bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depiction of Aging-Based Molecular Phenotypes With Diverse Clinical Prognosis and Immunological Features in Gastric Cancer
Authors: He Fang , Ding Huan , Zhou Yang , Wang Yuanzhen , Xie Juan , Yang Shaoqi , Zhu Yongzhao
Published: February 2022

Objective

Aging acts as a dominating risk factor for human cancers. Herein, we systematically dissected the features of transcriptional aging-relevant genes in gastric cancer from multiple perspectives.

Methods

Based on the transcriptome profiling of prognostic aging-relevant genes, patients with gastric cancer in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) stomach adenocarcinoma (TCGA-STAD) cohort were clustered with a consensus clustering algorithm. Mutational landscape and chemotherapeutic responses were analyzed and immunological features (immunomodulators, immune checkpoint molecules, cancer immunity cycle, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells) were systematically evaluated across gastric cancer. Weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) was conducted for screening aging molecular phenotype-relevant genes, and key genes were identified with Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) analyses. Expressions of key genes were examined in 20 paired tumors and controls with RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Proliferation and apoptosis were investigated in two gastric cancer cells under MYL9 deficiency.

Results

Three aging-based molecular phenotypes (namely, C1, C2, and C3) were conducted in gastric cancer. Phenotype C1 presented the most prominent survival advantage and highest mutational frequencies. Phenotype C2 indicated low responses to sorafenib and gefitinib, while C3 indicated low responses to vinorelbine and gemcitabine. Additionally, phenotype C2 was characterized by enhanced immune and stromal activation and an inflamed tumor microenvironment. Seven aging molecular phenotype-relevant key genes (ACTA2, CALD1, LMOD1, MYH11, MYL9, MYLK, and TAGLN) were identified, which were specifically upregulated in tumors and in relation to dismal prognosis. Among them, MYL9 deficiency reduced proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells.

Conclusion

Collectively, aging-based molecular subtypes may offer more individualized therapy recommendations and prognosis assessment for patients in distinct subtypes.
Application of Animal Models in Interpreting Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Zhu Jun , Inomata Takenori , Shih Kendrick Co , Okumura Yuichi , Fujio Kenta , Huang Tianxiang , Nagino Ken , Akasaki Yasutsugu , Fujimoto Keiichi , Yanagawa Ai , Miura Maria , Midorikawa-Inomata Akie , Hirosawa Kunihiko , Kuwahara Mizu , Shokirova Hurramhon , Eguchi Atsuko , Morooka Yuki , Chen Fang , Murakami Akira
Published: February 2022

Different pathophysiologic mechanisms are involved in the initiation, development, and outcome of dry eye disease (DED). Animal models have proven valuable and efficient in establishing ocular surface microenvironments that mimic humans, thus enabling better understanding of the pathogenesis. Several dry eye animal models, including lacrimal secretion insufficiency, evaporation, neuronal dysfunction, and environmental stress models, are related to different etiological factors. Other models may be categorized as having a multifactorial DED. In addition, there are variations in the methodological classification, including surgical lacrimal gland removal, drug-induced models, irradiation impairment, autoimmune antibody-induced models, and transgenic animals. The aforementioned models may manifest varying degrees of severity or specific pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to the complexity of DED. This review aimed to summarize various dry eye animal models and evaluate their respective characteristics to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanism and identify therapeutic prospects for clinical purposes.
Sentinel Surveillance Reveals Emerging Daptomycin-Resistant ST736 Enterococcus faecium and Multiple Mechanisms of Linezolid Resistance in Enterococci in the United States
Authors: Gargis Amy S. , Spicer Lori M. , Kent Alyssa G. , Zhu Wenming , Campbell Davina , McAllister Gillian , Ewing Thomas O. , Albrecht Valerie , Stevens Valerie A. , Sheth Mili , Padilla Jasmine , Batra Dhwani , Johnson J. Kristie , Halpin Alison Laufer , Rasheed J. Kamile , Elkins Christopher A. , Karlsson Maria , Lutgring Joseph D.
Published: February 2022

Enterococcus faecalis and faecium with resistance to daptomycin and/or linezolid are emerging globally. We present the genomic characterization of daptomycin- and linezolid-resistant E. faecalis and E. faecium surveillance isolates from the United States, 2013–2016. Daptomycin resistance was low among E. faecalis (2/364, 0.5%) and E. faecium (17/344, 5%). The majority (71%, 12/17) of daptomycin-resistant E. faecium isolates belonged to the emerging ST736 clone and contained mutations in liaFSR and cls previously associated with resistance. However, 1/2 E. faecalis and 3/17 E. faecium did not contain these mutations previously associated with daptomycin resistance. Linezolid resistance was rare among E. faecalis (1/364, 0.3%) and E. faecium (2/344, 0.6%). These two E. faecium isolates, one of which was also resistant to daptomycin and vancomycin, contained the 23S rRNA nucleotide mutation (G2576T) associated with linezolid resistance. Long-read sequencing revealed the linezolid-resistant E. faecalis isolate contained chromosomal- and plasmid-encoded copies of optrA. The chromosomal optrA was located on the recently described Tn6674 multiresistance transposon. The second copy of optrA was encoded on an ∼65 kb mosaic plasmid, with component regions sharing high sequence identity to optrA-encoding multiresistance plasmids of animal origin. The optrA-encoding plasmid contained open reading frames predicted to encode proteins associated with a pheromone-responsive plasmid transfer system, and filter mating experiments confirmed the plasmid was conjugative. Continued surveillance of enterococci is necessary to assess the prevalence and trends of daptomycin and linezolid resistance in the United States, characterize resistance mechanisms and how they transfer, and monitor for emerging sequence types associated with resistance.
Computer-Aided Classification Framework of Parkinsonian Disorders Using 11C-CFT PET Imaging
Authors: Xu Jiahang , Xu Qian , Liu Shihong , Li Ling , Li Lei , Yen Tzu-Chen , Wu Jianjun , Wang Jian , Zuo Chuantao , Wu Ping , Zhuang Xiahai
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To investigate the usefulness of a novel computer-aided classification framework for the differential diagnosis of parkinsonian disorders (PDs) based on 11C-methyl-N-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-fluorophenyl)-tropanel (11C-CFT) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.

Methods

Patients with different forms of PDs—including Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)—underwent dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging with 11C-CFT PET. A novel multistep computer-aided classification framework—consisting of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-assisted PET segmentation, feature extraction and prediction, and automatic subject classification—was developed. A random forest method was used to assess the diagnostic relevance of different regions to the classification process. Finally, the performance of the computer-aided classification system was tested using various training strategies involving patients with early and advanced disease stages.

Results

Accuracy values for identifying PD, MSA, and PSP were 85.0, 82.2, and 89.7%, respectively—with an overall accuracy of 80.4%. The caudate and putamen provided the highest diagnostic relevance to the proposed classification framework, whereas the contribution of midbrain was negligible. With the exception of sensitivity for diagnosing PSP, the strategy comprising both early and advanced disease stages performed better in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value within each PDs subtype.

Conclusions

The proposed computer-aided classification framework based on 11C-CFT PET imaging holds promise for improving the differential diagnosis of PDs.
A Review of Combined Training Studies in Older Adults According to a New Categorization of Conventional Interventions
Authors: Torre Marta Maria , Temprado Jean-Jacques
Published: February 2022

Physical and cognitive training are effective to attenuate age-related declines of brain and cognition. Accordingly, interest in interventions that combine physical, motor, and cognitive exercises has recently grown. In the present review, we aimed to determine whether and under which conditions combined training could be more effective than separated cognitive and physical training, thanks to a structured framework build around seven interacting constructs (stimuli, settings, targets, markers, outcomes, moderators, and mechanisms), which collectively afford a global picture of the determining factors of combined training. We concluded that the general principles underlying the effectiveness of combined training were still difficult identify, due to the heterogeneity of the available studies. However, our analysis also suggested that, when they are well-designed and well-conducted, combined training interventions are more effective than separated physical and cognitive training to improve brain and cognition in older adults. Also, we identified still not answered questions, which could be addressed in futures studies. Finally, we showed that the new categorization of combined training could be also applied to review the literature on training with exergames.
Functional Assessment of Cerebral Artery Stenosis by Angiography-Based Quantitative Flow Ratio: A Pilot Study
Authors: Huang Kangmo , Yao Weihe , Du Juan , Wang Fang , Han Yunfei , Chang Yunxiao , Liu Rui , Ye Ruidong , Zhu Wusheng , Tu Shengxian , Liu Xinfeng
Published: February 2022

Background

Increasing attention has been paid to the hemodynamic evaluation of cerebral arterial stenosis. We aimed to demonstrate the performance of angiography-based quantitative flow ratio (QFR) to assess hemodynamic alterations caused by luminal stenoses, using invasive fractional pressure ratios (FPRs) as a reference standard.

Methods

Between March 2013 and December 2019, 29 patients undergoing the pressure gradient measurement of cerebral atherosclerosis were retrospectively enrolled. Wire-based FPR was defined by the arterial pressure distal to the stenotic lesion (Pd) to proximal (Pa) pressure ratios (Pd/Pa). FPR < 0.70 or FPR < 0.75 was assumed as hemodynamically significant stenosis. The new method of computing QFR from a single angiographic view, i.e., the Murray law-based QFR, was applied to the interrogated vessel. An artificial intelligence algorithm was developed to realize the automatic delineation of vascular contour.

Results

Fractional pressure ratio and QFR were assessed in 38 vessels from 29 patients. Excellent correlation and agreement were observed between QFR and FPR [r = 0.879, P < 0.001; mean difference (bias): −0.006, 95% limits of agreement: −0.198 to 0.209, respectively). Intra-observer and inter-observer reliability in QFR were excellent (intra-class correlation coefficients, 0.996 and 0.973, respectively). For predicting FPR < 0.70, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUC) of QFR was 0.946 (95% CI, 0.820 to 0.993%). The sensitivity and specificity of QFR < 0.70 for identifying FPR < 0.70 was 88.9% (95% CI, 65.3 to 98.6%) and 85.0% (95% CI, 62.1 to 96.8%). For predicting FPR < 0.75, QFR showed similar performance with an AUC equal to 0.926.

Conclusion

Computational QFR from a single angiographic view achieved comparable results to the wire-based FPR. The excellent diagnostic performance and repeatability empower QFR with high feasibility in the functional assessment of cerebral arterial stenosis.
Eye-Tracking Feature Extraction for Biometric Machine Learning
Authors: Lim Jia Zheng , Mountstephens James , Teo Jason
Published: February 2022

Context

Eye tracking is a technology to measure and determine the eye movements and eye positions of an individual. The eye data can be collected and recorded using an eye tracker. Eye-tracking data offer unprecedented insights into human actions and environments, digitizing how people communicate with computers, and providing novel opportunities to conduct passive biometric-based classification such as emotion prediction. The objective of this article is to review what specific machine learning features can be obtained from eye-tracking data for the classification task.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review (SLR) covering the eye-tracking studies in classification published from 2016 to the present. In the search process, we used four independent electronic databases which were the IEEE Xplore, the ACM Digital Library, and the ScienceDirect repositories as well as the Google Scholar. The selection process was performed by using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) search strategy. We followed the processes indicated in the PRISMA to choose the appropriate relevant articles.

Results

Out of the initial 420 articles that were returned from our initial search query, 37 articles were finally identified and used in the qualitative synthesis, which were deemed to be directly relevant to our research question based on our methodology.

Conclusion

The features that could be extracted from eye-tracking data included pupil size, saccade, fixations, velocity, blink, pupil position, electrooculogram (EOG), and gaze point. Fixation was the most commonly used feature among the studies found.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type IIIb Complicated by Moyamoya Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Li Jing , Li Xin , Wang Liqun , Wu Guode
Published: February 2022

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited disorder characterized by degeneration of motor neurons and symmetrical muscle weakness and atrophy. Moyamoya syndrome (MMS) or moyamoya disease (MMD) is radiologically defined by chronic cerebrovascular occlusion with abnormal vascular network formation in the skull base. We report herein a 21-year-old female patient with limb weakness and muscular atrophy for 17 years. Electromyography revealed extensive motor neuron damage. Cranial MRA showed occlusion of bilateral anterior and middle cerebral arteries, with increased peripheral blood vessels and collateral circulation. She was diagnosed as SMA type IIIb combined with MMS following genetic testing, in which homozygous deletion of exons 7 and 8 of survival motor neuron (SMN)1 gene and 3 copies of exons 7 and 8 of SMN2 gene were detected. After treatment, the patient's symptoms improved. Our study found that the rare SMA and MMS co-exist. We speculated that the moyamoya phenomenon may be related to the abnormal regulation of intracranial vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in proliferation and differentiation caused by functional defects of SMN protein. The relationship between the two diseases needs to be further elucidated in future clinical work.
Neural Substrates and Models of Omission Responses and Predictive Processes
Authors: Braga Alessandro , Schönwiesner Marc
Published: February 2022

Predictive coding theories argue that deviance detection phenomena, such as mismatch responses and omission responses, are generated by predictive processes with possibly overlapping neural substrates. Molecular imaging and electrophysiology studies of mismatch responses and corollary discharge in the rodent model allowed the development of mechanistic and computational models of these phenomena. These models enable translation between human and non-human animal research and help to uncover fundamental features of change-processing microcircuitry in the neocortex. This microcircuitry is characterized by stimulus-specific adaptation and feedforward inhibition of stimulus-selective populations of pyramidal neurons and interneurons, with specific contributions from different interneuron types. The overlap of the substrates of different types of responses to deviant stimuli remains to be understood. Omission responses, which are observed both in corollary discharge and mismatch response protocols in humans, are underutilized in animal research and may be pivotal in uncovering the substrates of predictive processes. Omission studies comprise a range of methods centered on the withholding of an expected stimulus. This review aims to provide an overview of omission protocols and showcase their potential to integrate and complement the different models and procedures employed to study prediction and deviance detection.This approach may reveal the biological foundations of core concepts of predictive coding, and allow an empirical test of the framework’s promise to unify theoretical models of attention and perception.
Glia Regulate the Development, Function, and Plasticity of the Visual System From Retina to Cortex
Authors: Benfey Nicholas , Foubert David , Ruthazer Edward S.
Published: February 2022

Visual experience is mediated through a relay of finely-tuned neural circuits extending from the retina, to retinorecipient nuclei in the midbrain and thalamus, to the cortex which work together to translate light information entering our eyes into a complex and dynamic spatio-temporal representation of the world. While the experience-dependent developmental refinement and mature function of neurons in each major stage of the vertebrate visual system have been extensively characterized, the contributions of the glial cells populating each region are comparatively understudied despite important findings demonstrating that they mediate crucial processes related to the development, function, and plasticity of the system. In this article we review the mechanisms for neuron-glia communication throughout the vertebrate visual system, as well as functional roles attributed to astrocytes and microglia in visual system development and processing. We will also discuss important aspects of glial function that remain unclear, integrating the knowns and unknowns about glia in the visual system to advance new hypotheses to guide future experimental work.
The Remodeling Effects of High-Concentrate Diets on Microbial Composition and Function in the Hindgut of Dairy Cows
Authors: Zhang Ruiyang , Liu Junhua , Jiang Linshu , Wang Xinfeng , Mao Shengyong
Published: February 2022

At present, research on high-concentrate (HC) diets mostly focused on the rumen, and there is a paucity of information on the hindgut microbiota of dairy cows. In the present study, a 2 × 2 crossover design with four healthy Holstein cows was used, and the metagenomics approach was adopted to reveal the remodeling effects of HC diets on hindgut microbiota and their metabolic functions. Results showed that, compared with the low-concentrate (LC) diets, HC diets have markedly decreased (p < 0.05) the abundance of cellulolytic bacteria (such as Fibrobacter, Ruminococcus, and Ruminiclostridium) and methanogens (such as Methanobrevibacter, Methanosarcina, and Methanosphaera); and correspondingly, HC diets have significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the abundance of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZy) related to hemicellulases (GH10, GH11, and GH54) and cellulases (GH1, GH44, and GH45) and increased the abundance of one oligosaccharide-degrading enzyme (GH32). Furthermore, 62 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways of hindgut microbiota were affected (p < 0.05) by different dietary treatments, and the major pathways altered by HC diets were “Methane metabolism” (enriched in the LC group), “Lipid metabolism” (enriched in the HC group), and several sub-pathways in “Amino acid metabolism” (such as Phenylalanine metabolism, and Phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis). Also, the microbial genes involved in the pathways “Methane metabolism” (except 1 gene), “Tryptophan metabolism”, and “Phenylalanine metabolism” were all decreased (p < 0.05) in the present study. These findings suggested that HC diets caused the remodeling of hindgut microbiota and its potential functions, and these results may benefit in gaining a deeper understanding of the impact of HC diets on the hindgut microbiota of dairy cows.
Diet and Gut Microbiome and the “Chicken or Egg” Problem
Authors: Daniel Hannelore
Published: February 2022

Quantity and quality of the intestinal and fecal microbiome vary considerably between individuals and are dependent on a very large number of intrinsic and environmental factors. Currently, only around 15% of the variance in microbiome diversity can be explained by these factors. Although diet and individual food items have effects, other individual parameters such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), but also plasma lipids and blood pressure reveal stronger associations with microbiome diversity. In addition, gastrointestinal functions that translate into changes in stool frequency, stool volume, and stool appearance rank very high as effectors of microbiome signatures. In particular, the intestinal/colonic transit time is a critical factor that alters the substrate load for bacterial growth and metabolism as it alters simultaneously stool volume, water content, bacterial mass, and diversity. Moreover, metabolic and neurological diseases are frequently associated with marked changes in intestinal transit time that may translate into the reported changes in gut microbiota. This review provides scientific arguments for a more comprehensive assessment of the individual's intestinal phenotype in microbiome studies to resolve the “chicken or egg” problem in these observational studies.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Burton Luke , Bhargava Vidit , Kong Michele
Published: February 2022

Ultrasonography has been widely used in medicine for decades but often by specific users such as cardiologists, obstetricians, and radiologists. In the last several years, the use of this imaging modality has moved to the bedside, with clinicians performing and interpreting focused point of care ultrasonography to aid in immediate assessment and management of their patients. The growth of point of care ultrasonography has been facilitated by advancement in ultrasound-related technology and emerging studies and protocols demonstrating its utility in clinical practice. However, considerable challenges remain before this modality can be adopted across the spectrum of disciplines, primarily as it relates to training, competency, and standardization of usage. This review outlines the history, current state, challenges and the future direction of point of care ultrasonography specifically in the field of pediatric critical care medicine.
Safranal Prevents Liver Cancer Through Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Alleviating Inflammation
Authors: Abdalla Youssef , Abdalla Ali , Hamza Alaaeldin Ahmed , Amin Amr
Published: February 2022

Despite all efforts, an effective and safe treatment for liver cancer remains elusive. Natural products and their derived biomolecules are potential resources to mine for novel anti-cancer drugs. Chemopreventive effects of safranal, a major bioactive ingredient of the golden spice “saffron”, were evaluated in this study against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)–induced liver cancer in rats. Safranal’s mechanisms of action were also investigated in the human liver cancer line “HepG2”. When administered to DEN-treated rats, safranal significantly inhibited proliferation (Ki-67) and also induced apoptosis (TUNEL and M30 CytoDeath). It also exhibited anti-inflammatory properties where inflammatory markers such as NF-kB, COX2, iNOS, TNF-alpha, and its receptor were significantly inhibited. Safranal’s in vivo effects were further supported in HepG2 cells where apoptosis was induced and inflammation was downregulated. In summary, safranal is reported here as a potent chemopreventive agent against hepatocellular carcinoma that may soon be an important ingredient of a broad-spectrum cancer therapy.
Integrated Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Revealed Hong-Hua-Xiao-Yao Tablet’s Effect of Mediating Hormone Synthesis in the Treatment of Mammary Gland Hyperplasia
Authors: Gao Ziqing , Mi Rui , Cheng Zhaoxi , Li Xiaofeng , Zeng Huawu , Wu Gaosong , Zhao Jing , Zhang Weidong , Ye Ji
Published: February 2022

Hong-Hua-Xiao-Yao Tablet (HHXYT) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula that has been approved for the treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH), but its mechanism of action is unclear. In this study, a strategy that integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology was applied to systemically reveal the mechanism of HHXYT in the treatment of MGH. Our pharmacodynamic study indicated that the proliferation of mammary gland was inhibited in rats, and serum-level disorder of estradiol and progesterone was reversed after HHXYT treatment. 54 compounds absorbed in rat plasma were identified after administration of HHXYT. The serum metabolome revealed 58 endogenous differential metabolites, of which 31% were steroid lipids metabolites, with steroid hormone biosynthesis being the most significant metabolic module. 7 targets, 6 herbs, and 17 ingredients were found to play key roles in HHXYT’s treatment of MGH. 3 of the 7 key targets (CYP11A1, HSD3B2, and CYP17A1) were directly involved in androgen synthesis, while 2 targets (AR and ESR1) were receptors for the direct action of androgens and estrogens. Molecular docking was utilized to confirm the bindings between the 5 targets and their corresponding compounds. In an in vitro test, HHXYT (50 µg/ml) and its ingredient formononetin (3.2, 6.3, and 12.5 µM) were found to significantly reduce the increase of testosterone level induced by dexamethasone (10 µM) in thecal cells. In summary, this study illustrated that the mechanism of HHXYT’s treatment of MGH was to regulate hormone disorder. HHXYT could reduce estrogen-stimulated hyperplasia by inhibiting the production of its precursor androgen.
Potentially Hazardous Drug-Drug Interactions Associated With Oral Antineoplastic Agents Prescribed in Chinese Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital Settings: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wang Haitao , Shi Haitao , Wang Yan , Wang Na , Li Youjia , Yang Qianting , Li Ya , Liu Chenwei , Zan Ying , Feng Siping , Xie Jiao
Published: February 2022

Background: Oral administration increases the risk of interactions, because most oral antineoplastic agents (OAAs) are taken on a daily basis. Interactions can increase exposure to antitumoral agents or cause treatment failure. Potential drug–drug interactions (DDIs) are commonly observed in patients with cancer, while the extent to which OAAs related hazardous DDIs remains unclear.

Methods: We studied the contraindication patterns between oral antineoplastic agents and other medications among cancer patients in two tertiary care teaching hospitals in China. A total of 20 clinically significant hazardous DDI pairs that involved 30 OAAs were identified based on the predetermined criteria. Patient medications were checked for DDIs by using the US Food and Drug Administration approved labeling. Descriptive statistics and uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out.

Results: In this study, 13,917 patients were included and a total of 297 DDIs were identified. The results revealed that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), dexamethasone and fluoroquinolones were the most often involved hazardous DDIs with OAAs. The most prevalent contraindication is the simultaneous use of certain molecular targeted agents and PPIs. In the result of the multivariate analysis, younger age (0–20 group), increasing number of drugs and patient treated with targeted therapy had a higher risk for DDIs.

Conclusion: The prevalence of OAAs related hazardous DDIs appears to be low in the cancer patients. However, physicians and clinical pharmacologists should be aware of the potential hazardous DDIs when prescribing OAAs, especially certain pH-dependent molecular targeted agents and potential QTc prolonging drugs.
Survey on Vortex Shedding Tabs as Supersonic Jet Control
Authors: Thangaraj Thillaikumar , Kaushik Mrinal , Deb Dipankar , Unguresan Mihaela , Muresan Vlad
Published: February 2022

This study provides an overview of the tab-controlled jets to understand and predict the influence of mixing promoting vortices at speeds ranging from subsonic to supersonic. A detailed description of various features of the circular jets controlled by tab-like vortex generators is provided. Here, both the experimental and the numerical investigations on the impacts of tabs on the mixing enhancement and noise suppression are presented. Following a brief introduction about subsonic and supersonic circular jets, this study discusses the influences of certain key parameters on mixing characteristics, including the effect of tab geometry, tab number, tab orientation, tab size, and tab position relative to nozzle outlet. Subsequently, their effect on noise suppression is also reviewed. The detrimental effect of tabs in terms of thrust penalty is described. Finally, the future direction of research on the tab-controlled jets is outlined.
The Function of Ion Channels and Membrane Potential in Red Blood Cells: Toward a Systematic Analysis of the Erythroid Channelome
Authors: von Lindern Marieke , Egée Stéphane , Bianchi Paola , Kaestner Lars
Published: February 2022

Erythrocytes represent at least 60% of all cells in the human body. During circulation, they experience a huge variety of physical and chemical stimulations, such as pressure, shear stress, hormones or osmolarity changes. These signals are translated into cellular responses through ion channels that modulate erythrocyte function. Ion channels in erythrocytes are only recently recognized as utmost important players in physiology and pathophysiology. Despite this awareness, their signaling, interactions and concerted regulation, such as the generation and effects of “pseudo action potentials”, remain elusive. We propose a systematic, conjoined approach using molecular biology, in vitro erythropoiesis, state-of-the-art electrophysiological techniques, and channelopathy patient samples to decipher the role of ion channel functions in health and disease. We need to overcome challenges such as the heterogeneity of the cell population (120 days lifespan without protein renewal) or the access to large cohorts of patients. Thereto we will use genetic manipulation of progenitors, cell differentiation into erythrocytes, and statistically efficient electrophysiological recordings of ion channel activity.
The Herbarium 2021 Half–Earth Challenge Dataset and Machine Learning Competition
Authors: de Lutio Riccardo , Park John Y. , Watson Kimberly A. , D'Aronco Stefano , Wegner Jan D. , Wieringa Jan J. , Tulig Melissa , Pyle Richard L. , Gallaher Timothy J. , Brown Gillian , Guymer Gordon , Franks Andrew , Ranatunga Dhahara , Baba Yumiko , Belongie Serge J. , Michelangeli Fabián A. , Ambrose Barbara A. , Little Damon P.
Published: February 2022

Herbarium sheets present a unique view of the world's botanical history, evolution, and biodiversity. This makes them an all–important data source for botanical research. With the increased digitization of herbaria worldwide and advances in the domain of fine–grained visual classification which can facilitate automatic identification of herbarium specimen images, there are many opportunities for supporting and expanding research in this field. However, existing datasets are either too small, or not diverse enough, in terms of represented taxa, geographic distribution, and imaging protocols. Furthermore, aggregating datasets is difficult as taxa are recognized under a multitude of names and must be aligned to a common reference. We introduce the Herbarium 2021 Half–Earth dataset: the largest and most diverse dataset of herbarium specimen images, to date, for automatic taxon recognition. We also present the results of the Herbarium 2021 Half–Earth challenge, a competition that was part of the Eighth Workshop on Fine-Grained Visual Categorization (FGVC8) and hosted by Kaggle to encourage the development of models to automatically identify taxa from herbarium sheet images.
Is Distant Extension Always Upset? Neural Evidence of Empathy and Brand Association Affect Distant Extension Evaluation
Authors: Song Zhijie , Liu Chang , Shi Rui , Jing Kunpeng
Published: February 2022

Distant brand extension as an essential strategy of obtaining benefits was highly focused on the normal marketing practice and academic research. In the current study, we aim to recognize that how individuals with different levels of empathy respond to distant extensions under corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate competence (CC) associations to explore the corresponding neural mechanisms using event-related potentials (ERPs). We divided subjects into two groups involving a high empathy (HE) group and a low empathy (LE) group according to an empathy measure questionnaire. The subjects first faced a brand name following the CSR or CC association descriptions, and then, they were asked to evaluate the new product of brand by a five-point scale. Current results revealed that the participants of the HE group were more apt to accept the distant extension products than those of the LE group. Additionally, in the HE group, products from a brand with CSR associations were more acceptable than CC associations. Moreover, a larger N2 amplitude was elicited in the LE group than in the HE group. For the LE group, an augment N2 was found under CSR than CC associations, reflecting that LE consumers might perceive conflict when evaluating distant extensions and allocate more cognitive resources to deal with CSR information. At the later stage, the HE group showed a greater P3 than the LE group. For the HE group, an increased P3 was elicited under CSR than CC associations, suggesting that empathic individuals might show motivational salience and helping willingness toward distant extension products, especially under the CSR scenario. These results provide potential electrophysiological evidence for the positive impact of brand associations on the evaluation of distant brand extension in the case of subdividing different empathic individuals.
Effects of Game Outcomes and Status Instability on Spectators’ Status Consumption: The Moderating Role of Implicit Team Identification
Authors: Chang Yonghwan , Wann Daniel L.
Published: February 2022

This study explores the interaction effects of game outcomes and status instability and the moderating role of implicit team identification on spectators’ status-seeking behavior (the pursuit and preservation of social status). The current study seeks to contribute to the existing consumer behavior and spectatorship literature by examining the counterintuitive outcomes of winner–loser effects through the application of the biosocial theory of status. In an online experiment, NFL fans’ retrospective spectating experiences were captured and manipulated. This experiment used a 2 (game outcome: victory vs. loss) × 2 (status instability: decisive vs. close) × 2 (iTeam ID: high vs. low) between-subjects design. The findings indicated that decisive victories and close losses positively influenced spectators’ future attendance as well as their intention to purchase luxury suites and merchandise featuring images of the team mascot. Conversely, decisive losses and close victories had a negative influence. Additionally, the more spectators implicitly identified with a particular team, the more they exhibited status-seeking behavior; even close victories positively influenced the outcomes. By applying a nascent theoretical approach in the field of consumer behavior (the hormonal account), our results provide fresh insight into explaining spectators’ status-seeking behavior. Also, the findings identify specific conditions in which spectators’ status-seeking behavior is enhanced, thus suggesting ways for managers to strategically allocate their resources.
Is Work Time Control Good for Innovation? A Two-Stage Study to Verify the Mediating and Moderating Processes
Authors: Pan Xiao , Zhao Xiaokang , Shen Huali
Published: February 2022

As a part of job resources, work time control is essential for innovation. We examine how work time control impacts knowledge employees’ innovation in the workplace. A two-stage study was conducted to verify the mediating and moderating processes. In Study 1, adopting the job demands–resources model as a theoretical framework, we conducted a laboratory test to find the relation between work time control, job engagement, job burnout, and innovation, and verified the path between work time control and innovation. In Study 2, drawing on the job demands–resources model verified by Study 1 and self-regulation theory, it is proposed that during the psychological process in the workplace, job engagement plays a mediating role, and the vocational delay of gratification plays a moderating role between work time control and innovation. A total of 254 knowledge employees from diverse organizations participated in the survey study. After taking demographic variables, job demands, and neuroticism as control variables, the results showed that job engagement would mediate the relationship between work time control and innovation. A higher level of delay of gratification buffered the effect of a higher level of work time control on innovation. All these findings verified and expanded knowledge on work time control and innovation literature, showing that work time control is important for innovation. Based on Chinese cultural background, managers should offer employees the opportunity to conduct self-control training and encourage them with great freedom to foster employee innovation.
Validity and Reliability of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 (SAVE-6) Scale to Measure Viral Anxiety of Healthcare Workers in Spain During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Moraleda-Cibrián Marta , Ahmed Oli , Albares-Tendero Javier , Chung Seockhoon
Published: February 2022

This study examined the validity and applicability of the Spanish version of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6) scale, which can be usually applied to the general population, to healthcare workers to briefly measure their anxiety responses to the viral epidemic. A total of 135 healthcare workers participated in this online survey from January to July 2021. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics were gathered, and their psychiatric symptoms were rated using SAVE-6, Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GDAS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the validity of the scales. The single-structure model of the SAVE-6 scale was adopted based on the results of the parallel analysis. We decided on the SAVE-6 scale, as it proved to be a good fit to measure healthcare workers' anxiety response to the viral epidemic. SAVE-6 showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.827 and McDonald's omega = 0.834) and good convergent validity with Goldberg anxiety (r = 0.434, p < 0.001) and depression (r = 0.193, p = 0.043) scores, and PSQI score (r = 0.262, p = 0.002). The Spanish version of SAVE-6 is a reliable and valid rating scale to assess the anxiety response of healthcare workers specifically to the viral epidemic as a brief measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Detecting Presence of PTSD Using Sentiment Analysis From Text Data
Authors: Sawalha Jeff , Yousefnezhad Muhammad , Shah Zehra , Brown Matthew R. G. , Greenshaw Andrew J. , Greiner Russell
Published: February 2022

Rates of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have risen significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth has emerged as a means to monitor symptoms for such disorders. This is partly due to isolation or inaccessibility of therapeutic intervention caused from the pandemic. Additional screening tools may be needed to augment identification and diagnosis of PTSD through a virtual medium. Sentiment analysis refers to the use of natural language processing (NLP) to extract emotional content from text information. In our study, we train a machine learning (ML) model on text data, which is part of the Audio/Visual Emotion Challenge and Workshop (AVEC-19) corpus, to identify individuals with PTSD using sentiment analysis from semi-structured interviews. Our sample size included 188 individuals without PTSD, and 87 with PTSD. The interview was conducted by an artificial character (Ellie) over a video-conference call. Our model was able to achieve a balanced accuracy of 80.4% on a held out dataset used from the AVEC-19 challenge. Additionally, we implemented various partitioning techniques to determine if our model was generalizable enough. This shows that learned models can use sentiment analysis of speech to identify the presence of PTSD, even through a virtual medium. This can serve as an important, accessible and inexpensive tool to detect mental health abnormalities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Systematic Review and Individual Patient Data Network Analysis of the Residual Symptom Structure Following Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Escitalopram, Mirtazapine and Venlafaxine for Depression
Authors: Whiston Aoife , Lennon Amy , Brown Catherine , Looney Chloe , Larkin Eve , O'Sullivan Laurie , Sik Nurcan , Semkovska Maria
Published: February 2022

Objective

Consistent evidence suggests residual depressive symptomology are the strongest predictors of depression relapse following cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medications (ADM's). Psychometric network models help detecting and understanding central symptoms that remain post-treatment, along with their complex co-occurrences. However, individual psychometric network studies show inconsistent findings. This systematic review and IPD network analysis aimed to estimate and compare the symptom network structures of residual depressive symptoms following CBT, ADM's, and their combination.

Methods

PsycINFO, PsycArticles, and PubMed were systematically searched through October 2020 for studies that have assessed individuals with major depression at post-treatment receiving either CBT and/or ADM's (venlafaxine, escitalopram, mirtazapine). IPD was requested from eligible samples to estimate and compare residual symptom psychometric network models post-CBT and post-ADM's.

Results

In total, 25 from 663 eligible samples, including 1,389 patients qualified for the IPD. Depressed mood and anhedonia were consistently central residual symptoms post-CBT and post-ADM's. For CBT, fatigue-related and anxiety symptoms were also central post-treatment. A significant difference in network structure across treatments (CBT vs. ADM) was observed for samples measuring depression severity using the MADRS. Specifically, stronger symptom occurrences were present amongst lassitude-suicide post-CBT (vs. ADM's) and amongst lassitude-inability to feel post-ADM's (vs. CBT). No significant difference in global strength was observed across treatments.

Conclusions

Core major depression symptoms remain central across treatments, strategies to target these symptoms should be considered. Anxiety and fatigue related complaints also remain central post-CBT. Efforts must be made amongst researchers, institutions, and journals to permit sharing of IPD.

Systematic Review Registration: A protocol was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020141663; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=141663).
Mapping of Female Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates to Socioeconomic Factors Cohort: Path Diagram Analysis
Authors: Peng Qiongle , Ren Xiaoling
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women around the world. Its occurrence and development have been linked to genetic factors, living habits, health conditions, and socioeconomic factors. Comparisons of incidence and mortality rates of female breast cancer are useful approaches to define cancer-related socioeconomic disparities.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational cohort study on breast cancer of women in several developed countries over 30 years. Effects of socioeconomic factors were analyzed using a path diagram method.

Results

We found a positive, significant association of public wealth on incidence and mortality of breast cancer, and the path coefficients in the structural equations are −0.51 and −0.39, respectively. The unemployment rate (UR) is critical and the path coefficients are all 0.2. The path coefficients of individual economic wealth to the rates of breast cancer are 0.18 and 0.27, respectively.

Conclusion

The influence of social pressure on the incidence and mortality of breast cancer was not typical monotonous. The survival rate of breast cancer determined by the ratio of mortality rate to incidence rate showed a similar pattern with socioeconomic factors.
Insights of Nutritional and Anti-nutritional Retention in Traditionally Processed Millets
Authors: Sheethal H. V. , Baruah Chandrama , Subhash Kalpuri , Ananthan Rajendran , Longvah T.
Published: February 2022

Millets are nutritionally superior indigenous staple crops packed with high protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, anti-nutrients such as phytic acid, tannins, and polyphenols present in the millets tend to reduce the bio-accessibility of minerals (iron and zinc), due to which the millet diets are greatly compromised. Although most of the cereals, such as wheat flour, brown rice, and barley, contain phytic acid to a level far more than that of the millets, it is important to develop feasible household methods to reduce the level of phytic acid so as to enhance nutrient absorption. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of traditional processing on nutrient and anti-nutrient retention of three majorly consumed millets, namely, sorghum, finger millet, and pearl millet. These millets were traditionally cooked and then fermented overnight with water and curd. The results show that this type of simple, traditional household-level process significantly reduced the phytic acid content by 62.9% in sorghum, 34.1% in finger millet, and 29.35% in pearl millet. There is a considerable decrease in phytic acid–zinc molar ratio by 71.38, 61.15, and 33.47% and in phytic acid–iron molar ratio by 73.52, 48.07, and 66.39% in sorghum, finger millet, and pearl millet, respectively. Among the macronutrients, the protein and ash contents were significantly increased. A high retention of water-soluble vitamins was observed in the processed millets. Overall, the traditionally cooked millet, fermented overnight and then added with curd, enhanced many essential macro- and micronutrients and concurrently reduced phytic acid, thus forming a sustainably simple household method for improving dietary nutrients.
Probabilistic Risk Analysis of Aircraft Self-Collisions: A Case Study
Authors: Lee Dooyoul , Cho Hwanjeong , Kim Min-Saeng , Kwon Kybeom
Published: February 2022

Airborne self-collisions occur primarily in military aircraft because of external stores and are frequently experienced by personnel operating these aircraft. In most cases, objects causing self-collisions are irregularly shaped and unstable. Consequently, the trajectories of these objects are uncertain. A framework for the probabilistic risk analysis of aircraft self-collisions is proposed in this study. Based on the probabilistic trajectory prediction model, methods for estimating the probability of collision (POC) and the corresponding risks were developed. Subsequently, a self-collision event involving an ejected gun shell was analyzed as a case study. A model considering random shell rotation, which continuously changes the drag characteristics and trajectories, was developed. Other uncertain factors associated with the aircraft and shell cases were considered. The most influential factors were selected based on the sensitivity analysis and were then used to calibrate the likelihood of the event using historical data. A Monte Carlo simulation, in conjunction with the probabilistic ballistic model, was performed to evaluate the POC. The POC was used to reflect the risk of engine failure up to the operational limit. The calculated risk indices were objective functions used for the design or operation optimization. Various risk measures were evaluated to reduce the incidence of failure and extend the aircraft’s flight envelope.