bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical exercise and fatigue in advanced gastrointestinal cancer during chemotherapy
Authors: Navigante Alfredo , Cresta Morgado Pablo , Daud María Laura , Dos Santos Regis Helca , Kolberg Martín , Marazzi Carla , Lobbe Velia , González Andrea Alejandra , De Simone Gustavo
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This study was aimed to analyse the effect of a patient-oriented modality of physical exercise (programmed and directed physical exercise (PDPE)) on cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and quality of life (QoL). The secondary aim was to evaluate changes in body composition and skeletal muscle function during the study in patients with and without PDPE.

Methods

A prospective randomised study was conducted to analyse the impact of PDPE on CRF and QoL. Patients were selected before the development of CRF to set the intervention before its appearance. A high probability CRF population was chosen: patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer undergoing chemotherapy with weight loss (≥5%) over the last 6 months. PDPE consisted of a programme of exercise delivered weekly and adjusted to patients’ medical conditions. Four visits were planned (weeks 0, 4, 8 and 12). QoL, CRF, body composition and skeletal muscle function were evaluated in each visit.

Results

From 101 patients recruited, 64 were considered evaluable, with three or four visits completed (n=30 control, n=34 PDPE group). Satisfactory compliance of ≥50% to the PDPE programme was seen in 47%. A reduction in the severity of fatigue was detected in the PDPE group (p=0.019), being higher in the subgroup of satisfactory compliance (p<0.001). This latter group showed better results of QoL in comparison with the control group (p=0.0279). A significant increase in endurance was found in the PDPE group (p<0.001).

Conclusion

PDPE reduced the severity of fatigue and improved QoL. The difference in endurance would explain the results seen in the severity of fatigue.
Efficient Federated Learning Using Layer-Wise Regulation and Momentum Aggregation
Authors: Zhang Fan , Fang Zekuan , Li Yiming , Chen Mingsong
Published: June 2022

Federated Learning (FL) enables multiple parties to train a global model collaboratively without sharing local data. However, a key challenge of FL is data distribution heterogeneity across participants, which causes model drift in local training and significantly reduces the model performance. To address this challenge, we analyze the inconsistency differences between different model layers of local models and further propose Layer-wise Distance Regularization (LWDR) and Layer-wise Momentum Aggregation (LWMA). The proposed LWDR and LWMA optimize the local training and model aggregation processes, respectively, to improve the convergence performance of FL on data in the nonindependent and identically distributed (Non-IID) scenarios. Our experiments on well-known datasets show that our algorithm significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art FL algorithms in convergence speed, accuracy, and stability in different Non-IID scenarios.
An Ontology-Based Information Extraction System for Residential Land-Use Suitability Analysis
Authors: Al-Ageili Munira , Mouhoub Malek
Published: June 2022

We propose an Ontology-Based Information Extraction (OBIE) system to automate the extraction of the criteria and values applied in Land-Use Suitability Analysis (LUSA) from bylaw and regulation documents related to the geographic area of interest. The results obtained by our proposed LUSA OBIE system (land-use suitability criteria and their values) are presented as an ontology populated with instances of the extracted criteria and property values. This latter output ontology is incorporated into a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model applied for constructing suitability maps for different kinds of land uses. The resulting maps may be the final desired product or can be incorporated into the cellular automata urban modeling and simulation for predicting future urban growth. A case study has been conducted where the output from LUSA OBIE is applied to help produce a suitability map for the City of Regina, Saskatchewan, to assist in the identification of suitable areas for residential development. A set of Saskatchewan bylaw and regulation documents were downloaded and input to the LUSA OBIE system. We accessed the extracted information using both the populated LUSA ontology and the set of annotated documents. In this regard, the LUSA OBIE system was effective in producing a final suitability map.
Role of Academic Initiatives for Technology Management at the Base of the Pyramid: Empirical Evidence From India
Authors: Banerjee Sanyka , Patnaik Jayshree , Bhowmick Bhaskar , Dan P. K.
Published: June 2022

Technological interventions are adopted in emerging economies to enable sustainable development and empower marginalized communities at the Base of the Pyramid (BoP). Emerging economies are becoming significant contributors in BoP development with the active initiatives from academia-driven organizations engaging in rural development. However, the technological development practice is fragmented and requires unified technology management practices to analyze salient features that lead to a sustainable rural transformation. This study adopts a case-study methodology and obtains primary and secondary data from two distinctive centers of an academia-born organization. The findings enfold three intrinsic characteristics of the technology development process targeted for the BoP sector: the emergence of demand-driven technology, inclusive innovation practices leading towards self-reliance and trends of sustainable green technology. The formative contribution of this research enriches the management of technologies at BoP by connecting the developer’s perspective for innovation practice inclined towards knowledge sharing, inclusiveness, empowerment and sustainable development, thus creating a roadmap for effective policy development focusing on the sustainability of BoP technologies in emerging economies.
Influential Aspects of Knowledge Sharing in the Context of a Marketplace Platform During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Brazilian Case Study
Authors: Jorge Carlos Francisco Bitencourt , de Camargo Ferraz Machado João Guilherme , Menegassi Cláudia Herrero Martins , da Silva Stecca Rodrigo , Sutton Michael J. D.
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing entangled physical trading of products and services worldwide. As a result, the Commercial and Industrial Association of Marília (ACIM) developed and provided businesses with a marketplace platform called “Marília.Dakki.” In this context, knowledge emerged as a resource, and knowledge sharing became a fundamental activity for the marketplace implementation. Thus, the objective of the research was to identify and analyze the influential aspects of knowledge sharing (IAKS) in “Marília.Dakki.” The research is characterized as qualitative and exploratory and used the case study method. Questionnaires were used to acquire data from the 19 subjects involved in the “Marília.Dakki” operations, as well as an interview with the Director of IT and Innovation. As a result of the research, people, processes, and culture were identified as IAKS, and these aspects, when related, generated nine other IAKS. The researchers concluded that these IAKS found in the research impacted the marketplace adoption, in addition to its maintenance as a collaborative environment, and are of great importance for the survival and development of companies, both during the pandemic and after it.
Multi-Feature Intelligent Oral English Error Correction Based on Few-Shot Learning Technology
Authors: Zhang Fengxiang , Sun Jieli
Published: June 2022

The computer-aided language teaching system is maturing thanks to the advancement of few-shot learning technologies. In order to support teachers and increase students’ learning efficiency, more computer-aided language teaching systems are being used in teaching and examinations. This study focuses on a multifeature fusion-based evaluation method for oral English learning, completely evaluating specific grammar, and assisting oral learners in improving their oral pronunciation skills. This study proposes an improved method based on HMM a posteriori probability scoring, in which the only standard reference model is no longer used as the basis for scoring and error determination, and instead, the average level of standard pronunciation in the entire corpus is introduced as another judgment basis, based on a preliminary study of speech recognition technology, scoring methods, and relevant theoretical knowledge of information feedback. This strategy can reduce the score limitation caused by standard pronunciation personal differences, lower the system’s misjudgment rate in detecting pronunciation errors, and improve the usefulness of error correction information. An expert opinion database has been created based on the most prevalent forms of spoken pronunciation problems, which can successfully assist learners improve their spoken English level by combining the database’s corrected information. Finally, this study proposes an artificial scoring system for spoken English that performs activities such as identification, scoring, error judgment, and correction opinion feedback, among others. Finally, it has been demonstrated through trials and tests that adding the average pronunciation level to the system improves the system’s scoring performance and has a certain effect on increasing users’ oral pronunciation level.
A Hybrid Interpolation Method for Fractional PDEs and Its Applications to Fractional Diffusion and Buckmaster Equations
Authors: Haq Ihtisham Ul , Ali Nigar , Ahmad Shabir , Akram Tayyaba
Published: June 2022

This study presents a novel numerical method to solve PDEs with the fractional Caputo operator. In this method, we apply the Newton interpolation numerical scheme in Laplace space, and then, the solution is returned to real space through the inverse Laplace transform. The Newton polynomial provides good results as compared to the Lagrangian polynomial, which is used to construct the Adams–Bashforth method. This procedure is used to solve fractional Buckmaster and diffusion equations. Finally, a few numerical simulations are presented, ensuring that this strategy is highly stable and quickly converges to an exact solution.
Sexual Dimorphism and Sex-2D : 4D Interactions on Fasting Lipid Variables in an Adult Ghanaian Population
Authors: Banyeh Moses , Amidu Nafiu , Abdul-Wahab Draman , Zakaria Abdul-Salim
Published: June 2022

Prenatal hormone exposure has been suggested as a correlate of adult circulating estrogen and testosterone. If this observation is true, then prenatal hormone exposure may have an association with lipid homeostasis in adulthood. The study sought to investigate sexual dimorphism and the interactions between the putative marker of prenatal hormone exposure (2D : 4D) and sex on adult fasting plasma lipid variables. The study was cross-sectional from June to December 2021 at the University for Development Studies. The participants were between 18 and 30 years of age and consisted of 206 healthy persons (

female
=
93
,
male
=
113

). The right hand (2D : 4DR), the left hand (2D : 4DL), and the right-left 2D : 4D difference (Dr-l) were measured using computer-assisted analysis. Fasting venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for lipid variables including total cholesterol (TCHOL) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). There were no significant differences in the 2D : 4D ratio and lipid variables between males and females. However, after adjusting for age and BMI, the 2D : 4DR (

P
=
0.014

) and the 2D : 4DL (

P
=
0.007

) increased with increasing fasting plasma HDL-C on average. Moreover, there were significant interactions between sex and the 2D : 4DR (

P
=
0.002

) and also, the 2D : 4DL (

P
=
0.005

) on fasting plasma HDL-C. The relationship between HDL-C and the 2D : 4D ratio was positive in females but negative in males. The 2D : 4DR accounted for about 54.9% and 46.0% while the 2D : 4DL accounted for about 48.2% and 14.0% of the variabilities in fasting plasma HDL-C in females and males, respectively. Prenatal hormone exposure may partly account for the sexual dimorphism in adult lipid homeostasis.
Early Diagnosis of Retinal Blood Vessel Damage via Deep Learning-Powered Collective Intelligence Models
Authors: Bhardwaj Pranjal , Gupta Prajjwal , Guhan Thejineaswar , Srinivasan Kathiravan
Published: June 2022

Early diagnosis of retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy has had the attention of many researchers. Deep learning through the introduction of convolutional neural networks has become a prominent solution for image-related tasks such as classification and segmentation. Most tasks in image classification are handled by deep CNNs pretrained and evaluated on imagenet dataset. However, these models do not always translate to the best result on other datasets. Devising a neural network manually from scratch based on heuristics may not lead to an optimal model as there are numerous hyperparameters in play. In this paper, we use two nature-inspired swarm algorithms: particle swarm optimization (PSO) and ant colony optimization (ACO) to obtain TDCN models to perform classification of fundus images into severity classes. The power of swarm algorithms is used to search for various combinations of convolutional, pooling, and normalization layers to provide the best model for the task. It is observed that TDCN-PSO outperforms imagenet models and existing literature, while TDCN-ACO achieves faster architecture search. The best TDCN model achieves an accuracy of 90.3%, AUC ROC of 0.956, and a Cohen’s kappa score of 0.967. The results were compared with the previous studies to show that the proposed TDCN models exhibit superior performance.
Human Resource Scheduling in Project Management Using the Simulated Annealing Algorithm with the Human Factors Engineering Approach
Authors: Hafezi Zadeh Nooshin , Movahedi Mohammad Mehdi , Shayannia Sayed Ahmad
Published: June 2022

Manpower scheduling means assigning a work pattern (shift day) according to the wants and needs of the system and the workforce with the goal of minimum cost. Many production and service systems require multiple scheduling. This problem is generally NP‐complete, and it takes a long time to solve it through the current method. Today, several innovative methods have been proposed to solve such problems. In this paper, the simulated annealing method (SA) has been used. The problem in this study is in an oil extraction project for human resource scheduling, which consists of three human resource groups in four task types in oil exploration operations, including geology, geophysics, petrophysics, and oil engineering. To solve the human resource scheduling problem, a meta‐heuristic algorithm called simulated annealing algorithm was applied, and the result indicated that the allocated human resource was scheduled with the least fatigue implementing the proper job rotation.
Remote Data Acquisition and Management Technology of Power Equipment Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Lu Xiaohong , Lu Yahong , Luo Lihua , Lin Wenyu , Zhang Jiming
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes an architecture scheme for realizing the power equipment data acquisition IoT monitoring network using the latest Internet of Things technology. At the same time, a power equipment data acquisition and monitoring system based on Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and exclusive-OR (XOR) encryption algorithms is designed. The system is mainly researched and designed from the aspects of monitoring terminal software and hardware design, data encryption processing, and remote data management cloud platform. This paper installs a big data analysis processor and a network routing processor based on the Internet of Things technology and modifies the system memory, display, and connection circuit to optimize the system hardware equipment. Finally, the system conducts experimental tests to monitor the state of power equipment, such as transmission and distribution towers, power manhole covers, cable tunnels, and distribution line knife gate temperature. The experimental results show that the system can realize low power consumption, comprehensive coverage, low-cost unified access, and centralized management of power equipment status information in different power scenarios. The application of this system dramatically improves the reliability and efficiency of the operation and maintenance of terminal equipment of the power system. The promotion of this system has a great application value.
Evaluation of Fonio (Digitaria exilis) Varieties for Improved Agronomic Traits in the Guinea and Sudan Savannah Agroecological Zones of Ghana
Authors: Addai I. K. , Bisuki B. K. , Bawa A.
Published: June 2022

Background and Objective. Fonio is categorized as one of the neglected, under-utilized, or orphan crops of West Africa due to its poor yields and inadequate research information for its improvement and use. The need to improve the agronomic traits of this crop and also explore the possibility of growing it in different agroecologies has been felt over the years. A study was therefore conducted during the 2019 cropping season to determine variations among Fonio accessions and also assess the influence of genotype/accession, location, and genotype x location on growth and total grain yield of Fonio. Materials and Methods. Five accessions of the crop were planted in two locations in northern Ghana (Guinea and Sudan savannah) and replicated three times using factorial experiment in randomized complete block design. Results. The study indicated significant (

P
<
0.05

) variations among accessions for most of the attributes measured. Accession OUSAI with 75 days to physiological maturity (DPHM) recorded highest grain yield of 1015.10 kg/ha, and NFAS4 with 98 DPHM recorded the least grain yield of 713.23 kg/ha. The most lodged accession was OUAS1 which recorded 65% lodging of its total plant population, and the least lodged accessions (NFAS4 and EYAS5) recorded about 10% lodging each. Conclusion. The results demonstrated a significant (

P
<
0.05

) diversity among the accessions used in the study and influence of genotype/accession x location on growth and total grain yield of Fonio.
Reform and Analysis of the Division of Legal Responsibility between Enterprises and Third‐Party Governance under Environmental Pollution
Authors: Wu Yijun
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to deeply analyze the relevant concepts of the third‐party responsibility for environmental pollution control of enterprises and further clarify the legal responsibility and responsibility distribution of the third‐party environmental pollution control. Through the analysis of enterprise environmental pollution sample data, this paper finds that the judicial application of enterprise environmental pollution crime in China mainly includes the number of cases increases year by year and the subjects of enterprise environmental pollution crime are relatively concentrated. The results show that the joint crime accounts for about 40%, and unit crime cases account for about 10%, while the amount of fines for natural persons in the existing laws is mostly less than 50,000 yuan, which is relatively low. Finally, it is concluded that the criminal punishment of enterprise environmental pollution is relatively light, especially in the accountability of the criminal subject. Therefore, this paper focuses on the division of legal liability from three aspects: civil liability, administrative liability, and criminal liability.
Kounis Syndrome Secondary to Laxative Administration
Authors: Zuluaga-Gómez Mateo , González-Arroyave Daniel , Ardila Carlos M.
Published: June 2022

Kounis syndrome (KS) is defined as an acute coronary syndrome triggered by the release of inflammatory mediators after an allergic attack. It usually occurs secondary to allergic injuries from foods, medications, and insect bites. However, there are no known reports of KS secondary to the intake of laxatives. This article reports the case of a 43-year-old woman who, after ingesting a dose of sodium phosphate monobasic/sodium phosphate dibasic, presented a maculopapular rash on the trunk and extremities. The electrocardiogram showed ST depression in V4-V5-V6 and signs of prolonged QTc; troponin I uptake was positive. Due to presumed myocardial injury and high suspicion of coronary disease, coronary angiography was requested, which showed epicardial coronary arteries, without angiographically significant stenosis, thus confirming the presence of KS secondary to the ingestion of a laxative.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Clinimetric Testing of Functional Rating Index (FRI) Outcome Measure into the Arabic Language
Authors: Alsaadi Saad M. , Ahmed Raafat , Alotaibi Kawther , Alzahrani Matar Abdullah , Alotaibi Nasser , Alahmri Fayez M. , Subbarayalu Arun Vijay
Published: June 2022

Background. The Functional Rating Index (FRI) is a self-report scale widely used to determine the level of disability in low back pain (LBP) populations. Objectives. This study was aimed at conducting the cross-cultural adaptation of the FRI-Arabic version (FRI-Ar) and testing the clinometric properties of FRI-Ar. Methods. The cross-cultural adaptation process was used to develop the FRI-Ar. This study included acute and subacute LBP patients. Each patient was asked to complete the questionnaires at three time points: baseline, 24-hour follow-up, and two-week follow-up. The questionnaires used were FRI-Ar, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Global Perceived Effect Scale (GPE), and Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS). Statistical analysis was carried out to measure the instrument’s reliability, validity, and responsiveness. Results. The FRI was cross-culturally adapted to the Arabic language, and the adapted version was validated. Two hundred patients completed the questionnaires at the baseline; however, 120 patients completed the questionnaires at 24-hour and two-week follow-up. Cronbach’s alpha, interclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC95%) for the FRI-Ar were observed as 0.85, 0.85, 1.17 (2.9%), and 3.24, respectively. The FRI-Ar showed a moderate positive correlation only with the RMDQ, ODI, and NPRS (

p
<
0.05

). Also, it showed the responsiveness with a small effect size (

ES
=
0.29

) and standardized response mean (

SRM
=
0.44

). Conclusion. The FRI-Ar was developed, and it showed good reliability and validity. However, it revealed the responsiveness with the small change. It can evaluate both pain and functional limitations in acute and subacute LBP patients. Before using it in the Arabic population with acute and subacute LBP, it is recommended to conduct further research to test internal and external responsiveness using an external criterion with a more extended follow-up period and suitable interventions.
circCCT3 Enhances Invasion and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) via the miR-107/Wnt/FGF7 Axis
Authors: Li Jinyou , Lu Rongguo , Yang Kejia , Sun Qi
Published: June 2022

Background. CircRNAs play a role in a variety of biological processes, including tumorigenesis. circCCT3 has been shown to regulate cancer initiation and progression. Unfortunately, whether circCCT3 is involved in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) metastasis remains unclear. Methods. Our study utilized RT-qPCR to examine gene expression levels. A transwell assay was used to measure invasion ability of cells. Starbase software and TargetScan software were used to predict target genes. Results. circCCT3 knockdown attenuated invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of A549 and Calu-1 cells. miR-107 mimics could rescue circCCT3-induced invasion and EMT. Next, miR-107 mimics and circCCT3 knockdown suppressed Wnt3a and FGF7 expression. An miR-107 inhibitor promoted Wnt3a and FGF7 expressions. Finally, FGF7 greatly restored miR-107-inhibited invasion and EMT of A549 cells. Conclusion. Here, we reveal a molecular mechanism circCCT3/miR-107/Wnt/FGF7 responsible for NSCLC metastasis.
Data Asset Disclosure and Nonprofessional Investor Judgment: Evidence from Questionnaire Experiments
Authors: Li Yang , Luo Chengkai , Dong Liming , Gui Meizeng
Published: June 2022

The development of computer technology, such as data mining, has made data a productive resource. However, there are currently no relevant codes or guidelines in countries around the world that stipulate or recommend whether information on corporate data assets needs to be disclosed. This article organized a questionnaire experiment through an Internet questionnaire platform. This article finds that the disclosure of corporate data assets can significantly improve the evaluation judgment of nonprofessional investors on corporate nonfinancial performance and investment value, which is mediated by the product development ability and user stickiness of the company, by controlling the experimental variable of whether corporate data assets are disclosed or not. Therefore, this article suggests that enterprises should further improve the level of information disclosure and increase the disclosure of information related to data assets to show their investment value. It is also necessary for regulators to consider increasing the mandatory disclosure of data assets when adjusting policies and regulations in the future to reduce the level of information asymmetry in the capital market and protect the interests of nonprofessional investors.
An Analysis of Algebraic Codes over Lattice Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Type-3
R
-Submodules
Authors: Riaz Asra , Kousar Sajida , Kausar Nasreen , Pamucar Dragan , Addis Gezahagne Mulat
Published: June 2022

In the last few decades, the algebraic coding theory found widespread applications in various disciplines due to its rich fascinating mathematical structure. Linear codes, the basic codes in coding theory, are significant in data transmission. In this article, the authors’ aim is to enlighten the reader about the role of linear codes in a fuzzy environment. Thus, the reader will be aware of linear codes over lattice valued intuitionistic fuzzy type-3 (LIF-3) R-submodule and

α

-intuitionistic fuzzy (

α

-IF) submodule. The proof that the level set of LIF-3 is contained in the level set of

α

-IF is given, and it is exclusively employed to define linear codes over

α

-IF submodule. Further,

α

-IF cyclic codes are presented along with their fundamental properties. Finally, an application based on genetic code is presented, and it is found that the technique of defining codes over

α

-IF submodule is entirely applicable in this scenario. More specifically, a mapping from the

ℤ

64

module to a lattice

L

(comprising 64 codons) is considered, and

α

-IF codes are defined along with the respective degrees.
LncRNA FAM13A-AS1 Regulates Proliferation and Apoptosis of Cervical Cancer Cells by Targeting miRNA-205-3p/DDI2 Axis
Authors: Qiu Zhiqin , He Lin , Yu Feng , Lv Hui , Zhou Ye
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to explore the function of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) FAM13A-AS1 and its associated mechanism in cervical cancer. A total of 30 cervical cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were collected. Cervical cancer cell lines, including SiHa and HeLa, were transfected with constructs expressing LV-FAM13A-AS1, silencing RNA LV-siFAM13A-AS1, miRNA mimics, and miRNA inhibitors. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of FAM13A-AS1 in cervical cancer tissues, including SiHa, HeLa, and HUCEC cells. MTT, flow cytometry, and transwell assays were performed to explore the influence of FAM13A-AS1 on cervical cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration. A bioinformatics analysis and a dual-luciferase assay were carried to confirm the target relationship between FAM13A-AS1 or DDI2 and miRNA-205-3p. Finally, in vivo tumorigenesis experiments were performed in nude mice to explore the effect of FAM13A-AS1 expression on cervical cancer. Low FAM13A-AS1 expression and high miRNA-205-3p expression were observed in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines (SiHa and HeLa). Upregulating the expression of FAM13A-AS1 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of SiHa and HeLa cells, while the apoptosis of SiHa and HeLa cells was increased. More importantly, LV-FAM13A-AS1 could improve tumor development in vivo. In addition, FAM13A-AS1 negatively regulated the expression of miRNA-205-3p, while miRNA-205-3p reduced DDI2 expression, and miRNA-205-3p mimic reversed the effects of FAM13A-AS1 overexpression in vitro. In conclusion, FAM13A-AS1 inhibits the progression of cervical cancer by targeting the miRNA-205-3p/DDI2 axis, suggesting that FAM13A-AS1 might be a potential target for cancer cell treatment.
Codelivery of Doxorubicin/PI3K Inhibitor Nanomicelle Linked with Phenylboronic Acid for Enhanced Cytotoxicity to Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zeng Xuan , Fan Xiaoxiao , Fu Chunyan , Yang Jialu , Tian Jiahui , Peng Qian , Qin WeiGuo , Wu Yi
Published: June 2022

Multidrug combination therapy for pancreatic cancer is widely applied in clinical practice. In this study, we used phenylboronic acid and polyethylene glycol as materials of nanomicelles, loaded with the PI3K/mTORC1 dual inhibitor PF04691502 (PF) to inhibit the resistance and metastasis of pancreatic cancer and increase the sensitivity of doxorubicin (DOX). We prepared the PPD nanoparticles (NPs) with a small PDI and a uniform morphology by controlling the DOX substitution degree (size of 164.8 ± 3.6 nm and zeta potential of −16.9 ± 0.4 mV). We determined the rates of PF and materials through the combination experiment of free drugs and the obtained PF@PPD NPs (size of 200.8 ± 2.6 nm and zeta potential of −13.9 ± 0.3 mV). The drug loadings of DOX and PF in the nanomicelle were 14.8 ± 0.4% and 9.5 ± 0.3%, respectively. And the drug release in vitro was slow (29.17 ± 2.00% for DOX and 39.22 ± 2.49% for PF). The cell assay showed that the NPs had a good curative effect and migration on BxPC‐3 cells, and it could be continuously taken up by cells. The PF@PPD NPs displayed a dose‐dependent cytotoxicity with less cell viability (20.38 ± 1.11%) and higher uptake in BxPC‐3 cells compared with the free drug. The combined medication or PF@PPD NPs reduced tumor metastasis, indicating that PF@PPD NPs had the potential for clinical application.
Mapping Phenotypic Plasticity upon the Cancer Cell State Landscape Using Manifold Learning
Authors: Burkhardt Daniel B. , San Juan Beatriz P. , Lock John G. , Krishnaswamy Smita , Chaffer Christine L.
Published: June 2022

Phenotypic plasticity describes the ability of cancer cells to undergo dynamic, nongenetic cell state changes that amplify cancer heterogeneity to promote metastasis and therapy evasion. Thus, cancer cells occupy a continuous spectrum of phenotypic states connected by trajectories defining dynamic transitions upon a cancer cell state landscape. With technologies proliferating to systematically record molecular mechanisms at single-cell resolution, we illuminate manifold learning techniques as emerging computational tools to effectively model cell state dynamics in a way that mimics our understanding of the cell state landscape. We anticipate that “state-gating” therapies targeting phenotypic plasticity will limit cancer heterogeneity, metastasis, and therapy resistance.

Significance:

Nongenetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity have emerged as significant drivers of tumor heterogeneity, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Herein, we discuss new experimental and computational techniques to define phenotypic plasticity as a scaffold to guide accelerated progress in uncovering new vulnerabilities for therapeutic exploitation.
Utilization of Cystatin C in the Outpatient Setting
Authors: Torres Jennifer , Ennis Jennifer L. , Chapman Arlene B. , McGill Rita L.
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Serum creatinine is the traditional biomarker for estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Cystatin C is an alternative biomarker for which estimating equations exist. The use of cystatin C testing, and the interrelationships among the recently revised Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD-EPI) 2021 estimating equations, was evaluated in a national outpatient laboratory dataset. Methods: Cystatin C results reported on adults between November 2011 and June 2018 by Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings were examined, with classification of ordering providers and diagnostic codes. Updated eGFR results were calculated using the CKD-EPI 2021 equations for each sample with both cystatin C and creatinine values available. The Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated. Reclassification at clinically relevant cut-off values was examined. Results: There were 87,803 serum cystatin C levels among 55,360 patients; mean age 58 ± 17 years; 50% women. Cystatin C usage increased over time and was ordered for many indications. Among 73,367 samples with simultaneous creatinine and cystatin C, r = 0.84 between eGFR-creatinine and eGFR-cystatin. Correlations of eGFR-creatinine, eGFR-cystatin, and the averaged result of the two equations to the new combined equation were r = 0.94, r = 0.97, and r = 0.998, respectively (p < 0.001 for all). Use of combined/averaged equations tended to result in a higher eGFR and upclassification, compared to eGFR-creatinine. Conclusion/Discussion: Use of Cystatin C is increasing and has moved beyond the nephrology community and the original indications from the 2012 KDIGO guidelines. Community utilization of cystatin C measurement is likely to expand, and understanding of the relationships between estimating equations will help clinicians optimize their use in the outpatient setting.
Effect of Exposure to Paternal Smoking on Overweight and Obesity in Children: Findings from the Children Lifeway Cohort in Shenzhen, Southern China
Authors: You Yingbin , Liu Ruiguo , Zhou Hua , Wu Rong , Lin Rongqing , Li Boya , Liu Hui , Qiao Yanxiang , Guo Pi , Ding Zan , Zhang Qingying
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Paternal smoking associated with childhood overweight and obesity has been a concern, but studies have not investigated smoking exposure and smoking details. We investigated the association of exposures from paternal smoking as well as smoking details on offspring overweight/obesity. Methods: A total of 4,513 children (aged 7–8 years) in Shenzhen were enrolled. Four different exposures from paternal smoking as well as smoking quantity, duration of smoking, and age of starting smoking details were the exposure variables and demographic characteristics, and circumstances of birth, dietary intake, lifestyle, and nonpaternal-smoking exposure were covariates in the logistic regression analysis to determine the effect of paternal smoking on childhood overweight/obesity, estimating odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Paternal smoking was positively associated with childhood overweight/obesity (p < 0.05). Moreover, only preconception exposure, and both pre- and postconception exposure were significantly associated with childhood overweight/obesity (OR 1.54 [95% CI: 1.14–2.08] and OR 1.73 [95% CI: 1.14–2.61], respectively), restricted to boys but not girls. Furthermore, for children with only preconception paternal-smoking exposure, the dose-response relation was positive between smoking quantity, duration of smoking, age at starting, and overweight/obesity for boy offspring (p trend <0.001). We did not find any significant association between only postnatal exposure to paternal smoking and childhood overweight/obesity (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that paternal smoking is associated with boys’ overweight/obesity, and this association may be due to the paternal-smoking exposure before conception rather than the postnatal exposure to paternal smoking. Reducing paternal-smoking exposure before conception might help reduce overweight/obesity in boys.
IEML: rumo a uma mudança de paradigma na Inteligência Artificial
Authors: Lévy Pierre
Published: June 2022

O objetivo deste ensaio é apresentar uma visão geral das limitações da Inteligência Artificial (IA) contemporânea e propor uma abordagem para superá-las com uma metalinguagem semântica computável. Proponho que a IA adote um modelo computável e univocal da linguagem humana, a MetaLinguagem da Economia da Informação, um código semântico de minha própria invenção que tem o poder expressivo de uma linguagem natural e a sintaxe de uma linguagem regular. Isso pode abrir novos caminhos para a IA criar uma sinergia entre a democratização do controle de dados e o aprimoramento da inteligência coletiva.
Os caminhos das mobilizações on-line antirracismo no Brasil em 2020
Authors: Santos Nina , Reis Lucas
Published: June 2022

O artigo visa compreender as dinâmicas de visibilidade da mobilização on-line antirracismo em 2020 no Twitter e na mídia tradicional on-line brasileira. Trabalhamos com dois materiais. O primeiro é um conjunto de tweets (n = 5.811.499) com menções ao BlackLivesMatter e ao VidasNegrasImportam de 12 de maio a 19 de julho. O segundo estuda 1.650 textos de sites de notícias brasileiros sobre os mesmos temas. Analisando a dinâmica da comunicação e a temporalidade em ambas as mídias, buscamos entender como o assunto foi tratado pela cobertura jornalística e pela mobilização dos usuários. Nossos resultados apontam que o Twitter incorpora primeiro episódios de violência aos movimentos antirracismo, enquanto a mídia tradicional oferece uma cobertura mais estável ao longo do tempo.
Editorial
Authors: Escosteguy Ana Carolina Damboriarena , Cunha Isabel Ferin , Guimarães Luciano , Rodrigues Maria Clotilde Perez , Lopes Maria Immacolata Vassallo de , Magno Maria Ignês Carlos , Fuentes Navarro Raúl , Romancini Richard , Fígaro Roseli
Published: June 2022

Editorial do número.
Paisagem em “concertina” para uma educação patrimonial
Authors: Duarte Mirela Carina Rêgo , Santos Luisa Acioli dos , Alves Lahys Katarina de Barros , Feitosa Júnior Wilson de Barros
Published: June 2022

Educar para a paisagem é uma das metas do Laboratório da Paisagem da UFPE, considerando que a consciência de paisagem permite um elo entre as ações de conservação do patrimônio cultural e a realidade cotidiana da vida das pessoas. Nesse sentido, o livro-concertina intitulado Pensar Paisagem foi desenvolvido como ferramenta lúdica de educação patrimonial para aproximar a paisagem do público geral. O presente artigo tem por objetivo apresentar a concertina, discutindo a paisagem como bem comum em uma perspectiva fenomenológica vinculada à experiência sensível. Para tanto, propõe uma interlocução entre o pensamento de Augustin Berque e Jean-Marc Besse e da vivência filosófica de Ailton Krenak. Conclui-se que o aspecto lúdico e criativo da concertina estimula a sensibilidade para o valor paisagístico, buscando motivar uma postura ética na conservação da paisagem como bem comum.
Do Universities Improve Local Economic Resilience?
Authors: Howard Greg , Weinstein Russell , Yang Yuhao
Published: June 2022

We use a novel identification strategy to investigate whether regional universities make their local economies more resilient. Our strategy is based on state governments using similar site-selection criteria to assign normal schools (to train teachers) and insane asylums between 1830 and 1930. Normal schools became larger regional universities while asylum properties mostly continue as small state-owned psychiatric health facilities. We find that a regional university roughly offsets the negative effects of manufacturing exposure. We show the resilience of regional public university spending is an important mechanism, and we show correlations consistent with bachelor’s degree share also playing a mediating role.
Addressing COVID-19 Outliers in BVARs with Stochastic Volatility
Authors: Carriero Andrea , Clark Todd E. , Marcellino Massimiliano , Mertens Elmar
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to enormous data movements that strongly affect parameters and forecasts from standard Bayesian vector autoregressions (BVARs). To address these issues, we propose BVAR models with outlier-augmented stochastic volatility (SV) that combine transitory and persistent changes in volatility. The resulting density forecasts are much less sensitive to outliers in the data than standard BVARs. Predictive Bayes factors indicate that our outlier-augmented SV model provides the best fit for the pandemic period, as well as for earlier subsamples of high volatility. In historical forecasting, outlier-augmented SV schemes fare at least as well as a conventional SV model.
A peculiar new genus of Scytinopteridae (Hemiptera, Cicadomorpha) from the Permian-Triassic boundary beds of Mongolia
Authors: SHCHERBAKOV DMITRY E.
Published: June 2022

Scytinopteridae Handlirsch, 1906 is a widespread family of extinct Cicadomorpha known worldwide from the Permian and Triassic (Lambkin, 2016). This family was understood very broadly (e.g., Evans, 1956), but was later restricted to the genera with heavily sclerotized punctate tegmina having a costal fracture and a hypocostal socket fixed on the thorax in repose, and was placed in the superfamily Scytinopteroidea Handlirsch, 1906 (Shcherbakov, 1984). Based on these features, scytinopteroids are considered inhabitants of waterside vegetation capable of temporary submergence, and are ancestors of true bugs (Shcherbakov, 1996, 2000). In the beds near the Permian-Triassic boundary of Mongolia, an unusual new genus of Scytinopteridae was discovered with pointed coleopterous tegmina lacking the costal fracture and the claval furrow. These modifications indicate that the flying ability in the new scytinopterid was reduced or lost, and the peculiar shape of the tegmina probably helped to mimic host plant buds or seeds (plant-part mimicry).
Debris-carrying psocodean nymph from Lebanese amber
Authors: HAKIM MARINA , HUANG DI-YING , AZAR DANY
Published: June 2022

Camouflage, or decorating, has been reported in fossilised immatures of different insect groups, notably Neuroptera (Chrysopidae, Nymphidae, and Ascalaphidae), Coleoptera (Chrysomelidae), Trichoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera (Gelastocoridae, Reduviidae), and Psocodea (‘Psocoptera’ or non-parasitic lice) (Pérez-de la Fuente et al., 2012; Wang et al., 2016; Kiesmüller et al., 2021; Xu et al., 2021). Such behaviours allow effective concealment of immatures from predators and/or prey by carrying vegetal debris, soil, dust and, sometimes, arthropod remains on the thorax and/or abdomen.
An enigmatic Tettigoniidea from the Lower Cretaceous amber of Bqaatouta, Lebanon (Orthoptera, Ensifera)
Authors: AZAR DANY , MAALOUF RAMY , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: June 2022

Aenigmaraphidophora mouniri gen. et sp. nov., an enigmatic representative of the ensiferan infraorder Tettigoniidea, is described and figured from the Lower Cretaceous of Lebanon, based on a nearly complete male specimen. The new fossil could fit in either in the stem group of the Rhaphidophoridae or in the Tettigoniidae. In either cases, the discovery is congruent with the current hypotheses on the dating of these families. We discuss on the consequence of the presence of an external fore tibial tympan in the new fossil, while absent in the extant Rhaphidophoridae.
A lovely new, and potentially medicinal, species of Copaifera (Detarioideae, Fabaceae) from the Brazilian Cerrado supported by anatomical and morphological data
Authors: DA SILVA MARCOS JOSÉ , SANTOS IGOR SOARES DOS
Published: June 2022

A new species of Copaifera from a diversity hotspot in the Brazilian Cerrado is described. Copaifera appendiculata M.J. Silva appears to be endemic of the northern portion of Goiás State, Brazil, and its conservation status is classified as Critically Endangered. It is a dwarf species and can be recognized by a set of characteristics that include: foliar rachis spiny and conspicuously prolonged (the first such report for the genus), leaflets similar in size, usually glabrescent on both surfaces, with planar margins, with discreet or conspicuous translucent points, sepals indumented on both surfaces, fruits glabrous, and seeds with an orange aril. It is compared with similar dwarf species of the genus present in the Cerrado, especially with Copaifera marginata, its closest congener. Also furnished are illustrations, images, information concerning its flowering and fruiting seasons, geographical distribution, as well as preliminary conservation assessments. Examinations of the leaf anatomies of the new species, as well as that of C. marginata, revealed the numbers of layers of palisade parenchyma, the presence of a hypodermis, the numbers of vascular bundles in the petiole, rachis and midrib, as well as their contours, and aspects of the leaf margins. All of those features constitute useful characters to separate the two species. Histochemical tests demonstrated that chemical compounds (e.g., alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and lipids) present in the leaf tissues of both species have potential medicinal properties.
Precipitation Characteristics of Cyclonic Disturbances over the South Asia Region as Revealed by TRMM and GPM
Authors: Roy Partha , Rao T. Narayana
Published: June 2022

The relative contributions of cyclonic disturbances (CDs; i.e., low pressure systems, depressions, and cyclonic storms) and non-CDs to annual and seasonal rainfall are studied using 22 years of TRMM and GPM measurements during the passage of 866 CDs in the South Asia region (SAR). The changes in stratiform and convective precipitation within the cyclonic storm and in different CDs are also examined. The rainfall in the wettest regions of the SAR, the west coasts of India and Myanmar, and the slopes of the Himalayas is of non-CD origin, while CD rainfall peaks in the eastern parts of the monsoon trough and the northern Bay of Bengal (BOB). The CD rain fraction (RF) of annual and seasonal rainfall exhibits large spatial variation in the range of 4%–55%. The land–ocean dichotomy exhibited by CD RF is not uniform across India. Large CD RF is confined to the coast in some regions due to topographical barriers, but extends to 800–1000 km inland from the coast in the monsoon trough region. Low pressure systems contribute more to annual rain than depressions and cyclonic storms in the monsoon trough and the northern BOB (∼40%), particularly during the monsoon, mainly due to their frequent occurrence. The stratiform RF and occurrence are higher in CDs than in non-CDs, with the greatest contribution in central India (>80%), whereas the non-CDs are characterized by having higher convective RFs. The stratiform rain occurrence increases with intensification of CDs over both land and ocean, indicating its importance in the intensification of CDs and organizing large-scale systems.