bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Older patients' perceptions of the quality of acute cancer care: An integrative review—A mixed‐method approach
Authors: Launonen Minna , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Mattila Laura , Savela Roosa‐Maria , Kvist Tarja
Published: September 2022

Aim

This integrative review aimed to describe the perceptions of the quality of care of older patients (aged 65 and above) living with cancer in acute‐care settings.

Methods

We identified relevant research suitable for inclusion criteria through systematic searches of the PubMed®, EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier®, Scopus® and Web of Science® databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) framework and the Synthesis Without Meta‐analysis (SWiM) guidelines were used to conduct the research and report the results. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the modified Critical Skills Appraisal Programme (CASP) checklist.

Results

A total of 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. The data analysis revealed that care quality could be described through three distinct themes: individuality, a sense of security and respectful encounters.

Conclusion

The perceptions of older people living with cancer regarding the quality of acute care have not been extensively covered in the literature. Health‐ and age‐related challenges, patients' overall life situation, clear, realistic information about care and the future and respect during encounters should be given attention.

Implications for practice

Patient‐centred and tailored care, considering the heterogeneity of the population and support for independence, is needed.
Comparative analysis of growth, physiological and transcriptomic response revealed mechanisms of waterlogging tolerance of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum var. conoides)
Authors: Guo Hao , Tian Hao , Wang Yiqin , Xiong Xingwei , Tian Huaizhi , Zhang Suqin , Geng Guangdong
Published: September 2022

Waterlogging‐sensitive (‘ZHC1’) and waterlogging‐tolerant (‘ZHC2’) hot peppers were selected from three years of field investigation. ‘ZHC2’ could keep growing under waterlogging conditions, its lateral roots were distributed near the water surface, and its stem base grew many adventitious roots and rapidly formed aerenchyma. The chlorophyll content was stable, and the contents of carotenoid and amino acid were significantly greater in ‘ZHC2’ than in ‘ZHC1’ under both waterlogging stress and recovery conditions. However, waterlogging stress led to in‐root decay and a significant increase in malondialdehyde content of ‘ZHC1’. Using transcriptome analysis, we correlated the functions of many waterlogging‐responsive differentially expressed genes closely with the pathways for reactive oxygen species production, lutein synthesis, auxin signal transduction, and amino acid synthesis, which were consistent with the above growth and physiological data (adventitious root formation and the contents of malondialdehyde, carotenoids and amino acids). Some novel candidate genes related to waterlogging tolerance were also detected. This work provides new insights into waterlogging‐tolerant mechanisms and valuable clues for breeding of waterlogging‐tolerant peppers.
Prognostic factors, psychomotor development and life of trisomy 13 patients
Authors: Yamagishi Hirokazu , Osaka Hitoshi , Monden Yukifumi , Kono Yumi
Published: September 2022

Background

Infants with trisomy 13 have a very high mortality rate. However, aggressive interventions for their complications, can improve their prognosis and may, thereby, increase the number of long‐term survivors with trisomy 13. To date, there is no study on the psychomotor developmental progress of patients with trisomy 13. We conducted this survey to clarify the prognostic factors, living circumstances, and developmental status of infants the trisomy 13.

Methods

Patients with trisomy 13 who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Jichi Medical University Hospital were enrolled. Their clinical data were investigated retrospectively using clinical records.

Results

Nine patients with trisomy 13 were enrolled and divided into the early death (died at <1 year) and long‐term survival (survived for >1 year) groups. All the early death group patients had severe congenital heart disease. Heart failure at under 1 year of age was associated with early death. All the long‐term survival group patients underwent operations (e.g. tracheostomy or gastrostomy) and all used home nursing and/or a social care service. Three patients used home mechanical ventilation. None of the patients was able to stand alone or speak intelligible words. Two patients without severe brain anomalies were able to roll over, sit up, and smile by 3 years of age.

Conclusions

Long‐term survivors with trisomy 13 require extensive nursing and medical care. It is important to provide medical and welfare services to reduce the burden on families. In patients without severe brain anomalies, psychomotor development may be expected. However, no clear developmental prognostic factors were found.
Robotic‐assisted bronchoscopy approaches for peripheral pulmonary lesions
Authors: Kurimoto Noriaki
Published: September 2022

See related article
Effect of age and rural residency on perceptions about SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic and vaccination in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Singh Gurmukteshwar , DeWalle Joseph , Tanriover Bekir , Singh Neeraj , Chang Alex R. , Anand Prince M.
Published: September 2022

Background

Transplant patients have poor outcomes in coronavirus‐disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The pandemic's effects on rural patients’ overall care experience, attitudes to telemedicine, and vaccination are poorly understood.

Methods

We administered a cross‐sectional survey to adult kidney transplant recipients in central Pennsylvania across four clinical sites between March 29, 2021 and June 2, 2021. We assessed the pandemic's impact on care access, telemedicine experience, attitudes toward preventive measures, vaccination, and variation by sociodemographic variables.

Results

Survey completion rate was 51% (303/594). Of these, 52.8% were rural residents. The most common impact was use of telemedicine (79.2%). Predominant barriers to telemedicine were lack of video devices (10.9%), perceived complexity (5.6%), and technical issues (5.3%). On a 0–10 Likert scale, the mean positive impression for telemedicine was 7.7; lower for patients with telephone‐only versus video visits (7.0 vs. 8.2; p < .001), and age ≥60 years (7.4 vs. 8.1; p = .01) on univariate analyses. Time/travel savings were commonly identified (115/241, 47.7%) best parts of telemedicine and lack of personal connection (70/166, 42.2%) the worst. Only 68.9% had received any dose of COVID vaccination. The vaccinated group members were older (58.4 vs. 53.5 years; p = .007), and less likely rural (47.8% vs. 65.2%; p = .005). Common themes associated with vaccine hesitancy included concerns about safety (27/59, 46%), perceived lack of data (19/59, 32%), and distrust (17/59, 29%). At least one misconception about the vaccines or COVID‐19 was quoted by 29% of vaccine‐hesitant patients.

Conclusions

Among respondents, the pandemic significantly impacted healthcare experience, especially in older patients in underserved communities. COVID‐19 vaccination rate was relatively low, driven by misconceptions and lack of trust.

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The urbanization of poverty: rethinking the production of unjust geographies
Authors: Vives-Miró Sònia
Published: September 2022

Hegemonic studies understand urban poverty as a consequence of an uneven distribution of resources differentially distributed throughout the city. In this context, this article aims at further understanding the production of urban inequalities and socio-spatial injustice through a Lefebvrian approach, which considers space as an active agent and not merely a physical environment. It proposes the use of the concept “urbanization of poverty”, understood as the trialectic production of poverty through urbanization, leading to unjust geographies through processes of unequal geographic development and accumulation by dispossession.
A Walking Claw for Tethered Object Retrieval
Authors: Gong Yifeng , Behr Alexander M. , Graf Nicole M. , Chen Kaiyi , Gong Zhili , Daltorio Kathryn A.
Published: September 2022

Mobility and manipulation are often considered separately, with independent degrees-of-freedom (DOF) for each. However, here we show that using the legs for both walking and grasping increases the versatility of both tasks. Our robot has four DOF: drive and lift for left and right pairs of legs. The legs use a reduced actuation Klann mechanism. The lift DOF rotates the entire trajectory of the legs, which enables gait modulation, climbing, and grasping. This demonstrates the feasibility of a novel operational concept: a robot that can approach, climb onto, and securely grasp an object that can then be lifted via a load-bearing tether. Specifically, we show the kinematics to enable small robots to climb onto rectangular objects up to 67% robot height and grasp objects between 43% and 72% of the robot’s length. With these kinematics, a robot can be scaled for specific terrains and object sizes, with potential application in construction, search and rescue, and object retrieval.
Evaluation of Two Thigh-Worn Accelerometer Brands in Laboratory and Free-Living Settings
Authors: Montoye Alexander H.K. , Coolman Olivia , Keyes Amberly , Ready Megan , Shelton Jaedyn , Willett Ethan , Rider Brian C.
Published: September 2022

Background: Given the popularity of thigh-worn accelerometers, it is important to understand their reliability and validity. Purpose: Our study evaluated laboratory validity and free-living intermonitor reliability of the Fibion monitor and free-living intermonitor reliability of the activPAL monitor. Free-living comparability of the Fibion and activPAL monitors was also assessed. Methods: Nineteen adult participants wore Fibion monitors on both thighs while performing 11 activities in a laboratory setting. Then, participants wore Fibion and activPAL monitors on both thighs for 3 days during waking hours. Accuracy of the Fibion monitor was determined for recognizing lying/sitting, standing, slow walking, fast walking, jogging, and cycling. For the 3-day free-living wear, outputs from the Fibion monitors were compared, with similar analyses conducted for the activPAL monitors. Finally, free-living comparability of the Fibion and activPAL monitors was determined for nonwear, sitting, standing, stepping, and cycling. Results: The Fibion monitor had an overall accuracy of 85%–89%, with high accuracy (94%–100%) for detecting prone and supine lying, sitting, and standing but some misclassification among ambulatory activities and for left-/right-side lying with standing. Intermonitor reliability was similar for the Fibion and activPAL monitors, with best reliability for sitting but poorer reliability for activities performed least often (e.g., cycling). The Fibion and activPAL monitors were not equivalent for most tested metrics. Conclusion: The Fibion monitor appears suitable for assessment of sedentary and nonsedentary waking postures, and the Fibion and activPAL monitors have comparable intermonitor reliability. However, studies using thigh-worn monitors should use the same monitor brand worn on the same leg to optimize reliability.
Memory-Guided Reaching: Is It Effortful?
Authors: Goh Hui-Ting , Campbell Stewart Jill , Becker Kevin , Hung Cheng-Ju
Published: September 2022

We previously showed that perceived effort during visually guided reaching was altered as task demand varied. Further, self-reported subjective fatigue correlated with perceived effort and reach performance under visually guided conditions. Memory-guided reaching often leads to performance deterioration and can provide insights about the planning and control of reach actions. It is unclear how perceived effort changes during memory-guided reaching and whether self-reported subjective fatigue is associated with perceived effort of memory-guided reaching. Twenty-three young adults performed reach actions under visually- and memory-guided conditions. Perceived effort, reaction time, and endpoint error increased significantly from the visually- to the memory-guided condition. Self-reported subjective fatigue was associated with perceived effort and reach distance error during memory-guided reaching; those with higher levels of fatigue reported greater perceived effort and tended to reach farther when visual information was not available. These findings establish a foundation to examine relationships between subjective fatigue, perceived effort, and reach control.
How low can you go? Air pollution affects mortality at very low levels
Authors: Weichenthal Scott , Pinault Lauren , Christidis Tanya , Burnett Richard T. , Brook Jeffrey R. , Chu Yen , Crouse Dan L. , Erickson Anders C. , Hystad Perry , Li Chi , Martin Randall V. , Meng Jun , Pappin Amanda J. , Tjepkema Michael , van Donkelaar Aaron , Weagle Crystal L. , Brauer Michael
Published: September 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released new guidelines for outdoor fine particulate air pollution (PM
2.5
) recommending an annual average concentration of 5 μg/m
3
. Yet, our understanding of the concentration-response relationship between outdoor PM
2.5
and mortality in this range of near-background concentrations remains incomplete. To address this uncertainty, we conducted a population-based cohort study of 7.1 million adults in one of the world’s lowest exposure environments. Our findings reveal a supralinear concentration-response relationship between outdoor PM
2.5
and mortality at very low (<5 μg/m
3
) concentrations. Our updated global concentration-response function incorporating this new information suggests an additional 1.5 million deaths globally attributable to outdoor PM
2.5
annually compared to previous estimates. The global health benefits of meeting the new WHO guideline for outdoor PM
2.5
are greater than previously assumed and indicate a need for continued reductions in outdoor air pollution around the world.
Cancer cells produce liver metastasis via gap formation in sinusoidal endothelial cells through proinflammatory paracrine mechanisms
Authors: Huu Hoang Truong , Sato-Matsubara Misako , Yuasa Hideto , Matsubara Tsutomu , Thuy Le Thi Thanh , Ikenaga Hiroko , Phuong Dong Minh , Hanh Ngo Vinh , Hieu Vu Ngoc , Hoang Dinh Viet , Hai Hoang , Okina Yoshinori , Enomoto Masaru , Tamori Akihiro , Daikoku Atsuko , Urushima Hayato , Ikeda Kazuo , Dat Ninh Quoc , Yasui Yutaka , Shinkawa Hiroji , Kubo Shoji , Yamagishi Ryota , Ohtani Naoko , Yoshizato Katsutoshi , Gracia-Sancho Jordi , Kawada Norifumi
Published: September 2022

Intracellular gap (iGap) formation in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) is caused by the destruction of fenestrae and appears under pathological conditions; nevertheless, their role in metastasis of cancer cells to the liver remained unexplored. We elucidated that hepatotoxin-damaged and fibrotic livers gave rise to LSECs-iGap formation, which was positively correlated with increased numbers of metastatic liver foci after intrasplenic injection of Hepa1-6 cells. Hepa1-6 cells induced interleukin-23–dependent tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α) secretion by LSECs and triggered LSECs-iGap formation, toward which their processes protruded to transmigrate into the liver parenchyma. TNF-α triggered depolymerization of F-actin and induced matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), intracellular adhesion molecule 1, and CXCL expression in LSECs. Blocking MMP9 activity by doxycycline or an MMP2/9 inhibitor eliminated LSECs-iGap formation and attenuated liver metastasis of Hepa1-6 cells. Overall, this study revealed that cancer cells induced LSEC-iGap formation via proinflammatory paracrine mechanisms and proposed MMP9 as a favorable target for blocking cancer cell metastasis to the liver.
Injection continuous liquid interface production of 3D objects
Authors: Lipkowitz Gabriel , Samuelsen Tim , Hsiao Kaiwen , Lee Brian , Dulay Maria T. , Coates Ian , Lin Harrison , Pan William , Toth Geoffrey , Tate Lee , Shaqfeh Eric S. G. , DeSimone Joseph M.
Published: September 2022

In additive manufacturing, it is imperative to increase print speeds, use higher-viscosity resins, and print with multiple different resins simultaneously. To this end, we introduce a previously unexplored ultraviolet-based photopolymerization three-dimensional printing process. The method exploits a continuous liquid interface—the dead zone—mechanically fed with resin at elevated pressures through microfluidic channels dynamically created and integral to the growing part. Through this mass transport control, injection continuous liquid interface production, or iCLIP, can accelerate printing speeds to 5- to 10-fold over current methods such as CLIP, can use resins an order of magnitude more viscous than CLIP, and can readily pattern a single heterogeneous object with different resins in all Cartesian coordinates. We characterize the process parameters governing iCLIP and demonstrate use cases for rapidly printing carbon nanotube–filled composites, multimaterial features with length scales spanning several orders of magnitude, and lattices with tunable moduli and energy absorption.
Therapeutic implications of mitochondrial stress–induced proteasome inhibitor resistance in multiple myeloma
Authors: Sharma Aditi , Nair Remya , Achreja Abhinav , Mittal Anjali , Gupta Pulkit , Balakrishnan Kamakshi , Edgar Claudia L. , Animasahun Olamide , Dwivedi Bhakti , Barwick Benjamin G. , Gupta Vikas A. , Matulis Shannon M. , Bhasin Manoj , Lonial Sagar , Nooka Ajay K. , Wiita Arun P. , Boise Lawrence H. , Nagrath Deepak , Shanmugam Mala
Published: September 2022

The connections between metabolic state and therapy resistance in multiple myeloma (MM) are poorly understood. We previously reported that electron transport chain (ETC) suppression promotes sensitivity to the BCL-2 antagonist venetoclax. Here, we show that ETC suppression promotes resistance to proteasome inhibitors (PIs). Interrogation of ETC-suppressed MM reveals integrated stress response–dependent suppression of protein translation and ubiquitination, leading to PI resistance. ETC and protein translation gene expression signatures from the CoMMpass trial are down-regulated in patients with poor outcome and relapse, corroborating our in vitro findings. ETC-suppressed MM exhibits up-regulation of the cystine-glutamate antiporter
SLC7A11
, and analysis of patient single-cell RNA-seq shows that clusters with low ETC gene expression correlate with higher
SLC7A11
expression. Furthermore, erastin or venetoclax treatment diminishes mitochondrial stress–induced PI resistance. In sum, our work demonstrates that mitochondrial stress promotes PI resistance and underscores the need for implementing combinatorial regimens in MM cognizant of mitochondrial metabolic state.
RoboCap: Robotic mucus-clearing capsule for enhanced drug delivery in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Srinivasan Shriya S. , Alshareef Amro , Hwang Alexandria V. , Kang Ziliang , Kuosmanen Johannes , Ishida Keiko , Jenkins Joshua , Liu Sabrina , Madani Wiam Abdalla Mohammed , Lennerz Jochen , Hayward Alison , Morimoto Josh , Fitzgerald Nina , Langer Robert , Traverso Giovanni
Published: September 2022

Oral drug delivery of proteins is limited by the degradative environment of the gastrointestinal tract and poor absorption, requiring parenteral administration of these drugs. Luminal mucus represents the initial steric and dynamic barrier to absorption. To overcome this barrier, we report the development of the RoboCap, an orally ingestible, robotic drug delivery capsule that locally clears the mucus layer, enhances luminal mixing, and topically deposits the drug payload in the small intestine to enhance drug absorption. RoboCap’s mucus-clearing and churning movements are facilitated by an internal motor and by surface features that interact with small intestinal plicae circulares, villi, and mucus. Vancomycin (1.4 kilodaltons of glycopeptide) and insulin (5.8 kilodaltons of peptide) delivery mediated by RoboCap resulted in enhanced bioavailability 20- to 40-fold greater in ex vivo and in vivo swine models when compared with standard oral delivery (
P
 < 0.05). Further, insulin delivery via the RoboCap resulted in therapeutic hypoglycemia, supporting its potential to facilitate oral delivery of drugs that are normally precluded by absorption limitations.
The pancreatic clock is a key determinant of pancreatic fibrosis progression and exocrine dysfunction
Authors: Jiang Weiliang , Jin Linzi , Ju Dapeng , Lu Zhanjun , Wang Chuanyang , Guo Xingya , Zhao Haijiao , Shen Shien , Cheng Zhiyuan , Shen Jie , Zong Guanzhao , Chen Jiahui , Li Kai , Yang Lijuan , Zhang Zhijian , Feng Yun , Shen Jia Z. , Zhang Eric Erquan , Wan Rong
Published: September 2022

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by progressive fibrosis and exocrine dysregulation, which have long been considered irreversible. As a peripheral oscillator, the pancreas harbors autonomous and self-sustained timekeeping systems in both its endocrine and exocrine compartments, although the role of the latter remains poorly understood. By using different models of CP established in mice with dysfunctional pancreatic clocks, we found that the local clock played an important role in CP pathology, and genetic or external disruption of the pancreatic clock exacerbated fibrogenesis and exocrine insufficiency. Mechanistically, an impaired retinoic acid receptor–related orphan receptor A (Rora)/nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group D, member 1 (Nr1d1)/aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like (Arntl or Bmal1) loop, called the circadian stabilizing loop, resulted in the deficiency of pancreatic Bmal1, which was responsible for controlling the fibrogenic properties of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and for rewiring the function of acinar cells in a clock–TGF signaling–IL-11/IL-11RA axis–dependent manner. During PSC activation, the antagonistic interaction between Nr1d1 and Rora was unbalanced in response to the loss of cytoplasmic retinoid-containing lipid droplets. Patients with CP also exhibited reduced production of endogenous melatonin. Enhancing the clock through pharmacological restoration of the circadian stabilizing loop using a combination of melatonin and the Rora agonist SR1078 attenuated intrapancreatic pathological changes in mouse models of CP. Collectively, this study identified a protective role of the pancreatic clock against pancreatic fibrosis and exocrine dysfunction. Pancreatic clock–targeted therapy may represent a potential strategy to treat CP.
Facilitating early parent-infant emotional connection improves cortical networks in preterm infants
Authors: Yrjölä Pauliina , Myers Michael M. , Welch Martha G. , Stevenson Nathan J. , Tokariev Anton , Vanhatalo Sampsa
Published: September 2022

Exposure to environmental adversities during early brain development, such as preterm birth, can affect early brain organization. Here, we studied whether development of cortical activity networks in preterm infants may be improved by a multimodal environmental enrichment via bedside facilitation of mother-infant emotional connection. We examined functional cortico-cortical connectivity at term age using high-density electroencephalography recordings in infants participating in a randomized controlled trial of Family Nurture Intervention (FNI). Our results identify several large-scale, frequency-specific network effects of FNI, most extensively in the alpha frequency in fronto-central cortical regions. The connectivity strength in this network was correlated to later neurocognitive performance, and it was comparable to healthy term-born infants rather than the infants receiving standard care. These findings suggest that preterm neurodevelopmental care can be improved by a biologically driven environmental enrichment, such as early facilitation of direct human connection.
In Vitro
Activity of Tebipenem against Various Resistant Subsets of Escherichia coli Causing Urinary Tract Infections in the United States (2018 to 2020)
Authors: Mendes Rodrigo E. , Hubler Cory , Kimbrough J. H. , Kantro Valerie , Critchley Ian , Cotroneo Nicole , Castanheira Mariana
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the activity of an oral carbapenem, tebipenem, against various molecularly characterized subsets of
Escherichia coli
. A total of 15.0% of
E. coli
isolates (360/2,035 isolates) met the MIC criteria for screening for β-lactamases.
Genome Sequences of 16 Escherichia coli Bacteriophages Isolated from Wastewater, Pond Water, Cow Manure, and Bird Feces
Authors: Vitt Amira R. , Ahern Stephen J. , Gambino Michela , Sørensen Martine C. H. , Brøndsted Lone
Published: September 2022

Escherichia coli
is a highly diverse bacterial species comprising both commensal and pathogenic strains. Here, we report complete genome sequences of 16
E. coli
bacteriophages isolated from various environmental samples using the ECOR collection as isolation hosts.
On Laser-Induced High-Order Wave Mixing and Harmonic Generation in a Graphene Quantum Dot
Authors: Avchyan B. R. , Ghazaryan A. G. , Sargsyan K. A. , Sedrakian Kh. V.
Published: September 2022

We present results of numerical investigations of high-order wave mixing/harmonic generation (HWM/HHG) with many-body interaction processes derived by a strong two-frequency circular laser field in a graphene quantum dot (GQD). The influence of the relative phase of such a laser field on the spectrum of high-order harmonics generated in the GQD is shown. This may allow controlling the polarization of the generated harmonics. The GQD is described by the nearest neighbor tight-binding (TB) model. The multiparticle interaction is considered in an extended Hubbard approximation. We solve quantum kinetic equations in on-site representations for charged carriers by method have already applied by us, and obtain a general formula for high-order wave mixing/harmonic generation processes in GQD. The considerable enhancement of the HWM/HHG yield due to the matching of the symmetries of the light-wave–dot system takes place for the GQD with the particular group symmetry. The analysis of obtained results confirms enough efficiency of HWM/HHG in GQDs of the triangular and hexagonal shapes with zigzag edges at certain phases of a two-frequency circular laser field.
Advancing human gut microbiota research by considering gut transit time
Authors: Procházková Nicola , Falony Gwen , Dragsted Lars Ove , Licht Tine Rask , Raes Jeroen , Roager Henrik M
Published: September 2022

Accumulating evidence indicates that gut transit time is a key factor in shaping the gut microbiota composition and activity, which are linked to human health. Both population-wide and small-scale studies have identified transit time as a top covariate contributing to the large interindividual variation in the faecal microbiota composition. Despite this, transit time is still rarely being considered in the field of the human gut microbiome. Here, we review the latest research describing how and why whole gut and segmental transit times vary substantially between and within individuals, and how variations in gut transit time impact the gut microbiota composition, diversity and metabolism. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota may causally affect gut motility. We argue that by taking into account the interindividual and intraindividual differences in gut transit time, we can advance our understanding of diet–microbiota interactions and disease-related microbiome signatures, since these may often be confounded by transient or persistent alterations in transit time. Altogether, a better understanding of the complex, bidirectional interactions between the gut microbiota and transit time is required to better understand gut microbiome variations in health and disease.
Porosity in mudstones and its effectiveness for sealing carbon capture and storage sites
Authors: AlNajdi Nourah , Worden Richard H.
Published: September 2022

Mudstones represent top-seals for many carbon capture sites as they tend to have the correct petrophysical properties, including suitable porosity and pore-size distribution. The pore network of mudstones is thus pivotal for many carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. The key to understanding the effectiveness of top-seals is an appreciation of the controls on the pore network. For this reason, schemes to classify pore body size, pore type and pore throat size are presented. Pore types include primary and secondary interparticle and intraparticle pores and pores associated with organic matter and fractures. The most relevant mudstone pore body sizes for CCS top seals are likely to be between <62 µm and 1 nm. Pore throat sizes are classified as nano- (<10 nm), transition- (10 nm–0.1 µm), meso- (0.1–0.625 µm), and macro-pore throats (>0.625 µm). Petrophysical, geochemical, and geomechanical properties control porosity and the CO
2
sealing integrity of mudstones; these properties are, in turn, controlled by the rate and extent of compaction, mineral diagenesis and overpressure. The success of a CCS top-seal relies on pore throats in intact top-seal being sufficiently small, and fracture pressure (typically minimum horizontal stress,
σ
hmin
) not being exceeded by CO
2
pressure. CO
2
sorption, especially by smectite in top-seals, may improve the nanoscale sealing efficiency of clay minerals. The systematic workflow presented here will help facilitate the new drive to understand mudstone properties, as they are essential for establishing safe and durable CO
2
containment.
Software Engineering After the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Breitenbücher Uwe , Forti Stefano , Soldani Jacopo
Published: September 2022

Software Engineering (SE) has evolved over many decades and has led to many proven and well-established methods and tools that support the efficient development of software and IT systems in general. Although software development had often been performed by distributed teams even before the pandemic, the COVID-19 outbreak exacerbated the physical separation of teams, creating numerous challenges and issues for both organizations and developers. Therefore, in this new column "Software Engineering After the COVID-19 Outbreak", we aim at providing insights into the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the work of Software Engineering practitioners and researchers. We intend to collect past and current challenges, changes in structures and organizations, reports of experiences and, of course, proven solutions for solving problems that have arisen.
Risks to the Public
Authors: Neumann Peter G.
Published: September 2022

Edited by PGN (Risks Forum Moderator, with contribu- tions by others as indicated. Opinions are individual rather than organizational, with usual disclaimers implied. We ad- dress problems relating to software, hardware, people, and other circumstances relevant to computer systems. Ref- erences (R i j) to the online Risks Forum denote RISKS vol i number j. Cited RISKS items generally identify contributors and sources, together with URLs. Official RISKS archives are available at www.risks.org, with nice html formatting and search engine courtesy of Lindsay Mar- shall at Newcastle: http://catless.ncl.ac.uk/Risks/i.j.html (also ftp://www.sri.com/risks). CACM Inside Risks: http://www.csl.sri.com/neumann/insiderisks.html
Advancing Access to Cutting-Edge Tabletop Science
Authors: Schatz Michael F. , Cicuta Pietro , Gordon Vernita D. , Pilizota Teuta , Rodenborn Bruce , Shattuck Mark D. , Swinney Harry L.
Published: September 2022

Hands-On Research in Complex Systems Schools provide an example of how graduate students and young faculty working in resource-constrained environments can apply key mindsets and methods of tabletop experiments to problems at the frontiers of science. Each day during the Schools’ two-week program, participants work in small groups with experienced tabletop scientists in interactive laboratories on topics drawn from diverse disciplines in science and technology. Using modern low-cost tools, participants run experiments and perform associated data analysis together with mathematical and computational modeling. Participants also engage in other scientific professional activities; in particular, they learn best practices for communicating their results visually, orally, and in writing. In this way, the Hands-On Schools foster the development of scientific leaders in low- and middle-income countries.
Beyond the Ballot Box: A Conversation About Democracy and Policing in the United States
Authors: Jefferson Hakeem , Gandara José Luis , Cohen Cathy J. , González Yanilda M. , Thorpe Rebecca U. , Weaver Vesla M.
Published: September 2022

Political scientist Hakeem Jefferson (Stanford University) facilitated a discussion about race, policing, and the state of American democracy with fellow political scientists Cathy J. Cohen (University of Chicago), Yanilda M. González (Harvard Kennedy School), Rebecca U. Thorpe (University of Washington), and Vesla M. Weaver (Johns Hopkins University) on May 26, 2021. The conversation occurred a year after George Perry Floyd Jr., a 46-year-old Black man, was murdered by a White police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Moving beyond common notions of democracy that focus primarily on voting and electoral participation, the panelists discussed how American policing and the criminal justice system, more broadly, redefine citizenship, redistribute power, and shape marginalized people's understanding of their place in society. Closing remarks addressed the potential for change in how criminal justice institutions treat marginalized people and how political scientists can more usefully contribute to efforts that strengthen democracy for all. This is an edited transcript of the conversation and includes a bibliography of the sources mentioned. A video of the conversation is available online at https://www.annualreviews.org/r/BeyondtheBallotBox .
What Are Conspiracy Theories? A Definitional Approach to Their Correlates, Consequences, and Communication
Authors: Douglas Karen M. , Sutton Robbie M.
Published: September 2022

Conspiracy theories are abundant in social and political discourse, with serious consequences for individuals, groups, and societies. However, psychological scientists have started paying close attention to them only in the past 20 years. We review the spectacular progress that has since been made and some of the limitations of research so far, and we consider the prospects for further progress. To this end, we take a step back to analyze the defining features that make conspiracy theories different in kind from other beliefs and different in degree from each other. We consider how these features determine the adoption, consequences, and transmission of belief in conspiracy theories, even though their role as causal or moderating variables has seldom been examined. We therefore advocate for a research agenda in the study of conspiracy theories that starts—as is routine in fields such as virology and toxicology—with a robust descriptive analysis of the ontology of the entity at its center.
Spike-wave discharges in Sprague–Dawley rats reflect precise intra- and interhemispheric synchronization of somatosensory cortex
Authors: Taylor Jeremy A. , Smith Zachary Z. , Barth Daniel S.
Published: September 2022

We simultaneously mapped electrocortical SWDs from both cerebral hemispheres of Sprague–Dawley rats and discovered that they reflect systematic activation of the facial representation of somatosensory cortex. SWDs form mirror spatiotemporal patterns in both hemispheres that are precisely aligned in both space and time. Our data suggest that SWDs may reflect a substrate by which large neural ensembles perform precise spatiotemporal processing of rapidly changing somatosensory input.
NetDA: An R Package for Network-Based Discriminant Analysis Subject to Multilabel Classes
Authors: Chen Li-Pang
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we introduce the R package NetDA, which aims to deal with multiclassification with network structures in predictors accommodated. To address the natural feature of network structures, we apply Gaussian graphical models to characterize dependence structures of the predictors and directly estimate the precision matrix. After that, the estimated precision matrix is employed to linear discriminant functions and quadratic discriminant functions. The R package NetDA is now available on CRAN, and the demonstration of functions is summarized as a vignette in the online documentation.
Analysis of Ancient Literary Works Based on Intelligent Image Text Recognition
Authors: Fan Jia
Published: September 2022

The analysis of ancient literary works in the era of digital intelligence needs to keep pace with the times. In order to improve the analysis effect of ancient literary works, this paper combines the intelligent image text recognition algorithm to extract the features of ancient literary works and proposes an intelligent algorithm that can be used for the analysis of ancient literary works. Moreover, this paper combines the analysis needs of literary works to improve the algorithm. In order to verify the role of the intelligent image text recognition algorithm proposed in this paper in the analysis of ancient literary works, this paper scans a large number of pictures of ancient literary works in the library by scanning to construct the experimental database of this paper. Finally, this paper combines experimental research to verify the algorithm proposed in this paper. From the experimental results, it can be seen that the method proposed in this paper has a certain effect, and it can be used as a reference for the digital processing and digital preservation of subsequent literary works, and it can also be used as a reference for the management of digital libraries.
The Efficacy of Anti-VEGF Therapy for Putative or Visible CNV in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Zhang Yumeng , Zhang Jingfa , Sun Xiaodong
Published: September 2022

Purpose. To investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with putative or visible choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods. In a retrospective cohort study, 16 eyes of 15 treatment-naïve CSCR patients were included and divided into two groups: a putative CNV group with nonhomogenous hyperreflectivity in the slab of choriocapillaris and a visible CNV group with obvious tangled vascular network in the slab of choriocapillaris in OCTA. Patients were recorded with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The parameters, evaluated by OCTA, included central macular thickness (CMT), the height of subretinal fluid (SRF), the number of hyperreflective foci (HRF), and the area of putative or visible CNV. Results. Compared with the baseline, visual acuity was improved significantly at the last follow-up, and CMT and the height of SRF were decreased significantly (

P
<
0.0001

). The number of HRF was also declined in the outer retina and the choriocapillaris layer (

P
=
0.0343

). Although the visible CNV area in the eyes represented virtually unchanged during anti-VEGF treatment (

P
=
0.4015

), the area of putative CNV displayed an obvious reduction (

P
=
0.0081

). Conclusion. Anti-VEGF is effective in treating CSCR coexisting putative or visible CNV. Early initiation of anti-VEGF therapy benefits CSCR patients with putative CNV detected by OCTA. Translational relevance nonhomogenous hyperreflectivity in the choriocapillaris layer in OCTA indicates putative CNV in patients with CSCR, implying early treatment with anti-VEGF.
The English Teaching Mode under the Environment of Computer Technology
Authors: Liu Wenxia , Shi Weiming
Published: September 2022

The development of Internet information technology has opened up new potential for the education sector, encouraging the development of innovative teaching and learning methods as well as the optimal use of available educational resources. In this environment, the online plus offline mixed teaching model emerged, which can not only get around time and space restrictions and link smoothly inside and outside the classroom but also enhance the form of teaching and learning and strengthen teacher-student relationships. However, to assure the quality of instruction, this research first examines the successful ways of developing an online plus offline hybrid teaching mode from the perspective of college English professors. Second, in this paper, the support vector machine and particle swarm method are used to build an evaluation model of the English teaching effect. The model has the potential to increase the accuracy and efficiency of English teaching impact evaluation while also meeting the standards of English teaching effect evaluation. The experimental findings show that, while evaluating the effects of college English instruction, the technique beats the comparison algorithm in terms of evaluation accuracy and algorithm time consumption.
English-Chinese Machine Translation Based on Transfer Learning and Chinese-English Corpus
Authors: Xu Bo
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes an English-Chinese machine translation research method based on transfer learning. First, it expounds the theory of neural machine translation and transfer learning and related technologies. Neural machine translation is discussed, the advantages and disadvantages of various models are introduced, and the transformer neural machine translation model framework is selected. For low-resource Chinese-English parallel corpus and Tibetan-Chinese parallel corpus, 30 million Chinese-English parallel corpora, 100,000 Chinese-English low-resource parallel corpora, and 100,000 Tibetan-Chinese parallel corpora were used to pretrain the transformer machine translation architecture. The decoders are all composed of 6 identical hidden layers, the initialization of the model parameters is done by the transformer uniform distribution, and the model training uses Adam as the optimizer. In the model transfer part, the parameters with the better effect of the pretrained model are transferred to the low-resource Chinese-English and Tibetan-Chinese machine translation model training, so as to achieve the purpose of knowledge transfer. The results show that the model transfer learning of low-resource Chinese-English parallel corpus improves the translation system’s translation by 3.97 BLEU values compared with the translation system without transfer learning at 0.34 BLEU values. Model transfer learning on low-resource Tibetan-Chinese parallel corpus increases the BLEU value by 2.64 BLEU compared to the translation system without transfer learning. The neural machine translation system that uses BPE technology for preprocessing plus model transfer learning is compared to the translation system that only performs transfer learning and shows an improved 0.26 BLEU value.It is verified that the transfer learning method proposed in this paper has a certain improvement in the effect of low-resource Chinese-English and Tibetan-Chinese neural machine translation models.
Differentiating Glioblastoma Multiforme from Brain Metastases Using Multidimensional Radiomics Features Derived from MRI and Multiple Machine Learning Models
Authors: Bijari Salar , Jahanbakhshi Amin , Hajishafiezahramini Parham , Abdolmaleki Parviz
Published: September 2022

Due to different treatment strategies, it is extremely important to differentiate between glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and brain metastases (MET). It often proves difficult to distinguish between GBM and MET using MRI due to their similar appearance on the imaging modalities. Surgical methods are still necessary for definitive diagnosis, despite the importance of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting, characterizing, and monitoring brain tumors. We introduced an accurate, convenient, and user‐friendly method to differentiate between GBM and MET through routine MRI sequence and radiomics analyses. We collected 91 patients from one institution, including 50 with GBM and 41 with MET, which were proven pathologically. The tumors separately were segmented on all MRI images (T1‐weighted imaging (T1WI), contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted imaging (T1C), T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI), and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR)) to form the volume of interest (VOI). Eight ML models and feature reduction strategies were evaluated using routine MRI sequences (T1W, T2W, T1‐CE, and FLAIR) in two methods with (second model) and without wavelet transform (first model) radiomics. The optimal model was selected based on each model’s accuracy, AUC‐roc, and F1‐score values. In this study, we have achieved the result of 0.98, 0.99, and 0.98 percent for accuracy, AUC‐roc, and F1‐score, respectively, which have yielded a better result than the first model. In most investigated models, there were significant improvements in the multidimensional wavelets model compared to the non‐multidimensional wavelets model. Multidimensional discrete wavelet transform can analyze hidden features of the MRI from a different perspective and generate accurate features which are highly correlated with the model accuracy.
Detection and Application of Mobile Target Image Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Hao Shenghua , Wang Caifeng , Cao Wei
Published: September 2022

In the 21st century, with the rapid development of high technology, artificial intelligence technology is becoming more and more mature, and its application in various aspects is becoming more and more extensive. Image recognition is an important feature of artificial intelligence. For mobile target image detection and application, the reasonable application of artificial intelligence technology and related research analyzes the changes brought by mobile target image detection and application and adopts its optimal scheme which can improve the innovation of mobile target image detection and application. Moving object image detection and tracking are the algorithm process of intelligent dynamic analysis. It also provides a lot of help for the development of many research aspects. This paper analyzes and studies the detection and application of mobile target images from the perspective of artificial intelligence and improves the algorithm of the current target image detection. The improved artificial intelligence algorithm will be applied to future mobile target image detection and application. The results show that in the nonoptimized detection and reconnaissance system of moving targets, the program can run in parallel after the system is optimized, and the running time of each image is kept between 5 and 8 seconds, thus improving the system’s performance. Through the continuous trend of linear graphics, the number of actual test frames increases, the line graph tends to be stable, and the performance is improved by about 20–30 times, which shows the feasibility of the algorithm.