Directional Changes Research Articles

Abstract 21: The Detrimental Effects of a Comorbidity of Increased Blood Pressure Variability and High Salt Diet on Cardiovascular and Neurovascular Outcomes

Recent studies have identified increased blood pressure variability (BPV) as a novel risk factor for cognitive decline, independently from absolute BP values. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly defined. In addition, whether a high salt diet (HSD) contributes to BPV and exacerbates cognitive decline is not known. We tested the hypothesis that vascular damage resulting from blood pressure fluctuations in BPV disrupts critical mechanisms regulating cerebral blood flow (CBF), impairing perfusion and leading to neurovascular dysfunction and cognitive decline. We established a murine BPV model and evaluated the impact of BPV on systemic BP (baroreceptor reflex) and CBF regulation (myogenic and functional hyperemia (FH) responses). Mice were implanted with a cranial window for in-vivo two-photon (2P) imaging. A programmable pump infused 6-8 pulses/day of angiotensin II ((Ang II 18 µg/day) (BPV) or saline (Control) for 25 days, and cardiovascular variables were measured via DSI telemetry. Ang II pulse infusions evoked transient BP increases (Δ43±4 mmHg, MAP; P<0.01,n=8); however, did not induce hypertension in the BPV group. BPV mice displayed increased BPV index (P=0.04,n=12) and cognitive decline (novel object recognition test (P=0.01,n=10)). Telemetry data showed a decrease in bradycardic responses following chronic BPV (P=0.03, n=8). Data from 2P studies showed enhanced myogenic response in parenchymal arterioles of BPV vs Controls (P<0.01,n=9-15 runs) when BP transitions from low to high BP. We observed a blunted FH in BPV vs Control during low BP (P<0.01,n=6-7). During high BP, FH was pronounced in Controls (P<0.01,n=6-7); however, pressure-induced vascular responses were abolished in BPV mice (P<0.01,n=6-7). In separate groups of mice, the Control and BPV protocol was repeated with all mice receiving a high-salt diet (HS; 4% NaCl chow+1% NaCl drinking water: Control+HS or BPV+HS). There were no changes in 24-hr MAP in Control+HS (P>0.85, n=5). Whereas BPV+HS mice developed sustained hypertension (increased 24-hr MAP; P<0.01, n=4). These data demonstrate that BPV alters mechanisms regulating CBF and BP, contributing to cognitive decline and that HSD may exacerbate the detrimental effects of BPV on BP regulating mechanisms. Ongoing studies are examining the comorbid effects of BPV+HS on the cerebrovasculature and direct CBF changes in BPV and BPV+HS mice.

Internal flow in freezing and non-freezing water droplets at freezing temperatures

By comparing freezing and non-freezing water droplets with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), this paper aims to further advance the knowledge of the internal movement in deposited water droplets. The experiments are carried out at substrate temperatures below 0 °C, and the onset of the freezing process is controlled by the structure of the plate. Results show similar flow patterns for the freezing and non-freezing case, indicating that the phase change is not the initial driving force of the internal movement or the directional change phenomena. The phase change will, however, decrease the volume of the liquid and generate a difference in heat transfer and temperature, hence introducing a faster decrease in velocity and sooner directional velocity change. In the non-freezing case, a stagnated period at the beginning of the internal movement is observed before the decrease in velocity.

Optimizing Selective Laser Melting of Inconel 625 Superalloy Through Statistical Analysis of Surface and Volumetric Defects

This article delves into optimizing and modeling the input parameters for the selective laser melting (SLM) process on Inconel 625. The primary aim is to investigate the microstructure within the interlayer regions post-process optimization. For this study, 100 layers with a thickness of 40 µm each were produced. Utilizing the design of experiments (DOE) methodology and employing the Response Surface Method (RSM), the SLM process was optimized. Input parameters such as laser power (LP) and hatch distance (HD) were considered, while changes in microhardness and roughness, Ra, were taken as the responses. Sample microstructure and surface alterations were assessed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis to ascertain how many defects and properties of Inconel 625 can be controlled using DOE. Porosity and lack of fusion, which were due to rapid post-powder melting solidification, prompted detailed analysis of the flaws both on the surfaces of and in terms of the internal aspects of the samples. An understanding of the formation of these imperfections can help refine the process for enhanced integrity and performance of Inconel 625 printed material. Even slight directional changes in the columnar dendrite structures are discernible within the layers. The microstructural characteristics observed in these samples are directly related to the parameters of the SLM process. In this study, the bulk samples achieved a microhardness of 452 HV, with the minimum surface roughness recorded at 9.9 µm. The objective of this research was to use the Response Surface Method (RSM) to optimize the parameters to result in the minimum surface roughness and maximum microhardness of the samples.

Comparative analysis: Exergetic and economic assessment of LNG cold energy power generation systems with different cold utilization methods

Harnessing the cold energy inherent in LNG transportation processes can significantly mitigate energy wastage. Employing an innovative incremental analysis methodology, this study scrutinizes six LNG cold energy power generation systems, featuring a newly proposed parallel and cascade combined cycle (PAC) system. A novel approach that setting the minimum pressure within the systems higher than atmospheric levels has been adopted, for the optimal working fluid selection. The net power output (Wnet) of the direct expansion (DC) system registers at −129.51 kW, while both the Single-Stage Organic Rankine Cycle (SORC) and Combined Cycle (CC) systems yield Wnet of 2868.46 kW and 3081.46 kW with R32 as working fluid. Despite the lower available exergy extraction of the working fluid, the CC system outperforms due to its superior efficiency in converting pressure exergy into power output. Sensitivity analysis suggests the optimal Tcon in CC is limited by the normal boiling point temperature (NBPT) of working fluid, while that in SORC remains unrestricted. The maximum Wnet of two-stage Parallel Combined Cycle (PCC) and Cascade Combined Cycle (CCC) can reach 3291.65 kW and 4268.78 with the optimal working fluid combinations R32 + propane, and ethane + propane. The reason Wnet of CCC outperforms is the cascade utilization of LNG cold exergy enables the working fluid in its second stage obtains significantly 9.49 times higher amount of exergy compared to PCC. Through sensitivity analysis, while Tcon1 mostly predominates the performance of PCC, both Tcon1 and Tcon2 exert substantial influence on CCC. For the three-stage PAC, its Wnet can reach the highest 4700.82 kW with ethane + propane + propane. It is because the PAC not only utilizes LNG’s cold exergy in a cascaded manner, but also obtains the exergy from working fluid. According to economic analysis, the PAC system exhibits an advantage with the highest annul total net income (ATNI). And the CC emerges as a cost-effective choice if the irreversible losses and Wnet are not considered. According to innovatively explores about the impact of direct expansion and changes in NG outlet pressure on working fluid selection and economic feasibility, it shows the optimal combinations remain the same, and the systems incorporating a direct expansion component with lower NG outlet pressure demonstrate a more economically advantageous solution.

Confinement controls the directional cell responses to fluid forces

Our understanding of how fluid forces influence cell migration in confining environments remains limited. By integrating microfluidics with live-cell imaging, we demonstrate that cells in tightly-but not moderately-confined spaces reverse direction and move upstream upon exposure to fluid forces. This fluid force-induced directional change occurs less frequently when cells display diminished mechanosensitivity, experience elevated hydraulic resistance, or sense a chemical gradient. Cell reversal requires actin polymerization to the new cell front, as shown mathematically and experimentally. Actin polymerization is necessary for the fluid force-induced activation of NHE1, which cooperates with calcium to induce upstream migration. Calcium levels increase downstream, mirroring the subcellular distribution of myosin IIA, whose activation enhances upstream migration. Reduced lamin A/C levels promote downstream migration of metastatic tumor cells by preventing cell polarity establishment and intracellular calcium rise. This mechanism could allow cancer cells to evade high-pressure environments, such as the primary tumor.

Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Formation Processes of Ordovician Limestone Groundwater in Zhuozishan Coalfield, Northwest China

A comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and formation mechanisms of groundwater in mining areas is essential for the effective prevention of coal mine water and the rational management of groundwater resources. The objective of this study was to examine the hydrogeochemical characteristics and evolution of Ordovician groundwater in the Zhuozishan coal mine, located in the northwest region of China. A total of 34 groundwater samples were collected for hydrogeochemical analyses and the investigation of their evolution processes, with the aid of a piper trilinear diagram, a Gibbs diagram, and an ion ratio diagram. The results indicate that the concentration of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), bicarbonate (HCO3−), chloride (Cl−), sulphate (SO42−), total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH increases from the recharge area to the discharge area, whereas the concentration of calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) decreases. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of the runoff from Zhuozishan to Gongdeer coalfield and further southward display a notable north–south directional change. The groundwater process is primarily controlled by rock weathering action and cation exchange, with Na+ and K+ deriving primarily from cation exchange and only to a minor extent from halite dissolution. In conclusion, the northern part of the coalfield is characterised by a geological structure that creates a retention area with groundwater, resulting in an unordered runoff process with a complex formation mechanism. The middle region is devoid of geological constraints that would alter the flow direction, thus simplifying the process of groundwater formation. In contrast, the southern area experiences an increase in strata depth and fault blocking, which creates a retention zone, thereby rendering the groundwater formation process more complex. This research contributes to the effective management of groundwater resources in this coalfield and other mining sites.

Self-care capacity of adult cystic fibrosis patients during transition/transfer between services

To analyze the knowledge, abilities, and emotional state of cystic fibrosis patients during a specific follow-up period and compare this with the recall they had of the transition (planned and gradual shift from the pediatric unit) / transfer (direct change skipping the steps recommended by the guidelines) to a specialized cystic fibrosis adult unit. Prospective cross-sectional study with cystic fibrosis adult patients under follow-up in a specialist consultation. Group 1 were patients who transitioned and Group 2 were transferred patients. The following information was collected: sociodemographic variables, degree of knowledge, skills, and emotional state using a survey designed for this purpose (as part of the internal consistency validation process). Participants also completed the emotional subscale of Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised. Inter-group comparisons were made for the transition/transfer, at the follow-up, and during the evolution. Thirty-five patients were analyzed; 65.8% male; mean age 31.9 years (SD =10.1). At the transition, Group 1 (n=19; 54.3%) had greater knowledge about their medication and reduced ability to manage appointments and making decisions in comparison to Group 2 at transfer. At follow-up, Group 1 made a better report on their emotional state and significantly improved their ability to manage appointments, communication, and decision-making. Patients who were moved to an adult cystic fibrosis unit through transition were more knowledgeable about their medications. However, those who were transferred managed their appointments and decision-making better, but felt sadder.

Supplying the ethanol demand for 2030 in Brazil as a land-based climate change mitigation alternative: Implications on greenhouse gases emissions

Transitioning from a fossil-based to a bio-based economy is crucial to climate action and achieving neutrality in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Biofuel production is an essential land-based GHG mitigation alternative. However, it raises concerns about biodiversity conservation, competition with food production, and net GHG emissions associated with direct land-use change (dLUC). This study aims to assess how the location and conversion routes influence GHG emissions for sugarcane expansion in Brazil to supply ethanol demand projections for 2030. A consistent and significant reduction in GHG emissions is achievable by implementing a strategy that prioritizes the spatial distribution for ethanol biorefinery expansions based on georeferenced life cycle emissions, including dLUC emissions associated with sugarcane production. Because of conservative zoning for sugarcane expansion, dLUC emissions are not an overriding factor, representing less than 9.1 % of the total GHG mitigation potential. Despite that, accounting for georeferenced dLUC emissions when prioritizing expansion facilities leads to spatial differences. Regarding conversion routes and land requirements, using cellulosic biorefineries could meet future projected demand based on sugarcane production from 3.1 million hectares, mostly in currently degraded pastureland. Conventional refineries would require 5.5 million hectares to meet the same demand of 71 billion liters. Despite the 77 % higher land demand to produce the same volume of ethanol, conventional refineries with straw recovery could be considered if electricity generation is a priority. This study illustrates how Brazil can achieve GHG mitigation targets while attending to future energy demand and protecting areas with high biodiversity.

Recent Findings on Exercise Therapy for Blood Glucose Management in Patients with Gestational Diabetes.

Inadequate management of blood glucose levels in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) poses risks for both pregnant women and the developing fetus. Attaining appropriate blood glucose control is crucial to mitigate potential adverse outcomes. This study aimed to consolidate the latest guidelines from representative professional societies, providing insights into exercise therapy for GDM patients and suggesting potential avenues for future research. The review was conducted with up-to-date exercise guidelines from prominent societies, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC), the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and the Korean Diabetes Association. The ACOG and SOGC/CSEP recommend 150 min of low to moderate intensity exercise, 3-4 times a week, combining aerobic and resistance exercises. All guidelines advise against activities involving sudden directional changes, physical contact, a risk of falling, and exercises performed lying down. Despite cautions from the ADA and ACOG on blood glucose fluctuations during physical activity, the lack of specific methods and recommendations from other societies reveals a notable gap in evidence-based guidelines for GDM. For effective and safe blood glucose management in GDM patients, further research should be conducted on the exercise-related precautions outlined for GDM patients. Establishing ample evidence would facilitate the development of customized exercise guidelines for GDM patients.

Deceleration Capacity During Directional Change as a Time-Efficient (Ecological) Prescreening of Hip Adductor Force Status in Amateur Soccer Players.

Miralles-Iborra, A, Del Coso, J, De Los Ríos-Calonge, J, Elvira, JLL, Barbado, D, Urban, T, and Moreno-Pérez, V. Deceleration capacity during directional change as a time-efficient (ecological) prescreening of hip adductor force status in amateur soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Reduced isometric adductor muscle strength has been identified as a modifiable risk factor contributing to injury in soccer players. However, the measurement of hip adductor muscle strength is habitually laboratory-based, with isolated hip movements that do not reflect soccer-specific movements that induce groin injury during match play. This study aimed to determine the usefulness of deceleration capacity during a change of direction (COD) as a time-efficient (ecological) prescreening of hip adductor force status in soccer players. Nineteen amateur soccer players completed unilateral isometric hip adductor strength assessments and a 180° COD test. Isometric hip strength assessment included the maximum peak torque (PT) and maximum rate of torque development (RTDmax) relative to players' body mass. Players' deceleration capacity during the COD test was determined for each leg through maximum deceleration normalized to the linear momentum. A linear regression analysis was performed to associate isometric hip strength variables with the deceleration capacity during the COD test at each leg. There was not a statistically significant association between deceleration capacity and hip isometric maximum PT of the dominant and nondominant legs (r ≤ 0.14, p > 0.05). Nevertheless, a moderate association was found between deceleration capacity and RTDmax for both legs (r ≥ 0.58, p < 0.05). The optimal linear regression model suggests that measuring deceleration capacity during a directional change test could explain RTDmax by 33 and 43% for the dominant and nondominant legs, respectively. During a 180° COD test, the deceleration capacity captured through GPS-accelerometer device was limited as a prescreening tool to evaluate hip adductor force status in soccer players.

Detecting Nanotopography Induced Changes in Cell Migration Directions Using Oxygen Sensors.

This study investigates the oxygen (O2) consumption of single cells during changes in their migration direction. This is the first integration of nanotopographies with an O2 biosensor in a platform, allowing the real-time monitoring of O2 consumption in cells and the ability to distinguish cells migrating in the same direction from those migrating in the opposite direction. Advanced nanofabrication technologies were used to pattern nanoholes or nanopillars on grating ridges, and their effects were evaluated using fluorescence microscopy, cell migration assays, and O2 consumption analysis. The results revealed that cells on the nanopillars over grating ridges exhibited an enhanced migration motility and more frequent directional changes. Additionally, these cells showed an increased number of protrusions and filopodia with denser F-actin areas and an increased number of dotted F-actin structures around the nanopillars. Dynamic metabolic responses were also evident, as indicated by the fluorescence intensity peaks of platinum octaethylporphyrin ketone dye, reflecting an increased O2 consumption and higher mitochondria activities, due to the higher energy required in response to directional changes. The study emphasizes the complex interplay between O2 consumption and cell migration directional changes, providing insights into biomaterial science and regenerative medicine. It suggests innovative designs for biomaterials that guide cell migration and metabolism, advocating nanoengineered platforms to harness the intricate relationships between cells and their microenvironments for therapeutic applications.

Reconstructing Impact of the 1867 Ionian Sea (Western Greece) Earthquake by Focusing on New Contemporary and Modern Sources for Building Damage, Environmental and Health Effects

The 4 February 1867 Cephalonia (Western Greece) earthquake is the largest in the Ionian Islands and one of the largest in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, it remained one of the least studied historical events. For reconstructing this earthquake, we reevaluated existing knowledge and used new contemporary and modern sources, including scientific and local writers’ reports and books, local and national journals, newspapers, and ecclesiastical chronicles. The extracted information covered the earthquake parameters, population impact, building damage, and earthquake environmental effects (EEEs). The earthquake parameters included the origin time and duration of the main shock, epicenter location, precursors, aftershocks, and characteristics of the earthquake ground motion. The population impact involved direct and indirect health effects and population change. Building data highlighted the dominant building types and the types, grades, and distribution of damage. The EEEs included ground cracks, landslides, liquefaction, hydrological anomalies, and mild sea disturbances. Field surveys were also conducted for validation. The quantitative and qualitative information enabled the application of seismic intensity scales (EMS-98, ESI-07). The study concluded that since the affected areas were mainly composed of post-alpine deposits and secondarily of clay–clastic alpine formations with poor geotechnical properties, they were highly susceptible to failure. Effects and maximum intensities occurred in highly susceptible areas with a rich inventory.

How methods to assess land-use changes influence the resulting global warming potential and cost of optimized diets: a case study on Danish pigs applying life cycle assessment methodology

PurposeMeeting the demands of a growing and increasingly affluent population necessitates a deeper understanding of the environmental and economic implications of production. This implication is most relevant in key production sectors including agriculture and livestock. This article is intended to provide an understanding of the influence of methods of assessing land-use change (LUC) with respect to minimizing both the global warming potential (GWP) and the monetary costs of pig feed formulation.MethodsFeed mixtures intended for slaughter pigs were generated for minimal cost and GWP impacts by applying four differing LUC assessment methods. The objective function was the Danish slaughter pig feed unit, minimized for cost in Danish crowns (DKK), with GWP impacts constrained in multiple steps. Attributional LCA methodology was applied using the Agri-footprint 6.3 database, with GWP impacts calculated excluding land use changes, including direct land-use changes and including the carbon opportunity cost. Analyses of the functional relationship between the optimal cost and the GWP impact were conducted, followed by a comparative LCA of the cost of comparable feed mixture by applying two sets of functional units: 100 slaughter pig feed units and 1 kg of pig live weight.Results and discussionA similar relationship between cost and GWP impact was observed across all methods, although variability of GWP impact magnitude depending on method was observed. Reducing at an equivalent cost, GWP reduction ranged from 5.6 to 27% based on the pig feed functional unit, and 2.4 to 13% based on the pig live weight functional unit. Optimizing feed mixtures for GWP impacts resulted in significantly increased contributions to other impact categories, including a 56% increase in terrestrial ecotoxicity. Despite the increased contributions to other impact categories, all optimized feed mixtures achieved a reduction in endpoint indicators and single score. Endpoint reductions to the feed unit were 2.3–25% for ecosystem damage, 7.4–15% for human health, and 6.0–16% based on a single score value.ConclusionsThe findings emphasize the key importance of addressing LUC when optimizing the GWP of agri-food production. Suggestions are provided for areas of improvement in future optimization studies applying a dietary unit as the objective function, including additional midpoint impact categories and/or extended optimization covering whole areas of protection. The findings suggest that GWP impacts may be reduced at no additional cost if included or embedded in the pig feed formulation procedure.

Dysregulation of Human Hepatic Drug Transporters by Proinflammatory Cytokines.

Proinflammatory cytokines, elevated during inflammation caused by infection and/or autoimmune disorders, result in reduced clearance of drugs eliminated primarily by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs). However, the effect of cytokines on hepatic drug transporter expression or activity has not been well-studied. Here, using plated human hepatocytes (PHHs; n = 3 lots), we investigated the effect of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), on the mRNA expression and activity of hepatic drug transporters. PHHs were incubated for 72 hours at their pathophysiologically relevant plasma concentrations, both individually (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 ng/ml) or as a cocktail (i.e., when each was combined at 0.1 or 1 ng/ml). Following cytokine cocktail exposure (1 ng/ml), significant downregulation of mRNA expression of organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1), OATP1B3, sodium/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1, multidrug resistance proteins (MRP) 2, 3, and 4 was observed. While the mRNA expression of organic anion transporter (OAT) 2 and organic cation transporter (OCT) 1 was downregulated in two lots, it was upregulated in one lot. In agreement (mostly), the 1 ng/ml cytokine cocktail reduced OATP1B1/3, OATP2B1, OAT2, OCT1, and NTCP activity by 75%, 44%, 82%, 47%, and 80%, respectively. Interestingly, upregulation of OAT2 and OCT1 mRNA in one donor did not translate into the same directional change in activity. Although significant interlot variability was observed, in general, the above effects, using individual cytokines, could be attributed to IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: To date, this is the first comprehensive study to investigate the effect of four major proinflammatory cytokines, both individually and as a cocktail, on the mRNA expression and activity of human hepatic drug transporters. The data obtained can be used in the future to predict transporter-mediated drug clearance changes during inflammation through physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation.

70 Circulating leptin and immune-related transcriptomic patterns in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Abstract Background Obesity has been associated with better outcomes in localized and metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), as well as improved survival on immunotherapy treatment. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Leptin is an adipokine secreted by adipocytes, and circulating levels of leptin are higher in individuals with obesity. Additionally, leptin promotes inflammation and angiogenesis and has been proposed as pro-tumorigenic in colorectal and breast cancer. In this study, we examined how circulating leptin levels relate to both tumor and perinephric fat transcriptomic patterns in a cohort of ccRCC patients by evaluating the associations with body mass index (BMI), sex, and immune-related gene expression patterns. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 92 treatment-naïve ccRCC patients undergoing nephrectomy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Available data included circulating leptin from fasting blood samples, clinical characteristics from medical records, and, in a subset of patients, RNA sequencing from tumor and perinephric fat specimens. We analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEG) according to circulating leptin levels using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to describe pathways that were enriched in patients with high levels of leptin. We performed analysis for the whole cohort and stratified by sex based on differences in leptin levels. Results From the 92 patients with available peripheral leptin measurements, 51 and 44 had available tumor and perinephric fat RNA sequencing data, respectively. Of these, 64 (70%) were male, the median age was 60 years old, and most tumors were low grade and stage. Leptin distribution was significantly different in males than females, with circulating leptin levels of 7 ng/ml (IQR 4-14) and 22 ng/ml (IQR 9-52), respectively. Higher BMI was associated with higher leptin levels, with a correlation coefficient of 0.63 (p&amp;lt;0.001) in males and 0.77 (p&amp;lt;0.001) in females. GSEA of tumor DEGs by circulating leptin, showed upregulation of pathways related to adaptive immune activity in patients with higher leptin levels across sexes, although this association was attenuated in females. Strikingly, in the perinephric fat there were stark differences in opposite directions in female and male specimens, with females showing significantly enriched transcription of genes associated with B cell signaling, humoral and adaptive immune responses. Conclusions Higher leptin levels were associated with a modest increase of immune-related gene expression in the tumors in both males and females, but significantly different directional changes were observed in the perinephric fat. Circulating leptin may be involved in peritumoral immune responses which may link host factors to sex related tumor outcomes. Further studies should aim to address the relationship between leptin activity and the tumor and fat microenvironment. DOD CDMRP Funding: yes

TRANSLATING DIRECTIONAL ACCURACY INTO PROFITABILITY: MACHINE LEARNING BASED PREDICTIVE MODELS FOR GLOBAL STOCK INDICES

Understanding the linkage between directional accuracy and return remains a negligibly explored domain in the context of stock market prediction. Maximum studies in the given domain are based on mathematical accuracy measures and directional accuracy measures. Merely the efficiency of directional prediction may not suffice, as themagnitude of directional change also assumes importance in stock markets. Without any doubt, profitability measures reign supreme in the case of the stock market. The current study attempts to investigate the association between Accuracy rate and returns for data sets based on seven stock indices across the globe. The outcome of the study relies on machine learning: ANN (Artificial Neural Networks) and SVM (Support Vector Machine) based predictive models, built using 196 data sets of variable duration. The results of the current research reveal a strong positive correlation between accuracy rate and returns. Moreover, significant variations in the extent of therelationship are also observed. Quantile regression models indicate a relatively stronger relationship between accuracy rate and return at the lower range of returns. Findings of the study carry value for academicians, researchers, and practitioners in the field of machine learning and stock market predictions.

Effects of labyrinth-like path designs on mitigating stress response to traffic noise

Traffic noise poses significant mental health risks primarily through stress responses. Although labyrinths have been proven to reduce stress and promote relaxation, their efficacy in mitigating stress induced by traffic noise remains unclear. To address this issue, this study conducted repeated-measures experiments to investigate the effects of different labyrinth-like path designs on stress responses to traffic noise. Heart rate variability and electrodermal activity were measured using the E4 wristband to evaluate participants’ physiological stress levels. The results suggest that: (1) Walking on a continuous curved path layout (CS) effectively mitigated stress responses to traffic noise, as indicated by multiple physiological stress measures; (2) Regarding stress-mitigating path continuity attributes, 180-degree turns were positive attributes (p < 0.05), while 90-degree turns were negative attributes (p < 0.01); (3) Regarding stress-mitigating path layout features, curved segments (p < 0.01) and switchbacks (p < 0.05) were positive features, while U shapes were negative features (p < 0.01). This study indicates that labyrinth-like path designs can effectively mitigate stress responses to traffic noise; however, complex path layouts with frequent directional changes should be avoided in noisy environments, particularly in areas lacking resources for sound barriers and noise-absorbing vegetation. Our findings contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines for designing stress-mitigating streets in high-traffic environments. When mainstreaming these guidelines through public codes, further comprehensive analyses including feasibility assessments, economic evaluations, and community engagement are warranted to ensure practical and sustainable implementation.

Background suppression for volcano muography with machine learning

Abstract A machine learning algorithm (deep neural network) is presented to suppress background in muography applications mainly targeting volcanoes. Additionally it could be applied for large scale geological structures, such as ophiolites. The detector system investigated in this article is designed to suppress the low energy background by applying up to 5 lead absorber layers arranged among 8 detectors. This complicated system was simulated with a Monte-Carlo based particle simulation to provide teaching sample for the machine learning algorithm. It is shown that the developed deep neural network is capable of suppressing the low energy background considerably better than the classical tracking algorithm, therefore this additional suppression with machine learning yields in a significant improvement. The target areas of volcanoes lie beneath approximately a kilometer of rock that only fraction of a percent of muons have enough energy to penetrate. The machine learning algorithm takes advantage of the directional changes in the absorbers, as well as the correlation between the muons energy and the deposited energy in the detectors. Identifying very high energy muons is also a challenge: the classical algorithm discards considerable fraction of 1 TeV muons which create multiple hits due to brehmstrahlung, while the machine learning algorithm easily adapts to accept such patterns.

Absolute direction in organelle movement.

In movement analysis, correlated random walk (CRW) models often use so-called turning angles, which are measured relative to the previous movement direction. To segregate between different movement modes, hidden Markov models (HMMs) describe movements as piecewise stationary CRWs in which the distributions of turning angles and step sizes depend on the underlying state. This typically allows for the segregation of movement modes that show different movement speeds. We show that in some cases, it may be interesting to investigate absolute angles, that is, biased random walks (BRWs) instead of turning angles. In particular, while discrimination between states in the turning angle setting can only rely on movement speed, models with absolute angles can be used to discriminate between sections of different movement directions. A preprocessing algorithm is provided that enables the analysis of absolute angles in the existing R package moveHMM. In a data set of movements of cell organelles, models using not the turning angle but the absolute angle could capture interesting additional properties. Goodness-of-fit was increased for HMMs with absolute angles, and HMMs with absolute angles tended to choose a higher number of states, suggesting the existence and relevance of prominent directional changes in the present data set. These results suggest that models with absolute angles can provide important information in the analysis of movement patterns if the existence and frequency of directional changes is of biological importance.

Consequences of Spiraea tomentosa invasion in Uropodina mite (Acari: Mesostigmata) communities in wet meadows

Vegetation cover has been consistently reported to be a factor influencing soil biota. Massive spreading of invasive plants may transform native plant communities, changing the quality of habitats as a result of modification of soil properties, most often having a directional effect on soil microorganisms and soil fauna. One of the most numerous microarthropods in the litter and soil is Acari. It has been shown that invasive plants usually have a negative effect on mites. We hypothesized that invasive Spiraea tomentosa affects the structure of the Uropodina community and that the abundance and species richness of Uropodina are lower in stands monodominated by S. tomentosa than in wet meadows free of this alien species. The research was carried out in wet meadows, where permanent plots were established in an invaded and uninvaded area of each meadow, soil samples were collected, soil moisture was determined and the mites were extracted. We found that Uropodina mite communities differed in the abundance of individual species but that the abundance and richness of species in their communities were similar. S. tomentosa invasion led primarily to changes in the quality of Uropodina communities, due to an increase in the shares of species from forest and hygrophilous habitats. Our results suggest that alien plant invasion does not always induce directional changes in mite assemblages, and conclude that the impact of an alien species on Uropodina may cause significant changes in the abundance and richness of individual species without causing significant changes in the abundance and diversity of their community.