bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate and atmospheric circulation during the Early and Mid‐Holocene inferred from lake‐carbonate oxygen‐isotope records from western Ireland
Authors: Holmes Jonathan A. , Tindall Julia , Jones Matthew , Holloway Max , Roberts Neil , Feeser Ingo
Published: October 2023

The Early to Mid‐Holocene experienced marked climate change over the northern hemisphere mid‐latitudes in response to changing insolation and declining ice volume. Oxygen isotopes from lake sediments provide a valuable climate proxy, encoding information regarding temperature, hydroclimate and moisture source. We present oxygen‐isotope records from two lakes in western Ireland that are strongly influenced by the North Atlantic. Excellent replication between the records suggests they reflect regional, not local, influences. Carbonate oxygen‐isotope values peaked at the start of the Holocene, between 11.2 and 11.1 cal ka bp, and then decreased markedly until 6 cal ka bp at both sites. Palaeoecological evidence supports only modest change in temperature or hydroclimate during this interval and we therefore explain the decrease primarily by a reduction in the oxygen‐isotope composition of precipitation (δ18Oppt). We show a similar decrease in δ18O values in a forward model of carbonate isotopes between 12–11 and 6–5 cal ka bp. However, the inferred reduction in δ18Oppt between the Early and Mid‐Holocene in the model is mainly linked to a decrease in the δ18O of the ocean source water from ice sheet melting whereas the lake carbonate isotope records are more consistent with changes in the transport pathway of moisture associated with atmospheric circulation change as the dominant cause.
Quality improvement of soybean meal by yeast fermentation based on the degradation of anti‐nutritional factors and accumulation of beneficial metabolites
Authors: Cao Yazhuo , Lu Jian , Cai Guolin
Published: October 2023

Background

Soybean meal (SBM) is the main protein source for animal diets but its anti‐nutritional constituents affect animal growth and immunity. The yeast culture of soybean meal (SBM‐YC) that fermented with yeast and hydrolyzed by protease simultaneously could reduce anti‐nutritional factors effectively and accumulate beneficial metabolites.

Results

The crude protein and acid‐soluble protein content of SBM‐YC reached 542.5 g kg−1 and 117.2 g kg−1, respectively, and the essential amino acid content increased by 17.9%. Raffinose and stachyose decreased over 95.0%, and the organic acid content such as acetic acid, butyric acid, citric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, and propionic acid produced by fermentation reached 6.1, 3.8, 3.6, 2.5, 1.2, and 0.4 g kg−1, respectively. As biomarkers of yeast culture, nucleosides and their precursors reached 1.7 g kg−1; in particular, the inosine content increased from 0 to 0.3 g kg−1. The total antioxidant capacity, 2,2'‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical activity, metal chelating ability, and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging ability were increased by 50.3%, 46.1%, 43.9%, and 20.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

This study established a diversified evaluation index, which could lay the foundations for the production and quality control of SBM‐YC in the future. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Analysis of association of sensory and laboratory assessments for quality and consumer acceptability of steamed East Africa highland bananas
Authors: Akankwasa Kenneth , Marimo Pricilla , Bouniol Alexandre , Tumuhimbise Robooni , Asasira Moreen , Kisakye Sarah , Khakasa Elizabeth , Tinyiro Edgar , Mukasa Yusuf , Tukashaba Living , Namuddu Mary G. , Ssenyonga Peter B. , Dufour Dominique , Tushemereirwe Wilberforce , Nowakunda Kephas
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

The relevance of several characteristics for the acceptability of steamed East Africa bananas (matooke) was assessed using consumer‐preferred characteristics, the overall liking scores, check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) and the Just About Right scale. The study was conducted in rural and urban locations in three banana growing regions of Uganda. Two landraces and two hybrids were processed into matooke. Twelve trained panellists evaluated color, taste and texture sensory characteristics.

RESULTS

Consumers scored matooke from landraces as the most liked. The CATA test showed that the most important characteristics were: smooth mouthfeel, soft to the touch, not sticky, moldable, deep yellow color, attractive, good matooke taste and smell. Principal component analysis confirmed that most of the preferred sensory characteristics were associated with the local genotypes, whereas the less preferred characteristics were associated with hybrids. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations between the consumer assessed characteristics, hardness by touch, softness to touch and yellowness, as well as quantitative laboratory characteristics (moldable, hardness by touch, softness and yellowness) of the steamed matooke. Color assessed by consumers was strongly correlated with the laboratory‐assessed color indicators.

CONCLUSION

The strong associations observed between laboratory‐assessed and consumer‐based characteristics (moldable by touch and yellowness) suggest the possibility of predicting consumer characteristics using quantitative laboratory sensory assessments. Matooke taste as assessed by consumer panel is strongly associated with smooth texture and deep yellow color, which were the characteristics associated with landraces in the laboratory sensory assessment. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Global epidemiological trends and variations in the burden of gallbladder cancer
Authors: Vuthaluru Srineil , Sharma Prateek , Chowdhury Sanjib , Are Chandrakanth
Published: October 2023

Background

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare but lethal malignancy with a dismal prognosis. The aim of this study is to analyze the burdens and trends of GBC across the world based on geography, socioeconomic development (based on human development index [HDI]), and gender.

Methods

GLOBOCAN 2020 database was used to extract data (2020−2040) relating to the incidence and mortality of GBC across the world.

Results

Asia had the highest burden of GBC with India and China contributing to majority of the absolute burden. The burden of GBC by age standardized rate was highest in Latin America (Bolivia and Chile) and Southeast Asia (Bangladesh and Nepal). Medium HDI countries had a higher mortality rate compared to very high HDI countries. Females had a higher predilection for GBC across different regions and socioeconomic groups. GBC burden is expected to significantly increase across the world by 2040 with variable trends across different regions, age groups, and genders.

Conclusion

The global burden of GBC will significantly increase over the next two decades with marked regional and demographic variations. The results of this study will empower national and global health leaders to develop policies to address the increasing burden of this lethal malignancy.
Oncologic anthropology: Global variations in breast cancer risk, biology, and outcome
Authors: Newman Lisa
Published: October 2023

The global breast cancer burden is growing. Of 19.3 million new cancers diagnosed in 2020, 2.26 million were breast, surpassing lung as the most commonly diagnosed worldwide. Breast cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide, and the leading cause of death in females. Incidence and mortality rates are projected to rise disproportionately in low and middle‐income countries, a consequence of socioeconomic factors and differences in tumor biology related to genetic ancestry.
Global trends in the incidence and mortality of pancreatic cancer based on geographic location, socioeconomic status, and demographic shift
Authors: Sharma Prateek , Vuthaluru Srineil , Chowdhury Sanjib , Are Chandrakanth
Published: October 2023

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a lethal malignancy with a significantly rising rate of incidence and mortality. This study aims to describe the influence of geography, socioeconomic development (based on the Human Development Index [HDI]), gender, and demographic shift on the temporal trends in the global burden of PC.

Methods

Data (2020–2040) relating to the incidence, mortality of PC, and demographic shifts based on continents and HDI areas were extracted from GLOBOCAN 2020.

Results

PC was associated with a higher socioeconomic status. Asia contributed to the majority of the burden, led by China. Advanced age (≥65 years) contributed to the majority of the burden in all socioeconomic regions except in Medium HDI and Low HDI countries, where the younger population (<65 years) contributed more. Females contributed to a higher burden in certain countries. Future trends for 2040 showed a >60% increase in the incidence and mortality of PC with an associated demographic shift.

Conclusion

The global burden of PC is expected to rise significantly over the next few decades regardless of geography, socioeconomic development, age, and gender. Advance knowledge of this data can help to formulate strategies and public health policies to specifically target countries and populations at risk.
A tripartite approach toward ending cancer as we know it, for everyone: An American Cancer Society perspective
Authors: Dahut William L. , Kamal Arif H. , Lacasse Lisa A. , Sanders Kathryn M. , Knudsen Karen E.
Published: October 2023

Gaps in the cancer care continuum are vast, both in the United States and globally. The American Cancer Society orchestrates an integrated, tripartite approach toward improving the lives of cancer patients and their families through research, advocacy, and patient support. With a focus on eradicating cancer disparities, the American Cancer Society aims to scale and deploy best practices worldwide through partnerships, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
Use of early postoperative intraperitoneal 5‐fluorouracil with index cytoreduction improves survival with secondary cytoreductive surgery
Authors: Sugarbaker Paul H. , Chang David
Published: October 2023

Background

In patients with appendiceal mucinous neoplasm with peritoneal dissemination, a cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with perioperative chemotherapy may result in long‐term survival. Disease progression may require secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCRS) and other treatments in selected patients to improve survival and preserve an optimal quality of life.

Methods

The clinical‐ and treatment‐related variables associated with the index CRS and SCRS were statistically assessed for impact on survival after SCRS.

Results

A total of 186 of 687 complete CRS patients (27.1%) had SCRS. Median follow‐up was 10 years and median survival was 12 years. In 95 males (51%) the median age was 45.0 years. Survival benefit with SCRS was observed if early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) with 5‐fluorouracil (EPIC 5‐FU) or hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) plus EPIC 5‐FU was used with the index CRS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.6, p = 0.0360; HR: 0.4, p = 0.0004, respectively). By propensity matching of 51 pairs of patients, EPIC 5‐FU used with index CRS caused a survival advantage compared to HIPEC alone (p = 0.0100) with index CRS (p = 0.0100).

Conclusions

Use of EPIC 5‐FU at a complete index CRS was a prognostic variable that improved survival in patients requiring SCRS. Further investigations into the benefits of antiadhesion treatments with CRS and HIPEC are warranted.
Impact of safety‐net hospital burden on achievement of textbook oncologic outcomes following resection in for stage I–IV colorectal cancer
Authors: Wong Paul , Victorino Gregory P. , Miraflor Emily , Alseidi Adnan , Maker Ajay V. , Thornblade Lucas W.
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Textbook oncologic outcome (TOO) is a benchmark for high‐quality surgical cancer care but has not been studied at safety‐net hospitals (SNH). The study sought to understand how SNH burden affects TOO achievement in colorectal cancer.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried for colorectal cancer patients who underwent resection for stage I‐III plus stage IV with liver‐only metastases (2010–2019). TOO was defined as R0 resection, AJCC‐compliant lymphadenectomy (>12 nodes), no prolonged LOS, no 30‐day mortality/readmission, and receipt of stage‐appropriate adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

Of 487,195 patients, 66.7% achieved TOO. Lower achievement was explained by adequate lymphadenectomy (87.3%), non‐prolonged LOS (76.3%), and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III (60.3%) and IV (54.1%). Treatment at high burden hospitals (HBH, >10% Medicaid/uninsured) was a predictor of non‐TOO (Stage I/II: OR 0.83, III: OR 0.86, IV: OR 0.83; all p < 0.001). Achieving TOO was associated with decreased mortality (Stage I/II: HR 0.49, III: HR 0.48, IV: HR 0.57; all p < 0.001), and HBH treatment was a predictor of mortality (Stage I/II: HR 1.09, III: HR 1.05, IV: HR 1.07; all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Treatment at higher SNH burden hospitals was associated with less frequent TOO achievement and increased mortality. Quality improvement targets include receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy and avoidance of prolonged LOS.
Leiomyosarcoma of the rectum: A systematic review of recent literature
Authors: Annicchiarico Alfredo , Montali Filippo , Baldinu Manuel , Casali Lorenzo , Virgilio Edoardo , Costi Renato
Published: October 2023

Leiomyosarcomas (LMSs) are rare tumors originating from the muscular layer. We performed a literature review of cases of confirmed rectal leiomyosarcomas (rLMSs) to clarify the history of such an infrequent tumor arising at such an uncommon location. In this research local recurrence was related to poorly differentiated rLMS and no other association between recurrence and any criteria was found. Concerning overall survival (OS), rLMS patients developing recurrence presented shorter longevity compared with the group without.
Nanotargeted Cationic Lipid Microbubbles Carrying HSV‐TK Gene Inhibit the Development of Subcutaneous Liver Tumor Model After HIFU Ablation
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Yudi , Du Di , Gu Xue , Zhang Xian , Hong Guoqing , Lai Xing
Published: October 2023

Objectives

High‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been widely used in clinical settings and has achieved suitable results in the treatment of many cancerous or noncancerous diseases. However, in the treatment of liver cancer, because the tumor is located deep within the liver tissue, when ultrasound penetrates the tissue, it will inevitably produce sound energy attenuation. This attenuation limits the reliability of HIFU treatment, reduce the efficacy of HIFU, and increase the risk of tumor recurrence.

Methods

Cationic microbubbles (CMB) were successfully linked with GPC3 and HSV‐TK plasmids, and targeted gene‐carrying CMB were successfully constructed. Moreover, the gene‐targeted cation microbubbles had suitable targeting and can specifically bind with liver cancer cells.

Results

The HSV‐TK transfection efficiency was high and had a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation and invasion of liver cancer cells. After the gene‐carrying cation microbubbles entered the animal body, they had a great targeting effect in vivo. They transfected the target genes into liver cancer cells, and the HSV‐TK/GCV system initiated cell death, demonstrating that these targeted microbubbles, enhanced HIFU treatment.

Conclusions

Overall, CMB combined with a GPC3 antibody and HSV‐TK plasmid can target residual subcutaneous liver tumor cells under the guidance of GPC3 antibody, and kill residual subcutaneous liver tumor cells under the action of ultrasound, thus enhancing the therapeutic effect of HIFU on liver cancer.
A harvest framework for a recovering American black bear population
Authors: Boudreau Melanie R. , Gantchoff Mariela G. , Conlee Laura , Anderson Charles , Bowersock Nathaniel R. , Belant Jerrold L. , Iglay Raymond B.
Published: October 2023

Having reproducible and transparent science‐based processes in wildlife management ensures the integrity of decision making. These processes are particularly important when establishing harvest frameworks, as guiding information in the peer‐reviewed literature is limited. We provide an example using multiple data sets, whose products guided aspects of the development of a harvest framework for a population of recolonizing American black bears (Ursus americanus) in Missouri, USA. To characterize the spatial distribution of harvest, we used 10 years (2010–2019) of black bear global positioning system (GPS) location data and 30 years (1991–2020) of sightings data to assess spatial vulnerability to harvest as the intersection among information on bear occurrence, bear sightings, and hunter land‐use tendencies (i.e., the avoidance of steep slopes, large distances from roads). We then used the spatial vulnerability assessment, information on the distribution of public and private lands, and easily discernable boundaries (i.e., major highways, rivers) to suggest boundaries for bear management zones. Additionally, to identify the timing of harvest that would limit female harvest bias, we assessed the temporal vulnerability of harvest using sex‐based changes in average daily step lengths and monthly utilization distribution sizes during fall. Black bear occurrence and sighting propensity was greater in southwestern Missouri, and potential hunter land use appeared pervasive across the landscape given the lack of landscape features that would disincentivize use. Given the influence of black bear occurrence and sighting propensity, spatial harvest vulnerability diminished from southern and southeastern to central portions of Missouri, with areas north of the Missouri River not a part of the established black bear range. We consequently divided areas south of the Missouri River into 3 black bear management zones: a small southwestern zone with primarily private lands and high harvest vulnerability, a southeastern zone that encompassed considerable public lands and moderate amounts of vulnerability, and a central zone that was composed mainly of areas of low vulnerability. Temporally, males did not exhibit movement‐based changes, but females became less active after the first week of October and used 63.9% less area through fall. Based on movements rates of males and females, a hunting season after the first week of October could reduce the likelihood of females being harvested. Harvests from the black bear harvest season in 2021 suggest that the proportion of bears harvested in each zone was similar in distribution to the proportion of permits allocated across zones with no harvest sex bias, which was aligned with agency goals. Animal movement and space use data products can guide harvest framework decision‐making.
The effectiveness of ultrasound‐guided injection of BTX‐A in the management of sialorrhea in neurogenic dysphagia patients
Authors: He Zitong , Chen Suling , Zeng Peishan , Dai Meng , Wei Xiaomei , Chen Jiemei , Zhang Xue , Dou Zulin , Wen Hongmei , Li Chao
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound‐guided injection of botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) in treating sialorrhea.

Methods

We recruited 32 sialorrhea subjects and they received an ultrasound‐guided injection of BTX‐A. The extent of salivation was evaluated according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS), and Saliva Flow Rate (SFR). Laryngeal secretions were evaluated based on Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) rated according to the Murray Secretion Scale (MSS). We assessed the extent of salivation and laryngeal secretions before injection and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after injection.

Results

The scores for the VAS, DSFS‐S, DSFS‐F, and DSFS‐T decreased significantly at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after injection compared with before injection (p < .05). Based on VAS, the efficacy was substantially higher at 2 and 4 weeks after injection than at 1 week after injection (p < .05). According to DSFS‐S and DSFS‐T, the efficacy was significantly higher at 4 weeks than at 1 week after injection (p < .05). The SFR and MSS scores at 1 and 2 weeks after injection were superior to those before injection (p < .05). Meanwhile, the SFR score 2 weeks after injection was superior to that 1 week after injection (p < .05).

Conclusion

The ultrasound‐guided injection of BTX‐A can effectively reduce saliva secretion in patients with neurogenic dysphagia. Furthermore, it has the advantages of early onset time and lasting curative effects, which indicates that clinical promotion and application of this technique are justified.

Level of Evidence

Level 3.
Comparison between a novel salivary marker and several clinical prognosticators in oral cavity cancer
Authors: Lee Yi‐Chan , Lee Li‐Yu , Huang Yenlin , Kao Huang‐Kai , Chang Ya‐Ting , Hung Shao‐Yu , Lu Chuieng‐Yi , Chang Yu‐Sun , Yu Jau‐Song , Chang Kai‐Ping
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the association between salivary matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) and clinicopathological parameters of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and compare the prognostic efficacy of salivary MMP‐1 and other established circulating markers for OSCC.

Methods

Saliva specimens from 479 OSCC subjects were examined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The area under the curve (AUC) values of salivary MMP‐1 and other markers were calculated, and survival analyses were conducted using Kaplan–Meier and multivariate regression methods.

Results

Salivary MMP‐1 showed good discrimination in predicting overall survival, with an AUC of 0.638, which was significantly higher than that of albumin (0.530, p = .021) and Charlson comorbidity index (0.568, p = .048) and comparable with neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (0.620, p = .987), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (0.575, p = .125), and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (0.609, p = .605). Elevated levels of salivary MMP‐1 were significantly associated with higher pT classification, pN classification, overall pathological stage, positive extranodal extension, tumor differentiation, positive lymphovascular invasion, positive perineural invasion, and tumor depth (p all <.05). Multivariate analyses indicated that a higher level of salivary MMP‐1 (≥2060.0 pg/mL) was an independent predictive factor of poorer overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.421 [95% confidential interval: 1.014–1.989], p = .041).

Conclusion

The study found that the salivary MMP‐1 level was significantly associated with many adverse clinicopathological parameters of OSCC. In OSCC, it was found to have superior efficacy in predicting prognosis and was an independent prognostic factor of post‐treatment outcome.

Level of evidence

3.
How social media influencer collaborations are perceived by consumers
Authors: Thomas Veronica L. , Fowler Kendra , Taheran Faegheh
Published: October 2023

Within the social media community, influencers engage in a variety of collaborative practices such as tagging, reposting content from, or forming partnerships with other influencers and brands. While such collaborative efforts are a known practice, less is understood about how influencer collaborations affect consumers' perceptions of the partnering influencers, specifically when a status differential exists within the collaboration. We suggest that such collaborative practices, specifically those where the focal influencer has a higher status than the collaborating partner, may help to weaken consumers' perceptions that the influencer's actions are purely self‐focused. A pilot study, analyzing both influencer–influencer collaborations and influencer–brand collaborations, provides evidence that influencers engage in collaborations with other influencers and brands of different status levels. Two studies then support our theorizing that influencers who collaborate with lower‐status influencers are perceived as less self‐serving and more altruistic, while influencers who collaborate with lower‐status brands are only perceived as less self‐serving. This suggests that, for influencers who desire to enhance how consumers perceive them, an effective strategy is to engage in collaborations with either a lower‐status influencer or brand.
Sustainability‐oriented innovation in retailing
Authors: Gil‐Saura Irene , Ruiz‐Molina Mª Eugenia , Berenguer‐Contrí Gloria , Marín‐García Antonio
Published: October 2023

Sustainability‐oriented innovation in services has recently been raising interest among academics and professionals. The present research has a dual objective. The first is to develop a scale that captures the notion of sustainability‐oriented innovation in retailing (SOI‐r) from the consumer's perspective. A sequential process is carried out to purge and retain 17 items which synergistically measure SOI‐r. We use quantitative research, adopting an exploratory‐descriptive approach on a total sample of 510 customers of commercial food establishments. The principal axis factor analysis shows six factors: product innovation, marketing innovation, relational innovation, economic sustainability, social sustainability, and environmental sustainability. The second objective is to develop an index using importance‐performance map analysis, which allows analysis of the level of development of the six dimensions identified in SOI‐r and areas for their improvement. The results are compared across food retail formats (hypermarkets, supermarkets, and discount stores) and recommendations are made at a strategic level.
Business cycle effects on consumer behavior: A conceptual framework and research agenda
Authors: Hampson Daniel P. , Xie Yi , Li Weiyi , Kou Sining , Wang Yonggui
Published: October 2023

A brand's long‐term success depends on its ability to adapt to changes in the business cycle, during which consumer responses might vary widely. Decades of research on business cycle effects on consumer behavior have led to a diverse, yet scattered body of knowledge. To lay a foundation for moving the field forward, we conduct a semisystematic literature review and differentiate the literature based on (1) behavioral foci studied and (2) underlying theoretical assumptions made. Our review of 55 articles identifies six literature fields that study business cycle effects on consumer behavior, and a multitude of theoretical approaches, which we categorize as mechanical core, affective layer, motivational ground, sociorelational, and cultural background. Next, we integrate commensurable elements of these distinct research traditions in an interdisciplinary, higher‐order conceptual framework of business cycle effects on consumer behavior, underpinned by four fundamental premises that direct marketing practice. Finally, we use these fundamental premises to delineate guidelines that advance the development of business cycle research in marketing, including (but not limited to) focus on consumer well‐being, consumer engagement and digital marketing. The conceptual framework guides the generalizable application of psychological theories to marketing practice during different stages of the business cycle.
Influence of reverted austenite on fatigue life of 18 % nickel maraging steel
Authors: Rohit B. , Rao M N.
Published: October 2023

Maraging steels containing 18 % nickel are based on a low‐carbon iron‐nickel‐cobalt‐molybdenum system. These steels demonstrate a remarkable combination of high strength and high toughness. To investigate the effect of overaging and resulting austenite reversion on the fatigue behavior of C250 maraging steel, specimens in the solution annealed state were overaged at 510 °C for various intervals, resulting in volume fractions of reverted austenite ranging from 2.6 % to 11.4 %. The staircase method was used to calculate the fatigue limit. S−N curves were generated by testing a minimum of four stress levels and at least three samples at each stress level. Basquin's equation was used to fit the experimental stress‐life data, and the Basquin exponent and fatigue strength coefficient were calculated. The presence of 2.6 % reverted austenite in the microstructure improved the fatigue limit and fatigue ratio, without significantly reducing tensile strength. The results can be interpreted in terms of reverted austenite having a crack blunting effect on the propagating cracks. A small amount of reverted austenite in the range of 2 %–3 % vol has a beneficial effect on the fatigue life.
Corrosion failure analysis of 20CrMnTi gear in gearbox after oil pressure test
Authors: Lian Z. W. , Fan Z. Y. , He G. N. , Jiang B. , Zhou L. Y. , He F. B. , Liu Y. Z.
Published: October 2023

The causes of corrosion failure of 20CrMnTi rusted gear were analyzed by quantitative analysis of the composition, observation of the microstructure, hardness test and electrochemical test. The microstructure characterization showed that the proportion of retained austenite in the rusted gear was slightly higher and the length‐width ratio of martensite on the surface of addendum of rusted gear was slightly larger than that of the normal gear. However, the corrosion resistance of the rusted gear surface was similar to that of the normal gear. The lubricating oil of the gear was detected to contain water molecules. Further investigation showed that continuous rainy days during the period from installation to disassembly led to a relatively high humidity environment and also the block cover was not installed at that time. Therefore, the corrosive medium continuously entered the gearbox through the block cover hole and destroyed the protection of lubricating oil film, resulting in serious erosion of the gear near the block cover hole. After securing the problem, the block cover was kept installed all the time and no such corrosion failure occurred again.
Optimization of pickling and annealing parameters in cold rolling using the Taguchi method
Authors: Özakın B.
Published: October 2023

In this study, the optimum values of pickling and annealing parameters in cold rolling were obtained by using the Taguchi method. The materials taken from the hot rolling mill were subjected to pickling with different pickling times (3 min, 4 min, 5 min) parameters and then cold rolled. After this process, annealing was carried out with different annealing temperatures (700 °C, 750 °C, 800 °C), annealing times (5 min, 7.5 min, 10 min) in order to eliminate the cold working hardness. After these processes, sheet materials were subjected to skin‐pass rolling, which is the last step of the rolling process. Optimum conditions are minimum rolling force measured from the load cell positioned on the work rolls. In this direction, S/N ratios with objective function “smaller is better” and were calculated and the optimum levels of the parameters were determined as 3 min pickling time, 750 °C annealing temperature and 10 min annealing time. In line with the findings obtained from the analysis of variance, it was determined that the most important parameter was the annealing time with a rate of 48.99 %. Confirmation experiments were carried out and it was concluded that the optimization was valid.
Resistance to abemaciclib is associated with increased metastatic potential and lysosomal protein deregulation in breast cancer cells
Authors: Scheidemann Erin R. , Demas Diane M. , Hou Chunyan , Ma Junfeng , He Wei , Sharma Gaurav , Schultz Eric , Weilbaecher Katherine N. , Shajahan‐Haq Ayesha N.
Published: October 2023

Cyclin dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors such as abemaciclib are routinely used to treat metastatic estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. However, adaptive mechanisms inhibit their effectiveness and allow for disease progression. Using ER+ breast cancer cell models, we show that acquired resistance to abemaciclib is accompanied by increase in metastatic potential. Mass spectrometry‐based proteomics from abemaciclib sensitive and resistant cells showed that lysosomal proteins including CTSD (cathepsin D), cathepsin A and CD68 were significantly increased in resistant cells. Combination of abemaciclib and a lysosomal destabilizer, such as hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) or bafilomycin A1, resensitized resistant cells to abemaciclib. Also, combination of abemaciclib and HCQ decreased migration and invasive potential and increased lysosomal membrane permeability in resistant cells. Prosurvival B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) protein levels were elevated in resistant cells, and a triple treatment with abemaciclib, HCQ, and BCL2 inhibitor, venetoclax, significantly inhibited cell growth compared to treatment with abemaciclib and HCQ. Furthermore, resistant cells showed increased levels of Transcription Factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of lysosomal‐autophagy genes, and siRNA mediated knockdown of TFEB decreased invasion in resistant cells. TFEB was found to be mutated in a subset of invasive human breast cancer samples, and overall survival analysis in ER+, lymph node‐positive breast cancer showed that increased TFEB expression correlated with decreased survival. Collectively, we show that acquired resistance to abemaciclib leads to increased metastatic potential and increased levels of protumorigenic lysosomal proteins. Therefore, the lysosomal pathway could be a therapeutic target in advanced ER+ breast cancer.
The role of CD4+ T cells in tumor and chronic viral immune responses
Authors: Xie Luoyingzi , Fang Jingyi , Yu Juncheng , Zhang Weinan , He Zhiqiang , Ye Lilin , Wang Huaizhi
Published: October 2023

Immunotherapies are mainly aimed to promote a CD8+ T cell response rather than a CD4+ T cell response as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) can directly kill target cells. Recently, CD4+ T cells have received more attention due to their diverse roles in tumors and chronic viral infections. In antitumor and antichronic viral responses, CD4+ T cells relay help signals through dendritic cells to indirectly regulate CD8+ T cell response, interact with B cells or macrophages to indirectly modulate humoral immunity or macrophage polarization, and inhibit tumor blood vessel formation. Additionally, CD4+ T cells can also exhibit direct cytotoxicity toward target cells. However, regulatory T cells exhibit immunosuppression and CD4+ T cells become exhausted, which promote tumor progression and chronic viral persistence. Finally, we also outline immunotherapies based on CD4+ T cells, including adoptive cell transfer, vaccines, and immune checkpoint blockade. Overall, this review summarizes diverse roles of CD4+ T cells in the antitumor or protumor and chronic viral responses, and also highlights the immunotherapies based on CD4+ T cells, giving a better understanding of their roles in tumors and chronic viral infections.
Down‐regulation of Lon protease 1 lysine crotonylation aggravates mitochondrial dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Xie Yuan , Chen Shuwen , Guo Zaixin , Tian Ying , Hong Xinyu , Feng Penghui , Xie Qiu , Yu Qi
Published: October 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent reproductive endocrine disorder, with metabolic abnormalities and ovulation disorders. The post‐translational modifications (PTMs) are functionally relevant and strengthen the link between metabolism and cellular functions. Lysine crotonylation is a newly identified PTM, the function of which in PCOS has not yet been reported. To explore the molecular mechanisms of crotonylation involved in the abnormalities of metabolic homeostasis and oocyte maturation in PCOS, by using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis, we constructed a comprehensive map of crotonylation modifications in ovarian tissue of PCOS‐like mouse model established by dehydroepiandrosterone induction. The crotonylation levels of proteins involved in metabolic processes were significantly decreased in PCOS ovaries compared to control samples. Further investigation showed that decrotonylation of Lon protease 1 (LONP1) at lysine 390 was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in PCOS. Moreover, LONP1 crotonylation levels in PCOS were correlated with ovarian tissue oxidative stress levels, androgen levels, and oocyte development. Consistently, down‐regulation of LONP1 and LONP1 crotonylation levels were also observed in the blood samples of PCOS patients. Collectively, our study revealed a mechanism by which the decrotonylation of LONP1 may attenuate its activity and alter follicular microenvironment to affect oocyte maturation in PCOS.
An application of Lobatto–Chebyshev method to a nonhomogeneous plane problem with two cracks
Authors: Özkan Sabahat , Çetinkaya İlkem Turhan
Published: October 2023

In this manuscript, Lobatto–Chebyshev method, which is an effective collocation method, is applied to a system of singular integral equations, which leads from a nonhomogeneous plane problem. It is assumed that there are two cracks in a nonhomogeneous medium. The problem is formulated in the view of the basics of the elasticity theory and boundary conditions of the problem. By using the method of singular integral equation, the problem is converted to a system of first kind Cauchy type singular integral equations. It is aimed to determine the stress intensity factors (SIFs) of the crack problem. It is seen that Lobatto–Chebyshev quadrature has many advantages in determining SIFs. To verify the validity of the method, the obtained results corresponding to the one crack case are compared with the results in literature.
Dynamics of a nonlinear laminated beam with thermodiffusion effects
Authors: Li Haiyan , Feng Baowei
Published: October 2023

A laminated beam system with thermodiffusion effects is considered. The main result is the long‐time dynamics of the system. By showing the system is gradient and asymptotic smoothness, the existence of a global attractor is obtained, which is characterized as unstable manifold of the set of stationary solutions. The quasi‐stability of the system and the finite fractal dimension of the global attractor are established by a stabilizability inequality. The continuity of global attractors regarding the parameter in a residual dense set is finally proved.
Critical exponent of non‐global solutions for an inhomogeneous pseudo‐parabolic equation with space‐time forcing term
Authors: Zhao Binli , Zhou Jun
Published: October 2023

We investigate the critical exponent of non‐global solutions to the following inhomogeneous pseudo‐parabolic equation with a space‐time forcing term:

where
is an integer;
,
, and
are three constants; and
. By obtaining a priori estimate for the solutions and the contradiction argument, we show that there exists a critical exponent:

such that the problem does not admit any global solutions when
and
. Our obtained results show that the forcing term induces an interesting phenomenon of continuity/discontinuity of the critical exponent
depending on the dimension
. Namely, we found that when
,
; when

; and when

,
. Furthermore,
with
when
and
when
coincides with the critical exponent of the above problem with
.
An analytic solution and an approximate solution for log‐return variance swaps under double‐mean‐reverting volatility
Authors: Mao Chen , Liu Guanqi
Published: October 2023

Variance swaps is a kind of financial instrument that plays an important role in volatility risk management. In this paper, we study the pricing problem of log‐return variance swaps under the double mean reversion DMR (Heston‐CIR) model. Compared with Kim's work, we introduce the square‐root process into the diffusion term of the long‐term mean and present a stochastic approach that greatly simplify the solution of the problem without solving PDEs. An analytical solution and approximate solution are obtained. Some numerical examples show that the exact solution and MC simulation fit well. It is worth mentioning that the difference between the approximate solution and the exact solution is small when the parameters are selected appropriately. By the mean time, the parameter of the long‐term mean has an important impact on the solution, which implies that the introduction of a multi‐factor model is necessary.
Variation of the relative biological effectiveness with fractionation in proton therapy: Analysis of prostate cancer response
Authors: Pardo‐Montero Juan , Pombar Miguel , Gómez‐Caamaño Antonio , Giordanengo Simona , González‐Crespo Isabel
Published: October 2023

Background

In treatment planning for proton therapy a constant Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE) of 1.1 is used, disregarding variations with linear energy transfer, clinical endpoint, or fractionation.

Purpose

To present a methodology to analyze the variation of RBE with fractionation from clinical data of tumor control probability (TCP) and to apply it to study the response of prostate cancer to proton therapy.

Methods and materials

We analyzed the dependence of the RBE on the dose per fraction by using the LQ model and the Poisson TCP formalism. Clinical tumor control probabilities for prostate cancer (low and intermediate risk) treated with photon and proton therapy for conventional fractionation (2 Gy(RBE)×37 fractions), moderate hypofractionation (3 Gy(RBE)×20 fractions) and hypofractionation (7.25 Gy(RBE)×5 fractions) were obtained from the literature and analyzed aiming at obtaining the RBE and its dependence on the dose per fraction.

Results

The theoretical analysis of the dependence of the RBE on the dose per fraction showed three distinct regions with RBE monotonically decreasing, increasing or staying constant with the dose per fraction, depending on the change of (α, β) values between photon and proton irradiation (the equilibrium point being at (αp/βp) = (αX/βX)(αX/αp)). An analysis of the clinical data showed RBE values that decline with increasing dose per fraction: for low risk RBE≈1.124, 1.119, and 1.102 for 1.82 Gy, 2.73 Gy and 6.59 Gy per fraction (physical proton doses), respectively; for intermediate risk RBE≈1.119 and 1.102 for 1.82 Gy and 6.59 Gy per fraction (physical proton doses), respectively. These values are nonetheless very close to the nominal 1.1 value.

Conclusions

In this study, we have presented a methodology to analyze the RBE for different fractionations, and we used it to study clinical data for prostate cancer and evaluate the RBE versus dose per fraction. The analysis shows a monotonically decreasing RBE with increasing dose per fraction, which is expected from the LQ formalism and the changes in (α, β) values between photon and proton irradiation. However, the calculations in this study have to be considered with care as they may be biased by limitations in the modeling assumptions and/or by the clinical data set used for the analysis.
FD‐Net: An unsupervised deep forward‐distortion model for susceptibility artifact correction in EPI
Authors: Zaid Alkilani Abdallah , Çukur Tolga , Saritas Emine Ulku
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To introduce an unsupervised deep‐learning method for fast and effective correction of susceptibility artifacts in reversed phase‐encode (PE) image pairs acquired with echo planar imaging (EPI).

Methods

Recent learning‐based correction approaches in EPI estimate a displacement field, unwarp the reversed‐PE image pair with the estimated field, and average the unwarped pair to yield a corrected image. Unsupervised learning in these unwarping‐based methods is commonly attained via a similarity constraint between the unwarped images in reversed‐PE directions, neglecting consistency to the acquired EPI images. This work introduces a novel unsupervised deep Forward‐Distortion Network (FD‐Net) that predicts both the susceptibility‐induced displacement field and the underlying anatomically correct image. Unlike previous methods, FD‐Net enforces the forward‐distortions of the correct image in both PE directions to be consistent with the acquired reversed‐PE image pair. FD‐Net further leverages a multiresolution architecture to maintain high local and global performance.

Results

FD‐Net performs competitively with a gold‐standard reference method (TOPUP) in image quality, while enabling a leap in computational efficiency. Furthermore, FD‐Net outperforms recent unwarping‐based methods for unsupervised correction in terms of both image and field quality.

Conclusion

The unsupervised FD‐Net method introduces a deep forward‐distortion approach to enable fast, high‐fidelity correction of susceptibility artifacts in EPI by maintaining consistency to measured data. Therefore, it holds great promise for improving the anatomical accuracy of EPI imaging.
In vivo MRI of knee using a metasurface‐inspired wireless coil
Authors: Yi Yi , Chi Zhonghai , Wang Yakui , Wu Maopeng , Wang Lixue , Jiang Deqing , He Li , Qi Yingyi , Li Xinxin , Zhao Xihai , Meng Yonggang , Zhou Ji , Zhao Qian , Zheng Zhuozhao
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To investigate the application of a metasurface‐inspired wireless coil and evaluate its performance in clinical knee MRI.

Methods

A metasurface surface coil is designed for knee MRI at 1.5T. The image SNR and uniformity are assessed using a water phantom. In vivo studies are performed on 10 healthy volunteers (age range, 24–30 y; three males) and two patients (ages 31 and 76 y; two males) with knee conditions. A commercial 4‐channel flexible coil and a 12‐channel knee coil are used for comparison. The SNRs of different tissues on knee MRI images are evaluated and compared. The image quality is evaluated using a five‐point Likert scale.

Results

The SNRs of the images acquired by the metasurface coil with spine coil as receiving coil are similar to the 12‐channel knee coil, whereas the uniformity from groups where the metasurface coil was used is higher than that acquired by conventional coils in phantom studies. For in vivo knee MRI, the SNRs of the images acquired by the metasurface coil with spine coil as receiving coil are between that of the 4‐ and 12‐channel phased‐array coils. The image quality scores evaluated by radiologists are higher when metasurface is used.

Conclusion

The metasurface‐inspired wireless coil is applicable to clinical knee MRI. When used in conjunction with the spine coil, it provides a favorable SNR between that of the 4‐ and 12‐channel phased‐array coil at 1.5T MRI system. The metasurface coil improves image uniformity regardless of which coil is used as the receiving coil.
Real‐time water/fat imaging at 0.55T with spiral out‐in‐out‐in sampling
Authors: Tian Ye , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To develop an efficient and flexible water/fat separated real‐time MRI (RT‐MRI) method using spiral out‐in‐out‐in (OIOI) sampling and balanced SSFP (bSSFP) at 0.55T.

Methods

A bSSFP sequence with golden‐angle spiral OIOI readout was developed, capturing three echoes to allow water/fat separation. A low‐latency reconstruction that combines all echoes was available for online visualization. An offline reconstruction provided water and fat RT‐MRI in two steps: (1) image reconstruction with spatiotemporally constrained reconstruction (STCR) and (2) water/fat separation with hierarchical iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least‐squares estimation (HIDEAL). In healthy volunteers, spiral OIOI was acquired in the wrist during a radial‐to‐ulnar deviation maneuver, in the heart without breath‐hold and cardiac gating, and in the lower abdomen during free‐breathing for visualizing small bowel motility.

Results

We demonstrate successful water/fat separated RT‐MRI for all tested applications. In the wrist, resulting images provided clear depiction of ligament gaps and their interactions during the radial‐to‐ulnar deviation maneuver. In the heart, water/fat RT‐MRI depicted epicardial fat, provided improved delineation of epicardial coronary arteries, and provided high blood‐myocardial contrast for ventricular function assessment. In the abdomen, water‐only RT‐MRI captured small bowel mobility clearly with improved water‐fat contrast.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated a novel and flexible bSSFP spiral OIOI sequence at 0.55T that can provide water/fat separated RT‐MRI with a variety of application‐specific temporal resolution and spatial resolution requirements.