bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of a three‐component regulatory network of transcribed ultraconserved regions for the identification of prognostic biomarkers in gastric cancer
Authors: Khalafiyan Anis , Emadi‐Baygi Modjtaba , Wolfien Markus , Salehzadeh‐Yazdi Ali , Nikpour Parvaneh
Published: February 2023

Altered expression and functional roles of the transcribed ultraconserved regions (T‐UCRs), as genomic sequences with 100% conservation between the genomes of human, mouse, and rat, in the pathophysiology of neoplasms has already been investigated. Nevertheless, the relevance of the functions for T‐UCRs in gastric cancer (GC) is still the subject of inquiry. In the current study, we first used a genome‐wide profiling approach to analyze the expression of T‐UCRs in GC patients. Then, we constructed a three‐component regulatory network and investigated potential diagnostic and prognostic values of the T‐UCRs. The Cancer Genome Atlas Stomach Adenocarcinoma (TCGA‐STAD) dataset was used as a resource for the RNA‐sequencing data. FeatureCounts was utilized to quantify the number of reads mapped to each T‐UCR. Differential expression analysis was then conducted using DESeq2. In the following, interactions between T‐UCRs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were combined into a three‐component network. Enrichment analyses were performed and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. The R Survival package was utilized to identify survival‐related significantly differentially expressed T‐UCRs (DET‐UCRs). Using an in‐house cohort of GC tissues, expression of two DET‐UCRs was furthermore experimentally verified. Our results showed that several T‐UCRs were dysregulated in TCGA‐STAD tumoral samples compared to nontumoral counterparts. The three‐component network was constructed which composed of DET‐UCRs, miRNAs, and mRNAs nodes. Functional enrichment and PPI network analyses revealed important enriched signaling pathways and gene ontologies such as “pathway in cancer” and regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Five T‐UCRs were significantly correlated with the overall survival of GC patients. While no expression of uc.232 was observed in our in‐house cohort of GC tissues, uc.343 showed an increased expression, although not statistically significant, in gastric tumoral tissues. The constructed three‐component regulatory network of T‐UCRs in GC presents a comprehensive understanding of the underlying gene expression regulation processes involved in tumor development and can serve as a basis to investigate potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Clinical and laboratory genetic counselor attitudes on the reporting of variants of uncertain significance for multigene cancer panels
Authors: Chang Emmeline Y. , Solomon Ilana , Culver Julie O. , Gorman Nicholas , Comeaux Jacob G. , Lerman Caryn , Quinn Emily A. , Ekstein Tali
Published: February 2023

Research suggests variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) present a variety of challenges for genetic counselors (GCs), nongenetics clinicians, and patients. Multigene cancer panels reveal more VUSs than single gene testing as a result of the increase in the number of genes being tested. This study surveyed 87 clinical cancer GCs involved with direct patient care and 19 laboratory GCs who provide guidance to clinicians regarding genetic test results about their attitudes on various options for the reporting of VUSs by laboratories for broad multigene cancer panels. Independent samples t‐tests were utilized to compare the two groups. Based on a six‐point Likert‐type scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 6 = Strongly Agree), clinical cancer GCs (M = 5.4; SD = 0.8) and laboratory GCs (M = 5.2; SD = 0.9) agreed overall that VUSs should be reported (p = 0.44; Cohen's d = 0.21). When asked about specific reporting options, both clinical cancer GCs (M = 1.9; SD = 1.1) and laboratory GCs (M = 2.1; SD = 1.4) disagreed that VUSs should be reported only for genes related to the indication for testing (p = 0.50; Cohen's d = 0.17). Overall, most GCs felt clinicians should not choose whether VUSs should be reported on genetic test results, with clinical cancer GCs (M = 1.9; SD = 1.3) feeling more strongly against it than laboratory GCs (M = 3.1; SD = 1.4; p = 0.002; Cohen's d = 0.88). Generally, GCs were more in favor of VUSs not being reported for population‐based screening, with laboratory GCs (M = 4.7; SD = 0.8) agreeing more with that practice than clinical cancer GCs (M = 3.7; SD = 1.4; p = 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.80). Both clinical cancer GCs (M = 4.1; SD = 1.2) and laboratory GCs (M = 3.9; SD = 1.2) agreed additional guidelines on how to approach VUSs in clinical practice should be developed (p = 0.54; Cohen's d = 0.17). While most GCs supported the reporting of VUSs overall, our analyses suggest clinical cancer and laboratory GCs may have different attitudes toward specific VUS‐related reporting options. Further research is needed to elucidate GC preferences to help inform best practices for the reporting of VUSs. The development of additional standardized guidelines on how to approach VUSs would further support clinical practice.
In vivo imaging of nitric oxide in the male rat brain exposed to a shock wave
Authors: Kawauchi Satoko , Inaba Masaki , Muramatsu Yuriko , Kono Akemi , Nishidate Izumi , Adachi Takeshi , Cernak Ibolja , Sato Shunichi
Published: February 2023

While numerous studies have suggested the involvement of cerebrovascular dysfunction in the pathobiology of blast‐induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI), its exact mechanisms and how they affect the outcome of bTBI are not fully understood. Our previous study showed the occurrence of cortical spreading depolarization (CSD) and subsequent long‐lasting oligemia/hypoxemia in the rat brain exposed to a laser‐induced shock wave (LISW). We hypothesized that this hemodynamic abnormality is associated with shock wave‐induced generation of nitric oxide (NO). In this study, to verify this hypothesis, we used an NO‐sensitive fluorescence probe, diaminofluorescein‐2 diacetate (DAF‐2 DA), for real‐time in vivo imaging of male Sprague–Dawley rats' brain exposed to a mild‐impulse LISW. We observed the most intense fluorescence, indicative of NO production, along the pial arteriolar walls during the period of 10–30 min post‐exposure, parallel with CSD occurrence. This post‐exposure period also coincided with the early phase of hemodynamic abnormalities. While the changes in arteriolar wall fluorescence measured in rats receiving pharmacological NO synthase inhibition by nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) 24 h before exposure showed a temporal profile similar to that of changes observed in LISW‐exposed rats with CSD, their intensity level was considerably lower; this suggests partial involvement of NOS in shock wave‐induced NO production. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first real‐time in vivo imaging of NO in rat brain, confirming the involvement of NO in shock‐wave‐induced hemodynamic impairments. Finally, we have outlined the limitations of this study and our future research directions.
Streamflow reconstruction in the Kafirnigan River, Tajikistan since 1568 CE reveals a linkage between southern Central Asian hydrological variation and ENSO
Authors: Bakhtiyorov Zulfiyor , Opała‐Owczarek Magdalena , Chen Feng , Wang Shijie , Shang Huaming , Owczarek Piotr , Khan Adam
Published: February 2023

Long‐term hydroclimate change can provide reliable reference for water resources management in Central Asia. However, only a few palaeohydrological records exist in Tajikistan. To obtain a long‐term perspective on hydrological changes in Tajikistan, we developed, for the first time, a streamflow reconstruction from September of the previous year to June of the current one in the Kafirnigan River basin, based on Juniperus semiglobosa tree‐ring width indices from the Iskanderkul area in northern Tajikistan. The streamflow reconstruction explains 40% of the actual streamflow variance during the period 1939–1993. Spatial correlation analyses with gridded precipitation data indicate that our streamflow reconstruction contains a strong regional hydroclimatic signal for southern Central Asia. The high and low intervals of our streamflow reconstruction are closely related to the interdecadal variations of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Our reconstructed streamflow is significantly correlated with sea surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean and northern Indian Ocean, indicate the existence of remarkable 11‐, 5.6–5.7‐, 4.3‐, 2.6‐, 2.3‐ and 2.0‐year cycles, and suggest a relationship between southern Central Asian streamflow variations and ENSO activity.
Habitat value of constructed breeding pools for the endangered Sonoma population of California tiger salamander
Authors: Cook David G. , Stemle Leyna R. , Stokes David L. , Messerman Arianne F. , Meisler Julian A. , Searcy Christopher A.
Published: February 2023

Habitat creation is a common element of efforts to recover populations threatened by altered habitat. Unfortunately, human‐created habitats do not necessarily support re‐establishment of target species. We investigated the value of constructed vernal pools as breeding habitat for the endangered Sonoma County population of California tiger salamanders (Ambystoma californiense) by conducting 19 years of larval surveys in 118 pools that were natural (n = 40), constructed (n = 70), or natural with substantial human alterations (human‐altered, n = 8). California tiger salamander larval densities in human‐altered and natural pools declined over the study period, while larval densities in constructed pools showed non‐negative trends. Larval declines in natural pools may be attributed to long‐term degradation of the surrounding terrestrial habitat. Mean larval densities over the course of the study were equivalent between constructed and natural pools, when corrected for pool morphometry. In contrast, human‐altered pools had lower larval densities. To assure consistent California tiger salamander breeding, pools needed to be ≥30 cm deep and 240 m2 in area, with deeper (50–70 cm) and larger (1,600–1,800 m2) pools providing increased larval productivity. Over the study, there was no evidence of decrease in the rate of colonization of new pools. We conclude that constructed pools can be important tools in the recovery of imperiled pool‐breeding amphibians if proper design elements for the target species are considered.
Ultra‐Broadband Multimode Waveguide Crossing via Subwavelength Transmitarray with Bound State
Authors: Guo Xiaoyuan , Wang Zi , Zhang Yao , Liu Yingjie , Zhang Zimeng , Xu Jiefeng , Xiao Shumin , Song Qinghai , Xu Ke
Published: February 2023

As a fundamental building block for photonic integrated circuits, waveguide crossing is playing an essential role for routing the increasingly complex network on chip. Driven by the demands for carrying a large capacity of data per waveguide, wavelengths and guiding modes are emerging as important degrees of freedom for optical multiplexing to embrace the advantages of signal parallelism. Although various waveguide crossing structures are proposed to either support broad spectra of wavelengths or a large number of modes, none of these are simultaneously achieved. Here, an ultra‐broadband multimode waveguide crossing based on subwavelength transmitarray (SWTA) is proposed. The SWTA is well designed for high transmittance in the propagation direction and excellent confinement in its orthogonal direction by creation of a bound state. A three‐mode crossing is designed and fabricated on silicon on insulator with a compact footprint of only 5.05 µm × 5.05 µm. The crossing is able to operate over a large bandwidth from 1.4 to 2.1 µm with an excess loss of less than 0.77 dB. For a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of the structure scalability, the crossing is predicted to support up to ten modes. The ultra‐broadbandwidth and compactness of this multimode crossing make it possible to densely cross connect the waveguides with large data capacity via wavelength and mode division multiplexing.
Customized Structural Color Filters by Pixel‐Level Electrothermal Regulation
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Guo Tingbiao , Lin Zijian , Liu Zhenchao , He Nan , Xu Xinan , Xing Yuxin , Wang Dong , Li Ying , Jin Yi , He Sailing
Published: February 2023

Reflective structural colors have backlight‐free supremacy and can provide energy‐efficient and environmental‐friendly color production for many applications. However, they are hindered by the complex process and incorrect colors after fabrication. Here, a pixelated electrothermal oxidation technique is proposed that can precisely tailor and produce reflective structural colors covering the entire visible range, providing the possibility for customized structural color filter arrays from a titanium canvas. Furthermore, as a demonstration, a photonic‐firework‐like color filter array is achieved in a single step via thermal engineering. Based on this one‐step‐forming color array, a computational spectrometer is also realized featuring a resolvability of 10 nm and operating bandwidth covering the whole visible range. Considering its compactness and mass production capability, this method has numerous potential applications in, e.g., imaging, anti‐counterfeiting, printing, color display, and spectroscopy.
Evanescent Wave Lab‐on‐Fiber for High Sensitivity Gas Spectroscopy with Wide Dynamic Range and Long‐Term Stability
Authors: Zhao Pengcheng , Ho Hoi Lut , Fan Shangchun , Jin Wei
Published: February 2023

Micro/nano waveguide has been widely exploited for gas sensing due to its strong confinement of evanescent field, compact size, and fast response. However, the state‐or‐the‐art evanescent‐wave gas sensors still struggle to satisfy the requirements of high sensitivity, high selectivity, large dynamic range, and long‐term stability. In this work, microfiber‐based evanescent‐wave mode‐phase‐difference photothermal spectroscopy for trace gas detection is reported. With a microfiber of 5.6 cm in length and 2.36 µm in diameter, noise‐equivalent‐concentration of 160 ppb methane in nitrogen is achieved with a dynamic range over 6 orders of magnitude, response time of less than 6 s, and <3% instability over 7 days. The technique utilizes commercial fiber‐optic components to make cost‐effective lab‐on‐fiber probes with real‐time and remote detection capability for industrial, medical, and environmental monitoring.
Striatal Dopamine Loss in Early Parkinson's Disease: Systematic Review and Novel Analysis of Dopamine Transporter Imaging
Authors: Heng Nicholas , Malek Naveed , Lawton Michael A. , Nodehi Anahita , Pitz Vanessa , Grosset Katherine A. , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav , Grosset Donald G.
Published: February 2023

Background

Neuropathological studies, based on small samples, suggest that symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) emerge when dopamine/nigrostriatal loss is around 50–80%. Functional neuroimaging can be applied in larger numbers during life, which allows analysis of the extent of dopamine loss more directly.

Objective

To quantify dopamine transporter (DaT) activity by neuroimaging in early PD.

Methods

Systematic review and novel analysis of DaT imaging studies in early PD.

Results

In our systematic review, in 423 unique cases from 27 studies with disease duration of less than 6 years, mean age 58.0 (SD 11.5) years, and mean disease duration 1.8 (SD 1.2) years, striatal loss was 43.5% (95% CI 41.6, 45.4) contralaterally, and 36.0% (95% CI 33.6, 38.3) ipsilaterally. For unilateral PD, in 436 unique cases, mean age 57.5 (SD 10.2) years, and mean disease duration 1.8 (SD 1.4) years, striatal loss was 40.6% (95% CI 38.8, 42.4) contralaterally, and 31.6% (95% CI 29.4, 33.8) ipsilaterally. In our novel analysis of the Parkinson's Progressive Marker Initiative study, 413 cases had 1436 scans performed. For a disease duration of less than 1 year, age was 61.8 (SD 9.8) years, and striatal loss was 51.2% (95% CI 49.1, 53.3) contralaterally and 39.5% (36.9, 42.1) ipsilaterally, giving an overall striatal loss of 45.3% (43.0, 47.6).

Conclusions

Loss of striatal DaT activity in early PD is less at 35–45%, rather than the 50–80% striatal dopamine loss estimated to be present at the time of symptom onset, based on backwards extrapolation from autopsy studies.
A compact fully fabric I‐shaped antenna supported with textile‐based AMC for low SAR 2.45 GHz wearable applications
Authors: Youssef Omar M. , Atrash Mohamed El , Abdalla Mahmoud A.
Published: February 2023

Introduced in this letter is a thin, flexible, compact, and fully fabric I‐shaped quarter‐wavelength antenna, where a 3 × 3 array reflector, is in the antenna rear end. In free space, the I‐shaped antenna radiates at 2.45 GHz of the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical band with simulated realized gain of 1.65 dB and 90% worth of simulated radiation efficiency. The array reflector is utilized to diminish the specific absorption rate (SAR) in human evaluation scenarios. At the operating frequency, in free space, the antenna realized gain is improved by 75% after incorporating the artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) array. Moreover, over 1 g of tissue, a SAR reduction of 99.5% is attained at 2.45 GHz. Simulation and measured S11 and radiation pattern comparisons are highlighted in this letter. Based on the accomplished outcomes, the integrated antenna, comprised of the fully fabric I‐shaped quarter‐wavelength antenna and the AMC array, might be considered for wearable applications.
Optimising management of low back pain through the pain and disability drivers management model: Findings from a pilot cluster nonrandomised controlled trial
Authors: Longtin Christian , Décary Simon , Cook Chad E. , Tousignant Michel , Lacasse Anaïs , Tousignant‐Laflamme Yannick
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Low back pain (LBP) remains the leading cause of disability. The Low Back Pain and Disability Drivers Management (PDDM) model aims to identify the domains driving pain and disability to guide clinical decisions. The objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of conducting a pragmatic controlled trial of the PDDM model and to explore its effectiveness compared to clinical practice guidelines' recommendations for LBP management.

Methods

A pilot cluster nonrandomised controlled trial. Participants included physiotherapists and their patients aged 18 years or older presenting with a primary complaint of LBP. Primary outcomes were the feasibility of the trial design. Secondary exploratory analyses were conducted on LBP‐related outcomes such as pain severity and interference at 12‐week follow‐up.

Results

Feasibility of study procedures were confirmed, recruitment exceeded our target number of participants, and the eligibility criteria were deemed suitable. Lost to follow‐up at 12 weeks was higher than expected (43.0%) and physiotherapists' compliance rates to the study protocol was lower than our predefined threshold (75.0% vs. 57.5%). A total of 44 physiotherapists and 91 patients were recruited. Recommendations for a larger scale trial were formulated. The PDDM model group demonstrated slightly better improvements in all clinical outcome measures compared to the control group at 12 weeks.

Conclusion

The findings support the feasibility of conducting such trial contingent upon a few recommendations to foster proper future planning to determine the effectiveness of the PDDM model. Our results provide preliminary evidence of the PDDM model effectiveness to optimise LBP management.

Clinical Trial Registration

Clinicaltrial.gov, NCT04893369.
An age‐period‐cohort approach to studying long‐term trends in obesity and overweight in England (1992–2019)
Authors: Opazo Breton Magdalena , Gray Laura A.
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aims to understand long‐term trends in obesity and overweight in England by estimating life‐course transitions as well as historical and birth cohort trends for both children and adults.

Methods

Data on individuals aged 5 to 85 years old from the Health Survey for England were used, covering the period 1992 to 2019 and birth cohorts born between 1909 and 2013. Individual BMI values were classified as healthy weight, overweight, or obesity. Trends were compared, and an age‐period‐cohort model was estimated using logistic regression and categorical age, period, and cohort groups.

Results

There was significant variation in age trajectories by birth cohorts for healthy weight and obesity prevalence. The odds of having obesity compared with a healthy weight increased consistently with age, increased throughout the study period (but faster between 1992 and 2001), and were higher for birth cohorts born between 1989 and 2008. The odds of having overweight showed an inverted U‐shape among children, increased through adulthood, have been stable since 2012, and were considerably higher for the youngest birth cohort (2009–2013).

Conclusions

Younger generations with higher overweight prevalence coupled with increasing obesity prevalence with age suggest that obesity should remain a high priority for public health policy makers in England.
Evolving Management of Acute Mastoiditis: Analysis of the Pediatric Health Information System Database
Authors: Friesen Tzyynong L. , Hall Matt , Ramchandar Nanda , Berry Jay G. , Jiang Wen
Published: February 2023

Objective

The optimal management of acute mastoiditis remains controversial. Most existing studies are retrospective single‐institutional experiences with small cohorts. Our objectives were to analyze the treatment of acute mastoiditis by pediatric centers across the United States and changes in management over time.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Setting

Administrative database study using Pediatric Health Information System.

Methods

Patients ≤18 years of age who were admitted with a principal diagnosis of acute mastoiditis from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019 were included. Trends were assessed by Cochran‐Armitage Trend Test. χ2 and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare outcomes between the surgical and nonsurgical groups.

Results

A total of 2170 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 1248 (57.5%) requiring surgical management. The rate of surgical procedures decreased significantly over time. The rate of myringotomy decreased from 64% in 2010 to 47% in 2019 (p < .001), and mastoidectomy decreased from 22% in 2010 to 10% in 2019 (p < .001). On admission, 29% of the cohort presented with mastoiditis‐related complications. Patients treated surgically were younger (p < .001), more likely to present with complications (37.5% vs 17.5%, p < .001), required longer length of stay (3.7 vs 2.3 days, p < .001), and had higher intensive care unit utilization (8.6% vs 2.2%, p < .001). However, the rate of 30‐day readmission, emergency department return, and in‐hospital mortality were all similar.

Conclusion

Acute mastoiditis has been successfully treated with declining rates of a surgery over time. Younger patients who present with complications are more likely to be managed surgically, and the overall outcomes remain excellent.
Adolescent exercise‐related lower leg pain musculotendinous characteristics
Authors: DeJong Lempke Alexandra F. , Jackson Sarah , Stracciolini Andrea , D'Hemecourt Pierre A. , Meehan William P. , Whitney Kristin E.
Published: February 2023

Background

Exercise‐related lower leg pain (ERLLP) is one of the most common injuries among adolescent runners; however, there is limited information available on lower extremity musculotendinous characteristics in relationship to injury. Ultrasound imaging has previously been used to evaluate musculotendinous structures among adults with chronic lower limb injuries. Similar measurement approaches may be adopted to assess young runners with ERLLP.

Objective

To compare ultrasound‐derived lower extremity musculotendinous thickness, echogenicity, and muscle fiber pennation angles between adolescent runners with and without ERLLP.

Design

Cross‐sectional design.

Setting

Hospital‐affiliated sports injury prevention center.

Participants

Twenty‐eight adolescent runners with (N = 14) and without ERLLP (N = 14).

Interventions

Runners' patellar and Achilles tendons, and tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, abductor hallicus, and flexor digitorum brevis muscles were assessed with ultrasound imaging using standardized procedures.

Main Outcome Measures

Separate repeated measures multivariate analyses of covariance (covariate: gender) were used to compare groups and limbs for mass‐normalized musculotendinous thickness, musculotendinous echogenicity, and extrinsic ankle muscle fiber pennation angles.

Results

The adolescent ERLLP group had reduced average muscle size for all structures except the tibialis anterior compared to the uninjured group (mean difference [MD] range: −0.12–0.49 mm/kg; p range: .002–.05), and reduced average medial gastrocnemius pennation angles on their case limb compared to their contralateral limb and the uninjured group (MD range: −3.7–6.4°; p < .001). The ERLLP group additionally had reduced average patellar and Achilles tendon size (MD range: −0.14–−0.15 mm/kg; p range: .02–.03), and lower Achilles tendon echogenicity compared to uninjured counterparts (MD: −18; p = .02).

Conclusions

Adolescent runners with ERLLP exhibited morphological musculotendinous changes that may occur either as a result of or as a contributing factor to pain and persistent dysfunction. The findings highlight key targets for rehabilitation for young, injured runners, particularly intrinsic foot muscle strengthening.
Ventilatory response and stability of oxygen saturation during a hypoxic challenge in very preterm infants
Authors: Zannin Emanuela , Stoecklin Benjamin , Choi Jane Y. , Simpson Shannon J. , Veneroni Chiara , Dellaca Raffaele L. , Pillow Jane J.
Published: February 2023

Background

Preterm infants have immature control of breathing and impaired pulmonary gas exchange. We hypothesized that infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have a blunted ventilatory response and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) instability during a hypoxic challenge.

Methods

We evaluated the response to hypoxia in 57 very preterm infants (38 no BPD, 10 mild BPD, 9 moderate‐to‐severe BPD) at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. The fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) was reduced stepwise at 5‐min intervals to achieve peripheral SpO2 between 86% and 95%. The lowest permissible FIO2 and SpO2 were 0.14% and 86%. We recorded SpO2, FIO2, and the respiratory signal (respiratory inductive plethysmography). We calculated respiratory rate (RR), tidal volume (VT), minute ventilation (VE), and respiratory drive (ratio between VT and inspiratory time, VT/TI). SpO2 variability was expressed as the interquartile range (IQR).

Results

FIO2 was reduced from a median (Q1, Q3) of 0.21 (0.21, 0.21) to 0.17 (0.17, 0.18). We observed a marked individual variability in the ventilatory response to the hypoxic challenge, regardless of BPD severity. At the lowest permissible FIO2, 37 (65%) infants reduced their VE, and 20 (35%) increased minute ventilation; 20 infants (35%) developed periodic breathing associated with increased SpO2 IQR and lower SpO2 minima, and 16 (28%) exhibited an oscillatory pattern in VE and SpO2 without end‐expiratory pauses, regardless of BPD severity.

Conclusion

In very preterm infants, a mild hypoxic challenge reduced ventilation, increased SpO2 variability and periodic breathing regardless of BPD severity.
Elastically Isotropic Truss‐Plate‐Hybrid Hierarchical Microlattices with Enhanced Modulus and Strength
Authors: Wang Yujia , Xu Fan , Gao Huajian , Li Xiaoyan
Published: February 2023

Bioinspired hierarchical design principles have been employed to create advanced architected materials. Here, a new type of truss‐plate‐hybrid two‐level hierarchical architecture is created, referred to as the ISO‐COP hierarchical lattice (isotropic truss at the first level and cubic+octet plate at the second level), in which truss‐based unit cells are arranged according to the topology of the plate‐based unit cell. Finite element analyses reveal that the ISO‐COP hierarchical lattice outperforms the best existing octet‐truss hierarchical lattices based on fractal geometries in achieving elastic isotropy and enhanced moduli. According to the designed architecture, ISO‐COP and several other comparison hierarchical microlattices are fabricated via projection microstereolithography. In situ compression tests demonstrate that the fabricated ISO‐COP microlattices exhibit elastic isotropy and enhanced moduli, as predicted from finite element simulations, and superior strength compared with existing fractal octet‐truss hierarchical lattices. Theoretical models are further developed to predict the dependence of modulus and failure modes on two design parameters of the hierarchical lattices, with results in good agreement with those from experiments. This study relates mechanical properties of ISO‐COP hierarchical lattices to their architectures at each level of hierarchy and exemplifies a route to harnessing hierarchical design principles to create architected materials with desired mechanical properties.
Trends in and Social Dynamics of Crime in the Pacific
Authors: Watson Danielle , Howes Loene , Dinnen Sinclair , Bull Melissa , Amin Sara N.
Published: February 2023

An understanding of policing dynamics requires an examination of not only the landscape of criminal activities that police encounter and work in, but also the socio-political processes that produce crime in a given community and context. This chapter provides an overview of crime trends in Pacific Islands countries and territories (PICTs) in the twenty-first century and discusses some key social dynamics producing various crimes. It pays special attention to crimes and violence experienced by young people and women, as well as how neoliberal globalisation has produced new vulnerabilities in PICTs, including expanding organised and transnational crime, such as drug trafficking and cybercrime. The chapter includes suggestions for where there are research and data gaps, and how future research and policy should aim to close these gaps to further inform crime-related policies.
Chatter detection in milling processes—a review on signal processing and condition classification
Authors: Navarro-Devia John Henry , Chen Yun , Dao Dzung Viet , Li Huaizhong
Published: February 2023

Among the diverse challenges in machining processes, chatter has a significant detrimental effect on surface quality and tool life, and it is a major limitation factor in achieving higher material removal rate. Early detection of chatter occurrence is considered a key element in the milling process automation. Online detection of chatter onset has been continually investigated over several decades, along with the development of new signal processing and machining condition classification approaches. This paper presents a review of the literature on chatter detection in milling, providing a comprehensive analysis of the reported methods for sensing and testing parameter design, signal processing and various features proposed as chatter indicators. It discusses data-driven approaches, including the use of different techniques in the time–frequency domain, feature extraction, and machining condition classification. The review outlines the potential of using multiple sensors and information fusion with machine learning. To conclude, research trends, challenges and future perspectives are presented, with the recommendation to study the tool wear effects, and chatter detection at dissimilar milling conditions, while utilization of considerable large datasets—Big Data—under the Industry 4.0 framework and the development of machining Digital Twin capable of real-time chatter detection are considered as key enabling technologies for intelligent manufacturing.
The effect of friction stir processing on the hydrogen susceptibility of AA5083 specimens after hydrogen cathodic charging
Authors: Papantoniou Ioannis G. , Karmiris-Obratański Panagiotis , Leszczyńska-Madej Beata , Manolakos Dimitrios E.
Published: February 2023

The present study investigated the effect of hydrogen on the mechanical degradation of friction stir processed (FSPed) 5083 aluminum alloy by intense hydrogen cathodic charging (HCC). The effect of different numbers of FSP passes was investigated: 3 and 8 passes, respectively. Hydrogen-charged and uncharged specimens were subjected to tensile testing and microhardness evaluation analysis, and were examined through optical microscopy, focus variation microscopy (FVM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) both on the microstructure and fracture zone. The results showed that the FSP process introduced a refined microstructure with finer grains. This led to an improved mechanical response during tension tests of the uncharged specimens; the energy absorption increased from 85 MJ/m3 of the base material to 94 MJ/m3 and 97 MJ/m3 for the 3 and 8 FSP passes, respectively. The introduction of hydrogen through the HCC process led to a more brittle mechanical response with a decrease in the energy absorption capability for all the charged specimens. The more prone specimen was the 8 FSP passes specimen where the energy absorption dropped by 20% and 71% for the two different charging current densities. The 3 FSP passes specimen presented a reduction of energy absorption of 4% and 18%, respectively, where the base material presented a reduction of 8% and 14%, respectively. This brittle response is also evident from the microhardness testing where the hydrogen charging led to increased surface hardness values. The 3 FSP passes specimen presented a better mechanical response with respect to the base material specimen (and the 8 FSP passes specimen) for all the charging conditions, and this led to the conclusion that a small number FSP surface modification could be a beneficial surface modification process as it improves the mechanical response of the material and is not significantly affected by hydrogen charging environments.
Divergent desalination effects on alien and native gammarid functional responses
Authors: Cuthbert Ross N. , Briski Elizabeta
Published: February 2023

Climate change could shift the impacts of biological invasions on aquatic ecosystems. Sea freshening is an often-inconspicuous consequence of climatic change that may modify invasive alien species performance in enclosed seas. Several gammarid crustaceans have been particularly successful aliens across fresh, brackish, and marine waters. Here, we use comparative functional responses (feeding rates across resource densities) to examine the ecological impacts of an invasive alien (Gammarus tigrinus) and native (Gammarus locusta) gammarid, present in the Baltic Sea, under three different salinity regimes (14, 10, 6) toward larval chironomid prey. Feeding rates differed between the two species, but these differences depended on salinity, whereby at the lowest salinities, the invasive alien species showed significantly improved performance compared to the native species. Both gammarids exhibited hyperbolic Type II functional responses, with attack rates similar across salinity regimes. Handling times were significantly shortened, and maximum feeding rates heightened, in the alien under sea freshening scenarios compared to the native. These results have implications for enclosed sea systems, where projected freshening could shift the performance advantage toward invasive alien species over natives, thereby exacerbating their ecological impacts.
Assessment of artificial intelligence (AI) reporting methodology in glioma MRI studies using the Checklist for AI in Medical Imaging (CLAIM)
Authors: Bhandari Abhishta , Scott Luke , Weilbach Manuela , Marwah Ravi , Lasocki Arian
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The Checklist for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging (CLAIM) is a recently released guideline designed for the optimal reporting methodology of artificial intelligence (AI) studies. Gliomas are the most common form of primary malignant brain tumour and numerous outcomes derived from AI algorithms such as grading, survival, treatment-related effects and molecular status have been reported. The aim of the study is to evaluate the AI reporting methodology for outcomes relating to gliomas in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the CLAIM criteria.

Methods

A literature search was performed on three databases pertaining to AI augmentation of glioma MRI, published between the start of 2018 and the end of 2021

Results

A total of 4308 articles were identified and 138 articles remained after screening. These articles were categorised into four main AI tasks: grading (n= 44), predicting molecular status (n= 50), predicting survival (n= 25) and distinguishing true tumour progression from treatment-related effects (n= 10). The average CLAIM score was 20/42 (range: 10–31). Studies most consistently reported the scientific background and clinical role of their AI approach. Areas of improvement were identified in the reporting of data collection, data management, ground truth and validation of AI performance.

Conclusion

AI may be a means of producing high-accuracy results for certain tasks in glioma MRI; however, there remain issues with reporting quality. AI reporting guidelines may aid in a more reproducible and standardised approach to reporting and will aid in clinical integration.
The role of insomnia in the vulnerability to depressive and anxiety symptoms in atopic dermatitis adult patients
Authors: Salfi Federico , Amicucci Giulia , Ferrara Michele , Tempesta Daniela , De Berardinis Andrea , Chiricozzi Andrea , Peris Ketty , Fargnoli Maria Concetta , Esposito Maria
Published: February 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory chronic skin disease typically associated with atopic comorbidities and other non-atopic conditions such as sleep disturbances, and mood/anxiety disorders. A growing literature proposed a crucial role of sleep disturbances in the development of mental health problems in AD. We tested this assumption by mediation model analyses in adult AD patients.

A total of 57 patients (mean age ± std. dev., 34.28 ± 13.07 years; 27 males; range 18–67 years) diagnosed with AD participated in a cross-sectional study. We evaluated self-perceived severity of AD, insomnia, depression, and anxiety symptoms using validated questionnaires: the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Beck Depression Inventory-second edition (BDI-II), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7), respectively. Two mediation models were performed, testing the mediation effect of insomnia symptoms on the relationship between AD severity and depression (model 1) and anxiety (model 2). AD symptoms, as expressed by POEM, were positively associated with insomnia, depression, and anxiety severity. Insomnia fully mediated the effect of AD severity on depression and anxiety. Specifically, insomnia accounted for 81.64% of the relationship between atopic eczema severity and depression, and for 81.84% of the effect of AD severity on anxiety symptoms. The present study proposed a critical role of insomnia in predisposing adult AD patients to experience depression and anxiety. Early interventions focused on treating sleep disturbances could indirectly be beneficial on mental health of patients with AD, counteracting the onset and exacerbation of anxiety and depression disorders.
A genome-wide RNAi screen for genes important for proliferation of cultured Drosophila cells at low temperature identifies the Ball/VRK protein kinase
Authors: Mendaluk Anna , Caussinus Emmanuel , Boutros Michael , Lehner Christian F.
Published: February 2023

A change in ambient temperature is predicted to disrupt cellular homeostasis by affecting all cellular processes in an albeit non-uniform manner. Diffusion is generally less temperature-sensitive than enzymes, for example, and each enzyme has a characteristic individual temperature profile. The actual effects of temperature variation on cells are still poorly understood at the molecular level. Towards an improved understanding, we have performed a genome-wide RNA interference screen with S2R + cells. This Drosophila cell line proliferates over a temperature range comparable to that tolerated by the parental ectothermic organism. Based on effects on cell counts and cell cycle profile after knockdown at 27 and 17 °C, respectively, genes were identified with an apparent greater physiological significance at one or the other temperature. While 27 °C is close to the temperature optimum, the substantially lower 17 °C was chosen to identify genes important at low temperatures, which have received less attention compared to the heat shock response. Among a substantial number of screen hits, we validated a set successfully in cell culture and selected ballchen for further evaluation in the organism. This gene encodes the conserved metazoan VRK protein kinase that is crucial for the release of chromosomes from the nuclear envelope during mitosis. Our analyses in early embryos and larval wing imaginal discs confirmed a higher requirement for ballchen function at temperatures below the optimum. Overall, our experiments validate the genome-wide screen as a basis for future characterizations of genes with increased physiological significance at the lower end of the readily tolerated temperature range.
Topology and Local Geometry of the Eden Model
Authors: Manin Fedor , Roldán Érika , Schweinhart Benjamin
Published: February 2023

The Eden cell growth model is a simple discrete stochastic process which produces a “blob” (aggregation of cells) in $$\mathbb {R}^d$$Rd: start with one cube in the regular grid, and at each time step add a neighboring cube uniformly at random. This process has been used as a model for the growth of aggregations, tumors, and bacterial colonies and the healing of wounds, among other natural processes. Here, we study the topology and local geometry of the resulting structure, establishing asymptotic bounds for Betti numbers. Our main result is that the Betti numbers at timetgrow at a rate between$$t^{(d-1)/d}$$t(d-1)/dand$$P_d(t)$$Pd(t), where$$P_d(t)$$Pd(t)is the size of the site perimeter. Assuming a widely believed conjecture, this establishes the rate of growth of the Betti numbers in every dimension. We also present the results of computational experiments on finer aspects of the geometry and topology, such as persistent homology and the distribution of shapes of holes.
Saving the World? How CSR Practitioners Live Their Calling by Constructing Different Types of Purpose in Three Occupational Stages
Authors: Fontana Enrico , Frandsen Sanne , Morsing Mette
Published: February 2023

Much attention in the meaningful work literature has been devoted to calling as an orientation toward work characterized by a strong sense of purpose and a prosocial motivation beyond self-gain. Nonetheless, debate remains as to whether individuals change or maintain their calling, and especially whether they live their calling differently in different occupational stages. In this article, we respond to this conundrum through an analysis of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) occupation—substantiated by interviews with 57 CSR practitioners from Swedish international companies who are living their calling. We demonstrate that social/commercial tensions affect these CSR practitioners, fueled by a divide between their social aspirations and the commercial goals, and prompt them to respond in a way that impacts how they construct the purpose of their work. Subsequently, we induce three stages of the CSR occupation—early-, mid- and late-stage—and conceptualize three types of purpose in each stage—activistic, win–win and corporate purpose. By uncovering how and why CSR practitioners respond to social/commercial tensions and construct different types of purpose in each stage of the CSR occupation, we show that individuals can live the same calling in multiple ways. Hence, our article advances the meaningful work literature as well as studies of micro-CSR.
MiR-155-5p Aggravated Astrocyte Activation and Glial Scarring in a Spinal Cord Injury Model by Inhibiting Ndfip1 Expression and PTEN Nuclear Translocation
Authors: He Liming , Chang Qiang , Zhang Yannan , Guan Xiaoming , Ma Zhuo , Chen Xu , Liu Wenbo , Li Yakun , Feng Haoyu
Published: February 2023

Central nervous injury and regeneration repair have always been a hot and difficult scientific questions in neuroscience, such as spinal cord injury (SCI) caused by a traffic accident, fall injury, and war. After SCI, astrocytes further migrate to the injured area and form dense glial scar through proliferation, which not only limits the infiltration of inflammatory cells but also affects axon regeneration. We aim to explore the effect and underlying mechanism of miR-155-5p overexpression promoted astrocyte activation and glial scarring in an SCI model. MiR-155-5p mimic (50 or 100 nm) was used to transfect CTX-TNA2 rat brain primary astrocyte cell line. MiR-155-5p antagonist and miR-155-5p agomir were performed to treat SCI rats. MiR-155-5p mimic dose-dependently promoted astrocyte proliferation, and inhibited cell apoptosis. MiR-155-5p overexpression inhibited nuclear PTEN expression by targeting Nedd4 family interacting protein 1 (Ndfip1). Ndfip1 overexpression reversed astrocyte activation which was induced by miR-155-5p mimic. Meanwhile, Ndfip1 overexpression abolished the inhibition effect of miR-155-5p mimic on PTEN nuclear translocation. In vivo, miR-155-5p silencing improved SCI rat locomotor function and promoted astrocyte activation and glial scar formation. And miR-155-5p overexpression showed the opposite results. MiR-155-5p aggravated astrocyte activation and glial scarring in a SCI model by targeting Ndfip1 expression and inhibiting PTEN nuclear translocation. These findings have ramifications for the development of miRNAs as SCI therapeutics.
Through thick and thin: seamless metaconceptualism
Authors: Tiefensee Christine
Published: February 2023

One major insight derived from the moral twin earth debate is that evaluative and descriptive terms possess different levels of semantic stability, in that the meanings of the former but not the latter tend to remain constant over significant counterfactual variance in patterns of application. At the same time, it is common in metanormative debate to divide evaluative terms into those that are thin and those that are thick. In this paper, I combine debates about semantic stability and the distinction between the thin and the thick by presenting a new seamless inferentialist account of thin and thick evaluative terms which, despite subsuming them under the same metasemantic analysis, can nevertheless account for their varying levels of semantic stability. According to this position of ‘seamless metaconceptualism’, thin and thick evaluative terms do not belong to different categories, but are both understood as metaconceptual devices which do not differ in kind, but in scope. By providing the same analysis for both thin and thick terms, seamless metaconceptualism not only entails that the latter cannot shoulder the philosophical work that some have attributed to them, but also removes much of their surrounding intrigue.