bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urine biomarkers enable pancreatic cancer detection up to 2 years before diagnosis
Authors: Debernardi Silvana , Blyuss Oleg , Rycyk Daria , Srivastava Kirtiman , Jeon Christie Y. , Cai Hui , Cai Qiuyin , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Crnogorac‐Jurcevic Tatjana
Published: September 2022

The poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is mainly attributed to late diagnosis. We assessed the predictive performance of our previously reported urine biomarker panel for earlier detection of PDAC (LYVE1, REG1B and TFF1) in prediagnostic samples, alone and in combination with plasma CA19‐9. This nested case‐control study included 99 PDAC cases with urine samples prospectively collected up to 5 years prior to PDAC diagnosis and 198 matched controls. The samples were obtained from the Shanghai Women's Health Study (SWHS), the Shanghai Men's Health Studies (SMHS) and the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS). The urine biomarkers were measured by ELISA. Plasma CA19‐9 was quantified by Luminex. Multiple logistic regression and Wilcoxon rank‐sum and Mann‐Whitney test were used for analysis. The internal validation approach was applied and the validated AUC estimators are reported on. The algorithm of urinary protein panel, urine creatinine and age named PancRISK, displayed similar AUC as CA19‐9 up to 1 year before PDAC diagnosis (AUC = 0.79); however, the combination enhanced the AUCs to 0.89, and showed good discriminative ability (AUC = 0.77) up to 2 years. The combination showed sensitivity (SN) of 72% at 90% specificity (SP), and SP of 59% at 90% SN up to 1 year and 60% SN with 80% SP and 53% SP with 80% SN up to 2 years before PDAC diagnosis. Adding the clinical information on BMI value resulted in the overall improvement in performance of the PancRISK score. When combined with CA19‐9, the urinary panel reached a workable model for detecting PDAC cases up to 2 years prior to diagnosis.
Estimating the efficiency gap of maize yield across different irrigation methods in Pakistan
Authors: Nasrullah Muhammad , Liang Lizhi , Rizwanullah Muhammad
Published: September 2022

This study was carried out to identify and compare the efficiency levels of maize growers using surface water irrigation (SWI) and groundwater irrigation (GWI) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The variance inflation factor and Koenker Bassett test were used to check multicollinearity and heteroscedasticity that mostly occur in the primary data. The empirical findings obtained from the stochastic frontier analysis show that irrigation plays a significant role in the maize yield in both the SWI and GWI groups. The results revealed that irrigation was the most effective input used by the growers and could significantly increase the production of maize for SWI and GWI by 26 and 11%, respectively. The projected mean efficiency of the study implies that the SWI and GWI groups can still increase their efficiency by 11.1 and 19.3% with a given amount of inputs. The various inefficiency factors used in the study significantly contribute to the efficiency level of maize growers. It is also observed that farmers with large landholdings are more willing to pay for surface water irrigation, followed by farmers who are in touch with extension agents. Based on these findings, the study also recommends some policies for increasing maize production.
Safety and efficacy comparisons of rituximab biosimilars to the reference product in patients with cancer: a systematic meta‐analysis review
Authors: Song Nina K. , Musa Hala , Soriano Michael , Batger Mellissa , Hawkins Bryson , Ramzan Iqbal , Hibbs David E. , Ong Jennifer A.
Published: September 2022

Aim

To compare the efficacy and safety of rituximab biosimilars to reference rituximab in patients with cancer.

Data Sources

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central databases were searched from inception to 12 January 2022 to obtain all randomised control trial (RCTs) reporting on the safety and efficacy outcomes of patients with cancer treated with rituximab biosimilars.

Study Selection

All RCTs comparing the reference rituximab with a biosimilar, conducted in inpatient and outpatient settings, were included in the systematic review.

Results

Twenty‐nine RCTs were identified to report on patients treated with rituximab. The odds of achieving overall response rate in patients treated with a rituximab biosimilar compared to the reference over at least 24 weeks of treatment was 1.06 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88–1.26). The proportion of patients experiencing any treatment emergent adverse events were comparable between the two study arms (OR 1.20 [95% CI 0.98–1.49]).

Conclusion

Biosimilars for rituximab have comparable efficacy and safety profiles in treatment naïve patients; however, evidence for efficacy and safety of switching patients from reference biologic to biosimilar is lacking, and further research is required.
Record and paleoecological insights of a sub‐adult specimen of Smilodon populator Lund, 1842 found in a cave in Bahia, Brazil
Authors: de Lima Ana Paula Andrade , Barbosa Fernando Henrique de Souza , de Araújo‐Júnior Hermínio Ismael , Silva Laís Alves , Araújo André Vieira , Dantas Mário André Trindade
Published: September 2022

The present paper describes new fossil materials (skull and some postcranial elements) collected in November 2020 in Engrunado cave in Nova Redenção municipality, Bahia, Brazil. This material was attributed to a sub‐adult specimen of Smilodon populator Lund, 1842, estimated to be 17–18 months old and with a body mass of 185 kg when it died. Based on its body mass, this individual could have hunted animals with a typical and maximum potential prey body mass of 302 and 1004 kg, respectively. Furthermore, it may have had a high dietary niche overlap with adult specimens of S. populator and other large carnivorans, such as Panthera onca (Linnaeus, 1758), probably hunting different species to avoid competition with them.
Engineering nanostructured pure cancer cell membrane‐derived vesicles as a novel therapeutic cancer vaccine
Authors: He Hongliang , Guo Chunqing , Liu Wenjie , Chen Shixian , Wang Xiang‐Yang , Yang Hu
Published: September 2022

Extracted cancer cell membrane carries the antigens of the parent tumor cell. This autologous antigen repertoire presents cancer cell membrane‐derived nanoparticles highly immunogenic to the body's immune system. Cancer cell membrane‐derived nanoparticles antigenically recapitulate the parental cancer cells and can be exploited to induce immune response reactive with tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs). The use of the cancer cell membrane‐derived nanoparticles to deliver immunostimulatory adjuvants facilitates the cross‐presentation of tumor antigens by antigen‐presenting cells and their costimulation, triggering potent antigen‐specific T responses to eliminate established tumors. These nanoparticles can be engineered to carry immunostimulatory signals to facilitate the cross‐presentation of TAAs and the induction of potent antitumor immunity. In this study, cancer cell membrane‐based vesicles (CCMVs) are prepared from B16 melanoma cells and engineered to deliver the immunological agent polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly‐IC). We show that CCMV is preferentially uptaken by bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) as compared to other cell types (macrophages, fibroblasts). The efficient delivery of poly‐IC to BMDCs results in enhanced antigen cross‐presenting capability of BMDCs and T‐cell activation. Additionally, immunization of mice with poly‐IC‐carrying CCMV elicits a potent antitumor immune response. In conclusion, poly‐IC‐decorated tumor‐derived CCMV may be used as a therapeutic vaccine to potentiate antitumor immunity.
Valuation of ticket prices for first‐division football matches in the Spanish league
Authors: Megía‐Cayuela Daniel
Published: September 2022

This paper measures the optimal prices of football tickets and investigates the pricing strategy of the first‐division teams in the Spanish league during the 2018/2019 season. The paper develops a dual hybrid model of supply and demand based on a hedonic price approach. Fans have multiple motivations to attend the stadium, such as the quality of the opposing teams, the pre‐match qualifying position, the schedule, the day of the match, the stadium facilities, and the atmosphere. Their final decision will be conditioned by the price set by the clubs. The data show a difference of almost 300% in ticket prices among clubs. The estimation results from a hedonic price equation reveal that an optimal pricing strategy is followed by only five out of 20 clubs in the league. We also quantify the percentage of overvaluation or undervaluation of ticket prices.
Learning rotations
Authors: Pepe Alberto , Lasenby Joan , Chacón Pablo
Published: September 2022

Many problems in computer vision today are solved via deep learning. Tasks like pose estimation from images, pose estimation from point clouds or structure from motion can all be formulated as a regression on rotations. However, there is no unique way of parametrizing rotations mathematically: matrices, quaternions, axis‐angle representation or Euler angles are all commonly used in the field. Some of them, however, present intrinsic limitations, including discontinuities, gimbal lock or antipodal symmetry. These limitations may make the learning of rotations via neural networks a challenging problem, potentially introducing large errors. Following recent literature, we propose three case studies: a sanity check, a pose estimation from 3D point clouds and an inverse kinematic problem. We do so by employing a full geometric algebra (GA) description of rotations. We compare the GA formulation with a 6D continuous representation previously presented in the literature in terms of regression error and reconstruction accuracy. We empirically demonstrate that parametrizing rotations as bivectors outperforms the 6D representation. The GA approach overcomes the continuity issue of representations as the 6D representation does, but it also needs fewer parameters to be learned and offers an enhanced robustness to noise. GA hence provides a broader framework for describing rotations in a simple and compact way that is suitable for regression tasks via deep learning, showing high regression accuracy and good generalizability in realistic high‐noise scenarios.
Energy classification in a nonstandard fourth‐order parabolic equation with a Navier boundary condition
Authors: Liu Bingchen , Sun Xizheng , Wang Yiming
Published: September 2022

This paper deals with a fourth‐order parabolic equation involving variable exponents, subject to Navier boundary conditions. We firstly give an optimal classification on the initial energy for blow‐up or global solutions, which is characterized by the sign of the Nehari energy and the difference between the initial energy and the depth of the potential well. Then, large time estimates of solutions are obtained. The results of the paper extend and complete the ones in “Applied Mathematics Letters 78(2018)141–146.”
Real‐time shimming with FID navigators
Authors: Wallace Tess E. , Kober Tobias , Stockmann Jason P. , Polimeni Jonathan R. , Warfield Simon K. , Afacan Onur
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To implement a method for real‐time field control using rapid FID navigator (FIDnav) measurements and evaluate the efficacy of the proposed approach for mitigating dynamic field perturbations and improving ‐weighted image quality.

Methods

FIDnavs were embedded in a gradient echo sequence and a subject‐specific linear calibration model was generated on the scanner to facilitate rapid shim updates in response to measured FIDnav signals. To confirm the accuracy of FID‐navigated field updates, phantom and volunteer scans were performed with online updates of the scanner B0 shim settings. To evaluate improvement in ‐weighted image quality with real‐time shimming, 10 volunteers were scanned at 3T while performing deep‐breathing and nose‐touching tasks designed to modulate the B0 field. Quantitative image quality metrics were compared with and without FID‐navigated field control. An additional volunteer was scanned at 7T to evaluate performance at ultra‐high field.

Results

Applying measured FIDnav shim updates successfully compensated for applied global and linear field offsets in phantoms and across all volunteers. FID‐navigated real‐time shimming led to a substantial reduction in field fluctuations and a consequent improvement in ‐weighted image quality in volunteers performing deep‐breathing and nose‐touching tasks, with 7.57% ± 6.01% and 8.21% ± 10.90% improvement in peak SNR and structural similarity, respectively.

Conclusion

FIDnavs facilitate rapid measurement and application of field coefficients for slice‐wise B0 shimming. The proposed approach can successfully counteract spatiotemporal field perturbations and substantially improves ‐weighted image quality, which is important for a variety of clinical and research applications, particularly at ultra‐high field.
Microscopic theory of spin–spin and spin–lattice relaxation of bound protons in cellular and myelin membranes—A lateral diffusion model (LDM)
Authors: Sukstanskii Alexander L. , Yablonskiy Dmitriy A.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Deciphering salient features of biological tissue cellular microstructure in health and diseases is an ultimate goal of MRI. While most MRI approaches are based on studying MR properties of tissue “free” water indirectly affected by tissue microstructure, other approaches, such as magnetization transfer (MT), directly target signals from tissue‐forming macromolecules. However, despite three‐decades of successful applications, relationships between MT measurements and tissue microstructure remain elusive, hampering interpretation of experimental results. The goal of this paper is to develop microscopic theory connecting the structure of cellular and myelin membranes to their MR properties.

Theory and Methods

Herein we introduce a lateral diffusion model (LDM) that explains the T2 (spin–spin) and T1 (spin–lattice) MRI relaxation properties of the macromolecular‐bound protons by their dipole–dipole interaction modulated by the lateral diffusion of long lipid molecules forming cellular and myelin membranes.

Results

LDM predicts anisotropic T1 and T2 relaxation of membrane‐bound protons. Moreover, their T2 relaxation cannot be described in terms of a standard R2 = 1/T2 relaxation rate parameter, but rather by a relaxation rate function R2(t) that depends on time t after RF excitation, having, in the main approximation, a logarithmic behavior: R2(t) ∼ lnt. This anisotropic non‐linear relaxation leads to an absorption lineshape that is different from Super‐Lorentzian traditionally used in interpreting MT experiments.

Conclusion

LDM‐derived analytical equations connect the membrane‐bound protons T1 and T2 relaxation with dynamic distances between protons in neighboring membrane‐forming lipid molecules and their lateral diffusion. This sheds new light on relationships between MT parameters and microstructure of cellular and myelin membranes.
Association between public health nurses' involvement in local healthcare planning and the corresponding off‐the‐job training
Authors: Yoshioka‐Maeda Kyoko , Shiomi Misa , Katayama Takafumi , Hosoya Noriko , Fujii Hitoshi , Mayama Tatsushi
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study investigated the association between receiving off‐the‐job training and the involvement of public health nurses in local healthcare planning.

Design

A nationwide, cross‐sectional study design.

Methods

We sent self‐report questionnaires to 2,185 public health nurses with experience in developing local healthcare plans in Japan since 2013 and collected information related to three main categories: demographic data, involvement in local healthcare planning and strategies for healthcare planning.

Results

We received 1,281 responses (return rate of 58.6%), of which 231 did not meet the inclusion criteria. Thus, we analysed 1,050 valid responses. Among the 1,050 respondents, 496 (47.2%) had received off‐the‐job training in healthcare planning. A subsequent logistic regression analysis revealed that the following factors were associated with this achievement: holding a managerial position, receiving healthcare planning education at the undergraduate level, having mentors regarding the promotion of it, partially conducting cross‐sectional coordination and conducting groupwork with community‐dwelling residents.
Rhabdomyosarcoma with unknown primary tumor site: A report from European pediatric Soft tissue sarcoma Study Group (EpSSG)
Authors: Affinita Maria Carmen , Merks Johannes H. M. , Chisholm Julia C. , Haouy Stèphanie , Rome Angelique , Rabusin Marco , Brennan Bernadette , Bisogno Gianni
Published: September 2022

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive malignancy, and 20% of children present with metastases at diagnosis. Patients presenting with disseminated disease very occasionally have no clear evidence of a primary tumor mass. As these patients have rarely been investigated, we report on a series of patients with RMS and unknown primary tumor site registered in the Metastatic (MTS) RMS 2008 protocol (October 2008 to December 2016) coordinated by the European pediatric Soft tissue sarcoma Study Group.

Methods

Patients were administered nine cycles of induction chemotherapy, and 48 weeks of maintenance chemotherapy. Surgery and/or radiotherapy were planned after the first assessment of tumor response, and implemented after six cycles of chemotherapy. If feasible, radiotherapy to all sites of metastasis was recommended.

Results

We identified 10 patients with RMS and unknown primary site, most of them adolescents (median age 15.8 years, range: 4.6–20.4). Nine had fusion‐positive alveolar RMS. Multiple organ involvement was identified in seven patients, two only had bone marrow disease, and one only had leptomeningeal dissemination. All patients were given chemotherapy, four were irradiated, and none had surgery. Three patients underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. At the time of this analysis, only two patients are alive in complete remission: one had received radiotherapy; and one had a bone marrow transplant.

Conclusions

RMS with unknown primary tumor occurs mainly in adolescents and is typically fusion‐positive alveolar. Radiotherapy may be important, but survival is poor and patients should be offered enrollment in investigational trials.
Quantifying the linguistic demands of the oral directions of preschool cognitive assessments
Authors: Graves Scott L. , Johnson Kyanna , Phillips Shanye , Jones Mark , Jacobs Marcel
Published: September 2022

Research has indicated that school aged (6–16 years) versions of cognitive assessment instruments have varying levels of linguistic demand, which could impact assessment results for placement purposes. However, a significant limitation to this research is the fact that it has not been replicated with cognitive assessment instruments used in preschool populations. As such, the purpose of this study is to address this gap in the research literature by examining linguistic demands of cognitive test batteries used for preschool aged children. The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (KABC‐II), Woodcock Johnson Test of Cognitive Abilities Fourth Edition (WJ Cog‐IV), and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Fourth Edition were used for this examination. Overall results demonstrated that the oral directions of preschool assessments have relatively low linguistic demands. However, several subtests on WJ Cog‐IV have high Complexity, Verbosity, and Total Demand indices, which can pose difficulty for students with limited word knowledge. Furthermore, the KABC‐II was the least demanding assessment from a linguistic standpoint. Implications are discussed in terms of the assessment of early childhood populations.
JUMPptm: Integrated software for sensitive identification of post‐translational modifications and its application in Alzheimer's disease study
Authors: Poudel Suresh , Vanderwall David , Yuan Zuo‐Fei , Wu Zhiping , Peng Junmin , Li Yuxin
Published: September 2022

Background: Mass spectrometry (MS)‐based proteomic analysis of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) usually requires the pre‐enrichment of modified proteins or peptides. However, recent ultra‐deep whole proteome profiling generates millions of spectra in a single experiment, leaving many unassigned spectra, some of which may be derived from PTM peptides.

Methods: Here we present JUMPptm, an integrative computational pipeline, to extract PTMs from unenriched whole proteome. JUMPptm combines the advantages of JUMP, MSFragger and Comet search engines, and includes de novo tags, customized database search and peptide filtering, which iteratively analyzes each PTM by a multi‐stage strategy to improve sensitivity and specificity.

Results: We applied JUMPptm to the deep brain proteome of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and identified 34,954 unique peptides with phosphorylation, methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and others. The phosphorylated peptides were validated by enriched phosphoproteome from the same sample. TMT‐based quantification revealed 482 PTM peptides dysregulated at different stages during AD progression. For example, the acetylation of numerous mitochondrial proteins is significantly decreased in AD. A total of 60 PTM sites are found in the pan‐PTM map of the Tau protein.

Conclusion: The JUMPptm program is an effective tool for pan‐PTM analysis and the resulting AD pan‐PTM profile serves as a valuable resource for AD research.
Isobaric labeling: Expanding the breadth, accuracy, depth, and diversity of sample multiplexing
Authors: Paulo Joao A.
Published: September 2022

Isobaric labeling has rapidly become a predominant strategy for proteome‐wide abundance measurements. Coupled to mass spectrometry, sample multiplexing techniques using isobaric labeling are unparalleled for profiling proteins and posttranslational modifications across multiple samples in a single experiment. Here, I highlight aspects of isobaric labeling in the context of expanding the breadth of multiplexing, improving quantitative accuracy and proteome depth, and developing a wide range of diverse applications. I underscore two facets that enhance quantitative accuracy and reproducibility, specifically the availability of quality control standards for isobaric labeling experiments and the evolution of data acquisition methods. I also emphasize the necessity for standardized methodologies, particularly for emerging high‐throughput workflows. Future developments in sample multiplexing will further strengthen the importance of isobaric labeling for comprehensive proteome profiling.
Substituent effects on the stretching vibration frequencies of C=C bridge bond in aryl ethylene with furyl or thienyl group
Authors: Wang Linyan , Cao Chaotun , Qu Junyan , Cao Chenzhong
Published: September 2022

To explore the substituent effects on the stretching vibration frequencies νC=C of C=C bridge bond in 1‐furyl/thienyl‐2‐aryl ethylene XCH=CHArYs, 60 samples of XCH=CHArYs were synthesized, and their infrared absorption spectra were recorded. The regression analyses between the νC=C values of XCH=CHArYs and the substituent parameters of X and Y were made in detail. Finally, an optimality equation (shown as Equation 3) quantifying the νC=C values of XCH=CHArYs was obtained. It shows that the substituent effects on the νC=C values of XCH=CHArYs mainly reflect in Hammett constant of X and the excited‐state substituent constants of X and Y. Among the parameters in Equation (3), the excited‐state substituent constant of X contributes the most to the νC=C values of XCH=CHArYs as seen from the fraction contributions. On the whole, the contribution of X to the νC=C values of XCH=CHArYs is larger than that of Y.
The investigation of solid and hollow electrode APPJs in discharge characteristics and anticancer effects
Authors: Qi Miao , Peng Sansan , Fan Runze , Zhang Xinying , Pang Bolun , Liu Zhijie , Zhang Hao , Liu Dingxin , Xu Dehui , Kong Michael G.
Published: September 2022

Cold atmospheric pressure plasmas (CAPs) have a promising application in cancer treatment, the needle‐ring electrodes plasma jet is one of the common CAPs sources. Here, we compared the discharge characteristics and anticancer effects in two plasma jets: solid electrode and hollow electrode with six working gases (He, He + 0.5%O2, He + 0.5%N2, Ar, Ar + 0.5%O2, and Ar + 0.5%N2). The results show the solid plasma jet is slightly stronger according to discharge image, optical emission spectroscopy, and concentration of H2O2and NO2−. We used the leukemia cell THP‐1 as the model to detect the anticancer effect, cell viability assay demonstrated a solid electrode plasma jet with He + 0.5%N2 has less cell survival. Moreover, apoptosis increased significantly as the plasma treatment time and Cleaved‐PARP1 upregulated, SOD1 and p21 downregulated in a time‐dependent manner. Our work suggested that a solid electrode plasma jet with He + 0.5%N2may be a novel therapeutic method for acute myeloid leukemia.
Wettability and water‐droplet contact electrification of nanostructural polypropylene (PP) by plasma modification
Authors: Li Yupeng , Liu Yuxia , Guo Zhen , Huo Lei , Lei Mingkai
Published: September 2022

The superhydrophobic surfaces with three kinds of nanopillars on polypropylene (PP) substrates are fabricated by a plasma nanotexturing technique comprising oxygen‐plasma treatment (OPT) followed by fluorocarbon polymer deposition (FPD). The diameters of nanopillars and spacing distances between nanopillars are tuned under the different OPT and FPD duration times. The wettability and contact electrification on the surfaces are analyzed under the water droplet impact by changing the impacting droplet number, Weber number, and salt concentration. The dense or wide nanopillars favor high contact charge on the surfaces with nanopillars, arousing the damage of the superhydrophobicity with low adhesion. The low contact charge impacting the droplets with high salt concentration has a weakened effect on the superhydrophobicity of the surfaces with nanopillars.
Multi‐stage evolution of frost‐induced microtextures on the surface of quartz grains—An experimental study
Authors: Górska Martyna E. , Woronko Barbara
Published: September 2022

Coarse sand‐sized (0.5–1.0 mm) grains of vein quartz were subjected to frost‐induced stress under controlled laboratory conditions. A total of 1,000 freeze–thaw (FT) cycles, simulated under different (low, high) water mineralization conditions in the temperature range from −5°C up to +10°C, were used to test effects on collected samples. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) microtextural analysis of grain surfaces was performed at 0 (start) and after 50, 100, 300, 700, and 1,000 FT cycles. The results indicate that variable frost‐induced microtextural imprints encountered on quartz grain surfaces prior to and following analysis depend largely on the mineralization (dissolved solute content) of water involved in the weathering process. The higher the water mineralization, the greater the intensity of mechanical weathering. Two predominant outcomes in the course of these micro‐scale frost weathering tests have been identified: a physical (mechanical) aspect manifested by the occurrence of conchoidal fractures and breakage block microtextures dominating up to 300 FT cycles, and a chemical aspect resulting in the occurrence of precipitation crusts and obliteration of grain microrelief. Moreover, three additional stages of microtexture development may be distinguished with the evolution of frost‐induced microrelief on the surface of quartz grains: (i) initial cracks of large‐sized conchoidal fractures, (ii) increasing frost cycles yielding additional small‐sized conchoidal fractures, and (iii) advanced breakage blocks. Frost‐induced exposure of fresh, unweathered grain surfaces leads to refreshing of the grain surface.
Unprotonatable and ROS‐Sensitive Nanocarrier for NIR Spatially Activated siRNA Therapy with Synergistic Drug Effect
Authors: Deng Shaohui , Wang Shiyin , Xiao Zecong , Cheng Du
Published: September 2022

Although small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy has achieved great progress, unwanted gene inhibition in normal tissues severely limits its extensive clinical applications due to uncontrolled siRNA biodistribution. Herein, a spatially controlled siRNA activation strategy is developed to achieve tumor‐specific siRNA therapy without gene inhibition in the normal tissues. The quaternary ammonium moieties are conjugated to amphiphilic copolymers via reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐sensitive thioketal (TK) linkers for co‐delivery of siRNA and photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6), showing excellent siRNA complexation capacity and near infrared (NIR)‐controlled siRNA release. In the normal tissue, siRNAs are trapped and degraded in the endo‐lysosomes due to the unprotonatable property of quaternary ammonium moiety, showing the siRNA activity “off” state. When NIR irradiation is spatially applied to the tumor tissue, the NIR irradiation/Ce6‐induced ROS trigger siRNA endo‐lysosomal escape and cytosolic release through the photochemical internalization effect and cleavage of TK bonds, respectively, showing the siRNA activity “on” state. The siRNA‐mediated glutathione peroxidase 4 gene inhibition enhances ROS accumulation. The synergistic antitumor activity of Ce6 photodynamic therapy and gene inhibition is confirmed in vivo. Spatially controlled tumor‐specific siRNA activation and co‐delivery with Ce6 using unprotonatable and ROS‐sensitive cationic nanocarriers provide a feasible strategy for tumor‐specific siRNA therapy with synergistic drug effects.
Magnetic Composite Rapidly Treats Staphylococcus aureus‐Infected Osteomyelitis through Microwave Strengthened Thermal Effects and Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Jin Liguo , Zheng Yufeng , Liu Xiangmei , Zhang Yu , Li Zhaoyang , Liang Yanqin , Zhu Shengli , Jiang Hui , Cui Zhenduo , Wu Shuilin
Published: September 2022

It is difficult to effectively treat bacterial osteomyelitis using photothermal therapy or photodynamic therapy due to poor penetration of light. Here, a microwave (MW)‐excited magnetic composite of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) / iron oxide (Fe3O4) is reported for the treatment of bacteria‐infected osteomyelitis. In in vitro and in vivo experiments, MoS2/Fe3O4 is shown to effectively eradicate bacteria‐infected mouse tibia osteomyelitis, due to MW thermal enhancement and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (1O2 and ·O2–) production under MW radiation. In addition, the mechanism of MW heat generation is proposed by MW network vector analysis. By the density functional theory and finite element method, the ROS generation mechanism is proposed. The synergy or conductive network between dielectric MoS2 and magnetic Fe3O4 can reach both enhancement of the dielectric and magnetic attenuation capability. In addition, abundant interfaces are generated to enhance the attenuation of electromagnetic waves by MoS2 and Fe3O4, introducing multiple reflections and interfacial polarization. Therefore, MoS2/Fe3O4 has excellent MW absorption ability based on the synergy or conductive network between MoS2 and magnetic Fe3O4 as well as multiple dielectric reflections and interfacial polarization.
High Performance and Long‐cycle Life Rechargeable Aluminum Ion Battery: Recent Progress, Perspectives and Challenges
Authors: Abu Nayem S. M. , Ahmad Aziz , Shaheen Shah Syed , Saeed Alzahrani Atif , Saleh Ahammad A. J. , Aziz Md. Abdul
Published: September 2022

The rising energy crisis and environmental concerns caused by fossil fuels have accelerated the deployment of renewable and sustainable energy sources and storage systems. As a result of immense progress in the field, cost‐effective, high‐performance, and long‐life rechargeable batteries are imperative to meet the current and future demands for sustainable energy sources. Currently, lithium‐ion batteries are widely used, but limited lithium (Li) resources have caused price spikes, threatening progress toward cleaner energy sources. Therefore, post‐Li, batteries that utilize highly abundant materials leading to cost‐effective energy storage solutions while offering desirable performance characteristics are urgently needed. Aluminum‐ion battery (AIB) is an attractive concept that uses highly abundant aluminum while offering a high theoretical gravimetric and volumetric capacity of 2980 mAh g−1and 8046 mAh cm−3, respectively. As a result, intensified efforts have been made in recent years to utilize numerous electrolytes, anodes, and cathode materials to improve the electrochemical performance of AIBs, and potentially create high‐performance, low‐cost, and safe energy storage devices. Herein, recent progress in the electrolyte, anode, and cathode active materials and their utilization in AIBs and their related characteristics are summarized. Finally, the main challenges facing AIBs along with future directions are highlighted.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe Sls1 is primarily required for cox1 mRNA translation
Authors: Wang Yirong , Luo Ying , Huang Ying
Published: September 2022

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes essential subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes; thus, the expression of mtDNA‐encoded genes is essential for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate. However, factors involved in mitochondrial translation have not been fully characterized. In this study, we characterized Schizosaccharomyces pombe Sls1, which has sequence similarity to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sls1 that is required for the translation of all mtDNA‐encoded messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Deletion of S. pombe sls1 severely impaired the growth of the cells on a rich medium containing the nonfermentable carbon source glycerol, which requires mitochondrial respiration. We found that the translation of mtDNA‐encoded Cox1, the largest subunit of the cytochrome c oxidase complex, was severely impaired in Δsls1 cells. Deletion of S. pombe sls1 also resulted in a barely detectable steady‐state level of mature cox1 mRNA. RNA immunoprecipitation showed that S. pombe Sls1 interacts with cox1 mRNA. Sucrose gradient sedimentation analysis revealed that S. pombe Sls1 is associated with the small subunit of mitochondrial ribosomes. Our results suggest that unlike S. cerevisiae Sls1, S. pombe Sls1 is primarily required for the accumulation and translation of cox1 mRNA.
Pay No Attention to the Model Behind the Curtain
Authors: Stark Philip B.
Published: September 2022

Many widely used models amount to an elaborate means of making up numbers—but once a number has been produced, it tends to be taken seriously and its source (the model) is rarely examined carefully. Many widely used models have little connection to the real-world phenomena they purport to explain. Common steps in modeling to support policy decisions, such as putting disparate things on the same scale, may conflict with reality. Not all costs and benefits can be put on the same scale, not all uncertainties can be expressed as probabilities, and not all model parameters measure what they purport to measure. These ideas are illustrated with examples from seismology, wind-turbine bird deaths, soccer penalty cards, gender bias in academia, and climate policy.
Shrinking target equidistribution of horocycles in cusps
Authors: Tseng Jimmy
Published: September 2022

Consider a shrinking neighborhood of a cusp of the unit tangent bundle of a noncompact hyperbolic surface of finite area, and let the neighborhood shrink into the cusp at a rate of $$T^{-1}$$

T

-
1

as $$T \rightarrow \infty $$

T
→
∞

. We show that a closed horocycle whose length $$\ell $$
ℓ
goes to infinity or even a segment of that horocycle becomes equidistributed on the shrinking neighborhood when normalized by the rate $$T^{-1}$$

T

-
1

provided that $$T/\ell \rightarrow 0$$

T
/
ℓ
→
0

and, for any $$\delta >0$$

δ
>
0

, the segment remains larger than $$\max \left\{ T^{-1/6},\left( T/\ell \right) ^{1/2}\right\} \left( T/\ell \right) ^{-\delta }$$

max

T

-
1
/
6

,

T
/
ℓ

1
/
2

T
/
ℓ

-
δ

. We also have an effective result for a smaller range of rates of growth of T and $$\ell $$
ℓ
. Finally, a number-theoretic identity involving the Euler totient function follows from our technique.
Exponential mixing of geodesic flows for geometrically finite hyperbolic manifolds with cusps
Authors: Li Jialun , Pan Wenyu
Published: September 2022

Let $$\Gamma $$
Γ
be a geometrically finite discrete subgroup in $${\text {SO}}(d+1,1)^{\circ }$$

SO

(
d
+
1
,
1
)

∘

with parabolic elements. We establish exponential mixing of the geodesic flow on the unit tangent bundle $${\text {T}}^1(\Gamma \backslash {\mathbb {H}}^{d+1})$$

T

1

(
Γ
\

H

d
+
1

)

with respect to the Bowen–Margulis–Sullivan measure, which is the unique probability measure on $${\text {T}}^1(\Gamma \backslash {\mathbb {H}}^{d+1})$$

T

1

(
Γ
\

H

d
+
1

)

with maximal entropy. As an application, we obtain a resonance-free region for the resolvent of the Laplacian on $$\Gamma \backslash {\mathbb {H}}^{d+1}$$

Γ
\

H

d
+
1

. Our approach is to construct a coding for the geodesic flow and then prove a Dolgopyat-type spectral estimate for the corresponding transfer operator.
Regularity Criteria for the Kuramoto–Sivashinsky Equation in Dimensions Two and Three
Authors: Larios Adam , Rahman Mohammad Mahabubur , Yamazaki Kazuo
Published: September 2022

We propose and prove several regularity criteria for the 2D and 3D Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation, in both its scalar and vector forms. In particular, we examine integrability criteria for the regularity of solutions in terms of the scalar solution $$\phi $$
ϕ
, the vector solution $$u\triangleq \nabla \phi $$

u
≜
∇
ϕ

, as well as the divergence $$\text {div}(u)=\Delta \phi $$

div
(
u
)
=
Δ
ϕ

, and each component of u and $$\nabla u$$

∇
u

. We also investigate these criteria computationally in the 2D case, and we include snapshots of solutions for several quantities of interest that arise in energy estimates.
Relative Persistent Homology
Authors: Blaser Nello , Brun Morten
Published: September 2022

The alpha complex efficiently computes persistent homology of a point cloud $$X$$
X
in Euclidean space when the dimension $$d$$
d
is low. Given a subset $$A$$
A
of $$X$$
X
, relative Čech persistent homology can be computed as the persistent homology of the relative Čech complex $${\check{\mathrm{C}}}(X, A)$$

C
ˇ

(
X
,
A
)

. However, this is not computationally feasible for larger point clouds $$X$$
X
. The aim of this note is to present a method for efficient computation of relative Čech persistent homology in low dimensional Euclidean space. We introduce the relative Delaunay–Čech complex $${\text {Del}\check{\mathrm{C}}}(X, A)$$

Del

C
ˇ

(
X
,
A
)

whose homology is the relative Čech persistent homology. It is constructed from the Delaunay complex of an embedding of $$X$$
X
in $$(d+1)$$

(
d
+
1
)

-dimensional Euclidean space.
The Challenging and Hindering Potential of Time Pressure: Qualitative Job Demands as Suppressor Variables
Authors: Schilbach Miriam , Haun Verena C. , Baethge Anja , Rigotti Thomas
Published: September 2022

This study aims at resolving the inconsistent findings regarding the effects of time pressure on work engagement and personal resources by considering time pressure’s qualitative sources. Specifically, using the notion of statistical suppression, we argue that qualitative challenge and hindrance demands operate as suppressor variables and thus determine whether time pressure itself exerts a challenging or hindering potential. To test our assumptions, we conducted a daily diary study over the course of one workweek in a sample of 396 employees. We tested our hypotheses at the day-level. Results of multilevel structural equation modeling revealed that when controlling for qualitative challenge demands, time pressure positively related to exhaustion, but negatively related to work engagement and self-esteem. Suppression was significant. In contrast, when controlling for qualitative hindrance demands, time pressure was unrelated to work engagement, negatively related to self-esteem, and positively related to exhaustion, whereby qualitative hindrance demands did not act as a suppressor variable at the day-level. Additional analyses revealed that qualitative challenge and hindrance demands operated as suppressor variables at the person-level. In summary, when qualitative challenge demands were controlled for, time pressure operated as a hindrance demand. Yet, when qualitative hindrance demands were controlled for, time pressure operated as a challenge demand at the person-level. Our findings outline the need to account for the quality of work when assessing time pressure’s effects and further highlight the relevance of suppressor variables within the field of occupational health psychology.
A Vehicle-Assisted Computation Offloading Algorithm Based on Proximal Policy Optimization in Vehicle Edge Networks
Authors: Chen Geng , Xu Xianjie , Zeng Qingtian , Zhang Yu-Dong
Published: September 2022

With the continuous development of the Internet of Vehicles(IoV), Vehicle Edge Computing(VEC) has become a key technology for computational resource scheduling, but more and more smart devices are connected to the internet, which makes it difficult for traditional Vehicle Edge Networks(VEN) to deal with tasks in time. In this paper, in order to cope with the challenges of the large number of devices accessing the internet, we propose a vehicle-assisted computation offloading algorithm based on proximal policy optimization(VCOPPO) for User Equipment(UE) tasks, and it combines dynamic parked vehicles incentives mechanism and computational resource allocation strategy by using road vehicles and parked vehicles as edge servers. Firstly, a non-convex optimization problem combining VEN utility and task processing delay is formulated, subject to the constraints of the residual energy and the transmission rate of the task. Secondly, the proposed VCOPPO is used to solve the formulated non-convex optimization problem, and we use stochastic policy to obtain the optimal computation offloading decisions and resource allocation schemes. Finally, the experimental results have shown that the proposed VCOPPO has an excellent performance in network reward and task processing delay respectively, and it can effectively schedule and allocate computational resources. Compared with using Dueling Deep Q Network(Dueling DQN), Deep Q Network(DQN) and Q-learning methods, the proposed VCOPPO improves the network reward by 31%, 18% and 91%, reduces the delay in task processing by 78%, 63% and 74%, respectively.
Solution of ill-posed problems with Chebfun
Authors: Alqahtani A. , Mach T. , Reichel L.
Published: September 2022

The analysis of linear ill-posed problems often is carried out in function spaces using tools from functional analysis. However, the numerical solution of these problems typically is computed by first discretizing the problem and then applying tools from finite-dimensional linear algebra. The present paper explores the feasibility of applying the Chebfun package to solve ill-posed problems with a regularize-first approach numerically. This allows a user to work with functions instead of vectors and with integral operators instead of matrices. The solution process therefore is much closer to the analysis of ill-posed problems than standard linear algebra-based solution methods. Furthermore, the difficult process of explicitly choosing a suitable discretization is not required.
Market orientation (once again): Challenges and a suggested solution
Authors: Rokkan Aksel I.
Published: September 2022

Previous research shows almost unequivocally that market orientation (MO) has positive performance consequences for companies. However, research conceptualizes MO as (potentially) too abstract and broad. Consequently, detecting negative performance implications from it is difficult. In this article, I propose to deconstruct MO. First, rather than operating MO as an integrated construct, I suggest treating MO as a class of orientations that share certain properties but differ on important others. I detail the competitive logic of and main risks related to alternative MOs and, drawing from literature on marketing, economics, and strategy, suggest contingencies for alternative MOs to perform well. Second, I propose measuring each individual MO (e.g., customer-centric) as a product of the two forms of orientations (strategy/plan and information) embedded within it. This suggested measurement approach enables further scrutiny of the association between MO and company performance. I conclude with a discussion of the potential implications for research and marketing management which could result from treating MO as a construct class.
Subsurface structure of the proposed Sirente meteorite crater: insights from ERT synthetic modelling
Authors: Torrese P.
Published: September 2022

The Sirente main crater is a ≈ 130 m wide, in plan view droplet-shaped depression with an elevated rim, surrounded by 30 smaller depressions. It was proposed to be of meteorite impact origin. Given the age of formation in the 3rd to 5th centuries A.D., the inferred catastrophic origin was related to the celestial sign (“Chi Rho”) said to have been seen by Emperor Constantine in 312 A.D. and suggested to have changed the course of both Roman and Christian history. However, the meteoritic origin is not yet confirmed. This paper presents new results from synthetic modelling of Electric Resistivity Tomography field data collected at the Sirente main crater which provide further clues around the controversy of its origin. This study arises from the need to validate the observed structural features which include possible upturned strata (i.e., overturning of strata below impact crater rims) and compaction-fissure-like features below and just outside the crater rim, well-developed “breccia lens”, as well as an ejecta layer, and provide key indicators for objective and quantitative interpretation of the measured resistivity pattern. The results from this study are consistent with the hypothesis of a small impact crater in a low-strength target, with a relatively shallow apparent crater and do not support other proposed mechanisms of formation such as karst, mud volcano or merely anthropogenic origin.
Moving-Target Intelligent Tutoring System for Marksmanship Training
Authors: Zotov Vladimir , Kramkowski Eric
Published: September 2022

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) may augment military training systems and mitigate existing limitations in training personnel and resources. A study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of an embedded rifle marksmanship ITS for Moving Targets (MT-ITS). MT-ITS has two main components: (1) a Smart Sight System that provides a perceptual cue to help trainees adjust their point of aim to account for a target’s speed, direction of movement, and distance, and (2) a performance-based algorithm that delivers shooting performance feedback to trainees.

The MT-ITS was tested in an experiment where participants engaged moving targets in a virtual shooting range. Moving targets were presented at different speeds, direction of movement, and distances. Two types of marksmanship training were compared: with ITS and without ITS (a standard training). The ITS training group produced better hit rate and aiming accuracy scores than the standard training group, requiring less practice to achieve asymptotic results. Implications for the design of embedded trainers with ITS for marksmanship specifically and for training motor skills in general are discussed in the context of future research directions.