Search Results (217)

We present a new word embedding technique in a (non-linear) metric space based on the shared membership of terms in a corpus of textual documents, where the metric is naturally defined by the Boolean algebra of all subsets of the corpus and a measure $\mu$ defined on it. Once the metric space is constructed, a new term (a noun, an adjective, a classification term) can be introduced into the model and analyzed by means of semantic projections, which in turn are defined as indexes using the measure $\mu$ and the word embedding tools. We formally define all necessary elements and prove the main results about the model, including a compatibility theorem for estimating the representability of semantically meaningful external terms in the model (which are written as real Lipschitz functions in the metric space), proving the relation between the semantic index and the metric of the space (Theorem ). Our main result proves the universality of our word-set embedding, proving mathematically that every word embedding based on linear space can be written as a word-set embedding (Theorem ). Since we adopt an empirical point of view for the semantic issues, we also provide the keys for the interpretation of the results using probabilistic arguments (to facilitate the subsequent integration of the model into Bayesian frameworks for the construction of inductive tools), as well as in fuzzy set-theoretic terms. We also show some illustrative examples, including a complete computational case using big-data-based computations. Thus, the main advantages of the proposed model are that the results on distances between terms are interpretable in semantic terms once the semantic index used is fixed and, although the calculations could be costly, it is possible to calculate the value of the distance between two terms without the need to calculate the whole distance matrix. “Wovon man nicht sprechen kann, darüber muss man schweigen”. Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. L. Wittgenstein. Full article

The tumor suppressor p53, in its wild-type form, plays a central role in cellular homeostasis by regulating senescence, apoptosis, and autophagy within the DNA damage response (DDR). Recent findings suggest that wild-type p53 also governs ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death process driven by lipid peroxidation. Post-translational modifications of p53 generate proteoforms that significantly enhance its functional diversity in regulating these mechanisms. A key target in this process is the cystine/glutamate transporter (xCT), which is essential for redox balance and ferroptosis resistance. Additionally, p53-induced miR-34c-5p suppresses cancer cell proliferation and drug resistance by modulating Myc, an oncogene further influenced by non-coding RNAs like circular RNA NOTCH1 (CricNOTCH1) and long non-coding RNA MALAT1. However, the exact role of these molecules in ferroptosis remains unclear. To address this, we introduce the first dynamic Boolean model that delineates the influence of these ncRNAs and p53 on ferroptosis, apoptosis, and senescence within the DDR context. Validated through gain- and loss-of-function perturbations, our model closely aligns with experimental observations in cancers such as oral squamous cell carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and osteosarcoma. The model identifies crucial positive feedback loops (CricNOTCH1/miR-34c/Myc, MALAT1/miR-34c/Myc, and Myc/xCT) and highlights the therapeutic potential of using p53 proteoforms and ncRNAs to combat drug resistance and induce cancer cell death. Full article

This paper investigates the features of using modified Hamming codes, which are also known as Hsiao codes. Self-checking digital devices are proposed to be implemented with calculations testing using two diagnostic signs. These signs indicate that the functions (there are functions that describe check bits) belong to the class of self-dual Boolean functions and also belong to the codewords of Hsiao codes (these are codes with an odd column of weights). The authors have established that all check functions can be self-dual for a certain number of the Hsiao codes’ data symbols. Such codes can be used in the synthesis of concurrent error-detection circuits by two diagnostic signs. The paper describes the structure of an organization for a concurrent error-detection circuit based on Hsiao codes with self-dual check functions. Some experimental results are presented on the synthesis of self-checking devices using the proposed methodology. The controllability of the structure and the number of test combinations both increased. Hsiao codes can be effectively used with self-dual check functions in the synthesis of self-checking digital devices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acetabular fractures are rare fractures of the pelvis which usually result from trauma. Whilst data are reported on sexual and genitourinary function in those with pelvic fractures, less is known about those with isolated acetabulum fractures. This systematic review aimed to determine, first, the frequency of sexual and genitourinary dysfunction following isolated acetabulum fractures and, second, the nature of these complications. Methods: A PRISMA strategy was used. Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and EMBASE library databases were interrogated using pre-defined MeSH terms and Boolean operators. Quality of evidence was evaluated based on OCEBM and GRADE systems. Results: Seven studies based on 648 individuals were identified with a mean follow-up time of 33.6 ± 22.4 months. Five papers described sexual functional outcomes, and two reported genitourinary function. Acetabulum fractures were noted to have an impact on sexual function ranging from 20.0% to 39.8% within the groups analysed. With respect to genitourinary outcomes, incidence of lower urinary tract injury and spontaneous voiding failure was quite low, but due to the existence of little data, firm conclusions cannot be made. Conclusions: This review has highlighted a paucity of data related to outcomes of sexual and genitourinary function in patients who are post-acetabulum fracture. The limited available data suggests that acetabular fractures have an impact on sexual function, but the impact on genitourinary function is less clear. Further prospective work is required to better understand the relationship between baseline demographics, injury characteristics, injury mechanism and concurrent injuries, and surgical fixation and acetabular-fracture outcomes. Full article

Introduction: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines depression as a persistent period of sadness or a reduced interest in everyday activities lasting at least two weeks. Anhedonia, a key symptom of depression, is notable for its significance and is regarded as the second most important factor related to non-somatic issues, following closely behind a depressed mood. This study primarily investigates how excessive or problematic use of Internet-connected devices affects the mood and emotions of young people, with a specific emphasis on anhedonia. Additionally, it explores associated socio-behavioral changes and examines the interaction between IA and depression. Methods: This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA international guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library (Clinical Trials section), Scopus, Embase, PsycInfo, and grey literature sources like Google Scholar. A predefined search strategy using Boolean operators was employed, and two researchers independently selected papers, with a third researcher resolving any discrepancies. Manual reviews were conducted to minimize selection bias. Results: Out of 3812 records, 7 studies were included. The findings suggest that social anhedonia correlates with higher levels of IA, particularly among adolescents and young adults. In some studies, loneliness was identified as a mediator between social anhedonia and social functioning, indicating a complex interplay of emotional factors. Other investigations revealed that increased screen time is associated with a heightened risk of developing addiction-related behaviors. Practical Implications and Conclusions: This review highlights the key role of anhedonia in the development of Internet addiction (IA) among young people, particularly through its impact on emotional regulation and social interactions. Addressing psychological and environmental factors is essential for developing targeted strategies to prevent and manage IA and its related mental health challenges. Full article

The introduction of the holobiont concept has triggered scientific interest in depicting the structural and functional diversity of animal microbial symbionts, which has resulted in an unprecedented wealth of such cross-domain biological associations. The steadfast technological progress in nucleic acid-based approaches would cause one to expect that scientific works on the microbial symbionts of animals would be balanced at least for the farmed animals of human interest. For some animals, such as ruminants and a few farmed fish species of financial significance, the scientific wealth of the microbial worlds they host is immense and ever growing. The opposite happens for other animals, such as snails, in both the wild and farmed species. Snails are evolutionary old animals, with complex ecophysiological roles, living in rich microbial habitats such as soil and sediments or water. In order to create a stepping stone for future snail microbiome studies, in this literature review, we combined all the available knowledge to date, as documented in scientific papers, on any microbes associated with healthy and diseased terrestrial and aquatic snail species from natural and farmed populations. We conducted a Boolean search in Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect until June 2024, identifying 137 papers, of which 60 were used for original data on snail bacterial communities in the gastrointestinal tract, hepatopancreas, and feces. We provide a synthesis on how representative this knowledge is towards depicting the possible snail core microbiota, as well as the steps that need to be taken in the immediate future to increase the in-depth and targeted knowledge of the bacterial component in snail holobionts. Full article

In cryptography, techniques and tools developed in the subfield of linear cryptanalysis have previously successfully been used to allow attackers to break many sophisticated cryptographic ciphers. Since these linear cryptanalytic techniques require exploitable linear approximations to relate the input and output of vectorial Boolean functions, e.g., the plaintext, ciphertext, and key of the cryptographic function, finding these approximations is essential. For this purpose, the Correlation Extraction Algorithm (CEA), which leverages the emerging field of quantum computing, appears promising. However, there has been no comprehensive analysis of the CEA regarding finding an exploitable linear approximation for linear cryptanalysis. In this paper, we conduct a thorough theoretical analysis of the CEA. We aim to investigate its potential in finding a linear approximation with prescribed statistical characteristics. To support our theoretical work, we also present the results of a small empirical study based on a computer simulation. The analysis in this paper shows that an approach that uses the CEA to find exploitable linear approximations has an asymptotic advantage, reducing a linear factor to a logarithmic one in terms of time complexity, and an exponential advantage in terms of space complexity compared to a classical approach that uses the fast Walsh transform. Furthermore, we show that in specific scenarios, CEA can exponentially reduce the search space for exploitable linear approximations in terms of the number of input bits of the cipher. Neglecting the unresolved issue of efficiently checking the property of linear approximations measured by the CEA, our results indicate that the CEA can support the linear cryptanalysis of vectorial Boolean functions with relatively few (e.g., $n\le 32$) output bits. Full article

This paper deals with the topics of modeling joint distributions on a generalized probability space. An algebraic structure known as quantum logic is taken as the basic model. There is a brief summary of some earlier published findings concerning a function s-map, which is a mathematical tool suitable for constructing virtual joint probabilities of even non-compatible propositions. The paper completes conclusions published in 2020 and extends the results for three or more random variables if the marginal distributions are known. The existence of a $(n+1)$-variate joint distribution is shown in special cases when the quantum logic consists of at most n blocks of Boolean algebras. Full article

Probabilistic Boolean Networks can capture the dynamics of complex biological systems as well as other non-biological systems, such as manufacturing systems and smart grids. In this proof-of-concept manuscript, we propose a Probabilistic Boolean Network architecture with a learning process that significantly improves the prediction of the occurrence of faults and failures in smart-grid systems. This idea was tested in a Probabilistic Boolean Network model of the WSCC nine-bus system that incorporates Intelligent Power Routers on every bus. The model learned the equality and negation functions in the different experiments performed. We take advantage of the complex properties of Probabilistic Boolean Networks to use them as a positive feedback adaptive learning tool and to illustrate that these networks could have a more general use than previously thought. This multi-layered PBN architecture provides a significant improvement in terms of performance for fault detection, within a positive-feedback network structure that is more tolerant of noise than other techniques. Full article

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous condition with airflow limitation and obstructive characteristics of respiratory function. In addition, musculoskeletal dysfunction and negative changes in body composition, among other comorbidities associated with this disease, result in a low quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), which includes physical exercise, can positively contribute to improving the clinical conditions in individuals with COPD. Objective: This systematic review aims to summarize the scientific evidence on the impact of physical exercise on body composition and functionality in individuals with COPD. Methods: Through Boolean searches, which were carried out in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, 989 studies were identified. Among these studies, six were selected based on the eligibility criteria. Results: These studies presented a level of evidence II according to National Health and Medical Research Council criteria, with a predominance of regular methodological quality of regular according to the PEDro scale. Four studies presented a high risk of bias, and two presented a low risk of bias according to the criteria of the RoB instrument. The isolated assessment of each domain (2.0 Cochrane) presented a prevalence of 57% with a low risk of bias, followed by 23% with high risk and 20% with an uncertain risk of bias. According to the data regarding outcomes of different studies, an improvement in functional capacity through physical exercise by individuals with COPD was observed. Simultaneously there were reports regarding body composition demonstrating no significant improvement in fat-free mass and fat mass. Conclusions: Improvements in the body composition and functionality in individuals with COPD can promote a better quality of life, favoring the management of this population. This systematic review presents evidence of the potential benefit of improving the functionality of individuals with COPD. Other aspects of the health of this population were also improved, such as quality of life. However, the results related to body composition are inconclusive regarding a decrease in fat mass and an increase in fat-free mass. Therefore, studies of higher quality should be developed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise on the body composition of individuals with COPD. Full article

Background/Objectives: A manual approach combined with therapeutic exercise versus therapeutic exercise alone is a debated issue in the literature. The American College of Rheumatology guidelines “conditionally recommended against” manual therapy for the management of hip osteoarthritis. Manual therapy followed by exercise, instead, appears to lead to a faster return to sport than exercise alone for adductor groin pain. There is a need to understand which is the most effective treatment in the management of hip nonspecific musculoskeletal diseases. The aim of this systematic review is to determine which is the most effective treatment between manual therapy combined with therapeutic exercise and therapeutic exercise alone in subjects with hip nonspecific musculoskeletal diseases. Methods: This systematic review complies with the guidelines of the 2020 Prisma Statement. The databases consulted were Pubmed, Cinahl, and Web Of Science. The search was conducted from October 2004 to November 2023. The search string was developed following the PICO model. Free terms or synonyms (e.g., manual therapy, exercise therapy, hip disease, effectiveness) and Medical Subject Headings terms were combined with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT). The risk-of-bias assessment was conducted using Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized controlled trials and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for observational studies. A qualitative analysis of the results was conducted through narrative synthesis of key concepts. When possible, quantitative analysis was conducted through statistical parameters. Results: Ten articles were analyzed. Results show no differences between the interventions analyzed. Preliminary evidence seems to favor the combined intervention for the outcomes of pain, ROM, and patient satisfaction, with other studies claiming an absence of differences. Only one study claims that therapeutic exercise alone is more effective for quality of life. Preliminary evidence seems to show that manual therapy does not seem to bring any benefit in addition to therapeutic exercise in mid- and long-term functionality, especially for hip osteoarthritis. Conclusions: There seems to be no difference in effectiveness between manual therapy combined with therapeutic exercise and therapeutic exercise alone in individuals with hip nonspecific musculoskeletal diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is no consensus in the literature regarding the optimal treatment for complex proximal humerus fractures (PHFs). The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes, and complications, associated with the Bilboquet implant in the treatment of PHFs. Methods: The search was conducted from the first description of the Bilboquet device in 1994 to June 2024, across PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using specific keywords such as (“Bilboquet” OR “Bilboquet prosthesis” OR “Bilboquet device”) AND (“proximal humerus fracture” OR “shoulder fracture”), along with Boolean operators. The inclusion criteria comprised studies published in English or French that focused on the use of the Bilboquet implant for PHFs. Eligible study designs included case series, cohort studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and non-RCTs evaluating clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes, and complications. Studies that do not contain relevant results to this systematic review, pediatric populations, or the use of alternative implants were excluded. Results: A total of eight studies (235 patients) published between 1996 and 2021 were included. The mean age was 68.6 years (56 to 76.8) in all the studies. The majority of patients, 76.2%, were females, with male patients accounting for only 23.8%. A total of 10 (4.3%) patients had 2-part fractures, 40% of patients had 3-part fractures, and 55.7% of patients had 4-part fractures. The mean follow-up was 36.4 months (25.8–88.7), with a mean constant score of 69.7 (62–78.6). Complications included non-union in 2.65% of cases, avascular necrosis in 19.7%, revision surgery in 5.1%, and protrusion of the staple in 4.3%. Conclusions: Despite limited knowledge of the Bilboquet implant, it shows promise in managing complex PHFs in both young and older adults, with favorable clinical and radiological outcomes. It offers advantages over traditional fixation methods and allows easy conversion to arthroplasty if osteonecrosis occurs. However, the long-term outcomes require further study. While early results are promising, larger randomized studies are needed to confirm its broader clinical utility. Full article

Background: In the realm of system biology, it is a challenging endeavor to infer a gene regulatory network from time-series gene expression data. Numerous Boolean network inference techniques have emerged for reconstructing a gene regulatory network from a time-series gene expression dataset. However, most of these techniques pose scalability concerns given their capability to consider only two to three regulatory genes over a specific target gene. Methods: To overcome this limitation, a novel inference method, LBF-MI, has been proposed in this research. This two-phase method utilizes limited Boolean functions and multivariate mutual information to reconstruct a Boolean gene regulatory network from time-series gene expression data. Initially, Boolean functions are applied to determine the optimum solutions. In case of failure, multivariate mutual information is applied to obtain the optimum solutions. Results: This research conducted a performance-comparison experiment between LBF-MI and three other methods: mutual information-based Boolean network inference, context likelihood relatedness, and relevance network. When examined on artificial as well as real-time-series gene expression data, the outcomes exhibited that the proposed LBF-MI method outperformed mutual information-based Boolean network inference, context likelihood relatedness, and relevance network on artificial datasets, and two real Escherichia coli datasets (E. coli gene regulatory network, and SOS response of E. coli regulatory network). Conclusions: LBF-MI’s superior performance in gene regulatory network inference enables researchers to uncover the regulatory mechanisms and cellular behaviors of various organisms. Full article

Background: Cardiometabolic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is largely driven by obesity-related factors, including adipokines and bioactive peptides primarily secreted by the adipose tissue, such as leptin, adiponectin, and resistin. These molecules link metabolic dysregulation to cardiovascular dysfunction, influencing HFpEF progression and patient outcomes Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed up to 20 November 2024, using keywords and MeSH terms, such as “HFpEF”, “adipokines”, “leptin”, “adiponectin”, and “resistin”, yielding 723 results. Boolean operators refined the search, and reference lists of key studies were reviewed. After screening for duplicates and irrelevant studies, 103 articles were included, providing data on adipokines’ roles in HFpEF pathophysiology, biomarkers, and therapeutic implications. Results: Both preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that adipokines play a role in modulating cardiovascular function, thereby contributing to the development of cardiometabolic HFpEF. Leptin promotes myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation, though contradictory evidence suggests potential cardioprotective roles in subgroups like obese African American women. Adiponectin generally offers protective effects but presents a paradox, where elevated levels may correlate with worse outcomes, which may reflect either a compensatory response to cardiac dysfunction or a maladaptive state characterized by adiponectin resistance. Resistin is associated with increased cardiovascular risk through pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic effects, though its role in HFpEF requires further clarification. Other adipokines, like retinol-binding protein 4 and omentin-1, have emerged as potential contributors. Despite growing insights, clinical translation remains limited, underscoring a significant gap between experimental evidence and therapeutic application. Conclusions: Future research should focus on targeted interventions that modulate adipokine pathways to potentially improve HFpEF outcomes. Innovative treatment strategies addressing underlying metabolic disturbances and adipokine dysregulation are essential for advancing the management of this challenging condition. Full article

A logic gate is typically an electronic device with a Boolean or other type of function, e.g., adding or subtracting, including or excluding according to its logical properties. They can be used in electronic, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic technology. This paper presents a new method for generating logic gates based on optical systems with an emission frequency equal to that used in current telecommunications systems. It uses an erbium-doped fiber laser in its monostable operating region, in contrast to most results published in the literature, where multistable behavior is required to induce dynamic changes, and where a DC voltage signal in the laser pump current provides the control between obtaining the different logic operations. The proposed methodology facilitates the generation of the gates, since it does not require taking the optical system to critical power levels that could damage the components. It is based on using the same elements that the EDFL requires to operate. The result is a system capable of generating up to five stable and robust logic gates to disturbances validated in numerical simulation and experimental setup. This eliminates the sensitivity to the initial conditions affecting the possible logic gates generated by the system and the need to add noise to the system (as is performed in works based on stochastic logic resonance). The experimental observations confirm the numerical results and open up new aspects of using chaotic systems to generate optical logic gates without bistable states. Full article