bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Latent Archetypes of the Spatial Patterns of Cancer
Authors: Menezes Thaís Pacheco , Prates Marcos Oliveira , Assunção Renato , De Castro Mônica Silva Monteiro
Published: October 2024

The cancer atlas edited by several countries is the main resource for the analysis of the geographic variation of cancer risk. Correlating the observed spatial patterns with known or hypothesized risk factors is time‐consuming work for epidemiologists who need to deal with each cancer separately, breaking down the patterns according to sex and race. The recent literature has proposed to study more than one cancer simultaneously looking for common spatial risk factors. However, this previous work has two constraints: they consider only a very small (2–4) number of cancers previously known to share risk factors. In this article, we propose an exploratory method to search for latent spatial risk factors of a large number of supposedly unrelated cancers. The method is based on the singular value decomposition and nonnegative matrix factorization, it is computationally efficient, scaling easily with the number of regions and cancers. We carried out a simulation study to evaluate the method's performance and apply it to cancer atlas from the USA, England, France, Australia, Spain, and Brazil. We conclude that with very few latent maps, which can represent a reduction of up to 90% of atlas maps, most of the spatial variability is conserved. By concentrating on the epidemiological analysis of these few latent maps a substantial amount of work is saved and, at the same time, high‐level explanations affecting many cancers simultaneously can be reached.
Low‐Temperature Solvothermal Synthesis of Triangular, Spherical, and Urchin‐Like ZnO
Authors: Kapusuz Yavuz Derya , El Accen Muhammed , Bedir Metin
Published: October 2024

This study explores the synthesis and characterization of ZnO particles with varying morphologies—triangular, spherical, and urchin‐like—that were produced through a simple, solvothermal process. The morphology, surface area, and photocatalytic performance of the ZnO particles could be customized by meticulously regulating the synthesis parameters, particularly the temperature and solvent. The findings indicated that all samples crystallized as pure wurtzite ZnO with a uniform crystallite size of 34.7 ± 1.8 nm and energy band gap of 3.29 eV. The spherical E‐200 particles, which exhibit the highest photocatalytic efficiency, achieved an average of 25.27 ± 5.88% methylene blue (MB) degradation after 24 h. These particles were distinguished by a significant surface area of 30.56 m2/g and an average pore size of 45 nm. Furthermore, all ZnO samples exhibited a significant adsorption capacity (≤ 20%) for MB under dark condition, underscoring their potential as effective adsorbents for environmental pollutants. These results emphasize the significance of precise synthesis and morphology control in the optimization of functional properties of ZnO for environmental remediation applications.
Preparation of Bio‐Orthogonal Self‐Cross‐Linked Arabinose Isomerase for Enzymatic Synthesis of ʟ‐Ribulose
Authors: Luo Houtian , Wu Shujiao , Luo Lingling , Pan Xiaoting , Xie Tian , Qiao Li
Published: October 2024

ʟ‐Ribulose is a bioactive molecule of significance that is present in various valuable chemical scaffolds. However, the synthesis of ʟ‐ribulose is limited by the high cost of enzyme biocatalyst. In this work, we leveraged the self‐coupling reactivity of SpyTag/SpyCatcher to aggregate the key arabinose isomerase (araA) for the enzymatic isomerization of ʟ‐arabinose to ʟ‐ribulose. The cross‐linking of SpyTag/SpyCatcher fused araA was simplified by performing in cell lysates without further purification. The resulting araA cross‐linked aggregates (araA‐CLEs) inherited their original activity well with 0.32 U·mg−1. Deep analysis of araA‐CLEs by Gaussian fitting indicated a little change in secondary structure, mainly focusing on α‐helix. The araA‐CLEs maintained 69.10% catalytic activity after six repeated uses in preparing ʟ‐ribulose. This one‐step cross‐linking and purification method contributed greatly to obtaining araA‐CLEs, thus, benefiting the full use of araA protein and saving costs for ʟ‐ribulose production.
High‐Performance Pure Polymer Electrolytes with Enhanced Ionic Conductivity for Room‐Temperature Applications
Authors: Zhang Yongquan , Chen Zengxu , Wang Jingshun , Fan Shuo , Zhang Tiandong , Zhang Changhai , Zhang Yue , Chi Qingguo
Published: October 2024

All‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs) are renowned for their high energy density and safety, positioning them as leading candidates for next‐generation energy storage solutions. In this study, pure polymer solid‐state electrolytes are developed using the solution casting method, optimized for room temperature operation. The base material, poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP), is enhanced with succinonitrile (SN) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to improve its electrochemical performance at room temperature. The optimized electrolyte, PSP‐0.05, demonstrated superior characteristics, including an ionic conductivity (σ) of 3.2 × 10−4 S cm−1 and a wide voltage window of up to 5 V. When integrated into full batteries, PSP‐0.05 exhibited exceptional performance in multiplicative cycling tests at room temperature, achieving discharge specific capacities of 132 and 113 mAh g−1 at 3 and 5 C rates, respectively. Additionally, long‐term cycling at 1 C rate resulted in an initial discharge‐specific capacity of 145.2 mAh g−1 with over 94.9% capacity retention after 1000 cycles. Given the simplicity of the preparation process and its impressive electrochemical properties, the PSP‐0.05 electrolyte holds significant potential for practical applications in safer ASSLMBs.
New Suggestion of Highly Durable Electrode Design for Ordered Mesoporous Ni–Mn Binary Transition Metal Oxide Anode Material in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Taewhan , Kim Kyoung Ho , Kim Hansol , Lee Wontae , Choi Woosung , Yoon Jaesang , Song Lianghao , Kim Ki Jae , Bulakhe Ravindra N. , Yoon Won‐Sub , Kim Ji Man
Published: October 2024

Anode materials storing large‐scale lithium ions gradually decrease electrochemical performance due to severe volume changes during cycling. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop anode materials with high electrochemical capacity and durability, without deterioration arising due to the volume changes during the electrochemical processes. To date, mesoporous materials have received attention as anode materials due to their ability to mitigate volume expansion, offer a short pathway for Li+ transport, and exhibit anomalous high capacity. However, the nano‐frameworks of transition metal oxide collapse during conversion reactions, demanding an improvement in nano‐framework structure stability. In this study, ordered mesoporous nickel manganese oxide (m‐NMO) is designed as an anode material with a highly durable nanostructure. Interestingly, m‐NMO showed better cycle performance and higher electrochemical capacity than those of nickel oxide and manganese oxide. Operando small‐angle X‐ray scattering and ex situ transmission electron microscopic results confirmed that the binary m‐NMO sustained a highly durable nanostructure upon cycling, unlike the single metal oxide electrodes where the mesostructures collapsed. Ex situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy proved that nickel and manganese showed different electrochemical reaction voltages, and thus undergoes sequential conversion reactions. As a result, both elements can act as complementary nano‐propping buffers to maintain stable mesostructure.
A pH‐Sensitive Glucose Oxidase and Hemin Coordination Micelle for Multi‐Enzyme Cascade and Amplified Cancer Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Jiang Zhen , Li Jiexin , Liu Gengqi , Qiu Qian , Zhang Jingyu , Hao Minchao , Ren He , Zhang Yumiao
Published: October 2024

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is an emerging therapeutic paradigm for cancer treatment that utilizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce apoptosis of cancer cells but few biomaterials have been developed to differentiate the cancer cells and normal cells to achieve precise and targeted CDT. Herein, a simple cascade enzyme system is developed, termed hemin–micelles–GOx, based on hemin and glucose oxidase (GOx)‐encapsulated Pluronic F127 (F127) micelles with pH‐sensitive enzymatic activities. Histidine‐tagged GOx can be easily chelated to hemin‐F127 micelles via the coordination of histidine and ferrous ions in the center of hemin by simple admixture in an aqueous solution. In tumor microenvironment (TME), hemin–micelles–GOx exhibits enhanced peroxidase (POD)‐like activities to generate toxic hydroxyl radicals due to the acidic condition, whereas in normal cells the catalase (CAT)‐like, but not POD‐like activity is amplified, resulting in the elimination of hydrogen peroxide to generate oxygen. In a murine melanoma model, hemin–micelles–GOx significantly suppresses tumor growth, demonstrating its great potential as a pH‐mediated enzymatic switch for tumor management by CDT.
Highly‐Branched PtCu Nanocrystals with Low‐Coordination for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Shaohui , Liu Suying , Luo Juan , Gu Yuke , Liu Xuanzhi , Liu Feng , Tan Pengfei , Pan Jun
Published: October 2024

Low‐coordination platinum‐based nanocrystals emanate great potential for catalyzing the oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) in fuel cells, but are not widely applied owing to poor structural stability. Here, several PtCu nanocrystals (PtCu NCs) with low coordination numbers were prepared via a facile one‐step method, while the desirable catalyst structures were easily obtained by adjusting the reaction parameters. Wherein, the Pt1Cu1 NCs catalyst with abundant twin boundaries and high‐index facets displays 15.25 times mass activity (1.647 A mgPt−1 at 0.9 VRHE) of Pt/C owing to the abundant effective active sites, low‐coordination numbers and appropriate compressive strain. More importantly, the core‐shell and highly developed dendritic structures in Pt1Cu1 NCs catalyst give it an extremely high stability with only 17.2% attenuation of mass activity while 61.1% for Pt/C after the durability tests (30 000 cycles). In H2‐O2 fuel cells, Pt1Cu1 NCs cathode also exhibits a higher peak power density and a longer‐term lifetime than Pt/C cathode. Moreover, theoretical calculations imply that the weaker adsorption of intermediate products and the lower formation energy barrier of OOH* in Pt1Cu1 NCs collaboratively boost the ORR process. This work offers a morphology tuning approach to prepare and stabilize the low‐coordination platinum‐based nanocrystals for efficient and stable ORR.
Charge‐Mediated Interactions Affect Enzymatic Reactions in Peptide Condensates
Authors: Harris Rif , Berman Nofar , Lampel Ayala
Published: October 2024

Biomolecular condensates, formed through liquid‐liquid phase separation (LLPS), serve as enzymatic reaction centers in cells by increasing local concentrations of enzymes and substrates, thereby facilitating reaction kinetics and regulatory mechanisms. Inspired by these natural systems, synthetic condensates are being developed for diverse applications, including payload delivery, sensing, and as microreactors where enzymatic reaction kinetics can be modulated by factors like pH, viscosity, and enzyme‐substrate co‐localization. Here, we investigate how the physicochemical properties of enzymes and substrates influence condensate formation and function as microreactors. Focusing on cellulase and alkaline phosphatase, which differ in molecular weight and isoelectric point, we employed a minimalistic complex coacervation system of oppositely charged LLPS‐promoting peptides. Our findings show how electrostatic forces within condensates influence their role as microreactors. Specifically, the ability of condensates to encapsulate or exclude phosphatase, cellulase, and their substrates, which is pivotal for the regulation of reaction kinetics, is determined by the enzyme surface charge, substrate charge, and condensate charge stoichiometry. These results highlight the potential of utilizing electrostatic forces within condensates to modulate enzymatic reactions, providing critical insights for developing synthetic condensates as microreactors in biotechnology and materials science.
Evaluation of AC Copper Loss Reduction Effect of Magnetic‐Coated Flat Wire
Authors: Kitajima Jun , Sakae Takashi , Sato Mitsuhide , Mizuno Tsutomu , Shimoda Yuki , Kubota Akihiro , Wada Shogo , Kichiji Teruo , Kumagai Hideo
Published: October 2024

This paper shows that a magnetic coating can reduce AC copper loss caused by the proximity effect based on a measured value. A solenoid coil is used for the measurement. This reduction was quantified by supplying external magnetic fields to conductors placed in a central region of the solenoid coil and measuring AC copper loss as changes in the coil's resistance. AC copper loss in aluminum flat wires was minimized by applying a magnetic coating to the wires. The experimental and FEM results confirmed the reduction. The AC copper loss was reduced by a maximum of 59% due to applying magnetic coating. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Medicinal management of rumen collapse in Bubalus bubalis
Authors: Yadav Annu , Singh Prem , Budhwar Anshul , Sehrawat Disha
Published: October 2024

Rumen collapse is a rare condition usually seen in cattle with severe primary inflammatory diseases. This case report describes 6‐year‐old pregnant buffalo brought to Large Animal Outpatient Medicine Unit at college hospital with history of prolonged inappetence, dark‐coloured urine and collapsed left paralumbar fossa and last three ribs. Clinical examination revealed no rumen movements along with abdominal ping upon simultaneous auscultation and percussion. Per rectal examination showed collapsed dorsal sac of the rumen and ventral displacement of left kidney into mid‐abdomen. Rumen fluid analysis revealed complete absence of protozoal motility and non‐significant alterations in haematological parameters. The buffalo was suspected to have rumen collapse based on clinical examination. Successful treatment involved administering normal saline, calcium salt and broad‐spectrum antibiotics. Following 15 days of therapy, rumen and ribs returned to their normal positions and animal resumed feeding. This is the first reported case of rumen collapse in buffaloes in India.
Duality and stacking of bosonic and fermionic SPT phases
Authors: Turzillo Alex , You Minyoung
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We study the interplay of duality and stacking of bosonic and fermionic symmetry-protected topological phases in one spatial dimension. In general the classifications of bosonic and fermionic phases have different group structures under the operation of stacking, but we argue that they are often isomorphic and give an explicit isomorphism when it exists. This occurs for all unitary symmetry groups and many groups with antiunitary symmetries, which we characterize. We find that this isomorphism is typically not implemented by the Jordan-Wigner transformation, nor is it a consequence of any other duality transformation that falls within the framework of topological holography. Along the way to this conclusion, we recover the fermionic stacking rule in terms of $$ \mathcal{G} $$
G
-pin partition functions, give a gauge-invariant characterization of the twisted group cohomology invariant, and state a procedure for stacking gapped phases in the formalism of symmetry topological field theory.
Cohomologies of tautological bundles of matroids
Authors: Eur Christopher
Published: October 2024

Tautological bundles of realizations of matroids were introduced in Berget et al. (Invent Math 233:951–1039, 2023) as a unifying geometric model for studying matroids. We compute the cohomologies of exterior and symmetric powers of these vector bundles, and show that they depend only on the matroid of the realization. As an application, we show that the log canonical bundle of a wonderful compactification of a hyperplane arrangement complement, in particular the moduli space of pointed rational curves $$\overline{{M}}_{0,n}$$

M
¯

0
,
n

, has vanishing higher cohomologies.
Corrosion performance of super duplex stainless steel and pipeline steel dissimilar welded joints: a comprehensive investigation for marine structures
Authors: Maurya Anup Kumar , Pandey Shailesh M. , Chhibber Rahul , Fydrych Dariusz , Pandey Chandan
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the corrosion behavior of dissimilar gas tungsten arc (GTA) welded joints between super duplex stainless steel (sDSS 2507) and pipeline steel (X-70) using electrochemical and immersion corrosion tests. The GTA welds were fabricated using ER2594 and ER309L filler metals. The study examined the electrochemical characteristics and continuous corrosion behavior of samples extracted from various zones of the weldments in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution, employing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization methods, and an immersion corrosion test. EIS and immersion investigations revealed pitting corrosion in the X-70 base metal/X-70 heat-affected zone, indicating inferior overall corrosion resistance due to galvanic coupling. The corrosion byproducts identified in complete immersion comprised α-FeOOH, γ-FeOOH, Fe3O4, and Fe2O3, whereas γ-FeOOH and Fe3O4 were predominant in dry/wet cyclic conditions. Corrosion escalated with dry/wet cycle conditions while maintaining a lower level in complete immersion. The corrosion mechanism involves three wet surface stages in dry/wet cycles and typical oxygen absorption during complete immersion. Proposed corrosion models highlight the influence of Cl−, O2, and rust layers.
A comparison of the renal function biomarkers serum creatinine, pro-enkephalin and cystatin C to predict clearance of pemetrexed
Authors: de Rouw N. , Beunders R. , Hartmann O. , Schulte J. , Boosman R. J. , Derijks H. J. , Burger D. M. , van den Heuvel M. M. , Hilbrands L. B. , Pickkers P. , ter Heine R.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

For drugs with a narrow therapeutic window, there is a delicate balance between efficacy and toxicity, thus it is pivotal to administer the right dose from the first administration onwards. Exposure of pemetrexed, a cytotoxic drug used in lung cancer treatment, is dictated by kidney function. To facilitate optimized dosing of pemetrexed, accurate prediction of drug clearance is pivotal. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the performance of the kidney function biomarkers serum creatinine, cystatin C and pro-enkephalin in terms of predicting the elimination of pemetrexed.

Methods

We performed a population pharmacokinetic analysis using a dataset from two clinical trials containing pharmacokinetic data of pemetrexed and measurements of all three biomarkers. A three-compartment model without covariates was fitted to the data and the obtained individual empirical Bayes estimates for pemetrexed clearance were considered the “true” values (Cltrue). Subsequently, the following algorithms were tested as covariates for pemetrexed clearance: the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation using creatinine (CKD-EPICR), cystatin C (CKD-EPICYS), a combination of both (CKD-EPICR-CYS), pro-enkephalin as an absolute value or in a combined algorithm with age and serum creatinine, and lastly, a combination of pro-enkephalin with cystatin C.

Results

The dataset consisted of 66 subjects with paired observations for all three kidney function biomarkers. Inclusion of CKD-EPICR-CYS as a covariate on pemetrexed clearance resulted in the best model fit, with the largest decrease in objective function (p < 0.00001) and explaining 35% of the total inter-individual variability in clearance. The predictive performance of the model to containing CKD-EPICR-CYS to predict pemetrexed clearance was good with a normalized root mean squared error and mean prediction error of 19.9% and 1.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study showed that the combined CKD-EPICR-CYS performs best in terms predicting pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed. Despite the hypothesized disadvantages, creatinine remains to be a suitable and readily available marker to predict pemetrexed clearance in clinical practice.
Exploration of physical, structural, thermal, and optical properties of alkali zinc boro tellurite glasses doped with europium trioxide
Authors: Gowda G. V. Jagadeesha , Deka Utpal , Dahshan A. , Reddy G. V. Ashok , Eraiah B. , Gedam R. S. , Keshavamurthy K. , Devaraja C.
Published: October 2024

In this present work we have studied the physical, structural, thermal, and optical properties of a new set of alkali zinc boro tellurite glasses doped europium trioxide prepared using the melt-quenching method. X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) and SEM were used to determine the non-crystalline property and microstructure property of the prepared samples. By using MAS-NMR spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy, the structural changes in the glasses were revealed. The physical properties were described by considering the densities of glass samples and hence molar volume, polaron radius, and oxygen packing density were measured. Thermal stability of glasses was perceived by performing DSC analysis and values ranges from 145 to 190 °C. Using UV–visible absorption spectra, it was possible to calculate the optical properties. The highest refractive index is found as 2.275 for glass AZBTE0 and the lowest is 2.241 for AZBTE5 glass. The ionic behaviour of the glasses was determined by electronegativity and values lie in the range of 1.51 to 1.688. The outcomes of the physical, thermal, and optical characteristics of glasses are intended for potential uses in optical switching and Europium doped fibre amplifier applications.
Facilitators and barriers of long-term exercise adherence in healthcare workers formerly suffering from post-COVID-19 syndrome
Authors: Hasenöhrl Timothy , Scharer Beate , Steiner Margarete , Schmeckenbecher Jim , Jordakieva Galateja , Crevenna Richard
Published: October 2024

Background

Early exercise intervention studies showed promising positive effects of physical exercising on post-COVID-19 symptoms; however, little is known about long-term training adherence and what influences it.

Material and methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 participants of the 8‑week original exercise intervention study. Facilitators and barriers were identified via thematic analysis and compared between those participants who continued their regular exercise behavior (continuous exercise group, CEG, n = 7) and those who stopped exercising (discontinuous exercise group, DEG, n = 10). Physical performance parameters and questionnaires regarding psychological health dimensions and work ability were assessed analogously to the original study.

Results

Qualitative analysis showed that two of the top three facilitators, (improving physical and mental health, sport has high priority) were the same in both groups. The respective third of the top three facilitators was (re)build physical and cognitive performance in the CEG and training in the group in the DEG. The top three barriers (exhaustion, sport has little priority, procrastination) were not only the same in both groups but also in the same order.

Conclusion

The strongest post-COVID-19 associated facilitator for long-term exercise adherence is when the need for further reconditioning is felt. The strongest post-COVID-19 associated barrier is exhaustion. Availability of exercising in a group is a key factor in increasing long-term exercise adherence.
Continuum modeling of gas–particle flows: an overview
Authors: Schneiderbauer Simon
Published: October 2024

In this review paper, we provide a brief overview of the recent advances in the continuum modeling of gas–particle flows. First, we focus on the kinetic theory-based two-fluid models, which have become a valuable tool to investigate small-scale moderately dense turbulent gas–particle flows. Second, the continuum description is quite restrictive with respect to the maximum grid spacing, and large-scale simulations usually employ coarse mesh resolutions to keep the analyses practicable. Such coarse-graining inevitably neglects the small unresolved scales, which requires additional modeling. Here, filtered two-fluid models have been applied successfully to a variety gas–solid flow problems. Finally, we give a condensed outline about future research challenges for the continuum modeling of gas–particle flows.
Ubiquitin-like and ubiquitinylated proteins associated with the maternal cell walls of Scenedesmus obliquus 633 as identified by immunochemistry and LC–MS/MS proteomics
Authors: Kowalczyk Justyna , Kłodawska Kinga , Zych Maria , Burczyk Jan , Malec Przemysław
Published: October 2024

The cell walls of green algae Scenedesmus obliquus are complex, polymeric structures including an inner cellulose layer surrounded by an algaenan-containing trilaminar sheath. The process of autosporulation leads to the formation of sporangial (maternal) cell walls, which are released into the medium after sporangial autolysis. In this study, a fraction of maternal cell wall material (CWM) was isolated from the stationary phase cultures of Scenedesmus obliquus 633 and subjected to immunofluorescence microscopy using polyclonal anti-ubiquitin antibodies. The water-extracted polypeptide fraction from the maternal cell walls was then analyzed using immunoblotting and LC–MS/MS. An immunoanalysis showed the presence of several peptides reactive with polyclonal anti-ubiquitin serum, with apparent molecular masses of c. 12, 70, 120, 200, and > 250 kDa. Cell wall–associated peptides were identified on the basis of LC–MS/MS spectra across NCBI databases, including the Scenedesmaceae family (58 records), the Chlorophyceae class (37 records), and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (18 records) corresponding to the signatures of 95 identified proteins. In particular, three signatures identified ubiquitin and ubiquitin-related proteins. In the maternal cell walls, immunoblotting analysis, immunofluorescence microscopy, and LC–MS/MS proteomics collectively demonstrated the presence of ubiquitin-like epitopes, ubiquitin-specific peptide signatures, and several putative ubiquitin conjugates of a higher molecular mass. These results support the presence of ubiquitin-like proteins in the extramembranous compartment of Scenedesmus obliquus 633 and suggest that protein ubiquitination plays a significant role in the formation and functional integrity of the maternal cell walls in green algae.
Spiking neural networks-based generation of caterpillar-like soft robot crawling motions
Authors: Yoshioka SeanKein , Iwata Takahiro , Maruyama Yuki , Miki Daisuke
Published: October 2024

Robots have been widely used in daily life in recent years. Unlike conventional robots made of rigid materials, soft robots utilize stretchable and flexible materials, allowing flexible movements similar to those of living organisms, which are difficult for traditional robots. Previous studies have used periodic signals to control soft robots, which lead to repetitive motions and make it challenging to generate environment-adapted motions. To address this issue, control methods can be learned through deep reinforcement learning to enable soft robots to select appropriate actions based on observations, improving their adaptability to environmental changes. In addition, as mobile robots have limited onboard resources, it is necessary to conserve battery consumption and achieve low-power control. Therefore, the use of spiking neural networks (SNNs) with neuromorphic chips enables low-power control of soft robots. In this study, we investigated the learning methods for SNNs aimed at controlling soft robots. Experiments were conducted using a caterpillar-like soft robot model based on previous studies, and the effectiveness of the learning method was evaluated.
Seizure forecasting based on AI-supported analysis of multidien and circadian cycles in EEG and non-EEG long-term datasets
Authors: Miron Gadi , Meisel Christian
Published: October 2024

Long-term datasets in epilepsy encompassing weeks to months of continuous physiological signal recordings along with novel data analysis techniques have recently advanced the understanding of epilepsy in several aspects. Patterns of seizures, interictal discharges, and autonomous nervous system activity were observed to often exhibit long, multidien cycles that are often correlated with each other. These observations have provided the basis for new approaches to forecast seizure risk from electroencephalographic (EEG) and non-EEG data.
Understanding health risk perception: insights from an eight-country panel study during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Röpcke Annabelle , Brinkmann Carolin , Neumann-Böhme Sebastian , Sabat Iryna , Barros Pedro Pita , Schreyögg Jonas , Torbica Aleksandra , Brouwer Werner , Hajek André , Stargardt Tom
Published: October 2024

Aim

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of individuals’ risk perceptions and their impact on behaviour. Adequate risk perceptions help individuals adopt necessary precautions.

Subject and methods

We conducted a longitudinal panel study analysing data across eight European countries from the European COVID Survey (ECOS). We used two generalised linear models with ordered logistic regression to analyse panel data comprising 82,052 observations from 11 waves of ECOS. Our aim was to investigate self-reported risk perception related to COVID-19 and its association with socioeconomic factors, health indicators, personal experiences with COVID-19 and trust in risk communication. We examined perceived susceptibility to SAR-CoV-2 infection and perceived risk to one’s own health from COVID-19, interpreting these as dimensions of risk perception in accordance with the health belief model.

Results

Women perceived higher susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection than men. Regardless of gender, perceived susceptibility increased with age, peaking in the 35–44 age group before declining. In contrast, perceived risk to health consistently rose with age. Individuals who did not experience financial difficulties during the pandemic perceived lower health risk than those who did experience such difficulties. Moreover, individuals with higher education levels perceived greater susceptibility than those with lower levels. Other influencing factors included SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, trust in information, attention to COVID-19 news and pandemic phase.

Conclusion

Several socio-economic factors were associated with risk perceptions. Unvaccinated individuals, people with lower education levels and individuals with less trust in institutional information were more likely to underestimate their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and their health risk due to COVID-19.
Effect of primary copper metabolism disturbance on elemental, protein, and lipid composition of the organs in Jackson toxic milk mouse
Authors: Hadrian Krzysztof , Szczerbowska-Boruchowska Magdalena , Surówka Artur , Ciepiela Olga , Litwin Tomasz , Przybyłkowski Adam
Published: October 2024

Toxic milk (txJ) is an autosomal recessive mutation in the Atp7b gene in the C3H/HeJ strain, observed at The Jackson Laboratory in Maine, USA. TxJ mice exhibit symptoms similar to those of human Wilson’s disease (WD). The study aimed to verify organ involvement in a mouse model of WD. TxJ mice and control animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, 8, and 14 months of age. Total X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (TXRF) was used to determine the elemental concentration in organs. Tissue chemical composition was measured by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, hybrid mapping of FTIR and microXRF was performed. Elevated concentrations of Cu were observed in the liver, striatum, eye, heart, and duodenum of txJ mice across age groups. In the striatum of the oldest txJ mice, there was lower lipid content and a higher fraction of saturated fats. The secondary structure of striatum proteins was disturbed in txJ mice. In the livers of txJ mice, higher concentrations of saturated fats and disturbances in the secondary structure of proteins were observed. The concentration of neurofilaments was significantly higher in txJ serum. The distribution of Cu deposits in brains was uniform with no prevalence in any anatomic structure in either group, but significant protein structure changes were observed exclusively in the striatum of txJ. In this txJ animal model of WD, pathologic copper accumulation occurs in the duodenum, heart, and eye tissues. Increased copper concentration in the liver and brain results in increased saturated fat content and disturbances in secondary protein structure, leading to hepatic injury and neurodegeneration.
Distinct Longitudinal Changes in EEG Measures Reflecting Functional Network Disruption in ALS Cognitive Phenotypes
Authors: Metzger Marjorie , Dukic Stefan , McMackin Roisin , Giglia Eileen , Mitchell Matthew , Bista Saroj , Costello Emmet , Peelo Colm , Tadjine Yasmine , Sirenko Vladyslav , McManus Lara , Buxo Teresa , Fasano Antonio , Chipika Rangariroyashe , Pinto-Grau Marta , Schuster Christina , Heverin Mark , Coffey Amina , Broderick Michael , Iyer Parameswaran M. , Mohr Kieran , Gavin Brighid , Pender Niall , Bede Peter , Muthuraman Muthuraman , Hardiman Orla , Nasseroleslami Bahman
Published: October 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterised primarily by motor system degeneration, with clinical evidence of cognitive and behavioural change in up to 50% of cases. We have shown previously that resting-state EEG captures dysfunction in motor and cognitive networks in ALS. However, the longitudinal development of these dysfunctional patterns, especially in networks linked with cognitive-behavioural functions, remains unclear. Longitudinal studies on non-motor changes in ALS are essential to further develop our understanding of disease progression, improve care and enhance the evaluation of new treatments. To address this gap, we examined 124 ALS individuals with 128-channel resting-state EEG recordings, categorised by cognitive impairment (ALSci, n = 25), behavioural impairment (ALSbi, n = 58), or non-impaired (ALSncbi, n = 53), with 12 participants meeting the criteria for both ALSci and ALSbi. Using linear mixed-effects models, we characterised the general and phenotype-specific longitudinal changes in brain network, and their association with cognitive performance, behaviour changes, fine motor symptoms, and survival. Our findings revealed a significant decline in
$$\:\theta\:$$
-band spectral power over time in the temporal region along with increased
$$\:{\gamma\:}_{l}$$
-band power in the fronto-temporal region in the ALS group. ALSncbi participants showed widespread β-band synchrony decrease, while ALSci participants exhibited increased co-modulation correlated with verbal fluency decline. Longitudinal network-level changes were specific of ALS subgroups and correlated with motor, cognitive, and behavioural decline, as well as with survival. Spectral EEG measures can longitudinally track abnormal network patterns, serving as a candidate stratification tool for clinical trials and personalised treatments in ALS.
Music Familiarization Elicits Functional Connectivity Between Right Frontal/Temporal and Parietal Areas in the Theta and Alpha Bands
Authors: Malekmohammadi Alireza , Cheng Gordon
Published: October 2024

Frequent listening to unfamiliar music excerpts forms functional connectivity in the brain as music becomes familiar and memorable. However, where these connections spectrally arise in the cerebral cortex during music familiarization has yet to be determined. This study investigates electrophysiological changes in phase-based functional connectivity recorded with electroencephalography (EEG) from twenty participants’ brains during thrice passive listening to initially unknown classical music excerpts. Functional connectivity is evaluated based on measuring phase synchronization between all pairwise combinations of EEG electrodes across all repetitions via repeated measures ANOVA and between every two repetitions of listening to unknown music with the weighted phase lag index (WPLI) method in different frequency bands. The results indicate an increased phase synchronization during gradual short-term familiarization between the right frontal and the right parietal areas in the theta and alpha bands. In addition, the increased phase synchronization is discovered between the right temporal areas and the right parietal areas at the theta band during gradual music familiarization. Overall, this study explores the short-term music familiarization effects on neural responses by revealing that repetitions form phasic coupling in the theta and alpha bands in the right hemisphere during passive listening.
Irish national real-world analysis of the clinical and economic impact of 21-gene oncotype DX® testing in early-stage, 1-3 lymph node-positive, oestrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative, breast cancer
Authors: Browne I. M. , McLaughlin R. A. , Weadick C. S. , O’Sullivan S. , McSorley L. M. , Hadi D. K. , Millen S. J. , Higgins M. J. , Crown J. P. , Prichard R. S. , McCartan D. P. , Hill A. DK. , Connolly R. M. , Noonan S. A. , O’Mahony D. , Murray C. , O’Hanlon-Brown C. , Hennessy B. T. , Quinn C. M. , Kelly C. M. , O’Reilly S. , Morris P. G. , Walshe J. M.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The treatment landscape of Oestrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer is evolving, with declining chemotherapy use as a result of Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score® testing. Results from the SWOG S1007 RxPONDER trial suggest that adjuvant chemotherapy may benefit some premenopausal women with ER-positive, HER2-negative disease with 1–3 positive lymph nodes (N1), and a Recurrence Score® (RS) of ≤ 25. Postmenopausal women with similar characteristics did not benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. We examine the clinical and economic impact of Oncotype DX® testing on treatment decisions in patients with N1 disease in Ireland using real world data.

Methods

From March 2011 to October 2022, a retrospective, cross-sectional observational study was performed of patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative N1 breast cancer, who had Oncotype DX testing across 5 of Ireland’s largest cancer centres. Patients were classified into low risk (RS 0–13), intermediate risk (RS 14–25) and high risk (RS > 25). Data were collected via electronic patient records. Information regarding costing was provided primarily by pre-published sources.

Results

A total of 828 N1 patients were included in this study. Post Oncotype DX testing, 480 patients (58%) were spared chemotherapy. Of the patients who had a change in chemotherapy recommendation based on Oncotype DX testing, 271 (56%), 205 (43%), 4 (1%) had a RS result of 0–13, 14–25 and > 25 respectively. Use of Oncotype DX testing was associated with a 58% reduction in chemotherapy administration overall. This resulted in estimated savings of over €6 million in treatment costs. Deducting the assay cost, estimated net savings of over €3.3 million were achieved. Changes in the ordering demographics of Oncotype DX tests were identified after RxPONDER data were presented, with increased testing in women ≥ 50 years and a reduction in proportion of tests ordered for women < 50 years.

Conclusion

Between 2011 and 2022, assay use resulted in a 58% reduction in chemotherapy administration and net savings of over €3.3 million.
Carceral Logics in Benevolent Places: How Institutions of Care Criminalize Justice-Involved Black Mothers
Authors: Mondé Geniece Crawford
Published: October 2024

Scholarship examining the challenges that formerly incarcerated mothers experience after imprisonment often focuses on how their ex-offender status limits opportunities and leaves them alienated from their roles as citizens and as mothers. What is less understood however, is how women experience social exclusion from institutions that they initially perceive as supportive. Interviews with 33 formerly incarcerated Black mothers reveal how women respond to negative experiences with institutions after their imprisonment and how they interpret similar encounters of marginalization prior to their arrest and incarceration. In taking a life history approach to examining women’s experiences with social service agencies, this analysis examines the interplay between carceral logics, and the institutions purposed with facilitating women’s reintegration. The paper introduces the concept carceral logics of benevolence to capture how institutions that marginalized groups rely upon to extend benevolence, often further marginalize already vulnerable groups. Findings reveal that women interpret and respond to carceral logics of benevolence by engaging in institutional cynicism and drawing upon repertories of systemic marginalization.
Task Characteristics Associated with Mathematical Word Problem-Solving Performance Among Elementary School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vessonen T. , Dahlberg M. , Hellstrand H. , Widlund A. , Korhonen J. , Aunio P. , Laine A.
Published: October 2024

Mathematical word problem-solving skills are crucial for students across their lives, yet solving such tasks poses challenges for many. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of mathematical word problems that are associated with students’ performance is important. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of linguistic and numerical task characteristics associated with mathematical word problem-solving performance among elementary school-aged children (Grades 1 to 6). The systematic review was based on five electronic databases and citation searching. Reporting was conducted following The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The findings (K = 69) showed that five of the six investigated linguistic task characteristics (i.e., the position of the unknown, schematic structure, irrelevant information, realistic considerations, and lexical consistency) and one of the two numerical task characteristics (i.e., number of operations) were related (g = 0.39 to 4.26) with elementary school-aged children’s mathematical word problem-solving. However, the findings did not provide support for a general association between a familiar situational narrative or the required operation with mathematical word problem-solving. The findings highlight that elementary school-aged children especially struggle with mathematical word problems requiring realistic considerations or multiple mathematical operations, containing lexical inconsistency, and problems in which the position of the unknown is the first value. This further understanding of elementary schoolers’ word problem-solving performance may guide the design of appropriate and progressive instruction and assessment tools and steer research into the interactions within task characteristics and with individual characteristics.
An Empirical Analysis of Spot and Forward Interest Rates in Seven European Countries via Principal Component Analysis and the Malliavin-Mancino Method
Authors: Liu Nien-Lin , Suzuki Ryoichi
Published: October 2024

Building upon the empirical studies by Liu (2:57–60, 2010) and Liu and Mancino (2012), we investigate the determinants influencing the term structure of interest rates in seven European countries: Austria, Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. We use two methods, namely principal component analysis (PCA) for covariance matrix estimated by realized volatility estimator and PCA of integrated volatility estimated by Malliavin-Mancino (MM) estimator using Fourier series method proposed by Malliavin and Mancino (6:49–61, 2002; 37: 1983–2010, 2009), to examine spot rates and forward rates derived from zero-coupon bond data. The results of the study confirm that although three factors account for the majority of spot rate variability, a more significant number of factors is essential to capture forward rate dynamics adequately. This research complements the results established by earlier studies, providing a more comprehensive understanding of interest rate dynamics across these European markets.
A novel high-resolution technique for the study of deep energy levels in semiconductors based on computerized Laplace-DLTS
Authors: Sánchez-Castro Angel D. , Kudriavtsev Yuriy , Rivera-Álvarez Zacarías
Published: October 2024

This paper describes a new computerized system for investigating deep levels in semiconductors by DLTS. We used a modified measurement mode, a new approach based on the inverse Laplace transform, and a new data processing algorithm. The developed method uses only a few transients derived and averaged from DLTS measurements at heating rates up to 2 °C/min, combined with low-frequency pulses. The paper presents data obtained for a phosphorus-doped silicon PIN diode, previously investigated using a conventional computerized DLTS system. Our new method allowed us to detect three electronic levels with energies of Ec – 0.53 eV, Ec – 0.39 eV, and Ec – 0.38 eV in less than 1 h, while the conventional DLTS system detected only two levels: Ec – 0.53 eV and Ec – 0.42eV. Thus, we have shown that the new approach drastically reduces the measurement time and increases the resolution.
Trying to find Safety, to make it Speakable, and to Mourn the Losses – Children’s Recovery from Domestic Abuse
Authors: Morrison Fiona
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This article addresses a gap in our understanding of children’s ‘recovery’ from domestic abuse. Whilst the impacts of domestic abuse on children have been well-documented and researched, their recovery from it has been under-theorized. By analyzing qualitative accounts on children’s participation in recovery programmes, the article uses Judith Herman’s trauma recovery model, to make the how of children’s recovery explicit.

Methods

Conducted in Scotland, the research involved individual qualitative interviews with 14 children (aged 7-15 years) and their 14 mothers, who had completed Cedar, a 12-week therapeutic and peer support group programme. A co-produced approach to initial data analysis foregrounded children and mothers’ own priorities for children’s recovery and afforded findings greater rigor. These priorities were then further analyzed using Herman’s trauma recovery framework.

Findings

Findings offer insight on the ways in which structures, resources, and values designed into the recovery programmes can mobilize children’s experiences of domestic abuse to help them find safety; make domestic abuse ‘speakable’; as well as provide space for children to mourn the losses resulting from domestic abuse. Findings further indicate the power of group-based interventions and the ways in which they can promote recovery through ideas of nurture and care.

Conclusions

By using Herman’s theoretical lens for recovery, the article makes a new contribution to understandings of children’s recovery from domestic abuse. It identifies key factors that contribute to children’s ability to recover including: their sense of safety, the role of the mother–child relationship and significance of the child-father relationship.