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Objective: The diagnosis and management of Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) with concomitant otosclerosis can be a challenge. Otosclerosis can mask SCDS symptoms and stapes surgery may reveal or exacerbate vestibular symptoms. Our aim is to present four cases of SCDS with concomitant otosclerosis and thereby informing the reader about the possibility of this dual occurrence and its implications for treatment. Cases: Four patients with SCDS and concomitant otosclerosis are presented. Two patients underwent surgical treatment for both SCDS and otosclerosis and two patients opted for conservative management. Outcomes: The main differences between surgically and non-surgically treated cases are the presence of autophony and pressure-induced vertigo and a more severe experience of symptoms in surgically treated cases. Surgically treated cases achieved a sizeable reduction in postoperative air–bone gap and resolution of vestibular symptoms. Conclusion: The subjective severity of symptoms in combination with shared decision-making is key in determining the appropriate treatment plan for SCDS and concomitant otosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a voting scenario in which the resource to be voted upon may consist of both indivisible and divisible goods. This setting generalizes both the well-studied model of multiwinner voting and the recently introduced model of cake sharing. Under approval votes, we propose two variants of the extended justified representation (EJR) notion from multiwinner voting, a stronger one called EJR for mixed goods (EJR-M) and a weaker one called EJR up to 1 (EJR-1). We extend three multiwinner voting rules to our setting—GreedyEJR, the method of equal shares (MES), and proportional approval voting (PAV)—and show that while all three generalizations satisfy EJR-1, only the first one provides EJR-M. In addition, we derive tight bounds on the proportionality degree implied by EJR-M and EJR-1, and investigate the proportionality degree of our proposed rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes are a complex nuisance around the world and tropical countries bear the brunt of the burden of mosquito-borne diseases. Rwanda has had success in reducing malaria and some arboviral diseases over the last few years, but still faces challenges to elimination. By building our understanding of in situ mosquito communities in Rwanda at a disturbed, human-occupied site and at a natural, preserved site, we can build our understanding of natural mosquito microbiomes toward the goal of implementing novel microbial control methods. Here, we examined the composition of collected mosquitoes and their microbiomes at two diverse sites using Cytochrome c Oxidase I sequencing and 16S V4 high-throughput sequencing. The majority (36 of 40 species) of mosquitoes captured and characterized in this study are the first-known record of their species for Rwanda but have been characterized in other nations in East Africa. We found significant differences among mosquito genera and among species, but not between mosquito sexes or catch method. Bacteria of interest for arbovirus control, Asaia, Serratia, and Wolbachia, were found in abundance at both sites and varied greatly by species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of dose reduction on a commercially available lung cancer prediction convolutional neuronal network (LCP-CNN). Methods: CT scans from a cohort provided by the local lung cancer center (n = 218) with confirmed pulmonary malignancies and their corresponding reduced dose simulations (25% and 5% dose) were subjected to the LCP-CNN. The resulting LCP scores (scale 1–10, increasing malignancy risk) and the proportion of correctly classified nodules were compared. The cohort was divided into a low-, medium-, and high-risk group based on the respective LCP scores; shifts between the groups were studied to evaluate the potential impact on nodule management. Two different malignancy risk score thresholds were analyzed: a higher threshold of ≥ 9 ("rule-in" approach) and a lower threshold of > 4 ("rule-out" approach). Results: In total, 169 patients with 196 nodules could be included (mean age ± SD, 64.5 ± 9.2 year; 49% females). Mean LCP scores for original, 25% and 5% dose levels were 8.5 ± 1.7, 8.4 ± 1.7 (p > 0.05 vs. original dose) and 8.2 ± 1.9 (p < 0.05 vs. original dose), respectively. The proportion of correctly classified nodules with the "rule-in" approach decreased with simulated dose reduction from 58.2 to 56.1% (p = 0.34) and to 52.0% for the respective dose levels (p = 0.01). For the "rule-out" approach the respective values were 95.9%, 96.4%, and 94.4% (p = 0.12). When reducing the original dose to 25%/5%, eight/twenty-two nodules shifted to a lower, five/seven nodules to a higher malignancy risk group. Conclusion: CT dose reduction may affect the analyzed LCP-CNN regarding the classification of pulmonary malignancies and potentially alter pulmonary nodule management. Clinical relevance statement: Utilization of a "rule-out" approach with a lower malignancy risk threshold prevents underestimation of the nodule malignancy risk for the analyzed software, especially in high-risk cohorts. Key Points: • LCP-CNN may be affected by CT image parameters such as noise resulting from low-dose CT acquisitions. • CT dose reduction can alter pulmonary nodule management recommendations by affecting the outcome of the LCP-CNN. • Utilization of a lower malignancy risk threshold prevents underestimation of pulmonary malignancies in high-risk cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Care provision for children with anorexia nervosa is provided by outpatient care teams in hospitals, but the way these teams are organized differs per hospital and hampers the continuity of care. The aim of this study is to explore the organization and continuity of care for children with anorexia nervosa in the Netherlands by using a modular perspective. We conducted a qualitative, exploratory case study and took the healthcare provision for children with anorexia nervosa, provided by outpatient care teams, as our case. We conducted nine interviews with healthcare professionals involved in outpatient care teams from six hospitals. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The modular perspective offered insights into the work practices and working methods of outpatient care teams. We were able to identify modules (i.e. the separate consultations with the various professionals), and components (i.e. elements of these consultations). In addition, communication mechanisms (interfaces) were identified to facilitate information flow and coordination among healthcare professionals. Our modular perspective revealed gaps and overlap in outpatient care provision, consequently providing opportunities to deal with unnecessary duplications and blind spots. Conclusion: A modular perspective can be applied to explore the organization of outpatient care provision for children with anorexia nervosa. We specifically highlight gaps and overlap in healthcare provision, which in turn leads to recommendations on how to support the three essential parts of continuity of care: informational continuity, relational continuity, and management continuity. What is Known: • Care provision for children with anorexia nervosa requires a network of health care professionals from different organizations, as a result the organization and provision of care faces challenges. What is New: • Modular care provision sheds light on the complexity and organization of outpatient care provision and supports the three dimensions of continuity of care as experienced by children with anorexia nervosa and their parents/caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semantic feature production norms have several desirable characteristics that have supported models of representation and processing in adults. However, several key challenges have limited the use of semantic feature norms in studies of early language acquisition. First, existing norms provide uneven and inconsistent coverage of early-acquired concepts that are typically produced and assessed in children under the age of three, which is a time of tremendous growth of early vocabulary skills. Second, it is difficult to assess the degree to which young children may be familiar with normed features derived from these adult-generated datasets. Third, it has been difficult to adopt standard methods to generate semantic network models of early noun learning. Here, we introduce Feats—a tool that was designed to make headway on these challenges by providing a database, the Language Learning and Meaning Acquisition (LLaMA) lab Noun Norms that extends a widely used set of feature norms McRae et al. Behavior Research Methods37, 547–559, (2005) to include full coverage of noun concepts on a commonly used early vocabulary assessment. Feats includes several tools to facilitate exploration of features comprising early-acquired nouns, assess the developmental appropriateness of individual features using toddler-accessibility norms, and extract semantic network statistics for individual vocabulary profiles. We provide a tutorial overview of Feats. We additionally validate our approach by presenting an analysis of an overlapping set of concepts collected across prior and new data collection methods. Furthermore, using network graph analyses, we show that the extended set of norms provides novel, reliable results given their enhanced coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Physical activity can provide analgesic benefit but its effect on cancer-related pain is unclear. This review synthesised and appraised the evidence for the effect of physical activity on pain in people living with or beyond cancer. Methods: A systematic search of Ovid Medline and Embase was performed to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs), randomised cross-over studies (RXTs), and prospective observational studies that examined physical activity and pain outcomes in adults living with or beyond cancer. Meta-analyses were performed to generate effect estimates. Risk of bias was assessed, and the GRADE system was used to assess evidence quality. Results: One hundred twenty-one studies (n = 13,806), including 102 RCTs, 6 RXTs, and 13 observational studies, met the criteria for inclusion. Meta-analyses of RCTs identified a decrease in pain intensity (n = 3734; standardised mean difference (SMD) − 0.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) − 0.45, − 0.15) and bodily pain (n = 1170; SMD 0.28; 95% CI 0.01, 0.56) but not pain interference (n = 207; SMD − 0.13, 95% CI − 0.42, 0.15) following physical activity interventions. Individual studies also identified a reduction in pain sensitivity but not analgesic use, although meta-analysis was not possible for these outcomes. High heterogeneity between studies, low certainty in some effect estimates, and possible publication bias meant that evidence quality was graded as very low to low. Conclusion: Physical activity may decrease pain in people living with and beyond cancer; however, high heterogeneity limits the ability to generalise this finding to all people with cancer or to specific types of cancer-related pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance validity tests (PVTs) are used to measure the validity of the obtained neuropsychological test data. However, when an individual fails a PVT, the likelihood that failure truly reflects invalid performance (i.e., the positive predictive value) depends on the base rate in the context in which the assessment takes place. Therefore, accurate base rate information is needed to guide interpretation of PVT performance. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the base rate of PVT failure in the clinical population (PROSPERO number: CRD42020164128). PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and PsychINFO were searched to identify articles published up to November 5, 2021. Main eligibility criteria were a clinical evaluation context and utilization of stand-alone and well-validated PVTs. Of the 457 articles scrutinized for eligibility, 47 were selected for systematic review and meta-analyses. Pooled base rate of PVT failure for all included studies was 16%, 95% CI [14, 19]. High heterogeneity existed among these studies (Cochran's Q = 697.97, p <.001; I2 = 91%; τ2 = 0.08). Subgroup analysis indicated that pooled PVT failure rates varied across clinical context, presence of external incentives, clinical diagnosis, and utilized PVT. Our findings can be used for calculating clinically applied statistics (i.e., positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratios) to increase the diagnostic accuracy of performance validity determination in clinical evaluation. Future research is necessary with more detailed recruitment procedures and sample descriptions to further improve the accuracy of the base rate of PVT failure in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents new methodologies for modeling static VAr compensators (SVCs) in the power flow problem. The proposed formulations utilize sigmoid functions to model the control equations that describe the steady-state behavior of SVCs. The first methodology introduces reactive power injection as a new state variable, while the second methodology utilizes the thyristor firing angle. These steady-state SVC methodologies were applied to the power flow problem using the full Newton formulation, which incorporates the control equations into the system of nonlinear equations. One of the main contributions of these proposed methodologies is that they eliminate the need for alternating adjustments concerning the operational limits of the SVC during the iterative power flow process. The implementation of a power flow program was tested on both small-scale tutorial systems and the medium-scale IEEE Nordic system. The presented results validate and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteomic fingerprinting using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is a well-established tool for identifying microorganisms and has shown promising results for identification of animal species, particularly disease vectors and marine organisms. And thus can be a vital tool for biodiversity assessments in ecological studies. However, few studies have tested species identification across different orders and classes. In this study, we collected data from 1246 specimens and 198 species to test species identification in a diverse dataset. We also evaluated different specimen preparation and data processing approaches for machine learning and developed a workflow to optimize classification using random forest. Our results showed high success rates of over 90%, but we also found that the size of the reference library affects classification error. Additionally, we demonstrated the ability of the method to differentiate marine cryptic-species complexes and to distinguish sexes within species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continental flood basalts (CFBs) are dominated by two characteristic lava morphologies. The first type, referred to as 'compound' or 'hummocky pāhoehoe,' exhibits pillow-like lava flow lobes with cross-sections of ~ 0.5–2 m and thin chilled margins. The second type, referred to as 'simple' or 'sheet lobes' preserves more massive, inflated flow interiors that are laterally continuous on scales of 100s of meters to kilometers. Previous hypotheses suggest that two factors may contribute to stratigraphic changes in morphology from 'compound' to 'simple': 1) increased eruption duration or 2) increased extrusion rate. We test the hypothesis that a large increase in extrusion rate would result in flow morphology transitioning from multiple small lobes to inflated sheet lobes due to a shift in flow propagation from intraflow resurfacing-dominated to marginal breakout-dominated. Using polyethylene glycol (PEG) wax extruded into a circular water-filled tank 130 cm in diameter, we produced larger, more complex experiments than previous studies. Our efforts simulated more complex lava fields which change flow morphology with distance from the eruptive vent, characteristic of CFBs. Whereas previous PEG studies linked extrusion rate to near-source surface morphologies, our experiments evaluated how flow propagation mechanisms change with variable extrusion rate and distance from the source. Two flow propagation styles were identified: 1) resurfacing, in which molten material breaks through the surface of a flow and covers the older crust and 2) marginal breakouts, in which molten material extends beyond the crust at the active distal margin of the flow. Flows that propagated via marginal breakouts were found to have lower proportions of resurfaced area and vice versa. We show that significant resurfacing is needed to preserve internal chilled boundaries within a flow and a low-extrusion-rate surface morphology, whereas marginal breakout-dominated flows tend to inflate the pillow-like surface morphology preserving a massive interior at great distances from the vent. Higher and more steady extrusion rates tend to decrease the extent of resurfacing and increase the distance between the source and preserved low-extrusion-rate surface morphologies. We find that an extrusion rate increase equivalent to a jump in the extrusion rate scaling factor, Ψ value, from < 1 to > 5 would be necessary to ensure a switch from resurfacing-dominated lobate morphologies to marginal breakout-dominated propagation style. This amounts to a factor of 125 increase in effusion rate for fissure eruptions and a factor of 625 for point source eruptions, assuming no change in vent geometry. This would be equivalent to an effusion rate of 0.2 m3/s, as documented in 1987–1990 Kīlauea eruptions, increasing to 125 m3/s, which was commonly measured during the 2014 Holuhraun eruption in Iceland and the 2018 eruption at Leilani Estates in Hawai'i. Thus, we propose that continental flood basalts do not require unusually large effusion rates, but instead were active for a longer and more consistent time period than smaller-volume eruptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Accurate surgical reconstruction of arterial vascular supply is a crucial part of living kidney transplantation (LDKT). The presence of multiple renal arteries (MRA) in grafts can be challenging. In the present study, we investigated the impact of ligation versus anastomosis of small accessory graft arteries on the perioperative outcome. Methods: Clinical and radiological outcomes of 51 patients with MRA out of a total of 308 patients who underwent LDKT with MRA between 2011 and 2020 were stratified in two groups and analyzed. In group 1 (20 patients), ligation of accessory arteries (ARAs) and group 2 (31 patients) anastomosis of ARAs was performed. Results: Significant differences were observed in the anastomosis-, surgery-, and warm ischemia time (WIT) in favor of group 1. Students t-test showed comparable serum creatinine levels of 2.33 (± 1.75) to 1.68 (± 0.83) mg/dL in group 1 and 2.63 (± 2.47) to 1.50 (± 0.41) mg/dL in group 2, were seen from 1 week to 1 year after transplant. No increased rates of Delayed graft function (DGF), primary transplant dysfunction and transplant rejection were seen, but graft loss and revision rates were slightly higher when the ARAs were ligated. Analysis of Doppler sonography revealed that segmental perfusion deficits tend to regenerate during the clinical course. Conclusion: Ligation of smaller accessory renal arteries may not affect the outcome of living kidney transplantation, except for a minor increase in the reoperation rate. Segmental perfusion deficits of the graft seem to regenerate in most cases as seen in Doppler sonography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many marine organisms produce bioactive molecules with unique characteristics to survive in their ecological niches. These enzymes can be applied in biotechnological processes and in the medical sector to replace aggressive chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Especially in the human health sector, there is a need for new approaches to fight against pathogens like Stenotrophomonas maltophilia which forms thick biofilms on artificial joints or catheters and causes serious diseases. Our approach was to use enrichment cultures of five marine resources that underwent sequence-based screenings in combination with deep omics analyses in order to identify enzymes with antibiofilm characteristics. Especially the supernatant of the enrichment culture of a stony coral caused a 40% reduction of S. maltophilia biofilm formation. In the presence of the supernatant, our transcriptome dataset showed a clear stress response (upregulation of transcripts for metal resistance, antitoxins, transporter, and iron acquisition) to the treatment. Further investigation of the enrichment culture metagenome and proteome indicated a series of potential antimicrobial enzymes. We found an impressive group of metalloproteases in the proteome of the supernatant that is responsible for the detected anti-biofilm effect against S. maltophilia. Key points: • Omics-based discovery of novel marine-derived antimicrobials for human health management by inhibition of S. maltophilia • Up to 40% reduction of S. maltophilia biofilm formation by the use of marine-derived samples • Metalloprotease candidates prevent biofilm formation of S. maltophilia K279a by up to 20% [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although attention and early associative learning in preverbal children is predominantly driven by rapid eye-movements in response to moving visual stimuli and sounds/words (e.g., associating the word "bottle" with the object), the literature examining the role of visual attention and memory in ongoing vocabulary development across childhood is limited. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis examined the association between visual memory and vocabulary development, including moderators such as age and task selection, in neurotypical children aged 2-to-12 years, from the brain-based perspective of cognitive neuroscience. Visual memory tasks were classified according to the visual characteristics of the stimuli and the neural networks known to preferentially process such information, including consideration of the distinction between the ventral visual stream (processing more static visuo-perceptual details, such as form or colour) and the more dynamic dorsal visual stream (processing spatial temporal action-driven information). Final classifications included spatio-temporal span tasks, visuo-perceptual or spatial concurrent array tasks, and executive judgment tasks. Visuo-perceptual concurrent array tasks, reliant on ventral stream processing, were moderately associated with vocabulary, while tasks measuring spatio-temporal spans, associated with dorsal stream processing, and executive judgment tasks (central executive), showed only weak correlations with vocabulary. These findings have important implications for health professionals and researchers interested in language, as they advocate for the development of more targeted language learning interventions that include specific and relevant aspects of visual processing and memory, such as ventral stream visuo-perceptual details (i.e., shape or colour). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite international policies to support the health and wellbeing of informal (family) caregivers, there is no consensus on how to evaluate the effectiveness of carer support. We aimed to develop and validate a new quality-of-life measure for carers (LTCQ-Carer) and to assess its potential for use within a clinical pathway. Methods: Psychometric properties of LTCQ-Carer were tested through cognitive interviews (qualitative phase) and a pilot survey (quantitative phase). Participants were family caregivers of people recently diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, recruited through one of 14 memory clinics in south-east England. They self-completed the new measure and comparative existing measures (EQ-5D, ASCOT-Carer). Ongoing feedback from memory clinic staff on potential use of LTCQ-Carer was collected. Results: Interview participants (n = 10) found all draft items of LTCQ-Carer relevant and prompted inclusion of a new item on 'time to yourself'. Responses from survey participants (n = 107) indicated acceptability (low missing data), high internal reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.95), and a general construct (single factor loadings 0.43–0.86 for all items). Observation of predicted associations with EQ-5D and ASCOT-Carer supported construct validity. Responsiveness requires further testing as evidence was inconclusive. Clinical staff feedback on potential use was positive. Conclusion: LTCQ-Carer is a valid new measure for assessing family caregivers' quality of life across broad health and social care domains, expanding the range of high-quality tools for evaluating carer support. When used concurrently with patient assessment, it could highlight carer needs and prompt appropriate family support at the earliest point in the clinical pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine viruses are a major driver of phytoplankton mortality and thereby influence biogeochemical cycling of carbon and other nutrients. Phytoplankton-targeting viruses are important components of ecosystem dynamics, but broad-scale experimental investigations of host-virus interactions remain scarce. Here, we investigated in detail a picophytoplankton (size 1 µm) host's responses to infections by species-specific viruses from distinct geographical regions and different sampling seasons. Specifically, we used Ostreococcus tauri and O. mediterraneus and their viruses (size ca. 100 nm). Ostreococcus sp. is globally distributed and, like other picoplankton species, play an important role in coastal ecosystems at certain times of the year. Further, Ostreococcus sp. is a model organism, and the Ostreococcus-virus system is well-known in marine biology. However, only few studies have researched its evolutionary biology and the implications thereof for ecosystem dynamics. The Ostreococcus strains used here stem from different regions of the Southwestern Baltic Sea that vary in salinity and temperature and were obtained during several cruises spanning different sampling seasons. Using an experimental cross-infection set-up, we explicitly confirm species and strain specificity in Ostreococcus sp. from the Baltic Sea. Moreover, we found that the timing of virus-host co-existence was a driver of infection patterns as well. In combination, these findings prove that host-virus co-evolution can be rapid in natural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An understanding of sexual (risk) behavior is necessary to successfully develop prevention and care strategies for the sexually transmitted infections (STI) high-risk group of male sex workers who have sex with men (MSW–MSM). However, limited scientific knowledge is available on sexual (risk) behavior of (home-based) MSW–MSM. This study aimed to gain an understanding of sexual (risk) behavior, factors influencing sexual (risk) behavior, and applied risk-reduction strategies of home-based MSW–MSM. For this qualitative study, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 20 home-based MSW–MSM in the Netherlands. The interviews' recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed with Atlas.ti 8. Condom use was reported to be high during anal sex, but low during oral sex and mostly determined by STI risk perception, trust in clients, and sexual pleasure. Many experienced condom failure, while few knew what to do after condom failure and were aware of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Many MSW–MSM had chemsex in the past 6 months in order to loosen up and enhance sexual pleasure. Some were not vaccinated against hepatitis B virus (HBV), mainly due to the lack of information and awareness of HBV vaccination and low risk perception of HBV. The results of this study can be used to tailor future STI/HIV risk-reduction strategies for home-based MSW–MSM and to increase awareness and uptake of available STI/HIV prevention strategies such as P(r)EP and HBV vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perioptic meningiomas, defined as those that are less than 3 mm from the optic apparatus, are challenging to treat with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Tumor control must be weighed against the risk of radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RION), as both tumor progression and RION can lead to visual decline. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of single fraction SRS and hypofractionated radiosurgery (hfRS) for perioptic meningiomas, evaluating tumor control and visual preservation rates. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we reviewed articles published between 1968 and December 8, 2022. We retained 5 studies reporting 865 patients, 438 cases treated in single fraction, while 427 with hfRS. For single fraction SRS, the overall rate of tumor control was 95.1%, with actuarial rates at 5 and 10 years of 96% and 89%, respectively; tumor progression was 7.7%. The rate of visual stability was 90.4%, including visual improvement in 29.3%. The rate of visual decline was 9.6%, including blindness in 1.2%. For hfRS, the overall rate of tumor control was 95.6% (range 92.1–99.1, p < 0.001); tumor progression was 4.4% (range 0.9–7.9, p = 0.01). Overall rate of visual stability was 94.9% (range 90.9–98.9, p < 0.001), including visual improvement in 22.7% (range 5.0–40.3, p = 0.01); visual decline was 5.1% (range 1.1–9.1, p = 0.013). SRS is an effective and safe treatment option for perioptic meningiomas. Both hypofractionated regimens and single fraction SRS can be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insomnia is a very common condition in childhood with a prevalence of 25–50%. It can present as difficulty with initiating and maintaining sleep with frequent disruptions throughout the night. Sleep insomnia is known to affect children's development and contribute to poor attention and memory. Establishing a good sleep routine will have a beneficial effect not just on the child's wellbeing and development but the whole family. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of sleep hygiene videos in improving sleep quality and subsequent cognitive function in children aged 10–11 years. Two cartoon videos on sleep hygiene were designed along with a child-friendly questionnaire to be filled by grade 5 and 6 students in two different schools in the city of Leeds, England. Questionnaires were filled prior to viewing the videos and 2 to 3 weeks afterward to assess response to the video contents. The videos were viewed in April and May 2022. Results: In the East of Leeds School, 49 students participated. In the North of Leeds School, 45 students participated. Significance of outcomes were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In the first school, there was a significant improvement in sleep duration, sleep disturbance, sleep latency, daytime dysfunction due to sleepiness and sleep efficiency (p < 0.05). In the second school, there was a significant improvement in sleep duration, sleep disturbance and sleep latency (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Poor sleep function is a major issue in children. The results demonstrated that the use of sleep hygiene videos can support children with sleep difficulties and help them to modify their behaviour through self-health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groups of voters have more possibilities to influence the voting result than separate individuals. However, there is a problem with coordinating their actions. This paper considers manipulation by groups of voters who have the same preferences. If a voting result is more preferable for voters of a particular group provided that all its members use the same strategy (report the same insincere preference), then each of these members has an incentive to manipulate. If there is a chance that they will become worse off in case only a subset of the whole group manipulates, then manipulation is unsafe. For several voting rules we study conditions on the numbers of voters and alternatives which allow for an unsafe manipulation or which make manipulation always safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality improvement (QI) for healthcare equity (HCE) is an important aspect of graduate medical education (GME), but there is limited published research on educational programs teaching this topic. Aim: To describe and evaluate a novel curriculum and learning community for HCE QI. Setting: Academic institution. Participants: Forty-eight participants: 32 learners and 16 faculty. Program Description: This novel, longitudinal curriculum utilized a virtual hub-and-spoke learning community. Five interdepartmental teams of learners and faculty (spokes) used QI methods to address an existing institutional healthcare inequity (HCI). A team of experts (the hub) led monthly group meetings to foster the learning community and guide teams. Program Evaluation: Retrospective pre-post curricular surveys assessed participant satisfaction, knowledge, and skills in applying QI methods to address HCIs. Response rate was 33%. The majority of participants (92.4%) reported an increase in knowledge and skills in conducting QI for HCIs. All participants reported an increased likelihood of future engagement in HCE QI. Final QI projects average QIPAT7 score was 25.8 (SD = 4.93), consistent with "meets expectations" in most categories. Discussion: This program is a feasible model to teach GME learners and faculty about HCE QI and may be adopted by other institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early Neolithic avifaunas excavated at the sites of Göbekli Tepe and Gusir Höyük illustrate two entirely different modes of bird exploitation in south-eastern Anatolia during the 10th and 9th millennia BCE, which prompted us the re-evaluation of other substantial bird bone assemblages from contemporaneous sites in the upper basins of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. We thus compared the range and diversity of species captured, seasonal aspects of bird hunting, and types of habitats exploited by Near Eastern communities of foragers at the dawn of agriculture. Fowling practices in the Upper Euphrates catchment aimed at multiple avifaunal resources in varied habitats explaining high taxonomic diversity in the respective assemblages. Overall, the proportions of birds, mammals and fish in the diet were similar in all sites. In contrast, meat diet in the Upper Tigris River basin proved less culturally uniform. The contribution of birds, fish and mammals to the diet varied significantly between sites. Our study also showed that avifaunal diversity was very low at some sites in the Tigris basin suggesting an overall limited interest and time commitment to this economic activity there. An intensification of bird hunting in autumn and winter was observed in both areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the local economic impacts of extreme weather events and the role of local finance in economic resilience. We use data on the physical intensities of extreme wind and precipitation events for 284 prefecture-level cities in China between 2004 and 2013. We estimate impulse response functions using a bias-corrected method of moments estimator to capture the dynamic responses of affected cities up to 5 years after such events. We find that extreme precipitation events depress the growth of local GDP per capita for multiple years, while the negative effects of storms vanish after the first year. We then use this model to measure the economic resilience of cities to extreme weather events. Regressions of economic resilience on indicators of the local financial structure suggest that cities with higher levels of debt are less resilient. Moreover, the presence of state-owned commercial banks appears to be instrumental to regional economic resilience. As extreme weather events are expected to become more frequent and severe due to climate change, our results inform the emerging debate about regional economic resilience to weather-related shocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect 22–75% of American young adults. ACEs are associated with adverse health outcomes that begin in young adulthood. Yet, scant research has examined if coping can mediate the relationship between ACEs and adverse outcomes. The current study determined if coping mediates the relationship between ACEs and body mass index (BMI), substance use, and mental health outcomes in young adults. A community sample of 100 White and 100 Black young adults 18–34 years of age participated in a cross-sectional study conducted via Zoom conferencing. Participants provided demographic data, height/weight, and completed measures of ACEs, coping, substance use, and mental health outcomes. Coping was measured using an established three-factor model consisting of adaptive, support, and disengaged coping. Structural equation modeling (SEM) examined the relationships of ACEs to outcomes as mediated by coping. Participants were predominantly female (n = 117; 58.5%) and mid-young adult (M = 25.5 years; SD = 4.1). SEM results indicated good model fit: (CMIN/df = 1.52, CFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.05 [90% CI = 0.03-0.07], SRMR = 0.06). Only disengaged coping mediated the ACE and substance use (β = 0.36, p =.008), smoking (β = 0.13, p =.004), and mental health (β=-0.26, p =.008) relationships. Disengaged coping styles may be a critical mechanism in developing adverse mental health and substance use outcomes among ACE-exposed individuals. Future ACE and health outcomes research should examine the role of coping. Interventions focusing on adaptive coping may improve the health of individuals exposed to ACEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the estate division or bankruptcy problem and assume that players sequentially put claims on the estate. Each part of the estate is then divided proportionally with respect to the number of claims on it. We focus on myopic play: players first claim the hitherto least claimed parts, and on subgame perfect equilibria. Our main result is that myopic strategies constitute a subgame perfect equilibrium if punishments for deviators are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple methods are proposed for determining the starting values of the parameters of particle-size distribution models (mean radius and its standard deviation), calculated from small-angle X-ray scattering curves. Estimates of these parameters from above based on the obtained analytical expression for the Guinier region of the scattering curve from a polydisperse system obeying the Schultz distribution are proposed for systems with narrow distributions. It is proposed to estimate the parameters and range of sizes from below based on the obtained expression of the Porod asymptotics for a polydisperse system. A method for calculating the generalized Guinier–Porod approximation in Kratky coordinates, from which independent estimates of the average size and variance can also be obtained, is proposed. The efficiency of the developed approach is demonstrated by an example of analyzing the scattering intensity from aqueous solutions of silicasol nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the measurement accuracy of two different computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems regarding artificial pulmonary nodules and assess the clinical impact of volumetric inaccuracies in a phantom study. Methods: In this phantom study, 59 different phantom arrangements with 326 artificial nodules (178 solid, 148 ground-glass) were scanned at 80 kV, 100 kV, and 120 kV. Four different nodule diameters were used: 5 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm. Scans were analyzed by a deep-learning (DL)–based CAD and a standard CAD system. Relative volumetric errors (RVE) of each system vs. ground truth and the relative volume difference (RVD) DL–based vs. standard CAD were calculated. The Bland–Altman method was used to define the limits of agreement (LOA). The hypothetical impact on LungRADS classification was assessed for both systems. Results: There was no difference between the three voltage groups regarding nodule volumetry. Regarding the solid nodules, the RVE of the 5-mm-, 8-mm-, 10-mm-, and 12-mm-size groups for the DL CAD/standard CAD were 12.2/2.8%, 1.3/ − 2.8%, − 3.6/1.5%, and − 12.2/ − 0.3%, respectively. The corresponding values for the ground-glass nodules (GGN) were 25.6%/81.0%, 9.0%/28.0%, 7.6/20.6%, and 6.8/21.2%. The mean RVD for solid nodules/GGN was 1.3/ − 15.2%. Regarding the LungRADS classification, 88.5% and 79.8% of all solid nodules were correctly assigned by the DL CAD and the standard CAD, respectively. 14.9% of the nodules were assigned differently between the systems. Conclusions: Patient management may be affected by the volumetric inaccuracy of the CAD systems and hence demands supervision and/or manual correction by a radiologist. Key Points: • The DL-based CAD system was more accurate in the volumetry of GGN and less accurate regarding solid nodules than the standard CAD system. • Nodule size and attenuation have an effect on the measurement accuracy of both systems; tube voltage has no effect on measurement accuracy. • Measurement inaccuracies of CAD systems can have an impact on patient management, which demands supervision by radiologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professor Stef Tijs, a renowned mathematician and game theorist, passed away on June 13, 2023. He had a prolific career spanning 35 years, during which he published almost 300 scientific papers and mentored 35 PhD students in the field of game theory. Stef was known for his expertise in cooperative games and his contributions to the development of the "Ω-value" solution concept. He was also a dedicated teacher and author of numerous course books on mathematics and game theory. Despite his mental health problems in his later years, Stef's impact on the game theory community in the Netherlands and beyond remains significant. [Extracted from the article]

Independently, both 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) have been shown to improve outcomes with high-grade gliomas (HGG). The interplay and overlap of both techniques are scarcely reported in the literature. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on the concomitant use of 5-ALA and intraoperative mapping for HGG located within eloquent cortex. Using PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed articles published between May 2006 and December 2022 for patients with HGG in eloquent cortex who underwent microsurgical resection using intraoperative mapping and 5-ALA fluorescence guidance. Extent of resection was the primary outcome. The secondary outcome was new neurological deficit at day 1 after surgery and persistent at day 90 after surgery. Overall rate of complete resection of the enhancing tumor (CRET) was 73.3% (range: 61.9–84.8%, p <.001). Complete 5-ALA resection was performed in 62.4% (range: 28.1–96.7%, p <.001). Surgery was stopped due to mapping findings in 20.5% (range: 15.6–25.4%, p <.001). Neurological decline at day 1 after surgery was 29.2% (range: 9.8–48.5%, p = 0.003). Persistent neurological decline at day 90 after surgery was 4.6% (range: 0.4–8.7%, p = 0.03). Maximal safe resection guided by IONM and 5-ALA for high-grade gliomas in eloquent areas is achievable in a high percentage of cases (73.3% CRET and 62.4% complete 5-ALA resection). Persistent neurological decline at postoperative day 90 is as low as 4.6%. A balance between 5-ALA and IONM should be maintained for a better quality of life while maximizing oncological control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dogs have repeatedly been shown to give their paw to an experimenter more times for no reward when a rewarded conspecific partner is absent than when a rewarded conspecific is present, thereby showing inequity aversion. However, rather than being inequity averse, dogs might give their paw more when a partner is absent due to the experimenter's procedure in which they move food in front of the subject to mimic feeding a partner. This action could increase subjects' perception of reward attainability. We tested this hypothesis by introducing an improved type of control condition in which subjects were unrewarded for giving the paw in the presence of a rewarded box, a condition that more closely resembles the inequity condition. Inequity averse subjects' performance did not differ based on whether the partner was another dog or a box. Moreover, these subjects gave the paw more times when no partner was present and the experimenter mimicked the feeding of a partner than when rewards were placed in the box. These results suggest that responses in the previous studies were inflated by subjects' increased perception of reward attainability when no partner was present and, therefore, over-exaggerated dogs' propensity to give up due to inequity aversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The action perspective on working memory suggests that memory representations are coded according to their specific temporal and behavioral task demands. This stands in contrast to theories that assume representations are stored in a task-agnostic format within a "common workspace". Here, we tested whether visual items that are memorized for different tasks are stored separately from one another or show evidence of inter-item interference during concurrent maintenance, indicating a common storage. In two experiments, we combined a framing memory task (memorize a motion direction for continuous direction report) with an embedded memory task (memorize a motion direction for a binary direction discrimination) that was placed within the retention period of the framing task. Even though the temporal and action demands were item specific, we observed two types of interference effects between the items: The embedded motion direction was (1) repulsed away and (2) degraded in precision by the motion direction of the item in the framing task. Repulsion and precision degradation increased with item similarity when both items were concurrently held in working memory. In contrast, perceptual and iconic memory control conditions revealed weaker repulsion overall and no interference effect on precision during the stimulus processing stages prior to working memory consolidation. Thus, additional inter-item interference arose uniquely within working memory. Together, our results present evidence that items that are stored for distinct tasks to be performed at distinct points in time, reside in a common workspace in working memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB) and tan spot, caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogens Parastagonospora nodorum and Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, respectively, often occur together as a leaf spotting disease complex on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Both pathogens produce necrotrophic effectors (NEs) that contribute to the development of disease. Here, genome-wide association analysis of a diverse panel of 264 winter wheat lines revealed novel loci on chromosomes 5A and 5B associated with sensitivity to the NEs SnTox3 and SnTox5 in addition to the known sensitivity genes for NEs Ptr/SnToxA, SnTox1, SnTox3, and SnTox5. Sensitivity loci for SnTox267 and Ptr ToxB were not detected. Evaluation of the panel with five P. nodorum isolates for SNB development indicated the Snn3-SnTox3 and Tsn1-SnToxA interactions played significant roles in disease development along with additional QTL on chromosomes 2A and 2D, which may correspond to the Snn7-SnTox267 interaction. For tan spot, the Tsc1-Ptr ToxC interaction was associated with disease caused by two isolates, and a novel QTL on chromosome 7D was associated with a third isolate. The Tsn1-ToxA interaction was associated with SNB but not tan spot. Therefore some, but not all, of the previously characterized host gene-NE interactions in these pathosystems play significant roles in disease development in winter wheat. Based on these results, breeders should prioritize the selection of resistance alleles at the Tsc1, Tsn1, Snn3, and Snn7 loci as well as the 2A and 7D QTL to obtain good levels of resistance to SNB and tan spot in winter wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After World War II, Japan became a major recipient of foreign aid from the USA. As Japan's economy improved in the 1960s, it played a significant role as a global aid donor in world politics through its Official Development Assistance (ODA). This commitment continued into the 1990s when Japan, as one of the leading proponents of the concept of human security, began providing humanitarian aid to more countries across the globe. To better understand the notion of human security in international politics, this paper examines Japan's endorsement of the concept in its foreign policy strategy. This paper provides an overview and critical assessment of Japan's Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) in the state of Sabah in East Malaysia from 2000 to 2021. This paper argues that different contexts and circumstances in the state of Sabah require further study, especially for understanding Japan's focus and concern in the area of basic human security needs, as enshrined in the GGP philosophy. Despite Japan's GGP objective as part of its foreign policy to promote human development, the execution of its foreign aid in Sabah does have issues. This paper concludes that the implementation of Japan's GGP necessitates greater inclusion, particularly for other vulnerable groups and underdeveloped areas in Sabah. Despite Japan's GGP objective as part of its foreign policy to promote human development, the execution of its foreign aid in Sabah does have issues. This paper concludes that the implementation of Japan's GGP necessitates greater inclusion, particularly for other vulnerable groups and underdeveloped areas in Sabah. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stress has been linked to high-fat and high-sugar food consumption. Self-compassion is associated with better emotional and physiological responses to stress. The current study explored whether trait self-compassion or induced state self-compassion could improve dietary choice and food craving after a stress induction. Method: Fifty-three university students completed an online survey assessing self-compassion, eating restraint, and general perceived stress before attending a laboratory visit. In the laboratory, participants were randomised to a neutral writing control or a self-compassion letter writing condition before a stress induction. Measures of heart rate, heart rate variability, state self-compassion, dietary choice, and state food cravings were taken. Results: The brief self-compassion intervention did not sufficiently increase state self-compassion in the intervention group compared to the neutral writing condition. There was no effect of the written self-compassion intervention on heart rate, heart rate variability, dietary choice, or food craving. However, higher trait self-compassion was associated with healthier dietary choices (F(1, 49) = 5.35, p =.025, R2 =.098). Conclusion: Results suggest that higher trait self-compassion improved dietary choice after stress in a controlled environment in a university population. Further research is warranted to explore whether brief self-compassion interventions can improve state self-compassion and thereby influence dietary choices and food cravings after a stress induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How does inequality between capital and labor affect immigration policy? Increasing inequality can heighten anti-immigrant attitudes among host-state workers. Yet, for labor-intensive firms, their increasing share of the value added provides more business opportunities to expand their production, which in turn leads to increased business support for open immigration. Given these countervailing pressures of rising inequality in immigration policymaking, we argue that a country's level of economic development holds the key to the causal mechanism between inequality and immigration policy openness. In less-developed economies where local and immigrant workers compete for the same jobs, rising inequality leads to more restrictive immigration policy. In advanced economies where local and immigrant workers are complements, rising inequality leads to less restrictive immigration policy. Using data on the capital share of the value added in the industrial sector as a measure of inequality in 24 democracies from 1947 to 2006, we find support for our argument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the value of quantitative computed tomography (QCT) of the whole lung and nodule-bearing lobe regarding pulmonary nodule malignancy risk estimation. Methods: A total of 251 subjects (median [IQR] age, 65 (57–73) years; 37% females) with pulmonary nodules on non-enhanced thin-section CT were retrospectively included. Twenty percent of the nodules were malignant, the remainder benign either histologically or at least 1-year follow-up. CT scans were subjected to in-house software, computing parameters such as mean lung density (MLD) or peripheral emphysema index (pEI). QCT variable selection was performed using logistic regression; selected variables were integrated into the Mayo Clinic and the parsimonious Brock Model. Results: Whole-lung analysis revealed differences between benign vs. malignant nodule groups in several parameters, e.g. the MLD (−766 vs. −790 HU) or the pEI (40.1 vs. 44.7 %). The proposed QCT model had an area-under-the-curve (AUC) of 0.69 (95%-CI, 0.62−0.76) based on all available data. After integrating MLD and pEI into the Mayo Clinic and Brock Model, the AUC of both clinical models improved (AUC, 0.91 to 0.93 and 0.88 to 0.91, respectively). The lobe-specific analysis revealed that the nodule-bearing lobes had less emphysema than the rest of the lung regarding benign (EI, 0.5 vs. 0.7 %; p < 0.001) and malignant nodules (EI, 1.2 vs. 1.7 %; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Nodules in subjects with higher whole-lung metrics of emphysema and less fibrosis are more likely to be malignant; hereby the nodule-bearing lobes have less emphysema. QCT variables could improve the risk assessment of incidental pulmonary nodules. Key Points: • Nodules in subjects with higher whole-lung metrics of emphysema and less fibrosis are more likely to be malignant. • The nodule-bearing lobes have less emphysema compared to the rest of the lung. • QCT variables could improve the risk assessment of incidental pulmonary nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of prebiotic organics was a mandatory step toward the origin of life. The significance of the exogenous delivery versus the in-situ synthesis from atmospheric gases is still under debate. We experimentally demonstrate that iron-rich meteoritic and volcanic particles activate and catalyse the fixation of CO2, yielding the key precursors of life-building blocks. This catalysis is robust and produces selectively aldehydes, alcohols, and hydrocarbons, independent of the redox state of the environment. It is facilitated by common minerals and tolerates a broad range of the early planetary conditions (150–300 °C, ≲ 10–50 bar, wet or dry climate). We find that up to 6 × 108 kg/year of prebiotic organics could have been synthesized by this planetary-scale process from the atmospheric CO2 on Hadean Earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Load theory assumes that neural activation to distractors in early sensory cortices is modulated by the perceptual load of a main task, regardless of whether task and distractor share the same sensory modality or not. While several studies have investigated the question of load effects on distractor processing in early sensory areas, there is no functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study regarding load effects on somatosensory stimuli. Here, we used fMRI to investigate effects of visual perceptual load on neural responses to somatosensory stimuli applied to the wrist in a study with 44 participants. Perceptual load was manipulated by an established sustained visual detection task, which avoided simultaneous target and distractor presentations. Load was operationalized by detection difficulty of subtle or clear color changes of one of 12 rotating dots. While all somatosensory stimuli led to activation in somatosensory areas SI and SII, we found no statistically significant difference in brain activation to these stimuli under high compared to low sustained visual load. Moreover, exploratory Bayesian analyses supported the absence of differences. Thus, our findings suggest a resistance of somatosensory processing to at least some forms of visual perceptual load, possibly due to behavioural relevance of discrete somatosensory stimuli and separable attentional resources for the somatosensory and visual modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In Germany, colorectal robot-assisted surgery (RAS) has found its way and is currently used as primary technique in colorectal resections at our clinic. We investigated whether RAS can be extensively combined with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) in a large prospective patient group. Methods: Using the DaVinci Xi surgical robot, all colorectal RAS from 09/2020 to 01/2022 were incorporated into our ERAS® program. Perioperative data were prospectively recorded using a data documentation system. The extent of resection, duration of the operation, intraoperative blood loss, conversion rate, and postoperative short-term results were analyzed. We documented the postoperative duration of Intermediate Care Unit (IMC) stay and major and minor complications according to the Clavien–Dindo classification, anastomotic leak rate, reoperation rate, hospital-stay length, and ERAS® guideline adherence. Results: One hundred patients (65 colon and 35 rectal resections) were included (median age: 69 years). The median durations of surgery were 167 min (colon resection) and 246 min (rectal resection). Postoperatively, four patients were IMC-treated (median stay: 1 day). In 92.5% of the colon and 88.6% of the rectum resections, no or minor complications occurred postoperatively. The anastomotic leak rate was 3.1% in colon and 5.7% in rectal resection. The reoperation rate was 7.7% (colon resection) and 11.4% (rectal resection). The hospital stay length was 5 days (colon resection) and 6.5 days (rectal resection). The ERAS® guideline adherence rate was 88% (colon resection) and 82.6% (rectal resection). Conclusion: Patient perioperative therapy per the multimodal ERAS® concept is possible without any problems in colorectal RAS, leading to low morbidity and short hospital stays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with epilepsy have a high risk of developing psychiatric comorbidities, and there is a particular need for early detection of these comorbidities. Here, in an exploratory, hypothesis-generating approach, we aimed to identify microRNAs as potential circulatory biomarkers for epilepsy-associated psychiatric comorbidities across different rat models of epilepsy. The identification of distress-associated biomarkers can also contribute to animal welfare assessment. MicroRNA expression profiles were analyzed in blood samples from the electrical post-status epilepticus (SE) model. Preselected microRNAs were correlated with behavioral and biochemical parameters in the electrical post-SE model, followed by quantitative real-time PCR validation in three additional well-described rat models of epilepsy. Six microRNAs (miR-376a, miR-429, miR-494, miR-697, miR-763, miR-1903) were identified showing a positive correlation with weight gain in the early post-insult phase as well as a negative correlation with social interaction, saccharin preference, and plasma BDNF. Real-time PCR validation confirmed miR-203, miR-429, and miR-712 as differentially expressed with miR-429 being upregulated across epilepsy models. While readouts from the electrical post-SE model suggest different microRNA candidates for psychiatric comorbidities, cross-model analysis argues against generalizability across models. Thus, further research is necessary to compare the predictive validity of rodent epilepsy models for detection and management of psychiatric comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meiosis is a specialized cell division during reproduction where one round of chromosomal replication is followed by genetic recombination and two rounds of segregation to generate recombined, ploidy-reduced spores. Meiosis is crucial to the generation of new allelic combinations in natural populations and artificial breeding programs. Several plant species are used in meiosis research including the cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) which is a globally important crop species. Here we outline the unique combination of attributes that make tomato a powerful model system for meiosis research. These include the well-characterized behavior of chromosomes during tomato meiosis, readily available genomics resources, capacity for genome editing, clonal propagation techniques, lack of recent polyploidy and the possibility to generate hybrids with twelve related wild species. We propose that further exploitation of genome bioinformatics, genome editing and artificial intelligence in tomato will help advance the field of plant meiosis research. Ultimately this will help address emerging themes including the evolution of meiosis, how recombination landscapes are determined, and the effect of temperature on meiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 3D printing process known as SLM involves the melting of the metal powder, which results in a melt-pool. When this melt-pool solidifies, the solidified metal undergoes cooling and reheating in the presence of air and multiple laser passes for continuous material consolidation. As a result of such thermal cycles, the manufactured part develops permanent thermal deformation and residual stresses. The current work proposes the FEM and AM G-code based numerical strategy to qualitatively analyze the formation of such deformations and stresses at part scale. A multi-physics model was developed by coupling of transient thermal heat equation with non-linear structural solver. To mimic the consolidation of material with laser motion, the finite elements were activated as per the pattern of metal deposition under the influence of AM G-code. A numerical experiment was conducted to virtually manufacture the part with mechanical properties of 15–5PH stainless steel [1]. We found that the thermomechanical FEM model interfaced with the AM G-code translated data helps to evaluate the comparable trends of thermal deformation and residual stress results with already established studies. This demonstrates that with a given set of operational instructions, how the thermal conduction, convection and radiation drive the AM process by thermally loading the deposited material. Furthermore, the AM G-code interfacing facilitated the communication of laser scanning path with numerical FEM solver. We anticipate that such development may enable the manufacturing and simulation engineers to early estimate the possible final deformation of the AM fabricated part. Additionally, the developed strategy may also be the initial step for the physically informed neural networks to optimize the laser scan path for precise manufacturing of the metal parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guanine quadruplexes (G4s) are important targets for cancer treatments as their stabilization has been associated with a reduction of telomere ends or a lower oncogene expression. Although less abundant than purely organic ligands, metal complexes have shown remarkable abilities to stabilize G4s, and a wide variety of techniques have been used to characterize the interaction between ligands and G4s. However, improper alignment between the large variety of experimental techniques and biological activities can lead to improper identification of top candidates, which hampers progress of this important class of G4 stabilizers. To address this, we first review the different techniques for their strengths and weaknesses to determine the interaction of the complexes with G4s, and provide a checklist to guide future developments towards comparable data. Then, we surveyed 74 metal-based ligands for G4s that have been characterized to the in vitro level. Of these complexes, we assessed which methods were used to characterize their G4-stabilizing capacity, their selectivity for G4s over double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), and how this correlated to bioactivity data. For the biological activity data, we compared activities of the G4-stabilizing metal complexes with that of cisplatin. Lastly, we formulated guidelines for future studies on G4-stabilizing metal complexes to further enable maturation of this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces proximal cell complexes in a hyperconnected space. Hyperconnectedness encodes how collections of path-connected sub-complexes in a Alexandroff–Hopf–Whitehead CW space are near to or far from each other. Several main results are given, namely a hyperconnectedness form of CW (Closure Finite Weak topology) complex, the existence of continuous functions that are paths in hyperconnected relator spaces and hyperconnected chains with overlapping interiors that are path graphs in a relator space. The centroids of surface holes in an image are used as seed points for the triangulation. An application of these results to the definition of cycles using the centroids of triangles is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The occipital interhemispheric transtentorial (OITT) approach is frequently used for accessing the pineal region. There are scarce reports of using the OITT to access superior cerebellar lesions. This approach affords the patient several advantages over traditional posterior fossa approaches. Purpose: This study is to describe and evaluate clinical outcomes in a single surgeon case series of the OITT approach for pediatric patients with lesions of the superior cerebellum. Methods: All pediatric patients who underwent an OITT craniotomy for a superior cerebellar lesion by a single surgeon over a 5-year period were included in this retrospective analysis. Patient demographics and clinical data were collected. Results: Thirteen pediatric patients were identified. Cases included twelve tumors and one arteriovenous malformation. Gross total resection was achieved in 92% of cases. No patients developed posterior fossa syndrome. Two patients had transient homonymous hemianopsia that resolved by 1 month post-operatively. There were no permanent neurological deficits. Conclusion: For superomedial cerebellar lesions presenting to the tentorial surface of the superior cerebellum in patients with normal to steep tentorial angles, the OITT approach is effective and safe. This approach has a low risk of posterior fossa syndrome and permanent visual deficits when applied appropriately. Patient selection is critical for maximizing the advantages of the OITT for superior cerebellar lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal landscapes, including coastal wetlands around the world, are increasingly facing devastating threats and disasters due to land use and land cover (LULC) changes and coastal processes occasioned by climate change. The coastal zone of Keta and the municipality in general are affected by human activities and geomorphological processes such as sea erosion and flooding which are upsetting the condition of the coastal wetland, the vegetal cover and other landscape features of the locality. The rationale of the study was to estimate the transformations in LULC in the wetlands and general landscape from 1991 to 2018 and investigate the driving forces behind the LULC changes. This can help wetlands managers to develop well-tailored policies towards sustainable management of wetlands in Ghana. To achieve this, the study carried out a LULC analysis using Landsat data of 1991, 2005 and 2018. The study established that, there has been a changing pattern in the major LULC types, except for bare lands. Wetlands reduced in coverage from 182.33 km2 to 135.11 km2 while farmlands showed a continuous increase in landmass. Increased anthropogenic activities such as urbanization, farming and geomorphic processes such as sea erosion and tidal inundation owing to climate change are the key drivers of the transformations of the landscape of the locality. Enforcement of the national wetlands conservation policy, planting of mangroves in the wetlands and the afforestation of other degraded lands of the municipality will restore the ecosystem and protect the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regular physical activity improves cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal health, helps with weight management, improves cognitive and psychosocial functioning, and is associated with reduced mortality related to cancer and diabetes mellitus. However, turnover rates of glucose in the blood increase dramatically during exercise, which often results in either hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia as well as increased glycaemic variability in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). A complex neuroendocrine response to an acute exercise session helps to maintain circulating levels of glucose in a fairly tight range in healthy individuals, while several abnormal physiological processes and limitations of insulin therapy limit the capacity of people with T1DM to exercise in a normoglycaemic state. Knowledge of the acute and chronic effects of exercise and regular physical activity is critical for the formulation of clinical strategies for the management of insulin and nutrition for active patients with T1DM. Emerging diabetes-related technologies, such as continuous glucose monitors, automated insulin delivery systems and the administration of solubilized glucagon, are demonstrating efficacy for preserving glucose homeostasis during and after exercise in this population of patients. This Review highlights the beneficial effects of regular exercise and details the complex endocrine and metabolic responses to different types of exercise for adults with T1DM. An overview of basic clinical strategies for the preservation of glucose homeostasis using emerging technologies is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have conducted time course characterization of murine colitis models through transcriptional profiling of differential expression. We characterize the transcriptional landscape of acute and chronic models of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and adoptive transfer (AT) colitis to derive temporal gene expression and splicing signatures in blood and colonic tissue in order to capture dynamics of colitis remission and relapse. We identify sub networks of patient-derived causal networks that are enriched in these temporal signatures to distinguish acute and chronic disease components within the broader molecular landscape of IBD. The interaction between the DSS phenotype and chronological time-point naturally defines parsimonious temporal gene expression and splicing signatures associated with acute and chronic phases disease (as opposed to ordinary time-specific differential expression/splicing). We show these expression and splicing signatures are largely orthogonal, i.e. affect different genetic bodies, and that using machine learning, signatures are predictive of histopathological measures from both blood and intestinal data in murine colitis models as well as an independent cohort of IBD patients. Through access to longitudinal multi-scale profiling from disease tissue in IBD patient cohorts, we can apply this machine learning pipeline to generation of direct patient temporal multimodal regulatory signatures for prediction of histopathological outcomes. Longitudinal changes in gene expression, splicing patterns and adaptive immune repertoire in murine models of colitis are examined and associated with histologic inflammation in mice and in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant roots influence many ecological and biogeochemical processes, such as carbon, water and nutrient cycling. Because of difficult accessibility, knowledge on plant root growth dynamics in field conditions, however, is fragmentary at best. Minirhizotrons, i.e. transparent tubes placed in the substrate into which specialized cameras or circular scanners are inserted, facilitate the capture of high-resolution images of root dynamics at the soil-tube interface with little to no disturbance after the initial installation. Their use, especially in field studies with multiple species and heterogeneous substrates, though, is limited by the amount of work that subsequent manual tracing of roots in the images requires. Furthermore, the reproducibility and objectivity of manual root detection is questionable. Here, we use a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for the automatic detection of roots in minirhizotron images and compare the performance of our RootDetector with human analysts with different levels of expertise. Our minirhizotron data come from various wetlands on organic soils, i.e. highly heterogeneous substrates consisting of dead plant material, often times mainly roots, in various degrees of decomposition. This may be seen as one of the most challenging soil types for root segmentation in minirhizotron images. RootDetector showed a high capability to correctly segment root pixels in minirhizotron images from field observations (F1 = 0.6044; r2 compared to a human expert = 0.99). Reproducibility among humans, however, depended strongly on expertise level, with novices showing drastic variation among individual analysts and annotating on average more than 13-times higher root length/cm2 per image compared to expert analysts. CNNs such as RootDetector provide a reliable and efficient method for the detection of roots and root length in minirhizotron images even from challenging field conditions. Analyses with RootDetector thus save resources, are reproducible and objective, and are as accurate as manual analyses performed by human experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]