bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Proximity Matters: The Impact of Justice Information Timing on Psychological Contract Breach Resolution
Authors: Griep Yannick , Vander Elst Tinne , Kraak Johannes M. , Hansen Samantha , Beekman Elizabeth M.
Published: March 2024

Although scholars and practitioners argue that organizations should provide justice information in the aftermath of a psychological contract breach (PC breach) to prevent or reduce violation feelings, it remains unclear whether that information should be provided within a few hours, days, or weeks following a PC breach. We estimated a 2-level time-lagged regression model on experience sampling data from 76 (226 observations), 70 (213 observations), and 70 (344 observations) employees with different intervals to test the durability of informational justice as a moderator on the PC breach-violation feelings relationship. We found that justice information should be provided in close temporal proximity (i.e., within the same day; Study 1) of PC breach to reduce violation feelings. In contrast, neither justice information provided the day (Study 2) or week (Study 3) after a PC breach successfully moderated the PC breach-violation feelings relationship. The current paper underscores the importance of being informationally just in close temporal proximity to a PC breach in line with resolution velocity as an indicator of the effectiveness of the recovery process. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
When People Do Allyship: A Typology of Allyship Action
Authors: De Souza Lucy , Schmader Toni
Published: March 2024

Academic Abstract

Despite increased popular and academic interest, there is conceptual ambiguity about what allyship is and the forms it takes. Viewing allyship as a practice, we introduce the typology of allyship action which organizes the diversity of ways that advantaged individuals seek to support those who are disadvantaged. We characterize allyship actions as reactive (addressing bias when it occurs) and proactive (fostering positive outcomes such as feelings of inclusion, respect, and capacity), both of which can vary in level of analysis (i.e., targeting oneself, one or a few other individuals, or institutions). We use this framework to profile six productive yet largely independent bodies of social psychological literature on social action and directly compare relative benefits and constraints of different actions. We suggest several future directions for empirical research, using the typology of allyship to understand when, where, and how different forms of allyship might succeed.

Public Abstract

Despite increased popular and academic interest in the word, people differ in what they believe allyship is and the forms it takes. Viewing allyship as a practice, we introduce a new way (the typology of allyship action) to describe how advantaged individuals seek to support those who are disadvantaged. We characterize allyship actions as reactive (addressing bias when it occurs) and proactive (increasing positive outcomes such as feelings of inclusion, respect, and capacity), both of which can vary in level (i.e., targeting oneself, one or a few other individuals, or institutions). We use this framework to profile six large yet mostly separate areas of social psychological research on social action and directly compare the relative benefits and limitations of different actions. We suggest several future directions for how the typology of allyship action can help us understand when, where, and how different forms of allyship might succeed.
Accelerating atmospheric physics parameterizations using graphics processing units
Authors: Abdi Daniel S , Jankov Isidora
Published: March 2024

As part of a project aimed at exploring the use of next-generation high-performance computing technologies for numerical weather prediction, we have ported two physics modules from the Common Community Physics Package (CCPP) to Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and obtained accelerations of up to 10× relative to a comparable multi-core CPU. The physics parameterizations accelerated in this work are the aerosol-aware Thompson microphysics (TH) scheme and the Grell–Freitas (GF) cumulus convection scheme. Microphysics schemes are among the most time-consuming physics parameterizations, second to only radiative process schemes, and our results show better acceleration for the TH scheme than the GF scheme. Multi-GPU implementations of the schemes show acceptable weak scaling in a single node with 8 GPUs, and perfect weak scaling on multiple nodes using one GPU per node. The lack of inter-node communication for column physics parameterizations contributes to their scalability, however, physics parameterizations are run along with dynamics, so the overall multi-GPU performance is often governed by the latter. In the context of optimizing CCPP physics modules, our observations underscore that the extensive use of automatic arrays within inner subroutines hampers GPU performance due to serialized memory allocations. We have used the OpenACC directive programming language for this work because it allows for easy porting of large amounts of code and makes code maintenance more manageable compared to low-level languages like CUDA and OpenCL.
“500 years of Columbus a lie, yet we survive!”: Kalinago revivalism, climate resilience, and ecotourism development in the Nature Isle
Authors: Miller Kimberly Dawn
Published: March 2024

The Commonwealth of Dominica pledged to become the world’s first climate-resilient country after the devastation of Hurricane Maria, with ecotourism being part of that sustainable development strategy. Ecotourism growth on the lush eastern Caribbean island has since surpassed pre-storm levels, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Crucial to the government’s sustainable resilience strategy has been ethno-cultural tourism of the island’s Kalinago (Indigenous peoples of the Lesser Antilles) community such as handicraft instruction, food preparation, canoe building, Indigenous-led tours, and cultural entertainment centers. This article explores development of a comprehensive ecotourism industry in the Indigenous district of Kalinago Territory as a means toward economic sustainability in the Nature Isle with focus on Kalinago cultural producers and their ongoing contestations of Indigenous absence in the Caribbean through a framework of Indigenous Caribbean revival.
Where our identity lies: Confirmation of Aboriginality—narratives of colonial and lateral violence
Authors: Walke Emma , Townsend-Cross Marcelle Louise , Garay Jasper , Matthews Veronica , Dickson Michelle , Edwards David , Angelo Candace
Published: March 2024

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are facing growing levels of scrutiny to prove their identity to access Indigenous-specific government services designed to mitigate the impacts of past government policies. Yet, it is those who have been most severely impacted by past government policies of forcible removal from Country and separation of families who often face challenges obtaining evidence to prove their Indigeneity. Employing narrative inquiry and collaborative autoethnography, this article draws on the personal reflections and experiences of the Aboriginal authors to explore the health and wellbeing impacts of deficit discourses, perceptions, and judgements about Indigeneity in Australia. Our personal stories are shared to enliven discussion on how proof of Indigeneity requirements may systemically compound ongoing intergenerational trauma. These stories and perspectives are shared to stimulate review of proof of Indigeneity policies and procedures by government agencies and education institutions across Australia.
Drought Stress Amelioration Attributes of Plant-Associated Microbiome on Agricultural Plants
Authors: Agunbiade Victor Funso , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti
Published: March 2024

The future global food security depends on the availability of water for agriculture. Yet, the ongoing rise in nonagricultural uses for water, such as urban and industrial uses, and growing environmental quality concerns have increased pressure of irrigation water demand and posed danger to food security. Nevertheless, its severity and duration are predicted to rise shortly. Drought pressure causes stunted growth, severe damage to photosynthesis activity, loss in crop yield, reduced seed germination, and reduced nutrient intake by plants. To overcome the effects of a devastating drought on plants, it is essential to think about the causes, mechanisms of action, and long-term agronomy management and genetics. As a result, there is an urgent need for long-term medication to deal with the harmful effects of drought pressure. The review focuses on the adverse impact of drought on the plant, physiological, and biochemical aspects, and management measures to control the severity of drought conditions. This article reviews the role of genome editing (GE) technologies such as CRISPR 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) related spaces and short palindromic relapse between proteins in reducing the effects of phytohormones, osmolytes, external compounds, proteins, microbes (plant growth-promoting microorganism [PGPM]), approach omics, and drought on plants that support plant growth. This research is to examine the potential of using the microbiome associated with plants for drought resistance and sustainable agriculture. Researchers also advocate using a mix of biotechnology, agronomic, and advanced GE technologies to create drought-tolerant plant varieties.
Iatrogenic myelodysplastic syndrome complicating multiple sclerosis: A case report
Authors: Kubicki Konrad , Stefoski Dusan
Published: March 2024

After 1.5 years of treatment with dimethyl fumarate (DMF) for multiple sclerosis, preceded 8 years earlier by intravenous (IV) cladribine and 1 year earlier by natalizumab, our patient developed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The initial manifestation was a severe drop in absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts. Repeat bone marrow biopsy demonstrated a new unbalanced translocation (between the chromosome 1 long arm and chromosome 7 short arm). This case report, to our knowledge, is the first linking iatrogenic MDS to DMF and cladribine, while also suggesting caution with immunosuppressants in multiple sclerosis patients.
Investigation of longitudinal airflow characteristics in an aircraft cabin based on angle of attack
Authors: Xing Zihan , Zhang Yongzhi , Wang Ping , Zhang Jiaxing
Published: March 2024

As an important means of transportation, an aircraft’s environmental control system plays an important role in ensuring the health and thermal comfort of the cabin environment. To guarantee sufficient lift during flight, the aircraft cabin needs to have a certain angle of attack with the horizontal direction. In this study, the flow field, temperature field and vortex structure characteristics of the cabin were analysed using a scaled 28-row cabin model and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) under different angles of attack (15° and 8°) conditions. The results show that the velocity and temperature in the local area in the longitudinal section were increased when the angle of attack was increased. Compared with the horizontal state (angle of attack 0°), the longitudinal airflow under the condition of a larger angle of attack was enhanced. The overall trend of forward airflow is presented in this paper. The longitudinal airflow would strengthen the separation of the large vortex at the top of the cabin. The vortex structure shows high instability in different times and spaces.
Tourist engagement and subjective well-being in film tourism: Mediator of memorable tourism experience
Authors: Yen Chang-Hua , Tsaur Sheng-Hshiung , Yen Hui-Hsuan
Published: March 2024

Film tourism and film tourists’ perceptions and experiences have been extensively researched. However, few studies have explored the effects of tourist engagement on tourists’ emotional states in the posttravel stage. Therefore, the present study investigated the association between tourist engagement and subjective well-being as mediated by memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) in film tourism. A total of 424 Taiwanese tourists engaged in film tourism to South Korea were invited to participate in the study. Structural equation modelling was used to test the research hypotheses. The results revealed that tourist engagement is positively associated with the creation of MTEs and with tourists’ subjective well-being. MTEs are positively associated with subjective well-being. Furthermore, MTEs mediate tourist engagement and subjective well-being; that is, engaged tourists are more likely to create MTEs, which enhance their subjective sense of well-being. These results supplement existing findings on film tourism by clarifying the effect of tourist engagement on MTEs and subjective well-being. Moreover, this study provides valuable insights for the management and marketers of film tourism destinations, assisting them in enhancing visitor engagement to promote MTEs and a sense of well-being.
Optimization of the gas flow system in a selective laser melting chamber using numerical methods
Authors: Zhou Zirong , Li Yongxing , Chen Xiaoxuan , Shang Xin , Gou Kunzheng , Pang Lijuan
Published: March 2024

A well-designed flow field is a key factor to improve the surface quality of products by removing spatter, which is often generated during the selective laser melting (SLM) process. In the present study, three typical schemes are developed for the gas flow system of large-scale SLM equipment. In this regard, the flow deviation and velocity increase indices are implemented to characterize the flow uniformity in the chamber and gas flow velocity in the clearing area. The obtained results show that the inlet size significantly improves the flow uniformity and the segmented inlet increases the flow velocity above the machining surface. More specifically, when the velocity deviation index decreases from 0.3335 to 0.1538, the corresponding velocity index increases from 10.16% to 29.83%. To improve the flow uniformity on the machining surface, the effect of the inlet flow rate on the airflow over the machining surface is investigated. The obtained results show that when the inlet flow rate reduces to 0.2 m/s, the removal spatter improves while the airflow remains uniform. The results of this study can provide a reference for the design of SLM gas flow systems.
Optimization study of low lateral force in eccentric ball-piston pumps
Authors: Wu JiaHao , Ma LiFeng , An GaoCheng , Xing ZhenYu
Published: March 2024

Eccentric ball piston pump is a high power density hydraulic component. In this paper, a low lateral force design method for an eccentric ball-piston pump is proposed to reduce the lateral force between the ball and the cylinder by slightly inclination of the cylinder, and a mathematical model of the method is established. An experimental platform of eccentric ball-piston pump for evaluating the performance of cylinder block slightly inclination was established to verify the effect of slightly inclined cylinder block on the volumetric efficiency and mechanical efficiency of the pump. According to the experimental results of the prototype, the tilting angle from 0° to 3°, the lateral force between the ball piston and the cylinder decreases and then increases, the volumetric efficiency of the pump increases and then decreases, and the mechanical efficiency improves continuously. 3° of cylinder tilting angle reduces the friction torque by 2.63 Nm compared with the un-tilted cylinder, and the mechanical efficiency improves by 7.12%. 2° of cylinder tilting angle reduces the leakage volume by 0.475 L/min compared with the un-tilted cylinder, and the volumetric efficiency improves by 3.67%. This study is instructive for the study of high efficiency of eccentric ball piston pumps.
Fixation offset decreases manual inhibition of return (IOR) in detection and discrimination tasks
Authors: Michalczyk Łukasz
Published: March 2024

Attention can be covertly shifted to peripheral stimuli to improve their processing. However, attention is also then inhibited against returning to the previously attended location; thus, both detection and discrimination of a stimulus presented at that location decrease (the inhibition of return [IOR] effect). The after-effect of the covert orienting hypothesis postulates a close link between attention shifting, IOR, and oculomotor control. The fixation offset, which improves the generation of saccades, decreases IOR in detection tasks, suggesting a close link between IOR and oculomotor control. However, according to some alternative views (e.g., the input-based IOR hypothesis and the object files segregation/integration hypothesis), IOR may be related to some sensory rather than motor processes. Some studies support that view and show that IOR may occur differently in detection and discrimination tasks and that oculomotor processes do not affect IOR in tasks where manual responses are required and eye movements are suppressed. Two experiments presented in this article show that removing the fixation point decreases manual IOR in detection and discrimination tasks. The results are discussed in terms of various theoretical approaches.
Impact of COVID-19 on individuals experiencing homelessness: Lessons learned and recommendations for practitioners
Authors: Iwundu Chisom N.
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about unprecedented changes globally, shed light on the significant disparities faced by persons experiencing homelessness (PEH). These individuals faced an elevated risk of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to factors such as lack of safe housing, limited access to hygiene and sanitation, and communal living situations. The unique challenges, vulnerabilities, and effects of COVID-19 on PEH is discussed, as well as lessons learned from these experiences, recommendations for practitioners, and the ongoing implications for addressing homelessness.
Relapsing Anti-GAD65-Associated Encephalitis Responsive to Thymoma Resection, Radiation, and Immunomodulatory Therapy
Authors: Krett Jonathan D. , Molinaro Maria E. , McArthur Justin C. , Kamson David O. , Green Kemar E. , Probasco John C.
Published: March 2024

Herein we describe a case of relapsing anti-GAD65-associated encephalitis which was responsive to the combination of thymoma resection, external beam radiotherapy, and immunomodulatory therapy. The case illustrates the value of remaining vigilant for the possibility of paraneoplastic syndromes in the context of anti-GAD65 antibodies and thymoma. It also illustrates that tumor-directed therapies may offer additional benefit beyond immunomodulatory therapy alone.
Characteristics and outcomes of cardiac arrest patients with prolonged resuscitation
Authors: Kant Abhay , Seah Yi-En Clara
Published: March 2024

Background: There is lack of uniformity and consensus amongst the emergency physicians about an appropriate duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and resuscitative efforts before deciding about termination of resuscitation (TOR) in patients with either out-of-hospital or in the emergency department (ED) non-traumatic cardiac arrests. An ideal duration of resuscitation for those with persistent cardiac arrest has not been determined yet. This study aims to evaluate the resuscitative interventions, patient factors and outcomes associated with prolonged duration of resuscitation in these patients.

Methods: A retrospective study conducted in the Emergency Department (ED) of Changi General Hospital, Singapore and included 15 non-consecutive and randomly selected adult patients who either had an out-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) or suffered a witnessed cardiac arrest soon after arrival in the ED and were resuscitated further.

Results: The median age was 58 years (IQR 51.5–70.5 years), and the median total CPR and resuscitation duration was 46 min (IQR 40–62.5 min). 12 patients sustained ROSC and one had transient ROSC. Ten (10) patients survived to hospital admission from ED and 5 of them underwent emergency angiography from ED. Three patients were discharged from hospital eventually with mRS scores of 0–1.

Conclusion: Patients with sustained ROSC were older, had more prevalence of co-morbidities and lesser prevalence of shockable rhythms, received bystander CPR and pre-hospital adrenaline more frequently, had longer total duration of CPR and a larger proportion were administered intravenous calcium gluconate during ED resuscitation.
A case of Parkinsonian symptoms secondary to chronic subdural hematoma
Authors: Kyejo Willbroad , Swai Frank , Mugisha Clement , Adebayo Philip
Published: March 2024

Chronic subdural hematoma is a known neurosurgical entity often associated with a spectrum of neurological manifestations. While primarily recognized for its characteristic accumulation of blood between the dura mater and arachnoid membrane, emerging literature suggests a rare association between chronic subdural hematoma and Parkinsonian symptoms. This report aims to underscore this unique neurological relationship by presenting a case of a 70-year-old male who developed Parkinsonism following chronic subdural hematoma post-head trauma. This case underscores the rare association between chronic subdural hematoma and Parkinsonian symptoms, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention in managing such cases.
Twitter Communication Among Democracy Actors: How Interacting With Journalists and Elected Officials Influence People’s Government Performance Assessment and Trust
Authors: Gil de Zúñiga Homero , Goyanes Manuel , Mateos Araceli
Published: March 2024

Prior research highlights broad democratic benefits of sustained public trust in the government, and the confidence that the government performs responsively addressing citizens’ problems (i.e., unemployment, cost of living). As social media enhances citizens’ opportunities to interact with journalists and elected officials, little is known about these communication effects on people’s government trust, and citizens’ evaluations about how well the government is addressing important society problems. Relying on a two-wave US representative panel survey data, this study builds on prior literature to introduce Twitter Communication with Democracy Actors: journalists and politicians, as a single, yet two-dimensional construct. Then, advancing different ordinary least squares (OLS) predictive panel models, results indicate that people who interact with democratic actors on Twitter trust the government and assess its overall functioning more positively. Additional moderating tests indicate social media interactions with democracy actors help citizens who might need it the most, specifically those who have lower levels of external political efficacy. The study provides theoretical implications of findings and suggestions for future research.
How and Why Teachers Taught About the 2020 U.S. Election: An Analysis of Survey Responses From Twelve States
Authors: Fitchett Paul G. , Levy Brett L. M. , Stoddard Jeremy D.
Published: March 2024

This study explores social studies teachers’ self-reported instruction about teaching the 2020 election in U.S. secondary schools. We analyzed survey responses from 1,723 secondary social studies teachers from 12 states (3 left-leaning, 3 right-leaning, 6 battleground) collected in the weeks after the election, examining self-reported pedagogies, topics taught, and overall frequency of teaching about the election. Respondents reported teaching about the election more frequently if they taught courses in civics or government and/or if they had greater control over their curricula. Analyses indicated that teachers’ demographic characteristics, teaching contexts, and ideologies about civic education were related to the election-related topics they taught and the instructional practices they employed. Our findings have important implications for educators, administrators, policymakers, and others interested in strengthening civic learning.
The impact of street network connectivity on active school travel: Norway’s HUNT study
Authors: Schön Peter , Heinen Eva , Rangul Vegar , Sund Erik R , Manum Bendik
Published: March 2024

Active travel to school (ATS) is promoted due to its benefits for health, mental well-being and the environment. Although the impact of the urban form on ATS has been extensively researched, findings have remained contradictory. Existing studies have mainly relied on aggregated, area-based measures, scarcely applying disaggregated, network-based measures of accessibility, street configurations, connectivity or urban density. This study addresses issues related to aggregation and the lack of ATS-specific network measures to evaluate the connectivity of routes to school. We examined the associations of route betweenness, reach and weighted reach with ATS, while adjusting for age, gender, traffic and proximity to school. Population data are disaggregated within a 50-m accuracy of address points. We introduce ‘route betweenness’, a new network-based measure for assessing the connectivity of entire shortest routes. We measured network accessibility around homes as reach (i.e., the number of streets reached through the network), and urban density as weighted reach (i.e., as the floor area or population accessible within walk-/cyclable distances). ATS was measured through self-reported walking or cycling to school (yes or no). The results show positive associations of route betweenness with ATS. The findings further indicate that, whilst higher connectivity and accessibility around home can increase ATS, the connectivity of the network along the way to school, as grasped by route betweenness, is even more important.
Protective effects of physical activity on episodic memory during aging are explained by executive functioning
Authors: Moutoussamy Ilona , Taconnat Laurence , Angel Lucie , Pothier Kristell , Toussaint Lucette , Fay Séverine
Published: March 2024

Aging is marked by a memory decline related to an executive function decline. Physical activity (PA) has beneficial effects on both executive functions and memory, especially in aging. The protective effects of PA on these two cognitive abilities have always been studied separately, despite the well-established relationship between memory and executive functions. Our objective was to explore whether the benefits of PA on memory could be explained by reduced age-related changes in executive functions.

Nineteen young adults (27.16 years old) and 25 older adults (69.64 years old) performed a resource-dependent memory task, three executive tasks and completed a PA questionnaire (measuring sports and leisure PA). Age group and PA effects on memory and executive performance were analyzed with generalized linear models. Mediation analyses were calculated using method of causal steps approach with a non-parametric bootstrapping procedure.

The results confirmed the effects of age and PA on memory and executive performance. A significant interaction confirmed the protective effect of PA on age-related cognitive performance. PA was positively correlated with performance in both memory and executive tasks, but only in the older adults. Although each predictor alone (age, executive functions and PA) significantly explained memory performance in older adults, only the effect of PA on memory performance remained significant when all the predictors were introduced in the analyses.

PA mediates the effects of age and executive functions on memory performance. This suggests that PA protects older adults against memory decline by reducing the decline in executive functioning.
A harmonized Danube basin-wide multi-compartment concentration database to support inventories of micropollutant emissions to surface waters
Authors: Kittlaus Steffen , Kardos Máté Krisztián , Dudás Katalin Mária , Weber Nikolaus , Clement Adrienne , Petkova Silviya , Sukovic Danijela , Kučić Grgić Dajana , Kovacs Adam , Kocman David , Moldovan Constanta , Kirchner Michal , Gabriel Oliver , Krampe Jörg , Zessner Matthias , Zoboli Ottavia
Published: March 2024

Background

The European Water Framework Directive foresees the establishment of emission inventories for micropollutants (MP) to facilitate an evidence-based development of mitigation measures. Regionalized pathway analysis constitutes a moderately data-intensive approach to quantify the contribution of different pathways to the total pollution of surface waters. So far, only few European member states have created an inventory that includes diffuse pathways. The fundamental basis to enable it is an accessible, well-structured and harmonized database with data on the concentration of MPs in multiple compartments, such as soils, groundwater, atmospheric deposition and urban systems. Combined with the water and suspended substance balance in river basins, such data enables the estimation of emission loads via specific pathways. In the Danube River Basin, but in general in Europe, a public data management platform with such scope and criteria is still lacking.

Results

We collected and harmonized MP measurements across multiple compartments and countries together with key metadata, harmonized and combined them into a new database. The resulting tool, available for download, facilitates the assessment of current data availability, in terms of quantity and quality. For example, while the majority of available data stems from groundwater and surface water, other highly relevant compartments are scarcely represented. By examining differences in MP concentration level across compartments, the database can lead to understand the relevance of specific emission pathways and thus to prioritize data-retrieval and calculation efforts in modelling applications. Selected examples show how to exploit the metadata associated to the measurements to extrapolate the results to regions not covered by specific monitoring programmes. For example, PFAS concentrations in treated wastewater show significant dependence on the design capacity of the treatment plant.

Conclusions

This study showcases how such database can support the setup of emission inventories, guide data providers and national authorities in prioritizing the allocation of resources for new surveys and in optimizing their national data collection and management systems. The process tested showed a great need for enhanced data literacy across countries and institutions to increase data availability and quality to secure the exploitation of the full information potential generated via monitoring programmes.
DeepAEG: a model for predicting cancer drug response based on data enhancement and edge-collaborative update strategies
Authors: Lao Chuanqi , Zheng Pengfei , Chen Hongyang , Liu Qiao , An Feng , Li Zhao
Published: March 2024

Motivation

The prediction of cancer drug response is a challenging subject in modern personalized cancer therapy due to the uncertainty of drug efficacy and the heterogeneity of patients. It has been shown that the characteristics of the drug itself and the genomic characteristics of the patient can greatly influence the results of cancer drug response. Therefore, accurate, efficient, and comprehensive methods for drug feature extraction and genomics integration are crucial to improve the prediction accuracy.

Results

Accurate prediction of cancer drug response is vital for guiding the design of anticancer drugs. In this study, we propose an end-to-end deep learning model named DeepAEG which is based on a complete-graph update mode to predict IC50. Specifically, we integrate an edge update mechanism on the basis of a hybrid graph convolutional network to comprehensively learn the potential high-dimensional representation of topological structures in drugs, including atomic characteristics and chemical bond information. Additionally, we present a novel approach for enhancing simplified molecular input line entry specification data by employing sequence recombination to eliminate the defect of single sequence representation of drug molecules. Our extensive experiments show that DeepAEG outperforms other existing methods across multiple evaluation parameters in multiple test sets. Furthermore, we identify several potential anticancer agents, including bortezomib, which has proven to be an effective clinical treatment option. Our results highlight the potential value of DeepAEG in guiding the design of specific cancer treatment regimens.
DNA-QLC: an efficient and reliable image encoding scheme for DNA storage
Authors: Zheng Yanfen , Cao Ben , Zhang Xiaokang , Cui Shuang , Wang Bin , Zhang Qiang
Published: March 2024

Background

DNA storage has the advantages of large capacity, long-term stability, and low power consumption relative to other storage mediums, making it a promising new storage medium for multimedia information such as images. However, DNA storage has a low coding density and weak error correction ability.

Results

To achieve more efficient DNA storage image reconstruction, we propose DNA-QLC (QRes-VAE and Levenshtein code (LC)), which uses the quantized ResNet VAE (QRes-VAE) model and LC for image compression and DNA sequence error correction, thus improving both the coding density and error correction ability. Experimental results show that the DNA-QLC encoding method can not only obtain DNA sequences that meet the combinatorial constraints, but also have a net information density that is 2.4 times higher than DNA Fountain. Furthermore, at a higher error rate (2%), DNA-QLC achieved image reconstruction with an SSIM value of 0.917.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the DNA-QLC encoding scheme guarantees the efficiency and reliability of the DNA storage system and improves the application potential of DNA storage for multimedia information such as images.
Early transcriptional changes of heavy metal resistance and multiple efflux genes in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris under copper and heavy metal ion stress
Authors: Ramnarine Stephen D. B. , Ali Omar , Jayaraman Jayaraj , Ramsubhag Adesh
Published: March 2024

Background

Copper-induced gene expression in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is typically evaluated using targeted approaches involving qPCR. The global response to copper stress in Xcc and resistance to metal induced damage is not well understood. However, homologs of heavy metal efflux genes from the related Stenotrophomonas genus are found in Xanthomonas which suggests that metal related efflux may also be present.

Methods and Results

Gene expression in Xcc strain BrA1 exposed to 0.8 mM CuSO4.5H2O for 15 minutes was captured using RNA-seq analysis. Changes in expression was noted for genes related to general stress responses and oxidoreductases, biofilm formation, protein folding chaperones, heat-shock proteins, membrane lipid profile, multiple drug and efflux (MDR) transporters, and DNA repair were documented. At this timepoint only the cohL (copper homeostasis/tolerance) gene was upregulated as well as a chromosomal czcCBA efflux operon. An additional screen up to 4 hrs using qPCR was conducted using a wider range of heavy metals. Target genes included a cop-containing heavy metal resistance island and putative metal efflux genes. Several efflux pumps, including a copper resistance associated homolog from S. maltophilia, were upregulated under toxic copper stress. However, these pumps were also upregulated in response to other toxic heavy metals. Additionally, the temporal expression of the coh and cop operons was also observed, demonstrating co-expression of tolerance responses and later activation of part of the cop operon.

Conclusions

Overall, initial transcriptional responses focused on combating oxidative stress, mitigating protein damage and potentially increasing resistance to heavy metals and other biocides. A putative copper responsive efflux gene and others which might play a role in broader heavy metal resistance were also identified. Furthermore, the expression patterns of the cop operon in conjunction with other copper responsive genes allowed for a better understanding of the fate of copper ions in Xanthomonas. This work provides useful evidence for further evaluating MDR and other efflux pumps in metal-specific homeostasis and tolerance phenotypes in the Xanthomonas genus. Furthermore, non-canonical copper tolerance and resistance efflux pumps were potentially identified. These findings have implications for interpreting MIC differences among strains with homologous copLAB resistance genes, understanding survival under copper stress, and resistance in disease management.
Efficacy and safety of esketamine combined with propofol for curative endoscopic resection in colorectum: a prospective, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ma Yimei , Wang Jiali , Yang Yuying , Yao Minmin
Published: March 2024

Background

Curative endoscopic resection is widely used to treat colonic polyps and early stage cancers. The anesthetic strategy commonly involves the use of propofol combined with a small dose of opioids for sedation. Adverse respiratory or cardiovascular events such as hypotension often occur when attempting to achieve the necessary level of sedation. Several studies have suggested its advantages owing to the anesthetic, analgesic, and sympathomimetic properties of esketamine. However, there are no reports on curative colorectal endoscopic resection. We designed this randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of esketamine combined with propofol for sedation in patients undergoing curative colorectal endoscopic resection.

Methods

A total of 166 patients who underwent curative colorectal endoscopic resection were randomly assigned to groups A (propofol + fentanyl) or E (propofol + esketamine). Ideal sedation was assessed using the MOAA/S scale and was achieved using TCI-propofol with different doses of fentanyl and esketamine. The propofol consumption and vasoactive drug dosages were recorded. Sedation-related times, adverse events, and satisfaction were recorded.

Results

Of the 160 patients, the total propofol consumption was significantly lower in group E (n = 81) (300 mg) than in group A (n = 79) (350 mg). Hypotension and bradycardia were significantly lower in Group E than in Group A. The groups showed no significant differences in other adverse events, induction time, recovery time, or patient or endoscopist satisfaction.

Conclusion

Compared to fentanyl, esketamine helps decrease propofol consumption and increases cardiovascular stability during curative colorectal endoscopic resection in American Society of Anesthesiologists Class I–III patients without affecting anesthesia, patient and endoscopist satisfaction, or other adverse events.

Trial registration

The study was retrospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn; registration number: ChiCTR2300069014 on 03/03/2023).
Fascia iliaca compartment block for postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Eshag Mona Muhe Eldeen , Hasan Lina Omar Mahmoud , Elshenawy Salem , Ahmed Mennatallah Samir , Emad Mostafa Abd El-moneam , Abdelghafar Yomna Ali , Althawadi Yusuf Jasim , Ibraheem Najwa Medhat , Badr Helmy , AbdelQadir Yossef Hassan
Published: March 2024

Background

Fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) is one of the regional nerve blocks used to reduce pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We aim to assess the efficacy of FICB in reducing post-operative pain and opioid consumption.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus on February 19, 2023, and we updated our search in august 2023 using relevant search strategy. Studies were extensively screened for eligibility by title and abstract screening, followed by full-text screening. We extracted the data from the included studies, and then pooled the data as mean difference (MD) or odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), using Review Manager Software (ver. 3.5).

Results

FIBC significantly reduced analgesic consumption at 24 h (MD = -8.75, 95% CI [-9.62, -7.88] P < 0.00001), and at 48 h post-operatively. (MD = -15.51, 95% CI [-26.45, -4.57], P = 0.005), with a significant sensory block of the femoral nerve (P = 0.0004), obturator nerve (P = 0.0009), and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (P = 0.002). However, FICB was not associated with a significant pain relief at 6, 24, and 48 h postoperatively, except at 12 h where it significantly reduced pain intensity (MD = -0.49, 95% CI [-0.85, -0.12], P = 0.008). FICB was also not effective in reducing post-operative nausea and vomiting (MD = 0.55, 95% CI [0.21, 1.45], P = 0.23), and was associated with high rates of quadriceps muscle weakness (OR = 9.09, % CI [3.70, 22.30], P = < 0.00001).

Conclusions

FICB significantly reduces the total analgesic consumption up to 48 h; however, it is not effective in reducing post-operative pain, nausea and vomiting and it induced postoperative muscle weakness.
An assessment of the informative value of data sharing statements in clinical trial registries
Authors: Ohmann Christian , Panagiotopoulou Maria , Canham Steve , Felder Gerd , Verde Pablo Emilio
Published: March 2024

Background

The provision of data sharing statements (DSS) for clinical trials has been made mandatory by different stakeholders. DSS are a device to clarify whether there is intention to share individual participant data (IPD). What is missing is a detailed assessment of whether DSS are providing clear and understandable information about the conditions for data sharing of IPD for secondary use.

Methods

A random sample of 200 COVID-19 clinical trials with explicit DSS was drawn from the ECRIN clinical research metadata repository. The DSS were assessed and classified, by two experienced experts and one assessor with less experience in data sharing (DS), into different categories (unclear, no sharing, no plans, yes but vague, yes on request, yes with specified storage location, yes but with complex conditions).

Results

Between the two experts the agreement was moderate to substantial (kappa=0.62, 95% CI [0.55, 0.70]). Agreement considerably decreased when these experts were compared with a third person who was less experienced and trained in data sharing (“assessor”) (kappa=0.33, 95% CI [0.25, 0.41]; 0.35, 95% CI [0.27, 0.43]). Between the two experts and under supervision of an independent moderator, a consensus was achieved for those cases, where both experts had disagreed, and the result was used as “gold standard” for further analysis. At least some degree of willingness of DS (data sharing) was expressed in 63.5% (127/200) cases. Of these cases, around one quarter (31/127) were vague statements of support for data sharing but without useful detail. In around half of the cases (60/127) it was stated that IPD could be obtained by request. Only in in slightly more than 10% of the cases (15/127) it was stated that the IPD would be transferred to a specific data repository. In the remaining cases (21/127), a more complex regime was described or referenced, which could not be allocated to one of the three previous groups. As a result of the consensus meetings, the classification system was updated.

Conclusion

The study showed that the current DSS that imply possible data sharing are often not easy to interpret, even by relatively experienced staff. Machine based interpretation, which would be necessary for any practical application, is currently not possible. Machine learning and / or natural language processing techniques might improve machine actionability, but would represent a very substantial investment of research effort. The cheaper and easier option would be for data providers, data requestors, funders and platforms to adopt a clearer, more structured and more standardised approach to specifying, providing and collecting DSS.

Trial registration

The protocol for the study was pre-registered on ZENODO (https://zenodo.org/record/7064624#.Y4DIAHbMJD8).
Design and statistical analysis reporting among interrupted time series studies in drug utilization research: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Zhang Yuanjin , Ren Yan , Huang Yunxiang , Yao Minghong , Jia Yulong , Wang Yuning , Mei Fan , Zou Kang , Tan Jing , Sun Xin
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Interrupted time series (ITS) design is a commonly used method for evaluating large-scale interventions in clinical practice or public health. However, improperly using this method can lead to biased results.

Objective

To investigate design and statistical analysis characteristics of drug utilization studies using ITS design, and give recommendations for improvements.

Methods

A literature search was conducted based on PubMed from January 2021 to December 2021. We included original articles that used ITS design to investigate drug utilization without restriction on study population or outcome types. A structured, pilot-tested questionnaire was developed to extract information regarding study characteristics and details about design and statistical analysis.

Results

We included 153 eligible studies. Among those, 28.1% (43/153) clearly explained the rationale for using the ITS design and 13.7% (21/153) clarified the rationale of using the specified ITS model structure. One hundred and forty-nine studies used aggregated data to do ITS analysis, and 20.8% (31/149) clarified the rationale for the number of time points. The consideration of autocorrelation, non-stationary and seasonality was often lacking among those studies, and only 14 studies mentioned all of three methodological issues. Missing data was mentioned in 31 studies. Only 39.22% (60/153) reported the regression models, while 15 studies gave the incorrect interpretation of level change due to time parameterization. Time-varying participant characteristics were considered in 24 studies. In 97 studies containing hierarchical data, 23 studies clarified the heterogeneity among clusters and used statistical methods to address this issue.

Conclusion

The quality of design and statistical analyses in ITS studies for drug utilization remains unsatisfactory. Three emerging methodological issues warranted particular attention, including incorrect interpretation of level change due to time parameterization, time-varying participant characteristics and hierarchical data analysis. We offered specific recommendations about the design, analysis and reporting of the ITS study.