bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization‐based multi‐omics analyses in primary liver cancer using the Japanese version of the genome atlas
Authors: Imamura Taisuke , Okamura Yukiyasu , Ohshima Keiichi , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Sugiura Teiichi , Yamamoto Yusuke , Ashida Ryo , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Nagashima Takeshi , Yamaguchi Ken
Published: August 2022

Background

Primary liver cancer (PLC) is classified into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and combined hepatocellular and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CHC). We investigated the genomic landscape of PLC according to the histological classification and established a cross‐histological molecular subtyping for PLC by a multi‐omics analysis.

Methods

We analyzed 265 PLC cases with whole‐exome sequencing and DNA copy number analyses and 251 cases with gene expression profiling.

Results

The cohort included HCC (n = 223, 84%), ICC (n = 34, 13%), and CHC (n = 8, 3%). Mutation analyses identified histological type‐specific driver genes, such as CTNNB1 in HCC and KRAS, IDH1, and PIK3CA in ICC, and ARID1A and KMT2C in CHC. The tumor suppressor gene TP53 mutation was detected in 21.1% of HCC, 16.1% of ICC, and 25.0% of CHC cases. Other well‐characterized tumor suppressor genes included RB1, which was mutated in 2.8% of HCC and 3.2% of ICC; and PTEN, which was mutated in 1.4% of HCC, 3.2% of ICC, and 12.5% of CHC cases. DNA copy number analyses identified focal amplifications, with NUF2 (1q23.3) the most frequently detected as an amplified gene in all 3 types (HCC, 3.8%; CHC, 12.5%, ICC, 3.2%). Molecular subtyping for PLC based on the multi‐omics analysis identified three subtypes, one of which was associated with recurrence after resection and amplified genes located at chromosome 8q.

Conclusions

Our dataset serves as a fundamental resource for genomic medicine for PLC in Japan and identified amplified genes located at chromosome 8q as promising therapeutic targets for the subgroup with a poor prognosis.
Efficacy of shear wave elastography for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Kojima Hiroyuki , Sofuni Atsushi , Sugimoto Katsutoshi , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Ishii Kentaro , Tanaka Reina , Tonozuka Ryosuke , Yamamoto Kenjiro , Hirakawa Noriyuki , Itoi Takao
Published: August 2022

Background/Purpose

Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a clinical method used to evaluate liver hardness. In this study, we assessed its applicability in assessing the pancreas and its potential for diagnosing chronic pancreatitis.

Methods

We performed SWE on 59 patients who underwent abdominal ultrasound, and measured the computed tomography (CT) values of the pancreas. Patients were classified as having a normal pancreas (NP), early chronic pancreatitis (ECP), or chronic pancreatitis (CP). SW elasticity (SWe), SW dispersion (SWd), and CT values between groups were analyzed.

Results

SWe significantly differed between the CP and NP/ECP groups (NP vs CP; P = 0.001, ECP vs CP; P = 0.026,), while SWd showed a significant difference only between the NP and CP group (NP vs CP; P = 0.001). The CT values were significantly different between the CP and NP/ECP groups (NP vs CP; P = 0.0006, ECP vs CP; P = 0.0027).

Conclusion

Pancreatic SWE and CT values were helpful in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. SWd may reveal status changes in ECP.
Contribution of κ‐/ι‐carrageenan on the gelling properties of shrimp myofibrillar protein and their interaction mechanism exploration
Authors: Li Shuang , Lin Songyi , Jiang Pengfei , Bao Zhijie , He Xueqing , Sun Na
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

The contribution and mechanism of κ‐/ι‐carrageenan (CG) with different hydration characteristics on the gelling properties of shrimp myofibrillar protein (MP) gelation was studied.

RESULTS

The gel strength, water‐holding capacity and viscoelastic properties of MP gels were significantly enhanced by 1.0% κ‐/ι‐CG (P < 0.05), but the microstructure showed that excessive carrageenan caused fragmentation of the gel network and a corresponding decrease in gel properties. Compared to MP‐ιCG, MP‐κCG showed larger breaking force and shorter breaking distance, thus enhancing the hardness and brittleness of the gel, which might be ascribed to a reinforced network skeleton and a tighter binding of κCG‐myosin. However, MP‐ιCG stabilized more moisture in the gel network, thereby improving the tenderness of the gel, which might be related to the electrostatic repulsion observed between the sulfate groups of ιCG and the myosin observed by molecular docking. In addition, the β‐sheet content and intermolecular interactions might be positively correlated with gel properties.

CONCLUSION

In this study, a composite gel system was constructed based on the interaction of MP and CG. The quality differences of two kinds of CG‐MP gels were clarified, which will provide guidance for the application of different kinds of carrageenan and the development of recombinant meat products with specific quality. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Correlation Between the HEAD‐US‐C Score and HJHS in Hemophilic Arthropathy of the Knee
Authors: Fang Yunmei , Guo Yulin , Qin Ting , Luan Yuting , Zhang Cuiming
Published: August 2022

Objectives

We aimed to discuss the correlation between the Hemophilia Early Detection Ultrasound in China (HEAD‐US‐C) score and the Hemophilia Joint Health Score version 2.1 (HJHS 2.1) of the knee joint in patients with hemophilia.

Methods

We included 70 male patients with hemophilia admitted to The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University; the patients' bilateral knee joints were evaluated using the HEAD‐US‐C score and HJHS. We analyzed factors influencing hemophilia arthropathy of the knee and examined the correlation between the HEAD‐US‐C score and HJHS.

Results

The joint injury severity was positively correlated with age and the number of bleeds (P < .001). Further, the HEAD‐US‐C score and HJHS differed according to the severity (both P < .001), but not type (P = .163 and P = .283, respectively), of hemophilia. There was a significant correlation between the HEAD‐US‐C score and HJHS (P < .001).

Conclusions

Overall, all joint lesions observed on ultrasound corresponded to clinical joint functional abnormalities. Therefore, the HEAD‐US‐C is important for hemophilic arthropathy evaluation and is useful in explaining abnormal joint function.
Improved predictions and forecasts of chronic wasting disease occurrence using multiple mechanism dynamic occupancy modeling
Authors: Cook Jonathan D. , Williams David M. , Porter William F. , Christensen Sonja A.
Published: August 2022

Diseases spread and persist according to complex interactions among hosts, pathogens, and their shared environments. In actively managed wildlife diseases, unanticipated disease spread and persistence can challenge mitigation efforts, necessitating modeling approaches that elucidate and integrate multiple mechanisms. Dynamic occupancy models (DOMs) can predict and forecast species occurrence patterns; however, they have not been extended to explain the complex spread and persistence patterns of chronic wasting disease (CWD). We used a DOM to predict and forecast the persistence, and localized and long‐distance spread of CWD in white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) according to distinct ecological relationships that we hypothesized were important. We estimated large differences between the probabilities of disease persistence and localized and long‐distance CWD spread in Wisconsin, USA. Chronic wasting disease was more likely to persist in areas with low clay content in soils, to spread locally as the amount of localized disease increased, and to occur in areas far removed from prior positives in places with a higher proportion of agriculture. Across all landscape compositions, the probability of occurrence decayed by distance from prior positives in a manner consistent with transient movement distances of white‐tailed deer. Finally, a multi‐mechanism DOM was able to produce spatially accurate predictions and forecasts of disease occurrence using only data collected during the first 2 days of the firearm harvest season. Thus, our multi‐mechanism DOM offers advantages over simple linear models that can improve our understanding of the complex ecology driving CWD dynamics and lead to better surveillance and management strategies moving forward.
Free Tissue Transfer for Skull Base Osteoradionecrosis: A Novel Approach in the Endoscopic Era
Authors: Sreenath Satyan B. , Grafmiller Kevin T. , Tang Dennis M. , Roof Scott A. , Woodard Troy D. , Kshettry Varun R. , Recinos Pablo F. , Sindwani Raj , Fritz Michael A.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the skull base and craniovertebral junction is a challenging complication of radiation therapy (RT). Severe cases often require surgical intervention through a multi‐modal approach. With the evolution in endoscopic surgery and advances in skull base reconstruction, there is an increasing role for microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT). We describe an endoscopic‐assisted approach for the management of ORN of the skull base using fascia lata for MFTT.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Between 2017 and 2021, a review of all cases in which fascia lata MFTT was utilized for skull base ORN was performed. Patient demographics, preoperative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes with long‐term follow‐up were reviewed.

Results

Five patients were identified. Mean duration to onset of ORN was 17 months following RT. A trial of antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), and/or limited debridement was attempted without success. Refractory pain and progressive osteomyelitis were unifying symptoms. All patients underwent endoscopic debridement of the affected region of ORN prior to MFTT. Vascularized fascia lata was inset through a combined endonasal and transoral corridor. There was improvement in chronic pain in the postop setting with no patients requiring continued antibiotics or HBO therapy. Mean post‐op follow‐up was 23 months.

Conclusions

With continued evolution in endoscopic, minimally invasive approaches, there is an expanding indication for early surgical management in refractory ORN. Fascia lata MFTT is a novel and effective strategy for the management of ORN of the skull base and upper cervical spine with excellent postoperative outcomes and limited patient morbidity.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:562–568, 2023
Directly Determining Orbital Angular Momentum of Ultrashort Laguerre–Gauss Pulses via Spatially‐Resolved Autocorrelation Measurement
Authors: Yu Bing‐Shi , Li Chun‐Yu , Yang Yuanjie , Rosales‐Guzmán Carmelo , Zhu Zhi‐Han
Published: August 2022

Autocorrelation measurement based on second‐harmonic generation (SHG), the best‐known technique for measuring the temporal duration of ultrashort pulses, dates back to the birth of ultrafast lasers. Here, it is proposed and experimentally demonstrated that such well‐established technique can be used to measure the orbital angular momentum of ultrashort Laguerre–Gauss (LG) pulses. By analyzing the spatial spectrum (i.e., the far‐field pattern) of the SHG signal with a spatially‐resolved detector, the full spatial structure of ultrashort LG pulses, including both azimuthal and radial indices, are unambiguously determined. The results provide an important advancement for the well‐established autocorrelation technique by extending it to reach its full potential in laser characterization, especially for structured ultrashort pulses.
CBKmodel composition using paired web services and executable functions: A demonstration for individualizing preventive services
Authors: Flynn Allen , Taksler Glen , Caverly Tanner , Beck Adam , Boisvert Peter , Boonstra Philip , Gittlen Nate , Meng George , Raths Brooke , Friedman Charles P.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Learning health systems are challenged to combine computable biomedical knowledge (CBK) models. Using common technical capabilities of the World Wide Web (WWW), digital objects called Knowledge Objects, and a new pattern of activating CBK models brought forth here, we aim to show that it is possible to compose CBK models in more highly standardized and potentially easier, more useful ways.

Methods

Using previously specified compound digital objects called Knowledge Objects, CBK models are packaged with metadata, API descriptions, and runtime requirements. Using open‐source runtimes and a tool we developed called the KGrid Activator, CBK models can be instantiated inside runtimes and made accessible via RESTful APIs by the KGrid Activator. The KGrid Activator then serves as a gateway and provides a means to interconnect CBK model outputs and inputs, thereby establishing a CBK model composition method.

Results

To demonstrate our model composition method, we developed a complex composite CBK model from 42 CBK submodels. The resulting model called CM‐IPP is used to compute life‐gain estimates for individuals based their personal characteristics. Our result is an externalized, highly modularized CM‐IPP implementation that can be distributed and made runnable in any common server environment.

Discussion

CBK model composition using compound digital objects and the distributed computing technologies is feasible. Our method of model composition might be usefully extended to bring about large ecosystems of distinct CBK models that can be fitted and re‐fitted in various ways to form new composites. Remaining challenges related to the design of composite models include identifying appropriate model boundaries and organizing submodels to separate computational concerns while optimizing reuse potential.

Conclusion

Learning health systems need methods for combining CBK models from a variety of sources to create more complex and useful composite models. It is feasible to leverage Knowledge Objects and common API methods in combination to compose CBK models into complex composite models.
Epigenetic Clock Acceleration Is Linked to Age at Onset of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Tang Xuelin , Gonzalez‐Latapi Paulina , Marras Connie , Visanji Naomi P. , Yang Wanli , Sato Christine , Lang Anthony E. , Rogaeva Ekaterina , Zhang Ming
Published: August 2022

Background

Aging is the strongest risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD), which is a clinically heterogeneous movement disorder with highly variable age at onset. DNA methylation age (DNAm age) is an epigenetic clock that could reflect biological aging.

Objectives

The aim was to evaluate whether PD age at onset is associated with DNAm‐age acceleration (difference between DNAm age and chronological age).

Methods

We used the genome‐wide Infinium MethylationEPIC array to assess DNAm age in discovery (n = 96) and replication (n = 182) idiopathic PD cohorts and a unique longitudinal LRRK2 cohort (n = 220) at four time points over a 3‐year period, comprising 91 manifesting and 129 nonmanifesting G2019S carriers at baseline. Cox proportional hazard regression and multivariate linear regression were used to evaluate the relation between DNAm‐age acceleration and PD age at onset, which was highly variable in manifesting G2019S carriers (36–75 years) and both idiopathic PD cohorts (26–77 and 35–81 years).

Results

DNAm‐age acceleration remained steady over the 3‐year period in most G2019S carriers. It was strongly associated with age at onset in the LRRK2 cohort (P = 2.25 × 10−15) and discovery idiopathic PD cohort (P = 5.39 × 10−9), suggesting that every 5‐year increase in DNAm‐age acceleration is related to about a 6‐year earlier onset. This link was replicated in an independent idiopathic PD cohort (P = 1.91 × 10−10). In each cohort, the faster‐aging group has an increased hazard for an earlier onset (up to 255%).

Conclusions

This study is the first to demonstrate that DNAm‐age acceleration is related to PD age at onset, which could be considered in disease‐modifying clinical trials. Future studies should evaluate the stability of DNAm‐age acceleration over longer time periods, especially for phenoconverters from nonmanifesting to manifesting individuals. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Timing of Postfertilization Pressure Shock Treatment for the Production of Mitotic Gynogens in Six Salmonid Species
Authors: Biagi Carlo A. , Leggatt Rosalind A. , Sakhrani Dionne , Wetklo Mike , Vandersteen Wendy E. , Christensen Kris A. , Rondeau Eric B. , Watson Breanna M. , Wellband Kyle W. , Koop Ben F. , Withler Ruth E. , Devlin Robert H.
Published: August 2022

Doubled haploid gynogens are individuals whose genetic material consists of two identical maternal chromosome sets and who lack paternal genetic contributions. These individuals can be useful in whole-genome sequence assembly to eliminate allelic variation in an individual that otherwise complicates the discrimination of SNPs and paralogs in regular diploids. This is particularly important in salmonid species, which have extensive remnants of an ancestral whole-genome duplication. Further, doubled haploid individuals are fully homozygous and can be used to generate clonal lines. Here, successful timing was determined for late pressure shocking for producing doubled haploid gynogens in five Oncorhynchus species (Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha, Coho Salmon O. kisutch, Chum Salmon O. keta, Pink Salmon O. gorbuscha, and Sockeye Salmon O. nerka) and one Salvelinus species (domesticated Artic Char Salvelinus alpinus). For this study, sperm was treated with UV irradiation to inactivate the paternal nuclear DNA and used to fertilize eggs. The resulting zygotes were pressure shocked at various times following fertilization to form doubled haploid embryos via inhibition of the first cell division (mitotic gynogenesis). At an incubation temperature of 10.5°C, successful postfertilization pressure shock times for maximal survival of confirmed gynogens were 2.41–2.83 accumulated thermal units (ATUs) for Coho Salmon, 2.63–2.84 ATUs for Chum Salmon, 2.84–3.06 ATUs for Pink Salmon, 2.19 ATUs for Sockeye Salmon, and 2.63–3.06 ATUs for Chinook Salmon, whereas for Arctic Char a shock time of 2.29–2.54 ATUs at 4°C incubation was successful. Survival to fry stage ranged from less than 1% to 11.7%. Survivors were genotyped using microsatellite markers to assess nonpaternity and maternal homozygosity and were found to be 92.5% gynogens when averaged across all treatments and species. Mitotic gynogenetic individuals were produced in all six salmonid species and were used in subsequent studies to generate whole-genome sequences for Chinook, Coho, Chum, and Sockeye salmons.
Risk factors for obesity and overweight in Chinese children: a nationwide survey
Authors: Chen JingNan , Jin Lu , Wang FengLei , Huang Ke , Wu Wei , Chen RuiMin , Maimaiti Mireguli , Chen ShaoKe , Cao BingYan , Zhu Min , Wang ChunLin , Su Zhe , Liang Yan , Yao Hui , Wei HaiYan , Zheng RongXiu , Du HongWei , Luo FeiHong , Li Pin , Yu YunXian , Wang Ergang , Dorazio Robert M. , Fu Junfen
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aimed to analyze a comprehensive set of potential risk factors for obesity and overweight among Chinese children with a full range of ages and with wide geographical coverage.

Methods

In the Prevalence and Risk Factors for Obesity and Diabetes in Youth (PRODY) study (2017‐2019), the authors analyzed 193,997 children aged 3 to 18 years from 11 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities that are geographically representative of China. All participants underwent physical examinations, and their caregivers completed questionnaires including dietary, lifestyle, familial, and perinatal information of participants. A multilevel multinomial logistic regression model was used to evaluate the potential risk factors.

Results

Among the actionable risk factors that were measured, higher consumption frequencies of animal offal (odds ratios [OR] for an additional time/day = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.88‐0.95, same unit for OR below unless specified otherwise), dairy products (0.91, 95% CI: 0.88‐0.94), freshwater products (0.94, 95% CI: 0.91‐0.96), staple foods (0.94, 95% CI: 0.92‐0.96), and coarse food grain (OR for every day vs. rarely = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86‐0.98) were associated with lower relative risk of obesity. However, higher restaurant‐eating frequency (OR for >4 times/month vs. rarely = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.15‐1.29) and longer screen‐viewing duration (OR for >2 hours vs. <30 minutes = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.10‐1.22) were associated with higher relative risk of obesity. Increased exercise frequency was associated with the lowest relative risk of obesity (OR for every day vs. rarely = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.68‐0.77).

Conclusions

Changes in lifestyle and diet of Chinese children may help relieve their obesity burden.
An experimental game to examine pastoralists' preferences for human–lion coexistence strategies
Authors: Sargent Rebecca , Rakotonarivo O. Sarobidy , Rushton Stephen P. , Cascio BenJee , Grau Ana , Bell Andrew R. , Bunnefeld Nils , Dickman Amy , Pfeifer Marion
Published: August 2022

Reconciling conflicts between wildlife conservation and other human activities is a pervasive, multifaceted issue. Large carnivores, such as the African lion Panthera leo are often the focus of such conflicts as they have significant ecological and cultural value but impose severe social and financial costs on the communities that live alongside them.

To effectively manage human–lion conflict, it is vital to understand stakeholder decision‐making and preferences regarding mitigation techniques and coexistence strategies.

We used a novel experimental game framed around lions and livestock protection, played across eight villages in Tanzania, to examine stakeholder behaviour in response to three incentive structures: support for non‐lethal scaring, and individual‐ and community‐level subsidies for provision of wildlife habitat.

We found that non‐lethal deterrent methods were the preferred mitigation strategy and that individual subsidies most increased the provision of wildlife habitat. Subsidies that were conditional on other community members' decisions were less effective at increasing habitat choices. Player characteristics and attitudes appeared to have little influence on game behaviour. However, there was some evidence that gender, wealth, perceptions of respect, and the behaviour of other players affected decision‐making.

Achieving success in managing conservation conflicts requires genuine stakeholder participation leading to mutually beneficial results. Our findings suggest that, while incentive‐based instruments can promote pro‐conservation behaviour, these may be more effective when targeted at individuals rather than groups. We demonstrate how experimental games offer a practical and engaging approach that can be used to explore preferences and encourage discussion of conflict management.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis and postprandial hypoglycemia of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Ochi Shinichiro , Sano Noboru , Iga Jun‐ichi , Ueno Shu‐ichi
Published: August 2022

Hypoglycemia is not rare in anorexia nervosa (AN). Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is characterized by extensive akinesis of the apical region with hypercontraction of the basal segment of the ventricle in the absence of coronary artery disease. Its mechanism is not fully understood, but hypoglycemia is considered one of the physical factors. Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare disease characterized by multiple gaseous cysts in the intestinal wall. PCI sometimes causes an absorption defect. The case of a 48‐year‐old woman with AN with PCI and TCM that developed after a postprandial hypoglycemic coma is reported. When the patient was admitted to our hospital, her abdominal X‐ray showed a confluent image of grapes, and computed tomography showed gaseous cysts in the intestinal wall from the ascending colon to the transverse colon. PCI was then diagnosed. About 7 days after admission, she developed hypoglycemic coma. However, she recovered from the coma and on the next day she became suddenly hypotensive, with the electrocardiogram showing T‐wave inversion. Echocardiography then showed akinesis around the apex and hypercontraction of the basal segments, and TCM was diagnosed. Severe AN with PCI may cause more severe hypoglycemia, resulting in TCM.
Return to sport in elite gymnastics: Unprecedented training interruptions provide lessons for the future
Authors: Casey Ellen , Bonanno Joseph , Cheng Jennifer , Abutalib Zafir , Kranz Kimberly , Kruse David , Thomas Cheryl , Faustin Marcia
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Year‐round training is standard for elite gymnasts in the United States, but the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic led to unprecedented training interruptions. The effect of these training disruptions is unknown.

Objective

This study aimed to describe and compare training interruptions in elite gymnasts before and during the pandemic, the time it took to return to the prior level of gymnastics training, the development of injuries during return to gymnastics training, and gymnast‐reported difficulty in and nervousness about returning to prior level of gymnastics training.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Anonymous online surveys distributed to elite gymnasts in the United States.

Participants

A total of 184 current elite gymnasts who completed the surveys were included. This represented an overall response rate of 52.3% (184/352).

Interventions

None.

Main Outcome Measures

Information was collected about training interruptions and time, nervousness, difficulty, and injury during return to gymnastics.

Results

Gymnasts reported significantly longer training interruptions due to COVID‐19 than before the pandemic (8.7 ± 4.4 vs. 4.4 ± 7.9 weeks, p < .001), but duration of return to prior gymnastics level was similar (4.6 ± 2.7 vs. 3.7 ± 4.8 weeks, p = .106). Of the 137 gymnasts who had returned to training by the time of the survey, 46 (33.6%) reported an injury during their return to gymnastics. A high degree of nervousness to return to gymnastics was significantly associated with greater risks of injury upon return (risk ratio [RR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6–4.7; p < .001) and difficulty returning to prior level (RR 3.4, 95% CI: 1.7–6.6; p < .001).

Conclusion

Pandemic‐related training interruption was significantly greater in duration than prior interruptions, but time required for return to gymnastics was similar. Gymnasts may be at increased risk of injury during return to gymnastics if experiencing nervousness about returning following a break in training. These findings provide guidance for gymnasts' return from training interruptions and may refute the long‐held belief that gymnasts should not take time away from training due to fear of injury or difficulty regaining skills.
Factors influencing engagement in hospital‐based exercise oncology programs: A narrative review
Authors: Dunston Emily R. , Mulibea Pendeza B. , Chipman Jonathan , Zickmund Susan , Oza Sonal , Zingg Rebecca W. , Hansen Pamela A. , Coletta Adriana M.
Published: August 2022

Among cancer survivors, there are numerous health benefits of exercise engagement; however, less than 15% of survivors meet current aerobic and strength physical activity guidelines. Exercise programs provided by a cancer hospital are commonly noted as a facilitator and preference to exercise engagement. The study aimed to review the evidence and describe the barriers, facilitators, preferences, and factors associated with cancer survivors' engagement in hospital‐based exercise oncology programs. Electronic databases (PubMed and Scopus) were searched to identify relevant papers published before July 1, 2021. Original research papers reporting on barriers, facilitators, preferences, or factors associated with participation in hospital‐based exercise oncology programs were included. A total of 300 potentially relevant articles were identified, of which 10 met eligibility criteria. Barriers to participation in hospital‐based exercise oncology programs included program accessibility, treatment‐related side effects, and uncertainty about exercise. Program individualization, peer support, and staff support were reported as facilitators. Survivors also expressed that they preferred flexibility in the time, location, and mode of exercise programming. Baseline quality of life, fitness, and marital status were all identified as potential factors associated with engagement in hospital‐based exercise oncology programs. These findings are useful for the development and implementation of hospital‐based exercise oncology programs to optimize exercise program engagement.
Artificial intelligence–guided precision treatment of chronic kidney disease–mineral bone disorder
Authors: Gaweda Adam E. , Lederer Eleanor D. , Brier Michael E.
Published: August 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)–mineral bone disorder (MBD) is a complex clinical syndrome that begins early during CKD and evolves into one of the deadliest complications of CKD through its effects on the cardiovascular and skeletal systems. Achievement of treatment goals to decrease the risk of accelerated cardiovascular events and fractures has been challenging. We hypothesized that application of quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) modeling combined with artificial intelligence techniques could improve the management of CKD–MBD with the goal of improving outcomes for patients with CKD. We present the implementation of a reinforcement learning (RL) approach to achieve the prescribed goals for serum calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone through concurrent dosing of phosphate binders, vitamin D analogs, and calcimimetics by simulation in 80 subjects in Matlab. In silico simulation results demonstrate that the application of a QSP model coupled with RL more effectively and quickly achieves treatment goals even in the setting of inferior simulated subject compliance with medical therapy and identifies key decision variables for therapeutic recommendations.
Antimony Selenide Thin Films by Electrodeposition: Influence of Deposition Conditions and Post‐Deposition Thermal Treatment on Physical and Photoelectrochemical Properties
Authors: Avilez García Rocio Guadalupe , Cerdán-Pasarán Andrea , Madrigal Arturo Fernández , Mathews Nini Rose
Published: August 2022

Herein, Sb2Se3 thin films are obtained by the electrodeposition technique from a single bath on fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates. The electrodeposition conditions such as precursor concentration and applied potential, as well as the annealing temperature, and its influence on the structural, morphological, optical, and photoelectrochemical properties are analyzed. From the cyclic voltammetry measurements, the range of deposition potential is established and from the sweep rate variation, an irreversible and diffusion‐controlled process is assumed. With the chronoamperometric curves, an instantaneous nucleation is concluded. The Se/Sb ratio variation of the precursor solutions demonstrate that the 0.7 ratio is optimal to obtain Sb2Se3 stoichiometric thin films. The conductivity decreases with the increase of the deposition potential, while the highest photosensitivity is obtained with the film deposited at −0.75 V versus the saturated calomel electrode. Regarding the annealing temperature, a compact homogeneous film is obtained in the range from 325 to 425 °C. Therefore, the suitable properties of Sb2Se3 films obtained by electrodeposition and the establishment of optimized deposition conditions for its use in photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) are demonstrated.
Scalable Synthesis of Pt Nanoflowers on Solution‐Processed MoS2 Thin Film for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Cho Yun Seong , Rhee Dongjoon , Eom Jeongha , Kim Jihyun , Jung Myeongjin , Son Youngdoo , Han Young-Kyu , Kim Ki Kang , Kang Joohoon
Published: August 2022

Nanostructuring of Pt nanocatalysts increases the surface‐to‐volume ratio, thus enabling efficient usage of Pt for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Direct electrochemical reduction of Pt on the electrode can produce nanostructured Pt catalysts, which has been time‐consuming for the conventional colloidal synthesis. However, carbon‐based growth templates commonly used to create Pt nanoparticles offer limited control over morphologies and HER performance. Herein, a facile electrochemical synthesis of Pt nanoflowers (NFs) with well‐defined petals is presented. Semiconducting MoS2 nanosheets are solution processed into a film on a carbon paper (CP) to synthesize Pt NFs upon reduction of Pt precursor. The Pt NFs show higher HER activities than spherical or spiky Pt nanoparticles because of their larger active surface area and enable faster release of hydrogen bubbles during HER. By generating sulfur vacancies and MoOx on the MoS2 template using a reactive ion etching, the areal density and spatial uniformity of Pt NFs can be greatly enhanced and a mass activity can be achieved more than 10 times as high as that of the conventional Pt/C electrode. Multiple electrodes with nearly similar electrochemical properties can be repeatedly produced by using a single precursor solution, which highlights the cost‐efficiency and scalability of our synthesis strategy.
The numerical simulation of standard concrete tests and steel reinforcement using force flux peridynamics
Authors: Olsson Jens , Ander Mats , Williams Chris J. K.
Published: August 2022

Peridynamics is a numerical particle‐based solid mechanics method that enables the simulation of brittle and quasi‐brittle materials, as well as ductile materials. It allows cracking to appear spontaneously in the arms joining the particles and can therefore be used to simulate progressive fracture. In this article, we apply our version of peridynamics, which we call force flux peridynamics, to the simulation of concrete where the appearance of cracks plays an important role in the global mechanical properties. It is not difficult to modify the material parameters in peridynamics to achieve a given tensile strength or a given compressive strength. However, it is much more difficult to choose parameters which will model all the strength parameters of a material within the same model. When concrete fails in compression it may split or spall showing a complex relationship between compressive and tensile failure. We therefore set ourselves the simple task of producing a single peridynamics model which can predict the stiffness and strength behavior of concrete in standard compression and tension tests for which we chose the American Society for Testing and Materials standards for the cylinder compression test, the split cylinder test, and the modulus of rupture test. A parameter sensitivity study was performed based on the cylinder compression test to tune the key peridynamics parameters that determine the global material behavior. The compressive and tensile strengths were then determined from the combined simulation data. While the fracture modes, crack branching pattern and also the stress–strain curve show promising results, the maximum tensile strength was found to be significantly larger than physical experiments suggest. This is probably due to imperfections within real concrete at the interface between aggregate particles and cement paste and it shows that the detailed numerical modeling of the failure of concrete is highly complex with a large number of unknown material parameters.
Co‐constructing a critical ELT curriculum: A case study in an Indonesian‐based English language teacher education program
Authors: Mambu Joseph Ernest
Published: August 2022

The current case study investigated how teacher‐learners (TLs) in an Indonesia‐based undergraduate English language teacher education program learned to apply critical pedagogy (CP) when co‐constructing a critical English language teaching (ELT) curriculum with English language learners (ELLs). CP insights into ELT and second language teacher education are synthesized as a theoretical framework to shed light on how the TLs co‐constructed the critical curriculum. This qualitative research study triangulated data collected from (1) audio‐recorded dialogues between three TLs and their teacher educator (TE) in multiweek classes, (2) video‐recorded teaching sessions when TLs taught ELLs from Papua, and (3) curricular documents and the TLs' reflections submitted on a learning management system. The findings suggest that TLs could raise their critical awareness of (un)fairness or inequalities experienced by ELLs while co‐constructing components of a critical ELT curriculum (i.e., needs analysis, learning objectives, syllabus design, materials development, and lesson planning). TLs' critical consciousness emerged when practicing dialogues with ELLs. Ultimately, reflexivity allowed TLs and their TE to envision improvements of the critical ELT curriculum.
Development of a wind power ramp forecasting system via meteorological pattern analysis
Authors: Okada Maki , Yamaguchi Koji , Kodama Ryo , Ogasawara Norimitsu , Kato Hisashi , Doan Van Quang , Ishizaki Noriko N. , Kusaka Hiroyuki
Published: August 2022

Ramp phenomena caused by abrupt changes in wind speed may confound the stable operation of correlated electrical power supply systems, yet accurate numerical predictions are challenging, as the wind is affected by complex interactions between large‐scale weather patterns and local geographical conditions. Further, optimal numerical weather prediction (NWP) methods and physics schemes vary as a function of weather patterns. The present study proposed a new real‐time wind power ramp forecast framework based on the flexible selection of optimal NWP models, which were derived via principal component analysis (PCA). The novelty of this analysis lies in that statistical methods were employed for NWP optimization, compared with their more conventional use during an NWP postprocessing. Here, a weather pattern was classified by PCA using outcomes from the global‐scale prediction models, and the optimum regional NWP system settings were acquired according to the weather patterns for further wind field dynamical downscaling. The performance of the developed prediction system was verified with wind power at wind turbine hub‐heights for three areas in eastern Japan, and the Critical Success Index (CSI) indicated an improvement of prediction accuracy over benchmark predictions by ≤0.184 for ramp‐up events and ≤0.127 for ramp‐down events (both observed in Tohoku area). Higher CSI values were consistently seen in three wind farm areas, indicative of the improvement in detection probability for actual ramp events compared with benchmark.
Efficient Location-Based Tracking for IoT Devices Using Compressive Sensing and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Aboushelbaya Ramy , Aguacil Taimir , Huang Qiuting , Norreys Peter A.
Published: August 2022

In this chapter, a scheme based on compressive sensing (CS) for the sparse reconstruction of down-sampled location data is presented for the first time. The underlying sparsity properties of the location data are explored and two algorithms based on LASSO regression and neural networks are shown to be able to efficiently reconstruct paths with only ∼20% sampling of the GPS receiver. An implementation for iOS devices is discussed and results from it are shown as proof of concept of the applicability of CS in location-based tracking for Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
On the Design of a New Stochastic Meta-Heuristic for Derivative-Free Optimization
Authors: Cruz N. C. , Redondo Juana L. , Ortigosa E. M. , Ortigosa P. M.
Published: August 2022

Optimization problems are frequent in several fields, such as the different branches of Engineering. In some cases, the objective function exposes mathematically exploitable properties to find exact solutions. However, when it is not the case, heuristics are appreciated. This situation occurs when the objective function involves numerical simulations and sophisticated models of reality. Then, population-based meta-heuristics, such as genetic algorithms, are widely used because of being independent of the objective function. Unfortunately, they have multiple parameters and generally require numerous function evaluations to find competitive solutions stably. An attractive alternative is DIRECT, which handles the objective function as a black box like the previous meta-heuristics but is almost parameter-free and deterministic. Unfortunately, its rectangle division behavior is rigid, and it may require many function evaluations for degenerate cases. This work presents an optimizer that combines the lack of parameters and stochasticity for high exploration capabilities. This method, called Tangram, defines a self-adapted set of division rules for the search space yet relies on a stochastic hill-climber to perform local searches. This optimizer is expected to be effective for low-dimensional problems (less than 20 variables) and few function evaluations. According to the results achieved, Tangram outperforms Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO), a widespread population-based method, and a plain multi-start configuration of the stochastic hill-climber used.
Study of Galaxy Collisions and Thermodynamic Evolution of Gas Using the Exact Integration Scheme
Authors: Otaki Koki , Mori Masao
Published: August 2022

Radiative cooling of the interstellar medium plays a vital role in the context of galaxy formation and evolution. On the other hand, the cooling time in the high-density regions involving star formation is much shorter than the dynamical time of the gas. In numerical simulations, it is challenging to solve physical phenomena coexisting on significantly different timescales, and it is known as the overcooling problem in the study of galaxy formation. Townsend (2009) has developed the Exact Integration (EI) scheme that provides a stable solution for the cooling term in the energy equation of astrophysical fluid dynamics, regardless of the size of the simulation time step. We apply the EI scheme to define the effective cooling time that accounts for the temperature dependence of the cooling rate and investigate the thermodynamic evolution of gas in colliding dark matter subhalos. The results show that the conventional cooling time always indicates a shorter than the effective cooling time derived by the EI scheme because it does not include the dependence of the cooling rate on temperature. Furthermore, we run three-dimensional galaxy collision simulations to examine the difference in thermodynamic evolution between the EI scheme and the conventional Crank–Nicholson method for solving the cooling equation. Comparing the results of the two simulations, we find that the EI scheme suppresses the rapid temperature decrease after galaxy collisions. Thus, the EI scheme indicates considerable potential for solving the overcooling problem in the study of galaxy formation.
How many 1-loop neutrino mass models are there?
Authors: Arbeláez Carolina , Cepedello Ricardo , Helo Juan Carlos , Hirsch Martin , Kovalenko Sergey
Published: August 2022

Abstract

It is well-known that at tree-level the d = 5 Weinberg operator can be generated in exactly three different ways, the famous seesaw models. In this paper we study the related question of how many phenomenologically consistent 1-loop models one can construct at d=5. First, we discuss that there are two possible classes of 1-loop neutrino mass models, that allow avoiding stable charged relics: (i) models with dark matter candidates and (ii) models with “exits”. Here, we define “exits” as particles that can decay into standard model fields. Considering 1-loop models with new scalars and fermions, we find in the dark matter class a total of (115+203) models, while in the exit class we find (38+368) models. Here, 115 is the number of DM models, which require a stabilizing symmetry, while 203 is the number of models which contain a dark matter candidate, which maybe accidentally stable. In the exit class the 38 refers to models, for which one (or two) of the internal particles in the loop is a SM field, while the 368 models contain only fields beyond the SM (BSM) in the neutrino mass diagram. We then study the RGE evolution of the gauge couplings in all our 1-loop models. Many of the models in our list lead to Landau poles in some gauge coupling at rather low energies and there is exactly one model which unifies the gauge couplings at energies above 1015 GeV in a numerically acceptable way.
Beyond Jarlskog: 699 invariants for CP violation in SMEFT
Authors: Bonnefoy Quentin , Gendy Emanuele , Grojean Christophe , Ruderman Joshua T.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

As SMEFT is a framework of growing importance to analyze high-energy data, understanding its parameter space is crucial. The latter is commonly split into CP-even and CP-odd parts, but this classification is obscured by the fact that CP violation is actually a collective effect that is best captured by considering flavor-invariant combinations of Lagrangian parameters. First we show that fermion rephasing invariance imposes that several coefficients associated to dimension-six operators can never interfere with operators of dimension ≤ 4 and thus cannot appear in any physical observable at$$ \mathcal{O} $$O1/Λ2. For those that can, instead, we establish a one-to-one correspondence with CP-odd flavor invariants, all linear with respect to SMEFT coefficients. We explicitly present complete lists of such linear CP-odd invariants, and carefully examine their relationship to CP breaking throughout the parameter space of coefficients of dimension ≤ 4. Requiring that these invariants all vanish, together with the Jarlskog invariant, the strong-CP phase, and the 6 CP-violating dimension-6 bosonic operators, provides 699(+1 + 1 + 6) conditions for CP conservation to hold in any observable at leading order,$$ \mathcal{O} $$O(1/Λ2).
Increased miR-124-3p alleviates type 2 inflammatory response in allergic rhinitis via IL-4Rα
Authors: Liu Qian , Shen Yang , Xiao Yifang , Xiang Hong , Chu Ling , Wang Tiansheng , Liu Honghui , Tan Guolin
Published: August 2022

Background and objectives

miRNAs play a crucial role in regulating immune responses. However, the effect of miR-124-3p on type 2 inflammation in allergic rhinitis (AR) is unclear. We aimed to study the immune regulation of miR-124-3p in AR and the mechanisms involved.

Methods

The direct interaction between miR-124-3p and IL-4Rα was confirmed through a dual-luciferase reporter assay. In vitro splenic lymphocytes from mice and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy individuals were cultured and treated with miR-124-3p mimic/inhibitor. Twenty-four female C57BL/C mice were divided into four groups: control, AR model, miR-124-3p agomir, and miR-124-3p antagomir groups (n = 6 per group). The allergic responses were evaluated based on the number of sneezing and nasal scratching, the serum HDM-specific IgE (sIgE) levels, and the degree of nasal mucosa eosinophil infiltration. The expression of IL-4Rα, p-STAT6, and type 2 inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) in lymphocytes or nasal mucosa was determined by qPCR, western blotting, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.

Results

miR-124-3p directly targets the 3'UTR of IL-4Rα. The miR-124-3p mimic lowered the IL-4Rα, p-STAT6, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 expression levels in both mouse splenic lymphocytes and human PBMCs in vitro, and the miR-124-3p inhibitor rescued these changes. Furthermore, the miR-124-3p agomir decreased the levels of IL-4Rα and IL-4 in nasal mucosa, Th2 differentiation in spleen, and allergic response in AR mice. Moreover, the miR-124-3p antagonist increased the IL-4Rα and IL-4 levels and further aggravated the allergic responses.

Conclusions

miR-124-3p might attenuate type 2 inflammation in AR by regulating IL-4Rα signaling, and miR-124-3p may be a promising new target in AR treatment.