bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical joint analysis of marginal summary statistics—Part I: Multipopulation fine mapping and credible set construction
Authors: Shen Jiayi , Jiang Lai , Wang Kan , Wang Anqi , Chen Fei , Newcombe Paul J. , Haiman Christopher A. , Conti David V. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRecent advancement in genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) comes from not only increasingly larger sample sizes but also the shift in focus towards underrepresented populations. Multipopulation GWAS increase power to detect novel risk variants and improve fine‐mapping resolution by leveraging evidence and differences in linkage disequilibrium (LD) from diverse populations. Here, we expand upon our previous approach for single‐population fine‐mapping through Joint Analysis of Marginal SNP Effects (JAM) to a multipopulation analysis (mJAM). Under the assumption that true causal variants are common across studies, we implement a hierarchical model framework that conditions on multiple SNPs while explicitly incorporating the different LD structures across populations. The mJAM framework can be used to first select index variants using the mJAM likelihood with different feature selection approaches. In addition, we present a novel approach leveraging the ideas of mediation to construct credible sets for these index variants. Construction of such credible sets can be performed given any existing index variants. We illustrate the implementation of the mJAM likelihood through two implementations: mJAM‐SuSiE (a Bayesian approach) and mJAM‐Forward selection. Through simulation studies based on realistic effect sizes and levels of LD, we demonstrated that mJAM performs well for constructing concise credible sets that include the underlying causal variants. In real data examples taken from the most recent multipopulation prostate cancer GWAS, we showed several practical advantages of mJAM over other existing multipopulation methods.
Shorter telomere length increases the risk of lymphocyte immunodeficiency: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Bo , Xiong Yongqiang , Li Ren , Zhang Jiewen , Zhang Shu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundFor a long time, the prevailing viewpoint suggests that shorter telomere contribute to chromosomal instability, which is a shared characteristic of both aging and cancer. The newest research presented that T cell immune deficiency rather than chromosome instability predisposes patients with short telomere syndromes to some cancers. However, the relationship between genetically determined telomere length (TL) and immune cells remains unclear.MethodsThe two‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to elucidate the potential causal relationship. The genetic data of TL and immune cells were obtained from the Genome‐Wide Association Study. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used to estimate the effects primarily and another four methods were as a supplement. Sensitivity analysis was used to test the results.ResultsThe IVW method showed a significant correlation between TL and the percentage of T cells in lymphocytes (odds ratio [OR]: 1.222, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.014–1.472, p = .035), indicating that shorter TL significantly increases the risk of low T cell percentage. Further analysis of T cell subsets indicated that shorter TL may primarily lead to a lower percentage of Natural Killer T cells (OR: 1.574, 95% CI: 1.281–1.935, p < .001). Analysis of B cell subsets revealed that shorter TL may be associated with a higher percentage of Naive‐mature B cells, and a lower percentage of Memory B cells. And the sensitivity analysis indicated the validity and robustness of our findings.ConclusionIn summary, our findings suggest that shorter TL may be associated with a decline in the percentage of T cell, as well as impediments in the differentiation of B cell, consequently leading to the onset of immunosenescence and immunodeficiency. The relevant mechanisms and potential therapeutic avenues still need further investigation.
Systems Engineering and the Pursuit of Elegance: A Transdisciplinary Approach to Complex Problems
Authors: Pennotti Michael , Brook Peter , Rousseau David 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTIn an increasingly complex landscape of advanced technologies, the question of how systems engineering can retain its relevance is more pertinent than ever. Originating with a pragmatic focus on achieving technical objectives, systems engineering has shifted towards process and methodology. We argue, however, that it's time for this discipline to return to its roots and embrace its nature as a transdiscipline. Transdisciplinarity is not just a characteristic of systems engineering; it's necessary for devising elegant solutions to today's complex challenges. In this article, we present a comprehensive framework around the nature of systems engineering, detailing its principles, methods, and purposes. This framework demonstrates how systems engineering is linked to numerous disciplines and social institutions, showcasing its multifaceted impact. By understanding and using this framework as a lens on the discipline, we can foster a common recognition of systems engineering's value, ensuring its continued significance in a rapidly evolving world.
The Spectrum and Evolution of Systems Engineering's Guiding Propositions
Authors: Rousseau David , Pennotti Michael , Brook Peter 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTSystems engineering has numerous guiding propositions scattered across various publications and classified under different schema, leading to confusion and inconsistency. This paper presents a framework for understanding the origin and evolution of any guiding proposition and developing such a guiding proposition into a principle to meet the challenges of Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0. We argue that following this process will enhance the elegance and transdisciplinary value of systems engineering principles and aid in solving complex problems.
Immune profiling of responses to influenza vaccination in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Bachanová Petra , How Joan , Dzeng Richard , Mukherjee Sonia , Pavlovic Maia , Lombardi Jennifer , Hobbs Gabriela , Reeves Patrick M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMyeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are associated with immune dysregulation and increased susceptibility to infection, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for patients. This pilot study evaluated immune responses to influenza vaccination in MPN patients compared with healthy donors using mass cytometry and serology. We observed diminished CXCR5+ B‐cell, CXCR3+ T‐cell, activated CD127+ memory T‐cell subsets, and a trend toward lower hemagglutinin inhibition titer in MPN patients. These results indicate that patients with MPN exhibit distinct responses to influenza vaccination suggestive of impaired migration to lymphoid organs and T‐cell maturation which may impact the development of protective immunity.
Simultaneous quantitation of 15 bioactive components in Yupingfeng granules by LC–MS/MS
Authors: Huang Le‐yi , Chen Dao‐feng , Wu Tong , Gao Yong‐jian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractYupingfeng granules (YPFG) is commonly used in the treatment of immunological diseases, inflammations, and pulmonary diseases. Several studies have found that chromones, flavones, and saponins were the major bioactive compounds of YPFG. However, few studies have reported accurate quantification methods of these compounds. This study aimed to establish a simple and rapid method by using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to determine 15 bioactive compounds in YPFG. The experimental parameters including extraction methods, extraction solvents, extraction time, solid–liquid ratio, and LC–MS/MS condition were optimized. The linearity, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery of the established method were evaluated. The contents of 15 bioactive compounds in seven batches of YPFG samples were analyzed by the established method and the results were compared with the values determined by HPLC. The optimal extraction condition was to extract 0.1 g of YPFG by ultrasound with 50 mL 50% ethanol for 30 min. A Waters ACQUITY UPLCBEH C18 column using the 0.1% formic acid water solution and acetonitrile as mobile phase with a gradient elution was applied to the chromatographic separation. The linearity, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery of the method were within acceptable ranges. Compared with HPLC analysis methods in Chinese Pharmacopoeia and literature, the established method was faster, simpler, more accurate, and more reliable. The method of simultaneous determination of 15 components in YPFG by LC–MS might provide a basis for the study of the bioactive compounds and the improvement of the quality standard of YPFG.
Patient perspective on exercise practices, preferences, and barriers in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A multicenter survey
Authors: Yu Elizabeth L. , You Hyeri , Rudolph Bryan , Panganiban Jennifer A. , Kohut Taisa J. , Lin Henry C. , Fifi Amanda C. , Budhathoki Rasmita , Butler Megan W. , Anderson Sabina R. , Goyal Nidhi P. , Newton Kimberly P. , Schwimmer Jeffrey B. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground/AimsNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent among children, and lifestyle modification is the primary treatment approach. However, the optimal exercise duration, frequency, and intensity for managing NAFLD remain undefined. This study aimed to gain insights from the patient perspective by examining exercise behaviors, preferences, and barriers in children with NAFLD.MethodsA multicenter survey was conducted among children 8–18 years with NAFLD in pediatric gastroenterology clinics. Participants completed a questionnaire on exercise practices, preferences, and barriers, while parents completed a questionnaire on their willingness and ability to support their child's exercise. Data were analyzed using χ2 test with Yates' correction and two‐sample t test.ResultsThe study included 408 children with NAFLD, with a mean age of 13.8 years. Approximately 52.5% of participants had physical education classes at school, while 59.5% engaged in extracurricular exercise, averaging 3.7 days per week. However, 11.5% reported no physical activity. A significant majority (81.1%) expressed interest in increasing their exercise levels, primarily driven by health‐related factors. Time‐related constraints were the most cited barriers to exercise (53.7%). Approximately 80% of parents demonstrated willingness and ability to support their child's exercise regimen.ConclusionThis study provides insights into exercise behaviors, preferences, and barriers among children with NAFLD. Half of the children lacked exercise opportunities at school but expressed interest in increasing their physical activity. Time limitation was the major obstacle cited. Parents are motivated to support increased physical activity. Exercise intervention programs for NAFLD should consider the perspective of the children and their families.
Human resource practices, organizational commitment, and knowledge‐sharing intention: An empirical evidence from a cultural perspective
Authors: Rubaca Ume , Munir Malik Mamoon , Munir Malik Haroon , Munir Bakhtawar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe study investigated the impact of high‐involvement work systems (HIWS) on knowledge‐sharing intention (KSI) through the mediation of organizational commitment (OC) and the moderation of workplace allocentrism, particularly in the manufacturing units of small and medium enterprises operating in Pakistan. Data collection involved 328 workers, utilizing self‐administered structured questionnaires translated into Urdu to ensure understanding and inclusivity. SmartPLS software was used to analyze data using the structural equation modeling technique for the examination of complex relationships between multiple variables simultaneously. The findings suggest that the association between HIWS and KSI strengthens among the individuals high in workplace allocentrism and that cultural factors play a significant role in shaping how employees respond to HIWS and engage in knowledge‐sharing behaviors. The study highlights the importance of considering cultural factors in organizational practices and strategies, thus providing novel insights for entrepreneurs to enhance the performance, innovation, and competitiveness of their enterprises through a knowledge‐sharing culture. Overall, study offers valuable contributions to both academia and practice by shedding light on the intricate relationships between HIWS, KSI, OC, and workplace allocentrism.
Effects of external corrosion defect growth on wall pipeline under internal pressure and various defect sizes with mechano‐electrochemical interaction
Authors: Zhang Wei , Fu Xiaoqian , Hu Minglei , Xu Ke , Dai Kunjie , Shi Jingkun , Ji Yucheng , Dong Chaofang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe assessment of the impact of corrosion defects on the integrity and safe operation of through‐wall pipelines is critical. In this work, a finite element‐based model was developed to study the mechano‐electrochemical (M‐E) effects of external corrosion defects on 10CrMoAl steel pipelines. The effects of parameters such as defect sizes and internal pressures on pipeline conditions are also studied. The results show that increased corrosion depth leads to stress concentration at the center of the defect. The increase in internal pressure causes local plastic deformation and anodic current density concentration at the inner edge of the defect and in the adjacent areas of the defect. M‐E interaction causes the growth of corrosion defects significantly at higher internal pressures. The corrosion defects increase with time. As the pressure increases, the failure pressure of the pipeline gradually decreases. The influence of defect depth on the corrosion rate at the defect is greater than that of defect width. With increasing in internal pressure and corrosion defect size, it will lead to more severe plastic deformation, resulting in accelerated corrosion.
Learning with privileged knowledge of multiple kernels via joint prediction for CT Kernel conversion
Authors: Hu Chudi , Chen Gang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundMost existing models for CT kernel conversion take images reconstructed with a single predetermined source kernel as input and convert them to images that are reconstructed with a target kernel. However, these models can achieve even better performance if they leverage complementary information obtained from images reconstructed with multiple different kernels. In many clinical practice scenarios, only images with one kernel can be acquired.PurposeWe propose a privileged knowledge learning framework that learns privileged knowledge of other source kernels available only in the training data (called privileged information) to guide the conversion from a specific single source kernel to the target kernel, via a joint prediction (JP) task.MethodsWe construct an ensemble of kernel‐specific (KS) tasks where a KS network (KSNet) takes images reconstructed with a specific source kernel as input and converts them to images reconstructed with the target kernel. Then, a JP task is designed to provide extra regularization, which helps each KSNet learn more informative feature representations for kernel conversion, such as detail and structure representations. Meanwhile, we use a cross‐shaped window‐based attention mechanism in the JP task to highlight the most relevant features to strengthen privileged knowledge learning, thereby alleviating the problems of redundant noise unrelated to images reconstructed with target kernel and inconsistent features that arise from images reconstructed with different kernels. All KSNets can be trained collaboratively by using a JP task to improve the performance of each individual KSNet.ResultsWe extensively evaluate our method on a clinical dataset with scanners from three manufacturers, that is, Siemens, GE and Philips. The experimental results demonstrate that our privileged knowledge learning framework is effective in improving CT kernel conversion.ConclusionsThrough both quantitative and qualitative research, our privileged knowledge learning framework improves the kernel conversion results, thereby contributing to the improvement of diagnostic accuracy and the advancement of comparative research in quantitative measurements.
Effect of temperature on flexural and interlaminar shear strength properties of carbon‐epoxy composites: Experiment and modeling
Authors: Nema Aditya , Mallineni Chandrababu N. , Penumakala Pavan Kumar , Adusumalli Ramesh , K Tejasvi , Buragohain Manoj Kumar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCarbon fiber composites are known for excellent specific mechanical properties at room temperature. It is important to model the effect of temperature on flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). In this study, T700 carbon fiber composites with two different epoxy resins (Epofine, LY556) were prepared using filament winding and named as TE and TL composites. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests revealed Tg of 177 and 192°C for TE and TL composites, respectively. Three‐point bending (flexural) and short‐beam shear (ILSS) tests were performed at −20, 0, RT, 90, 105, 150, 170, and 200°C. It was observed that flexural strength and ILSS decreases linearly with increase in temperature. Fracture analysis of flexural samples revealed fiber breakage at −20°C and micro‐buckling at elevated temperature are dominant failure mechanisms. Fracture analysis of ILSS samples showed delamination with microcracking at −20°C and plastic deformation of matrix at elevated temperature. A new empirical model was proposed to predict the temperature dependent flexural strength and ILSS. With this model, variation of flexure strength and ILSS with temperature can be estimated from respective values at RT, Tg and storage modulus values from DMA, thus extensive experimentation at high temperatures can be avoided.Highlights
Mechanical properties of filament wound composites are tested from −20 to 200°C.
Flexural strength and ILSS linearly decreases with increase in temperature.
Fiber breakage at −20°C and micro bucking at 200°C are dominant in flexure.
Delamination at −20°C and plastic deformation at 200°C are dominant in ILSS.
Analytical model for finding temperature dependent flexural strength and ILSS.
Strengthening and self‐healing of natural fiber composites via PLA core–shell nanofibers as healing agent carrier
Authors: Hassim Mohamad Tarmizie , Prabhakar M. N. , Song Jung‐il 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe resin‐rich region between the fiber laminates of a fiber‐reinforced composite is susceptible to matrix damage impeding the composite's integrity. Hence, this study intends to interlayer core–shell poly(lactic) acid (PLA) nanofibers between the flax fibers as a preventive and reactive mechanism to matrix damages in the resin‐rich area. The nanofibers prevent premature damage by suppressing or mitigating crack propagation and in the event of damage to the nanofibers, it reacts by releasing the encapsulated healing agent. Upon interlayering the flax fiber laminates with self‐healing core–shell nanofibers, the flexural modulus exhibited an increment of 31% whereas the short beam strength improved by 19%. Self‐healing traits of the composites were assessed by subjecting the composites to repeated flexural or short beam strength tests for several load cycles. Upon initial damage to the composites, the composites exhibited a full retention and improvement in mechanical properties. The self‐healing composites were also able to withstand more loading cycles than the conventional composite under repeated short‐beam strength tests. Under both configurations, the damaged self‐healing composites exhibited a residual strength greater than or equivalent to the ultimate strength of a pristine flax fiber composite.Highlights
Fabrication of EP/flax self‐healing composites by PLA core–shell nanofibers.
Interlayering healing nanofiber mats between flax fabrics in an FRP composite.
Nanofiber interlayers exhibited a profound impact on the composite properties.
Nano mats facilitate autonomous repair of internal defects within matrices.
The self‐healing composites showed full retention and mechanical strength.
Predicting weight gain in patients with cystic fibrosis on triple combination modulator
Authors: Stewart Kelly L. , Szczesniak Rhonda , Liou Theodore G. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundCystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutations producing dysfunctional CFTR proteins leading to progressive clinical disease. Elexacaftor‐tezacaftor‐ivacaftor (ETI) remarkably improves lung disease but is associated with substantial weight gain.Study Design and MethodsWe performed a single‐center longitudinal study predicting 6‐month weight gain after ETI initiation. We used linear mixed effects modeling (LME) to determine association of ETI treatment with changing body mass index (BMI). Using linear regression, we examined BMI prediction models with distinct combinations of main effects to identify a model useful for patient counseling. We used up to eight commonly observed clinical characteristics as input variables (age, sex, percent predicted FEV1 [FEV1%], F508del homozygous state, pancreatic sufficiency, HgbA1c, prior modulator use and prior year number of pulmonary exacerbations).ResultsWe evaluated 154 patients (19‐73 years old, 54% female, FEV1% = 19−121, 0−6 prior year pulmonary exacerbations). LME demonstrated an association between ETI use and weight increases. Exhaustive testing suggested a parsimonious linear regression model well‐fitted to data that is potentially useful for counseling. The two variable model shows that on average, BMI decreases by 0.045 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] = −0.069 to −0.021, p < 0.001) for every year of age and increases by 0.322 (CI = 0.142 to 0.502, p = 0.001) for each additional prior year exacerbation at the time of ETI initiation.InterpretationYoung patients with many prior year pulmonary exacerbations likely have the largest 6 month weight gain after starting ETI.