3M-10k consists of 10,421 high resolution face-blurred portrait images along with high-quality alpha mattes, which enables us to systematically evaluate both trimap-free and trimap-based matting methods and obtain some useful findings about model generalization ability under the privacy preserving training (PPT) setting. We also present a unified matting model dubbed P3M-Net that is compatible with both CNN and transformer backbones. To further mitigate the cross-domain performance gap issue under the PPT setting, we devise a simple yet effective Copy and Paste strategy (P3M-CP), which borrows facial information from public celebrity images and directs the network to reacquire the face context at both data and feature level. Extensive experiments on P3M-10k and public benchmarks demonstrate the superiority of P3M-Net over state-of-the-art methods and the effectiveness of P3M-CP in improving the cross-domain generalization ability, implying a great significance of P3M for future research and real-world applications. The dataset, code and models are available here (https://github.com/ViTAE-Transformer/P3M-Net).
DNA methylation clock DNAmFitAge shows regular exercise is associated with slower aging and systemic adaptation
Authors: Jokai Matyas , Torma Ferenc , McGreevy Kristen M. , Koltai Erika , Bori Zoltan , Babszki Gergely , Bakonyi Peter , Gombos Zoltan , Gyorgy Bernadett , Aczel Dora , Toth Laszlo , Osvath Peter , Fridvalszky Marcell , Teglas Timea , Posa Aniko , Kujach Sylwester , Olek Robert , Kawamura Takuji , Seki Yasuhiro , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Tanisawa Kumpei , Goto Sataro , Kerepesi Csaba , Boldogh Istvan , Ba Xueqing , Davies Kelvin J. A. , Horvath Steve , Radak Zsolt
Published: May 2023

DNAmPhenoAge, DNAmGrimAge, and the newly developed DNAmFitAge are DNA methylation (DNAm)-based biomarkers that reflect the individual aging process. Here, we examine the relationship between physical fitness and DNAm-based biomarkers in adults aged 33–88 with a wide range of physical fitness (including athletes with long-term training history). Higher levels of VO2max (ρ = 0.2, p = 6.4E − 4, r = 0.19, p = 1.2E − 3), Jumpmax (p = 0.11, p = 5.5E − 2, r = 0.13, p = 2.8E − 2), Gripmax (ρ = 0.17, p = 3.5E − 3, r = 0.16, p = 5.6E − 3), and HDL levels (ρ = 0.18, p = 1.95E − 3, r = 0.19, p = 1.1E − 3) are associated with better verbal short-term memory. In addition, verbal short-term memory is associated with decelerated aging assessed with the new DNAm biomarker FitAgeAcceleration (ρ: − 0.18, p = 0.0017). DNAmFitAge can distinguish high-fitness individuals from low/medium-fitness individuals better than existing DNAm biomarkers and estimates a younger biological age in the high-fit males and females (1.5 and 2.0 years younger, respectively). Our research shows that regular physical exercise contributes to observable physiological and methylation differences which are beneficial to the aging process. DNAmFitAge has now emerged as a new biological marker of quality of life.
A majorization–minimization-based method for nonconvex inverse rig problems in facial animation: algorithm derivation
Authors: Racković Stevo , Soares Cláudia , Jakovetić Dušan , Desnica Zoranka
Published: May 2023

Automated methods for facial animation are a necessary tool in the modern industry since the standard blendshape head models consist of hundreds of controllers, and a manual approach is painfully slow. Different solutions have been proposed that produce output in real-time or generalize well for different face topologies. However, all these prior works consider a linear approximation of the blendshape function and hence do not provide a high-enough level of detail for modern realistic human face reconstruction. A second-order blendshape approximation leads to higher fidelity facial animation but generates a non-linear least squares optimization problem with high dimensionality. We derive a method for solving the inverse rig in blendshape animation using quadratic corrective terms, which increases accuracy. At the same time, due to the proposed construction of the objective function, it yields a sparser estimated weight vector compared to the state-of-the-art methods. The former feature means lower demand for subsequent manual corrections of the solution, while the latter indicates that the manual modifications are also easier to include. Our algorithm is iterative and employs a Majorization–Minimization paradigm to cope with the increased complexity produced by adding corrective terms. The surrogate function is easy to solve and allows for further parallelization on the component level within each iteration. This paper is complementary to an accompanying paper (Racković et al. arxiv preprint. https://arxiv.org/abs/2302.04843, 2023) where we provide detailed experimental results and discussion, including highly-realistic animation data, and show a clear superiority of the results compared to the state-of-the-art methods.
Magnetic resonance bone imaging: applications to vertebral lesions
Authors: Tsuchiya Kazuhiro , Gomyo Miho , Katase Shichiro , Hiraoka Sayuki , Tateishi Hidekatsu
Published: May 2023

MR bone imaging is a recently introduced technique, that allows visualization of bony structures in good contrast against adjacent structures, like CT. Although CT has long been considered the modality of choice for bone imaging, MR bone imaging allows visualization of the bone without radiation exposure while simultaneously allowing conventional MR images to be obtained. Accordingly, MR bone imaging is expected as a new imaging technique for the diagnosis of miscellaneous spinal diseases. This review presents several sequences used in MR bone imaging including black bone imaging, ultrashort/zero echo time (UTE/ZTE) sequences, and T1-weighted 3D gradient-echo sequence. We also illustrate clinical cases in which spinal lesions could be effectively demonstrated on MR bone imaging, performed in most cases using a 3D gradient-echo sequence at our institution. The lesions presented herein include degenerative diseases, tumors and similar diseases, fractures, infectious diseases, and hemangioma. Finally, we discuss the differences between MR bone imaging and previously reported techniques, and the limitations and future perspectives of MR bone imaging.
Residual impacts of a wildland urban interface fire on urban particulate matter and dust: a study from the Marshall Fire
Authors: Silberstein Jonathan M. , Mael Liora E. , Frischmon Caroline R. , Rieves Emma S. , Coffey Evan R. , Das Trupti , Dresser William , Hatch Avery C. , Nath Jyotishree , Pliszka Helena O. , Reid Colleen E. , Vance Marina E. , Wiedinmyer Christine , De Gouw Joost A. , Hannigan Michael P.
Published: May 2023

The impacts of wildfires along the wildland urban interface (WUI) on atmospheric particulate concentrations and composition are an understudied source of air pollution exposure. To assess the residual impacts of the 2021 Marshall Fire (Colorado), a wildfire that predominantly burned homes and other human-made materials, on homes within the fire perimeter that escaped the fire, we performed a combination of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) filter sampling and chemical analysis, indoor dust collection and chemical analysis, community scale PurpleAir PM2.5 analysis, and indoor particle number concentration measurements. Following the fire, the chemical speciation of dust collected in smoke-affected homes in the burned zone showed elevated concentrations of the biomass burning marker levoglucosan (medianlevo = 4147 ng g−1), EPA priority toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (median Σ16PAH = 1859.3 ng g−1), and metals (median Σ20Metals = 34.6 mg g−1) when compared to samples collected in homes outside of the burn zone 6 months after the fire. As indoor dust particles are often resuspended and can become airborne, the enhanced concentration of hazardous metals and organics within dust samples may pose a threat to human health. Indoor airborne particulate organic carbon (median = 1.91 μg m−3), particulate elemental carbon (median = .02 μg m−3), and quantified semi-volatile organic species in PM2.5 were found in concentrations comparable to ambient air in urban areas across the USA. Particle number and size distribution analysis at a heavily instrumented supersite home located immediately next to the burned area showed indoor particulates in low concentrations (below 10 μg m−3) across various sizes of PM (12 nm–20 μm), but were elevated by resuspension from human activity, including cleaning.

Graphical Abstract
Romantic Attraction and Insensitivity to Aggressive Cues Among Honor-Oriented Women
Authors: Baughman Kiersten R. , Brown Ryan P.
Published: May 2023

Expectations for behavior that might influence early-stage attraction in romantic relationships are likely to be influenced by cultural values, such as those found in cultures of honor. Honor-based ideals emphasize reputation maintenance and create powerful expectations for the behaviors of men and women. This study sought to examine the role of masculine honor norms in how college women in the southern United States respond to behavioral cues presented by a man in an online dating simulation. Specifically, women who more strongly endorsed masculine honor norms demonstrated an insensitivity to aggressive behavior reported by a man who was a potential romantic partner compared to women who did not endorse these same honor norms. Results indicate that honor-oriented women reported strong romantic interest in a male even when he reveals aggressive actions in his online dating profile. However, women who do not strongly endorse masculine honor norms reported significantly less romantic interest in the aggressive male compared to an otherwise-equivalent non-aggressive male. These results suggest that the impact of honor values on relational patterns can begin as early as the initial attraction stage before any interaction occurs.
Validity and reliability of an opto-electric training system in elite and national level ISSF air rifle shooters
Authors: Bale Jack Harry , Wilkinson Mick
Published: May 2023

The validity of a commonly used optoelectronic training system was examined by identifying the variables that predicted shot score, investigating their ability to discriminate standard, and assessing the predictive variables’ test–retest error. A repeated-measures approach assessed test–retest error, a cross-sectional approach compared standards of shooters and an observational approach examined predictors of shot score. 21 elite and 8 national-standard athletes participated. Multiple linear regression, independent t tests, typical error and coefficient of variation assessed predictors of shot score, discrimination between standards and test–retest error respectively. Stability of aiming predicted 84.2% of the variance in shot score. Six Scatt Expert variables, 10a0, 10a5, 10.0, 10.5, Speed in the last 250 mm, and stability of aiming, discriminated standard (P < 0.05). Test–retest error ranged from a coefficient of variance of 0.72% for 10a0 to 30.69% for Accuracy of Aiming. Stability of aiming had a typical error of 0.55 mm and a coefficient of variance of 13.93%. Results suggest that this optoelectronic training system possesses construct validity if stability of aiming is used as the outcome measure.
Psychometric Assessment of the Applied Mindfulness Process Scale (AMPS) Among a Sample of Women in Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Saba Shaddy K. , Black David S.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The Applied Mindfulness Process Scale (AMPS) is a measure used to quantify the level at which individuals apply learned mindfulness skills during and after a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI). The AMPS was previously developed and validated among individuals with mindfulness experience and in good health. The utility of the AMPS among individuals receiving an MBI for a clinical disorder has not been examined.

Method

We tested the reliability, nomological validity, and incremental validity of the AMPS in a sample of women with substance use disorder (SUD) engaged in an MBI (n=100).

Results

AMPS and its subscales displayed adequate internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha range = 0.80–0.97) at each assessment, and test-retest reliability correlations were small to moderate in magnitude (Spearman’s ρ range = 0.22–0.74). AMPS scores averaged across assessments correlated with conceptually related measures in the expected directions at post-intervention (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, (FFMQ,) r = 0.44, p < 0.01; Perceived Stress Scale, PSS, (PSS) r = −0.30, p < 0.01; Difficulties with Emotion Regulation Scale, (DERS,) r = −0.48, p < 0.01). AMPS explained variance in DERS beyond conventional mindfulness measures (MBI class attendance, mindfulness practice effort, FFMQ) at post-intervention (β = −0.32, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The AMPS broadens the ability to capture behavioral aspects associated with therapeutic change that are distinct from conventional measures of practice quantity and mindfulness disposition. The measure yields predictive value for emotion dysregulation, a common target of MBIs. Factor analytic work is needed in clinical, novice meditator samples.

Preregistration

This study was not preregistered.
Indigenous languages & education: Do we have the right agenda?
Authors: Nakata N. M.
Published: May 2023

The language and cultural priorities in Australian Indigenous education have been priority areas since the inaugural national Indigenous education policy was launched in 1989. For over thirty years, these priorities have sat awkwardly in the largely non-Indigenous teaching profession and classroom teachers continue to struggle with how to embed these priorities into the education process, despite the efforts of Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority and their elaborations for application at curriculum and practice levels. In this article, I suggest that these language and cultural priorities are at cross-purposes with education priorities, and neither have helped to curb the demise of our Indigenous languages nor improved Indigenous students’ educational outcomes.
Being critical of the student achievement problem in Australia
Authors: Skourdoumbis Andrew , Thomas Matthew Krehl Edward , Rawolle Shaun
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a critical exploration of a reported decline in student achievement in Australia (2000–2020). Declining student achievement is framed as symptomatic of broader dysfunction within the education system. The context of declining student achievement is articulated through a Bourdieusian being critical sociology of education. This is achieved using the concepts of illusio and educationalisation as they intersect with Australian schools, in which classroom teachers are given responsibility for solving social and economic ills. As such, due consideration of the goals and commitments to action in the Melbourne Declaration (Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA, 2008), and the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration (Education Council, 2019) is provided. Drawing from these formative documents, the ‘stakes’ that matter are examined highlighting the potential misalignment between equality of opportunity in ameliorating educational disadvantage and the priorities of modern educational discourse.