bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal body weight dynamics in relation to cognitive decline over two decades: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Tianjing , Chen Hui , Huang Yuhui , Wang Binghan , Zheng Yan , Wang Liang , Rong Shuang , Ma Yuan , Yuan Changzheng
Published: February 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of body weight change (BWC) and body weight variability (BWV) with changes in cognitive function.

Methods

In 10,340 Health and Retirement Study participants (mean age: 68.0 years), body weight was reported biennially from 1993/1994 to 2016, and cognitive function was measured biennially from 1998 to 2016. We calculated BWC and BWV as the slope and root‐mean‐square error by regressing body weight on time for each individual. BWC was categorized by quintiles (Q): stable weight (Q2 to Q4), weight loss (Q1), and weight gain (Q5). BWV was categorized by tertiles. We used linear mixed regression models to assess associations with cognitive change.

Results

Compared with stable weight (median: 0 kg/y), weight loss (median: −1.3 kg/y) predicted faster cognitive decline as demonstrated by mean difference of −0.023 (95% CI: −0.027 to −0.019) in cognitive change z score per year, whereas weight gain (median: 1 kg/y) was related to slower cognitive decline (β = 0.006; 95% CI: 0.003 to 0.009). Larger BWV was also associated with faster cognitive decline (β comparing the top with bottom tertile = −0.003; 95% CI: −0.006 to −0.0002). Similar associations were observed for episodic and working memory.

Conclusions

Weight loss and large BWV over a long time independently predicted faster cognitive decline in middle‐aged and older adults, underscoring the importance of long‐term dynamic body weight monitoring.
Non‐OH‐driven liquid‐phase chemistry in water microdroplets
Authors: Nayak Gaurav , Wang Jianan , Li Rui , Aranzales Diana , Thagard Selma Mededovic , Bruggeman Peter J.
Published: February 2023

Water microdroplets containing organic and fluorinated compounds, such as formate, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and triflic acid, were exposed to a radiofrequency glow discharge plasma with a droplet residence time on the order of milliseconds. Triflic acid remained unaffected by any plasma condition while >75% decomposition of formate and PFOA could be achieved. In situ hydroxyl (OH)‐laser‐induced fluorescence measurements near the droplets confirmed that the conversion was independent of the OH flux to the droplet. A series of control experiments suggest that the contribution of vacuum UV photons in such decomposition of aqueous compounds can be significant for He and He + 17% Ar plasmas and can also explain unexpected decomposition trends as a function of droplet residence time in the plasma.
Distinguishing features of fold‐switching proteins
Authors: Chakravarty Devlina , Schafer Joseph W. , Porter Lauren L.
Published: February 2023

Though many folded proteins assume one stable structure that performs one function, a small‐but‐increasing number remodel their secondary and tertiary structures and change their functions in response to cellular stimuli. These fold‐switching proteins regulate biological processes and are associated with autoimmune dysfunction, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 infection, and more. Despite their biological importance, it is difficult to computationally predict fold switching. With the aim of advancing computational prediction and experimental characterization of fold switchers, this review discusses several features that distinguish fold‐switching proteins from their single‐fold and intrinsically disordered counterparts. First, the isolated structures of fold switchers are less stable and more heterogeneous than single folders but more stable and less heterogeneous than intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). Second, the sequences of single fold, fold switching, and intrinsically disordered proteins can evolve at distinct rates. Third, proteins from these three classes are best predicted using different computational techniques. Finally, late‐breaking results suggest that single folders, fold switchers, and IDPs have distinct patterns of residue–residue coevolution. The review closes by discussing high‐throughput and medium‐throughput experimental approaches that might be used to identify new fold‐switching proteins.
Plasticizers' effect on pH indicator film based on starch and red grape skin extract for monitoring fish freshness
Authors: Góes Mariana Moraes , Simões Bruno Matheus , Yamashita Fabio , Mali de Oliveira Suzana , de Carvalho Gizilene Maria
Published: February 2023

This work aimed to develop a novel colorimetric indicator film from cassava starch, isomalt and glycerol with 20% wt.% of grape skin extract (GSE) by casting to be used as an indicator of fish freshness. The plasticizers were used in the concentration of 33% at five levels: 100/0, 70/30, 60/40, 50/50 and 0/100 (%w/w isomalt/glycerol). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and RGB colour analysis showed the homogenous distribution of GSE in the starch matrix. The presence of GSE reduces the thermal stability, k1 value, solubility, swelling values and the %E and increases the tensile strength (TS), revealing its plasticizing potential action in the presence of isomalt. The influence of pH on the colours of the film containing GSE and its indicator activity were evaluated. The results showed that the film produced operates in a wide pH range, being an excellent candidate as an indicator for monitoring fish freshness.
Long Covid: A call for global action
Authors: Loreche Arianna Maever , Pepito Veincent Christian F. , Dayrit Manuel M.
Published: February 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in another global health crisis with millions of individuals with Long Covid experiencing disability, worse health‐related quality of life, and productivity and income losses. Despite its impact on population health outcomes, health systems, and the economy, there remains a need for a global consensus on its standard definition, diagnostic approaches, and treatment plans to manage symptoms. In many low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), there are limited published estimates on Long Covid, limited studies on its diagnostics and therapeutics, and limited media and news coverage. We advocate for a global action plan and necessary investments on Long Covid research and treatment, meaningful involvement of patients and cooperation between high‐income countries and LMICs, stronger and more effective public health communication surrounding the risks of Long Covid, and support toward financial risk protection as advocated by Universal Health Care.
Developing a “Sponge Catchment Management Plan (SCMP)” framework at the catchment scale: The case of Guiyang, SW China
Authors: Qi Yunfei , Chan Faith Ka Shun , Feng Meili , Griffiths James , Hutchins Michael , O'Donnell Emily , Thorne Colin , Liu Lingyun , Zhang Chunguang , Li Xinan
Published: February 2023

Catchment floods are more challenging due to intensive urbanization and climate change. Enlightened by the Low Impact Development (LID), China initiated the Sponge City Program (SCP) to transform Urban Flood Management (UFM) to be more environmentally friendly in 2013. The China National Government (CNG) has subsidized municipal SCP facilities to enhance urban flood resilience while delivering multiple co‐benefits for urban ecosystems and social well‐being. Recent floods at Schleiden (Germany), Arizona State (USA), and Zhengzhou (China) in 2021 reflected the necessity of Catchment Flood Management (CFM) to cover the whole catchment scale. The SCP, designed to handle small‐scale urban pluvial floods, has brought concerns when facing larger‐scale fluvial floods after the Zhengzhou 2021 flood. Indeed, catchment‐scale Natural Flood Management (NFM) can manage fluvial floods while improving flood adaptations sustainably from upstream to downstream reaches. This research develops a new framework named the Sponge Catchment Management Plan (SCMP), including structural and Nonstructural elements. On the structural side, the SCMP framework integrates NFM with the SCP and Grey Engineering (GE) for reducing the fluvial flood discharge peaks in the whole‐catchment scale. On the nonstructural side, the SCMP encourages collaborative governance, revising technical standards, and improving “bottom‐up” participation. This research used Semi‐Structured Interviews (SSIs) and a Focus Group Approach (FGA) to explore 62 professional and Nonprofessional stakeholders’ perspectives on the SCMP framework. Some professional respondents did not know much about the NFM and were worried about the effectiveness of this practice. But most interviewees supported the SCMP pilot work and shared the co‐benefits from the NFM. This case study at the SW China, Guiyang, could be a lesson to encourage other Chinese cities further implement SCP to improve catchment‐scale flood resilience.
Nurturing the marriages of urinary liquid biopsies and nano‐diagnostics for precision urinalysis of prostate cancer
Authors: Liao Caizhi , Wu Zhihao , Lin Chan , Chen Xiaofeng , Zou Yaqun , Zhao Wan , Li Xin , Huang Guangqi , Xu Baisheng , Briganti Giovanni E. , Qi Yan , Wang Xianshu , Zeng Tao , Wuethrich Alain , Zou Hongzhi
Published: February 2023

Prostate cancer remains the second‐most common cancer diagnosed in men, despite the increasingly widespread use of serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening. The controversial clinical implications and cost benefits of PSA screening have been highlighted due to its poor specificity, resulting in a high rate of overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. Thus, the development of novel biomarkers for prostate cancer detection remains an intriguing challenge. Urine is emerging as a source for prostate cancer biomarker discovery. Currently, new urine biomarkers already outperform serum PSA in clinical diagnosis. Meanwhile, the advances in nanotechnology have provided a suite of diagnostic tools to study prostate cancer in more detail, sparking a new era of biomarker discoveries. In this review, we envision that future prostate cancer diagnosis will probably integrate multiplex nano‐diagnostic approaches to detect novel urinary biomarkers. However, challenges remain in differentiating indolent from aggressive cancers to better inform treatment decisions, and clinical translation still needs to be overcome.
Early detritivory and sedimentivory in insects based on in situ gut contents from Triassic aquatic nymphs
Authors: Peñalver Enrique , Matamales‐Andreu Rafel , Juárez‐Ruiz Josep , Nel André , Lozano Rafael Pablo , Pérez‐de la Fuente Ricardo
Published: February 2023

The colonization of freshwater by insects is one of the milestones in the establishment of continental ecosystems and, thus, of life on our planet. However, several key aspects of this process such as patterns of origination, early adaptations and palaeoecological relationships of the groups involved remain poorly known, namely due to the scarcity of significant assemblages. The Palaeozoic fossil record of freshwater insects is poor and unstudied in suitable detail. Here we analyse exceptionally preserved, three‐dimensional cololites (in situ gut contents) in abundant mayfly nymphs from Pedra Alta (lower Anisian, lowermost Middle Triassic; Mallorca, Spain), which probably inhabited lentic waters (pools) in a riverine ecosystem. This Konservat‐Lagerstätte shows an aquatic insect assemblage c. 2 myr older than the similar locality of Grès à Voltzia (Northern Vosges, France). Detailed morphological and elemental analysis show that the cololites are composed of the same very fine‐grained claystone as the fossil‐bearing rock. This study presents the oldest direct evidence of insect detritivory, as well as most probably that of sedimentivory. The trophic niche represented by insect sedimentivory in the early continental aquatic ecosystem of Pedra Alta is not known for the subsequent c. 240 myr of insect evolutionary history and up to the present. This lifestyle in extant insects is extremely infrequent and is known only in a few species of burrowing mayfly nymphs. Our findings illuminate the role of insects in detritus processing in relatively complex food webs shortly after the end‐Permian mass extinction event.
Theoretical and experimental investigation of the time‐dependent relaxation rates of GFRP and BFRP reinforcement bars
Authors: Hiesch Dominik , Proske Tilo , Graubner Carl‐Alexander , Bujotzek Lukas , El Ghadioui Redouan
Published: February 2023

Cracked concrete members with fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement generally suffer from increased deflections compared to steel‐reinforced members due to FRP reinforcements' lower modulus of elasticity. An approach to counteract this problem can be the prestressing of the FRP reinforcement, which can significantly reduce member deflections. However, time‐dependent prestress losses occur due creep and shrinkage of the concrete and relaxation of the prestressing tendons. Within the first part of this article, mathematical approaches to determine relaxation rates from creep tests are introduced. Subsequently, short‐term and long‐term tensile tests under sustained load on glass and basalt FRP reinforcement bars are presented. Based on the experimental data and the mathematical model, relaxation rates for the investigated specimens are derived. In addition, using an approach based on logarithmic extrapolation, the relaxation rates at 1 million hours (end of service life) are calculated, and the experimentally determined residual tensile properties are evaluated.
Cost‐effectiveness of pancreas surveillance: The CDKN2A‐p16‐Leiden cohort
Authors: Ibrahim Isaura S. , Vasen Hans F. A. , Wasser Martin N. J. M. , Feshtali Shirin , Bonsing Bert A. , Morreau Hans , Inderson Akin , de Vos tot Nederveen Cappel Wouter H. , van den Hout Wilbert B.
Published: February 2023

Background

CDKN2A‐p16‐Leiden mutation carriers have a high lifetime risk of developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with very poor survival. Surveillance may improve prognosis.

Objective

To assess the cost‐effectiveness of surveillance, as compared to no surveillance.

Methods

In 2000, a surveillance program was initiated at Leiden University Medical Center with annual MRI and optional endoscopic ultrasound. Data were collected on the resection rate of screen‐detected tumors and on survival. The Kaplan–Meier method and a parametric cure model were used to analyze and compare survival. Based on the surveillance and survival data from the screening program, a state‐transition model was constructed to estimate lifelong outcomes.

Results

A total of 347 mutation carriers participated in the surveillance program. PDAC was detected in 31 patients (8.9%) and the tumor could be resected in 22 patients (71.0%). Long‐term cure among patients with resected PDAC was estimated at 47.1% (p < 0.001). The surveillance program was estimated to reduce mortality from PDAC by 12.1% and increase average life expectancy by 2.10 years. Lifelong costs increased by €13,900 per patient, with a cost‐utility ratio of €14,000 per quality‐adjusted life year gained. For annual surveillance to have an acceptable cost‐effectiveness in other settings, lifetime PDAC risk needs to be 10% or higher.

Conclusion

The tumor could be resected in most patients with a screen‐detected PDAC. These patients had considerably better survival and as a result annual surveillance was found to be cost‐effective.
In vitro maturation of oocytes as a laboratory approach to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): From oocyte to embryo
Authors: Rodrigues Patricia , Marques Monica , Manero Juan Aibar , Marujo Maria D. , Carvalho Maria José , Plancha Carlos E.
Published: February 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, which in some case leads to infertility. This disorder is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovarian morphology. Infertile PCOS women that need in vitro fertilization (IVF) have greater risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) if conventional ovarian stimulation is used. In vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) is an alternative technique that prevents OHSS in infertile PCOS women. In the last decade, IVM protocols have improved, particularly with the development of biphasic IVM culture accounting for better pregnancy and live birth rates. This technique has been extended to other treatments like, fertility preservation, when patients have no time, or a contra‐indication for ovarian stimulation, and poor responders. In this review, we will discuss IVM as a viable option for PCOS infertile patients.

This article is categorized under:

Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology

Reproductive System Diseases > Environmental Factors

Reproductive System Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics
Analytical and Numerical Analysis for the Vibrational Response of Timber-Concrete Composite Floor
Authors: Liu MingYu
Published: February 2023

This study investigates the vibration characteristics of composite timber-concrete floor systems to provide a reliable benchmark for optimizing composite floor system designs. This paper uses the numerical and analytical methods for evaluation to support more detailed study results and to build a comprehensive model for future research. Through Strand7 and ABAQUS numerical finite element analysis, geometrical layout and beam material effects on the timber-concrete composite floor are thoroughly explored. Meanwhile, the analytical results are further compared with the analytical solution based on the Dunkerley method and AISC. Then 15 kinds of timber-concrete composite floor designs are simulated and numerically tested. It was found that the dimensions of the timber beams and their composition might affect the natural frequencies of the floors. On this basis, this paper proposes future design schemes to provide reliable suggestions for further research.
Study on Sound Insulation of Integrated Composite Wallboard Made of ALC and Rock Wool Panel
Authors: Shang Renjie , Hou Zhaoxin , Mao Zhenlong , Liang Yundong
Published: February 2023

The integrated composite wallboard is a new type of prefabricated building enclosure wallboard made of autoclaved aerated concrete (ALC) and rock wool panel, which can meet the thermal requirements of cold areas in China without additional insulation. The ALC of the integrated composite wallboard is divided into local four-sided supported plates by vertical and horizontal ribs, which makes the wallboard have a different sound insulation performance from the wallboard of single uniform material and the composite wallboard of double-layer lightweight plates. The authors investigate the sound insulation performance of the integrated composite wallboard and compare it with other lightweight wallboards. They have found an apparent coincidence frequency region of air-borne sound insulation, which coincides with the natural vibration frequency of the local four-sided supported panel of ALC. Such an anastomosis effect seriously affects the weighted sound reduction index Rw, which reduces the weighted sound reduction index by 6 ~ 8 dB. The sound insulation experiment of integrated composite wallboard of ALC and rock wool panel objectively reflects the adverse effects of the sandwiched wallboard structure and provides a reference for improving the sound insulation performance by structurally upgrading the integrated composite wallboard.
Monitoring and Analysis of Dam Deformation in Yuankou Reservoir
Authors: Xu Ming
Published: February 2023

Dam plays an important role in regulating the flow of water. It is the key to ensure the safe and stable operation of reservoir. Taking Yuankou Reservoir Dam as the research object, this paper monitored the horizontal displacement, settlement displacement and the internal deformation of upstream dam slope from December 15, 2006 to November 27, 2017. The results show that the horizontal deformation, settlement deformation and internal deformation of upstream dam slope are within a reasonable range. The deformation distribution and variation trend conform to the general law, and the deformation of the dam is in the normal range.
Analysis on Fatigue Crack of Orthotropic Steel Bridge Decks
Authors: Ma Rui , Dong Peng , Xv Zigang
Published: February 2023

Through the detection of the steel structure bridge for 7 years, the main distribution of cracks in steel box girder of steel structure bridge was presented. Through the numerical analysis of the steel box girder of steel structure bridge, the stress distribution of the diaphragms was obtained. The result of detection and the numerical analysis was compared, and showed that the cracks mainly appeared in the welding parts and the arc notch of the diaphragms. The cracks at the welding part mainly came from the welding defects. And the cracks at the arc notch of the diaphragms were due to the stress concentration.
Establishment of Community Earthquake Vulnerability Assessment System
Authors: Wang Xiao , Zhang Qi , Zhang Guowei , Dong Lihui , Zheng Qiuyu
Published: February 2023

Community, as the basic unit of the city, is not only the main body of earthquake response, but also the main body of urban emergency rescue response. The earthquake disaster emergency practices show that the losses of earthquake disaster are greatly affected by emergency preparedness. Therefore, it is urgent to conduct research on earthquake risk assessment and emergency preparedness capacity assessment for communities. HAZUS and Pushover method are used to establish an earthquake vulnerability assessment model based on community buildings. The vulnerability of personnel is calculated according to the probability value, which lays the foundation for emergency assessment. Finally, taking Xinchengzi community as an example, when the earthquake intensity is VII, the following conclusions are drawn: there are expected to be two deaths and seven serious injuries and 2855 displaced people in the community. The assessment system can provide reference for the government to improve the emergency response capacity.
Sensor Fault Diagnosis Method of Bridge Monitoring System Based on FS-LSTM
Authors: Li Lili , Luo Hao , Qi He , Wang Feiyu
Published: February 2023

An improved long-short-term memory neural network (FS-LSTM) fault diagnosis method is proposed based on the problems of damage false alarm, data of health monitoring system incorrect caused by sensor fault in bridge structure health monitoring system. The method is verified by simulating three-span continuous beams to install several sensors and considering the five failures of one sensor, the faults such as: constant, gain, bias, gain linearity bias, and noise. At first, several pieces of white noise data are randomly generated, and each piece of white noise data is applied as a ground pulsation excitation to the structure support, and the acceleration response of the structure at the sensor location is calculated. Simultaneously, each structural response record of each sensor adds white noise with the same signal-to-noise ratio to obtain the test value of each sensor; Secondly, in order to study the generality, except for the five types of faulty sensors in sequence, one sensor is randomly selected from each of the remaining spans, to verify whether there will be a situation where an intact sensor is misdiagnosed as a faulty sensor; Finally, the FS-LSTM network is constructed through the training set to predict the acceleration data, determine the sensor fault threshold, and compare the residual sequence with the fault threshold to diagnose whether the sensor is faulty. The case research of a three-span continuous beam shows that when the above-mentioned five types of faults occur in the sensor, the proposed method can correctly determine whether the sensor is faulty, and it will not be misdiagnosed, which can be used for daily bridge health monitoring. Furthermore, it provides a new method for the maintenance of the bridge health monitoring system.
Branching fractions of B meson decays in Mesogenesis
Authors: Elor Gilly , Guerrera Alfredo Walter Mario
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Production of the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the B-Mesogenesis mechanism is directly related to the branching fraction of seemingly baryon number violating decays of B mesons into a light Standard Model baryon and missing energy. Achieving the observed baryon asymmetry requires that the branching fraction for such decays be greater than about 10−7–10−5. Experimental searches at B Factories and Hadron Colliders target specific decay modes. Therefore, computing the exclusive branching fraction for each decay is a critical step towards testing Mesogenesis. In this work we use QCD Light Cone Sum Rules to compute the form factors and branching fractions of the various possible channels contributing to the baryon asymmetry. Using the results, we comment on implications for current and future experimental searches.
A crystal structure refinement of uralolite, Ca2Be4(PO4)3(OH)3∙5H2O, from Weinebene, Austria
Authors: Mereiter Kurt , Walter Franz
Published: February 2023

The crystal structure of uralolite, Ca2Be4(PO4)3(OH)3·5H2O, from the spodumene deposit of Weinebene, Carinthia, Austria, has been refined with X-ray single crystal data gathered on a CCD diffractometer. Uralolite is monoclinic, space group P21/n, a = 6.553(1), b = 16.005(3), c = 15.979(3) Å, β = 101.63(1)°, V = 1641.5(5) Å3. While previously only isotropic displacement parameters and no hydrogen atom positions were reported for uralolite, now anisotropic displacement parameters were used for non-hydrogen atoms and hydrogen atoms were located and refined yielding R1 = 0.038 for 3909 observed reflections. Uralolite is built up from corrugated layers [Be4(PO4)3(OH)3]4- parallel to (010), which contain Z-shaped groups of four BeO4 tetrahedra sharing corners via three OH groups and are further crosslinked by PO4 tetrahedra. Two Ca atoms in Ca(Ophosphate)5(H2O)2 coordination and an interstitial water molecule link these layers along [010]. The OH groups and the Ca-bonded H2O molecules are all involved in hydrogen bonds with O···O distances of 2.780(2) − 3.063(2) Å and O-H···O angles of 150(1) − 179(1)° excluding a bifurcated bond. The interstitial water molecule displays a distorted tetrahedral environment of O atoms and accepts and donates each two hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure exhibits a C2/c pseudosymmetry for the [Be4(PO4)3(OH)3]4- layers and the Ca atoms. However, the disposition of the water molecules and an asymmetric hydrogen bond pattern involving OH groups as well as H2O molecules are decisive for the lowering of the symmetry of the structure to the true space group P21/n.
Energetics during eddy shedding in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Yang Haiyuan , Yang Chen , Liu Yongzheng , Chen Zhaohui
Published: February 2023

Using the Estimating Circulation and Climate of the Ocean (ECCO) Phase II product, this study investigates the energetic characteristics during eddy shedding in the Gulf of Mexico. Based on the sea level anomaly data between 1992 and 2016, a total of 34 eddy shedding events are identified. Drawing on multiscale energy and vorticity analysis method, the eddy kinetic energy (EKE) budgets are diagnosed based on the ensemble of 34 eddy shedding events. During the stage of eddy shedding, barotropic instability (BT) dominates the energy budget. Meanwhile, energy transfers from upper layer to the deep layer by vertical pressure work (PW), which is the main source of abyssal EKE. Before eddy detachment, cyclonic eddy appears at the southeastern side of the Loop Current. Even though buoyancy forcing (BF) dominates the energy budget, BT makes considerable contribution to the generation of cyclonic eddy. Baroclinic instability (BC) shares the similar horizontal distribution with BF which accounts for 32% of the value of BC.
A multi-objective optimization approach for integrated risk-based internal audit planning
Authors: Wang Xiong , Ferreira Fernando A. F. , Yan Pengyu
Published: February 2023

Annual audit planning is a multi-criteria decision-making problem faced by internal audit departments of all organizations. Due to the constrained audit resources, the planning process primarily involves the analysis and evaluation of complex factors for selecting auditable units that maximize the full potential of internal audit. Previous research on internal audit planning only focused on the goal of risk minimization and applied ranking methods to prioritize alternatives. In order to enable internal audit activities to add more value to the organization, the integrated risk-based internal audit planning is proposed to assist audit department in achieving multiple objectives in addition to risk management. Meanwhile, a multi-stage framework is proposed to support the development of such value-added internal audit plan. The new framework integrates the risk assessment of auditable units with the selection of audit activities and resource allocation through a combined analytic hierarchy process (AHP), fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) and weighted multi-choice goal programming (WMCGP) approach. The model considers both qualitative and quantitative decision criteria. A real-life case study of the development of an integrated risk-based annual audit plan is presented, and sensitivity analysis is performed to illustrate the validity of the proposed approach. The results indicate that the proposed framework is a useful tool for internal audit planning and the implications of the study can be extended to various selection and allocation problems.
Structured validation of AI-based systems by virtual testing in simulated test scenarios
Authors: Dahmen Ulrich , Osterloh Tobias , Roßmann Jürgen
Published: February 2023

The growing relevance of artificial intelligence (AI) for technical systems offers significant potential for the realization and operation of autonomous systems in complex and potentially unknown environments. However, unlike classical solution approaches, the functionality of an AI system cannot be verified analytically, which is why data-driven approaches such as scenario-based testing are used. With the increasing complexity of the required functionality of the AI-based system, the quantity, and quality of the data needed for development and validation also increase. To meet this demand, data generated synthetically using simulation is increasingly being used. Compared to the acquisition of real-world reference data, simulation offers the major advantage that it can be configured to test specific scenarios of interest. This paper presents an architecture for the systematic generation of virtual test scenarios to establish synthetically generated test data as an integral part of the development and validation process for AI systems. Key aspects of this architecture are the consistent use of digital twins as virtual 1-to-1 replicas and a simulation infrastructure that enables the generation of training and validation data for AI-based systems in appropriate quantity, quality, and time. In particular, this paper focuses on the application of the architecture in the context of two use cases from different application domains.
Principles to operationalize equity in cancer research and health outcomes: lessons learned from the cancer prevention and control research network
Authors: Chebli Perla , Adsul Prajakta , Kranick Julie , Rohweder Catherine L. , Risendal Betsy C. , Bilenduke Emily , Williams Rebecca , Wheeler Stephanie , Kwon Simona C. , Trinh-Shevrin Chau
Published: February 2023

Reflecting their commitment to advancing health equity, the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) established a Health Equity Workgroup to identify and distill guiding principles rooted in health equity, community-engaged participatory research (CBPR), social determinants of health, and racial equity frameworks to guide its collective work. The Health Equity Workgroup utilized a multi-phase, participatory consensus-building approach to: (1) identify recurrent themes in health and racial equity frameworks; (2) capture perspectives on and experiences with health equity research among CPCRN members through an online survey; (3) engage in activities to discuss and refine the guiding principles; and (4) collect case examples of operationalizing equity principles in cancer research. Representatives from all CPCRN centers endorsed nine core principles to guide the Network’s strategic plan: (1) Engage in power-sharing and capacity building with partners; (2) Address community priorities through community engagement and co-creation of research; (3) Explore and address the systems and structural root causes of cancer disparities; (4) Build a system of accountability between research and community partners; (5) Establish transparent relationships with community partners; (6) Prioritize the sustainability of research benefits for community partners; (7) Center racial equity in cancer prevention and control research; (8) Engage in equitable data collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination practices; and (9) Integrate knowledge translation, implementation, and dissemination into research plans. Dissemination products, such as toolkits and technical assistance workshops, reflecting these principles will foster knowledge transfer to intentionally integrate health and racial equity principles in cancer prevention and control research.
A combined cognitive and spatial model to map and understand climate-induced migration
Authors: Cárdenas-Vélez Mario , Barrott Julia , Betancur Jaramillo Juan Camilo , Hernández-Orozco Efraim , Maestre-Másmela Daniela , Lobos-Alva Ivonne
Published: February 2023

Climate change impacts on populations have increased the number of affected people and climate migrants worldwide. Although the nexus between climate change and migration is not monolithic, analyses of individual-level factors at the local scale that reveal the specific drivers of migration are lacking. Here, we show that people are motivated by individual calculations, prioritizing economic and social factors when deciding to migrate. We use data from 53 structured interviews to decompose the assessment of the decision-making process of people deciding to migrate from a region highly vulnerable to climate change, assessing the internal and external migratory potential. The assessment of migration potential evidenced that potential migrants react and make decisions based on perceptions and preferences among economic, social, environmental, and cultural factors when migrating and value these factors differently. Our spatial multi-criteria model reports disaggregation in that people prioritize economic factors, such as unemployment, job opportunities, and lack of income, over other migration-related factors, while environmental factors are generally considered underlying. Our results demonstrate that migration is not monolithic but a mixture and amalgam of multiple interacting factors, which causes people to migrate or stay in one place despite vulnerability and climate change impacts.
Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and its Association with Rumination, Thought Suppression and Experiential Avoidance: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Miethe Sandra , Wigger Janna , Wartemann Annika , Fuchs Fée Ona , Trautmann Sebastian
Published: February 2023

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental disorder causing high individual and societal costs. The use of maladaptive emotion regulation (ER) strategies has been identified as a potential contributing factor. This meta-analysis aimed to quantify the associations between PTSD symptoms and rumination, thought suppression and experiential avoidance. The systematic literature search resulted in 5574 studies, 75 of which were included in the analysis. From those eligible studies 189 effect sizes were obtained. For symptoms of posttraumatic stress, large effects were found for associations with rumination (r = .52) and experiential avoidance (r = .48), whereas a medium effect size was found for thought suppression (r = .29). With respect to different PTSD symptom clusters, associations ranged between r = .35 and r = .41 for associations with intrusive re-experiencing, between r = .39 and r = .41 for associations with avoidance, between r = .50 and r = .53 for associations with alterations in cognitions and mood and between r = .41 and r = .45 for associations with alterations in arousal and activity. Few available studies provide some evidence that associations might be somewhat reduced but still substantial in longitudinal compared to cross-sectional studies. These findings provide valuable targets for future investigations with the long-term goal of improving targeted interventions for the prevention and treatment of PTSD symptoms.
Preserving the longevity of long-lasting family businesses: a multilevel model
Authors: Conz Elisa , Denicolai Stefano , De Massis Alfredo
Published: February 2023

Prior research lacks an understanding of how decision makers preserve longevity within family businesses. This study examines longevity under a microfoundational lens, through an interpretive qualitative research design. The selected cases are nine long-established Australian family wineries. The outcome is a multilevel grounded model of the preservation of family firm longevity that integrates the dual firm-family relationship with the individual level of decision makers. The model shows the role played by interactions among multiple levels of analysis — namely, the individual, the family and the firm — in preserving the longevity of the family business.
The role of hypoxia on prostate cancer progression and metastasis
Authors: Mohamed Osama A. A. , Tesen Heba S. , Hany Marwa , Sherif Aya , Abdelwahab Maya Magdy , Elnaggar Muhammed H.
Published: February 2023

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men and the fifth-leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide. Like any solid tumor, the hypoxic microenvironment of prostatic cancer drives hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) to mediate cell adaptions to hypoxic conditions. HIFs direct different signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NOX, and Wnt/β-Catenin to tumor progression depending on the degree of hypoxia. HIFs regulate cytoskeleton protein expression, promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which occurs when cancer cells lose cell-to-cell adhesions and start invasion and metastasis. Through activating pathways, the hypoxic microenvironment maintains the self-renewal, potency, and anti-apoptotic function of prostate cancer cells and induces tumor metastasis and transformation. These pathways could serve as a potential target for prostate cancer therapy. HIFs increase the expression of androgen receptors on cancer cells maintaining the growth and survival of prostate cancer and the development of its castration resistance. In this review, we elaborate on the role of hypoxia in prostatic cancer pathogenesis and different hypoxia-induced mechanisms.
LncRNA PCAT6 promotes proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lung adenocarcinoma cell by targeting miR-545-3p
Authors: Yang Chuyi , Huang Hongyu , Li Yongpeng , Zhuo Ting , Zhu Lu , Luo Chenyang , Wu Yanbin , Qin Shouming
Published: February 2023

Background

Lung cancer is a high incidence cancer on a worldwide basis and has become a major public health problem. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) makes up approximately half of all lung cancers and is a threat to human health. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is an important regulator of the development and progression of lung adenocarcinoma. In this manuscript we examined the role and potential mechanism of lncRNA PCAT6 in the development of LUAD.

Methods and results

Differences in lncRNA PCAT6 levels between LUAD samples and normal samples were first explored in the GEPIA database. We found that lncRNA PCAT6 expression was elevated, which was also validated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cell lines. Using western blotting, CCK-8, EdU, wound healing and transwell assays, we found that knockdown of lncRNA PCAT6 inhibited EMT, proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells. We noted a predicted a binding site for lncRNA PCAT6 and miR-545-3p through conducting bioinformatic analyses, and their binding was subsequently verified by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Rescue experiments confirmed that miR-545-3p inhibitor partially abolished the inhibition function of lncRNA PCAT6 knockdown on LUAD cells. In addition, we predicted the downstream target genes of miR-545-3p and verified them by RT-qPCR. We found that EGFR was reduced in the silence of lncRNA PCAT6 and upregulated after miR-545-3p inhibition.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that lncRNA PCAT6 promotes a more aggressive LUAD phenotype by sponging miR-545-3p. This finding may provide new ideas for the treatment of lung cancer.
Approximating piecewise nonlinearities in dynamic systems with sigmoid functions: advantages and limitations
Authors: Martinelli Cristiano , Coraddu Andrea , Cammarano Andrea
Published: February 2023

In the industry field, the increasingly stringent requirements of lightweight structures are exposing the ultimately nonlinear nature of mechanical systems. This is extremely true for systems with moving parts and loose fixtures which show piecewise stiffness behaviours. Nevertheless, the numerical solution of systems with ideal piecewise mathematical characteristics is associated with time-consuming procedures and a high computational burden. Smoothing functions can conveniently simplify the mathematical form of such systems, but little research has been carried out to evaluate their effect on the mechanical response of multi-degree-of-freedom systems. To investigate this problem, a slightly damped mechanical two-degree-of-freedom system with soft piecewise constraints is studied via numerical continuation and numerical integration procedures. Sigmoid functions are adopted to approximate the constraints, and the effect of such approximation is explored by comparing the results of the approximate system with the ones of the ideal piecewise counter-part. The numerical results show that the sigmoid functions can correctly catch the very complex dynamics of the proposed system when both the above-mentioned techniques are adopted. Moreover, a reduction in the computational burden, as well as an increase in numerical robustness, is observed in the approximate case.
Computer Vision on the Edge to Reduce Network Bandwidth Consumption and Computing Resources in Multi-view 3D Industrial Inspection without Hidden Surfaces
Authors: Escrivá David Millán , Ruiz Javier Tendillo , Carbó Pau Garrigues , Santacruz Andrés Martín Larroza , Gomariz Guillermo Amat , Soler Javier Perez , Guardiola Jose Luis , Perez-Cortes Juan-Carlos
Published: February 2023

Industrial inspection industry requires high precision, fast and reliable systems, where images play a central role. These systems are composed by several hardware and also cyber-physical componentes where complexity increases when multiple heterogeneous sensor inputs are combined. Our 3D industrial inspection scanner is able to reconstruct complete objects without occlusion with use of multiple sensors and actuators using a complex software architecture. Our system allows increasing the throughput by removing the bottleneck network issue, decreasing network data transfer using a new edge systems architecture that segments and optimizes image transferring. Also, this work presents the results of applying technology developed during the FitOptiVis European ECSEL project. FitOptiVis will provide a reference architecture supporting composability built on suitable component abstractions and embedded sensing, actuation and processing devices adhering to those abstractions. The reference architecture will support design portability, on-line multi-objective quality and resource management and run-time adaptation guaranteeing system constraints and requirements based on platform virtualization. The FitOptiVis project will be applied to design the new architecture of the new edge components and develop the runtime system monitoring.
Utilization of n-alkane and roles of lipid transfer proteins in Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Fukuda Ryouichi
Published: February 2023

Yarrowia lipolytica, a dimorphic yeast belonging to the Ascomycota, has potent abilities to utilize hydrophobic compounds, such as n-alkanes and fatty acids, as carbon and energy sources. Yarrowia lipolytica can synthesize and accumulate large amounts of lipids, making it a promising host to produce various lipids and convert n-alkanes to useful compounds. For advanced use of Y. lipolytica in these applications, it is necessary to understand the metabolism of these hydrophobic compounds in this yeast and the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this review, current knowledge on the n-alkane metabolism and how this is regulated in Y. lipolytica is summarized. Furthermore, recent studies revealed that lipid transfer proteins are involved in the utilization of n-alkanes and the regulation of cell morphology in response to n-alkanes. This review discusses the roles of membrane lipids in these processes in Y. lipolytica.
Are seafloor habitats influencing the distribution of microplastics in coastal sediments of a Marine Protected Area?
Authors: Rios-Fuster Beatriz , Compa Montserrat , Alomar Carme , Morató Mercè , Ryfer Diane , Villalonga Margarita , Deudero Salud
Published: February 2023

The marine environment is affected by the increasing presence of microplastics (MPs; < 5 mm), and the seafloor acts as a sink for these particles. Locations with different predominant seafloor habitat and protection level applied were selected from Cabrera Marine-Terrestrial National Park (henceforth, Cabrera MPA) (western Mediterranean Sea) with the aim to assess the distribution of MPs along the sediments of this Mediterranean MPA. A total of 37 samples were collected. A high diversity of sediment between locations was detected according to the Udden-Wentworth classification and locations were clustered into two main groups according to the predominance of different particle size fractions. The identification of MPs was carried out according to the sediment particle size classification. A total of 1431 MPs and a mean value (± SD) of 314.53 ± 409.94 items kg−1 D.W. were identified, and 70% of the particles were fibers. Statistically higher abundances of MPs were found in sediments collected from sandy habitats, with a mean value of 630.80 ± 636.87 items kg−1 D.W., compared to the abundances of MPs found in locations with different predominant seafloor habitats, that ranged from 136.79 ± 156.33 items kg−1 D.W. in habitats with similar predominance of seagrass and sand to 223.02 ± 113.35 items kg−1 D.W. in habitats with similar predominance of rocks and sand. The abundance of MPs regarding each sediment particle size fraction differed between years and locations, and the abundance of MPs according to each identified shape differed between sampling years, particle size fraction, and predominant seafloor habitat. The present study highlights the ubiquitous presence of MPs in seafloor sediments from a MPA. Furthermore, the results suggest that the predominant seafloor habitat can modulate the presence of MPs in marine environments in both general abundances and shape of items.