bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhythmic histone acetylation acts in concert with day–night oscillation of the floral volatile metabolic network
Authors: Patrick Ryan M. , Huang Xing‐Qi , Dudareva Natalia , Li Ying
Published: December 2023

The biosynthesis of specialized metabolites is strictly regulated by environmental inputs such as the day–night cycle, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In Petunia hybrida cv. Mitchell flowers, the biosynthesis and emission of volatile compounds display a diurnal pattern with a peak in the evening to attract nocturnal pollinators.

Using petunia flowers as a model system, we found that chromatin level regulation, especially histone acetylation, plays an essential role in mediating the day–night oscillation of the biosynthetic gene network of specialized metabolites.

By performing time‐course chromatin immunoprecipitation assays for histone modifications, we uncovered that a specific group of genes involved in the regulation, biosynthesis, and emission of floral volatile compounds, which displays the greatest magnitude in day–night oscillating gene expression, is associated with highly dynamic histone acetylation marks H3K9ac and H3K27ac. Specifically, the strongest oscillating genes featured a drastic removal of histone acetylation marks at night, potentially to shut down the biosynthesis of floral volatile compounds during the morning when they are not needed. Inhibiting daytime histone acetylation led to a compromised evening induction of these genes.

Overall, our study suggested an active role of chromatin modification in the diurnal oscillation of specialized metabolic network.
Feasibility and safety of left bundle branch area pacing in cardiac amyloidosis. A single center experience
Authors: Pham‐Trung Chinh , Veloza‐Urrea Darwin , Segura‐Domínguez Melodie , De la Rosa Rojas Yuleisy , Aguilera‐Agudo Cristina , García‐Izquierdo Eusebio Alejandro , García‐Rodríguez Daniel , Jiménez‐Sánchez Diego , Lorente‐Ros Alvaro , Mingo‐Santos Susana , Gonzalez‐Lopez Esther , Domínguez Fernando , Garcia‐Pavia Pablo , Toquero‐Ramos Jorge , Fernández‐Lozano Ignacio , Castro‐Urda Víctor
Published: December 2023

Background

Conventional right ventricle (RV) pacemaker stimulation has been associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Left bundle branch area pacing (LABPP) has been suggested as a promising alternative. We sought to assess the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of LABPP in patients with CA.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed echocardiography and pacing parameters and clinical outcomes in 23 consecutive patients with CA and LBBAP implanted from June 2020 to October 2022.

Results

LBBAP was successfully performed in 22 over 23 patients (19 male, 78.6 ± 11.7 years, 20 ATTR, mean LVEF 45.5 ± 16.2%). After the procedure, 9 patients showed Qr pattern and 11 a qR pattern in V1 on ECG. Average procedure time was 67 ± 28 min. After 7.7 ± 5.2 months follow‐up, no procedure‐related complications had occurred. Although, a significant reduction in QRS width (p = .001) was achieved, we did not observe significant changes in LVEF and Nt ProBNP at 6 months of follow‐up. Pacing parameters were stable during follow‐up: LBB capture threshold and R wave amplitude were 1.0 ±  0.5 V and 10.6 ± 6.0 mV versus 0.8 ±  0.1 V, p = .21 and 10.6 ± 5.1 mV (p = .985) at follow up.

Conclusion

LBBAP is safe and feasible pacing technique for patients with CA. LBBAP is associated with significant narrowing of QRSd without worsening in LVEF and Nt‐proBNP.
Heart of the matter—infection and xenotransplantation
Authors: Saharia Kapil K. ,   the University of Maryland Xenotransplant Team, Hall Victoria G. , Chesdachai Supavit , Porrett Paige , Fishman Jay A. , Pouch Stephanie M.
Published: December 2023

In this clinicopathological conference, invited experts discussed a previously published case of a patient with nonischemic cardiomyopathy who underwent heart transplantation from a genetically modified pig source animal. His complex course included detection of porcine cytomegalovirus by plasma microbial cell‐free DNA and eventual xenograft failure. The objectives of the session included discussion of selection of immunosuppressive regimens and prophylactic antimicrobials for human xenograft recipients, description of infectious disease risk assessment and mitigation in potential xenograft donors and understanding of screening and therapeutic strategies for potential xenograft‐related infections.

image
P-Bifurcation Analysis of a Quarter-Car Model With Inerter-Based Pendulum Vibration Absorber: A Wiener Path Integration Approach
Authors: Cosner Joel A. , Tai Wei-Che
Published: December 2023

In this theoretical study, a recently developed inerter-based pendulum vibration absorber (IPVA) coupled with energy harvesting capabilities is applied to the quarter car model with class C road conditions (ISO 8608). The impact of varying the pendulum length parameter on power harvesting, ride comfort (sprung mass acceleration), and road handling is investigated. It is discovered that P-bifurcation of the probability density function (PDF), can simultaneously occur with enhanced output power (40% improvements), low sprung mass acceleration (60% improvements), and better road handling (60% improvements) when compared with the linear benchmark system. To predict this bifurcation, a Wiener path integration (WPI) method coupled with curvature checking is developed for the PDF. An efficient bifurcation detection algorithm is developed which leads to the prediction of monomodal, bimodal, and rotation PDF regions in the noise intensity-electrical damping plane. Using Monte Carlo simulations (MCS), the performance metrics were then compared against the optimal linear benchmark for varying driving speed on a class F road while varying the electrical damping so that the system is at or near P-bifurcation. Energy transfer into the electrical domain and power harvested are shown to be up to 43% and 20% higher than for the optimized linear system, respectively. Electrical efficiency considerations show that generator selection is also a factor. Ride comfort and road handling still saw improvements of at least 59%. Finally, the new algorithm effectively reduces an exhaustive MCS for various parameter configurations when qualitative changes in the PDF are linked to performance.
Rapid Algorithmic Blade Design Applying Machine Learning From Shape Optimization to Satisfy Multidisciplinary Constraints
Authors: Dasadhikari Kingshuk , Kuwamura Yoshihiro
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a new, rapid, flexible approach for turbine blade section design combining algorithmic and inverse techniques to enable automatic generation of blade sections guaranteed to conform to multidisciplinary requirements, with the aim of accelerating turbomachinery design iterations. The approach links a base algorithm to parametrize and generate blade section geometry conforming to structural and manufacturability constraints such as section area, trailing edge radius, and exit wedge angle with a 2D cfd solver to calculate surface isentropic Mach number profile for aerodynamic performance evaluation. To achieve blade sections with smooth surface and lenticular Mach number profile concave up on the pressure side and concave down on the suction side, the base algorithm is tuned by a surrogate inverse model trained by machine learning from pre-generated tuning data obtained by case-by-case shape optimization for a range of design conditions. A weighted objective function is applied to quantify both geometric and aerodynamic quality of blade sections for the optimization. Shape optimization improves output section quality by 54–87% compared to the untuned algorithm. Aerodynamically, suction-side flow separation is eliminated in the optimized sections, giving 70% less pressure loss compared to the untuned algorithm for the best cases. Across all conditions spanning the examined design space, the surrogate model successfully captures most of this improvement, yielding blade sections of similar quality to explicit optimization sufficient to meet the geometric and aerodynamic requirements for design. Furthermore, section quality is preserved even if imposed structural and manufacturability constraints are perturbed within typical margins, guaranteeing blade sections that are always viable for practical use. Blade sections from the surrogate-tuned algorithm are output within minutes, eliminating the time-intensiveness of existing manual or case-by-case design approaches.
Kinematics and Performance Analysis of a Deployable 7R Overconstrained Single-Loop Mechanism for Aerospace Platform
Authors: Zhang Yang , Xu Peng , Li Bing
Published: December 2023

This paper studies a special deployable 7R single-loop mechanism (SLM), which is characterized by its overconstraints, 1-DOF, and single-loop structure. Based on these characteristics, a series of performance evaluation indices, including the overconstraint performance, input and output motion/force transmission performance, and deploying/folding ratio, are proposed to evaluate its performance. To analyze these performances, the kinematics of the 7R SLM is analyzed. Then, these performance indices are used to evaluate the 7R SLM. The performance analysis result shows that the mechanism exhibits excellent performance. A 3D-printed prototype of the 7R overconstrained SLM is presented and used to assemble a deployable module. Their deploying motion verifies the assembly capability and deployability of the mechanism and its potential as a basic unit to construct more complex, overconstrained deployable mechanisms for aerospace platforms. This study plays a significant role in the analysis, design, and optimization of overconstrained SLMs while also providing theoretical support for applications in aerospace platforms and other related fields.
Adherence to the Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines by Infants and Toddlers and Its Association With Well-Being
Authors: Loh Guan Yuan , Chua Terence Buan Kiong , Hian Tan Kok , Loo Benny Kai Guo , Quah Phaik Ling , Chia Michael Yong Hwa
Published: December 2023

Background: This study estimated the prevalence of Singapore infants and toddlers who met the new Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines for Early Childhood and examined its association with well-being. Methods: A total of 267 parents of children aged between 0 and 2 years completed an online questionnaire that consists of the Singaporean Children Lifestyle Questionnaire and either the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) Inventory Infant Scale or the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Well-being of infants was measured through parent responses to PedsQL and that of toddlers was measured through Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Data were benchmarked against age-specific guidelines for physical activity, screen time, and sleep in the Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines for Early Childhood. Results: A higher percentage of infants (37.3%) than toddlers (20.6%) had met 3 guidelines. In contrast, a lower percentage of infants than toddlers met at least one or did not meet any guidelines (3.8% and 0% for infants vs 22.4% and 1.8% for toddlers, respectively). Infants who met more guidelines had significantly higher parent-reported PedsQL total scale score than infants who met fewer guidelines (P < .05). However, the present study found that the number of guidelines met was not associated to infants’ PedsQL scale score and toddlers’ total difficulty score (P > .05). Conclusion: Adherence to this set of local guidelines should be widely publicized, so parents will have greater awareness and knowledge on cultivating good physical activity, screen time, and sleep habits for their child from a young age.
Element abundance patterns in stars indicate fission of nuclei heavier than uranium
Authors: Roederer Ian U. , Vassh Nicole , Holmbeck Erika M. , Mumpower Matthew R. , Surman Rebecca , Cowan John J. , Beers Timothy C. , Ezzeddine Rana , Frebel Anna , Hansen Terese T. , Placco Vinicius M. , Sakari Charli M.
Published: December 2023

The heaviest chemical elements are naturally produced by the rapid neutron-capture process (
r
-process) during neutron star mergers or supernovae. The
r
-process production of elements heavier than uranium (transuranic nuclei) is poorly understood and inaccessible to experiments so must be extrapolated by using nucleosynthesis models. We examined element abundances in a sample of stars that are enhanced in
r
-process elements. The abundances of elements ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, and silver (atomic numbers
Z
= 44 to 47; mass numbers
A
= 99 to 110) correlate with those of heavier elements (63 ≤
Z
≤ 78,
A
> 150). There is no correlation for neighboring elements (34 ≤
Z
≤ 42 and 48 ≤
Z
≤ 62). We interpret this as evidence that fission fragments of transuranic nuclei contribute to the abundances. Our results indicate that neutron-rich nuclei with mass numbers >260 are produced in
r
-process events.
Biofortification of iron content by regulating a NAC transcription factor in maize
Authors: Yan Pengshuai , Du Qingguo , Chen Huan , Guo Zifeng , Wang Zhonghua , Tang Jihua , Li Wen-Xue
Published: December 2023

Iron (Fe) deficiency remains widespread among people in developing countries. To help solve this problem, breeders have been attempting to develop maize cultivars with high yields and high Fe concentrations in the kernels. We conducted a genome-wide association study and identified a gene,
ZmNAC78
(
NAM/ATAF/CUC DOMAIN TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR 78
), that regulates Fe concentrations in maize kernels. We cultivated maize varieties with both high yield and high Fe concentrations in their kernels by using a molecular marker developed from a 42–base pair insertion or deletion (indel) in the promoter of
ZmNAC78
.
ZmNAC78
expression is enriched in the basal endosperm transfer layer of kernels, and the ZmNAC78 protein directly regulates messenger RNA abundance of Fe transporters. Our results thus provide an approach to develop maize varieties with Fe-enriched kernels.
On-demand entanglement of molecules in a reconfigurable optical tweezer array
Authors: Holland Connor M. , Lu Yukai , Cheuk Lawrence W.
Published: December 2023

Entanglement is crucial to many quantum applications, including quantum information processing, quantum simulation, and quantum-enhanced sensing. Because of their rich internal structure and interactions, molecules have been proposed as a promising platform for quantum science. Deterministic entanglement of individually controlled molecules has nevertheless been a long-standing experimental challenge. We demonstrate on-demand entanglement of individually prepared molecules. Using the electric dipolar interaction between pairs of molecules prepared by using a reconfigurable optical tweezer array, we deterministically created Bell pairs of molecules. Our results demonstrate the key building blocks needed for quantum applications and may advance quantum-enhanced fundamental physics tests that use trapped molecules.
Culturally determined interspecies communication between humans and honeyguides
Authors: Spottiswoode Claire N. , Wood Brian M.
Published: December 2023

Species interactions that vary across environments can create geographical mosaics of genetic coevolution. However, traits mediating species interactions are sometimes culturally inherited. Here we show that traditions of interspecies communication between people and wild birds vary in a culturally determined geographical mosaic. Honey hunters in different parts of Africa use different calls to communicate with greater honeyguides (
Indicator indicator
) that lead them to bees’ nests. We show experimentally that honeyguides in Tanzania and Mozambique discriminate among honey hunters’ calls, responding more readily to local than to foreign calls. This was not explained by variation in sound transmission and instead suggests that honeyguides learn local human signals. We discuss the forces stabilizing and diversifying interspecies communication traditions, and the potential for cultural coevolution between species.
Drought sensitivity in mesic forests heightens their vulnerability to climate change
Authors: Heilmayr Robert , Dudney Joan , Moore Frances C.
Published: December 2023

Climate change is shifting the structure and function of global forests, underscoring the critical need to predict which forests are most vulnerable to a hotter and drier future. We analyzed 6.6 million tree rings from 122 species to assess trees’ sensitivity to water and energy availability. We found that trees growing in wetter portions of their range exhibit the greatest drought sensitivity. To test how these patterns of drought sensitivity influence vulnerability to climate change, we predicted tree growth through 2100. Our results suggest that drought adaptations in arid regions will partially buffer trees against climate change. By contrast, trees growing in the wetter, hotter portions of their climatic range may experience unexpectedly large adverse impacts under climate change.
Staphylococcus aureus
β-hemolysin causes skin inflammation by acting as an agonist of epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Jia Yonggen , Guan Zhangchun , Liu Chenghua , Huang Minjun , Li Jingjing , Feng Jiannan , Shen Beifen , Yang Guang
Published: December 2023

Staphylococcus aureus
is a common cause of inflammatory skin diseases, with one of its virulence factors, β-hemolysin (Hlb), known to promote skin colonization. However, its direct involvement in skin inflammation is unclear. In this study, we identified that Hlb activated the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to induce skin inflammation, through its sphingomyelinase activity. We found that Hlb promoted the activity of A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17), which cleaves EGFR ligands and triggers EGFR phosphorylation. Furthermore, we discovered that Hlb increased the exposure of phosphatidylserine on the cell membrane, thus enhancing ADAM17’s sheddase activity. To address this, we developed a neutralizing monoclonal antibody against Hlb, which effectively attenuated
S. aureus
-induced skin inflammation by blocking EGFR activation. Our findings provide critical insights into the role of Hlb in inflammatory skin diseases, shedding light on the endogenous signal pathway that triggers this process.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureus
is a Gram-positive opportunistic bacterium that is responsible for the majority of skin infections in humans. Our study provides important molecular insights into the pathogenesis of
S. aureus
skin infections and identifies a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of these infections. Our findings also indicate that β-hemolysin (Hlb) secreted by colonized
S. aureus
is a risk factor for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-related diseases by acting as an agonist of EGFR. The neutralized monoclonal antibody we have developed for the first time will provide a functional inhibitor of Hlb. This study provides important insights to better understand the relationship between the skin colonization of
S. aureus
and inflammatory skin diseases.
Role of Mitochondria in Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Chernyavskij D. A. , Galkin I. I. , Pavlyuchenkova A. N. , Fedorov A. V. , Chelombitko M. A.
Published: December 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is widespread in industrial countries with every 20th citizen being affected. Dysregulation of the epithelial barrier function is considered to play a key role in IBD. Permeability of the intestinal epithelium depends mostly on its self-renewal potential and the condition of intercellular junctions. Mitochondria are involved in regulating various intracellular processes in addition to their energy function. Recent data implicate mitochondria in intestinal epithelial barrier regulation and IBD. Mitochondrial dysfunction is possibly one of the factors that underlie the structural abnormalities of tight junctions and the cytoskeleton in intestinal epithelial cells and decrease the self-renewal capacity of the epithelium. The barrier function of the intestinal epithelium is consequently distorted, and IBD develops. The mechanisms of these processes are still unclear and require further research.
tert-Butyl Ethers of Renewable Diols as Oxygenate Additives to Automobile Gasolines. Part II: Ethers of Ethylene Glycol and 2,3-Butanediol
Authors: Samoilov V. O. , Stolonogova T. I. , Ramazanov D. N. , Tyurina E. V. , Sultanova M. U. , Lavrent’ev V. A. , Krasnoshtanova S. S. , Chernysheva E. A. , Kapustin V. M.
Published: December 2023

The results obtained in the second part of the study of vicinal (tert-butoxy)alkanols as additives to automobile gasolines are presented. Mono-tert-butyl ethers of ethylene glycol (ETBE) and 2,3-butanediol (BTBE) were prepared by direct acid-catalyzed alkylation of the corresponding diols with tert-butanol. The substances obtained were characterized by main physical properties (density, viscosity, boiling point, crystallization point, specific heat of combustion) and were studied as additives to automobile gasolines. The effect of ether additives on the main physicochemical properties of gasolines (fractional composition, saturated vapor pressure, concentration of actual resins, knock resistance), including ethanol-containing gasolines, was studied. The mean research/motor blending octane numbers for ETBE and BTBE were 130/103 and 115/97, respectively. Inclusion of ETBE/BTBE into the formulations of ethanol-containing gasolines allowed the cloud point to be considerably reduced without unambiguous synergistic effect on the knock resistance.
Estimation of Carbon Stocks in Soils of Forest Ecosystems as a Basis for Monitoring the Climatically Active Substances
Authors: Koptsik G. N. , Koptsik S. V. , Kupriyanova I. V. , Kadulin M. S. , Smirnova I. E.
Published: December 2023

Abstract—

The eluvozems and soddy eluvozems on two-layered deposits dominating in the soil cover of the Zvenigorod Biostation of Moscow State University, contain, on average, 65–83 t/ha of organic carbon in the organic layer and the upper meter of mineral strata. Carbon stock is minimal (59–68 t/ha) in the coarser-textured soddy eluvozem of the spruce forest and reaches 76–92 t/ha in soils of birch–spruce and pine–spruce forests. Organic layers store 3.3–5.8 t C/ha or 4–9% of the total soil organic carbon stock; the upper mineral layer (0–20 cm) stores 64–69%. Different levels and profile distribution of organic carbon in soils are determined by lithological and textural features of the soil profiles and by the nature of vegetation. The contribution of water-extractable organic carbon to the total organic carbon content in the upper mineral horizons does not exceed 1.3–1.8%; the contribution of microbial carbon is 1.7–2.4%. In acidic loamy soils, the enrichment in calcium and potassium, the cation exchange capacity, the content of exchangeable bases, and the degree of base saturation can serve as indicators of the content and stocks of organic carbon at the ecosystem level. The relationship with the content of clay fractions and oxalate-extractable Al and Fe is manifested to a lesser extent due to the similar origin and properties of soils. The variability of organic carbon stocks in soils is largely determined by its content, the influence of which decreases with depth. Accounting for spatial heterogeneity, field measurements of the soil bulk density and proportion of fine earth, and correct analytical determinations are essential components of the assessment of carbon stocks in soils of forest ecosystems as a part of the national monitoring system for carbon pools and greenhouse gas fluxes.
Explainable artificial intelligence model for the detection of geographic atrophy using colour retinal photographs
Authors: Sarao Valentina , Veritti Daniele , De Nardin Axel , Misciagna Micaela , Foresti Gianluca , Lanzetta Paolo
Published: December 2023

Objective

To develop and validate an explainable artificial intelligence (AI) model for detecting geographic atrophy (GA) via colour retinal photographs.

Methods and analysis

We conducted a prospective study where colour fundus images were collected from healthy individuals and patients with retinal diseases using an automated imaging system. All images were categorised into three classes: healthy, GA and other retinal diseases, by two experienced retinologists. Simultaneously, an explainable learning model using class activation mapping techniques categorised each image into one of the three classes. The AI system’s performance was then compared with manual evaluations.

Results

A total of 540 colour retinal photographs were collected. Data was divided such that 300 images from each class trained the AI model, 120 for validation and 120 for performance testing. In distinguishing between GA and healthy eyes, the model demonstrated a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 97.5% and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 98.4%. Performance metrics like area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC, 0.988) and the precision-recall (AUC-PR, 0.952) curves reinforced the model’s robust achievement. When differentiating GA from other retinal conditions, the model preserved a diagnostic accuracy of 96.8%, a precision of 90.9% and a recall of 100%, leading to an F1-score of 0.952. The AUC-ROC and AUC-PR scores were 0.975 and 0.909, respectively.

Conclusions

Our explainable AI model exhibits excellent performance in detecting GA using colour retinal images. With its high sensitivity, specificity and overall diagnostic accuracy, the AI model stands as a powerful tool for the automated diagnosis of GA.
Colour tone of retinal arterioles imaged with a colour scanning laser ophthalmoscope can be an indicator of systemic arterial stiffness
Authors: Sakono Takato , Terasaki Hiroto , Kubozono Takuro , Sonoda Shozo , Funatsu Ryoh , Mihara Naohisa , Shiihara Hideki , Ohishi Mitsuru , Sakamoto Taiji
Published: December 2023

Objective

Colour scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO) offers several advantages, including improved image quality and better visualisation of the retinal structures compared with colour fundus photograph (CFP). This study aimed to identify whether cSLO could be used to predict systemic arterial stiffness.

Methods and analysis

We retrospectively analysed the data of 54 patients with 103 eyes. In addition to blood pressure and blood data, all patients had cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) measurements, as well as images of the fundus acquired using cSLO and CFP. We determined the retinal artery sclerosis (RAS) index from the colour of the retinal artery in cSLO images, the ratio of arterial to venous diameter (A/V ratio), and Scheie’s classification in CFP images. The correlation between each parameter and CAVI was examined using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and the correlation between Scheie’s classification and CAVI was examined using Steel-Dowass tests.

Results

CAVI showed a significant positive correlation with the RAS index (r=0.679, p<0.001) but not with the A/V ratio or Scheie’s classification. Multiple regression analysis showed that the RAS index was significantly and independently correlated with CAVI.

Conclusion

cSLO is a non-invasive imaging modality that has the potential to accurately and instantaneously detect early systemic arterial stiffness.
Intersectionality factors and equitable end-of-life experiences: rapid review
Authors: Hudson Briony F , Taylor Fiona , Jones Rini , Sagar Devi Rani , Driscoll Ruth , Carter Dominic , Royston Sam , Penny Alison
Published: December 2023

Background

Efforts to minimise inequity in palliative and end-of-life care (PEoLC) are well-researched. This is frequently explained by differences related to singular factors. The concept of intersectionality recognises that the combination of variables exacerbates disparities.

Objective

To identify and review what is known about intersectionality’s impact on experiences of PEoLC, including advance care planning (ACP).

Methods

A rapid review with a narrative summary of peer-reviewed articles. Six electronic databases were searched for studies explicitly exploring the role of intersectionality in the experience of PEoLC and ACP for people with life-limiting or terminal illnesses, published in the last 10 years.

Results

Identifying eligible papers was challenging. Of the 3738 papers found, only seven were eligible. Of the seven included papers, four explored the impact of intersectionality on access to and attitudes towards ACP. Two studies involved access to PEoLC and one considered quality of care received in the last year of life.

Conclusions

Understanding intersectionality is crucial for delivering personalised approaches to care and support. The relationship between intersecting factors and end-of-life experiences is complex and there is currently a paucity of studies considering this. The majority of existing literature addresses a narrow range of variables. Additionally, the lack of guidance on the application of intersectionality in research, makes it difficult to compare and synthesise findings. Further diverse action-orientated research is necessary to produce impactful evidence to inform future policy with the aim of reducing inequity in PEoLC.
Loss of potentially toxic elements to snowmelt runoff from soils amended with alum, gypsum, and Epsom salt
Authors: Indraratne Srimathie , Amarakoon Inoka , Kumaragamage Darshani , Lasisi Ahmed , Goltz Doug , Casson Nora
Published: December 2023

Soil amendment effects on the mobility of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) have been hardly investigated under snowmelt flooding conditions. This research quantifies and compares the loadings of arsenic (As), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) to snowmelt from unamended, alum-, gypsum-, and Epsom salt-amended soils from a manured agricultural field and a non-manured agricultural field. In the fall of 2020, amendments were surface applied at a rate of 2.5 Mg ha−1 to field plots with four replicates. Runoff boxes were installed at the plots’ edge to collect winter snow. In the spring of 2021, the snowmelt in each box was pumped out, and volume was recorded until all snow in the boxes had melted. Concentrations of PTE and other cations and pH were measured in a subsample of the snowmelt. The snowmelt from the manured field had higher Ni, Se, and V loads than that from the non-manured field. There were no significant differences in snowmelt PTE loads between the amended soils and the unamended controls at each field. Although not statistically significant, the Epsom salt-amended treatment resulted in a 75% reduction in Se loading and a 44% reduction in V loading, while the gypsum-amended treatment showed a 38% reduction in Ni loading compared to the unamended treatment in the manured soil. Overall, our findings from a single season using both manured and non-manured fields suggest that alum, gypsum, and Epsom salt additions did not significantly alter the mobility of the studied PTEs during the spring snowmelt period.
Thermal pair production from photon-photon collision: Breit–Wheeler process at finite temperature
Authors: Cabral D. S. , Santos A. F. , Bufalo R.
Published: December 2023

In this paper we examine the pair production through the Breit–Wheeler process $$\gamma ~\gamma \rightarrow e^+ e^-$$

γ

γ
→

e
+

e
-

in a thermal background. We compute the thermal contribution to the Breit–Wheeler differential cross section within the thermofield dynamics formalism. We evaluate in details the cross section for this process, which possess a surprisingly simple expression valid for any temperature $$\beta $$
β
, from which we discuss some physically relevant aspects. We also consider the high temperature regime of the cross section in order to have a better understanding about its thermal behavior.
Fake News, Misinformation, and Privacy: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Changes Our Society and How Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies Reduce Their Effects
Authors: Ho Kevin K. W. , Chiu Dickson K. W. , (Allen) Au C. H. , Dalisay Francis , So Stuart , Yamamoto Masahiro
Published: December 2023

This position article summarizes the panelists’ presentations and discussions at the panel “Fake News, Misinformation, and Privacy: How COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Our Society,” held at the 15th International Conference on Information Resources Management (Conf-IRM 2022) on October 18, 2022. The panel discussed their views on (1) how to stop the spreading of health misinformation; (2) how information sources affect online health information behavior; (3) how news literacy increases people's desire to seek out information by increasing their skepticism; and (4) how political beliefs, trust, and privacy concerns affect people's decisions during COVID-19. This article also discusses how blockchain and distributed ledger technologies can help tackle the fake news and misinformation problem.
Exploring the Learning Difficulty of Data: Theory and Measure
Authors: Zhu Weiyao , Wu Ou , Su Fengguang , Deng Yingjun
Published: December 2023

‘‘Easy/hard sample” is a popular parlance in machine learning. Learning difficulty of samples refers to how easy/hard a sample is during a learning procedure. An increasing need of measuring learning difficulty demonstrates its importance in machine learning (e.g., difficulty-based weighting learning strategies). Previous literature has proposed a number of learning difficulty measures. However, no comprehensive investigation for learning difficulty is available to date, resulting in that nearly all existing measures are heuristically defined without a rigorous theoretical foundation. This study attempts to conduct a pilot theoretical study for learning difficulty of samples. First, influential factors for learning difficulty are summarized. Under various situations conducted by summarized influential factors, correlations between learning difficulty and two vital criteria of machine learning, namely, generalization error and model complexity, are revealed. Second, a theoretical definition of learning difficulty is proposed on the basis of these two criteria. A practical measure of learning difficulty is proposed under the direction of the theoretical definition by importing the bias-variance trade-off theory. Subsequently, the rationality of theoretical definition and the practical measure are demonstrated, respectively, by analysis of several classical weighting methods and abundant experiments realized under all situations conducted by summarized influential factors. The mentioned weighting methods can be reasonably explained under the proposed theoretical definition and concerned propositions. The comparison in these experiments indicates that the proposed measure significantly outperforms the other measures throughout the experiments.
Fears and Concerns of Bystanders to Help People Injured in Traffic Accidents: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Sepahvand Mohammad Jafar , Nourozi Kian , Khankeh Hamidreza , Mohammadi-Shahboulaghi Farahnaz , Fallahi-Khoshknab Masoud
Published: December 2023

In most traffic accidents, bystanders arrive at the scene before the rescuers. If they provide the right help, they can play an important and effective role in reducing the number of deaths and complications caused by these accidents. However, in many cases, fears and concerns prevent bystanders from providing assistance. This study aims to investigate and understand the fears and concerns of bystanders when they decide to help in traffic accidents. In 2022, this study was carried out in Iran using a qualitative content analysis approach. The data was collected through semistructured interviews. Participants were 15 males and females who had experience providing assistance in traffic accidents. Interviews, after digital recording, were transcribed verbatim. A purposeful and theoretical sampling method was performed. Data analysis and the determination of codes, categories, and subcategories were done using qualitative analysis software. O’Brien’s qualitative research reporting standard was used. The results of the study include a category of fears and concerns and five subcategories. The subcategories include fear and concern caused by lack of information, fear of legal troubles, stress caused by previous experience, fear and anxiety caused by anticipation, and anxiety of unknown origin. The results of this study showed that some of the fears and concerns of the bystanders were related to a lack of information about providing assistance. By increasing bystanders’ information about assistance, such as first aid training, fear and anxiety caused by a lack of information can be reduced. Another part of the fear and concern of bystanders is due to legal issues. Passing and implementing laws that protect bystanders can help reduce this fear and concern. Bystanders should be trained to provide assistance according to the rules of assistance so that they do not get into legal problems. A part of the bystander’s fear and concern stems from their previous experiences providing assistance in traffic accidents. These experiences can also affect the fear and anxiety caused by anticipation. It is necessary to conduct more studies on the role of bystanders’ experiences in creating fear and anxiety in them, as well as their effect on anticipatory fear.
Study on the Numerical Relationship between Dynamic Compressive Strength and Crushing Energy Consumption in Dynamic Point Load Test under Different Corrosion Conditions
Authors: Zhou Ming , Qiao Lan , Luo An , Li Qingwen
Published: December 2023

Compared with most dynamic tests, point load test is widely used in engineering practice because of its wide requirements for test conditions. In offshore mining engineering, the surrounding rock is affected by dynamic load impact and corrosion of various aqueous solutions for a long time. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the influence of hydrochemical corrosion on dynamic mechanical properties of rock to ensure the stability of surrounding rock. In this paper, a large number of dynamic point load and dynamic uniaxial compression tests were carried out on the granite mined from a large mine by using the Split Hopkinson pressure bar test device after the corrosion of pH values of 2, 5, and 7 solutions, respectively. Based on the energy theory, the crushing energy consumption in the test process is analyzed, and finally the fitting formula of the dynamic compressive strength and the crushing energy consumption in the dynamic point load test is obtained through fitting analysis. The results show that when the crushing energy consumption in the dynamic point load test is used to estimate the dynamic compressive strength, a certain crushing energy consumption (the final value of this test is 70 J in this paper) is more accurate, and it can estimate the dynamic compressive strength under various corrosion conditions under this crushing energy consumption. However, with the change of crushing energy consumption in the dynamic point load test, this transformation relationship is no longer accurate, and it is necessary to modify this transformation relationship with corrosion condition as the influencing factor. This conclusion can provide reference for obtaining the dynamic compressive strength of rocks under different corrosion conditions in engineering field in the future.
A GAN–SVR Prediction Method of the Metal Tube‐Bending Rebound with Small Samples
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Fang Ziluo , Li Liangyou , Yang Tingting
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates a predictive algorithm for the angle of the metal tube‐bending rebound with small samples. First, the generative adversarial network (GAN) approach is introduced to address the issues of insufficient sample data. The proposed method can realize data augmentation through a generator, enhancing training effectiveness compared to conventional model‐based and experimental prediction methods. To further reduce the problems caused by the small samples, the Wasserstein distance is utilized as the optimization objective for the GAN approach. Second, after obtaining the augmented dataset, Support Vector Regression (SVR) is employed to predict the rebound model of the metal tube‐bending. A novel predictive algorithm for the angle of the metal tube‐bending rebound based on GAN–SVR is proposed. It exhibits that the GAN–SVR owns more positive prediction ability and error when dealing with small samples than conventional GAN‐radial basis function methd (GAN–BP) and GAN–convolutional neural networks. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through experimental results.
Functional Contribution and Clinical Implication of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Glioblastoma
Authors: Galbo Phillip M. , Madsen Anne Tranberg , Liu Yang , Peng Mou , Wei Yao , Ciesielski Michael J. , Fenstermaker Robert A. , Graff Sarah , Montagna Cristina , Segall Jeffrey E. , Sidoli Simone , Zang Xingxing , Zheng Deyou
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

The abundance and biological contribution of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in glioblastoma (GBM) are poorly understood. Here, we aim to uncover its molecular signature, cellular roles, and potential tumorigenesis implications.

Experimental Design:

We first applied single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatics analysis to identify and characterize stromal cells with CAF transcriptomic features in human GBM tumors. Then, we performed functional enrichment analysis and in vitro assays to investigate their interactions with malignant GBM cells.

Results:

We found that CAF abundance was low but significantly correlated with tumor grade, poor clinical outcome, and activation of extracellular matrix remodeling using three large cohorts containing bulk RNA-seq data and clinical information. Proteomic analysis of a GBM-derived CAF line and its secretome revealed fibronectin (FN1) as a critical candidate factor mediating CAF functions. This was validated using in vitro cellular models, which demonstrated that CAF-conditioned media and recombinant FN1 could facilitate the migration and invasion of GBM cells. In addition, we showed that CAFs were more abundant in the mesenchymal-like state (or subtype) than in other states of GBMs. Interestingly, cell lines resembling the proneural state responded to the CAF signaling better for the migratory and invasive phenotypes.

Conclusions:

Overall, this study characterized the molecular features and functional impacts of CAFs in GBM, alluding to novel cell interactions mediated by CAFs in the GBM microenvironment.
TAS0313 plus Pembrolizumab for Post-Chemotherapy Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor—Naïve Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Yonese Junji , Kawahara Takashi , Matsumoto Ryuji , Miyake Hideaki , Matsubara Nobuaki , Uemura Hiroji , Eto Masatoshi , Azuma Haruhito , Obara Wataru , Terai Akito , Fukasawa Satoshi , Suekane Shigetaka
Published: December 2023

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of TAS0313, a multi-epitope long peptide vaccine, plus pembrolizumab in post-chemotherapy immune checkpoint inhibitor—naïve patients with locally advanced/metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC). TAS0313 9 mg was administered subcutaneously followed by pembrolizumab 200 mg on Day 1, and as monotherapy on Day 8 and 15 of Cycles 1 and 2, and Day 1 of subsequent cycles in 21-day cycles. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Biomarkers of response were assessed. In 36 patients enrolled, the ORR was 33.3% (complete response: 7 patients; partial response: 5 patients). Median PFS was 5.0 months; 6- and 12-month progression-free rates were 46.4% and 36.5%, respectively. Median OS was not reached; 6-, 12-, and 24-month OS rates were 83.3%, 72.2%, and 55.1%, respectively. In post hoc analysis, patients with a tumor infiltrating CD8+ lymphocyte (CD8+ TIL) count ≥99 and/or programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) ≥50 and lymphocyte count >1,380 cells/μL had higher ORRs and prolonged PFS versus patients with a CD8+ TIL count <99, PD-L1 CPS <50, and lymphocyte count ≤1,380 cells/μL. Thirty-four (94.4%) patients receiving combination therapy experienced treatment-related adverse events (AE), with pyrexia (n = 15, 41.7%), injection-site reactions (n = 15, 41.7%), injection-site induration (n = 6, 16.7%), and malaise (n = 6, 16.7%) the most common. No grade ≥3 treatment-related AEs occurred in ≥10% of patients. TAS0313 plus pembrolizumab combination therapy showed promising efficacy and manageable safety in la/mUC.

Clinical Trial Registration: JapicCTI-183824.
Signaling Pathway Alterations Driven by BRCA1 and BRCA2 Germline Mutations are Sufficient to Initiate Breast Tumorigenesis by the PIK3CAH1047R Oncogene
Authors: Bhat-Nakshatri Poornima , Khatpe Aditi S. , Chen Duojiao , Batic Katie , Mang Henry , Herodotou Christopher , McGuire Patrick C. , Xuei Xiaoling , Erdogan Cihat , Gao Hongyu , Liu Yunlong , Sandusky George , Storniolo Anna Maria , Nakshatri Harikrishna
Published: December 2023

Single-cell transcriptomics studies have begun to identify breast epithelial cell and stromal cell specific transcriptome differences between BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and non-carriers. We generated a single-cell transcriptome atlas of breast tissues from BRCA1, BRCA2 mutation carriers and compared this single-cell atlas of mutation carriers with our previously described single-cell breast atlas of healthy non-carriers. We observed that BRCA1 but not BRCA2 mutations altered the ratio between basal (basal-myoepithelial), luminal progenitor (luminal adaptive secretory precursor, LASP), and mature luminal (luminal hormone sensing) cells in breast tissues. A unique subcluster of cells within LASP cells is underrepresented in case of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers compared with non-carriers. Both BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations specifically altered transcriptomes in epithelial cells which are an integral part of NFκB, LARP1, and MYC signaling. Signaling pathway alterations in epithelial cells unique to BRCA1 mutations included STAT3, BRD4, SMARCA4, HIF2A/EPAS1, and Inhibin A signaling. BRCA2 mutations were associated with upregulation of IL6, PDK1, FOXO3, and TNFSF11 signaling. These signaling pathway alterations are sufficient to alter sensitivity of BRCA1/BRCA2-mutant breast epithelial cells to transformation as epithelial cells from BRCA1 mutation carriers overexpressing hTERT + PIK3CAH1047R generated adenocarcinomas, whereas similarly modified mutant BRCA2 cells generated basal carcinomas in NSG mice. Thus, our studies provide a high-resolution transcriptome atlas of breast epithelial cells of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers and reveal their susceptibility to PIK3CA mutation-driven transformation.

Significance:

This study provides a single-cell atlas of breast tissues of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and demonstrates that aberrant signaling due to BRCA1/2 mutations is sufficient to initiate breast cancer by mutant PIK3CA.