bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of lncRNA and mRNA regulatory networks associated with gastric cancer progression
Authors: Sun Ke-kang , Zu Chao , Wu Xiao-yang , Wang Qing-hua , Hua Peng , Zhang Yi-fang , Shen Xiao-jun , Wu Yong-you
Published: March 2023

Gastric cancer is a tumor type characterized by lymph node metastasis and the invasion of local tissues. There is thus a critical need to clarify the molecular mechanisms governing gastric cancer onset and progression to guide the treatment of this disease. Long non-coding RNAs and mRNA expression profiles associated with early and local advanced gastric cancer were examined through microarray analyses, with GO and KEGG analyses being employed as a means of exploring the functional roles of those long non-coding RNAs and mRNAs that were differentially expressed in gastric cancer. In total, 1005 and 1831 lncRNAs and mRNAs, respectively, were found to be differentially expressed between early and local advanced gastric cancer. GO and KEGG analyses revealed several pathways and processes that were dysregulated, including the RNA transport, ECM-receptor interaction, and mRNA splicing pathways. In co-expression networks, E2F1, E2F4, and STAT2 were identified as key transcriptional regulators of these processes. Moreover, thrombospondin-2 was confirmed as being expressed at high levels in more advanced gastric cancer by both the GEO and TCGA databases. RNA-sequencing analyses of SGC-790 cells transfected to express thrombospondin-2 further revealed this gene to enhance NF-kB and TNF pathway signaling activity. These results offer insight into gastric cancer-related regulatory networks and suggest thrombospondin-2 to be an important oncogene that drives the progression of this deadly cancer type.
Probiotics to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Ke-Zhao , Wu Kang , Deng Lin-Xuan , Hu Man , Luo Yu-Xiang , Zhang Li-Yan
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study aims to review the evidence for the optimal regimen of probiotics for the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in very low birth weight infants.

Design

Through searching PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science till September 30, 2022, only randomized controlled trials were included to evaluate the optimal regimen of probiotics for the prevention of NEC in very low birth weight infants. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (RoB 2), and the collected data were analyzed accordingly using Stata software.

Results

Twenty-seven RCTs were included, and the total sample size used in the study was 529. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that Bovine lactoferrin + Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (RR 0.03; 95% CI 0.00–0.35), Lactobacillus rhamnosus + Lactobacillus plantarum + Lactobacillus casei + Bifidobacterium lactis (RR 0.06; 95% CI 0.00–0.70), Bifidobacterium lactis + inulin (RR 0.16; 95% CI 0.03–0.91) were superior to the control group (Bifidobacterium lactis + Bifidobacterium longum) in reducing the incidence of NEC. The reduction in the incidence of NEC were as follows: Bovine lactoferrin + Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (SUCRA 95.7%) > Lactobacillus rhamnosus + Lactobacillus plantarum + Lactobacillus casei + Bifidobacterium lactis (SUCRA 89.4%) > Bifidobacterium lactis + inulin (SUCRA 77.8%).

Conclusions

This network meta-analysis suggests that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG combined with bovine lactoferrin maybe the most recommended regimen for the prevention of NEC in very low birth weight infants.
Surgery or comfort care for neonates with surgical necrotizing enterocolitis: Lessons learned from behavioral artificial intelligence technology
Authors: van Varsseveld Otis C. , ten Broeke Annebel , Chorus Caspar G. , Heyning Nicolaas , Kooi Elisabeth M. W. , Hulscher Jan B. F.
Published: March 2023

Background

Critical decision making in surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is highly complex and hard to capture in decision rules due to case-specificity and high mortality risk. In this choice experiment, we aimed to identify the implicit weight of decision factors towards future decision support, and to assess potential differences between specialties or centers.

Methods

Thirty-five hypothetical surgical NEC scenarios with different factor levels were evaluated by neonatal care experts of all Dutch neonatal care centers in an online environment, where a recommendation for surgery or comfort care was requested. We conducted choice analysis by constructing a binary logistic regression model according to behavioral artificial intelligence technology (BAIT).

Results

Out of 109 invited neonatal care experts, 62 (57%) participated, including 45 neonatologists, 16 pediatric surgeons and one neonatology physician assistant. Cerebral ultrasound (Relative importance = 20%, OR = 4.06, 95% CI = 3.39–4.86) was the most important factor in the decision surgery versus comfort care in surgical NEC, nationwide and for all specialties and centers. Pediatric surgeons more often recommended surgery compared to neonatologists (62% vs. 57%, p = 0.03). For all centers, cerebral ultrasound, congenital comorbidity, hemodynamics and parental preferences were significant decision factors (p < 0.05). Sex (p = 0.14), growth since birth (p = 0.25), and estimated parental capacities (p = 0.06) had no significance in nationwide nor subgroup analyses.

Conclusion

We demonstrated how BAIT can analyze the implicit weight of factors in the complex and critical decision for surgery or comfort care for (surgical) NEC. The findings reflect Dutch expertise, but the technique can be expanded internationally. After validation, our choice model/BAIT may function as decision aid.
Hidden firing patterns and memristor initial condition-offset boosting behavior in a memristive Hindmarsh-Rose neuron model
Authors: Fan Weiwei , Chen Xiongjian , Wang Yiteng , Chen Bei , Wu Huagan , Xu Quan
Published: March 2023

Electromagnetic induction can effectively induce abundant firing patterns in neurons. In modeling a neuron model with the electromagnetic induction effect, an electromagnetic induction current is frequently added to the state equation of membrane potential. To more properly reflect the non-uniform distribution of the ions inside and outside the neuron membrane, an ideal flux-controlled memristor with sinusoidal memductance function and non-linearly modulated input is raised to depict an electromagnetic induction effect on a Hindmarsh–Rose neuron model, and thereby, a three-dimensional (3D) memristive Hindmarsh–Rose (mHR) neuron model is built in this paper. The proposed mHR neuron model possesses no equilibrium point since the involvement of the ideal flux-controlled memristor, which induces the generation of hidden dynamics. Numerical results declare that the mHR neuron model can generate abundant hidden dynamics, i.e., periodic spiking, chaotic spiking, period-doubling bifurcation route, tangent bifurcation, and chaos crisis. These hidden dynamics are much related to the memristor coupling strength and externally applied stimulus. Afterward, the memristor initial condition-offset boosting behavior is revealed. This can trigger the generation of infinite multiple coexisting firing patterns along the memristor variable coordinate. These coexisting firing patterns have identical attractor topology but different locations in the phase plane. Finally, an analog circuit is designed for implementing the mHR neuron model, and PSIM-based circuit simulation is executed. The circuit-simulated results perfectly verify the generation of hidden infinite multiple coexisting initial condition-offset boosting firing patterns in the proposed mHR neuron model.
Hypoxia enhances interactions between Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 and actin filaments via ezrin in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle
Authors: Lade Julie M. , Andrade Manuella R. , Undem Clark , Walker Jasmine , Jiang Haiyang , Yun Xin , Shimoda Larissa A.
Published: March 2023

Exposure to hypoxia, due to high altitude or chronic lung disease, leads to structural changes in the pulmonary vascular wall, including hyperplasia and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Previous studies showed that hypoxia upregulates the expression of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) and that inhibition or loss of NHE1 prevents hypoxia-induced PASMC migration and proliferation. The exact mechanism by which NHE1 controls PASMC function has not been fully delineated. In fibroblasts, NHE1 has been shown to act as a membrane anchor for actin filaments, via binding of the adaptor protein, ezrin. Thus, in this study, we tested the role of ezrin and NHE1/actin interactions in controlling PASMC function. Using rat PASMCs exposed to in vitro hypoxia (4% O2, 24 h) we found that hypoxic exposure increased phosphorylation (activation) of ezrin, and promoted interactions between NHE1, phosphorylated ezrin and smooth muscle specific α-actin (SMA) as measured via immunoprecipitation and co-localization. Overexpression of wild-type human NHE1 in the absence of hypoxia was sufficient to induce PASMC migration and proliferation, whereas inhibiting ezrin phosphorylation with NSC668394 suppressed NHE1/SMA co-localization and migration in hypoxic PASMCs. Finally, overexpressing a version of human NHE1 in which amino acids were mutated to prevent NHE1/ezrin/SMA interactions was unable to increase PASMC migration and proliferation despite exhibiting normal Na+/H+ exchange activity. From these results, we conclude that hypoxic exposure increases ezrin phosphorylation in PASMCs, leading to enhanced ezrin/NHE1/SMA interaction. We further speculate that these interactions promote anchoring of the actin cytoskeleton to the membrane to facilitate the changes in cell movement and shape required for migration and proliferation.
Quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis reveals unique cAMP signaling pools emanating from AC2 and AC6 in human airway smooth muscle cells
Authors: Cattani-Cavalieri Isabella , Li Yue , Margolis Jordyn , Bogard Amy , Roosan Moom R. , Ostrom Rennolds S.
Published: March 2023

Human airway smooth muscle (HASM) is the primary target of ßAR agonists used to control airway hypercontractility in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ßAR agonists induce the production of cAMP by adenylyl cyclases (ACs), activate PKA and cause bronchodilation. Several other G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) expressed in human airway smooth muscle cells transduce extracellular signals through cAMP but these receptors elicit different cellular responses. Some G-protein coupled receptors couple to distinct adenylyl cyclases isoforms with different localization, partly explaining this compartmentation, but little is known about the downstream networks that result. We used quantitative phosphoproteomics to define the downstream signaling networks emanating from cAMP produced by two adenylyl cyclases isoforms with contrasting localization in uman airway smooth muscle. After a short stimulus of adenylyl cyclases activity using forskolin, phosphopeptides were analyzed by LC-MS/MS and differences between cells overexpressing AC2 (localized in non-raft membranes) or AC6 (localized in lipid raft membranes) were compared to control human airway smooth muscle. The degree of AC2 and AC6 overexpression was titrated to generate roughly equal forskolin-stimulated cAMP production. 14 Differentially phosphorylated proteins (DPPs) resulted from AC2 activity and 34 differentially phosphorylated proteins resulted from AC6 activity. Analysis of these hits with the STRING protein interaction tool showed that AC2 signaling is more associated with modifications in RNA/DNA binding proteins and microtubule/spindle body proteins while AC6 signaling is associated with proteins regulating autophagy, calcium-calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM) signaling, Rho GTPases and cytoskeletal regulation. One protein, OFD1, was regulated in opposite directions, with serine 899 phosphorylation increased in the AC6 condition 1.5-fold but decreased to 0.46-fold by AC2. In conclusion, quantitative phosphoproteomics is a powerful tool for deciphering the complex signaling networks resulting from discreet signaling events that occur in cAMP compartments. Our data show key differences in the cAMP pools generated from AC2 and AC6 activity and imply that distinct cellular responses are regulated by these two compartments.
PhytoOracle: Scalable, modular phenomics data processing pipelines
Authors: Gonzalez Emmanuel M. , Zarei Ariyan , Hendler Nathanial , Simmons Travis , Zarei Arman , Demieville Jeffrey , Strand Robert , Rozzi Bruno , Calleja Sebastian , Ellingson Holly , Cosi Michele , Davey Sean , Lavelle Dean O. , Truco Maria José , Swetnam Tyson L. , Merchant Nirav , Michelmore Richard W. , Lyons Eric , Pauli Duke
Published: March 2023

As phenomics data volume and dimensionality increase due to advancements in sensor technology, there is an urgent need to develop and implement scalable data processing pipelines. Current phenomics data processing pipelines lack modularity, extensibility, and processing distribution across sensor modalities and phenotyping platforms. To address these challenges, we developed PhytoOracle (PO), a suite of modular, scalable pipelines for processing large volumes of field phenomics RGB, thermal, PSII chlorophyll fluorescence 2D images, and 3D point clouds. PhytoOracle aims to (i) improve data processing efficiency; (ii) provide an extensible, reproducible computing framework; and (iii) enable data fusion of multi-modal phenomics data. PhytoOracle integrates open-source distributed computing frameworks for parallel processing on high-performance computing, cloud, and local computing environments. Each pipeline component is available as a standalone container, providing transferability, extensibility, and reproducibility. The PO pipeline extracts and associates individual plant traits across sensor modalities and collection time points, representing a unique multi-system approach to addressing the genotype-phenotype gap. To date, PO supports lettuce and sorghum phenotypic trait extraction, with a goal of widening the range of supported species in the future. At the maximum number of cores tested in this study (1,024 cores), PO processing times were: 235 minutes for 9,270 RGB images (140.7 GB), 235 minutes for 9,270 thermal images (5.4 GB), and 13 minutes for 39,678 PSII images (86.2 GB). These processing times represent end-to-end processing, from raw data to fully processed numerical phenotypic trait data. Repeatability values of 0.39-0.95 (bounding area), 0.81-0.95 (axis-aligned bounding volume), 0.79-0.94 (oriented bounding volume), 0.83-0.95 (plant height), and 0.81-0.95 (number of points) were observed in Field Scanalyzer data. We also show the ability of PO to process drone data with a repeatability of 0.55-0.95 (bounding area).
Vegetation restoration of abandoned cropland improves soil ecosystem multifunctionality through alleviating nitrogen-limitation in the China Danxia
Authors: Wang Chao , Yang Qiannan , Zhang Chi , Zhang Xiaolong , Chen Jing , Liu Kexue
Published: March 2023

The microbial requirement for nutrient resources can be estimated by soil extracellular enzyme stoichiometry (EES) and their stoichiometries. Implementing the Grain for Green Program has significantly impacted land use and soil nutrient management in the China Danxia. However, drivers of soil microbial nutrient limitation changes in abandoned cropland (AC) remained unclear after vegetation restoration. Here, according to vector analysis, we evaluated microbial nutrient limitation by studying soil EES across vegetation restoration types (naturally restored secondary forests (NF) and artificially planted forests (AF)) with AC as a control. Results showed both NF and AF soils averaged higher C- and P- acquiring enzyme, indicating rapid C and P turnover rates after vegetation restoration. However, vegetation restoration resulted in higher C requirement for microorganisms with higher enzyme C:N and vector length. In addition, microorganisms shifted from N- (< 45°) to P-limited (> 45°) conditions with enzyme N:P less than 1 after vegetation restoration, and NF exacerbated microbial P limitation compared to AF. Decreased N limitation following vegetation restoration could be contributed to improving soil ecosystem multifunctionality. The greater variation of EES was explained by the interaction of pH, soil nutrient, and microbial biomass than by any one of these factors alone, suggesting that both abiotic and biotic factors regulate microbial nutrient limitation and microbial process. Overall, our results revealed vegetation restoration could alleviate N limitation in the China Danxia, and thus enhance soil ecosystem by regulating lower microbial N limitation, which provide insight into nutrient management strategies under ecological restoration of degraded areas.
MicroRNA172b-5p/trehalose-6-phosphate synthase module stimulates trehalose synthesis and microRNA172b-3p/AP2-like module accelerates flowering in barley upon drought stress
Authors: Swida-Barteczka Aleksandra , Pacak Andrzej , Kruszka Katarzyna , Nuc Przemyslaw , Karlowski Wojciech M. , Jarmolowski Artur , Szweykowska-Kulinska Zofia
Published: March 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are major regulators of gene expression during plant development under normal and stress conditions. In this study, we analyzed the expression of 150 conserved miRNAs during drought stress applied to barley ready to flower. The dynamics of miRNAs expression was also observed after rewatering. Target messenger RNA (mRNAs) were experimentally identified for all but two analyzed miRNAs, and 41 of the targets were not reported before. Drought stress applied to barley induced accelerated flowering coordinated by a pair of two differently expressed miRNAs originating from a single precursor: hvu-miR172b-3p and hvu-miR172b-5p. Increased expression of miRNA172b-3p during drought leads to the downregulation of four APETALA2(AP2)-like genes by their mRNA cleavage. In parallel, the downregulation of the miRNA172b-5p level results in an increased level of a newly identified target, trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, a key enzyme in the trehalose biosynthesis pathway. Therefore, drought-treated plants have higher trehalose content, a known osmoprotectant, whose level is rapidly dropping after watering. In addition, trehalose-6-phosphate, an intermediate of the trehalose synthesis pathway, is known to induce flowering. The hvu-miRNA172b-5p/trehalose-6-phosphate synthase and hvu-miRNA172b-3p/AP2-like create a module leading to osmoprotection and accelerated flowering induction during drought.
An integrated remediation approach using combinations of biochar, Rhizobium leguminosarum, and Vigna radiata for immobilizing and dissipating cadmium contaminants from the soil–mustard plant system
Authors: Hira Qurat-ul-Ain Ali , Mahboob Midhat , Azhar Rimsha , Munir Faiza , Gul Alvina , Hayat Asim , Shah Tariq , Amir Rabia
Published: March 2023

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of soils is an environmental concern, as cadmium harms food crops and can therefore impact human health. The use of combinations of biochar (seeded with Rhizobium leguminosarum) and Vigna radiata (as an intercrop) has the potential to reduce the mobilization of Cd from soil via mustard plants (Brassica juncea). Mustard plants are grown as a food and oil production crop that is consumed worldwide. However, this plant has the property of hyperaccumulation; thus, it bioaccumulates Cd in its tissues, which in turn, if eaten, can become part of the human food chain. Hence, reducing Cd bioaccumulation in mustard plants is crucial to making these plants a reliable and safe source of food for consumption. To improve soil sorption capacity and immobilization efficiency, biochar (in the form of wheat husk) was mixed with R. leguminosarum and intercropped (using V. radiata) with mustard plants for further investigation. Sampling was performed at an early growth stage (i.e., at 30 days) and at maturity (i.e., at 60 days) to determine the impact of Cd on a plant’s morphophysiological attributes. Data were analyzed in two ways: first by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and then by the post hoc Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) test. The statistical analysis concluded that combinations effectively improved plant traits by 65%–90% in the early growth stage and by 70%–90% in the maturity stage. The T6 treatment combination [i.e., biochar + R. leguminosarum + V. radiata (BC + RL + VR)] provided the most effective results in terms of growth, biomass, pod yield, and pigmentation content. In addition, this combination reduced the translocation of Cd in mustard plants by 70%–95%. The combination of BC + RL + VR effectively reduced Cd contamination of mustard tissue and provided a suitable growing environment for the plants. A post-harvesting soil analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) found that Cd was undetectable in soil. This provides clear confirmation that these approaches can lead to Cd soil remediation. Moreover, this study provided insight into the responses of different morphophysiological attributes of mustard plants to Cd stress and could aid in developing Cd stress tolerance in mustard plants.
Systemic barriers and opportunities for implementing school-based social–emotional learning interventions in low-income and conflict-affected settings
Authors: McCoy Dana Charles , Hanno Emily C.
Published: March 2023

Children living in low-income and conflict-affected settings face unique systemic risk factors that shape their social, emotional, and mental well-being. However, little is known about how these and other systemic factors may impede or support the delivery of social–emotional learning (SEL) interventions in these contexts. In this article, we draw from our experience delivering and evaluating a classroom-based SEL curriculum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to surface systemic barriers and opportunities for implementing SEL interventions in low-income, conflict-affected settings. Specifically, we identify (1) culture, (2) timing, and (3) government support and stability as factors underlying SEL program demand, dosage, quality, and effectiveness. We provide recommendations for improving implementation of SEL programs in low-income and conflict-affected contexts, including the importance of building pro-active partnerships, using qualitative research, and investing in adaptation to both understand and address systemic barriers.
Research on the brand image of iOS and Android smart phone operating systems based on mixed methods
Authors: Hu Weifeng , Hao Tianyun , Hu Yue , Chen Hui , Zhou Yi , Yin Wantong
Published: March 2023

Introduction

To analyze the differences in system functions, interaction behaviors and user experience between iOS and Android smart phone operating system, and then study the differences in their brand images, so as to provide theory and research method for shaping corporate brand images from the perspective of product interaction design.

Methods

This study was divided into three stages. In the first stage, the functional information architecture of iOS and Android smart phone operating system are studied comparatively by using information visualization methods. In the second stage, the brand image differences between the two systems at the explicit, behavioral and semantic levels are analyzed comparatively by building the “explicit - behavioral - semantic” product brand gene model. In the third stage, the functions of “setting alarm clock”, “sharing pictures” and “modifying passwords” were selected for interactive behavior analysis. First, analyze the user experience of the three system functions from the perspective of interaction process and information architecture, and present the analysis results using the method of information visualization.; Secondly, the user experience and brand image differences between the two systems are analyzed by setting up manipulation task experiments.

Results

The brand images of iOS and Android systems are similar in conciseness, clearness and efficiency; In terms of uniqueness, iOS system is more unique, while Android system has stronger applicability.

Discussion

This study constructs an “explicit-behavior-semantic” brand gene model to create a unique product brand image for software products such as operating systems through interactive design, so as to solve the problem of product brand image homogeneity caused by the convergence of function and interaction design.
The development of visual aesthetic sensitivity in students in China
Authors: Zhang Ju , Du Xu , Zhang XiaoWei , Bai XueJun
Published: March 2023

To examine the development of visual aesthetic sensitivity in students in China, 2,387 students from age 9 to age 22 (excluding ages 16–17) were tested by the Visual aesthetic Sensitivity Test-Revised. The development of visual aesthetic sensitivity across ages and genders, and the effect of artistic training on students’ visual aesthetic sensitivity were examined. The data of primary school and junior middle school students were collected by paper tests completed collectively in class, while the data of university students were collected by distributing and collecting online. Result suggests that students’ visual aesthetic sensitivity is relatively stable from age 9 to age 12 and increases at age 13. The visual aesthetic sensitivity of girls is significantly better than that of boys at age 15, 19, and 20 years of age. This study also found that artistic training improves students’ visual aesthetic sensitivity.
Cognitive functioning and clinical characteristics of children with non-syndromic orofacial clefts: A case-control study
Authors: Sándor-Bajusz Kinga Amália , Dergez Tímea , Molnár Edit , Hadzsiev Kinga , Till Ágnes , Zsigmond Anna , Vástyán Attila , Csábi Györgyi
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The higher rate of neuropsychiatric disorders in individuals with non-syndromic orofacial clefts has been well documented by previous studies. Our goal was to identify children with non-syndromic orofacial clefts that are at risk for abnormal neurodevelopment by assessing their developmental history and present cognitive functioning.

Materials and methods

A single-center, case-controlled study was carried out at the Department of Pediatrics of the University of Pécs in Hungary. The study consisted of three phases including questionnaires to collect retrospective clinical data and psychometric tools to assess IQ and executive functioning.

Results

Forty children with non-syndromic oral clefts and 44 age-matched controls participated in the study. Apgar score at 5 min was lower for the cleft group, in addition to delays observed for potty-training and speech development. Psychiatric disorders were more common in the cleft group (15%) than in controls (4.5%), although not statistically significant with small effect size. The cleft group scored lower on the Continuous Performance Test. Subgroup analysis revealed significant associations between higher parental socio-economic status, academic, and cognitive performance in children with non-syndromic orofacial clefts. Analyzes additionally revealed significant associations between early speech and language interventions and higher scores on the Verbal Comprehension Index of the WISC-IV in these children.

Discussion

Children with non-syndromic orofacial clefts seem to be at risk for deficits involving the attention domain of the executive system. These children additionally present with difficulties that affect cognitive and speech development. Children with non-syndromic orofacial clefts show significant skill development and present with similar cognitive strengths as their peers. Longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to provide more conclusive evidence on cognitive deficits in children with non-syndromic orofacial clefts at risk for neurodevelopmental difficulties.
The impact of interaction on the adoption of electric vehicles: Mediating role of experience value
Authors: Li Wenbo , Wang Mengzhe , Cheng Xiu , Long Ruyin
Published: March 2023

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) largely depends on the acceptance of the public. Previous studies pay more attention to the factors affecting EV adoption from the customer perspective but lack the perspective of the interaction between sellers and customers. Based on a survey of 1,014 respondents in China, this work developed a research model analyzing the effect of interaction on the intention to purchase EVs and using experience value (EPV) as the mediating variable. The results showed that the functional experience value (FEV) was positively affected by the environment–customer interaction (ECI). The FEV, emotional experience value (EEV), and social experience value (SEV) were all positively affected by salesman–customer interaction (SCI). In addition, they all had positive impacts on purchasing intention (PI). We further analyzed the differences in the interaction between the different business models. Compared with multi-business model car companies, the ECI for single-business model car companies had a more positive impact on the PI. However, the impact of ECI for single-business model companies on PI was negative. The SCI of single-business model car companies positively impacted the PI, whereas the SCI of multi-business model car companies had no significant impact on the PI. These findings provide insight into further understanding the mechanism of interactions affecting EV adoption and help perfect future promotion strategies.
Family experiences of inpatient mental health care for people with dementia
Authors: Wolverson Emma L. , Harrison Dening Karen , Dunning Rebecca , Crowther George , Russell Gregor , Underwood Benjamin R.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

This study investigates family carers experiences of inpatient mental health care for people with dementia. A mental health inpatient admission for a person with dementia is usually considered when a person is distressed and this distress leads to behaviours that are assessed to be risky for the person or others.

Methods

Participants included seven family carers whose relative with dementia had been cared for within a mental health ward in the United Kingdom UK within the last 5 years. Interviews were used to explore the circumstances that led to the admission, expectations of mental health care, and perceptions of care during the admission and support received by family carers.

Results

Participants described their distress at the time of admission and how the process of admission sometimes added to their distress. Carers often felt excluded from their relatives care in hospital and many felt a loss of their rights. Participants felt that the mental health admission had a negative impact on their relative with dementia. Mental health law and legislation was difficult to navigate and carers were concerned about how much knowledge and understanding of dementia staff have.

Discussion

Findings suggest that family carers may benefit from targeted support during their relatives admission. Mental health wards could do more to recognise the expertise in care and knowledge of the person with dementia of family carers and involve them in planning care. More research is needed to explore the experiences and outcomes of people with dementia during such admissions.
Who posted #MeToo, why, and what happened: A mixed methods examination
Authors: Siuta Rose L. , Martin Robert C. , Dray Kelly K. , Liu S.-N. Cindy , Bergman Mindy E.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The #MeToo social media campaign raised awareness about sexual harassment. The purpose of the current study was to address three unexplored research questions. First, what factors influenced whether a person posted #MeToo? Second, how did posting (or not) influence participants' wellbeing? Finally, what motivated participants' posting (or not) #MeToo?

Method

This mixed-methods study explores how #MeToo was experienced by full-time employees (N = 395) who could have posted #MeToo (i.e., experienced a sexual harassment event), whether or not they did so. Participants completed surveys in July of 2018 assessing social media use, sexual harassment history, relational variables such as relative power and social support, and job and life satisfaction. Participants also responded to open-ended survey questions about the context of and decisions about #MeToo posting.

Results

Quantitative results indicated that sexual harassment history was the most powerful predictor of #MeToo posting, while power and interpersonal contact also contributed. Qualitative analyses (N = 74) using a grounded theory approach indicated themes associated with decisions to disclose, including feeling a responsibility to post, need for support, and affective benefits. Decisions not to disclose were event-related negative affect, posting-related negative affect, timing of the event, fit with the #MeToo movement, privacy concerns, and fear of consequences.

Conclusion

This study contributes to the literature on sexual harassment disclosure by focusing on informal means of disclosure and drawing on comparisons to formal reporting and implications for workplaces. Online sexual harassment disclosure, in many ways, reflects the impediments to formal reporting procedures. Given the increased use of social media for purposes of disclosure, these findings suggests that organizations should recognize the legitimacy of sexual harassment reports made online and consider the possible failings of their formal reporting systems as reasons for online disclosure.
COVID-19 vaccine inequity in African low-income countries
Authors: Kunyenje Chifundo Annessia , Chirwa Gowokani Chijere , Mboma Sebastian M. , Ng'ambi Wingston , Mnjowe Emmanuel , Nkhoma Dominic , Ngwira Lucky Gift , Chawani Marlen Stacey , Chilima Ben , Mitambo Collins , Crampin Amelia , Mfutso-Bengo Joseph
Published: March 2023

Equitable access and utilization of the COVID-19 vaccine is the main exit strategy from the pandemic. This paper used proceedings from the Second Extraordinary Think-Tank conference, which was held by the Health Economics and Policy Unit at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in collaboration with the Malawi Ministry of Health, complemented by a review of literature. We found disparities in COVID-19 vaccine coverage among low-income countries. This is also the case among high income countries. The disparities are driven mainly by insufficient supply, inequitable distribution, limited production of the vaccine in low-income countries, weak health systems, high vaccine hesitancy, and vaccine misconceptions. COVID-19 vaccine inequity continues to affect the entire world with the ongoing risks of emergence of new COVID-19 variants, increased morbidity and mortality and social and economic disruptions. In order to reduce the COVID-19 vaccination inequality in low-income countries, there is need to expand COVAX facility, waive intellectual property rights, transform knowledge and technology acquired into vaccines, and conduct mass COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.
Associations of metal mixtures with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: NHANES 2003–2018
Authors: Xie Zhilan , Aimuzi Ruxianguli , Si Mingyu , Qu Yimin , Jiang Yu
Published: March 2023

Objective

The hepatotoxicity of exposure to a single heavy metal has been examined in previous studies. However, there is limited evidence on the association between heavy metals mixture and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This study aims to investigate the associations of 13 urinary metals, individually and jointly, with NAFLD, MAFLD, and MAFLD components.

Methods

This study included 5,548 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2018. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the associations between individual metal exposures and MAFLD, NAFLD, and MAFLD components. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and Quantile-based g-computation (QGC) were used to investigate the association of metal mixture exposure with these outcomes.

Results

In single metal analysis, increased levels of arsenic [OR 1.09 (95%CI 1.03–1.16)], dimethylarsinic acid [1.17 (95%CI 1.07–1.27)], barium [1.22 (95%CI 1.14–1.30)], cobalt [1.22 (95%CI 1.11–1.34)], cesium [1.35 (95%CI 1.18–1.54)], molybdenum [1.45 (95%CI 1.30–1.62)], antimony [1.18 (95%CI 1.08–1.29)], thallium [1.49 (95%CI 1.33–1.67)], and tungsten [1.23 (95%CI 1.15–1.32)] were significantly associated with MAFLD risk after adjusting for potential covariates. The results for NAFLD were similar to those for MAFLD, except for arsenic, which was insignificantly associated with NAFLD. In mixture analysis, the overall metal mixture was positively associated with MAFLD, NAFLD, and MAFLD components, including obesity/overweight, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction. In both BKMR and QGC models, thallium, molybdenum, tungsten, and barium mainly contributed to the positive association with MAFLD.

Conclusion

Our study indicated that exposure to heavy metals, individually or cumulatively, was positively associated with NAFLD, MAFLD, and MAFLD components, including obesity/overweight, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction. Additional research is needed to validate these findings in longitudinal settings.
Magnitude and determinants of alcohol use disorder among adult population in East Asian countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Belay Getaneh Mulualem , Lam Katherine Ka Wai , Liu Qi , Wu Cynthia Sau Ting , Mak Yim Wah , Ho Ka Yan
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to control or stop alcohol use despite adverse health outcomes. Despite several studies that have analyzed the prevalence and determinants, their results have been equivocal, and the reasons for the differences in prevalence rates and determinants of AUD across nationalities are unknown. Hence, this study estimated the pooled prevalence of alcohol use disorder and its determinant among adults in East Asian countries.

Methods

Articles were searched from PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Scopus. All observational study designs that fulfilled the predefined criteria were included in the study. The findings were reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). The quality and heterogeneity of articles were assessed using the new castle-Ottawa scale (NOS) and I2, respectively. Additionally, publication bias was checked through funnel plot and Egger's regression test.

Results

A total of 14 articles with 93, 161 study participants were considered in the study. Of which 9 studies were included in the meta-analysis of the 1-year prevalence of alcohol use disorder, 6 in the lifetime, 9 in alcohol abuse, and 8 in alcohol dependency. Consequently, the overall pooled prevalence of one-year alcohol use disorder was 8.88% (95% CI: 6.32, 11.44), lifetime 13.41% (95%CI: 8.48, 18.34), alcohol abuse 5.4% (95% CI: 2.66, 8.13), and alcohol dependency 4.47% (95% CI: 2.66, 6.27). In the subgroup analysis by country, the highest 1-year and lifetime pooled prevalence of alcohol use disorder was observed in Korea at 9.78% (95% CI:4.40, 15.15) and 16.73% (95% CI: 15.31, 18.16), respectively. Besides, smoking (OR: 3.99; 95% CI: 1.65, 6.33) and male gender (OR: 5.9; 95% CI: 3.3, 8.51) were significant determinants of alcohol use disorder.

Conclusions

The magnitude of alcohol use disorder was high among adults in East Asian countries. Smoking and male gender were the key determinants of alcohol use disorders.
First Organoid Intelligence (OI) workshop to form an OI community
Authors: Morales Pantoja Itzy E. , Smirnova Lena , Muotri Alysson R. , Wahlin Karl J. , Kahn Jeffrey , Boyd J. Lomax , Gracias David H. , Harris Timothy D. , Cohen-Karni Tzahi , Caffo Brian S. , Szalay Alexander S. , Han Fang , Zack Donald J. , Etienne-Cummings Ralph , Akwaboah Akwasi , Romero July Carolina , Alam El Din Dowlette-Mary , Plotkin Jesse D. , Paulhamus Barton L. , Johnson Erik C. , Gilbert Frederic , Curley J. Lowry , Cappiello Ben , Schwamborn Jens C. , Hill Eric J. , Roach Paul , Tornero Daniel , Krall Caroline , Parri Rheinallt , Sillé Fenna , Levchenko Andre , Jabbour Rabih E. , Kagan Brett J. , Berlinicke Cynthia A. , Huang Qi , Maertens Alexandra , Herrmann Kathrin , Tsaioun Katya , Dastgheyb Raha , Habela Christa Whelan , Vogelstein Joshua T. , Hartung Thomas
Published: March 2023

The brain is arguably the most powerful computation system known. It is extremely efficient in processing large amounts of information and can discern signals from noise, adapt, and filter faulty information all while running on only 20 watts of power. The human brain's processing efficiency, progressive learning, and plasticity are unmatched by any computer system. Recent advances in stem cell technology have elevated the field of cell culture to higher levels of complexity, such as the development of three-dimensional (3D) brain organoids that recapitulate human brain functionality better than traditional monolayer cell systems. Organoid Intelligence (OI) aims to harness the innate biological capabilities of brain organoids for biocomputing and synthetic intelligence by interfacing them with computer technology. With the latest strides in stem cell technology, bioengineering, and machine learning, we can explore the ability of brain organoids to compute, and store given information (input), execute a task (output), and study how this affects the structural and functional connections in the organoids themselves. Furthermore, understanding how learning generates and changes patterns of connectivity in organoids can shed light on the early stages of cognition in the human brain. Investigating and understanding these concepts is an enormous, multidisciplinary endeavor that necessitates the engagement of both the scientific community and the public. Thus, on Feb 22–24 of 2022, the Johns Hopkins University held the first Organoid Intelligence Workshop to form an OI Community and to lay out the groundwork for the establishment of OI as a new scientific discipline. The potential of OI to revolutionize computing, neurological research, and drug development was discussed, along with a vision and roadmap for its development over the coming decade.
Perspective method for reconfigurable intelligent surface design for NOMA transmission: Theoretical study
Authors: Kontorovich V.
Published: March 2023

The method (paradigm) presented here was inspired by two basic ideas: the assumption of the MIMO-RIS-NOMA communication channel as a dispersive channel with fading, and the representation of the latter by means of the generalized Kronecker channel model (GKCM), applying the “orthogonalization approach” based on utilization of the “universal” eigen basis in the form of prolate spheroidal wave functions (PSWFs). In other words, the essence of the approach is representing the MIMO-RIS-NOMA channel by means of a finite set of artificially created orthogonal trajectories for wave propagation, which are connected by the coupling matrix (CM) of the RIS. The goal for RIS (through the selection of specific CM elements) is to provide a decoding system for the NOMA users with the required SNR values for each user to guarantee successful decoding processing. A theoretical analysis of this paradigm is presented.
Markerless motion tracking to quantify behavioral changes during robot-assisted gait training: A validation study
Authors: van Dellen Florian , Hesse Nikolas , Labruyère Rob
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Measuring kinematic behavior during robot-assisted gait therapy requires either laborious set up of a marker-based motion capture system or relies on the internal sensors of devices that may not cover all relevant degrees of freedom. This presents a major barrier for the adoption of kinematic measurements in the normal clinical schedule. However, to advance the field of robot-assisted therapy many insights could be gained from evaluating patient behavior during regular therapies.

Methods: For this reason, we recently developed and validated a method for extracting kinematics from recordings of a low-cost RGB-D sensor, which relies on a virtual 3D body model to estimate the patient’s body shape and pose in each frame. The present study aimed to evaluate the robustness of the method to the presence of a lower limb exoskeleton. 10 healthy children without gait impairment walked on a treadmill with and without wearing the exoskeleton to evaluate the estimated body shape, and 8 custom stickers were placed on the body to evaluate the accuracy of estimated poses.

Results & Conclusion: We found that the shape is generally robust to wearing the exoskeleton, and systematic pose tracking errors were around 5 mm. Therefore, the method can be a valuable measurement tool for the clinical evaluation, e.g., to measure compensatory movements of the trunk.
Leveraging environmental stewardship mapping and assessment research as a relational process for ecology with cities
Authors: Maharramli Bemmy Jennifer , Romolini Michele
Published: March 2023

Increasingly, scholars, policy makers, and others have put forth that governance and management of urban environments requires a consideration of cities as social-ecological systems, necessitating involvement from a broad range of actors. Yet the research on environmental governance and development of tools to support it is often completed for rather than with those responsible for carrying out the work. We examined a university-led research effort on urban environmental stewardship in Los Angeles (LA), USA. A university urban research center conducted an environmental Stewardship Mapping and Assessment Project (STEW-MAP) in Los Angeles County, which draws upon network analysis and GIS to better understand sustainability relationships, opportunities, and gaps. STEW-MAP is intended to be both a research study examining stewardship organizations across sectors, scales, jurisdictions and geographic space, as well as an application providing tools to facilitate collaborative environmental stewardship. We sought to contribute to a better understanding of how the process of STEW-MAP can leverage sustainability for a more relational ecology with cities approach. To evaluate the process of the LA STEW-MAP, we conducted our conceptual analysis of this stewardship tool by examining co-production of knowledge and co-production of place, drawing particularly from workshops with community partners that took place in 2017 and 2018. This article will show that the LA STEW-MAP process can be improved to better operationalize a relational ecology with cities approach. This research contributes to the urban sustainability governance literature by focusing on how the process of the LA STEW-MAP can be a relational model and advance an ecology with cities' approach that captures and leverages multi-scalar interactions.