bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perbedaan KEGEL Exercise Dan Bridging Exercise Terhadap Penurunan Inkontinensia Urin Pada Lansia
Authors: Febiola Tania , Noviati Nuraini Diah , Munawwarah Muthiah , Amir Trisia Lusiana
Published: July 2024

Prevalensi incontinetia urin tahun 218 meningkat 30% sehingga membutuhkan penanganan yang optimal agar tidak mengakibatkan penurunan kualitas hidup pada Perempuan lansia. Penelitian ini Untuk mengetahui perbedaan kegel exercise dan bridging exercise terhadap penurunan inkontinensia urin pada lansia Penelitian ini bersifat quasy eksperimental dengan pre test-post test design group. Sampel diambil secara random dari populasi di Panti Werdha Wisma Mulia terdiri dari 20 orang yang tiap 1 kelompok, terdapat 10 orang dengan intervensi kegel exercise dan intervensi bridging exercise.  Kemudian inkontinensia urin diukur menggunakan kuesioner ICIQ-SF International Consulation Incontinence Questionnair Short Form.  Hasil uji hipotesis I didapatkan nilai p<= 0,001 diartikan terdapat pengaruh signifikan intervensi kegel exercise terhadap inkontinensia urin Pada uji hipotesis II didapatkan hasil p<=0,001 diartikan terdapat pengaruh signifikan intervensi bridging exercise terhadap inkontinensia urin dan Hipotesis III dengan menunjukkan nilai p=0,652 diartikan tidak ada perbedaan antara intervensi kegel exercise dan bridging exercise terhadap penurunan inkontinensia urin Tidak ada perbedaan yang signifikan antara intervensi kegel exercise dan bridging exercise terhadap penurunan inkontinensia urine pada lansia di Panti Jompo Werdha Wisma Mulia.
Pengaruh Intervensi Fisioterapi pada Kondisi Post Operasi Rekonstruksi Ligamen Anterior Cruciatum dan Meniscus : Laporan Kasus
Authors: Irianto Irianto , Wahab Bustaman , Fidia A.Siti Irfa , Sari Tirta , Natsir Widiarty Sulistyana , Izzah Nurul
Published: July 2024

Cedera pada ACL dan meniscus dapat mengganggu aktivitas gerak fungsional.  Rekonstruksi Anterior Cruciate Ligament merupakan suatu tindakan operasi untuk menyambung kembali ligamen ACL penanganan operasi rekonstruksi pada ruptur ACL harus dilakukan untuk memperbaiki robekan serta mengembalikan stabilitas sendi  lutut, selain hal tersebut meniscus tear terjadi karena gaya rotasi atau geser yang ditempatkan di sendi tibiofemoral. Penelitian ini menyajikan strategi penatalaksanaan fisioterapi untuk membantu mengurangi nyeri, meningkatkan lingkup gerak sendi dan kekuatan otot, mengatasi edema, mengatasi atrofi, mencegah adanya stiffness, dan meningkatkan aktivitas  fungsional pada kondisi post op ACL dan meniscus tear. Permasalahan yang terjadi pada pasien dengan kondisi post-operasi ACL dan meniscus berupa nyeri, bengkak, kelemahan otot, keterbatasan gerak, dan gangguan aktivitas fungsional. Penelitian ini dilakukan di RSUP Wahidin Sudirohusodo pada pasien pria berusia 29 tahun dengan kondisi post op ACL dan meniscus tear yang diberikan program intervensi seperti electro therapy, muscle release, strengthening exercise, stretching exercise, dan joint mobilisasi. Hasil evaluasi 3 kali fisioterapi terjadi perubahan pada aspek nyeri dan aktif ROM pada regio knee. Program fisioterapi yang diberikan bertujuan untuk menangani permasalahan-permasalahan yang ada pada kondisi post-operasi ACL dan meniscus dan mencegah potensial problem yang  terjadi. Pada evaluasi didapatkan perbaikan klinis pasien.
LIFE: A metric for quantitatively mapping the impact of land-cover change on global extinctions
Authors: Eyres Alison , Ball Thomas , Dales Michael , Swinfield Tom , Arnell Andy , Baisero Daniele , Durán América Paz , Green Jonathan , Green Rhys E , Madhavapeddy Anil , Balmford Andrew
Published: July 2024

Human-driven habitat loss is recognised as the greatest cause of biodiversity loss yet to date we lack robust, spatially explicit metrics quantifying the impacts of anthropogenic changes in habitat extent on species’ extinctions. Existing metrics either fail to consider species identity or focus solely on recent habitat losses. The persistence score approach developed by Durán et al. (2020) (1) represented an important development by combining species’ ecologies and land-cover data whilst considering the cumulative and non-linear impact of past habitat loss on species’ probability of extinction. However, it is computationally demanding, limiting its global use and application. Here we couple the persistence score approach with high-performance computing to generate global maps of what we term the LIFE (Land-cover change Impacts on Future Extinctions) metric for 29772 species of terrestrial vertebrates at 1 arc-minute resolution (3.4km2 at the equator). These maps provide quantitative estimates, for the first time, of the marginal changes in the expected number of extinctions (both increases and decreases) caused by (1) converting remaining natural vegetation to agriculture, and (2) restoring farmland to natural habitat. We demonstrate statistically that this approach integrates information on species richness, endemism, and past habitat loss. Our resulting maps can be used to 10% certainty at scales from 0.5-1000km2, and offer unprecedented opportunities to estimate the impact on extinctions of diverse actions that change land cover, from individual dietary choices through to global protected area development.
Non trivial zeros of the generalized Zeta function
Authors: OUKIL Walid
Published: July 2024

We define the generalized Riemann Zeta function on the right half plane. We prove, in particular, that for every $\tau\in \mathbb{R}$ there exists at most one point $r\in (0,1)$ such that $|\zeta(r+i\tau) |=0$.
Functional composition and generalization of natural numbers by decomposition of semiring structure
Authors: Sebata Junya
Published: July 2024

We improve semiring composition of natural numbers to functional composition of them. From this functional composition, we select one generalization and see a specificity of natural numbers with proving a combinatorial theorem which derives fundamental identities.
BioCards tool: Cultivating Sustainable Innovations in Biomaterial Development
Authors: Paoliello Carla , Dogu Derya Irkdas , Leonor Susana , Mengi Onur , Mateus Américo , Deniz Deniz , Palma David , Caliskan Gulizar , Demirbilek Anil Dinc , Patrocínio Gabriel
Published: July 2024

Can biodesigners collaborate to create more innovative and sustainable solutions? Can they find answers to food waste production or to build materials that the 21st century requires? The BiomaterialKIT investigation, an EU-funded collaborative research project between Portugal and Turkey, asked those research questions when developing a set of cards that provides data to structure the creation of biomaterial with K12 students from these different cultural backgrounds. The hypothesis was that solving problems, local or global, requires creative thinking and flexibility. To help equip participants with these skills, a set of workshops aimed to empower students to learn problem identification, social innovation, and environmentally sustainable design principles. They were crucial to improving consumer decision-making behaviors, bringing awareness of both individual and collective responsibility in mitigating environmental impacts, and training in innovative approaches to utilize biomaterials, thereby promoting their reintegration into the circular economy to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Cognitive Assessment and Profiling for increased understanding of Individual and Team Game Intelligence and Performance in Ice hockey
Authors: Norén Anders
Published: July 2024

Game intelligence, the ability to be in the right place at the right time and make optimal decisions, is crucial for athletic performance. This whitepaper explores how neurocognitive testing and profiling can deepen our understanding of game intelligence, which includes elements such as situational awareness, decision-making, problem-solving, and flexibility.
The whitepaper targets sports professionals aiming to enhance their understanding of game intelligence through neurocognitive assessments. The assessments mentioned in the paper provide insights into athletes’ cognitive strengths and weaknesses, aiding in talent identification, personalized coaching, strategic team composition, tactical adaptations, and injury prevention. Executive functions are crucial in both open sports (e.g., soccer, basketball) and closed sports (e.g., archery, golf). For example, in ice hockey, players must continuously adapt to dynamic environments, requiring quick decision-making, strategic thinking, and creativity.
Integrating neurocognitive assessments into sports practices has the potential to enhance the understanding of game intelligence, reduce subjectivity and bias, and improve individual and team performance, As well as ensure the wellbeing of athletes through tailored mental health support and coping strategies. Testing and profiling of individuals and teams can practically help enhance understanding of Game Intelligence. The process involves assessment, awareness, individual acceptance, strategic development, integration into coaching, and continuous follow-up to monitor progress and aid adjustments.
Characterizing Playing Styles for Ice Hockey Players
Authors: Olivestam Anton , Rosendahl Axel , Wilderoth Erik , Carlsson Niklas , Lambrix Patrick
Published: July 2024

Although analytics is being used in, e.g., the evaluation of players and scouting, it is still challenging to quantify skills and playing styles of players. Such information is important for roster creation and scouting, where teams want to find players that have a playing style that fits within the team, as well as for game preparation to understand the playing style of opponents. In this paper we use player vectors to characterize a player’s playing style. The player vectors contain representations of skills that are computed from game event data. Further, we use fuzzy clustering on the vectors to generate five types of defender playing styles and five types of forward playing styles. For these types, we show the typical skill levels and players with similar styles.
Analysis of community connectivity in spatial transcriptomics data
Authors: Xie Juan , Jung Kyeong Joo , Allen Carter , Chang Yuzhou , Paul Subhadeep , Li Zihai , Ma Qin , Chung Dongjun
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The advent of high throughput spatial transcriptomics (HST) has allowed for unprecedented characterization of spatially distinct cell communities within a tissue sample. While a wide range of computational tools exist for detecting cell communities in HST data, none allow for the characterization of community connectivity, i.e., the relative similarity of cells within and between found communities—an analysis task that can elucidate cellular dynamics in important settings such as the tumor microenvironment.

Methods

To address this gap, we introduce the analysis of community connectivity (ACC), which facilitates understanding of the relative similarity of cells within and between communities. We develop a Bayesian multi-layer network model called BANYAN for the integration of spatial and gene expression information to achieve ACC.

Results

We demonstrate BANYAN's ability to recover community connectivity structure via a simulation study based on real sagittal mouse brain HST data. Next, we use BANYAN to implement ACC across a wide range of real data scenarios, including 10 × Visium data of melanoma brain metastases and invasive ductal carcinoma, and NanoString CosMx data of human-small-cell lung cancer, each of which reveals distinct cliques of interacting cell sub-populations. An R package banyan is available at https://github.com/dongjunchung/banyan.
Synsor: a tool for alignment-free detection of engineered DNA sequences
Authors: Tay Aidan P. , Didi Kieran , Wickramarachchi Anuradha , Bauer Denis C. , Wilson Laurence O. W. , Maselko Maciej
Published: July 2024

DNA sequences of nearly any desired composition, length, and function can be synthesized to alter the biology of an organism for purposes ranging from the bioproduction of therapeutic compounds to invasive pest control. Yet despite offering many great benefits, engineered DNA poses a risk due to their possible misuse or abuse by malicious actors, or their unintentional introduction into the environment. Monitoring the presence of engineered DNA in biological or environmental systems is therefore crucial for routine and timely detection of emerging biological threats, and for improving public acceptance of genetic technologies. To address this, we developed Synsor, a tool for identifying engineered DNA sequences in high-throughput sequencing data. Synsor leverages the k-mer signature differences between naturally occurring and engineered DNA sequences and uses an artificial neural network to classify whether a DNA sequence is natural or engineered. By querying suspected sequences against the model, Synsor can identify sequences that are likely to have been engineered. Using natural plasmid and engineered vector sequences, we showed that Synsor identifies engineered DNA with >99% accuracy. We demonstrate how Synsor can be used to detect potential genetically engineered organisms and locate where engineered DNA is being introduced into the environment by analysing genomic and metagenomic data from yeast and wastewater samples, respectively. Synsor is therefore a powerful tool that will streamline the process of identifying engineered DNA in poorly characterized biological or environmental systems, thereby allowing for enhanced monitoring of emerging biological threats.
Impact of blade direction on postoperative femoral head varus in PFNA fixed patients: a clinical review and biomechanical research
Authors: Xu Yue , Zhang Xiaoyu , Li Jingchi , Miao Yiming , Ying Pu , Chen Cong , Xu Wenqiang , Wang Qiang
Published: July 2024

Intertrochanteric femur fracture is a common type of osteoporotic fracture in elderly patients, and postoperative femoral head varus following proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) fixation is a crucial factor contributing to the deterioration of clinical outcomes. The cross-angle between the implant and bone might influence fixation stability. Although there is a wide range of adjustment in the direction of anti-rotation blades within the femoral neck, the impact of this direct variation on the risk of femoral head varus and its biomechanical mechanisms remain unexplored. In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 69 patients with PFNA fixation in our institution. We judge the direction of blade on the femoral neck in on the immediate postoperative lateral X-rays or intraoperative C-arm fluoroscopy, investigating its influence on the early postoperative risk of femoral head varus. p < 0.05 indicates significant results in both correlation and regression analyses. Simultaneously, a three-dimensional finite element model was constructed based on the Syn-Bone standard proximal femur outline, exploring the biomechanical mechanisms of the femoral neck-anti-rotation blade direction variation on the risk of this complication. The results indicated that ventral direction insertion of the anti-rotation blade is an independent risk factor for increased femoral head varus. Complementary biomechanical studies further confirmed that ventral angulation leads to loss of fixation stability and a decrease in fixation failure strength. Therefore, based on this study, it is recommended to avoid ventral directional insertion of the anti-rotation blade in PFNA operation or to adjust it in order to reduce the risk of femoral head varus biomechanically, especially in unstable fractures. This adjustment will help enhance clinical outcomes for patients.
An ultra-sensitive and rapid immunosensor for the onsite detection of circulating tumor DNA in breast cancer
Authors: Bi Yi , Lv Xiao , Wang Ke , Wu Jinyu , Shi Xiang , Zheng Xiaodong , Lin Xiaogang
Published: July 2024

Breast cancer currently stands as the most prevalent form of cancer worldwide and the primary cause of cancer-related deaths among women. However, the current diagnostic methods for breast cancer exhibit several limitations, including invasiveness, high costs, and limited sensitivity and specificity. The detection of the PIK3CA-H1047R variant is of paramount importance due to its close association with tumor growth and treatment resistance. Consequently, developing a straightforward, rapid, and highly sensitive approach for detecting PIK3CA-H1047R is of utmost importance. We have been working on the development of a rapid and ultrasensitive biosensor, leveraging the alternating current (AC) electrokinetic (ACEK) capacitive sensing method. This biosensor involves modifying the surface of interdigital electrodes with antibodies, facilitating the antibody–antigen-binding process through AC electrokinetic techniques. Our sensor strategy directly measures the interface capacitance, and the rate of change serves as a quantitative marker for event identification. Remarkably, our biosensor successfully detects the PIK3CA-H1047R antigen within a concentration range of 1 ng/mL to 1 μg/mL. In conclusion, this study proposes a fast and highly sensitive biosensor for the detection of a key breast cancer marker, the PIK3CA-H1047R variant. This technology is expected to improve breast cancer diagnosis, address the limitations of current methods, and provide patients with better treatment options. This detection method offers a promising avenue for on-site and real-time sensitive detection of the PIK3CA-H1047R antigen, potentially revolutionizing breast cancer diagnosis.
Exploring the origins of neurodevelopmental proteasomopathies associated with cardiac malformations: are neural crest cells central to certain pathological mechanisms?
Authors: Vignard Virginie , Baruteau Alban-Elouen , Toutain Bérénice , Mercier Sandra , Isidor Bertrand , Redon Richard , Schott Jean-Jacques , Küry Sébastien , Bézieau Stéphane , Monsoro-Burq Anne H. , Ebstein Frédéric
Published: July 2024

Neurodevelopmental proteasomopathies constitute a recently defined class of rare Mendelian disorders, arising from genomic alterations in proteasome-related genes. These alterations result in the dysfunction of proteasomes, which are multi-subunit protein complexes essential for maintaining cellular protein homeostasis. The clinical phenotype of these diseases manifests as a syndromic association involving impaired neural development and multisystem abnormalities, notably craniofacial anomalies and malformations of the cardiac outflow tract (OFT). These observations suggest that proteasome loss-of-function variants primarily affect specific embryonic cell types which serve as origins for both craniofacial structures and the conotruncal portion of the heart. In this hypothesis article, we propose that neural crest cells (NCCs), a highly multipotent cell population, which generates craniofacial skeleton, mesenchyme as well as the OFT of the heart, in addition to many other derivatives, would exhibit a distinctive vulnerability to protein homeostasis perturbations. Herein, we introduce the diverse cellular compensatory pathways activated in response to protein homeostasis disruption and explore their potential implications for NCC physiology. Altogether, the paper advocates for investigating proteasome biology within NCCs and their early cranial and cardiac derivatives, offering a rationale for future exploration and laying the initial groundwork for therapeutic considerations.
Inter-kingdom communication and the sympoietic way of life
Authors: Gilbert Scott F.
Published: July 2024

Organisms are now seen as holobionts, consortia of several species that interact metabolically such that they sustain and scaffold each other’s existence and propagation. Sympoiesis, the development of the symbiotic relationships that form holobionts, is critical for our understanding the origins and maintenance of biodiversity. Rather than being the read-out of a single genome, development has been found to be sympoietic, based on multigenomic interactions between zygote-derived cells and symbiotic microbes. These symbiotic and sympoietic interactions are predicated on the ability of cells from different kingdoms of life (e.g., bacteria and animals) to communicate with one another and to have their chemical signals interpreted in a manner that facilitates development. Sympoiesis, the creation of an entity by the interactions of other entities, is commonly seen in embryogenesis (e.g., the creation of lenses and retinas through the interaction of brain and epidermal compartments). In holobiont sympoiesis, interactions between partners of different domains of life interact to form organs and biofilms, wherein each of these domains acts as the environment for the other. If evolution is forged by changes in development, and if symbionts are routinely involved in our development, then changes in sympoiesis can constitute an important factor in evolution.
A submerged draw down test calibration method for fully-coupled CFD-DEM modelling
Authors: Wasserfall Jacob G. , Coetzee Corné J. , Meyer Chris J.
Published: July 2024

A fully coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM) model was calibrated using a draw down test (DDT) under submerged conditions. Momentum smoothing and cell clustering were used to model particles that were larger than the cells. The DEM input parameter values were initially set equal to those calibrated for the dry conditions. Under submerged conditions, results showed that the particle-particle coefficient of friction and the drag modifier had an influence on the results. It was found that the drag modifier had to be calibrated, while the particle-particle coefficient of friction, calibrated under dry conditions, could be used for the submerged conditions. A vertical suction pipe validation experiment was conducted. The suction pipe had a constant diameter, but the fluid velocity and the distance the pipe opening was held from the granular bed were varied. The amount of mass (particles) removed as well as the size of the cavity that formed in the material bed were measured and compared to model predictions. The results showed that using the parameter values calibrated in the DDT, too much material was removed (error of 30%). Removing the drag modifier (setting it equal to unity) significantly improved the results (error of 6%). It is concluded that due to the difference in flow mechanism (particle-induced in the DDT versus fluid-induced in the suction pipe), the DDT is not a suitable experiment to calibrate the input parameter values for a suction pipe. It is proposed that the flow mechanism and dynamics of the granular material and the fluid in the calibration experiment should be similar to that of the final application being investigated.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of the HFA-PEFF score for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xinmei , Liang Yunyu , Lin Xiaozhong
Published: July 2024

Aim

To assess the diagnostic and prognostic performances of the Heart Failure Association Pre-test Assessment, Echocardiography & Natriuretic Peptide, Functional Testing, Final Etiology (HFA-PEFF) score for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in a comprehensive manner.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were comprehensively searched from the inception to June 12, 2023. Studies using the “Rule-out” or “Rule-in” approach for diagnosis analysis or studies on cardiovascular events and all-cause death for prognosis analysis were included. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS−2) tool was adopted to assess the quality of diagnostic accuracy studies. The sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve (AUC) were presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For CVEs and all-cause death, the hazard ratio (HR) values were calculated.

Results

Fifteen studies involving 6420 subjects were included, with 9 for diagnosis analysis, and 7 for prognosis analysis. For the diagnostic performance of the HFA-PEFF score, with the “Rule-out” approach, the pooled SEN was 0.96 (95%CI: 0.94, 0.97), the pooled SPE was 0.39 (95%CI: 0.37, 0.42), and the pooled AUC was 0.85 (95%CI: 0.67, 1.00), and with the “Rule-in” approach, the pooled SEN was 0.59 (95%CI: 0.56, 0.61), the pooled SPE was 0.86 (95%CI: 0.84, 0.88), and the pooled AUC was 0.83 (95%CI: 0.79, 0.87). For the predictive performance of the HFA-PEFF score, regarding CVEs, the pooled SEN was 0.63 (95%CI: 0.58, 0.67), the pooled SPE was 0.53 (95%CI: 0.49, 0.58), and the pooled AUC was 0.65 (95%CI: 0.40, 0.90), and concerning All-cause death, the pooled SEN was 0.85 (95%CI: 0.81, 0.88), the pooled SPE was 0.48 (95%CI: 0.44, 0.52), and the pooled AUC was 0.65 (95%CI: 0.47, 0.83). A higher HFA-PEFF score was associated with a higher risk of all-cause death (HR 1.390, 95%CI 1.240, 1.558, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The HFA-PEFF score might be applied in HFpEF diagnosis and all-cause death prediction. More studies are required for finding validation.
The role of oxidative stress in aortic dissection: a potential therapeutic target
Authors: Xu Shengnan , Han Xueyu , Wang Xiukun , Yu Yi , Qu Chuan , Liu Xin , Yang Bo
Published: July 2024

The incidence of aortic dissection (AD) is steadily increasing, driven by the rising prevalence of chronic conditions such as hypertension and the global aging of the population. Oxidative stress emerges as a pivotal pathophysiological mechanism contributing to the progression of AD. Oxidative stress triggers apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells, reshapes the extracellular matrix (ECM), and governs ECM degradation and remodeling, subsequently impacting aortic compliance. Furthermore, oxidative stress not only facilitates the infiltration of macrophages and mononuclear lymphocytes but also disrupts the integral structure and functionality of endothelial cells, thereby inducing endothelial cell dysfunction and furthering the degeneration of the middle layer of the aortic wall. Investigating antioxidants holds promise as a therapeutic avenue for addressing AD.
Numerical simulation of long-distance debris flows (lahars) on glacier-clad volcanoes: the case of Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Authors: Vasconez Francisco J. , Phillips Jeremy , Woodhouse Mark J. , Andrade S. Daniel
Published: July 2024

Volcanic debris flows (lahars) are highly destructive volcanic phenomena and present significant challenges in numerical simulation. This manuscript tackles the three fundamental requirements for modelling gravitational flows: determining plausible source configurations; selecting suitable topographic data; and employing appropriate mathematical models to assess the current hazard posed by long-distance lahars at Cotopaxi volcano. After incorporating these elements, we successfully simulated the characteristics of a future 1877-type lahar under current conditions, accounting for glacier size and topography. For the source conditions, or “scenario”, we identified 27 equidistant source locations along the lower edge of the current glacier’s extent. Each source was assigned a hydrograph based on the weighted volume of water available on Cotopaxi’s current glacier. Additionally, we introduced a methodology for quantifying channel width when high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) are available. This method enabled us to determine the minimum pixel size required for accurate representation of ravine shapes. While higher resolution DEMs demand robust computational resources and extended computational timeframes, we upscaled Cotopaxi’s DEM from 3 m to 15 m to balance accuracy and efficiency, as a 15-m DEM capture over 90% of the topography and reduces computing time significantly. Optimizing DEM selection is crucial, especially when contemplating future ensemble approaches. After employing the dynamic-based model Kestrel, parameterised for large lahars, we obtained predictions closely aligned with field observations, historical flow conditions inferred for the 1877 lahar-event, and results from previous simulation studies. Notably, we observed higher depths and speeds in canyons compared to plains, consistent with historical reports and previous studies. Minor discrepancies in the inundation area, when compared with existing hazard maps, emphasize the importance of understanding flow dynamics and lahar trajectories for effective hazard assessment and mitigation strategies. Furthermore, our results contribute valuable information to current hazard maps and can aid in damage quantification and cost/benefit analyses, particularly when planning the construction of mitigation infrastructure.
A flexible orchestration of lightweight AI for edge computing in low-voltage distribution network
Authors: Fan Yuanliang , Wu Han , Li Zewen , Lin Jianli , Li Lingfei , Huang Xinghua , Chen Weiming , Chen Beibei
Published: July 2024

Recent years, the tremendous number of distributed energy resources, electric vehicles are integrated into the Low-Voltage Distribution Network (LVDN), large amount of data are generated by edge devices in LVDN. The cloud data centers are unable to process these data timely and accurately, making it impossible to meet the demand for fine-grained control of LVDN. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes a flexible orchestration of lightweight artificial intelligence (AI) for edge computing in LVDN. Firstly, the application requirements of LVDN are analysed through feature extraction of its historical data, and a lightweight AI library is constructed to meet its requirements. Secondly, based on the multi-factor priority, a flexible orchestration model is established, to allow the lightweight AI embedded in the edge devices of the LVDN. Finally, the particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to provide the best solution. The simulation results show that the method proposed in this paper can support the deployment of AI at the edge. It can significantly improve the utilization of edge computing resources, and reduce the pressure of cloud computing and the time of application processes.
Comparison and environmental controls of soil respiration in primary and secondary dry dipterocarp forests in Thailand
Authors: Tammadid Wittanan , Sangkachai Bantita , Chanonmuang Phuvasa , Chidthaisong Amnat , Hanpattanakit Phongthep
Published: July 2024

Soil respiration (Rs) in forest ecosystems is an important process in the global carbon cycle. The unbalanced use of forest natural resources and deforestation in the past have resulted in changes in forest structure, tree growth, and the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from Rs. Understanding Rs in both primary and secondary forests plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to estimate and compare Rs in primary dry dipterocarp forests (PDDF) and secondary dry dipterocarp forests (SDDF) in Thailand, in relation to diurnal and seasonal variations in environmental variables (air and soil temperatures, and soil moisture). CO2 flux was measured continuously from March 2019 to February 2020 in the PDDF and SDDF sites in the Nakhon Ratchasima and Ratchaburi provinces of Thailand. Using the soil gradient method, CO2 probes were employed to measure average CO2 concentrations from Rs every minute in the both sites. Additionally, air and soil temperatures and soil moisture were measured continuously to analyze the correlation between Rs and environmental variables. The average annual soil respiration rate in PDDF and SDDF were 8.16 and 8.83 tons C ha−1 yr−1, respectively. The diurnal variation of Rs in both sites changed according to air and soil temperatures. The monthly variation of the average Rs was lower in the PDDF site than in the SDDF site. Soil moisture and soil temperature were significantly correlated with the monthly variation of Rs in both sites. Rs in the PDDF and SDDF sites exhibited high emissions during the wet season, accounting for ~61 and 56% of the total annual emissions, respectively. The results indicated that soil and air temperatures were the main drivers of diurnal variation, while the combination of soil moisture and soil and air temperatures determined the seasonal variations. Additionally, litterfall production was the main carbon substrate promoting soil respiration in the SDDF site, as litterfall production was significantly lower in the PDDF site (5.32 tons dry matter ha−1 yr−1) than in the SDDF site (10.49 tons dry matter ha−1 yr−1).
Stromal cell-expressed malignant gene patterns contribute to the progression of squamous cell carcinomas across different sites
Authors: Qi Kaiyan , Li Guangqi , Jiang Yuanjun , Tan Xuexin , Qiao Qiao
Published: July 2024

Background

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) across different anatomical locations possess common molecular features. Recent studies showed that stromal cells may contribute to tumor progression and metastasis of SCCs. Limited by current sequencing technology and analysis methods, it has been difficult to combine stroma expression profiles with a large number of clinical information.

Methods

With the help of transfer learning on the cell line, single-cell, and bulk tumor sequencing data, we identified and validated 2 malignant gene patterns (V1 and V5) expressed by stromal cells of SCCs from head and neck (HNSCC), lung (LUSC), cervix (CESC), esophagus, and breast.

Results

Pattern V5 reflected a novel malignant feature that explained the mixed signals of HNSCC molecular subtypes. Higher expression of pattern V5 was related to shorter PFI with gender and cancer-type specificity. The other stromal gene pattern V1 was associated with poor PFI in patients after surgery in all the three squamous cancer types (HNSCC p = 0.0055, LUSC p = 0.0292, CESC p = 0.0451). Cancer-associated fibroblasts could induce HNSCC cancer cells to express pattern V1. Adjuvant radiotherapy may weaken the effect of high V1 on recurrence and metastasis, depending on the tumor radiosensitivity.

Conclusion

Considering the prognostic value of stromal gene patterns and its universality, we suggest that the genetic subtype classification of SCCs may be improved to a new system that integrates both malignant and non-malignant components.
Identifying selection signatures for immune response and resilience to Aleutian disease in mink using genotype data
Authors: Hu Guoyu , Do Duy Ngoc , Manafiazar Ghader , Kelvin Alyson A. , Sargolzaei Mehdi , Plastow Graham , Wang Zhiquan , Davoudi Pourya , Miar Younes
Published: July 2024

Aleutian disease (AD) brings tremendous financial losses to the mink industry. Selecting AD-resilient mink has been conducted to control AD. Such selections could have altered the patterns of genetic variation responding to selection pressures. This study aimed to identify selection signatures for immune response (IRE) and resilience to AD. A total of 1,411 mink from an AD-positive facility were used. For IRE, 264 animals were categorized according to the combined results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP). For resilience, two grouping methods were used: 1) general resilience performance (GRP, n = 30) was evaluated based on the feed conversion ratio, Kleiber ratio, and pelt quality; and 2) female reproductive performance (FRP, n = 36) was measured based on the number of kits alive 24 h after birth. Detection methods were the pairwise fixation index, nucleotide diversity, and cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity. A total of 619, 569, and 526 SNPs were identified as candidates for IRE, GRP, and FRP, respectively. The annotated genes were involved in immune system process, growth, reproduction, and pigmentation. Two olfactory-related Gene Ontology (GO) terms were significant (q < 0.05) for all traits, suggesting the impact of AD on the sense of smell of infected mink. Differences in detected genes and GO terms among different color types for IRE indicated variations in immune response to AD among color types. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was significant (q < 0.05) for FRP, suggesting that AD may disrupt MAPK signaling and affect FRP. The findings of this research contribute to our knowledge of the genomic architecture and biological mechanisms underlying AD resilience in mink.
Plasma metabolome analysis for predicting antiviral treatment efficacy in chronic hepatitis B: diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic insights
Authors: Chen Deying , Lu Yingfeng , Lian Jiangshan , Yu Jiong , Li Liang , Li Lanjuan
Published: July 2024

The early and accurate identification of predictive biomarkers for antiviral treatment efficacy remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly in the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to assess whether the plasma metabolome could reliably predict the success of antiviral therapy in CHB patients. We conducted a retrospective analysis on 56 treatment-naive CHB patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University from December 2013 to March 2016. Patients who underwent a 48-week treatment regimen of entecavir (ETV) and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) were randomly assigned to either a discovery cohort (n=29) or a validation cohort (n=27). Based on the outcome of the treatment, patients were classified as HBeAg seroconversion group (High responders, Hrp) or the non-remission group (Low responder, Lrp). Our methodology involved an untargeted analysis of the amine/phenol and carboxylic acid submetabolomes in the CHB patients under treatment, utilizing chemical isotope labeling (CIL) techniques with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Several metabolites were identified as having significant diagnostic potential for distinguishing Hrp from Lrp, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) exceeding those typical clinical indicators. Notably, four metabolites, namely 2-methyl-3-ketovaleric acid, 2-ketohexanoic acid, 6-oxo-1,4,5,6-tetrahydronicotinic acid, and α-ketoisovaleric acid, demonstrated exceptionally high sensitivity and specificity in both cohorts, nearing 100%. In contrast, the clinical indicators, including HBcAb, log(HBsAg), and HBeAb, demonstrated lower and inconsistent sensitivity and specificity between the discovery and validation cohorts. Using HBcAb as a marker, the sensitivity was 87.5% with 76.9% specificity in the discovery cohort; however, the sensitivity dropped to 46.7% with 91.7% specificity in the validation cohort. Using log(HBsAg), the sensitivity was 84.6% with 69.2% specificity in the discovery cohort, compared to 85.7% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity in the validation cohort. For HBeAb, the separation of Hrp and Lrp had a sensitivity of 87.5% with 69.2% specificity in the discovery cohort, while the validation cohort showed 86.7% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity.
Recombinant FOXN1 fusion protein increases T cell generation in old mice
Authors: Zhao Jin , Hu Rong , Lai Kuan Chen , Zhang Zhenzhen , Lai Laijun
Published: July 2024

T cell development in the thymus is dependent on the thymic microenvironment, in which thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are the major component. However, TECs undergo both a qualitative and quantitative loss during aging, which is believed to be the major factor responsible for age-dependent thymic atrophy. FOXN1 plays a critical role in TEC development and adult TECs maintenance. We have previously reported that intrathymic injection of a recombinant (r) protein containing murine FOXN1 and a protein transduction domain increases the number of TECs in mice, leading to enhanced thymopoiesis. However, intrathymic injection may not be an ideal choice for clinical applications. In this study, we produced a rFOXN1 fusion protein containing the N-terminal of CCR9, human FOXN1 and a protein transduction domain. When injected intravenously into 14-month-old mice, the rFOXN1 fusion protein enters the thymus and TECs, and enhances thymopoiesis, resulting in increased T cell generation in the thymus and increased number of T cells in peripheral lymphoid organ. Our results suggest that the rFOXN1 fusion protein has the potential to be used in preventing and treating T cell immunodeficiency in older adults.
Advancements in research on high-overload impact-buffering protective materials
Authors: Zhang An , Liu Peng , Zhang He
Published: July 2024

The penetration fuze, as the initiation control component of the penetration weapon, usually experiences an overload of tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of g during the penetration process. In order to prevent the fuze from being overloaded and causing the weapon to explode or misfire early, this article introduces the use of internal sealing reinforcement and external energy absorbing buffer materials to protect the internal circuit modules of the fuze. Several kinds of energy absorbing and buffering materials, including foam metal materials and composite sandwich structure materials, as well as metamaterials that have recently attracted the attention of industry and academia, are reviewed. The high overload impact energy absorption characteristics of materials and the mechanical properties of different material structures are emphatically introduced. In addition, this article also evaluates the applicability and limitations of existing buffer materials and methods, and proposes some potential improvement plans, such as the impact of parameters such as viscoelasticity, porosity, surface coating, printing process, heat treatment process on the energy absorption effect of materials, further improving the engineering practicality of buffer protection materials. A summary of the key technologies in the research of penetration fuze protective materials was made, and some mechanical testing methods were proposed, which can better characterize the impact resistance and resilience of materials. Finally, the future development direction of buffer materials for penetration fuzes was explored, which will help promote the research on the concept of buffer materials used on penetration missiles.
Amygdala and cognitive impairment in cerebral small vessel disease: structural, functional, and metabolic changes
Authors: Cheng Zhenyu , Nie Wenying , Leng Junhong , Yang Linfeng , Wang Yuanyuan , Li Xianglin , Guo Lingfei
Published: July 2024

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a prevalent vascular disorder that has been consistently associated with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). The diagnosis of CSVD continues to rely on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Epidemiological data indicate that the characteristic MRI features of CSVD, including white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and lacunar infarction, are very common among individuals over 40 years of age in community studies. This prevalence poses a significant burden on many low- and middle-income families. The amygdala plays a crucial role in integrating sensory and associative information to regulate emotional cognition. Although many previous studies have linked alterations in the amygdala to various diseases, such as depression, there has been little research on CSVD-associated alterations in the amygdala due to the complexity of CSVD. In this paper, we summarize the various imaging features of CSVD and discuss the correlation between amygdala changes and VCI. We also explore how new neuroimaging methods can assess amygdala changes early, laying a foundation for future comprehensive exploration of the pathogenesis of CSVD.
The relationship between autoimmune disorders and intracranial aneurysms in East Asian and European populations: a bidirectional and multivariable two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Tang Chao , Ruan Rongcheng , Pan Bingxiao , Xu Minghong , Huang Jing , Xiong Zhaoying , Zhang Zhenxing
Published: July 2024

Background

It remains unclear about the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in the setting of autoimmune disorders (ADs). However, the underlying systemic inflammatory characteristics of ADs may affect IAs through shared inflammatory pathways. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the relationship between ADs and IAs and assess causal effects.

Methods

In this study, 6 common ADs were included to explore their causal relationship with IAs. Besides, a bidirectional two-sample univariable Mendelian randomization (UVMR) analysis was performed. In addition, the primary analysis was performed by the inverse variance weighted (IVW) and Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization (BWMR) method, and a series of sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the results. Further, the data related to ADs and IAs were collected from open genome-wide association study studies (GWASs) and the Cerebrovascular Disease Knowledge Portal (CDKP) (including 11,084 cases and 311,458 controls), respectively. These analyses were conducted based on both the East Asian and European populations. Moreover, 6 ADs were subject to grouping according to connective tissue disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and thyroid disease. On that basis, a multivariate MR (MVMR1) analysis was further performed to explore the independent causal relationship between each AD and IAs, and an MVMR 2 analysis was conducted to investigate such potential confounders as smoking, alcohol consumption, and systolic blood pressure. Finally, these results were verified based on the data from another GWAS of IAs.

Results

The UVMR analysis results demonstrated that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was associated with a high risk of IAs in the East Asian population (IVW OR, 1.06; 95%CI, 1.02–1.11; p = 0.0065, UVMR), which was supported by the results of BWMR (OR, 1.06; 95%CI, 1.02–1.11; p = 0.0067, BWMR), MVMR1 (OR, 1.06; 95%CI, 1.01–1.10; p = 0.015, MVMR1), MVMR2 (OR, 1.05; 95%CI, 1.00–1.11; p = 0.049, MVMR2), and sensitivity analyses. The results in the validation group also suggested a causal relationship between SLE and IAs (IVW OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00–1.09; p = 0.046). The reverse MR analysis results did not reveal a causal relationship between IAs and ADs.

Conclusion

In this MR study, SLE was validated to be a risk factor for IAs in the East Asian population. Therefore, the management of IAs in patients with SLE should be highlighted to avoid stroke events.
Quick speech motor correction in the absence of auditory feedback
Authors: Bourhis Morgane , Perrier Pascal , Savariaux Christophe , Ito Takayuki
Published: July 2024

A quick correction mechanism of the tongue has been formerly experimentally observed in speech posture stabilization in response to a sudden tongue stretch perturbation. Given its relatively short latency (< 150 ms), the response could be driven by somatosensory feedback alone. The current study assessed this hypothesis by examining whether this response is induced in the absence of auditory feedback. We compared the response under two auditory conditions: with normal versus masked auditory feedback. Eleven participants were tested. They were asked to whisper the vowel /e/ for a few seconds. The tongue was stretched horizontally with step patterns of force (1 N during 1 s) using a robotic device. The articulatory positions were recorded using electromagnetic articulography simultaneously with the produced sound. The tongue perturbation was randomly and unpredictably applied in one-fifth of trials. The two auditory conditions were tested in random order. A quick compensatory response was induced in a similar way to the previous study. We found that the amplitudes of the compensatory responses were not significantly different between the two auditory conditions, either for the tongue displacement or for the produced sounds. These results suggest that the observed quick correction mechanism is primarily based on somatosensory feedback. This correction mechanism could be learned in such a way as to maintain the auditory goal on the sole basis of somatosensory feedback.