bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self-clustered GAN for precipitation nowcasting
Authors: An Sojung , Oh Tae-Jin , Kim Sang-Wook , Jung Jason J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper proposes a novel GAN framework with self-clustering approach for precipitation nowcasting (ClusterCast). Previous studies have primarily captured the motion vector using only a single latent space, making the models difficult to adapt to disparate space-time distribution of precipitation. Environmental factors (e.g., regional characteristics and precipitation scale) have an impact on precipitation systems and can cause non-stationary distribution. To tackle this problem, our key idea is to train a generator network to predict future radar frames by learning a sub-network that automatically labels precipitation types from a generative model. The training process consists of (i) clustering the hierarchical features derived from the generator stem using a sub-network and (ii) predicting future radar frames according to the self-supervised labels, enabling heterogeneous latent representation. Additionally, we attempt an ensemble forecast that prescribes random perturbations to improve performance. With the flexibility of representation learning, ClusterCast enables the model to learn precipitation distribution more accurately. Results indicate that our method generates non-blurry future frames by preventing mode collapse, and the proposed method demonstrates robustness across various precipitation scenarios. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our method outperforms four benchmarks on a 2-h prediction basis with a mean squared error (MSE) of 8.9% on unseen datasets.
A machine-learning method isolating changes in wrist kinematics that identify age-related changes in arm movement
Authors: Shanghavi Aditya , Larranaga Daniel , Patil Rhutuja , Frazier Elizabeth M. , Ambike Satyajit , Duerstock Bradley S. , Sereno Anne B. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNormal aging often results in an increase in physiological tremors and slowing of the movement of the hands, which can impair daily activities and quality of life. This study, using lightweight wearable non-invasive sensors, aimed to detect and identify age-related changes in wrist kinematics and response latency. Eighteen young (ages 18–20) and nine older (ages 49–57) adults performed two standard tasks with wearable inertial measurement units on their wrists. Frequency analysis revealed 5 kinematic variables distinguishing older from younger adults in a postural task, with best discrimination occurring in the 9–13 Hz range, agreeing with previously identified frequency range of age-related tremors, and achieving excellent classifier performance (0.86 AUROC score and 89% accuracy). In a second pronation–supination task, analysis of angular velocity in the roll axis identified a 71 ms delay in initiating arm movement in the older adults. This study demonstrates that an analysis of simple kinematic variables sampled at 100 Hz frequency with commercially available sensors is reliable, sensitive, and accurate at detecting age-related increases in physiological tremor and motor slowing. It remains to be seen if such sensitive methods may be accurate in distinguishing physiological tremors from tremors that occur in neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s Disease.
A novel imaging marker of cortical “cellularity” in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Barakovic Muhamed , Weigel Matthias , Cagol Alessandro , Schaedelin Sabine , Galbusera Riccardo , Lu Po-Jui , Chen Xinjie , Melie-Garcia Lester , Ocampo-Pineda Mario , Bahn Erik , Stadelmann Christine , Palombo Marco , Kappos Ludwig , Kuhle Jens , Magon Stefano , Granziera Cristina 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPathological data showed focal inflammation and regions of diffuse neuronal loss in the cortex of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this work, we applied a novel model (“soma and neurite density imaging (SANDI)”) to multishell diffusion-weighted MRI data acquired in healthy subjects and people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), in order to investigate inflammation and degeneration-related changes in the cortical tissue of pwMS. We aimed to (i) establish whether SANDI is applicable in vivo clinical data; (ii) investigate inflammatory and degenerative changes using SANDI soma fraction (fsoma)—a marker of cellularity—in both cortical lesions and in the normal-appearing-cortex and (iii) correlate SANDI fsoma with clinical and biological measures in pwMS. We applied a simplified version of SANDI to a clinical scanners. We then provided evidence that pwMS exhibited an overall decrease in cortical SANDI fsoma compared to healthy subjects, suggesting global degenerative processes compatible with neuronal loss. On the other hand, we have found that progressive pwMS showed a higher SANDI fsoma in the outer part of the cortex compared to relapsing–remitting pwMS, possibly supporting current pathological knowledge of increased innate inflammatory cells in these regions. A similar finding was obtained in subpial lesions in relapsing–remitting patients, reflecting existing pathological data in these lesion types. A significant correlation was found between SANDI fsoma and serum neurofilament light chain—a biomarker of inflammatory axonal damage—suggesting a relationship between SANDI soma fraction and inflammatory processes in pwMS again. Overall, our data show that SANDI fsoma is a promising biomarker to monitor changes in cellularity compatible with neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in the cortex of MS patients.
Resveratrol and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D decrease Lingo-1 levels, and improve behavior in harmaline-induced Essential tremor, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits
Authors: Pirmoradi Zeynab , Nakhaie Mohsen , Ranjbar Hoda , Kalantar-Neyestanaki Davood , Kohlmeier Kristi A. , Asadi-Shekaari Majid , Hassanshahi Amin , Shabani Mohammad 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEssential tremor (ET) is a neurological disease that impairs motor and cognitive functioning. A variant of the Lingo-1 genetic locus is associated with a heightened ET risk, and increased expression of cerebellar Lingo-1. Lingo-1 has been associated with neurodegenerative processes; however, neuroprotection from ET-associated degeneration can be conferred by the protein Sirt1. Sirt1 activity can be promoted by Resveratrol (Res) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VitD3), and thus these factors may exert neuroprotective properties through a Sirt1 mechanism. As Res and VitD3 are linked to Sirt1, enhancing Sirt1 could counteract the negative effects of increased Lingo-1. Therefore, we hypothesized that a combination of Res-VitD3 in a harmaline injection model of ET would modulate Sirt1 and Lingo-1 levels. As expected, harmaline exposure (10 mg/kg/every other day; i.p.) impaired motor coordination, enhanced tremors, rearing, and cognitive dysfunction. When Res (5 mg/kg/day; i.p.) and VitD3 (0.1 mg/kg/day; i.p.) were given to adult rats (n = 8 per group) an hour before harmaline, tremor severity, rearing, and memory impairment were reduced. Individual treatment with Res and VitD3 decreased Lingo-1 gene expression levels in qPCR assays. Co-treatment with Res and VitD3 increased and decreased Sirt1 and Lingo-1 gene expression levels, respectively, and in some cases, beneficial effects on behavior were noted, which were not seen when Res or VitD3 were individually applied. Taken together, our study found that Res and VitD3 improved locomotor and cognitive deficits, modulated Sirt1 and Lingo-1. Therefore, we would recommend co-treatment of VitD3 and Res to leverage complementary effects for the management of ET symptoms.
Four phospholipase A2 genes encoded in the western flower thrips genome and their functional differentiation in mediating development and immunity
Authors: Esmaeily Mojtaba , Kim Yonggyun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEicosanoids are synthesized from phospholipids by the catalytic activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Even though several PLA2s are encoded in the genome of different insect species, their physiological functions are not clearly discriminated. This study identified four PLA2 genes encoded in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. Two PLA2s (Fo-PLA2C and Fo-PLA2D) are predicted to be secretory while the other two PLA2s (Fo-PLA2A and Fo-PLA2B) are intracellular. All four PLA2 genes were expressed in all developmental stages, of which Fo-PLA2B and Fo-PLA2C were highly expressed in larvae while Fo-PLA2A and Fo-PLA2D were highly expressed in adults. Their expressions in different tissues were also detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. All four PLA2s were detected in the larval and adult intestines and the ovary. Feeding double-stranded RNAs specific to the PLA2 genes specifically suppressed the target transcript levels. Individual RNA interference (RNAi) treatments led to significant developmental retardation, especially in the treatments specific to Fo-PLA2B and Fo-PLA2D. The RNAi treatments also showed that Fo-PLA2B and Fo-PLA2C expressions were required for the induction of immune-associated genes, while Fo-PLA2A and Fo-PLA2D expressions were required for ovary development. These results suggest that four PLA2s are associated with different physiological processes by their unique catalytic activities and expression patterns.
Switching diets after 6-months does not result in renewed weight loss: a secondary analysis of a 12-month crossover randomized trial
Authors: Landry Matthew J. , Ward Catherine P. , Cunanan Kristen M. , Fielding-Singh Priya , Crimarco Anthony , Gardner Christopher D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWeight change trajectory from diet and lifestyle interventions typically involves rapid weight loss followed by a weight plateau after approximately 6 months. Changing from one weight-loss diet to another at the time of the plateau could instigate renewed weight loss. Therefore, our secondary analysis aimed to assess trajectory of weight loss in a 12-month, randomized, cross-over study. Forty-two adults were randomized to eat a healthy low-fat or healthy low-carbohydrate diet for 6 months then switched to the opposite diet for an additional 6 months. Regardless of diet assignment, participants experienced rapid initial weight loss, which slowed between 3 to 6 months. After switching diets at 6 months, weight modestly decreased until 9 months, but at a rate slower than the initial 3 months and slower than the rate from 3 to 6 months. This suggests that the weight loss plateau typically seen at 6 months is physiological and cannot be overcome by simply switching to a different weight-loss diet.
A mathematical model for mapping the insecticide resistance trend in the Anopheles gambiae mosquito population under climate variability in Africa
Authors: Agboka Komi Mensah , Wamalwa Mark , Mutunga James Mutuku , Tonnang Henri E. Z. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe control of arthropod disease vectors using chemical insecticides is vital in combating malaria, however the increasing insecticide resistance (IR) poses a challenge. Furthermore, climate variability affects mosquito population dynamics and subsequently IR propagation. We present a mathematical model to decipher the relationship between IR in Anopheles gambiae populations and climate variability. By adapting the susceptible-infected-resistant (SIR) framework and integrating temperature and rainfall data, our model examines the connection between mosquito dynamics, IR, and climate. Model validation using field data achieved 92% accuracy, and the sensitivity of model parameters on the transmission potential of IR was elucidated (e.g. μPRCC = 0.85958, p-value < 0.001). In this study, the integration of high-resolution covariates with the SIR model had a significant impact on the spatial and temporal variation of IR among mosquito populations across Africa. Importantly, we demonstrated a clear association between climatic variability and increased IR (width = [0–3.78], α = 0.05). Regions with high IR variability, such as western Africa, also had high malaria incidences thereby corroborating the World Health Organization Malaria Report 2021. More importantly, this study seeks to bolster global malaria combat strategies by highlighting potential IR ‘hotspots’ for targeted intervention by National malria control programmes.
Global population: from Super-Malthus behavior to Doomsday criticality
Authors: Sojecka Agata Angelika , Drozd-Rzoska Aleksandra 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe report discusses global population changes from the Holocene beginning to 2023, via two Super Malthus (SM) scaling equations. SM-1 is the empowered exponential dependence: $$P\left(t\right)={P}_{0}exp{\left[\pm \left(t/\tau \right)\right]}^{\beta }$$

P

t

=

P
0

e
x
p

±

t
/
τ

β

, and SM-2 is the Malthus-type relation with the time-dependent growth rate $$r(t)$$

r
(
t
)

or relaxation time τ$$(t)=1/r(t)$$

(
t
)
=
1
/
r
(
t
)

: $$P\left(t\right)={P}_{0}exp\left(r\left(t\right)\times t\right)={P}_{0}exp\left[\tau \left(t\right)/t\right]$$

P

t

=

P
0

e
x
p

r

t

×
t

=

P
0

e
x
p

τ

t

/
t

. Population data from a few sources were numerically filtered to obtain a 'smooth' dataset, allowing the distortions-sensitive and derivative-based analysis. The test recalling SM-1 equation revealed the essential transition near the year 1970 (population: ~ 3 billion): from the compressed exponential behavior ($$\beta >1)$$

β
>
1
)

to the stretched exponential one ($$\beta <1$$

β
<
1

). For SM-2 dependence, linear changes of $$\tau \left(T\right)$$

τ

T

during the Industrial Revolutions period, since ~ 1700, led to the constrained critical behavior $$P\left(t\right)={P}_{0}exp\left[b{\prime}t/\left({T}_{C}-t\right)\right]$$

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t

=

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0

e
x
p

b
′
t
/

T
C

-
t

, where $${T}_{C}\approx 2216$$

T
C

≈
2216

is the extrapolated year of the infinite population. The link to the 'hyperbolic' von Foerster Doomsday equation is shown. Results are discussed in the context of complex systems physics, the Weibull distribution in extreme value theory, and significant historic and prehistoric issues revealed by the distortions-sensitive analysis.
Modification and completion of geological structure knowledge graph based on pattern matching
Authors: Lu Cai , Xu Xinran , Zhang Bingbin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAs a knowledge representation method, knowledge graph is widely used in intelligent question answering systems and recommendation systems. At present, the research on knowledge graph mainly focuses on information query and retrieval based on knowledge graph. In some domain knowledge graphs, specific subgraph structures (patterns) have specific physical meanings. Aiming at this problem, this paper proposes a method and framework of knowledge graph pattern mining based on gat. Firstly, the patterns with specific physical meaning were transformed into subgraph structures containing topological structures and entity attributes. Secondly, the subgraph structure of the pattern is regarded as the query graph, and the knowledge graph is regarded as the data graph, so that the problem is transformed into an approximate subgraph matching problem. Then, the improved relational graph attention network is used to fuse the adaptive edge deletion mechanism to realize the approximate subgraph matching of subgraph structure and attribute, so as to obtain the best matching subgraph. The proposed method is trained in an end-to-end manner. The approximate subgraph matching is realized on the existing data set, and the research work of key pattern mining of complex geological structure knowledge graph is carried out.
Efficient computational modeling of electronic stopping power of organic polymers for proton therapy optimization
Authors: Matias F. , Silva T. F. , Koval N. E. , Pereira J. J. N. , Antunes P. C. G. , Siqueira P. T. D. , Tabacniks M. H. , Yoriyaz H. , Shorto J. M. B. , Grande P. L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis comprehensive study delves into the intricate interplay between protons and organic polymers, offering insights into proton therapy in cancer treatment. Focusing on the influence of the spatial electron density distribution on stopping power estimates, we employed real-time time-dependent density functional theory coupled with the Penn method. Surprisingly, the assumption of electron density homogeneity in polymers is fundamentally flawed, resulting in an overestimation of stopping power values at energies below 2 MeV. Moreover, the Bragg rule application in specific compounds exhibited significant deviations from experimental data around the stopping maximum, challenging established norms.
The clinical efficacy of single-hole punch excision combined with intralesional steroid injection for nodular keloid treatment: a self-controlled trial
Authors: Liu Bingbing , Lin Haoying , Zhang Minghai 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThere are many methods to treat keloid, including various excision operations, laser, injection and radiotherapy. However, few studies have explored the effectiveness of single-hole punch excision in keloid treatment. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of lateral punch excision combined with intralesional steroid injection for keloid treatment through self-control trial. In this self-controlled trial, 50 patients meet the diagnosis of nodular keloid, and try to choose left–right symmetrical control, one skin lesion in the control group (50 skin lesionsin total) and the other in the observation group (50 skin lesions in total).The keloids in the treatment group were initially treated with punch excision combined with intralesional steroid injection, followed by injection treatment alone. Keloids in the control group received intralesional steroid injection alone. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) of the keloid before and after the punch excision was evaluated; the keloid scores at different time points and the number of injection treatments required in both groups were compared, and adverse reactions were observed. The effective rate of the observation group was 86.0%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (66.0%), and the recurrence rate of 22% was lower than that of the control group (χ2 = 4.141,63417), all of which were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). At the end of treatment, the VSS and total injection times in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (t = 5.900,3.361), with statistical significance (P < 0.01). The combination of single-hole punch excision and intralesional steroid injection is an effective method to treat multiple nodular keloids, shortening the treatment course of tralesional steroid injection without obvious adverse reactions.
Model of negative affect induced by withdrawal from acute and chronic morphine administration in male mice
Authors: Ozdemir Dersu , Meyer Judith , Kieffer Brigitte L. , Darcq Emmanuel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOpioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder that is a major burden for the lives of affected individuals, and society as a whole. Opioid withdrawal is characterized by strong physical symptoms, along with signs of negative affect. Negative affect due to opioid withdrawal is a major obstacle to recovery and relapse prevention. The mechanisms behind negative affect due to either spontaneous or antagonist-precipitated opioid withdrawal are not well known, and more animal models need be developed. Here, we present behavioral models of negative affect upon naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal in adult male mice. Social, anxiety, and despair-like deficits were investigated following naloxone administration in mice receiving morphine under three dosing regimens; acute, chronic constant dose and chronic escalating doses. Social behaviour in the three-chamber social preference test was decreased following withdrawal from chronic and escalating but not acute morphine. Anxiety-like behaviour in the open field was increased for all three treatments. Despair-like behaviour was increased following withdrawal from chronic and escalating but not acute morphine. Altogether, these animal models will contribute to study behavioural and neuronal circuitries involved in the several negative affective signs characterizing OUD.
Towards an agroecological approach to crop health: reducing pest incidence through synergies between plant diversity and soil microbial ecology
Authors: Altieri Miguel A. , Nicholls Clara I. , Dinelli Giovanni , Negri Lorenzo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGiven environmental, economic, and social costs of unilateral chemical and biotechnological interventions to control pests, there is an urgent need to transition towards a knowledge-intensive holistic approach emphasizing agroecosystem design and management. The focus will be on what makes agroecosystems susceptible and vulnerable to insect pests, pathogens and weeds, in order to design diversified agroecosystems that prevent and suppress insect pest, pathogen and weed problems. We propose a plant health model applicable to agroecosystems that feature biodiversity enhanced designs and soils rich in organic matter and microbial life, managed with low chemical loads. In such diversified farming systems, the general protection of the plant is a consequence of mutualistic above and below ground relationships between plants, insects, and soil microbial communities. From a practical standpoint, the approach involves (a) restoring plant diversity at the landscape and field level, with spatial and temporal crop combinations that deter pests and/or enhance natural enemies and (b) increasing soil organic matter through green or animal manures, compost and other amendments, which enhance antagonists that control soilborne pathogens. Polycultures promote a complex root exudate chemistry which plays an important role in recruitment of plant-beneficial microbes, some of which enhance plants’ innate immune system. Unleashing biotic interactions between plant diversity and increased microbial ecological activity generate conditions for the establishment of a diverse and active beneficial arthropod and microbial community above and below ground, essential for pest/disease regulation.
Nonword Repetition in Children With Developmental Language Disorder: Revisiting the Case of Cantonese
Authors: Fu Nga Ching , Chen Si , Polišenská Kamila , Chan Angel , Kan Rachel , Chiat Shula 
Published: April 2024

Purpose:
Nonword repetition (NWR) has been described as a clinical marker of developmental language disorder (DLD), as NWR tasks consistently discriminate between DLD and typical development (TD) cross-linguistically, with Cantonese as the only reported exception. This study reexamines whether NWR is able to generate TD/DLD group differences in Cantonese-speaking children by reporting on a novel set of NWR stimuli that take into account factors known to affect NWR performance and group differentiation, including lexicality, sublexicality, length, and syllable complexity.

Method:
Sixteen Cantonese-speaking children with DLD and 16 age-matched children with TD repeated two sets of high-lexicality nonwords, where all constituent syllables are morphemic in Cantonese but meaningless when combined, and one set of low-lexicality nonwords, where all constituent syllables are nonmorphemic. Low-lexicality nonwords were further classified on sublexicality in terms of consonant–vowel (CV) combination attestedness (whether or not CV combinations in nonword syllables occur in real Cantonese words).

Results:
Children with DLD scored significantly below their peers with TD. Effect sizes showed that high-lexicality nonwords and nonword syllables with attested CV combinations offered the greatest TD/DLD group differentiation. Nonword length and syllable complexity did not affect TD/DLD group differentiation.

Conclusions:
NWR can capture TD/DLD group differences in Cantonese-speaking children. Lexicality and sublexicality effects must be considered in designing NWR stimuli for TD/DLD group differentiation. Future studies should replicate the present study on a larger sample size and a younger population as well as examine the diagnostic accuracy of this NWR test.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25529371