bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
pSPObooster: A Plasmid System to Improve Sporulation Efficiency of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Lab Strains
Authors: Loll‐Krippleber Raphael , Jiang Yangyang Kate , Brown Grant W.
Published: September 2024

Common Saccharomyces cerevisiae lab yeast strains derived from S288C have meiotic defects and therefore are poor sporulators. Here, we developed a plasmid system containing corrected alleles of the MKT1 and RME1 genes to rescue the meiotic defects and show that standard BY4741 and BY4742 strains containing the plasmid display faster and more efficient sporulation. The plasmid, pSPObooster, can be maintained as an episome and easily cured or stably integrated into the genome at a single locus. We demonstrate the use of pSPObooster in low‐ and high‐throughput yeast genetic manipulations and show that it can expedite both procedures without impacting strain behavior.
Synthesis and Single Crystal X‐ray Characterization of [Sn5Bi3]3−
Authors: Friedrich Ute , Schmidt Franz , Korber Nikolaus
Published: September 2024

The extraction of the solid state materials “MSnBix“ (M/x=Cs/1, Na/3) in liquid ammonia in the presence of different chelating agents yielded the novel Zintl anion [Sn5Bi3]3−. The anion could be crystallized and characterized via single crystal X‐ray diffraction in [Cs@[18]crown‐6]3[Sn5Bi3] ⋅ 7NH3, [K@[18]crown‐6]1.5[Cs@[18]crown‐6][Cs@([18]crown‐6)2]0.5[Sn5Bi3] ⋅ 3.98NH3, [Na@DB[18]crown‐6]2[Na(NH3)6][Sn5Bi3] ⋅ 14NH3 and [Cs@[2.2.2]crypt]6[Sn5Bi3]2 ⋅ 9.53NH3. The [Sn5Bi3]3− anion is further investigated by mass spectrometry and DFT calculations to confirm its composition and elucidate its electronic structure.
Analysis of ballistic trajectories and its association with clinical outcomes in civilian penetrating brain injury
Authors: Ordoñez Sebastián , Ledesma Mauricio A. , Villegas-Trujillo Lina María , Velásquez Miguel , Trujillo María , Rubiano Andrés M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Civilian penetrating brain injuries (PBI) caused by firearms are a medical emergency with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between trajectory vectors in CT brain angiography and clinical outcomes in patients with civilian gunshots.

Methods

This is a retrospective analytical cross-sectional study that includes patients over 15 years of age with PBI due to firearms, admitted from January 2019 to December 2021 at a University Hospital in Cali, Colombia. A brain CT with angio-CT was performed the first day of admission. An XYZ coordinate system centered on the Turk’s saddle was developed. Trajectories of projectiles were plotted and compared to a patient 0 in a 3D-Slicer software. A bivariate analysis of the clinical and geometric characteristics of the trajectory was performed. Primary outcomes include mortality and disability at 6 months.

Results

Twenty-eight patients with a mean age of 27.39 ± 11.66 years were included. The vectors of non-survivors show a trend, crossing at a specific area. This area was designated as a “potential lethal zone” and inside this area, injuries around 25.3 mm from the circle of Willis, were associated with greater mortality (p < 0.005).

Conclusions

In our study PBI avoiding the ventricular system, brain stem, dorsum sellae and the circle of Willis were associated with more survivability. A “potential lethal zone” was detected and associated with poor outcome after civilian PBI due to firearms. A better evaluation of the performance of this “potential lethal zone” in larger studies will be required.
Associations between rural/urban status, duration of untreated psychosis and mode of onset of psychosis: a mental health electronic clinical records analysis in the East of England, UK
Authors: Kaminska Karolina , Hodgekins Jo , Lewis Jonathan R. , Cardinal Rudolf N. , Oduola Sherifat
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The influence of rurality on the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in first-episode psychosis (FEP) is poorly understood. We investigated factors associated with FEP in rural/urban settings and whether there are rural/urban differences in DUP and the mode (speed) of onset of psychosis.

Methods

We used the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust Research Database (CPFTRD) to identify all persons presenting to an early intervention for psychosis service with FEP between 2013 and 2015. We performed descriptive statistics and multivariable linear and multinomial regression to assess the relationships between the study outcomes and the independent variables.

Results

One hundred and fifty-five FEP patients were identified, with a mean age of 23.4 (SD, 5.3) years. The median DUP was 129.0 (IQR: 27.5–524.0) days. In rural areas, FEP patients were more likely to be employed and live with family than those in urban areas. A longer DUP was observed among patients with an insidious onset of psychosis compared with an acute onset (619.5 (IQR: 333.5–945.0)) vs. (17.0 (IQR: 8.0–30.5)) days respectively, p < 0.0001. We found evidence that the mode of onset of psychosis differed by employment status and living circumstances. There was insufficient evidence of rural/urban differences in DUP and mode of onset of psychosis.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the mode of onset of psychosis is an important indicator of treatment delay and could provide vital information for service planning and delivery. Sociodemographic variations in FEP exist in rural populations, and our findings are similar to those observed in urban settings.
Safety of Rituximab biosimilar (Riximyo®) following a single switch from the reference product in patients with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Song Nina K , Musa Hala , Soriano Michael , Hibbs David E , Ramzan Iqbal , Ong Jennifer A
Published: September 2024

Unlike small molecule drugs and generic products, the active component of biologics and biosimilars are not identical chemical entities. Despite bioequivalence, there is limited evidence in clinical practice (i.e. Phase IV post-marketing surveillance) regarding the safety of biosimilar rituximab and even less so for “switching therapy” with respect to safety. Drug substitution by switching aims to realise cost savings by changing therapy involving a reference (biologic) product to a biosimilar. A retrospective analysis of safety outcomes including treatment-emergent adverse effects (TEAEs), rates of death and discontinuation of therapy, for all patients that received switching therapy (from reference to biosimilar rituximab, n = 33) was compared to patients who did not did not switch therapy (received biosimilar rituximab only, n = 18) at an Australian metropolitan cancer centre, over a six-month period. There was no statistical significant differences for any safety outcomes examined. Switching therapy for patients receiving rituximab does not lead to poorer safety outcomes.
Flexible representative democracy
Authors: Abramowitz Ben , Mattei Nicholas
Published: September 2024

We introduce Flexible Representative Democracy (FRD), a novel hybrid of Representative Democracy and Direct Democracy in which voters can alter the issue-dependent weights of a set of elected representatives. In line with the literature on Interactive Democracy, our model allows the voters to actively determine the degree to which the system is direct versus representative. However, unlike Liquid Democracy, Flexible Representative Democracy uses strictly non-transitive delegations, making delegation cycles impossible, and maintains a fixed set of accountable, elected representatives. We present Flexible Representative Democracy and analyze it using a computational approach with issues that are binary and symmetric. We compare the outcomes of various voting systems using Direct Democracy with majority voting as an ideal baseline. First, we demonstrate the shortcomings of Representative Democracy in our model. We provide NP-Hardness results for electing an ideal set of representatives, discuss pathologies, and demonstrate empirically that common multi-winner election rules for selecting representatives do not perform well in expectation. To analyze the effects of adding delegation to representative voting systems, we begin by providing theoretical results on how issue-specific delegations determine outcomes. Finally, we provide empirical results comparing the outcomes of various voting systems: Representative Democracy, Proxy Voting, and FRD with issue-specific delegations. Our results show that variants of Proxy Voting yield no discernible benefit over unweighted representatives and reveal the potential for Flexible Representative Democracy to improve outcomes as voter participation increases.
ACL reconstruction demonstrates better stability compared to ACL repair for patients with Schenck III and IV knee dislocations
Authors: Fahlbusch Hendrik , Behrendt Peter , Frings Jannik , Berninger Markus T. , Korthaus Alexander , Akoto Ralph , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Krause Matthias
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study compared mid-term outcomes of two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) restoration techniques within an early total surgical care of acute knee dislocation: repair with additional internal bracing (ACLIB) and reconstruction with autograft (ACLR). Initial results at 12 months demonstrated that ACLR offered superior stability compared to ACLIB.

Methods

Retrospective clinical study of patients with acute type III or IV KD. ACLIB or ACLR procedures were performed accompanied by simultaneous suture and internal bracing of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and repair with lateral augmentation of the medial and lateral complex injuries utilizing Arciero’s reconstruction technique. Patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs), instrumental stability assessment via the Rolimeter-Test, and stress radiographs were analyzed.

Results

The study involved 20 patients (5 IIIM, 5 IIIL, and 10 IV injuries) with an average follow-up of 35.2 ± 7.4 months. Notable differences in anterior tibial translation on stress radiography favouring ACLR persisted at 24-month follow-up in side-to-side difference (SSD) (ACLIB 2.8 ± 2.5 mm vs. ACLR 0.3 ± 2.6 mm; p = 0.0487), but Rolimeter test variance diminished (SSD ACLIB 2.5 ± 0.9 mm vs. ACLR 1.8 ± 1.7 mm). Both groups showed excellent PROMs (Lysholm Score: ACLIB 84.4 ± 15.8 vs. ACLR 89.9 ± 9.0; IKDC Score: ACLIB 77.1 ± 16.2 vs. ACLR 77.7 ± 8.6).

Conclusion

Our results indicate improved anterior stability at 12 months, which persisted at 24 months after ACL reconstruction compared with ACL repair by stress radiography. Both groups showed favourable patient-reported outcomes throughout the follow-up period. Notable rates of postoperative knee stiffness were observed in both groups. These were successfully managed with early, one-time arthroscopic arthrolysis within the first seven months of treatment, resulting in no major range of motion limitations at the 24-month follow-up.

Level of evidence

Retrospective cohort study, III.
Comprehensive microRNA analyses using vitreous humor of ocular sarcoidosis
Authors: Asakage Masaki , Usui Yoshihiko , Komatsu Hiroyuki , Maruyama Kazuichi , Nezu Naoya , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Tsubota Kinya , Yamakawa Naoyuki , Umezu Tomohiro , Takanashi Masakatsu , Kuroda Masahiko , Goto Hiroshi
Published: September 2024

Purpose

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs which have attracted attention as biomarkers in a variety of diseases. However, extensive unbiased analysis of miRNA in vitreous humor of sarcoidosis patients has not been reported. In the present study, we comprehensively analyzed the dysregulated miRNAs in ocular sarcoidosis to search for potential biomarkers.

Materials and Methods

This study included seven patients diagnosed with ocular sarcoidosis (five definite and two presumed). Five patients with unclassified uveitis and 24 with non-inflammatory diseases served as controls. MicroRNA expression levels in vitreous humor samples were measured by microarray, and differentially expressed miRNAs between sarcoidosis and other diseases were explored. Next, pathway enrichment analysis was performed to evaluate the functions of the dysregulated miRNAs, and machine learning was used to search for candidate biomarkers.

Results

A total of 614 upregulated miRNAs and 8 downregulated miRNAs were detected in vitreous humor of patients with ocular sarcoidosis compared with patients with unclassified uveitis and non-inflammatory diseases. Some dysregulated miRNAs were involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway. Furthermore, we identified miR-764 as the best predictor for ocular sarcoidosis using Boruta selection.

Conclusions

In this study, comprehensive miRNA analysis of vitreous humor samples identified dysregulated miRNAs in ocular sarcoidosis. This study suggests new insights into molecular pathogenetic mechanisms of sarcoidosis and may provide useful information toward developing novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for sarcoidosis.
Can a Hebbian-like learning rule be avoiding the curse of dimensionality in sparse distributed data?
Authors: Osório Maria , Sa-Couto Luis , Wichert Andreas
Published: September 2024

It is generally assumed that the brain uses something akin to sparse distributed representations. These representations, however, are high-dimensional and consequently they affect classification performance of traditional Machine Learning models due to the “curse of dimensionality”. In tasks for which there is a vast amount of labeled data, Deep Networks seem to solve this issue with many layers and a non-Hebbian backpropagation algorithm. The brain, however, seems to be able to solve the problem with few layers. In this work, we hypothesize that this happens by using Hebbian learning. Actually, the Hebbian-like learning rule of Restricted Boltzmann Machines learns the input patterns asymmetrically. It exclusively learns the correlation between non-zero values and ignores the zeros, which represent the vast majority of the input dimensionality. By ignoring the zeros the “curse of dimensionality” problem can be avoided. To test our hypothesis, we generated several sparse datasets and compared the performance of a Restricted Boltzmann Machine classifier with some Backprop-trained networks. The experiments using these codes confirm our initial intuition as the Restricted Boltzmann Machine shows a good generalization performance, while the Neural Networks trained with the backpropagation algorithm overfit the training data.
Variational analysis of sensory feedback mechanisms in powerstroke–recovery systems
Authors: Yu Zhuojun , Thomas Peter J.
Published: September 2024

Although the raison d’etre of the brain is the survival of the body, there are relatively few theoretical studies of closed-loop rhythmic motor control systems. In this paper we provide a unified framework, based on variational analysis, for investigating the dual goals of performance and robustness in powerstroke–recovery systems. To demonstrate our variational method, we augment two previously published closed-loop motor control models by equipping each model with a performance measure based on the rate of progress of the system relative to a spatially extended external substrate—such as a long strip of seaweed for a feeding task, or progress relative to the ground for a locomotor task. The sensitivity measure quantifies the ability of the system to maintain performance in response to external perturbations, such as an applied load. Motivated by a search for optimal design principles for feedback control achieving the complementary requirements of efficiency and robustness, we discuss the performance–sensitivity patterns of the systems featuring different sensory feedback architectures. In a paradigmatic half-center oscillator-motor system, we observe that the excitation–inhibition property of feedback mechanisms determines the sensitivity pattern while the activation–inactivation property determines the performance pattern. Moreover, we show that the nonlinearity of the sigmoid activation of feedback signals allows the existence of optimal combinations of performance and sensitivity. In a detailed hindlimb locomotor system, we find that a force-dependent feedback can simultaneously optimize both performance and robustness, while length-dependent feedback variations result in significant performance-versus-sensitivity tradeoffs. Thus, this work provides an analytical framework for studying feedback control of oscillations in nonlinear dynamical systems, leading to several insights that have the potential to inform the design of control or rehabilitation systems.
Perspective or Spectacle? Teaching thoracic aortic anatomy in a mixed reality assisted educational approach– a two-armed randomized pilot study
Authors: Zimmer Lea , Hatzl Johannes , Uhl Christian , Kilian Samuel , Bischoff Moritz S. , Böckler Dittmar , Meisenbacher Katrin
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Anatomical understanding is an important basis for medical teaching, especially in a surgical context. The interpretation of complex vascular structures via two-dimensional visualization can yet be difficult, particularly for students. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an MxR-assisted educational approach in vascular surgery undergraduate education, comparing an MxR-based teaching-intervention with CT-based material for learning and understanding the vascular morphology of the thoracic aorta.

Methods

In a prospective randomized controlled trial learning success and diagnostic skills following an MxR- vs. a CT-based intervention was investigated in 120 thoracic aortic visualizations. Secondary outcomes were motivation, system-usability as well as workload/satisfaction. Motivational factors and training-experience were also assessed. Twelve students (7 females; mean age: 23 years) were randomized into two groups undergoing educational intervention with MxR or CT.

Results

Evaluation of learning success showed a mean improvement of 1.17 points (max.score: 10; 95%CI: 0.36–1.97). The MxR-group has improved by a mean of 1.33 [95% CI: 0.16–2.51], against 1.0 points [95% CI: -0.71- 2.71] in the CT-group. Regarding diagnostic skills, both groups performed equally (CT-group: 58.25 ± 7.86 vs. MxR-group:58.5 ± 6.60; max. score 92.0). 11/12 participants were convinced that MxR facilitated learning of vascular morphologies. The usability of the MxR-system was rated positively, and the perceived workload was low.

Conclusion

MxR-systems can be a valuable addition to vascular surgery education. Further evaluation of the technology in larger teaching situations are required. Especially regarding the acquisition of practical skills, the use of MxR-systems offers interesting application possibilities in surgical education.
State of the art treatment with Impella® in cardiac surgery in Austria
Authors: Wiedemann Dominik , Dumfarth Julia , Zierer Andreas F. , Zimpfer Daniel
Published: September 2024

Since 2022, the mechanical left ventricular support system Impella 5.5® has been used in Austria for patients with cardiogenic shock, advanced heart failure, post-cardiotomy and low output syndrome. The surgical insertion of the Impella 5.5 via the subclavian artery or alternatively via the ascending aorta has become an established procedure for medium-term treatment in patients with cardiogenic shock and bridging scenarios, such as bridge to recovery, bridge to left ventricular assist device (LVAD), bridge to decision, and bridge to heart transplant (HTx) in Austria. All Impella left ventricular heart pumps share the common feature of unloading the left ventricle, with the Impella 5.5 achieving a full cardiac output of 5.5 l/min. The stable positioning via transaxillary or transaortic insertion enables rapid extubation and mobilization of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), leading to a significantly shorter ICU stay. The combined support of Impella 5.5 with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has also proven effective in certain scenarios. Several nonrandomized studies demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of the Impella 5.5 in practice, which have been included in multiple international guidelines. The advantages of the Impella 5.5 in practice include the easy handling with high positional stability, and low complications rates. This article describes the significance of surgical Impella treatment in Austria from the perspective of Austrian clinical experts.
Specialized protist communities on mycorrhizal fungal hyphae
Authors: Zhang Changfeng , Geisen Stefan , Berendsen Roeland L. , van der Heijden Marcel G. A.
Published: September 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi not only play a crucial role in acquiring nutrients for plants but also serve as a habitat for soil microbes. Recent studies observed that AM fungal hyphae are colonized by specific bacterial communities. However, so far it has not been explored whether fungal hyphae and mycorrhizal networks also harbor specific communities of protists, a key group of microbes in the soil microbiome. Here, we characterized protist communities in soil in a compartment with plant roots and on hyphae collected from hyphal compartments without plant roots. We detected specific protist communities on fungal hyphae. Fourteen protistan amplicon sequences variants (ASVs) were significantly associated with fungal hyphae, half of which belonged to the Cercozoa group. This research, for the first-time detected specific protist ASVs directly associated with abundant AM fungus hyphae, highlighting the complexity of the hyphal food web.
Should Scotland provide genome-wide sequencing for the diagnosis of rare developmental disorders? A cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Abbott Michael , Ryan Mandy , Hernández Rodolfo , McKenzie Lynda , Heidenreich Sebastian , Hocking Lynne , Clark Caroline , Ansari Morad , Moore David , Lampe Anne , McGowan Ruth , Berg Jonathan , Miedzybrodzka Zosia
Published: September 2024

Aims

This study aims to evaluate the cost effectiveness of genetic and genomic testing strategies for the diagnosis of rare developmental disorders in NHS Scotland.

Methods

Six genetic and genomic testing strategies were evaluated using a decision tree model. First-line, second-line and last-resort trio genome sequencing (GS), and second-line and last-resort trio exome sequencing (ES) were compared with standard genetic testing. The cost effectiveness of each strategy was expressed in terms of incremental cost per additional diagnosis. The impact of uncertainty on cost-effectiveness results was explored using deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Results

2nd-line ES was a cost-saving option, increasing diagnostic yield by 13.9% and decreasing cost by £1027 per trio compared to standard genetic testing. Compared to ES, strategies involving GS increased costs significantly, with only a moderate or zero improvement in diagnostic yield. Sensitivity analysis indicated that significant reductions in cost or improvements in diagnostic yield are required before 1st-line GS becomes cost effective.

Conclusion

2nd-line ES (after chromosomal microarray; replacing gene panel testing) for the diagnosis of developmental disorders is a cost-saving option for the Scottish NHS. Ongoing economic evaluation is required to monitor the evolving cost and diagnostic yield of GS and ES over time.
Toxicity profiles of immune checkpoint inhibitors in nervous system cancer: a comprehensive disproportionality analysis using FDA adverse event reporting system
Authors: Liu Rongrong , Zhao Hui , Lu Zenghong , Zeng Lingshuai , Shi Huaqiu , Wu Longqiu , Wang Jing , Zhong Fangjun , Liu Chuanjian , Zhang Yu , Qiu Zhengang
Published: September 2024

Background: Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) always occur during treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Patients with nervous system cancer (NSC) may gain clinical benefit from ICIs, but irAEs in NSC patients are rarely examined. Therefore, our study systematically summarized reports of irAEs in NSC. Methods: We obtained information from the FDA adverse event reporting system from the first quarter (Q1) of 2013 to the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2022. We examined use of a combination of ICIs and chemotherapy (ICI_Chemo) or chemotherapy only (ICI_Chemo) for patients with NSC. Multiple disproportionality analyses were applied to assess irAEs. Multiomics data from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database were analyzed to explore potential molecular mechanisms associated with irAEs in NSC patients. Results: Fourteen irAEs were identified in 8,357 NSC patients after removing duplicates; the top five events were seizure, confused state, encephalopathy, muscular weakness and gait disturbance. Older patients were more likely to develop irAEs than were younger patients. From the start of ICIs_Chemo to irAE occurrence, there was a significant difference in the time to onset of irAEs between age groups. irAEs may occur via mechanisms involving the inflammatory response, secretion of inflammatory mediators, and aberrant activation of pathologic pathways. Conclusions: This study helps to characterize irAEs in NSC patients treated with ICIs. We combined GEO database analysis to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of irAEs. The results of this study provide a basis for improving the toxic effects of ICIs in NSC patients.
Broad geographic variation in age- and sex-dependent origin of harvested eurasian wigeon (Mareca penelope) revealed by stable-hydrogen (δ2H) isotope analyses of feathers
Authors: Holopainen Sari , Piironen Antti , Kusack Jackson W. , Hobson Keith A. , Ellis Matthew B. , Sørensen Iben Hove , Warrender Heather , Laaksonen Toni
Published: September 2024

Migratory waterfowl are a harvested resource shared among multiple European countries, exposing them to potential overexploitation. Management of take is challenging since the life cycle of migratory waterfowl consists of several stages distributed among several locations, with possible spatio-temporal overlap among populations with differing population trends. Successful harvest management in such situations requires knowledge about the connections between breeding and non-breeding locations, and where birds are harvested. Breeding populations of Eurasian wigeon (Mareca penelope) are declining in Finland, underlining the need for more effective harvest management. Relative proportions and temporal distribution of local breeding birds and migrants from a larger Russian breeding population within the Finnish hunting bag has been unknown to date. We studied spatio-temporal origins of Finnish harvested wigeon by measuring stable-hydrogen (δ2H) isotope values from legally harvested birds. We modelled the changes in δ2H values of the feather samples within the hunting season using Gaussian processes and found that the origin of harvested wigeon in Finland changed during the hunting season and differed by age and sex. In juveniles and adult females but not in adult males, origin of harvested birds shifted from local and possibly western Russian birds to more long-distance migratory birds during the harvest season. These patterns likely reflected sex- and age-specific differences in migratory behaviour of Eurasian wigeon in the East Atlantic flyway, which can be used to guide future management and conservation of this species through the implementation of spatio-temporal harvest regulation.
Soft skills and their relationship with life satisfaction and cognitive reserve in adulthood and older age
Authors: Feraco Tommaso , Casali Nicole , Carbone Elena , Meneghetti Chiara , Borella Erika , Carretti Barbara , Muffato Veronica
Published: September 2024

Soft skills are key factors for success in multiple contexts of daily life, as well as for life satisfaction, but little is known about their role in late adulthood and older age. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationships of soft skills, as defined by the World Economic Forum, with two indicators of successful/healthy aging: life satisfaction and cognitive reserve. A sample of 435 adults aged 50 and over completed self-reported measures of soft skills, life satisfaction, and cognitive reserve. As control, fluid (reasoning) and crystalized (vocabulary) intelligence were assessed too, along with socio-demographic characteristics. A series of regression analyses showed that soft skills were positively related to both life satisfaction and, to a lower extent, cognitive reserve, above and beyond gender, age, and both fluid and crystallized intelligence. Interestingly, these associations were independent from participants’ age. Overall, these results highlight the importance of considering soft skills also over the middle-late adult life course, due to the potential role of these individual qualities in supporting an individual’s well-being and an active and engaged lifestyle, with implications for the promotion of a healthy aging.
A survey on knowledge-enhanced multimodal learning
Authors: Lymperaiou Maria , Stamou Giorgos
Published: September 2024

Multimodal learning has been a field of increasing interest, aiming to combine various modalities in a single joint representation. Especially in the area of visiolinguistic (VL) learning multiple models and techniques have been developed, targeting a variety of tasks that involve images and text. VL models have reached unprecedented performances by extending the idea of Transformers, so that both modalities can learn from each other. Massive pre-training procedures enable VL models to acquire a certain level of real-world understanding, although many gaps can be identified: the limited comprehension of commonsense, factual, temporal and other everyday knowledge aspects questions the extendability of VL tasks. Knowledge graphs and other knowledge sources can fill those gaps by explicitly providing missing information, unlocking novel capabilities of VL models. At the same time, knowledge graphs enhance explainability, fairness and validity of decision making, issues of outermost importance for such complex implementations. The current survey aims to unify the fields of VL representation learning and knowledge graphs, and provides a taxonomy and analysis of knowledge-enhanced VL models.
Domain generalization through meta-learning: a survey
Authors: Khoee Arsham Gholamzadeh , Yu Yinan , Feldt Robert
Published: September 2024

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have revolutionized artificial intelligence but often lack performance when faced with out-of-distribution data, a common scenario due to the inevitable domain shifts in real-world applications. This limitation stems from the common assumption that training and testing data share the same distribution-an assumption frequently violated in practice. Despite their effectiveness with large amounts of data and computational power, DNNs struggle with distributional shifts and limited labeled data, leading to overfitting and poor generalization across various tasks and domains. Meta-learning presents a promising approach by employing algorithms that acquire transferable knowledge across various tasks for fast adaptation, eliminating the need to learn each task from scratch. This survey paper delves into the realm of meta-learning with a focus on its contribution to domain generalization. We first clarify the concept of meta-learning for domain generalization and introduce a novel taxonomy based on the feature extraction strategy and the classifier learning methodology, offering a granular view of methodologies. Additionally, we present a decision graph to assist readers in navigating the taxonomy based on data availability and domain shifts, enabling them to select and develop a proper model tailored to their specific problem requirements. Through an exhaustive review of existing methods and underlying theories, we map out the fundamentals of the field. Our survey provides practical insights and an informed discussion on promising research directions.
On generating functions to compute some power measures for weighted majority games
Authors: Armijos-Toro L. M. , Alonso-Meijide J. M. , Mosquera M. A. , Saavedra-Nieves A.
Published: September 2024

In this paper we introduce new procedures, based on generating functions, for calculating some power measures for weighted majority games. In particular, we present methods for computing the Johnston index and the Colomer–Martínez measure. Besides, we introduce a new power measure that combines the principles underlying the Johnston index and Colomer–Martínez measure as well as a procedure for computing it using generating functions. Finally, we introduce the new R package and describe its capabilities to compute some power measures by means of generating functions. We illustrate its performance with a real example.
Pathogens detected in ticks (Ixodes ricinus) feeding on red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) from city parks in Warsaw
Authors: Dwużnik-Szarek Dorota , Beliniak Agata , Malaszewicz Wiktoria , Krauze-Gryz Dagny , Gryz Jakub , Jasińska Karolina D. , Wężyk Dagmara , Bajer Anna
Published: September 2024

The European red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a common host for Ixodes ricinus ticks in urban and rural habitats, however, studies on ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of squirrels have not been conducted in Poland yet. Thus, the aims of the current study were to assess and compare the prevalence and abundance of ticks on red squirrels trapped at two sites in the Warsaw area (in an urban forest reserve and an urban park) and using molecular tools, to assess the genetic diversity of three pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia and Babesia spp.) in I. ricinus ticks collected from squirrels. For the detection of Rickettsia spp. a 750 bp long fragment of the citrate synthase gltA gene was amplified; for B. burgdorferi s.l. 132f/905r and 220f/824r primers were used to amplify the bacterial flaB gene fragments (774 and 605 bp, respectively) and for Babesia spp., a 550 bpfragment of 18S rRNA gene was amplified. In total, 91 red squirrels were examined for ticks. There were differences in tick prevalence and mean abundance of infestation in squirrels from the urban forest reserve and urban park. Three species of B. burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., and Babesia microti were detected in ticks removed from the squirrels. Our results broaden knowledge of S. vulgaris as an important host for immature I. ricinus stages and support the hypothesis that red squirrels act as a reservoir of B. burgdorferi. Moreover, we conclude that red squirrels may also play a role in facilitating the circulation of other pathogens causing serious risk of tick-borne diseases in natural and urban areas.
LAWSUIT: a LArge expert-Written SUmmarization dataset of ITalian constitutional court verdicts
Authors: Ragazzi Luca , Moro Gianluca , Guidi Stefano , Frisoni Giacomo
Published: September 2024

Large-scale public datasets are vital for driving the progress of abstractive summarization, especially in law, where documents have highly specialized jargon. However, the available resources are English-centered, limiting research advancements in other languages. This paper introducesLAWSUIT, a collection of 14K Italian legal verdicts with expert-authored abstractive maxims drawn from the Constitutional Court of the Italian Republic.LAWSUITpresents an arduous task with lengthy source texts and evenly distributed salient content. We offer extensive experiments with sequence-to-sequence and segmentation-based approaches, revealing that the latter achieve better results in full and few-shot settings. We openly releaseLAWSUITto foster the development and automation of real-world legal applications.
The evolution of reproductive characters: an organismal-relational approach
Authors: Cortés-García David , Etxeberria Arantza , Nuño de la Rosa Laura
Published: September 2024

This paper delves into the character concept as applied to reproduction. Our argument is that the prevailing functional-adaptationist perspective falls short in explaining the evolution of reproductive traits, and we propose an alternative organismal-relational approach that incorporates the developmental and interactive aspects of reproduction. To begin, we define the functional individuation of reproductive traits as evolutionary strategies aimed at enhancing fitness, and we demonstrate how this perspective influences the classification of reproductive characters and modes, the comprehension of shared traits as resulting from conflicts of evolutionary interest between individuals, and the explanation of reproductive diversity. After outlining the shortcomings of this framework, we introduce an organismal-relational approach grounded in evolutionary developmental studies of reproduction. This view provides a revised classification for reproductive characters and modes and offers a new understanding of interorganismal traits that takes into account their inherently relational nature. Lastly, we present the research agenda that emerges from this approach, which addresses the core explanatory gaps left by the adaptationist perspective, including the explanation of reproductive homologies and homoplasies, the developmental constraints associated with the evolution of reproductive modes, and the evolvability of reproductive characters.
Social Anxiety Profiles and Psychopathological Symptom Differences in Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Urbán Dori J. A. , García-Fernández José M. , Ingles Candido J.
Published: September 2024

Research on social anxiety (SA) over the years has revealed its associations with different psychopathological symptoms. This study aims to characterize SA profiles in a sample of Spanish adolescents and explore their differences in psychopathological symptoms. Data from 1,288 Spanish students in the 15 to 18 age range (M = 16.30, SD = 0.97, 47.5% female) were collected using random cluster sampling. The Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SAS-A) and the Symptom Assessment-45 Questionnaire (SA-45) were employed. Four SA profiles were revealed by the Latent Profile Analysis (LPA): extreme SA, high SA, moderate SA, and low SA. Statistically significant differences in psychopathological symptoms were revealed by the MANOVA (effect sizes from d = -2.13 to d = -0.37). The extreme SA profile exhibited the most severe psychopathological symptoms, whereas the low SA profile displayed the mildest manifestations. Proposed interventions aim to support adolescents with SA risk profiles.
Studying word meaning evolution through incremental semantic shift detection
Authors: Periti Francesco , Picascia Sergio , Montanelli Stefano , Ferrara Alfio , Tahmasebi Nina
Published: September 2024

The study ofsemantic shift, that is, of how words change meaning as a consequence of social practices, events and political circumstances, is relevant in Natural Language Processing, Linguistics, and Social Sciences. The increasing availability of large diachronic corpora and advance in computational semantics have accelerated the development of computational approaches to detecting such shift. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach to tracing the evolution of word meaning over time. Our analysis focuses on gradual changes in word semantics and relies on an incremental approach to semantic shift detection (SSD) calledWhat is Done is Done(WiDiD). WiDiD leverages scalable and evolutionary clustering of contextualised word embeddings to detect semantic shift and capture temporaltransactionsin word meanings. Existing approaches to SSD: (a) significantly simplify the semantic shift problem to cover change between two (or a few) time points, and (b) consider the existing corpora as static. We instead treat SSD as an organic process in which word meanings evolve across tens or even hundreds of time periods as the corpus is progressively made available. This results in an extremely demanding task that entails a multitude of intricate decisions. We demonstrate the applicability of this incremental approach on a diachronic corpus of Italian parliamentary speeches spanning eighteen distinct time periods. We also evaluate its performance on seven popular labelled benchmarks for SSD across multiple languages. Empirical results show that our results are comparable to state-of-the-art approaches, while outperforming the state-of-the-art for certain languages.
Bounding the family-wise error rate in local causal discovery using Rademacher averages
Authors: Simionato Dario , Vandin Fabio
Published: September 2024

Many algorithms have been proposed to learn local graphical structures around target variables of interest from observational data, focusing on two sets of variables. The first one, called Parent–Children (PC) set, contains all the variables that are direct causes or consequences of the target while the second one, known as Markov boundary (MB), is the minimal set of variables with optimal prediction performances of the target. In this paper we introduce two novel algorithms for the PC and MB discovery tasks with rigorous guarantees on the Family-Wise Error Rate (FWER), that is, the probability of reporting any false positive in output. Our algorithms use Rademacher averages, a key concept from statistical learning theory, to properly account for the multiple-hypothesis testing problem arising in such tasks. Our evaluation on simulated data shows that our algorithms properly control for the FWER, while widely used algorithms do not provide guarantees on false discoveries even when correcting for multiple-hypothesis testing. Our experiments also show that our algorithms identify meaningful relations in real-world data.
Internal rates of return for public R&D from VECM estimates for 17 OECD Countries
Authors: Ziesemer Thomas H.W.
Published: September 2024

Public R&D stimulates domestic private and foreign private and public R&D, together enhancing technical change and thereby GDP. In this paper, we evaluate vector-error-correction model (VECM) estimations and simulations of a companion paper in regard to internal rates of return (and related aspects) to additional public R&D of OECD countries and compare them to the macroeconomic literature. We show (i) internal rates of return to public R&D shocks, and (ii) the related payback periods, gain/GDP ratios, and sums of discounted (at 4%) gains. Fourteen of 17 countries show high internal rates of return, short payback periods, and high gains/GDP ratios from positive public R&D shocks if projects are stopped when gains get negative. Three countries show crowding-out effects and require (initial) reductions of public R&D before showing positive results.
Improving thermal comfort using biomimicry in the urban residential districts in New Aswan city, Egypt
Authors: Waheeb Mary I. , Hemeida Fahd A. , Mohamed Abdelaziz F.
Published: September 2024

Egypt tends to construct new cities to provide social housing for its citizens. However, the planning of urban residential districts (URDs) in these cities lacks provisions for natural ventilation (NV), and indoor-outdoor thermal comfort, resulting in increased energy consumption during the summer months. This research aims to create a sustainable design through biomimicry to reduce the universal thermal climate index (UTCI) values in the URD in New Aswan thereby enhancing outdoor thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption inside buildings at the level of URD. In this research, the approach of prairie dogs in building their burrows was followed to rearrange and reorient the buildings. Autodesk CFD, Rhino7, Grasshopper, Ladybug, Honeybee, and Dragonfly software was used in the simulation. The rearrangement of the buildings, specifically the oriented design in the east-west direction, caused a difference in pressure between the buildings, leading to improved NV between the buildings. The improvement of NV resulted in a 4.2 °C reduction in UTCI values during specific hours over the six different days in the six summer months, resulting in significant energy savings of 10407.28946 KWh in the URD. The occurrence of a pressure difference between buildings not only improved NV but also enhanced outdoor and indoor thermal comfort, promoting energy conservation. Therefore, careful consideration of the arrangement and orientation of buildings is essential to establish sustainable URDs. Although the difference between the results is slight, it creates substantial differences in the long term for UTCI values, thus the energy conservation in the URDs.
A Mixed Convection Model for Estimating the Critical Velocity to Prevent Smoke Backlayering in Tunnels
Authors: Beyer Michael , Stacey Conrad , Brenn Günter
Published: September 2024

A novel mathematical model for the critical ventilation velocity to prevent smoke backlayering in tunnels is presented, addressing limitations of prior approaches. The basis of the model is a rigorous characterisation of the physical processes by the characteristic quantities. Empirical parameters within the new model are determined, to align with results from both full-size and small-scale tunnel experiments. Data from numerical simulations (CFD, Computational Fluid Dynamics), validated by known test data, are then used to estimate the effects of tunnel slope and other parameters on the critical velocity. The model is seen to approximate the critical velocity well, following all trends identified by test data and CFD parameter studies. The empirically calibrated equation permits prediction of the critical velocity beyond the narrow range of tunnel geometries where known results already give an answer. The resulting equation has practical application for tunnel design.
Development and characterization of a cyclodextrin-based delivery system for enhanced pharmacokinetic and safety profile of oseltamivir
Authors: Olteanu Andreea Alexandra , Rădulescu Flavian Ștefan , Bleotu Coralia , Aramă Corina-Cristina
Published: September 2024

Oseltamivir (OST) phosphate is a prodrug, metabolized by hepatic carboxylesterase to its active metabolite (oseltamivir carboxylate). OST is efficient in treatment of influenza, in both children and adults. The protein bonding of the prodrug and its active metabolite is low (42% and 3%, respectively). It has a short half-life 1–3 h but its active metabolite has a half-life of 6–10 h, permitting twice daily administration. The most common side effect is gastrointestinal disturbances that are usually nausea and vomiting and can be reduced when taken simultaneously with food. OST phosphate is a white powder with bitter taste and the marketed oral suspension uses sorbitol for masking it. Cross-linked cyclodextrin polymers are known for their ability to increase the dissolution rate, solubility, stability, and permeability of insoluble drugs and provide prolonged release. Therefore, they are promising drug delivery systems that could improve its pharmacokinetic properties and patient adherence. In this study we focused on developing a therapeutic system of OST using cyclodextrin polymer crosslinked with pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA CD) to enhance its pharmacokinetic properties and to improve its compliance. PMDA CD polymer and PMDA CD polymer complex with OST were prepared. Physicochemical characterization by FTIR spectra, thermal analysis, DLS, SEM and EDX confirmed the existence of interaction between the two components. The prepared complex has a different pharmaceutical profile compared to OST, with higher stability and a controlled dissolution profile. Toxicity studies showed that the polymer complex has lower toxicity than OST, suggesting the protective effect of the polymer.