bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning with Quantitative Features of Magnetic Resonance Images to Predict Biochemical Recurrence of Radical Prostatectomy: A Multi-Center Study
Authors: Yan Ye , Shao Lizhi , Liu Zhenyu , He Wei , Yang Guanyu , Liu Jiangang , Xia Haizhui , Zhang Yuting , Chen Huiying , Liu Cheng , Lu Min , Ma Lulin , Sun Kai , Zhou Xuezhi , Ye Xiongjun , Wang Lei , Tian Jie , Lu Jian
Published: June 2021

Biochemical recurrence (BCR) occurs in up to 27% of patients after radical prostatectomy (RP) and often compromises oncologic survival. To determine whether imaging signatures on clinical prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could noninvasively characterize biochemical recurrence and optimize treatment. We retrospectively enrolled 485 patients underwent RP from 2010 to 2017 in three institutions. Quantitative and interpretable features were extracted from T2 delineated tumors. Deep learning-based survival analysis was then applied to develop the deep-radiomic signature (DRS-BCR). The model’s performance was further evaluated, in comparison with conventional clinical models. The model achieved C-index of 0.802 in both primary and validating cohorts, outweighed the CAPRA-S score (0.677), NCCN model (0.586) and Gleason grade group systems (0.583). With application analysis, DRS-BCR model can significantly reduce false-positive predictions, so that nearly one-third of patients could benefit from the model by avoiding overtreatments. The deep learning-based survival analysis assisted quantitative image features from MRI performed well in prediction for BCR and has significant potential in optimizing systemic neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapies for prostate cancer patients.
Impact of Aldosterone on the Failing Myocardium: Insights from Mitochondria and Adrenergic Receptors Signaling and Function
Authors: Guitart-Mampel Mariona , Urquiza Pedro , Borges Jordana I. , Lymperopoulos Anastasios , Solesio Maria E.
Published: June 2021

The mineralocorticoid aldosterone regulates electrolyte and blood volume homeostasis, but it also adversely modulates the structure and function of the chronically failing heart, through its elevated production in chronic human post-myocardial infarction (MI) heart failure (HF). By activating the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), a ligand-regulated transcription factor, aldosterone promotes inflammation and fibrosis of the heart, while increasing oxidative stress, ultimately induding mitochondrial dysfunction in the failing myocardium. To reduce morbidity and mortality in advanced stage HF, MR antagonist drugs, such as spironolactone and eplerenone, are used. In addition to the MR, aldosterone can bind and stimulate other receptors, such as the plasma membrane-residing G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), further complicating it signaling properties in the myocardium. Given the salient role that adrenergic receptor (ARs)—particularly βARs—play in cardiac physiology and pathology, unsurprisingly, that part of the impact of aldosterone on the failing heart is mediated by its effects on the signaling and function of these receptors. Aldosterone can significantly precipitate the well-documented derangement of cardiac AR signaling and impairment of AR function, critically underlying chronic human HF. One of the main consequences of HF in mammalian models at the cellular level is the presence of mitochondrial dysfunction. As such, preventing mitochondrial dysfunction could be a valid pharmacological target in this condition. This review summarizes the current experimental evidence for this aldosterone/AR crosstalk in both the healthy and failing heart, and the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction in HF. Recent findings from signaling studies focusing on MR and AR crosstalk via non-conventional signaling of molecules that normally terminate the signaling of ARs in the heart, i.e., the G protein-coupled receptor-kinases (GRKs), are also highlighted.
Multidimensional Regulation of Cardiac Mitochondrial Potassium Channels
Authors: Kulawiak Bogusz , Bednarczyk Piotr , Szewczyk Adam
Published: June 2021

Mitochondria play a fundamental role in the energetics of cardiac cells. Moreover, mitochondria are involved in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury by opening the mitochondrial permeability transition pore which is the major cause of cell death. The preservation of mitochondrial function is an essential component of the cardioprotective mechanism. The involvement of mitochondrial K+ transport in this complex phenomenon seems to be well established. Several mitochondrial K+ channels in the inner mitochondrial membrane, such as ATP-sensitive, voltage-regulated, calcium-activated and Na+-activated channels, have been discovered. This obliges us to ask the following question: why is the simple potassium ion influx process carried out by several different mitochondrial potassium channels? In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of both the properties of mitochondrial potassium channels in cardiac mitochondria and the current understanding of their multidimensional functional role. We also critically summarize the pharmacological modulation of these proteins within the context of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury and cardioprotection.
Internal Coating of Ureteral Stents with Chemical Vapor Deposition of Parylene
Authors: Bröskamp Sara Felicitas , Franz Gerhard , Jocham Dieter
Published: June 2021

Ureteral balloon catheters and ureteral stents are implanted in large quantities on a daily basis. They are the suspected cause for about a quarter of all the nosocomial infections, which lead to approx. 20,000 deaths in Germany alone. To fight these infections, catheters should be made antibacterial. A technique for an antibacterial coating of catheters exhibiting an aspect ratio of up to 200 consists of a thin silver layer, which is deposited out of an aqueous solution, which is followed by a second step: chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of an organic polymeric film, which moderates the release rate of silver ions. The main concern of the second step is the longitudinal evenness of the film. For tubes with one opening as balloon catheters, this issue can be solved by applying a descendent temperature gradient from the opening to the end of the catheter. An alternative procedure can be applied to commercially available ureteral stents, which exhibit small drainage openings in their middle. The same CVD as before leads to a longitudinal homogeneity of about ±10%—at very low costs. This deposition can be modeled using viscous flow.
Reliable Methodologies and Impactful Tools to Control Fruit Tree Viruses
Authors: Ravelonandro Michel
Published: June 2021

Viruses are microbes that have high economic impacts on the ecosystem. Widely spread by humans, plant viruses infect not only crops but also wild species. There is neither a cure nor a treatment against viruses. While chemists have developed further research of inefficient curative products, the relevant concept based on sanitary measures is consistently valuable. In this context, two major strategies remain indisputable. First, there are control measures via diagnostics presently addressing the valuable technologies and tools developed in the last four decades. Second, there is the relevant use of modern biotechnology to improve the competitiveness of fruit-tree growers.
Computed Tomography Imaging in Simulated Ongoing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: No Need to Switch Off the Chest Compression Device during Image Acquisition
Authors: Graef Jessica , Leidel Bernd A. , Bressem Keno K. , Vahldiek Janis L. , Hamm Bernd , Niehues Stefan M.
Published: June 2021

Computed tomography (CT) represents the current standard for imaging of patients with acute life-threatening diseases. As some patients present with circulatory arrest, they require cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Automated chest compression devices are used to continue resuscitation during CT examinations, but tend to cause motion artifacts degrading diagnostic evaluation of the chest. The aim was to investigate and evaluate a CT protocol for motion-free imaging of thoracic structures during ongoing mechanical resuscitation. The standard CT trauma protocol and a CT protocol with ECG triggering using a simulated ECG were applied in an experimental setup to examine a compressible thorax phantom during resuscitation with two different compression devices. Twenty-eight phantom examinations were performed, 14 with AutoPulse® and 14 with corpuls cpr®. With each device, seven CT examinations were carried out with ECG triggering and seven without. Image quality improved significantly applying the ECG-triggered protocol (p < 0.001), which allowed almost artifact-free chest evaluation. With the investigated protocol, radiation exposure was 5.09% higher (15.51 mSv vs. 14.76 mSv), and average reconstruction time of CT scans increased from 45 to 76 s. Image acquisition using the proposed CT protocol prevents thoracic motion artifacts and facilitates diagnosis of acute life-threatening conditions during continuous automated chest compression.
Development and Verification of a Deep Learning Algorithm to Evaluate Small-Bowel Preparation Quality
Authors: Nam Ji Hyung , Oh Dong Jun , Lee Sumin , Song Hyun Joo , Lim Yun Jeong
Published: June 2021

Capsule endoscopy (CE) quality control requires an objective scoring system to evaluate the preparation of the small bowel (SB). We propose a deep learning algorithm to calculate SB cleansing scores and verify the algorithm’s performance. A 5-point scoring system based on clarity of mucosal visualization was used to develop the deep learning algorithm (400,000 frames; 280,000 for training and 120,000 for testing). External validation was performed using additional CE cases (n = 50), and average cleansing scores (1.0 to 5.0) calculated using the algorithm were compared to clinical grades (A to C) assigned by clinicians. Test results obtained using 120,000 frames exhibited 93% accuracy. The separate CE case exhibited substantial agreement between the deep learning algorithm scores and clinicians’ assessments (Cohen’s kappa: 0.672). In the external validation, the cleansing score decreased with worsening clinical grade (scores of 3.9, 3.2, and 2.5 for grades A, B, and C, respectively, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a cleansing score cut-off of 2.95 indicated clinically adequate preparation. This algorithm provides an objective and automated cleansing score for evaluating SB preparation for CE. The results of this study will serve as clinical evidence supporting the practical use of deep learning algorithms for evaluating SB preparation quality.
Exploring Latent Topics and International Research Trends in Competency-Based Education Using Topic Modeling
Authors: Paek Seungsu , Um Taehun , Kim Namhyoung
Published: June 2021

Recently, there has been growing educational interest in competency. Global organizations, such as the United Nations (UN) and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which are leading the discourse on education reform, are undertaking the lead in spreading awareness regarding competency education. Since 2015, the number of published articles on competency education has been rapidly increasing. This paper aims to provide significant implications for creating a sustainable future of competency education. A topic modeling method was used to empirically analyze latent topics and international research trends in 26,532 articles published on competency-based education (CBE). As a result of the analysis, 15 topics were derived, including “approach to competency development.” In addition, five topics including “learning skills” and “teacher training” were found to be hot topics with the increasing article publication. The rapidly changing modern society is calling for a transformation in education. We hope that the results of this study paves the way for further research exploring new directions for education, such as competency education.
Numerical Study of a Reconfigurable Multiband Microwave Photonic Filter Using a Tunable Fabry-Perot Filter
Authors: Tshibangu-Mbuebue Blaise , Rojas Laguna Roberto , Lee Min Won , Rodríguez-Asomoza Jorge , Zaldívar-Huerta Ignacio Enrique
Published: June 2021

Microwave photonic filters (MPFs) with the capabilities of bandwidth reconfigurability and frequency tunability in the GHz range are of great interest in high-speed communications systems. In this paper, we propose a new reconfigurable multiband microwave photonic filter (MPF) using a tunable Fabry–Perot Filter (FPF). It is demonstrated by numerical simulations that the modification of the intermodal separation (δλ) of a multimode laser diode (MLD) by tunable FPF allows for the reconfigurable multi-passband of the MPF. Our simulation results show that our new filter system is promising to communications systems.
Efficient Discovery of Periodic-Frequent Patterns in Columnar Temporal Databases
Authors: Ravikumar Penugonda , Likhitha Palla , Venus Vikranth Raj Bathala , Uday Kiran Rage , Watanobe Yutaka , Zettsu Koji
Published: June 2021

Discovering periodic-frequent patterns in temporal databases is a challenging problem of great importance in many real-world applications. Though several algorithms were described in the literature to tackle the problem of periodic-frequent pattern mining, most of these algorithms use the traditional horizontal (or row) database layout, that is, either they need to scan the database several times or do not allow asynchronous computation of periodic-frequent patterns. As a result, this kind of database layout makes the algorithms for discovering periodic-frequent patterns both time and memory inefficient. One cannot ignore the importance of mining the data stored in a vertical (or columnar) database layout. It is because real-world big data is widely stored in columnar database layout. With this motivation, this paper proposes an efficient algorithm, Periodic Frequent-Equivalence CLass Transformation (PF-ECLAT), to find periodic-frequent patterns in a columnar temporal database. Experimental results on sparse and dense real-world and synthetic databases demonstrate that PF-ECLAT is memory and runtime efficient and highly scalable. Finally, we demonstrate the usefulness of PF-ECLAT with two case studies. In the first case study, we have employed our algorithm to identify the geographical areas in which people were periodically exposed to harmful levels of air pollution in Japan. In the second case study, we have utilized our algorithm to discover the set of road segments in which congestion was regularly observed in a transportation network.
Gradual Wear Diagnosis of Outer-Race Rolling Bearing Faults through Artificial Intelligence Methods and Stray Flux Signals
Authors: Zamudio-Ramirez Israel , Osornio-Rios Roque A. , Antonino-Daviu Jose A. , Cureño-Osornio Jonathan , Saucedo-Dorantes Juan-Jose
Published: June 2021

Electric motors have been widely used as fundamental elements for driving kinematic chains on mechatronic systems, which are very important components for the proper operation of several industrial applications. Although electric motors are very robust and efficient machines, they are prone to suffer from different faults. One of the most frequent causes of failure is due to a degradation on the bearings. This fault has commonly been diagnosed at advanced stages by means of vibration and current signals. Since low-amplitude fault-related signals are typically obtained, the diagnosis of faults at incipient stages turns out to be a challenging task. In this context, it is desired to develop non-invasive techniques able to diagnose bearing faults at early stages, enabling to achieve adequate maintenance actions. This paper presents a non-invasive gradual wear diagnosis method for bearing outer-race faults. The proposal relies on the application of a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to statistical and Katz’s fractal dimension features obtained from stray flux signals, and then an automatic classification is performed by means of a feed-forward neural network (FFNN). The results obtained demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method, which is validated on a kinematic chain (composed by a 0.746 KW induction motor, a belt and pulleys transmission system and an alternator as a load) under several operation conditions: healthy condition, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm hole diameter on the bearing outer race, and 60 Hz, 50 Hz, 15 Hz and 5 Hz power supply frequencies
A Comparison Review on Transmission Mode for Onshore Integration of Offshore Wind Farms: HVDC or HVAC
Authors: Rahman Syed , Khan Irfan , Alkhammash Hend I. , Nadeem Muhammad Faisal
Published: June 2021

The development of offshore wind farms (WF) is inevitable as they have exceptional resistance against climate change and produce clean energy without hazardous wastes. The offshore WF usually has a bigger generation capacity with less environmental impacts, and it is more reliable too due to stronger and consistent sea winds. The early offshore WF installations are located near the shore, whereas most modern installations are located far away from shore, generating higher power. This paradigm shift has forced the researchers and industry personnel to look deeper into transmission options, namely, high voltage AC transmission (HVAC) and high voltage DC transmission (HVDC). This evaluation can be both in terms of power carrying capability as well as cost comparisons. Additionally, different performance requirements such as power rating, onshore grid requirements, reactive power compensation, etc., must be considered for evaluation. This paper elaborately reviews and explains the offshore wind farm structure and performance requirements for bulk offshore power transfer. Based on the structure and performance requirements, both HVDC and HVAC transmission modes are compared and analyzed critically. Finally, a criterion for selection and increasing popularity of HVDC transmission is established.
Deep Character-Level Anomaly Detection Based on a Convolutional Autoencoder for Zero-Day Phishing URL Detection
Authors: Bu Seok-Jun , Cho Sung-Bae
Published: June 2021

Considering the fatality of phishing attacks, the data-driven approach using massive URL observations has been verified, especially in the field of cyber security. On the other hand, the supervised learning approach relying on known attacks has limitations in terms of robustness against zero-day phishing attacks. Moreover, it is known that it is critical for the phishing detection task to fully exploit the sequential features from the URL characters. Taken together, to ensure both sustainability and intelligibility, we propose the combination of a convolution operation to model the character-level URL features and a deep convolutional autoencoder (CAE) to consider the nature of zero-day attacks. Extensive experiments on three real-world datasets consisting of 222,541 URLs showed the highest performance among the latest deep-learning methods. We demonstrated the superiority of the proposed method by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis in addition to 10-fold cross-validation and confirmed that the sensitivity improved by 3.98% compared to the latest deep model.
Intelligent Multi-Robot System for Collaborative Object Transportation Tasks in Rough Terrains
Authors: Choi Daegyun , Kim Donghoon
Published: June 2021

Human missions on other planets require constructing outposts and infrastructures, and one may need to consider relocating such large objects according to changes in mission spots. A multi-robot system would be a good option for such a transportation task because it can carry massive objects and provide better system reliability and redundancy when compared to a single robot system. This paper proposes an intelligent and decentralized approach for the multi-robot system using a genetic fuzzy system to perform an object transportation mission that not only minimizes the total travel distance of the multi-robot system but also guarantees the stability of the whole system in a rough terrain environment. The proposed fuzzy inference system determines the multi-robot system’s input for transporting an object to a target position and is tuned in the training process by a genetic algorithm with an artificially generated structured environment employing multiple scenarios. It validates the optimality of the proposed approach by comparing the training results with the results obtained by solving the formulated optimal control problem subject to path inequality constraints. It highlights the performance of the proposed approach by applying the trained fuzzy inference systems to operate the multi-robot system in unstructured environments.
Effects of Kaolin Addition on Mechanical Properties for Cemented Coal Gangue-Fly Ash Backfill under Uniaxial Loading
Authors: Li Faxin , Yin Dawei , Zhu Chun , Wang Feng , Jiang Ning , Zhang Zhen
Published: June 2021

In this investigation, six groups of cemented coal gangue-fly ash backfill (CGFB) samples with varying amounts of kaolin (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%) instead of cement are prepared, and their mechanical properties are analyzed using uniaxial compression, acoustic emission, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The uniaxial compressive strength, peak strain, and elastic modulus of CGFB samples decreased with the kaolin content. The average uniaxial compressive strength, elastic modulus, and peak strain of CGFB samples with 10% amount of kaolin are close to that of CGFB samples with no kaolin. The contribution of kaolin hydration to the strength of CGFB sample is lower than that of cement hydration, and the hydration products such as ettringite and calcium-silicate-hydrate gel decrease, thereby reducing strength, which mainly plays a role in filling pores. The contents of kaolin affect the failure characteristics of CGFB samples, which show tensile failure accompanied by local shear failure, and the failure degree increases with the kaolin content. The porosity of the fracture surface shows a decreasing trend as a whole. When the amount of kaolin instead of cement is 10%, the mechanical properties of CGFB samples are slightly different from those of CGFB samples without kaolin, and CGFB can meet the demand of filling strength. The research results provide a theoretical basis for the application of kaolin admixture in fill mining.
Balancing Large-Scale Wildlife Protection and Forest Management Goals with a Game-Theoretic Approach
Authors: Yemshanov Denys , Haight Robert G. , Liu Ning , Rempel Robert S. , Koch Frank H. , Rodgers Art
Published: June 2021

When adopted, wildlife protection policies in Canadian forests typically cover large areas and affect multiple economic agents working in these landscapes. Such measures are likely to increase the costs of timber for forestry companies operating in the area, which may hinder their acceptance of the policies unless harvesting remains profitable. We propose a bi-level wildlife protection problem that accounts for the profit-maximizing behavior of forestry companies operating in an area subject to protection. We consider the regulator with a wildlife protection mandate and forestry companies licensed to harvest public forest lands. We depict the relationship between the regulator and forestry companies as a leader-follower Stackelberg game. The leader sets the protected area target for each license area and the followers adjust their strategies to maximize payoffs while meeting the protection target set by the leader. The leader’s objective is to maximize the area-wide protection of spatially contiguous habitat while accounting for the followers’ profit-maximizing behavior. We apply the approach to investigate habitat protection policies for woodland caribou in the Churchill range, Ontario, Canada. We compare the game-theoretic solutions with solutions that do not consider the forest companies’ objectives and also with solutions equalizing the revenue losses among the companies.
How to Increase Biodiversity of Saproxylic Beetles in Commercial Stands through Integrated Forest Management in Central Europe
Authors: Zumr Václav , Remeš Jiří , Pulkrab Karel
Published: June 2021

Due to traditional forest management, the primary goal of which is the production of raw wood material, commercial forest stands are characterized by low biodiversity. At the same time, commercial forests make up the majority of forests in the Central European region, which means a significant impact on the biodiversity of the entire large region. Saproxylic species of organisms are a frequently used criterion of biodiversity in forests. Based upon the analysis of 155 scientific works, this paper defines the fundamental attributes of the active management supporting biodiversity as well as the preservation of the production function. Using these attributes, a model management proposal was created for three tree species, which takes into account the results of research carried out in the territory of the University Forest Enterprise of the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, since 2019. The optimum constant volume of deadwood in commercial stands was set at 40–60 m3/ha, 20% of which should be standing deadwood. The time framework is scheduled for an average rotation period of the model tree species, while the location of deadwood and frequency of enrichment must comply with the rate of decomposition, the requirement for the bulkiest dimensions of deadwood possible, and the planned time of tending and regeneration operations in accordance with the models used in the Czech Republic. The goal of active management is to maintain the continuity of suitable habitats for sensitive and endangered species. The estimates of the value of retained wood for decomposition can be as high as 45–70 EUR/ha/year for spruce and beech, and about 30 EUR /ha/year for oak.
An AI-Enabled Framework for Real-Time Generation of News Articles Based on Big EO Data for Disaster Reporting
Authors: Tsourma Maria , Zamichos Alexandros , Efthymiadis Efthymios , Drosou Anastasios , Tzovaras Dimitrios
Published: June 2021

In the field of journalism, the collection and processing of information from different heterogeneous sources are difficult and time-consuming processes. In the context of the theory of journalism 3.0, where multimedia data can be extracted from different sources on the web, the possibility of creating a tool for the exploitation of Earth observation (EO) data, especially images by professionals belonging to the field of journalism, is explored. With the production of massive volumes of EO image data, the problem of their exploitation and dissemination to the public, specifically, by professionals in the media industry, arises. In particular, the exploitation of satellite image data from existing tools is difficult for professionals who are not familiar with image processing. In this scope, this article presents a new innovative platform that automates some of the journalistic practices. This platform includes several mechanisms allowing users to early detect and receive information about breaking news in real-time, retrieve EO Sentinel-2 images upon request for a certain event, and automatically generate a personalized article according to the writing style of the author. Through this platform, the journalists or editors can also make any modifications to the generated article before publishing. This platform is an added-value tool not only for journalists and the media industry but also for freelancers and article writers who use information extracted from EO data in their articles.
Detection of Genes in Arabidopsis thaliana L. Responding to DNA Damage from Radiation and Other Stressors in Spaceflight
Authors: Manian Vidya , Orozco-Sandoval Jairo , Diaz-Martinez Victor
Published: June 2021

Ionizing radiation present in extraterrestrial environment is an important factor that affects plants grown in spaceflight. Pearson correlation-based gene regulatory network inferencing from transcriptional responses of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana L. grown in real and simulated spaceflight conditions acquired by GeneLab, followed by topological and spectral analysis of the networks is performed. Gene regulatory subnetworks are extracted for DNA damage response processes. Analysis of radiation-induced ATR/ATM protein–protein interactions in Arabidopsis reveals interaction profile similarities under low radiation doses suggesting novel mechanisms of DNA damage response involving non-radiation-induced genes regulating other stress responses in spaceflight. The Jaccard similarity index shows that the genes AT2G31320, AT4G21070, AT2G46610, and AT3G27060 perform similar functions under low doses of radiation. The incremental association Markov blanket method reveals non-radiation-induced genes linking DNA damage response to root growth and plant development. Eighteen radiation-induced genes and sixteen non-radiation-induced gene players have been identified from the ATR/ATM protein interaction complexes involved in heat, salt, water, osmotic stress responses, and plant organogenesis. Network analysis and logistic regression ranking detected AT3G27060, AT1G07500, AT5G66140, and AT3G21280 as key gene players involved in DNA repair processes. High atomic weight, high energy, and gamma photon radiation result in higher intensity of DNA damage response in the plant resulting in elevated values for several network measures such as spectral gap and girth. Nineteen flavonoid and carotenoid pigment activations involved in pigment biosynthesis processes are identified in low radiation dose total light spaceflight environment but are not found to have significant regulations under very high radiation dose environment.
Framing Effects on Decision-Making for Diagnostic Genetic Testing: Results from a Randomized Trial
Authors: Dwyer Andrew A. , Shen Hongjie , Zeng Ziwei , Gregas Matt , Zhao Min
Published: June 2021

Genetic testing is increasingly part of routine clinical care. However, testing decisions may be characterized by regret as findings also implicate blood relatives. It is not known if genetic testing decisions are affected by the way information is presented (i.e., framing effects). We employed a randomized factorial design to examine framing effects on hypothetical genetic testing scenarios (common, life-threatening disease and rare, life-altering disease). Participants (n = 1012) received one of six decision frames: choice, default (n = 2; opt-in, opt-out), or enhanced choice (n = 3, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior). We compared testing decision, satisfaction, regret, and decision cognitions across decision frames and between scenarios. Participants randomized to ‘choice’ were least likely to opt for genetic testing compared with default and enhanced choice frames (78% vs. 83–91%, p < 0.05). Neither satisfaction nor regret differed across frames. Perceived autonomy (behavioral control) predicted satisfaction (B = 0.085, p < 0.001) while lack of control predicted regret (B = 0.346, p < 0.001). Opting for genetic testing did not differ between disease scenarios (p = 0.23). Results suggest framing can nudge individuals towards opting for genetic testing. These findings have important implications for individual self-determination in the genomic era. Similarities between scenarios with disparate disease trajectories point to possible modular approaches for web-based decisional support.
Models of Distal Arthrogryposis and Lethal Congenital Contracture Syndrome
Authors: Whittle Julia , Johnson Aaron , Dobbs Matthew B. , Gurnett Christina A.
Published: June 2021

Distal arthrogryposis and lethal congenital contracture syndromes describe a broad group of disorders that share congenital limb contractures in common. While skeletal muscle sarcomeric genes comprise many of the first genes identified for Distal Arthrogyposis, other mechanisms of disease have been demonstrated, including key effects on peripheral nerve function. While Distal Arthrogryposis and Lethal Congenital Contracture Syndromes display superficial similarities in phenotype, the underlying mechanisms for these conditions are diverse but overlapping. In this review, we discuss the important insights gained into these human genetic diseases resulting from in vitro molecular studies and in vivo models in fruit fly, zebrafish, and mice.
Administration of AAV-Alpha Synuclein NAC Antibody Improves Locomotor Behavior in Rats Overexpressing Alpha Synuclein
Authors: Chen Yun-Hsiang , Wu Kuo-Jen , Hsieh Wei , Harvey Brandon K. , Hoffer Barry J. , Wang Yun , Yu Seong-Jin
Published: June 2021

Accumulation of α-Synuclein (αSyn) in nigral dopaminergic neurons is commonly seen in patients with Parkinson′s disease (PD). We recently reported that transduction of intracellular single-chain intrabody targeting the 53–87 amino acid residues of human αSyn by recombinant adeno associated viral vector (AAV-NAC32) downregulated αSyn protein in SH-SY5Y cells and rat brain. This study characterizes the behavioral phenotype and dopaminergic protection in animals receiving AAV-NAC32. Our results show that adult DAT-Cre rats selectively overexpress αSyn in nigra dopaminergic neurons after local administration of AAV-DIO-αSyn. These animals develop PD-like phenotype, including bradykinesia and loss of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in substantia nigra pars compacta dorsal tier (SNcd). An injection of AAV-NAC32 to nigra produces a selective antibody against αSyn and normalizes the behavior. AAV-NAC32 significantly increases TH, while reduces αSyn immunoreactivity in SNcd. Altogether, our data suggest that an AAV-mediated gene transfer of NAC32 antibody effectively antagonizes αSyn-mediated dopaminergic degeneration in nigra, which may be a promising therapeutic candidate for synucleinopathy or PD.
Associations of MC4R, LEP, and LEPR Polymorphisms with Obesity-Related Parameters in Childhood and Adulthood
Authors: Raskiliene Asta , Smalinskiene Alina , Kriaucioniene Vilma , Lesauskaite Vaiva , Petkeviciene Janina
Published: June 2021

MC4R, LEP, and LEPR genes are involved in the hypothalamic leptin-melanocortin regulation pathway, which is important for energy homeostasis. Our study aimed to evaluate the associations between the MC4R rs17782313, LEP rs7799039, and LEPR rs1137101 polymorphisms with obesity-related parameters in childhood and adulthood. The data were obtained from the Kaunas Cardiovascular Risk Cohort study, which started in 1977 with 1082 participants aged 12–13 years. In 2012–2014, the follow-up survey was carried out. Genotype analysis of all respondents (n = 509) aged 48–49 years was performed for the gene polymorphisms using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Anthropometric measurements were performed in childhood and adulthood. In childhood, only skinfold thicknesses were associated with gene variants being the lowest in children with MC4R TT genotype and LEP AG genotype. In adulthood, odds of obesity and metabolic syndrome was higher in MC4R CT/CC genotype than TT genotype carriers (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.2–2.8 and OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.4, respectively). In men, physical activity attenuated the effect of the MC4R rs17782313 on obesity. The LEP GG genotype was associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, and visceral fat level only in men. No associations of the LEPR rs1137101 polymorphisms with anthropometric measurements and leptin level were found. In conclusion, the associations of the MC4R and LEP gene polymorphisms with obesity-related parameters strengthened with age.
Impulsive Signals Produced by Earthquakes in Italy and Their Potential Relation with Site Effects and Structural Damage
Authors: Ertuncay Deniz , Malisan Petra , Costa Giovanni , Grimaz Stefano
Published: June 2021

Near fault seismic records may contain impulsive motions in velocity-time history. The seismic records can be identified as impulsive and non-impulsive depending on the features that their waveforms have. These motions can be an indicator of directivity or fling step effect, and they may cause dangerous effects on structures; for this reason, there is increasing attention on this subject in the last years. In this study, we collect the major earthquakes in Italy, with a magnitude large or equal to Mw 5.0, and identify the impulsive motions recorded by seismic stations. We correlate impulsive motions with directivity and fling step effects. We find that most earthquakes produced impulsive signals due to the directivity effect, though those at close stations to the 30 October 2016 Amatrice earthquake might be generated by the fling step effect. Starting from the analyzed impulses, we discuss on the potential influence of site effects on impulsive signals and suggest a characterization based on the main displacement directions of the impulsive horizontal displacements. Finally, we discuss on the damage of three churches in Emilia, which were subject to impulsive ground motion, underlying in a qualitative way, how the characteristics of the pulses may have had influences the structural response of the façades.
The Relationship between Fatigue in Mothers and the Age of Their Less-Than-24-Month-Old Newborns
Authors: Sánchez-García Mar , Cantero María José , Valero-Mora Pedro M.
Published: June 2021

The birth of a child marks the beginning of a new developmental period for the parents. These changes have positive but also negative aspects, such as the increase in fatigue experienced by mothers during this period of time, which can be very limiting and lead them to postpone other life or work goals. However, despite the widespread nature of this problem, there is a lack of information about the duration of this fatigue, with estimates ranging from three months to six years; this prevents mothers from planning this period of their lives adequately. The current study evaluated fatigue in a Spanish sample of 67 women with infants less than two years old and drew a comparison with another sample of 46 women with similar characteristics who were not caring for an infant at that time in order to determine the differences between them and how fatigue in the former group evolves depending on the age of the infant. The results show that fatigue is effectively maintained until at least two years after the birth of the infant.
Enhancing Influenza Epidemics Forecasting Accuracy in China with Both Official and Unofficial Online News Articles, 2019–2020
Authors: Li Jingwei , Sia Choon-Ling , Chen Zhuo , Huang Wei
Published: June 2021

Real-time online data sources have contributed to timely and accurate forecasting of influenza activities while also suffered from instability and linguistic noise. Few previous studies have focused on unofficial online news articles, which are abundant in their numbers, rich in information, and relatively low in noise. This study examined whether monitoring both official and unofficial online news articles can improve influenza activity forecasting accuracy during influenza outbreaks. Data were retrieved from a Chinese commercial online platform and the website of the Chinese National Influenza Center. We modeled weekly fractions of influenza-related online news articles and compared them against weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) rates using autoregression analyses. We retrieved 153,958,695 and 149,822,871 online news articles focusing on the south and north of mainland China separately from 6 October 2019 to 17 May 2020. Our model based on online news articles could significantly improve the forecasting accuracy, compared to other influenza surveillance models based on historical ILI rates (p = 0.002 in the south; p = 0.000 in the north) or adding microblog data as an exogenous input (p = 0.029 in the south; p = 0.000 in the north). Our finding also showed that influenza forecasting based on online news articles could be 1–2 weeks ahead of official ILI surveillance reports. The results revealed that monitoring online news articles could supplement traditional influenza surveillance systems, improve resource allocation, and offer models for surveillance of other emerging diseases.
A Study of Patients’ Willingness to Pay for a Basic Outpatient Copayment and Medical Service Quality in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Wei , Yang Chih-Hao , Fan Wen-Ping
Published: June 2021

Patients might be willing to pay more to obtain better quality medical services when they recognize that high-level hospitals have better quality. However, published papers have not found solid empirical evidence to support this possibility. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to empirically investigate patients’ willingness to pay (WTP) for an outpatient copayment. The study aims to analyze the difference between the two WTP values: to implement a hierarchy of medical care and to improve the quality of medical services. This study administered a questionnaire using the contingent valuation method with a quasi-bidding game for patients’ WTP and the SERVQUAL scale for medical service quality. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed to test the difference between the two WTP values, notably to implement a hierarchy of medical care and to improve the quality of medical services. Both of the WTP values are higher than the academic medical centre’s current copayment NT$420 (approximately US$14); the percentage of respondents willing to pay a higher copayment declined when the outpatient copayment was increased, and the patients’ WTP to have better medical service quality was significantly higher than that to implement a hierarchy of medical care. Patients’ desire to receive better medical services from higher-level hospitals might be stronger than their desire to implement hierarchical medical care. This study reported the relationship between the respondents’ perceived medical service quality and WTP for having better service quality by using regression models. The respondents’ perceptions of medical service quality, especially for “reliability” and “assurance,” would positively affect their WTP. Policy makers should focus on improving the quality of medical services.
Women Facing Psychological Abuse: How Do They Respond to Maternal Identity Humiliation and Body Shaming?
Authors: Martínez-González Marina B. , Pérez-Pedraza Diana Carolina , Alfaro-Álvarez Judys , Reyes-Cervantes Claudia , González-Malabet María , Clemente-Suárez Vicente Javier
Published: June 2021

This research analyzes the decisions made by women facing simulated situations of psychological abuse. Seventy-three women (36.9 ± 13.6 years) who had been victims of domestic violence participated. The analysis was based on their coping strategies, early maladaptive schemes, and their decisions in response to vignettes describing the following domestic violence situations: humiliation to women’s maternal identity with children as witnesses and body shaming. We used Student’s t and Mann–Whitney tests to compare the results between groups. The participants presented some coping strategies (social support seeking, wishful thinking, and professional support seeking) and several early maladaptive schemes (emotional deprivation, defectiveness/shame, social isolation/alienation, failure to achieve, attachment, and subjugation) associated with their reactions facing a situation of humiliation with children as witnesses. When the humiliation was against the body image, their reactions were associated with some coping strategies (wishful thinking, professional support seeking, autonomy, negative auto-focus coping, and positive reappraisal) and one maladaptive scheme (defectiveness/shame). Women who reacted avoidantly showed higher social and professional support seeking but experienced higher indicators of discomfort and deterioration of self-esteem than those who opted for assertive decisions. The presence of children as witnesses seems to be a factor of stress in the configuration of coping strategies and maladaptive schemes in female victims of domestic violence. The evolution of early maladaptive schemes and coping strategies requires observation to avoid the risk of isolation and permanence in victimizing relationships.
Chemotherapeutic Regimens and Chemotherapy-Free Intervals Influence the Survival of Patients with Recurrent Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma: A Retrospective Population-Based Study
Authors: Huang Hsin-Ying , Chiang Chun-Ju , Chen Yun-Yuan , You San-Lin , Hsu Heng-Cheng , Tang Chao-Hsiun , Cheng Wen-Fang
Published: June 2021

We aimed to evaluate factors influencing the outcomes of patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). Patients with advanced-stage EOC, who received debulking surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for recurrence, were obtained from the National Health Insurance Research database of Taiwan between 2000 and 2013. A total of 1038 patients with recurrent advanced-stage EOC were recruited. The platinum + paclitaxel (PT) group had the best five-year overall survival (OS) compared with the other three groups (p < 0.001). The hazard ratios (HRs) of five-year OS for the platinum + liposomal doxorubicin (PD), topotecan (TOP), and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) groups were 1.21 (p = 0.07), 1.35 (p = 0.016), and 1.80 (p < 0.001), respectively, compared with the PT group. The PT group also had lower hazard ratios of five-year OS for patients with platinum therapy-free interval (TFIp) between 6 and 12 months compared with the other three groups (p < 0.0001). However, the HRs of five-year OS did not differ between the PT and PD groups in patients with TFIp >12 months. Patients with TFIp >12 months had lower HRs of five-year OS compared with those with TFIp of 6–12 months, regardless of whether they were treated with platinum-based (p = 0.001) or non-platinum-based (p = 0.003) regimens. Chemotherapeutic regimens and TFIp influenced the outcomes of patients with recurrent EOC. For patients with TFIp of 6–12 months, the PT regimen is the first choice based on their best overall survival result. For patients with TFIp >12 months, either platinum-based or non-platinum regimens could be used because of their similar excellent overall survival.
Music Activities and Mental Health Recovery: Service Users’ Perspectives Presented in the CHIME Framework
Authors: Damsgaard Janne Brammer , Jensen Anita
Published: June 2021

Internationally, mental health service developments are increasingly informed by the principles of recovery, and the availability of arts and creative activities are becoming more common as part of provision. Mental health service users’ experiences, reflecting on the complex nature of using music participation in recovery are, however, limited. This essay considers literature that explores how music can support mental health service users in a recovery process. We have selected studies that include a broad spectrum of music activities, as well as literature considering various concepts about recovery. The conceptual recovery framework CHIME, that includes five important components in the recovery process, is used as the backdrop for exploring music activities as a contribution to recovery-oriented practice and services in mental health care. Eleven key components are identified in which music can support the recovery process: Feelings of equality; Social and emotional wellbeing; Tolerance; Hope and social agency; Triggering encounters; Redefining and reframing; A social practice; Moments of flow and peak experiences; Moments of meaning; Continuity; and Potentials instead of limitations. This essay concludes that the experiential knowledge of music activities from service users’ perspectives is essential knowledge when developing and using music activities in mental health recovery services. While this essay acknowledges that music activities can also produce unintended negative outcomes, the focus is on the positive contributions of music to mental health recovery processes.