bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential effects of prolonged post-fixation on immunohistochemical and histochemical staining for postmortem human brains
Authors: Ma Weiya , Frigon Eve-Marie , Maranzano Josefina , Zeighami Yashar , Dadar Mahsa
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Immunohistochemical (IHC) and histochemical (HC) staining techniques are widely used on human brains that are post-fixed in formalin and stored in brain banks worldwide for varying durations, from months to decades. Understanding the effects of prolonged post-fixation, postmortem interval (PMI), and age on these staining procedures is important for accurately interpreting their outcomes, thereby improving the diagnosis and research of brain disorders afflicting millions of people worldwide.

Methods

In this study, we conducted both IHC and HC staining on the prefrontal cortex of postmortem human brains post-fixed for 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years. For IHC staining, we used two antibodies for each marker: the neuron marker neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and the microglia marker ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1). For HC staining, we conducted hematoxylin and eosin Y (H&E), cresyl violet (CV), and Luxol fast blue (LFB) stains to examine neuropils, neurons, and myelin, respectively.

Results

We observed that the intensity of NeuN, Iba1, CV, or LFB staining was negatively correlated with post-fixation durations. Conversely, we detected a positive correlation between the intensity of GFAP and H&E staining and post-fixation durations. Moreover, there was no correlation between the intensity of NeuN, GFAP, Iba1, H&E, CV, and LFB staining and PMI. Additionally, no correlation was found between these staining intensities and age, except for the intensity of GFAP immunostained by one antiserum, which was negatively correlated with age.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings suggest that prolonged post-fixation has both positive and negative effects, while age and PMI exert limited influence on these IHC and HC parameters. Therefore, it is essential to consider these differential changes when interpreting results derived from tissues with extended post-fixation durations. Furthermore, if feasible, we recommend conducting IHC and HC staining on human brains with the same post-fixation time spans and using the most optimal antibodies to mitigate the impact on subsequent analyses.
UnionCAM: enhancing CNN interpretability through denoising, weighted fusion, and selective high-quality class activation mapping
Authors: Hu Hao , Wang Rui , Lin Hao , Yu Huai
Published: November 2024

Deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have achieved remarkable success in various computer vision tasks. However, the lack of interpretability in these models has raised concerns and hindered their widespread adoption in critical domains. Generating activation maps that highlight the regions contributing to the CNN's decision has emerged as a popular approach to visualize and interpret these models. Nevertheless, existing methods often produce activation maps contaminated with irrelevant background noise or incomplete object activation, limiting their effectiveness in providing meaningful explanations. To address this challenge, we propose Union Class Activation Mapping (UnionCAM), an innovative visual interpretation framework that generates high-quality class activation maps (CAMs) through a novel three-step approach. UnionCAM introduces a weighted fusion strategy that adaptively combines multiple CAMs to create more informative and comprehensive activation maps. First, the denoising module removes background noise from CAMs by using adaptive thresholding. Subsequently, the union module fuses the denoised CAMs with region-based CAMs using a weighted combination scheme to obtain more comprehensive and informative maps, which we refer to as fused CAMs. Lastly, the activation map selection module automatically selects the optimal CAM that offers the best interpretation from the pool of fused CAMs. Extensive experiments on ILSVRC2012 and VOC2007 datasets demonstrate UnionCAM's superior performance over state-of-the-art methods. It effectively suppresses background noise, captures complete object regions, and provides intuitive visual explanations. UnionCAM achieves significant improvements in insertion and deletion scores, outperforming the best baseline. UnionCAM makes notable contributions by introducing a novel denoising strategy, adaptive fusion of CAMs, and an automatic selection mechanism. It bridges the gap between CNN performance and interpretability, providing a valuable tool for understanding and trusting CNN-based systems. UnionCAM has the potential to foster responsible deployment of CNNs in real-world applications.
Onset timing of letter processing in auditory and visual sensory cortices
Authors: Raij Tommi , Lin Fa-Hsuan , Letham Benjamin , Lankinen Kaisu , Nayak Tapsya , Witzel Thomas , Hämäläinen Matti , Ahveninen Jyrki
Published: November 2024

Here, we report onset latencies for multisensory processing of letters in the primary auditory and visual sensory cortices. Healthy adults were presented with 300-ms visual and/or auditory letters (uppercase Roman alphabet and the corresponding auditory letter names in English). Magnetoencephalography (MEG) evoked response generators were extracted from the auditory and visual sensory cortices for both within-modality and cross-sensory activations; these locations were mainly consistent with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) results in the same subjects. In the primary auditory cortices (Heschl’s gyri) activity to auditory stimuli commenced at 25 ms and to visual stimuli at 65 ms (median values). In the primary visual cortex (Calcarine fissure) the activations started at 48 ms to visual and at 62 ms to auditory stimuli. This timing pattern suggests that the origins of the cross-sensory activations may be in the primary sensory cortices of the opposite modality, with conduction delays (from one sensory cortex to another) of 17–37 ms. Audiovisual interactions for letters started at 125 ms in the auditory and at 133 ms in the visual cortex (60–71 ms after inputs from both modalities converged). Multivariate pattern analysis suggested similar latency differences between the sensory cortices. Combined with our earlier findings for simpler stimuli (noise bursts and checkerboards), these results suggest that primary sensory cortices participate in early cross-modal and interaction processes similarly for different stimulus materials, but previously learned audiovisual associations and stimulus complexity may delay the start of the audiovisual interaction stage.
The impact of lymphadenectomy on the survival of patients with stage I ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Tingting , Tan Chunyan , Xie Sixia , Wang Hongjing
Published: November 2024

Objective

To assess the impact of lymphadenectomy on the survival of patients with stage I ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC).

Methods

The records of 93 patients with stage I OCCC treated between January 2012 and December 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. The relationships between survival outcomes and the number and region of removed lymph nodes (LNs) were assessed, and the independent prognostic factors were analyzed.

Results

The median number of LNs resected in 93 patients was 24. These patients were divided into two groups based on the median number; overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) differed significantly between the two groups. Patients were also grouped by the region of the LNs: the pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) and PLND and para-aortic. Moreover, no differences in OS or RFS were observed between the two groups. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the number of removed LNs was a significant and independent prognostic factor for poor RFS.

Conclusion

This study exhibited that the number of removed LNs, as an important measure of adequate lymphadenectomy for stage I OCCC, contributed to improved RFS and OS. An independent prognostic factor for stage I OCCC was the number of dissected LNs.
Development and validation of a MRI-radiomics-based machine learning approach in High Grade Glioma to detect early recurrence
Authors: Pignotti Fabrizio , Ius Tamara , Russo Rosellina , Bagatto Daniele , Beghella Bartoli Francesco , Boccia Edda , Boldrini Luca , Chiesa Silvia , Ciardi Chiara , Cusumano Davide , Giordano Carolina , La Rocca Giuseppe , Mazzarella Ciro , Mazzucchi Edoardo , Olivi Alessandro , Skrap Miran , Tran Houng Elena , Varcasia Giuseppe , Gaudino Simona , Sabatino Giovanni
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Patients diagnosed with High Grade Gliomas (HGG) generally tend to have a relatively negative prognosis with a high risk of early tumor recurrence (TR) after post-operative radio-chemotherapy. The assessment of the pre-operative risk of early versus delayed TR can be crucial to develop a personalized surgical approach. The purpose of this article is to predict TR using MRI radiomic analysis.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected from a database. A total of 248 patients were included based on the availability of 6-month TR results: 188 were used to train the model, the others to externally validate it. After manual segmentation of the tumor, Radiomic features were extracted and different machine learning models were implemented considering a combination of T1 and T2 weighted MR sequences. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated with relative model performance metrics (accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV)) at the best threshold based on the Youden Index.

Results

Models performance were evaluated based on test set results. The best model resulted to be the XGBoost, with an area under ROC curve of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.56 - 0.87). At the best threshold, the model exhibits 0.75 (95% CI: 0.63 - 0.75) as accuracy, 0.62 (95% CI: 0.38 - 0.83) as sensitivity 0.80 (95% CI: 0.66 - 0.89 as specificity, 0.53 (95% CI: 0.31 - 0.73) as PPV, 0.88 (95% CI: 0.72 - 0.94) as NPV.

Conclusion

MRI radiomic analysis represents a powerful tool to predict late HGG recurrence, which can be useful to plan personalized surgical treatments and to offer pertinent patient pre-operative counseling.
Breast epidermoid cyst: a case report
Authors: Dong Xiaoxiao , Sun Jian , Song Dong , Ma Jinxiu , Wang Xiaozhen
Published: November 2024

An epidermoid cyst is a common benign skin lesion that can occur in any part of the body. However, epidermoid cysts occurring in the breast are extremely rare, rarely reported, and more prone to complications such as infection, rupture, and malignant alteration. Here, we report a case of a 50-year-old woman with a mammary epidermoid cyst. The patient noticed a mass of the left nipple during bathing. A puncture test was performed considering the epidermoid cyst. Moreover, local extended resection of the nipple and areola was performed. Postoperative pathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of a mammary epidermoid cyst. After 2 years of postoperative follow-up, the patient had no surgery-related complications and no signs of tumor recurrence.
Effectiveness of pre-Omicron COVID-19 mRNA vaccines against hospitalizations in infection-naïve children: a case-control study
Authors: Chang Lung , Huang Ching-Ying , Chiu Nan-Chang , Wang Jin-Yuan , Chi Hsin , Huang Tsung-Ning Daniel
Published: November 2024

This case–control study spanned from July 2022 to September 2023, focusing on the pre-Omicron COVID-19 mRNA vaccine effectiveness against the Omicron variant in children without prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure. We reported that pre-Omicron COVID-19 mRNA vaccines significantly reduced Omicron-induced hospitalizations in infection-naïve Taiwanese children. Our study also highlighted the socioeconomic factors influencing COVID-19 vulnerability among the children population.
Identifying and overcoming challenges in the EMA’s qualification of novel methodologies: a two-year review
Authors: Drmić Ana , Saccà Riccardo , Vetter Thorsten , Ehmann Falk
Published: November 2024

The EMA Qualification of Novel Methodologies procedure qualifies methods, technologies and methodologies within a well-defined context of use in a pharma R&D context based on the evaluation of the presented scientific rationale and submitted data. This policy brief analyses QoNM submissions providing policy messages and recommendations to stakeholders on how to better prepare qualification applications in this regard. The recommendations include: 1. Grounding validation strategy using a current standard measure or a distribution technique. 2. Accurately represent pertinent subgroups via accurate inclusion and exclusion criteria. 3. Establish a well-defined and specific CoU with clear descriptions of the use within a development program target population and disease stage. Lastly, it emphasizes role of the QoNM procedure in advancing medicine development methodologies within the EU.
From cancer therapy to cardiac safety: the role of proteostasis in drug-induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Qian Xingyu , Yao Mengdong , Xu Jingyu , Dong Nianguo , Chen Si
Published: November 2024

Drug-induced cardiotoxicity (DICT) poses a significant challenge in the prognosis of cancer patients, particularly with the use of antineoplastic agents like anthracyclines and targeted therapies such as trastuzumab. This review delves into the intricate interplay between drugs and proteins within cardiac cells, focusing on the role of proteostasis as a therapeutic target for mitigating cardiotoxicity. We explore the in vivo modeling of proteostasis, highlighting the complex intracellular environment and the emerging techniques for monitoring proteostasis. Additionally, we discuss how cardiotoxic drugs disrupt protein homeostasis through direct chemical denaturation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, unfolded protein response, chaperone dysfunction, impairment of the proteasome system, and dysregulation of autophagy. Finally, we provide insights into the applications of cardioprotective drugs targeting proteostasis to prevent cardiotoxicity and the adoption of structural proteomics to evaluate potential cardiotoxicity. By gaining a deeper understanding of the role of proteostasis underlying DICT, we can pave the way for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies to safeguard cardiac function while maximizing the therapeutic potential of antineoplastic drugs.
Estimating retinal blood oxygenation from diffuse reflectance spectra of semi-infinite tissue using principal component analysis
Authors: Parham Elahe , Munro Jonathan , Lapointe Nicolas , Landry Patricia , Robidoux Jonathan , Brouard Danny , Quémener Mireille , Parent Martin , Sauvageau Dominic , Côté Daniel C. , Akitegetse Cléophace
Published: November 2024

Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) is a promising technique for non-invasive monitoring of tissue oxygen saturation (StO2). However, the interpretation of DRS data can be complicated by the presence of confounding factors such as the volume fraction of blood, tissue scattering, and lipid content which both absorb and scatter. Principal component analysis (PCA) is a multivariate statistical method that can help overcome these challenges by extracting relevant information from complex datasets and providing new dimensions used to estimate parameters such as concentrations. In this study, we present a PCA-based algorithm for estimating retinal StO2 from DRS measurements. We evaluated the performance of our algorithm using simulated data and experimental measurements on a retinal tissue phantom model. Our results show that the PCA-based algorithm can estimate the value of StO2 with a root-mean-square error of 6.38% in the presence of confounding factors. Our study demonstrates the potential of PCA as a powerful tool for extracting the concentration of components from complex DRS.
Modeling the effect of daytime duration on the biosynthesis of terpenoid precursors
Authors: Basallo Oriol , Lucido Abel , Sorribas Albert , Marin-Sanguino Alberto , Vilaprinyo Ester , Martinez Emilce , Eleiwa Abderrahmane , Alves Rui
Published: November 2024

Terpenoids are valued chemicals in the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, cosmetic, and biomedical industries. Biosynthesis of these chemicals relies on polymerization of Isopentenyl di-phosphate (IPP) and/or dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) monomers, which plants synthesize using a cytosolic mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway and a plastidic methyleritritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathway. Circadian regulation affects MVA and MEP pathway activity at three levels: substrate availability, gene expression of pathway enzymes, and utilization of IPP and DMAPP for synthesizing complex terpenoids. There is a gap in understanding the interplay between the circadian rhythm and the dynamics and regulation of the two pathways. In this paper we create a mathematical model of the MVA and MEP pathways in plants that incorporates the effects of circadian rhythms. We then used the model to investigate how annual and latitudinal variations in circadian rhythm affect IPP and DMAPP biosynthesis. We found that, despite significant fluctuations in daylight hours, the amplitude of oscillations in IPP and DMAPP concentrations remains stable, highlighting the robustness of the system. We also examined the impact of removing circadian regulation from different parts of the model on its dynamic behavior. We found that regulation of pathway substrate availability alone results in higher sensitivity to daylight changes, while gene expression regulation alone leads to less robust IPP/DMAPP concentration oscillations. Our results suggest that the combined circadian regulation of substrate availability, gene expression, and product utilization, along with MVA- and MEP-specific regulatory loops, create an optimal operating regime. This regime maintains pathway flux closely coupled to demand and stable across a wide range of daylight hours, balancing the dynamic behavior of the pathways and ensuring robustness in response to cellular demand for IPP/DMAPP.
Higher yield sustainability and soil quality by reducing chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer application under a single-cotton cropping system
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhan Jin , Feng Keyun , Qi Jie , Nan Hongyu
Published: November 2024

The integrated application of chemical and organic fertilizers has been demonstrated to enhance soil fertility and the sustainable production of cotton yields. However, the impact of different fertilizer formulations on the sustainability of cotton production and soil quality over time have not been widely discussed. Here, we aimed to systematically evaluate the impact of different fertilization regimes [no fertilizer(CK), single application of chemical fertilizer(CF), 75% chemical fertilizer + 25% organic fertilizer (M1), 50% chemical fertilizer + 50% organic fertilizer (M2), 25% chemical fertilizer + 75% organic fertilizer (M3)] on soil quality, yield and yield sustainability in cotton fields in 2023 through a 10-year (2014-2023) field trial. Results showed that: (1) Compared to the natural state, different fertilization treatments significantly increased the average annual cotton yield and sustainable yield index (SYI) (P< 0.001), with the M1 treatment having the highest yield and the M2 treatment having the highest sustainable yield index (SYI). (2) Soil organic matter, soil total nitrogen, soil ammonium nitrogen, soil alkaline dissolved nitrogen, soil available phosphorus, and soil available potassium content showed the highest increase under the M1 treatment as compared to the natural state (P< 0.001). (3) Soil alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity was significantly increased by different fertilization treatments compared to the natural state (P< 0.05), M1, M2 and M3 treatments significantly increased soil urease enzyme activity and soil catalase enzyme activity (P< 0.001). (4) The random forest analysis showed that soil organic matter, soil nitrogen fractions (soil total nitrogen, soil ammonium nitrogen, soil alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, soil nitrate nitrogen), and available potassium content played a pivotal role in determining the yield and yield sustainability of cotton. (5) The highest soil quality index (SQI) value was observed in the M1. A markedly positive correlation was observed between the SQI and SYI (y = 0.03892x + 0.59609, R2 = 0.90379, P < 0.001), highlighting that the SQI constituted a significant factor in the sustainable production of cotton. These findings suggest that long-term application of chemical and organic fertilizers is an effective strategy for improving soil quality and cotton yield in continuous cropping while also contributing toward a more sustainable agricultural system.
Dancing with care: promoting social integration and participation in community activities for older adults
Authors: An Jianzeng , Xia Chun , Xu Jia , Li Weiwei , Ding Jianwen
Published: November 2024

Background

It is common for older adults to move to urban communities after retirement, living with their adult children and caring for grandchildren in China. This impacts their social networks and, consequently, their psychological and physical health. However, research on proactive ways to mitigate the negative effects of social dislocation is lacking. This study examined how dancing with care (DWC), a new form of preventative care, promotes social integration among older adults in Chinese communities, focusing specifically on participants’ experiences related to community engagement, mutual support, volunteer activity, social connections, and advanced learning through their involvement with DWC.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 older adults who regularly participated in DWC in communities in southern China.

Results

DWC’s dimensions play a vital role in addressing the social integration of older adults. Through DWC, older adults participate in community activities, engage in mutual support, volunteer in various activities, develop social connections, and learn different things, including the use of advanced technologies.

Conclusion

DWC addresses older people’s social integration by providing opportunities to be involved in the community. It provides a promising path for older adults to actively engage in the revival of social capital within their social networks in the community. This study offers valuable insights for enhancing social involvement for older adults.
Implementation of suicide bereavement support: a scoping review
Authors: Nicholls Tescha , Krysinska Karolina , Reifels Lennart , Kartal Dzenana , Andriessen Karl
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Approximately one in five people will experience a death by suicide during their lifetime. Struggling to understand their experiences, people bereaved by suicide often require formal support including support groups, online resources and discussion forums. While previous research has focused on examining experiences of grief, little is known about the implementation of support programs for people bereaved by suicide.

Methods

Adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, eight databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies that focused on the strategies or evaluation of the implementation of suicide postvention programs.

Results

Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria. A narrative synthesis of study findings mapped to the Proctor implementation framework shows that a variety of implementation outcomes have been assessed by different studies; however, there is limited use of formal implementation frameworks to guide analysis.

Discussion

Recommendations from this review indicate the need for consistent terminology and better utilisation of implementation frameworks to guide postvention research and provide a well-rounded view of implementation. Increasing the use of reliable and validated tools to measure implementation outcomes will also increase the rigour of implementation research in this field.

Systematic review registration

https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/4RB92.
Impact of Irrigation Management on Salinity and Volume of Drainage Water in an 8000 ha Irrigation District in the Ebro Basin (NE Spain)
Authors: Altés Víctor , Pascual Miquel , Villar Josep Maria
Published: November 2024

When irrigation is introduced in a region, it adds salts and mobilizes those already present in the soil, changing the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. These changes may lead to higher salt loads in the drainage water which, in turn, can have an impact on waters further downstream. Knowing the dynamics of these loads at the sub-basin scale is key to accounting for the possible impact that irrigation may have and to determining what improvements could be applied. This study aimed to characterise the different salt types present and to investigate drainage salt loads and their dependence upon irrigation input and their implications in irrigation management in a new, and well-managed, 8000 ha irrigation district located in the Ebro basin, NE Spain. In addition, it is relevant to highlight that the Ebro basin suffered a period of significant drought in 2023. As a result, irrigation restrictions were applied in many irrigation districts. We sought to investigate how these reductions influenced irrigation return flows and salt discharges within a selected irrigation district. The present study was undertaken during the irrigation periods of 2021, 2022, and 2023. We monitored water inputs and outputs in two representative sub-basins belonging to the Algerri-Balaguer irrigation district (Ebro basin, NE Spain). We also analysed water inputs and outputs in order to characterise and establish the salt balances in both of the sub-basins that we studied. Our results showed that during 2023, a reduction in irrigation delivery of 31% led to a reduction in drainage volume of 73%, resulting in a decrease in salt exports through drainage of 70%. These data revealed that the application of irrigation restrictions not only led to an increased availability of downstream water resources, but also to a decrease in drainage volume and salt load, resulting in an improvement in irrigation management by farmers. However, it should also be underlined that this drastic reduction in irrigation was, in turn, responsible for a reduction in yield. Re-utilising drainage waters and/or improving irrigation management at the field scale may help to find this point of balance in areas with high water demands.
Burnout Among Physicians of Specialties Dedicated to Liver Transplantation
Authors: Sanchez-Antolín Gloria , Blanco-Fernández Gerardo , Campos-Varela Isabel , Ruiz Patricia , Álamo José M. , Otero Alejandra , Pascual Sonia , Lladó Laura
Published: November 2024

Burnout is increasingly relevant among healthcare professionals. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of burnout and other parameters of professional satisfaction among different specialists dedicated to Liver Transplantation (LT) in transplant teams. A working group from the Spanish Society of LT designed a survey with 39 questions evaluating the prevalence of parameters related to professional satisfaction, including burnout. It was distributed among 496 specialists dedicated to liver transplantation in Spanish transplant teams. Responders included surgeons (49%), hepatologists (27%), anesthesiologists (16%), intensivists (4%), and other specialties (4%). Among responders, 78% reported some degree of burnout. Moreover, 46% of responders did not see themselves working in transplantation in 5 years. The rates of burnout and dissatisfaction among anesthesiologists and surgeons were higher than other specialists. The highest levels of dissatisfaction were in economic remuneration and work–life balance. Being younger than 60 years old and non-head of department showed to be risk factors of burnout. In conclusion, the prevalence of burnout among LT physicians in Spain was notably high. Among the various specialties, anesthesiologists and surgeons exhibited the highest dissatisfaction rates. The results of this work may be of interest to healthcare management and planning.
Perceived Organizational Support as the Moderator Between Psychosocial Safety Climate and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour Among Nurses
Authors: Tariq Ayesha , Bukhari Syed Muhammad Imran , Adil Adnan
Published: November 2024

Background. Psychosocial Safety Climate (PSC) refers to an organizational atmosphere that ischaracterized by mental wellbeing and security of workers. Literature suggests PSC fostersOrganizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) particularly when employees perceive high degree oforganizational support. Therefore, the present study aimed at empirically testing this propositionby investigating the moderating role of Perceived Organizational Support (POS) among nurses.Method. The sample included 86 male and 214 female nurses recruited from differentgovernment and private hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Psychosocial Safety ClimateScale (Hall et al., 2010), Organizational Citizenship Behavior Scale (Lee & Allen, 2002), andSurvey of Perceived Organizational Support (Eisenberger et al., 1997) were used to measureconstructs of the present study.Results. PSC significantly and positively correlated with OCB and POS. PSC also had asignificant main effect (positive) on OCB, and the interaction of PSC and POS on OCB was alsosignificant, suggesting that this positive relationship between and OCB was moderated by POS.Conclusion. Our findings indicated that POS is an important organizational resource forenhancing the OCB in employees. High degree of organizational support to nurses can influencepositive effect of on their OCB.
Self-Criticism, Attribution Style, Hope, and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents
Authors: . Naveeda , Aftab Raiha
Published: November 2024

Background. Mental health problems are most commonly underreported or kept undiagnosed inthe developing countries. Manifestation of such issues during adolescence could result in long-termadverse consequences. Thus, present study attempted to explore predictive role of self-criticism,attribution style, and hope in depressive symptoms in adolescents.Method. A sample of 290 students (145 male & 145 female; aged 11-23 years) was recruited fromdifferent schools and colleges by using convenient sampling technique. The Forms ofSelf-Criticizing/ Self-reassuring Scale (FSCRS) (Gilbert et al., 2004), The Measure ofAttributional Style (Kwon & Whisman, 1992), Psychological Capital Questionnaire (Luthans et al.,2007), and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) were used to measureself-criticism, attribution style, hope, and depressive symptoms.Findings. Results revealed a significant positive relationship between self-criticism anddepression while significant negative association was found between depression and hope.Furthermore, self-criticism and hope significantly predicted depressive symptoms in adolescents.Comparison of family systems showed significant differences on hated-self, attribution style, hope,and depressive symptoms. Results revealed that individuals belonging to joint family systemexperience more hated-self, depressive symptoms, and attribute to internal causes whileindividuals belonging to nuclear family system experience more hope and attribute to externalcauses.Conclusion. The study findings highlight the role of self-criticism, attribution style, hope, anddepressive symptoms in adolescents. Thus, present study may also help in evaluating andeliminating risks associated with depressive symptoms. Teachers/parents and caregivers workingwith adolescents may also benefit from the findings of the research. Implications of the findings arediscussed.
DQN-Based Shaped Reward Function Mold for UAV Emergency Communication
Authors: Ye Chenhao , Zhu Wei , Guo Shiluo , Bai Jinyin
Published: November 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as pivotal tools in emergency communication scenarios. In the aftermath of disasters, UAVs can be communication nodes to provide communication services for users in the area. In this paper, we establish a meticulously crafted virtual simulation environment and leverage advanced deep reinforcement learning algorithms to train UAVs agents. Notwithstanding, the development of reinforcement learning algorithms is beset with challenges such as sparse rewards and protracted training durations. To mitigate these issues, we devise an enhanced reward function aimed at bolstering training efficiency. Initially, we delineate a specific mountainous emergency communication scenario and integrate it with the particularized application of UAVs to undertake virtual simulations, constructing a realistic virtual environment. Furthermore, we introduce a supplementary shaped reward function tailored to alleviate the problem of sparse rewards. By refining the DQN algorithm and devising a reward structure grounded on potential functions, we observe marked improvements in the final evaluation metrics, substantiating the efficacy of our approach. The experimental outcomes underscore the prowess of our methodology in effectively curtailing training time while augmenting convergence rates. In summary, our work underscores the potential of leveraging sophisticated virtual environments and refined reinforcement learning techniques to optimize UAVs deployment in emergency communication contexts.
Enhancing the Mechanical Strength of a Photocurable 3D Printing Material Using Potassium Titanate Additives for Craniofacial Applications
Authors: Choi Yura , Kim Jinyoung , Lee Choongjae , Lee Geonho , Hyeon Jayoung , Jeong Soon-ki , Cho Namchul
Published: November 2024

Photopolymerization-based three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques such as stereolithography (SLA) attract considerable attention owing to their superior resolution, low cost, and relatively high printing speed. However, the lack of studies on improving the mechanical properties of 3D materials highlights the importance of delving deeper into additive manufacturing research. These materials possess considerable potential in the medical field, particularly for applications such as anatomical models, medical devices, and implants. In this study, we investigated the enhancement of mechanical strength in 3D-printed photopolymers through the incorporation of potassium titanate powder (K2Ti8O17), with a particular focus on potential applications in medical devices. The mechanical strength of the photopolymer containing potassium titanate was analyzed by measuring its flexural strength, hardness, and tensile strength. Additionally, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was used as a stabilizer to optimize the dispersion of potassium titanate in the photopolymer. The flexural strengths of the printed specimens were in the range of 15–39 MPa (Megapascals), while the measured surface hardness and tensile strength were in the range of 41–80 HDD (Hardness shore D) and 2.3–15 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, the output resolution was investigated by testing it with a line-patterned structure. The 3D-printing photopolymer without PEG stabilizers produced line patterns with a thickness of 0.3 mm, whereas the 3D-printed resin containing a PEG stabilizer produced line patterns with a thickness of 0.2 mm. These findings demonstrate that the composite materials not only exhibit improved mechanical performance but also allow for high-resolution printing. Furthermore, this composite material was successfully utilized to print implants for pre-surgical inspection. This process ensures the precision and quality of medical device production, emphasizing the material’s practical value in advanced medical applications.
Therapeutic Landscape of FOXM1 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Aggressive Solid Cancers
Authors: Dilmac Sayra , Hamurcu Zuhal , Ozpolat Bulent
Published: November 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, lacking common treatment targets such as estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and HER2 receptors. This subtype is associated with significant heterogeneity, chemoresistance, early recurrence, metastasis, and poor patient survival. FOXM1 is a cancer-promoting transcription factor that plays a critical role in TNBC and other highly aggressive cancers by driving cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. In TNBC, mutations in the TP53 gene—detected in approximately 80% of patients—lead to the overexpression of FOXM1, making it a promising therapeutic target. Beyond TNBC, FOXM1 is implicated in other solid cancers, such as brain (glioblastoma), lung, and pancreatic cancers, and is considered an Achilles’ heel of aggressive cancers. Despite its potential as a therapeutic target, there are currently no FDA-approved FOXM1 inhibitors, and none have advanced to clinical trials. This review explores the role of FOXM1 in cancer progression and highlights the current status of efforts to develop effective FOXM1 inhibitors.
The Prognostic Impact of Adipophilin Expression on Long-Term Survival Following Liver Resection in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Lai Tung Thanh , Ishida Mitsuaki , Kosaka Hisashi , Matsui Kosuke , Matsushima Hideyuki , Yamamoto Hidekazu , Kiguchi Gozo , Nguyen Khanh Van , Inoue Kyoko , Takada Moriyasu , Kato Hiroki , Hirose Yoshinobu , Yoshii Kengo , Kaibori Masaki
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Adipophilin (ADP) is a protein associated with lipid droplets, and its expression is related to poor prognosis in certain cancers. However, its impact on the survival of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) remains unclear. This study investigated the impact of ADP expression on long-term survival following hepatectomy in patients with CRLM. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 102 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy between 2006 and 2022. ADP expression was examined in resected specimens through immunohistochemical staining using tissue microarrays. Long-term outcomes for ADP-positive (n = 51) and ADP-negative (n = 51) groups were compared with Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results: We found significantly decreased 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates for ADP-positive patients relative to ADP-negative patients (29.4% versus 52.1%, respectively; p = 0.001 and 43.7% versus 72.2%, respectively; p = 0.003). Moreover, multivariate Cox hazards analysis demonstrated that patients with ADP-positive CRLM had a worse prognosis after hepatectomy than those with ADP-negative CRLM, as reflected by both RFS (HR 2.46, 95% CI 1.39–4.36, p = 0.002) and OS (HR: 2.89, 95% CI 1.43–5.85, p = 0.003). Conclusions: ADP expression had a significant prognostic impact on the survival of patients with CRLM following liver resection and may aid in optimal treatment planning.
The Value of Community Capitals in Sustainable Urban Development: A Qualitative Exploration of Urban Informal Workers
Authors: Chumo Ivy , Mberu Blessing , Kabaria Caroline
Published: November 2024

Urban informality, often viewed negatively, is not solely the product of the urban poor but also reflects the failure of formal systems to adapt. Informal workers, who make up about 61% of the global workforce, operate outside formal labor laws and significantly contribute to urban development. Understanding and harnessing community capitals are vital for sustainable urban development. This qualitative study explored the community capitals framework (CCF) in an urban context, addressing the limitations of quantitative data on CCF, which often overlooks critical social factors. This study team conducted in-depth interviews with 36 informal service providers from the education, healthcare, water, sanitation, and solid waste management sectors. Additionally, four local leaders from two urban informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya, were interviewed. The data from the transcripts were analyzed using thematic framework analysis, guided by the community capitals framework. We identified seven forms of community capital that benefit informal workers: natural, cultural, human, social, political, financial, and built. Human capital, which focuses on skills and qualities, was the most frequently utilized, followed by social capital, which centers on connections and relationships. Next in importance were financial and political capital. Although cultural capital was the least implemented, it was described as important for reflecting community knowledge and traditions. Examples of these capitals in action included solid waste workers, manual pit emptiers, education providers, health workers, and water service providers, who all contributed to urban development and well-being through waste management, sanitation, education, healthcare, and access to clean water. In conclusion, service providers use community capitals as a planning tool to understand dynamics, refine strategies, and build trust for urban development. Each capital functions like a community bank account, containing strengths and opportunities. Although cultural capital was ranked last, it warrants further research to explore its drivers. Additional research is needed to fully grasp the relationships among the various capitals and their impact on service delivery.
Dynamic Magnetic Control of Lanthanide Metal–Organic Framework Crystals and Their Polarized Emissions
Authors: Shi Bojun , Jia Hao , Chen Lingfang , Zhang Shuchun , Zhang Yu , Yin Baipeng , Bai Shuming , Zhang Chuang
Published: November 2024

Traditional barcode encoding methods are constrained by the inability to dynamically control crystal orientations, thereby limiting their applications. In this work, we investigate the dynamic magnetic control of lanthanide metal–organic framework crystals and their potential for advancing photonic barcode technology. A paramagnetic fluorescent Eu-MOF microcrystal with sizes ranging from 30 to 40 μm in length and 5 to 10 μm in width was synthesized, and its magnetic orientation and polarized emission were systematically investigated. Eu-MOF crystallizes in an orthorhombic space group, growing along the crystallographic b-axis and ultimately forming an anisotropic cuboid shape. Eu-MOF microcrystals exhibit significant magnetic anisotropy, causing the crystallographic c-axis of the crystal to align with the magnetic field when a uniaxial magnetic field of ~10 mT is applied. Furthermore, the Eu-MOF microcrystal exhibited characteristic Eu emissions with peaks at 594 nm, 616 nm, and 695 nm, and showed a high degree of polarization (DOP), reaching 0.904 at 616 nm. Therefore, the utilization of a rotating magnetic field not only enables precise and dynamic control over the crystal orientations but also results in a significant variation in the luminescence intensity. This capability enabled us to propose an innovative encryption barcode scheme in which the emission intensities of different luminescence peaks are converted into barcode widths, with the sequence of magnetic field directions serving as the encryption key. This approach presents a novel method for data storage and anti-counterfeiting, significantly enhancing the versatility and capacity of photonic barcodes.
Theoretical Study on One- and Two-Photon Absorption Properties of π-Stacked Multimer Models of Phenalenyl Radicals
Authors: Yokoyama Masako , Kishi Ryohei , Kitagawa Yasutaka
Published: November 2024

Effects of the number of monomers (N) on the two-photon absorption (TPA) properties of π-stacked multimer models consisting of phenalenyl radicals were investigated theoretically. We conducted spectral simulations for the π-stacked N-mer models (N = 2, 4, and 6) with different stacking distances (d1) and their alternation patterns (d2/d1). Excitation energies and transition dipole moments were calculated at the extended multi-configurational quasi-degenerate second-order perturbation theory (XMC-QDPT2) level based on the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) wavefunctions with the active space orbitals constructed from the singly occupied molecular orbitals (SOMOs) of monomers. The TPA cross-section value per dimer unit at the first peak, originating from the electronic transition along the stacking direction, was predicted to increase significantly as the d2/d1 approaches one, as the d1 decreases, and as the N increases from 2 to 6. These tendencies are similar to the calculation results for the static hyperpolarizabilities.
How to Count Parrots: Comparing the Performance of Point and Transect Counts for Surveying Tasman Parakeets (Cyanoramphus cookii)
Authors: Skirrow Michael John Adam , Ortiz-Catedral Luis , Smith Adam N. H.
Published: November 2024

Obtaining precise estimates of population size and trends through time is important for the effective management and conservation of threatened species. For parrots (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae), obtaining such estimates can be challenging, particularly for cryptic species that occur in low densities in complex and/or fragmented habitats. We used a statistical resampling approach with the aim to compare the reliability and precision of counts for the critically endangered Tasman parakeet (Cyanoramphus cookii) that were taken using two methods on Norfolk Island (Pacific Ocean), namely, fixed-point counts and line transect counts. The detections obtained during fixed-point counts had better estimated precision (0.274) than line transect counts (0.476). The fixed-point method was also more efficient, yielding 1.338 parakeet detections per count compared to the 0.642 parakeet detections per count obtained by the line transect method. Although Tasman parakeets can be detected by either of these methods, our research demonstrates that the fixed-point method is more precise and reliable. These findings can help prioritise resources for the long-term monitoring of recovering populations of this species and similar island species.
Mites from the Suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata) in Bory Tucholskie National Park—One of the Youngest National Parks in Poland
Authors: Błoszyk Jerzy , Wendzonka Jacek , Lubińska Karolina , Kulczak Marta , Napierała Agnieszka
Published: November 2024

The state of research into acarofauna in Polish national parks is very uneven. One of the least examined areas in this regard is Bory Tucholskie National Park (BTNP), established in 1996. The aim of the current research was to explore the species diversity and community structure of mites from the suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata), inhabiting different forest, open, and unstable microhabitats in the area of BTNP. Based on the analysis of over 300 samples collected in BTNP between 2004 and 2024, 29 taxa of Uropodina were identified, with 3839 specimens found in the analyzed material. The highest species diversity has been observed in different types of pine forests (19 species), in transformed alder and alder forests (15 species, each), and in reeds (12 species), while the lowest diversity occurred in peat bog areas (8 species) and inland dunes (5 species). The spatial distribution analyses for Uropodina in the area of BTNP have been made and distribution maps for each species have been drawn. Moreover, the Maturity Index (MI) was also calculated to compare the species diversity of the Uropodina communities in BTNP with those in other Polish national parks. The Uropodina community in BTNP ranked eighth in terms of species richness among 13 national parks explored in Poland so far. Finally, the comparative analysis of the MI for the selected Polish national parks has revealed that BTNP could be ranked fourth in terms of the faunistic value for the discussed mite group.
Optimal Community Energy Storage System Operation in a Multi-Power Consumer System: A Stackelberg Game Theory Approach
Authors: Lee Gyeong Ho , Lee Junghyun , Choi Seong Gon , Kim Jangkyum
Published: November 2024

The proliferation of community energy storage systems (CESSs) necessitates effective energy management to address financial concerns. This paper presents an efficient energy management scheme for heterogeneous power consumers by analyzing various cost factors relevant to the power system. We propose an authority transaction model based on a multi-leader multi-follower Stackelberg game, demonstrating the existence of a unique Stackelberg equilibrium to determine optimal bidding prices and allocate authority transactions. Our model shows that implementing a CESS can reduce total electricity costs by 16% compared to the conventional case that does not account for authority transactions among CESS users, highlighting its effectiveness in practical power systems.