Research groups use the single motion stimulus design of Dr. D.Tadin ​(Tadin, Lappin, Gilroy & Blake, 2003) that allows to putatively assess spatio-contrast excitatory and inhibitory effects from duration threshold data of motion perception. The present work presents the correct neurocomputational model for this experimental design and analyses issues related to data and model comparisons, among which: (1) once the full computational model that predicts the psychophysical results is properly defined, it is shown that two low-level models of how inhibition acts on neuronal activity, i.e. “divisive inhibition” and “subtractive inhibition”, predict exactly the same thresholds and cannot arguably be claimed that one is better than another one, (2) it is excitatory and inhibitory processes that are the mechanisms shaping threshold changes, i.e. perceptual “facilitation” and “suppression” in the behavioural domain, (3) that this experimental design allows a quantitative comparison and usage of such “contrast–size tuning” data, (4) that such studies must be carefully designed once the model is correctly understood and applied, because of the rather large parameter space (~10-12 variables) necessary to explain the behavioural measures even in such simple experiments.

A document by Jennifer Cai. Click on the document to view its contents.

Introduction:Edheim Chester Disease (ECD) is a rare disease of the non-Langerhans histiocytosis category involving organs such as the long bones, Central nervous system (CNS), skin, kidney, heart, arteries, and endocrinopathies.(1, 2) The disease is usually more common in the 50-60 years and men. Mutations that disrupt the cellular RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway play an essential role in the pathology of this disease.(3) Also, those diagnosed with the BRAF VR600E- mutation have more cardiac and CNS involvement.(4) Cardiac involvement in these patients can be seen as pseudo-tumor infiltrates of the right atrium (RA) in 36% of patients.(3)Diagnosis of the disease is based on histo-pathological, medical, and radiological findings, among which MRI is a key part of diagnosing the condition. (7, 8)In this clinical case, we present a challenging scenario involving a 42-year-old male patient who presented with shortness of breath and skeletal pain, in which a multi-disciplinary approach plan led to the diagnosis of ECD..

A document by Ashraf Ahmed . Click on the document to view its contents.

Melt electrowriting (MEW) is a solvent-free (i.e., no volatile chemicals), high-resolution 3D printing method that enables the fabrication of semi-flexible structures with rigid polymers. Despite its advantages, the MEW process is sensitive to changes in printing parameters (e.g., voltage, printing pressure, and temperature), which can cause fluid column breakage, jet lag, and/or fiber pulsing, ultimately deteriorating the resolution and printing quality. In spite of the commonly used error-and-trial method to determine the most suitable parameters, here, we present a machine learning (ML)-enabled image analysis-based method for determining the optimum MEW printing parameters through an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI). We trained 5 different ML algorithms using 168 MEW 3D print samples, among which the gaussian process regression ML model yielded 93% accuracy of the variability in the dependent variable, 0.12329 on root mean square error for the validation set and 0.015201 mean square error in predicting line thickness. Integration of ML with control feedback loop and MEW can reduce the error-and-trial steps prior to the 3D printing process, decreasing the printing time (i.e., increasing the overall throughput of MEW) and material waste (i.e., improving the cost-effectiveness of MEW). Moreover, embedding trained ML model with the feedback control system in a GUI facilitates a more straightforward use of ML-based optimization techniques in the industrial section (i.e., for users with no ML skills).

Background Multiple Myeloma (MM) is more often characterized by clonal plasma cell proliferation restricted to the bone marrow. However, a small percentage of patients with MM develops extramedullary disease (EMD): this type of localization is found in 1.7-4.5% of the newly diagnosed MM (ND/MM) and in 3.4-10% of patients with relapsed or refractory disease (RR/MM) and seems to have a bad prognostic impact. In the present report, we describe a very rare case of splenic involvement in a patient with ND/MM. Case A 72 years old female was referred in June 2022 with asthenia and abdominal pain. At physical examination, spleen enlargement was detected, with anemia (Hb 10.5 g/dL) and thrombocythopenia (48 x 109/L). Abdominal echography confirmed spleen enlargement (20 cm of longitudinal diameter). Blood tests showed free light chain alteration with a λ/κ ratio of 800. Marrow aspiration showed 60% of λ-restricted immature plasma cells: p53 expression was present in 91% of elements. PET CT scan revealed multiple focal areas of bone increased metabolic activity and a widespread positivity of the spleen with focal areas of higher uptake. Diagnosis of MM with splenic EMD was done and Dara-VMP regimen was started. After the first cycle of therapy, a marked reduction of the spleen size was observed with increase of both Hb level and platelet count. After the 2nd cycle of therapy, however, there was evolution in plasma cells leukemia: Vd-PACE regimen was thus started, but after the 2nd cycle she died in October 2022 from septic shock and multiorgan failure. Conclusions Our very rare case of ND/MM with spleen involvement confirms the aggressive behaviour of EMD, with negative prognostic factors (p53 mutation) and failure to frontline highly effective therapy. In the other few cases of spleen involvement reported, however, there were only scarce details about response: as a consequence, collection of similar cases is warranted to fully understand clinical features and possible alternative approaches for these extremely rare patients.

Introduction: Plain language summaries (PLSs) make complex healthcare evidence accessible to patients and the public. Large language models (LLMs) may assist in generating accurate, readable PLSs. This study explored using the LLM Claude 2 to create PLSs of evidence reviews from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Effective Health Care Program. Methods: We selected 10 evidence reviews published from 2021-2023, representing a range of methods and topics. We iteratively developed a prompt to guide Claude 2 in creating PLSs which included specifications for plain language, reading level, length, organizational structure, active voice, and inclusive language. PLSs were assessed for adherence to prompt specifications, comprehensiveness, accuracy, readability, and cultural sensitivity. Results: All PLSs met the word count. We judged one PLS as fully comprehensive; 7 mostly comprehensive. We judged 2 PLSs as fully capturing the PICO elements; 5 with minor PICO errors. We judged 3 PLSs as accurately reporting the results; 4 with minor result errors. We judged 3 PLSs as having major result errors for incorrectly reporting total participants. Five PLSs met the target 6th-8th grade reading level. Passive voice use averaged 16%. All PLSs used inclusive language. Conclusions: LLMs show promise for assisting in PLS creation but likely require human input to ensure accuracy, comprehensiveness, and the appropriate nuances of interpretation. Iterative prompt refinement may improve results and address the needs of specific reviews and audiences. As text-only summaries, the AI-generated PLSs could not meet all consumer communication criteria, such as textual design and visual representations. Further testing should explore how to best leverage LLM support in drafting PLS text for complex evidence reviews.

Aquatic ectotherms often attain smaller body sizes at higher temperatures. By analysing ~15,000 coastal-reef fish surveys across a 15oC spatial sea surface temperature (SST) gradient, we found that the mean length of fish length in communities decreases by ~5% for each 1oC temperature increase across space. This equated to a 50% decrease in mean length from 14 to 29oC mean annual SST. We found that trophic guild composition shifts from domination by herbivores and planktivores in the tropics, to invertivores and piscivores in cooler waters. By investigating the contribution of trophic composition to community-level mean length, we show ~25% of temperature-related changes could be attributed to trophic composition at the warmest sites, but <1% at colder temperatures. Our findings suggest that small changes in temperature will lead to large changes in fish community body sizes, driven both by community trophic composition in warm waters and mean sizes within trophic guilds.

Human activities have altered the species composition of assemblages through introductions and extinctions, but it remains unclear how those changes can affect the different facets of biodiversity. Here we assessed the impact of changes in species composition on taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity across 281 bird assemblages worldwide. To provide a more nuanced understanding of functional diversity, we distinguished morphological from life-history traits. We showed that shifts in species composition could trigger a global decline in avian biodiversity due to the high number of potential extinctions. Moreover, these extinctions were not random but unique in terms of function and phylogeny at the regional level. Our findings demonstrated that non-native species cannot compensate for these losses, as they are both morphologically and phylogenetically close to the native fauna. In the context of the ongoing biodiversity crisis, such alterations in the functional and phylogenetic structure of bird assemblages could heighten ecosystem vulnerability.

Biodiversity-function relationships in ecosystems are known to be driven by environmental conditions, including climate change. Plant functional groups (PFGs), specifically their evolutionary history, nitrogen-fixation capacity or photosynthetic-pathway likely play a critical role in shaping microbial communities and their impact on ecosystem functions, but experimental evidence is limited. Here, we simultaneously manipulated plant and microbial diversity in a microcosm study to investigate their interactions and impact on soil functions during drought. Our results highlight the dominant role of PFGs in explaining the effects of biodiversity loss on soil functions. Microbial diversity loss significantly influenced microbially-driven soil N and P pools and processes, with PFGs moderating these effects, especially under drought. Our findings offer crucial mechanistic insights for ecosystem management in the face of climate change, emphasizing the significance of PFGs in shaping soil functions and their resilience. This study underscores the importance of considering above- and belowground biodiversity, for preserving belowground functions in changing environments.

This study examines turbulent convective heat transfer performance (CHTP) and entropy production rate (EPR) of distilled water flowing in outwardly corrugated converging pipes (CCPs) of various diameter ratios (DR). The SST k - ω turbulence models were used to simulate the flow of H 2O inside the pipe. The effects of Reynolds number ( 5 . 0 × 10 3 ≤ Re  ≤ 5 . 0 × 10 4 ), and DR ( 1 ≤ DR  ≤ 2 ) on average Nusselt number ( Nu ), Poiseuille number (fRe) thermal performance evaluation criterion (PEC), EPR, and thermal effectiveness number ( I ) Nu were investigated parametrically. The findings revealed a significant improvement in Nu in the modified pipe compared with the straight pipe. This improvement is attributed to flow acceleration and increases in the mixing rate of hot fluid near the wall with cold fluid at the core fluid zone. Also, Nu , fRe , and EPR increase with increasing Re and DR. However, the opposite is the case for PEC and   I . Finally, the values of PEC, and I revealed that the modified pipe is advantageous compared with a straight pipe at ( 5 × 10 3 ≤ Re ≤ 1 . 0 × 10 4 ) .

Hatching plasticity allows fish and amphibians to initiate hatching in response to environmental cues including predation, flooding, and hypoxia. In species with terrestrial eggs, hatching plasticity often manifests as extended development of embryos when water is not available. Although these effects are taxonomically widespread, little attention has focused on differences in plasticity across closely related species with terrestrial and aquatic embryos. We propose that terrestrial embryonic environment that favors slower and extended development that, together, result in a more advanced stage at hatching than an aquatic embryonic environment. We test this hypothesis by comparing embryonic development between two fall-breeding mole salamanders, Ambystoma opacum and A. annulatum. Most Ambystoma lay eggs submerged in ponds but A. opacum lays its eggs on land, where hatching is triggered when eggs are submerged by rising pond levels. We compared embryonic development of A. opacum with A. annulatum, which lays eggs in water, in a common laboratory environment. Embryos of both species were reared in environments simulating either aquatic or terrestrial nests sites. We found that the A. opacum embryos exhibited slower development and took longer to hatch than A. annulatum embryos. We also found that A. opacum hatched at a more advanced stage, but only when reared in an environment that mimicked a terrestrial nest. This plasticity was absent in A. annulatum. Our results suggest that the terrestrial-laying A. opacum has evolved a developmental plasticity that allows its embryos to extend development when in terrestrial nests, while retaining the ability to hatch at a stage more typical of congeners when submerged in water.

Objective: Childhood spinal tumors often present with musculoskeletal symptoms, potentially causing a misdiagnosis and delays in diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to identify, characterize, and compare children with spinal tumors who had prior musculoskeletal misdiagnoses to those without, analyzing clinical presentation, diagnostic interval, and outcome. Study design: This retrospective cohort study evaluated all children aged 0-14 years diagnosed with a spinal tumor in Denmark from 1996 to 2018. The cohort was identified through the Danish Childhood Cancer Registry, and the registry data were supplemented with data from medical records. The survival was compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Among 58 patients, 57% (33/58) recieved musculoskeletal misdiagnoses before the spinal tumor diagnosis. Misdiagnoses were mostly non-specific (64%, 21/33), involving pain and accidental lesions, while 36% (12/33) were rheumatic diagnoses. The patients with prior misdiagnosis had less aggressive tumors, fewer neurological/general symptoms, and 5.5 months median diagnostic interval versus 3 months for those without a misdiagnosis. Those with prior misdiagnoses tended to have a higher 5-year survival of 83% (95% CI 63-92%) compared to 66% (95% CI 44-82%) for those without (p=0.15) Conclusion: Less aggressive spinal tumors may manifest as gradual skeletal abnormalities and musculoskeletal symptoms without neurological/general symptoms, leading to misdiagnoses and delays.

In this article, a fractional-order sliding mode control (FOSMC) method is presented for a wind energy conversion system (WECS) with variable-speed direct-drive permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) under both normal and fault conditions. Under normal operation of the system, the machine side converter (MSC) is employed to meet maximum power point tracking (MPPT) requirements of the wind turbine and the grid side converter (GSC) controls the DC-link voltage and the injected reactive. Under fault condition, to meet grid code obligations, such as low voltage ride through (LVRT), the MSC adjusts the DC-link voltage instead of the GSC. Meanwhile, the active and reactive powers are controlled by the GSC. Moreover, the suggested control method is compared to the conventional control system. The results depicted that the proposed control approach has better faster dynamic response and robustness under both balanced and unbalanced condition. In addition, improving LVRT capability and injecting reactive power, the suggested control method results in smaller spikes in the injected current and DC link voltage. For the sake of further validation, simulations are run in offline MATLAB/Simulink simulation. Then, the results have been validated via experimental real-time implementation.

Elevated concentrations of arsenic, lithium and boron in drinking water have already been reported in the Bolivian Andes. Arsenic causes genotoxicity but that caused by lithium and boron is less well known. The aim of the present study was to evaluate associations between arsenic, lithium and boron exposure and genotoxicity, while taking genetic susceptibility into account. Women (n=230) were recruited in ten villages around Lake Poopó. Arsenic exposure was determined as the sum of concentrations of arsenic metabolites (iAs,  MMA, and DMA) in urine. Exposure to lithium and boron was determined based on their concentrations in urine. Genetic susceptibility was determined by GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes and AS3MT rs3740393,. Genotoxicity (DNA strand breaks) was measured peripheral blood by the comet assay. Median arsenic, lithium, and boron concentrations were 60 µg/L, 989 µg/L, and 3929 µg/L, respectively. GSTM1 and GSTT1 null carriers showed more DNA strand breaks than gene carriers (p=0.008, p=0.005). We found no correlation between urinary arsenic and DNA strand breaks (rS=0.03, p=0.64), and only a weak non-significant positive association in the multivariate analysis (β=0.09, p=0.14). Unexpectedly, increasing concentrations of lithium in urine were negatively correlated with DNA strand breaks (rS=-0.24, p=0.0006), and the association persisted in multivariate analysis after adjusting for arsenic (β=-0.22, p=0.003). We found no association between boron and DNA strand breaks. The lack of genotoxic effect of arsenic could be associated with the specific metabolic adaptation to arsenic previously reported in this population. The apparent protective effect of lithium against genotoxicity merits further investigation.

Species Distribution Model (SDM) is a useful tool for conserving rare species. However, the ‘rare species modeling paradox’ presents challenges in modeling the rarest species, such as Corybas species, which have a narrow distribution and are known only from a few localities, making them difficult to model using conventional methods. An Approximate SDM (ASDMs) method was developed specifically for these species, employing a subtraction formula weighted by niche overlap metrics. This method was created in the hope that other rare species with between 5-20 occurrence records could also be modeled in the future. Our ASDMs demonstrated a good fit with directly modeled SDMs and successfully predicted the distributions of rare species with very few occurrence records. Hence, ASDMs present a promising and user-friendly approach for modeling potential distributions of rare species.

Deterministic and stochastic factors shape ecological communities. However, a quantitative synthesis of the factors underlying the balance among different assembly processes is lacking. Here, we synthesized data from 149 datasets covering major biotic groups and ecosystem types globally. We used a null model approach based on Raup-Crick dissimilarities and Bayesian meta-regression to analyze the data. We found that communities were more under homogeneous selection than heterogeneous selection across biotic taxa and ecosystems. Environment selected species homogeneously more often at small scales while heterogeneously more often at large scales. Stochasticity also showed scale-dependence as stochastic community assembly increased with study scale. Homogeneous and heterogeneous selection were strongest at high latitudes while stochastic factors were strongest in tropics. Marine systems had the highest degree of homogeneous selection and the lowest stochasticity. We provide the first analysis of community assembly across taxa and ecosystems which should be important for a better understanding of how communities respond to environmental change.

Plant-associated microbes play a key role in mediating the relationship between plant diversity and productivity. However, previous studies have generally focused on a sole microbial guild (i.e. plant-beneficial microbes or pathogens), and on either aboveground or belowground microbes. As a result, the interplay among different microbial guilds and the overall impact of above- and belowground microbes on plant diversity-productivity relationships have rarely been investigated. Here we carried out an experiment where we applied microbial inocula collected from leaves and soils in the field onto plant leaves and soil in a greenhouse experiment with a herbaceous plant community. We showed that microbial inoculation of leaves reduced plant productivity and this negative effect was weaker at higher plant diversity, which promoted positive diversity-productivity relationships through complementarity effects. In contrast, microbial inoculation of soil alone had no impact on plant diversity-productivity relationships, but it counteracted the negative effects of leaf inoculum on plant productivity and weakened the leaf microbe-induced positive diversity-productivity relationships. We found that the abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Streptomyces bacteria increased when soil microbes were inoculated, and such increase was more significant at lower plant diversity, potentially explaining the effects of soil inoculation on plant productivity. These results suggest that the belowground plant beneficial microbes can counteract the effect of aboveground plant pathogens in mediating positive plant diversity-productivity relationships. Simultaneous study of plant-pathogenic and -beneficial microbes both above- and belowground is required to better understand the contributions of plant-associated microbes to biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships.