bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prognostic value and molecular properties of tertiary lymphoid structures in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ling Yihong , Zhong Jian , Weng Zelin , Lin Guangrong , Liu Caixia , Pan Chuqing , Yang Hong , Wei Xiaolong , Xie Xiuying , Wei Xiaoli , Zhang Huizhong , Wang Geng , Fu Jianhua , Wen Jing
Published: October 2022

Background

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) play key roles in tumour adaptive immunity. However, the prognostic value and molecular properties of TLSs in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients have not been studied.

Methods

The prognostic values of the presence and maturation status of tumour‐associated TLSs were determined in 394 and 256 ESCC patients from Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center (Centre A) and the Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (Centre B), respectively. A deep‐learning (DL) TLS classifier was established with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained slides using an inception‐resnet‐v2 neural network. Digital spatial profiling was performed to determine the cellular and molecular properties of TLSs in ESCC tissues.

Results

TLSs were observed in 73.1% of ESCCs from Centre A via pathological examination of H&E‐stained primary tumour slides, among which 42.9% were TLS‐mature and 30.2% were TLS‐immature tumours. The established DL TLS classifier yielded favourable sensitivities and specificities for patient TLS identification and maturation evaluation, with which 55.1%, 39.5% and 5.5% of ESCCs from Centre B were identified as TLS‐mature, TLS‐immature and TLS‐negative tumours. Multivariate analyses proved that the presence of mature TLSs was an independent prognostic factor in both the Centre A and Centre B cohorts (p < .05). Increased proportions of proliferative B, plasma and CD4+ T helper (Th) cells and increased B memory and Th17 signatures were observed in mature TLSs compared to immature ones. Intratumoural CD8+ T infiltration was increased in TLS‐mature ESCC tissues compared to mature TLS‐absent tissues. The combination of mature TLS presence and high CD8+ T infiltration was associated with the best survival in ESCC patients.

Conclusions

Mature TLSs improve the prognosis of ESCC patients who underwent complete resection. The use of the DL TLS classifier would facilitate precise and efficient evaluation of TLS maturation status and offer a novel probability of ESCC treatment individualization.
A secure and privacy‐preserved delegate‐based blockchain and federated learning for 6G networks
Authors: Liu Jihua , Dong Hongsong , Xue Yanfeng
Published: October 2022

The 6G networks are envisioned to provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) for distributed devices through deploying machine learning on base stations. However, due to the concern of data privacy, devices are not willing to transmit their raw data to base stations (BSs) for machine learning training. Federated learning (FL) is a promising paradigm that can enable distributed machine learning while protecting data privacy by collaboratively training AI models without sharing raw data. But the traditional FL requires a central node to complete global model update which makes the traditional FL facing single point attack. Further, the traditional FL cannot allow the distributed model sharing among untrusted devices which results in low training efficiency on devices. Blockchain is a promising approach to address the above issues since it can establish a secure decentralized and transaction sharing environment for untrusted devices. In this paper, we integrate blockchain into FL to build a distributed model training and sharing platform, where distributed mobile devices execute local model training and base stations maintain blockchain‐based model sharing. Moreover, in order to accelerate the establishment of blockchain, we design a lightweight consensus strategy based on a delegate committee. To select high‐quality nodes to form delegate committee, we design a deep reinforcement learning (DRL)‐based selection algorithm. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed framework can achieve a higher precision compared with the traditional FL, and the proposed DRL selection algorithm can reduce consensus latency compared with the benchmarks.
Large‐scale waves of activity in the neonatal mouse brain in vivo occur almost exclusively during sleep cycles
Authors: Tabuena Dennis R. , Huynh Randy , Metcalf Jenna , Richner Thomas , Stroh Albrecht , Brunton Bingni W. , Moody William J. , Easton Curtis R.
Published: October 2022

Spontaneous electrical activity plays major roles in the development of cortical circuitry. This activity can occur highly localized regions or can propagate over the entire cortex. Both types of activity coexist during early development. To investigate how different forms of spontaneous activity might be temporally segregated, we used wide‐field trans‐cranial calcium imaging over an entire hemisphere in P1–P8 mouse pups. We found that spontaneous waves of activity that propagate to cover the majority of the cortex (large‐scale waves; LSWs) are generated at the end of the first postnatal week, along with several other forms of more localized activity. We further found that LSWs are segregated into sleep cycles. In contrast, cortical activity during wake states is more spatially restricted and the few large‐scale forms of activity that occur during wake can be distinguished from LSWs in sleep based on their initiation in the motor cortex and their correlation with body movements. This change in functional cortical circuitry to a state that is permissive for large‐scale activity may temporally segregate different forms of activity during critical stages when activity‐dependent circuit development occurs over many spatial scales. Our data also suggest that LSWs in early development may be a functional precursor to slow sleep waves in the adult, which play critical roles in memory consolidation and synaptic rescaling.
Plant–soil feedback from eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) inhibits the growth of grasses in encroaching range
Authors: Bennion Leland D. , Ward David
Published: October 2022

The encroachment of woody plants into grasslands is an ongoing global problem that is largely attributed to anthropogenic factors such as climate change and land management practices. Determining the mechanisms that drive successful encroachment is a critical step towards planning restoration and long‐term management strategies. Feedbacks between soil and aboveground communities can have a large influence on the fitness of plants and must be considered as potentially important drivers for woody encroachment. We conducted a plant–soil feedback experiment in a greenhouse between eastern redcedar Juniperus virginiana and four common North American prairie grass species. We assessed how soils that had been occupied by redcedar, a pervasive woody encroacher in the Great Plains of North America, affected the growth of Andropogon gerardi, Schizachyrium scoparium, Bromus inermis, and Pascopyrum smithii over time. We evaluated the effect of redcedar on grass performance by comparing the height and biomass of individuals that were grown in live or sterilized conspecific or redcedar soil. We found redcedar created a negative plant–soil feedback that limited the growth of the cool season grasses B. inermis and P. smithii, reducing their overall biomass by >60%. These effects were found in both live and sterilized redcedar soils. In live soils, some growth suppression can be attributed to the negative effects of soil microbes. The limitation of grass growth in sterile soils indicates redcedar may exude an allelochemical into the soil that limits grass growth. Our results demonstrate that plant–soil feedback created by redcedar inhibits the growth of certain grass species. By creating a plant–plant interaction that negatively affects competitors, redcedars increase the probability of seedling survival until they can grow to overtop their neighbors. These results indicate plant–soil feedback is a mechanism of native woody plant encroachment which could be important in many systems yet is understudied.
Epidemiological‐clinical and paraclinical particularities of acute coronary syndrome without persistent ST‐segment elevation in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Retrospective comparative study in a Malagasy population
Authors: Raharinavalona Sitraka Angelo , Raherison Rija Eric , Razanamparany Thierry , Randrianomanana Tsikinirina Valisoa , Rakotomalala Andrianirina Dave Patrick
Published: October 2022

Introduction

This study aimed at determining the epidemiological‐clinical and paraclinical particularities of non‐ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS) in Malagasy with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This was a retrospective, descriptive and comparative study between patients with and without T2DM, carried out over a period of 38 months. The diagnosis of NSTE‐ACS was retained in front of the association of chest discomfort, electrical abnormalities and elevations beyond fivefold the upper reference limit of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin.

Result

With 130 patients included, the overall prevalence of NSTE‐ACS was 4.1%, of which 68 patients (52.3%) had T2DM. Compared to without T2DM, NSTE‐ACS in T2DM was characterized by young age (p = .0002), high‐frequency hypertension (OR 2.92 [1.23–7.25]; p = .0041), overweight/obesity (OR 4.39 [1.72–12.4]; p = .0002) and microalbuminuria (p < .0001), accelerated heart rate (p = .0104), atypical chest discomfort (OR 5.57 [2.21–15.7]; p < .0001), pulmonary crepitations (OR 2.25 [1.02–5.14]; p = .0224), high GRACE score (p = .0016), damage of extensive anterior leads (OR 2.11 [1.02–4.98]; p = .0402) and septal lead (OR 3.64 [1.41–10.3]; p = .0015), significant increase in cardiac troponin (p < .0001), high left ventricular filling pressure (OR 3.39 [1.51–7.90]; p = .001).

Conclusion

NSTE‐ACS in T2DM is frequent, with an atypical clinical and severe paraclinical presentations. Adequate and multidisciplinary management of cardiovascular risk factors, including T2DM, could thus minimize the occurrence of NSTE‐ACS and improve this profile.
Revising immune cell coordination: Origins and importance of single‐cell variation
Authors: Van Eyndhoven Laura C. , Tel Jurjen
Published: October 2022

Moving from the optimalization of single‐cell technologies to the interpretation of the multi‐complex single‐cell data, the field of immunoengineering is granted with numerous important insights into the coordination of immune cell activation and how to modulate it for therapeutic purposes. However, insights come with additional follow‐up questions that challenge our perception on how immune responses are generated and fine‐tuned to fight a wide array of pathogens in ever‐changing and often unpredictable microenvironments. Are immune responses really either being tightly regulated by molecular determinants, or highly flexible attributed to stochasticity? What exactly makes up the basic rules by which single cells cooperate to establish tissue‐level immunity? Taking the type I IFN system and its newest insights as a main example throughout this review, we revise the basic concepts of (single) immune cell coordination, redefine the concepts of noise, stochasticity and determinism, and highlight the importance of single‐cell variation in immunology and beyond.
Modelling post‐earthquake cascading hazards: Changing patterns of landslide runout following the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, Nepal
Authors: Kincey Mark E. , Rosser Nick J. , Densmore Alexander L. , Robinson Tom R. , Shrestha Ram , Singh Pujara Dammar , Horton Pascal , Swirad Zuzanna M. , Oven Katie J. , Arrell Katherine
Published: October 2022

Coseismic landslides represent the first stage of a broader cascading sequence of geohazards associated with high‐magnitude continental earthquakes, with the subsequent remobilization of coseismic landslide debris posing a long‐term post‐seismic legacy in mountain regions. Here, we quantify the controls on the hazard posed by landslide remobilization and debris runout, and compare the overlap between areas at risk of runout and the pattern of post‐seismic landslides and debris flows that actually occurred. Focusing on the 2015 Mw 7.8 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal, we show that the extent of the area that could be affected by debris runout remained elevated above coseismic levels 4.5 years after the event. While 150 km2 (0.6% of the study area) was directly impacted by landslides in the earthquake, an additional 614 km2 (2.5%) was left at risk from debris runout, increasing to 777 km2 (3.2%) after the 2019 monsoon. We evaluate how this area evolved by comparing modelled predictions of runout from coseismic landslides to multi‐temporal post‐seismic landslide inventories, and find that 14% (85 km2) of the total modelled potential runout area experienced landslide activity within 4.5 years after the earthquake. This value increases to 32% when modelled runout probability is thresholded, equivalent to 10 km2 of realized runout from a remaining modelled area of 32 km2. Although the proportion of the modelled runout area from coseismic landslides that remains a hazard has decreased through time, the overall runout susceptibility for the study area remains high. This indicates that runout potential is changing both spatially and temporally as a result of changes to the landslide distribution after the earthquake. These findings are particularly important for understanding evolving patterns of cascading hazards following large earthquakes, which is crucial for guiding decision‐making associated with post‐seismic recovery and reconstruction.
Evaluating Effects of Live-Imaging Sonar on Angler Catch of Crappies in a Kansas Impoundment
Authors: Neely Ben C , Koch Jeff D , Gido Keith B
Published: October 2022

Crappie (Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus and White Crappie P. annularis) fisheries are popular across the United States. Recently, Kansas anglers have expressed concern that using live-imaging sonar (LIS) during winter months may increase catch, resulting in deleterious effects on crappie populations. Specifically, there was concern that (1) increased angler catch would result in population declines and (2) anglers would selectively capture the largest crappies in the population, thus reducing population size structure. We addressed these concerns with a controlled experiment at Cedar Bluff Reservoir, Kansas, over a 2-week period in winter 2021. Anglers were permitted to fish for 1 d using LIS and another day not using LIS to evaluate differences in crappie catch. There was no difference in mean catch or length structure of crappies using LIS and not using LIS. These results suggest that LIS may not increase crappie catch, or length of captured crappie, in open-water winter fisheries. Our findings, while limited in extent, provide an objective, quantitative glimpse at potential impacts of emerging technology on angler success. These results provide a starting point for assessment of LIS-induced impacts on recreational fisheries.
The applicability of the Second Revision of the International Staging System for patients with multiple myeloma receiving immunomodulatory drugs or proteasome inhibitor‐based regimens as induction treatment: A real‐world analysis
Authors: Chen Haimin , Zhou Nian , Hu Xiaohua , Wang Dongjiao , Wei Wei , Peng Rong , Chen Xiaoling , Shi Haotian , Wu Lixia , Yu Wenjun , Zhao Wenhao , Zhou Fan
Published: October 2022

The Second Revision of the International Staging System (R2‐ISS) was recently introduced to improve risk stratification over that provided by the extensively applied standard revised International Staging System (R‐ISS). In addition to the variables included in the R‐ISS, the R2‐ISS incorporates chromosome 1q gain/amplification and divides the patients into 4 groups with different survival outcomes, better stratifying patients within the R‐ISS intermediate‐risk. The new model was developed based on a great quantity of data from patients participating in uniform clinical trials and has not been validated in real‐world clinical practice. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed the prognostic value of the R2‐ISS in 474 consecutive patients with multiple myeloma receiving immunomodulatory drugs or proteasome inhibitor‐based regimens as their first‐line treatment. According to the R2‐ISS, 41 (8.6%), 76 (16%), 275 (58%), and 82 (17.3%) patients were identified as R2‐ISS I, R2‐ISS II, R2‐ISS III, and R2‐ISS IV, respectively. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 48 (95% CI: 38–58), 35 (95% CI: 23–47), 24 (95% CI: 21–27), and 12 (95% CI: 7–17) months, and the estimated median overall survival (OS) was 110 (95% CI: 42–178), 88 (95% CI: 75–101), 50 (95% CI: 43–57), and 26 (95% CI: 19–33) months (p < 0.001) in the 4 groups, respectively. The R2‐ISS could also classify groups with distinct survival among patients with renal impairment or classified as R‐ISS II. Adjusted by age, sex, treatment approaches and transplantation status, the R2‐ISS was an independent prognostic factor associated with OS with a hazard ratio of 7.055 (95% CI: 3.626–13.726) (p < 0.001) for R2‐ISS IV versus R2‐ISS I and 2.707 (95% CI: 1.436–5.103) (p = 0.002) for R2‐ISS III versus R2‐ISS I. In conclusion, our results suggest that the R2‐ISS is a simple and robust risk stratification tool for patients with multiple myeloma treated with novel drugs and could be used in everyday clinical practice.
Comparative analysis of antigen coding genes in 15 red cell blood group systems of Yunnan Yi nationality in China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: He Kun‐Hua , Xu Lu‐Qiong , Hu Ying‐Feng , Xu Yin‐Xia , Zhao Yu , Bao Jing‐Yan , Wang Bu‐Qiang
Published: October 2022

Introduction

There are few analyses of the 15 red blood group system antigen coding genes found in the Yunnan Yi nationality. This has caused many poteintial dangers relating to clinical blood transfusion. In this report, the coding genes and distribution of 15 blood group antigens system in the Yi nationality were tested and compared with those of Han nationality and other ethnic minorities.

Methods

The samples came from the healthy subjects in the first people's Hospital of Qujing, Yunnan Province. Two hundred and three Yunnan Yi and 197 Han nationality individuals were included. Thirty‐three blood group antigens with a low frequency from the 15 blood group systems of Yunnan Yi blood donors were genotyped and analyzed by PCR‐SSP. Sanger sequencing was used to detect A4GALT from the Yunnan Yi nationality. Theχ2test was used to analyze observed and expected values of gene distribution to verify conformation to the Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium law. Fisher's exact test was used to analyze gene frequency distribution, and the statistical significance was set atp < 0.05.

Results

The ABO blood group examination results for the Yi nationality and the local Han nationality in Qujing City, Yunnan Province, showed the majority were type A and type O, while the least prevalent was type AB. RhD+ accounts for more than 98% of the Yi and Han populations. There was a significant difference in ABO blood group antigen distribution between these two nationalities (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the composition ratio of D antigen in the Rh blood group system (p > 0.05). Compared with Tibetan (Tibet), Zhuang (Nanning), and Dong (Guangxi), the gene distribution frequencies of Rh blood group system phenotype CC were significantly lower in the Yunnan Yi nationality (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in six erythrocyte phenotypic antigens in the Yi nationality in Yunnan compared with Han nationality, such as LW(a−b−), JK(a−b+), MMSs, Di(a−b+), Wr(a−b−), and Kp(a−b+) (p < 0.05). There were gene phenotypes with a low frequency in the four rare blood group systems: LW, MNS, Wright, and Colton. Several different mutation types occurred in the P1PK blood group system's A4GALT gene.

Conclusion

Yunnan Yi nationality has a unique genetic background. There are some significantly different distributions of blood group system genes with a low frequency in different regions and groups in China. Multiple mutations in the A4GALT gene of the P1PK blood group system may be related to their environment and ethnic evolution.
Influence of multiple slips on magnetically driven nanofluid flow over an externally heated stretching cylinder
Authors: Maity Suprakash , Kundu Prabir Kumar
Published: October 2022

In this article, we have inspected multiple slippery consequences along a stretching cylinder. Brownian migration along with thermophoresis is clutched together with an external heat source. Magnetic influence is considered perpendicular to the cylinder. Standard flow systems are transfigured to ordinary differential equations by well‐qualified similarity transformations. They are solved by the Runge–Kutta scheme of the fourth‐order (shooting technique) method with the assistance of MAPLE software. The entire simulation is done with a proper accuracy rate and the upshots are portrayed by graphs and tables. All results are compared under no slip and with slip provisions. Augmentation in Reynolds number and magnetic parameter uprise the velocity lines and the slip effect reduces the magnitude decently. The thermal jump effect reduces the magnitude of the heat transfer rate. The solutal slip effect decreases the concentration boundary layer for magnetic and Brownian migration specifications. Approximately 6.69% and 6.79% drop in Nusselt number is spotted for Brownian migration and thermophoresis parameters. The external heat source parameter brings out 14.98% inflation in the Nusselt number significantly.
Alzheimer's detection using various feature extraction approaches using a multimodal multi‐class deep learning model
Authors: Goenka Nitika , Tiwari Shamik
Published: October 2022

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic brain condition that takes a toll on memory and potential to do even the most basic tasks. With no specific solution viable at this time, it's critical to pinpoint the start of Alzheimer's disease so that necessary steps may be initiated to limit its progression. We used three distinct neuroanatomical computational methodologies namely 3D‐Subject, 3D‐Patches, and 3D‐Slices to construct a multimodal multi‐class deep learning model for three class and two class Alzheimer's classification using T1w‐MRI and AV‐45 PET scans obtained from ADNI database. Further, patches of various sizes were created using the patch‐extraction algorithm designed with torch package leading to separate datasets of patch size 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80, and 88. In addition, Slices were produced from images using either uniform slicing, subset slicing, or interpolation zoom approaches then joined back to form a 3D image of varying depth (8,16,24,32,40,48,56, and 64) for the Slice‐based technique. Using T1w‐MRI and AV45‐PET scans, our multimodal multi‐class Ensembled Volumetric ConvNet framework obtained 93.01% accuracy for AD versus NC versus MCI (highest accuracy achieved using multi‐modalities as per our knowledge). The 3D‐Subject‐based neuroanatomy computation approach achieved 93.01% classification accuracy and it overruled Patch‐based approach which achieved 89.55% accuracy and Slice‐Based approach that achieved 89.37% accuracy. Using a 3D‐Patch‐based feature extraction technique, it was discovered that patches of greater size (80, 88) had accuracy over 89%, while medium‐sized patches (56, 64, and 72) had accuracy ranging from 83 to 88%, and small‐sized patches (32, 40, and 48) had the least accuracy ranging from 57 to 80%. From the three independent algorithms created for 3D‐Slice‐based neuroanatomy computational approach, the interpolation zoom technique outperformed uniform slicing and subset slicing, obtaining 89.37% accuracy over 88.35% and 82.83%, respectively. Link to GitHub code: https://github.com/ngoenka04/Alzheimer-Detection.
Accuracy and stability evaluation of different blood sampling methods in blood gas analysis in emergency patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Xiexiong , Liu Tao , Huang Miao , Li Ruixuan , Zeng Jianwei , Li Yihui , Fu Ru , Li Xiaogang , Jiang Weihong
Published: October 2022

Background

To evaluate the accuracy and stability of arterial blood gas (ABG) results by comparison with venous measurements from routine blood tests, and to compare the accuracy and performance of two sampling syringes, pre‐heparinized syringe (PHS) and disposable arterial blood syringe (DABS), in ABG analysis.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the practical use of PHS and DABS in collecting ABG samples, involving 500 and 400 patients, respectively. For each patient, in addition to the ABG sample, a venous blood sample was also collected using a venous blood collection tube (VBCT) and used for routine blood tests. Accordingly, patients were referred to as the PHS + VBCT group and DABS + VBCT group. The correlation between arterial and venous values of each blood parameter in each group was evaluated using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Bland–Altman was performed to evaluate the agreement between arterial and venous values and compare the performance of PHS and DABS in ABG sample collection.

Results

In the PHS + VBCT group, arterial K+, Na+, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (HCT) were 0.32 mmol/L, 2.90 mmol/L, 2.21 g/L, and 1.27% significantly lower their corresponding venous values while arterial Cl− was 7.60 mmol/L significantly higher than venous Cl−. In the DABS + VBCT group, arterial K+ and Na+ were 0.20 mmol/L and 1.19 mmol/L significantly lower while Cl− and HCT in arterial blood were 5.34 mmol/L and 0.66% significantly higher than their corresponding venous values. In both groups, arterial K+, Na+, Hb, and HCT values were highly consistent with their corresponding venous values, with all ICCs greater than 0.70, especially Hb and HCT. Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated that arterial K+ and Na+ were more consistent with venous counterparts in the DABS + VBCT group, with a narrower 95% limits of agreement than the PHS + VBCT group (K+, −0.7‐0.3 mmol/L vs. −1.1 to 0.5 mmol/L; Na+, −5.8 to 3.4 mmol/L vs. −8.2 to 2.4 mmol/L).

Conclusion

Arterial blood gas analysis of K+, Na+, Hb, and HCT using PHS or DABS for blood sampling is accurate and stable, especially DABS, which can provide clinicians with fast and reliable blood gas results.
Recommendations for remaining agile in the face of a dental faculty workforce shortage
Authors: Sabato Emily , Doubleday Alison F. , Lee Chun‐Teh , Correa Leopoldo P. , Huja Sarandeep , Crain Geralyn
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Dental education is facing a faculty workforce shortage. Lack of preparation risks faculty, student, and staff morale and is an impediment to institutional growth and innovation. Administrators and faculty must consider strategies to better prepare for, and be successful within, a faculty shortage environment.

Methods

We review strategies utilized by health professional institutions that have confronted faculty workforce shortages.

Results

These strategies were grouped into four domains reflecting the organizational units that typically direct and initiate change within dental education institutions: budget and finance, human resources, organizational structure, and curricular structure. Recommendations using a four‐pronged approach based on these domains have been developed for remaining agile in the face of a faculty workforce shortage.

Conclusions

Local needs assessments and strategic planning are the first steps in highlighting institutional strengths and identifying gaps within each of the domains. Faculty development and retention efforts, as well as increasing curricular efficiencies, are essential for success across all domains.
Why do you use a smartphone to pay? Determinants of mobile payment adoption in China
Authors: Yan Jie , Zhou Youmeng , Mei Maggie Qiuzhu
Published: October 2022

Mobile phone users are increasingly adopting mobile payment technologies. Previous studies about mobile payments rarely consider customer psychological and market environmental factors. This article explores the mobile payment adoption issue based on a model integrating variables from the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the innovation diffusion model (IDT), as well as risks, social influence and internet experience, taking into account the circumstances of the Chinese market. Our analyses of a random sample of 922 mobile users show that these factors significantly impact the adoption of mobile payment in China. The degree of their influence and functions vary between mobile users who have mobile payment experience and others without such experience.
Long non‐coding RNA VPS9D1‐AS1 enhances proliferation, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in endometrial cancer via miR‐377‐3p/SGK1
Authors: Peng Tian‐Fang , Zhou Yan‐Jie , Zhou Jian , Zhou Yi , Li Xin‐Chun , Ouyang Qiang
Published: October 2022

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a kind of gynecologic malignancy with a rising incidence rate. This study aimed to explore the role of VPS9D1 antisense RNA1 (VPS9D1‐AS1) in EC. The expression of VPS9D1‐AS1, microRNA (miR)‐377‐3p, and serum and glucocorticoid‐regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) was detected by Quantitative Real‐Time PCR (qRT‐PCR). Cell proliferation, invasion and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) were determined by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), 5‐Ethynyl‐2′‐Deoxyuridine (EdU) transwell, and western bolt. VPS9D1‐AS1 was predicted to sponge miR‐377‐3p via Starbase, and verified by luciferase reporter, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), and RNA pull‐down experiments. The clinical characteristics of VPS9D1‐AS1, miR‐377‐3p, and SGK1 were analyzed. The role of VPS9D1‐AS1 on EC tumorigenesis was assessed in xenografted nude mice. VPS9D1‐AS1 was upregulated in EC cells and tissues. Interference of VPS9D1‐AS1 inhibited growth, invasion, and EMT of EC cells. Mechanically, VPS9D1‐AS1 was a molecular sponge of miR‐377‐3p, and overexpression of miR‐377‐3p reversed VPS9D1‐AS1‐induced EC cells proliferation, invasion, and EMT. Moreover, SGK1 was confirmed to bind with miR‐377‐3p. Furthermore, overexpression of SGK1 alleviated sh‐VPS9D1‐AS1‐caused effects on EC cells. High level of VPS9D1‐AS1 and SGK1, or low miR‐377‐3p expression predicted a poor prognosis. The expression of the three genes was correlated with lymph node metastasis, pathological stage, and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, but not associated with age, ER, and PR expression. Interestingly, knockdown of VPS9D1‐AS1 suppressed EC tumor growth in mice. VPS9D1‐AS1 promoted cell invasion, proliferation, and EMT via modulating miR‐377‐3p/SGK1 axis, which provided new options for therapeutic strategies of EC.
Remote sensing‐based retrieval of soil moisture content using stacking ensemble learning models
Authors: Wang Sinan , Wu Yingjie , Li Ruiping , Wang Xiuqing
Published: October 2022

Machine learning combined with multisource remote sensing data to assess soil moisture content (SMC) has attracted considerable attention in SMC studies, but the retrieval results still remain uncertain. The purpose of this study is to combine multiple single machine learning models with integrated learning algorithms and propose an SMC retrieval method based on multiple differentiated models under a stacking integrated learning architecture. First, 19 factors, including: radar backscattering coefficient, vegetation index, and drought index, that affect SMC were extracted from SENTINEL‐1, LANDSAT, and terrain factors. Those with the highest importance scores were selected as retrieval factors using the Boruta algorithm combined with four single machine learning methods—classified regression tree, random forest, gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), and extreme random tree. In addition, the two stacking ensemble models using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and the generalized boosted regression model (GBM) were tested and applied to build the most reliable and accurate estimation model. The results showed that radar backscattering coefficient, temperature, vegetation drought index, land surface temperature, enhanced vegetation index, and solar local incident angle were the most important environmental variables for soil moisture retrieval. A comparison of the four machine learning methods in April and August showed that the GBDT model revealed the highest SMC retrieval accuracy, with root mean square error values of 1.87% and 1.64%, respectively. The stacking models were more accurate than the optimal single machine learning model, especially when using GBM. The multifactor integrated model constructed using spectral indices, radar backscatter coefficients, and topographic data exhibited high accuracy in soil surface moisture retrieval in an arid zone, providing a reference for land desertification studies and ecological environment management in the study region.
Identifying and prioritising process portfolio for sustaining an effective business process management lifecycle
Authors: Özdağoğlu Güzin , Özdağoğlu Aşkın , Damar Muhammet
Published: October 2022

This study aims to develop a pipeline for identifying and prioritising the processes to include in business process management (BPM) initiatives by considering the obstacles for giving equal importance to the processes performed in businesses. The paper proposes the use of a process classification framework as a reference for process identification and fuzzy multi‐criteria decision‐making methods for prioritising the processes. A real‐life application is presented, which adopts APQC Process Identification Framework, Fuzzy‐SWARA for weighting the criteria, and six additional methods for prioritising the processes. The approach would assist the executives in maintaining the BPM lifecycle by presenting a roadmap, especially for organisations that do not have much experience in this field. Methodological depth, richness and recency would provide guidelines for investigating the best set of processes to include in the architecture initially, not in the analysis or redesign phases.
Perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity in childhood cancer survivors and their parents: A large‐scale interview study from the International PACCS Study
Authors: Larsen Elna Hamilton , Mellblom Anneli Viktoria , Larsen Marie Hamilton , Ruud Ellen , Thorsen Lene , Petersen Natasha Nybro , Larsen Hanne Bækgaard , Fridh Martin Kaj , Lie Hanne Cathrine
Published: October 2022

Background

Physical activity (PA) may reduce risks of late effects in childhood cancer survivors, yet many have low activity levels. Using the WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health for Children and Youths (ICF‐CY) as a conceptual framework, we aimed to identify perceived barriers and facilitators to PA in young survivors and their parents.

Design/methods

We conducted individual, semi‐structured interviews with 63 survivors, aged 9–18 years, ≥1‐year off treatment, and 68 parents, recruited from three pediatric oncology departments in Norway and Denmark. Interviews were analyzed inductively using thematic analysis to identify barriers and facilitators to PA, which were mapped onto the ICF‐CY model components; body function/structures, activities, participation, and environmental and personal factors.

Results

Two‐thirds of the survivors described how treatment‐related impairments of bodily functions (e.g., fatigue, physical weakness, reduced lung capacity) caused physical limitations, reducing opportunities to participate in PA, especially team sports and school physical education. This resulted in a perceived ability gap between survivors and peers, reducing motivation for PA. These PA barriers were moderated by environmental factors that facilitated or further hindered PA participation (family, peer, and school support). Similarily, personal factors also facilitated (acceptance, motivation, goal setting) or hindered (anxiety, low motivation, and lack of trust) PA participation.

Conclusion

Treatment‐related long‐term or late effects represented significant barriers to PA as their functional consequences reduced survivors’ capacities and capabilities to be active. Environmental and personal factors acting as facilitators or further barriers to PA were identified. Applying the ICF‐CY framework in clinical practice could help to enable PA participation.
Hybrid additive manufacturing
Authors: Layher Michel , Bliedtner Jens , Theska René
Published: October 2022

Large‐scale additive manufacturing (LSAM) is an additive manufacturing process based on the principles of fused filament fabrication but with significantly higher material deposition rates. The novel hybrid process shown in this paper combines LSAM with a laser beam heat treatment. The structure and mechanical properties of parts are improved due to significantly decreased void sizes. The following article details investigations into the vertical and lateral remelting of strands as well as the utilization of a mirror system, which enables beam guidance according to the machine's printing path.
The relationship of intergenerational poverty and exclusionary school discipline
Authors: Shooter Wynn , Hernandez Jimmy , Mackay David , McIlvenna Malia
Published: October 2022

Many prior studies have documented disparities in school discipline practices across racial, economic, and other student characteristics. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which students affected by intergenerational poverty (IGP) received infractions (incidents) and experienced exclusionary disciplines (suspensions and expulsions), relative to other student groups. To do so, this study examined incident and discipline rates, calculated the number of lost days of instruction per 100 students, considered the number of days lost based on disciplines received, and conducted an analysis of the disciplines received by students affected by IGP and similar peers. Results suggest that students affected by IGP have higher discipline rates than other student groups and were 1.78 times more likely to receive a discipline than similar peers. Policy considerations include a set of metrics useful at the state and local level for ongoing monitoring, the importance of data quality, and the need to revisit related policies and their implementations.
Shedding light on AT1G29480 of Arabidopsis thaliana—An enigmatic locus restricted to Brassicacean genomes
Authors: Billakurthi Kumari , Schulze Stefanie , Schulz Eva Lena Marie , Sage Tammy L. , Schreier Tina B. , Hibberd Julian M. , Ludwig Martha , Westhoff Peter
Published: October 2022

A key feature of C4 Kranz anatomy is the presence of an enlarged, photosynthetically highly active bundle sheath whose cells contain large numbers of chloroplasts. With the aim to identify novel candidate regulators of C4 bundle sheath development, we performed an activation tagging screen with Arabidopsis thaliana. The reporter gene used encoded a chloroplast‐targeted GFP protein preferentially expressed in the bundle sheath, and the promoter of the C4 phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene from Flaveria trinervia served as activation tag because of its activity in all chlorenchymatous tissues of A. thaliana. Primary mutants were selected based on their GFP signal intensity, and one stable mutant named kb‐1 with a significant increase in GFP fluorescence intensity was obtained. Despite the increased GFP signal, kb‐1 showed no alterations to bundle sheath anatomy. The causal locus, AT1G29480, is specific to the Brassicaceae with its second exon being conserved. Overexpression and reconstitution studies confirmed that AT1G29480, and specifically its second exon, were sufficient for the enhanced GFP phenotype, which was not dependent on translation of the locus or its parts into protein. We conclude, therefore, that the AT1G29480 locus enhances the GFP reporter gene activity via an RNA‐based mechanism.
The effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on pediatric physiatric health care in Croatia among children with neurological risk: A retrospective study
Authors: Čeprnja Asija Rota , Šamija Radenka Kuzmanić , Čeprnja Zdenka Šitum , Jakus Nataša , Bečić Kristijan , Čeprnja Toni
Published: October 2022

Background

Since the start of COVID pandemic, the Croatian government issued many recommendations and guidelines, imposed reorganization of health care system, and ordered two lock‐downs to mitigate the spread of the disease. All of this may have had an unwanted effect on the standard of health care for non‐COVID‐19 patients, including children with neurological risk factors.

Objective

To highlight the possibility that measures taken to mitigate the COVID‐19 pandemic may lead to a substantial delay of examination by physical medicine specialists and timely rehabilitation programs for children with neurological risks.

Design

A retrospective medical history‐based study between 2020 and 2021.

Setting

The study was performed in Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine at the University Hospital Centre of Split, Croatia.

Patients

Children with neurological risk examined by pediatric physical rehabilitation specialists in the Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine between January 2017 and December 2021.

Methods

Case records of patients were reviewed, dividing them into groups according to severity of neurological risk and their age at the time of first examination. We also noted in what months of the year those examinations were performed.

Main Outcome Measurements

The outcome was change in the number of the first examinations and the age of the patients when the examination was first performed.

Results

During the pandemic year 2020, the total number of first examinations was lower by 244 (38%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 34%–42%), and the number of first examinations of children with neurological risks was lower by 216 (36%; 95% CI: 33%–40%).On the contrary, in 2021, there was an increase in the total number of first examinations by 114 (18%; 95% CI: 15%–21%) and first examinations of children with neurological risks compared to the pre‐pandemic years by 97 (16%; 95% CI: 13%–20%). Furthermore, the division of patients according to age at the time of first examination significantly differed in the pre‐pandemic and pandemic 2021 periods (λ = 11.8; p = .018). The greatest contributing factor to this difference was the group of patients older than 12 months.

Conclusions

The study suggests that the chaotic initial stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic during 2020 caused delay in examinations by physical medicine specialists for children with neurological risks that could potentially affect neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Additional effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in a therapeutic exercise program for sedentary with chronic neck pain: A double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Martins‐de‐Sousa Paulo Henrique , Fidelis‐de‐Paula‐Gomes Cid André , Pontes‐Silva André , Henrique Milena Fernanda Pereira , Araujo Gabriel Gardhel Costa , Kalatakis‐dos‐Santos Artur Eduardo , Damasceno Karen Larissa Brito , Dibai‐Filho Almir Vieira
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the additional effect of high frequency (HF) or low frequency (LF) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in a specific therapeutic exercise program for the treatment of patients with chronic neck pain.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial. Sixty participants of both sexes and with chronic neck pain were randomized into three groups: therapeutic exercise group + placebo TENS (n = 20), therapeutic exercise group + HF TENS (n = 20) and therapeutic exercise group + low TENS frequency (n = 20). The following assessment instruments were used: Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, Pain‐Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Participants were evaluated before the interventions, after eight treatment sessions and 1 month after the end of treatment. Primary outcome was disability measured after the eight treatment sessions. Secondary outcomes were pain intensity, catastrophizing, and kinesiophobia after eight treatment sessions and pain intensity 4 weeks after the end of the treatment sessions.

Results

The three groups were similar at baseline for personal and clinical characteristics. Regarding the main study analyses, there were no significant (p > 0.05) or clinical (d < 0.80) differences between the groups for the main variable (disability), nor for the secondary variables (pain intensity, catastrophizing and kinesiophobia).

Conclusion

HF or LF TENS, compared to placebo TENS, does not provide additional clinical benefits to an exercise program for patients with chronic neck pain.
Emplacing English as lingua franca in international higher education: A spatial perspective on linguistic diversity
Authors: Adriansen Hanne Kirstine , Juul‐Wiese Thilde , Madsen Lene Møller , Saarinen Taina , Spangler Vera , Waters Johanna L.
Published: October 2022

Within higher education, internationalisation is increasingly important for students and academics alike. In this context, English as the lingua franca has gained prominence. The ostensible ubiquity of English rests on a particular rendering of the language as unitary, fixed, and undifferentiated. In this paper, we challenge this notion of English and use a spatial approach to explore the multiplicity of Englishes on display within the higher education context. Increasingly, within higher education outside Anglophone countries, English Medium Instruction (EMI) is seen as a crucial indicator of internationalisation: the term ‘international programmes' is often used as a proxy for programmes taught in English. Hence, the aim of this paper is to explore the role of English in internationalisation of higher education, and to show how a spatial approach can illuminate what English means and how it is experienced in its multiple and shifting forms. We examine Danish higher education to explore the multiple usages of English amongst so‐called ‘native' and ‘nonnative' speakers and show the spatial and hierarchical complexity of language. We suggest that a spatial perspective on English in the context of international higher education can help nuance debates about internationalisation and language in important ways – there is not one, but multiple forms of English, displayed at different times and in different places, with differing effects in the creation of spatial hierarchies.
Air pollution in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: Driving factors and state response
Authors: Dzushupov Kenesh O. , Buban Julian M. A. , Aidaraliev Arsen A. , Ahmadi Attaullah , Chahal Priyanka , Ibrahim Muiz , Lin Xu , Kouwenhoven M. B. N.
Published: October 2022

The present article aims to describe the status quo of the atmospheric air quality in Bishkek and the state measures taken to improve it and to give the perspective of research and policy development. Air pollution is one of the major environmental risks for premature death from respiratory diseases, cancer, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, and other diseases. It exerts a negative effect on worker productivity and mental health. In the last 30 years, Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, has turned from one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the former Soviet Union to one of the most polluted cities in the world. The roots of that transformation lie in the negative socio‐economic changes taking place in the country, including the population doubling of Bishkek mainly due to internal migration, uncontrolled construction of houses without relevant infrastructure, worsening socio‐economic conditions, increased number of used vehicles, and low quality of gasoline. The main sources of air pollution in Bishkek are domestic heating and vehicle exhaust fumes. During the winter, air pollution is aggravated by frequent temperature inversion and air stagnation due to air trapping by high‐rise buildings. The state's approaches and measures to address this issue are reflected in its laws and policies. The city and national government have taken a range of strategic measures to transform Bishkek into a green city with a favourable environment. Recommendations on research and policy development are provided in this perspective.