bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A PI3K gene expression signature predicts for recurrence in early‐stage non–small cell lung cancer treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy
Authors: Sebastian Nikhil T. , Webb Amy , Shilo Konstantin , Robb Ryan , Xu‐Welliver Meng , Haglund Karl , Brownstein Jeremy , DeNicola Gina M. , Shen Changxian , Williams Terence M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Increasingly, early‐stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Although treatment is generally effective, a small subset of tumors will recur because of radioresistance. Preclinical studies suggested PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR activation mediates radioresistance. This study sought to validate this finding in tumor samples from patients who underwent SBRT for NSCLC.

Methods

Patients with T1‐3N0 NSCLC treated with SBRT at our institution were included. Total RNA of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tumor biopsy specimens (pretherapy) was isolated and analyzed using the Clariom D assay. Risk scores from a PI3K activity signature and four published NSCLC signatures were generated and dichotomized by the median. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regressions were used to analyze their association with recurrence and overall survival (OS). The PI3K signature was also tested in a data set of resected NSCLC for additional validation.

Results

A total of 92 patients were included, with a median follow‐up of 18.3 months for living patients. There was no association of any of the four published gene expression signatures with recurrence or OS. However, high PI3K risk score was associated with higher local recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 11.72; 95% CI, 1.40–98.0; p = .023) and worse disease‐free survival (DFS) (HR, 3.98; 95% CI, 1.57–10.09; p = .0035), but not OS (p = .49), regional recurrence (p = .15), or distant recurrence (p = .85). In the resected NSCLC data set (n = 361), high PI3K risk score was associated with decreased OS (log‐rank p = .013) but not DFS (p = 0.54).

Conclusions

This study validates that higher PI3K activity, measured by gene expression, is associated with local recurrence and worse DFS in early‐stage NSCLC patients treated with SBRT. This may be useful in prognostication and/or tailoring treatment, and merits further validation.
Changes in Urinary Uric Acid Concentration after Dotinurad Administration to Patients with Hyperuricemia: A Post Hoc Analysis of Two Clinical Trials in Japan
Authors: Takahashi Toshinari , Sasaki Minoru , Shimizu Toru , Yamaguchi Satoshi
Published: August 2023

Dotinurad has been approved in Japan as a selective urate reabsorption inhibitor for the treatment of gout and hyperuricemia. The relationship between uric acid crystallization and the use of uricosuric drugs is widely acknowledged; however, the relationship between changes in urinary uric acid concentration and urine pH or volume has not been sufficiently analyzed. Therefore, we investigated the changes in urinary uric acid concentration following dotinurad administration as well as the relationship between urine pH or volume and urinary uric acid concentration. This post hoc analysis used data from 2 clinical trials that included 12 and 26 patients with hyperuricemia who received dotinurad treatment (for 7 days on an inpatient basis and 14 weeks on an outpatient basis, respectively). The urinary uric acid concentration transiently increased in the early stages of dotinurad use and when its dose was increased, but decreased over time. No uric acid concentrations exceeded the soluble limit at any urine pH. An inverse correlation was observed between urine volume and urinary uric acid concentration. This study highlights the significance of adequately managing urinary uric acid concentrations by increasing urine volume and alkalinizing urine to prevent uric acid crystallization during dotinurad administration.
Artificial intelligence and heart failure: A state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Arshad Muhammad Sameer , Greene Stephen J. , Van Spall Harriette G.C. , Pandey Ambarish , Vemulapalli Sreekanth , Perakslis Eric , Butler Javed
Published: August 2023

Heart failure (HF) is a heterogeneous syndrome affecting more than 60 million individuals globally. Despite recent advancements in understanding of the pathophysiology of HF, many issues remain including residual risk despite therapy, understanding the pathophysiology and phenotypes of patients with HF and preserved ejection fraction, and the challenges related to integrating a large amount of disparate information available for risk stratification and management of these patients. Risk prediction algorithms based on artificial intelligence (AI) may have superior predictive ability compared to traditional methods in certain instances. AI algorithms can play a pivotal role in the evolution of HF care by facilitating clinical decision making to overcome various challenges such as allocation of treatment to patients who are at highest risk or are more likely to benefit from therapies, prediction of adverse outcomes, and early identification of patients with subclinical disease or worsening HF. With the ability to integrate and synthesize large amounts of data with multidimensional interactions, AI algorithms can supply information with which physicians can improve their ability to make timely and better decisions. In this review, we provide an overview of the AI algorithms that have been developed for establishing early diagnosis of HF, phenotyping HF with preserved ejection fraction, and stratifying HF disease severity. This review also discusses the challenges in clinical deployment of AI algorithms in HF, and the potential path forward for developing future novel learning‐based algorithms to improve HF care.
Toll‐like receptors and IL‐7 as potential biomarkers for immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathies
Authors: Cappelletti Cristina , Brugnoni Raffaella , Bonanno Silvia , Andreetta Francesca , Salerno Franco , Canioni Eleonora , Vattemi Gaetano Nicola Alfio , Tonin Paola , Mantegazza Renato , Maggi Lorenzo
Published: August 2023

We aimed to verify whether the immune system may represent a source of potential biomarkers for the stratification of immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathies (IMNMs) subtypes. A group of 22 patients diagnosed with IMNM [7 with autoantibodies against signal recognition particle (SRP) and 15 against 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR)] and 12 controls were included. A significant preponderance of M1 macrophages was observed in both SRP+ and HMGCR+ muscle samples (p < 0.0001 in SRP+ and p = 0.0316 for HMGCR+), with higher values for SRP+ (p = 0.01). Despite the significant increase observed in the expression of TLR4 and all endosomal Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) at protein level in IMNM muscle tissue, only TLR7 has been shown considerably upregulated compared to controls at transcript level (p = 0.0026), whereas TLR9 was even decreased (p = 0.0223). Within IMNM subgroups, TLR4 (p = 0.0116) mRNA was significantly increased in SRP+ compared to HMGCR+ patients. Within IMNM group, only IL‐7 was differentially expressed between SRP+ and HMGCR+ patients, with higher values in SRP+ patients (p = 0.0468). Overall, innate immunity represents a key player in pathological mechanisms of IMNM. TLR4 and the inflammatory cytokine IL‐7 represent potential immune biomarkers able to differentiate between SRP+ and HMGCR+ patients.
Hazard‐consistent simulated earthquake ground motions for PBEE applications on stiff soil and rock sites
Authors: Alvarez‐Sanchez Luis Guillermo , Iñárritu Pablo García de Quevedo , Šipčić Nevena , Kohrangi Mohsen , Bazzurro Paolo
Published: August 2023

Ground motion record selection is a standard step in state‐of‐the‐art performance‐based earthquake engineering (PBEE) applications. It links the structural response to seismic hazard of the site of interest. In this process, suites of hazard‐consistent ground motion recordings of a wide range of intensity levels are selected (and often scaled) from a database of ground motions to be used as input to nonlinear dynamic response analysis. The ideal practice would be to select ground motions from a database of recorded accelerograms in such a way that they are consistent with the seismic hazard at as many intensity measure (IM) levels as possible and for all important causative scenarios. However, the available databases are not heavily populated, especially for the large‐magnitude short‐distance scenarios. Therefore, synthetic ground motions are the natural candidates to enlarge the database of recordings for scenarios that are important to the site hazard but lack, completely or partially, recorded accelerograms. The usage of such recordings, however, can be recommended only after they are proven to be “realistic” through a battery of seismological and statistical tests. In this study, we propose and implement a multi‐fold testing framework for such an evaluation. We first generate a ground motion database of simulated ground motions (SDB) whose values of the parameters of the causative earthquakes are, to the extent possible, the same of those that caused the ground motions in a mirror database of recorded ground motions (RDB). We then utilize the conditional spectrum (CS) approach computed for a hypothetical rock site in Perugia, Italy, to select hazard consistent records separately from the RDB and SDB databases. A comprehensive set of comparisons of distributions of several IMs, computed from the selected sets, and of distributions of engineering demand parameters (EDPs), that such record sets induce on simple SDoF structures suggests the adequacy of using the proposed simulated ground motions for structural response analyses of structures on stiff and rock sites.
The role of alcohol extract of cranberry in improving serum indices of experimental metaproterenol‐induced heart damage in rats
Authors: Salmasi Kimia , Hassanpour Ali , Amouoghli Tabrizi Bahram , Moghaddam Sina
Published: August 2023

Cranberry offers numerous cardiovascular benefits. According to several studies, this fruit promotes the oxidation of low‐density lipoprotein, enhances high‐density lipoprotein, reduces platelet coagulation, and improves vascular activity. Albino male rats were divided into five groups (n = 5 per group). The control group received intraperitoneal administration of normal saline. The second group was injected with metaproterenol (MET) 3 days a week for 4 weeks. The third, fourth, and fifth groups were given cranberry extract in doses of 75, 100, and 150, respectively, along with heart‐damaging drugs. Blood samples were collected and sent to the laboratory on the fourth weekend and 1 week after completing the injections in the fourth week (the sixth weekend) for analyzing serum factors such as cardiac creatine kinase MB, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The serum activity of the cardiac evaluation parameters in the fourth week demonstrated a highly significant correlation among the groups with respect to AST and cTnI (p < .001). Additionally, a significant relationship was observed between AST and cTnI within the target groups (p < .05). Ultimately, the findings indicated that the consumption of cranberry extract, due to its impact on heart function, could effectively modify serum indicators associated with heart damage. The utilized extract also exhibited efficacy, albeit with variable effects. Therefore, it is recommended to use cranberry extract synergistically with other chemical and herbal medications to achieve more sustained effects.
Massive Scale Opportunities with Managed Risks Investing in Transmission
Authors: Goel Soam , Knobloch Kevin T.
Published: August 2023

The US power transmission grid is faced with an unprecedented set of conditions and challenges that are driving the need for significant growth and need for upgrades, including.
A framework for immunofluorescence image augmentation and classification based on unsupervised attention mechanism
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Zhang Qing , Wang Yan , Zhu Min , Li Qingli
Published: August 2023

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a common neurological disorder. As a standard method for neuroautoantibody detection, pathologists use tissue matrix assays (TBA) for initial disease screening. In this study, microscopic fluorescence imaging was combined with deep learning to improve AE diagnostic accuracy. Due to the inter‐class imbalance of medical data, we propose an innovative generative adversarial network supplemented with attention mechanisms to highlight key regions in images to synthesize high‐quality fluorescence images. However, securing annotated medical data is both time‐consuming and costly. To circumvent this problem, we employ a self‐supervised learning approach that utilizes unlabeled fluorescence data to support downstream classification tasks. To better understand the fluorescence properties in the data, we introduce a multichannel input convolutional neural network that adds additional channels of fluorescence intensity. This study builds an AE immunofluorescence dataset and obtains the classification accuracy of 88.5% using our method, thus confirming the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Inflammatory signal transduction pathways induced by prilocaine toxicity in cultured ARPE‐19 cells
Authors: Öztüzün Aleyna , Çeker Tuğçe , Yılmaz Çağatay , Aslan Mutay
Published: August 2023

Prilocaine (PRL) is a common local anesthetic. Despite the successful use of regional anesthesia for intraocular surgery, there are associated side effects that may affect the retina in case of accidental intravitreal injection. This study examined the signal transduction pathways activated by PRL toxicity and determined the protective role of nitric oxide synthase‐2 (NOS2) inhibition in cultured human‐derived retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE‐19). Toxicity analysis was performed using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay to detect the toxic dose of PRL and protective effectiveness of asperglaucide (ASP), an NOS2 inhibitor. Nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF‐κB p65), phosphorylated NF‐κB p65, phospho‐protein kinase B (AKT), NOS2, nitrotyrosine, and cleaved caspase‐3 protein levels were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and/or western blot analysis. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and nitrated protein levels were quantified using an immunoassay, whereas caspase‐3 activity and nitrite/nitrate levels were measured using a fluorometric method. A significant increase in NF‐κB p65, and phosphorylated NF‐κB p65 and AKT levels due to PRL toxicity was observed. Similarly, IL‐6, NOS2, nitrite/nitrate, and nitrotyrosine levels were significantly higher in PRL‐treated cells than in control cells. Application of ASP to PRL‐treated cells reduced NF‐κB p65, and phosphorylated NF‐κB p65 and AKT to basal levels. IL‐6, NOS2, nitrite/nitrate, and nitrotyrosine levels also considerably decreased following ASP treatment in cells experiencing PRL‐induced toxicity. Moreover, the caspase‐3‐dependent apoptotic pathway was not activated. Our results indicate that ASP could ameliorate PRL‐induced activation of NF‐κB p65 that led to inflammation in cultured ARPE‐19 cells.
MiR‐222‐3p suppresses C2C12 myoblast proliferation and differentiation via the inhibition of IRS‐1/PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Wei Xiaofang , Wang Juan , Sun Yaqin , Zhao Tong , Luo Xiaomao , Lu Jiayin , Hou Wei , Yu Xiuju , Xue Linli , Yan Yi , Wang Haidong
Published: August 2023

Numerous studies have revealed the profound impact of microRNAs on regulating skeletal muscle development and regeneration. However, the biological function and regulation mechanism of miR‐222‐3p in skeletal muscle remains largely unknown. In this study, miR‐222‐3p was found to be abundantly expressed in the impaired skeletal muscles, indicating that it might have function in the development and regeneration process of the skeletal muscle. MiR‐222‐3p overexpression impeded C2C12 myoblast proliferation and myogenic differentiation, whereas inhibition of miR‐222‐3p got the opposite results. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay showed that insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) was the target gene of miR‐222‐3p. We next found that knockdown of IRS‐1 could obviously suppress C2C12 myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Additionally, miR‐222‐3p‐induced repression of myoblast proliferation and differentiation was verified to be associated with a decrease in phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐Akt signaling. Overall, we demonstrated that miR‐222‐3p inhibited C2C12 cells myogenesis via IRS‐1/PI3K/Akt pathway. Therefore, miR‐222‐3p may be used as a therapeutic target for alleviating muscle loss caused by inherited and nonhereditary diseases.
A bibliometric comparison of undergraduate and postgraduate endodontic education publications: The topics, trends, and challenges
Authors: Zhang Jinglan , Liu Xiaowei , Yang Lei , Wang Yiran , Huang Dingming , Tan Xuelian
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This study employs bibliometric analysis to compare knowledge units and main topics in undergraduate and postgraduate endodontic education, aiming to identify similarities, differences, and connections. The insights gained are expected to inform the future of two‐stage education to enhance continuity, highlighting evolving trends, challenges, and development directions.

Methods

Citation data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collections (WOSCC) database and non‐WOSCC databases with two separate search formulas. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to analyze the distribution of research by publication years, citation‐sources, co‐authorship network of authors and countries, and clusters of keywords.

Results

The focus on undergraduate education preceded postgraduate education by nearly a decade. The United Kingdom has emerged as the most prominent contributor to endodontic literature at both levels, with theInternational Endodontic Journalrepresenting the most voluminous and cited resource in this domain. Dummer is recognized as the most prolific author in undergraduate endodontic education, while Gulabivala spearheads the most extensive cluster of postgraduate education. Keywords clustering analysis reveals that undergraduate education places greater emphasis on fundamental knowledge, while postgraduate education concentrates more on clinical practice. Descriptive analyses from non‐WOSCC databases align with the topics and findings from WOSCC‐based bibliometric analysis.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis revealed the emphasis on fundamental knowledge and teaching techniques at the undergraduate level versus advanced clinical knowledge and techniques at the postgraduate level, which originated from different learning aims and contexts. Updating the curriculum to meet the latest practices and innovations is crucial for aligning learning objectives with current and future needs, and the connection between the two levels remains a central challenge in endodontic education.
Dysfunctional Epithelial Barrier Is Characterized by Reduced E‐Cadherin in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Berges Alexandra J. , Ospino Rafael , Mafla Laura , Collins Samuel , Chan‐Li Yee , Ghosh Baishakhi , Sidhaye Venkataramana , Lina Ioan , Hillel Alexander T.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To aim of the study was to characterize the molecular profile and functional phenotype of idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS)‐scar epithelium.

Methods

Human tracheal biopsies from iSGS scar (n = 6) and matched non‐scar (n = 6) regions were analyzed using single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq). Separate specimens were used for epithelial cell expansion in vitro to assess average growth rate and functional capabilities using transepithelial‐electrical resistance (TEER), fluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran flux permeability assay, ciliary coverage, and cilia beating frequency (CBF). Finally, epithelial tight junction protein expression of cultured cells was quantified using immunoblot assay (n = 4) and immunofluorescence (n = 6).

Results

scRNA‐seq analysis revealed a decrease in goblet, ciliated, and basal epithelial cells in the scar iSGS cohort. Furthermore, mRNA expression of proteins E‐cadherin, claudin‐3, claudin‐10, occludin, TJP1, and TJP2 was also reduced (p < 0.001) in scar epithelium. Functional assays demonstrated a decrease in TEER (paired 95% confidence interval [CI], 195.68–890.83 Ω × cm2, p < 0.05), an increase in permeability (paired 95% CI, −6116.00 to −1401.99 RFU, p < 0.05), and reduced epithelial coverage (paired 95% CI, 0.1814–1.766, fold change p < 0.05) in iSGS‐scar epithelium relative to normal controls. No difference in growth rate (p < 0.05) or CBF was found (paired 95% CI, −2.118 to 3.820 Hz, p > 0.05). Immunoblot assay (paired 95% CI, 0.0367–0.605, p < 0.05) and immunofluorescence (paired 95% CI, 13.748–59.191 mean grey value, p < 0.05) revealed E‐cadherin reduction in iSGS‐scar epithelium.

Conclusion

iSGS‐scar epithelium has a dysfunctional barrier and reduced structural protein expression. These results are consistent with dysfunctional epithelium seen in other airway pathology. Further studies are warranted to delineate the causality of epithelial dysfunction on the downstream fibroinflammatory cascade in iSGS.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:374–381, 2024
Effects of creep age forming time on microstructure and high cyclic fatigue of 7075 aluminum alloy
Authors: Yang D. L. , Li R. J. , Miao J. J. , Zhang. H. X.
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the hardness, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, elongation E100, S−N curves, and fatigue performance of 7075 aluminum alloy were obtained after aged at 170 °C for different times (10 h, 15 h, and 20 h). Additionally, the microstructure and fatigue fracture of the alloy were observed. The investigation results show that as the forming time increased, the hardness, ultimate tensile strength, and yield strength decreased, the elongation first decreased, then increased, and the fatigue limit increased. As the forming time increased, the metastable phase gradually transformed into a steady phase and coarsened, the width of precipitate free zone increased, and the width of the fatigue strip decreased. After creep age forming for 20 h, the precipitate free zone was the widest, approximately 100 nm.
Advanced hardware test methods for wheel‐ and chassis fasteners for e–mobility
Authors: Koch D. , Teitscheid K. , Hinnecke L. , Kowalski T.
Published: August 2023

Die derzeitige Entwicklung hin zu elektrifizierten Fahrzeugen führt in vielen Fällen zu einem Anstieg der allgemeinen Belastungssituation von Fahrwerkskomponenten sowie auch deren Verbindungselementen. Radverschraubungen werden hier beispielsweise mit erhöhten dynamischen Belastungen konfrontiert, welche die quasistatische Vorspannungssituation überlagern und für Ausfälle der Verbindungsstelle ursächlich sein können. Diese Anhebung der Lastsituation wird beispielsweise durch höhere Achslasten, Rad‐Reifen‐Dimensionen, bessere Reifenperformance sowie schwerpunktbedingt höhere maximale Kurvenlasten verursacht. Um Ausfälle von Verbindungselementen auch in Zukunft zu verhindern, werden in diesem Beitrag neue Mess‐ und Analyseverfahren vorgestellt, die eine genaue und vollständige Überprüfung aller überlagerten dynamischen Nennspannungen (unter Vernachlässigung der überhöhten Kerbspannungen) ermöglichen, welche durch dynamische Axial‐ und Biegebelastungen an der kritischen Versagensstelle eines Verbindungselements verursacht werden. Um eine entsprechende Schadensakkumulation zu ermöglichen, werden lastspezifische Bauteilwöhlerkurven benötigt. Ein detailliertes Verständnis der auftretenden Belastungen am Verbindungselement erhöht die Sicherheit gegenüber Ausfällen für alle Fahrwerksverschraubungen, sofern diese Lasten bereits im frühen Stadium eines Entwicklungsprozesses bekannt sind und berücksichtigt werden.
Identification and validation of DNA methylation‐driven gene PCDHB4 as a novel tumor suppressor for glioblastoma diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Huang Hao , Xie Yilin , Chen Xi , Zhang Dongdong , Zhang Xueying , Deng Ying , Huang Zhicong , Bi Haoran , Hu Xing , Yan Xiangwei , Liang Hongsheng , Lv Zhonghua , Sun Xizhuo , Zhang Ming , Hu Dongsheng , Hu Fulan
Published: August 2023

Aberrant DNA methylation is a critical regulator of gene expression in the development and progression of glioblastoma (GBM). However, the impact of methylation‐driven gene PCDHB4 changes on GBM occurrence and progression remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the PCDHB4 gene for early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation and clarify its functional role in GBM. Methylation‐driven gene PCDHB4 was selected for GBM using the multi‐omics integration method based on publicly available data sets. The diagnostic capabilities of PCDHB4 methylation and 5‐hydroxymethylcytosines were validated in tissue and blood cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) samples, respectively. Combined survival analysis of PCDHB4 methylation and immune infiltration cells evaluated the prognostic predictive performance of GBM patients. We identified that the PCDHB4 gene achieved high discriminative capabilities for GBM and normal tissues with an area under the curve value of 0.941. PCDHB4 hypermethylation was observed in cfDNA blood samples from GBM patients. Compared with GBM patients with PCDHB4 hypermethylation level, patients with PCDHB4 hypomethylation level had significantly poorer overall survival (p = 0.035). In addition, GBM patients with PCDHB4 hypermethylation and high infiltration of CD4+ T cell activation level had a favorable survival (p = 0.026). Moreover, we demonstrated that mRNA expression of PCDHB4 was downregulated in GBM tissues and upregulated in GBM cell lines with PCDHB4 demethylation, and PCDHB4 overexpression inhibited GBM cell proliferation and migration. In summary, we discovered a novel methylation‐driven gene PCDHB4 for the diagnosis and prognosis of GBM and demonstrated that PCDHB4 is a tumor suppressor in vitro experiments.
External environment uncertainty, key resources acquisition, and corporate technological innovation
Authors: Xu Weifeng , Liu Chang
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the impact of external environmental uncertainty on technological innovation from the perspective of key resource acquisition. Using data from A‐share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets from 2008 to 2019, we empirically test the relationship between external environmental uncertainty faced by firms and technological innovation input and output. Our findings reveal that external environmental uncertainty has a negative impact on the input and output of corporate technological innovation. In addition, key resource acquisition, namely, capital resource acquisition and information resource acquisition, plays a mediating role in this relationship. As an asset for obtaining resources, corporate social capital is a crucial means for firms to obtain external resources. This study further incorporates corporate social capital into the analysis, which shows that corporate social capital plays a positive moderating role in the impact of external environmental uncertainty on corporate technological innovation. Furthermore, research shows that compared with nonhigh‐tech industry firms, the technological innovation of high‐tech industry firms is more sensitive to external environmental uncertainty.
Mindfulness, inductive reasoning, and awareness of age‐related changes: A daily diary study
Authors: Graham Lyndsey N. , Neupert Shevaun D.
Published: August 2023

Mindfulness, understood as present‐centered thinking, has positive effects on cognition. Cognitive abilities fluctuate on a daily basis in older adulthood. Awareness of age‐related change (AARC) focuses on an individual's perception of life changes as a result of growing older and includes dimensions of both gains and losses. AARC losses are negative age‐related changes that are attributed to growing older, and have been linked to fluctuations in cognition. Utilizing Holas and Jankowski's cognitive model of mindfulness as a framework, we investigated the potential mediation effect of AARC losses as a type of perceived change in internal experiences. We used multilevel models to analyze daily diary data from 116 older adults (aged 60–90, M = 64.71, SD = 4.98). Participants provided baseline information on Day 1 and then completed parallel versions of inductive reasoning tests each day along with reports of daily mindfulness and AARC on Days 2–9. In line with the cognitive model of mindfulness, within‐person increases in daily mindfulness were associated with increases in inductive reasoning performance. Our results also extend the cognitive model of mindfulness because we found through multilevel mediation that increases in mindfulness were associated with decreases in AARC losses, which were then associated with increases in inductive reasoning performance. AARC losses significantly mediated the within‐person relationship between mindfulness and cognition. Efforts aimed at reducing perceived AARC losses might assist older adults in taking full advantage of the positive benefits of mindfulness on their daily cognitive abilities.
Conservation decision support for Silver Chub habitat in Lake Erie
Authors: McKenna James E.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Conservation and restoration of aquatic species is difficult, especially for rare species, because their habitats are typically disturbed, obscuring the natural ability of the habitat to support each species. The Lake Erie population of Silver Chub Macrhybopsis storeriana struggles to sustain itself in a habitat disturbed by a wide spectrum of anthropogenic factors. Application of multiple model predictions can provide indications of conservation or restoration opportunities for this species.

Methods

A combination of models that predict the best potential for Lake Erie habitat to support Silver Chub and the effects of anthropogenic disturbances on that population were used to identify habitat conditions throughout the western aquatic lake unit.

Result

As many as 76 combinations of best habitat potential and disturbance conditions were present, but the best opportunities occurred in <12% of the study area. Some of the best protection opportunities were farthest offshore, and extensive areas of least disturbed habitat for restoration were near the southern and western shores. The location-specific model predictions provide fine-scale decision support for Silver Chub habitat protection or restoration.

Conclusion

The approach applied here may help identify compatibilities among species to achieve the desirable fish community for Lake Erie and reconcile conflicting management actions.
The associations between spiritual well‐being, hope and psychological symptoms in Chinese childhood cancer patients: A path analysis
Authors: Liu Qi , Ho Ka‐Yan , Lam Katherine‐Ka‐Wai , Lam Winsome , Ma Polly , Abu‐Odah Hammoda , Belay Getaneh Mulualem , Yuen John Wai Man , Ling Dong‐lan , Ching Shirley‐Siu‐Yin , Wong Frances‐Kam‐Yuet
Published: August 2023

Aims

We aimed to test a model in which hope and spiritual well‐being acted as protective factors against anxiety and depressive symptoms in childhood cancer patients (CCPs). We hypothesized that hope and spiritual well‐being were mutually reinforcing factors that would both reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Methods

Using path analysis, the hypothetical model was tested on a cross‐sectional sample of 412 Chinese CCPs aged 8–17 years. Self‐reported measures were used to obtain data on participants' social and clinical characteristics, spiritual well‐being, hope, anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Results

The hypothetical model was supported. Results suggested that sex, treatment type and diagnosis predicted spiritual well‐being; diagnosis and time since diagnosis predicted hope. Spiritual well‐being and hope were mutually predictive and mutually reinforcing, and were both negatively associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms. This model predicted 40% of the variance in spiritual well‐being, 37% in hope, 39% in depressive symptoms, and 28% in anxiety.

Conclusion

Spiritual well‐being and hope were mutually reinforcing and served as protective factors against anxiety and depressive symptoms. These support the value for integrating spiritual and hope elements in developing interventions for CCPs to improve their spiritual and psychological well‐being along the disease trajectory.
Clinical and epidemiological features and severity markers in children admitted with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC) in a tertiary care center in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: AboAlEla Habiba H. , Ali Abdulrahman Y. , Al‐Sharif Ghadah A. , Abuhammour Walid , Tayoun Ahmad Abou , Almoosa Mohammad , Uribe Diego Arango , Al‐Fraihat Ali , Ho Samuel B. , Khamis Amar H. , Popatia Rizwana , Yavuz Lemis
Published: August 2023

Background

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC) is a phenomenon that appeared in children infected with or exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The typical onset of MISC is 4−6 weeks following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and is formulated to be due to an immune response.

Methods

Our study retrospectively analyzed data from a tertiary center in United Arab Emirates of MISC patients who were admitted to either general pediatric wards or pediatric intensive care (PICU) or who came exclusively for follow‐up (post‐PICU admission) from May 2020 to August 2021.

Results

The total sample size was 50 patients, and the study included a comparison of MISC‐PICU admissions with MISC‐non‐PICU admissions. The MISC‐PICU sample size was 18 patients, 50% females, with mean age of 8.3 years all were previously healthy. MISC‐PICU patients had deranged blood counts with a lower hemoglobin count, a more pronounced lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia along with hypoalbuminemia. MISC‐PICU patients presented with relatively higher inflammatory markers: C‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, ferritin, and d‐dimer. Immunological studies were significantly higher for interleukin‐6 levels in PICU patients. On echocardiography, higher myocardial dysfunction was more notable in MISC‐PICU patients. Likewise, MISC‐PICU patients were provided with more extensive therapy. As part of our study course, we reevaluated our MISC‐PICU patients twice, once at 48 h post‐PICU admission and again 4−6 weeks after discharge from the hospital. No deaths have been recorded in the cohort.

Conclusion

This study evaluated risk factors of MISC and potential severity features. Follow‐up of patients on discharge showed improvement across all domains.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of soybean gall midge (Resseliella maxima) parasitism by Synopeas maximum
Authors: Melotto Gloria , Potter Bruce D. , Koch Robert L. , Lindsey Amelia R. I.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Soybean gall midge, Resseliella maxima Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a pest that impacts soybean yield in the Midwest United States. While biological control using parasitoids may be a promising approach for managing this pest, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of parasitism dynamics to ensure effective implementation. We investigated R. maxima parasitism using a combination of three methods: rearing of field‐collected hosts, dissection, and molecular assays.

RESULTS

We confirmed parasitism of R. maxima by the recently described wasp Synopeas maximum Awad & Talamas (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) and used our combinatorial approach to observe the spatial and temporal relationships between R. maxima and its parasitoid in the field. The number of R. maxima adults was greater in symptomatic plants on field edges than the field interior, but such a pattern was inconsistent for parasitism rates. Parasitism rates were generally highest early and late in the season, and lower in the middle of the season when the number of R. maxima was highest.

CONCLUSION

In Minnesota, overall season‐long parasitism rates of R. maxima were low (< 2%). To facilitate a wider investigation of the biological control of R. maxima, we designed a protocol for high throughput DNA extraction and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) that can be used across a broader geography. Further research should evaluate how parasitism rates by Synopeas maximum could be promoted in production fields. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The type and correct authorship of the name Muscari neglectum (Asparagaceae)
Authors: Böhnert Tim , Del Guacchio Emanuele
Published: August 2023

The binomial Muscari neglectum is commonly used for a widespread Mediterranean geophyte. However, the correct authorship has long been disputed. Here we show, in a rather unusual case, that the authorship must be attributed to Michele Tenore and to the renowned zoologist Giosuè Sangiovanni; the latter is otherwise unlisted among botanical authorities. As several different lectotypes of the name have been proposed over the years, we clarify which designation should be followed.
Outlier Elimination Technique Using Deletion‐Imputation Iteration for Fault‐Prone Module Detection
Authors: Toda Koji , Tsunoda Masateru
Published: August 2023

In software development, improving the efficiency of a testing process is important to ensure reliability during a limited development period. One approach to improving the testing process is identifying modules that are likely to contain faults (fault‐prone modules) and allocate effort toward resolving them. For this purpose, many fault‐prone module detection models have been proposed in previous studies. However, an appropriate fault‐prone module detection model cannot be constructed if outliers, such as modules with a significantly large number of source code lines and branches, but no faults, are included. In this study, we propose a new outlier elimination technique that creates missing values (deleted values) to complete the data artificially and applies a missing value imputation technique using a regression approach. If the imputed value differs significantly from the actual (recorded) value, the proposed technique treats the values as outliers. We name the proposed technique Outlier Elimination Technique using Deletion‐Imputation Iteration (OEdii), and its performance is verified experimentally. In general, our experimental results are more accurate than the previous outlier elimination techniques in the area under the ROC curve. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The Interplay of Task Characteristics, Linguistic Complexity, and Language Proficiency in High‐Stakes English as a Foreign Language Writing
Authors: Riemenschneider Anja , Weiss Zarah , Schröter Pauline , Meurers Detmar
Published: August 2023

The linguistic characteristics of text productions depend on various factors, including individual language proficiency as well as the tasks used to elicit the production. To date, little attention has been paid to whether some writing tasks are more suitable than others to represent and differentiate students' proficiency levels. This issue is especially relevant in the context of high‐stakes language examinations. In this study, we investigated task effects in English as a foreign language (EFL) Abitur examinations, the high‐stakes test qualifying for higher education admission in Germany. Based on texts produced by 362 students, we examined (a) if and how student writings differ in their linguistic complexity and (b) if the EFL Abitur tasks are equally suited to differentiate the students' proficiency levels. We used a broad operationalization of linguistic complexity, including measures from various linguistic domains in the computational analysis of the texts. The results of our mixed‐effects models show that student texts differ in their linguistic complexity primarily by the functional needs of the task types employed (summary, analysis, and argumentation). Furthermore, writing tasks that demand high independence in language performance are best suited to differentiate between proficiency levels, which becomes especially evident in vocabulary choice and usage.
An update on the roles of transcription factor Ets1 in autoimmune diseases
Authors: Garrett‐Sinha Lee Ann
Published: August 2023

Transcription factors are crucial to regulate gene expression in immune cells and in other cell types. In lymphocytes, there are a large number of different transcription factors that are known to contribute to cell differentiation and the balance between quiescence and activation. One such transcription factor is E26 oncogene homolog 1 (Ets1). Ets1 expression is high in quiescent B and T lymphocytes and its levels are decreased upon activation. The humanETS1gene has been identified as a susceptibility locus for many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In accord with this, gene knockout of Ets1 in mice leads to development of a lupus‐like autoimmune disease, with enhanced activation and differentiation of both B cells and T cells. Prior reviews have summarized functional roles for Ets1 based on studies of Ets1 knockout mice. In recent years, numerous additional studies have been published that further validateETS1as a susceptibility locus for human diseases where immune dysregulation plays a causative role. In this update, new information that further links Ets1 to human autoimmune diseases is organized and collated to serve as a resource. This update also describes recent studies that seek to understand molecularly how Ets1 regulates immune cell activation, either using human cells and tissues or mouse models. This resource is expected to be useful to investigators seeking to understand how Ets1 may regulate the human immune response, particularly in terms of its roles in autoimmunity and inflammation.

This article is categorized under:

Immune System Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics

Immune System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Continuing Evolution of Research on Teaching and Learning: Exploring Emerging Methods for Unpacking Research on Teachers, Teaching, and Learning
Authors: Orrill Chandra Hawley , Gearty Zarina , Wang Kun
Published: August 2023

In this chapter, we consider current trends in mathematics education research to highlight the ways in which Medley’s framework is still relevant. In the three decades since Medley’s original framework was presented, research has continued to change. This chapter provides an overview of some of these changes and the implications they have for applying Medley’s framework to learning environments. To this end, we begin by discussing methodologies that have become more widespread. We then explore examples of research methods that offer new ways of thinking about research questions related to teaching and learning in formal environments, thus allowing researchers to look across the variables in ways that were unavailable until recently. We then discuss some of the opportunities created by technology. These have changed the ways we collect data and the data we collect. We close by discussing how the changes discussed in this chapter specifically relate to presage-process–product research. Our goal in this chapter is not to present a comprehensive review of the literature, rather, we seek to highlight both where the field is now in terms of research methods and tools as well as to provide examples of the ways in which Medley’s framework is being pursued in newer research.
Interactive Mathematics Teacher Activities
Authors: Beswick Kim , Rawlings-Sanaei Felicity , Tuohilampi Laura
Published: August 2023

The focus of this chapter is on interactive mathematics teacher activities (Type C). That is, the activities in which teachers engage in the presence of students.
Bleeding management: rFVIIIFc in hemophilia A and liver transplantation
Authors: Grottke Oliver , Rieg Annette , Ulmer Florian , Hein Marc
Published: August 2023

Background

In patients with severe hemophilia A prolonged bleeding may occur even in cases of minor trauma or surgery.

Objective

To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a recombinant extended half-life (EHL) FVIII concentrate for perioperative bleeding management in a patient with severe hemophilia A undergoing liver transplantation.

Material and methods

Prior to transplantation FVIII activity and perioperatively required FVIII supply were estimated. In an individualized approach efmoroctocog alfa was supplemented if the intrinsic clotting time in the thrombelastometry was > 170 s.

Results

The patient perioperatively received a total of 28,000 IU efmoroctocog alfa. No signs of hemorrhage or complications were detected and no further intervention was necessary.

Conclusion

The present case demonstrates that the use of an EHL FVIII is suitable for a successful perioperative bleeding control even in hemophilia patients at a high bleeding risk during major surgery. Due to the EHL constant FVIII levels could be achieved with relatively few injections. In order to confirm the obtained results, more real-world data in different operative settings are essential. Further research is needed on the use of thrombelastometry to guide substitution of factor VIII perioperatively.
Gefährdet der Pflegepersonalmangel auf neonatologischen Intensivstationen die Versorgungssicherheit Neugeborener?
Authors: Fichtner Daniel , Flemmer Andreas W. , Fischer Uli , Koncz Viola , Oechsle Anna-Lisa , Klemme Mathias
Published: August 2023

Hintergrund

In Deutschland ist seit Jahren ein Pflegepersonalmangel zu beobachten, der insbesondere neonatologische Intensivstationen betrifft. Dabei wird vermutet, dass dieser Mangel zu reduzierten Versorgungskapazitäten führt, woraus Konsequenzen für die Versorgung von Neugeborenen resultieren. Diese werden mit einer retrospektiven Beobachtungsstudie am Beispiel der 3 neonatologischen Intensivstationen des LMU Klinikums München betrachtet.

Methoden

Für den 4‑jährigen Beobachtungszeitraum 08/2017–05/2021 wurden Zeitreihendaten der „Qualitätssicherungs-Richtlinie Früh- und Reifgeborene“ (QFR-RL) des Gemeinsamen Bundesausschusses, Bettenauswertungen, Personalplanwerte, Abmeldedaten und rettungsdienstliche Einsatzdaten der Stationen herangezogen und mittels einer deskriptiven Statistik sowie einer 2‑stufigen Regressionsanalyse untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Im Beobachtungszeitraum waren rund 21 % der notwendigen Pflegepersonalstellen unbesetzt, wobei die Qualitätsanforderungen gemäß QFR-RL weitgehend erfüllt waren. Um in Anbetracht des Personalmangels diese Anforderungen zu erfüllen, mussten jedoch verfügbare Betten gesperrt werden. Im Beobachtungszeitraum konnte sowohl eine Zunahme der Abmeldestunden der Stationen von der Bevölkerungsversorgung als auch ein Anstieg des relativen Risikos für eine Neugeborenen-Intensivverlegung beobachtet werden, wodurch im Mittel alle 3 Tage eine Verlegung resultierte.

Diskussion

Die Anforderungen an die pflegerische Versorgungsqualität von Neugeborenen sind gesetzlich vorgeschrieben, sodass sich der Pflegepersonalmangel überproportional in einer Reduktion der Versorgungskapazität niederschlägt. So müssen Konsequenzen für die Versorgungssicherheit der Bevölkerung durch Klinikabmeldungen und ein Verlegungsrisiko regelhaft in Kauf genommen werden.