bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-disaster building damage detection using multi-source variational domain adaptation
Authors: Li Yundong , Yan Yunlong , Wang Xiang
Published: November 2023

Timely detection of building damage after a disaster can provide support and help in saving lives and reducing losses. The emergence of transfer learning can solve the problem of difficulty in obtaining several labeled samples to train deep models. However, some degree of differences exists among different scenarios, which may affect the transfer performance. Furthermore, in reality, data can be collected from multiple historical scenarios but cannot be directly combined using single-source domain adaptation methods. Therefore, this study proposes a multi-source variational domain adaptation (MVDA) method to complete the task of post-disaster building assessment. The MVDA method consists of two stages: first, the distributions of each pair of source and target domains in specific feature spaces are aligned separately; second, the outputs of the pre-trained classifiers are aligned using domain-specific decision boundaries. This method maximizes the relevant information in the historical scene, solves the problem of inconsistent image classification in the current scene, and improves the migration efficiency from the history to the current disaster scene. The proposed approach is validated by two challenging multi-source transfer tasks using the post-disaster hurricane datasets. The average accuracy rate of 83.3% for the two tasks is achieved, obtaining an improvement of 0.9% compared with the state-of-the-art methods.
Earlier detection of occult peritoneal metastasis by Pro_Segment in gastric cancer employing augmented deep learning techniques in big data with medical IoT (MIoT)
Authors: Sendhil R. , Arulmurugan A. , Jose Moses G. , Kaviarasan R. , Ramadoss P.
Published: November 2023

Occult peritoneal metastasis often emerges in sick persons having matured gastric cancer (GC) and is inexpertly detected with presently feasible instruments. Due to the existence of peritoneal metastasis that prevents the probability of healing crucial operation, there relies upon a discontented requirement for an initial diagnosis to accurately recognize sick persons having occult peritoneal metastasis. The proffered paradigm of this chapter identifies the initial phases of occult peritoneal metastasis in GC. The initial phase accompanies metabolomics for inspecting biomarkers. If the sick person undergoes the initial signs of occult peritoneal metastasis in GC, early detection is conducted. Yet, the physical prognosis of this cancer cannot diagnose it, and so, automated detection of the images by dissecting the preoperational Computed Tomography (CT) images by conditional random fields accompanying Pro-DAE (Post-processing Denoising Autoencoders) and the labeling in the images is rid by denoising strainers; later, the ensued images and the segmented images experience the Graph Convolutional Networks (GCN), and the outcome feature graph information experience the enhanced categorizer (Greywold and Cuckoo Search Naïve Bayes categorizer) procedure that is employed for initial diagnosis of cancer. Diagnosis of cancer at the initial phase certainly lessens the matured phases of cancer. Hence, this medical information is gathered and treated for diagnosing the sickness.
Bi-channel hybrid GAN attention based anomaly detection system for multi-domain SDN environment
Authors: Prabu Saranya , Padmanabhan Jayashree
Published: November 2023

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a strategy that leads the network via software by separating its control plane from the underlying forwarding plane. In support of a global digital network, multi-domain SDN architecture emerges as a viable solution. However, the complex and ever-evolving nature of network threats in a multi-domain environment presents a significant security challenge for controllers in detecting abnormalities. Moreover, multi-domain anomaly detection poses a daunting problem due to the need to process vast amounts of data from diverse domains. Deep learning models have gained popularity for extracting high-level feature representations from massive datasets. In this work, a novel deep neural network architecture, supervised learning based LD-BiHGA (Low Dimensional Bi-channel Hybrid GAN Attention) system is designed to learn class-specific features for accurate anomaly detection. Two asymmetric GANs are employed for learning the normal and abnormal network flows separately. Then, to extract more relevant features, a bi-channel attention mechanism is added. This is the first study to introduce an innovative hybrid architecture that merges bi-channel hybrid GANs with attention models for the purpose of anomaly detection in a multi-domain SDN environment that effectively handles real-time unbalanced data. The suggested architecture demonstrates its effectiveness on three benchmark datasets, achieving an average accuracy improvement of 7.225% on balanced datasets and 3.335% on imbalanced datasets compared to previous intrusion detection system (IDS) architectures in the literature.
PS-Merge operator in the classification of gait biomarkers: A preliminary approach to eXplainable Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Sánchez-DelaCruz Eddy , Abdul-Kareem Sameem , Pozos-Parra Pilar
Published: November 2023

Background: Many neurodegenerative diseases affect human gait. Gait analysis is an example of a non-invasive manner to diagnose these diseases. Nevertheless, gait analysis is difficult to do because patients with different neurodegenerative diseases may have similar human gaits. Machine learning algorithms may improve the correct identification of these pathologies. However, the problem with many classification algorithms is a lack of transparency and interpretability for the final user. Methods: In this study, we implemented the PS-Merge operator for the classification, employing gait biomarkers of a public dataset. Results: The highest classification percentage was 83.77%, which means an acceptable degree of reliability. Conclusions: Our results show that PS-Merge has the ability to explain how the algorithm chooses an option, i.e., the operator can be seen as a first step to obtaining an eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI).
Re: Teleology and the Meaning of Life
Authors: Kiritani Osamu
Published: November 2023

This paper amplifies my argument about the meaning of life, using ChatGPT not to be subjective or personal.
The CD147 Epitope on SARS CoV2 and the Spike in Cancer, Autoimmunity and Organ Fibrosis
Authors: Chambers Patrick
Published: November 2023

TNFα in partnership with glycosylated CD147 conspires to create the fertile soil for de novo and recurrent cancer. CD147 is present on the spike protein S (virus or vaccine)[1], despite claims to the contrary[2][3]. These claims have been discredited[4]. Pro and con arguments for the connection between cancer and Covid-19 or its vaccines continue to rage. But the physiologic implications involving TNFα and CD147 discussed in this article are worrisome. A deep dive into the tumor microenvironment (TME) created by the high mannose high glycosylation of CD147 is undertaken.

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibodies and TNFα generated by the virus and/or the vaccine are biomarkers for future LC. Their presence in POTS is 70%. These activate AT1Rs and ADAM17 aka TACE, the enzyme that produces TNFα. This cytokine inhibits mannosidase and leads to the high mannose glycosylation of CD147, TNFα, IL-6, and TGF beta or their receptors, which appears to redirect their pleiotropic functions. High mannose glycosylation of CD147 drives the production of IL-17 and IFN gamma closely linked to autoimmune disease. TGF beta is linked to organ fibrosis. The TME created by these redirected cytokines spawns epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer associated fibrosis (CAF), tumorigenesis, and metastasis. TNFα is associated with aggressive forms of colon cancer and Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and levels are elevated when vitamin D and magnesium are deficient. TNBC (15% of breast cancers, but the most aggressive form) is especially prominent in the obese and in young (less than 40) African American and Hispanic women. Specific recommendations for prevention and therapy include D-mannose.
Akomodasi Hukum Yang Hidup Dalam Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Pidana Nasional Menurut Perspektif Asas Legalitas
Authors: Yanto Andri , Hikmah Faidatul
Published: November 2023

Akomodasi hukum yang hidup dalam sistem hukum pidana nasional merupakan orientasi penting dalam pembaruan hukum pidana pasca ditetapkanya UU No. 1 Tahun 2023 tentang KUHP. Perubahan ini ditujukan guna mengintegrasikan hukum yang hidup sebagai instrumen dalam mencapai keadilan substantif di Indonesia. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode yuridis-normatif dan pendekatan peraturan perundang-undangan, secara spesifik dengan mengelaborasi Pasal 2 UU No. 1 Tahun 2023 tentang KUHP dan menelaah pengaturan akomodasi hukum yang hidup menggunakan perspektif asas legalitas. Asas legalitas dipilih sebagai cara pandang karena merupakan pilar utama dalam sistem hukum pidana modern yang menjamin kepastian hukum. Hasil penelitian ini terbagi menunjukan bahwa formulasi hukum yang hidup dalam KUHP telah sesuai dengan konsep asas legalitas, yang ditunjukan melalui proses pelembagaan dan normatisasi hukum adat dalam bentuk peraturan daerah. Mekanisme pelembagaan hukum adat yang diatribusikan oleh KUHP Nasional dalam Peraturan Pemerintah menjadikan hukum adat sebagai sumber norma yang berkepastian, namun memiliki prosedur penegakan hukum tersendiri yang dijalankan oleh masyarakat hukum adat. Format ini linear dengan penerapan Qanun di Aceh, sebagai preseden pemberlakuan hukum yang hidup dalam KUHP Nasional. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah memberikan gambaran komprehensif terkait perspektif asas legalitas dalam akomodasi hukum yang hidup dalam KUHP, sehingga dapat menjadi pedoman bagi pemangku kebijakan dalam memformulasikan strategi implementasi KUHP dalam kehidupan bermasyarakat di Indonesia.
ТЕОРЕТИЧНІ ЗАСАДИ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ СУТНОСТІ ЦИФРОВОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ
Authors: Дуляба Наталія , Обрамич Орест
Published: November 2023

Стаття присвячена актуальним питанням визначення сутності цифрової безпеки підприємств. Визначено місце цифрової безпеки в сукупності безпеки підприємства. Наведено основні ризики та перешкоди розвитку підприємства, спричинені посилення цифровізації та зумовлені поширення інформації, застосуванням різноманітного програмного забезпечення і комп’ютерної техніки. Визначено, що такі ризики та загрози спричиняють необхідність формування цифрової безпеки підприємства. На основі проаналізованих досліджень науковців щодо визначення сутності цифрової безпеки, сформовано авторське бачення досліджуваного явища, яке передбачає поєднання інформаційної та кібербезпеки. Авторами доведено можливості забезпечення цифрової безпеки підприємства шляхом створення можливостей безпечного використання, зберігання та передавання інформації при застосуванні безпечних засобів її передачі, обробки та зчитування.
Exploring barriers to living donor kidney transplant for African, Caribbean and Black communities in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario: a qualitative study protocol
Authors: Edwards Beth , Marshall Lydia-Joi , Ahmadzadeh Ghazaleh , Ahmed Ranie , Angarso Lydia , Balaji Shilpa , Okoh Princess , Rogers Emma , Neves Paula , Boakye Priscilla , Gill Jagbir , James Carl Everton , Mucsi Istvan
Published: November 2023

Introduction Living donor (LD) kidney transplant (KT) is the best treatment option for many patients with kidney failure as it improves quality of life and survival compared with dialysis and deceased donor KT. Unfortunately, LDKT is underused, especially among groups marginalised by race and ethnicity. African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) patients are 60%–70% less likely to receive LDKT in Canada compared with white patients. Research from the USA and the UK suggests that mistrust, cultural and generational norms, access, and affordability may contribute to inequities. To date, no Canadian studies have explored the beliefs and behaviours related to LDKT in ACB communities. Research approaches that use a critical, community-based approach can help illuminate broader structural factors that may shape individual beliefs and behaviours. In this qualitative study, we will investigate barriers to accessing LDKT in ACB communities in the Greater Toronto Area, to enhance our understanding of the perspectives and experiences of ACB community members, both with and without lived experience of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods and analysis Hospital-based and community-based recruitment strategies will be used to recruit participants for focus groups and individual interviews. Participants will include self-identified ACB individuals with and without experiences of CKD and nephrology professionals. Collaboration with ACB community partners will facilitate a community-based research approach. Data will be analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and critical race theory. Findings will be revised based on feedback from ACB community partners.

Ethics and dissemination This study has been approved by the University Health Network Research Ethics Board UHN REB file #15-9775. Study findings will contribute to the codevelopment of culturally safe and responsive educational materials to raise awareness about CKD and its treatments and to improve equitable access to high-quality kidney care, including LDKT, for ACB patients.
Penerapan Model Inkuiri Terbimbing untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis dan Sikap Ilmiah Siswa dalam Pembelajaran IPA Siswa Kelas V SDN 9 Bengkulu Tengah
Authors: Julimah Julimah Julimah , Winarni Endang Widi , Hmbali Daimun Hambali
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan aktivitas, kemampuan berpikir kritis, dan sikap ilmiah siswa pembelajaran IPA melalui model inkuiri terbimbing di kelas V SDN 9 Bengkulu Tengah. Penelitian yang dilakukan adalah penelitian tindakan kelas (Classroom action research) sebanyak 3 siklus. Instrumen yang digunakan yaitu lembar observasi aktivitas pembelajaran, tes kemampuan berpikir kritis, dan lembar observasi sikap ilmiah. Hasil yang dicapai dalam penelitian ini yaitu: (1) aktivitas pembelajaran siklus I sebesar 63,64% dengan kategori Cukup, siklus II sebesar77,27% dengan kategori Baik, dan siklus III sebesar 90,91% dengan kriteria Sangat Baik; (2) kemampuan berpikir kritis untuk indikator memfokuskan pertanyaan siklus I sebesar 76,25%, siklus II sebesar 86,25%, dan siklus III sebesar 95%, indikator menjelaskan secara sederhana siklus I sebesar 58,33%, siklus II sebesar 72,50%, dan siklus III sebesar 76,67%, indikator membangun keterampilan dasar siklus I sebesar 60%, siklus II sebesar 81,67%, dan siklus III sebesar 88,33%, indikator menyimpulkan siklus I sebesar 91,25%, siklus II sebesar 97,50%, dan siklus III sebesar 100%; (3) sikap ilmiah siklus I untuk indikator rasa ingin tahu yang tinggi sebesar 76,20%, siklus II sebesar 79,30%, dan siklus III sebesar 82,95% siklus I untuk indikator ulet dan tidak putus asa siklus I sebesar 76,45%, siklus II sebesar 79,40%, dan siklus III sebesar 83,80%, indikator kreatif siklus I sebesar 72,85%, siklus II sebesar 77,05%, dan pada siklus III sebesar 82,95%. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa penerapan model inkuiri terbimbing dapat meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kritis dan sikap ilmiah siswa Kelas V SDN 9 Bengkulu Tengah.
Pengaruh Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Project Based Learning (PJBL) terhadap Hasil Belajar Kognitif Siswa pada Mata Pelajaran IPA di Kelas V SD Negeri 5 Kota Bengkulu
Authors: Apriany Wiki Apriany , Winarni Endang Widi , Muktadir Abdul Muktadir
Published: November 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui kualitas projek yang dihasilkan siswa setelah penerapan model pembelajaran PjBL pada mata pelajaran IPA kelas V SDN 5 Kota Bengkulu dan untuk mengetahui pengaruh model pembelajaran PjBL terhadap hasil belajar kognitif siswa yang terdiri dari level pemahaman, penerapan, dan penalaran. Jenis penelitan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini eksperimen semu dengan desain “The matching only pretestposttest control group design”. Sampel penelitian terdiri dari 76 siswa SDN 05 sebagai kelas eksperimen dan SDN 20 sebagai kelas control. Instrument penelitian ini yaitu lembar penilaian kualitas proyek dan soal tes. Data hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa; (1) Kualitas projek yang dihasilkan siswa setelah penerapan model pembelajaran PjBL adalah baik. Berdasarkan indikator tampilan secara keseluruhan, komposisi bagian-bagian dari ekosistem, projek yang dihasilkan mempunyai estetika tinggi (perpaduan warna, keserasian dalam penempatan objek, kerapian produk), dan kualitas detail tiap-tiap bagian diorama; (2) Terdapat pengaruh model pembelajaran PjBL terhadap hasil belajar kognitif siswa level pemahaman dengan hasil t hitung=3,020 > t tabel 1,66; (3) Terdapat pengaruh model pembelajaran PjBL terhadap hasil belajar kognitif siswa level penerapan dengan hasil t hitung=5,667 > t tabel 1,66; dan (4) Terdapat pengaruh model pembelajaran PjBL terhadap hasil belajar kognitif siswa level penalaran dengan hasil t hitung=0,61 < t tabel 1,66. Berdasarkan data di atas, dapat disimpulkan bahwa secara keseluruhan terdapat pengaruh model pembelajaran PjBL terhadap hasil belajar kognitif siswa pada mata pelajaran IPA.
Post-exercise decrease of plasma hyaluronan: increased clearance or diminished production?
Authors: Hinghofer-Szalkay HG , Mekonen W , Rössler A , Schwaberger G , Lamprecht M , Hofmann P
Published: November 2023

The exercise-induced increase and post-exercise decrease of plasma hyaluronan concentration were studied in human subjects. Six well trained men performed incremental exercise until exhaustion (MAX), intensive (submaximal, SUB) and extensive exercise (moderate, MOD) on a bicycle ergometer, defined as work at 100, 77 and 50 % of maximal oxygen consumption. Hyaluronan was analyzed using a high-sensitivity, proteoglycan-dependent time-resolved immunoassay and hemoglobin, hematocrit and plasma protein levels were assessed using standard laboratory procedures. Compared to resting control levels, the plasma hyaluronan concentration (pHA) increased (p<0.05) by 76 % (65.0±6.1 vs. 37.0±1.0 µg/l) during 15 min MAX, by 44% (56.4±2.6 vs. 39.2±3.8 µg/l) during 30 min SUB and by 27 % (46.3±7.8 vs. 36.4±4.3 µg/l) during 90 min MOD. The increase with time averaged 4.03 %.min-1 during MAX, 1.35%.min-1 during SUB and 0.35 %.min-1 during MOD. After exercise (15 and 30 min), pHA decreased by 43 % below resting levels after MAX (p<0.05) and by 36 % after SUB, respectively. In conclusion, pHA steadily rose with time during physical exertion, with a non-linear increase of concentration/time slope with exercise intensity; second, the magnitude of the post-exercise pHA decrease was proportional to the exercise-induced pHA increase, suggesting elevated hyaluronan clearance with rising plasma levels after physical exertion.
Effectiveness of Bacillus pseudomycoides strain for Biocontrol of Early Blight on tomato plants
Authors: ElSharawy Ahmed A. , Eid Nerhan A. , Ebrahiem Azza M.Y.
Published: November 2023

Alternaria early blight is an air-borne and soil-borne pathogen that cause losses and damages that can reach up to 80% in tomato production. In our work, the immediate antagonistic effect of Bacillus pseudomycoides was inspected against Alternaria early blight of tomato. Bacillus pseudomycoides (Bp1) (OQ629426) gave inhibition efficacy against A. solani growth, being, 74.22 %.  Invitro, Bp1 had the capability to produce the endogenous plant auxin (IAA) it was 18.9 (µg/100 mL), the quantity of GA 9.4 (µg/100 mL), 95.8 μ Deferroxamine mesylate.  Tomato plants treated with B. pseudomycoides registered the least disease severity, being 50 and 40 % in Mancozeb + ALS and Bp1+ ALS treatments with high efficiency to control the severity between 75 and 100 % respectively. Tomato plants treated with B. pseudomycoides showed improved growth characteristics as compared with the untreated control. Plants with bacterial treatment conferred 45.6 cm shoot length, 2.9 (g∕plant) fresh weight and 0.7 (g∕plant) Dry weight. The highest increase in the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) was observed in the infected leaves of tomato plants treated with B. pseudomycoides Bp1 (T4) (4.6, 6.9 m/g f. w.) respectively, followed by treatment of plants with Mancozeb (T3) (3.9, 5.4 m/g f. w.) respectively, compared to other treatments. This study suggested that B. pseudomycoides is a promising biocontrol agent against Alternaria early blight. This bacterium may represent an important source of potential antimicrobial bio-agent against Alternaria early blight disease, also it may play a role in the development of integrated control programs in future studies.
The many faces of pediatric urticaria
Authors: Sekerel Bulent Enis , Ilgun Gurel Deniz , Sahiner Umit Murat , Soyer Ozge , Kocaturk Emek
Published: November 2023

Urticaria is a common disease that can affect individuals of all age groups, with approximately one-quarter of the population experiencing it at least once in their lifetime. Lesions characterized by erythema and itchy hives can appear anywhere on the body. These can vary in size ranging from millimeters to centimeters, and typically clear within 24 h. About 40% of patients with urticaria have accompanying angioedema, which involves localized deep tissue swelling. Urticaria usually occurs spontaneously and is classified into acute and chronic forms, with the latter referring to a condition that lasts for more than 6 weeks. The prevalence of chronic urticaria in the general population ranges from 0.5% to 5%, and it can either be inducible or spontaneous. The most common form of pediatric urticaria is acute and is usually self-limiting. However, a broad differential diagnosis should be considered in children with urticaria, particularly if they also have accompanying systemic complaints. Differential diagnoses of pediatric urticaria include chronic spontaneous urticaria, chronic inducible urticaria, serum sickness-like reaction, urticarial vasculitis, and mast cell disorders. Conditions that can mimic urticaria, including but not limited to cryopyrinopathies, hyper IgD syndrome, Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis and Adenitis (PFAPA), Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPs), and Schnitzler syndrome should also be considered. The many faces of pediatric urticaria can be both easy and confusing. A pragmatic approach relies on clinical foresight and understanding the various forms of urticaria and their potential mimickers. This approach can pave the way for an accurate and optimized diagnostic approach in children with urticaria.
Relationship between wool cortisol, wool quality indices of Australian Merino rams and climatic variables in Tasmania
Authors: Cobb Troy , Hantzopoulou Georgia-Constantina , Narayan Edward
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Australia is the world’s largest producer and exporter of fine wool. External factors (i.e., non-genetic) that affect wool phenotype need to be identified and managed to minimize any negative effects on wool quality. Climatic stress is one external event that can affect wool phenotype, other stressors include shearing, nutrition, disease, pregnancy, and lambing. This study focuses on the relationship between Saxon Merino ram wool phenotype and wool cortisol. The hypotheses had two parts (i) wool cortisol levels would vary seasonally and variations would correlate with wool phenotype (ii) that these seasonal variations would also correlate with thermal indices.

Methods

Cortisol levels in Saxon Merino ram wool samples were determined using a cortisol enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) using polyclonal cortisol antibody. The wool cortisol results were correlated for significance with thermal indices including Temperature Humidity Index [THI] and Chill Index [CI] obtained from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

Results

Part 1 of hypothesis one was supported with wool cortisol showing significant seasonal variation. Part 2 of hypothesis 1 was not supported, with no statistically significant causality present between total wool cortisol levels and the price index of Saxon Merino ram wool. However, there was significant causality between wool cortisol and coarse edge measurement (CEM) of wool. Hypothesis 2, the proposal that thermal indices would impact on wool cortisol was also not supported.

Discussion

It can be concluded that although conclusive causality between total wool cortisol and wool phenotype quality could not be ascertained, there were indirect effects of cortisol levels on wool phenotypes with significant effects on the CEM. The CEM of Merino Saxon ram wool can be manipulated by assessing and managing cortisol levels during the growth cycles of Merino wool, through appropriate nutrition and husbandry procedures stress could be managed.
Grounded source transient electromagnetic 3D forward modeling with the spectral-element method and its application in hydraulic fracturing monitoring
Authors: Huang Xin , Yan Liangjun , Wang Xingyu , Xie Xingbing , Zhou Lei , Cao Xiaoyue
Published: November 2023

A long wire with large current source transient electromagnetic (TEM) monitoring, with a large detection depth, low cost, safety, and environmental protection, has unique advantages in the testing and identification of unconventional reservoir fluid and the evaluation of stimulated reservoir volume. So, the TEM 3D forward modeling method has become a research hotspot. Although the finite-element method (FEM) is a type of numerical algorithm that has been widely applied in three-dimensional (3D) electromagnetic field forward modeling, the efficiency and accuracy of FEM require further improvement in order to meet the demand of fast 3D inversion. By increasing the order of the basis function and adjusting the principle of mesh discretization, the precision of the mixed-order spectral-element (SEM) result will be increased. The backward Euler scheme is an unconditionally stable technique which can ignore the impact of the scale of the time step. To achieve a better description of the nonlinear electromagnetic (EM) response of the grounded source TEM method and to optimize the efficiency and accuracy/precision of the 3D TEM forward modeling method significantly, we proposed the use of 3D TEM forward modeling based on the mixed-order SEM and the backward Euler scheme, which can obtain more accurate EM results with fewer degrees of freedom. To check its accuracy and efficiency, the 1D and 3D layered models are applied to compare the SEM results with the semi-analytical and FEM solutions. In addition, we analyzed the accuracy and efficiency of the SEM method for different types of order basis functions. Finally, we calculated the long-wire source TEM response for a practical 3D earth model of a shale gas reservoir for fracturing monitoring and tested the feasibility of the TEM method in a hydraulic fracturing monitoring area to further demonstrate the flexibility of the SEM method.
Strong association of lumbar disk herniation with diabetes mellitus: a 12-year nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Jing-Xing , Hsu Tzu-Ju , Hsu Shu-Bai , Lin Yu-Hsiang
Published: November 2023

Background

Despite reports on the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and lumbar disk herniation (LDH), large-scale, nationwide studies exploring this relationship are lacking. We aimed to examine the profiles of DM in individuals with LDH and explore the potential mechanisms underlying the development of these disorders.

Methods

This retrospective, population-based study was conducted between 2008 and 2019 using data from the National Health Insurance (NHI) research database in Taiwan. The primary outcome was the date of initial LDH diagnosis, death, withdrawal from the NHI program, or end of the study period.

Results

In total, 2,662,930 individuals with and 16,922,546 individuals without DM were included in this study; 719,068 matched pairs were established following propensity score matching (1:1 ratio) for sex, age, comorbidities, smoking, alcohol consumption, antihyperglycemic medications, and index year. The adjusted risk for developing LDH was 2.33-fold (95% confidence interval: 2.29−2.37; P<0.001), age-stratified analysis revealed a significantly greater risk of LDH in every age group, and both males and females were approximately twice as likely to develop LDH in the DM compared with non-DM cohort. Individuals with DM and comorbidities had a significantly higher risk of developing LDH than those without, and the serial models yielded consistent results. Treatment with metformin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, or alpha-glucosidase inhibitors was associated with a more than 4-fold increased risk of LDH in the DM cohort. DM was strongly associated with the long-term development of LDH; over the 12-year follow-up period, the cumulative risk of LDH was significantly higher in patients with than without DM (log-rank P<0.001).

Conclusion

DM is associated with an increased risk of LDH, and advanced DM may indicate a higher risk of LDH.
Bariatric surgery and mental health outcomes: an umbrella review
Authors: Law Saikam , Dong Shiliang , Zhou Fuqing , Zheng Dexi , Wang Cunchuan , Dong Zhiyong
Published: November 2023

Aims

To evaluate the breadth, depth and effectiveness of the evidence quality of all existing studies on bariatric surgery and mental health outcomes.

Design

Umbrella review of existing Systematic review and meta-analyses.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Liberally databases of Systematic review and meta-analyses, and hand searching the reference lists of eligible publications.

Results

The search identified nine studies and 20 mental health outcomes from 1251 studies. Evidence shows that bariatric surgery is associated with significant improvement in areas such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders (including binge-eating disorder), and there is a significant harmful association with suicide, self-harm and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Among them, the most studied outcome is depression (4 articles). High-quality evidence proves that the score of depressive symptoms can be significantly improved after bariatric surgery within a two-year follow-up period and is not affected by the follow-up time. Low-quality evidence shows that bariatric surgery can significantly reduce depressive symptoms regardless of age and BMI, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.49. Regardless of the postoperative BMI, the anxiety symptoms of women over 40 still decreased significantly, with an OR of 0.58. Regardless of the type of surgery, surgery can significantly reduce the incidence of eating disorders and symptoms. However, there is no obvious change in the follow-up time of AUD in the first two years after bariatric surgery, and the risk increases obviously in the third year, with an OR of 1.825. The evidence of moderate research shows that the risk of suicide and self-harm increases after bariatric surgery. The odds ratios in the same population and the control group were 1.9 and 3.8 times, respectively.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery is beneficial for improving most mental health-related outcomes. However, we should be cautious about the increased risk of adverse mental health after surgery, such as suicide, self-harm, and AUD.
Surface fertilisation and organic matter delivery enhanced carbonate dissolution in the western South Atlantic
Authors: Suárez-Ibarra Jaime Y. , Freire Tiago M. , Frozza Cristiane F. , Pinho Tainã M. L. , Petró Sandro M. , Dias Bruna B. , Chalk Thomas B. , Chaabane Sonia , Srivastava Medhavi , Costa Karen B. , Toledo Felipe A. L. , de Garidel-Thoron Thibault , Coimbra João C. , Pivel María A. G.
Published: November 2023

The last glacial inception was characterised by rapid changes in temperature, atmospheric pCO2, and changes in the water mass geometry of the major ocean basins. Although several climatic feedback mechanisms have been proposed to explain the glacial/interglacial cycles witnessed in the Quaternary, the exact mechanistic responses of these processes are still under constrained. In this study we use proxies including planktonic foraminifera compositional assemblages and oxygen stable isotopes to reconstruct past changes in sea surface productivity, stratification, and carbonate dissolution. We use core SIS-249 (2,091 mbsl, western South Atlantic 30°S 47°W), spanning 30–110 thousand years ago (ka), and currently bathed by modern Northern Component Water. We test existing hypotheses suggesting that the orbital obliquity cycle modulates the biological pump in the study area. Spectral analysis run on our synthesised productivity proxies recognises a ~43 kyr-cycle, related to the obliquity cycle. We propose that the enhanced productivity is produced by two mechanisms: i) the glacial upwelling of subsurface nutrient-rich waters and, ii) the continental (wind-driven dust and riverine outflows) fertilisation of the photic zone, with the latter process being obliquity-paced. We also suggest that not only the increased organic matter export but also a change in its bioavailability (from refractory to labile) led to calcium carbonate dissolution, as the degradation of the more soluble organic matter decreased the pH of the glacial bottom water, partially dissolving the calcium carbonate. Although our correlation analyses show a strong benthic-pelagic coupling through the relation between the enhanced biological pump and carbonate dissolution (ρ<0.05, r=0.80), we cannot reject the potential of corrosive Southern Component Water bathing the site during the glacial. Finally, we highlight that these processes are not mutually exclusive and that both can be modulated by the obliquity cycle.
Comparative analyses of salivary exosomal miRNAs for patients with or without lung cancer
Authors: Liu Mengfeng , Yu Xiran , Bu Jianlong , Xiao Qifan , Ma Sitong , Chen Naozhong , Qu Changfa
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Lung cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Exosomes are involved in different types of cancer, including lung cancer.

Methods: We collected saliva from patients with (LC) or without (NC) lung cancer and successfully isolated salivary exosomes by ultracentrifugation. MiRNA sequencing was implemented for the exosome samples from NC and LC groups, dgeR was used to determine differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs), and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to verify three differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs).

Results: A total of 372 miRNAs were identified based on the sequencing results. Subsequently, 15 DE miRNAs were identified in LC vs. NC, including eight upregulated miRNAs and seven downregulated miRNAs. Some DE miRNAs were validated via qPCR. A total of 488 putative target genes of the upregulated DE miRNAs were found, and the functional analyses indicated that numerous target genes were enriched in the pathways associated with cancer.

Discussion: This suggests that miRNAs of salivary exosomes might have the potential to be used as biomarkers for prediction and diagnosis of lung cancer.
Modulation of vagal activity may help reduce neurodevelopmental damage in the offspring of mothers with pre-eclampsia
Authors: Abarca-Castro Eric Alonso , Talavera-Peña Ana Karen , Reyes-Lagos José Javier , Becerril-Villanueva Enrique , Pérez-Sanchez Gilberto , de la Peña Francisco R. , Maldonado-García José Luis , Pavón Lenin
Published: November 2023

Maternal Immune Activation (MIA) has been linked to the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in the offspring, such as cognitive deficits, behavioral abnormalities, and mental disorders. Pre-eclampsia is associated with an activation of the immune system characterized by persistently elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, as well as a decrease in immunoregulatory factors. The Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway (CAP) may play a relevant role in regulating the maternal inflammatory response during pre-eclampsia and protecting the developing fetus from inflammation-induced damage. Dysregulation in the CAP has been associated with the clinical evolution of pre-eclampsia. Some studies suggest that therapeutic stimulation of this pathway may improve maternal and fetal outcomes in preclinical models of pre-eclampsia. Modulation of vagal activity influences the CAP, improving maternal hemodynamics, limiting the inflammatory response, and promoting the growth of new neurons, which enhances synaptic plasticity and improves fetal neurodevelopment. Therefore, we postulate that modulation of vagal activity may improve maternal and fetal outcomes in pre-eclampsia by targeting underlying immune dysregulation and promoting better fetal neurodevelopment. In this perspective, we explore the clinical and experimental evidence of electrical, pharmacological, physical, and biological stimulation mechanisms capable of inducing therapeutical CAP, which may be applied in pre-eclampsia to improve the mother’s and offspring’s quality of life.
Cancer-associated mesenchymal stem/stromal cells: role in progression and potential targets for therapeutic approaches
Authors: Hazrati Ali , Malekpour Kosar , Mirsanei Zahra , Khosrojerdi Arezou , Rahmani-Kukia Nasim , Heidari Neda , Abbasi Ardeshir , Soudi Sara
Published: November 2023

Malignancies contain a relatively small number of Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), constituting a crucial tumor microenvironment (TME) component. These cells comprise approximately 0.01–5% of the total TME cell population. MSC differentiation potential and their interaction with the tumor environment enable these cells to affect tumor cells’ growth, immune evasion, metastasis, drug resistance, and angiogenesis. This type of MSC, known as cancer-associated mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (CA-MSCs (interacts with tumor/non-tumor cells in the TME and affects their function by producing cytokines, chemokines, and various growth factors to facilitate tumor cell migration, survival, proliferation, and tumor progression. Considering that the effect of different cells on each other in the TME is a multi-faceted relationship, it is essential to discover the role of these relationships for targeting in tumor therapy. Due to the immunomodulatory role and the tissue repair characteristic of MSCs, these cells can help tumor growth from different aspects. CA-MSCs indirectly suppress antitumor immune response through several mechanisms, including decreasing dendritic cells (DCs) antigen presentation potential, disrupting natural killer (NK) cell differentiation, inducing immunoinhibitory subsets like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and Treg cells, and immune checkpoint expression to reduce effector T cell antitumor responses. Therefore, if these cells can be targeted for treatment so that their population decreases, we can hope for the treatment and improvement of the tumor conditions. Also, various studies show that CA-MSCs in the TME can affect other vital aspects of a tumor, including cell proliferation, drug resistance, angiogenesis, and tumor cell invasion and metastasis. In this review article, we will discuss in detail some of the mechanisms by which CA-MSCs suppress the innate and adaptive immune systems and other mechanisms related to tumor progression.
Long-term trends in functional diversity of exploited marine fish in the Azores’ archipelago: past and present
Authors: Costa Eudriano F. S. , Campanyà-Llovet Neus , Cuvelier Daphne , Menezes Gui M. , Colaço Ana
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Effective fisheries management requires monitoring and quantifying changes in exploited fish communities. Concerns about global fisheries sustainability have led to innovative approaches. Functional diversity, rooted in ecological theory, offers valuable insights into fishery activities and ecosystem processes. A trait-based approach was used to investigate the functional diversity of landed fish species in the Azores archipelago from 1980 to 2021.

Methods

Landings data of exploited Actinopterygii and Elasmobranchii were provided by the Azores Fisheries Auction Services (LOTAÇOR/OKEANOS-UAc Fisheries Database). A trait matrix was built, incorporating 12 functional traits assigned to each species, capturing their importance in marine ecological processes. The Quickhull algorithm for convex hull was employed to calculate the volume occupied by the species in the four-dimensional functional space. Functional diversity (FD) was measured using three indices: functional richness (FRic), functional evenness (FEve), and functional divergence (FDiv). Trends in FD indices over the past 42 years were visualized using Generalized Additive Models (GAM) with interaction terms.

Results and discussion

GAM analysis revealed significant variations in the functional space and FD metrics over time. FRic exhibited peaks in the 1980s and 2010s, declining in the 1990s and from the 2010s onwards, indicating diversification in target species. The recent decrease in FRic can be attributed to the absence of catches of species with unique traits. The distribution of landings and trait combinations showed higher regularity in the functional space during the 1980s and 1990s (high FEve). Actinopterygii species targeted in the 1980s and 1990s had lower trait divergence (low FDiv) compared to those targeted from the 2000s onwards (high FDiv). Variability in FD can be linked to changes in fishing practices, species availability, market demand, environmental factors, and local regulations. This study underscores the importance of considering FD metrics alongside species richness and abundance when assessing the potential effects of fisheries on marine ecosystems and sustainable use of fishery resources.
An explainable machine learning based prediction model for Alzheimer's disease in China longitudinal aging study
Authors: Yue Ling , Chen Wu-gang , Liu Sai-chao , Chen Sheng-bo , Xiao Shi-fu
Published: November 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. Accurate prediction and diagnosis of AD and its prodromal stage, i.e., mild cognitive impairment (MCI), is essential for the possible delay and early treatment for the disease. In this paper, we adopt the data from the China Longitudinal Aging Study (CLAS), which was launched in 2011, and includes a joint effort of 15 institutions all over the country. Four thousand four hundred and eleven people who are at least 60 years old participated in the project, where 3,514 people completed the baseline survey. The survey collected data including demographic information, daily lifestyle, medical history, and routine physical examination. In particular, we employ ensemble learning and feature selection methods to develop an explainable prediction model for AD and MCI. Five feature selection methods and nine machine learning classifiers are applied for comparison to find the most dominant features on AD/MCI prediction. The resulting model achieves accuracy of 89.2%, sensitivity of 87.7%, and specificity of 90.7% for MCI prediction, and accuracy of 99.2%, sensitivity of 99.7%, and specificity of 98.7% for AD prediction. We further utilize the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) algorithm to visualize the specific contribution of each feature to AD/MCI prediction at both global and individual levels. Consequently, our model not only provides the prediction outcome, but also helps to understand the relationship between lifestyle/physical disease history and cognitive function, and enables clinicians to make appropriate recommendations for the elderly. Therefore, our approach provides a new perspective for the design of a computer-aided diagnosis system for AD and MCI, and has potential high clinical application value.
Low bone mineral density is associated with gray matter volume decrease in UK Biobank
Authors: Kalc Polona , Dahnke Robert , Hoffstaedter Felix , Gaser Christian
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Previous research has found an association of low bone mineral density (BMD) and regional gray matter (GM) volume loss in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We were interested whether BMD is associated with GM volume decrease in brains of a healthy elderly population from the UK Biobank.

Materials and methods

T1-weighted images from 5,518 women (MAge = 70.20, SD = 3.54; age range: 65–82 years) and 7,595 men (MAge = 70.84, SD = 3.68; age range: 65–82 years) without neurological or psychiatric impairments were included in voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis in CAT12 with threshold-free-cluster-enhancement (TFCE) across the whole brain.

Results

We found a significant decrease of GM volume in women in the superior frontal gyri, middle temporal gyri, fusiform gyri, temporal poles, cingulate gyri, precunei, right parahippocampal gyrus and right hippocampus, right ventral diencephalon, and right pre- and postcentral gyrus. Only small effects were found in men in subcallosal area, left basal forebrain and entorhinal area.

Conclusion

BMD is associated with low GM volume in women but less in men in regions afflicted in the early-stages of AD even in a sample without neurodegenerative diseases.
Vestibular function after simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation in adults
Authors: Yokoi Jun , Fujita Takeshi , Uehara Natsumi , Iwaki Shinobu , Kakigi Akinobu , Nibu Ken-ichi
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Binaural hearing enhances speech intelligibility, source localization, and speech comprehension in noisy environments. Although bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) offers several benefits, concerns arise regarding the risk of bilateral postoperative vestibular dysfunction with simultaneous CI. This study aimed to longitudinally evaluate changes in vestibular function in adult patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral CI using minimally invasive electrodes and surgical techniques.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on 10 patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral CI at our hospital. Vertigo symptoms and vestibular function test results were examined preoperatively, 1–6 months postoperatively, and 1 year postoperatively. Nystagmus tests, caloric reflex tests, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) measurements, and static stabilometry were performed as vestibular function tests.

Results

Although an initial transient decline in vestibular function was observed, no significant long-term decline was observed in the caloric reflex test, ocular VEMP (oVEMP), or cervical VEMP (cVEMP). Moreover, regardless of the presence or absence of abnormalities in caloric reflex, oVEMP, or cVEMP, no significant deterioration was detected in the static stabilometer test. While two patients reported preoperative dizziness, all patients were symptom-free 1 year postoperatively.

Discussion

The findings suggest that using current minimally invasive electrodes and surgical techniques in simultaneous bilateral CI leads to temporary vestibular function decline postoperatively. However, most patients experience a recovery in function over time, highlighting the potential safety and efficacy of the procedure. Simultaneous bilateral CI surgery is viable, depending on the patient’s auditory needs and burden.