bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an epileptic seizure prediction algorithm using R–R intervals with self-attentive autoencoder
Authors: Ode Rikumo , Fujiwara Koichi , Miyajima Miho , Yamakawa Toshikata , Kano Manabu , Jin Kazutaka , Nakasato Nobukazu , Sawai Yasuko , Hoshida Toru , Iwasaki Masaki , Murata Yoshiko , Watanabe Satsuki , Watanabe Yutaka , Suzuki Yoko , Inaji Motoki , Kunii Naoto , Oshino Satoru , Khoo Hui Ming , Kishima Haruhiko , Maehara Taketoshi
Published: November 2022

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that may affect the autonomic nervous system (ANS) from 15 to 20 min before seizure onset, and disturbances of ANS affect R–R intervals (RRI) on an electrocardiogram (ECG). This study aims to develop a machine learning algorithm for predicting focal epileptic seizures by monitoring R–R interval (RRI) data in real time. The developed algorithm adopts a self-attentive autoencoder (SA-AE), which is a neural network for time-series data. The results of applying the developed seizure prediction algorithm to clinical data demonstrated that it functioned well in most patients; however, false positives (FPs) occurred in specific participants. In a future work, we will investigate the causes of FPs and optimize the developing seizure prediction algorithm to further improve performance using newly added clinical data.
Whole exome screening of neurodevelopmental regression disorders in a cohort of Egyptian patients
Authors: Refeat Miral M. , Naggar Walaa El , Saied Mostafa M. El , Kilany Ayman
Published: November 2022

Developmental regression describes a child who begins to lose his previously acquired milestones skills after he has reached a certain developmental stage and though affects his childhood development. It is associated with neurodegenerative diseases including leukodystrophy and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis diseases (NCLs), one of the most frequent childhood-onset neurodegenerative disorders. The current study focused on screening causative genes of developmental regression diseases comprising neurodegenerative disorders in Egyptian patients using next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based analyses as well as developing checklist to support clinicians who are not familiar with these diseases. A total of 763 Egyptian children (1 to 11 years), mainly diagnosed with developmental regression, seizures, or visual impairment, were studied using whole exome sequencing (WES). Among 763 Egyptian children, 726 cases were early clinically and molecularly diagnosed, including 482 cases that had pediatric stroke, congenital infection, and hepatic encephalopathy; meanwhile, 192 had clearly dysmorphic features, 31 showed central nervous system (CNS) malformation, 17 were diagnosed by leukodystrophy, 2 had ataxia telangiectasia, and 2 were diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis. The remained 37 out of 763 candidates were suspected with NCLs symptoms; however, 28 were confirmed to be NCLs patients, 1 was Kaya-Barakat-Masson syndrome, 1 was diagnosed as infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy, and 7 cases required further molecular diagnosis. This study provided an NGS-based approach of the genetic causes of developmental regression and neurodegenerative diseases as it comprised different variants and de novo mutations with complex phenotypes of these diseases which in turn help in early diagnoses and counseling for affected families.
Medizinischer Bevölkerungsschutz in Deutschland – eine griechische Tragödie?
Authors: Bollinger Matthias
Published: December 2022

Im Sinne des Bevölkerungsschutzes ist nichts dagegen einzuwenden, Ereignisse wie die Coronavirus-disease-2019-Pandemie selbstkritisch zu reflektieren und daraus Lehren zu ziehen. In der Vergangenheit hat dies aber häufig nicht dazu geführt, zukünftige Situationen und deren Konsequenzen zu antizipieren und sich besser vorzubereiten. Zum Teil mutet dies wie eine griechische Tragödie an: sehenden Auges in die Katastrophe – nur das dies nichts Schicksalhaftes an sich hat. Wichtige Szenarien, auf die der Bevölkerungsschutz in Deutschland nach Einschätzung des Autors unzureichend vorbereitet ist, sind neben Pandemien auch Anschläge und Unfälle mit CBRN-Gefahrstoffen (CBRN chemisch, biologisch, radiologisch, nuklear), Massenanfälle von Verletzten im Terrorfall mit Kliniken oder Rettungsdienst als Anschlagsziel sowie länger andauernde Strom- oder Trinkwasserausfälle und Einschränkungen in der Informations- und Kommunikationsstruktur nach Cyberattacken. Es ist dringend erforderlich, vorhandene Probleme zu benennen und funktionierende Konzepte für Krankenhäuser, Rettungsdienste und Schnelleinsatzgruppen einzufordern. Verantwortliche Behörden wiederum müssen Konzepte erarbeiten, finanzieren und umsetzen.
Can flat-detector CT after successful endovascular treatment predict long-term outcome in patients with large vessel occlusion? An Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score–based study
Authors: Knott Michael , Hoelter Philip , Hock Stefan , Mühlen Iris , Gerner Stefan T. , Sprügel Maximilian I. , Huttner Hagen B. , Schwab Stefan , Engelhorn Tobias , Doerfler Arnd
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Recent studies postulate a high prognostic value of the Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score (ASPECTS) applied on non-contrast whole-brain flat-detector CT (FDCT) after successful endovascular treatment (EVT). The aim of this study was the evaluation of long-term patient outcome after endovascular treatment using postinterventional FDCT.

Methods

Using a local database (Stroke Research Consortium in Northern Bavaria, STAMINA), 517 patients with successful endovascular treatment (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥ 2B) due to acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and large vessel occlusion (LVO) of the anterior circulation were recruited retrospectively. In all cases, non-contrast FDCT after EVT was analysed with special focus at ASPECTS. These results were correlated with the functional outcome in long-term (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) shift from pre-stroke to 90 days after discharge).

Results

A significant difference in FDCT-ASPECTS compared to the subgroup of favourable vs. unfavourable outcome (Δ mRS) (median ASPECTS 10 (10–9) vs. median ASPECTS 9 (10–7); p = 0,001) could be demonstrated. Multivariable regression analysis revealed FDCT-ASPECTS (OR 0.234, 95% CI − 0.102–0.008, p = 0.022) along with the NHISS at admission (OR 0.169, 95% CI 0.003–0.018, p = 0.008) as independent factors for a favourable outcome. Cut-off point for a favourable outcome (Δ mRS) was identified at an ASPECTS ≥ 8 (sensitivity 90.6%, specificity 35%).

Conclusion

For patients with LVO and successful EVT, FDCT-ASPECTS was found to be highly reliable in predicting long-term outcome.
Evaluation of stress and strain on mandible caused using “All-on-Four” system from PEEK in hybrid prosthesis: finite-element analysis
Authors: Shash Yomna H. , El-Wakad Mohamed T. , Eldosoky Mohamed A. A. , Dohiem Mohamed M.
Published: November 2022

Hybrid prostheses have recently been used as suitable treatment alternatives for edentulous individuals to restore the mastication mechanism. These prostheses utilize “All on four” concept, in which four implants are inserted into the jaw bone, and supported by a bar. Titanium is usually used in the fabrication of “All on four” parts due to its good mechanical properties. However, it has many drawbacks including esthetic impairment, casting issues, hypersensitivity reactions, stress shielding, and incompatibility with imaging techniques. These drawbacks have prompted researchers to find alternative materials (e.g., polymers). Recently, the new polymeric material PEEK has a major role in dentistry, due to its biocompatibility, shock-absorbing ability, and good mechanical properties. This work used the finite-element method to conduct stress–strain analysis on mandible rehabilitated with a hybrid prosthesis, using PEEK in the fabrication of “All on four” parts instead of titanium, using different densities of spongy bone. As the density of spongy bone is expected to influence the choice of “All on four” fabrication material. A 300 N vertical force was applied unilaterally, bilaterally, and anteriorly to stimulate the different mastication mechanisms. The results illustrated that PEEK material reduced the stresses and strains on bone tissues and increased the mucosal stress, compared to titanium. Consequently, this material was recommended to be used in the fabrication of “All on four” parts, especially in the low-density model. However, further research on PEEK implants and abutments is required in near future.
Aqueous bifunctionalization of cellulose nanocrystals through amino and alkyl silylation: functionalization, characterization, and performance of nanocrystals in quartz microflotation
Authors: Ludovici Feliciana , Hartmann Robert , Liimatainen Henrikki
Published: November 2022

Surface modifications of cellulose nanomaterials can be used to tailor their surface charge and hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity characteristics. Additionally, it can facilitate the selective interaction of nanocelluloses with other solid particles to further expand their applicability in different fields. For instance, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) with amphiphilic features are potential green alternatives in mineral processing such as particle flotation. In the present study, aqueous, one- and two-step silylation of CNCs with amino and alkyl silanes was considered to create a novel bifunctionalized CNCs that contained both positively charged amino silane moieties and hydrophobic alkyl chains. Especially, the effects of reaction conditions and different reaction routes on the silylation were investigated, and the electric surface potential and hydrophobicity of CNCs were determined. The bifunctionalization conducted by the simultaneous addition of an amino silane and alkyl silane led to a high reaction efficiency, and the grafting amount was notably higher than that obtained with the sequential reactions with individual reagents. After the functionalization, the hydrophobicity of the CNCs was strongly altered, leading to water contact angles of up to 135° on CNC films. However, the silylation with amino silanes slightly affected the ζ-potential of the functionalized CNCs. Due to the relatively low ζ-potential, the interaction and orthokinetic attachment of CNCs onto quartz surfaces were insufficient, resulting in a limited flotation recovery in microflotation using a Hallimond tube.
Reading a Novel, Speechless: Becoming Harriet, a Girl with Cerebral Palsy; through the Lens of Irritation and Nussbaum’s Capabilities
Authors: Lee S. P.
Published: November 2022

This article offers a reading of Kate Darbishire’s novel Speechless Stickhouse Publishing, London, 2018), following Harriet, a girl with cerebral palsy. It examines her irritation, born of her resentful awareness of her disability, as well as how she grapples with her life as an ordinary schoolgirl. The novel presents Harriet as an everyday child, no more heroic than her peers for her struggles and no less dignified for them, either. The interpretation implements Martha Nussbaum’s study of capabilities and disabilities in relation to reading the novel. Her broad assertions of universal qualities that must be native to all humans frames the reading of Harriet. These capabilities manifest in Harriet’s judgemental criticisms of what she observes and feels. This work suggests that they afford her the same growth in maturity as other people, closing the novel with an expanded human understanding, as seen in her acceptance of an unseen sibling.
Preoperative embolization of renal cell carcinoma metastases to the bone prior to stabilization procedures does not result in reduction in intraoperative blood loss
Authors: Koob Sebastian , Schulze-Steinen Henrike , Plöger Milena M. , Randau Thomas M. , Strauß Anna C. , Placzek Richard , Strauß Andreas C.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The effect of preoperative embolization of bone metastases prior to stabilization procedures in reducing intraoperative blood loss remains controversial. This study aimed to analyze the effect of preoperative embolization on orthopedic stabilization procedures of the extremities and spine in cases with bone metastases from renal cell carcinomas. In particular, do these patients suffer less blood loss during the operation and do they need lesser fluid replacements or packed red cell bags intra- and perioperatively? Does preoperative embolization reduce the duration of surgery?

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed stabilization procedures of the spine and extremities at our institution between 2011 and 2021 for group differences (embolization vs. no embolization) in terms of blood loss, fluid substitution, need for packed red cell transfusions, tumor size, and duration of surgery.

Results

We reviewed 79 stabilization procedures of the spine (n = 36) and extremities (n = 43), of which 30 included preoperative embolization procedures. Surprisingly, the embolization group showed a statistically significant increase in blood loss, the need for fluid substitution, and red cell transfusions. Subgroup analysis revealed a significant negative effect of preoperative embolization on stabilization procedures of the extremities.

Conclusion

Based on our data, preoperative embolization of renal cell carcinoma metastases of the extremities had a negative effect on intraoperative blood loss and the need for fluid substitution and should therefore be avoided. Our data did not show an effect on stabilization procedures of the spine.
Ability, Educational Attainment, and Household Financial Distress
Authors: Luotonen N. , Puttonen V. , Rantapuska E.
Published: November 2022

Using register data on the Finnish population, we show that both ability (measured with comprehensive school GPA) and educational attainment are relevant predictors of financial distress, even after accounting for childhood family environment. Low GPA is an especially useful predictor of financial distress years later for those who attain a secondary-level education at most. Our results suggest that any societal interventions to mitigate financial distress should particularly focus on low GPA individuals, and especially those unlikely to continue their studies after completing comprehensive school.
VEP examination with new portable device
Authors: Kuba Miroslav , Kremláček Jan , Vít František , Kubová Zuzana , Langrová Jana , Szanyi Jana , Chutná Marie
Published: November 2022

Introduction

We developed a new portable device called “VEPpeak” for the examination of visual evoked potentials (VEPs) to extend VEP examination beyond specialized electrophysiological laboratories and to simplify the use of this objective, noninvasive, and low-cost method for diagnostics of visual and central nervous system dysfunctions.

Methods

VEPpeak consists of a plastic headset with a total weight of 390 g containing four EEG amplifiers, an A/D converter, a control unit, and a visual LED stimulator built in the front, vertically adjustable peak. The device is powered and controlled via USB connection from a standard PC/notebook using custom software for visual stimuli generation and for VEP recording and processing. Up to four electrodes can be placed at any scalp location or in combination with two dry electrodes incorporated into the headset. External visual stimulators, such as a tablet, can be used with synchronization. Feasibility and validation studies were conducted with 86 healthy subjects and 76 neuro-ophthalmological patients including 67 who were during the same session also tested with a conventional VEP system.

Results

VEPpeak recordings to standard (pattern-reversal) and non-standard (motion-onset, red-green alternation) were robust and repeatable and obtained also in immobilized patients. Good comparability of results was achieved between VEPpeak and standard examination. Some systematic differences in peak latencies and amplitudes are consistent with differences in stimulus characteristics of the two compared systems.

Discussion

VEPpeak provides an inexpensive system for clinical use requiring portability. In addition to ISCEV standard VEP protocols, free choice of stimuli and bio-signal recordings make the device universal for many electrophysiological purposes.
Relationships between egg size and maternal size, life history forms, and habitats of Greenlandic Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus)
Authors: Takatsu Kunio , Delarue Coralie , Heller Naomi , Saboret Grégoire , Brodersen Jakob
Published: November 2022

Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus [L.] complex) has been widely used as a model system for studies in evolutionary ecology because of its diversity in feeding ecology, habitat use, life history forms, and associated morphologies observed in matured individuals. However, we still know relatively little about traits exhibited early in life of the species, although the trait diversity of matured individuals may largely be shaped during development. Egg size is a key determinant of various traits exhibited early in life. Therefore, describing egg size variation within- and between-individuals as well as the link between egg size and adult traits will be a useful step in understanding the early life trait diversity of Arctic charr. Here, using Greenlandic Arctic charr, which includes alternative life history forms (i.e. anadromous and resident) and spawning habitat use (i.e. lake and river spawner), we described egg size variation (i.e. clutch-mean egg diameter and within-clutch variation) and explored the link between egg size variation and female body length, life history form, and spawning habitats. As in many other fishes, clutch-mean egg diameter increased with female body length. No significant effect of other female traits on clutch mean-egg diameter was detected, suggesting that female body size variation could be a direct cause of early life history trait variation. On the other hand, we found that the degree of within-clutch variation of the anadromous life history form was higher than that of the resident life history form. The pattern could be interpreted in an adaptive context. For instance, given that the anadromous life history form tends to be semelparous, anadromous females could decrease the likelihood of complete reproductive failure by producing variable-sized offspring within a clutch since at least some offspring are expected to be matched to the prevailing environment.
Measuring the Specific Heat Capacity of Thermal Insulation Materials Used in Buildings by Means of a Guarded Hot Plate Apparatus
Authors: Ghazi Wakili Karim , Rädle Wolfgang , Rohner Thomas
Published: November 2022

The specific heat capacity of building insulation materials is rather difficult to be determined using the conventional calorimetric methods. This is due to the small samples required for these methods which are not representative of the insulation material. Larger samples would not fulfill the requirements of the lumped system. Methods based on the transient heat transfer using heating wires or planes are commonly quick but less accurate measurements as they only consider the volume near the surface of the sample and need additional corrections and calibrations. The present investigation is based on a transient temperature control procedure using a common guarded hot plate device, which is normally used to determine the thermal conductivity of insulation materials. The procedure was performed on two different materials: one wood-based (wood fiber) and one mineral-based (expanded perlite). The results show a value of about 1200 J·kg−1·K−1 for the former and 600 J·Kg−1·K−1 for the latter. This method can also be extended to other thermal insulation materials for building application.
A pedagogical study on promoting students' deep learning through design-based learning
Authors: Weng Chunmeng , Chen Congying , Ai Xianfeng
Published: November 2022

This paper illustrates the design-based learning (DBL) approach to promoting the deep learning of students and improving the quality of teaching in engineering design education. We performed three aspects of research with students in a typical educational activity. The first study investigated students' deep learning before and after the DBL approach, both in terms of deep learning status and deep learning ability. The second study examined the effectiveness of the DBL approach by comparative research of a control class (traditional teaching method) and an experimental class (DBL method). The third study examined students' evaluations of the DBL approach. It is approved that the DBL approach has distinctively stimulated the students' motivation to learn, making them more actively engaged in study. The students' higher-order thinking and higher-order capabilities are enhanced, such as critical thinking ability and problem-solving ability. At the same time, they are satisfied with the DBL approach. These findings suggest that the DBL approach is effective in promoting students' deep learning and improving the quality of teaching and learning.
Development of Moral Judgments in Impersonal and Personal Dilemmas in Autistic Spectrum Disorders from Childhood to Late Adolescence
Authors: Labusch Melanie , Perea Manuel , Sahuquillo-Leal Rosa , Bofill-Moscardó Isabel , Carrasco-Tornero Ángel , Cañada-Pérez Antonio , García-Blanco Ana
Published: November 2022

A potential underlying mechanism associated with the difficulties in social interactions in Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) concerns the abnormal development of moral reasoning. The present study examined utilitarian and deontological judgments in impersonal and personal moral dilemmas, comparing 66 individuals with ASD and 61 typically developing (TD) individuals between 6 and 18 years. Utilitarian judgments decreased with age. This decline was much more gradual for personal dilemmas in the ASD than in the TD group. ASD individuals rated utilitarian judgments as more appropriate but felt less calm, consistent with the Empathy Imbalance hypothesis. Utilitarian judgments were associated with social interaction difficulties in ASD. These findings identify possible social therapeutic targets for more efficient coping strategies in individuals with ASD.
Stay Home, Stay Safe? The Impact of the COVID-19 Restrictions on the Prevalence, Nature, and Type of Reporter of Domestic Violence in the Netherlands
Authors: Coomans Anne , Kühling-Romero David , van Deuren Sjoukje , van Dijk Meintje , van de Weijer Steve , Blokland Arjan , Eichelsheim Veroni
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Insecurities and social isolation resulting from the COVID-19 restrictions, may have elevated tensions at home, consequently increasing the risk of domestic violence. The present study aims to examine changes in the prevalence, nature, and type of reporter of domestic violence following the various restrictions implemented to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the Netherlands.

Methods

All official domestic violence reports recorded by the 26 Dutch domestic violence agencies in 2019 and 2020 were collected and analyzed. Time-series forecasting analyses, using a SARIMAX model, were conducted to predict the trend of domestic violence reports during the first lockdown and to compare the predicted trend with the observed trend.

Results

The observed trend of the registered prevalence of domestic violence did not substantially differ from the predicted trend based on pre-pandemic data. Similarly, findings regarding the nature of domestic violence suggest no clear divergence of pre-pandemic trends during the lockdown period. Nonetheless, a shift was found from professional reporters (e.g., the police) to non-professional reporters (e.g., neighbors).

Conclusions

The prevalence of domestic violence reports in the Netherlands did not increase. However, the COVID-19 restrictions may have led citizens, especially neighbors, to detect domestic violence more often.
Prediction of Residual Strains Due to In-Plane Fibre Waviness in Defective Carbon-Fibre Reinforced Polymers Using Ultrasound Data
Authors: Li Xiaonan , Patterson E. A. , Wang Wei-Chung , Christian W. J. R.
Published: November 2022

Residual strains affect the properties and performance of composite components, therefore measuring and predicting them are important. The prediction of residual strains from a model can be achieved by two steps: the generation of a geometric ply map and the modelling based on that to predict 3D residual strains. A novel method for identifying the most effective algorithm for characterising fibre orientation for the geometric ply map using ultrasound C-scan data has been developed. Finite element models were generated based on the fibre-orientation data from three different algorithms: the Radon transform, 2D fast Fourier transform, and Sobel filter. The models were used to predict residual strains due to three different severities of in-plane fibre waviness induced in a set of 18 specimens. Stratified leave-one-out cross validation was applied to obtain optimum parameters for the three characterisation algorithms and to update the values of the coefficient of thermal expansion for the material. Residual strains on the surface of the specimens were obtained from calculations based on the out-of-plane displacements measured using a digital image correlation system. The predicted and measured residual strain maps were decomposed into feature vectors using orthogonal polynomials to reduce data dimensionality and make quantitative comparisons. The measured residual strains and the predictions based on models using optimised parameters showed good agreement. The differences in performance were quantified based on the accuracy of the predicted residual strains, which showed that the Radon transform performed best.
Characterization of benzoxazine resins for brake pad friction materials manufacturing
Authors: Carlevaris Davide , Menapace Cinzia , Straffelini Giovanni , Fambri Luca
Published: November 2022

Phenolic resins are the most commonly used binders in brake pads for automotive disc brake systems owing to their affordability and thermal properties. However, they also show some limitations related to their crosslinking mechanism. Benzoxazine resins present themselves as possible alternatives for this application by providing enhanced thermal properties as well as other industrially attractive characteristics such as lower moisture absorption and unlimited shelf life. This study investigates the thermal properties of two different benzoxazine resins, with the aim of assessing their capabilities as binder for brake pad and of understanding how to process them in order to actually employ them as such. DSC, TGA, hardness and tribological analyses were carried out on neat resin samples and on friction materials containing them as binder. The presence of several concurring reactions was detected during the crosslinking reaction of benzoxazine resins. The benzoxazine resins showed lower mass loss respect to a phenolic resin in the temperature range of interest for commercial brake pads application. Friction material containing benzoxazine resin binder showed promising tribological results.
Which interventions contribute most to the net effect of England’s agri-environment schemes on pollination services?
Authors: Image Mike , Gardner Emma , Clough Yann , Kunin William E. , Potts Simon G. , Smith Henrik G. , Stone Graham N. , Westbury Duncan B. , Breeze Tom D.
Published: November 2022

Context

Agri-environment schemes support land management interventions that benefit biodiversity, environmental objectives, and other public goods. Process-based model simulations suggest the English scheme, as implemented in 2016, increased wild bee pollination services to pollinator-dependent crops and non-crop areas in a geographically heterogeneous manner.

Objectives

We investigated which interventions drove the scheme-wide predicted pollination service increase to oilseed rape, field beans and non-cropped areas. We determined whether the relative contribution of each intervention was related to floral and/or nesting resource quality of the intervention, area of uptake, or placement in the landscape.

Methods

We categorised interventions into functional groups and used linear regression to determine the relationship between predicted visitation rate increase and each category’s area within a 10 km grid tile. We compared the magnitude of the regression coefficients to measures of resource quality, area of uptake nationally, and placement to infer the factors underpinning this relationship.

Results

Hedgerow/woodland edge management had the largest positive effect on pollination service change, due to high resource quality. Fallow areas were also strong drivers, despite lower resource quality, implying effective placement. Floral margins had limited benefit due to later resource phenology. Interventions had stronger effects where there was less pre-existing semi-natural habitat.

Conclusions

Future schemes could support greater and more resilient pollination service in arable landscapes by promoting hedgerow/woodland edge management and fallow interventions. Including early-flowering species and increasing uptake would improve the effect of floral margins. Spatial targeting of interventions should consider landscape context and pairing complimentary interventions to maximise whole-scheme effectiveness.
The Turing Test is a Thought Experiment
Authors: Gonçalves Bernardo
Published: November 2022

The Turing test has been studied and run as a controlled experiment and found to be underspecified and poorly designed. On the other hand, it has been defended and still attracts interest as a test for true artificial intelligence (AI). Scientists and philosophers regret the test’s current status, acknowledging that the situation is at odds with the intellectual standards of Turing’s works. This article refers to this as the Turing Test Dilemma, following the observation that the test has been under discussion for over seventy years and still is widely seen as either too bad or too good to be a valuable experiment for AI. An argument that solves the dilemma is presented, which relies on reconstructing the Turing test as a thought experiment in the modern scientific tradition. It is argued that Turing’s exposition of the imitation game satisfies Mach’s characterization of the basic method of thought experiments and that Turing’s uses of his test satisfy Popper’s conception of the critical and heuristic uses of thought experiments and Kuhn’s association of thought experiments to conceptual change. It is emphasized how Turing methodically varied the imitation game design to address specific challenges posed to him by other thinkers and how his test illustrates a property of the phenomenon of intelligence and suggests a hypothesis on machine learning. This reconstruction of the Turing test provides a rapprochement to the conflicting views on its value in the literature.
Estrogen receptor α K303R mutation reorganizes its binding to forkhead box protein A1 regions and induces chromatin opening
Authors: Nakadai Tomoyoshi , Yang Liying , Kumegawa Kohei , Maruyama Reo
Published: November 2022

Background

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a frequently mutated gene in breast cancer (BC). While many studies have investigated molecular dysregulation by hotspot mutations at Y537 and D538, which exhibit an estrogen-independent constitutively active phenotype, the functional abnormalities of other mutations remain obscure. The K303R mutation in primary invasive BC has been implicated with endocrine resistance, tumor size, and lymph node positivity. However, the impact of the K303R mutation on the cell epigenome is yet unknown.

Methods and results

We introduced the K303R ERα mutant in ERα-negative MDA-MB-453 cells to monitor ERα-dependent transactivation and to perform epigenomic analyses. ATAC-seq and ChIP-Seq analyses indicated that both wild-type (WT) and the K303R mutant associated with Forkhead box (Fox) protein family motif regions at similar rates, even without an ERα-binding sequence, but only the K303R mutant induced chromatin opening at those regions. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that the WT and the K303R mutant can be tethered on DNA by FoxA1 indirectly, but only the K303R/FoxA1/DNA complex can induce associations with the nuclear receptor cofactor 2 (NCOA2).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the K303R mutant induces chromatin opening at the Fox binding region through the FoxA1-dependent associations of the K303R mutant to NCOA2 and then probably disrupts the regulation of Fox-target genes, resulting in K303R-related BC events.
GPR137 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Promotes Neuronal Differentiation in the Neuro2a Cells
Authors: Iwasa Kensuke , Yamagishi Anzu , Yamamoto Shinji , Haruta Chikara , Maruyama Kei , Yoshikawa Keisuke
Published: November 2022

The orphan receptor, G protein-coupled receptor 137 (GPR137), is an integral membrane protein involved in several types of cancer. GPR137 is expressed ubiquitously, including in the central nervous system (CNS). We established a GPR137 knockout (KO) neuro2A cell line to analyze GPR137 function in neuronal cells. KO cells were generated by genome editing using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 and cultured as single cells by limited dilution. Rescue cells were then constructed to re-express GPR137 in GPR137 KO neuro2A cells using an expression vector with an EF1-alpha promoter. GPR137 KO cells increased cellular proliferation and decreased neurite outgrowth (i.e., a lower level of neuronal differentiation). Furthermore, GPR137 KO cells exhibited increased expression of a cell cycle regulator, cyclin D1, and decreased expression of a neuronal differentiation marker, NeuroD1. Additionally, GPR137 KO cells exhibited lower expression levels of the neurite outgrowth markers STAT3 and GAP43. These phenotypes were all abrogated in the rescue cells. In conclusion, GPR137 deletion increased cellular proliferation and decreased neuronal differentiation, suggesting that GPR137 promotes cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation in neuro2A cells. Regulation of neuronal differentiation by GPR137 could be vital to constructing neuronal structure during brain development.

Graphical Abstract
A new genetic algorithm method based on statistical-based replacement for the training of multiplicative neuron model artificial neural networks
Authors: Egrioglu Erol , Grosan Crina , Bas Eren
Published: November 2022

In this study, we propose a new genetic algorithm that uses a statistical-based chromosome replacement strategy determined by the empirical distribution of the objective function values. The proposed genetic algorithm is further used in the training process of a multiplicative neuron model artificial neural network. The objective function value for the genetic algorithm is the root mean square error of the multiplicative neuron model artificial neural network prediction. This combination of methods is proposed for a particular type of problems, that is, time-series prediction. We use different subsets of three stock exchange time series to test the performance of the proposed method and compare it against similar approaches, and the results prove that the proposed genetic algorithm for the multiplicative neuron model of the artificial neural network works better than many other artificial intelligence optimization methods. The ranks of the proposed method are 1.78 for the Nikkei data sets, 1.55 for the S&P500 data sets and 1.22 for the DOW JONES data sets for data corresponding to different years, according to the root mean square error, respectively. Moreover, the overall mean rank is 1.50 for the proposed method. Also, the proposed method obtains the best performance overall as well as the best performance for all the individual tests. The results certify that our method is robust and efficient for the task investigated.
Effect of stocking density and vitamin E or zinc supplementation on growth, physiology, gene expression, and economic efficiency of growing broiler chicks
Authors: Shehata Seham F. , Baloza Samar H. , Elsokary Mohamed M. M. , Hashem Nesrein M. , Khawanda Maha M.
Published: November 2022

A total of 636 1-day-old male Cobb chicks were randomly assigned to seven treatments. The chicks were offered feed and water ad libitum throughout the experimental period. The first three groups included different stocking densities of broiler birds (low stocking density, LSD: 23 kg/m2; medium stocking density, MSD: 34 kg birds/m2; and high stocking density HSD: 39 kg birds/m2). The LSD group was considered a control group. The other four groups included MSD or HSD broiler birds supplemented with either Vit E (100 mg/kg DM diet; MSDVE and HSDVE) or Zn (100 mg/kg DM diet; MSDZn and HSDZn) in their basal diet. The main findings indicated that HSD and MSD negatively affected (p < 0.05) all variables under investigation compared with LSD. Compared with LSD, broiler birds in the MSD and HSD groups had lower body weights and higher feed conversion ratios, higher concentrations of blood plasma hormones (triiodothyronine thyroxine and corticosterone), and downregulated expression levels of hepatic growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-l. In addition, broiler birds stocked at medium or high densities resulted in less economic return and profit. Vit E or Zn supplementation to broiler birds stocked at medium or high densities significantly reversed all adverse effects of HSD (> 23 kg/m2) on growth performance, hormones, and gene expression. It could be recommended that adding Zn at a level of 100 mg/kg per DM diet allows increasing the stocking density of broiler birds from 23 kg/m2 to 34 birds/m2 while maintaining the birds, welfare and economic profit.
Critical assessment of chromatographic metadata in publicly available metabolomics data repositories
Authors: Harrieder Eva-Maria , Kretschmer Fleming , Dunn Warwick , Böcker Sebastian , Witting Michael
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The structural identification of metabolites represents one of the current bottlenecks in non-targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) based metabolomics. The Metabolomics Standard Initiative has developed a multilevel system to report confidence in metabolite identification, which involves the use of MS, MS/MS and orthogonal data. Limitations due to similar or same fragmentation pattern (e.g. isomeric compounds) can be overcome by the additional orthogonal information of the retention time (RT), since it is a system property that is different for each chromatographic setup.

Objectives

In contrast to MS data, sharing of RT data is not as widespread. The quality of data and its (re-)useability depend very much on the quality of the metadata. We aimed to evaluate the coverage and quality of this metadata from public metabolomics repositories.

Methods

We acquired an overview on the current reporting of chromatographic separation conditions. For this purpose, we defined the following information as important details that have to be provided: column name and dimension, flow rate, temperature, composition of eluents and gradient.

Results

We found that 70% of descriptions of the chromatographic setups are incomplete (according to our definition) and an additional 10% of the descriptions contained ambiguous and/or incorrect information. Accordingly, only about 20% of the descriptions allow further (re-)use of the data, e.g. for RT prediction. Therefore, we have started to develop a unified and standardized notation for chromatographic metadata with detailed and specific description of eluents, columns and gradients.

Conclusion

Reporting of chromatographic metadata is currently not unified. Our recommended suggestions for metadata reporting will enable more standardization and automatization in future reporting.
Effects of initial static shear stress on cyclic behaviour of sand stabilised with colloidal silica
Authors: Ciardi Giovanni , Madiai Claudia
Published: November 2022

Colloidal silica (CS) grouting is a soil improvement technique introduced as an innovative remedial measure against seismic liquefaction. It consists of injecting soils with a time-hardening, nanosilica-based solution forming a silica gel among soil particles. This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the effects of an initial static shear stress on the behaviour of a cyclically loaded clean sand stabilised with 5% CS. Undrained cyclic triaxial tests were performed to analyse the cyclic response of loose untreated and stabilised sand specimens, isotropically or anisotropically consolidated at the same initial mean effective stress. The consolidation stage was used to provide insight on the compressibility of stabilised soil. Stress–strain behaviour, pore water pressure response and cyclic shear resistance were investigated. The results showed that: (i) stabilised sand exhibits higher compressibility than the untreated one during isotropic consolidation; (ii) cyclic strength is higher for stabilised sand than for the untreated one, increasing as the degree of anisotropic initial stress increases; and (iii) extra pore water pressure development does not depend on the degree of initial anisotropy for stabilised sand, while the same does not hold for untreated sand. Simplified relationships are proposed to describe the consolidation process and the residual extra pore water pressure build-up process.
Disruptive seeds: a scenario approach to explore power shifts in sustainability transformations
Authors: Rutting Lucas , Vervoort Joost , Mees Heleen , Pereira Laura , Veeger Marieke , Muiderman Karlijn , Mangnus Astrid , Winkler Klara , Olsson Per , Hichert Tanja , Lane Richard , Bottega Pergher Bruno , Christiaens Laura , Bansal Nivedita , Hendriks Abe , Driessen Peter
Published: November 2022

Over the last 2 decades, it has become increasingly evident that incremental adaptation to global environmental challenges—particularly climate change—no longer suffices. To make matters worse, systemic problems such as social inequity and unsustainable use of resources prove to be persistent. These challenges call for, such is the rationale, significant and radical systemic changes that challenge incumbent structures. Remarkably, scholarship on sustainability transformations has only engaged with the role of power dynamics and shifts in a limited fashion. This paper responds to a need for methods that support the creation of imaginative transformation pathways while attending to the roles that power shifts play in transformations. To do this, we extended the “Seeds of Good Anthropocenes” approach, incorporating questions derived from scholarship on power into the methodology. Our ‘Disruptive Seeds’ approach focuses on niche practices that actively challenge unsustainable incumbent actors and institutions. We tested this novel approach in a series of participatory pilot workshops. Generally, the approach shows great potential as it facilitates explicit discussion about the way power shifts may unfold in transformations. It is a strong example of the value of mixing disciplinary perspectives to create new forms of scenario thinking—following the call for more integrated work on anticipatory governance that combines futures thinking with social and political science research into governance and power. Specifically, the questions about power shifts in transformations used in this paper to adapt the Seeds approach can also be used to adapt other future methods that similarly lack a focus on power shifts—for instance, explorative scenarios, classic back-casting approaches, and simulation gaming.
Aggregate Trait Evolvability and Macroevolution in Two Sister Species of the Bryozoan Stylopoma
Authors: Leventhal Sarah , Jamison-Todd Sarah , Simpson Carl
Published: November 2022

The study of trait evolution in modular animals is more complicated than that in solitary animals, because a single genotype of a modular colony can express an enormous range of phenotypic variation. Furthermore, traits can occur either at the module level or at the colony level. However, it is unclear how the traits at the colony level evolve. We test whether colony-level aggregate traits, defined as the summary statistics of a phenotypic distribution, can evolve. To quantify this evolutionary potential, we use parent-offspring pairs in two sister species of the bryozoanStylopoma, grown and bred in a common garden breeding experiment. We find that the medians of phenotypic distributions are evolvable between generations of colonies. We also find that the structure of this evolutionary potential differs between these two species. Ancestral species align more closely with the direction of species divergence than the descendent species. This result indicates that aggregate trait evolvability can itself evolve.
Multi frequency band fusion method for EEG signal classification
Authors: Wahdow Moutz , Alnaanah Mahmoud , Fadel Ward , Adolf Andras , Kollod Csaba , Ulbert Istvan
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes a novel convolutional neural network (CNN) fusion method for electroencephalography (EEG) motor imagery (MI) signal classification. The method is named MFBF, which stands for multifrequency band fusion. The MFBF method relies on filtering the input signal with different frequency bands and feeding each band signal to a duplicate of a CNN model; then, all duplicates are concatenated to form a fusion model. This paper also introduces the second release of Coleeg software, which is used for evaluation. The MFBF method has the advantage of the flexibility of choosing any model and any number of frequency bands. In the experimental evaluation, the CNN1D model and three frequency bands were used to form the CNN1D_MFBF model, and it was evaluated against the EEGNet_fusion model on three different datasets, which are: Physionet, BCI competition IV-2a, and a dataset from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences Research Centre for Natural Sciences (MTA-TTK). The CNN1D_MFBF model had comparable or better accuracy results with less than one-fifth of the training time, which is a significant advantage for the proposed method.
Medical cannabis-related stigma: cancer survivors’ perspectives
Authors: Nayak Manan M. , Revette Anna , Chai Peter R , Lansang Kristina , Sannes Timothy , Tung Stephanie , Braun Ilana M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Although the vast majority of medical cannabis laws in the USA includes cancer as a qualifying condition and medical cannabis-related stigma influences decision-making regarding the botanical, few studies have explored the phenomenon in oncology. Early findings indicated oncologic cannabis-related stigma to be quite widespread.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with 24 adults with cancer histories using medical cannabis were analyzed using the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework.

Results

Sixteen out of 24 participants discussed medical cannabis-related stigma in some depth. The phenomena emerged as more pervasive in medical than personal/professional domains and was internalized as well as experienced directly. It led some participants, but not others, to practice partial or complete secrecy.

Discussion

Taken together, our findings suggest that, while medical cannabis-related stigma remains widespread and led some study participants to alter behavior, an early shift in ethos towards greater medical cannabis acceptance could be underway. If so, this transition may be occurring more rapidly in non-medical than in clinical settings.

Conclusion

Cancer survivors may experience heightened medical cannabis-related stigma in the clinic as compared to their personal/professional lives. Healthcare providers who depend on patient transparency when gathering medical histories and devising care plans may wish to neutralize perceptions of medical cannabis-related stigma.