bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring software navigation tools for liver tumour angiography: a scoping review
Authors: Brunskill Nathan , Robinson John , Nocum Don , Reed Warren
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Liver cancer presents a growing global health concern, necessitating advanced approaches for intervention. This review investigates the use and effectiveness of software navigation in interventional radiology for liver tumour procedures.

Methods

In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) guidelines, a scoping review was conducted of the literature published between 2013 and 2023 sourcing articles through MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL and Embase. Eligible studies focused on liver cancer, utilised cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT), and employed software for intervention. Twenty‐one articles were deemed eligible for data extraction and analysis.

Results

Categorised by type, software applications yielded diverse benefits. Feeder detection software significantly enhanced vessel identification, reducing non‐target embolisation by up to 43%. Motion correction software demonstrated a 20% enhancement in image quality, effectively mitigating breathing‐induced motion artefacts. Liver perfusion software facilitated efficient tumour targeting while simultaneously reducing the occurrence of side effects. Needle guide software enabled precise radiofrequency ablation needle placement. Additionally, these software applications provided detailed anatomical simulations. Overall, software integration resulted in shorter procedures, reduced radiation exposure and decreased contrast media usage.

Conclusion

This scoping review highlights the innovative yet relatively underexplored role of software navigation for liver tumour procedures. The integration of software applications not only enhances procedural efficiency but also bolsters operator confidence, and contributes to improved patient outcomes. Despite the current lack of uniformity and standardisation, these software‐driven advancements hold significant promise for transforming liver tumour interventions. To realise these benefits, further research is needed to explore the clinical impact and optimal utilisation of software navigation tools in interventional radiology.
Viral etiology of measles‐like rash in Guinean children during the COVID epidemic in 2022
Authors: Anguinze Reine Salomé , Touré Angeline , Cissé Fatoumata , Grayo Solène , Troupin Cécile , Tordo Noël , Kouamou Edwige , Roques Pierre
Published: February 2024

Covid‐19 in West Africa masked outbreaks of vaccine‐preventable diseases such as the measles epidemic in children in Guinea in 2021–2022 characterized by a lack of confirmation of suspected clinical cases. During weeks 13–22 of 2022, saliva samples were collected from 213 children (3–60 months old) with measles‐like symptoms within the St Gabriel dispensary in Conakry. Samples were processed in Virus Transport Medium (VTM) and tested on the same day by triplex reverse transcriptase ‐real‐time polymerase chain reaction for Measles, Rubella and RNaseP. Samples were also tested for HHV6 and Parvovirus B19, viruses causing clinical signs similar to measles. We confirmed 146 (68.5%) measles cases, 27 (12.7%) rubella, 5 (2.3%) double‐positive measles‐rubella, 35 (16.4%) HHV‐6 and 8 (3.75%) Parvovirus B19. To test the assay's robustness, 27 samples were kept at 26–30°C. Measles and rubella were still detected after 7 days at 26–30°C, and after 21 days measles and rubella were still detectable in all samples but one. Sequencing indicated the circulation of the B3 measles genotype, as expected in West Africa. This study highlights the robustness of the measles/rubella diagnostic test on saliva samples stored in VTM. The high level of rubella detection questioned the single valence measles vaccination strategy.
Respiratory syncytial virus immunoprophylaxis: Novel opportunities and a call for equity
Authors: Rzymski Piotr , Gwenzi Willis
Published: February 2024

With the approval of the first vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and a novel RSV‐neutralizing antibody, 2023 has been perceived as a game‐changing year in preventing severe outcomes of RSV infections in infants and the elderly. However, the costs of these pharmaceuticals are high, while RSV disproportionately impacts populations of low‐to‐middle‐income regions, which may continue to suffer from a lack of pharmaceutical measures for RSV prevention under health and socioeconomic disparities. This paper presents an overview of the characteristics, clinical results, and approval status of various RSV vaccines and anti‐RSV antibodies. It posits that wealthy nations cannot monopolize RSV immunoprophylaxis and should work jointly to make it available to lower‐income countries. An approach toward RSV immunoprophylaxis equity based on five points is offered: (1) integration of RSV vaccines and antibodies into the existing global humanitarian distribution systems, (2) using affordable RSV vaccine pricing models, (3) enforcing equity as a part of national and global public health strategy, (4) implementing equitable allocation frameworks for RSV immunoprophylaxis, and (5) promoting local manufacturing. Such a plan needs to be put into action as soon as possible to avoid delays in serving the populations with the highest needs related to RSV burden.
Wet H2S corrosion and degradation of pipeline in amine regeneration system
Authors: Orlikowski Juliusz , Kalinowski Maciej , Lasota Igor , Maruszewski Piotr , Szocinski Michal , Darowicki Kazimierz
Published: February 2024

The paper presents the results of non‐destructive testing examinations, metallographic tests and risk assessment of degradation related to corrosion of amine regeneration unit in a desulphurisation system. Intensive corrosion resulting from acid gases environment upon water condensation causes perforation of the pipeline. Detailed analysis reveals cracking related to the mechanism of wet H2S. Hydrogen penetration, resulting from the wet H2S process, causes a decrease in mechanical properties of steel and an increase in hydrogen content inside steel. Corrosion results mostly from high stream velocity, the presence of acid gases (with high ammonia content), the presence of amine and low stream temperature.
Statewide study aims to uncover keys to maintaining mental wellness
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2024

Judging from the brisk public response during the first three weeks of Ohio's ambitious statewide study to identify risk and resiliency factors associated with mental illness, the initial $20 million that the state has committed to the project could prove to be money well spent.
The hidden architects of glioblastoma multiforme: Glioma stem cells
Authors: Sahoo Om S. , Mitra Rhiti , Nagaiah Naveen K. H.
Published: February 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a WHO grade IV diffuse glioma, is a highly aggressive brain tumor with a median survival of less than a year. Characterized by robust proliferation and invasion, recent studies spotlight glioma stem cells (GSCs) within GBM tumors, pivotal in tumor development, progression, and treatment resistance. This review aims to shed light on the critical role of GSCs in the initiation and progression of GBM, emphasizing their contribution to tumor development and resistance to existing treatments. Unlike normal stem cells, GSCs play a pivotal role in GBM pathogenesis. The review delves into the unique characteristics of GSCs, marked by heightened metabolic activities and distinct epigenetic and transcriptional programming. Recognizing the significance of GSCs in recent years, the review examines how their presence amplifies the lethal nature of GBM. The review also critically evaluates recent advancements in glioma and GBM diagnostic methods and treatment therapies, which also include targeting GSCs. Providing a concise yet comprehensive overview, the review contributes insights into GBM's intricate dynamics, offering potential directions for future research and therapeutic strategies.
A wideband balanced filtering coupled‐line coupler with improved directivity based on coupled microstrip–slotline
Authors: Zhou Ya Xin , Xu Le , Wei Feng , Feng Tao
Published: February 2024

In this article, a wideband balanced filtering coupled‐line coupler (BFCLC) with improved directivity is designed. By using coupled microstrip–slotline, the proposed BFCLC realizes tight coupling while maintaining good isolation. A lattice equivalent circuit is introduced for the coupled microstrip–slotline. Good differential‐mode transmission and high common‐mode suppression are achieved through the application of microstrip/slotline transition structures. Additional stubs are taken to compensate for the odd‐ and even‐mode phase velocities of the coupled microstrip–slotline. Transmission zeros can also be adjusted to improve selectivity. Based on the proposed BFCLC, a coupler with a smaller size using solely the slotline is designed. Two proposed couplers are manufactured to validate the theoretical design, and a good agreement between the simulation and measurement is presented.
Identification of gene fusions associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Raghav Yogindra , Dilliott Allison A. , Petrozziello Tiziana , Kim Spencer E. , Berry James D. , Cudkowicz Merit E. , Vakili Khashayar ,   NYGC ALS Consortium, Fraenkel Ernest , Farhan Sali M. K. , Sadri‐Vakili Ghazaleh
Published: February 2024

Introduction/Aims

Genetics is an important risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons. Recent findings demonstrate that in addition to specific genetic mutations, structural variants caused by genetic instability can also play a causative role in ALS. Genomic instability can lead to deletions, duplications, insertions, inversions, and translocations in the genome, and these changes can sometimes lead to fusion of distinct genes into a single transcript. Gene fusion events have been studied extensively in cancer; however, they have not been thoroughly investigated in ALS. The aim of this study was to determine whether gene fusions are present in ALS.

Methods

Gene fusions were identified using STAR Fusion v1.10.0 software in bulk RNA‐Seq data from human postmortem samples from publicly available data sets from Target ALS and the New York Genome Center ALS Consortium.

Results

We report the presence of gene fusion events in several brain regions as well as in spinal cord samples in ALS. Although most gene fusions were intra‐chromosomal events between neighboring genes and present in both ALS and control samples, there was a significantly greater number of unique gene fusions in ALS compared to controls. Lastly, we identified specific gene fusions with a significant burden in ALS, that were absent from both control samples and known cancer gene fusion databases.

Discussion

Collectively, our findings reveal an enrichment of gene fusions in ALS and suggest that these events may be an additional genetic cause linked to ALS pathogenesis.
An experimental and numerical study on an innovative metastructure for 3D printed thermoplastic polyurethane with auxetic performance
Authors: Mojaver Mehran , Azdast Taher , Hasanzadeh Rezgar
Published: February 2024

Metamaterials are specifically designed materials that possess unique properties that cannot be found in naturally occurring substances. These remarkable materials have the capability to bring about a significant transformation across a wide range of industries. Auxetic structures are a recent area of research possess a distinctive characteristic known as a negative Poisson's ratio. Unlike conventional materials that contract when stretched, auxetic structures actually expand in two dimensions. In this study, a new auxetic structure was introduced, and thermoplastic polyurethane samples were 3D printed using a fused filament fabrication method. The samples are then subjected to strains ranging from 5% to 50% and Poisson's ratios are measured both experimentally and numerically using finite element method in Ansys software. By comparing the results of the experimental research and simulation, it is evident that applying strains within this range causes the Poisson's ratio of the samples to change from −0.81 to −0.14 and it showed that the newly introduced structure is auxetic. According to the analysis of root mean square error, the hexagonal mesh with a size of 0.7 mm consistently produced the most accurate results, aligning closely with the experimental sample. Given that this is an entirely novel auxetic structure within the category of arrow‐head auxetic structures, there is potential for future research to be conducted in order to further develop and enhance this model.
Thiophenoanthracene‐based conjugated polymers via direct arylation polycondensation
Authors: Hino Yuto , Hayashi Shotaro
Published: February 2024

3,4‐Appended thiophene monomers furnish unique optoelectronic properties due to electronic and steric effects on the donor unit. Here, we have demonstrated a new polymer synthesis by direct arylation polycondensation of 9,10‐dihydro‐9,10‐[3,4]thiophenoanthracene, a thiophene‐based monomer. Chloride‐promoted direct arylation polycondensation of 9,10‐dihydro‐9,10‐[3,4]thiophenoanthracene with dibromo monomers with acetate in N,N‐dimethylacetamide gave conjugated alternating copolymers. The obtained polymer had a molecular weight of 38,000 and exhibited high film‐forming ability. The optical and electrochemical properties of the polymers were also discussed.
Cognitive impairment in cervical cancer survivors—Exploring the discrepancy between subjective and objective assessment
Authors: Areklett Elisabeth Wang , Andersson S. , Fagereng E. , Bruheim K. , Stubberud J. , Lindemann K.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Cancer‐related cognitive impairment has severe implications for the quality of life and societal participation of cervical cancer survivors (CCS). However, there is no research on the association between subjective and objective cognitive impairment (CI) in cervical cancer. This cross‐sectional study aimed to examine the frequency and severity of objective CI in CCS reporting significant subjective CI and explore the discrepancy between subjective and objective CI.

Methods

Sixty‐five CCS reporting significant subjective CI, defined as 1.5 SD below the normative mean, underwent neuropsychological (NP) assessment covering attention, verbal memory, processing speed, verbal fluency, and executive functions. CCS were compared to healthy age‐matched controls (n = 74). A subjective versus objective discrepancy score was calculated based on the standardized scores within each group.

Results

The CCS group performed significantly poorer across all NP tests compared to healthy controls (all p‐values <0.001) and 81.5% had scores below cut‐off as defined by the International Cognition and Cancer Task Force. However, compared to published normative data, most CCS performed within the clinically normal range. Processing speed and verbal memory were the most affected cognitive domains. By calculating a discrepancy score, both groups on average displayed a quite accurate concordance between subjective and objective cognitive functioning.

Conclusion

Although CI is evident in CCS, our results confirm that objective and subjective CI represent different constructs and highlight the limitations of normative data. Differentiating subjective and objective CI is important when tailoring effective interventions in the survivorship care of CCS.
Effect of Water Content on Rice Starch Gel during Retrogradation
Authors: Zhang Yifu , Yang Tongliang , Zhou Junjun , Yu Jiaojiao , Wang Jiake , Qiang Siqi , Wang Yuhe , Li Shuhong , Chen Ye
Published: February 2024

Water content plays a crucial role in the retrogradation of rice starch. The relationship between the water content of rice starch gels and their structural changes during retrogradation is studied. The results indicate that the gels have three distinct types of water: structural constitution water, starch intermolecular bound water, and free water. The rate of retrogradation increases as the water content increases. Nevertheless, when the water content is lower (1:1) or higher (1:6) than optimal, the starch molecules show limited aggregation and recrystallization, which retards the rate of retrogradation. With the aggregation and recrystallization of starch and the inward contraction of the gel structure, the mobility of water is restricted, and the binding of water to the starch is enhanced. With the sustained contraction of the gel structure, the water‐holding capacity of the gel is weakened. By analyzing the experimental results, water distribution, transformation, and migration in rice starch during retrogradation are delineated. These findings provide a theoretical basis for controlling the retrogradation of rice starch and improving product quality.
Characterization of Spray Dried Starch Systems of Natural Antioxidant Compounds
Authors: Marinopoulou Anna , Zoumaki Maria , Raphaelides Stylianos , Karageorgiou Vassilis , Goulas Athanasios
Published: February 2024

Starch systems of natural antioxidants containing different starch sources (lentil, chickpea, corn, pea, and tapioca) and a variety of antioxidants (ascorbic acid, linalool, carvacrol, and cinnamic acid) are prepared using a pilot scale spray dryer. The effect of drying process on structural, morphological, and physical properties of the starch complexes is investigated. X‐ray analysis (XRD) reveals that there is a possible molecular interaction of starch with natural antioxidants. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) shows the presence of an endothermic peak ranging from 91.0 to 112.1 °C, which is most probably attributed to the dissociation temperature of starch systems. Microscopic examination shows that the spray dried particles are irregular and spherical in shape and the antioxidant molecules are uniformly distributed within the starch systems matrix. All powders have moisture content values lower than 10%. The spray dried powders exhibit high lightness (L*) values and hue angle values close to 90 implying a yellow color. Chickpea‐ascorbic acid systems exhibit the highest bulk and tapped densities values and are the most hygroscopic while tapioca‐cinnamic acid systems have the lowest ones. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster analysis  show that there is a strong relationship between the physical properties of the powders.
Germinated Rice in Diabetes Management: Technological and Functional Changes
Authors: John Deepa , Raman Maya
Published: February 2024

Cereals are known for their outstanding source of macro‐ and micro‐nutrients and phytochemicals. However, their interactions within the food matrices result in complexes that interfere with bioavailability, bio‐accessibility, and its metabolism in the human system. Germination has been reported to interfere with these interactions in the food matrices and enhance the accessibility and digestibility of nutrients. The germinated rice in the management of the diabetes is a novel concept as it modulates the glycemic index of the product and also enhances the bio‐accessibility of phytochemicals. Type‐2 diabetes has shown an alarming increase in recent past, which is chiefly due to dietary habits and sedentary life style. Even though, medical science is developing new therapeutical measures, preventing the risk of disease through dietary modulations may be more preferred. Germination also improves the texture, cooking, and eating quality of rice making it more tastier. During germination, the starchphytochemical interactions, delayed digestibility and physiological performances and glycemic control, can pave way to diabetes management in such cases. In view of these, the current review focuses on the starch and its interactions with phytochemicals, the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of these components, and their impact on reduced glycemic index.
‘We have ‘Tinder’ tools to solve the health issues caused by pedigree dog breeding’
Authors: Roaldset Aashild , Hustoft Eva Breuer
Published: February 2024

Technology and estimated breeding values are the key to breeding dogs that will live long and have desired behaviour and good health and welfare, argue Aashild Roaldset and Eva Breuer Hustoft.
Multi-objective Optimal Sizing of an AC/DC Grid Connected Microgrid System
Authors: Amoura Yahia , Pedroso André , Ferreira Ângela , Lima José , Torres Santiago , Pereira Ana I.
Published: February 2024

Considering the rising energy needs and the depletion of conventional energy sources, microgrid systems combining wind energy and solar photovoltaic power with diesel generators are promising and considered economically viable for usage. To evaluate system cost and dependability, optimizing the size of microgrid system elements, including energy storage systems connected with the principal network, is crucial. In this line, a study has already been performed using a uni-objective optimization approach for the techno-economic sizing of a microgrid. It was noted that, despite the economic criterion, the environmental criterion can have a considerable impact on the elements constructing the microgrid system. In this paper, two multi-objective optimization approaches are proposed, including a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and the Pareto Search algorithm (PS) for the eco-environmental design of a microgrid system. The k-means clustering of the non-dominated point on the Pareto front has delivered three categories of scenarios: best economic, best environmental, and trade-off. Energy management, considering the three cases, has been applied to the microgrid over a period of 24 h to evaluate the impact of system design on the energy production system’s behavior.
Quantum cohomology from mixed Higgs-Coulomb phases
Authors: Gu Wei , Melnikov Ilarion V. , Sharpe Eric
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We generalize Coulomb-branch-based gauged linear sigma model (GLSM)–computations of quantum cohomology rings of Fano spaces. Typically such computations have focused on GLSMs without superpotential, for which the low energy limit of the GLSM is a pure Coulomb branch, and quantum cohomology is determined by the critical locus of a twisted one-loop effective superpotential. We extend these results to cases for which the low energy limit of the GLSM includes both Coulomb and Higgs branches, where the latter is a Landau-Ginzburg orbifold. We describe the state spaces and products of corresponding operators in detail, comparing a geometric phase description, where the operator product ring is quantum cohomology, to the description in terms of Coulomb and Higgs branch states. As a concrete test of our methods, we compare to existing mathematics results for quantum cohomology rings of hypersurfaces in projective spaces.
Classification of three-family flavoured DFSZ axion models that have no domain wall problem
Authors: Cox Peter , Dolan Matthew J. , Hayat Maaz , Thamm Andrea , Volkas Raymond R.
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We provide an exhaustive classification of three-family DFSZ axion models that have no cosmological domain wall problem. This result is obtained by making the Peccei-Quinn symmetry flavour dependent in certain specific ways, thus reinforcing a possible connection between the strong CP problem and the flavour puzzle. Known DFSZ flavour variants such as the top-specific model emerge as special cases. Key features of the phenomenology of these models are briefly discussed.
Nonabelian kinetic mixing in a confining phase: a framework for composite dark photons
Authors: Alonso-Álvarez Gonzalo , Cao Ruike , Cline James M. , Moorthy Karishma , Xiao Tianzhuo
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Dark matter from a hidden sector with SU(N) gauge symmetry can have a nonabelian kinetic mixing portal with the standard model. The dark photon becomes massive in the confining phase without the need for spontaneous symmetry breaking. Depending on the particle content of the dark sector, there can be two or more composite vectors that get kinetic mixing through a heavy mediator particle X. This provides a model of composite dark photons giving a portal for direct detection of dark baryons. Avoiding exotic charged relics requires additional couplings allowing X to decay to dark quarks and standard model fields, leading to further portals between the dark matter and the standard model. We comprehensively study the constraints on such models from colliders, rare decays, direct detection, and big bang nucleosynthesis.
Wilsonian effective potentials and closed string field theory
Authors: Erler Theodore , Fırat Atakan Hilmi
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We investigate Wilsonian effective field theory as a model for the construction of the tachyon potential and nonperturbative vacua in closed string field theory. In a number of cases we are able to find the effective potential exactly, and observe what appear to be universal features. We find that the effective field theory contains the same nonperturbative vacuum structure as the bare Lagrangian, though this information is encoded less efficiently as the distance scale of the effective field theory is increased. The implication is that closed string field theory plausibly contains information about the nonperturbative vacuum structure of string theory, in spite of its similarities to effective field theory. We also truncate the effective potential at a fixed power of the field and investigate how the global structure of the effective potential may be approximated via Padé resummation. Qualitative comparisons suggest that computation of the eighth to sixteenth order closed string vertex should be enough to obtain reliable results for the closed string field theory action evaluated on the tachyon field.
A second-order tolerance analysis approach to statistical virtual assembly for rigid parts
Authors: Maltauro Mattia , Meneghello Roberto , Concheri Gianmaria
Published: February 2024

Virtual assembly has become a popular trend in recent years and is used for various purposes, including selective assembly and adaptive tooling. Monte Carlo approaches based on Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations are commonly used for production applications. However, during the design phase, when testing different configurations and design options, a variational method is more suitable. This paper aims to test different implementations of the Method of System Moments applied to the second-order tolerance analysis method when actual distributions, which are non-centered and non-normal, are used as input for the simulation. The study reveals that the simulation results can significantly vary depending on the simulation settings in some cases. As a result, a series of best practices are highlighted to improve the accuracy and reliability of the simulation outcomes.
Predator-avoidance behaviour of target and non-target temperate reef fishes is lower in areas protected from fishing
Authors: Feary David A. , Fowler Ashley M. , Booth David J.
Published: February 2024

The effects of hunting on predator-avoidance behaviour are increasingly being recognised on land but have received less attention in marine systems. We examined whether predator-avoidance behaviour of temperate reef fishes differed between areas protected and not protected from recreational fishing by examining the flight-initiation distance (FID; the distance a predator can approach before the prey animal flees) of six common species in southeastern Australia. By testing species that ranged in desirability to recreational fishers, we could determine if behavioural differences were specific to target species or extended more broadly throughout the assemblage. After accounting for potential variability among sites within protection levels, we found that the FID of all species was higher in fished areas than protected areas, with FID up to 2.4 times higher in fished areas. The two commonly targeted species had the greatest FID response to fishing. FID also increased with body size for all but one species. Our findings indicate the potential for assemblage-wide effects of fishing on predator-avoidance behaviour and are consistent with an indirect mechanism of behavioural modification.
The effect of repeated measurements and within-individual variance on the estimation of heritability: a simulation study
Authors: Jablonszky Mónika , Garamszegi László Zsolt
Published: February 2024

The estimation of heritability is a common practice in the field of ecology and evolution. Heritability of the traits is often estimated using one single measurement per individual, although many traits (especially behavioural and physiological traits) are characterized by large within-individual variance, and ideally a large number of within individual measurements can be obtained. Importantly, the effect of the within-individual variance and the rate at which this variance is sampled on the estimation of heritability has not been thoroughly tested. We fill this gap of knowledge with a simulation study, and assess the effect of within- and between-individual sample size, and the true value of the variance components on the estimation of heritability. In line with previous studies we found that the accuracy and precision of heritability estimation increased with sample size and accuracy with higher values of additive genetic variance. When the sample size was above 500 accuracy and power of heritability estimates increased in the models including repeated measurements, especially when within-individual variance was high. We thus suggest to use a sample of more than 100 individuals and to include more than two repeated measurements per individual in the models to improve estimation when investigating heritability of labile traits.

Significance statement

Heritability reflects the part of the trait’s phenotypic variation underlined by genetic variation. Despite the difficulties of heritability calculation (high number of individuals is needed with known relatedness), it is a widely used measure in evolutionary studies. However, not every factor potentially affecting the quality of heritability estimation is well understood. We thus investigated with a comprehensive simulation study how the number of repeated measurements per individuals and the amount of within-individual variation influence the goodness of heritability estimation. We found that although the previously described effect of the number of studied individuals was the most important, including repeated measurements also improved the reliability of the heritability estimates, especially when within-individual variation was high. Our results thus highlight the importance of including repeated measurements when investigating the heritability of highly plastic traits, such as behavioural or physiological traits.
Delayed diagnosis of a transient ischemic attack caused by ChatGPT
Authors: Saenger Jonathan A. , Hunger Jonathan , Boss Andreas , Richter Johannes
Published: February 2024

Techniques of artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly used in the treatment of patients, such as providing a diagnosis in radiological imaging, improving workflow by triaging patients or providing an expert opinion based on clinical symptoms; however, such AI techniques also hold intrinsic risks as AI algorithms may point in the wrong direction and constitute a black box without explaining the reason for the decision-making process.

This article outlines a case where an erroneous ChatGPT diagnosis, relied upon by the patient to evaluate symptoms, led to a significant treatment delay and a potentially life-threatening situation. With this case, we would like to point out the typical risks posed by the widespread application of AI tools not intended for medical decision-making.
How I do it: dual operation channels percutaneous endoscopic far-lateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Xiao Qingqing , Wu Ji , Chu Fuming , Li Yue
Published: February 2024

Background

The current surgical procedure of interbody fusion in the lumbar spine has several limitations including low efficiency, potential endplate damage, overdose radiation exposure, and failure of fusion.

Methods

Through the endoscopic operating channel, we efficiently removed the superior and inferior articular processes and decompressed the ligamentum flavum. Another operating channel was established under endoscopic monitoring to excise the annulus fibrosus, remove the cartilaginous endplate using open instruments, perform interbody bone grafting, and place a non-expandable polyetheretherketone open surgical fusion cage.

Conclusion

Lumbar interbody fusion was performed successfully using a far-lateral transforaminal approach combined with dual operation channels of percutaneous endoscopic-assisted technique.
Cerebrovascular reactivity (PRx) and optimal cerebral perfusion pressure in elderly with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lenell Samuel , Wettervik Teodor Svedung , Howells Timothy , Hånell Anders , Lewén Anders , Enblad Per
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) guidance by cerebral pressure autoregulation (CPA) status according to PRx (correlation mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and intracranial pressure (ICP)) and optimal CPP (CPPopt = CPP with lowest PRx) is promising but little is known regarding this approach in elderly. The aim was to analyze PRx and CPPopt in elderly TBI patients.

Methods

A total of 129 old (≥ 65 years) and 342 young (16–64 years) patients were studied using monitoring data for MAP and ICP. CPP, PRx, CPPopt, and ΔCPPopt (difference between actual CPP and CPPopt) were calculated. Logistic regression analyses with PRx and ΔCPPopt as explanatory variables for outcome. The combined effects of PRx/CPP and PRx/ΔCPPopt on outcome were visualized as heatmaps.

Results

The elderly had higher PRx (worse CPA), higher CPPopt, and different temporal patterns. High PRx influenced outcome negatively in the elderly but less so than in younger patients. CPP close to CPPopt correlated to favorable outcome in younger, in contrast to elderly patients. Heatmap interaction analysis of PRx/ΔCPPopt in the elderly showed that the region for favorable outcome was centered around PRx 0 and ranging between both functioning and impaired CPA (PRx range − 0.5–0.5), and the center of ΔCPPopt was − 10 (range − 20–0), while in younger the center of PRx was around − 0.5 and ΔCPPopt closer to zero.

Conclusions

The elderly exhibit higher PRx and CPPopt. High PRx influences outcome negatively in the elderly but less than in younger patients. The elderly do not show better outcome when CPP is close to CPPopt in contrast to younger patients.
Sensitive and efficient surveillance of Japanese giant salamander (Andrias japonicus) distribution in western Japan using multi-copy nuclear DNA marker
Authors: Hidaka Shunsuke , Jo Toshiaki S. , Yamamoto Satoshi , Katsuhara Koki R. , Tomita Sei , Miya Masaki , Ikegami Makihiko , Ushimaru Atushi , Minamoto Toshifumi
Published: February 2024

Japanese giant salamander (Andrias japonicus) is one of the largest amphibian species in the world and an iconic species in Japan. However, as its distribution has recently declined across the country, rapid and extensive monitoring of the distribution is urgently needed for its efficient conservation. Here, we used environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to assess the Japanese giant salamander’s distribution in western Japan and, for that purpose, we collected 410 water samples from 12 rivers. We then developed a new eDNA assay for multi-copy nuclear DNA (nuDNA) of the giant salamander and compared the eDNA detectability of the nuDNA marker with that of a previous mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) marker. Throughout the survey, we detected target eDNA from 162 water samples using either of the markers, which generally corresponded to the known natural distribution of the species. Additionally, the use of the nuDNA marker allowed for higher detection rate of target eDNA than the mtDNA marker. Moreover, the detection rate of target eDNA decreased substantially in water samples with higher conductivity and also partly in those with higher pH, suggesting their negative impacts on the salamander’s ecology. Our results demonstrated that eDNA analysis with multi-copy nuDNA marker is highly useful for efficient and sensitive surveillance of Japanese giant salamander’s distribution. Our study provided the methodology for efficiently monitoring the Japanese giant salamander’s distribution via eDNA analysis and facilitating conservation activities for them.
Transmission channels of the cohesion policy: direct and indirect effects on EA synchronicity
Authors: Stiblarova Lubica
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on the examination of the side effects of the European cohesion policy (ECP), in particular, the direct and indirect effects of the European structural and investment (ESI) funds on business cycle co-movement in the Euro area (EA) countries. The results of analysis performed using the simultaneous equations framework in the 2000–2019 period reveal that increasing ESI payments within the cohesion policy have overall contributed to more synchronized EA business cycles. Even though the ESI payments do not seem to directly support synchronization, probably because of their procyclical nature, we find that the unintended benefits of the ESI payments with respect to the synchronization lie in their indirect positive effects, which outweigh the negative direct effect. The total positive effect of the ECP emerges because increasing investment from the ESI funds promotes the EA business cycle synchronization via trade, bilateral FDI, and income similarity. Meanwhile, similar evidence has not been confirmed for the specialization channel.
Trends, tensions, and futures of maker education research: a 2025 vision for STEM+ disciplinary and transdisciplinary spaces for learning through making
Authors: Ioannou Andri , Gravel Brian E.
Published: February 2024

This special issue aims to sketch the present state of maker learning research, reveal possible tensions, and present future possibilities to articulate principles for learning through design in the era of maker education. The special issue was announced in 2022 in ETR&D, a leading academic journal in educational technology. Of the 50 submissions to the special issue, eighteen (18) were accepted for publication. The editors favored a robust inclusion of papers to help define the contours of the field at present. Four clusters of topics are identified in this collection of papers: (i) STEM+ disciplinary and transdisciplinary learning spaces; (ii) Digital technologies in making, opportunities and challenges; (iii) Assessment practices and frameworks; (iv) Representation, inclusion, and tensions around maker-centered initiatives and reforms. The editors of the special issue believe that these clusters reflect the current state-of-the-art in the field as well as significant questions to guide near future research. Reflecting on these papers but also the overall editorial process, the editors identified several opportunities and provide suggestions on how the field might expand moving forward.
A multimodal virtual vision platform as a next-generation vision system for a surgical robot
Authors: Kim Young Gyun , Lee Jong Hyeon , Shim Jae Woo , Rhee Wounsuk , Kim Byeong Soo , Yoon Dan , Kim Min Jung , Park Ji Won , Jeong Chang Wook , Yang Han-Kwang , Cho Minwoo , Kim Sungwan
Published: February 2024

Robot-assisted surgery platforms are utilized globally thanks to their stereoscopic vision systems and enhanced functional assistance. However, the necessity of ergonomic improvement for their use by surgeons has been increased. In surgical robots, issues with chronic fatigue exist owing to the fixed posture of the conventional stereo viewer (SV) vision system. A head-mounted display was adopted to alleviate the inconvenience, and a virtual vision platform (VVP) is proposed in this study. The VVP can provide various critical data, including medical images, vital signs, and patient records, in three-dimensional virtual reality space so that users can access medical information simultaneously. An availability of the VVP was investigated based on various user evaluations by surgeons and novices, who executed the given tasks and answered questionnaires. The performances of the SV and VVP were not significantly different; however, the craniovertebral angle of the VVP was 16.35° higher on average than that of the SV. Survey results regarding the VVP were positive; participants indicated that the optimal number of displays was six, preferring the 2 × 3 array. Reflecting the tendencies, the VVP can be a neoconceptual candidate to be customized for medical use, which opens a new prospect in a next-generation surgical robot.

Graphical Abstract
Conversion in languages with different morphological structures: a semantic comparison of English and Czech
Authors: Hledíková Hana , Ševčíková Magda
Published: February 2024

This article presents a comparative study of the semantics of conversion between verbs and nouns in two languages with different morphological structures – English and Czech. To make the cross-linguistic comparison of semantic relations possible, a cognitive approach is used to provide conceptual semantic categories applicable within both languages. The semantic categories, based on event schemata introduced by Radden and Dirven (2007) primarily for syntactic description, are applied to data samples of verb–noun conversion pairs in both languages, using a dictionary-based approach. We analyse a corpus sample of 300 conversion pairs of verbs and nouns in each language (e.g., run.v – run.n, pepper.n – pepper.v; běhat ‘run.v’– běh ‘run.n’, pepř ‘pepper.n’ – pepřit ‘pepper.v’) annotated for the semantic relation between the verb and the noun. We analyse which relations appear in the two languages and how often, looking for sizeable differences to answer the question of whether the morphological characteristics of a language influence the semantics of conversion. The analysis of the annotated samples documents that the languages most often employ conversion for the same concepts (namely, instance of action/process and result) and that the range of semantic categories in English and Czech is generally the same, suggesting that the differences in the morphology of the two languages do not affect the range of possible meanings that conversion is employed for. The data also show a difference in the number of types of combinations of multiple semantic relations between the verb and the noun in a single conversion pair, which was found to be larger in English than in Czech, and also in the frequency with which certain individual semantic relations occur, and these differences seem to be at least partially related to the morphological characteristics of Czech and English.
Synthesis of CuO/NaCuSO4 nanocomposite using an aqueous extract of Tribulus Terrestris and their structural, optical, morphology and dielectric studies
Authors: Kalaiyarasi M. , Nivedha M. , Mani M. , Harikrishnan R. , Kumar J. Kishor , Loganathan S. , Kaviyarasu K.
Published: February 2024

The development of an environment-friendly process for synthesizing nanoparticles in the field of bionanotechnology is growing day-by-day. Increasing drug resistance in microbes has compelled researchers to synthesize biologically active nanoparticles. In this study, we used Tribulus terrestris plant extract to synthesize CuO/NaCuSO4 nanocomposite. The synthesized samples were characterized through functional groups analysis of FTIR and morphological analysis of SEM. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultra-visible light absorbance analysis (UV–vis) were used to find the nanocrystalline nature and bandgap energy of the biosynthesized copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles, respectively. In the metal oxide region of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy the copper oxide nanoparticles were confirmed at 523 cm−1 which showed the nature of plant extracts to control over the reduction and stabilizing of the nanoparticles. The Rietveld refinement analysis yielded unit cell compositions of 53.39% for CuO and 46.61% for NaCuSO4, respectively. The monoclinic structure of CuO was confirmed, and the crystalline size was calculated as 37 nm by XRD analysis. From UV–vis spectroscopy, the absorption peak was observed at 277 and 337 nm, revealing the presence of CuO nanoparticles. In fact, the cluster-like morphology patterns are captured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle sizes were observed around 102 nm. Finally, the dielectric properties of the synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles have been examined and reported in detail.
Pornography and Sexual Dysfunction: Is There Any Relationship?
Authors: Rowland David L. , Cooper Stewart E.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Consensus about whether pornography use affects sexual functioning during partnered sex is lacking. In this review, we explain and define the variables under consideration (pornography use and sexual functioning), briefly elaborate the controversy, and conduct a literature search extending from 2015 to the present using diverse and all-inclusive keywords related to pornography use, problematic pornography use (PPU), and sexual functioning in men and women.

Recent Findings

Twenty-eight studies directly related to the issue were identified, and another 23 studies were used as supporting material (e.g., defining or assessing variables and identifying predictors of PPU). Results were organized into two major sections, beginning with a delineation of methodological issues related to studies on the topic and followed by summaries of studies first on women and men drawn from community samples, and then on women and men drawn from samples defined by excessive, problematic, compulsive, or addictive use of pornography. In general—and consistent with prior reviews on the topic—women were more likely to show positive associations between pornography use and sexual functioning whereas men showed mixed results. Specifically, the analysis demonstrated the diversity of outcomes of pornography use, including how they currently play out differently for women and men and for problematic and non-problematic users, with this latter group—particularly when male—more likely to show mild to moderate negative associations with sexual functioning.

Claims of a strong relationship between pornography use and sexual dysfunction are generally unfounded, both by the findings of studies and/or by misinterpretations of them. As part of our “Discussion”, we identify the ongoing methodological challenges in this field, unpack the meaning of PPU and how its component constructs might affect sexual functioning, and suggest a path forward that makes better and more systematic use of covariates/constructs related to both PPU components and sexual functioning.