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Temporal dynamics of prognostic factors in breast cancer survival
Objectives We aimed to explore how relevant factors could have shifting prognostic impacts on mortality among BC patients over time, applying alternative survival model specifications. Methods Given data from the Cancer Registry of Norway we followed 36 412 women aged 40 + , breast cancer (BC) diagnosed 2006–2020. We analyzed survival comparing patient’s molecular subtype group and BMI, adjusting for age, tumor stage and treatment, considering incidence rates for BC specific death (BCSD) and other causes of death (OCOD). We explored cause-specific survival models with and without time invariant coefficients. Results Altogether 8.6% (2 542 patients) and 7.0% (3 125 patients) died from other causes and BC throughout the study period, respectively.Molecular subtype HR + /HER2-patients had similar BCSD and OCOD incidence rates. For the other patients the BCSD incidence was higher than the OCOD incidence, especially for HR-/HER2+ and HR-/HER2- patients. Allowing for the association between time to BCSD and molecular subtype groups and radiation therapy to vary over time we found that HR-/HER2+ and HR-/HER2- patients had hazard ratios of 3.38 and 3.53 compared to HR + /HER2- patients within 3 years following BC diagnosis, and hazard ratios of respectively 0.93 and 1.62 in the subsequent years. The positive effect of radiation therapy on BCSD was highest in the first years following diagnosis and still positive, albeit much smaller, in the later years. We found no difference in BC mortality risk between underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese patients. Conclusions Our findings contribute to understanding long-term BC survival. Cause-specific Cox models that assume proportional hazards do not allow for time-varying coefficients. This may lead to overlooked time-varying effects of relevant prognostic factors. Especially with longer time horizons one might draw incorrect conclusions.
Voluntary Dissociation of Motor Unit Activity in the Vastii Muscles
The central nervous system controls movement with consistent activation patterns across muscles and motor units (MUs), suggesting the presence of a relatively fixed and high-dimensional number of neural constraints on voluntary actions. In the human quadriceps, the vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) contribute to the knee extensor torque and are considered a synergistic pair largely activated by shared neural inputs. However, some evidence suggests that these muscles or even subregions within them can be controlled independently. We investigated whether humans can dissociate neural input to VM and VL during isometric contractions. Ten participants (six males, four females) received real-time feedback from multiple intramuscular electromyography (EMG) electrodes inserted into different regions of the VM and VL while attempting to activate each muscle or region selectively. Nine out of ten participants were able to separate VM and VL activity based on the intramuscular EMG feedback. However, MU decomposition from the intramuscular EMGs revealed that selective recruitment of a unique set of MUs was possible only within the proximal region of VM. In contrast, we found highly correlated activity between MUs in VL and distal VM. Correlation analyses confirmed that the proximal VM exhibited distinct activation profiles compared with both distal VM and VL, supporting the existence of compartmentalized control within VM. These findings demonstrate that it is possible to dissociate the activation of MUs within this synergistic muscle group during low-force isometric contractions.
Descriptor-guided thermodynamic screening of $$\hbox {H}_2$$ adsorption on single-atom-doped anatase $$\hbox {TiO}_2$$ nanoparticles with interpretable machine learning
Abstract Understanding how surface dopants tune $$\hbox {H}_2$$ adsorption on oxide nanoparticles is important for the design of reversible hydrogen-storage materials and catalytic interfaces. Here, we present a descriptor-guided screening study of molecular $$\hbox {H}_2$$ adsorption on pristine and single-atom-doped anatase $$\hbox {TiO}_2$$ nanoparticles using density-functional tight-binding calculations, conceptual DFT descriptors, thermodynamic modelling, and interpretable machine learning. The replacement of one surface Ti atom with Al, Fe, Hf, La, Mo, Nb, Sn, V, W, or Zr enables systematic comparison across chemically distinct adsorption environments. Most dopants preserve molecular adsorption, whereas Fe shows incipient dissociative activation, and the adsorption energies span from $$-0.275$$ to $$-0.523$$ eV, indicating that single-atom doping can tune $$\hbox {H}_2$$ binding over a practically relevant range. Descriptor analysis separates weakly perturbed wide-gap systems from narrow-gap dopants with dopant-derived frontier states, enhanced softness, and higher electrophilicity. Symbolic regression with leave-one-out cross-validation identifies a compact $$\omega ^{-}$$ -dependent expression (the electron-donating power, a member of the electrophilicity descriptor family) as the most generalizing descriptor–property relationship in this small-data regime, with higher-complexity formulas exhibiting an overfitting cliff; the large in-sample sensitivity to charge-transfer descriptors in those higher-complexity formulas reflects the chosen symbolic form rather than a directly measurable adsorption-energy variation. Gaussian-process modelling is retained as an uncertainty-driven active-learning sampling-design tool. Thermodynamic screening further shows that Nb and Zr provide the most balanced uptake–release behavior, Sn remains borderline viable, and Hf and Mo define a stronger-binding but less balanced regime. Overall, the workflow provides a data-efficient and physically interpretable basis for screening dopant chemistry in oxide nanomaterials.
Decreased expression of Ly-1 antibody reactive clone (Lyar) triggers enhanced adipogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells in aged bone marrow
Accumulation of adipocytes within the bone marrow is a frequently observed during aging. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying aberrant adipocyte differentiation in aged bone marrow remain largely unclear. In this study, we identified Ly-1 antibody reactive clone (Lyar) as an interacting partner of TGF-β activated kinase 1 (Tak1), a key molecule of non-canonical TGF-β signaling, through a proteomics approach, and demonstrated its involvement in the regulation of aging-related enhancement of adipogenesis. Lyar was not only implicated in the regulation of BMMSC proliferation but also may partly mediate the inhibitory effects of Bromodomain-containing protein 2 (Brd2). An age-associated decline in Lyar expression was associated with a reduction in FGF2–PI3K–Akt1 signaling activity in aged bone marrow. These findings suggest that Lyar may act as a context-dependent modulator of TGF-β signaling and may be involved in regulating proliferation and differentiation in BMMSCs. The age-related loss of Lyar may contribute to the complex mechanisms underlying enhanced adipogenesis in aged bone marrow, providing new insights into the regulation of mesenchymal stem cell fate during aging.
Beta and Gamma Dynamics in Attentional Networks Predict Conscious Reports
What neural events precede conscious reports? Hemisphere-asymmetric attentional networks are causally related to conscious perception (Kaufmann et al., 2024; Bartolomeo et al., 2025), but their spectrotemporal dynamics remain unclear. Here, we used magnetoencephalography to examine brain oscillations occurring in human participants (male and female) before a near-threshold target during the cue–target period. In 67% of trials, a suprathreshold visual cue appeared near the target placeholder box, indicating that the target would appear at that location (valid condition). In the remaining 33% of trials, the target appeared at the opposite location (invalid condition). We analyzed brain oscillations, coherence, and theta–gamma phase–amplitude coupling (PAC) in 18 regions of interest involved in attention and perception (Martín-Signes et al., 2024). Results revealed the following: (1) Report of validly cued targets was preceded by early (∼58 ms postcue) beta-band activity in the right-hemisphere superior parietal lobule. (2) Report of invalidly cued targets was preceded by late (∼166 ms postcue) beta-band activity in the right temporo-occipital (TO) region, PAC in the right lateral visual cortex, and low gamma coherence between this region and the left temporoparietal junction. (3) Unreported invalidly cued targets were preceded by PAC in TO and by high gamma coherence between this region and the right middle frontal gyrus suggesting a pretarget bias. We show that conscious report is preceded by temporally dissociable, frequency-specific reconfigurations of right-lateralized attentional networks, with an early orienting window characterized by parietal beta-mediated activity and a later reorienting window by ventral beta and gamma activity.
Effect of red mud and citric acid on the mechanical properties and water resistance of magnesium oxychloride cement
Abstract Despite its excellent mechanical and environmental properties, magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) suffers from poor water resistance and high production costs, ultimately limiting its application. This study investigates the use of red mud (RM) and citric acid (C 6 H 8 O 7 ) to develop a low-cost, water-resistant RM-based MOC (RM-MOC). The effects of varying RM/C 6 H 8 O 7 contents on the setting time, compressive strength, water resistance, and microstructure of RM-MOC were analyzed. The addition of RM/C 6 H 8 O 7 prolonged the setting time and enhanced water resistance; however, it reduced mechanical strength. Mechanistic analysis revealed that RM reduced 5Mg(OH) 2 ·MgCl 2 ·8H 2 O (Phase 5) formation in RM-MOC, whereas C 6 H 8 O 7 facilitated the generation of M-S-H and Mg-Cl-Si-Al-H gels with homogeneous structures and high polymerization degrees. These gels refined the pore structure and densified RM-MOC, thereby improving water resistance and compensating for the strength loss due to reduced Phase 5 formation. Under the synergistic action of RM and C 6 H 8 O 7 , RM-MOC achieved a compressive strength of 59 MPa and softening coefficients of 0.8 (7 d) and 0.78 (28 d) even at a high RM proportion of 60% (RM/LBMP = 0.6), demonstrating effective waste valorization and simultaneous enhancement of material properties. This study provides a novel strategy for the development of high-performance, low-cost, and environmentally friendly magnesium cement materials.
Circulating leukocyte gene expression responses to weaning and their association with growth in holstein calves
Weaning represents a critical transition in dairy calves, involving simultaneous dietary, social, and environmental changes. This study investigated how the weaning affects immune-related gene expression in circulating leukocytes of Holstein calves and whether post-weaning growth performance is associated with distinct immunometabolic responses. Forty female calves were retrospectively classified into two groups based on average daily gain (ADG) during the 10 days following complete weaning (from 60 to 70 days of age). Calves were fully weaned at 60 days of age using a step-down approach. Animals were categorized as high ADG (HIGH, n = 20) or low ADG (LOW, n = 20) Blood samples collected at 60 and 70 days were analyzed for plasma metabolites and leukocyte transcriptomic profiles targeting 37 genes involved in innate immunity, inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic regulation. Weaning induced a marked activation of innate immune pathways in all calves, as evidenced by increased expression of CD14, NFKB1, IL1β, TNFα, and genes related to cell adhesion and trafficking. However, LOW calves exhibited greater transcriptional responses, with higher expression of TLR2, CASP1, IL18, CD16, and markers of oxidative (SOD2, HSPA5) at 70 days, indicating a metabolic and transcriptional profile consistent with a greater physiological burden. Additionally, at 70 days, LOW calves had lower plasma glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol, along with higher urea and creatinine, while β-hydroxybutyrate did not differ between groups, suggesting reduced energy availability and increased reliance on amino acid catabolism. These findings suggest that calves with lower post-weaning growth exhibit greater immune activation and altered metabolic status, highlighting variability in resilience to weaning stress. Understanding such differences may support the development of targeted nutritional or management strategies to improve early-life adaptation and long-term productivity in dairy systems
Trend term and noise removal method for blasting vibration signals based on Fourier decomposition
Self-compassion and the impostor phenomenon: Associations and implications
Impostor phenomenon reflects persistent self-doubt and fear of failure despite success. This study examined the association of impostor phenomenon with self-compassion in 601 Czech university students (368 women; M age = 23.46, SD = 3.05), using the Impostor-Profile 30 and Self-Compassion Scale. Employing correlation analysis, regression, and structural equation modelling, we investigated the relationships among the constructs and their dimensions. In the correlation analysis, competence doubt was moderately associated with isolation ( r = .409) and overidentification ( r = .427). The regression analysis indicated these subscales as being significantly associated with competence doubt (R² = .26, F(6, 594) = 35.18, p < .001). Structural equation modelling further supported the model with stronger links between negative self-compassion dimensions and impostor phenomenon compared with positive ones (e.g., self-kindness) (CFI = .99, TLI = .99, RMSEA = .031). These findings highlight the importance of considering feelings of isolation and overidentification when designing or interpreting self-compassion-focused approaches in the context of impostor phenomenon, particularly among university student populations vulnerable to stress and low self-efficacy.
Social‑media feeds are detoxified by a redesigned algorithm
Design and characterization of visually opaque but near-infrared transparent coatings for better barcode readability
Thinking together: How group argumentation boosts fake news recognition
In a study with 111 college students, we present preliminary evidence that group discussion may improve the ability to recognize fake news. In the study, participants judged the veracity of news stories before and after participating in a group discussion or writing an individual reflection. The results showed that accuracy improved only in the case of fake news discussed in groups, while individual reflection was not sufficient to improve performance. An improvement in accuracy for individually evaluated fake news was observed only when these news items were presented after the group-discussed fake news in the experimental order, consistent with a transfer effect of group discussion on accuracy. Group argumentation produced positive effects on accuracy even in group interactions with inaccurate participants. The findings are in line with the Argumentative Theory of Reasoning.
A spectrogram and local feature-assisted convolutional neural network for Amharic speech emotion identification
Abstract Speech Emotion Recognition (SER) plays a significant role in improving human–computer interaction and human–human communication. Nevertheless, speech emotion recognition in low-resource languages like Amharic is still a difficult task because of the lack of datasets and language diversity. In this paper, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based approach, which combines spectrogram features and local acoustic features such as Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients, chroma, zero-crossing rate, energy, and pitch, is proposed for efficient Amharic speech emotion recognition. A dataset of 1650 three-second Amharic speech samples was created, and the samples were labeled with five emotional classes: anger, fear, happy, neutral, and sad. Advanced preprocessing methods such as spectral subtraction and wavelet denoising were used to improve the quality of the signals and speed up the training process. The experimental results show that the proposed CNN-based approach has a classification accuracy of 90%, which is better than the recurrent neural network-based approaches: Long Short-Term Memory with 58.48%, Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory with 63.33%, and Gated Recurrent Unit with 40%, as well as the single-feature models: local acoustic features with 73% and spectrogram features with 79%. These results confirm that the integration of spectrogram and local acoustic features within a CNN architecture improves accuracy and efficiency in speech emotion recognition in low-resource languages, setting a standard for future Amharic SER research.
Bridging language and data: Transforming agricultural curricula for data analytics through linguistic insights
In response to the growing demand for data analytics competencies in Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human (FANH) Sciences, this study investigated how linguistic and demographic differences among learners can inform differentiated curriculum design. The objective was to identify distinct learner subgroups and explore how their expressed needs, tool preferences, and curricular priorities vary, thereby guiding the development of inclusive and responsive data analytics programs. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research team surveyed 535 alumni from a land-grant university, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. Clustering analysis revealed two distinct groups: younger professionals emphasizing technical proficiency (e.g., coding, visualization, tool fluency), and older professionals prioritizing strategic competencies (e.g., leadership, communication, conceptual reasoning). Text mining of open-ended responses further highlighted divergent word usage patterns across curriculum dimensions, such as background tools, core topics, and supplemental skills, which validated the cluster distinctions. Key findings show that Group 1 (i.e., younger respondents with less work experience) favored hands-on, tool-centric learning, while Group 0 (i.e., older respondents with less education but with more experience) emphasized integrative applications and strategic thinking. These insights suggest that a one-size-fits-all curriculum is insufficient in curriculum design and development. Instead, differentiated learning pathways such as technical labs for early-career learners and strategic modules for experienced professionals are essential to accommodate learners’ needs. Communication skills emerged as a critical bridge across groups, underscoring the need to embed interpretive and collaborative competencies alongside technical training. This study demonstrates the value of combining linguistic analysis with demographic clustering to inform curriculum development. By aligning educational offerings with learner profiles and industry expectations, FANH science programs can better prepare graduates for diverse roles in data-driven agricultural and environmental science sectors.
Status and key determinants of integrated farming systems in coastal regions of eastern India: a comparative assessment
Correction: Predicting the unpredicted … brain response: A systematic review of the feature-related visual mismatch negativity (vMMN) and the experimental parameters that affect it
Timbre Encoding in the Inferior Colliculus
Timbre, or the quality of a sound, is a critical component in speech and music. One percept of timbre, brightness, is correlated with the spectral centroid and the spectral envelope of harmonic sounds. Little is known about how this aspect of timbre is encoded in the subcortical auditory system. We used physiological and computational modeling methods to investigate the representation of spectral peaks in a harmonic complex tone with a broad, triangular-shaped spectrum. Extracellular single-neuron recordings were made in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (IC) in awake, female Dutch-belted rabbits. A population response to the timbre stimulus was inferred by shifting the stimulus spectrum above and below the characteristic frequency of each neuron. Spectral peaks in the stimulus were encoded in peaks in the average-rate profiles of most neurons, and this representation was robust over a range of suprathreshold levels. Neural discrimination thresholds were also sufficient to describe human behavioral thresholds. Temporal responses were complex and often exhibited phase locking to the fundamental frequency and integer multiples of the fundamental frequency. Computational models that included neural fluctuation sensitivity and amplitude modulation-sensitive broadband inhibition captured the major trends in physiological results. These findings demonstrate that multiple mechanisms may influence robust spectral peak encoding in IC neurons.
Improving IoT security through an explainable hybrid CNN-transformer model and federated learning
Composition and paleoecology of the mid-Jurassic bony fish assemblage of the Vaches Noires cliffs (Normandy, France)
The Callovian fossil assemblage of the Vaches Noires cliffs in Normandy, France has played an important role in French paleontology since the end of the 18 th century. The bony fish component, which includes coelacanths and ray-finned fishes, is represented mainly by fragmentary material. In this study, we provide the first overview of the bony fish assemblage by examining isolated remains collected mostly by amateur paleontologists over the years and housed in public collections. The assemblage comprises remains of Actinistia ( Trachymetopon sp.), Pachycormidae are represented by the filter feeder asthenocormin Leesdichthys problematicus , and by hypsocormin Hypsocormus cf. leedsi and Orthocormus cf. tenuirostris . Ginglymodi are represented by cranial elements of cf. Scheenstia and Halecomorphi by ‘Eurypoma ’ grande . Pycnodontiformes ( Mesturus sp. and Athrodon sp.) are represented by isolated vomers and prearticulars. The presence of small-sized actinopterygians is attested by small amphicoelous vertebrae. For each taxon, estimated body size and trophic level are inferred through comparisons with extant ecological analogs. Finally, we compare the Vaches Noires assemblage with other Jurassic fish assemblages to assess broader evolutionary and ecological trends in bony fish diversity during the Jurassic.