bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated framework of global sensitivity analysis and calibration for spatially explicit agent‐based models
Authors: Kang Jeon‐Young , Michels Alexander , Crooks Andrew , Aldstadt Jared , Wang Shaowen
Published: September 2021

Calibration of agent‐based models (ABMs) is a major challenge due to the complex nature of the systems being modeled, the heterogeneous nature of geographical regions, the varying effects of model inputs on the outputs, and computational intensity. Nevertheless, ABMs need to be carefully tuned to achieve the desirable goal of simulating spatiotemporal phenomena of interest, and a well‐calibrated model is expected to achieve an improved understanding of the phenomena. To address some of the above challenges, this article proposes an integrated framework of global sensitivity analysis (GSA) and calibration, called GSA‐CAL. Specifically, variance‐based GSA is applied to identify input parameters with less influence on differences between simulated outputs and observations. By dropping these less influential input parameters in the calibration process, this research reduces the computational intensity of calibration. Since GSA requires many simulation runs, due to ABMs' stochasticity, we leverage the high‐performance computing power provided by the advanced cyberinfrastructure. A spatially explicit ABM of influenza transmission is used as the case study to demonstrate the utility of the framework. Leveraging GSA, we were able to exclude less influential parameters in the model calibration process and demonstrate the importance of revising local settings for an epidemic pattern in an outbreak.
Bilateral renal denervation prevents the development of hypertension during diet‐induced obesity in male rats
Authors: Nazari Somayeh , Haghani Masoud , Moosavi Seyed Mostafa Shid
Published: September 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the role of the renal nerves in the development of obesity, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension during the long‐term feeding of a moderately high‐fat diet in male obesity‐prone rats?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The renal nerves play a prominent mediatory role, without influencing the establishment of visceral adiposity and atherogenic hyperlipidaemia, in the induction and progression of pressure natriuresis impairment and hypertension during the developmental period of diet‐induced obesity.

Feeding a moderately high‐fat (MHF) diet in male Sprague–Dawley rats induces obesity, pressure natriuresis impairment and hypertension. This study investigated the role of the renal nerves in the impaired pressure natriuresis and hypertension caused by feeding a MHF diet. After collecting baseline data on day 0, 12 rats remained on a low‐fat diet (LF group) while the others were switched onto a MHF diet and diverged into obesity‐resistant (OR) or obesity‐prone (OP). After 4 weeks, half of the OR and OP rats underwent bilateral renal denervation (BRD) to generate four groups: OR, OR/BRD, OP and OP/BRD (n = 12). During 10 weeks, body weight, obesity index, systolic pressure and renal excretory function were measured regularly. After 10 weeks, renal excretory responses to acute salt loading and renal autoregulation were evaluated. The OP and OP/BRD groups had greater increases of body weight and obesity index during the dietary period compared to the other groups, and by week 10 their body weight (425.1 ± 7.2 and 411.9 ± 5.1 g) became considerably larger than that of the LF group (358.5 ± 6.2 g). Renal sodium excretion was reduced by ∼20% at week 4 in the OP and OP/BRD groups, while only the OP group had lower sodium excretion at weeks 6–8 and higher systolic pressure over weeks 5–10 than the other groups and its week 10 systolic pressure reached 138.1 ± 6.7 versus 123.6 ± 2.7 mmHg of the LF group. The OP group showed delayed renal excretory responses to salt loading with rightward and downward shifts in renal autoregulatory curves. Therefore, the renal nerves exert a main mediatory role in the development of pressure natriuresis impairment and hypertension as obesity is established due to the long‐term consumption of the MHF diet in male OP rats.
A 5-Year Analysis of Weight Cycling Practices in a Male World Champion Professional Boxer: Potential Implications for Obesity and Cardiometabolic Disease
Authors: Morehen James C. , Langan-Evans Carl , Hall Elliot C.R. , Close Graeme L. , Morton James P.
Published: September 2021

Weight cycling is thought to increase the risk of obesity and cardiometabolic disease in nonathletic and athletic populations. However, the magnitude and frequency of weight cycling is not well characterized in elite athletes. To this end, we quantified the weight cycling practices of a male World Champion professional boxer competing at super middleweight (76.2 kg). Over a 5-year period comprising 11 contests, we assessed changes in body mass (n = 8 contests) and body composition (n = 6 contests) during the training camp preceding each contest. Time taken to make weight was 11 ± 4 weeks (range: 4–16). Absolute and relative weight loss for each contest was 12.4 ± 2.1 kg (range: 9.8–17.0) and 13.9% ± 2.0% (range: 11.3–18.2), respectively. Notably, the athlete commenced each training camp with progressive increases in fat mass (i.e., 12.5 and 16.1 kg for Contests 1 and 11) and reductions in fat-free mass (i.e., 69.8 and 67.5 kg for Contests 1 and 11, respectively). Data suggest that weight cycling may lead to “fat overshooting” and further weight gain in later life. Larger scale studies are now required to characterize the weight cycling practices of elite athletes and robustly assess future cardiometabolic disease risk. From an ethical perspective, practitioners should be aware of the potential health consequences associated with weight cycling.
Mutation-induced DNMT1 cleavage drives neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Wang Wencai , Zhao Xingsen , Shao Yanjiao , Duan Xiaoya , Wang Yaling , Li Jialun , Li Jiwen , Li Dali , Li Xuekun , Wong Jiemin
Published: September 2021

Using mouse and cell models, this study reveals the key mechanism for DNMT1 RFTS mutation–induced neurodegenerative diseases.
Valorization of lignin components into gallate by integrated biological hydroxylation, O-demethylation, and aryl side-chain oxidation
Authors: Cai Chenggu , Xu Zhaoxian , Zhou Huarong , Chen Sitong , Jin Mingjie
Published: September 2021

Biological hydroxylation, O-demethylation, and aryl side-chain oxidation were integrated in a cell for lignin valorization.
Microglia promote autoimmune inflammation via the noncanonical NF-κB pathway
Authors: Jie Zuliang , Ko Chun-Jung , Wang Hui , Xie Xiaoping , Li Yanchuan , Gu Meidi , Zhu Lele , Yang Jin-Young , Gao Tianxiao , Ru Wenjuan , Tang Shao-Jun , Cheng Xuhong , Sun Shao-Cong
Published: September 2021

CNS-resident microglia mediate autoimmune neuroinflammation via a mechanism that involves the noncanonical NF-κB pathway.
Cristae-dependent quality control of the mitochondrial genome
Authors: Jakubke Christopher , Roussou Rodaria , Maiser Andreas , Schug Christina , Thoma Felix , Bunk David , Hörl David , Leonhardt Heinrich , Walter Peter , Klecker Till , Osman Christof
Published: September 2021

Cristae limit diffusion of mtDNA-encoded proteins and facilitate clearance of mutant mtDNA in a fission-independent manner.
Supplemental Material: Diversification of Archean tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite suites in a mushy middle crust
Authors: Kendrick Jillian , al. et
Published: September 2021

Detailed methodology, Figures S1 and S2, and Tables S1–S5 (analyses and data).
Cumulative $${\pi}$$-Mesons in $${}^{{12}}{C}{+}{}^{{9}}$$Be-Interactions at 3.2 GeV/Nucleon
Authors: Abramov B. M. , Baznat M. , Borodin Yu. A. , Bulychjov S. A. , Dukhovskoy I. A. , Krutenkova A. P. , Kulikov V. V. , Martemianov M. A. , Matsyuk M. A. , Turdakina E. N.
Published: September 2021

In the FRAGM experiment at the heavy-ion accelerator$$-$$accumulator complex ITEP$$-$$TWA, yields of cumulative charged$$\pi$$mesons have been measured in a fragmentation of carbon ions with the energy of 3.2 GeV/nucleon on a beryllium target. The momentum spectra of$$\pi$$mesons cover four orders of the invariant cross section magnitude. They demonstrate the exponential fall with increasing energy. The measured inverse slope parameter is compared with similar measurements in nucleon–nucleus interactions and ion–ion collisions at lower energies. The energy dependence of the ratio of the yields of negative to positive$$\pi$$mesons is presented. This dependence is discussed in a connection with Coulomb and isotopic effects. The obtained data are compared with predictions of several ion–ion interaction models.
Bilateral globe luxation with multiple facial fractures: what next?
Authors: Das Deepsekhar , Mohapatra Avilasha , Modaboyina Sujeeth , Agrawal Sahil
Published: September 2021

Luxation of the globe is a rare, vision-threatening event that can presently spontaneously or following trauma. A 35-year-old man presented with bilaterally luxated globe, postroad traffic accident. On imaging, bilateral LeFort fracture type 1, 2 and 3 with palatal split along with nasal bone and orbital floor fracture. Both condyles and left parasymphysis of mandible were fractured. There was no evidence of intracranial injury. There was pneumothorax on the right side for which intercostal drainage (ICD) tube was placed. On exploring, bilateral optic nerve avulsion was present. Both the globes were repositioned and a temporary tarsorrhaphy was placed for cosmetic rehabilitation. On follow-up visits after 6 months, both eyes were in their sockets with minimal exodeviation. It is important to reposition the globes, even with extensive periorbital fracture at the earliest. The longer the globe and orbital structures are prolapsed, the poorer are the structural and cosmetic prognosis owing to ocular ischaemia.
Cutaneous manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2: an emerging topic in a pandemic era
Authors: Luís Helena , Barros Carolina , André Diogo , Malheiro Alexandra
Published: September 2021

A 70-year-old man was admitted to our COVID-19 ward with thoracalgia, productive mucus cough, fatigue and erythematous–violaceous macules on the inner side of feet and interdigital regions. The patient was started on oxygen and dexamethasone. On the day of discharge, he maintained the skin changes despite the resolution of COVID-19 symptoms. A 57-year-old woman initially presented with diffuse urticarial rash on the cervical and chest region. Oral cetirizine was started, and pruritus improved. Thirty days after the discharge, the patient maintained the rash, but without pruritus. A 49-year-old man was admitted with thoracalgia, shortness of breath, dry cough and urticarial rash on the cervical and chest region. The patient was treated with cetirizine. The pruritus improved, and 5 days after discharge, the urticarial areas completely disappeared.
Carbamazepine drug effect simulating biochemical central hypothyroidism in a patient with Bardet-Biedl syndrome
Authors: Kishlyansky David , Kline Gregory
Published: September 2021

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a medication used commonly in epilepsy. Decreases in free T4 levels simulating central hypothyroidism have been reported, although the clinical significance is still unclear. We present a 24-year-old man with Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) who was found to have isolated biochemical central hypothyroidism. BBS is a ciliopathy occasionally associated with anterior pituitary dysfunction. While taking CBZ for epilepsy, his TSH was 1.73 mIU/L (reference range: 0.20–4.00 mIU/L) with a low free T4 of 6.6 pmol/L (reference range: 10.0–26.0 pmol/L). Pituitary MRI was normal. Although treated with levothyroxine initially, his apparent biochemical central hypothyroidism was later recognised as secondary to CBZ drug effect. This was confirmed with a normal free T4 of 12.2 pmol/L while he was off CBZ and levothyroxine. Despite the association between CBZ and biochemical central hypothyroidism, nearly all patients remain clinically euthyroid. This effect is reversible and recognition could lead to reductions in unnecessary thyroid replacement therapy if CBZ is discontinued.
Measuring differential attainment: a longitudinal analysis of assessment results for 1512 medical students at four Scottish medical schools
Authors: Hope David , Dewar Avril , Hothersall Eleanor J , Leach John Paul , Cameron Isobel , Jaap Alan
Published: September 2021

Objective

To measure Differential Attainment (DA) among Scottish medical students and to explore whether attainment gaps increase or decrease during medical school.

Design

A retrospective analysis of undergraduate medical student performance on written assessment, measured at the start and end of medical school.

Setting

Four Scottish medical schools (universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow).

Participants

1512 medical students who attempted (but did not necessarily pass) final written assessment.

Main outcome measures

The study modelled the change in attainment gap during medical school for four student demographical categories (white/non-white, international/Scottish domiciled, male/female and with/without a known disability) to test whether the attainment gap grew, shrank or remained stable during medical school. Separately, the study modelled the expected versus actual frequency of different demographical groups in the top and bottom decile of the cohort.

Results

The attainment gap grew significantly for white versus non-white students (t(449.39)=7.37, p=0.001,d=0.49 and 95% CI 0.34 to 0.58), for internationally domiciled versus Scottish-domiciled students (t(205.8) = −7, p=0.01,d=0.61 and 95% CI –0.75 to −0.42) and for male versus female students (t(1336.68)=3.54, p=0.01,d=0.19 and 95% CI 0.08 to 0.27). International, non-white and male students received higher marks than their comparison group at the start of medical school but lower marks by final assessment. No significant differences were observed for disability status. Students with a known disability, Scottish students and non-white students were over-represented in the bottom decile and under-represented in the top decile.

Conclusions

The tendency for attainment gaps to grow during undergraduate medical education suggests that educational factors at medical schools may—however inadvertently—contribute to DA. It is of critical importance that medical schools investigate attainment gaps within their cohorts and explore potential underlying causes.
Efficacy and safety of omalizumab in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wu Qingwu , Yuan Lianxiong , Qiu Huijun , Wang Xinyue , Huang Xuekun , Zheng Rui , Yang Qintai
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and safety of omalizumab for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and to identify evidence gaps that will guide future research on omalizumab for CRSwNP.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library on 13 October 2020.

Eligibility criteria

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing omalizumab with placebo, given for at least 16 weeks in adult patients with CRSwNP.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent authors screened search results, extracted data and assessed studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were pooled using the inverse-variance method and expressed as mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was assessed by the χ2test and the I2statistic.

Results

A total of four RCTs involving 303 participants were identified. When comparing omalizumab to placebo, there was a significant difference in Nasal Polyps Score (MD=−1.20; 95% CI −1.48 to −0.92), Nasal Congestion Score (MD=−0.67; 95% CI −0.86 to −0.48), Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (MD=−15.62; 95% CI −19.79 to −11.45), Total Nasal Symptom Score (MD=−1.84; 95% CI −2.43 to −1.25) and reduced need for surgery (risk ratio (RR)=5.61; 95% CI 1.99 to 15.81). Furthermore, there was no difference in the risk of serious adverse events ((RR=1.40; 95% CI 0.29 to 6.80), adverse events (RR=0.83; 95% CI 0.60 to 1.15) and rescue systemic corticosteroid (RR=0.52; 95% CI 0.17 to 1.61).

Conclusions

This was the first meta-analysis that identified omalizumab significantly improved endoscopic, clinical and patient-reported outcomes in adults with moderate to severe CRSwNP and it was safe and well tolerated.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020207639.
Palliative care environments for patient, family and staff well-being: an ethnographic study of non-standard design
Authors: McLaughlan Rebecca , Kirby Emma
Published: September 2021

Objective

There is an increased expectation that contemporary hospital design will improve clinical outcomes and patient experiences and support staff well-being. In response, this study examined innovative approaches in the design of in-patient palliative care facilities.

Methods

An ethnographic study comprised the identification and analysis of 30 architectural precedents, 24 qualitative, semistructured interviews with key stakeholders and 11 site visits, during which field notes and photographs were taken. Data were analysed using the framework approach, to identify design solutions that move beyond standard practice, to offer insight into the possibilities and challenges of processes of design or refurbishment in palliative care settings.

Results

Three thematic areas of focus were derived from the analysis: (1) planning solutions that support privacy plus connection; (2) enhancing comfort through the use of non-standard materials—and managing the risks associated with those and (3) shaking off tradition in hospital design.

Conclusions

Myriad constraints resist innovation within the contemporary construction of hospital and hospice facilities. Drawing on a series of real-world examples, our findings point to the value of broad consultation and collaboration throughout the design process in achieving design solutions that go beyond standard practice for the benefit for patients, families and staff.
Sarcopenia and anthracycline cardiotoxicity in patients with cancer
Authors: Bas Onur , Erdemir Ahmet Gurkan , Onur Mehmet Ruhi , Ozer Necla , Sener Yusuf Ziya , Aksu Salih , Barista Ibrahim , Guner Gurkan , Guven Deniz Can , Kertmen Neyran , Aksoy Sercan , Turker Alev , Dizdar Omer
Published: September 2021

Background

Several studies have suggested that sarcopenia is associated with an increased treatment toxicity in patients with cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between sarcopenia and anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity.

Methods

Patients who received anthracycline-based chemotherapy between 2014 and 2018 and had baseline abdominal CT and baseline and follow-up echocardiography after anthracycline treatment were included. European Society of Cardiology ejection fraction criteria and American Society of Echocardiography diastolic dysfunction criteria were used for definition of cardiotoxicity. Sarcopenia was defined on the basis of skeletal muscle index (SMI) and psoas muscle index (PMI) calculated on CT images at L3 and L4 vertebra levels.

Results

A total of 166 patients (75 men and 91 women) were included. Sarcopenia was determined in 33 patients (19.9%) according to L3-SMI, in 17 patients (10.2%) according to L4-SMI and in 45 patients (27.1%) according to PMI. 27 patients (16.3%) developed cardiotoxicity. PMI and L3-SMI were significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiotoxicity (L3-SMI: HR=3.27, 95% CI 1.32 to 8.11, p=0.01; PMI: HR=3.71, 95% CI 1.58 to 8.73, p=0.003).

Conclusions

This is the first study demonstrating a significant association between CT-diagnosed sarcopenia and anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity. Routine CT scans performed for cancer staging may help clinicians identify high-risk patients in whom closer follow-up or cardioprotective measures should be considered.
Heterologous prime-boost vaccination targeting MAGE-type antigens promotes tumor T-cell infiltration and improves checkpoint blockade therapy
Authors: McAuliffe James , Chan Hok Fung , Noblecourt Laurine , Ramirez-Valdez Ramiro Andrei , Pereira-Almeida Vinnycius , Zhou Yaxuan , Pollock Emily , Cappuccini Federica , Redchenko Irina , Hill Adrian VS , Leung Carol Sze Ki , Van den Eynde Benoit J
Published: September 2021

Background

The clinical benefit of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is often limited by the lack of pre-existing CD8+T cells infiltrating the tumor. In principle, CD8+T-cell infiltration could be promoted by therapeutic vaccination. However, this remains challenging given the paucity of vaccine platforms able to induce the strong cytotoxic CD8+T-cell response required to reject tumors. A therapeutic cancer vaccine that induces a robust cytotoxic CD8+T-cell response against shared tumor antigens and can be combined with ICB could improve the outcome of cancer immunotherapy.

Methods

Here, we developed a heterologous prime-boost vaccine based on a chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdOx1) and a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) encoding MAGE-type antigens, which are tumor-specific shared antigens expressed in different tumor types. The mouse MAGE-type antigen P1A was used as a surrogate to study the efficacy of the vaccine in combination with ICB in murine tumor models expressing the P1A antigen. To characterize the vaccine-induced immune response, we performed flow cytometry and transcriptomic analyses.

Results

The ChAdOx1/MVA vaccine displayed strong immunogenicity with potent induction of CD8+T cells. When combined with anti-Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1), the vaccine induced superior tumor clearance and survival in murine tumor models expressing P1A compared with anti-PD-1 alone. Remarkably, ChAdOx1/MVA P1A vaccination promoted CD8+T-cell infiltration in the tumors, and drove inflammation in the tumor microenvironment, turning ‘cold’ tumors into ‘hot’ tumors. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the P1A-specific CD8+T cells revealed an expanded population of stem-like T cells in the spleen after the combination treatment as compared with vaccine alone, and a reduced PD-1 expression in the tumor CD8+T cells.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the synergistic potency of ChAdOx1/MVA MAGE vaccines combined with anti-PD-1 for cancer therapy, and establish the foundation for clinical translation of this approach. A clinical trial of ChadOx1/MVA MAGE-A3/NY-ESO-1 combined with anti-PD-1 will commence shortly.
Phase 1 open-label trial of intravenous administration of MVA-BN-brachyury-TRICOM vaccine in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: DeMaria Peter J , Lee-Wisdom Katherine , Donahue Renee N , Madan Ravi A , Karzai Fatima , Schwab Angie , Palena Claudia , Jochems Caroline , Floudas Charalampos , Strauss Julius , Marté Jennifer L , Redman Jason Mark , Dombi Eva , Widemann Brigitte , Korchin Borys , Adams Tatiana , Pico-Navarro Cesar , Heery Christopher , Schlom Jeffrey , Gulley James L , Bilusic Marijo
Published: September 2021

Background

MVA-BN-brachyury-TRICOM is a recombinant vector-based therapeutic cancer vaccine designed to induce an immune response against brachyury. Brachyury, a transcription factor overexpressed in advanced cancers, has been associated with treatment resistance, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and metastatic potential. MVA-BN-brachyury-TRICOM has demonstrated immunogenicity and safety in previous clinical trials of subcutaneously administered vaccine. Preclinical studies have suggested that intravenous administration of therapeutic vaccines can induce superior CD8+T cell responses, higher levels of systemic cytokine release, and stronger natural killer cell activation and proliferation. This is the first-in-human study of the intravenous administration of MVA-BN-brachyury-TRICOM.

Methods

Between January 2020 and March 2021, 13 patients were treated on a phase 1, open-label, 3+3 design, dose-escalation study at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. The study population was adults with advanced solid tumors and was enriched for chordoma, a rare sarcoma of the notochord that overexpresses brachyury. Vaccine was administered intravenously at three DLs on days 1, 22, and 43. Blood samples were taken to assess drug pharmacokinetics and immune activation. Imaging was conducted at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months post-treatment. The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability as determined by the frequency of dose-limiting toxicities; a secondary endpoint was determination of the recommended phase 2 dose.

Results

No dose-limiting toxicities were observed and no serious adverse events were attributed to the vaccine. Vaccine-related toxicities were consistent with class profile (ie, influenza-like symptoms). Cytokine release syndrome up to grade 2 was observed with no adverse outcomes. Dose-effect trend was observed for fever, chills/rigor, and hypotension. Efficacy analysis of objective response rate per RECIST 1.1 at the end of study showed one patient with a partial response, four with stable disease, and eight with progressive disease. Three patients with stable disease experienced clinical benefit in the form of improvement in pain. Immune correlatives showed T cell activation against brachyury and other tumor-associated cascade antigens.

Conclusions

Intravenous administration of MVA-BN-brachyury-TRICOM vaccine was safe and tolerable. Maximum tolerated dose was not reached. The maximum administered dose was 109infectious units every 3 weeks for three doses. This dose was selected as the recommended phase 2 dose.

Trial registration number

NCT04134312.
A legacy of silence: the intersections of medical sociology and disability studies
Authors: Thomas Gareth Martin
Published: September 2021

Disability remains on the margins of the social sciences. Even where disability is foregrounded as a category of analysis, accounts regularly emerge in silos, with little interdisciplinary dialogue acknowledging the potential intersections and points of convergence. This discord is particularly acute within medical sociology and disability studies, yet there is mostly a legacy of silence about the relationship between the two disciplines. Drawing upon data from a qualitative study with parents of disabled children in the UK, I show the value of meshing ideas and tropes from medical sociology and disability studies to make sense of parents’ lived experiences. They described the challenges of living with 'impairment' and a need to readjust expectations. At the same time, parents were keen to not align with a deficit framing of their lives. They talked in affirmative terms about their children as sources of joy and vitality, perceived themselves as ‘normal’, and described convivial, even unremarkable, interactions in public spaces. Yet, parents encountered difficulties when navigating institutional settings and bureaucratic arrangements, or what was commonly referred to as ‘the system’. Their troubles were not located in their children’s bodies, but in—as per a disability studies sensibility—cultural and structural systems preventing their capacity tolive well. I argue that both disability studies and medical sociology offer something to the analysis, thereby recognising the gains of not simply buying into the tradition of one worldview. I conclude by imploring for more concrete conversations between both disciplines.
Complications of transradial versus transfemoral access for neuroendovascular procedures: a meta-analysis
Authors: Schartz Derrek , Akkipeddi Sajal Medha K , Ellens Nathaniel , Rahmani Redi , Kohli Gurkirat Singh , Bruckel Jeffrey , Caplan Justin M , Mattingly Thomas K , Bhalla Tarun , Bender Matthew T
Published: September 2021

Background

Transradial access (TRA) has gained increased usage among neurointerventionalists. However, the overall safety profile of access site complications (ASCs) and non-access site complications (NASCs) of TRA versus transfemoral access (TFA) for neuroendovascular procedures remains unclear.

Methods

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis using a random effects model was conducted to investigate the pooled odds ratios (OR) of ASCs and NASCs. Randomized, case–control, and cohort studies comparing access-related complications were analyzed. An assessment of study heterogeneity and publication bias was also completed.

Results

Seventeen comparative studies met the inclusion criteria for final analysis. Overall, there was a composite ASC rate of 1.8% (49/2767) versus 3.2% (168/5222) for TRA and TFA, respectively (P<0.001). TRA was associated with a lower odds of ASC compared with TFA (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.68, P<0.001, I2=31%). There was significantly lower odds of complications within the intervention and diagnostic subgroups. For NASC, TRA had a lower composite incidence of complications than TFA at 1.2% (31/2586) versus 4.2% (207/4909), P<0.001). However, on meta-analysis, we found no significant difference overall between TRA and TFA for NASCs (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.51 to 1.22, P=0.28, I2=0%), which was also the case on subgroup analysis.

Conclusion

On meta-analysis, the current literature indicates that TRA is associated with a lower incidence of ASCs compared with TFA, but is not associated with a lower rate of NASCs.
Fine-scale distribution and occupancy modelling of the threatened pugnose shiner (Notropis anogenus) in the St. Lawrence River, Ontario, Canada1
Authors: Potts Lindsay B. , Mandrak Nicholas E. , Chapman Lauren J.
Published: September 2021

Understanding population-level habitat requirements is important for the effective conservation of imperilled species, especially for those with fragmented distributions. This study examined fine-scale distribution of the threatened pugnose shiner (Notropis anogenus) in the upper St. Lawrence River, Ontario, Canada. Occupancy modelling, multivariate analyses, and co-occurrence modelling were used to identify environmental correlates of pugnose shiner distribution and species associations in an embayment area, Thompson’s Bay. The pugnose shiner was most abundant in outer bay sites that were cooler, less turbid, had a higher pH, and had more submerged aquatic vegetation than the inner bay sites. The probability of pugnose shiner occupancy increased with distance from the inner bay and with the presence of Chara vulgaris, and decreased with increasing conductivity. The pugnose shiner positively co-occurred with seven species, including the blackchin shiner and blacknose shiner, and negatively co-occurred with bluegill. Centrarchid species were dominant across Thompson’s Bay. This has important conservation implications because some native centrarchid predators are increasing in abundance, coincident with climate change, which may threaten the persistence of rare and imperilled cyprinids such as pugnose shiner.
SCIR rumor propagation model with the chord mechanism in social networks
Authors: Zhou Xiaodan , Qiu Liqing , Hao Tingyu
Published: September 2021

Rumors, as a typical social phenomenon in real life, have a negative impact on the harmony of the society. When people hear rumors, they may not resonate with rumors because they do not trust them during the process of rumors transmission. Thus, they will not spread rumors. The essential difference between chord mechanism and spreader mechanism is that spreaders will spread regardless of whether they think it is true or false. The chord needs to believe that the rumor is true in order to keep spreading it, otherwise they become immune to spreading it. Therefore, this paper proposes a new Spreader-Chord-Ignorant-Restorer (SCIR) model, which considers that the trust may affect the level of empathy. Since the level of trust affects the spread of rumors and the extent to which the immune person trusts the rumor is different, the connecting edges from the restorer to the chord and the restorer to the ignorant were added to the model. First, the basic reproductive number [Formula: see text] is derived by the next generation matrix method and thus equilibriums are obtained. Then, the global stability of the rumor-free equilibrium [Formula: see text] and the persistence of rumor propagation are proved in detail during the theoretical analysis.
On the occurrence of finite-time singularities in swampland-related quintessence dark energy models
Authors: Oikonomou V. K. , Gitsis Achilles , Mitrou Maria
Published: September 2021

In this work, we focus on the phase space singularities of interactive quintessence model in the presence of matter fluid. This model is related to swampland studies, that the outcomes affect all these swampland-related models with the same dynamical system. We shall form the dynamical system corresponding to the cosmological system, which is eventually autonomous, and by using the dominant balances technique we shall investigate the occurrence or not of finite-time singularities. Our results indicate that the dynamical system of the model may develop finite-time singularities, but these are not general singularities, like in the case that the matter fluids were absent, in which case singularities occurred for general initial conditions. Hence, the presence of matter fluids affects the dynamical system of the cosmological system, making the singularities to depend on the initial conditions, instead of occurring for general initial conditions.
Exhumation of the crustal-scale Gaoligong strike-slip shear belt in SE Asia
Authors: Dong Yanlong , Cao Shuyun , Neubauer Franz , Wang Haobo , Li Wenyuan , Genser Johann
Published: September 2021

The lateral extrusion of blocks is a well-known geological process during continent–continent collision and is always expressed by either brittle strike-slip faults or ductile shear zones. However, the vertical motion along such fault systems remains poorly constrained. The Gaoligong shear zone formed the western boundary of the Indochina block during India–Eurasia collision, resulting in the exhumation of deep crustal rocks, including a large volume of syn-tectonic granites. Combined zircon U–Pb dating and
40
Ar/
39
Ar thermochronology show that both the unfoliated and foliated granitic intrusions were emplaced during the Early Cretaceous (125–112 Ma), post-magmatic melting occurred from the Early Oligocene (
c.
35 Ma) and subsequent cooling took place during the Mid-Miocene (
c.
13 Ma). The average emplacement depth of Early Cretaceous samples showed that at least 15 km of the hanging wall of the Gaoligong shear zone must have been removed by vertical motion during shearing. Syn-shearing exhumation underlines the role of the initiation of lateral motion of the shear zone by magma-assisted rheological weakening and exhumation at high ambient temperatures within the shear zone. A new model links magmatic channel flow underneath the Tibetan Plateau with magma intrusions and the high geothermal gradients along the shear belts such as the Gaoligong shear zone.

Supplementary material: Methods, electron probe microanalysis test results and zircon laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U–Pb results are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5598365
Projection Path Explorer: Exploring Visual Patterns in Projected Decision-making Paths
Authors: Hinterreiter Andreas , Steinparz Christian , SchÖfl Moritz , Stitz Holger , Streit Marc
Published: September 2021

In problem-solving, a path towards a solutions can be viewed as a sequence of decisions. The decisions, made by humans or computers, describe a trajectory through a high-dimensional representation space of the problem. By means of dimensionality reduction, these trajectories can be visualized in lower-dimensional space. Such embedded trajectories have previously been applied to a wide variety of data, but analysis has focused almost exclusively on the self-similarity of single trajectories. In contrast, we describe patterns emerging from drawing many trajectories—for different initial conditions, end states, and solution strategies—in the same embedding space. We argue that general statements about the problem-solving tasks and solving strategies can be made by interpreting these patterns. We explore and characterize such patterns in trajectories resulting from human and machine-made decisions in a variety of application domains: logic puzzles (Rubik’s cube), strategy games (chess), and optimization problems (neural network training). We also discuss the importance of suitably chosen representation spaces and similarity metrics for the embedding.
A Multidisciplinary Survey and Framework for Design and Evaluation of Explainable AI Systems
Authors: Mohseni Sina , Zarei Niloofar , Ragan Eric D.
Published: September 2021

The need for interpretable and accountable intelligent systems grows along with the prevalence of
artificial intelligence
(
AI
) applications used in everyday life.
Explainable AI
(
XAI
) systems are intended to self-explain the reasoning behind system decisions and predictions. Researchers from different disciplines work together to define, design, and evaluate explainable systems. However, scholars from different disciplines focus on different objectives and fairly independent topics of XAI research, which poses challenges for identifying appropriate design and evaluation methodology and consolidating knowledge across efforts. To this end, this article presents a survey and framework intended to share knowledge and experiences of XAI design and evaluation methods across multiple disciplines. Aiming to support diverse design goals and evaluation methods in XAI research, after a thorough review of XAI related papers in the fields of machine learning, visualization, and human-computer interaction, we present a categorization of XAI design goals and evaluation methods. Our categorization presents the mapping between design goals for different XAI user groups and their evaluation methods. From our findings, we develop a framework with step-by-step design guidelines paired with evaluation methods to close the iterative design and evaluation cycles in multidisciplinary XAI teams. Further, we provide summarized ready-to-use tables of evaluation methods and recommendations for different goals in XAI research.
MI3: Machine-initiated Intelligent Interaction for Interactive Classification and Data Reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Yu , Coecke Bob , Chen Min
Published: September 2021

In many applications, while machine learning (ML) can be used to derive algorithmic models to aid decision processes, it is often difficult to learn a precise model when the number of similar data points is limited. One example of such applications is data reconstruction from historical visualizations, many of which encode precious data, but their numerical records are lost. On the one hand, there is not enough similar data for training an ML model. On the other hand, manual reconstruction of the data is both tedious and arduous. Hence, a desirable approach is to train an ML model dynamically using interactive classification, and hopefully, after some training, the model can complete the data reconstruction tasks with less human interference. For this approach to be effective, the number of annotated data objects used for training the ML model should be as small as possible, while the number of data objects to be reconstructed automatically should be as large as possible. In this article, we present a novel technique for the machine to initiate intelligent interactions to reduce the user’s interaction cost in interactive classification tasks. The technique of machine-initiated intelligent interaction (MI3) builds on a generic framework featuring active sampling and default labeling. To demonstrate the MI3 approach, we use the well-known cholera map visualization by John Snow as an example, as it features three instances of MI3 pipelines. The experiment has confirmed the merits of the MI3 approach.
VADAF: Visualization for Abnormal Client Detection and Analysis in Federated Learning
Authors: Meng Linhao , Wei Yating , Pan Rusheng , Zhou Shuyue , Zhang Jianwei , Chen Wei
Published: September 2021

Federated Learning (FL) provides a powerful solution to distributed machine learning on a large corpus of decentralized data. It ensures privacy and security by performing computation on devices (which we refer to as clients) based on local data to improve the shared global model. However, the inaccessibility of the data and the invisibility of the computation make it challenging to interpret and analyze the training process, especially to distinguish potential client anomalies. Identifying these anomalies can help experts diagnose and improve FL models. For this reason, we propose a visual analytics system, VADAF, to depict the training dynamics and facilitate analyzing potential client anomalies. Specifically, we design a visualization scheme that supports massive training dynamics in the FL environment. Moreover, we introduce an anomaly detection method to detect potential client anomalies, which are further analyzed based on both the client model’s visual and objective estimation. Three case studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of our system in understanding the FL training process and supporting abnormal client detection and analysis.
SortCache
Authors: Srikanth Sriseshan , Jain Anirudh , Conte Thomas M. , Debenedictis Erik P. , Cook Jeanine
Published: September 2021

Sparse data applications have irregular access patterns that stymie modern memory architectures. Although hyper-sparse workloads have received considerable attention in the past, moderately-sparse workloads prevalent in machine learning applications, graph processing and HPC have not. Where the former can bypass the cache hierarchy, the latter fit in the cache. This article makes the observation that intelligent, near-processor cache management can improve bandwidth utilization for data-irregular accesses, thereby accelerating moderately-sparse workloads. We propose SortCache, a processor-centric approach to accelerating sparse workloads by introducing accelerators that leverage the on-chip cache subsystem, with minimal programmer intervention.
Sensory and Cognitive Ecology of Bats
Authors: Page Rachel A. , ter Hofstede Hannah M.
Published: September 2021

We see stunning morphological diversity across the animal world. Less conspicuous but equally fascinating are the sensory and cognitive adaptations that determine animals’ interactions with their environments and each other. We discuss the development of the fields of sensory and cognitive ecology and the importance of integrating these fields to understand the evolution of adaptive behaviors. Bats, with their extraordinarily high ecological diversity, are ideal animals for this purpose. An explosion in recent research allows for better understanding of the molecular, genetic, neural, and behavioral bases for sensory ecology and cognition in bats. We give examples of studies that illuminate connections between sensory and cognitive features of information filtering, evolutionary trade-offs in sensory and cognitive processing, and multimodal sensing and integration. By investigating the selective pressures underlying information acquisition, processing, and use in bats, we aim to illuminate patterns and processes driving sensory and cognitive evolution.
Consumer Protection for Financial Inclusion in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Bridging Regulator and Academic Perspectives
Authors: Garz Seth , Giné Xavier , Karlan Dean , Mazer Rafe , Sanford Caitlin , Zinman Jonathan
Published: September 2021

Markets for consumer financial services are growing rapidly in low- and middle-income countries and are being transformed by digital technologies and platforms. With growth and change come concerns about protecting consumers from firm exploitation due to imperfect information and contracting as well as from their own decision-making limitations. We seek to bridge regulator and academic perspectives on these underlying sources of harm and five potential problems that can result: high and hidden prices, overindebtedness, postcontract exploitation, fraud, and discrimination. These potential problems span product markets old and new and could impact micro- and macroeconomies alike. Yet there is little consensus on how to define, diagnose, or treat such problems. Evidence-based consumer financial protection will require substantial advances in theory and especially empirics, and we outline key areas for future research.
An Optimized Preparation Procedure of Tetrabasic Lead Sulfate for Lead-Acid Batteries
Authors: Qiu Lina , Liu Zhipeng , Zhang Weiwei , Gong Aijun , Liu Yang
Published: September 2021

The addition of tetrabasic lead sulfates (4BS) as additives to positive pastes will effectively address the shortcomings which occur during the usage of Lead-acid batteries, such as the premature capacity loss and the active substances shed in the positive paste. We synthesized 4BS seeds using the doped lead sulfate atmospheric hydrothermal method with the lead oxide, lead sulfate, and sulfuric acid as reactant. The purity and yield of 4BS reach above 99% and 92.5%, respectively, and the particle size was approximately 10 μm. The products have been characterized by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer. Composition analysis and processing method exploration of the effluent from the 4BS synthesis were finished as well.
Serine mutations in overexpressed Hsp27 abrogate the protection against doxorubicin-induced p53-dependent cardiac apoptosis in mice
Authors: Kanagasabai Ragu , Karthikeyan Krishnamurthy , Zweier Jay L. , Ilangovan Govindasamy
Published: September 2021

Requirement of serine phosphorylation in Hsp27 for cardioprotective effect against Dox is tested in various mutants overexpressing mice. Cardioprotective effect was found to be compromised in Hsp27 serine mutants overexpressed mice compared with wild-type overexpressing mice. These results indicate that cancer patients, who carry these mutations, may have higher risk of aggravated cardiomyopathy on treated with cardiotoxic chemotherapeutics such as doxorubicin.
Challenges and Their Practices in Adoption of Hybrid Cloud Computing: An Analytical Hierarchy Approach
Authors: Khan Siffat Ullah , Khan Habib Ullah , Ullah Naeem , Khan Rafiq Ahmad
Published: September 2021

Cloud computing adoption provides various advantages for companies. In particular, hybrid cloud shares the advantages of both the public and private cloud technologies because it combines the private in-house cloud with the public on-demand cloud. In order to obtain benefits from the opportunities provided by the hybrid cloud, organizations want to adopt or develop novel capabilities. Maturity models have proved to be an exceptional and easily available method for evaluating and improving capabilities. However, there is a dire need for a robust framework that helps client organizations in the adoption and assessment of hybrid cloud. Therefore, this research paper aims to present a taxonomy of the challenging factors faced by client organizations in the adoption of hybrid cloud. Typically, such a taxonomy is presented on the basis of obtained results from the empirical analysis with the execution of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. From the review of literature and empirical study, in total 13 challenging factors are recognized and plotted into four groups: “Lack of Inclination,” “Lack of Readiness,” “Lack of Adoption,” and “Lack of Satisfaction.” The AHP technique is executed to prioritize the identified factors and their groups. By this way, we found that “Lack of Adoption” and “Lack of Satisfaction” are the most significant groups from the identified challenging factors. Findings from AHP also show that “public cloud security concern” and “achieving QoS” are the upper ranking factors confronted in the adoption of hybrid cloud mechanism by client organizations because their global weight (0.201) is greater than those of all the other reported challenging factors. We also found out 46 practices to address the identified challenges. The taxonomy developed in this study offers a comprehensive structure for dealing with hybrid cloud computing issues, which is essential for the success and advancement of client and vendor organizations in hybrid cloud computing relationships.