bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Gaussian Bare-Bone Imperialist Competition Algorithm Based on Doubling Sampling and Quasi-oppositional Learning for Global Optimization
Authors: Lei Dongge , Cai Lulu , Wu Fei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractGaussian bare-bone imperialist competitive algorithm (GBB-ICA) is an effective variant of imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA), which updates the position of colonies by sampling a Gaussian distribution. However, the mean and standard deviation adopted by GBB-ICA is calculated only using the positions of imperialist and the colony itself, making the searching tends to trap into local optimum. To overcome this drawback, a new double Gaussian sampling strategy is proposed in this paper. An extra Gaussian sampling point, whose mean and standard is calculated using the positions of the second best colony and the current colony itself, is introduced into GBB-ICA. To further speed up the convergence and explore informative region, the quasi-oppositional learning technique is incorporated into GBB-ICA to produce more potential candidates in the assimilation step as well as generating a higher quality initial population. The proposed algorithm is called quasi-oppositional learning-based double Gaussian sampling bare-bone imperialist competitive algorithm (QOLBDGSBB-ICA) and is tested on 20 benchmark functions and four engineering design problems. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms over other referenced ICA variants on 19 benchmark functions, which well validates the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Investigation into radioactivity levels in soil samples from wheat cultivation sites in Kapchorwa district Uganda
Authors: Sead Sead Mohamed , Uzorka Afam , Olaniyan Ademola Olatide 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUsing a NaI(Tl) gamma ray spectrometer, the activity concentrations of three natural radionuclides,238U,232Th, and40K, were assessed for soil samples taken from various locations within the Kapchorwa district wheat plantation region. The average values found for238U,232Th, and40K are 47.8 ± 4.1 Bqkg−1, 61.0 ± 3.8 Bqkg−1, and 1339.05 ± 65.3 Bqkg−1, respectively, all of which were above world average values. Radiological health hazard indices were calculated, including radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent, external and internal health hazard indices, as well as gamma and alpha indices. The findings revealed that the annual effective dose equivalent (HR) and absorbed dose rate (DR) are respectively 0.58 ± 0.03 mSvy−1and 118.1 ± 7.7 nGyh−1, and the mean value of radium equivalent activity is 246.9 ± 10.4 Bqkg−1. The gamma and alpha health hazard indices have values of 0.93 ± 0.05 and 0.25 ± 0.02, respectively, whereas the external and internal health hazard indices have values of 0.66 ± 0.04 and 0.79 ± 0.04, respectively. The findings showed that although the soil's radioactivity levels were higher than acceptable limits established by international standards, the computed hazard indices were lower than acceptable limits established by international standards, indicating a low risk of radiation contamination in the region. Important information about the natural radioactivity levels in agricultural soils and their effects on the environment and public health in Kapchorwa District and surrounding areas is provided by this study.
Improving representation of Hispanic adults in a population-based cancer genetics cohort: Qualitative findings from the Healthy Oregon Project
Authors: Coronado Gloria D. , Rivelli Jennifer S. , Serrato Vanessa , Thompson Jamie , Shafer Autumn , Tracy-Carter Danita , Warner Kayla , Shannon Jackilen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Members of many racial and ethnic population subgroups are underrepresented in clinical trials and research. We present perspectives on barriers and facilitators to study participation gathered from Hispanic participants in a population-based genetic screening study.

Methods:
Seven focus groups (five in English and two in Spanish) were conducted with self-identified Hispanic participants of the Healthy Oregon Project (HOP), a large population-based cohort of adults residing in Oregon. HOP study participants complete surveys about cancer and chronic disease risks with the option to donate a saliva sample for no-cost genetic risk screening for inherited disorders. HOP invited Hispanic participants via email to join a focus group about their experiences. Focus groups, generally lasting 60–90 minutes, occurred in person and virtually. Notes were coded and content-analyzed.

Findings:
49 Hispanic adults participated in the focus groups (37 women; 9 men; 3 non-binary people). Identified facilitators for HOP study participation were trust in the academic medical center leading the study, having a family member who was impacted by cancer, and receiving free genetic screening. Identified barriers were difficulty completing the family history survey, lack of understanding or familiarity with research, immigration status, and navigating technology challenges. Recommendations to improve recruitment of Hispanic populations included promoting the study at community events, clinics, or schools, simplifying the consenting process and providing patient-focused videos to demonstrate study tasks, providing real-time sample tracking, and offering monetary incentives.

Discussion:
Our findings can inform strategies for bolstering recruitment of Hispanic adults in biomedical research studies.
Identifying at-risk individuals for diseases of despair through integration of clinical practice and social service systems
Authors: Calo William A. , Bufalini Chelsea M. , Spanos Katherine , Sandoe Michele , Watkins Cinda , Lewis Jordan , D’Souza Gail , Graham Jamelia , Llavona-Ortiz Josheili , Sekhar Deepa 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Individuals who are unable to meet their basic needs are more likely to respond reactively to their immediate social and financial hardships with behaviors that lead to “diseases of despair,” which include suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol-induced liver diseases. We sought to assess the feasibility of a community-to-clinic referral approach for diseases of despair-related behaviors.

Methods:
Guided by the Model for Adaptation Design and Impact, we adapted existing clinical risk assessments into a six-item screener and integrated it into the PA 211 Southwest helpline’s workflow. The screener was created to identify helpline callers at risk for suicidal ideation/behavior, alcohol abuse, drug use, and those in need of seasonal flu vaccination. The screener was implemented from December 2020 to March 2021. We invited at-risk individuals who accepted a service referral to complete baseline and follow-up surveys to learn about their satisfaction with screening and use of referrals.

Results:
2,868 callers were invited to take the screener, with 37% (n = 1047) participation. Among screened callers, 19% (n = 196) were at risk of alcohol abuse, 11% (n = 118) for drug use, 9% (n = 98) for suicidal ideation/behavior, and 54% (n = 568) needed flu vaccination. Of those, 265 callers accepted at least one of the offered referrals. Forty-seven individuals took our surveys, with almost half of them (n = 22) reported engaging with a referral and 90% recommended the helpline for health referrals.

Conclusion:
Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of using existing community infrastructure and social service systems to actively screen and link at-risk individuals to needed health referrals in their communities.
Operationalizing the Intolerable Suffering Criterion in Advance Requests for Medical Assistance in Dying for People Living with Dementia in Canada
Authors: Nix Hayden P. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In Canada, there is interest in expanding medical assistance in dying (MAID) to include advance requests (AR) for people living with dementia (PLWD). However, operationalizing the intolerable suffering criterion for MAID in ARs for PLWD is complicated by the Canadian legal context—in which MAID is understood as a medical intervention and suffering is conceptualized as subjective—and the degenerative nature of dementia. ARs that express a wish to receive MAID when the PLWD develops pre-specified impairments are problematic because people are unlikely to accurately predict the conditions that will cause intolerable suffering. ARs that express a wish to receive MAID when the PLWD exhibits pre-specified behaviors that likely represent suffering are problematic because they are inconsistent with the subjective conceptualization of suffering. Further research is required to determine whether adopting an objective conceptualization of suffering is justified in these cases and, if so, how to reliably identify intolerable suffering in PLWD.
Optimizing MRI pulse sequence for displaying gold markers in radiation therapy simulation of patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Bagheri Fariba , Faeghi Fariborz , Baniasadipour Banafsheh , Bakhshandeh Mohsen , Azghandi Samira , Hendudari Farzane 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Magnetic resonance localization of gold markers for radiotherapy is critical for the treatment planning of prostatic cancer. This study sought to enhance the visualization of gold markers by applying the three-dimensional gradient echo (3D GRE) T2* sequence and comparing it with CT scan.

Methods:
29 Patients who underwent both a 3D GRE T2* sequence and a CT were evaluated by an oncologist and radiologist. The SNR, CNR and prostate volume were calculated.

Result:
The depiction of gold markers using 3D GRE T2* exhibited an enhanced quality in comparison to CT (p < 0·05). Prostate SNR, fat SNR, muscle SNR and Osteon SNR were found to be elevated in 3D GRE T2*, as opposed to the CT (p < 0·05). The comparison of the average prostate volume revealed a significant difference between the mean measurements (sig = 0, p < 0·05). The prostate Volume in 3D GRE T2* 29·03% smaller in magnitude when compared to the CT, thus bringing it into closer alignment with its authentic dimensions.

Conclusion:
The comparison between the MRI and the CT demonstrated that 3D GRE T2* is an exceptional tool for visualizing gold markers in the realm of prostate cancer radiotherapy planning. It has the potential to minimize collateral damage to healthy cells while enhancing the precision of cancer cell targeting.
Polymorphism and resistance spectrum to Magnaporthe oryzae analysis of Pi-d2 haplotypes in rice (Oryza sativa L.) resource from Yunnan province of China
Authors: Yang Yi , Li Jinbin , Ma Jiqiong , Tao Jing , Li Chengpeng , Sun Yiding , Xu Minghui 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPi-d2, which encodes a potential serine-threonine receptor-like kinase (RLK) membrane-spanning protein consisting of 825 amino acids, confers resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae strain ZB15 via an unidentified recognition mechanism. In this study, the Pid2 alleles of 303 rice (O. sativa) varieties from China's Yunnan region were amplified and sequenced in order to produce 24 haplotypes and 16 translation variants. Six of twenty-four alleles possessing the resistant site at the 441st amino acid were chosen for evaluating blast resistance by transforming into the blast-vulnerable rice variety Nipponbare. After being infected with 11 strains of M. oryzae, all transgenic lines exhibited resistance to ZB-15, whereas resistance to other strains varied. Notably, Pi-d2_H23 and Pi-d2_H24 exhibited resistance to all M. oryzae strains tested, indicating that these two alleles may have a broader resistance spectrum to M. oryzae. Alignment of these alleles’ amino acid sequences revealed that the differences in blast resistance spectra were primarily related to the amino acids present in the PAN domain at position 363 (valine/alanine). These findings suggested that the two extracellular signal recognition domains of PI-D2, B-lectin and PAN, may play a role in the identification of M. oryzae effectors. The present results provide insight into the mechanism of interaction between RLKs and M. oryzae.
The Bow Shock and Magnetosheath Responses to Density Depletion Structures
Authors: Lu Xi , Otto Antonius , Zhang Hui , Liu Terry , Chen Xingran 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHot flow anomalies (HFAs) are typical and important foreshock transients characterized by large flow deflection and plasma heating. HFAs can deform the Earth's bow shock by dynamic pressure perturbation resulting in disturbance in the magnetosphere and ionosphere. Traditionally, HFAs are believed to be associated with discontinuities. But recently, HFA‐like structures were simulated by a magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model without the discontinuity prerequisite. In this study, three HFA‐like structures are shown to present the MHD formation mechanism. Multi‐points observation by the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) mission tracks the formation of an HFA from a density depletion upstream. HFAs with high‐ or low‐ density cores are observed by the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission in the flank region. The comparisons of the observation and their simulation show general agreement, particularly in the presence of a core with strong heating and velocity deflection, and two compression regions (shocks) with clear maxima in the ram pressure with a strongly inclined normal boundary at the leading edge and moderately inclined at the trailing edge. Agreement is better when the MHD simulations used a transient change to quasi‐parallel solar wind magnetic field during the events.
Earthquake Cycle Mechanics During Caldera Collapse: Simulating the 2018 Kı̄lauea Eruption
Authors: Crozier Josh , Anderson Kyle R. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn multiple observed caldera‐forming eruptions, the rock overlying a draining magma reservoir dropped downward along ring faults in sequences of discrete collapse earthquakes. These sequences are analogous to tectonic earthquake cycles and provide opportunities to examine fault mechanics and collapse eruption dynamics over multiple events. Collapse earthquake cycles have been studied with zero‐dimensional slider‐block models, but these do not account for the complicated interplay between fluid and elastic dynamics or for factors such as the heterogeneous fault properties and non‐vertical ring fault geometries often inferred at volcanoes. We present two‐dimensional axisymmetric mafic piston‐like collapse earthquake cycle models that include rate‐and‐state friction, fully‐dynamic elasticity, and compressible viscous fluid magma flow. We demonstrate that collapse earthquake intervals and magnitudes are highly sensitive to inertial effects, evolving stress fields, fault geometry, and depth‐varying fault friction. Given the consistent earthquake cycles observed in most eruptions, this suggests that ring faults can quickly stabilize and often become nearly vertical at depth. We use the well‐monitored 2018 collapse sequence at Kı̄lauea as a case study. Our model can produce many features of Kı̄lauea seismic and geodetic observations, except for a significant amount of interseismic slip, which cannot be readily explained with simple rate‐and‐state friction parameterizations.
Hemodynamic assessment by neonatologist using echocardiography: Primary provider versus consultation model
Authors: Noori Shahab , Ramanathan Rangasamy , Lakshminrusimha Satyan , Singh Yogen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Hemodynamic instability is very common in sick neonates and the currently used traditional hemodynamic monitoring tools lack sensitivity and specificity. Hemodynamic evaluation on echocardiography can provide direct information regarding the pathophysiology causing the hemodynamic instability and help the bedside clinician in making a personalized treatment approach based upon the deranged pathophysiology. Assessment of cardiac function and hemodynamics is essential in the management of neonates with cardiorespiratory failure, and hence neonatologist-performed echocardiography is becoming an essential tool in modern neonatal care. Depending on the level and size of the NICU, there is a daily need for echocardiography, and for a subset of sick infants, serial echocardiographic assessments are warranted. Comprehensive guidelines for neonatologists performing echocardiography and targeted neonatal echocardiography have been published providing a framework for training and quality assurance. There has been a significant interest among the providers to learn echocardiography skills. This manuscript explores the various needs of neonatal care providers around echocardiography, the current challenges neonatologists face in learning echocardiography, and how they, especially neonatal fellows, can learn these important skills during their training.
Autoimmune conditions and gastric cancer risk in a population-based study in the United Kingdom
Authors: Murphy John D. , Gadalla Shahinaz M. , Anderson Lesley A. , Rabkin Charles S. , Cardwell Chris R. , Song Minkyo , Camargo M. Constanza 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Although overall incidence of gastric cancer is decreasing, incidence has been increasing among young people in some Western countries. This trend may stem from the increase in autoimmune conditions.

Methods
A nested case-control study of gastric cancer in UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Up to ten cancer-free controls were matched to cases by age and sex. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between analyzable autoimmune conditions (n = 34) and gastric cancer with Bonferroni correction. We evaluated associations between pernicious anaemia and other conditions. A meta-analysis of published prospective studies and ours was conducted.

Results
Among 6586 cases (1156 cardia, 1104 non-cardia, and 4334 overlapping/unspecified tumours) and 65,687 controls, any autoimmune condition was associated with gastric cancer (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01–1.20). Individuals with pernicious anaemia had higher gastric cancer risk than those without (OR = 2.75; 2.19–3.44). Among controls, pernicious anaemia was associated with seven other conditions (OR range: 2.21–29.80). The pooled estimate for any autoimmune condition and gastric cancer was 1.17 (1.14–1.21; n = 47,126 cases).

Conclusion
Autoimmunity increases gastric cancer risk. Some autoimmune conditions may be indirectly associated with gastric cancer via pernicious anaemia. Pernicious anaemia could be considered for gastric cancer risk stratification and screening.
Past, present, and future of cell replacement therapy for parkinson’s disease: a novel emphasis on host immune responses
Authors: Park Tae-Yoon , Jeon Jeha , Cha Young , Kim Kwang-Soo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) stands as the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, and its prevalence continues to rise with the aging global population. Central to the pathophysiology of PD is the specific degeneration of midbrain dopamine neurons (mDANs) in the substantia nigra. Consequently, cell replacement therapy (CRT) has emerged as a promising treatment approach, initially supported by various open-label clinical studies employing fetal ventral mesencephalic (fVM) cells. Despite the initial favorable results, fVM cell therapy has intrinsic and logistical limitations that hinder its transition to a standard treatment for PD. Recent efforts in the field of cell therapy have shifted its focus towards the utilization of human pluripotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, to surmount existing challenges. However, regardless of the transplantable cell sources (e.g., xenogeneic, allogeneic, or autologous), the poor and variable survival of implanted dopamine cells remains a major obstacle. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal role of host immune responses following transplantation in influencing the survival of implanted mDANs, underscoring an important area for further research. In this comprehensive review, building upon insights derived from previous fVM transplantation studies, we delve into the functional ramifications of host immune responses on the survival and efficacy of grafted dopamine cells. Furthermore, we explore potential strategic approaches to modulate the host immune response, ultimately aiming for optimal outcomes in future clinical applications of CRT for PD.
Expanding the phenotypic spectrum of NOTCH1 variants: clinical manifestations in families with congenital heart disease
Authors: Stanley Kaitlin J. , Kalbfleisch Kelsey J. , Moran Olivia M. , Chaturvedi Rajiv R. , Roifman Maian , Chen Xin , Manshaei Roozbeh , Martin Nicole , McDermott Simina , McNiven Vanda , Myles-Reid Diane , Nield Lynne E. , Reuter Miriam S. , Schwartz Marci L. B. , Shannon Patrick , Silver Rachel , Somerville Cherith , Teitelbaum Ronni , Zahavich Laura , Bassett Anne S. , Kim Raymond H. , Mital Seema , Chitayat David , Jobling Rebekah K. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPathogenic variants in NOTCH1 are associated with non-syndromic congenital heart disease (CHD) and Adams–Oliver syndrome (AOS). The clinical presentation of individuals with damaging NOTCH1 variants is characterized by variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance; however, data on systematic phenotypic characterization are limited. We report the genotype and phenotype of a cohort of 33 individuals (20 females, 13 males; median age 23.4 years, range 2.5–68.3 years) from 11 families with causative NOTCH1 variants (9 inherited, 2 de novo; 9 novel), ascertained from a proband with CHD. We describe the cardiac and extracardiac anomalies identified in these 33 individuals, only four of whom met criteria for AOS. The most common CHD identified was tetralogy of Fallot, though various left- and right-sided lesions and septal defects were also present. Extracardiac anomalies identified include cutis aplasia (5/33), cutaneous vascular anomalies (7/33), vascular anomalies of the central nervous system (2/10), Poland anomaly (1/33), pulmonary hypertension (2/33), and structural brain anomalies (3/14). Identification of these findings in a cardiac proband cohort supports NOTCH1-associated CHD and NOTCH1-associated AOS lying on a phenotypic continuum. Our findings also support (1) Broad indications for NOTCH1 molecular testing (any familial CHD, simplex tetralogy of Fallot or hypoplastic left heart); (2) Cascade testing in all at-risk relatives; and (3) A thorough physical exam, in addition to cardiac, brain (structural and vascular), abdominal, and ophthalmologic imaging, in all gene-positive individuals. This information is important for guiding the medical management of these individuals, particularly given the high prevalence of NOTCH1 variants in the CHD population.
Genome-wide Cas9-mediated screening of essential non-coding regulatory elements via libraries of paired single-guide RNAs
Authors: Li Yufeng , Tan Minkang , Akkari-Henić Almira , Zhang Limin , Kip Maarten , Sun Shengnan , Sepers Jorian J. , Xu Ningning , Ariyurek Yavuz , Kloet Susan L. , Davis Richard P. , Mikkers Harald , Gruber Joshua J. , Snyder Michael P. , Li Xiao , Pang Baoxu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe functions of non-coding regulatory elements (NCREs), which constitute a major fraction of the human genome, have not been systematically studied. Here we report a method involving libraries of paired single-guide RNAs targeting both ends of an NCRE as a screening system for the Cas9-mediated deletion of thousands of NCREs genome-wide to study their functions in distinct biological contexts. By using K562 and 293T cell lines and human embryonic stem cells, we show that NCREs can have redundant functions, and that many ultra-conserved elements have silencer activity and play essential roles in cell growth and in cellular responses to drugs (notably, the ultra-conserved element PAX6_Tarzan may be critical for heart development, as removing it from human embryonic stem cells led to defects in cardiomyocyte differentiation). The high-throughput screen, which is compatible with single-cell sequencing, may allow for the identification of druggable NCREs.