bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between site resonance frequency and bedrock interface at one‐dimensional sites based on the KiK‐net database
Authors: Kong Xiaoshan , Rong Mianshui , Li Xiaojun , Wang Jixin , Zhang Bin
Published: March 2024

Site resonance frequency is a crucial parameter for estimating site effects. However, there is currently no consensus on how to identify the bedrock interface to obtain the site resonance frequency. In this study, we identified 43 stations that can be regarded as one‐dimensional sites from the KiK‐net network in Japan, which consists of 699 stations. By analyzing the horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio and surface‐to‐borehole spectral ratio of strong motion observation recordings, the fundamental resonance frequency (f0) of these 43 sites was determined. Subsequently, the correlation between the f0 values obtained from theoretical noise horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio (NHV) with different bedrock interfaces and the f0 values determined from observation was analyzed. The conclusion shows that the f0 is primarily influenced by shallow interfaces with high S‐wave impedance contrasts (ICs). Specifically, when the bedrock interface is taken as the interface with ICs greater than 2.5 that appears for the first time, or the interface with ICs greater than 1.5 that appears for the second time, there is a strong correlation (greater than 0.86) between the f0 values obtained from theoretical NHV and from observation. These findings can provide a quantitative reference for accurately determining the fundamental resonance frequency.
Experimental model updating of slope considering spatially varying soil properties and dynamic loading
Authors: Wang Ruohan , Ouyang Jiayi , Fragkoulis Vasileios C. , Liu Yong , Beer Michael
Published: March 2024

The widespread threat posed by slope structure failures to human lives and property safety is widely acknowledged. Additionally, natural soil often displays spatial variability due to geological deposition and other factors. Therefore, predicting the seismic response of slopes subjected to ground motions and inversely analyzing the spatial distribution of soils remains an unresolved issue. In the present work, a shaking table experimental test is first designed and carried out, in which a soft‐soil slope dynamic system is established. To capture the seismic response of the soft‐soil slope, specifically the experimental characteristic of acceleration and soil pressure response in both spatial domain and time domain, a series of sensors were pre‐embedded in the slope. Subsequently, a model updating approach is proposed for slope seismic analysis that incorporates spatial variability of soil. In addition, to enhance computational efficiency, the dimensionality reduction of Karhunen–Loève expansion method is introduced to reduce inverse analysis parameters. On the basis of 34 samples collected from experimental data, it is shown that near‐fault pulse‐like ground motions deliver greater concentrated energy, causing more severe damage to slope structures, especially the topsoil layer. Furthermore, using data obtained from a shaking table test subjected to ground motion Recorded Sequence Number 158H1 from the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center NGA‐West2 database as an example, it is also shown that the proposed approach demonstrates high accuracy in predicting the spatial distribution of the maximum shear modulus in soil slope dynamic systems. The present work not only addresses the challenges posed by mainshock–aftershock effects but also highlights the potential of model updating approaches to enhance the understanding of slope behavior under seismic loading conditions.
Evaluating the identification methods of permanent displacement derived from strong motion records: Case studies in the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake
Authors: Zhou Baofeng , Guo Wenxuan , Ren Yefei , Wen Ruizhi , Wang Hongwei , Xu Tong , Zhang Cong , Liu Aiwen
Published: March 2024

On February 6, 2023, the Republic of Turkey experienced a rare occurrence of two successive earthquakes, each with a magnitude exceeding 7.0. The Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD) swiftly shared the strong motion records, thereby enriching the global database of near‐fault strong motion records. Identification of permanent displacement is essential for effectively utilizing these records. In this study, we refined the permanent displacement identification method, which combines the Hermit interpolation baseline correction with flatness determination by incorporating a low‐pass filter. Following this, we compared four permanent displacement identification methods, including our improved approach. We applied these to the strong motion record of station 4404 and compared the results with the Global Positioning System coseismic displacement. At the same time, we used field investigation data to verify the effectiveness of our improved method, studying its applicability for both single‐wave packet and multiwave packet records. The conclusions are the following: the improved method provides a more reasonable and effective means of identifying permanent displacement. When the peak ground acceleration (PGA) exceeds 1 g, the permanent displacement identifications from the four methods differ significantly. The discrepancy in permanent displacements identified by the four methods in the horizontal direction is larger than that in the U−D direction. For the record with the largest PGA (station 4614), our improved method yields more reasonable results compared with other techniques. Furthermore, the choice of segmentation time nodes in the velocity time history significantly affects the identification of permanent displacement.
Comparative analysis of nondimensionalization approaches for solving the 2‐D differentially heated cavity problem
Authors: Molina‐Herrera F. I. , Quemada‐Villagómez L. I. , Navarrete‐Bolaños J. L. , Jiménez‐Islas H.
Published: March 2024

This work reports a numerical study on the effect of three nondimensionalization approaches that are commonly used to solve the classic problem of the 2‐D differentially heated cavity. The governing equations were discretized using orthogonal collocation with Legendre polynomials, and the resulting algebraic system was solved via Newton–Raphson method with LU factorization. The simulations were performed for Rayleigh numbers between 103 and 108, considering the Prandtl number equal to 0.71 and a geometric aspect ratio equal to 1, analyzing the convergence and the computation time on the flow lines, isotherms and the Nusselt number. The mesh size that provides independent results was 51 × 51. Approach II was the most suitable for the nondimensionalization of the differentially heated cavity problem.
The influence of ripening on the nutrient composition and antioxidant properties of New Zealand damson plums
Authors: Rashidinejad Ali , Ahmmed Mirja Kaizer
Published: March 2024

The current study pioneers a comprehensive exploration into the influence of ripening stages on the nutritional composition and antioxidant attributes of the New Zealand damson plums (Prunus domestica ssp. Insititia). Sampled at early‐, mid‐, and late‐ripening stages from randomly selected plum trees, the investigation unveiled notable significant (p < .05) declines in multiple parameters as ripening progressed. Noteworthy reductions in dry matter (from 21% to 19.33%), stone weight (from 30.23% to 24.30%), total dietary fiber (from 3.15% to 2.5%), energy content (from 280 to 263 kJ/100 g), vitamin D3 (from 1.67 to 1.53 μg/100 g), vitamin A (from 4.2 to 3.87 μg/100 g), and specific minerals (e.g., Ca, Mg, and P) emerged as a hallmark of this progression. Additionally, plums harvested at the advanced ripening stage exhibited heightened moisture content in contrast to their early‐stage counterparts. Conversely, ash, protein, carbohydrates, total sugar, and minerals (including K, Na, Zn, and Se) demonstrated no significant alteration (p > .05) across ripening stages. Remarkably, damson plums that were harvested at the end of the ripening stage displayed reduced phenolic content and total antioxidant activity compared to those acquired at the early–mid ripening phase. This research collectively highlights the substantive impact of harvesting time and ripening stage on the nutritional and antioxidant profiles of damson plums cultivated in New Zealand.
Small vessel disease and cognitive reserve oppositely modulate global network redundancy and cognitive function: A study in middle‐to‐old aged community participants
Authors: Cui Lei , Hong Hui , Wang Shuyue , Zeng Qingze , Jiaerken Yeerfan , Yu Xinfeng , Zhang Ruiting , Zhang Yao , Xie Linyun , Lin Miao , Liu Lingyun , Luo Xiao , Li Kaicheng , Liu Xiaocao , Li Jixuan , Huang Peiyu , Zhang Minming
Published: March 2024

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) can disrupt the global brain network and lead to cognitive impairment. Conversely, cognitive reserve (CR) can improve one's cognitive ability to handle damaging effects like SVD, partly by optimizing the brain network's organization. Understanding how SVD and CR collectively influence brain networks could be instrumental in preventing cognitive impairment. Recently, brain redundancy has emerged as a critical network protective metric, providing a nuanced perspective of changes in network organization. However, it remains unclear how SVD and CR affect global redundancy and subsequently cognitive function. Here, we included 121 community‐dwelling participants who underwent neuropsychological assessments and a multimodal MRI examination. We visually examined common SVD imaging markers and assessed lifespan CR using the Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire. We quantified the global redundancy index (RI) based on the dynamic functional connectome. We then conducted multiple linear regressions to explore the specific cognitive domains related to RI and the associations of RI with SVD and CR. We also conducted mediation analyses to explore whether RI mediated the relationships between SVD, CR, and cognition. We found negative correlations of RI with the presence of microbleeds (MBs) and the SVD total score, and a positive correlation of RI with leisure activity‐related CR (CRI‐leisure). RI was positively correlated with memory and fully mediated the relationships between the MBs, CRI‐leisure, and memory. Our study highlights the potential benefits of promoting leisure activities and keeping brain redundancy for memory preservation in older adults, especially those with SVD.
Conscientiousness and perceived ethicality: Examining why hierarchy of authority diminishes this positive relationship
Authors: Luksyte Aleksandra , Carpini Joseph A. , Parker Sharon K. , Griffin Mark A.
Published: March 2024

Human resource (HR) managers hire conscientious employees because they are both productive and are viewed as upholding high ethical standards due to their propensity to engage in voice. Organizations may strive to create a work context conducive to all employees acting ethically, not just conscientious ones, by centralizing decision‐making authority and promoting formalization through a higher hierarchy of authority. Yet, we propose that from the social information processing perspective, in higher hierarchy of authority contexts, peers may view their highly conscientious colleagues as less ethical. We hypothesize these effects through the lens of trait activation theory, according to which in a higher hierarchy of authority context, others are less likely to notice the voice behaviors of conscientious employees. Problematically, when others fail to notice conscientious employees' voice, they may perceive these workers as being less ethical. We tested our hypothesized moderated mediation model in a matched sample of employees (N = 820), their supervisors (N = 445), and peers (N = 529). As predicted, hierarchy of authority moderated the positive relationship between conscientiousness and voice, which in turn explained others' perceptions of their ethicality. Conscientiousness was positively related to peer assessments of ethicality via promotive (not prohibitive) voice when hierarchy of authority was lower (but not higher), partially supporting our hypotheses. These results suggest HR practitioners should be cognizant of the differential evaluations of highly conscientious employees in contexts with different levels of hierarchy of authority, and continuing challenges associated with balancing flexibility and formalization.
Research progress on the relationship between traumatic brain injury and brain‐gut‐microbial axis
Authors: Yu Jie , Chen Yun‐Xin , Wang Jin‐Wei , Wu Hai‐Tao
Published: March 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common disease with a high rate of death and disability, which poses a serious threat to human health; thus, the effective treatment of TBI has been a high priority. The brain‐gut‐microbial (BGM) axis, as a bidirectional communication network for information exchange between the brain and gut, plays a crucial role in neurological diseases. This article comprehensively explores the interrelationship between the BGM axis and TBI, including its physiological effects, basic pathophysiology, and potential therapeutic strategies. It highlights how the bidirectional regulatory pathways of the BGM axis could provide new insights into clinical TBI treatment and underscores the necessity for advanced research and development of innovative clinical treatments for TBI.
Use of 5‐alpha reductase inhibitors and risk of gastrointestinal cancers in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Doherty Niamh , Cardwell Chris , Murchie Peter , Hill Christopher , Azoulay Laurent , Hicks Blánaid
Published: March 2024

Pre‐clinical evidence suggests that 5‐alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARi's), prescribed in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, reduce colorectal and gastro‐oesophageal cancer incidence via action on the male hormonal pathway. However, few studies to date have investigated this association at the population level. Our study aimed to investigate the risk of colorectal and gastro‐oesophageal cancers with the use of 5ARi's. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of new users of 5ARi's and alpha‐blockers among patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Patients were followed until a first ever diagnosis of colorectal or gastro‐oesophageal cancer, death from any cause or end of registration with the general practice or 31st of December 2017. Cox proportional hazards models with inverse probability of treatment weights were used to calculate weighted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of incident colorectal cancer or gastro‐oesophageal cancer associated with the use of 5ARi's compared to alpha‐blockers. During a mean follow‐up of 6.6 years, we found no association between the use of 5ARi's and colorectal (HR: 1.13, 95% CI 0.91–1.41) or gastro‐oesophageal (HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.76–1.63) cancer risk compared to alpha‐blockers. Sensitivity analysis showed largely consistent results when varying lag periods, using multiple imputations, and accounting for competing risk of death. Our study found no association between the use of 5ARi's and risk of colorectal or gastro‐oesophageal cancer in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Access to colorectal cancer screening in populations in China, 2020: A coverage‐focused synthesis analysis
Authors: Li Yan‐Jie , Wang Xin , Wu Yu‐Jie , Zhou Xin‐Yi , Li Jibin , Qin Jiangmei , Xu Wanghong , Lew Jie‐Bin , Chen Wanqing , Shi Ju‐Fang
Published: March 2024

In populations in China, colorectal cancer (CRC) screening can be mainly accessed through organized screening, opportunistic screening, and physical examination. This screening intervention is found to be effective but the exact coverage rate is difficult to measure. Based on data from published articles, official websites, and available program reports, the screening coverage rate and related indicators were quantified. A rapid review was then conducted to estimate the overall and the breakdown coverage rates of the sub‐type screening services, by leveraging the numbers of articles and the by‐type median sample sizes. Up to 2020, two central government‐funded and four provincial/municipal‐level organized CRC screening programs have been initiated and included in this analysis. For populations aged 40–74, the estimated coverage rate of organized programs in China was 2.7% in 2020, and the 2‐year cumulative coverage rate in 2019–2020 was 5.3% and the 3‐year cumulative coverage rate in 2018–2020 was 7.7%. The corresponding coverage rates of 50–74‐year‐olds were estimated to be 3.4%, 7.1%, and 10.3%, respectively. Based on the rapid review approach, the overall screening coverage rate for 40–74 years, considering organized screening programs, opportunistic screening, and physical examinations, was then estimated to be 3.0% in China in 2020. However, comparing the findings of this study with the number of health check‐ups reported in the local national health statistics yearbooks suggests that the number of CRC physical examinations may be underestimated in this study. The findings suggest that further efforts are needed to improve population access to CRC screening in China. Furthermore, evidence for access to opportunistic CRC screening and physical examination is limited, and more quantitative investigation is needed.
Comparative analysis of cone‐beam breast computed tomography and digital breast tomosynthesis for breast cancer diagnosis: A comprehensive study on reconstruction algorithms
Authors: Komolafe Temitope Emmanuel , Tian Yuchi , Awoniya Olanrewaju James , Chen Shuang‐Qing , Yang Xiaodong
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed non‐skin cancer in women. To achieve early and accurate diagnosis, three‐dimensional (3D) cone‐beam breast computed tomography (CBBCT) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) modalities are used. Importantly, the comparison of reconstruction accuracy of both CBBCT and DBT has rarely been investigated, thus constituting a research gap. This study systematically investigated the performances of the CBBCT and DBT for different reconstruction algorithms using both BR3D breast phantom and breast images. We acquired clinical breast images and scanned the BR3D phantom for additional breast images. These acquired images were used to simulate projection data using predefined CBBCT and DBT geometries. The simulated projections were reconstructed using five different reconstruction algorithms. To evaluate the reconstruction accuracy, we calculated average image quality assessment (IQA) indices, including peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index (SSIM), root mean square error (RMSE), and others, across different algorithms and modalities. The pooled PSNR, SSIM, and RMSE for DBT and CBBCT images are (31.6265 ± 0.8725), (0.9353 ± 0.0077), and (0.0270 ± 0.0025) and (29.7007 ± 0.9249), (0.9136 ± 0.0130), and (0.0342 ± 0.0040), which implies that the overall IQA indices of DBT are superior to CBBCT; therefore, DBT tends to reveal more BC detectability as the diagnosis outcome would largely depend on good quality images. The results show that DBT gives an improved result for all algorithms compared to CBBCT, although further experimental trials may be needed to establish the findings fully. The findings suggest that using DBT may enhance the accuracy of BC diagnosis compared to CBBCT due to its superior image quality in clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of selecting optimal reconstruction algorithms for improved diagnostic outcomes.
Efficient feature extraction and hybrid deep learning for early identification of uterine fibroids in ultrasound images
Authors: Lekshmanan Chinna Meena , Pathrose Mary Joe Prathap
Published: March 2024

Non‐cancerous growths called uterine fibroids develop in the uterus. They can vary in size, location, and number, and can produce symptoms including excessive menstrual flow, pelvic discomfort, and reproductive problems. Early detection of uterine fibroids is important because it allows for timely intervention and appropriate management strategies. Extracting meaningful features from ultrasound (US) images requires robust and effective techniques. However, different feature extraction methods may yield varying results, and the choice of technique can influence the accuracy of fibroid detection. This paper presents an efficient approach for early detection of uterine fibroids in US images. Our proposed technique combines efficient feature extraction methods and a hybrid deep learning approach. Firstly, we employ the well‐known canny edge detection algorithm to accurately identify the edges of the fibroid region in the US images. This step helps in segmenting the target edge portion for further analysis. Additionally, we introduce an improved bird swarm optimization (IBSO) algorithm to extract a comprehensive set of features, utilizing both known features and newly obtained features. This approach enhances the accuracy of fibroid detection in uterine images. The proposed method uses a convolutional recurrent neural network (CRNN) to accurately detect and treat uterine fibroids, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment. Our proposed IBSO‐CRNN model produces accuracy rates of 99.897% and 97.568% on the augmented and original datasets, respectively.
Unraveling interindividual variation of trimethylamine N‐oxide and its precursors at the population level
Authors: Andreu‐Sánchez Sergio , Ahmad Shahzad , Kurilshikov Alexander , Beekman Marian , Ghanbari Mohsen , van Faassen Martijn , van den Munckhof Inge C. L. , Steur Marinka , Harms Amy , Hankemeier Thomas , Ikram M. Arfan , Kavousi Maryam , Voortman Trudy , Kraaij Robert , Netea Mihai G. , Rutten Joost H. W. , Riksen Niels P. , Zhernakova Alexandra , Kuipers Folkert , Slagboom P. Eline , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Fu Jingyuan , Vojinovic Dina
Published: March 2024

Trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) is a circulating microbiome‐derived metabolite implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated whether plasma levels of TMAO, its precursors (betaine, carnitine, deoxycarnitine, choline), and TMAO‐to‐precursor ratios are associated with clinical outcomes, including CVD and mortality. This was followed by an in‐depth analysis of their genetic, gut microbial, and dietary determinants. The analyses were conducted in five Dutch prospective cohort studies including 7834 individuals. To further investigate association results, Mendelian Randomization (MR) was also explored. We found only plasma choline levels (hazard ratio [HR] 1.17, [95% CI 1.07; 1.28]) and not TMAO to be associated with CVD risk. Our association analyses uncovered 10 genome‐wide significant loci, including novel genomic regions for betaine (6p21.1, 6q25.3), choline (2q34, 5q31.1), and deoxycarnitine (10q21.2, 11p14.2) comprising several metabolic gene associations, for example, CPS1 or PEMT. Furthermore, our analyses uncovered 68 gut microbiota associations, mainly related to TMAO‐to‐precursors ratios and the Ruminococcaceae family, and 16 associations of food groups and metabolites including fish‐TMAO, meat‐carnitine, and plant‐based food‐betaine associations. No significant association was identified by the MR approach. Our analyses provide novel insights into the TMAO pathway, its determinants, and pathophysiological impact on the general population.
Photocrosslinkable triple helical protein with enhanced higher‐order formation for biomaterial applications
Authors: Akilandeswari Gopalan , Varshashankari Vijayakumar , Muthusamy Shalini , Aarthy Mayilvahanan , Thamizhvani Karthigeyan , Mercyjayapriya Jebakumar , Ashokraj Sundarapandian , Mohandass Pachaiyappan , Prem Suresh , Ayyadurai Niraikulam
Published: March 2024

Bacterial collagen, produced via recombinant DNA methods, offers advantages including consistent purity, customizable properties, and reduced allergy potential compared to animal‐derived collagen. Its controlled production environment enables tailored features, making it more sustainable, non‐pathogenic, and compatible with diverse applications in medicine, cosmetics, and other industries. Research has focused on the engineering of collagen‐like proteins to improve their structure and function. The study explores the impact of introducing tyrosine, an amino acid known for its role in fibril formation across diverse proteins, into a newly designed bacterial collagen‐like protein (Scl2), specifically examining its effect on self‐assembly and fibril formation. Biophysical analyses reveal that the introduction of tyrosine residues didn't compromise the protein's structural stability but rather promoted self‐assembly, resulting in the creation of nanofibrils—a phenomenon absent in the native Scl2 protein. Additionally, stable hydrogels are formed when the engineered protein undergoes di‐tyrosine crosslinking under light exposure. The hydrogels, shown to support cell viability, also facilitate accelerated wound healing in mouse fibroblast (NIH/3T3) cells. These outcomes demonstrate that the targeted inclusion of functional residues in collagen‐like proteins enhances fibril formation and facilitates the generation of robust hydrogels using riboflavin chemistry, presenting promising paths for research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Machine‐learning descriptor search on the density of states profile of bimetallic alloy systems and comparison with the d‐band center theory
Authors: Ishikawa Atsushi
Published: March 2024

In this study, the electronic density of states (DOSs) calculated with density functional theory (DFT) were analyzed by the machine‐learning techniques. More than 400 pure metal and bimetallic alloy systems were calculated with DFT, and obtained the surface DOSs and the CH3 adsorption energy (Ead). By fitting the Gaussian functions to the DOS, multiple descriptors, such as the Gaussian peak positions, heights, and widths were extracted. Several regression methods, such as the least absolute shrinkage of selection operator (LASSO), random‐forest, gradient‐boosting, and extra‐tree were used to find the relationship between these descriptors and the Ead. The results show that the energy position of the peaks in the d‐projected DOS is the most important descriptor, in agreement with the previously known d‐band center theory. It was also shown that the peak position in d‐projected DOS improves the regression model in addition to the d‐band center, since it reduces the regression error.
The effect of low birth weight as an intrauterine exposure on the early onset of sarcopenia through possible molecular pathways
Authors: Celik Dilek , Campisi Manuela , Cannella Luana , Pavanello Sofia
Published: March 2024

Sarcopenia, a musculoskeletal disease characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance, presents significant challenges to global public health due to its adverse effects on mobility, morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This comprehensive review explores the intricate connections between sarcopenia and low birth weight (LBW), emphasizing the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, inflammatory processes (inflammaging), mitochondrial dysfunction, circadian rhythm disruptions, epigenetic mechanisms, and genetic variations revealed through genome‐wide studies (GWAS). A systematic search strategy was developed using PubMed to identify relevant English‐language publications on sarcopenia, LBW, DOHaD, inflammaging, mitochondrial dysfunction, circadian disruption, epigenetic mechanisms, and GWAS. The publications consist of 46.2% reviews, 21.2% cohort studies, 4.8% systematic reviews, 1.9% cross‐sectional studies, 13.4% animal studies, 4.8% genome‐wide studies, 5.8% epigenome‐wide studies, and 1.9% book chapters. The review identified key factors contributing to sarcopenia development, including the DOHaD hypothesis, LBW impact on muscle mass, inflammaging, mitochondrial dysfunction, the influence of clock genes, the role of epigenetic mechanisms, and genetic variations revealed through GWAS. The DOHaD theory suggests that LBW induces epigenetic alterations during foetal development, impacting long‐term health outcomes, including the early onset of sarcopenia. LBW correlates with reduced muscle mass, grip strength, and lean body mass in adulthood, increasing the risk of sarcopenia. Chronic inflammation (inflammaging) and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to sarcopenia, with LBW linked to increased oxidative stress and dysfunction. Disrupted circadian rhythms, regulated by genes such as BMAL1 and CLOCK, are associated with both LBW and sarcopenia, impacting lipid metabolism, muscle mass, and the ageing process. Early‐life exposures, including LBW, induce epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation (DNAm) and histone changes, playing a pivotal role in sarcopenia development. Genome‐wide studies have identified candidate genes and variants associated with lean body mass, muscle weakness, and sarcopenia, providing insights into genetic factors contributing to the disorder. LBW emerges as a potential early predictor of sarcopenia development, reflecting the impact of intrauterine exposures on long‐term health outcomes. Understanding the complex interplay between LBW with inflammaging, mitochondrial dysfunction, circadian disruption, and epigenetic factors is essential for elucidating the pathogenesis of sarcopenia and developing targeted interventions. Future research on GWAS and the underlying mechanisms of LBW‐associated sarcopenia is warranted to inform preventive strategies and improve public health outcomes.
Advanced feature learning and classification of microscopic breast abnormalities using a robust deep transfer learning technique
Authors: Rehman Amjad , Mahmood Tariq , Alamri Faten S. , Saba Tanzila , Naseem Shahid
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer is a major health threat, with early detection crucial for improving cure and survival rates. Current systems rely on imaging technology, but digital pathology and computerized analysis can enhance accuracy, reduce false predictions, and improve medical care for breast cancer patients. The study explores the challenges in identifying benign and malignant breast cancer lesions using microscopic image datasets. It introduces a low‐dimensional multiple‐channel feature‐based method for breast cancer microscopic image recognition, overcoming limitations in feature utilization and computational complexity. The method uses RGB channels for image processing and extracts features using level co‐occurrence matrix, wavelet, Gabor, and histogram of oriented gradient. This approach aims to improve diagnostic efficiency and accuracy in breast cancer treatment. The core of our method is the SqE‐DDConvNet algorithm, which utilizes a 3 × 1 convolution kernel, SqE‐DenseNet module, bilinear interpolation, and global average pooling to enhance recognition accuracy and training efficiency. Additionally, we incorporate transfer learning with pre‐trained models, including mVVGNet16, EfficientNetV2B3, ResNet101V2, and CN2XNet, preserving spatial information and achieving higher accuracy under varying magnification conditions. The method achieves higher accuracy compared to baseline models, including texture and deep semantic features. This deep learning‐based methodology contributes to more accurate image classification and unique image recognition in breast cancer microscopic images.

Research Highlights

Introduces a low‐dimensional multiple‐channel feature‐based method for breast cancer microscopic image recognition.

Uses RGB channels for image processing and extracts features using level co‐occurrence matrix, wavelet, Gabor, and histogram of oriented gradient.

Employs the SqE‐DDConvNet algorithm for enhanced recognition accuracy and training efficiency.

Transfer learning with pre‐trained models preserves spatial information and achieves higher accuracy under varying magnification conditions.

Evaluates predictive efficacy of transfer learning paradigms within microscopic analysis.

Utilizes CNN‐based pre‐trained algorithms to enhance network performance.
Prenatal treatment with corticosterone via maternal injection induces learning and memory impairments via delaying postsynaptic development in hippocampal CA1 neurons of rats
Authors: Kim Hye‐Ji , Ko Eun‐A , Kwon Oh‐Bin , Jung Sung‐Cherl
Published: March 2024

Previously, we reported that prenatal exposure to high corticosterone induced attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)‐like behaviors with cognitive deficits after weaning. In the present study, cellular mechanisms underlying cortisol‐induced cognitive dysfunction were investigated using rat pups (Corti.Pups) born from rat mothers that were repetitively injected with corticosterone during pregnancy. In results, Corti.Pups exhibited the failure of behavioral memory formation in the Morris water maze (MWM) test and the incomplete long‐term potentiation (LTP) of hippocampal CA1 neurons. Additionally, glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were remarkably suppressed in Corti.Pups compared to normal rat pups. Incomplete LTP and weaker EPSCs in Corti.Pups were attributed to the delayed postsynaptic development of CA1 neurons, showing a higher expression of NR2B subunits and lower expression of PSD‐95 and BDNF. These results indicated that the prenatal treatment with corticosterone to elevate cortisol level might potently downregulate the BDNF‐mediated signaling critical for the synaptic development of hippocampal CA1 neurons during brain development, and subsequently, induce learning and memory impairment. Our findings suggest a possibility that the prenatal dysregulation of cortisol triggers the epigenetic pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders, such as ADHD and autism.
A hybrid statistical downscaling prediction model with timescale decomposition for summer precipitation over Hainan Island, China
Authors: Zhao Junhu , Wu Hui , Xiong Kaiguo , Qiao Shaobo , Yang Jie , Feng Guolin , Li Yingfa , Xing Caiying , Zhu Jingjing
Published: March 2024

By observing well‐known sea surface temperature (SST) indices and outputs from Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) hindcasts and predictions, in this study, we developed a hybrid statistical downscaling prediction model (HSDPM) based on a timescale decomposition approach, which effectively improved the forecasting ability of summer (June–August) precipitation over Hainan Island (HNSP) in China; this precipitation presented multiple obvious timescale variabilities. We found that the interannual variability of the HNSP is closely related to the observed North Atlantic tripole SST anomalies in the preceding winter and the summer sea level pressure over the South China Sea by CFSv2 predicted in March. On the other hand, the interdecadal variability in the HNSP is linked to the prewinter Pacific Interdecadal Oscillation (PDO) according to the observations, the CFSv2 predictions of the summer surface air temperature over the tropical central‐east Pacific. On this basis, both the interannual and interdecadal components of the HNSP are effectively predicted using the corresponding predictors via multiple regression; thus, the HSDPM is ultimately established by combining the above two components. Compared with the original CFSv2 model, the HSDPM model achieves a considerable improvement in performance in predicting the HNSP. Specifically, the temporal correlation coefficient, ratio of root‐mean‐square error and anomaly sign consistency rate between the observed and HSDPM‐predicted HNSPs are 0.70, 17.4% and 80.5%, respectively, which are significantly greater than the above three forecasting index values of 0.23, 38.3% and 48.8%, respectively, obtained from the original CFSv2 predictions. The application of the HSDPM may be beneficial for drought and flood prevention and mitigation in Hainan Island.
Enteral nutrition in children and adolescents who receive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and its impact on complications and mortality: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Xiuhong , Fan Liping , Pan Xiaolan , Kwok Chun Shing
Published: March 2024

Enteral nutrition (EN) is one method of nutrition support for children and adolescents receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy, and there are no guidelines for its use in this population. We conducted a systematic review to determine whether EN is effective and safe in children supported by ECMO. We searched the Cochrane Library database, MEDLINE, and Embase on Ovid in March 2023 to identify studies that evaluated children and adolescents who received ECMO and were treated with EN. Random effects meta‐analysis was used to estimate the odds of mortality with EN compared with parenteral nutrition (PN). A total of 14 studies were included in this review with 1650 patients (796 received EN). The median duration of ECMO was 5–10 days, and the median EN initiation time ranged from 23 h to 7 days. The pooled results suggest no significant difference in mortality with EN compared with PN (odds ratio [OR] = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.56–1.05; I2 = 26%). Exclusion of the only study that reported an increase in mortality resulted in a borderline significant reduction in mortality with EN (OR = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.51–1.00; I2 = 26%). The predictors of EN were male sex, older age, heavier weight, greater height, cardiac diagnosis, longer duration of ECMO, and use of venovenous ECMO. Most studies suggest no correlation between EN and complications. EN use in children and adolescents who receive ECMO does not appear to be associated with increased mortality compared with PN and was safe in terms of intestinal complications and feeding intolerance.
Laryngeal Hyposensitivity in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Callander Jacquelyn K. , Kandahari Nazineen , Strohl Madeleine P. , Cheung Steven W. , Chang Jolie L.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Impaired laryngopharyngeal sensation has been implicated in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and may play an important pathophysiological role. We evaluated sensory function in OSA by examining the laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) response rate and temporal profile to tactile stimulation.

Methods

Laryngeal sensation testing was performed in awake adults with and without diagnosed OSA by stimulating the medial aryepiglottic fold or arytenoid using 30‐mm 5–0 and 4–0 nylon Cheung‐Bearelly monofilaments. Video analysis by two independent reviewers evaluated for the presence of the LAR in response to satisfactory stimuli and LAR latency to vocal fold adduction.

Results

Twenty‐six OSA and 12 control subjects were tested with 270 satisfactory stimuli. The mean full LAR response rate to 4–0 stimulation was 38.3% in OSA vs 86.9% in control subjects (p <0.001) and to 5–0 stimulation was 27% in OSA vs 63.9% in control subjects (p  <0.001). The mean LAR latency to vocal fold closure in OSA was 123.7 ms (SD 35.8) vs 156.4 ms (SD 44.3) in control (p = 0.04) subjects. OSA LAR latency was positively correlated with the apnea‐hypopnea index (r = 0.30; p = 0.008).

Conclusion

The OSA group exhibited reduced LAR response rates and shortened LAR latency, where latency was correlated with disease severity. Laryngeal hyposensitivity was affirmed and changes to LAR sensorimotor temporal dynamics were revealed. These pathophysiological alterations to the LAR may be accounted for by decreased somatosensory receptor sensitivity, increased sympathetic tone, and reorganized brain stem function in OSA.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:3856–3861, 2024
Phase II Trial of the Impact 0.5% Povidone‐Iodine Nasal Spray (Nasodine®) on Shedding of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Friedland Peter L. , Tucker Simon
Published: March 2024

Objective

A Phase II trial was conducted to determine if nasal disinfection with a commercial Good Manufacturing Practice‐manufactured 0.5% povidone‐iodine nasal spray (Nasodine®) may be a useful adjunct in the management of COVID‐19 by reducing viral shedding and prevention of transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2. The aim was to confirm the results from a human single‐dose pilot study by assessing repeated and frequent doses on nasal shedding of SARS‐CoV‐2 from adult subjects with confirmed COVID‐19.

Methods

A multicenter, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled Phase II clinical trial involving adults with early COVID‐19 symptoms. Baseline nasal swabs were collected to quantify pretreatment SARS‐CoV‐2 nasal viral load, followed by Nasodine treatment eight times daily over 3 calendar days. Daily nasal swabs were collected post‐dose to assess the impact of treatment on nasal viral load, measured by log10 TCID50 in quantitative culture.

Results

Nasodine subjects exhibited significantly improved reduction in viral load (log10 TCID50) on Days 2–4 compared to placebo recipients (p = 0.028), rate of nasal clearance of viable virus (p = 0.032), and complete (100%) nasal and throat clearance of the virus by Day 5. No difference was seen in antigen shedding as measured by time transition from Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) positivity to RAT negativity.

Conclusion

A total of 20 doses of Nasodine® nasal spray administered over 2.5 days significantly reduced the titers of viable SARS‐CoV‐2 virus in the nasal passages of COVID‐19 subjects. This is the first study demonstrating the efficacy of a tolerable intranasal formulation of povidone‐iodine on viral shedding in COVID‐19 subjects. Nasal disinfection may diminish viral transmission to others.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 134:3947–3952, 2024
Effect of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Chronic Rhinosinusitis Management
Authors: Herrera Kevin , Parikh Miti , Vemula Sahiti , Hur Kevin
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To investigate whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) impacts health care resource utilization in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in older women.

Methods

Using the TriNetX US health record database, women 55 years or older with a diagnosis of CRS were included and followed for 3 years. The cohort was stratified into two groups: women who received HRT at the beginning of the study were compared to women who did not receive HRT. The groups were matched by age, race, ethnicity, history of asthma, and history of nasal polyps. Outcomes included whether the patient underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and frequency of antibiotic use. Measures of association, Kaplan–Meier analysis, and cohort descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results

Of the 65,400 women included, the mean age was 66.9 years. 27.0% and 3.6% of patients had a history of asthma or nasal polyps, respectively. Overall, 2.0% of CRS patients underwent ESS, with the HRT group less likely to undergo ESS [OR: 0.28; 95% CI: (0.25–0.32)] compared to patients who did not receive HRT. When stratified by polyp status, HRT patients with nasal polyps had a greater decrease in ESS rates compared to control than HRT patients without nasal polyps. The HRT group had a higher mean number of antibiotic prescriptions compared to the non‐HRT group.

Conclusion

HRT is associated with decreased utilization of ESS to treat CRS, with a greater effect size for ESS among CRSwNP patients. However, HRT was associated with higher antibiotic utilization.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:3921–3926, 2024
Combination of a Viscoelastic and a Tribological Analysis of a Low‐Density Polyethylene with a High Degree of Cross‐linking
Authors: Schneck Franziska , Kruse Philana O. , Hesse‐Hornich Daniel , Dias N. Filipe Lopes , Tillmann Wolfgang , Jerusalem Robert , Maricanov Michail , Katzenberg Frank , Tiller Jörg C. , Handge Ulrich A.
Published: March 2024

Cross‐linking of polymers is an efficient method to tailor the end‐use properties of polymer materials. Cross‐linking using a chemical agent, e.g., dicumyl peroxide (DCP), allows for a spatially uniform network formation in the melt state. In addition, it is also associated with side reactions which influence the final properties of the plastic part. This work investigates the influence of DCP concentration on the tribological properties of a cross‐linked low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) grade. In particular, high DCP concentrations up to 20 phr are chosen in order to explore the effect of a high degree of cross‐linking. The viscoelastic properties below and above the melting temperature are studied in detail to support the interpretation of the tribological results. Rheological investigations allow one to monitor the cross‐linking of the long‐chain branched LDPE. The data and the subsequent optical analysis show that wear already is significantly reduced at a low DCP concentration of 1 phr because of the covalent bonds caused by cross‐linking. A high DCP concentration of 20 phr yields an increase of coefficient of friction which can be explained by the low stiffness and the resulting high contact area in the case of highly cross‐linked LDPE.
Pawsitively powerful: Why and when pet influencers boost social media effectiveness
Authors: Di Cioccio Martina , Pozharliev Rumen , De Angelis Matteo
Published: March 2024

In recent years, influencer marketing has emerged as a powerful tool for brands to create connections with their target audiences. Naturally, many companies have leaned on human influencers, but the increasing popularity of pet influencers (e.g., dogs and cats) represents a new avenue for brand promotion. This research asks the question: Why and when are pet influencers preferrable to their human counterparts in terms of boosting engagement and purchase intention? Across six experimental studies (N = 1166), we demonstrate that pet influencers lead to higher engagement with the promoted content and willingness to buy the advertised product (Study 1) because they are seen as more credible than human influencers (Study 2). Pet influencers are perceived as cuter, which in turn positively affects their credibility (Study 3). Specifically, whimsicality is the cuteness dimension that explains their greater credibility (Study 4). These effects are stronger when the promoted product is pet‐related (Study 5) and apply regardless of whether people own a pet (Studies 3–5). Finally, a clear cuteness manipulation supports the causal relationship between cuteness and credibility (Study 6). These findings affirm that pet influencers shape individuals' responses to promotional social media posts, enhance the field's understanding of the mechanisms that underlie influencer marketing effectiveness, and clarify how to implement more influential social media campaigns.
The power of flattery: Enhancing prosocial behavior through virtual influencers
Authors: Quach Sara , Cheah Isaac , Thaichon Park
Published: March 2024

While prior work suggests the significant role virtual influencers (VIs) can play in addressing social and welfare issues, it remains unclear how they can increase social media users' engagement in prosocial behaviors. The current study examines the role of influencer flattery in driving the prosocial behavior of social media users. Specifically, the research investigates how flattery and humanlike appearance influence the perceived authenticity of VIs and the subsequent prosocial behavior of social media users (Studies 1 and 2). Furthermore, the research substantiates these effects by exploring how flattery and anthropomorphism via humanlike traits impact perceived authenticity and prosocial behavior when social media users witness the influencer praising others (Study 3). Beyond intention to donate (Study 1), the study also investigated its impact on related prosocial behaviors, such as click‐through behavior (Study 2) and the willingness to pay for fundraising merchandise (Study 3). The findings of this research offer concrete implications for nonprofit organizations by demonstrating the persuasive impact of flattery, perceived authenticity, and anthropomorphism in mobilizing public support, donations, and merchandise purchases for social causes.