bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute effects of high-intensity exercise on brain mechanical properties and cognitive function
Authors: McIlvain Grace , Magoon Emily M. , Clements Rebecca G. , Merritt Alexis , Hiscox Lucy V. , Schwarb Hillary , Johnson Curtis L.
Published: March 2024

Previous studies have shown that engagement in even a single session of exercise can improve cognitive performance in the short term. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms contributing to this effect are still being studied. Recently, with improvements to advanced quantitative neuroimaging techniques, brain tissue mechanical properties can be sensitively and noninvasively measured with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and regional brain mechanical properties have been shown to reflect individual cognitive performance. Here we assess brain mechanical properties before and immediately after engagement in a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) regimen, as well as one-hour post-exercise. We find that immediately after exercise, subjects in the HIIT group had an average global brain stiffness decrease of 4.2% (p < 0.001), and an average brain damping ratio increase of 3.1% (p = 0.002). In contrast, control participants who did not engage in exercise showed no significant change over time in either stiffness or damping ratio. Changes in brain mechanical properties with exercise appeared to be regionally dependent, with the hippocampus decreasing in stiffness by 10.4%. We also found that one-hour after exercise, brain mechanical properties returned to initial baseline values. The magnitude of changes to brain mechanical properties also correlated with improvements in reaction time on executive control tasks (Eriksen Flanker and Stroop) with exercise. Understanding the neural changes that arise in response to exercise may inform potential mechanisms behind improvements to cognitive performance with acute exercise.
Network analysis used to investigate the interplay among somatic and psychological symptoms in patients with cancer and cancer survivors: a scoping review
Authors: Doppenberg-Smit G. Elise , Lamers Femke , van Linde Myra E. , Braamse Annemarie M. J. , Sprangers Mirjam A. G. , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , Verheul Henk M. W. , Dekker Joost
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Patients with cancer often experience multiple somatic and psychological symptoms. Somatic and psychological symptoms are thought to be connected and may reinforce each other. Network analysis allows examination of the interconnectedness of individual symptoms. The aim of this scoping review was to examine the current state of knowledge about the associations between somatic and psychological symptoms in patients with cancer and cancer survivors, based on network analysis.

Methods

This scoping review followed the five-stage framework of Arksey and O’Malley. The literature search was conducted in May, 2023 in PubMed, APA PsycINFO, Embase Cochrane central, and CINAHL databases.

Results

Thirty-two studies were included, with eleven using longitudinal data. Seventeen studies reported on the strength of the associations: somatic and psychological symptoms were associated, although associations among somatic as well as among psychological symptoms were stronger. Other findings were the association between somatic and psychological symptoms was stronger in patients experiencing more severe symptoms; associations between symptoms over time remained rather stable; and different symptoms were central in the networks, with fatigue being among the most central in half of the studies.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Although the associations among somatic symptoms and among psychological symptoms were stronger, somatic and psychological symptoms were associated, especially in patients experiencing more severe symptoms. Fatigue was among the most central symptoms, bridging the somatic and psychological domain. These findings as well as future research based on network analysis may help to untangle the complex interplay of somatic and psychological symptoms in patients with cancer.
Transitional Pain Service: An Update
Authors: Klimke Ruben , Ott Alexander , Romero Carolina S. , Berendes Andrea , Urman Richard D. , Luedi Markus M. , Ashok Vighnesh
Published: March 2024

Purpose of Review

Chronic Postsurgical Pain (CPSP) and the risk for long-term opioid dependency are known complications following major surgery. The idea of Transitional Pain Service (TPS) has been introduced as an interdisciplinary setting to manage pain in the perioperative continuum. We expand on the basic framework and principles of TPS and summarize the current evidence of the TPS and possible interventions to adress postoperative pain. Areas of future work in TPS-related research are discussed.

Recent Findings

Several studies support the effectiveness of TPS in reducing opioid consumption in the perioperative period and following discharge. Some studies also show an improvement in functional outcome with TPS with patients reporting lower pain severity and pain interference.

The TPS aims to halt the progress of acute postoperative pain to CPSP by providing longitudinal support with patient-centered care. While some studies suggest a positive impact of TPS implementation in terms of reduction in postoperative opioid consumption and improvement of some functional outcomes, direct evidence in terms of reduction in the incidence of CPSP is still missing. The cost-effectiveness of TPS and the expansion of TPS through e-health services and digital applications also need to be evaluated.
Effects of antibiotics ceftriaxone and levofloxacin on the growth of Protophormia terraenovae (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Preußer Daniel , Fischer Thomas , Juretzek Thomas
Published: March 2024

Protophormia terraenovae is a colonizer of decomposing bodies and is known to cause pre-mortem myiasis as the female flies lay eggs in uncleaned wounds. In this study the effects of different concentrations of antibiotics levofloxacin and ceftriaxone on maggot development, weight, length, and mortality were examined. The maggot length and weight were significantly increased by therapeutical doses of levofloxacin and ceftriaxone. The maggot development time was significantly decreased in every levofloxacin treatment compared to the control. The time to start pupation was significantly increased in the control compared to the antibiotic treatments. Levofloxacin significantly increased the survivability of the maggots. Every levofloxacin treatment significantly improved the rearing conditions for the maggots. Reaching the third instar was delayed by 24 h in the control compared to the Levo 3.57 treatment. The Pupation in the control was delayed by an average of 48 h compared to the Levo 3.57 treatment. The significantly reduced development time of the maggots in the antibiotic treatments might lead to an overestimation of the post-mortem interval and therefore an incorrect time of death determination. The improved rearing conditions may be an indication of the potential of a combined application of antibiotics and maggot therapy.
An online experimental test of the compensatory process in hoarding disorder: reducing loneliness and its effects on object attachment
Authors: Yap Keong , Timpano Kiara R. , Schmidt Norman B. , Grisham Jessica R.
Published: March 2024

Attachment theory suggests that strong object attachment in hoarding disorder (HD) may be due to an attempt at compensating for unmet relatedness needs. We tested this compensatory process with an online experiment and hypothesized that reducing loneliness among participants with high hoarding symptoms would result in lower object attachment, and that change in loneliness would mediate the impact of an online loneliness intervention on object attachment. A pretest-posttest control group design was used. Participants were 298 MTurk workers pre-screened for high hoarding symptoms recruited via cloudresearch.com. At Time 1, participants completed measures of hoarding severity, loneliness, and four aspects of object attachment: overall object attachment to possessions, insecure object attachment, attachment to an old cherished item, and attachment to a novel item. We randomly assigned participants to either a loneliness intervention (n = 142) or an active control (a health education program; n = 156). All participants completed follow-up questionnaires after two weeks. We conducted ANCOVAs to assess for group differences at Time 2 whilst controlling for Time 1 variables. Results showed small but significant improvements in loneliness, thwarted belongingness, and object attachment for the novel item for participants who received the loneliness intervention relative to control participants. Mediational analyses revealed that the change in loneliness mediated the effect of the intervention on insecure object attachment. Consistent with attachment theory, these results indicate that reducing loneliness might lead to lower object attachment in hoarding disorder. Trials with clinical participants using more intensive loneliness interventions are warranted.
Cyclone detection with end-to-end super resolution and faster R-CNN
Authors: Moustafa Marwa S. , Metwalli Mohamed R. , Samshitha Roy , Mohamed Sayed A. , Shovan Barma
Published: March 2024

The accurate identification of extreme weather events (EWEs), particularly cyclones, has become increasingly crucial due to the intensifying impacts of climate change. In the Indian subcontinent, the frequency and severity of cyclones have demonstrably risen, highlighting the need for reliable detection methods to minimize casualties and economic losses. However, the inherent limitations of low-resolution data pose significant challenges to traditional detection methods. Deep learning models offer a promising solution, enabling the precise identification of cyclone boundaries crucial for assessing regional impacts using global climate models data. By leveraging the power of deep learning, we can significantly enhance our capabilities for cyclone detection and contribute to improved risk mitigation strategies in the vulnerable Indian subcontinent. Therefore, this paper introduces an edge-enhanced super-resolution GAN (EESRGAN) leveraging an end-to-end detector network. The proposed approach comprised of a generator network equipped by residual-in-residual dense block (RRDB) and discriminator containing Faster RCNN detector. The precise patterns of cyclone had been effectively extracted to help boundary detection. Extensive experiments have been conducted on Community Atmospheric Model (CAM5.1) data taken into account only seven variables. Four matrices including precision, recall, intersection over union, and mean average precision have been considered to assess the proposed approach. The results have been found very effective while achieving accuracy up to 86.3% and average precision (AP) of 88.63%. Moreover, the proposed method demonstrates its superiority while compared with benchmarks object detectors methods. Thus, the proposed method can be employed in the area of extreme climate detection and could enrich the climate research domain.
The Psychological Process Underlying Attitudes Toward Human-Animal Chimeric Brain Research: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Tanibe Tetsushi , Watanabe Takumi , Oguchi Mineki , Iijima Kazuki , Ota Koji
Published: March 2024

This study adopted an empirical method to investigate lay people’s attitudes toward the bioethical issues of human-animal chimeric brains. The results of online surveys showed that (1) people did not entirely reject chimeric brain research, but showed slightly more negative responses than ordinary animal testing; and that (2) their ethical concerns arose in connection with the perception that chimerism in the brain would humanize the animal. This means that people’s psychology was consistent with the ethical argument that crossing the human-animal boundary would bring moral confusion to our society. Meanwhile, it was not in line with another argument that moral status depended on having high capacities, and that chimerism would cause a problem if it enhanced animals’ capacities. Furthermore, this study analyzed additional psychological factors related to people’s moral judgment and the relationship among those factors. Several psychological factors, such as the perception that chimeric brain research is unnatural, were identified as mediating the relationship between perception of animal humanization and ethical concerns about creating and using chimeric brains. Introducing an empirical approach to the ethics of human-animal chimeric brains brought two findings: (1) this study informed us of socially shared intuition regarding this novel technology; and (2) it unveiled the psychological processes behind people’s ethical concerns in more detail than they spontaneously mentioned. These findings will help to build normative arguments and future policies that are understandable and acceptable to society.
An image-based metal artifact reduction technique utilizing forward projection in computed tomography
Authors: Ichikawa Katsuhiro , Kawashima Hiroki , Takata Tadanori
Published: March 2024

The projection data generated via the forward projection of a computed tomography (CT) image (FP-data) have useful potentials in cases where only image data are available. However, there is a question of whether the FP-data generated from an image severely corrupted by metal artifacts can be used for the metal artifact reduction (MAR). The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a MAR technique using FP-data by comparing its performance with that of a conventional robust MAR using projection data normalization (NMARconv). The NMARconv was modified to make use of FP-data (FPNMAR). A graphics processing unit was used to reduce the time required to generate FP-data and subsequent processes. The performances of FPNMAR and NMARconv were quantitatively compared using a normalized artifact index (AIn) for two cases each of hip prosthesis and dental fillings. Several clinical CT images with metal artifacts were processed by FPNMAR. The AIn values of FPNMAR and NMARconv were not significantly different from each other, showing almost the same performance between these two techniques. For all the clinical cases tested, FPNMAR significantly reduced the metal artifacts; thereby, the images of the soft tissues and bones obscured by the artifacts were notably recovered. The computation time per image was ~ 56 ms. FPNMAR, which can be applied to CT images without accessing the projection data, exhibited almost the same performance as that of NMARconv, while consuming significantly shorter processing time. This capability testifies the potential of FPNMAR for wider use in clinical settings.
Short-term system imbalance forecast using linear and non-linear methods
Authors: Balázs István , Fodor Attila , Magyar Attila
Published: March 2024

The imbalance between supply and demand is a critical factor in the operation of the power system, as it leads to a change in the system frequency. Therefore, it is essential to be able to predict its value from historical, measured and forecast data. Based on the assumption that system imbalance is correlated with measured values of system variables as well as predictions of exogenous variables, this work proposes a multi-step version of the autoregressive distributed lag model for the short-term forecast of system imbalance. The proposed forecasting model has been compared with a long short-term memory network-based procedure as well as with an extratree regression model using real data. The results show that the proposed multi-step autoregressive forecasting model outperforms the others in all three evaluation metrics. Since, in many cases, it is sufficient to specify the sign of the imbalance, this paper introduces the concept of sign accuracy as a function of the predicted imbalance and evaluates it for the investigated solutions.
Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for new conditions on h-convex functions via $$\psi $$-Hilfer integral operators
Authors: Benaissa Bouharket , Azzouz Noureddine , Budak Hüseyin
Published: March 2024

We employ a new function class called B-function to create a new version of fractional Hermite–Hadamard and trapezoid type inequalities on the right-hand side that involves h-convex and $$\psi $$
ψ
-Hilfer operators. We also provide new midpoint-type inequalities using h-convex functions.
Monitoring the changes in the dynamic properties of an RC building experiencing column loss
Authors: Aras Fuat , Çatbaş F. Necati
Published: March 2024

In this study, an existing six-storey reinforced concrete building with an asymmetric structural plan and soft storey irregularity was used as a test specimen and subjected to three-step progressive structural damages to detect the variations in its dynamic properties. Mode shapes and dominant frequencies of the undamaged building were determined by the ambient vibration survey (AVS) and it was seen that its first three modes were torsion coupled. Besides, soft storey irregularity was evident due to the lack of masonry infill walls on its ground floor. Later on, three-step progressive damages were applied to the building. The first step targeted three columns and one beam of the building, located on a corner region of its ground floor to peel off their clear covers. The second step razed two adjacent corner columns which were already moderately damaged in the first step, while the third step knocked the third moderately damaged column down. After each damage step, AVS was repeated with the same details as applied for the undamaged building. The obtained dynamic properties for the four phases of the building were evaluated with the sustained damage. Numerical analyses with the finite element model of the building representing its four different phases were also performed and the unique responses due to damage effects on the structure were investigated numerically. As a result of induced damage, the quantified amount of frequency change in modes and the new mode observed after particularly column loss scenarios can be utilized for efficient structural health-monitoring strategies of plan-asymmetric buildings and post-earthquake assessment of partially damaged buildings where timely objective assessment is important.
Explainable machine learning models with privacy
Authors: Bozorgpanah Aso , Torra Vicenç
Published: March 2024

The importance of explainable machine learning models is increasing because users want to understand the reasons behind decisions in data-driven models. Interpretability and explainability emerge from this need to design comprehensible systems. This paper focuses on privacy-preserving explainable machine learning. We study two data masking techniques: maximum distance to average vector (MDAV) and additive noise. The former is for achievingk-anonymity, and the second uses Laplacian noise to avoid record leakage and provide a level of differential privacy. We are interested in the process of developing data-driven models that, at the same time, make explainable decisions and are privacy-preserving. That is, we want to avoid the decision-making process leading to disclosure. To that end, we propose building models from anonymized data. More particularly, data that arek-anonymous or that have been anonymized add an appropriate level of noise to satisfy some differential privacy requirements. In this paper, we study how explainability has been affected by these data protection procedures. We use TreeSHAP as our technique for explainability. The experiments show that we can keep up to a certain degree both accuracy and explainability. So, our results show that some trade-off between privacy and explainability is possible for data protection usingk-anonymity and noise addition.
Consideration on the Intergenerational Ethics on Uranium Waste Disposal
Authors: Yasuda Hiroshi , Fumoto Hiromichi , Saito Tatsuo , Sugawara Shin-etsu , Tsuchida Shoji
Published: March 2024

Purpose of Review

This review provides insights into resolving intergenerational issues related to the disposal of waste containing high amounts of uranium (uranium waste), from which distant future generations will have higher health risks than the current generation.

Recent Findings

Uranium (half-life: 4.5 billion years) produces various progeny radionuclides through radioactive decay over the long term, and its radioactivity, as the sum of its contributions, continues to increase for more than 100,000 years. In contrast to high-level radioactive wastes, protective measures, such as attenuation of radiation and confinement of radionuclides from the disposal facility, cannot work effectively for uranium waste. Thus, additional considerations from the perspective of intergenerational ethics are needed in the strategy for uranium waste disposal.

The current generation, which has benefited from the use and disposal of uranium waste, is responsible for protecting future generations from the potential risk of buried uranium beyond the lifetime of a disposal facility. Fulfilling this responsibility means making more creative efforts to convey critical information on buried materials to the distant future to ensure that future generations can properly take measures to reduce the harm by themselves in response to changing circumstances including people’s values.
High frequency of transient congenital hypothyroidism among infants referred for suspected congenital hypothyroidism from the Turkish National screening program: thyroxine dose may guide the prediction of transients
Authors: Özer Y. , Anık A. , Sayılı U. , Tercan U. , Deveci Sevim R. , Güneş S. , Buhur Pirimoğlu M. , Elmaoğulları S. , Dündar İ. , Ökdemir D. , Besci Ö. , Jalilova A. , Çiçek D. , Singin B. , Ulu Ş. E. , Turan H. , Albayrak S. , Kocabey Sütçü Z. , Eklioğlu B. S. , Eren E. , Çetinkaya S. , Savaş-Erdeve Ş. , Esen İ. , Demir K. , Darcan Ş. , Hatipoğlu N. , Parlak M. , Dursun F. , Şıklar Z. , Berberoğlu M. , Keskin M. , Orbak Z. , Tezel B. , Yürüker E. , Keskinkılıç B. , Kara F. , Erginöz E. , Darendeliler F. , Evliyaoğlu O.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

We aimed to determine the frequency of transient congenital hypothyroidism (TCH) in 17 participating centers in Türkiye, evaluate the etiological distribution in permanent congenital hypothyroidism (PCH) cases, and investigate the role of laboratory and clinical findings in predicting TCH.

Methods

This retrospective observational multicenter study included patients from 17 pediatric endocrinology centers identified by “National Newborn Screening Program” (NNSP) who were born in 2015 and followed for 6 years. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory information of the cases were compiled through the database http://cedd.saglik-network.org (CEDD-NET).

Results

Of the 239 cases initially treated for CH, 128 (53.6%) were determined as transient in whom a trial of levothyroxine (LT4) withdrawal was performed at a median age of 36 (34–38) months. Among the patients with PCH (n = 111), thyroid dysgenesis was diagnosed in 39.6% (n = 44). The predictive factors for TCH were: LT4 dose at the withdrawal of treatment, and initial newborn blood screening (NBS)-TSH level. Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to predict optimal cut-offs for TCH predictors, LT4 dose < 2.0 µg/kg/day at treatment discontinuation was predictive for TCH and was associated with 94.5% specificity and 55.7% sensitivity, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.802. The initial NBS-TSH level value < 45 µIU/mL was predictive for TCH with 93.1% specificity and 45.5% sensitivity, with an AUC of 0.641. In patients with eutopic thyroid gland only LT4 dose < 1.1 µg/kg/day at withdrawal time was predictive for TCH with 84.7% sensitivity and 40.4% specificity, with an AUC of 0.750.

Conclusion

According to our national follow-up data, the frequency of TCH was 53.6%. We determined the LT4 dose < 2.0 µg/kg/day at discontinuation of treatment and the initial NBS-TSH level < 45 µIU/mL as the best cut-off limits to predict TCH.
Amphipathic Phenylalanine-Induced Nucleophilic–Hydrophobic Interface Toward Highly Reversible Zn Anode
Authors: Zhou Anbin , Wang Huirong , Zhang Fengling , Hu Xin , Song Zhihang , Chen Yi , Huang Yongxin , Cui Yanhua , Cui Yixiu , Li Li , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: March 2024

Aqueous Zn2+-ion batteries (AZIBs), recognized for their high security, reliability, and cost efficiency, have garnered considerable attention. However, the prevalent issues of dendrite growth and parasitic reactions at the Zn electrode interface significantly impede their practical application. In this study, we introduced a ubiquitous biomolecule of phenylalanine (Phe) into the electrolyte as a multifunctional additive to improve the reversibility of the Zn anode. Leveraging its exceptional nucleophilic characteristics, Phe molecules tend to coordinate with Zn2+ ions for optimizing the solvation environment. Simultaneously, the distinctive lipophilicity of aromatic amino acids empowers Phe with a higher adsorption energy, enabling the construction of a multifunctional protective interphase. The hydrophobic benzene ring ligands act as cleaners for repelling H2O molecules, while the hydrophilic hydroxyl and carboxyl groups attract Zn2+ ions for homogenizing Zn2+ flux. Moreover, the preferential reduction of Phe molecules prior to H2O facilitates the in situ formation of an organic–inorganic hybrid solid electrolyte interphase, enhancing the interfacial stability of the Zn anode. Consequently, Zn||Zn cells display improved reversibility, achieving an extended cycle life of 5250 h. Additionally, Zn||LMO full cells exhibit enhanced cyclability of retaining 77.3% capacity after 300 cycles, demonstrating substantial potential in advancing the commercialization of AZIBs.
Alternative feature selection with user control
Authors: Bach Jakob , Böhm Klemens
Published: March 2024

Feature selection is popular for obtaining small, interpretable, yet highly accurate prediction models. Conventional feature-selection methods typically yield one feature set only, which does not suffice in certain scenarios. For example, users might be interested in finding alternative feature sets with similar prediction quality, offering different explanations of the data. In this article, we introduce alternative feature selection and formalize it as an optimization problem. In particular, we define alternatives via constraints and enable users to control the number and dissimilarity of alternatives. Next, we analyze the complexity of this optimization problem and show $$\mathcal{N}\mathcal{P}$$

N
P

-hardness. Further, we discuss how to integrate conventional feature-selection methods as objectives. Finally, we evaluate alternative feature selection in comprehensive experiments with 30 datasets representing binary-classification problems. We observe that alternative feature sets may indeed have high prediction quality, and we analyze factors influencing this outcome.
Advancements in deep learning for accurate classification of grape leaves and diagnosis of grape diseases
Authors: Kunduracioglu Ismail , Pacal Ishak
Published: March 2024

Plant diseases cause significant agricultural losses, demanding accurate detection methods. Traditional approaches relying on expert knowledge may be biased, but advancements in computing, particularly deep learning, offer non-experts effective tools. This study focuses on fine-tuning cutting-edge pre-trained CNN and vision transformer models to classify grape leaves and diagnose grape leaf diseases through digital images. Our research examined a PlantVillage dataset, which comprises 4062 leaf images distributed across four categories. Additionally, we utilized the Grapevine dataset, consisting of 500 leaf images. This dataset is organized into five distinct groups, with each group containing 100 images corresponding to one of the five grape types. The PlantVillage dataset focuses on four classes related to grape diseases, namely Black Rot, Leaf Blight, Healthy, and Esca leaves. On the other hand, the Grapevine dataset includes five classes for leaf recognition, specifically Ak, Alaidris, Buzgulu, Dimnit, and Nazli. In experiments with 14 CNN and 17 vision transformer models, deep learning demonstrated high accuracy in distinguishing grape diseases and recognizing leaves. Notably, four models achieved 100% accuracy on PlantVillage and Grapevine datasets, with Swinv2-Base standing out. This approach holds promise for enhancing crop productivity through early disease detection and providing insights into grape variety characterization in agriculture.
Laser photostability of chitosan coated gold-GO nanocomposite and its role as a nano-therapeutic agent for control breast cancer growth
Authors: Ramadan Marwa A. , Gad Sara , Sharaky Marwa , Faid Amna H.
Published: March 2024

Background

As the global cancer burden increases, it is critical to develop alternative treatments that produce minimal side effects, owing to its optical, thermal, and biological anticancer and biomedical applications of graphene and its nanocomposites. researchers have devoted the past few years to developing graphene/polymer and graphene/metal nanocomposites.

Materials and methods

Here a simple, highly stable, non-toxic, eco- friendly chitosan gold nanoparticles (Cs-AuNPs) and its nanocomposites with graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) to form novel photostable (GO/AuNPs) nanocomposites. The prepared nanomaterials were characterized by UV–Vis, FTIRs, TEM and Raman as shown in graphical abstract. In addition, the anticancer efficiency of the prepared nanomaterials in breast cell lines (MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231) using SRP assay were evaluated.

Results

Results revealed that Cs-AuNPs bound with the GO sheets via electrostatic interaction with high stability with uniform decoration. A new FTIRs peak of high intensity was found in the GO/Au nanocomposite confirming the decoration of Cs-AuNPs on the surface of the GO layers. GO/Au nanocomposite has a significant cytotoxic effect on breast cell lines as compared to GO only.

Conclusion

This work opens perceptions for translational applications of GO/Au nanocomposite on cancer cell lines, future work is to use the prepared nanocomposite in photothermal chemotherapy combined treatment.

Graphical abstract
Determination of M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization in Ipsilateral and Contralateral Rat Testis Tissue Following Unilateral Torsion/Detorsion
Authors: Balgetir Merve Kavak , Tektemur Nalan Kaya , Tektemur Ahmet , Türk Gaffari , Güngör İbrahim Halil , Cihangiroglu Aslıhan Cakir , Akkoç Ramazan Fazıl , Kuloglu Tuncay , Dabak Durrin Ozlem
Published: March 2024

The present study investigates the changes in M1/M2 macrophage polarization resulting from unilateral testicular torsion in the bilateral testis. The study sample included 63 male Sprague–Dawley rats, which were randomly divided into nine groups (n = 7): Control, Sham (4 h (4 h), 24 h, 7 days (7d), 14d), and Torsion/Detorsion (T/D) (4 h, 24 h, 7d, 14d). Histopathological evaluations revealed no changes in the Sham groups, while T/D was noted to cause edema, vascular occlusion, disruption of seminiferous tubule epithelial organization, germ cell abnormalities and structural anomalies in the experimental rats, the severity and extent of which increased from 4 h to 14d after T/D. The Cosentino scores used to determine the degree of histological damage were consistent with the histopathological findings in all groups, while the Johnsen scores, as a marker of spermatogenesis, were lower in the T/D groups. Seminiferous tubule diameters and germinal epithelial thickness decreased significantly in parallel with increased tubule damage in the ipsilateral testicles. Testicular torsion significantly affected sperm motility, with significant reductions observed in the T/D 7d and T/D 14d groups. A hormone profile analysis revealed decreased testosterone levels in both the Sham and T/D groups when compared to the Controls. CD68 and CD163 immunoreactivities, as M1 and M2 macrophage surface markers, were determined in the testicular tissue using the avidin–biotin-peroxidase complex method. T/D interventions caused M1/M2 macrophage polarization changes and increased M1 macrophages, particularly in contralateral testicular tissue. The increase in M1 macrophages in contralateral testicular tissue following T/D in the present study suggests that cell processes, including macrophages, may play an important role in contralateral testicular injury.
Impact of marine industrial agglomeration on high-quality marine economic development: the mediating effect of knowledge spillover
Authors: Wang Keliang , Ru Xiangxiang , Cheng Yunhe
Published: March 2024

Industrial agglomeration significantly influences economic development; however, its impact on high-quality economic growth within the marine industry remains understudied. We conducted a study using panel data from 11 coastal provinces in China (2008–2020) and used the entropy method to quantify high-quality marine economic development (HQMED). Our study meticulously examines the direct, mediating, and nonlinear effects of marine industrial agglomeration (MIA) on HQMED. The key findings include the following: (1) There is a steady HQMED growth and reduced interprovincial gaps. (2) MIA significantly enhances local HQMED and leads to positive spatial spillover to adjacent regions. (3) The analysis of the mediating effect highlights the pivotal role of knowledge spillover in MIA’s influence on HQMED. (4) Threshold analysis shows significant MIA effects on local and neighboring HQMED using knowledge spillover as a threshold variable. The study’s findings hold theoretical and practical significance and guide MIA’s role in fostering sustainable marine economic development in China.
#BringBackOurGirls: Transnational Activism and the Remediation of the 2014 Chibok Girls’ Kidnapping in Nigeria
Authors: Onah Chijioke K.
Published: March 2024

In April 2014, Boko Haram kidnapped almost three hundred girls attending school in Chibok, Nigeria. The #BringBackOurGirls campaign emerged as a global activist movement in the aftermath of that kidnapping. Onah’s article analyzes the global mediascapes of the campaign to show the mnemonic affordances of the Chibok girls’ kidnapping and the intermedial dynamics that coalesced to make it a global memory phenomenon. By foregrounding the transhistorical and intermedial connections at the core of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, it consolidates the understanding of remediation in memory studies. Consequently, Onah proposes new ways to understand African memorial traditions and testimonial practices in an increasingly hyperconnected world.
Hydrodynamics and scaling laws for intermittent S-start swimming
Authors: Yang Dewu , Wu Jie , Khedkar Kaustubh , Chao Li-Ming , Bhalla Amneet Pal Singh
Published: March 2024

The hydrodynamics of a self-propelling swimmer undergoing intermittent S-start swimming are investigated extensively with varying duty cycle

$DC$

, swimming period

$T$

, and tailbeat amplitude

$A$

. We find that the steady time-averaged swimming speed

$\bar {U}_x$

increases directly with

$A$

, but varies inversely with

$DC$

and

$T$

, where there is a maximal improvement of

$541.29\,\%$

over continuous cruising swimming. Our results reveal two scaling laws, in the form of input versus output relations, that relate the swimmer's kinematics to its hydrodynamic performance: swimming speed and efficiency. A smaller

$DC$

causes increased fluctuations in the swimmer's velocity generation. A larger

$A$

, on the other hand, allows the swimmer to reach steady swimming more quickly. Although we set out to determine scaling laws for intermittent S-start swimming, these scaling laws extend naturally to burst-and-coast and continuous modes of swimming. Additionally, we have identified, categorized and linked the wake structures produced by intermittent S-start swimmers with their velocity generation.
Predicting the scaling relations between the dark matter halo mass and observables from generalised profiles II: Intracluster gas emission
Authors: Sullivan Andrew , Power Chris , Bottrell Connor , Robotham Aaron , Shabala Stanislav
Published: March 2024

We investigate the connection between a cluster’s structural configuration and observable measures of its gas emission that can be obtained in X-ray and Sunyaev–Zeldovich (SZ) surveys. We present an analytic model for the intracluster gas density profile: parameterised by the dark matter halo’s inner logarithmic density slope,

$\alpha$

, the concentration, c, the gas profile’s inner logarithmic density slope,

$\varepsilon$

, the dilution, d, and the gas fraction,

$\eta$

, normalised to cosmological content. We predict four probes of the gas emission: the emission-weighted,

$T_\mathrm{X}$

, and mean gas mass-weighted,

$T_\mathrm{m_g}$

, temperatures, and the spherically,

$Y_\mathrm{sph}$

, and cylindrically,

$Y_\mathrm{cyl}$

, integrated Compton parameters. Over a parameter space of clusters, we constrain the X-ray temperature scaling relations,

$M_{200} - T_\mathrm{X}$

and

$M_{500} - T_\mathrm{X}$

, within

$57.3\%$

and

$41.6\%$

, and

$M_{200} - T_\mathrm{m_g}$

and

$M_{500} - T_\mathrm{m_g}$

, within

$25.7\%$

and

$7.0\%$

, all respectively. When excising the cluster’s core, the

$M_{200} - T_\mathrm{X}$

and

$M_{500} - T_\mathrm{X}$

relations are further constrained, to within

$31.3\%$

and

$17.1\%$

, respectively. Similarly, we constrain the SZ scaling relations,

$M_{200} - Y_\mathrm{sph}$

and

$M_{500} - Y_\mathrm{sph}$

, within

$31.1\%$

and

$17.7\%$

, and

$M_{200} - Y_\mathrm{cyl}$

and

$M_{500} - Y_\mathrm{cyl}$

, within

$25.2\%$

and

$22.0\%$

, all respectively. The temperature observable

$T_\mathrm{m_g}$

places the strongest constraint on the halo mass, whilst

$T_\mathrm{X}$

is more sensitive to the parameter space. The SZ constraints are sensitive to the gas fraction, whilst insensitive to the form of the gas profile itself. In all cases, the halo mass is recovered with an uncertainty that suggests the cluster’s structural profiles only contribute a minor uncertainty in its scaling relations.
Diagonal decision theory
Authors: Fusco Melissa
Published: March 2024

Stalnaker’s ‘Assertion’ (1978 [1999]) offers a classic account of diagonalization as an approach to the meaning of a declarative sentence in context. Here I explore the relationship between diagonalization and some puzzles in Mahtani’s book The Objects of Credence. Diagonalization can influence how we think about both credence and desirability, so it influences both components of a standard expected utility equation. In that vein, I touch on two of Mahtani’s case-studies, chance and the finite version of the Two Envelope Paradox.
Probabilistically coherent credences despite opacity
Authors: List Christian
Published: March 2024

Real human agents, even when they are rational by everyday standards, sometimes assign different credences to objectively equivalent statements, such as ‘Orwell is a writer’ and ‘E.A. Blair is a writer’, or credences less than 1 to necessarily true statements, such as not-yet-proven theorems of arithmetic. Anna Mahtani calls this the phenomenon of ‘opacity’. Opaque credences seem probabilistically incoherent, which goes against a key modelling assumption of probability theory. I sketch a modelling strategy for capturing opaque credence assignments without abandoning probabilistic coherence. I draw on ideas from judgement-aggregation theory, where we face similar challenges of defining the ‘objects of judgement’.
Bicuspidisation of unicuspid stenotic pulmonary valve in a nine-year-old male
Authors: Anghel Florin , Badiu Catalin Constantin , Poncelet Alain J.
Published: March 2024

We report the case of a 9-year-old male with severe congenital pulmonary valve stenosis referred to our centre for percutaneous valvotomy. On admission, trans-thoracic echocardiogram confirmed a unicuspid pulmonary valve with a peak/mean pulmonary valve gradient of 91/53 mmHg and a pulmonary annulus of 13.8 mm (−0.8 Z Score). It also showed an enlarged RV (RV/LV ratio 0,9). During cardiac catheterisation, an additional atrial septal defect (secundum) with significant left to right shunt (Qp/Qs > 2) was diagnosed, which was not amenable to percutaneous closure. The patient was referred for surgical repair.

The atrial septal defect was closed by a direct running suture. The repair of the unicuspid valve consisted in bicuspidisation by a large commissurotomy to the left anterior wall of the pulmonary artery. The neo-commissure was created with two separate patches of autologous pericardium secured to the wall of the pulmonary root. The adjustment of the effective height of the pulmonary valve leaflets was done by trimming the patches and a triangular plication of the newly created posterior leaflet. Perioperative echocardiogram showed a peak gradient of 15 mm Hg and trivial pulmonary regurgitation. The total cross-clamp time was 92 min and the bypass time 123 min with a favourable evolution after the surgery.

The particularity of the case is represented by the complexity of the bicuspidisation procedure. Using this technique, a tailored approach is needed for every patient.
Nutritional impact of no-added sugar fruit puree consumption at different eating occasions: a modelling study on French children
Authors: Poinsot Romane , Richonnet Céline , Vieux Florent
Published: March 2024

Objective:

The recommended level of five fruits and vegetables per day is reached by a minority of French children. No-added sugars fruit puree (NASFP) can be consumed as a complement of fresh fruit to meet the recommendation for fruits and vegetables. The objective was to simulate the nutritional impact of an increase in consumption of NASFP among French children, together with a reduction in sweetened foods.

Design:

The study was conducted on French children aged 1–17 years. The simulation consisted in introducing NASFP on four different eating occasions (breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner) to reach one serving and removing the same serving of sweetened foods. Intakes in nutrients to favour, nutrients to limit and prevalence of adequacy to nutritional requirements were compared between observed and simulated diets in the whole sample and in five different age groups.

Setting:

France.

Participants:

Children from 1 to 17 years of age in the last available French representative dietary survey (INCA3).

Results:

Simulated diets were more nutrient-dense thanks to increases in nutrients to favour from NASFP (especially fibres, iodine, Se, and vitamin A and C) associated with reductions in energy and nutrients to limit (especially free sugars) coming from sweetened foods. Prevalence of adequacy increased from 2 to 14·5 points for fibres and from 4·5 to 12 points for free sugars according to age group and eating occasion.

Conclusion:

Promoting NASFP in replacement of sweetened products is a promising strategy to improve the nutritional quality of French children’s diet through a better adherence to national guidelines.
Management of isolated distal deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Righini Marc , Robert-Ebadi Helia
Published: March 2024

Summary: Isolated distal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) represents up to 50% of all lower limb DVT in ultrasound series and is a frequent medical condition, which management is not well established. Data arising from registries and non-randomized studies suggest that most distal DVTs do not extend to the proximal veins and have an uneventful follow-up when left untreated. This data had some impact on international recommendations like the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), whose last version stated that ultrasound surveillance might be an option for selected low-risk patients. However, robust data arising from randomized studies are scarce. Indeed, only seven randomized trials assessing the need for anticoagulation for calf DVT have been published. Many of these trials had an open-label design and were affected by methodological limitations. When considering randomized placebo-controlled trials, one included low-risk patients and was hampered by a limited statistical power (CACTUS study). Nevertheless, data from this trial tend to confirm that the use of therapeutic anticoagulation in low-risk patients with symptomatic calf DVT is not superior to placebo in reducing VTE but is associated with a higher risk of bleeding. A second randomized placebo-controlled trial did not assess the necessity of anticoagulant treatment but rather the long-term risk of recurrence and compared 6 weeks versus 12 weeks of treatment with rivaroxaban (RIDTS study). Finally, the last available randomized trial compared a 3-month versus a 12-month edoxaban treatment in patients with cancer and mainly asymptomatic distal DVT, detected by systematic compression ultrasonography. Overall, available data suggest that the use of therapeutic anticoagulation in low-risk patients with symptomatic calf DVT is not superior to placebo in reducing VTE. High risk patients (previous VTE, active cancer, inpatients) might benefit from a course of anticoagulant treatment. However, the optimal anticoagulant intensity and duration are uncertain and further studies are needed.
Process Modeling of Aerosol‐Cloud Interaction in Summertime Precipitating Shallow Cumulus Over the Western North Atlantic
Authors: Li Xiang‐Yu , Wang Hailong , Christensen Matthew W. , Chen Jingyi , Tang Shuaiqi , Kirschler Simon , Crosbie Ewan , Ziemba Luke D. , Painemal David , Corral Andrea F. , McCauley Kayla Ann , Dmitrovic Sanja , Sorooshian Armin , Fenn Marta , Schlosser Joseph S. , Stamnes Snorre , Hair Johnathan W. , Cairns Brian , Moore Richard , Ferrare Richard Anthony , Shook Michael A. , Choi Yonghoon , Diskin Glenn S. , DiGangi Joshua , Nowak John B. , Robinson Claire , Shingler Taylor J. , Lee Thornhill Kenneth , Voigt Christiane
Published: March 2024

Process modeling of Aerosol‐cloud interaction (ACI) is essential to bridging gaps between observational analysis and climate modeling of aerosol effects in the Earth system and eventually reducing climate projection uncertainties. In this study, we examine ACI in summertime precipitating shallow cumuli observed during the Aerosol Cloud meTeorology Interactions oVer the western ATlantic Experiment (ACTIVATE). Aerosols and precipitating shallow cumuli were extensively observed with in‐situ and remote‐sensing instruments during two research flight cases on 02 June and 07 June, respectively, during the ACTIVATE summer 2021 deployment phase. We perform observational analysis and large‐eddy simulation (LES) of aerosol effect on precipitating cumulus in these two cases. Given the measured aerosol size distributions and meteorological conditions, LES is able to reproduce the observed cloud properties by aircraft such as liquid water content (LWC), cloud droplet number concentration (Nc) and effective radius reff. However, it produces smaller liquid water path (LWP) and larger Nc compared to the satellite retrievals. Both 02 and 07 June cases are over warm waters of the Gulf Stream and have a cloud top height over 3 km, but the 07 June case is more polluted and has larger LWC. We find that the Na‐induced LWP adjustment is dominated by precipitation feedback for the 2 June precipitating case and there is no clear entrainment feedback in both cases. An increase of cloud fraction due to a decrease of aerosol number concentration is also shown in the simulations for the 02 June case.