bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic telemetry tracking of Coho Salmon smolts released from a community-run hatchery into a marine inlet reveals low early ocean survival
Authors: Kanigan Adam M. , Hinch Scott G. , Lotto Andrew G. , Szlachta Kamil , Johnston Stephen D. , Lingard Stephanie A.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Hatcheries are used to help supplement populations of Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. for conservation and fisheries purposes and to provide stewardship opportunities. In British Columbia, small community-run hatcheries typically focus on the latter and generally do not know the efficacy of their release approaches, unlike larger production hatcheries.

Methods

We used acoustic telemetry to track the survival and behavior of 90 hatchery-reared Coho Salmon O. kisutch smolts, released from a community hatchery, through Burrard Inlet and into the Strait of Georgia. This is the first study to track Coho Salmon smolts released directly into a marine environment and one of very few studies to track them in an oceanic setting.

Result

Smolt survival was lowest through the first 3 km of the migration at 37%, and the estimated cumulative survival to the final array (~20 km from release) was 10–23%. The presence of numerous predators in the region suggests that predation is a possible explanation for poor survival over the relatively short migration distance. Travel rates ranged from ~4 to 18 km/day, depending on the migration segment, which is slower than the marine migration of smolts from other species, likely increasing exposure to predators. However, we found potential evidence of “predator swamping,” as survival estimates across migration segments were highest for the final of our three release groups and poorest for the first release group, with intergroup survival estimates increasing by 7–12% in the final three migration segments. Releasing smolts at high densities and at night, as our partner hatchery currently does, likely improves smolt survival.

Conclusion

Our work demonstrates how acoustic telemetry can be used to examine hatchery practices and propose potential improvements. Saltwater readiness and the release location are factors that our results suggest may warrant future attention to potentially improve marine survival of Coho Salmon smolts.
Estimating predation rates of stocked juvenile Chinook Salmon using novel acoustic predation transmitters
Authors: Gravenhof D. A. , Wuellner M. R. , Renner E. A. , Fincel M. J.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Acoustic telemetry is a tool commonly used to better understand the fates of fish following a stocking event. Until recently, predation on stocked fish could only be inferred by observing and identifying abrupt changes in tag detection histories. Recently, a novel predation transmitter has provided better insight into how predation affects poststocking survival. The main objective of this study was to use these transmitters to estimate predation rates on stocked juvenile Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in a landlocked system (Lake Oahe, South Dakota). Our secondary objectives were to determine how quickly predation was occurring, the time of day of predation events, and if there were differences in size between predated and nonpredated fish.

Methods

In 2021 and 2022, we surgically implanted Innovasea V5D 180-kHz transmitters in 110 juvenile Chinook Salmon. These tagged Chinook Salmon were stocked at two locations on Lake Oahe along with a large cohort of untagged individuals. The tagged Chinook Salmon were passively tracked using an array of Innovasea VR2W 180-kHz acoustic receivers.

Result

Across the two study years, we observed a mean predation rate (±SE) of 32.9 ± 6% on the tagged Chinook Salmon. Predation on the tagged Chinook Salmon occurred relatively quickly, with a mean time to predation of 86.7 ± 10.8 h. Additionally, 70% of the observed predation occurred during the daytime. Interestingly, results indicated that total length did not differ between fish that were preyed upon or and those that were, but there was a difference in total weight between the two groups.

Conclusion

Our results provide insight into recruitment bottlenecks within this population and offer information to other researchers regarding the advantages and limitations of this novel technology. Understanding how to mitigate predation could help to guide future stocking strategies to ensure a better return on investment for costly stocking programs.
Penalty‐free discontinuous Galerkin method
Authors: Jaśkowiec Jan , Sukumar N.
Published: March 2024

In this article, we present a new high‐order discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method, in which neither a penalty parameter nor a stabilization parameter is needed. We refer to this method as penalty‐free DG. In this method, the trial and test functions belong to the broken Sobolev space, in which the functions are in general discontinuous on the mesh skeleton and do not meet the Dirichlet boundary conditions. However, a subset can be distinguished in this space, where the functions are continuous and satisfy the Dirichlet boundary conditions, and this subset is called admissible. The trial solution is chosen to lie in an augmented admissible subset, in which a small violation of the continuity condition is permitted. This subset is constructed by applying special augmented constraints to the linear combination of finite element basis functions. In this approach, all the advantages of the DG method are retained without the necessity of using stability parameters or numerical fluxes. Several benchmark problems in two dimensions (Poisson equation, linear elasticity, hyperelasticity, and biharmonic equation) on polygonal (triangles, quadrilateral, and weakly convex polygons) meshes as well as a three‐dimensional Poisson problem on hexahedral meshes are considered. Numerical results are presented that affirm the sound accuracy and optimal convergence of the method in the norm and the energy seminorm.
Efficient and high‐resolution surface‐wave dispersive energy imaging using a proposed spatial smoothing propagation method
Authors: He Tao , Peng Suping , Geng Henggao
Published: March 2024

Surface‐wave information from seismic data can be used for near‐surface analysis, static computation and noise suppression. The multichannel analysis of surface waves method is a useful approach for obtaining the shear wave velocity of the near surface; however, rapidly generating an image of dispersive energy in the presence of coherent noise is a challenge. In this study, we propose the imaging of the dispersive energy of the Rayleigh wave using a spatial smoothing propagation method. In this method, forward and backward spatial smoothing algorithms were used to restore the rank of the covariance matrix in strong coherent noise. Subsequently, an image of the dispersive energy was rapidly generated by the propagation method using a linear operation equivalent to the eigenvalue decomposition. The proposed method was evaluated using both synthetic and field data. The results showed that the method was easy to use and has higher resolution representation, efficiency and noise robustness compared with conventional methods.
The forgotten history of intercropping
Authors: Harwood Jonathan
Published: March 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Over the last 50 years, the practice of ‘intercropping’ (planting a mixture of several crops on the same field) has drawn growing attention in crop science. Given its high yields but low requirement for fertiliser or pesticides, it offers considerable advantages over conventional ‘industrial’ agriculture. Nevertheless, although research on intercropping has been conducted since the late 19th century, that work became largely invisible after 1945 as the rapid rise of industrial agriculture erased alternative approaches from view. Since the 1970s, however, intercropping and other alternatives have reappeared on the research agenda as the damaging impacts of industrial agriculture have become evident.

Intercropping has long been of interest in agro‐ecology. Indeed, as the first generation of (English‐speaking) agro‐ecologists saw it, research on intercropping began in the 1970s and 1980s just as the field was beginning to emerge. Although the evidence confirms a rapid increase in such work from the 1970s, however, what nearly all agro‐ecologists then overlooked was the existence of two older traditions of work dating from the late 19th century. The aim of this paper is to explain why early agro‐ecologists were unaware of previous work. The history of research on intercropping in both the English‐ and German‐speaking worlds was traced using the journal literature as well as textbooks of agronomy. What this survey revealed is that in Europe and North America, agronomists had been working on intercropping since the 1890s, and during the interwar period and into the 1950s, the practice attracted considerable attention from colonial agronomists. Although this early work was in the public domain during the 1970s, however, few agro‐ecologists noticed it. There are various reasons why the first generation of agro‐ecologists might have known about but chose to ignore earlier work on intercropping. But more likely is that most members of that generation were simply unaware of the older work. For the forgotten history of intercropping, research appears to be just one aspect of a more general phenomenon during the 20th century in which a wide variety of ‘alternative’ cultivation practices were marginalised after 1945, only to re‐emerge from the 1970s as the social and environmental consequences of industrial agriculture came under attack.
The Mass Gap of the Space‐time and its Shape
Authors: Ali Ahmed Farag
Published: March 2024

Snyder's quantum space‐time which is Lorentz invariant is investigated. It is found that the quanta of space‐time have a positive mass that is interpreted as a positive real mass gap of space‐time. This mass gap is related to the minimal length of measurement which is provided by Snyder's algebra. Several reasons to consider the space‐time quanta as a 24‐cell are discussed. Geometric reasons include its self‐duality property and its 24 vertices that may represent the standard model of elementary particles. The 24‐cell symmetry group is the Weyl/Coxeter group of the group which was found recently to generate the gauge group of the standard model. It is found that 24‐cell may provide a geometric interpretation of the mass generation, Avogadro number, color confinement, and the flatness of the observable universe. The phenomenology and consistency with measurements is discussed.
Evaluation of covariate effects in item response theory models
Authors: Wellhagen Gustaf J. , Yassen Ashraf , Garmann Dirk , Bröker Astrid , Solms Alexander , Zhang Yang , Kjellsson Maria C. , Karlsson Mats O.
Published: March 2024

Item response theory (IRT) models are usually the best way to analyze composite or rating scale data. Standard methods to evaluate covariate or treatment effects in IRT models do not allow to identify item‐specific effects. Finding subgroups of patients who respond differently to certain items could be very important when designing inclusion or exclusion criteria for clinical trials, and aid in understanding different treatment responses in varying disease manifestations. We present a new method to investigate item‐specific effects in IRT models, which is based on inspection of residuals. The method was investigated in a simulation exercise with a model for the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. We also provide a detailed discussion as a guidance on how to build a robust covariate IRT model.
Adaptive iterative learning control for high‐order nonlinear systems with different types of uncertainties
Authors: Li Xuefang , Chen Yanfang , Sun Hui‐Jie , Liu Wanquan
Published: March 2024

The present work aims at investigating the adaptive iterative learning control (AILC) design for uncertain high‐order fully actuated nonlinear systems. In order to show the design principles, three types of nonlinear systems are considered, including systems with just parametric uncertainty, systems with both parametric and input distribution uncertainties as well as systems with both parametric uncertainty and an unknown control gain matrix. For different systems, the corresponding AILC schemes are proposed with different techniques in dealing with various system uncertainties, for which the convergence analysis are conducted rigorously based on the composite energy function. The effectiveness of the proposed AILC strategies is verified through numerical simulations.
Marginal clustered multistate models for longitudinal progressive processes with informative cluster size
Authors: Feng Sean Xinyang , Mitani Aya A.
Published: March 2024

Informative cluster size (ICS) is a phenomenon where cluster size is related to the outcome. While multistate models can be applied to characterize the unit‐level transition process for clustered interval‐censored data, there is a research gap addressing ICS within this framework. We propose two extensions of multistate model that account for ICS to make marginal inference: one by incorporating within‐cluster resampling and another by constructing cluster‐weighted score functions. We evaluate the performances of the proposed methods through simulation studies and apply them to the Veterans Affairs Dental Longitudinal Study (VADLS) to understand the effect of risk factors on periodontal disease progression. ICS occurs frequently in dental data, particularly in the study of periodontal disease, as people with fewer teeth due to the disease are more susceptible to disease progression. According to the simulation results, the mean estimates of the parameters obtained from the proposed methods are close to the true values, but methods that ignore ICS can lead to substantial bias. Our proposed methods for clustered multistate model are able to appropriately take ICS into account when making marginal inference of a typical unit from a randomly sampled cluster.
Application programming interface recommendation for smart contract using deep learning from augmented code representation
Authors: Cai Jie , Cai Qian , Li Bin , Zhang Jiale , Sun Xiaobing
Published: March 2024

Application programming interface (API) recommendation plays a crucial role in facilitating smart contract development by providing developers with a ranked list of candidate APIs for specific recommendation points. Deep learning‐based approaches have shown promising results in this field. However, existing approaches mainly rely on token sequences or abstract syntax trees (ASTs) for learning recommendation point‐related features, which may overlook the essential knowledge implied in the relations between or within statements and may include task‐irrelevant components during feature learning. To address these limitations, we propose a novel code graph called pruned and augmented AST (pa‐AST). Our approach enhances the AST by incorporating additional knowledge derived from the control and data flow relations between and within statements in the smart contract code. Through this augmentation, the pa‐AST can better represent the semantic features of the code. Furthermore, we conduct AST pruning to eliminate task‐irrelevant components based on the identified flow relations. This step helps mitigate the interference caused by these irrelevant parts during the model feature learning process. Additionally, we extract the API sequence surrounding the recommendation point to provide supplementary knowledge for the model learning. The experimental results demonstrate our proposed approach achieving an average mean reciprocal rank (MRR) of 68.02%, outperforming the baselines' performance. Furthermore, through ablation experiments, we explore the effectiveness of our proposed code representation approach. The results indicate that combining pa‐AST with the API sequence yields improved performance compared with using them individually. Moreover, our AST augmentation and pruning techniques significantly contribute to the overall results.
Hot‐Pressing Enhances Mechanical Strength of PEO Solid Polymer Electrolyte for All‐Solid‐State Sodium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhao Lanqing , Hou Minjie , Ren Kun , Yang Dongrong , Li Fupeng , Yang Xiecheng , Zhou Yingjie , Zhang Da , Liu Shan , Lei Yong , Liang Feng
Published: March 2024

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are widely utilized in all‐solid‐state sodium metal batteries (ASSSMBs) due to their excellent flexibility and safety. However, poor ionic conductivity and mechanical strength limit its development. In this work, an emerging solvent‐free hot‐pressing method is used to prepare mechanically robust PEO‐based SPE, while sodium superionic conductors Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (NZSP) and NaClO4 are introduced to improve ionic conductivity. The as‐prepared electrolyte exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 4.42 × 10−4 S cm−1 and a suitable electrochemical stability window (4.5 V vs Na/Na+). Furthermore, the SPE enables intimate contact with the electrode. The Na||Na3V2(PO4)3@C ASSSMB delivers a high‐capacity retention of 97.1% after 100 cycles at 0.5 C and 60 °C, and exhibits excellent Coulombic efficiency (CE) (close to 100%). The ASSSMB with the 20 µm thick electrolyte also demonstrates excellent cyclic stability. This study provides a promising strategy for designing stable polymer‐ceramic composite electrolyte membranes through hot‐pressing to realize high‐energy‐density sodium metal batteries.
Understanding and unveiling the electro‐chemo‐mechanical behavior in solid‐state batteries
Authors: Zhong Yunlei , Zhang Xia , Zhang Yong , Jia Peng , Xi Yuebin , Kang Lixing , Yu Zhenjiang
Published: March 2024

Solid‐state batteries (SSBs) are attracting growing interest as long‐lasting, thermally resilient, and high‐safe energy storage systems. As an emerging area of battery chemistry, there are many issues with SSBs, including strongly reductive lithium anodes, oxidized cathodes (state of charge), the thermodynamic stability limits of solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs), and the ubiquitous and critical interfaces. In this Review, we provided an overview of the main obstacles in the development of SSBs, such as the lithium anode|SSEs interface, the cathode|SSEs interface, lithium‐ion transport in the SSEs, and the root origin of lithium intrusions, as well as the safety issues caused by the dendrites. Understanding and overcoming these obstacles are crucial but also extremely challenging as the localized and buried nature of the intimate contact between electrode and SSEs makes direct detection difficult. We reviewed advanced characterization techniques and discussed the complex ion/electron‐transport mechanism that have been plaguing electrochemists. Finally, we focused on studying and revealing the coupled electro‐chemo‐mechanical behavior occurring in the lithium anode, cathode, SSEs, and beyond.
Fabrication and Evaluation of MUT‐Type Acoustic Metamaterial for Impedance Matching
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Machida Shuntaro , Nanri Mitsuhiko
Published: March 2024

A micromachined ultrasonic transducer (MUT)‐type acoustic metamaterial that achieved acoustic impedance matching between materials with different acoustic impedances was successfully fabricated. The fabricated device consisted of a thin membrane that vibrated when acoustic waves impinged on the surface of the device, along with tapered trench structures located beneath the membrane. The device fabrication process consisted of seven steps, using four silicon wafers. An acoustic evaluation of the system with the fabricated MUT‐type acoustic metamaterial showed that the water‐to‐silicon transmission property was 30% higher than that of a system without the MUT‐type acoustic metamaterial. This result confirms that MUT‐type acoustic metamaterials are useful for matching the acoustic impedance between materials with different acoustic impedances. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Developing the Healthy Actions and Lifestyles to Avoid Dementia or Hispanos y el ALTo a la Demencia program
Authors: Moukarzel Sara , Zlatar Zvinka Z. , Hartman Sheri J. , Lomas Derek , Feldman Howard H. , Banks Sarah J. ,   HALT‐AD Study Group
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

With Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) representing an enormous public health challenge, there is a need to support individuals in learning about and addressing their modifiable risk factors (e.g., diet, sleep, and physical activity) to prevent or delay dementia onset. However, there is limited availability for evidence‐informed tools that deliver both quality education and support for positive behavior change such as by increasing self‐efficacy and personalizing goal setting. Tools that address the needs of Latino/a, at higher risk for ADRD, are even more scarce.

METHODS

We established a multidisciplinary team to develop the Healthy Actions and Lifestyles to Avoid Dementia or Hispanos y el ALTo a la Demencia (HALT‐AD) program, a bilingual online personalized platform to educate and motivate participants to modify their risk factors for dementia. Grounded in social cognitive theory and following a cultural adaptation framework with guidance from a community advisory board, we developed HALT‐AD iteratively through several cycles of rapid prototype development, user‐centered evaluation through pilot testing and community feedback, and refinement.

RESULTS

Using this iterative approach allowed for more than 100 improvements in the content, features, and design of HALT‐AD to improve the program's usability and alignment with the interests and educational/behavior change support needs of its target audience. Illustrative examples of how pilot data and community feedback informed improvements are provided.

DISCUSSION

Developing HALT‐AD iteratively required learning through trial and error and flexibility in workflows, contrary to traditional program development methods that rely on rigid, pre‐set requirements. In addition to efficacy trials, studies are needed to identify mechanisms for effective behavior change, which might be culturally specific. Flexible and personalized educational offerings are likely to be important in modifying risk trajectories in ADRD.
Recent advances of ring opening of epoxidation of palm oil derived from oleic acid via in situ hydrolysis under moderate temperature
Authors: Yeop Mohamad Zarqani , Azmi Intan Suhada , Rahman Siti Juwairiyah A. , Jalil Mohd. Jumain , Ibrahim Izni Mariah
Published: March 2024

Epoxidized oleic acid was considered a more sustainable alternative to traditional plasticizers such as phthalates, which have been linked to potential health and environmental hazards. This study aims to synthesize and characterize the formation of dihydroxystearic acid (DHSA) from the ring opening of epoxidized oleic acid. The optimal reaction parameters to produce DHSA were found using sulfuric acid as catalyst in which the maximum relative conversion was reached up to 86%. The detection of hydroxyl group was using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Then, a mathematical model was developed using MATLAB software, and as a result the kinetic model provided a good description of the reaction process, and it could be used to predict the behavior of the reaction under different conditions. Overall, the optimal reaction conditions and the maximum relative conversion of palm oleic acid to oxirane, are important contributions to the field of green chemistry.
Flavonoids from Alpinia vietnamica, and their cytotoxic, antioxidative, and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities
Authors: Tra Nguyen Thanh , Hoa Nguyen Thi Thuy , Linh Nguyen Thi Thuy , Ha Nguyen Thi Thu , Cham Ba Thi , Anh Le Thi Tu , Son Ninh The
Published: March 2024

Phytochemical research of the 80% EtOH whole plant extract of Alpinia vietnamica H.Ð. Tran, Luu & Skornick resulted in the isolation and structural elucidation of seven compounds 1–7, including two flavones quercetin‐3‐O‐α‐l‐rhamnosyl (1→2)‐α‐l‐rhamnoside (1) and diosmetin (2), three flavanones pinocembrin (3), alpinetin (4) and 5‐O‐methylnaringenin (5), and two chalcones cardamonin (6) and helichrysetin (7). The isolated compounds have shown biological effects at different levels. Two chalcones 6–7 showed cytotoxicity toward four cancer cell lines KB, MCF7, A549, and HepG2, especially compound 7 strongly inhibited the growth of A549 cancerous cells with the IC50 of 6.81 µm. Flavone 1 strongly exhibited antioxidative activity to scavenge DPPH radicals with the IC50 of 51.68 µm. Flavone 2 and flavanone 4 moderately inhibited enzyme α‐glucosidase with the IC50 values of 296.34–324.64 µm.
Electrochemical determination of salbutamol in aqueous solutions with UiO‐66/rGO‐modified electrodes
Authors: Thanh Nhi Le Thi , Hoa Le Thi , Uyen Dam To , Sinh Le Hoang , Nguyen Do Mai , Bach Ta Ngoc , Tam Toan Tran Thanh , Quang Khieu Dinh
Published: March 2024

The synthesis of the UiO‐66/rGO material involved combining UiO‐66 with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). This resulting composite found application in the electrochemical determination of salbutamol (SAL) through modification of a glassy‐carbon electrode (GCE) with UiO‐66/rGO. Differential pulse voltammetry served as the chosen technique, offering a wide linear range spanning 1–160 µm and demonstrating a low limit of detection at 0.84 µm. To ensure the reliability of the electrode, various aspects such as sensitivity, repeatability, reproducibility, and stability were meticulously studied. When applied to the analysis of SAL in swine urine solutions (n = 3), the electrode exhibited good recovery rates. Remarkably, the results obtained through this method correlated well with those acquired using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC).
Principles of Rigorous Development and of Appraisal of ML and AI Methods and Systems
Authors: Aliferis Constantin , Simon Gyorgy
Published: March 2024

The chapter outlines a comprehensive process, governing all steps from analysis and problem domain needs specification, to creation and validation of AI/ML methods that can address them. The stages are explained and grounded using existing methods examples. The process discussed equates to a generalizable Best Practice guideline applicable across all of AI/ML. An equally important use of this Best Practice is as a guide for understanding and evaluating any ML/AI technology under consideration for adoption for a particular problem domain.
Dynamic YAP expression in the non-parenchymal liver cell compartment controls heterologous cell communication
Authors: Liu Kaijing , Wehling Lilija , Wan Shan , Weiler Sofia M. E. , Tóth Marcell , Ibberson David , Marhenke Silke , Ali Adnan , Lam Macrina , Guo Te , Pinna Federico , Pedrini Fabiola , Damle-Vartak Amruta , Dropmann Anne , Rose Fabian , Colucci Silvia , Cheng Wenxiang , Bissinger Michaela , Schmitt Jennifer , Birner Patrizia , Poth Tanja , Angel Peter , Dooley Steven , Muckenthaler Martina U. , Longerich Thomas , Vogel Arndt , Heikenwälder Mathias , Schirmacher Peter , Breuhahn Kai
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The Hippo pathway and its transcriptional effectors yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are targets for cancer therapy. It is important to determine if the activation of one factor compensates for the inhibition of the other. Moreover, it is unknown if YAP/TAZ-directed perturbation affects cell–cell communication of non-malignant liver cells.

Materials and Methods

To investigate liver-specific phenotypes caused by YAP and TAZ inactivation, we generated mice with hepatocyte (HC) and biliary epithelial cell (BEC)-specific deletions for both factors (YAPKO, TAZKO and double knock-out (DKO)). Immunohistochemistry, single-cell sequencing, and proteomics were used to analyze liver tissues and serum.

Results

The loss of BECs, liver fibrosis, and necrosis characterized livers from YAPKO and DKO mice. This phenotype was weakened in DKO tissues compared to specimens from YAPKO animals. After depletion of YAP in HCs and BECs, YAP expression was induced in non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) in a cholestasis-independent manner. YAP positivity was detected in subgroups of Kupffer cells (KCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). The secretion of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines such as C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 11 (CXCL11), fms-related receptor tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) was increased in the serum of YAPKO animals. YAP activation in NPCs could contribute to inflammation via TEA domain transcription factor (TEAD)-dependent transcriptional regulation of secreted factors.

Conclusion

YAP inactivation in HCs and BECs causes liver damage, and concomitant TAZ deletion does not enhance but reduces this phenotype. Additionally, we present a new mechanism by which YAP contributes to cell–cell communication originating from NPCs.
Bioinformatic Study of Possible Acute Regulation of Acid Secretion in the Stomach
Authors: Lee Yan Hay Grace , Cerf Nicole T. , Shalaby Nicholas , Montes Mónica R. , Clarke Ronald J.
Published: March 2024

The gastric H+,K+-ATPase is an integral membrane protein which derives energy from the hydrolysis of ATP to transport H+ ions from the parietal cells of the gastric mucosa into the stomach in exchange for K+ ions. It is responsible for the acidic environment of the stomach, which is essential for digestion. Acid secretion is regulated by the recruitment of the H+,K+-ATPase from intracellular stores into the plasma membrane on the ingestion of food. The similar amino acid sequences of the lysine-rich N-termini α-subunits of the H+,K+- and Na+,K+-ATPases, suggests similar acute regulation mechanisms, specifically, an electrostatic switch mechanism involving an interaction of the N-terminal tail with the surface of the surrounding membrane and a modulation of the interaction via regulatory phosphorylation by protein kinases. From a consideration of sequence alignment of the H+,K+-ATPase and an analysis of its coevolution with protein kinase C and kinases of the Src family, the evidence points towards a phosphorylation of tyrosine-7 of the N-terminus by either Lck or Yes in all vertebrates except cartilaginous fish. The results obtained will guide and focus future experimental research.
Inferential Tools for Assessing Dependence Across Response Categories in Multinomial Models with Discrete Random Effects
Authors: Masci Chiara , Ieva Francesca , Paganoni Anna Maria
Published: March 2024

We propose a discrete random effects multinomial regression model to deal with estimation and inference issues in the case of categorical and hierarchical data. Random effects are assumed to follow a discrete distribution with an a priori unknown number of support points. For a K-categories response, the modelling identifies a latent structure at the highest level of grouping, where groups are clustered into subpopulations. This model does not assume the independence across random effects relative to different response categories, and this provides an improvement from the multinomial semi-parametric multilevel model previously proposed in the literature. Since the category-specific random effects arise from the same subjects, the independence assumption is seldom verified in real data. To evaluate the improvements provided by the proposed model, we reproduce simulation and case studies of the literature, highlighting the strength of the method in properly modelling the real data structure and the advantages that taking into account the data dependence structure offers.
Evaluation of changes in the clinical benefits of oncology drugs over time following reimbursement using the ASCO-VF and the ESMO-MCBS
Authors: Yoon Na Ri , Na Young Jin , Lee Jong Hwan , Song Inmyung , Lee Eui-Kyung , Park Mi-Hai
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to estimate changes in the value of oncology drugs over time from initial data of the reimbursement decisions to subsequent publications in Korea, using two value frameworks.

Methods

We retrieved primary publications assessed for reimbursement between 2007 and July 2021 from the decision documents of Health Insurance Review and Assessment and subsequent publications made available following reimbursement decision from ClinicalTrials.Gov and PubMed databases. Changes in the clinical benefit scores were assessed using the American Society of Clinical Oncology Value Framework (ASCO-VF) and the European Society for Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS). A paired t test was performed to test whether there was a difference in the scores between primary and subsequent publications.

Results

Of 73 anticancer product/indication pairs, 45 (61.6%) had subsequent publications, of which 62.5% were released within 1 year of reimbursement decision. The mean ESMO-MCBS and ASCO-VF Net Health Benefit scores increased from primary to subsequent publications, although the differences were not significant. The mean ASCO-VF bonus score significantly increased from 15.91 to 19.09 (p = 0.05). The ESMO-MCBS and bonus scores increased by 0.25 and 0.21, respectively, and the bonus score had a greater impact on the ESMO-MCBS score than the preliminary score did.

Conclusion

The value of drugs demonstrated in subsequent publications varies considerably among oncology drugs, depending on uncertainty associated with the initial evidence and the availability of updated evidence. As decision-making in the face of uncertainty becomes more prevalent, the value frameworks can serve as simple screening tools for re-evaluation in these cases.
Prognosis of LSPD versus TIPS for the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding in cirrhosis
Authors: Chen Biao , Wang Jingxuan , Sheng Weiyong , Ma Bingqing , Xu Peng , Cheng Xing , Cheng Weiyi , Cai Chengjun , Wang Guoliang , Pan Wenming , Wan Chidan , Zheng Chuansheng , Cheng Ping , Zhang Jinxiang
Published: March 2024

Background

This study aimed to compare postoperative complications in patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EVB) who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy combined with pericardial devascularization (LSPD) versus transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures.

Methods

A retrospective collection of medical records was conducted from January 2014 to May 2020 at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The study included patients from the departments of trauma surgery, interventional radiology, and general surgery who were diagnosed with EVB caused by portal hypertension and treated with LSPD or TIPS. Follow-up data were obtained to assess the occurrence of postoperative complications in both groups.

Results

A total of 201 patients were included in the study, with 104 cases in the LSPD group and 97 cases in the TIPS group. There was no significant difference in the 1-year and 3-year post-surgery survival rates between the TIPS and LSPD groups (P = 0.669, 0.066). The 3-year survival rate of Child–Pugh B patients in the LSPD group was higher than TIPS group (P = 0.041). The LSPD group also had a significantly higher rate of freedom from rebleeding at 3-year post-surgery compared to the TIPS group (P = 0.038). Stratified analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the rebleeding rate between the two groups. Furthermore, the LSPD group had a higher rate of freedom from overt hepatic encephalopathy at 1-year and 3-year post-surgery compared to the TIPS group (P = 0.007, < 0.001). The LSPD group also had a lower rate of severe complications at 3-year post-surgery compared to the TIPS group (P = 0.020).

Conclusion

Compared to TIPS, LSPD does not increase the risk of mortality and rebleeding, while demonstrating fewer complications. In patients classified as Child–Pugh A and B, the use of LSPD for treating EVB is both safe and effective.
A prediction model for plastic hinge length of rectangular RC columns using gene expression programming
Authors: Alacali Sema , Arslan Guray
Published: March 2024

In the reinforced concrete (RC) columns which are exposed extreme loads such as earthquake effects, the plastic hinge length can be defined as the length of the region where flexural moments exceed the yielding capacity, and the plastic deformations are concentrated. More accurate estimation of plastic hinge length increases the reliability of the seismic design. However, a sensitivity prediction of plastic hinge length is difficult due to a large number of model parameters. Therefore, this study aims to predict the plastic hinge length using the gene expression programming (GEP). An experimental database of 133 RC columns gathered from the literature was utilized for prediction with GEP. The results of GEP model are statistically compared with those of 13 models existing in the literature proposed by various researchers. The comparison results reveal that the proposed GEP-based formulation has the best efficiency among all models. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis and parametric study are conducted to identify the most influential parameters affecting the GEP formulation.
Predictability of the atmospheric circulation patterns in Africa, south of the equator, using variations of the Southern Annular Mode and ENSO
Authors: Ibebuchi Chibuike Chiedozie
Published: March 2024

The contribution of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) to the variations of the leading modes of atmospheric circulation in Africa south of the equator, during austral summer (i.e., from December to March), is examined in this study. The rotated principal component analysis is applied to classify the leading modes of atmospheric circulation in the study region. The result showed that relatively, through the control of sea level pressure in the mid-latitudes, the SAM is more related to the variability of the austral summer leading modes of atmospheric circulation in the study region. Overall, during the analysis period, the SAM explained about 20% to 46% variance of the leading atmospheric circulation modes. ENSO rather explains up to about 10% to 20% of the variance. Due to the continuous nature of atmospheric circulation, incorporating the co-variability of the classified circulation patterns adds skill to the predictability of the classified leading modes. Overall, the joint variations of the SAM, ENSO, and other less frequent regional circulation patterns that are related to classified leading modes, explained up to 46% to 80% variance of the leading modes—which is indeed an added value in further considering the natural gradient of the classified circulation patterns.
tacSTART-Triage – Anwendung für zivile und militärische Einsatzkräfte
Authors: Wunderlich Robert , Schirner Andrea , Gerstner Jessica , Stricker Eric , Ladehof Karsten , Hermann Sabine , Breckwoldt Benjamin , Münch Alexander
Published: March 2024

Hintergrund

Bei Massenanfällen von Verletzten (MANV) besteht oft ein Missverhältnis zwischen dem Behandlungsbedarf und den verfügbaren Ressourcen. Verschiedene Sichtungssysteme werden präklinisch verwendet, darunter der „tactical Simple Triage and Rapid
Treatment“(tacSTART)-Algorithmus, der speziell für Bedrohungslagen entwickelt wurde.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Studie untersuchte, ob der tacSTART-Algorithmus von zivilen und militärischen Rettungskräften ohne vorherige Erfahrung mit Sichtungsalgorithmen wirksam genutzt werden kann. Das Weltwirtschaftsforum (WEF) 2020 bot ein optimales Umfeld für diese Untersuchung.

Material und Methoden

Die Studie wurde während des WEF in Davos durchgeführt und umfasste nichtärztliches und ärztliches Personal von zivilen und militärischen Rettungsdiensten. Die Teilnehmenden erhielten eine Einführung in den tacSTART-Algorithmus und führten insgesamt 2000 Vorsichtungen an Schauspielpatientinnen und -patienten sowie Patientenkarten durch. Ein Online-Fragebogen diente zur Datenerfassung, welche statistisch ausgewertet wurde.

Ergebnisse

Die Studienergebnisse zeigten, dass der tacSTART-Algorithmus eine hohe Übereinstimmung mit der wahren Vorsichtung erzielte (91,7 %). Es gab keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen zivilen und militärischen Rettungskräften. Die Selbsteinschätzung der Teilnehmenden und die Bewertung des Algorithmus waren positiv.

Diskussion

Die Studienergebnisse unterstützen die Effektivität des tacSTART-Algorithmus als Instrument zur Vorsichtung in MANV-Szenarien. Die Ergebnisse betonen seine Anwendbarkeit für verschiedene Fachkräftegruppen. Die Studie trägt dazu bei, das Verständnis für Sichtungsalgorithmen in Großschadenslagen zu erweitern und die Patientenversorgung zu verbessern.

Graphic abstract
Hessian barrier algorithms for non-convex conic optimization
Authors: Dvurechensky Pavel , Staudigl Mathias
Published: March 2024

A key problem in mathematical imaging, signal processing and computational statistics is the minimization of non-convex objective functions that may be non-differentiable at the relative boundary of the feasible set. This paper proposes a new family of first- and second-order interior-point methods for non-convex optimization problems with linear and conic constraints, combining logarithmically homogeneous barriers with quadratic and cubic regularization respectively. Our approach is based on a potential-reduction mechanism and, under the Lipschitz continuity of the corresponding derivative with respect to the local barrier-induced norm, attains a suitably defined class of approximate first- or second-order KKT points with worst-case iteration complexity

$$O(\varepsilon ^{-2})$$

O
(

ε

-
2

)

(first-order) and

$$O(\varepsilon ^{-3/2})$$

O
(

ε

-
3
/
2

)

(second-order), respectively. Based on these findings, we develop new path-following schemes attaining the same complexity, modulo adjusting constants. These complexity bounds are known to be optimal in the unconstrained case, and our work shows that they are upper bounds in the case with complicated constraints as well. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first which achieves these worst-case complexity bounds under such weak conditions for general conic constrained non-convex optimization problems.
Optimizing Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Using a Novel Deep Learning-Based Algorithm
Authors: Dreesen H. J. H. , Stroszczynski C. , Lell M. M.
Published: March 2024

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is an essential part of the diagnosis of chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) in patients with low-to-intermediate pre-test probability. The minimum technical requirement is 64-row multidetector CT (64-MDCT), which is still frequently used, although it is prone to motion artifacts because of its limited temporal resolution and z-coverage. In this study, we evaluate the potential of a deep-learning-based motion correction algorithm (MCA) to eliminate these motion artifacts. 124 64-MDCT-acquired CCTA examinations with at least minor motion artifacts were included. Images were reconstructed using a conventional reconstruction algorithm (CA) and a MCA. Image quality (IQ), according to a 5-point Likert score, was evaluated per-segment, per-artery, and per-patient and was correlated with potentially disturbing factors (heart rate (HR), intra-cycle HR changes, BMI, age, and sex). Comparison was done by Wilcoxon-Signed-Rank test, and correlation by Spearman’s Rho. Per-patient, insufficient IQ decreased by 5.26%, and sufficient IQ increased by 9.66% with MCA. Per-artery, insufficient IQ of the right coronary artery (RCA) decreased by 18.18%, and sufficient IQ increased by 27.27%. Per-segment, insufficient IQ in segments 1 and 2 decreased by 11.51% and 24.78%, respectively, and sufficient IQ increased by 10.62% and 18.58%, respectively. Total artifacts per-artery decreased in the RCA from 3.11 ± 1.65 to 2.26 ± 1.52. HR dependence of RCA IQ decreased to intermediate correlation in images with MCA reconstruction. The applied MCA improves the IQ of 64-MDCT-acquired images and reduces the influence of HR on IQ, increasing 64-MDCT validity in the diagnosis of CCS.
Testing hypotheses of invasion pathways of the ladybird Harmonia axyridis into and across South Africa
Authors: Collop Amy , Terblanche John S. , Clusella-Trullas Susana , Garnas Jeff R. , Bradicich Pius , Karsten Minette
Published: March 2024

Harmonia axyridis is an invasive beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), native to Asia, that has established on four continents beyond its native range and was first observed in South Africa in 2001. Using microsatellite data and a comprehensive geographic coverage of international (17 locations) and South African (14 locations) beetle samples, we inferred the source of colonists invading South Africa and the beetle’s movement within the country. Genetic structure analyses suggest that this species’ populations in South Africa are derived from admixture between beetles originating from eastern North America (which acted as a bridgehead population) and another population not directly sampled in our study. Genetic admixture prior its invasion into South Africa, along with the possibility of multiple introductions from the bridgehead population, may explain the high genetic diversity estimates for South African H. axyridis (HE = 0.582–0.625) compared to beetles from the native range (HE = 0.440–0.636). Harmonia axyridis appear to be frequently exchanging genetic material across South Africa, with no clear genetic structure between sampled locations. However, evidence of weak isolation-by-distance within South Africa suggests that beetles are dispersing less frequently between locations that are furthest apart. This study supports previous findings on global invasion pathways in this species but provides new insights in the context of the invasion in South Africa. We highlight how mixing of distinct lineages from divergent origins prior to the invasion into South Africa has augmented genetic diversity in the region. The high dispersal rates and large effective population sizes inferred from genetic markers suggest that slowing the spread or reducing population abundances of the species in South Africa will be challenging without an integrated, multi-faceted management approach.
The law and economics of the data economy: introduction to the special issue
Authors: Eger Thomas , Scheufen Marc
Published: March 2024

This article intends to provide a framework to better understand the economic problems and legal challenges resulting from the transition of the European economy to a data economy. We discuss some policy concerns surrounding the data economy, such as concentration in the data economy, anticompetitive business practices in the data economy, access to data and data sharing, data reliability, distributional effects of the data economy, and cybercrime. Moreover, we provide an overview of some important EU legal initiatives and reforms and clarify how the papers in this special issue contribute to assessing these initiatives from an economic point of view.