bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence for climate prediction of extremes: State of the art, challenges, and future perspectives
Authors: Materia Stefano , García Lluís Palma , van Straaten Chiem , O Sungmin , Mamalakis Antonios , Cavicchia Leone , Coumou Dim , de Luca Paolo , Kretschmer Marlene , Donat Markus 
Published: September 2024

AbstractExtreme events such as heat waves and cold spells, droughts, heavy rain, and storms are particularly challenging to predict accurately due to their rarity and chaotic nature, and because of model limitations. However, recent studies have shown that there might be systemic predictability that is not being leveraged, whose exploitation could meet the need for reliable predictions of aggregated extreme weather measures on timescales from weeks to decades ahead. Recently, numerous studies have been devoted to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to study predictability and make climate predictions. AI techniques have shown great potential to improve the prediction of extreme events and uncover their links to large‐scale and local drivers. Machine and deep learning have been explored to enhance prediction, while causal discovery and explainable AI have been tested to improve our understanding of the processes underlying predictability. Hybrid predictions combining AI, which can reveal unknown spatiotemporal connections from data, with climate models that provide the theoretical foundation and interpretability of the physical world, have shown that improving prediction skills of extremes on climate‐relevant timescales is possible. However, numerous challenges persist in various aspects, including data curation, model uncertainty, generalizability, reproducibility of methods, and workflows. This review aims at overviewing achievements and challenges in the use of AI techniques to improve the prediction of extremes at the subseasonal to decadal timescale. A few best practices are identified to increase trust in these novel techniques, and future perspectives are envisaged for further scientific development.This article is categorized under:Climate Models and Modeling > Knowledge Generation with ModelsThe Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Climate Science and Decision Making
The Significance of Symbolic Logic for Scientific Education
Authors: Platzer André 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis invited paper is a passionate pitch for the significance of logic in scientific education. Logic helps focus on the essential core to identify the foundations of ideas and provides corresponding longevity with the resulting approach to new and old problems. Logic operates symbolically, where each part has a precise meaning and the meaning of the whole is compositional, so a simple function of the meaning of the pieces. This compositionality in the meaning of logical operators is the basis for compositionality in reasoning about logical operators. Both semantic and deductive compositionalities help explain what happens in reasoning. The correctness-critical core of an idea or an algorithm is often expressible eloquently and particularly concisely in logic. The opinions voiced in this paper are influenced by the author’s teaching of courses on cyber-physical systems, constructive logic, compiler design, programming language semantics, and imperative programming principles. In each of those courses, different aspects of logic come up for different purposes to elucidate significant ideas particularly clearly. While there is a bias of the thoughts in this paper toward computer science, some courses have been heavily frequented by students from other majors so that some transfer of the thoughts to other science and engineering disciplines is plausible.
Teaching Through Practice: Advanced Static Analysis with LiSA
Authors: Negrini Luca , Arceri Vincenzo , Olivieri Luca , Cortesi Agostino , Ferrara Pietro 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNowadays, ready-to-use libraries and code generation are often used to streamline and speed up the software development process. The resulting programs are thus a collection of different modules that cooperate: proving their safety and reliability is increasingly complex, requiring sound formal techniques, such as static program analysis. However, while teaching static analysis to master’s or PhD students, the predominant focus on theoretical concepts often leaves limited space for students to engage with the practical aspects of implementing static analyses and is limited to developing elementary ones. In this paper, we show how the infrastructure offered by LiSA can be exploited to learn how to implement advanced static analyses, such as string and relational numerical analyses, just focusing on their distinctive aspects. This would help to narrow the gap between theoretical and practical contents in static analysis courses, bringing the learning experience beyond the rudimentary implementation of static analyses to more sophisticated applications.
Inverse Design and Boundary Controllability for the Chromatography System
Authors: Coclite Giuseppe Maria , De Nitti Nicola , Donadello Carlotta , Peru Florian 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe consider the prototypical example of the $$2\times 2$$

2
×
2

liquid chromatography system and characterize the set of initial data leading to a given attainable profile at $$t=T$$

t
=
T

. For profiles that are not attainable at time T, we study a non-smooth optimization problem: recovering the initial data that lead as close as possible to the target in the $$L^2$$

L
2

-norm. We then study the system on a bounded domain and use a boundary control to steer its dynamics to a given trajectory. Finally, we implement a suitable finite volumes scheme to illustrate these results and show its numerical convergence. Minor modifications of our arguments apply to the Keyfitz–Kranzer system.
Das Bardet-Biedl-Syndrom
Authors: Cetiner M. , Pape L. , König J. , Oh J. , v. Schnurbein J. , Wiegand S. , Grüters A. , Kühnen P. 
Published: September 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Das Bardet-Biedl-Syndrom (BBS) ist eine seltene Multisystemerkrankung, die durch Varianten von derzeit 26 bekannten Genen verursacht wird. Abhängig von der Ausprägung der unterschiedlichen Symptome wird die Diagnose oft erst spät gestellt. Die Versorgung der Patientinnen und Patienten erfolgt durch (pädiatrische) Endokrinologen und Nephrologen sowie Ophthalmologen. Eines der häufigsten Symptome stellt die Adipositas dar, die das Risiko einer Langzeitmorbidität aufgrund der metabolischen und kardiovaskulären Folgeerkrankungen hat.

Fragestellung
Dieser Artikel hat das Ziel, die wichtigsten Grundlagen zu Pathogenese, Diagnose und Therapie des Bardet-Biedl-Syndroms zu vermitteln.

Material und Methode
Basierend auf einer umfassenden Darstellung der Literatur und aktueller Studienergebnisse werden die neuesten Erkenntnisse zur Versorgung der Patienten:innen dargestellt.

Ergebnisse
In der Behandlung der Nierenbeteiligung des BBS kann eine Nierenersatztherapie, die für die Morbidität und Mortalität von entscheidender Bedeutung ist, notwendig werden. Netzhautdegeneration, endokrine Störungen, Entwicklungsretardierung und andere Symptome müssen multidisziplinär betreut werden. Aufgrund neuer Untersuchungen ist bekannt, dass der Pathomechanismus der Adipositas beim Bardet-Biedl-Syndrom auf ein fehlendes Sättigungsgefühl durch Störung der hypothalamischen Appetitregulation zurückzuführen ist und eine ausgeprägte Hyperphagie bedingt.
Die jetzt mögliche zielgerichtete Therapie der Adipositas mit einem Melanokortin-4(MC4)-Rezeptoragonisten kann im Falle eines Ansprechens zu einer deutlichen Verbesserung der Stoffwechselfunktionen und damit zu einer Verbesserung der gesundheitlichen Prognose und Lebensqualität der Betroffenen führen.

Schlussfolgerungen
Aufgrund der multisystemischen Beteiligung beim BBS ist eine interdisziplinäre Betreuung notwendig. Die neue Therapieoption der Adipositas mit einem MC4R-Agonisten sollte unter entsprechender Qualitätssicherung durchgeführt werden.
Automatic hyperparameter tuning of topology optimization algorithms using surrogate optimization
Authors: Ha Dat , Carstensen Josephine 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a new approach that automates the tuning process in topology optimization of parameters that are traditionally defined by the user. The new method draws inspiration from hyperparameter optimization in machine learning. A new design problem is formulated where the topology optimization hyperparameters are defined as design variables and the problem is solved by surrogate optimization. The new design problem is nested, such that a topology optimization problem is solved as an inner problem. To encourage the identification of high-performing solutions while limiting the computational resource requirements, the outer objective function is defined as the original objective combined with penalization for intermediate densities and deviations from the prescribed material consumption. The contribution is demonstrated on density-based topology optimization with various hyperparameters and objectives, including compliance minimization, compliant mechanism design, and buckling load factor maximization. Consistent performance is observed across all tested examples. For a simple two hyperparameter case, the new framework is shown to reduce amount of times a topology optimization algorithm is executed by 90% without notably sacrificing the objective compared to a rigorous manual grid search.
INet for network integration
Authors: Policastro Valeria , Magnani Matteo , Angelini Claudia , Carissimo Annamaria 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWhen collecting several data sets and heterogeneous data types on a given phenomenon of interest, the individual analysis of each data set will provide only a particular view of such phenomenon. Instead, integrating all the data may widen and deepen the results, offering a better view of the entire system. In the context of network integration, we propose the algorithm. assumes a similar network structure, representing latent variables in different network layers of the same system. Therefore, by combining individual edge weights and topological network structures, first constructs a that represents the shared information underneath the different layers to provide a global view of the entities that play a fundamental role in the phenomenon of interest. Then, it derives a for each layer containing peculiar information of the single data type not present in all the others. We demonstrated good performance with our method through simulated data and detected new insights by analyzing biological and sociological datasets.
Two-Year Outcomes of Prostatic Artery Embolization for Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An International, Multicenter, Prospective Study
Authors: Sapoval Marc R. , Bhatia Shivank , Déan Carole , Rampoldi Antonio , Carnevale Francisco César , Bent Clare , Tapping Charles R. , Bongiovanni Simone , Taylor Jeremy , Brower Jayson S. , Rush Michael , McWilliams Justin P. , Little Mark W. ,   the PROstate Study Investigators, Pellerin Olivier , Barbosa Fabiane , Borghei Peyman , Gin Greg E. , Uchio Edward , Plotnik Adam N. , Briggs James H. , MacDonald Andrew , Tummala Srini , Shah Hemendra Navinchandra , Kably Issam M. , Pereira Keith , Katrivesis James , Ng Keng Lim , Vaheesan Kirubahara , Behdad Mina , MacGill Sarah , Crosbie Sarah , Gavrila Madita , Anthony Susan , Quezada Lia , Aleman Ricardo , Ferguson Cynthia Toot , Ahmed-Timms Far , Edwards Alexandra 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To describe clinical outcomes among patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) 24 months following prostatic artery embolization (PAE).

Materials and Methods
This was an international, multicenter, prospective trial of males with BPH with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or acute urinary retention (AUR) treated with PAE. The primary outcome was the 12 month change in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) for patients referred for bothersome LUTS, or urinary catheter independence for patients treated for AUR. Secondary outcome measures included changes in IPSS at 3 and 24 months, changes in quality of life (QoL), changes in the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire, technical success rate, and adverse events (AEs). Data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results
Four hundred seventy-eight consecutive patients underwent PAE (bothersome LUTS: N = 405; AUR: N = 73), mean age was 70 years. For patients treated for bothersome LUTS, mean total IPSS at baseline was 21.8 and decreased to 9.3, 10.6, and 11.2 at 3, 12, and 24 months following PAE, respectively (all p < 0.001); QoL at baseline was 4.7 and decreased to 2.0, 2.1, and 2.3 at 3, 12, and 24 months, respectively (all p < 0.001). The mean SHIM score at baseline and 12 months following PAE was 13.8 and 13.9, respectively. Of the 73 patients treated for AUR, 48 (65.8%) had their indwelling catheter removed within 3 months of PAE and remained catheter free at 24 months. Fifty-five patients (11.5%) experienced ≥ 1 AE and 10 (2.1%) experienced a serious AE.

Conclusion
PAE is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic BPH and LUTS.
Level of Evidence Level 3
Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03527589.

Graphical Abstract
Longitudinal associations between vitamin D status and biomarkers of inflammation in a pan-European cohort of children and adolescents
Authors: Wolters Maike , Foraita Ronja , Moreno Luis A. , Molnár Dénes , Russo Paola , Tornaritis Michael , De Henauw Stefaan , Lissner Lauren , Veidebaum Toomas , Winter Theresa , Marron Manuela , Nagrani Rajini ,   IDEFICS and I.Family consortia
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate longitudinal associations between the vitamin D status and inflammatory markers in children and adolescents.

Methods
Children from eight European countries from the IDEFICS/I.Family cohort with repeated measurements were included in this study. A linear mixed-effect model was used to model the association of serum 25(OH)D as independent variable and z-scores of inflammatory markers [CRP, cytokines, adipokines, combined inflammation score] as dependent variables, where one level accounts for differences between individuals and the other for changes over age within individuals.

Results
A total of 1,582 children were included in the study. In the adjusted model, 25(OH)D levels were positively associated with adiponectin (β = 0.11 [95% CI 0.07; 0.16]) and negatively with the inflammation score (β = − 0.24 [95% CI − 0.40; − 0.08]) indicating that the adiponectin z-score increased by 0.11 units and the inflammation score decreased by 0.24 units per 12.5 nmol/l increase in 25(OH)D. In children with overweight or obesity, only a positive association between 25(OH)D and IP-10 was observed while in children with normal weight adiponectin was positively and the inflammation score was negatively associated. Associations of vitamin D with adiponectin and the inflammation score were stronger in girls than in boys and a positive association with TNF-α was observed only in girls.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that an increase in vitamin D concentrations may help to regulate inflammatory biomarkers. However, it seems to be no benefit of a better vitamin D status in children with overweight/obesity unless their weight is managed to achieve an improved inflammatory marker status.
Correlation between mammal track abundance and Forest Landscape Integrity Index validates actual forest ecological integrity
Authors: Malcangi Francesca , Lindén Andreas , Sundell Janne , Loehr John 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHuman disturbance compromises the ecological integrity of forests, negatively affecting associated species. Assessing the impact of forest integrity on biodiversity is complex due to the interplay of various human activities, ecological factors, and their interactions. Current large-scale indices assess forest integrity but often lack a direct connection to the biotic environment. We tested the effectiveness of the global Forest Landscape Integrity Index (FLII) in evaluating aspects of anthropogenic forest degradation on the biotic community. We analyzed the relationship between changes in the ecological integrity of Finnish forests and variations in mammal species abundance, using the number of tracks from 17 different species collected during the winter seasons between 2016 and 2020 in south-central Finland. Beyond the FLII, we analyzed forest and canopy cover to enhance the accuracy of habitat preference assessments. We found that the FLII captures the varying degrees of forest integrity, as reflected by the correlation between the abundance of winter tracks and the FLII for most mammals. Species that were positively associated with forest integrity were all native to the boreal forest, while mammals that adapt well to human-disturbed environments including two invasive species were more common in lower FLII forests. Significant differences in habitat preferences were also observed in relation to forest and canopy cover, revealing additional nuances that the FLII alone did not capture. This study demonstrates that the FLII, when combined with a comprehensive dataset and supplemented with region-specific factors, can assess species' adaptability to human-modified forests, aiding in the development of conservation strategies.
Clothing and Outdoor Thermal Comfort (OTC) in tourist environments: a case study from Porto (Portugal)
Authors: Lopes Hélder Silva , Remoaldo Paula C. , Ribeiro Vítor , Martín-Vide Javier , Ribeiro Inácio 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study focuses on assessing tourists' perception of bioclimatic comfort in the urban context of Porto, Portugal, specifically in the areas of Avenida dos Aliados and Praça da Liberdade. The study examines the relationship between meteorological conditions, tourists' clothing choices, and their physical activity levels. The study integrates microclimatic measurements and questionnaire surveys carried out during the summers of 2019 and 2020, and the winter of 2019-2020. A comprehensive questionnaire following international standards was administered to a representative sample of 563 tourists. The results show significant variations in mean air temperature (AT), wind speed (Wχ), relative humidity (RH), global radiation (GRAD), and total mean radiant temperature (TMRT) over the study periods. The assessment of Outdoor Thermal Comfort (OTC) is based on ASHRAE 55 standards, using the Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) scale and the tourists' opinions on their thermal preferences. Clothing choices are found to be influenced by AT, with tourists choosing lighter clothing in warmer conditions. Gender and age differences in clothing insulation (Icl) are identified, suggesting potential differences in OTC perception. AT varied significantly, with an inflection point in clothing choices at 21.7°C and a correlation between AT and reduction in clothing layers (r2 = 0.846; p < 0.05). The study also observes seasonal variations in physical activity levels of tourists, with higher activity levels in summer due to milder weather (110.0 W·m⁻2). More thermally comfortable environments tend to promote a sense of well-being among visitors, which directly affects their satisfaction during their stay in the city. When tourists feel comfortable with the thermal conditions of the urban environment, they are more likely to explore and enjoy local attractions for longer periods of time, thereby enhancing their cultural and leisure experiences. Women tend to wear fewer layers of clothing than men in summer, reflecting potential differences in OTC perception. Results align with previous studies, indicating the impact of clothing insulation of individual subject (Icl) on OTC varies across locations and cultures. Cultural factors influence clothing preferences and thermal tolerance, emphasizing the need for nuanced considerations in understanding OTC perceptions. The study provides to the understanding of the OTC of tourists in the city of Porto, but also offers relevant contributions for improving the visitor experience and sustainable development, namely in other geographical contexts. The major contribution of this research lies in the comparative analysis of Icl and OTC between tourists, based on physical measurements and questionnaire surveys conducted in summer and winter, providing valuable insights for tourist spot design.
Signal amplification in molecular sensing by imprinted polymers
Authors: Chen Mingli , Li Haiyan , Xue Xiaoting , Tan Fang , Ye Lei 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn the field of sensing, the development of sensors with high sensitivity, accuracy, selectivity, sustainability, simplicity, and low cost remains a key focus. Over the past decades, optical and electrochemical sensors based on molecular imprinting techniques have garnered significant attention due to the above advantages. Molecular imprinting technology utilizes molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) to mimic the specific recognition capabilities of enzymes or antibodies for target molecules. Recently, MIP-based sensors rooting in signal amplification techniques have been employed to enhance molecular detection level and the quantitative ability for environmental pollutants, biomolecules, therapeutic compounds, bacteria, and viruses. The signal amplification techniques involved in MIP-based sensors mainly cover nucleic acid chain amplification, enzyme-catalyzed cascade, introduction of high-performance nanomaterials, and rapid chemical reactions. The amplified analytical signals are centered around electrochemical, fluorescence, colorimetric, and surface-enhanced Raman techniques, which can effectively realize the determination of some low-abundance targets in biological samples. This review highlights the recent advancements of electrochemical/optical sensors based on molecular imprinting integrated with various signal amplification strategies and their dedication to the study of trace biomolecules. Finally, future research directions on developing multidimensional output signals of MIP-based sensors and introducing multiple signal amplification strategies are proposed.
Graphical abstract
Effect of residual alkali level in softwood kraft cooking
Authors: Brännvall Elisabet , Norberg Lars , Karlström Katarina 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe hypothesis was that low residual alkali after cooking would cause lignin re-precipitation during washing and in turn affect the subsequent oxygen delignification stage negatively. To test the hypothesis, kraft cooks were performed in lab-scale to different residual alkali levels, ranging from 5 to 15 g/L and the pulps were subjected to washing with either water or 0.1 M NaOH and then oxygen delignified. The results show that even at low residual alkali and washing with water, the pH in the liquor after washing was above 11 which is sufficiently high to keep lignin in solution. No effect of residual alkali level was observed on the performance of the oxygen delignification stage.