bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caregiver knowledge and attitudes relating to paediatric pneumonia and antimicrobial stewardship: a qualitative study
Authors: Huang Nelson , Murphy Lara , Kandasamy Sujane , Wahi Gita , Pernica Jeffrey M
Published: November 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to understand caregiver perspectives and experiences relating to the treatment of paediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Design, setting and patients

This was a phenomenological qualitative study involving interviews with caregivers of young children in Hamilton, Ontario. Caregivers were asked open-ended questions relating to germ theory, pneumonia and the role of antibiotic treatment. The principles of conventional content analysis guided the coding and synthesis of the transcribed interviews.

Results

Eleven caregivers were interviewed. Many knew that antibiotics were not effective against all types of infections and stated that there was an increased risk of developing resistance with frequent use. However, there were misconceptions that probiotics effectively mitigated antibiotic side effects, and few were familiar with the potential long-term consequences of antibiotic use in children.

There was variability in the perceived severity of paediatric CAP. Some participants thought that antibiotic treatment would accelerate recovery and prevent caregivers from feeling helpless. However, others also thought it was inappropriate for physicians to prescribe antibiotics solely to make the caregiver feel better. Many caregivers also felt strongly that clinical follow-up and discussions on treatment risks/benefits would be desirable to counteract feelings of helplessness that result from being sent home without a prescription.

Conclusion

Recognising that parents may have misperceptions about antibiotic use for CAP (and may seek antibiotics without strong rationale) can inform clinicians’ efforts to better educate and support caregivers in the emergency department. Care strategies informed by caregiver experiences can improve parent–provider communication and reduce antibiotic misuse
Liquid embolic surface area as a predictor of chronic subdural hematoma resolution in middle meningeal artery embolization
Authors: John Kevin , Syed Shoaib , Kaestner Thomas , Dashti Reza , Fiorella David , Sadasivan Chander
Published: November 2023

Background

Liquid embolic agents (LEAs) such as ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) are utilized for middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) for chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). LEAs may be advantageous for MMAE as they are permanent and can penetrate the microvasculature of the subdural membranes. LEA surface area (SA) can quantify this penetration. The segmentation of LEA SA is not described in the literature and may be of interest in refining MMAE technique.

Methods

We retrospectively collected computerized tomography (CT) scans from 74 patients (with 95 cSDH) who underwent first-line MMAE with EVOH. Non-contrast head CTs were acquired pre-embolization, immediately post-embolization and at 1-, 3-, and 6 month follow-up. A 3D-Slicer was used to segment hematoma volumes and the liquid embolic cast. We hypothesized that greater LEA SA would be correlated with greater improvements in cSDH volumetric resolution.

Results

There was significant resolution in cSDH volumes over the follow-up period compared to preoperative volume (p<0.0001). The LEA SA was significantly correlated with the rate of cSDH resolution at 3 months (R2=0.08, p=0.03), and 6 months (R2=0.14, p=0.01).

Conclusions

The correlation of LEA surface area with hematoma resolution at 3-months and 6-months suggests greater LEA penetration may improve radiographic outcomes. This study uniquely provides a quantitative radiological perspective on the effect of LEA penetration on cSDH resolution.
GFAP palmitoylcation mediated by ZDHHC23 in spinal astrocytes contributes to the development of neuropathic pain
Authors: Fan Xiaoqing , Zhang Siyu , Sun Suling , Bi Wenxu , Li Shuyang , Wang Wei , Chen Xueran , Fang Zhiyou
Published: November 2023

Background

Cancer pain has a significant impact on patient’s quality of life. Astrocytes play an important role in cancer pain signaling. The direct targeting of astrocytes can effectively suppress cancer pain, however, they can cause many side effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify the specific signaling pathways or proteins involved within astrocytes in cancer pain as targets for treating pain.

Methods

A neuropathic cancer pain (NCP) model was established by inoculating mouse S-180 sarcoma cells around the right sciatic nerve in C57BL/6 mice. Spontaneous persistent pain and paw withdrawal thresholds were measured usingvonFrey filaments. The NCP spinal cord dorsal horn (L4–L6) and mouse astrocyte cell line MA-C were used to study protein palmitoylation using acyl-biotin exchange, real-time polymerase chain reaction, ELISA, western blotting, and immunofluorescent staining.

Results

In a cancer pain model, along with tumor growth, peripheral nerve tissue invasion, and cancer pain onset, astrocytes in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord were activated and palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC23 expression was upregulated, leading to increased palmitoylation levels of GFAP and increased secretion of inflammatory factors, such as (C–X–C motif) ligand (CXCL)10 (CXCL-10), interleukin 6, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. These factors in turn activate astrocytes by activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. A competitive peptide targeting GFAP palmitoylations was designed to effectively alleviate morphine tolerance in cancer pain treatment as well as cancer pain signaling and inflammatory factor secretion.

Conclusions

In a rodent model, targeting GFAP palmitoylation appears to be an effective strategy in relieving cancer pain and morphine tolerance. Human translational research is warranted.
Applying the ideal free distribution to the movement of a highly mobile gillnet fishery for Pacific salmon
Authors: McElroy Katherine N. , Stern Caitlin A. , Quinn Thomas P. , Hilborn Ray
Published: November 2023

Ecological models are used to understand where fishing vessels operate, improving fisheries management success. The ideal free distribution (IFD) predicts equalization of catch across locations in response to distributions of fish and competing vessels. We applied the IFD as a null model to investigate the movement and catch per vessel (CPUE) of the sockeye salmon drift gillnet fleet in Bristol Bay, AK, from 1980 to 2019. The IFD prediction of equal CPUE across areas was not supported, so we explored violations of two assumptions of the theory. We categorized each vessel according to its mobility, highlighting the “free to move” assumption, and found that when we removed nonmobile vessels, some districts had fewer vessels than predicted from their high CPUE. We examined the “equal competitive ability” assumption by calculating the average CPUE, relative to success of other vessels. The underutilization of profitable districts persisted. Overall, the fleet underused high CPUE areas when considering differences in mobility and relative fishing success, indicating that unmeasured safety concerns, travel costs, knowledge of fishing grounds, or other factors could be preventing an IFD.
Graph CNN-ResNet-CSOA Transfer Learning Architype for an Enhanced Skin Cancer Detection and Classification Scheme in Medical Image Processing
Authors: Balaji G. N. , Mary S. A. Sahaaya Arul , Mantravadi Nagesh , Shajin Francis H.
Published: November 2023

Skin cancer is a perilous kind of cancer caused by damaged DNA and it leads to death. This damaged DNA causes uncontrolled proliferation of cells. Even though, the image analysis of lesions is highly difficult due to light reflections from skin surface, fluctuations at color lighting, variety of lesions’ forms and sizes in skin cancer. Because of these issues, automatic recognition of skin cancer accurateness is decreased. Therefore, a Graph Convolutional Neural Network (GCNN) by ResNet 152 Transfer Learning Architype optimized with Chameleon Swarm Optimization Algorithm (GCNN-ResNet 152 TL-CSOA) is proposed at this manuscript for enhancing skin cancer detection with classification in medical image processing. Initially, the input images are taken from International Skin Imaging Collaboration (ISIC) of dermoscopic skin cancer imagery data set. Afterward, the input images are pre-processed utilizing trilateral filter method for removing noise. The pre-processed output is supplied to the process of feature extraction. Here, image features, like morphologic, gray scale statistic and Haralick texture features are extracted by Gray-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix window adaptive approach (GLCM-WAA) technique. After that, the GCNN-ResNet 152 TL classifies the skin cancer images into Actinic Keratosis, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Malignant Melanoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Additionally, GCNN-ResNet 152 TL weight parameters is tuned by Chameleon Swarm Optimization Algorithm (CSOA). The simulation process is executed at Python tool. From simulation, the proposed approach attains 23.34%, 12.03%, 21.42% improved accuracy and 18.23%, 21.23%, 14.56% higher sensitivity compared with existing approaches.
Charged stellar structure in f(R,ϕ) gravity admitting Chaplygin equation of state
Authors: Malik Adnan , Naz Tayyaba , Mofarreh Fatemah , Shazadi Aqsa
Published: November 2023

The aim of this paper is to examine the singularity-free solutions for anisotropic stellar structures in [Formula: see text] theory of gravity, where [Formula: see text] denotes the Ricci scalar and [Formula: see text] represents the scalar field. For this purpose, we consider the spherically symmetric spacetime to discuss the stellar structures with anisotropic fluid. Moreover, the Einstein field equations are solved by using Chaplygin equation of state, and the Karori–Barua metric. To analyze the charged stellar structure, we use the matching conditions of spherically symmetric spacetime with the Reissner–Nordstrom exterior metric and develop some expressions for finding the unknown parameters. We further investigate the graphical behavior of energy density, pressure components, anisotropic component, equation of state parameters, equilibrium condition, stability analysis, adiabatic index and energy conditions. Conclusively, our considered stellar structures under observations are realistic, stable, and are free from any singularities.
Relativistic configurations of Tolman Stellar structures in Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Malik Adnan , Naz Tayyaba , Xia Yonghui , Asghar Humaira
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to discuss the charged stellar structure in the background of the [Formula: see text] theory of gravity. The Einstein–Maxwell equations defined in the appearance of charge by utilizing the Tolman–Kuchowicz spacetime are described by spherically symmetric spacetime. To analyze the charged stellar structure, we use the matching conditions of spherically symmetric spacetime with the Reissner–Nordström exterior metric and develop some expressions for examining the energy density, radial pressure and tangential pressure, respectively. We address the energy conditions to verify our model’s viability for the SAX J1808.4-3658 star. Some other physical features, such as energy density, pressure components, anisotropic parameters, equation of state parameters, stability analysis, adiabatic index, Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equation, mass-radius relationship, compactness and redshift, have been investigated. We observe that our results are physically viable, free from geometrical and physical singularities, which provide circumstantial evidence for the existence of viable and stable compact star.
On Complemented Subsystems of Commutative Jordan Quadruple Systems
Authors: Elgendy Hader A.
Published: November 2023

We extend the notions of commutativity, ideals, anisotropy, and complemented subtriples of Jordan triple systems to those of Jordan quadruple systems. We show that if [Formula: see text] is a complemented subsystem of an anisotropic commutative Jordan quadruple system [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] and its annihilator [Formula: see text] are orthogonal ideals and [Formula: see text]. We also prove that the range of a structural projection on an anisotropic commutative Jordan quadruple system is a complemented ideal and, conversely, a complemented subsystem of an anisotropic commutative Jordan quadruple system is the range of a unique structural projection.
Quadratic Starlike Trees
Authors: Hu Yarong , Huang Qiongxiang
Published: November 2023

We introduce the notion of a quadratic graph, which is a graph whose eigenvalues are integral or quadratic algebraic integral, and we determine nine infinite families of quadratic starlike trees, which are just all the quadratic starlike trees including integral starlike trees. Thus, the quadratic starlike trees are completely characterized. The expressions for characteristic polynomials of quadratic starlike trees are also given.
Reduction of Wide Subcategories and Recollements
Authors: Zhang Yingying
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we prove a reduction result on wide subcategories of abelian categories which is similar to the Calabi-Yau reduction, silting reduction and [Formula: see text]-tilting reduction. More precisely, if an abelian category [Formula: see text] admits a recollement relative to abelian categories [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], which is denoted by [Formula: see text], then the assignment [Formula: see text] defines a bijection between wide subcategories in [Formula: see text] containing [Formula: see text] and wide subcategories in [Formula: see text]. Moreover, a wide subcategory [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] containing [Formula: see text] admits a new recollement relative to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] which is induced from the original recollement.
Size effect of anisotropy in spatial variability of rocks: evaluation through digital drilling
Authors: Wang Jing , He Mingming , Yuan Zhuoya , Ma Xudong , Liu Xinxing , Wang Haoteng , Luo Bo
Published: November 2023

Evaluating the anisotropy of rock and its size effect in spatial variation is of great significance for improving engineering efficiency and stability. For this purpose, an anisotropy index is used to quantify the magnitude of anisotropy in rock. Digital drilling tests are carried out in three directions on six types of rock to investigate the anisotropy of drilling parameters. The rock is subdivided into multiple small units along the depth of drilling, and the effect of size on rock anisotropy based on drilling work was studied. The research findings indicate that the drilling work on six rock types exhibits anisotropy, and the anisotropy sequence for the total drilling work of each rock is as follows: red sandstone > granite > slate > gneiss > sandstone > argillaceous sandstone. As the length of rock units increases, the anisotropy index of drilling work initially exhibits a fluctuating trend, subsequently reaching a state of stability, thereby manifesting a size effect. Furthermore, the representative elementary volume (REV) for each type of rock exhibits distinct variations. The anisotropy indices for drilling work along the depth of the borehole exhibit an initial phase of rapid increase, followed by a convergence towards a value close to 1.0. The anisotropy of rocks demonstrates size dependence, and size effects also exhibit anisotropy. Anisotropy and its size effects are interconnected and inseparable. The reliability of the cited anisotropy index is checked by comparison with two other anisotropy indices. This comparison shows that our method can reliably determine rock anisotropy. In summary, the research outlined in this paper presents a highly efficient and straightforward approach to evaluate the effect of size on rock anisotropy.
WIPE: A Write-Optimized Learned Index for Persistent Memory
Authors: Wang Zhonghua , Ding Chen , Song Fengguang , Lu Kai , Wan Jiguang , Tan Zhihu , Xie Changsheng , Li Guokuan
Published: November 2023

Learned Index, which utilizes effective machine learning models to accelerate locating sorted data positions, has gained increasing attention in many big data scenarios. Using efficient learned models, the learned indexes build large nodes and flat structures, thereby greatly improving the performance. However, most of the state-of-the-art learned indexes are designed for DRAM, and there is hence an urgent need to enable high-performance learned indexes for emerging Non-Volatile Memory (NVM). In this article, we first evaluate and analyze the performance of the existing learned indexes on NVM. We discover that these learned indexes encounter severe write amplification and write performance degradation due to the requirements of maintaining large sorted/semi-sorted data nodes. To tackle the problems, we propose a novel three-tiered architecture of write-optimized persistent learned index, which is named
WIPE
, by adopting unsorted fine-granularity data nodes to achieve high write performance on NVM. Thereinto, we devise a new root node construction algorithm to accelerate searching numerous small data nodes. The algorithm ensures stable flat structure and high read performance in large-size datasets by introducing an intermediate layer (i.e., index nodes) and achieving accurate prediction of index node positions from the root node. Our extensive experiments on Intel DCPMM show that WIPE can improve write throughput and read throughput by up to 3.9× and 7×, respectively, compared to the state-of-the-art learned indexes. Also, WIPE can recover from a system crash in ∼ 18 ms. WIPE is free as an open-source software package.

1
Visual-linguistic-stylistic Triple Reward for Cross-lingual Image Captioning
Authors: Zhang Jing , Guo Dan , Yang Xun , Song Peipei , Wang Meng
Published: November 2023

Generating image captions in different languages is worth exploring and essential for non-native speakers. Nevertheless, collecting paired annotation for every language is time-consuming and impractical, particularly for minor languages. To this end, the cross-lingual image captioning task is proposed, which leverages existing image-source caption annotation data and wild unrelated target corpus to generate satisfactory caption in the target language. Current methods perform a two-step translation process of image-to-pivot (source) and pivot-to-target. The distinct two-step process comes with certain caption issues, such as the weak semantic alignment between the image and the generated caption and the generated caption’s non-target language style. To address these issues, we propose an end-to-end reinforce learning framework with Visual-linguistic-stylistic Triple Reward named TriR. In TriR, we jointly consider the visual, linguistic, and stylistic alignments to generate factual, fluent, and natural caption in the target language. To be specific, the image-source caption annotation provides factual semantic guidance, whereas the unrelated target corpus guides the language style of generated caption. To achieve this, we construct a visual reward module to measure the cross-modal semantic embedding of image and target caption, a linguistic reward module to measure the cross-linguistic embedding of source and target captions, and a stylistic reward module to imitate the presentation style of target corpus. The TriR can be implemented with either classical CNN-LSTM or prevalent Transformer architecture. Extensive experiments are conducted with four cross-lingual settings, i.e., Chinese-to-English, English-to-Chinese, English-to-German, and English-to-French. Experimental results demonstrate the remarkable superiority of our method, and sufficient ablation experiments validate the beneficial impact of every reward.
Adaptation and the Geographic Spread of Crop Species
Authors: Gutaker Rafal M. , Purugganan Michael D.
Published: November 2023

Crops are plant species that were domesticated starting about 11,000 years ago from several centers of origin, most prominently the Fertile Crescent, East Asia, and Mesoamerica. From their domestication centers, these crops spread across the globe and had to adapt to differing environments as a result of this dispersal. We discuss broad patterns of crop spread, including the early diffusion of crops associated with the rise and spread of agriculture, the later movement via ancient trading networks, and the exchange between the Old and New Worlds over the last ∼550 years after the European colonization of the Americas. We also examine the various genetic mechanisms associated with the evolutionary adaptation of crops to their new environments after dispersal, most prominently seasonal adaptation associated with movement across latitudes, as well as altitudinal, temperature, and other environmental factors.
Control of Solar Energy Systems
Authors: Camacho Eduardo F. , Ruiz-Moreno Sara , Aguilar-López José M. , Gallego Antonio J. , García Ramón A.
Published: November 2023

This review deals with the control of parabolic trough collector (PTC) solar power plants. After a brief introduction, we present a description of PTC plants. We then provide a short literature review and describe some of our experiences. We also describe new control trends in PTC plants. Recent research has focused on (a) new control methods using mobile sensors mounted on drones and unmanned ground vehicles as an integral part of the control systems; (b) spatially distributed solar irradiance estimation methods using a variable fleet of sensors mounted on drones and unmanned ground vehicles; (c) strategies to achieve thermal balance in large-scale fields; (d) new model predictive control algorithms using mobile solar sensor estimates and predictions for safer and more efficient plant operation, which allow the effective integration of solar energy and combine coalitional and artificial intelligence techniques; and (e) fault detection and diagnosis methods to ensure safe operation.
Crafting Well-Being: Employees Can Enhance Their Own Well-Being by Savoring, Reflecting upon, and Capitalizing on Positive Work Experiences
Authors: Ilies Remus , Bono Joyce E. , Bakker Arnold B.
Published: November 2023

We review theory and research on how work events and experiences influence employee well-being, with a particular focus on the day-to-day effects of positive events and experiences. Then we discuss how employees can amplify the beneficial effects of work on well-being by savoring and reflecting upon positive events and experiences from work, and by capitalizing on them via interpersonal means, such as sharing work events and experiences with others. We integrate theory and research on savoring and interpersonal capitalization within affective events theory and the broader job demands–resources (JD-R) theory—and we explain how these approach-oriented agentic strategies that employees can easily use to derive additional psychological benefits from work experiences can extend JD-R theory. Specifically, we discuss how using these strategies can build additional resources, fulfill employees’ basic psychological needs, and make their jobs more meaningful, thereby enhancing well-being at the day-to-day level and in the long term.
A Two-Point Boundary Value Problem with Reflection of the Argument
Authors: Yeh Nai-Sher
Published: November 2023

We consider the following two-point boundary value problems

u

″

x

+
u

π
−
x

+
g

x
,
u

π
−
x

=
h

x

in

0
,
π

,
u

0

=
0
=
u

π

,

and

u

″

x

+
u

π
−
x

−
g

x
,
u

π
−
x

=
−
h

x

in

0
,
π

,
u

0

=
0
=
u

π

,

by setting

h
∈

L

1

0
,
π

and

g
:

0
,
π

×
R
⟶
R

being a Caratheodory function. When

a
,
b
∈

L

1

0
,
π

,

a

x

≤
3

for

x
∈

0
,
π

a.e. with strict inequality on a positive measurable subset of

0
,
π

, and

g

x
,
u

≤
a

x

u

+
b

x

for

x
∈

0
,
π

a.e. as well as sufficiently large

u

, several existence theorems will be obtained, with or without a sign condition.
Preparation and Adsorption Performance on Congo Red of Sodium Alginate-Lanthanum Hydrogel Spheres
Authors: Dang Dan , Lei Mei , Jiang Xinyi , Song Rui , Yan Gaimeng , Liu Wenju
Published: November 2023

Sodium alginate-lanthanum (SA/Lan) hydrogel spheres were prepared by ion cross-linking method to remove Congo Red (CR) in an aqueous solution. The adsorption performance was assessed through batch experiments. The experiment revealed that the highest adsorption capacity of SA/Lan for CR was achieved when the mass concentration of La3+ was 1%, the dosage was 2 g·L−1, the initial concentration of CR was 30 mg·L−1, the adsorption time was 60 min, and the reaction temperature was 25°C. The adsorption capacity of 10.81 mg·g−1 was the corresponding figure. The adsorption process was consistent with the Langmuir and pseudosecond-order models.
Applied Cavity Perturbation Used for Frequency Identification of Channel Ports in Manifold-Coupled Multiplexers
Authors: Mirnaziry Sayyed Reza , Kheirdoost Ali , Haghparast Maysam , Ahmadi Ali Akbar
Published: November 2023

We investigate a practical technique for deembedding the channel filter S-parameters of manifold-coupled multiplexers (MUXs), without detaching filters from the manifold. The method is applicable for MUXs with an arbitrary number of channels and can be used for the device regardless of its bandwidth, guard band, or loss of filters. We reconfigure the N-port MUX to two simpler networks cascaded to each other. We assume that the manifold response is unknown and use the idea of applied perturbation on the channel filter, and then by comparing the response of the overall cascaded network, before and after the perturbation, we approximate the channel port response. The technique is useful in fast detecting the unexpectedly detuned channels or likely faults in the device without unnecessary plugging/unplugging; it is also useful in roughly tuning of the channel filers at the early stage of MUX tuning. The technique can be easily traced by the telecommunication community.
Feasibility of Tunnel TEM Advanced Prediction: A 3D Forward Modeling Study
Authors: Fu Jiannan , Yang Xiaodong , Zhou Guanqun , Jin Xueliang , Zhai Fuqin , Meng Fanbin , Wang Yafei
Published: November 2023

The transient electromagnetic (TEM) method has long been applied in tunnel advanced prediction. However, it remains questionable to what extent a geologic anomaly body will influence the induced electromagnetic response in front of the heading face. The dilemma is partly because observed TEM data are frequently interpreted by empirical formulas or proportional relationships, and a quantitative measurement has not been established. In this paper, we strive to understand the TEM characteristics from a 3D finite-element time-domain (FETD) modeling aspect. The modeling algorithm is based on unstructured space meshing and unconditional stable time discretization, which ensures its accuracy and stability. The modeling algorithm is verified by a half-space model, in which the misfit of late-time channels that we are concerned with is generally below 1%. The algorithm has also been utilized to carry out the TEM response of tunnel models with different types of TEM devices. Through model studies, we find that both the traditional central-loop device and the recently developed weak-coupling opposing-coil device are feasible in tunnel advanced detection. Nevertheless, the latter type of device better distinguishes low-resistivity anomalies at 30 m ahead of the heading face with a relative difference (between models with and without the anomaly) of more than 1000% at certain time channels, compared with only a 10% difference of the central-loop device. Also, we conclude that the vertical electromagnetic field component should be recorded and interpreted together with the horizontal field to provide more convincing results.
Improved Dynamic Response of a Single-Phase-Integrated KY Boost Converter with an MLI System of a DC-AC Converter in Motor Speed Regulation
Authors: Mohan V. , Nandakumar K.
Published: November 2023

KY boost converter (KBC) finds wide application in photovoltaic (PV) and single-phase inverters. In this study, a novel KBC containing seven levels of a multilevel inverter (MLI) is presented. Here, KBC between the direct current (DC) source and the inverter is proposed. Moreover, the authors considered a closed-loop response of the KBC-MLI system with a proportional integral (PI) controller and a fractional-order PID (FOPID) Controller. The main purpose of this suggested technique is to match the output current, total harmonic distortion (THD), and dynamic response of closed-loop PI and FOPID-controlled KBC-MLI systems. The proposed model is simulated with the MATLAB software, and the attained outcome illustrated an enhanced dynamic performance by using the FOPID-controlled KBC-MLI system. The simulation results of the KBC-MLI technique have been evaluated against the theoretical models. Finally, extensive experiments were carried out to validate the theoretical results.
A Multiethnic Germline–Somatic Association Database Deciphers Multilayered and Interconnected Genetic Mutations in Cancer
Authors: Xin Junyi , Mo Zongchao , Chai Ruichao , Hua Wei , Wang Jiguang
Published: November 2023

Inherited germline and acquired somatic alterations can both promote human tumor development. Elucidating the cooperation between somatic and germline genetic alterations that drive tumorigenesis could help inform precision cancer prevention and treatment strategies. Here, leveraging genomic genotyping and sequencing data from 9,029 patients with cancer with European, East Asian, and African ancestry, we performed a pan-cancer analysis to evaluate the associations between germline SNPs and somatic alterations, including single-nucleotide variant and small insertion/deletion mutations, copy-number variation, tumor mutational burden, and mutational signatures. Genome-wide significant germline–somatic pairs were abundant, and most of the associations were observed in one cancer type and one ancestry group. A user-friendly interactive Multiethnic Germline–Somatic Association (MGSA) database (http://wanglab-hkust.cn:3838/MGSA/) was developed, which can be used to query, browse, and download the results of the association analyses. Moreover, the MGSA database offers additional survival analysis and functional annotation. Together, this work provides a resource for uncovering the clinical and biological roles of associations between germline variants and somatic alterations in human cancer.

Significance:

Comprehensive analysis of connections between germline variants and somatic events in cancer offers a resource for investigating the functional significance of genetic mutations and exploring genetic factors contributing to racial disparities.
Correlates of Circulating Osteoprotegerin in Women with a Pathogenic or Likely Pathogenic Variant in the BRCA1 Gene
Authors: Park Sarah Sohyun , Zaman Tasnim , Kim Shana J. , Brooks Jennifer D. , Wong Andy Kin On , Lubiński Jan , Narod Steven A. , Salmena Leonardo , Kotsopoulos Joanne
Published: November 2023

Background:

Lower levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG), the decoy receptor for receptor activator of NFκB (RANK)-ligand, have been reported among women with a BRCA1 mutation, suggesting OPG may be marker of cancer risk. Whether various reproductive, hormonal, or lifestyle factors impact OPG levels in these women is unknown.

Methods:

BRCA1 mutation carriers enrolled in a longitudinal study, no history of cancer, and a serum sample for OPG quantification, were included. Exposure information was collected through self-reported questionnaire at study enrollment and every 2 years thereafter. Serum OPG levels (pg/mL) were measured using an ELISA, and generalized linear models were used to assess the associations between reproductive, hormonal, and lifestyle exposures at the time of blood collection with serum OPG. Adjusted means were estimated using the fully adjusted model.

Results:

A total of 701 women with a median age at blood collection of 39.0 years (18.0–82.0) were included. Older age (Spearman r = 0.24; P < 0.001) and current versus never smoking (98.82 vs. 86.24 pg/mL; Pcat < 0.001) were associated with significantly higher OPG, whereas ever versus never coffee consumption was associated with significantly lower OPG (85.92 vs. 94.05 pg/mL; Pcat = 0.03). There were no other significant associations for other exposures (P ≥ 0.06). The evaluated factors accounted for 7.5% of the variability in OPG.

Conclusions:

OPG is minimally influenced by hormonal and lifestyle factors among BRCA1 mutation carriers.

Impact:

These findings suggest that circulating OPG levels are not impacted by non-genetic factors in high-risk women.
Increase in the Life Expectancy of Patients with Cancer in the United States
Authors: Devasia Theresa P. , Howlader Nadia , Dewar Ron A. , Stevens Jennifer L. , Mittu Karen , Mariotto Angela B.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Cancer is becoming more of a chronic disease due to improvements in treatment and early detection for multiple cancer sites. To gain insight on increased life expectancy due to these improvements, we quantified trends in the loss in expectation of life (LEL) due to a cancer diagnosis for six cancer sites from 1975 through 2018.

Methods:

We focused on patients diagnosed with female breast cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), colon and rectum cancer, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), lung cancer, or melanoma between 1975 and 2018 from nine Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registries. Life expectancies for patients with cancer ages 50+ were modeled using flexible parametric survival models. LEL was calculated as the difference between general population life expectancy and life expectancy for patients with cancer.

Results:

Over 2 million patients were diagnosed with one of the six cancers between 1975 and 2018. Large increases in life expectancy were observed between 1990 and 2010 for female breast, DLBCL, and CML. Patients with colon and rectum cancer and melanoma had more gradual improvements in life expectancy. Lung cancer LEL only began decreasing after 2005. Increases in life expectancy corresponded with decreases in LEL for patients with cancer.

Conclusions:

The reported gains in life expectancy largely correspond to progress in the screening, management, and treatment of these six cancers since 1975.

Impact:

LEL provides an important public health perspective on how improvements in treatment and early detection and their impacts on survival translate into changes in cancer patients’ life expectancy.
Evidence and Mechanisms for Embolic Stroke in Contralateral Hemispheres From Carotid Artery Sources
Authors: Roopnarinesingh Ricardo , Leppert Michelle , Mukherjee Debanjan
Published: November 2023

Background

Disambiguation of embolus pathogenesis in embolic strokes is often a clinical challenge. One common source of embolic stroke is the carotid arteries, with emboli originating due to plaque buildup or perioperatively during revascularization procedures. Although it is commonly thought that thromboemboli from carotid sources travel to cerebral arteries ipsilaterally, there are existing reports of contralateral embolic events that complicate embolus source destination relationship for carotid sources. Here, we hypothesize that emboli from carotid sources can travel to contralateral hemispheres and that embolus interactions with collateral hemodynamics in the circle of Willis influence this process.

Methods and Results

We use a patient‐specific computational embolus‐hemodynamics interaction model developed in prior works to conduct an in silico experiment spanning 4 patient vascular models, 6 circle of Willis anastomosis variants, and 3 different thromboembolus sizes released from left and right carotid artery sites. This led to a total of 144 different experiments, estimating trajectories and distribution of approximately 1.728 million embolus samples. Across all cases considered, emboli from left and right carotid sources showed nonzero contralateral transport (
P
value <−0.05). Contralateral movement revealed a size dependence, with smaller emboli traveling more contralaterally. Detailed analysis of embolus dynamics revealed that collateral flow routes in the circle of Willis played a role in routing emboli, and transhemispheric movement occurred through the anterior and posterior communicating arteries in the circle of Willis.

Conclusions

We generated quantitative data demonstrating the complex dynamics of finite size thromboembolus particles as they interact with pulsatile arterial hemodynamics and traverse the vascular network of the circle of Willis. This leads to a nonintuitive source‐destination relationship for emboli originating from carotid artery sites, and emboli from carotid sources can potentially travel to cerebral arteries on contralateral hemispheres.
Transpulmonary Expression of Exosomal microRNAs in Idiopathic and Congenital Heart Disease–Related Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Chang Wei‐Ting , Lee Wei‐Chieh , Lin Yu‐Wen , Shih Jhih‐Yuan , Hong Chon‐Seng , Chen Zhih‐Cherng , Chu Chun‐Yuan , Hsu Chih‐Hsin
Published: November 2023

Background

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease characterized by a complex pathogenesis. Exosomes containing microRNAs (miRs) have emerged as a novel biomarker. Transpulmonary exosomal miRs offer valuable insights into pulmonary circulation microenvironments. Hereby, we aimed to explore the potentials of transpulmonary exosomal miRs as differentiating factors between idiopathic PAH and congenital heart disease (CHD)–related PAH.

Methods and Results

During right heart catheterization, we collected exosomes at pulmonary arteries in 25 patients diagnosed with idiopathic PAH and 20 patients with CHD‐related PAH. Next‐generation sequencing identified several candidate exosomal miRs. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we validated the expressions of these miRs and revealed significantly elevated expressions of miR‐21, miR‐139‐5p, miR‐155‐5p, let‐7f‐5p, miR‐328‐3p, miR‐330‐3p, and miR‐103a‐3p in patients with CHD‐related PAH, in contrast to patients with idiopathic PAH. Among these miRs, miR‐21 exhibited the highest expression in patients with CHD‐related PAH. These findings were further corroborated in an external cohort comprising 10 patients with idiopathic PAH and 8 patients with CHD‐related PAH. Using an in vitro flow model simulating the shear stress experienced by pulmonary endothelial cells, we observed a significant upregulation of miR‐21. Suppressing miR‐21 rescued the shear stress–induced downregulation of the RAS/phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B pathway, leading to a mitigation of apoptosis.

Conclusions

Our study identified a pronounced expression of transpulmonary exosomal miR‐21, particularly in patients with CHD‐related PAH, through next‐generation sequencing analysis. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms involving miR‐21 in the pathophysiology of PAH.
Notions of Freedom in the Rise of a Sumbanese Christianity (1902–2002)
Authors: Smilde Anne Magda
Published: November 2023

The Dutch neo-Calvinist mission (Zending) on Sumba in Indonesia, an area known for its Marapu ancestor religion, started in 1902. The independent Sumbanese church (Gereja Kristen Sumba, GKS) was established at the 1947 Synod. One century later, by 2002, two out of three inhabitants were Christian. The research question is whether the rise of a vital GKS was facilitated by education and ‘antithetical’ notions of freedom offered by neo-Calvinist Zending. The answer is that the Zending empowered Sumbanese Christians to decide for themselves whether to preserve traditional customs (adat), so they could build the GKS from the bottom up. This answer is based on archival material – including the unexplored archive of Rev. P.J. Lambooij – and on a dozen semi-structured interviews with Sumbanese spokespersons in 2006, 2016 and 2019. Macro-level explanations – capitalism, modernity, or colonialism – hardly appear to account for the transformation to Sumbanese Christianity.
Excreted and Left Untreated? Human and Animal Waste: from Dunhuang to Laozi
Authors: Sterckx Roel
Published: November 2023

Texts from pre-imperial and early imperial China are replete with dietary information, regimens for nourishing the body and instructions on how not to soil its inner purity. Sources have far less to say about the body’s effluvia and the waste and muck that is shed and excreted by human and non-human animals. This article studies references to excreta and excretion in early China. It shows how human and animal faeces as well as the locus of excretion connoted both negative and positive spheres. Excreta were deemed noxious yet also beneficial, they were to be discarded yet also reused. Latrines were liminal zones, operating at the intersection of social propriety and physical and moral rejection. The process of excretion made the body vulnerable to external influences such as demonic illness, yet faecal matter of itself also had medicinal healing powers. In agriculture, matter exuded was matter used to fecundate and fertilize crops. The waste and human nightsoil that accumulated in the concealed domestic space of the latrine and pigpen ended up as sought-after produce infusing life into seeds, fields, and public productivity. By bringing together evidence across a range of textual and material sources – from latrines, to pigs, to a line in the Laozi 老子 and its commentaries – this article traces excretory experience and matter through its cycle from defecation to regeneration.
The Use of Spatial Information in Area-level Models: An Evaluation Based on Auxiliary Data Availability
Authors: Pratesi M. , Marchetti S. , Giusti C. , Salvati N.
Published: November 2023

The small area estimation (SAE) theory is widely used when local or domain-specific reliable estimates based on survey data are needed. Small area model-based estimates use a model that links the response variable to some auxiliary information borrowing strength from the related areas. When geographical information on the areas of interest is available, the specification of a spatial area level model can increase the estimates’ efficiency, depending on available auxiliary data. In this article, we first review the most popular area level spatial models, and we then compare their performance under two alternative scenarios of auxiliary information availability to estimate the average equivalized household income in Italian Local Labour Market Areas (LLMAs) using the EU-SILC (European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions) survey data. Our findings suggest that the spatial information can “fill the gap” when the covariates do not have a high predictive power, a crucial result when there is lack of auxiliary data.

AMS Subject Classification: 62D05, 62G05, 62H11
Proficiency With Number Concepts and Operations: Replicating the Efficacy of a First-Grade Mathematics Intervention
Authors: Doabler Christian T. , Clarke Ben , Turtura Jessica E. , Sutherland Marah , Gersib Jenna A. , Lesner Taylor , Cook Madison , Kimmel Georgia L. , Smolkowski Keith , Kosty Derek
Published: November 2023

Conceptual replications are part and parcel of education science. Methodologically rigorous conceptual replication studies permit researchers to test and strengthen the generalizability of a study’s initial findings. The current conceptual replication sought to replicate the efficacy of a small-group, first-grade mathematics intervention with 240 first-grade students with mathematics difficulties in a new geographical region. Participating students were randomized into one of three conditions: (a) 2:1 mathematics intervention group, (b) 5:1 mathematics intervention group, or (c) business-as-usual instruction. Relative to the original study, findings from the replication varied. When comparing the treatment groups to the control, results suggested positive effects on all outcome measures, including a follow-up assessment administered one year later. However, differences between the two treatment groups based on group size were not found in the mathematics outcome measures. Both groups also received commensurate levels of observed instructional interactions. Implications for unpacking contextual differences between original research and their replications as well as using future research to explore the quantity and quality of instructional interactions as ways to explain variation in findings of group size are discussed.
The Intersection of Language and Disability Progress of English Learners With Disabilities on NAEP Reading
Authors: Kangas Sara E. N. , Dai Shenghai , Ardasheva Yuliya
Published: November 2023

Despite evidence of unequal learning opportunities, there is limited understanding of how English learners (ELs) with disabilities are faring academically nationwide in comparison with their EL and student with disability counterparts. In response, we conducted secondary data analyses of the 2009 to 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading assessments. Compared to their peers, ELs with disabilities performed lower in both Grades 4 and 8. There is a visible improvement in this important student population’s performance on the NAEP 2015 reading assessment—a year in which disaggregated reporting for ELs with disabilities performance became mandatory. These findings have implications for improved instructional, assessment, and program supports to serve ELs with disabilities.
The Board Committee Chair Effect: How Much Does It Contribute to Firm Performance?
Authors: Kolev Kalin D. , Schepker Donald J. , Wangrow David B. , Barker Vincent L.
Published: November 2023

Boards of directors rely on committees to perform important specialized monitoring and advising tasks. While there is general consensus that committees and their chairs influence board outcomes and, thus, firm performance, we know little about the magnitude of these effects on firm performance. Using variance decomposition, we show that audit, compensation, and nominating committee chairs explain a significant portion of variance in firm financial performance. Some of the performance variance attributed to committee chairs comes from the increased explanatory power of adding an important level of strategic leaders. However, most of the committee chair effect seems to stem from performance variance that prior research may have inaccurately attributed to firm executives and other influences. For example, our results show that committee chairs, collectively, have a stronger influence on firm performance than board chairs, illustrating a need for more research on the critical role committee chairs play in the functioning of committees, boards, and firms. Furthermore, in additional analyses, we find that committee chair effects can differ across board leadership structures and time periods.
Men, Masculinism and Masculinities: Ancient Indian Antecedents
Authors: Shah Shalini
Published: November 2023

This article seeks to analyse how the concept of masculinity is embedded in the cultural discourse of Ancient India. It is also our contention that since in the ancient Indic context, the sex-gender system was a reality, we cannot discount the existence of a ‘masculinist’ structure which had a role to play in shaping the perception/functioning of a masculine persona. The article is an attempt to unravel the mystique of Indic manhood across a broad temporal frame by focusing on different themes such as varn˙a status, male body, fatherhood and sexuality and its framing within the discourse on masculinity. Since masculinity was constructed in opposition to both femininity and the defective/deficient male, these two aspects have also been focused upon.