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Behavior Research Methods Jul 2024Whether and how well people can behave randomly is of interest in many areas of psychological research. The ability to generate randomness is often investigated using...
Whether and how well people can behave randomly is of interest in many areas of psychological research. The ability to generate randomness is often investigated using random number generation (RNG) tasks, in which participants are asked to generate a sequence of numbers that is as random as possible. However, there is no consensus on how best to quantify the randomness of responses in human-generated sequences. Traditionally, psychologists have used measures of randomness that directly assess specific features of human behavior in RNG tasks, such as the tendency to avoid repetition or to systematically generate numbers that have not been generated in the recent choice history, a behavior known as cycling. Other disciplines have proposed measures of randomness that are based on a more rigorous mathematical foundation and are less restricted to specific features of randomness, such as algorithmic complexity. More recently, variants of these measures have been proposed to assess systematic patterns in short sequences. We report the first large-scale integrative study to compare measures of specific aspects of randomness with entropy-derived measures based on information theory and measures based on algorithmic complexity. We compare the ability of the different measures to discriminate between human-generated sequences and truly random sequences based on atmospheric noise, and provide a systematic analysis of how the usefulness of randomness measures is affected by sequence length. We conclude with recommendations that can guide the selection of appropriate measures of randomness in psychological research.
PubMed: 38954396
DOI: 10.3758/s13428-024-02456-7 -
Physical and Engineering Sciences in... Jul 2024A fundamental parameter to evaluate the beam delivery precision and stability on a clinical linear accelerator (linac) is the focal spot position (FSP) measured relative...
A fundamental parameter to evaluate the beam delivery precision and stability on a clinical linear accelerator (linac) is the focal spot position (FSP) measured relative to the collimator axis of the radiation head. The aims of this work were to evaluate comprehensive data on FSP acquired on linacs in clinical use and to establish the ability of alternative phantoms to detect effects on patient plan delivery related to FSP. FSP measurements were conducted using a rigid phantom holding two ball-bearings at two different distances from the radiation source. Images of these ball-bearings were acquired using the electronic portal imaging device (EPID) integrated with each linac. Machine QA was assessed using a radiation head-mounted PTW STARCHECK phantom. Patient plan QA was investigated using the SNC ArcCHECK phantom positioned on the treatment couch, irradiated with VMAT plans across a complete 360° gantry rotation and three X-ray energies. This study covered eight Elekta linacs, including those with 6 MV, 18 MV, and 6 MV flattening-filter-free (FFF) beams. The largest range in the FSP was found for 6 MV FFF. The FSP of one linac, retrofitted with 6 MV FFF, displayed substantial differences in FSP compared to 6 MV FFF beams on other linacs, which all had FSP ranges less than 0.50 mm and 0.25 mm in the lateral and longitudinal directions, respectively. The PTW STARCHECK phantom proved effective in characterising the FSP, while the SNC ArcCHECK measurements could not discern FSP-related features. Minor variations in FSP may be attributed to adjustments in linac parameters, component replacements necessary for beam delivery, and the wear and tear of various linac components, including the magnetron and gun filament. Consideration should be given to the ability of any particular phantom to detect a subsequent impact on the accuracy of patient plan delivery.
PubMed: 38954381
DOI: 10.1007/s13246-024-01450-9 -
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and... Jul 2024Spatial learning, memory, and reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical system (HPA axis) were studied in adult male rats, whose mothers during pregnancy...
Spatial learning, memory, and reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical system (HPA axis) were studied in adult male rats, whose mothers during pregnancy were subjected to acute moderate normobaric hypoxia, or repeated injections of buspirone, an agonist of type 1A serotonergic receptors (5HT1A), or their combination. Prenatal treatment with buspirone in rats with prenatal hypoxia impaired learning ability during the first day of 5-day training. A decrease in the effectiveness of long-term memory in comparison with short-term memory was revealed in two groups of rats: prenatal treatment with buspirone in combination with hypoxia and injection of physiological saline without hypoxia. The effectiveness of long-term memory and the level of corticosterone in response to stress did not differ between the groups, which can indicate adaptation of the 5HT1A receptor and the HPA axis to the prenatal buspirone and normobaric hypoxia during ontogeny.
PubMed: 38954295
DOI: 10.1007/s10517-024-06121-z -
Biomechanics and Modeling in... Jul 2024Biomechanics-based patient-specific modeling is a promising approach that has proved invaluable for its clinical potential to assess the adversities caused by ischemic...
Biomechanics-based patient-specific modeling is a promising approach that has proved invaluable for its clinical potential to assess the adversities caused by ischemic heart disease (IHD). In the present study, we propose a framework to find the passive material properties of the myocardium and the unloaded shape of cardiac ventricles simultaneously in patients diagnosed with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). This was achieved by minimizing the difference between the simulated and the target end-diastolic pressure-volume relationships (EDPVRs) using black-box Bayesian optimization, based on the finite element analysis (FEA). End-diastolic (ED) biventricular geometry and the location of the ischemia were determined from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. We employed our pipeline to model the cardiac ventricles of three patients aged between 57 and 66 years, with and without the inclusion of valves. An excellent agreement between the simulated and the target EDPVRs has been reached. Our results revealed that the incorporation of valvular springs typically leads to lower hyperelastic parameters for both healthy and ischemic myocardium, as well as a higher fiber Green strain in the viable regions compared to models without valvular stiffness. Furthermore, the addition of valve-related effects did not result in significant changes in myofiber stress after optimization. We concluded that more accurate results could be obtained when cardiac valves were considered in modeling ventricles. The present novel and practical methodology paves the way for developing digital twins of ischemic cardiac ventricles, providing a non-invasive assessment for designing optimal personalized therapies in precision medicine.
PubMed: 38954283
DOI: 10.1007/s10237-024-01856-0 -
Bulletin of Mathematical Biology Jul 2024Classification of gene trees is an important task both in the analysis of multi-locus phylogenetic data, and assessment of the convergence of Markov Chain Monte Carlo...
Classification of gene trees is an important task both in the analysis of multi-locus phylogenetic data, and assessment of the convergence of Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analyses used in Bayesian phylogenetic tree reconstruction. The logistic regression model is one of the most popular classification models in statistical learning, thanks to its computational speed and interpretability. However, it is not appropriate to directly apply the standard logistic regression model to a set of phylogenetic trees, as the space of phylogenetic trees is non-Euclidean and thus contradicts the standard assumptions on covariates. It is well-known in tropical geometry and phylogenetics that the space of phylogenetic trees is a tropical linear space in terms of the max-plus algebra. Therefore, in this paper, we propose an analogue approach of the logistic regression model in the setting of tropical geometry. Our proposed method outperforms classical logistic regression in terms of Area under the ROC Curve in numerical examples, including with data generated by the multi-species coalescent model. Theoretical properties such as statistical consistency have been proved and generalization error rates have been derived. Finally, our classification algorithm is proposed as an MCMC convergence criterion for Mr Bayes. Unlike the convergence metric used by Mr Bayes which is only dependent on tree topologies, our method is sensitive to branch lengths and therefore provides a more robust metric for convergence. In a test case, it is illustrated that the tropical logistic regression can differentiate between two independently run MCMC chains, even when the standard metric cannot.
Topics: Phylogeny; Bayes Theorem; Mathematical Concepts; Logistic Models; Markov Chains; Models, Genetic; Algorithms; Monte Carlo Method; ROC Curve; Computer Simulation
PubMed: 38954147
DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01327-8 -
Journal of Molecular Modeling Jul 2024The bandgap modulation and electronic properties modulation of two-dimensional HfSiN monolayer induced by strain, electric field and atomic adsorption are studied by...
The bandgap modulation and electronic properties modulation of two-dimensional HfSiN monolayer induced by strain, electric field and atomic adsorption are studied by first principles. The HfSiN monolayer was found to be dynamically, thermally, and mechanically stable at equilibrium, and it is a direct semiconductor with a bandgap of 1.87 eV. The bandgap of the HfSiN monolayer can be precisely modulated by strain. Under the action of strain, HfSiN monolayer not only transforms from direct semiconductor to indirect semiconductor, but also improves the absorption of visible light. An external electric field in the 0-0.5 eV/Å range can also modulate the bandgap of HfSiN monolayer from 1.87 eV to 0 eV, and most importantly, at an external electric field of 0.5 eV/Å, HfSiN monolayer shows the characteristics of spin gapless semiconductor. The calculated adsorption energy shows that the structures of H, O and F atoms adsorbed by HfSiN monolayer can all exist stably. The bandgap of the configuration after adsorption of O and F atoms is significantly reduced compared with that of HfSiN monolayer. Furthermore, the HfSiN monolayer after adsorption of H and F atoms is transformed into a magnetic semiconductor. METHOD: All calculations were performed using Vienna ab initial simulation package, The electronic structure, mechanical properties, electronic properties and other properties were carried out using generalized gradient approximation (GGA-PBE), supplemented by HSE06 and GGA + U. The total-energy and force convergence are less than 10 eV and 0.001 eV/Å, respectively. The vacuum on the z-axis is selected 20 Å. The vdW interactions were corrected using the Grimme scheme (DFT-D3).
PubMed: 38954080
DOI: 10.1007/s00894-024-06042-8 -
International Ophthalmology Jul 2024Investigate the most appropriate mathematical formula to objectively express upper eyelid contour symmetry.
PURPOSE
Investigate the most appropriate mathematical formula to objectively express upper eyelid contour symmetry.
METHODS
62 eyes of 31 patients were included in the study. The upper eyelid contour symmetry of the patients was classified subjectively (independent of MRD1) as poor, acceptable, and good by three oculoplastic specialists (senior, expert, and junior surgeon). Bézier curves of the upper lid contour were drawn with ImageJ software (NIH, Bethesda, MA, USA). Using the algorithms created by Author SKC in Spyder (Python 3.7.9.), the symmetry of the Bézier curves of the left eyelids were obtained according to the y-axis, and the mid-pupils of both eyes were superimposed. The lower curve moved vertically to the equal height of the other curve to equalize MRD1's. R (Coefficient of determination), RMSE (Root-mean-square error), MSE (Mean squared error), POC (Percentage of co-efficiency), and MAE (Mean absolute error) were calculated. We evaluated the correlation between these objective formulas and the subjective grading of three surgeons using Spearman's rho (ρ).
RESULTS
The correlation coefficient of RMSE and MSE were the same for all surgeons grading. There was a strong correlation between the senior surgeon's subjective scoring (N; poor = 8, acceptable = 16, good = 8) and R, RMSE, POC, MAE (ρ = 0.643, p < 0.001, ρ = -0.607, p < 0.001, ρ = 0.562, p < 0.001, ρ = -0.517, p < 0.001, respectively). We found a strong relationship between the expert surgeon's subjective scoring (N; poor = 9, acceptable = 13, good:10) and R (ρ = 0.611, p < 0.001), RMSE (ρ = -0.549, p < 0.001), POC (ρ = 0.511, p < 0.001), and MAE (ρ = -0.450, p < 0.05). We found a strong correlation between junior surgeon's subjective scoring (N; poor = 6, acceptable = 18, good = 8) and R, RMSE, and POC (ρ: -0.517, p < 0.001; ρ: -0.470, p < 0.001; ρ: 0.521, p < 0.001; respectively) and moderate correlation between MAE (ρ:-0.394, p < 0.05). The highest correlation is observed with R.
CONCLUSIONS
RMSE, MSE, POC, MAE, and especially R, may quantitatively express upper eyelid contour symmetry, comparable with the oculoplastic surgeon. The highest correlation was observed between the senior surgeon and R, and decreases with the experience of the surgeon.
Topics: Humans; Eyelids; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Algorithms; Aged; Adult; Blepharoplasty
PubMed: 38954051
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03157-y -
Journal of Mathematical Biology Jul 2024The embedding problem of Markov matrices in Markov semigroups is a classic problem that regained a lot of impetus and activities through recent needs in phylogeny and...
The embedding problem of Markov matrices in Markov semigroups is a classic problem that regained a lot of impetus and activities through recent needs in phylogeny and population genetics. Here, we give an account for dimensions , including a complete and simplified treatment of the case , and derive the results in a systematic fashion, with an eye on the potential applications. Further, we reconsider the setup of the corresponding problem for time-inhomogeneous Markov chains, which is needed for real-world applications because transition rates need not be constant over time. Additional cases of this more general embedding occur for any . We review the known case of and describe the setting for future work on .
Topics: Markov Chains; Phylogeny; Mathematical Concepts; Genetics, Population; Models, Genetic; Humans
PubMed: 38954016
DOI: 10.1007/s00285-024-02112-w -
AIDS (London, England) Jul 2024To estimate the epidemiological impact of past HIV interventions and the magnitude and contribution of undiagnosed HIV among different risk groups on new HIV...
OBJECTIVES
To estimate the epidemiological impact of past HIV interventions and the magnitude and contribution of undiagnosed HIV among different risk groups on new HIV acquisitions in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Senegal.
DESIGN
HIV transmission dynamic models among the overall population and key populations [female sex workers (FSW), their clients, and MSM].
METHODS
Models were independently parameterized and calibrated for each set of country-specific demographic, behavioural, and epidemiological data. We estimated the fraction of new HIV infections over 2012-2021 averted by condom use and antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake among key population and nonkey population, the direct and indirect contribution of specific groups to new infections [transmission population-attributable fraction (tPAF)] over 2012-2021 due to prevention gaps, and the distribution of undiagnosed PWH by risk group in January 2022 and their tPAF over 2022-2031.
RESULTS
Condom use and ART may have averted 81-88% of new HIV infections over 2012-2021 across countries, mostly because of condom use by key population. The tPAF of all key populations combined over 2012-2021 varied between 27% (Côte d'Ivoire) and 79% (Senegal). Male key population (clients of FSW and MSM) contributed most to new infections (>60% in Mali and Senegal) owing to their higher HIV prevalence and larger prevention gaps. In 2022, men represented 56% of all PWH with an undiagnosed infection in Côte d'Ivoire (male key population = 15%), 46% in Mali (male key population = 23%), and 69% in Senegal (male key population = 55%). If HIV testing and ART initiation rates remain at current levels, 20% of new HIV infections could be due to undiagnosed key population PWH in Côte d'Ivoire over 2022-2031, 53% in Mali, and 65% in Senegal.
CONCLUSION
Substantial HIV diagnosis gaps remain in Western Africa, especially among male key population. Addressing these gaps is key to impacting the HIV epidemics in the region and achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
PubMed: 38953898
DOI: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000003974 -
Acta Ophthalmologica Jul 2024To characterise the retinal vasculometry of a Danish eye and vision cohort and examine associations with systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, mean arterial BP,...
Longitudinal associations of retinal vessel morphology with intraocular pressure and blood pressure at follow-up visit-Findings from a Danish eye and vision cohort, Project FOREVER.
PURPOSE
To characterise the retinal vasculometry of a Danish eye and vision cohort and examine associations with systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, mean arterial BP, and intraocular pressure (IOP).
DESIGN
Longitudinal study.
METHODS
The retinal vasculature of fundus images from the FOREVER (Finding Ophthalmic Risks and Evaluating the Value of Eye exams and their predictive Reliability) cohort was analysed using a fully automated image analysis program. Longitudinal associations of retinal vessel morphology at follow-up visit with IOP (baseline and follow-up) and BP (follow-up) were examined using multilevel linear regression models adjusting for age, sex and retinal vasculometry at baseline as fixed effects and person as random effect. Width measurements were additionally adjusted for the spherical equivalent.
RESULTS
A total of 2089 subjects (62% female) with a mean age of 61 (standard deviation 8) years and a mean follow-up period of 4.1 years (SD 0.6 years) were included. The mean arteriolar diameter was approximately 20% thinner than the mean venular diameter, and venules were about 21%-23% less tortuous than arterioles. BP at follow-up was associated with decreased arteriolar diameter from baseline to follow-up. After adjusting for baseline IOP, IOP at follow-up was associated with increased arteriolar tortuosity above baseline (0.59%, 95% CI 0.08-1.10, p-value 0.024).
CONCLUSION
In a Danish eye and vision cohort, variations in BP and alterations in IOP over time were associated with changes in the width and tortuosity of retinal vessels. Our findings contribute novel insights into retinal vascular alterations over time.
PubMed: 38953839
DOI: 10.1111/aos.16737