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Pulse‐like ground motion can cause extreme damage to long‐period structures. An automatic algorithm is proposed to identify pulse‐like ground motions, in which improved anomaly detection is applied and the structural performance is considered. To characterize the intrinsic pulse‐like features, the distance‐based anomaly detection algorithm is improved, and the relative cumulative energy is added to the Manhattan distance. The first application of the anomaly detection algorithm performs well in pulse‐like motion identification. The pulse‐like ground motions are identified according to the performance of typical long‐period engineering structures in Hazus by the improved capacity spectrum method. The method is applied to 214 strong ground motions in the Next Generation Attenuation West 2 database. Comprehensive comparisons of the proposed approach with the wavelet analysis and the energy method are presented to illustrate the significance of the structural performance on the pulse‐like identification method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, railway vehicle‐body vibration was applied to rail detection for convenient sensor deployment and cost‐effectiveness. However, the waveform is difficult to analyze due to damping and interference. Data‐driven methods can help concatenate multidimensional signals and complex rail‐surface irregularities but are impressionably uncertain. This study proposes a method in which a deep learning framework is coupled with heterogeneous factors at every link in its ensemble strategy. The instantiation, module foundation, and scenario description establish a concrete system for dealing with the dilemma that an insufficient database hinders feature extraction, causing unproductive capacity. The performance is quantitatively discussed by combining different levels of on‐site rail‐surface conditions, reaching prediction errors of 4.7% and 6.5% and classifier accuracies of 98.4% and 93.7% for irregularities and defect severities, respectively. This work describes a way to extend self‐learner applicability in industry and will facilitate new support for railway track management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The value of lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (LGIE; colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy) relates to its ability to detect clinically relevant findings, predominantly cancers, preneoplastic polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. There are concerns that many LGIEs are performed on low‐risk patients with limited benefit. Aims: To determine the diagnostic outcomes of LGIE for common symptoms. Methods: We performed a cross‐sectional study of diagnostic LGIE between March 2019 and February 2020 using the UK National Endoscopy Database. We used mixed‐effects logistic regression models, incorporating random (endoscopist) and fixed (symptoms, patient age, and sex) effects upon two dependent variables (large polyp [≥10 mm] and cancer diagnosis). Adjusted positive predictive values (aPPVs) were calculated. Results: We analysed 384,510 LGIEs; 33.2% were performed on patients aged under 50 and 53.6% on women. Regarding colonoscopies, the unadjusted PPV for cancer was 1.5% (95% CI: 1.4–1.5); higher for men than women (1.9% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.01). The PPV for large polyps was 3.2% (95% CI: 3.1–3.2). The highest colonoscopy cancer aPPVs were in the over 50s (1.9%) and in those with rectal bleeding (2.5%) or anaemia (2.1%). Cancer aPPVs for other symptoms were <1% despite representing 54.3% of activity. In patients under 50, aPPVs were 0.4% for cancer and 1.6% for large polyps. Results were similar for sigmoidoscopy. Conclusions: Most colonoscopies were performed on patients with low‐risk symptoms, where cancer risk was similar to the general population. Cancer and large polyp yield was highest in elderly patients with rectal bleeding or anaemia, although still fell short of FIT‐based screening yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the digital transformation of the power grid is underway, and the intelligent health management technology for power transformers is rapidly advancing. However, there are issues in the operation and maintenance process, such as weak information correlation and low decision‐making efficiency. Knowledge graphs have been applied in other industrial fields, such as spacecraft maintenance, to significantly improve knowledge query efficiency. However, there is a lack of literature on knowledge graph construction in the field of power transformer operation and maintenance. Additionally, there is limited publicly available data and difficulties in effectively mining operation and maintenance knowledge in this field. A method for constructing a knowledge graph for power transformer operation and maintenance based on ALBERT is proposed. Firstly, publicly available literature in the field of power transformers is collected, and a sample enhancement method using regular matching is used to enrich the semi‐structured corpora, such as power system accident investigation reports, to construct a training dataset for power transformer operation and maintenance. Then, the ALBERT‐BiLSTM‐CRF deep learning algorithm is applied to extract power transformer operation and maintenance entities from the relevant literature and accident investigation reports, and this method is compared with traditional deep learning algorithms to demonstrate its superiority. Subsequently, the ALBERT‐BiLSTM‐Attention deep learning algorithm, which incorporates ALBERT and attention mechanism, is utilised to extract relationships between power transformer operation and maintenance entities. Compared to other deep learning algorithms, this algorithm demonstrates better performance in the domain‐specific texts of power transformer operation and maintenance. Finally, the Neo4j graph database is used to visualise and present the knowledge graph, enabling decision support based on the power transformer operation and maintenance knowledge graph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We perform a systematic and detailed study of the 14C and 14C‐10Be dating systems for meteorite terrestrial ages. Physical model calculations indicate that neither the 14C production rates nor the 14C/10Be production rate ratios are constant enough to be reasonably approximated by average values. By using simple averages, one introduces a significant size‐dependent bias into the database for meteorite terrestrial ages. By combining modeled 14C production rates and 14C/10Be production rate ratios with (22Ne/21Ne)cos ratios and assuming ~80% ablation losses, relatively easy to use correlations of 14C production rates and 14C/10Be production rate ratios as a function of (22Ne/21Ne)cos are established. The new correlations enable the determination of terrestrial ages that are more accurate than ages based solely on average values for 14C and/or 14C/10Be. We validate the model predictions by measuring 14C activity concentrations, 14C/10Be production rate ratios, 21Necos concentrations, and (22Ne/21Ne)cos ratios in four recently fallen meteorites: Mt. Tazerzait, Boumdeid (2011), Bensour, and SaU 606. The experimental data confirmed the model predictions, although the available data are insufficient to be conclusive. More data from freshly fallen meteorites are needed for validating the model predictions for different chondrite sizes and chondrite types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is the role of civic norms for social change after traumatic events, and how do those norms shape collective resistance? The present study seeks to address this urgent query by examining Sicilians' culture war against the mafia. Based on rigorous ethnographic research over a period of 7 years (2016–2023), an extensive database was created, which included 77 commemorative events, a guided city tour, 54 interviews with antimafia activists, and 89 audio–visual recordings totaling 1768 min. I introduce two analytical concepts, "informative rituals" and "transmissive rituals," that offer a new perspective on how activists leverage the civic norms of social bonds to realize their objectives. I argue that shifting civic norms in a post‐traumatic society is not only driven by collective resistance but also requires significant time in the presence of an oppressive force. This study proposes that, for a socially traumatized community attempting to shift civic norms, prolonged and strenuous endeavors are required in order to thoroughly permeate those norms among the general public. The findings demonstrate that the consolidation of civic norms within post‐traumatic societies is highly contingent upon its temporal context and sustainability, which explains why culture wars frequently necessitate a long‐term communal investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) with the placenta kept in situ aims to preserve fertility and minimize blood loss. However, this method is associated with a risk of coagulopathy and subsequent bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and pathophysiology of coagulopathy in cases of PAS managed conservatively. Methods: We reviewed our database for cases of PAS in which the placenta was kept in situ. In addition, we performed a systematic review of articles on PAS in which the placenta was left in situ and was complicated by coagulopathy. PubMed was searched for publications between 1980 and 2023. Our eligibility criteria included studies in which no additional interventions were performed other than keeping the placenta entirely in situ, and in which coagulopathy was reported. Results: After screening and selection of full‐text articles, 10 studies were included in the review. A review of our databases yielded a case series of PAS managed conservatively with the placenta kept in situ. When adding our case series to the results of our systematic review, a total of 87 cases were found to have been managed conservatively, with 28 cases of coagulopathy. Of these, the time at which coagulopathy developed was known in 11 cases. The median time at development of coagulopathy was 58 (interquartile range, 50–67) days postpartum. Conclusions: Our findings highlight that conservative management of PAS with the placenta in situ poses a risk of coagulopathy. Keeping the placenta in situ after delivery prolongs the risk factors that are integral to PAS. The pathophysiology behind coagulopathy is comparable with that of concealed placental abruption, due to the disrupted uteroplacental interface and the collection of blood in the placenta. Therefore, the presence of large placental lakes could be an indicator of developing coagulopathy. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to providing critical knowledge of the accurate mass of ions, ion mobility‐mass spectrometry (IM‐MS) delivers complementary data relating to the conformation and size of ions in the form of an ion mobility spectrum and derived parameters, namely, the ion's mobility (K) and the IM‐derived collision cross section (CCS). However, the maximum amount of information obtained in IM‐MS measurements is not currently transferred into analytical databases including the full mobility spectra (CCS distributions) as well as capturing of additional ion species (e.g., adducts) into the same compound entry. We introduce CCSfind, a new tool for building comprehensive databases from experimental IM‐MS measurements of small molecules. CCSfind allows predicted ion species to be chosen for input chemical formulae, which are then targeted by CCSfind after parsing open source mzML input files to provide a unified set of results within a single data processing step. CCSfind can handle both chromatographically separated isomers and IM separation of isomeric ions (e.g., "protomers" or conformers of the same ion species) with simple user control over the output for new database entries in SQL format. Files of up to 1 GB can be processed in less than 2 min on a desktop computer with 32 GB RAM with computational time scaling linearly with the size of the input mzML file or the number of input molecular formulae. Results are manually reviewed, annotated with experimental settings, before committing the database where the full dataset can be retrieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between Porphyromonas gingivalis infection and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been established by numerous epidemiological studies. However, the underlying mechanism specific to this connection remains unclear. By bioinformatical analysis, we identified ZFP36 as a potentially significant co‐expressed gene in both the OSCC gene database and the persistent infection model of P. gingivalis. To further investigate the role of ZFP36, we established a cell model that human immortalized oral epithelial cells (HIOECs) that were sustainedly infected by P. gingivalis (MOI = 1) for a duration of 30 weeks. Our findings indicated that sustained infection with P. gingivalis inhibited the expression of ZFP36 protein and induced changes in the biological behaviour of HIOECs. The mechanism investigation demonstrated the potential role of ZFP36 in regulating the cancer‐related biological behaviour of HIOECs. Subsequent studies revealed that highly expressed CCAT1 could serve as a molecular scaffold in the formation of the ZFP36/CCAT1/MK2 complex. This complex formation enhanced the binding abundance of MK2 and ZFP36, thereby promoting the inhibition of ZFP36 protein phosphorylation. To summarize, low expression of ZFP36 protein under persistent P. gingivalis infection enhances the cancer‐related biological behaviour of HIOECs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirst is a complex physiological compensatory mechanism but could also be associated with drugs. This association was poorly investigated previously. Using the WHO global pharmacovigilance database, Vigibase®, disproportionality analyses potential associations between exposure to drugs and thirst reports were performed. All reports of thirst in adults between 01/01/2000 and 31/12/2023 were included. Results are expressed as reporting odds ratio (ROR). Analysis of the 3186 reports of thirst (978 'serious') allowed, first, to confirm the association between thirst and exposure to vasopressin antagonists (tolvaptan), lithium, gliflozins (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin), pregabalin and antimuscarinic drugs (glycopyronium, oxybutynin, tiotropium). Second, new safety signals were described with monoamine reuptake inhibitors (antidepressants: duloxetine, venlafaxine; anti‐obesity agent: sibutramine), antipsychotic (olanzapine), glucocorticoid (prednisolone), diuretic (furosemide) drugs as well with ribavirin or sodium oxybate. This study is the first to offer a list of drugs associated with thirst in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Existing data on the impact of Hispanic ethnicity on outcomes for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is mixed. The authors investigated outcomes of Hispanic and non‐Hispanic White (NHW) patients with advanced RCC receiving systemic therapy at large academic cancer centers using the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database (IMDC). Methods: Eligible patients included non‐Black Hispanic and NHW patients with locally advanced or metastatic RCC initiating systemic therapy. Overall survival (OS) and time to first‐line treatment failure (TTF) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The effect of ethnicity on OS and TTF were estimated by Cox regression hazard ratios (HRs). Results: A total of 1563 patients (181 Hispanic and 1382 NHW) (mostly males [73.8%] with clear cell RCC [81.5%] treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor [TKI] monotherapy [69.9%]) were included. IMDC risk groups were similar between groups. Hispanic patients were younger at initial diagnosis (median 57 vs. 59 years, p =.015) and less likely to have greater than one metastatic site (60.8% vs. 76.8%, p <.001) or bone metastases (23.8% vs. 33.4%, p =.009). Median OS and TTF was 38.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 28.1–59.2) versus 35.7 months (95% CI, 31.9–39.2) and 7.8 months (95% CI, 6.2–9.0) versus 7.5 months (95% CI, 6.9–8.1), respectively, in Hispanic versus NHW patients. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, no statistically significant differences were observed in OS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.07; 95% CI, 0.86–1.31, p =.56) or TTF (adjusted HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.89–1.26, p =.50). Conclusions: The authors did not observe statistically significant differences in OS or TTF between Hispanic and NHW patients with advanced RCC. Receiving treatment at tertiary cancer centers may mitigate observed disparities in cancer outcomes. The authors demonstrate that there were no statistically significant differences in overall survival or time to first‐line treatment failure between non‐Black Hispanic and non‐Hispanic White patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated at these large academic cancer centers. Our findings suggest that receiving treatment at a tertiary cancer center may mitigate previously observed disparities in cancer outcomes for non‐Black Hispanic patients with advanced RCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Emerging evidence points to a two‐way relationship between periodontitis and dietary choices and, thus, nutrition. This study aimed to assess the potential cause–effect relationship between the periodontitis stage, loss of functional tooth units (FTUs), masticatory function, and intake of different food groups using path analysis. Materials and Methods: A single calibrated examiner determined the periodontitis stage of a consecutive sample of 241 Chinese subjects reporting for tooth replacement. Their masticatory function was quantified by the mixing ability of a two‐colour chewing gum. Validated food frequency questionnaires were used to calculate the intake of 33 food group items by an experienced calibrated rater. After verification of assumptions, visual structural equation modeling was performed with Amos 23. The consistency of results and the potential modifying effect of age were assessed in 9043 subjects from the NHANES database. Results: Highly significant models were constructed using periodontitis stage and age as exogenous factors. Periodontitis stage diagnosis significantly affected the number of posterior FTUs and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL, path coefficient [PC] = –0.55 and −0.20, p <.05, respectively). In the model, FTUs also had an independent effect on OHRQoL (PC = 0.23, p <.05). FTUs determined the level of masticatory function (PC = –0.38, p <.05), which in turn affected vegetable intake but not fruit or meat intake (PC = –0.18, p <.0.5, PC = 0.06, NS and PC = 0.11, NS, respectively). The effect of age was significant for vegetable and meat intake and was also correlated with periodontitis stage diagnosis. Analysis of the NHANES database confirmed the negative impact of periodontitis on the number of occluding pairs and vegetable consumption for the 18–44, 45–60 and >60 age groups. Conclusions: Periodontitis showed a potential cause–effect pathway affecting vegetable intake across cultures and age groups. The size of the effect is potentially of clinical and public health significance. Additional studies, including intervention trials, are required to test this potential mechanism linking oral health to nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children awaiting heart transplant (Tx) have a high risk of death due to donor organ scarcity. Historically, ventricular assist devices (VADs) reduced waitlist mortality, prompting increased VAD use. We sought to determine whether the VAD survival benefit persists in the current era. Methods: Using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we identified patients listed for Tx between 3/22/2016 and 9/1/2020. We compared characteristics of VAD and non‐VAD groups at Tx listing. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify risk factors for 1‐year waitlist mortality. Results: Among 5054 patients, 764 (15%) had a VAD at Tx listing. The VAD group was older with more mechanical ventilation and renal impairment. Unadjusted waitlist mortality was similar between groups; the curves crossed ~90 days after listing (p =.55). In multivariable analysis, infant age (HR 2.77, 95%CI 2.13–3.60), Black race (HR 1.57, 95%CI 1.31–1.88), congenital heart disease (HR 1.23, 95%CI 1.04–1.46), renal impairment (HR 2.67, 95%CI 2.19–3.26), inotropes (HR 1.28, 95%CI 1.09–1.52), and mechanical ventilation (HR 2.23, 95%CI 1.84–2.70) were associated with 1‐year waitlist mortality. VADs were not associated with mortality in the first 90 waitlist days but were protective for those waiting ≥90 days (HR 0.43, 95%CI 0.26–0.71). Conclusions: In the current era, VADs reduce waitlist mortality, but only for those waitlisted ≥90 days. The differential effect by race, size, and VAD type is less clear. These findings suggest that Tx listing without VAD may be reasonable if a short waitlist time is anticipated, but VADs may benefit those expected to wait >90 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a shortage of donor hearts in Switzerland, especially for pediatric recipients. However, the rate and reason for refusals of pediatric donor hearts offered in Switzerland has not been systematically analyzed. Methods: The national transplant database, Swiss Organ Allocation System, was searched for all hearts from Swiss and foreign donors younger than 16 years from 2015 to 2020. The numbers of accepted and refused hearts and early outcome were assessed, and the reasons for refusal were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 136 organs were offered to the three Swiss pediatric heart centers and foreign donor procurement organizations. Of these, 26/136 (19%) organs were accepted and transplanted: 18 hearts were transplanted in Switzerland, and 13 of these were foreign. Reasons for refusal were (1) no compatible recipient due to blood group or weight mismatch, 89.4%; (2) medical, meaning organ too marginal for transplantation, 7.4%; (3) logistic, 1.4%; and (4) other, 1.8%. Five organs were refused in Switzerland by one center but later accepted and successfully transplanted by another center. Hearts from outside Switzerland were transplanted significantly less than Swiss hearts (n = 16/120 vs. 10/16, p <.001). Conclusion: The most common reason for refusing a pediatric donor heart is lack of compatibility with the recipient. Few hearts are refused for medical reasons. A more generous acceptance seems to be justified in selected patients. Switzerland receives a high number of foreign offers, but their rate of acceptance is lower than that of Swiss donations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on our primary database of the flower opening time (FOT) and flower exposure duration (FED) of 1114 rice (Oryza sativa ssp. indica) landraces, we examined the influences of growing season, sunrise time as well as day maximum and minimum temperatures on the anthesis behaviour of indica rice landraces of South and Southeast Asia, flowering in summer and winter in 3 consecutive years (2020–2022). We also compared the FOT and FED on sunny and cloudy days of a small set of landraces, and also during summer and winter. Our data show that rice florets tend to open later in the morning and lengthen the sunrise‐to‐anthesis duration (SAD) on hotter sunny days during tropical summer than during winter and on cloudy days. These findings contradict the widely held conjecture, based on studies conducted at colder latitudes, that rice flowers open earlier in the morning to avoid heat stress. We propose that indica rice landraces are sufficiently adapted to tropical summer because they were selected and bred over millennia to withstand heat stress during tropical summer, so their FOT and SAD are weakly influenced by high day temperatures. However, the significant reduction in FED of these landraces, whose flowers open later in mid‐day, seems to be an adaptive mechanism to avoid longer exposure to rising air temperature approaching day maximum temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To use machine learning to optimize the detection of obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) Chat Generative Pre‐trained Transformer (ChatGPT) ‐written abstracts of all OBGYN journals. Methods: We used Web of Science to identify all original articles published in all OBGYN journals in 2022. Seventy‐five original articles were randomly selected. For each, we prompted ChatGPT to write an abstract based on the title and results of the original abstracts. Each abstract was tested by Grammarly software and reports were inserted into a database. Machine‐learning modes were trained and examined on the database created. Results: Overall, 75 abstracts from 12 different OBGYN journals were randomly selected. There were seven (58%) Q1 journals, one (8%) Q2 journal, two (17%) Q3 journals, and two (17%) Q4 journals. Use of mixed dialects of English, absence of comma‐misuse, absence of incorrect verb forms, and improper formatting were important prediction variables of ChatGPT‐written abstracts. The deep‐learning model had the highest predictive performance of all examined models. This model achieved the following performance: accuracy 0.90, precision 0.92, recall 0.85, area under the curve 0.95. Conclusions: Machine‐learning‐based tools reach high accuracy in identifying ChatGPT‐written OBGYN abstracts. Synopsis: Machine‐learning‐based tools reach high accuracy in identifying ChatGPT‐written obstetrics and gynecology abstracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of study was to construct a nomogram to effectively predict the overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) for patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). Methods: The training cohort consisted of 5405 patients with VSCC, extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2015. Eighty‐four patients with VSCC were selected from the disease database of the Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from 2014 to 2020, and enrolled as the external validation cohort. Significant independent prognostic factors were identified using Cox regression analysis and used to develop nomograms to predict 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year OS and CSS in patients with VSCC. Results: The nomogram predicting OS was developed based on tumor size, histological grade, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, regional lymph node involvement, distant metastases, surgery, chemotherapy, age, and race. The nomogram for CSS was constructed using the similar factors, excluding race but including marital status. The nomogram for 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year OS demonstrated robust performance with receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) exceeding 80% (0.86, 0.84, and 0.82), outperforming the FIGO staging alone (0.77, 0.75, and 0.72). Similarly, for CSS, our nomograms achieved larger AUCs of 0.89, 0.88, and 0.86 compared with FIGO staging alone (0.81, 0.79, and 0.78). Conclusion: The nomograms more accurately predict prognosis than simple FIGO staging. Moreover, the nomograms developed in this study provide a convenient, operable, and reliable tool for individual assessment and clinical decision‐making for patients with VSCC. Synopsis: The VSCC nomograms established in this study showed a good prognostic prediction effect and could be used as a supplement to FIGO staging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long‐distance seed dispersal is a crucial process determining the distribution of plant biodiversity and, therefore, of major interest in biogeography and macroecology. A recent data article on Global Ecology and Biogeography presented a database of estimated seed‐dispersal distance classes for the European flora, where the classes are defined by the morphological dispersal syndrome of species associated with a single dispersal mode. We explain how this article overlooks literature on the unreliable capacity of dispersal syndromes for predicting key dispersal modes involved in long‐distance seed dispersal. Consequently, the published database does not consider the possibility that individual species can naturally be dispersed through multiple modes (polychory). Most importantly, the database consistently omits seed‐dispersal modes that can mediate dispersal distances several orders of magnitude longer than the mode predicted by the syndromes. This is the case of many terrestrial and aquatic plants dispersed by animals, notably ungulates and waterbirds, and that of coastal plants dispersed by the sea. We thus urge caution when using this database to model potential plant dispersal because long‐distance seed dispersal is underestimated in many species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying predictive factors for an outcome of interest via a multivariable analysis is often difficult when the data set is small. Combining data from different medical centers into a single (larger) database would alleviate this problem, but is in practice challenging due to regulatory and logistic problems. Federated learning (FL) is a machine learning approach that aims to construct from local inferences in separate data centers what would have been inferred had the data sets been merged. It seeks to harvest the statistical power of larger data sets without actually creating them. The FL strategy is not always efficient and precise. Therefore, in this paper we refine and implement an alternative Bayesian federated inference (BFI) framework for multicenter data with the same aim as FL. The BFI framework is designed to cope with small data sets by inferring locally not only the optimal parameter values, but also additional features of the posterior parameter distribution, capturing information beyond what is used in FL. BFI has the additional benefit that a single inference cycle across the centers is sufficient, whereas FL needs multiple cycles. We quantify the performance of the proposed methodology on simulated and real life data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper details the creation of a tropical cyclone (TC) size dataset using the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis I dataset for landfalling TCs along the United States coastline from 1948 to 2022. The radius of the outermost closed isobar (ROCI) is used as the size parameter. The dataset comprises landfall ROCI for 220 TCs. Storms are split into three zones (Texas–Alabama, Florida and Georgia–Maine) to determine if TC size varies geographically. Results showed a significant difference in landfall size, with Florida storms larger on average than the Texas–Alabama storms. Additionally, TC size increased with increasing intensity from tropical storm to Category 3, and storms tended to be larger later in the hurricane season, but there was no significant trend in landfall size over the 75‐year period. ROCI exhibited statistically significant positive correlations with longitude and wind speed and a negative correlation with the outermost closed isobar's pressure. The dataset's creation is an example of how reanalysis datasets can be used to develop a TC size climatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro‐Doppler effect is a vital feature of a target that reflects its oscillatory motions apart from bulk motion and provides an important evidence for target recognition with radars. However, establishing the micro‐Doppler database poses a great challenge, since plenty of experiments are required to get the micro‐Doppler signatures of different targets for the purpose of analyses and interpretations with radars, which are dramatically limited by high cost and time‐consuming. Aiming to overcome these limits, a low‐cost and powerful simulation platform of the micro‐Doppler effects is proposed based on time‐domain digital coding metasurface (TDCM). Owing to the outstanding capabilities of TDCM in generating and manipulating nonlinear harmonics during wave‐matter interactions, it enables to supply rich and high‐precision electromagnetic signals with multiple micro‐Doppler frequencies to describe the micro‐motions of different objects, which are especially favored for the training of artificial intelligence algorithms in automatic target recognition and benefit a host of applications like imaging and biosensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The surgical outcomes for younger patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features long‐term survival outcomes in younger individuals with NSCLC following surgery. Methods: We queried the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2010 to 2017, selecting all pathologically confirmed NSCLC cases that underwent cancer‐directed surgery. Younger patients were defined as those aged 18–50 years, while older patients were 51–80 years. Propensity score matching (PSM) was implemented to mitigate selection bias. Overall survival (OS) and lung cancer‐specific survival (LCSS) were compared using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Among the 33 586 treated surgically patients, 2223 (6.6%) were young. Compared to the older group, younger patients had a higher frequency of female gender, non‐white ethnicity, carcinoid tumors, stage IV disease, pneumonectomy, and postoperative adjuvant therapies. The 5‐year OS rates were significantly higher for younger patients (79.3% vs. 62.0%; p < 0.001), as were the 5‐year LCSS rates (82.4% vs. 71.8%; p < 0.001). Post‐PSM, younger patients consistently demonstrated significantly better OS and LCSS. Further stage‐specific analysis revealed significantly improved 5‐year OS rates at each stage and superior 5‐year LCSS for stages I–II among younger patients. However, there was no statistically significant difference in LCSS for stages III–IV. Conclusions: Overall, younger patients with NSCLC treated surgically exhibit superior OS and LCSS compared to their older counterparts, although no statistically significant difference in LCSS for stages III–IV was observed between the two age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the bypassing of ammonia in the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles. Diboradiazen compounds, derived from boron-mediated activation of dinitrogen (N2), were used. New heterocyclic compounds, which are BN-isosteres of thiophene and 1,3-oxazole, were formed through reactions with sulfur and acetic anhydride. Two new heterocyclic compounds, 1-Dur and 1-Mes, were synthesized and complete the synthesis routes. The structures of the compounds exhibit certain features of aromaticity. The study emphasizes the potential benefits of main group element-mediated N2 reductions. The project was funded by various organizations and there are no conflicts of interest. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: Global assessments of mycorrhizal symbiosis present large sampling gaps in rich biodiversity regions. Filling these gaps is necessary to build large‐scale, unbiased mycorrhizal databases to obtain reliable analyses and prevent misleading generalizations. Underrepresented regions in mycorrhizal research are mainly in Africa, Asia, and South America. Despite the high biodiversity and endemism in these regions, many groups of organisms remain understudied, especially mycorrhizal fungi. In this Viewpoint, we emphasize the importance of inclusive and collaborative continental efforts in integrating perspectives for comprehensive trait database development and propose a conceptual framework that can help build large mycorrhizal databases in underrepresented regions. Based on the four Vs of big data (volume, variety, veracity, and velocity), we identify the main challenges of constructing a large mycorrhizal dataset and propose solutions for each challenge. We share our collaborative methodology, which involves employing open calls and working groups to engage all mycorrhizal researchers in the region to build a South American Mycorrhizal Database. By fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and embracing a continental‐scale approach, we can create robust mycorrhizal trait databases that provide valuable insights into the evolution, ecology, and functioning of mycorrhizal associations, reducing the geographical biases that are so common in large‐scale ecological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Research on mycorrhizal symbiosis has been slowed by a lack of established study systems. To address this challenge, we have been developing Suillus, a widespread ecologically and economically relevant fungal genus primarily associated with the plant family Pinaceae, into a model system for studying ectomycorrhizal (ECM) associations. Over the last decade, we have compiled extensive genomic resources, culture libraries, a phenotype database, and protocols for manipulating Suillus fungi with and without their tree partners. Our efforts have already resulted in a large number of publicly available genomes, transcriptomes, and respective annotations, as well as advances in our understanding of mycorrhizal partner specificity and host communication, fungal and plant nutrition, environmental adaptation, soil nutrient cycling, interspecific competition, and biological invasions. Here, we highlight the most significant recent findings enabled by Suillus, present a suite of protocols for working with the genus, and discuss how Suillus is emerging as an important model to elucidate the ecology and evolution of ECM interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benefited from the lower dimensionality compared to their 3D counterpart, 2D flat‐band systems provide cleaner lattice models, easier experimental verification, and higher tunability, which make the 2D van der Waals (vdW) system an ideal playground for exploring flat‐band physics as well as their potential applications. Given the vast amount of research in the field of flat bands, a simple and efficient approach to search for realistic vdW materials with flat bands is still missing. Here, a two‐tier framework to filter and diagnose high‐quality flat‐band vdW materials by combining high‐throughput first‐principles calculations and the proposed 2D flat‐band score criterion is presented. Based on systematic geometrical analysis, 861 potential monolayer vdW materials are initially obtained amounting to 187,093 structures as stored in the Inorganic Crystal Structure Database. By applying the 2D flat‐band score criterion, 229 flat‐band candidates are efficiently identified, among which a sub‐catalog of 74 materials with flat bands right next to the Fermi level is further provided to facilitate experimental verification. All these efforts to screen experimentally available flat‐band candidates will certainly motivate continuing exploration toward the realization of this class of special materials and their applications in material science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, bacteria of the genus Massilia have been identified as promising sources of bioactive natural products. In this study, we used mass spectrometry (MS)‐based molecular networking for the first comprehensive analysis of the secondary metabolome of these microorganisms. Annotation of the detected metabolite clusters with a mass fragmentation database revealed several compounds not previously known to be produced by Massilia species. To secure sufficient material for further structural analyses as well as biological testing, we selected the most promising producer strains from our molecular networking analysis and subjected them to larger‐scale cultivation. Following extraction and UV‐directed isolation, we obtained five metabolites in milligram quantities. In addition to a cyclic dipeptide, we elucidated the structures of four acyl amino acids that are related to thalassotalic acid C from the marine bacterium Thalassotalea sp. The Massilia‐derived kyonggic acids were found to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin biosynthesis influencing skin and hair pigmentation. This study illustrates the value of combining spectroscopic and computational tools in natural product discovery in order to detect and guide the isolation of previously overlooked bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objective: To determine whether there is a signal for gastrointestinal (GI) or intracranial (IC) hemorrhage associated with the use of antiviral medications for influenza in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Design: Disproportionality analysis. Data Source: The FAERS database was searched using OpenVigil 2.1 to identify GI and IC hemorrhage events reported between 2004 and 2022. Measurements: Antiviral medications for influenza included the following: oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir marboxil. Hemorrhage events were identified using Standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) Queries for GI and IC hemorrhages. Reporting odds ratios (RORs) were calculated to compare the occurrence of GI and IC hemorrhage events between antiviral drugs for influenza and (i) all other medications and (ii) antibiotics. RORs were also calculated for each of the individual antiviral medications. Main Results: A total of 245 cases of GI hemorrhage and 23 cases of IC hemorrhage were identified in association with four antivirals. In comparison with all other drugs, the RORs of GI hemorrhage for oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, baloxavir, and all antivirals combined were 1.17, 0.62, 4.44, 2.53, and 1.22, respectively, indicating potential variations in GI hemorrhage risk among the antivirals. In contrast, in comparison with all other drugs, the RORs of IC hemorrhage for oseltamivir (0.44), zanamivir (0.16), baloxavir (0.44), and all antivirals combined (0.41) were less than 1.0 which is consistent with no elevated risk of IC hemorrhage. Conclusion: In this study, some signals for GI hemorrhage were observed, particularly for peramivir and baloxavir marboxil. Further investigation is warranted to better understand and evaluate the potential risks of GI hemorrhage associated with antiviral treatments for influenza. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To identify adverse pathological features (APF) predicting nodal failure in clinically node negative T1 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methodology: This study evaluated patients with T1N0 (≤5 mm depth of invasion (DOI) and ≤2 cm diameter) oral cancers from a prospectively maintained database between 1988 and 2020. All patients underwent surgical excision of the primary lesion without neck dissection. Patients underwent three monthly clinical surveillance and salvage neck dissection was performed if nodal relapse was diagnosed. Results: Overall, 141 patients were included. Nodal relapse was reported in 16/141 (11.3%) patients. Factors impacting regional recurrence‐free survival were DOI ≥3 mm (HR: 2.4, P < 0.001), maximum tumour diameter ≥12 mm (HR: 1.1, P = 0.009), perineural invasion (PNI) (HR 7.5, P = 0.002) and poor differentiation (HR 5.3, P = 0.01). Rates of nodal relapse increased from 2% amongst patients with no APFs to 100% for those with four APFs. Patients with two or more APFs had significantly poorer 5‐year regional recurrence‐free survival (94.8% vs. 56.3%, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with T1N0 OSCC with two or more APFs (DOI ≥3 mm, diameter ≥12 mm, PNI or poor differentiations) should be considered for elective neck dissection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Electroencephalography (EEG), a widely used noninvasive neurophysiological diagnostic tool, has experienced substantial advancements from 2004 to 2022, particularly in neonatal applications. Utilizing a bibliometric methodology, this study delineates the knowledge structure and identifies emergent trends within neonatal EEG research. Methods: An exhaustive literature search was conducted on the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database to identify publications related to neonatal EEG from 2004 to 2022. Analytical tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix" were employed to facilitate this investigation. Results: The search yielded 2501 articles originating from 79 countries, with the United States and England being the predominant contributors. A yearly upward trend in publications concerning neonatal EEG was observed. Notable research institutions leading this field include the University of Helsinki, University College London, and University College Cork. Clinical Neurophysiology is identified as the foremost journal in this realm, with Pediatrics as the most frequently co‐cited journal. The collective body of work from 9977 authors highlights Sampsa Vanhatalo as the most prolific contributor, while Mark Steven Scher is recognized as the most frequently co‐cited author. Key terms such as "seizures," "epilepsy," "hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy," "amplitude‐integrated EEG," and "brain injury" represent the focal research themes. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis offers the first comprehensive review, encapsulating research trends and progress in neonatal EEG. It reveals current research frontiers and crucial directions, providing an essential resource for researchers engaged in neonatal neuroscience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Independent origins of similar phenotypes are ubiquitous to the evolutionary process and evoke strong and recurrent environmental associations. Snakelike lizards evolved multiple times and are often portrayed as limb‐reduced and body‐elongated outcomes from shared selection associated with fossoriality.However, a refined evaluation including specific head traits and subtle differences in subterranean microhabitats unveils some degree of uniqueness even among lineages traditionally interpreted as phenotypically similar. Here, we address regimes of selection in fossorial lizards accounting for differences in the burrowing substrate and emphasizing head shape in addition to body and limbs.We assembled an ecomorphological database comprising 213 species from all major lizard clades, and then characterized contemporary morphological diversity and modelled phenotypic evolution to test the hypothesis that fossoriality encompasses at least two distinct selection regimes.We identified two ecomorphological groups within the fossorial lizards: moist‐soil fossorial and dry‐soil fossorial. Both groups evolved towards distinct adaptive optima concerning head shape and limb size. Despite some degree of uniqueness, these groups also share similar patterns in specific traits. Dry‐soil fossorial lizards present less morphological variation than moist‐soil fossorial, possibly due to the combination of distinct sets of selective pressures with shared ancestry.Our study provides evidence that an often‐interpreted general adaptive regime (e.g. fossoriality) may in fact comprise enough ecological and functional diversity to elicit several distinct ecomorphological associations despite overall convergence among phenotypic traits. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical defence investment in seeds varies greatly among plant species and is associated with many potential factors. Exploring the factors explaining the interspecific variation in physical defence has long attracted particular attention in both ecology and evolution studies. However, the relative importance of the factors has not yet been quantitatively evaluated, which may lead to the misunderstanding of the main driver generating such interspecific variation.Here, by compiling a global database of the seed coat ratio (SCR), a proxy of seed physical defence, for 1362 species, we provided the first quantification of the relative explanations of six factors that have been commonly considered to be associated with the interspecific variation in SCR: seed mass, seed desiccation response (desiccation‐sensitive vs. desiccation‐tolerant), seed dormancy (nondormant, physical dormant or other dormant types), growth form (herbaceous vs. woody), fruit type (dry vs. fleshy) and climate (19 bioclimatic variables representing temperature and precipitation). Using partial R2 calculation that can estimate the reduction in explained variance of a given factor after removing it from a full model containing all the other factors, we disentangled the relative contribution of each factor to explain variation in the SCR.Seed desiccation response was the most important factor associating with SCR variation, followed by seed dormancy, with a partial R2lik value of 9.70% and 1.41%, respectively. Plant growth form, seed mass, climate and fruit type showed little power to explain SCR variation, although they are often cited in the literature as potential factors.Our results highlight the important roles of seed desiccation response in shaping interspecific variation in the SCR. These findings provide a detailed interpretation of ecological patterns underlying the physical defence mechanisms and allocation strategies of plant seeds. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study was to estimate adherence to urate‐lowering therapy (ULT), predominately allopurinol, from Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) claims database in association with (1) patient‐reported doses and (2) World Health Organization's (WHO) defined daily doses (DDD), namely, allopurinol (400 mg/day) or febuxostat (80 mg/day). Methods: Proportion of days covered (PDC) was calculated in 108 Gout App (Gout APP) trial participants with at least two recorded ULT dispensings in an approximately 12‐month period before provision of intervention or control apps. Adherence was defined as PDC ≥80%. We measured the correlation between the two methods of calculating PDC using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Agreement between ULT‐taking status (self‐reports) and ULT‐dispensed status (PBS records) was tested with Cohen's kappa (κ), and positive and negative percent agreement. Results: Allopurinol was prescribed in 93.5% of participants taking ULT. Their self‐reported mean daily dose (SD) was 291 (167) mg/day. Mean PDC (SD) for allopurinol was 83% (21%) calculated using self‐reported dose, and 63% (24%) using WHO's DDD. Sixty‐three percent of allopurinol users were identified as adherent (PDC ≥80%) using self‐reported dose. There was good agreement between self‐reported ULT use and PBS dispensing claims (κ = 0.708, P <.001; positive percent agreement = 90%, negative percent agreement = 82%). Conclusions: Participant‐reported allopurinol daily doses, in addition to PBS dispensing claims, may enhance confidence in estimating PDC and adherence compared to using DDD. This approach improves adherence estimations from pharmaceutical claims datasets for medications where daily doses vary between individuals or where there is a wide therapeutic dose range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient and robust analytical methods are needed to improve the identification and subsequent regulation of new psychoactive substances (NPS). NMR spectroscopy is a unique method able to determine the structure of small molecules such as NPS even in mixtures. However, high‐field NMR analysis is associated with expensive purchase and maintenance costs. For more than a decade, compact NMR spectrometers have changed this paradigm. It was recently shown that a dedicated analytical workflow combining compact NMR and databases could identify the molecular structure of NPS, in spite of the lower spectral dispersion and sensitivity of compact spectrometers. This approach relies on 1H‐13C HSQC to both recognize NPS and elucidate the structure of unknown substances. Still, its performance is limited by the need to compromise between resolution and experiment time. Here, we show that this strategy can be significantly improved by implementing non‐uniform sampling (NUS) to improve spectral resolution in the 13C dimension of HSQC at no cost in terms of experiment time. Gains in the range of 3 to 4 in resolution are achieved for pure NPS and for a mixture. Finally, 2D HSQC with NUS was applied to improve the identification of NPS with the assistance of databases. The resulting method appears as a useful tool for the characterization of NPS in mixtures, which is essential for forensic laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metalloproteins are ubiquitous in all living organisms and take part in a very wide range of biological processes. For this reason, their experimental characterization is crucial to obtain improved knowledge of their structure and biological functions. The three‐dimensional structure represents highly relevant information since it provides insight into the interaction between the metal ion(s) and the protein fold. Such interactions determine the chemical reactivity of the bound metal. The available PDB structures can contain errors due to experimental factors such as poor resolution and radiation damage. A lack of use of distance restraints during the refinement and validation process also impacts the structure quality. Here, the aim was to obtain a thorough overview of the distribution of the distances between metal ions and their donor atoms through the statistical analysis of a data set based on more than 115 000 metal‐binding sites in proteins. This analysis not only produced reference data that can be used by experimentalists to support the structure‐determination process, for example as refinement restraints, but also resulted in an improved insight into how protein coordination occurs for different metals and the nature of their binding interactions. In particular, the features of carboxylate coordination were inspected, which is the only type of interaction that is commonly present for nearly all metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The endoscopic pressure study integrated system (EPSIS) is a novel diagnostic tool used to evaluate lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function. EPSIS allows the measurement of intragastric pressure (IGP) during gastric insufflation through esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and records its pressure waveform. This study aimed to assess the usefulness and applicability of EPSIS as an adjunct diagnostic modality for achalasia. Methods: This case–control study was conducted using a database of patients who underwent EGD, barium swallow (BS), high‐resolution manometry (HRM), and EPSIS between January 2022 and December 2022. The achalasia (experimental) group (n = 35) consisted of patients with a definitive diagnosis of achalasia. The control group (n = 34) consisted of patients with no abnormalities in EGD, BS, or HRM and no abnormal acid reflux confirmed with 24‐h pH‐impedance monitoring. EPSIS findings were compared between the two groups and characterized by the waveform pattern (uphill or flat), maximum IGP (IGP‐Max), pressure difference, and the gradient of the waveform. Results: All patients in the achalasia group showed an uphill pattern, in contrast to 21 patients (61.8%) in the control group. IGP‐Max demonstrated the best diagnostic accuracy for achalasia, with a cut‐off value of 15.8 mmHg (100% sensitivity, 58.8% specificity, and area under the curve [AUC] 0.78). The pressure gradient also demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy, with a cut‐off value of 0.40 mmHg/s (80% sensitivity, 61.8% specificity, and AUC 0.76). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that EPSIS can be applied as a diagnostic modality in patients with achalasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Molecular subtyping of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is critical in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with advanced disease. This study aimed to examine whether samples from endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) of intrathoracic lymph nodes and/or lung lesions are adequate for molecular analysis across various institutions. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all cases of linear EBUS‐TBNA with a final bronchoscopic diagnosis of NSCLC entered in the Stather Canadian Outcomes registry for chest ProcEdures database. The primary outcome was specimen inadequacy rate for each molecular target, as defined by the local laboratory or pathologist. Results: A total of 866 EBUS‐TBNA procedures for NSCLC were identified. Specimen inadequacy rates were 3.8% for EGFR, 2.5% for ALK‐1 and 3.5% for PD‐L1. Largest target size was not different between adequate and inadequate specimens, and rapid onsite evaluation did not increase specimen adequacy rates. One centre using next‐generation sequencing for EGFR had lower adequacy rates than 2 others using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrophotometry. Conclusion: EBUS‐TBNA specimens have a very low‐specimen inadequacy rate for molecular subtyping of non‐small cell lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Information on lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) in the 21st century is scarce. We aimed to elucidate the incidence of LM and LMM using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 17 Registries. Methods: The data of patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2019 were extracted from the SEER database. The percentage of LM/LMM cases among all melanoma patients, age‐standardized incidence rates, estimated annual percentage changes, and the cumulative incidence of LMM after LM were calculated. Results: The SEER data yielded 95,175 patients with LM/LMM between 2000 and 2019. Cases of LM/LMM accounted for 15.7% of all melanomas. The age‐standardized incidence per 100,000 person‐years for LM increased from 4.16 to 5.61 and for LMM from 1.33 to 2.35 between 2000 and 2019. The annual increase in incidence of LM was 2.42%, and that of LMM was 3.32%. The cumulative incidence of LMM after a primary LM after 10‐year follow‐up was 0.94%. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the epidemiological status of LM/LMM in the United States in the 21st century using the population‐based SEER data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human shape spaces have been extensively studied, as they are a core element of human shape and pose inference tasks. Classic methods for creating a human shape model register a surface template mesh to a database of 3D scans and use dimensionality reduction techniques, such as Principal Component Analysis, to learn a compact representation. While these shape models enable global shape modifications by correlating anthropometric measurements with the learned subspace, they only provide limited localized shape control. We instead register a volumetric anatomical template, consisting of skeleton bones and soft tissue, to the surface scans of the CAESAR database. We further enlarge our training data to the full Cartesian product of all skeletons and all soft tissues using physically plausible volumetric deformation transfer. This data is then used to learn an anatomically constrained volumetric human shape model in a self‐supervised fashion. The resulting TailorMe model enables shape sampling, localized shape manipulation, and fast inference from given surface scans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The light field in an underwater environment is characterized by complex multiple scattering interactions and wavelength‐dependent attenuation, requiring significant computational resources for the simulation of underwater scenes. We present a novel approach that makes it possible to simulate multi‐spectral underwater scenes, in a physically‐based manner, in real time. Our key observation is the following: In the vertical direction, the steady decay in irradiance as a function of depth is characterized by the diffuse downwelling attenuation coefficient, which oceanographers routinely measure for different types of waters. We rely on a database of such real‐world measurements to obtain an analytical approximation to the Radiative Transfer Equation, allowing for real‐time spectral rendering with results comparable to Monte Carlo ground‐truth references, in a fraction of the time. We show results simulating underwater appearance for the different optical water types, including volumetric shadows and dynamic, spatially varying lighting near the water surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic criteria, ancillary investigations and treatment response using real‐life data in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) patients. Methods: Clinical and laboratory data were collected from 110 patients enrolled in the Italian MMN database through a structured questionnaire. Twenty‐six patients were excluded due to the unavailability of nerve conduction studies or the presence of clinical signs and symptoms and electrodiagnostic abnormalities inconsistent with the MMN diagnosis. Analyses were conducted on 73 patients with a confirmed MMN diagnosis and 11 patients who did not meet the diagnostic criteria. Results: The European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society (EFNS/PNS) diagnostic criteria were variably applied. AUTHOR:When applying the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine criteria, an additional 17% of patients fulfilled the criteria for probable/definite diagnosis whilst a further 9.5% missed the diagnosis. In 17% of the patients only compound muscle action potential amplitude, but not area, was measured and subsequently recorded in the database by the treating physician. Additional investigations, including anti‐GM1 immunoglobulin M antibodies, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, nerve ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, supported the diagnosis in 46%–83% of the patients. Anti‐GM1 immunoglobulin M antibodies and nerve ultrasound demonstrated the highest sensitivity. Additional tests were frequently performed outside the EFNS/PNS guideline recommendations. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the real‐world diagnostic and management strategies for MMN, highlighting the challenges in applying diagnostic criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is a dysbiosis‐driven inflammatory disease affecting the tooth‐supporting tissues, characterized by their progressive resorption, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss. A step‐wise therapeutic approach is employed for periodontitis. After an initial behavioral and non‐surgical phase, intra‐bony or furcation defects may be amenable to regenerative procedures. This review discusses the regenerative technologies employed for periodontal regeneration, highlighting the current limitations and future research areas. The search, performed on the MEDLINE database, has identified the available biomaterials, including biologicals (autologous platelet concentrates, hydrogels), bone grafts (pure or putty), and membranes. Biologicals and bone grafts have been critically analyzed in terms of composition, mechanism of action, and clinical applications. Although a certain degree of periodontal regeneration is predictable in intra‐bony and class II furcation defects, complete defect closure is hardly achieved. Moreover, treating class III furcation defects remains challenging. The key properties required for functional regeneration are discussed, and none of the commercially available biomaterials possess all the ideal characteristics. Therefore, research is needed to promote the advancement of more effective and targeted regenerative therapies for periodontitis. Lastly, improving the design and reporting of clinical studies is suggested by strictly adhering to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 statement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Organ procurement organizations (OPOs) are responsible for the medical management of organ donors. Given the variability in pediatric donor heart utilization among OPOs, we examined factors that may explain this variability, including differences in donor medical management, organ quality, and candidate factors. Methods: The Organ Procurement and Transplant Network database was queried for pediatric (<18 years) heart donors and candidates receiving pediatric donor heart offers from 2010 to 2019. OPOs were stratified by pediatric donor heart utilization rate, and the top and bottom quintiles were compared based on donor management strategies and outcomes. A machine learning algorithm, combining 11 OPO, donor, candidate, and offer variables, was used to determine factors most predictive of whether a heart offer is accepted. Results: There was no clinically significant difference between the top and bottom quintile OPOs in baseline donor characteristics, distance between donor and listing center, management strategies, or organ quality. Machine learning modeling suggested neither OPO donor management nor cardiac function is the primary driver of whether an organ is accepted. Instead, number of prior donor offer refusals and individual listing center receiving the offer were two of the most predictive variables of organ acceptance. Conclusions: OPO clinical practice variation does not seem to account for the discrepancy in pediatric donor heart utilization rates among OPOs. Listing center acceptance practice and prior number of donor refusals seem to be the important drivers of heart utilization and may at least partially account for the variation in OPO heart utilization rates given the regional association between OPOs and listing centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While global patterns of bee diversity have been modelled, our understanding of fine‐scale regional patterns is more limited, particularly for under‐sampled regions such as Africa. South Africa is among the exceptions on the African continent; its bee fauna (ca. 1253 species) has been well collected and documented, including mass digitising of its natural history collections. It is a region with high floral diversity, high habitat heterogeneity and variable rainfall seasonality.Here, we combine a South African bee species distributional database (877 bee species) with a geospatial modelling approach to determine fine‐scale (~11 × 11 km grid cell resolution) hotspots of bee species richness, endemism and range‐restricted species.Our analyses, based on the probabilities of occurrence surfaces for each species across 108,803 two‐minute grid cells, reveal three bee hotspots of richness: Winter rainfall, Aseasonal rainfall and Early‐to‐late summer rainfall. These hotspots contain large numbers of endemic and geographically restricted taxa. Hotspots with particularly high bee diversity include the Fynbos, Succulent Karoo and Desert biomes; the latter showing 6–20 times more species per unit area than other biomes. Our results conform with global species‐area patterns: areas of higher‐than‐expected bee density are largely concentrated in Mediterranean and arid habitats.This study further enhances our knowledge in identifying regional and global hotspots of richness and endemism for a keystone group of insects and enabling these to be accounted for when setting conservation priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The use of low titer O whole blood (LTOWB) has expanded although it remains unclear how many civilian trauma centers are using LTOWB. Methods: We analyzed data on civilian LTOWB recipients in the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database 2020–2021. Unique facility keys were used to determine the number of centers that used LTOWB in that period. Results: A total of 16,603 patients received LTOWB in the TQIP database between 2020 and 2021; 6600 in 2020, and 10,003 in 2021. The total number of facilities that reported LTOWB use went from 287/779 (37%) in 2020 to 302/795 (38%) in 2021. Between 2020 and 2021, among all level 1–3 designated trauma facilities that report to TQIP LTOWB use increased at level‐1 centers (118 to 129), and level‐2 centers (81 to 86), but decreased in level‐3 facilities (9 to 4). Among pediatric and dual pediatric‐adult designated hospitals there was a decrease in the number of pediatric level‐1 centers (29 to 28) capable of administering LTOWB. Among centers with either single or dual level‐1 trauma center designation with adult centers, the number that administered LTOWB to injured pediatric patients also decreased from 17 to 10, respectively. Conclusions: There was an increase in the number of facilities transfusing LTOWB between 2020 and 2021. The use of LTOWB is underutilized in children at centers that have it available. These findings inform the expansion of LTOWB use in trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophytes, comprising aquatic vascular plants, bryophytes, and macroalgae, including charophytes, are crucial components of lake ecosystems. Their diversity affects ecosystem functions and services, and they are sensitive to environmental changes, making them effective indicators of lake health. Historical records of macrophyte species composition are essential for evaluating environmental changes and conservation goals. In this study, we compiled a comprehensive database of macrophytes, along with lake and survey information from the literature, providing a historical record of macrophyte biodiversity for lakes in Japan. This database enables the analysis of changes in the flora of Japanese lakes and fluctuations in species distribution, facilitating future monitoring. The complete dataset for this abstract published in the Data Article section of the journal is available in MetaCat in JaLTER at http://db.cger.nies.go.jp/JaLTER/metacat/metacat/ERDP-2024-02.1/jalter-en. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of significant parameters influencing the fatigue strength of typical details – experimental investigations The phenomenon of fatigue plays a significant role in many constructions of modern infrastructure. Therefore, the fatigue assessment of steel structures is of great importance. In order to make fatigue design acc. to DIN EN 1993‐1‐9 more efficient, important influencing factors on the fatigue strength of standard fatigue details were analyzed in the research project EVOKERB. This contribution presents the corresponding experimental research results, with a focus on influences related to geometry, manufacturing, and weld quality. In addition, test data from the literature are included through a soon‐to‐be‐publicly‐available fatigue test database. The database comprises the essential background data of DIN EN 1993‐1‐9. In summary, the presented test results identify or exclude important influences on the fatigue strength of typical details. In the future, the scope of investigations will be expanded through numerical simulations, allowing for the derivation of general normative rules. These rules are intended to contribute to a more efficient fatigue assessment – an important step towards greater resource efficiency and sustainability in steel construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Purpose: Nowadays, there are emerging trends in customized and personalized photoprotection, focusing on the innovative approaches to enhance sun protection efficacy tailored to individual needs. Methods: We conducted an electronic search of the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Skin Register, and TESEO. Specific search terms related to personalized photoprotection and the variables of age, genetic predisposition, skin phototype, photodermatosis, and physiological conditions such as pregnancy, as well as lifestyle habits were used. Results/Conclusion: The article highlights the challenges and opportunities in adopting personalized photoprotection strategies, aiming to promote skin health and prevent the harmful effects of UV radiation in the era of precision medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions pose a rapidly expanding threat to the persistence, functioning and service provisioning of ecosystems globally, and to socio‐economic interests. The stages of successful invasions are driven by the same mechanism that underlies adaptive changes across species in general—via natural selection on intraspecific variation in traits that influence survival and reproductive performance (i.e., fitness). Surprisingly, however, the rapid progress in the field of invasion science has resulted in a predominance of species‐level approaches (such as deny lists), often irrespective of natural selection theory, local adaptation and other population‐level processes that govern successful invasions. To address these issues, we analyse non‐native species dynamics at the population level by employing a database of European freshwater macroinvertebrate time series, to investigate spreading speed, abundance dynamics and impact assessments among populations. Our findings reveal substantial variability in spreading speed and abundance trends within and between macroinvertebrate species across biogeographic regions, indicating that levels of invasiveness and impact differ markedly. Discrepancies and inconsistencies among species‐level risk screenings and real population‐level data were also identified, highlighting the inherent challenges in accurately assessing population‐level effects through species‐level assessments. In recognition of the importance of population‐level assessments, we urge a shift in invasive species management frameworks, which should account for the dynamics of different populations and their environmental context. Adopting an adaptive, region‐specific and population‐focused approach is imperative, considering the diverse ecological contexts and varying degrees of susceptibility. Such an approach could improve and refine risk assessments while promoting mechanistic understandings of risks and impacts, thereby enabling the development of more effective conservation and management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current biogeochemical models produce carbon–climate feedback projections with large uncertainties, often attributed to their structural differences when simulating soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics worldwide. However, choices of model parameter values that quantify the strength and represent properties of different soil carbon cycle processes could also contribute to model simulation uncertainties. Here, we demonstrate the critical role of using common observational data in reducing model uncertainty in estimates of global SOC storage. Two structurally different models featuring distinctive carbon pools, decomposition kinetics, and carbon transfer pathways simulate opposite global SOC distributions with their customary parameter values yet converge to similar results after being informed by the same global SOC database using a data assimilation approach. The converged spatial SOC simulations result from similar simulations in key model components such as carbon transfer efficiency, baseline decomposition rate, and environmental effects on carbon fluxes by these two models after data assimilation. Moreover, data assimilation results suggest equally effective simulations of SOC using models following either first‐order or Michaelis–Menten kinetics at the global scale. Nevertheless, a wider range of data with high‐quality control and assurance are needed to further constrain SOC dynamics simulations and reduce unconstrained parameters. New sets of data, such as microbial genomics‐function relationships, may also suggest novel structures to account for in future model development. Overall, our results highlight the importance of observational data in informing model development and constraining model predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]