bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Novel Conditioning Method Using Thermal Shape Memory Characteristics of Polyurethane CMP Pad
Authors: Seo Jangwon , Jeon Sanghuck , Yoon Jongwook , An Joonho , Choi Yongsoo , Seok Hyunho , Lee Seunghwan , Liu Pengzhan , Jeon Wookyung , Kim Taesung
Published: February 2024

Traditionally, the pad roughness has been maintained by wearing down the polyurethane pad with diamond disk. However, that method generates debris and reduces pad lifetime. This study propose a new approach to pad surface recovery by synthesizing a polyurethane-based raw material that exhibits shape memory behavior and can recover its shape upon heating. The findings suggest that the pad’s surface can be maintained by utilizing its shape memory trait and designing a system to heat the pad. The pad recovery tests were conducted using universal test machine (UTM) samples and found that, in terms of heat recovery, increasing the temperature had a greater effect than increasing the exposure time. CMP test was performed by using three conditioning potions: diamond disk conditioning, heat conditioning, and no conditioning. The results showed that pad asperity was recovered more efficiently with heat conditioning than with no conditioning (demonstrated by a 19% higher removal rate). The experimental results can be expected that combines diamond disk conditioning with heat conditioning could be a superior alternative for pad surface refreshment. Shape memory pads can return to their original form, leading to better chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) performance and an extended pad lifetime.
Structural, Elastic, Mechanical, Electronic, and Optical Properties of a Novel Quaternary Chalcogenide Semiconductor Ba3GeTeS4
Authors: Xiao Lingping , Yi Xiaojie
Published: February 2024

The structural, elastic, mechanical, electronic and optical properties of Ba3GeTeS4 have been studied by pseudopotential density functional theory static calculations. The results indicated that both the lattice constant and cell volume decrease with the increase of pressure, which match well with available previous values. The pressure has a more significant influence on the b direction than the a and c direction. The obtained elastic constants reveal that Ba3GeTeS4 is mechanically stable between 0 GPa and 20 GPa. The bulk modulus, shear modulus, and Young’s modulus are evaluated by Voigt-Reuss-Hill approximations. All these elastic moduli exhibit a monotonic feature as a function of pressure. The Poisson’s ratio, and Pugh’s criterion indicate that the ductility of this quaternary Ba3GeTeS4 compound is more and more prominent with increasing applied pressure. Meanwhile, the analysis of the electronic structures reveals that the states near the valence band top are derived from Te 5p, S 3p, and Ba 6 s orbitals, and the lowest conduction band is composed of Ge 4 s and S 3p orbitals. We expect that the findings predicted the physical properties of this compound will promote future experimental studies on Ba3GeTeS4.
Enhancing Efficacy and Quality of Life in Patients with Herpes Zoster Infection in Hairy Cell Leukemia
Authors: Feng Xiaowei , Tao Yuchen , Hu Qi , Liu Yuanxia , Bao Jizhang , Jiang Wenwen
Published: February 2024

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is an infrequent and persistent B-cell inert lymphoid leukemia. In this study, we present the case of a 71-year-old female patient with a previous diagnosis of variant HCL who experienced a severe herpes zoster infection leading to an extensive skin eruption. The patient’s initial diagnosis of HCL occurred 7 years ago, and she underwent treatment with cladribine, interferon, COP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone), benztropine tablets + clarithromycin dispersible, and ibrutinib. Immune disorders resulting from repeated prior chemotherapy and targeted therapy may potentially precipitate herpes zoster infection. Despite an initial two-week period of unresponsiveness to antivirals and nerve nutrition treatments, the introduction of topical Coptis liquid to the treatment regimen yielded significant efficacy. This case report underscores the potential of Chinese medicine as an adjunct to conventional antiviral therapy in the management of herpes zoster infection in immunocompromised patients. This treatment protocol has the potential to enhance efficacy, enhance quality of life, and serve as a more robust foundation for clinical diagnosis and improved treatments.
Type 1 Diabetes and Other Autoimmune Disorders in Children
Authors: Grasso Eleonora Agata , Chiarelli Francesco
Published: February 2024

The incidence of autoimmune disorders (AIDs) has been dramatically increasing in both children and adults over the past few years, and type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the diseases that has seen the highest growth. It is well-known that the dysimmune process may spread to other systems, leading to the onset of one or more AIDs in the same individual; however, the relationship between AIDs is not often recognized. The most frequently diagnosed AIDs in children and adolescents with T1D are thyroid diseases and celiac disease, but it is also important to consider the onset of the other conditions, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, atrophic gastritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and skin disorders such as vitiligo and psoriasis. This review aims to explore the overlap of T1D and other AIDs, focusing on the less common and lesser-known diseases. A better knowledge of these comorbidities may facilitate the identification of patients at risk to treat them in the preclinical period, before the onset of complications.
Research on 3D Measurement and Rapid Location Technique for Assembling the Special‐Shaped Structural Segments
Authors: Wang Shilei , Wang Zhangming , Feng Qiankuan
Published: February 2024

The pylon of the Xinshougang Bridge, a welded steel box arch with a variable cross‐section, exhibits asymmetrical design and unevenly inclined limb ends. The segmented assembly of this uniquely shaped steel pylon necessitates precise splicing. In this paper, a novel three‐point method for segment attitude positioning is proposed based on the local coordinate system. This method facilitates accurate coordinate translation and attitude alignment between the section preparation facility and the construction site. Furthermore, a predictive methodology for segment posture during erection is introduced, aiming to minimize misalignments at the connection interfaces. This approach accounts for potential deviations arising in manufacturing and erection phases. The synergistic application of these methods effectively ensures the precise geometric shape of the bending and twisting steel tower throughout its phased construction.
The Review and Comparison between Centralized and Decentralized Digital Identity Systems
Authors: Li Haihua , Jing Yue , Guan Zhenyu
Published: February 2024

The growing capability of the digital world empowers physical objects to possess much more digital assets than they ever had, and the concepts of the Internet of Things and the Industrial Internet are coming out continually. Digital identity, a unique mark of two-way mapping, dynamic interaction between physical and virtual objects, is one of the fundamental elements among these novel concepts because it is the only way to distinguish each other from hundreds of millions of digital objects. In order to create a world with everything connected on the Internet, plenty of digital identity-orientated systems were raised, and new frameworks are emerging iteratively. To the best of our knowledge, this review lists some of the most applicable digital identity-based solutions by giving mechanism, digital identity solution, feature, and comparison between these models.
Position Optimization of Passive Patch Based on Mode Contribution Factor for Vibration Attenuation of Asymmetric 1D Structure
Authors: Hong Dongwoo , Lee Kyeongnak , Kim Byeongil
Published: February 2024

When the thickness of a structure is reduced to decrease weight, it may experience structural vibration and disturbance. The use of passive patches is effective in addressing this issue when the loss factor is small or when space and weight are restricted. The greatest attenuation occurs when passive patches are used across the entire coverage area. However, passive patches of reasonable size must be affixed to ensure that they are effective in terms of cost and design. In this paper, the sum of squares’ value for the bending mode shape is used to determine the location of a small passive patch to achieve vibration damping for multiple modes. Under the condition of forced vibration, the modal contribution of each mode is obtained. Using this contribution as a weight, the optimal position of the passive patch is determined as the maximum value obtained in the form of a linear combination multiplied by the curvature of the beam. Simulation and experiment were used to test the efficacy of the location determined for passive patches. It was determined that, depending on the location of the passive patch, the peak amplitude at the natural frequency of each mode decreased significantly, validating the effectiveness of the design method.
The TOPK Inhibitor HI-TOPK-032 Enhances CAR T-cell Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Upregulating Memory T Cells
Authors: Zhang Qunfang , Zheng Fang , Chen Yuchao , Liang Chun-Ling , Liu Huazhen , Qiu Feifei , Liu Yunshan , Huang Hongfeng , Lu Weihui , Dai Zhenhua
Published: February 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are emerging as an effective antitumoral therapy. However, their therapeutic effects on solid tumors are limited because of their short survival time and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Memory T cells respond more vigorously and persist longer than their naïve/effector counterparts. Therefore, promoting CAR T-cell development into memory T cells could further enhance their antitumoral effects. HI-TOPK-032 is a T-LAK cell–originated protein kinase (TOPK)-specific inhibitor that moderately represses some types of tumors. However, it is unknown whether HI-TOPK-032 works on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and whether it impacts antitumoral immunity. Using both subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft tumor models of two human HCC cell lines, Huh-7 and HepG2, we found that HI-TOPK-032 significantly improved proliferation/persistence of CD8+ CAR T cells, as evidenced by an increase in CAR T-cell counts or frequency of Ki-67+CD8+ cells and a decrease in PD-1+LAG-3+TIM-3+CD8+ CAR T cells in vivo. Although HI-TOPK-032 did not significantly suppress HCC growth, it enhanced the capacity of CAR T cells to inhibit tumor growth. Moreover, HI-TOPK-032 augmented central memory CD8+ T cell (TCM) frequency while increasing eomesodermin expression in CD8+ CAR T cells in tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, it augmented CD8+ CAR TCM cells in vitro and reduced their expression of immune checkpoint molecules. Finally, HI-TOPK-032 inhibited mTOR activation in CAR T cells in vitro and in tumors, whereas overactivation of mTOR reversed the effects of HI-TOPK-032 on CD8+ TCM cells and tumor growth. Thus, our studies have revealed mechanisms underlying the antitumoral effects of HI-TOPK-032 while advancing CAR T-cell immunotherapy.
High-Dimensional Analyses Reveal IL15 Enhances Activation of Sipuleucel-T Lymphocyte Subsets and Reverses Immunoresistance
Authors: Saeed Muhammad A. , Peng Bo , Kim Kevin , Rawat Kavita , Kuehm Lindsey M. , Siegel Zoe R. , Borkowski Ariel , Habib Nabih , Van Tine Brian , Sheikh Nadeem , Tuyen Vu , Thorek Daniel L.J. , Fehniger Todd A. , Pachynski Russell K.
Published: February 2024

Sipuleucel-T (sip-T) is the only FDA-approved autologous cellular immunotherapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). To elucidate parameters of the response profile to this therapy, we report high-dimensional analyses of sip-T using cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) and show a lymphoid predominance, with CD3+ T cells constituting the highest proportion (median ∼60%) of sip-T, followed by B cells, and natural killer (NK) and NKT cells. We hypothesized that treatment of sip-T with homeostatic cytokines known to activate/expand effector lymphocytes could augment efficacy against prostate tumors. Of the cytokines tested, IL15 was the most effective at enhancing activation and proliferation of effector lymphocytes, as well as augmenting tumor cytotoxicity in vitro. Co-culture of sip-T with IL15 and control or prostate-relevant antigens showed substantial activation and expansion of CD8+ T cells and NKT cells in an antigen-specific manner. Adoptive transfer of IL15-treated sip-T into NSG mice resulted in more potent prostate tumor growth inhibition compared with control sip-T. Evaluation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes revealed a 2- to 14-fold higher influx of sip-T and a significant increase in IFNγ producing CD8+ T cells and NKT cells within the tumor microenvironment in the IL15 group. In conclusion, we put forward evidence that IL15 treatment can enhance the functional antitumor immunity of sip-T, providing rationale for combining IL15 or IL15 agonists with sip-T to treat patients with mCRPC.
TABLE 4 from Low-dose Paclitaxel with Pembrolizumab Enhances Clinical and Immunologic Responses in Platinum-refractory Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Bitting Rhonda L. , Tooze Janet A. , Goodman Michael , Vile Donald C. , Brown Jessica M. , Thomas Christopher Y. , Neve Morgan , Kooshki Mitra , Addo Safoa , Triozzi Pierre L. , Dubey Purnima
Published: February 2024

Tissue PD-L1 status
TABLE 3 from Low-dose Paclitaxel with Pembrolizumab Enhances Clinical and Immunologic Responses in Platinum-refractory Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Bitting Rhonda L. , Tooze Janet A. , Goodman Michael , Vile Donald C. , Brown Jessica M. , Thomas Christopher Y. , Neve Morgan , Kooshki Mitra , Addo Safoa , Triozzi Pierre L. , Dubey Purnima
Published: February 2024

Overall response rate for all participants receiving at least one cycle of treatment and for all patients evaluable by imaging
Supplemental Table 7 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Supplemental Table 7. TEtranscripts analysis results from RNAseq data from Figure 3A.
Supplementary figure S1 from Low-dose Paclitaxel with Pembrolizumab Enhances Clinical and Immunologic Responses in Platinum-refractory Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Bitting Rhonda L. , Tooze Janet A. , Goodman Michael , Vile Donald C. , Brown Jessica M. , Thomas Christopher Y. , Neve Morgan , Kooshki Mitra , Addo Safoa , Triozzi Pierre L. , Dubey Purnima
Published: February 2024

The study design illustrated here shows the treatment phase with combination paclitaxel and pembrolizumab, followed by maintenance pembrolizumab if disease is stable or improved after 6 months of combination therapy.
Supplemental Table 4 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Supplemental Table 4. RNAseq from CRC lines.
Supplemental Table 3 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Supplemental Table 3. RNAseq data from drug treatments depicted in Figure 3A.
FIGURE 2 from Low-dose Paclitaxel with Pembrolizumab Enhances Clinical and Immunologic Responses in Platinum-refractory Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Bitting Rhonda L. , Tooze Janet A. , Goodman Michael , Vile Donald C. , Brown Jessica M. , Thomas Christopher Y. , Neve Morgan , Kooshki Mitra , Addo Safoa , Triozzi Pierre L. , Dubey Purnima
Published: February 2024

The left panels show the number of CD4+ T cells (top) and CD8+ T cells (bottom) over time, separated by responders (CR+PR, solid circles) versus nonresponders (SD+PD, open circles). The right panels show the percentage of effector T cells over time, with CD4+IFNγ+ T cells (top) and CD8+IFNγ+ T cells (bottom). Plot is mean value and error bars show ± 1 SE. The * shows the statistically significant increase in CD4+IFNγ+ T cells in responders versus nonresponders (P = 0.047). X-axis is assessment at baseline (bsl), after cycle 3 (C3), and after cycle 6 (C6).
Supplemental Figure 6 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Supplemental Figure 6. Characterization of CT26 Sting KO lines.
Supplemental Figure 4 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Supplemental Figure 4. IFN/PRR pathway analysis.
Supplemental Figure 3 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Supplemental Figure 3. Morphologic and transcriptional changes in response to hits from IFI27 reporter FDA screen.
Supplemental Figure 1 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Supplemental Figure 1. Validation of IFI27 reporter.
Data from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Type I IFN signaling is a crucial component of antiviral immunity that has been linked to promoting the efficacy of some chemotherapeutic drugs. We developed a reporter system in HCT116 cells that detects activation of the endogenous IFI27 locus, an IFN target gene. We screened a library of annotated compounds in these cells and discovered Aurora kinase inhibitors (AURKi) as strong hits. Type I IFN signaling was found to be the most enriched gene signature after AURKi treatment in HCT116, and this signature was also strongly enriched in other colorectal cancer cell lines. The ability of AURKi to activate IFN in HCT116 was dependent on MAVS and RIG-I, but independent of STING, whose signaling is deficient in these cells. MAVS dependence was recapitulated in other colorectal cancer lines with STING pathway deficiency, whereas in cells with intact STING signaling, the STING pathway was required for IFN induction by AURKi. AURKis were found to induce expression of endogenous retroviruses (ERV). These ERVs were distinct from those induced by the DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi), which can induce IFN signaling via ERV induction, suggesting a novel mechanism of action. The antitumor effect of alisertib in mice was accompanied by an induction of IFN expression in HCT116 or CT26 tumors. CT26 tumor growth inhibition by alisertib was absent in NSG mice versus wildtype (WT) mice, and tumors from WT mice with alisertib treatment showed increased in CD8+ T-cell infiltration, suggesting that antitumor efficacy of AURKi depends, at least in part, on an intact immune response.
Significance:
Some cancers deactivate STING signaling to avoid consequences of DNA damage from aberrant cell division. The surprising activation of MAVS/RIG-I signaling by AURKi might represent a vulnerability in STING signaling deficient cancers.
Impact of Tumor-intrinsic Molecular Features on Survival and Acquired Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Resistance in ALK-positive NSCLC
Authors: Nakazawa Mari , Harada Guilherme , Ghanem Paola , Bubie Adrian , Kiedrowski Lesli A. , Murray Joseph C. , Marrone Kristen A. , Scott Susan C. , Houseknecht Stefanie , Falcon Christina J. , Evans Patrick , Feliciano Josephine , Hann Christine L. , Ettinger David S. , Smith Kellie N. , Anagnostou Valsamo , Forde Patrick M. , Brahmer Julie R. , Levy Benjamin , Drilon Alexander , Lam Vincent K.
Published: February 2024

While tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have shown remarkable efficacy in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion-positive advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), clinical outcomes vary and acquired resistance remains a significant challenge. We conducted a retrospective study of patients with ALK-positive NSCLC who had clinico-genomic data independently collected from two academic institutions (n = 309). This was paired with a large-scale genomic cohort of patients with ALK-positive NSCLC who underwent liquid biopsies (n = 1,118). Somatic co-mutations in TP53 and loss-of-function alterations in CDKN2A/B were most commonly identified (24.1% and 22.5%, respectively in the clinical cohort), each of which was independently associated with inferior overall survival (HR: 2.58; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.62–4.09 and HR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.17–3.17, respectively). Tumors harboring EML4-ALK variant 3 (v3) were not associated with specific co-alterations but were more likely to develop ALK resistance mutations, particularly G1202R and I1171N (OR: 4.11; P < 0.001 and OR: 2.94; P = 0.026, respectively), and had inferior progression-free survival on first-line TKI (HR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.03–2.25). Non-v3 tumors were associated with L1196M resistance mutation (OR: 4.63; P < 0.001). EML4-ALK v3 and somatic co-alterations in TP53 and CDKN2A/B are associated with inferior clinical outcomes. v3 status is also associated with specific patterns of clinically important ALK resistance mutations. These tumor-intrinsic features may inform rational selection and optimization of first-line and consolidative therapy.

Significance:

In a large-scale, contemporary cohort of patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC, we evaluated molecular characteristics and their impact on acquired resistance mutations and clinical outcomes. Our findings that certain ALK variants and co-mutations are associated with differential survival and specific TKI-relevant resistance patterns highlight potential molecular underpinnings of the heterogenous response to ALK TKIs and nominate biomarkers that may inform patient selection for first-line and consolidative therapies.
Herbal Treatment of Female Urogenital Atrophy: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Ritzmann Dorin
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Urogenital atrophy and its sequelae, particularly genital dryness, urological problems, and pain on genital touching, are common medical problems for menopausal women and women undergoing antihormonal cancer treatment. To meet the requirements for a nonhormonal local treatment, a compounded herbal preparation was developed as a vaginal ovule (Dioscorea comp. ovulum), and the efficacy and applicability of this herbal treatment were investigated. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of patients’ records. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Canton of Zurich (project number BASEC 2016-01982). Between 2007 and 2011, patients with urogenital atrophy and related symptoms, who wanted to initiate herbal treatment, were asked for consent to be interviewed (4-point rating scale) and examined gynecologically with photo documentation of their vaginal discharge. A total of 26 patients met the enrollment criteria and consented to the procedure. The first 8 weeks consisted of a daily application of low-dose Dioscorea comp. ovulum followed by high-dose Dioscorea comp. ovule twice weekly for at least 3 months. Result: A total of 23 patients completed the trial. Of the 19 patients in the subgroup with an atrophic vaginal maturation index (VMI), 16 achieved a eutrophic VMI. Four patients began therapy with hypotrophy. There was a 96% decrease in complaints (22/23). The genital dryness score decreased from 1.80 to 0.25 points, urological problems from 2.38 to 0.85 points, and pain on genital touching from 1.70 to 0.60 points. Application, tolerability, and medical safety of the formula were good. Conclusion: The phytotherapeutic compounded preparation Dioscorea comp. ovule (Dioscorea villosa, Glycine max, Salvia officinalis) is suitable for the treatment of urogenital atrophy and its sequelae.
Human Endogenous Retroviruses in Breast Cancer: Altered Expression Pattern Implicates Divergent Roles in Carcinogenesis
Authors: Záveský Luděk , Jandáková Eva , Weinberger Vít , Minář Luboš , Kohoutová Milada , Slanař Ondřej
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in women. Recent research indicates that human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) may be linked to carcinogenesis, but the data remain controversial. Methods: HERVs’ expression was evaluated to show the differences between breast cancer and control samples, and their associations with clinicopathological parameters. Gene expression of 12 HERVs, i.e., ERVE-4, ERVW-1, ERVFRD-1, ERVV-1, ERV3-1, ERVH48-1, ERVMER34-1, ERVK-7, ERVK13-1, ERVK11-1, ERVK3-1, and HCP5, was analyzed by qPCR and/or TCGA datasets for breast cancer. Results: ERV3-1, ERVFRD-1, ERVH48-1, and ERVW-1 provided data to support their tumor suppressor roles in breast cancer. ERV3-1 evinced the best performing diagnostic data based on qPCR, i.e., AUC: 0.819 (p < 0.0001), sensitivity of 72.41%, and specificity of 89.66%. Lower levels of ERV3-1 were noted in advanced stage and higher grades, and significant negative association was found in relation to Ki-67 levels. Oncogenic roles may be inferred for ERVK13-1, ERVV-1, and ERVMER34-1. Data for ERVK-7, ERVE-4, ERVK11-1, and HCP5 remain inconclusive. Conclusion: Differential HERV expression may be applicable to evaluate novel biomarkers for breast cancer. However, more research is needed to reveal their real clinical impact, the biological roles, and regulatory mechanisms in breast carcinogenesis.
A preliminary assessment of butterfly diversity from Mekhliganj town, Cooch Behar District, West Bengal, India
Authors: Saha Abhirup , Das Prapti , Saha Dhiraj
Published: February 2024

In the present study, butterfly diversity from Mekhliganj town, which is located on the Teesta River bank of Cooch Behar District, West Bengal, India was studied. A total of 55 species of butterflies were recorded from the two study sites, out of which 22 species were observed for the first time from Cooch-Behar District, not recorded earlier. Out of these, five recorded species were legally protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972 like Chliaria othona, Lampides boeticus, and Hypolimnas misippus. Therefore, efforts should be made for habitat conservation of the Teesta River bank.
Avifaunal assemblage patterns in Bharathapuzha River Basin, Kerala, India
Authors: Pazhayattuparambil Narayanan Anoop Raj  , Avadhoot Dilip Velankar  , Padmanabhan Pramod
Published: February 2024

Bharathapuzha, the second largest west-flowing river in the Western Ghats, originates from the northern and southern parts of the Palghat gap and debouches into the Arabian Sea at Ponnani. This river is exposed to high levels of anthropogenic pressures. This study looks into avifaunal assemblage patterns and the factors influencing the structure of bird communities in different ecological zones of the Bharathapuzha River Basin. The syntropic birds and flocking birds contribute variations in the bird community assemblage in the river basin. For the water-dependent and water-associated birds, mudflats, water flow, riverside vegetation, and distance from the forest were found to be the influencing factors in the migratory season. The study also emphasized the importance of protecting these river-associated habitats for the conservation of birds.
Avifaunal diversity in urban greenspaces within Cotabato city, Mindanao Island, Philippines
Authors: Baes Joan Rhea Mae L. , De Vera Peter Jan D. , Catipay John Paul A. , Tagoon Marian Dara T. , Delima-Baron Elsa May
Published: February 2024

Information about the diversity of avifauna in urban green spaces in the Philippines needs to be more extensive. More so, data on birds in green spaces of the country’s Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) remain largely unreported. This gap highlights the need to document the avifaunal diversity in the urban green spaces of Cotabato City. Bird species were accounted for using the point count method from September to December 2021 in three different urban green spaces within the commercial center of Cotabato City. Twenty-one avian species representing 17 families were documented. Among the surveyed three green spaces within Cotabato City, Notre Dame University (NDU) has the highest species richness (N = 20), followed by PC Hill (N = 14), and Mother Barangay Rosary Heights (N = 9). Of the 21 species of birds documented, 19% are Philippine endemic, and all of these were recorded only at Notre Dame University. Data from the present study suggest the capacity of green spaces in urban Cotabato City to cater to different bird species, including the endemic ones. Since the results present preliminary data, intensive surveys can be done on these sites by future researchers. Also, surveying more urban green spaces in Cotabato City may add information on the city’s urban birds. Substantial data from these future surveys may be helpful in the urban planning of Cotabato.
Plagiochila javanica (Sw.) Nees & Mont. (Marchantiophyta: Plagiochilaceae) rediscovered from the Western Ghats after 180 years
Authors: M.S. Sajitha  , C.N. Manju  , B. Mufeed  , K.P. Rajesh  , K.K. Rawat
Published: February 2024

Plagiochila javanica, a widespread Asiatic member of the liverwort family Plagiochilaceae, is rediscovered from Western Ghats of Kerala, India after about 180 years of its first record from the country. The present discovery is a new record for Kerala state. A detailed description along with illustrations and images of the species are provided.
Dose Response to Upper Extremity Stroke Rehabilitation Varies by Individual: Early Indicators of Treatment Response
Authors: Gauthier Lynne V. , Ravi Roshan , DeLuca David , Zhou Wenjin
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Dose response has remained a priority area in motor rehabilitation research for decades, prompting several large randomized trials and meta-analyses. These between-subjects comparisons have revealed equivocal relationships between the duration of motor practice and rehabilitation response. Prior reliance on time-consuming clinical assessments made it infeasible to capture within-subjects dose response, as tracking the dose-response trajectory of an individual requires dozens of repeated administrations.

METHODS:

This secondary observational cohort analysis of existing data from the gaming arms of the VIGoROUS multisite trial (Video Game Rehabilitation for Outpatient Stroke) describes the rehabilitation dose response of 80 participants with mild-moderate chronic stroke. The 3-dimensional joint position data were captured via the Kinect v2 optical sensor as participants completed a prescribed 15 hours of in-home unsupervised game-based motor practice. Kinematic dose response trajectories were fitted from hundreds to thousands of in-game repetitions for 4 separate upper extremity movements for each participant.

RESULTS:

Of 75 participants with sufficient data for dose-response analysis, 85% showed improved motor capacity for at least 1 movement. Dose response was bimodal; 42% required <5 hours of motor practice before reaching a plateau in movement kinematics, whereas 55% required >10 and 34% required >30 hours. We could predict with 93% accuracy whether or not an individual would ultimately respond to game-based motor practice within 5 hours of gameplay.

CONCLUSIONS:

Dose response varies considerably between individuals. About half of chronic stroke patients benefit from higher doses of motor practice than the current standard of care. Individualized dose-response data from motion capture rehabilitation gaming can guide clinical decision-making early on in treatment.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02631850.
Typification of thirteen names in Populus (Saliceae, Salicoideae, Salicaceae)
Authors: ZHANG ZHONG-SHUAI , FU YUN-LEI , YU XI , ZHAO TIAN-BANG , ZENG QING-YIN , LIU YAN-JING
Published: February 2024

The article typified thirteen names of Chinese poplars which published by Zhao Tian-Bang or together with his cooperator in 1978 and 1980. By examining specimens preserved at PE, KUN, WUK, CAF, and HEAC, communication with Zhao Tian-Bang, we found that the original materials of Populus honanensis, P. funiushanensis, P. celtidifolia, P. davidiana var. lyshehensis, P. adenopoda var. nanchaoensis, P. adenopoda var. rotundifolia, P. hopeiensis var. ovatifolia, P. hopeiensis var. flavida, P. sunghoensis, P. davidiana var. longipetiolata, P. yunsiaoshanensis, and P. adenopoda var. microphylla were lost, and there was only one illustration left for P. tomentosa var. rotundifolia. According to the protologues, our fieldwork in the type localities and Zhao Tian-Bang’s identification, neotypes were designated for twelve taxa. An illustration was selected as the lectotype of P. tomentosa var. rotundifolia.
Neotypification of Sida nordestinensis (Malvaceae—Malveae)
Authors: BARACHO GEORGE SIDNEY , AGRA MARIA DE FÁTIMA
Published: February 2024

N/A
Nomenclatural and taxonomic notes on Vismia (Hypericaceae)
Authors: SHIMIZU GUSTAVO HIROAKI , MARTINS MILENA VENTRICHI , BITTRICH VOLKER , AMARAL MARIA DO CARMO ESTANISLAU DO
Published: February 2024

Vismia is a neotropical genus and in Brazil it is currently represented by 30 species. Along with the study of the species that occur in this country, we assessed the nomenclatural questions involved with their names, and a first part of these results are presented. Twelve lectotypes, including one as a second-step, were designated for correct names and synonyms associated with eleven species of Vismia. Furthermore, we provided additions and corrections to the collection data, and nomenclatural comments for each species. Here we also reduce V. parviflora to a synonym of V. micrantha, based on morphological characters.
Type designations for Centaurea saxicola and Cirsium valentinum (Asteraceae)
Authors: FERRER-GALLEGO P. PABLO
Published: February 2024

Nomenclatural types of the names Centaurea saxicola and Cirsium valentinum are discussed. A specimen collected by Ángel Guirao in 1852 in Orihuela (Alicante province, Spain) and preserved at P is designated as the neotype of C. saxicola. A specimen preserved at E and collected by Porta and Rigo in 1891 in Valencian Community (Spain) is designated as the second-step lectotype of C. valentinum.
A new species of Cirolana Leach, 1818 (Isopoda, Cymothoidea, Cirolanidae), from Havelock Island, Andaman Sea, northern Indian Ocean
Authors: ANIL PATHAN , BRUCE NIEL L. , JAYARAJ KADEPARAMBIL ARJUNAN
Published: February 2024

Cirolana swaraj sp. nov. was collected from brackish-water Neil Lagoon on Havelock Island, South Andaman and is described and illustrated in detail. Cirolana swaraj sp. nov. can be distinguished by: frontal lamina 2.2 times as long as greatest width, lateral margins slightly widening to rounded anterior margin; pereonite 1 dorsal anterior mid-region with convex boss covered with fine ridges, pereonites 1–7 each with a single transverse impressed line, posterior margin with 18, 18, 17 and 12 tubercles on pereonites 4−7 dorsal posterior margins respectively; pleonites 4−5 each with prominent median tubercle, 4 and 2 tubercules on each side of pleonites 4−5; pleotelson dorsal surface with sub-median double row of 5 tubercules, posterior lateral margins straight, posterior margin narrowly rounded with 6 robust setae and plumose marginal setae extending anteriorly to mid-length; uropodal exopod lateral margin with eight robust setae and a continuous row of plumose marginal setae. A key to the marine and estuarine genera of Cirolanidae of the northern Indian Ocean is given.
Towards a Critical Text of James Joyce’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
Authors: Gabler Hans Walter
Published: February 2024

This chapter assesses the text and potential editorial problems of Joyce’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, highlighting significant document sources yet to be (re-)discovered.
Seeing James Joyce’s Ulysses into the Digital Age
Authors: Gabler Hans Walter
Published: February 2024

This chapter endeavours to re-imagine the past historical moment of Ulysses scholarship and reception on publication with the insider awareness of the editor working in the 1980s, and to assess facts and issues from the outsider perspective of the (engaged) critic of the 2020s. In this chapter, then, editor and critic together look back on what the edition’s critics of the time thought and saw—or overlooked or failed to see; and where and how their views and propositions indeed remain valid.
From Hamlet to Scylla & Charybdis
Authors: Gabler Hans Walter
Published: February 2024

This chapter elucidates the poetics underlying the genetic progress from the Hamlet chapter of A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man of 1916 (lost) to the late 1918 draft closely preceding the chapter fair copy of New Year’s Eve 1918. The author constructs a strict basic version of Stephen Dedalus’s Hamlet performance for the episode from the 1918 draft, allowing the genetic argument to be developed in stages through the diversity of its subjects. This, in turn, allows focus on the transformation and transconfiguration of the author-character relationship.
‘Love, yes. Word known to all men.’
Authors: Gabler Hans Walter
Published: February 2024

This chapter reflects on the significance of two paragraphs missing from the first published edition of Ulysses. It takes this as an example of the simultaneously sequential mental and scripted processes of writing, and the challenges of representing these processes in a critical edition.
Ante- and Post-Mortem Fracture Identification Protocol Based on Low- and High-Level Fusion Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Raman Spectroscopy Association
Authors: Yu Kai , Wu Hao , Xiong Hongli , Wang Gongji , Wei Xin , Liang Xinggong , Chen Run , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Kai , Wang Zhenyuan
Published: February 2024

In this study, the application of low-level fusion (LLF) and high-level fusion (HLF) strategies using a combination of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy in the identification of antemortem and postmortem fracture at different postmortem intervals (PMIs) was investigated. On a technical level, the same hard tissue sample can be detected using a mix of FT-IR and Raman techniques. At the method level, two cutting-edge chemometrics approaches (LLF and HLF) combining FT-IR and Raman spectroscopic data are explored. The models were ranked in accordance with their parametric quality as follows: HLF and LLF + HLF models > LLF single model > Raman single model > FT-IR single model. The LLF model performed marginally better than the Raman model, however, when compared to other models, the HLF model performed considerably better. The HLF model achieved the best performance, with both cross-validation accuracy and test data set accuracy of 0.88. The importance of the feature wavelengths in the model construction process was subsequently evaluated by intersection fusion, and it was found that the absorbance bands of amide I, PO43– ν1 ν3, and CH2 in FT-IR and phenylalanine, CO32– ν1– PO43– ν3, and amide III in Raman have outstanding contributions to the construction of antemortem and postmortem fractures identification models. Overall, the combination of FT-IR and Raman with the HLF strategy is a novel and promising approach for developing antemortem and postmortem fracture identification models at different PMIs.
Research progress of piezoelectric polymer PVDF in sound absorption technology
Authors: Li Xiao , Zhao Xiaoming , Liu Yuanjun
Published: February 2024

Owing to its impedance properties and piezoelectric effect, the piezoelectric polymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) finds application in the field of noise control. Traditional sound-absorbing materials have gradually fallen short of the demands of sound-absorbing functionality and environmental adaptability in today’s increasingly acute noise pollution environment. When PVDF is added to sound absorption, materials or structures have an additional loss path for the conversion of sound energy to electric energy. This helps to increase the low-frequency sound absorption band and improve low-frequency sound absorption performance. Through the action of viscosity, friction, relaxation, piezoelectric effect, and dielectric loss, the sound energy in the passive sound-absorbing material containing PVDF is transformed into energy dissipation in the form of heat energy, electric energy, and so on under the matching of PVDF low impedance. In active control, secondary sound and force sources can be supplied by PVDF-based transducers and actuators to reduce noise. This paper first provides an overview of the piezoelectric characteristics of β-phase PVDF and its optimization techniques. It then goes on to discuss the use of PVDF in passive sound-absorbing materials, active controls, and hybrid sound absorption systems. Finally, it summarizes the benefits, issues that still need to be resolved, and future directions for these three noise reduction techniques.
Barrier Lyapunov function–based command-filtered adaptive fuzzy control of random quadrotor systems
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zheng Jiaxuan , Guan Ximin , Yao Liqiang
Published: February 2024

This paper is devoted to adaptive trajectory tracking of quadrotor systems with full-state constraints and random disturbances. The command-filtering technology combined with error compensation mechanisms is proposed to deal with the “explosion of complexity” problem in traditional backstepping design and reduction of the filtering errors. The Barrier Lyapunov functions (BLFs) are constructed to ensure that all system states do not violate the boundary of its constraints. The command-filtered adaptive fuzzy controller is designed such that the state constraints are not breached almost surely, all signals in the closed-loop system are bounded almost surely, and the first-order moment of the tracking error converges to an arbitrarily small neighborhood of zero by parameters tuning. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control method is illustrated by simulation results.
Threshold Analysis of Static and Dynamic Occlusion in Urban Areas: A Connected Automated Vehicle Perspective
Authors: Pechinger Mathias , Niels Tanja , Bogenberger Klaus
Published: February 2024

This study comprehensively explores static and dynamic occlusion issues in urban scenarios, focusing mainly on their interplay with the rising prevalence of connected automated vehicles (CAVs). We propose a unique methodology for pinpointing static and dynamic occlusions and examining the impacts of CAVs that integrate collective perception in their sensing systems. A crucial aspect of our investigation is identifying a critical point concerning the CAV penetration ratio, past which dynamic occlusion ceases to exert significant influence. Based on our investigation, a penetration rate of around 34% seems to alleviate the problems associated with dynamic occlusions. Nonetheless, our research also uncovers that issues related to static occlusion may endure even with increased CAV penetration levels, thus requiring additional mitigation approaches. Furthermore, this study broadens the understanding of static and dynamic occlusion, creating a new metric to explain the level of visibility in urban areas. The framework applied in our evaluations is disclosed in conjunction with this paper. This research represents a substantial advancement in understanding and improving the operation of CAVs in occluded scenarios.
The Utility of Stress Ultrasound in Identifying Risk Factors for Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear: A Longitudinal Study of 203 Professional Baseball Players
Authors: Hanna Adeeb Jacob , Popper Hannah R. , Sonnier John Hayden , Erickson Brandon J. , Jack Robert A. , Cohen Steven B.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Injuries to the medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) are common among baseball pitchers due to repetitive stress on the soft tissue stabilizers of the elbow during pitching. Dynamic stress ultrasound (SUS) can be used to evaluate the UCL and ulnohumeral joint to identify anatomic risk factors of those who will require UCL reconstruction (UCLR).

Purpose:

To determine whether any adaptive or morphological changes detectable on SUS can predict injury to the UCL in professional baseball pitchers.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 203 professional baseball pitchers who underwent SUS at preseason training sessions over the course of 18 years were categorized into 1 of 2 groups: those without a history of shoulder, arm, elbow, or forearm surgery or injuries (healthy cohort; n = 184) and those who underwent UCLR the same season as SUS (UCLR cohort; n = 19). Ligament thickness, joint spacing, and laxity were compared. An additional matched cohort analysis was conducted using 10 players from each group to detect differences in the progression of UCL and ulnohumeral joint measures in the year before injury.

Results:

The UCLR cohort, when compared with the healthy cohort, had higher relative (ie, nondominant-side measurements subtracted from dominant-side measurements) resting ulnohumeral joint space (median, 0.50 vs 0.20 mm, respectively; P = .006) and higher rates of hypoechoic foci (57.9% vs 30.4%, respectively; P = .030). Players of both groups had similar dominant UCL thickness ( P = .161), ulnohumeral joint space at rest ( P = .321), space under stress ( P = .498), and laxity ( P = .796). Groups did not differ in terms of relative UCL thickness, ulnohumeral joint space under stress, or relative laxity. In the year before UCL injury, the UCLR cohort, compared with the matched healthy cohort, had a greater increase in mean dominant UCL thickness (0.94 vs –0.60 mm, respectively; P = .038) and a greater increase in relative median UCL thickness (1.35 vs –0.35 mm, respectively; P = .045). Players in the healthy cohort were statistically older than those in the UCLR cohort (23 vs 22 years, respectively; P = .004). No differences in ulnohumeral stress spacing or laxity were detected.

Conclusion:

SUS of players who underwent UCLR demonstrated a progressive increase in UCL thickness over 1 year, higher rates of hypoechoic foci, and increased ulnohumeral rest space compared with SUS of uninjured players.