Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
The compensatory enrichment of sphingosine-1-phosphate on HDL in FSGS enhances the protective function of glomerular endothelial cells compared to MCD
Presentation and analysis of the Geotechnical Coastal Vulnerability Index and validation of its application to coastal erosion problems
Morphological patterns of the European bison (Bison bonasus) skull
Hemoglobin glycation index and mortality risk in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease patients: a novel U-shaped association
Comparison of coseismic velocity changes estimated by cross-correlation of ambient seismic noise for earthquakes in south Korea and Japan
Associations of serum and tissue TIMP1 with host response and survival in colorectal cancer
AbstractTissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) is a multifaceted, cytokine-like bioactive molecule whose levels are elevated in a wide range of inflammatory diseases and are associated with prognosis. Additionally, TIMP1 may play a role in driving systemic inflammation. TIMP1 immunohistochemistry and TIMP1 serum concentrations were analyzed in a cohort of 776 colorectal cancer patients. TIMP1 histoscore by cell type (tumor cell, other) was quantified using digital image analysis. Serum TIMP1 levels were evaluated for correlations with tumor TIMP1 expression, and their associations with tumor characteristics, inflammation, and prognosis were investigated. High serum TIMP1 concentrations associated with shorter overall survival (multivariable HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.30–2.65). Serum TIMP1 levels positively correlated with markers of systemic inflammation and tumor necrosis percentage but not with TIMP1 expression in tumor tissue. High TIMP1 intensity in tumor stroma associated with longer cancer-specific and overall survival in univariable analysis but not in multivariable models. T cell densities in tumor tissue positively correlated with tumor stromal TIMP1 expression and negatively with tumor epithelial TIMP1 expression. Serum TIMP1 levels show promise as a prognostic marker for colorectal cancer and correlate with systemic inflammatory markers, but do not correlate with TIMP1 expression in tumor tissue.
Optical soliton solutions of the M-fractional paraxial wave equation
Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of Mentha rotundifolia and Chrysanthemum coronarium essential oils against the tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta
Transcriptome-wide association study identifies genes associated with bladder cancer risk
AbstractGenome-wide association studies (GWAS) have detected several susceptibility variants for urinary bladder cancer, but how gene regulation affects disease development remains unclear. To extend GWAS findings, we conducted a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) using PrediXcan to predict gene expression levels in whole blood using genome-wide genotype data for 6180 bladder cancer cases and 5699 controls included in the database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP). Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted gene-level odds ratios (OR) per 1-standard deviation higher expression with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for bladder cancer risk. We further assessed associations for individual single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) used to predict expression levels and proximal loci for genes identified in gene-level analyses with false-discovery rate (FDR) correction. TWAS identified four genes for which expression levels were associated with bladder cancer risk: SLC39A3 (OR = 0.91, CI = 0.87–0.95, FDR = 0.015), ZNF737 (OR = 0.91, CI = 0.88–0.95, FDR = 0.016), FAM53A (OR = 1.09, CI = 1.05–1.14, FDR = 0.022), and PPP1R2 (OR = 1.09, CI = 1.05–1.13, FDR = 0.049). Findings from this TWAS enhance our understanding of how genetically-regulated gene expression affects bladder cancer development and point to potential prevention and treatment targets.
Author Correction: Conserved pattern-based classification of human odorant receptor multigene family
Feasibility exploration of nano-thermal rod applied to deicing of tunnel pavement in cold region
Proteomic analysis reveals the difference between the spermatozoa of young and old Sus scrofa
Endoscopic endonasal approach for pituitary neuroendocrine tumor with septal mucosa incision tailored to tumor extension intending unilateral septal mucosa preservation
Abstract Currently, the direct endonasal approach is widely used in endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for pituitary neuroendocrine tumor. However, a large posterior septal perforation is inevitable. We routinely utilize a modified para/transseptal approach using the combination of a Killian and a contralateral rescue flap incision (PTSA with K-R incision). Especially, rescue flap incision is used on ipsilateral side of the tumor extension to facilitate lateral expansion of the anterior sphenoidotomy and tumor resection. One hundred eighty-nine patients underwent EES using PTSA with K-R incision in Tsukuba university hospital. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 146 (77.2%) patients. Even in cases of significant lateral tumor extension (Knosp 3 or 4), GTR was achieved in 56 of 90 (62.2%) patients. Among the 168 patients with available rhinological follow-up data, postoperative anterior and posterior septal perforation occurred in six (3.6%) and 18 (10.7%) patients, respectively. Surgical intervention was required in one (0.6%) patient with anterior septal perforation. Thus, PTSA with K-R incision was effective in preserving the nasal septal mucosa on one side and gaining a sufficient surgical corridor with lateral expansion of the anterior sphenoidotomy on the other side. Our strategy may be preferable to improve maneuverability of instruments during tumor resection.
Advanced control parameter optimization in DC motors and liquid level systems
AbstractIn recent times, there has been notable progress in control systems across various industrial domains, necessitating effective management of dynamic systems for optimal functionality. A crucial research focus has emerged in optimizing control parameters to augment controller performance. Among the plethora of optimization algorithms, the mountain gazelle optimizer (MGO) stands out for its capacity to emulate the agile movements and behavioral strategies observed in mountain gazelles. This paper introduces a novel approach employing MGO to optimize control parameters in both a DC motor and three-tank liquid level systems. The fine-tuning of proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller parameters using MGO achieves remarkable results, including a rise time of 0.0478 s, zero overshoot, and a settling time of 0.0841 s for the DC motor system. Similarly, the liquid level system demonstrates improved control with a rise time of 11.0424 s and a settling time of 60.6037 s. Comparative assessments with competitive algorithms, such as the grey wolf optimizer and particle swarm optimization, reveal MGO’s superior performance. Furthermore, a new performance indicator, ZLG, is introduced to comprehensively evaluate control quality. The MGO-based approach consistently achieves lower ZLG values, showcasing its adaptability and robustness in dynamic system control and parameter optimization. By providing a dependable and efficient optimization methodology, this research contributes to advancing control systems, promoting stability, and enhancing efficiency across diverse industrial applications.
Facial signals shape predictions about the nature of upcoming conversational responses
AbstractIncreasing evidence suggests that interlocutors use visual communicative signals to form predictions about unfolding utterances, but there is little data on the predictive potential of facial signals in conversation. In an online experiment with virtual agents, we examine whether facial signals produced by an addressee may allow speakers to anticipate the response to a question before it is given. Participants (n = 80) viewed videos of short conversation fragments between two virtual humans. Each fragment ended with the Questioner asking a question, followed by a pause during which the Responder looked either straight at the Questioner (baseline), or averted their gaze, or accompanied the straight gaze with one of the following facial signals: brow raise, brow frown, nose wrinkle, smile, squint, mouth corner pulled back (dimpler). Participants then indicated on a 6-point scale whether they expected a “yes” or “no” response. Analyses revealed that all signals received different ratings relative to the baseline: brow raises, dimplers, and smiles were associated with more positive responses, gaze aversions, brow frowns, nose wrinkles, and squints with more negative responses. Qur findings show that interlocutors may form strong associations between facial signals and upcoming responses to questions, highlighting their predictive potential in face-to-face conversation.
Reliability of sitting posture between physical therapist video-based evaluation and SMART IMU system using rapid upper limb assessment (RULA)
Assessment of the predictive power the radiation-induced lymphocyte apoptosis method in prostate cancer patients
AbstractDue to the better survival of patients with tumorous diseases, it is increasingly important to predict the side effects of radiotherapy, for which the Radiation-Induced Lymphocyte Apoptosis (RILA) method is proving to be effective in multicentric studies. Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men worldwide, which is usually treated with radiotherapy. We recruited 49 patients with localized prostate cancer and performed RILA measurements before radiotherapy. Patients were treated with CyberKnife (35–40 Gy) or high-dose-rate brachytherapy (1 × 21 Gy). We performed chromosome aberration test for five years and graded side effects, IPSS and QoL questionnaire scores were recorded. We found that RILA% correlated with the IPSS increase (p = 0.0016, r=-0.44), which was confirmed with negative binomial regression (p = 0.0013). The negative predictive value for severe urinary side effects according to the IPSS questionnaire was 87.9% at the lower tertile of RILA values. Chromosome aberrations also correlated with side effects, but when we built models including variables of baseline and treatment characteristics of the patients, RILA, and chromosome aberrations, only RILA predicted a late increase in IPSS score (p < 0.0001, adjusted R2 = 68%). The RILA method was shown to be predictive of urinary side effects especially of patient-reported outcomes.
Homoarginine concentrations correlate with early depressive symptoms and the reduction in physical functioning within the first days after myocardial infarction
Usability, acceptance, and the role of realism in virtual humans for breathing exercise training
Abstract Breathing exercises are used to address a multitude of issues ranging from mental health to physical well-being. While they are recommended for various health conditions, access to professional support is often limited due to time and cost constraints. Virtual Reality technology offers a promising solution for enhancing mindfulness and relaxation practices, including breathing exercises. In our study, we explored the effectiveness of a computer-generated “virtual breathing coach”. Our virtual coach has a human appearance, speaks in a human voice, and displays breathing physiology while guiding the participants through a set of breathing exercises of different cycle lengths. The agent exhibits breathing behaviour with the aim of augmenting the influence the agent exerts through the mechanisms of physiological entrainment known from human-to-human interaction. Our empirical, exploratory study with 20 participants, was conducted using non-immersive VR where the system ran on a web browser. On the one hand, we investigated the perception of the virtual human coach, and on the other hand, we evaluated the usability, acceptability, and adherence of the system. We also evaluated the role of realism in acceptance of and adherence to the virtual coach. Participants’ responses were recorded using questionnaires. Participants were influenced by the virtual coach and adhered to it if they perceived the virtual coach as more realistic. The participants reported that the system ran well, and they would be willing to continue using the system in the future. Although the virtual human-to-human interaction experience provided by our system is not on par with the naturalistic human-to-human interaction, the results indicate that people are willing to replace a real human coach with a virtual coach. Systems like this are a step towards improving the affordability and on-demand access to another human, such as a coach in our system, especially where access and affordability are limited such as in healthcare. The qualities such as trust and likeability in an embodied interaction can make this interaction more efficient and effective.