bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The clinicopathological and molecular features of sporadic gastric foveolar type neoplasia
Authors: Sugai Tamotsu , Uesugi Noriyuki , Habano Wataru , Sugimoto Ryo , Eizuka Makoto , Fujita Yasuko , Osakabe Mitsumasa , Toya Yosuke , Suzuki Hiromu , Matsumoto Takayuki 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGastric intraepithelial foveolar type neoplasia (IEFN) is not well defined. In addition, atrophic mucosa (AM) is an important issue to consider when evaluating gastric tumorigenesis. Here, we assessed the clinicopathological characteristics and molecular alterations contributing to the development of IEFN compared with intestinal type neoplasia. We examined the clinicopathological and molecular features of 42 cases of IEFN with low-grade dysplasia (LGD) and those of 77 cases of intraepithelial intestinal type neoplasia (IEIN) with LGD. The clinicopathological and molecular features examined included the AM status, mucin phenotype expression, CDX2 expression, p53 overexpression, β-catenin intranuclear accumulation, microsatellite instability (MSI), DNA methylation status (low methylation epigenotype [LME], intermediate ME, or high ME), allelic imbalances (AIs), and APC promoter 1B mutations. There were no differences in the frequencies of AM and rates of CDX2 expression between IEFN and IEIN cases. Although no differences in the frequencies of p53 overexpression and MSI were observed between the two histological types, intranuclear expression of β-catenin was significantly higher in IEIN than in IEFN. In addition, although the rate of LME was significantly higher in IEFN cases than in IEIN cases, IEFN was characterized by AIs at multiple foci. Finally, mutation of the APC promoter 1B, which is a characteristic of gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (potentially resembling IEFN), was detected in only one IEFN case. These findings suggested that IEFN may be an independent entity in terms of molecular alterations including the presence of multiple AIs and LME.
Utilising learning analytics to support study success in higher education: a systematic review
Authors: Ifenthaler Dirk , Yau Jane Yin-Kim 
Published: June 2020

AbstractStudy success includes the successful completion of a first degree in higher education to the largest extent, and the successful completion of individual learning tasks to the smallest extent. Factors affecting study success range from individual dispositions (e.g., motivation, prior academic performance) to characteristics of the educational environment (e.g., attendance, active learning, social embeddedness). Recent developments in learning analytics, which are a socio-technical data mining and analytic practice in educational contexts, show promise in enhancing study success in higher education, through the collection and analysis of data from learners, learning processes, and learning environments in order to provide meaningful feedback and scaffolds when needed. This research reports a systematic review focusing on empirical evidence, demonstrating how learning analytics have been successful in facilitating study success in continuation and completion of students’ university courses. Using standardised steps of conducting a systematic review, an initial set of 6220 articles was identified. The final sample includes 46 key publications. The findings obtained in this systematic review suggest that there are a considerable number of learning analytics approaches which utilise effective techniques in supporting study success and students at risk of dropping out. However, rigorous, large-scale evidence of the effectiveness of learning analytics in supporting study success is still lacking. The tested variables, algorithms, and methods collected in this systematic review can be used as a guide in helping researchers and educators to further improve the design and implementation of learning analytics systems.
Perceptions of Adolescents, Teachers and Parents of Life Skills Education and Life Skills in High School Students in Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Lin Li , Ma Cecilia M.S. , Yu Lu , Leung Janet T.Y. , Wu Florence K.Y. , Leung Hilde , Dou Diya 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAlthough theories and research emphasize the importance of adolescent life skills, different stakeholders’ perceptions of the related issues have not been systematically investigated, particularly in Chinese contexts. This paper presents and integrates findings from four studies examining perceptions of different stakeholders on the need for and adequacy of life skills education and perceived adolescent life skills in Hong Kong. Data from four studies were used, including a longitudinal study with senior high school students (N = 3328+) and three cross-sectional studies based on students (N = 2474), teachers (N = 568) and parents (N = 431). Participants responded to measures on their perceptions of the need for life skills education and adequacy of related education in the formal curriculum. They also rated adolescent life skills in different domains, including emotional competence, moral competence, resilience, problem-solving, life meaning, gratefulness, social competence, and integrity. Consistent across the four studies, while many stakeholders regarded life skills as important for adolescents, a majority of them also perceived life skills education as insufficient in the school curriculum. There were also views suggesting that adolescent life skills development was incomplete. Compared with teachers and parents, adolescents perceived higher levels of life skills in themselves and adolescents in Hong Kong. There is a strong perceived need to step up life skills education in adolescents, particularly in Hong Kong.
Multi-objective particle swarm optimization with random immigrants
Authors: Ünal Ali Nadi , Kayakutlu Gülgün 
Published: June 2020

AbstractComplex problems of the current business world need new approaches and new computational algorithms for solution. Majority of the issues need analysis from different angles, and hence, multi-objective solutions are more widely used. One of the recently well-accepted computational algorithms is Multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO). This is an easily implemented and high time performance nature-inspired approach; however, the best solutions are not found for archiving, solution updating, and fast convergence problems faced in certain cases. This study investigates the previously proposed solutions for creating diversity in using MOPSO and proposes using random immigrants approach. Application of the proposed solution is tested in four different sets using Generational Distance, Spacing, Error Ratio, and Run Time performance measures. The achieved results are statistically tested against mutation-based diversity for all four performance metrics. Advantages of this new approach will support the metaheuristic researchers.
Hyperspectral remote sensing for extraction of soil salinization in the northern region of Ningxia
Authors: Abd El-Hamid Hazem T. , Hong Guan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSoil salinization affects negatively on agricultural productivity in the semiarid region of Ningxia. In this study, the performance of inversion model to determine soil salinization was assessed using some analysis and reflectance of wavelength. About 42 vegetation samples and 42 soil samples were collected for model extraction. Hyper-spectral data processing method was used to analyze spectral characteristics of different levels of salinization area vegetation. Spectral data were transformed in 16 different approaches, including root mean squares, logarithm, inversion logarithm, and first-order differentiation. After the transformation, the obtained soil and vegetation characteristics spectra correlate well with soil salt content, built soil index, and many vegetation indices. Nonlinear regression was employed to establish soil salinization remote sensing monitoring model. By comparing various spectral transformations, the first-order differential of soil spectral was the most sensitive to soil salinization degrees. The model of the current research was based on salinity index (SI) and improved soil-adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI). The correlation between simulated values and measured values was 0.758. Therefore, remote sensing monitoring derived from MSAVI–SI can greatly improve the dynamic and periodical monitoring of soil salinity in the study area.
Streaming statistical models via Merge & Reduce
Authors: Geppert Leo N. , Ickstadt Katja , Munteanu Alexander , Sohler Christian 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMerge & Reduceis a general algorithmic scheme in the theory of data structures. Its main purpose is to transform static data structures—that support only queries—into dynamic data structures—that allow insertions of new elements—with as little overhead as possible. This can be used to turn classic offline algorithms for summarizing and analyzing data into streaming algorithms. We transfer these ideas to the setting of statistical data analysis in streaming environments. Our approach is conceptually different from previous settings where Merge & Reduce has been employed. Instead of summarizing the data, we combine the Merge & Reduce framework directly with statistical models. This enables performing computationally demanding data analysis tasks on massive data sets. The computations are divided into small tractable batches whose size is independent of the total number of observationsn. The results are combined in a structured way at the cost of a bounded$$O(\log n)$$O(logn)factor in their memory requirements. It is only necessary, though nontrivial, to choose an appropriate statistical model and designmergeandreduceoperations on a casewise basis for the specific type of model. We illustrate our Merge & Reduce schemes on simulated and real-world data employing (Bayesian) linear regression models, Gaussian mixture models and generalized linear models.
Service-oriented high-performance human resource practices and employee service performance: A test of serial mediation and moderation models
Authors: Gürlek Mert , Uygur Akyay 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis research aims to reveal how and under what conditions service-oriented high-performance human resource practices (HR) influence employee service performance (ESP). Data were gathered from full-time hotel employees and line managers. In total, 1,525 questionnaire forms were acquired. While respondent employees had filled in the questionnaire form containing independent, mediator, and moderator variables, line managers filled in the questionnaire form containing the dependent variable. The research results demonstrate that HR attributions, trust in the organization, and affective commitment serially mediate the relationship between service-oriented high-performance HR practices and ESP. In addition, the results point out the moderating roles of person–supervisor fit and person–vocation fit. As a result, the current research contributes to the literature by way of revealing how and under what conditions the service-oriented high-performance HR practices affect ESP.
Activity profile of two 5-nitroindazole derivatives over the moderately drug-resistant Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain (DTU TcII): in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Fonseca-Berzal Cristina , da Silva Cristiane França , Batista Denise da Gama Jaen , de Oliveira Gabriel Melo , Cumella José , Batista Marcos Meuser , Peres Raiza Brandão , Silva da Gama Nefertiti Aline , Escario José A. , Gómez-Barrio Alicia , Arán Vicente J. , Soeiro Maria de Nazaré Correia 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn previous studies, we have identified several families of 5-nitroindazole derivatives as promising antichagasic prototypes. Among them, 1-(2-aminoethyl)-2-benzyl-5-nitro-1,2-dihydro-3H-indazol-3-one, (hydrochloride) and 1-(2-acetoxyethyl)-2-benzyl-5-nitro-1,2-dihydro-3H-indazol-3-one (compounds 16 and 24, respectively) have recently shown outstanding activity in vitro over the drug-sensitive Trypanosoma cruzi CL strain (DTU TcVI). Here, we explored the activity of these derivatives against the moderately drug-resistant Y strain (DTU TcII), in vitro and in vivo. The outcomes confirmed their activity over replicative forms, showing IC50 values of 0.49 (16) and 5.75 μm (24) towards epimastigotes, 0.41 (16) and 1.17 μm (24) against intracellular amastigotes. These results, supported by the lack of toxicity on cardiac cells, led to better selectivities than benznidazole (BZ). Otherwise, they were not as active as BZ in vitro against the non-replicative form of the parasite, i.e. bloodstream trypomastigotes. In vivo, acute toxicity assays revealed the absence of toxic events when administered to mice. Moreover, different therapeutic schemes pointed to their capability for decreasing the parasitaemia of T. cruzi Y acute infected mice, reaching up to 60% of reduction at the peak day as monotherapy (16), 79.24 and 91.11% when 16 and 24 were co-administered with BZ. These combined therapies had also a positive impact over the mortality, yielding survivals of 83.33 and 66.67%, respectively, while untreated animals reached a cumulative mortality of 100%. These findings confirm the 5-nitroindazole scaffold as a putative prototype for developing novel drugs potentially applicable to the treatment of Chagas disease and introduce their suitability to act in combination with the reference drug.
The mechanisms of sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma: theoretical basis and therapeutic aspects
Authors: Tang Weiwei , Chen Ziyi , Zhang Wenling , Cheng Ye , Zhang Betty , Wu Fan , Wang Qian , Wang Shouju , Rong Dawei , Reiter F. P. , De Toni E. N. , Wang Xuehao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor capable of facilitating apoptosis, mitigating angiogenesis and suppressing tumor cell proliferation. In late-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sorafenib is currently an effective first-line therapy. Unfortunately, the development of drug resistance to sorafenib is becoming increasingly common. This study aims to identify factors contributing to resistance and ways to mitigate resistance. Recent studies have shown that epigenetics, transport processes, regulated cell death, and the tumor microenvironment are involved in the development of sorafenib resistance in HCC and subsequent HCC progression. This study summarizes discoveries achieved recently in terms of the principles of sorafenib resistance and outlines approaches suitable for improving therapeutic outcomes for HCC patients.
The interactions between cGAS-STING pathway and pathogens
Authors: Cheng Zhangliang , Dai Tong , He Xuelin , Zhang Zhengkui , Xie Feng , Wang Shuai , Zhang Long , Zhou Fangfang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCytosolic DNA is an indicator of pathogen invasion or DNA damage. The cytosolic DNA sensor cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) detects DNA and then mediates downstream immune responses through the molecule stimulator of interferon genes (STING, also known as MITA, MPYS, ERIS and TMEM173). Recent studies focusing on the roles of the cGAS-STING pathway in evolutionary distant species have partly sketched how the mammalian cGAS-STING pathways are shaped and have revealed its evolutionarily conserved mechanism in combating pathogens. Both this pathway and pathogens have developed sophisticated strategies to counteract each other for their survival. Here, we summarise current knowledge on the interactions between the cGAS-STING pathway and pathogens from both evolutionary and mechanistic perspectives. Deeper insight into these interactions might enable us to clarify the pathogenesis of certain infectious diseases and better harness the cGAS-STING pathway for antimicrobial methods.
The zoonotic pathogen Leptospira interrogans mitigates environmental stress through cyclic-di-GMP-controlled biofilm production
Authors: Thibeaux Roman , Soupé-Gilbert Marie-Estelle , Kainiu Malia , Girault Dominique , Bierque Emilie , Fernandes Julien , Bähre Heike , Douyère Anthony , Eskenazi Nicolas , Vinh Joëlle , Picardeau Mathieu , Goarant Cyrille 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe zoonotic bacterium Leptospira interrogans is the aetiological agent of leptospirosis, a re-emerging infectious disease that is a growing public health concern. Most human cases of leptospirosis result from environmental infection. Biofilm formation and its contribution to the persistence of virulent leptospires in the environment or in the host have scarcely been addressed. Here, we examined spatial and time-domain changes in biofilm production by L. interrogans. Our observations showed that biofilm formation in L. interrogans is a highly dynamic process and leads to a polarized architecture. We notably found that the biofilm matrix is composed of extracellular DNA, which enhances the biofilm’s cohesiveness. By studying L. interrogans mutants with defective diguanylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase genes, we show that biofilm production is regulated by intracellular levels of bis-(3′–5′)-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) and underpins the bacterium’s ability to withstand a wide variety of simulated environmental stresses. Our present results show how the c-di-GMP pathway regulates biofilm formation by L. interrogans, provide insights into the environmental persistence of L. interrogans and, more generally, highlight leptospirosis as an environment-borne threat to human health.
Somatic genetic aberrations in benign breast disease and the risk of subsequent breast cancer
Authors: Zeng Zexian , Vo Andy , Li Xiaoyu , Shidfar Ali , Saldana Paulette , Blanco Luis , Xuei Xiaoling , Luo Yuan , Khan Seema A. , Clare Susan E. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIt is largely unknown how the development of breast cancer (BC) is transduced by somatic genetic alterations in the benign breast. Since benign breast disease is an established risk factor for BC, we established a case-control study of women with a history of benign breast biopsy (BBB). Cases developed BC at least one year after BBB and controls did not develop BC over an average of 17 years following BBB. 135 cases were matched to 69 controls by age and type of benign change: non-proliferative or proliferation without atypia (PDWA). Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for the BBB. Germline DNA (available from n = 26 participants) was utilized to develop a mutation-calling pipeline, to allow differentiation of somatic from germline variants. Among the 204 subjects, two known mutational signatures were identified, along with a currently uncatalogued signature that was significantly associated with triple negative BC (TNBC) (p = 0.007). The uncatalogued mutational signature was validated in 109 TNBCs from TCGA (p = 0.001). Compared to non-proliferative samples, PDWA harbors more abundant mutations at PIK3CA pH1047R (p < 0.001). Among the 26 BBB whose somatic copy number variation could be assessed, deletion of MLH3 is significantly associated with the mismatch repair mutational signature (p < 0.001). Matched BBB-cancer pairs were available for ten cases; several mutations were shared between BBB and cancers. This initial study of WES of BBB shows its potential for the identification of genetic alterations that portend breast oncogenesis. In future larger studies, robust personalized breast cancer risk indicators leading to novel interception paradigms can be assessed.
Characterizing dysbiosis of gut microbiome in PD: evidence for overabundance of opportunistic pathogens
Authors: Wallen Zachary D. , Appah Mary , Dean Marissa N. , Sesler Cheryl L. , Factor Stewart A. , Molho Eric , Zabetian Cyrus P. , Standaert David G. , Payami Haydeh 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn Parkinson’s disease (PD), gastrointestinal features are common and often precede the motor signs. Braak and colleagues proposed that PD may start in the gut, triggered by a pathogen, and spread to the brain. Numerous studies have examined the gut microbiome in PD; all found it to be altered, but found inconsistent results on associated microorganisms. Studies to date have been small (N = 20 to 306) and are difficult to compare or combine due to varied methodology. We conducted a microbiome-wide association study (MWAS) with two large datasets for internal replication (N = 333 and 507). We used uniform methodology when possible, interrogated confounders, and applied two statistical tests for concordance, followed by correlation network analysis to infer interactions. Fifteen genera were associated with PD at a microbiome-wide significance level, in both datasets, with both methods, with or without covariate adjustment. The associations were not independent, rather they represented three clusters of co-occurring microorganisms. Cluster 1 was composed of opportunistic pathogens and all were elevated in PD. Cluster 2 was short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria and all were reduced in PD. Cluster 3 was carbohydrate-metabolizing probiotics and were elevated in PD. Depletion of anti-inflammatory SCFA-producing bacteria and elevated levels of probiotics are confirmatory. Overabundance of opportunistic pathogens is an original finding and their identity provides a lead to experimentally test their role in PD.
Speech-based characterization of dopamine replacement therapy in people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Norel R. , Agurto C. , Heisig S. , Rice J. J. , Zhang H. , Ostrand R. , Wacnik P. W. , Ho B. K. , Ramos V. L. , Cecchi G. A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPeople with Parkinson’s (PWP) disease are under constant tension with respect to their dopamine replacement therapy (DRT) regimen. Waiting too long between doses results in more prominent symptoms, loss of motor function, and greater risk of falling per step. Shortened pill cycles can lead to accelerated habituation and faster development of disabling dyskinesias. The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) is the gold standard for monitoring Parkinson’s disease progression but requires a neurologist to administer and therefore is not an ideal instrument to continuously evaluate short-term disease fluctuations. We investigated the feasibility of using speech to detect changes in medication states, based on expectations of subtle changes in voice and content related to dopaminergic levels. We calculated acoustic and prosodic features for three speech tasks (picture description, reverse counting, and diadochokinetic rate) for 25 PWP, each evaluated “ON” and “OFF” DRT. Additionally, we generated semantic features for the picture description task. Classification of ON/OFF medication states using features generated from picture description, reverse counting and diadochokinetic rate tasks resulted in cross-validated accuracy rates of 0.89, 0.84, and 0.60, respectively. The most discriminating task was picture description which provided evidence that participants are more likely to use action words in ON than in OFF state. We also found that speech tempo was modified by DRT. Our results suggest that automatic speech assessment can capture changes associated with the DRT cycle. Given the ease of acquiring speech data, this method shows promise to remotely monitor DRT effects.