bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the impact of
Leptospira
TolC efflux protein on host tissue adherence, complement evasion, and diagnostic potential
Authors: Hota Saswat , Kumar Manish
Published: October 2024

The TolC family protein of
Leptospira
is a type I outer membrane efflux protein. Phylogenetic analysis revealed significant sequence conservation among pathogenic
Leptospira
species (83%–98% identity) compared with intermediate and saprophytic species. Structural modeling indicated a composition of six β-strands and 10 α-helices arranged in two repeats, resembling bacterial outer membrane efflux proteins. Recombinant TolC (rTolC), expressed in a heterologous host and purified via Ni-NTA chromatography, maintained its secondary structural integrity, as verified by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Polyclonal antibodies against rTolC detected native TolC expression in pathogenic
Leptospira
but not in nonpathogenic ones. Immunoassays and detergent fractionation assays indicated surface localization of TolC. The rTolC’s recognition by sera from leptospirosis-infected hosts across species suggests its utility as a diagnostic marker. Notably, rTolC demonstrated binding affinity for various extracellular matrix components, including collagen and chondroitin sulfate A, as well as plasma proteins such as factor H, C3b, and plasminogen, indicating potential roles in tissue adhesion and immune evasion. Functional assays demonstrated that rTolC-bound FH retained cofactor activity for C3b cleavage, highlighting TolC’s role in complement regulation. The rTolC protein inhibited both the alternative and the classical pathway-mediated membrane attack complex (MAC) deposition
in vitro
. Blocking surface-expressed TolC on leptospires using specific antibodies reduced FH acquisition by
Leptospira
and increased MAC deposition on the spirochete. These findings indicate that TolC contributes to leptospiral virulence by promoting host tissue colonization and evading the immune response, presenting it as a potential target for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Matrix of Correlations between the Gradients of the Phase of the Light Wave as a Way to Measure the Principal Parameters of Turbulence
Authors: Bogachev V. A. , Kolokolov I. V. , Lebedev V. V. , Starikov F. A.
Published: October 2024

The diffraction of a light wave by fluctuations in the refractive index in a turbulent medium leads to its distortions. Their analysis allows one to extract the main parameters of turbulence. In this paper, we propose a new method based on measurements of the correlation function of the gradients of the light wave phase, which allows us to independently find the Fried parameter $${{r}_{0}}$$ and, then, the outer scale of turbulence L0. The method has been successfully tested on measurement data obtained during the passage of laser radiation through a gaseous medium with artificially created turbulence.7
Quantitative analysis of effectiveness and associated factors of exercise on symptoms in osteoarthritis: a pharmacodynamic model-based meta-analysis
Authors: Han Shun , Li Ting , Cao Ying , Li Zewei , Mai Yiying , Fan Tianxiang , Zeng Muhui , Wen Xin , Han Weiyu , Lin Lijun , Zhu Lixin , Fu Siu Ngor , Bennell Kim L , Hunter David J , Ding Changhai , Li Lujin , Zhu Zhaohua
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the time point and magnitude of peak effectiveness of exercise and the effects of various exercise modalities for osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms and to identify factors that significantly affect the effectiveness of exercise.

Design

Pharmacodynamic model-based meta-analysis (MBMA).

Data sources

Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of exercise for OA from inception to 20 November 2023.

Eligibility criteria

RCTs of exercise interventions in patients with knee, hip or hand OA, using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) subscales or Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores as outcome measures, were included. The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for WOMAC total, pain, stiffness, function and VAS pain was 9.0, 1.6, 0.8, 5.4 and 0.9, respectively.

Results

A total of 186 studies comprising 12 735 participants with symptomatic or radiographic knee, hip or hand OA were included. The effectiveness of exercise treatments peaked at 1.6–7.2 weeks after initiation of exercise interventions. Exercise was more effective than the control, but the differences in the effects of exercise compared with control on all outcomes were only marginally different with the MCID (7.5, 1.7, 1.0, 5.4 and 1.2 units for WOMAC total, pain, stiffness, function and VAS pain, respectively). During a 12-month treatment period, local exercise (strengthening muscles and improving mobilisations of certain joints) had the best effectiveness (WOMAC pain decreasing by 42.5% at 12 weeks compared with baseline), followed by whole-body plus local exercise. Adding local water-based exercise (eg, muscle strengthening in warm water) to muscle strengthening exercise and flexibility training resulted in 7.9, 0.5, 0.7 and 8.2 greater improvements in the WOMAC total score, pain, stiffness and function, respectively. The MBMA models revealed that treatment responses were better in participants with more severe baseline symptom scores for all scales, younger participants for the WOMAC total and pain scales, and participants with obesity for the WOMAC function. Subgroup analyses revealed participants with certain characteristics, such as female sex, younger age, knee OA or more severe baseline symptoms on the WOMAC pain scale, benefited more from exercise treatment.

Conclusion

Exercise reaches peak effectiveness within 8 weeks and local exercise has the best effectiveness, especially if local water-based exercise is involved. Patients of female sex, younger age, obesity, knee OA or more severe baseline symptoms appear to benefit more from exercise treatment than their counterparts.
#WhatWouldYouDo? A cross-sectional study of sports medicine physicians assessing their competency in managing harassment and abuse in sports
Authors: Mountjoy Margo , Verhelle Helena , Finnoff Jonathan T , Murray Andrew , Paynter Amanda , Pigozzi Fabio , Tooth Camille , Verhagen Evert , Vertommen Tine
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To assess the clinical competence of sports medicine physicians to recognise and report harassment and abuse in sports, and to identify barriers to reporting and the need for safeguarding education.

Methods

We implemented a cross-sectional cohort study design recruiting through social media and international sports medicine networks in 2023. The survey captured participant perceptions related to the harmfulness of harassment and abuse. The survey incorporated the reasoned action approach as a theoretical framework to design survey questions to identify attitudes and self-efficacy to detect and report suspicions of harassment and abuse and to identify barriers to reporting.

Results

Sports medicine physicians (n=406) from 115 countries completed the survey. The situations of harassment and abuse presented in the survey were described by sports medicine physicians as having occurred in the 12 months before participating in the survey. Despite recognising the situations as harmful, sports medicine physicians were somewhat uncomfortable being vigilant for the signs and symptoms and reporting suspicions and disclosures of harassment and abuse (M=2.13, SD=0.67). In addition, just over one-quarter (n=101, 26.9%) was unaware of where to report harassment and abuse, and over half did not know (n=114, 28.1%), or were uncertain (n=95, 23.4%) of who the safeguarding officer was in their sports organisation. Participants identified many barriers to reporting harassment and abuse, including concerns regarding confidentiality, misdiagnosis, fear of reprisals, time constraints and lack of knowledge. Over half felt insufficiently trained (n=223, 57.6%), and most respondents (n=324, 84.6%) desired more education in the field.

Conclusions

Educational programmes to better recognise and report harassment and abuse in sports are needed for sports medicine trainees and practising clinicians. An international safeguarding code for sports medicine physicians should be developed.
Frailty or sarcopenia: which is a better indicator of mortality risk in older adults?
Authors: de Souza Aline Fernanda , Ramírez Paula Camila , Capra de Oliveira Dayane , Máximo Roberta de Oliveira , Luiz Mariane Marques , Delinocente Maicon Luis Bicigo , Spexoto Maria Claudia Bernardes , Steptoe Andrew , De Oliveira Cesar , Alexandre Tiago da Silva
Published: October 2024

Background

Despite the different conditions, frailty and sarcopenia overlap regarding their common link: the assessment of walking speed and muscle strength. This study aimed to compare the frailty phenotype to the sarcopenia using different cut-off points for low grip strength to determine which better identifies mortality risk over a 14-year follow-up period.

Methods

4597 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Frailty was measured using the Fried phenotype. Sarcopenia (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2) was defined using different cut-off points for low grip strength (<36, <32, <30, <27 and <26 kg for men and <23, <21, <20 and <16 kg for women), low skeletal muscle mass index (<9.36 kg/m² for men and<6.73 kg/m² for women) and slowness (gait speed: ≤0.8 m/s). Cox models were run and adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioural and clinical factors.

Results

When the coexistence of frailty and sarcopenia is considered, only the cut-off points <36 kg for men and <23 kg for women to define low grip strength identified the risk of mortality among individuals classified as having probable sarcopenia (HR=1.17, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.34), sarcopenia (HR=1.31, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.60) and severe sarcopenia (HR=1.62, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.96). In this situation, frailty identified the mortality risk (HR=1.49, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.81), whereas pre-frailty did not. Sarcopenia using other cut-off points for defining low grip strength did not identify mortality risk.

Conclusion

Sarcopenia using <36 kg for men and <23 kg for women as cut-off points seems to be better than the frailty phenotype for identifying the risk of mortality in older adults.
Visibility and availability of single cigarettes around schools in four Latin American countries
Authors: Chaname Eva , Limache-García Abel , Moodie Crawford , Thrasher James , Best Catherine , Zavaleta Alfonso
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Single cigarette sales at tobacco-selling points of sale (POS) may promote smoking. We explored visibility and availability of single cigarettes in POS around schools in Argentina, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru, countries where their sale is banned.

Methods

Between April and July 2023, an observational study was conducted at POS around high schools in urban and rural areas in Argentina, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru. A sampling frame of schools was generated from public registries, with schools categorised according to their socioeconomic status and randomly selected within socioeconomic strata. A total of 2081 POS were surveyed based on their proximity to these randomly selected schools. Data were collected on the visibility of single cigarettes (any cigarette sticks or open cigarette packs on display and able to be seen by customers were coded as visible) and their availability (ie, whether singles were sold, whether visible or not).

Results

Single cigarettes were visible in 37.2% of POS and available in most (84.9%), with neighbourhood stores the primary source. In most (84.1%) POS with visible single cigarettes, they were displayed near candy or toys. Prices of the cheapest single cigarette sticks ranged from US$0.03 in Argentina to US$0.13 in Guatemala.

Conclusion

The findings indicate widespread availability of single cigarettes in four Latin American countries where their sale is banned. The low price of single cigarettes, and their proximity to candy/toys, may increase the appeal of smoking to youth. Stricter enforcement of bans on single cigarettes, which may serve as a gateway to experimentation and continued smoking, is needed.
Complex interactions of deer herbivory, soil chemistry, and competing vegetation explain oak–hickory forest tree regeneration in central Pennsylvania, USA
Authors: Begley-Miller Danielle , Diefenbach Duane R. , Domoto Emily J. , Drohan Patrick J. , Jones Phillip , McDill Marc E. , Rosenberry Christopher S. , Sabo Autumn E. , Wallingford Bret D.
Published: October 2024

The root causes of forest tree regeneration failure are difficult to resolve, although numerous studies show ungulate herbivory, soil conditions, and competition from undesirable vegetation as likely contributors. To better understand the relative importance of each issue, we conducted a 7-year manipulative experiment to assess the interactive effects of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) herbivory, soil acidity, and competing vegetation on tree regeneration in oak–hickory forests of central Pennsylvania, USA. Outcomes depended on initial tree seedling abundance, and all three factors had significant interactions. At low initial seedling abundance, fencing resulted in the greatest increase, but all treatments had a positive effect on seedling growth and abundance. At higher initial seedling abundance, abundance failed to recover 7 years after herbicide treatment and soil pH was an important predictor. When soil pH was >4.6 from lime application, seedling growth and abundance in unfenced controls with high initial abundance was comparable to the fenced-only treatment. Competing vegetation, assumed to be a symptom of excessive, long-term deer herbivory, does not seem to be the primary factor limiting tree regeneration in our study area. Ameliorating acid deposition warrants greater consideration as a management action because it could provide long-lasting benefits compared to short-term fence installations.
Calculation of the Gaunt coefficients over real spherical harmonics
Authors: Yükçü Sılay Aytaç , Atalay Şehriman , Yükçü Niyazi , Öztekin Emin
Published: October 2024

The Gaunt coefficients are numerical coefficients that describe the interaction between two different angular momentum quantum states. In the quantum physics, this interaction affects the energy levels and structures of atoms and molecules. The calculation of Gaunt coefficients plays a significant role in molecular integral evaluations, which emerge from the solving Schrödinger equation. This work presents the analytical evaluation methods for the Gaunt coefficients using real spherical harmonics and associated Legendre functions. In this paper, the general integral form of the Gaunt coefficients is written in two main parts as polar and azimuthal integrals. The new analytical relations and symmetry properties are generated for these integrals. The analytical expressions are obtained in terms of the beta functions, and these coefficients are calculated for different atomic orbitals of angular momentum using the Mathematica programming language. The obtained numerical results are compared with the values in the literature and we found completely agreement to 15 digits.
High-Precision Traffic Sign Detection and Recognition Using an Enhanced YOLOv5
Authors: Luo Jiaomin , Li Ying , Wei Li , Nie Gang
Published: October 2024

High-precision traffic sign detection plays an important role in enhancing road traffic safety, ensuring traffic smoothness, supporting the development of intelligent transport systems and promoting the standardization and normalization of traffic facilities. To overcome the limitations of traditional methods, this study proposes an enhanced YOLOv5 algorithm for complex road environments. First, the K-Means clustering algorithm is used to cluster and analyze the boundary boxes of traffic signs in the training dataset, obtaining anchor box sizes that are closer to the distribution of the dataset to improve detection accuracy. Then, a genetic algorithm was used to further optimize the initial anchor box, and a global search strategy was used to find the optimal anchor box configuration, further improving detection performance. In terms of model structure, a bidirectional feature pyramid network (Bi-FPN) is introduced, which effectively utilizes multi-scale feature information and enhances the adaptability of the model to traffic signs of different sizes through top-down and bottom-up feature fusion paths, as well as cross-scale connections. In addition, a global attention mechanism (GAM) was introduced to recalibrate the feature maps through channel attention and spatial attention dimensions, improving the robustness and detection accuracy of the model for complex environments. Finally, a loss function called Focal-EIoU was used to solve the problems of class imbalance and sample imbalance, which improved the stability and performance of the object detection model. Experiments on a Chinese traffic sign dataset demonstrate significant improvements, with an increase in mAP by 10.03%, precision by 4.7%, recall by 2.6% and F1-score by 3.48%, respectively. The results prove the validity of the proposed traffic sign recognition method, especially in complex road environments. This study provides new ideas and methods for the field of traffic sign detection, which has important theoretical significance and application value.
Multiplicity, transverse momentum and pseudorapidity dependence of open-heavy flavored hadron production in proton+proton collisions at s = 13TeV using PYTHIA8
Authors: Sahoo Bhagyarathi , Deb Suman , Sahoo Raghunath
Published: October 2024

Recently, with the upgradation of LHC, it is realized that study of heavy-flavored hadrons, namely [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in hadronic collisions, could reveal the possibility of thermalization of charm quarks. With this motivation, we study the production dynamics of these hadrons using a pQCD-inspired Monte Carlo event generator called PYTHIA8 in proton+proton collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TeV. The production dynamics of these hadrons are analyzed through charged-particle multiplicity, transverse momentum and pseudorapidity. With the help of the established PYTHIA8 tunes to mimic the behavior of flow-like features, we investigated the variation of effective temperature and degree of nonextensivity using thermodynamically consistent nonextensive Tsallis statistics. We further attempted to establish a connection between the initial state and final state by estimating the correlation between the number of multi-partonic interactions ([Formula: see text]) with the Knudsen number.
Heterogeneous Time Integration Algorithm for Structural Dynamics with Localized Hysteretic Nonlinearities
Authors: Yang Dahao , He Yuenan , Liao Huasong , Liu Jike , Lu Zhong-Rong , Wang Li
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes a heterogeneous time integration algorithm to analyze the dynamic response of structures with localized hysteretic nonlinearities. The critical point is to treat the whole structure as a combination of a linear substructure governed by the second-order dynamic equation and a nonlinear substructure controlled by the first-order differential formulation. With this partitioning, tailored numerical integration algorithms with heterogeneous time steps are applied directly to calculate the displacements and hysteretic forces from the linear and the nonlinear substructures, respectively. Subsequently, the dynamic responses of the whole structure are solved by a predictor–corrector procedure, where the hysteretic forces and displacement responses are coupled and exchanged to update the partitioning solutions. Furthermore, the energy balance method is derived to verify the stability of the proposed heterogeneous time integration algorithm. Dynamic responses of structures with friction damper, hysteretic models, and bolted joint models are studied to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Multifractal Analysis of GameFi
Authors: Shi Qingyuan , Shen Dehua
Published: October 2024

This paper provides the first evidence for understanding the information flow and the microstructure of GameFi market by investigating the multifractal characteristics of return and trading volume from 61 GameFi coins. The empirical results mainly show that: (1) There is a significant cross-correlation between return and trading volume in the GameFi market. Both exhibit multifractal behavior across different time scales. (2) The GameFi market is highly unstable and volatile in the short term, but relatively stable in the long term. (3) The multifractal characteristics of the GameFi market evolve dynamically, with noticeable cyclical fluctuations occurring within a one-year period.
REHABILITATION PROCESS TO CONTROL AND PREDICT USER HAND GESTURES THROUGH EMG SIGNAL-BASED REINFORCED TRANSRADIAL AMPUTATION MODEL
Authors: SURYA S. , RAMAMOORTHY S.
Published: October 2024

Assistive devices support disabled people through object traction intention and prediction. To develop a smart assistive device to support paralyzed patients through the flexible nature of gloves which allow the user finger movements which has no strength or nerve-based controls. The kinematic signal variations at the upper limb position are collected through the electromyography (EMG) signals. The interaction between the prosthetic hand and the human-disabled part is achieved through inferred parameters used in the communication. The rehabilitation and assistive technologies enhance the process of user intention to perform the task under various situations. The intended object prediction model involves human interaction with prosthetic signals. The object tracking and hand movement positions are combined in the proposed model to predict the exact activities of the user. The low and high muscle variations derive the pattern and its associated task. The proposed model introduces the deep transradial amputation model (DTAM) to predict the user intention movement based on EMG sensor-based hand gesture recognition. The proposed method analyzes the EMG signals collected from the upper and lower hand muscles. The model also constructs and trains the data to predict the 3D hand gestures and their positions from the features collected through EMG signals. The reinforcement-based recurrent fuzzy neural network (RFNN) is used to derive the pattern by combining various positions of the hand gesture. The maximum reward value used to obtain the accurate prediction is a performance metric. The correlation mapping and its coefficient values provide sufficient evidence to analyze the muscle variation data to predict user-intended activities. The 3D prosthetic hand values and finger positions of the complex object task acceleration can be predicted with the mean performance of [Formula: see text] and NRMSE value = 0.101. The maximum reward count to 50 under the various iteration processes to analyze the movements. The proposed transradial amputation manages to predict the user’s intention within the time period of 124[Formula: see text]ms. Through the results, the model enhances the task intention prediction and movement position quickly compared to the other models.
MATERIAL STRENGTH AND MECHANICAL FAILURE MODE OF PORCINE SPINAL DURA MATER UNDER A PRESSURIZED LOADING CONDITION
Authors: TAMURA ATSUTAKA , SAKAUE CHIKANO
Published: October 2024

Mechanical damage to the meninges, which protect the spinal cord from blunt external forces, can cause idiopathic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. This is probably because even a small meningeal failure leads to the leakage of CSF out of the subarachnoid space. However, the dura mater, the outermost layer of the meninges, is especially resilient and structurally tough. Moreover, CSF leakage can be caused by daily activities, including coughing, sneezing, and falling. Because of these contradicting facts, the essential mechanism of CSF leakage is difficult to understand. Recently, extensive efforts have been made to elucidate the mechanism of traumatic and impact-related injuries through computational simulations. It is crucial to comprehend the actual failure mode of biological materials under in vivo-like injurious loading conditions to enhance the accuracy of injury prediction. Therefore, in this study, we focused on the relationship between the intrinsic shape of wrinkles formed on the dural surface and the mechanical failure mode of the spinal dura mater. We found that a generated crack runs along the microscopic wrinkles in the longitudinal direction even when the spinal dura mater is statically pressurized.
SECOND LAW SCRUTINY OF MHD EYRING–POWELL FLUID: ENTROPY GENERATION IN SYMMETRIC POROUS MEDIUM
Authors: NOREEN S. , ABBAS A.
Published: October 2024

The objective of this study is to determine the irreversible losses and associated entropy generation within a fluid system, considering the combined effects of magnetic field, convective boundaries, and porous media. It accomplishes this objective by a thorough investigation into the second law analysis and entropy generation of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Eyring–Powell fluid flowing through a symmetric porous medium. To achieve this, the governing equations for the Eyring–Powell fluid are formulated using the conservation laws of mass, momentum, and energy, while incorporating the magnetic field’s effects. In order to account for the porous character of the medium, the equations are coupled with the Darcy model. Using appropriate computational techniques, the resulting system of partial differential equations is numerically solved. The local irreversibility ratio calculates the system’s entropy generation number, revealing its distribution. The Hartmann number and Eyring–Powell fluid parameters are also studied. The primary findings indicate that [Formula: see text] enhances velocity and diminishes temperature and entropy, while [Formula: see text] has the opposite effect. Entropy is also increased by Hartmann and Brinkman numbers, which are a result of the enhanced heat transfer and stronger magnetic fields. The findings emphasize the need and importance of studying irreversible losses and improving fluid system energy efficiency.
Pseudo-circular evolutes and involutes of lightcone framed curves in the Lorentz–Minkowski 3-space
Authors: Pei Donghe , Takahashi Masatomo , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we first define the pseudo-circular evolute of a lightcone framed curve in the Lorentz–Minkowski 3-space, and show that the pseudo-circular evolute of a lightcone framed curve can be seen as a generalization of the circular evolute of a framed curve without type changing. We also define an involute of a lightcone framed curve, and study the duality relations between involutes and pseudo-circular evolutes. Moreover, we study the pseudo-circular evolutes and involutes with respect to a lightcone circle frame, and investigate the relationship with respect to a projection map. Meanwhile, examples are given for explaining the objects we investigated, which also show a certain physical significance of our investigation.
Modeling China’s Per Capita Disposable Income by Uncertain Statistics
Authors: Jia Yuxing , Tang Han
Published: October 2024

Uncertain statistics is a set of mathematical techniques for collecting, analyzing and interpreting data by uncertainty theory. There are mainly three modeling methods in uncertain statistics: uncertain time series analysis, uncertain regression analysis, and uncertain differential equation. This paper applies these tools to modeling China’s per capita disposable income, and employs uncertain hypothesis test to determine whether the estimated uncertain statistical models fit China’s per capita disposable income. In addition, this paper shows that it is necessary to use uncertain statistics instead of probability statistics to model China’s per capita disposable income by investigating the corresponding residuals.
Parabolic equations with operator nonlinearity
Authors: Iftikhar Saba , Lazu Alina , Donchev Tzanko , Kitanov Nikolay , Kolev Dimitar
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we consider partial differential equations (PDE) of parabolic type with functional nonlinearity in the reaction summand. Our goal is to give the answer of the question if there exist a set of smooth functions satisfying the inequality [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a parabolic operator in the parabolic PDE with a functional nonlinearity. To this end, we use some modification of the implicit function theorem. Finally, we give an example illustrating the theory.
On the Promising Path of Making Education Effective for Every Student
Authors: Nie Allen
Published: October 2024

Traditional classroom teaching is an example of scaling education with a one-size-fits-all strategy, but modern machine learning algorithms are promised to adapt and personalize for each student. Can we succeed and what are the harms and benefits of introducing AI into the classroom?
From Artificial Mentors to Simulated Subjects: Using Artificial Intelligence to Support Agency in Student-Driven Project-Based Learning
Authors: Aher Gati
Published: October 2024

Turning passions into projects is difficult. Could AI tools provide students with the interruption, suspension, and sustenance they need to want to stay with the difficulty?
AIstory-bot: An AI-Based Digital Story Writing Platform for Children
Authors: Han Ariel , Han Shenshen
Published: October 2024

AIstory-bot, a text-based chatbot designed to teach students about artificial intelligence (AI), guides students through creative writing activities that provide an inquiry-based, interactive storytelling experience to enhance young learners' engagement, motivation, and efficacy toward AI.
Harnessing Machine Learning and Generative AI: A New Era in Online Tutoring Systems
Authors: Schmucker Robin
Published: October 2024

Discover how the convergence of machine learning and generative AI is revolutionizing online tutoring, enabling systems that evolve to become better teachers--continuously refining their instructional methods based on student data and feedback.
A Network Calculus Model for SFC Realization and Traffic Bounds Estimation in Data Centers
Authors: Sharma Sidharth , Jukan Admela , Malik Aashi , Gumaste Ashwin
Published: October 2024

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is a promising technology that can transform how internet service providers deliver their services. However, recent studies have identified several challenges in adopting NFV. Two key challenges are central to the operation and capacity planning of NFV Data Centers (DCs): (i)
Service Function Chain (SFC) realization
—determining if a new request with a known profile can be accommodated—and (ii)
Network Function Virtualization (NFV) traffic bounds estimation
—estimating the total traffic that a data center can handle considering all service requests and their performance constraints. To address these challenges, we propose a model that leverages stochastic network calculus to effectively dimension an NFV DC while ensuring delay and availability bounds for all service requests. Our theoretical model provides a mathematical framework to assess the realization of a single SFC request without delving into the specifics of the realization process. We utilize established availability-aware Virtual Network Function (VNF) placement patterns to obtain traffic bounds essential to planning data center capacity. We analyze NFV data center traffic under various scenarios over a Fat-tree DC topology. The results demonstrate that data center capacity is significantly influenced by the VNF placement strategy. Additionally, for data centers hosting latency-sensitive services, Service Level Objective (SLO) constraints on availability and delay are crucial in determining the number of such requests that can be accommodated.
Advanced Methodology for Simulating Local Operating Conditions in Large Fuel Cells Based on a Spatially Averaged Pseudo-3D Model
Authors: Cornet Marine , Poirot-Crouvezier Jean-Philippe , Schott Pascal , Kawka Sébastien , Morin Arnaud , Bultel Yann
Published: October 2024

To address the performance and lifetime limitations of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the operating heterogeneities at the cell scale, requiring the test of a wide range of operating conditions. To avoid experimental constraints, numerical simulations seem to be the most viable option. Hence, there is a need for time-efficient and accurate cell-scale models. In this intention, previous works led to the development and the experimental calibration of a pseudo-3D model of a full-size cell in a stack. To further reduce the computation time, a new spatially averaged, multi-physics, single-phase, non-isothermal, steady state pseudo-3D model is developed and calibrated with the results of the preceding model. Particularly, it captures the influence of the coolant on temperature and water mappings in the cell. Moreover, a new methodology is proposed to calibrate the electrochemical cell voltage law for new membrane-electrode assemblies. The emulation of the local operation conditions in large active surface area is realized with a small differential cell, avoiding the testing of large single cells or stacks. Subsequently, simulations are conducted to investigate the impact of the coolant temperature gradient, coolant outlet temperature and gas relative humidity.
Genomic Characterization of Extended‐Spectrum β‐Lactamase (ESBL) Producing E. coli Harboring blaOXA−1‐catB3-arr-3 Genes Isolated From Dairy Farm Environment in China
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Tang Minjia , Awan Furqan , Aqib Amjad Islam , Hao Ruochen , Ahmad Saad , Wang Shengyi , Shang Ruofeng , Pu Wanxia
Published: October 2024

Anthropogenic activities in the environment affect the ecosystem and can play an important role in selecting and spreading antibiotic‐resistant bacteria (ARB) and genes (ARGs). The dairy farm environment may serve as a hotspot and reservoir for exchanging and spreading ARGs, but studies are scarce. Here, we investigated and characterized the extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase producing Escherichia coli strains recovered from the dairy farm environment co‐harboring blaOXA−1, catB3, and arr-3 genes. The isolates were identified and characterized by PCR, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conjugation assay, whole genome sequencing (WGS), and multiple bioinformatics tools. Seven E. coli strains co‐harboring blaOXA−1, catB3, and arr-3 genes were identified which belonged to distinct sequence types (STs) and carried diverse plasmid replicon types. The conjugation assay revealed a successful transfer of blaOXA−1, catB3, and arr-3 genes into the recipient E. coli J53 with a co‐conjugation frequency ranging from (2.25 ± 0.3) × 10−4 to (3.85 ± 0.3) × 10−3. Bioinformatics analysis of WGS revealed the diversity of acquired ARGs, conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, beta‐lactams, quinolones, tetracyclines, macrolides, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, phosphonic, phenicol, and rifamycin. The genetic environment analysis showed that aac(6′)‐Ib-cr-blaOXA−1‐catB3-arr-3-qacE1-sul1 was the common genetic backbone among the seven E. coli strains. Among the mobile genetic elements, insertion sequences were the predominant elements as compared to transposons. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a close relationship between the E. coli of this study and other strains of human–animal‐environment origin retrieved from the NCBI database. This study presented the whole genome‐based characterization of E. coli strains carrying the blaOXA−1‐catB3-arr-3 genes. It provided evidence that the dairy environment may harbor a variety of ARGs and act as a potential reservoir for their spread in the ecosystem. The results recommend the routine surveillance of ARGs carrying bacteria in dairy environments and the need for additional studies to understand the dissemination mechanism within One Health perspective to prevent their further spread.
Approximate Damped Oscillatory Traveling Wave in Viscous Compressible Fluid With Capillary Effect
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhang Weiguo
Published: October 2024

We convert the viscous compressible fluid equations with capillary effect into the equivalent planar dynamical system and illustrate the global qualitative phase diagrams corresponding to its bounded orbits by the qualitative theory of ordinary differential equations. From the evolutionary relationship of bounded orbits in global qualitative phase diagrams and the correspondence between the bounded orbit and traveling wave, we discover the evolutionary rule of the profile of the traveling wave as the viscous coefficient varying and the forming reason for the damped oscillatory traveling wave. Further, we construct the analytical approximate explicit expression of the damped oscillatory traveling waves in accordance with the forming reason and prove its error decreases in exponential form. Finally, we compare the approximate damped oscillatory traveling wave with the numerical solution. The result shows they fit well.
Solving the Nonlinear Charged Particle Oscillation Equation Using the Laplace–Adomian Decomposition Method
Authors: Alomari Omar , Garalleh Bashar F. , Jaradat Emad K. , Omidi Koma Behzad
Published: October 2024

This manuscript presents a comprehensive exploration of the nonlinear charged particle oscillation equation, employing the Laplace–Adomian decomposition method (LDM) to obtain approximate analytical solutions. The investigation leads to the formulation of five initial equations governing the oscillatory behavior of a charged particle, which are visually represented and analyzed with insightful interpretations. Notably, the existing literature lacks an exact solution to this problem. However, this paper fills this gap by presenting an approximate analytical solution utilizing the LDM. The solution is carefully studied and analyzed, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complex behavior of charged particle oscillation.
¿Es realista el presupuesto fiscal del 2025?
Authors: García Carlos J.
Published: October 2024

El artículo analiza el presupuesto fiscal de Chile para 2025, que propone un aumento del gasto del 2.7%, superior a lo recomendado por el Consejo Fiscal Autónomo. El gobierno justifica este incremento basándose en nuevas fuentes de ingresos permanentes como el Royalty Minero y la Ley de Cumplimiento Tributario. Se discute la sostenibilidad de este enfoque frente a la regla fiscal chilena y el aumento de la deuda pública en los últimos años. El artículo concluye señalando la importancia de mantener holguras fiscales y enfocarse en aumentar la productividad para sostener el gasto público a largo plazo.
Disminución en la Natalidad: Posibles efectos en el futuro de Chile
Authors: Crespo Fernando A. , Soto Márquez Mónica
Published: October 2024

Este artículo examina la tendencia decreciente en la tasa de natalidad en Chile y sus implicaciones futuras. Se analiza la evolución histórica de la tasa de natalidad y fecundidad desde 1960 hasta 2022, destacando la caída por debajo del nivel de reemplazo generacional. El estudio aborda factores como la postergación de la maternidad, el aumento de nacimientos de madres extranjeras y el envejecimiento poblacional. Se discuten las consecuencias potenciales en áreas como el sistema de pensiones, la productividad laboral, el ahorro nacional y la inflación, planteando desafíos significativos para las políticas públicas futuras.
Supplementary Table S1 from Kidney Function and Risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Alcala Karine , Zahed Hana , Cortez Cardoso Penha Ricardo , Alcala Nicolas , Robbins Hilary A. , Smith-Byrne Karl , Martin Richard M. , Muller David C. , Brennan Paul , Johansson Mattias
Published: October 2024

Supplemental table 1 shows the characteristics of the studied population for the etiology analysis.
Supplementary Figure 2 from Kidney Function and Risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Alcala Karine , Zahed Hana , Cortez Cardoso Penha Ricardo , Alcala Nicolas , Robbins Hilary A. , Smith-Byrne Karl , Martin Richard M. , Muller David C. , Brennan Paul , Johansson Mattias
Published: October 2024

Supplemental figure 2 shows the estimated 5-years risk of RCC with eGFRcreat_cystC by common RCC risk factors across ages for males.
Supplementary Figure 1 from Kidney Function and Risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Alcala Karine , Zahed Hana , Cortez Cardoso Penha Ricardo , Alcala Nicolas , Robbins Hilary A. , Smith-Byrne Karl , Martin Richard M. , Muller David C. , Brennan Paul , Johansson Mattias
Published: October 2024

Supplemental Figure 1 shows the flowchart of the study.
Supplementary Figure 1 from Preclinical Evaluation of STI-8811, a Novel Antibody–Drug Conjugate Targeting BCMA for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Springer Aaron D. , Wang Rengang , Wang Jiawei , Du Qinyi , Pi Willie , Nguyen Austin Q. , Li Xiaoqing , Khasanov Alisher , Zhu Tong , Yan Zheng , Hong Yufeng , Zhou Heyue , Zhang Yanliang , Kerwin Lisa , Li Lingna , Ji Henry , Zhang Hong
Published: October 2024

Figure S1. Quantitative STI-8811 and J6M0-mc-MMAF internalization as measured by flow cytometry in RPMI8226 cell line expressing moderate BCMA levels (n = 2). Signal is measured following protease-K treatment to remove membrane bound antibody. Antibodies internalized per cell is calculated as mAb-Alexafluor 647 signal normalized to fluorophore:mAb ratio calibrated against quantitative fluorescent standard beads. Data represent mean ± SD
Figure 4 from Preclinical Evaluation of STI-8811, a Novel Antibody–Drug Conjugate Targeting BCMA for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Springer Aaron D. , Wang Rengang , Wang Jiawei , Du Qinyi , Pi Willie , Nguyen Austin Q. , Li Xiaoqing , Khasanov Alisher , Zhu Tong , Yan Zheng , Hong Yufeng , Zhou Heyue , Zhang Yanliang , Kerwin Lisa , Li Lingna , Ji Henry , Zhang Hong
Published: October 2024

Effect of sBCMA on the cytotoxic activity of STI-8811 and J6M0-mc-MMAF. A, Cell viability of NCI-H929 (left) and OPM-2 (right) after treatment with serial dilutions of STI-8811 and J6M0-mc-MMAF in the absence of sBCMA (n = 3). Arrows represent the ADC dose that achieves 80%–90% cell death. Data are represented as the mean ± SD. B, Cell viability of NCI-H929 (left) and OPM-2 (right) after treatment with STI-8811 and J6M0-mc-MMAF at 1.23 nmol/L (left) or 3.7 nmol/L (right) in the presence of a sBCMA dilution curve (n = 3). Data are represented as the mean ± SD. C, Surface plasmon resonance assay showing the binding kinetics of STI-1260 and J6M0 mAb.
Identification of Novel Genetic Risk Variants Associated with Hidradenitis Suppurativa in an Exome Sequencing Cohort of 92,455 Individuals
Authors: Metpally Raghu P. , Vishweswaraiah Sangeetha , Krishnamurthy Sarathbabu , Saiyed Nazia , Stahl Richard C. , Golden Alicia , Denisenko Andrew , Staples Jeffrey , Gonzaga-Jauregui Claudia , Carey David J. , Bechara Falk , Jemec Gregor B.E. , Williams Heinric , Radhakrishna Uppala ,   on behalf of the Geisinger-Regeneron DiscovEHR collaboration
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a prevalent and persistent inflammatory skin disorder, lacking a known cure or effective biomarkers for early diagnosis at present. The genetic determinants of HS have not been fully documented, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Methods: To identify relevant HS gene variants in sporadic HS patients, this study utilized longitudinal electronic health records (EHRs) and whole-exome sequencing. DNA exome sequencing data from 92,455 participant samples in the MyCode biobank, linked to Geisinger’s EHR, were analyzed. This cohort included 1,092 HS cases and 91,363 healthy controls. The MyCode EHR has a median longitudinal follow-up of 15 years per participant, with an average of 87 clinical encounters, 687 laboratory tests, and 7 procedures. Results: There were 1,092 (901 females and 191 males) participants aged 14–89 years (median 47 years) with HS (L73.2), indicating a 1.18% prevalence and accounting for a 4.7:1 female-to-male ratio among the individuals presenting for clinical care. γ-secretase complex, syndromic, and autoinflammatory gene variants were assessed. Potential pathogenic variants were identified among 66 individuals in the HS genes studied. Molecularly, the estimated HS variant prevalence was 1:1,400 in the cohort, 12.3% of variant carriers had HS diagnosis in EHR. Conclusions: Using longitudinal EHR data, genomic screening identified HS-associated gene variants in a defined group of sporadic HS patients to augment the clinical diagnosis, particularly in cases of ambiguity. Based on this study, the field of skin disorders can benefit from a personalized approach to HS diagnosis using large-scale sequencing.
Factors Associated with Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Using Hurley Staging and Metascore
Authors: Daoud Mathieu , Suppa Mariano , Benhadou Farida , Heudens Stéphanie , Sarkis Anne-Sophie , Njimi Hassane , Saunte Sara K. , Desmarest Lila , Orte Cano Carmen , Dandoy Céline , Nobile Laura , Fontaine Margot , Daxhelet Mathilde , Karama Jalila , White Jonathan M. , Jemec Gregor B.E. , del Marmol Véronique
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease for which certain risk factors are well known: obesity and smoking (in particular). However, the factors associated with more severe conditions, and therefore potential aggravators of the disease, remain a matter of debate. Our study aims to determine the clinical factors associated with severe HS using several severity scores. Methods: The data were obtained via the ERHS questionnaire from patients exclusively recruited at Erasme Hospital in Brussels. The severity of HS was firstly estimated by the Hurley score, and secondly by a metascore, a system combining the iHS4, HS-PGA, SAHS, and DLQI. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. Results: Six hundred and forty-seven patients were included in the Hurley analysis, and 456 patients in the metascore analysis. In multivariable analysis, men have a more severe metascore than women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.89, p = 0.022), smoking was associated with a more severe disease according to metascore, especially in mild cases (OR = 0.76, p = 0.043), and an elevated body mass index was associated with having Hurley stage III disease compared to Hurley I or II disease (OR = 1.09, p = 0.001). A significant association is also shown between blood pressure and Hurley stage (OR = 0.97, p = 0.025). Self-reports of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs aggravating the disease is also a factor associated with greater severity according to the metascore (OR = 0.12, p = 0.008). Finally, several locations of HS lesions were associated with greater severity, in particular the armpits according to the metascore (OR = 0.29, p < 0.001), and the perianal area according to the Hurley score (OR = 0.15, p < 0.001). Conclusion: HS seems to be more severe in men; smoking seems to aggravate mild cases of HS, while increased body mass index plays a major role in the transition from Hurley II to Hurley III.