bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image interpolation with spiking neural network based pixel similarity
Authors: Kılıçaslan Mahmut
Published: June 2024

Image interpolation is an important topic in the field of image processing. It is defined as the process of transforming low-resolution images into high-resolution ones using image processing methods. Recent studies on interpolation have shown that researchers are focusing on successful interpolation techniques that preserve edge information. Therefore, the edge detection phase plays a vital role in interpolation studies. However, these approaches typically rely on gradient-based linear computations for edge detection. On the other hand, non-linear structures that effectively simulate the human visual system have gained attention. In this study, a non-linear method was developed to detect edge information using a pixel similarity approach. Pixel similarity-based edge detection approach offers both lower computational complexity and more successful interpolation results compared to gradient-based approaches. 1D cubic interpolation was applied to the pixels identified as edges based on pixel similarity, while bicubic interpolation was applied to the remaining pixels. The algorithm was tested on 12 commonly used images and compared with various interpolation techniques. The results were evaluated using metrics such as SSIM and PSNR, as well as visual assessment. The experimental findings clearly demonstrated that the proposed method outperformed other approaches. Additionally, the method offers significant advantages, such as not requiring any parameters and having competitive computational cost.
Treatment of Relapsed Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in Adult Patients
Authors: Molina John C. , Carraway Hetty E.
Published: June 2024

Opinion Statement

For adult patients diagnosed with relapsed B cell-ALL (B-ALL), there have been significant improvements in available treatment options following the FDA approval of novel cellular and immunotherapy approaches – blinatumomab, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapy, and inotuzumab. For the last several years, research has focused on gaining a better understanding of the effects of specific disease and patient characteristics on long-term outcomes with each of the FDA-approved agents. In combination with the better prevention and management of unique, treatment-specific toxicities, providers can now select the best available treatment option for each individual patient diagnosed with relapsed, adult B-ALL needing therapy. This has allowed more patients to proceed to consolidative hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), and long-term data has even brought into question the need for HSCT for long-term durable remission for all patients. However, with the adoption of blinatumomab, CAR T therapy, and inotuzumab in front-line treatment regimens, it remains unclear what effects this will have on patients with relapsed B-ALL following exposure to these novel cellular and immunotherapy therapies. Unlike B-ALL, similar advances have unfortunately not yet been realized in T cell-ALL (T-ALL). Currently, new therapeutic approaches are underway to utilize similar targeting strategies that have been successful in B-ALL – monoclonal antibodies, bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTE), and CAR T therapy. Like B-ALL, the only existing approved therapy for relapsed T-ALL, nelarabine, is now used in the upfront treatment setting potentially limiting its utility in relapsed disease. Over the next several years, the hope is for patients diagnosed with T-ALL to experience the drastic improvement in outcomes as has been seen for patients diagnosed with B-ALL over the last decade.
A study with cancer stem cells and three-dimensional tumoroids: investigation of the combined effects of 5-fluorouracil and doxorubicin in breast cancer
Authors: Erden Tayhan Seçil
Published: June 2024

The purpose of the present study was in vitro determination of the combined effects of doxorubucin and 5-fluorouracil by 2D and 3D culture conditions on breast cancer using MCF-7 cell line and CSCs isolated from these cells. In the first stage of this study, CSC isolation and their characterization were performed. In the next experimental period, the antiproliferative effects of 5-Fu and Dox on the MCF-7 and CSCs were demonstrated on 2D. To evaluate the synergistic/antagonistic effects of these chemotherapeutics, the CI was calculated. Additionally, 3D tumor spheroids were used as another model. In the last step, qRT-PCR analysis was performed to examine apoptosis-related gene expressions. In this study, it was clearly seen that CSCs obtained from the breast cancer cell line express stemness factors. In addition, the antiproliferative effects of 5-Fu and Dox on breast cancer and associated CSCs were very clear. Their synergistic effects were determined by CI values. Moreover, it was seen that combined theraphy changed the expression levels of genes related to apoptosis. Additionally, it was molecularly demonstrated that 3D tumoroids were more resistant than the others. In conclusion, the polychemotherapeutic approach was much more effective than the monotherapy. The fact that this effect was seen not only in breast cancer cells, but also in breast cancer stem cells. In addition, it was very promising that the results obtained were similar in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional tumoroids.
Exercise in cancer patients: assistance levels and referral pathways—a position statement from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology
Authors: Herrero López Blanca , Cardeña-Gutiérrez Ana , Godoy Ortiz Ana , Gonzaga López Ana , Grueso López Ana María , Nuño Alves Ana , Ramírez Daffós Patricia , Rodríguez Sánchez César A. , Rodríguez Pérez Ángel R. , Sacristán Santos Víctor , Saura Grau Salvador , Sebio García Raquel , Seguí Palmer Miguel Ángel
Published: June 2024

There is growing evidence about how physical activity can improve cancer care. Unfortunately, exercise is still not widely prescribed to oncology patients, despite the benefit it brings. For this to occur, it is necessary for a multidisciplinary approach involving different types of healthcare professionals, given that each treatment be tailored for each single case. Besides incorporating appropriate infrastructures and referral pathways, we need to integrate exercise into healthcare practice, which ameliorates patients’ quality of life and treatment side effects. From the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), and through the Exercise and Cancer Working Group, we indicate considerations, analyze patient care scenarios, and propose a referral pathway algorithm for exercise prescription, taking in account the patient’s needs. In later sections of this paper, we describe how this algorithm could be implemented, and how the exercise programs should be built, including the physical activity contents, the settings, and the delivery mode. We conclude that professionals, infrastructures, and organizations should be available at every assistance level to create programs providing adequate exercise training for cancer patients.
The EORTC QLQ43 and FACT H&N questionnaires of quality of life at 1 and 5 years after treatment and dental care in head and neck cancer patients: a pilot study
Authors: Guedea Marc , Sánchez Meritxell , Lozano Alicia , Ferrer Montse , Pont Angels , Guedea Ferran , Clotet Sandra , Juárez Marc , Araguas Pablo , Ventura Montse , d’Oliveira Nuno Gustavo , Ustrell Josep Maria
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to examine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in head and neck cancer patients at 1 and 5 years after successful treatment of their tumors, and to explore the usefulness of 2 instruments for assessing the need of dental care services.

Methods

This cross-sectional pilot study included 20 adult patients with head and neck cancer who completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck (FACT H&N) Symptom Index and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Head and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ-H&N43) after 1 and 5 years of treatment.

Results

Mean (standard deviation, SD) scores of the FACT H&N Symptom Index were higher (better HRQoL) at 5 years than at 1 year (24.1 [4.4] vs. 21.1 [6.4]; p = 0.236). Only three of the ten items of FACT H&N (swallow, pain in mouth/throat or neck, and solid foods) evaluated oral health. In the EORTC QLQ-H&N43 questionnaire, scores were lower at 5 years (better HRQoL) in almost all multi- and single-item symptoms. This questionnaire includes four multi-item scales (pain in the mouth, social eating, swallowing, and problems with teeth) measuring dental and orthodontic needs.

Conclusion

HRQoL in patients with head and neck cancer improved with the length of follow-up. The EORTC QLQ-H&N43 has more items addressing oral health compared to the FACT H&N Symptom Index and may be more adequate to assess the need of dental therapy in clinical practice.
Estimation of pore-type distribution utilizing petrophysical data and rock physics modeling on an Iranian carbonate reservoir
Authors: Mirshadi Ahadollah , Javaherian Abdolrahim , Saberi Mohammad Reza , Kadkhodaie Ali , Khoshdel Hossein
Published: June 2024

Pore types in carbonate reservoirs are more complex than their sandstone counterparts due to the wide spectrum of their depositional environments and their more complicated post-depositional processes. This means that a good knowledge of pore types is vital in determining carbonate formation’s elastic and reservoir properties. This study aims to develop a multi-physics approach to determine pore-type variations in a carbonate reservoir using well log information from one of the oilfields of the Abadan Plain in southwest Iran. Firstly, we determined lithology, porosity, and fluid content by interpreting conventional well logs (gamma ray, resistivity, density, neutron, photoelectric, and P-wave sonic). Then, nuclear magnetic resonance data were used to determine different pore types within the Main Ilam and Sarvak  formations. We distinguished between clay, micro, meso, and macro pore types. We confirmed our interpretation results using thin sections, scanning electron microscopy photographs, and pore-size distribution on the available core plugs. Finally, a carbonate rock physics model was employed to model sonic velocities using petrophysical interpretation along with pore-type determination results. A good match between modeled and measured sonic velocities confirmed that using nuclear magnetic resonance data for pore-type determination can reasonably estimate pore-type variations needed for rock physics modeling. The standard industry procedure for carbonate rock physics modeling uses sonic logs, core data, or thin sections to determine pore types. We offer a substitute approach with reasonable accuracy for pore-type modeling needed for carbonate rock physics modeling. We modeled pore types independently from sonic velocity and used them to predict P-wave velocity with a correlation coefficient of 92 and 64 percent accuracy in the  Main Ilam and Sarvak formations.

Graphical abstract
Topicality boosts popularity: a comparative analysis of NYT articles and Reddit memes
Authors: Barnes Kate , Juhász Péter , Nagy Marcell , Molontay Roland
Published: June 2024

This study sheds light on interconnected topic dynamics across traditional news sources and social media platforms, emphasizing the influential role of topicality in shaping content popularity in social media. Using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation and BERTopic models, we define sets of 120 New York Times (NYT) topics to compare with 899,766 image-with-text memes from Reddit, showing that social media content aligns with many of the same topical patterns observed in news outlets. Topicality is formalized based on the temporal distributions of topics over the past 5 years. Using these topicality features, the investigation reveals significant correlations between the rising popularity of NYT topics and increased average upvotes on Reddit, particularly evident in “innovator” memes posted during the early stages of a topic’s prevalence in the NYT. Furthermore, topicality features show significant predictive power over other content-based control features in a CatBoost classifier prediction of viral Reddit memes.
The formula $$ABA=Tr(AB)A$$ for matrices
Authors: Călugăreanu Grigore
Published: June 2024

We prove that this formula characterizes the square matrices over commutative rings for which all $$2\times 2$$

2
×
2

minors equal zero.
Enhanced Gain Dual-Port Compact Printed Meandered Log-Periodic Monopole Array Antenna Design with Octagonal-Ring Shaped FSS for Broadband 28 GHz Applications
Authors: Gültekin Seyfettin Sinan , Yerlikaya Mehmet
Published: June 2024

In this article, we propose a microstrip-fed printed meandered log-periodic monopole array (PMLPMA), and its dual-port configuration incorporating an octagonal ring frequency selective surface (FSS) layer. The dual-port PMLPMA antenna system has a compact structure with a total dimension of 18.75 × 18.75 mm2 and is designed to operate in the 5G n257 (28 GHz) band. The proposed PMLPMA radiator consists of five log-periodic monopole array elements, and the dual-port antenna system comprises two identical PMLPMAs placed vertically next to each other. Additionally, an octagonal ring-shaped single-layer FSS was implemented on the proposed antenna system to increase the gain across the operational band. Simulation results demonstrate that the dual-port PMLPMA antenna achieves a peak gain of about 3.5 dBi without the FSS layer, while a peak gain of 7.35 dBi is achieved when the FSS layer is augmented on the antenna. Moreover, isolation levels exceeding 30 dB are obtained for both cases between the 26.5–29.5 GHz frequency ranges. To verify the simulation results, the dual-port PMLPMA antenna system, and the octagonal ring-shaped FSS layer are also prototyped. The measurements align closely with the simulations in terms of performance criteria such as gain, bandwidth, and radiation patterns. Thus, the 28 GHz band antenna system exhibits great potential for 5G mobile applications.
Microstructural Analysis of Low-Calcium Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete with Different Ratios of Activator and Binder Under High Temperatures
Authors: Kucukgoncu Hurmet , Özbayrak Ahmet
Published: June 2024

Geopolymer concretes have emerged as an alternative to traditional Portland cement concretes with high strength, good durability, well corrosion performance and high-temperature resistance, and being a sustainable and environmentally friendly material. In this study, a comprehensive microstructural analysis of low-calcium fly ash-based geopolymer concrete samples with different alkali activator to binder ratios was conducted after exposure to temperatures ranging from 400 to 800 °C. The experimental results of the geopolymer concrete specimens found out significant findings, including a notable loss of mass and an approximate 80% decrease in compressive strength after exposure to 800 °C. The microstructural analysis underlined crack formation, voids and porosities in the geopolymer matrix at elevated temperatures, affecting the physical and mechanical properties of the material. The study presents significant insights into the behaviour of low-calcium fly ash-based geopolymer concrete with different binder and alkali activator ratios under high temperatures, revealing the performance of geopolymer concretes in extreme environments and the effect of incompatibility between geopolymer concrete and aggregate due to thermal temperature effects on this performance.
An interdisciplinary approach for successful municipal energy transition communication
Authors: Palm Herbert , Pfeffer Hannah , Raith Natallia , Brandstetter Nicole
Published: June 2024

The energy transition toward a sustainable, decentralized energy supply requires the active participation of local municipalities. Its success depends on acceptance and participation across all sections of the population. A role-specific communication strategy is therefore essential to meet the different communication and information habits, value systems, and needs. In this study, a corresponding transactional communication approach is proposed and evaluated, in which communication is understood as a dynamic and interactive process that is oriented toward preference-specific roles. The methodological approach transfers both Jakobson’s communication model from linguistics and Freeman’s matrix from stakeholder management to the context of municipal energy transition communication. In line with our newly proposed agile reference process, a contextualization-based instead of a predominantly functionally oriented energy transition communication strategy can thus be formulated. Applying Jakobson’s model, roles are described primarily in terms of their communicative aspects rather than their functional meaning. The new interdisciplinary approach is demonstrated using the example of a municipality. Results are used to demonstrate a role-specific communication strategy as the base of the subsequent derivation of role-specific actions and instruments.
An Integrated Perspective of Effort and Perception of Effort
Authors: Halperin Israel , Vigotsky Andrew D.
Published: June 2024

Effort and the perception of effort (PE) have been extensively studied across disciplines, resulting in multiple definitions. These inconsistencies block scientific progress by impeding effective communication between and within fields. Here, we present an integrated perspective of effort and PE that is applicable to both physical and cognitive activities. We define effort as the energy utilized to perform an action. This definition can be applied to biological entities performing various voluntary or involuntary activities, irrespective of whether the effort contributes to goal achievement. Then, we define PE as the instantaneous experience of utilizing energy to perform an action. This definition builds on that of effort without conflating it with other subjective experiences. We explore the nature of effort and PE as constructs and variables and highlight key considerations in their measurement. Our integrated perspective aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of these constructs, refine research methodologies, and promote interdisciplinary collaborations.
Transitioning to Online Instructions and COVID-19 Response: A View from Mining Emergent College Students Discourse in Online Discussion Forum
Authors: Lin Yiwen , Nixon Nia
Published: June 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted teaching and learning activities in higher education around the world. As universities shifted to remote instruction in response to the pandemic, it is important to learn how students engaged in learning during this challenging period. In this paper, we examined the changes in learners’ social and cognitive presence in online discussion forums prior and after remote instruction. We also extracted emergent topics during the pandemic as an attempt to explore what students talked about and how they interacted with their peers. We extracted discussion forum posts between 2019 and 2020 from courses that have been offered repeatedly each term at a four-year university in the U.S. Our findings suggest that students exhibited higher social presence through increased social and affective language during remote instructions. We also identified emergent COVID-19 related discourse, which involved sharing personal experience with positive sentiments and expressing opinions on contemporary events. Our qualitative analysis further revealed that students showed rapport and empathy towrads others, and engaged in active sense making of the pandemic through engaging in critical discourse.  Our study sheds lights on leveraging discussion forum to facilitate learner experiences and building classroom community in online courses. We further discussed the potential for conducting large-scale computational linguistic modeling on learner discourse and the role of artificial intelligence in deriving insights on learning behavior at scale to support remote teaching and learning.
Unravelling the Web: The Internet’s Double-Edged Impact on COVID-19 Dynamics
Authors: Alfano Vincenzo
Published: June 2024

The intricate relationship between Internet access, freedom, and the spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic remains a crucial topic, important both for understanding what happened and for improving the response to future crises. This study investigates the impact of the share of Internet users, and its relationship with Internet freedom, on the COVID-19 transmission rate, addressing research questions regarding the interplay between these factors. Analyzing a panel dataset of 60 countries during the first wave, hybrid F-GLS models reveal that an increased number of Internet users correlates with a larger number of new daily COVID-19 cases. Conversely, the interaction between Internet users and net freedom attenuates the positive relationship between users and case counts, implying that the latter has a moderating role. These findings emphasize the multifaceted nature of the Internet’s influence on pandemic dynamics, and highlight how it acts both as a facilitator and a constraint.
Development of novel proton exchange membranes based on cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/5-sulfosalicylic acid (SSCA) for fuel cell applications
Authors: Elerian Ahmed F. , Mohamed AbdAllah A. , Elnaggar Elsayed M. , Abu-Saied M. A.
Published: June 2024

The proton-conducting and methanol permeation behaviors of polymeric electrolyte membranes (PEMs), as well as the expensive nature of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) components, pose major concerns in DMFC performance and commercialization. As a result, this research aimed to develop low-cost polyelectrolyte membranes based on cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol)/5-sulfosalicylic acid dehydrate (PVA/SSCA) composite. Chemical cross-linkers and modifiers offer the essential chemical and mechanical stability of the developed membranes for usage as polyelectrolyte membranes (PEMs). The manufactured composite proton exchange membranes provide several benefits, including significant thermal, chemical, and mechanical stability. The results revealed that extending the SSCA molar concentration increased IEC outcomes of the synthesized membranes, reaching an elevated level of (3.31 meq g−1) compared to (0.91 meq g−1) for the Nafion 117 membrane. The proton conductivity of a composite membrane (102 μm thick) measured by impedance spectroscopy was relatively (0.078 S cm−1) and found comparable to other PVA-based composite membranes reported in the literature. Other key parameters, such as methanol permeability, were measured for constructed composite proton exchange membranes (2.52 × 10–7 cm2 s−1), which were much lower than Nafion 117 (3.39 × 10–6 cm2 s−1). The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Raman scattering spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were among the techniques used to characterize the synthesized membranes. These characterizations confirm the structural interaction between the membrane components’ crystalline nature, and no signs of phase separation or cracks were found; surface morphology and good membrane homogeneity, elemental analysis, and the membranes’ thermal stability (up to 290 °C). The membranes were also mechanically characterized using a universal testing machine (UTM), which revealed good mechanical stability. The findings demonstrate that a low-cost proton exchange membrane could potentially be synthesized for DMFC applications.
Fibroblastic tissue growth on polymeric electrospun membranes: a feasibility study
Authors: Osório Luana A. , Naveenathayalan Angel , Silva Elisabete , Mackay Ruth E.
Published: June 2024

In recent years the interest in synthetic scaffolds has increased significantly as an alternative to animal-derived materials, as well as the advancement of material and manufacturing engineering, has resulted in improved standardisation and reproducibility within the field. Despite these advancements, a significant amount of research on animal-derived scaffolds, whilst research on synthetic materials is lacking for the growth of non-tumourgenic breast cell lines. The main objective of this work is to manufacture biodegradable scaffolds using biocompatible materials such as PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol), PU (Polyurethane), Ge (Gelatin) and PCL (Poly-(-caprolactone) to test human cell adhesion and investigate the optimal system that supports representative tissue organisation and that could be used as an alternative to Matrigel™. Here, human mammary fibroblasts (HMF) were used as proof of concept. The membranes were manufactured using the process of electrospinning and characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), contact angle, tensile strength, and degradation studies. The assessment of the membranes as a viable biomaterial for the growth and development of cells was studied by MTT proliferation assay, fluorescence microscopy and SEM imaging. Results demonstrate that all materials are suitable for HMF proliferation. However, from microscopy analysis, only PU and PVA membranes induced morphological organisation of HMF similar to those results obtained in the Matrigel™ control conditions. This feasibility study reveals that HMF organisation, and proliferation are affected by the properties of the scaffold. Consequently, scaffolds parameters should be adjusted and manipulated to impact cell behaviour and emulate in vivo conditions.
Optimizing delivery routes for sustainable food delivery for multiple food items per order
Authors: Thipparthy Kaushika Reddy , Khalaf Mohammed I. , Yogi Kottala Sri , Alghayadh Faisal Yousef , Yusupov Akhmadbek , Maguluri Lakshmana Phaneendra , Ofori-Amanfo Paul
Published: June 2024

The diversity of consumer demand for take-out food has led to the characteristic structure of one order with multiple items, where the different food items in a single order are provided by two or more merchants. In the context of multi-item delivery for take-out orders with time windows, this study investigates vehicle routing for order delivery. This research aims to improve the service level of merchants and the efficiency of delivery vehicles. Food vendors receive orders from consumers through online platforms, then package the food items according to the orders. This method is a preliminary exploration of the issue of fulfilment of takeout orders on online platforms, and can provide preliminary theoretical support for decision-making on the delivery process of takeout orders on online platforms. In the context of online catering sales platforms and offline food sales merchants, this paper studies the delivery problem of takeaway orders with a time window and the characteristics of one order and multiple items, and constructs a method that takes the order delivery time requirements into account and minimizes the total order fulfilment cost. Taking into account the time window constraints of both physical restaurants and consumers, genetic algorithms are utilized to solve the order delivery problem. Finally, through case studies and experiments, the effectiveness and feasibility of the mathematical model are validated. Practical recommendations and insights are provided from the perspective of management and route planning.
The effect of Fernblock® in preventing blue-light-induced oxidative stress and cellular damage in retinal pigment epithelial cells is associated with NRF2 induction
Authors: Gallego-Rentero María , López Sánchez Ana , Nicolás-Morala Jimena , Alcaraz-Laso Paula , Zhang Noelia , Juarranz Ángeles , González Salvador , Carrasco Elisa
Published: June 2024

Blue light exposure of the ocular apparatus is currently rising. This has motivated a growing concern about potential deleterious effects on different eye structures. To address this, ARPE-19 cells were used as a model of the retinal pigment epithelium and subjected to cumulative expositions of blue light. The most relevant cellular events previously associated with blue-light-induced damage were assessed, including alterations in cell morphology, viability, cell proliferation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and the induction of DNA repair cellular mechanisms. Consistent with previous reports, our results provide evidence of cellular alterations resulting from repeated exposure to blue light irradiation. In this context, we explored the potential protective properties of the vegetal extract from Polypodium leucotomos, Fernblock® (FB), using the widely known treatment with lutein as a reference for comparison. The only changes observed as a result of the sole treatment with either FB or lutein were a slight but significant increase in γH2AX+ cells and the raise in the nuclear levels of NRF2. Overall, our findings indicate that the treatment with FB (similarly to lutein) prior to blue light irradiation can alleviate blue-light-induced deleterious effects in RPE cells, specifically preventing the drop in both cell viability and percentage of EdU+ cells, as well as the increase in ROS generation, percentage of γH2AX+ nuclei (more efficiently with FB), and TNF-α secretion (the latter restored only by FB to similar levels to those of the control). On the contrary, the induction in the P21 expression upon blue light irradiation was not prevented neither by FB nor by lutein. Notably, the nuclear translocation of NRF2 induced by blue light was similar to that observed in cells pre-treated with FB, while lutein pre-treatment resulted in nuclear NRF2 levels similar to control cells, suggesting key differences in the mechanism of cellular protection exerted by these compounds. These results may represent the foundation ground for the use of FB as a new ingredient in the development of alternative prophylactic strategies for blue-light-associated diseases, a currently rising medical interest.
Burden of care and mental health of informal caregivers of children with developmental disabilities in Sub-Saharan Africa: the moderating role of resilience
Authors: Chukwuemeka Nkechi Angela , Obioha Wisdom Chidiebere
Published: June 2024

Caregivers play the most important role in the care of children with developmental challenges. The care received by children with developmental disabilities from caregivers is essential and indispensable as these children will not function well without such care. However, caregiver characteristics and factors internal to the caregivers, such as their state of mental health or ability to adapt to caregiving stress, may impact the quality of care that they give to these children and require attention. Therefore, we investigated the unique contributions of resilience and burden of care on the mental health of informal caregivers of children with developmental disabilities (N = 228, 165 females, 63 males, mean age = 27.85, SD = 10.02) aged between 16 to 67 years old. Additionally, we examined whether resilience would moderate the association between the burden of care and mental health. The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Zarit Burden Interview, and General Health Questionnaire were used to collect data from the caregivers. The data were then analysed using Pearson correlation and the Hayes PROCESS module in SPSS 27. The results indicated that burden of care was negatively associated with mental health, while resilience was positively associated with mental health. The result further indicated that resilience did not significantly moderate the association between the burden of care and mental health. The study concludes that resilience is a potential protective factor for the mental health of caregivers and should be the target of interventions that seek to improve the quality of care for children with developmental disabilities.
Interannual Variation and Trend of Carbon Budget Observed for More Than Two Decades at Takayama in a Cool‐Temperate Deciduous Forest in Central Japan
Authors: Murayama Shohei , Kondo Hiroaki , Ishidoya Shigeyuki , Maeda Takahisa , Saigusa Nobuko , Yamamoto Susumu , Kamezaki Kazuki , Muraoka Hiroyuki
Published: June 2024

Long‐term carbon dioxide (CO2) flux measurements between the atmosphere and the ecosystem have been made since 1993 at a cool‐temperate deciduous forest site (Takayama) in Japan influenced by the Asian Monsoon, constituting the longest data set among all the AsiaFlux sites. Interannual variations (IAVs) and trends in the annual carbon budget components and related environmental factors were examined. Annual net ecosystem production (NEP) (mean ± 1σ) during the period of eddy covariance measurements in 1999–2021 was 265 ± 86 gC m−2 yr−1, and its IAV was dependent more on gross primary production (GPP) than on ecosystem respiration. The annual NEP and GPP were correlated with the monthly mean NEP, GPP and leaf area index from June to September, as well as with the length of the net carbon uptake period. Significantly increasing and decreasing trends in the annual NEP and GPP were detected during 2004–2013 and 2013–2021, respectively. The increasing trends were mainly caused by the vegetation recovery from typhoon disturbances. On the other hand, although the cause of the decreasing trends was not clearly identified, recent extreme weather events and/or forest succession might be related to the trends. Significant positive correlations between the start and the end of the net carbon uptake period, and between the leaf expansion and leaf fall were found. These may be attributed to phenological characteristics and negative correlation between air temperature in spring and solar radiation in early fall associated with ENSO events that can also influence IAVs in annual NEP and GPP.
Soil and Atmospheric Drought Explain the Biophysical Conductance Responses in Diagnostic and Prognostic Evaporation Models Over Two Contrasting European Forest Sites
Authors: Mallick Kanishka , Sulis Mauro , Jiménez‐Rodríguez Cesar Dionisio , Hu Tian , Jia Aolin , Drewry Darren T.
Published: June 2024

Diagnosing and predicting evaporation through satellite‐based surface energy balance (SEB) and land surface models (LSMs) faces challenges due to the non‐linear responses of aerodynamic (ga) and stomatal conductance (gcs) to concurrent soil and atmospheric drought. Despite a soaring popularity to refine gcs formulation in LSMs by integrating soil‐plant hydraulics, SEB models often overlook the utility of gcs. This oversight is attributed to the overriding emphasis on reducing ga uncertainties and the lack of coordination between these two modeling communities. This disengagement between modeling communities poses a persistent challenge in understanding divergent evaporation estimates during intense soil‐atmospheric drought. Here we conducted a theoretical experiment over two contrasting European forest sites to examine the sensitivity of conductances and evaporative fluxes to a water‐stress factor (β‐factor), coupled with land surface temperature (LST) and vapor pressure deficit (representing soil and atmospheric drought proxy). Utilizing a non‐parametric diagnostic model (Surface Temperature Initiated Closure, STIC) and a prognostic model (Community Land Model, CLM5.0), the analysis revealed that the β‐factor, alongside different functional forms of conductances and the loose coupling of CLM5.0 conductances to LST, significantly influenced the response of the two models to soil and atmospheric drought. These discrepancies propagated in the estimates of evaporative fluxes between STIC and CLM5.0. The analysis reaffirms the need for a consensus on theory and models capturing the sensitivity of biophysical conductances to soil‐atmospheric drought interplay. It emphasizes the need for fostering collaboration between modeling communities to enhance the prediction of evaporation in complex environmental conditions.
Toward Enhanced Prediction of High‐Impact Solar Energetic Particle Events Using Multimodal Time Series Data Fusion Models
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Pouya , Filali Boubrahimi Soukaina , Hamdi Shah Muhammad
Published: June 2024

Solar energetic particle (SEP) events, originating from solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections, present significant hazards to space exploration and technology on Earth. Accurate prediction of these high‐energy events is essential for safeguarding astronauts, spacecraft, and electronic systems. In this study, we conduct an in‐depth investigation into the application of multimodal data fusion techniques for the prediction of high‐energy SEP events, particularly ∼100 MeV events. Our research utilizes six machine learning (ML) models, each finely tuned for time series analysis, including Univariate Time Series (UTS), Image‐based model (Image), Univariate Feature Concatenation (UFC), Univariate Deep Concatenation (UDC), Univariate Deep Merge (UDM), and Univariate Score Concatenation (USC). By combining time series proton flux data with solar X‐ray images, we exploit complementary insights into the underlying solar phenomena responsible for SEP events. Rigorous evaluation metrics, including accuracy, F1‐score, and other established measures, are applied, along with K‐fold cross‐validation, to ensure the robustness and generalization of our models. Additionally, we explore the influence of observation window sizes on classification accuracy.
Engineered extracellular vesicles for targeted reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts to potentiate therapy of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhou Pengcheng , Du Xuanlong , Jia Weilu , Feng Kun , Zhang Yewei
Published: June 2024

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadly malignancies with a significant mortality rate and there are currently few therapeutic options for it. The tumor microenvironment (TME) in pancreatic cancer, distinguished by fibrosis and the existence of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), exerts a pivotal influence on both tumor advancement and resistance to therapy. Recent advancements in the field of engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer novel avenues for targeted therapy in pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to develop engineered EVs for the targeted reprogramming of CAFs and modulating the TME in pancreatic cancer. EVs obtained from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were loaded with miR-138-5p and the anti-fibrotic agent pirfenidone (PFD) and subjected to surface modification with integrin α5-targeting peptides (named IEVs-PFD/138) to reprogram CAFs and suppress their pro-tumorigenic effects. Integrin α5-targeting peptide modification enhanced the CAF-targeting ability of EVs. miR-138-5p directly inhibited the formation of the FERMT2-TGFBR1 complex, inhibiting TGF-β signaling pathway activation. In addition, miR-138-5p inhibited proline-mediated collagen synthesis by directly targeting the FERMT2-PYCR1 complex. The combination of miR-138-5p and PFD in EVs synergistically promoted CAF reprogramming and suppressed the pro-cancer effects of CAFs. Preclinical experiments using the orthotopic stroma-rich and patient-derived xenograft mouse models yielded promising results. In particular, IEVs-PFD/138 effectively reprogrammed CAFs and remodeled TME, which resulted in decreased tumor pressure, enhanced gemcitabine perfusion, tumor hypoxia amelioration, and greater sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Thus, the strategy developed in this study can improve chemotherapy outcomes. Utilizing IEVs-PFD/138 as a targeted therapeutic agent to modulate CAFs and the TME represents a promising therapeutic approach for pancreatic cancer.
Enhancing smart charging in electric vehicles by addressing paused and delayed charging problems
Authors: Brinkel Nico , van Wijk Thijs , Buijze Anoeska , Panda Nanda Kishor , Meersmans Jelle , Markotić Peter , van der Ree Bart , Fidder Henk , de Brey Baerte , Tindemans Simon , AlSkaif Tarek , van Sark Wilfried
Published: June 2024

Smart charging of electric vehicles can alleviate grid congestion and reduce charging costs. However, various electric vehicle models currently lack the technical capabilities to effectively implement smart charging since they cannot handle charging pauses or delays. These models enter sleep mode when charging is interrupted, preventing resumption afterwards. To avoid this, they should be continuously charged with their minimum charging power, even when a charging pause would be desirable, for instance with high electricity prices. This research examines this problem to inform various stakeholders, including policymakers and manufacturers, and stimulates the adoption of proactive measures that address this problem. Here, we demonstrate through technical charging tests that around one-third of tested car models suffer from this issue. Through model simulations we indicate that eliminating paused and delayed charging problems would double the smart charging potential for all applications. Lastly, we propose concrete legal and practical solutions to eliminate these problems.
A newly identified gene Ahed plays essential roles in murine haematopoiesis
Authors: Nakai Ritsuko , Yokota Takafumi , Tokunaga Masahiro , Takaishi Mikiro , Yokomizo Tomomasa , Sudo Takao , Shi Henyun , Yasumizu Yoshiaki , Okuzaki Daisuke , Kokubu Chikara , Tanaka Sachiyo , Takaoka Katsuyoshi , Yamanishi Ayako , Yoshida Junko , Watanabe Hitomi , Kondoh Gen , Horie Kyoji , Hosen Naoki , Sano Shigetoshi , Takeda Junji
Published: June 2024

The development of haematopoiesis involves the coordinated action of numerous genes, some of which are implicated in haematological malignancies. However, the biological function of many genes remains elusive and unknown functional genes are likely to remain to be uncovered. Here, we report a previously uncharacterised gene in haematopoiesis, identified by screening mutant embryonic stem cells. The gene, ‘attenuated haematopoietic development (Ahed)’, encodes a nuclear protein. Conditional knockout (cKO) of Ahed results in anaemia from embryonic day 14.5 onward, leading to prenatal demise. Transplantation experiments demonstrate the incapacity of Ahed-deficient haematopoietic cells to reconstitute haematopoiesis in vivo. Employing a tamoxifen-inducible cKO model, we further reveal that Ahed deletion impairs the intrinsic capacity of haematopoietic cells in adult mice. Ahed deletion affects various pathways, and published databases present cancer patients with somatic mutations in Ahed. Collectively, our findings underscore the fundamental roles of Ahed in lifelong haematopoiesis, implicating its association with malignancies.
Dissecting heritability, environmental risk, and air pollution causal effects using > 50 million individuals in MarketScan
Authors: McGuire Daniel , Markus Havell , Yang Lina , Xu Jingyu , Montgomery Austin , Berg Arthur , Li Qunhua , Carrel Laura , Liu Dajiang J. , Jiang Bibo
Published: June 2024

Large national-level electronic health record (EHR) datasets offer new opportunities for disentangling the role of genes and environment through deep phenotype information and approximate pedigree structures. Here we use the approximate geographical locations of patients as a proxy for spatially correlated community-level environmental risk factors. We develop a spatial mixed linear effect (SMILE) model that incorporates both genetics and environmental contribution. We extract EHR and geographical locations from 257,620 nuclear families and compile 1083 disease outcome measurements from the MarketScan dataset. We augment the EHR with publicly available environmental data, including levels of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), climate, and sociodemographic data. We refine the estimates of genetic heritability and quantify community-level environmental contributions. We also use wind speed and direction as instrumental variables to assess the causal effects of air pollution. In total, we find PM2.5 or NO2 have statistically significant causal effects on 135 diseases, including respiratory, musculoskeletal, digestive, metabolic, and sleep disorders, where PM2.5 and NO2 tend to affect biologically distinct disease categories. These analyses showcase several robust strategies for jointly modeling genetic and environmental effects on disease risk using large EHR datasets and will benefit upcoming biobank studies in the era of precision medicine.
Regio- and stereoselective access to highly substituted vinylphosphine oxides via metal-free electrophilic phosphonoiodination of alkynes
Authors: Dong Bingbing , Zhao Fengqian , Lv Wen-Xin , Liu Ying-Guo , Wei Donghui , Wu Junliang , Chi Yonggui Robin
Published: June 2024

In general, the P-centered ring-opening of quaternary phosphirenium salts (QPrS) predominantly leads to hydrophosphorylated products, while the C-centered ring-opening is primarily confined to intramolecular nucleophilic reactions, resulting in the formation of phosphorus-containing cyclization products instead of difunctionalized products generated through intermolecular nucleophilic processes. Here, through the promotion of ring-opening of three-member rings by iodine anions and the quenching of electronegative carbon atoms by iodine cations, we successfully synthesize β-functionalized vinylphosphine oxides by the P-addition of QPrS intermediates generated in situ. Multiple β-iodo-substituted vinylphosphine oxides can be obtained with exceptional regio- and stereo-selectivity by reacting secondary phosphine oxides with unactivated alkynes. In addition, a variety of β-functionalized vinylphosphine oxides converted from C-I bonds, especially the rapid construction of benzo[b]phospholes oxides, demonstrates the significance of this strategy.
Emergence of flat bands and ferromagnetic fluctuations via orbital-selective electron correlations in Mn-based kagome metal
Authors: Samanta Subhasis , Park Hwiwoo , Lee Chanhyeon , Jeon Sungmin , Cui Hengbo , Yao Yong-Xin , Hwang Jungseek , Choi Kwang-Yong , Kim Heung-Sik
Published: June 2024

Kagome lattice has been actively studied for the possible realization of frustration-induced two-dimensional flat bands and a number of correlation-induced phases. Currently, the search for kagome systems with a nearly dispersionless flat band close to the Fermi level is ongoing. Here, by combining theoretical and experimental tools, we present Sc3Mn3Al7Si5 as a novel realization of correlation-induced almost-flat bands in the kagome lattice in the vicinity of the Fermi level. Our magnetic susceptibility, 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance, transport, and optical conductivity measurements provide signatures of a correlated metallic phase with tantalizing ferromagnetic instability. Our dynamical mean-field calculations suggest that such ferromagnetic instability observed originates from the formation of nearly flat dispersions close to the Fermi level, where electron correlations induce strong orbital-selective renormalization and manifestation of the kagome-frustrated bands. In addition, a significant negative magnetoresistance signal is observed, which can be attributed to the suppression of flat-band-induced ferromagnetic fluctuation, which further supports the formation of flat bands in this compound. These findings broaden a new prospect to harness correlated topological phases via multiorbital correlations in 3d-based kagome systems.