bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of poly‑γ‑l‑diaminobutanoic acid production in Bacillus pumilus by repeated pH shocks
Authors: Li Shu , Wang Nan , Li Xiaoting
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the effect of pH on poly-γ-l-diaminobutanoic acid (γ-PAB) production by Bacillus pumilus in batch fermentation. In the natural fermentation where pH was not controlled, pH decreased from initial 7.0 to 3.0 in 18 hours and γ-PAB production was 428.6 mg/L. In the pH-controlled fermentation, B. pumilus tended to proliferation at higher pH, while γ-PAB synthesis was favorable at lower pH, in which the optimal pH for γ-PAB production was 4.2, and γ-PAB yield reached 2284.5 mg/L. Adopting a pH shock strategy which lasted 9 hours in the pre-fermentation phase, biomass (OD600) and γ-PAB yield of B. pumilus were obtained as 61.3 and 2794.6 mg/L, respectively, which were 10.8% and 22.4% higher than those in batch fermentation without pH shock. Subsequent fermentation of repeated pH shocks showed that a further higher productivity could be achieved, in which the final OD600 reached 65.1, and γ-PAB production reached as high as 3482.3 mg/L, which were increased by 6.2% and 17.1% compared with those in single pH shock, respectively. This study demonstrated that B. pumilus can synthesize more γ-PAB at suboptimal pH and provided a novel approach to regulate γ-PAB synthesis.
Prevalence, clinical characteristics, and long-term outcomes of new diabetes diagnosis in elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Xue Zheng-Kai , Dai Xin-Ya , Ren Jia-Yi , Liu Tong , Zhang Yu-Kun , Hu Su-Tao , Wang Peng , Wu Xue , Zhang Jing-Kun , Tse Gary , Park Soohyung , Choi Cheol-Ung , Choi Byoung-Geol , Rha Seung-Woon , Chen Kang-Yin
Published: December 2023

Previous studies have reported associations between newly diagnosed diabetes and poor outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but there is limited data focusing on elderly patients (age ≥ 65). This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and clinical implications of newly diagnosed diabetes in elderly patients who underwent PCI. From 2004 to 2021, a total of 2456 elderly patients who underwent invasive PCI at Korea University Guro Hospital were prospectively enrolled and followed up for a median of five years. The primary endpoint was five-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Cox regression was used to evaluate whether newly diagnosed diabetes impacted on long-term clinical outcomes. Newly diagnosed diabetes was presented in approximately 8.1–10.9% of elderly patients who underwent PCI. Those who had a new diagnosis of diabetes had a higher risk of MACE than previously known diabetes (25.28% vs 19.15%, p = 0.039). After adjusting for significant factors, newly diagnosed diabetes remained an independent predictor of MACE (HR [hazard ratio] 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–2.17, p < 0.001), cardiac death (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.29–3.59, p = 0.003) and repeat revascularization (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.09–2.11, p = 0.013), but not for non-fatal myocardial infarction (HR 1.66, 95% CI 0.94–2.12, p = 0.081). Newly diagnosed diabetes was associated with an increased risk of five-year MACE compared with non-diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes in elderly patients underwent PCI. More attention should be given to those elderly newly diagnosed diabetes population.
STEMming the Dowry Tradition: Empowering Girls in India
Authors: Hussain Malik Altaf , Tyagi Malvika , Kumar Deepak
Published: December 2023

The underrepresentation of girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields remains a critical issue, especially in developing countries where it is often exacerbated by entrenched social and cultural norms. This paper investigates the economic implications of the dowry system in India on the allocation of household financial resources and its consequent impact on girls' enrollment in STEM education. Drawing on data from the India Human Development Survey (IHDS-II), we rigorously analyze how the societal obligation to provide cash dowries diminishes the funds available for girls' education, with a pronounced effect in the relatively cost-intensive STEM fields. Our findings, robust across various individual, household, and community variables, indicate a substantial and pervasive influence of cash dowry practices on educational outcomes for girls. These results underscore the urgent need for policy interventions that address the deeply-rooted societal norms influencing educational choices, thereby contributing to the discourse on promoting gender equity in education within socio-economically diverse contexts.
Transcultural adaptation and validation of the Korean version of the Types of Positive Affect Scale (TPAS): Application of the item response model
Authors: Choi Yoon Young , Chun Hae-ryoung , Cho Inhyung , Park Sujin , Cho Eun-Yi , Park Sunghyun , Cho Sung-il
Published: December 2023

Background
Affect is a crucial factor that influences both mental health and quality of life. The Types of Positive Affect Scale (TPAS) is an instrument for measuring positive affect. It is commonly used in studies of mindfulness, stress, quality of life, and self-compassion. This study translated the TPAS into Korean and validated it.
Methods
International Testing Commission (ITC) standards were followed during the translation procedure. The participants answered sociodemographic questions and completed the translated version of the TPAS, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Data were collected from 352 healthy Korean adults. Item responses analysis with rating scale model, confirmatory factor analysis, and correlation analysis were used for validation.
Result
Cronbach’s alpha was high for all measures (TPAS = .94, PANAS = .86, BDI = .92). A one-factor model for the TPAS showed a poor fit, a two-factor model showed a good fit, and a bifactor model showed the best fit (CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.081 [range: 0.072–0.09]). Item response analysis showed acceptable fits for all items except items 4 (infit = 1.51) and 7 (infit = 1.76).
Conclusions
The Korean version of the TPAS is suitable for use in the Korean cultural context. However, items 4 and 7 should be omitted or interpreted with caution.
Validation of a New Point-of-Care Calcaneal Ultrasound Densitometer (BeeTLe)
Authors: Adami Giovanni , Rossini Maurizio , Gatti Davide , Serpi Paolo , Fabrizio Christian , Lovato Roberto
Published: December 2023

Introduction
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) represents the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD). However, its size and bulkiness limit its use in mass screening. Portable and easily accessible instruments are more suitable for this purpose.
Materials and Methods
We conducted a study to assess the repeatability, sensitivity, accuracy, and validation of a new ultrasound densitometer for the calcaneus (BeeTLe) compared to standard DXA. BMD (g/cm2) was measured at the femoral and lumbar spine levels using DXA (iLunar General Electric), and the Bone Quality Index (BQI, a dimensionless measure of bone quality) was measured with BeeTLe in patients attending the osteoporosis clinic at two bone specialist centers. The Bland-Altman test and simple linear regression were used to evaluate the association between values measured with the two instruments. Additionally, the ability of the T-score calculated with BeeTLe to identify patients with previous osteoporotic fractures was tested using ROC curves.
Results
A total of 201 patients (94.5% females) with a mean age of 62.1 ± 10.2 were included in the study. The BeeTLe instrument showed a coefficient of variation (CV, in 23 repeated measurements) of 1.22%, which was not statistically different from the CV of DXA (1.20%). Figure 1 shows the regression curves between BQI and BMD at the femoral neck (r2 0.500, p < 0.0001), total femur (r2 0.545, p < 0.0001), and lumbar spine (r2 0.455, p < 0.0001). Figure 2 displays the Bland-Altman plot for T-score differences at various sites. Figure 3 presents the ROC curves describing the ability of BeeTLe and DXA at different sites to classify patients with fractures vs. non-fractured (AUC not significantly different).
Conclusion
In this preliminary study, BeeTLe, a new point-of-care ultrasound densitometer, demonstrated good repeatability and performance similar to DXA. Therefore, its use can be proposed in screening for osteoporosis.
A comprehensive cutting tool adaptation method of multi-feature part based on evolutionary game
Authors: Huo Yunliang , Zhou Yunqing , Liu Junbo , Zhang Ming , Li Zhenlong
Published: December 2023

The adaptation of cutting tools is the key link of machining, although a lot of work has been done to achieve tool selection for single features, relatively little research on tool scheme adaptation for multi-feature parts as a whole. In order to take into account the factors of matching, efficiency, cost, manufacturability, and environment, a comprehensive optimization method of a multi-feature tool scheme is proposed in this work. Firstly, the critical tool of a complex feature is defined, and a tool combination method with complex single features is proposed to generate an efficient tool strategy. Secondly, a tool scheme optimization model of multi-feature parts is constructed, where each machining feature is mapped to a game player in the model space, and the set of available tools is mapped to the player strategies. In addition, the classical evolutionary game algorithm is improved to adapt to the model, according to the large difference in the number and type of features of parts. Finally, a square test piece is taken as an example to verify the proposed method, and the results show that the method presented in the paper can efficiently obtain the customer-preferred tool scheme.
Analyzing Coulomb Stress Changes and Seismic Activity following the 1999 Chamoli Earthquake in Garhwal Himalaya, India
Authors: Mahto Pooja , Gupta Subhash
Published: December 2023

On March 29, 1999, the magnitude Mw 6.6 Chamoli earthquake ruptured the Garhwal Himalayan region of the North-Western Himalayas. We investigated the correlation between changes in Coulomb stress and the distribution of aftershocks in the region of the 1999 Chamoli earthquake, which occurred on and off the Main Central Thrust fault. The USGS identified it at 30.49° N and 79.29° E, at a depth of 19 km; the GCMT solution suggested thrust faulting on a fault that slanted slightly to the north. On the plane that dips gently to the north (strike 290°, dip 14°, rake 90°), there is thrust motion, according to the moment tensor solution derived from the USGS earthquake catalogue. Furthermore, 4.34E + 18 Nm is the calculated seismic moment for this event. To understand the mechanisms behind the aftershocks, an in-depth study of this event and its subsequent seismic activity has been carried out. Based on the position of the aftershock sequence, seismicity was primarily limited to the southern region of the MCT zone. A fault area of 26.07 X 13.93 km2 has been obtained. The computed dip slip is 0.81m, while the shear stress change over the area is 1.72Nm.
Acute obstruction of the right coronary ostium after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. Is it time to enhance coronary obstruction risk prediction?
Authors: Garcia-Garcia Juan Francisco , Morales-Portano Julieta Danira , Andrade-Cuellar Elias Noel , Pérez-Castellanos Jesus Ricardo , Aquino-Bruno Heberto , Melendez-Ramírez Gabriela
Published: December 2023

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a well-established therapy for aortic stenosis, known for its safety and efficacy across a spectrum of patient risks compared to conventional aortic valve replacement (AVR). Despite its advantages, complications have been identified during or after the procedure. In a case involving a 72-year-old man with multiple comorbidities and severe aortic stenosis, pre-procedural planning revealed factors suggesting a higher risk for complications, such as calcifications in the ascending thoracic aorta, aortic valve, and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). The patient was considered at low risk for coronary obstruction. However, during TAVR with a 23 mm Sapiens 3 bioprosthesis, the patient experienced sudden dyspnea and chest pain. Coronary angiography revealed a contrast defect in the right coronary artery ostium, leading to immediate angioplasty, which was successful. While pre-procedural protection was deemed unnecessary in this case, it highlights the importance of considering factors beyond coronary height, such as calcium distribution and valve length, in predicting and preventing potential occlusion of coronary ostia during TAVR. Improved risk prediction is crucial in mitigating the occurrence of life-threatening complications.
Unveiling the Role of SLC27A2 in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: Insights into Immune Evasion and Prognosis
Authors: Lu Lihua , Li Jiazheng , Zheng Yongzhi , Luo Luting , Huang Yan , Hu Jianda , Chen Yanxin
Published: December 2023

Purpose
Solute carrier family 27 member 2 (SLC27A2) is involved in fatty acid metabolism in tumours and represents a prospective target for cancer therapy. However, the role and mechanism of action of SLC27A2 in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) remains unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the intrinsic associations between SLC27A2 and ALL and evaluate the prognostic significance, biological functions, and correlation with immune infiltration.
Methods
We used the transcriptome and clinical data from the TARGET dataset. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the SLC27A2 low- and high-expression groups were analysed for prognostic implications and functional enrichment. Furthermore, we analysed the relationship between SLC27A2 gene expression and immune cell infiltration using the ESTIMATE method, which was evaluated using the TIGER platform. Finally, we knocked down SLC27A2 in the Jurkat ALL cell line and conducted cell proliferation, western blotting, flow cytometry, and CCK-8 assays to elucidate the biological function of SLC27A2 in ALL.
Results
Patients with ALL who have higher expression levels of SLC27A2 have poorer overall survival and event-free survival. According to the gene set enrichment analysis, DEGs were primarily enriched with immune system processes and the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. There was an inverse relationship between SLC27A2 expression and immune cell invasion, suggesting its involvement in tumour immune evasion. In vitro experiments showed that knockdown of SLC27A2 inhibited cell proliferation and protein expression and altered the Akt pathway, with a reduced proportion of B cells.
Conclusion
SLC27A2 plays a vital role in the development of ALL.
Risk factors and prognostic impact of severe neutropenia in the first cycle of trifluridine-tipiracil for metastatic colorectal cancer patients: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Omori Yoshiro , Matsukuma Satoshi , Kawa Mikiko , Ishimitsu Kazuki , Kawaoka Toru , Akiyama Norio , Tokuno Kazuhisa , Fujita Yuji , Sato Shinya , Yamamoto Shigeru
Published: December 2023

Purpose
Several studies have reported that chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in the early phase contributes to better outcomes of patients treated with trifluridine-tipiracil (FTD/TPI) treatment. We aimed to identify the risk factors for severe neutropenia during FTD/TPI treatment, and their impacts on overall survival (OS).
Methods
This single-center retrospective study included patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer who were treated with FTD/TPI between May 2014 and April 2023. The primary endpoint was OS, and the secondary endpoint was severe neutropenia in the first cycle of FTD/TPI. We assessed the association between outcomes and potential confounders using multivariate analysis.
Results
Of the 85 total patients, 24 developed severe neutropenia during the first treatment cycle. The risk of severe neutropenia adjusted for initial dose reduction was defined as renal impairment with creatinine clearance (Ccr) of < 60 mL/min (adjusted odds ratio, 3.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.29–12.43) and absolute neutrophil count (per 1,000/µL: 0.54, 0.32–0.85). In our Cox hazard analysis, the independent factors associated with OS were neutropenia ≥ Grade 1 in cycle 1 or 2 (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.37; 95% CI 0.19–0.72), combined treatment with bevacizumab (0.55; 95% CI 0.32–0.94) and number of metastatic organs (1.58; 1.21–2.07). Severe neutropenia in cycle 1 was not associated with OS (1.13, 0.62–2.04).
Conclusion
Renal impairment was associated with the severe neutropenia treated using FTD/TPI. It remains unclear whether severe neutropenia in the early phases of FTD/TPI treatment is a predictor of favorable outcomes.
Association between uric acid and referable diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rivera-De-la-Parra David , Hernández-Jiménez Sergio , Almeda-Valdés Paloma , Aguilar-Salinas Carlos A. , Graue-Hernández Enrique O. , Pérez-Peralta Liliana , Jiménez-Corona Aida
Published: December 2023

Purpose
Plasmatic uric acid (UA) has been inconsistently associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Specific sight-threatening stages of DR have not been studied for its association with UA.
Patients and methods:
Cross-sectional, comparative study. Between 2014 and 2018 we recruited 210 Mexican individuals > 18 years-old with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Clinical, ophthalmological and biochemical assessment was performed with standardized funduscopic examination. Certified readers classified DR stages. The association between DR and UA was assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis, calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95%CI, after adjustment by covariables.
Results
Two hundred and ten patients were included, 41 (19.5%) had referable DR. Subjects with referable (severe or worse) DR had longer diabetes duration 22 (15–28) vs 15 (8–20) years (p < 0.01), higher levels of uric acid 6.5 (5.8–8.1) vs 5.4 (4.5–6.6) mg/dL (p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure 130 (120–140) vs 120 (110–130) mmHg (p < 0.01), diastolic blood pressure 78.4 ± 9.7 vs 75.4 ± 9.2 mmHg (p = 0.03), and lower glomerular filtration rate (MDRD) 54.1(41.5–69.6) vs 87.3 (66.8-108.3) mL/min/1.73m2 (p < 0.01) compared with those without referable DR. With multiple logistic regression after adjustment, per each unit of change (mg/dl) in UA the probability of having referable DR increased 45% higher (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.12–1.87, p < 0.01). When UA was evaluated as dichotomous variable, those with levels ≥7.8 mg/dL had almost two times (OR = 2.81, 95% CI, 1.00-7.9., p = 0.49) the probability of having referable DR compared with those with levels < 7.8 mg/dL.
Conclusion
UA may contribute to the microvascular damage in retinal vessels and therefore hyperuricemia could be a therapeutic target to prevent DR progression.
Genetic Profiling of Plasmodium falciparum Antigenic Biomarkers among Asymptomatic Pregnant Women on Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine from Southwest Nigeria
Authors: RI Funwei , Olaleye A , Noblefather U , Hammed Wasiu , CJ Elikwu , Akinmade Adepoju , Okangba C , Akinyede A , Ojurongbe O , Falade C , Walker O
Published: December 2023

Background
The genetic complexity of Plasmodium falciparum is a contributory factor to the emergence of drug-resistant parasites. The WHO recommends intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) in malaria endemic settings. This study evaluated the prevalence of the Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance-1 gene (mdr-1), genetic diversity of merozoite surface proteins (msp-1, msp-2) and glutamate-rich protein (glurp) among pregnant women from southwest Nigeria.
Methods
One hundred PCR-confirmed Plasmodium falciparum isolates, comprising visit 1 (V1) (n = 52), delivery (n = 31) and cord blood (n = 17), were randomly selected for analysis. The mdr-1 haplotypes were evaluated using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RLFP), while the msp-1, msp-2 and glurp genes were genotyped using nested PCR. Allelic frequencies, proportions and multiplicity of infection were calculated, and the p value was considered ≤ 0.05.
Results
The mdr-1 (N86/N86Y) combination was detected in 11.8% (V1), 61.3% (delivery) and 58.8% (cord blood) from the isolates (p ≤ 0.05). The mutant (N86Y) haplotype was detected only in cord isolates (5.9%). The allelic frequency distribution for msp-1 was 245 (K1 = 81, MAD20 = 85 and RO33 = 79), and that for msp-2 was 110, representing 43.6% (FC27) and 56.4% (3D7), respectively. While glurp expressed the least allelic frequency of 25, 84% (V1), 12% (delivery) and 4% (cord), respectively (p ≤ 0.05). msp-1 and msp-2 recorded higher MOIs than glurp.
Conclusion
Antigenic falciparum strains with N86Y Pfmdr-1, msp-1, msp-2, and glurp may compromise the effectiveness of IPTp-SP in southwest Nigeria. The search for newer drug formulations for IPTp may be needed.
Olfactory and Cognitive Decrements in 1991 Gulf War Veterans
Authors: Chao Linda
Published: December 2023

Background
Prominent symptoms of Gulf War illness (GWI), the disorder related to military service in the 1991 Gulf War (GW), include fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction. Although anosmia is not a typical GWI symptom, anecdotally some veterans reported losing their sense smell shortly after the war. Because olfactory deficit is a prodromal symptom of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, and because we previously reported suggestive evidence that deployed GW veterans may be at increased risk for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia, the current study examined the relationship between olfactory and cognitive function in deployed GW veterans.
Methods
Eighty deployed GW veterans (mean age: 59.9 ± 7.0; 4 female) were tested remotely with the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Veterans also completed self-report questionnaires about their health and deployment-related exposures and experiences. UPSIT and MoCA data from age-matched healthy controls (HC) were downloaded from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study for comparison.
Results
GW veterans had a mean UPSIT score of 27.8 ± 6.3 (range 9–37) and a mean MoCA score of 25.3 ± 2.8 (range 19–30). According to age- and sex-specific normative data, 31% of GW veterans (vs. 8% PPMI HCs) had UPSIT scores below the 10th percentile. Nearly half (45%) of GW veterans (vs. 8% PPMI HCs) had MoCA scores below the cut-off for identifying MCI. Among GW veterans, but not PPMI HCs, there was a positive correlation between UPSIT and MoCA scores (Spearman’s ρ = 0.39, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in UPSIT or MoCA scores between GW veterans with and without history of COVID and with and without Kansas GWI exclusionary conditions.
Conclusions
We found evidence of olfactory and cognitive deficits and a significant correlation between UPSIT and MoCA scores in a cohort of 80 deployed GW veterans. Because impaired olfactory function has been associated with increased risk for MCI and dementia, it may be prudent to screen aging, deployed GW veterans with smell identification tests so that hypo- and anosmic veterans can be followed longitudinally and offered targeted neuroprotective therapies as they become available.
Implementing an electronic gate keeping (EGK) intervention at a rural academic tertiary hospital in South Africa over a two-year period: A cost effectiveness analysis
Authors: Mayekiso Zoliswa , Oladimeji Kelechi Elizabeth , Estrada Guillermo Alfredo Pulido , Hongoro Charles , Apalata Teke
Published: December 2023

Background
Many countries, including South Africa, are developing, and testing new methods to reduce the excessive demand for medical laboratory tests for patient investigations to reduce the burden of rising laboratory costs on national budgets. The objective of this study was to compare the cost effectiveness of an electronic gate keeping intervention implemented at a rural academic tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.
Methods
A cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) was performed in this cross-sectional study, taking only direct costs associated with implementing EGK into account. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated over a 48-months period using the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold recommendation. According to the WHO-CHOICE threshold recommendation, for a cost to be considered ‘very cost effective,' it must be one time the Gross Domestic Product Per Capita (GDPPC) of the country in question. South Africa's GDPPC in 2021 was USD 7,055. A t-test was also used to investigate statistical differences in costs and number of tests performed 24 months prior to the intervention and during the intervention period of 24 months. The statistical level of significance was set at 0.05.
Results
The results showed that implementing EGK resulted in lower costs - $515,114.96 - and 212 fewer tests, resulting in an ICER of USD 2,430.00 which is < 1 times GDPPC of South Africa in 2021. Also, the pre-intervention period had significantly higher mean costs than the EGK intervention period (M = 69,831.14, SD = 11,059.39 vs. M = 48,368.01, SD = 4,505.96; t 30.43 = 8.81, p < 0.01). Similarly, the number of laboratory tests showed a statistically significant difference in the mean number of tests performed pre the intervention and during the intervention (M = 26,946.58 SD = 4,330.76 vs. M = 18,116.25 SD = 1,695.71; t 29.890 = 9.30, p < 0.01).
Conclusions
EGK implementation at the rural academic tertiary hospital was very cost effective, based on (WHO)-CHOICE criteria. However, the results are grounded in conditions at the selected hospital; more evidence is needed to evaluate the cost effectiveness of EGK in South Africa from a societal perspective.
Hardware Architecture Optimization for High-Frequency Zeroing and LFNST in H.266/VVC Based on FPGA
Authors: Zhang Junxiang , Sheng Qinghua , Pan Rui , Wang Jiawei , Qin Kuan , Huang Xiaofang , Niu Xiaoyan
Published: December 2023

To reduce the hardware implementation resource consumption of the two-dimensional transform component in H.266 VVC, a unified hardware structure is proposed that supports full-size Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), Discrete Sine Transform (DST), and full-size Low-Frequency Non-Separable Transform (LFNST). This paper presents an area-efficient hardware architecture for two-dimensional transforms based on a general Regular Multiplier (RM) and a high-throughput hardware design for LFNST in the context of H.266/VVC. The first approach utilizes the high-frequency zeroing characteristics of VVC and the symmetric properties of the DCT-II matrix, allowing the RM-based architecture to use only 256 general multipliers in a fully pipelined structure with a parallelism of 16. The second approach optimizes the transpose operation of the input matrix for LFNST in a parallelism of 16 architecture, aiming to save storage and logic resources.
Are the two lone pairs of electrons on oxygen atom of carbonyl group in HCHO identical!
Authors: Ghosh Safalla Kr. , Ray Umasankar
Published: December 2023

Different opinions about the nature of two lone pairs on oxygen atom of carbonyl group in HCHO promote the present authors to undertake the study on this matter. Here opinions of different text books as stated by the authors are represented in brief and systematic manner to conclude finally that carbonyl oxygen may be sp hybridized with two different types of lone pairs as supported by M.O. theory and uv spectral data [one lone pair on py orbital and another lone pair on sp hybrid orbital] on oxygen atom.
Machine learning-based integration develops a hypoxia-derived signature for improving outcomes in glioma
Authors: Zhou Quanwei , Guo Youwei , Yan Xuejun , Jiang Xingjun , Du Can , Ke Yiquan
Published: December 2023

Background: The growth of glioma is frequently accompanied by a hypoxic microenvironment, which contributes to its progression and unfavorable prognosis. Nevertheless, the clinical implications of hypoxia have not been extensively investigated.
Methods: A comprehensive collection of over 3000 glioma samples was acquired from publicly available databases. The identification of a hypoxia-cluster was accomplished through the utilization of Consensus Cluster Plus across six cohorts. Subsequently, a hypoxia-derived signature was formulated by employing 100 machine learning algorithms on the expression profiles of 11 genes within six glioma cohorts. To further investigate the expression of these 11 genes and certain hub molecules, RT-qPCR and IHC were conducted in an in-house cohort.
Results：Two hypoxia-associated subtypes (C1 and C2) were identified in glioma, exhibiting notable prognostic and molecular disparities. Subtype C2 gliomas demonstrated an abundance of hypoxia-related pathways, increased presence of immune and stromal cells, elevated expression of immune checkpoint genes and receptors, and a more unfavorable prognosis compared to those in C1. Employing a machine learning-based integrative approach, we established an 11-gene signature capable of predicting distant clinical outcomes across six cohorts. This signature was subsequently validated through RT-qPCR analysis in an in-house cohort, and effectively categorizes patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, demonstrating consistent and robust performance in predicting both overall and relapse-free survival. Moreover, the risk score exhibits significantly higher accuracy compared to conventional clinical variables, molecular characteristics, and 100 previously published signatures. Glioma in the high-risk group exhibits elevated levels of CD163, PD1, HIF1A, and PD-L1 expression.
Conclusion: Ultimately, we developed a novel hypoxia-related classification that provides the potential to guide treatment decisions and a reliable prognostic tool.
Meeting a need for anti-racism curricula in medical residency programs: A pilot study and results for implementation and future research
Authors: Gertz Alida M , Smith Michele , Thomas Davon , Ti Angeline , Vamos Cheryl , Bohn Joe
Published: December 2023

Background: Racism contributes to health disparities and is a serious threat to public health. Teaching physicians about racism, how to address it in medical practice, and developing quality, sustainable curricula are essential.
Objective: This study aimed to (1) describe the experience of racism and anti-racism teaching in residency programs, and elicit recommendations, and (2) use data formative research to develop recommendations for residencies when considering the creation, implementation, and evaluation of anti-racism curricula.
Methods: From May to July 2023, 20 faculty/residents were recruited via convenience sampling for key informant interviews conducted via Microsoft Teams. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded, and themes were developed deductively using implementation science frameworks and inductively via a grounded-theory approach.
Results: Eighty percent (20/25) of participants approached were interviewed. Seventy-five percent (15/20) answered a brief optional demographic survey. Seven themes emerged: (1) Racism in medicine is ubiquitous; (2) anti-racism teaching in medicine ranges widely; (3) Sustainability strategies should be multifaceted and include recruitment, resources allocation, and outcome measures; (4) Resources are widely available and accessible; (5) Outcomes and metrics should include resident- faculty-, patient- and system-focused outcomes; (6) Curricular strategies should be multilayered, longitudinal, and woven into the curriculum; and (7) Other considerations including self-reflection and discomfort are necessary .
Conclusions: This work is the first to qualitatively examine perspectives of key stakeholders invested in anti-racism curricula for residents. Utilizing models for implementation of anti-racism curricula for residents can guide design, implementation, and evaluation of curricula to facilitate effectiveness and sustainability of such efforts.
Psychometric characteristic of scientific literacy test among primary school pupils
Authors: Kovarik Petr , Kubiatko Milan
Published: December 2023

Scientific literacy is a term which is often mentioned in the context of contemporary problems and in the current society in general. The main aims of the research was to determine psychometric characteristics of scientific literacy test and to find out the literacy level in natural sciences of 8 and 9 grades pupil and whether it was possible to use a test tool composed from published TIMSS 2019 tasks. Primary-school pupils from 8 and 9 grades (n = 112) participated in the research. The test tool composed of 12 tasks which had been included in the TIMSS 2019 assessment. Descriptive and inductive statistical methods were used for data analysis. From the statistical perspective, 9-grade pupils were more successful than 8-grade pupils. From the gender perspective, boys were statistically more successful. The study ends by suggesting options for further research and application in educational practice.
Management of Left Atrial Myxoma in Pregnant Women: A Case Series
Authors: Liu Yanli , Wang Haiping , Huang Huanlei , Han Fengzhen , Zhuang Jian , Ou Yanqiu , Lin Yanyan , Zhang Weina
Published: December 2023

Background Left atrial myxoma during pregnancy is rare. We present three cases in order to aid in the management.
Case report Three cases of left atrial myxoma during pregnancy were presented in this article. Three patients all received multidisciplinary team work and acquired good outcomes. The case 1 had no symptoms and delivered before traditional cardiac surgery. The case 2 and case 3 undergone totally endoscopic minimally invasive cardiac surgery during pregnancy. The case 3 maintained pregnancy to term and gave birth to a healthy baby via vaginal delivery . No relapse of the tumor was observed.
Conclusions The management of left atrial myxoma during pregnancy ought to be individualized and combined with the gestational age. If the diagnosis was made in the first two trimesters of pregnancy, totally endoscopic minimally invasive cardiac surgery during pregnancy would be an optimal choose. The patients can benefit from the multidisciplinary team work.
Global Adaptive Histogram Feature Network for Automatic Segmentation of Infection Regions in CT Images
Authors: Min Xinren , Liu Yang , Zhou Shengjing , Zhang Li , Gong Xiaojun , Yang Dongshan , Huang Huihua , Wang Menghao , Yang Rui , Zhong Mingyang
Published: December 2023

We applied deep learning techniques in lung CT image diagnosis of COVID-19 for accurate segmentation of disease diagnosis. We propose a new deep learning framework, GAHFNet, specifically designed for automatic segmentation of COVID-19 lung CT images. GAHFNet outperforms other traditional and the state-of-the-art methods in various evaluation metrics, demonstrating the effectiveness and the efficiency of the proposed method in this task. This article discusses the limitations of current diagnostic methods, such as RT-PCR, and highlights the advantages of deep learning, including its ability to automatically learn features and handle complex lesion morphology and texture. Furthermore, the proposed method addresses the challenges in lung CT image segmentation, such as the complex image structure and difficulties of distinguishing COVID-19 pneumonia lesions from other pathologies. We provide the detailed description of the proposed GAHFNet. Finally, comprehensive experiments are carried out to evaluate the performance of GAHFNet, demonstrating that GAHFNet is able to facilitate the application of artificial intelligence in COVID-19 diagnosis and achieve accurate automatic segmentation of infected areas in COVID-19 lung CT images.
Early Implant Placement with Immediate loading in the Mandibular Anterior Region – A Rapid Solution to Edentulism
Authors: Rijal Arjun Hari , Dhami Bhageshwar , Ghimire Pratistha , Humagain Manoj , Lamichhane Simant
Published: December 2023

The aim of this article is to present the case of an early implant placement with immediate loading in the mandibular anterior region as a rapid solution to edentulism. A 40-years-old healthy male patient reported with a chief complaint of loosening of tooth in lower front region of jaw. On intra-oral examination, there was mobile tooth with respect to 41. The mobile tooth was extracted, and early implant placement was done along with Bio-oss bone grafts to fill the jumping distance with no barrier membrane. Immediate provisionalisation was done on early placed dental implants. After 5 months of the healing period, the final implant-level impressions were made and the provisional crown was replaced with the final zirconia crown. This case report demonstrates satisfactory esthetic and functional outcomes along with various other advantages.
Considered Covariance Approach to Assessing the Impact of Collector Orbital and Data Measurement Biases on Geolocation Performance
Authors: Lerner Gerald M
Published: December 2023

A Gauss-Newton estimator with considered biases is developed and applied to the problem of geolocating a mobile communications signal with an overhead network of receivers. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are used to validate the model implementation, and to examine practical issues —incorporating navigation errors on the collectors and other biases into the covariance data, analyzing measurement data and validating algorithm performance. The use of considered covariance biases dramatically improves containment of the n-dimensional geolocation solution, position and velocity, and provides a mechanism to identify, model and estimate the impact of physical biases on the time and frequency data. Approaches to improving the convergence of the algorithm, estimating measurement noise, identifying biases on measurement types and collectors and reporting geolocation data to consumers are described. The incorporation of sensor navigation data covariance into the geolocation algorithm is shown to significantly improve the validity of geolocation uncertainty data.
A Fuzzy Logic Scheme Based on Population and Spread Rate for the Management of Vaccination during Pandemics
Authors: Kareem Abdul , Varuna
Published: December 2023

The pandemics like COVID-19 cause a massive shock to the global economy and its impacts are huge and endure across all domains of life. Effectively managing the limited vaccine supply is crucial in the fight against pandemics. A central issue in the management of pandemic vaccination is the allocation of vaccines from the central government to state authorities. The objective of this research was to make use of a fuzzy logic scheme for the management of vaccination to the local state authorities by a central Government based on population and spread rate. The proposed scheme utilizes a fuzzy logic inference system taking into account on population and spread rate to infer the vaccination rate. This scheme is in contrast to conventional approaches that often consider either a state's population or spread rate as the sole basis for vaccine allocation. The Covid-19 data of 6 southern states of India during the first week of October 2020 collected from the database maintained by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Government of India was used for the verification of the proposed scheme. The proposed scheme was implemented using MATLAB/SIMULINK software and compared with the conventional schemes, one based on population and another based on spread rate. The results show that the proposed scheme ensures that sufficient doses of vaccines are allotted to the states on priority where spread rate is more and vaccines are not wasted in states where spread rate is less. At the same time, all states are eventually allotted sufficient vaccine doses to halt transmission. The proposed scheme ensures that sufficient vaccines are distributed in a quick, effective and unbiased way, and enhances the fight against pandemics.
NTFS+: An Enhanced NTFS File System Against Ransomware Invasions
Authors: Gu Yuanyuan , Kang Qian
Published: December 2023

Ransomware poses a significant threat to digital security, evolving rapidly with sophisticated encryption and data exfiltration tactics. This study introduces NTFS+, an enhanced version of the New Technology File System (NTFS), designed to combat these emerging ransomware threats. NTFS+ integrates machine learning, specifically Generative Adversarial Networks, to detect abnormal file system activities indicative of ransomware attacks. The system's core architecture features minifilter drivers that analyze file access patterns in real-time, enabling proactive response to potential threats. Evaluation of NTFS+ demonstrates its efficacy in accurately distinguishing between benign and ransomware activities, with a focus on minimizing false positives and negatives. Despite its effectiveness, challenges such as zero-day ransomware attacks highlight areas for future improvement, including enhanced learning capabilities and cloud integration. NTFS+ represents a significant advancement in file system-based ransomware mitigation, offering a scalable, adaptable, and robust solution for modern cybersecurity needs.
Belletristic to the Rescue: Transforming Crisis into Creativity in the Himalayan Foothills
Authors:   Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, SRM University, Delhi-NCR, Sonepat, India, Jaidka Manju , Pizar Neeraj ,   Tribhuvan College of Environment and Development Sciences, Nalanda University Centre, Neemrana, Rajasthan, India
Published: December 2023

The article delves into the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on society, education and literature, with a specific focus on the experiences and initiatives of the Literature Department at Shoolini University in Himachal Pradesh, India. It explores the paradoxical nature of the pandemic as both a malevolent force and a catalyst for change. The article discusses the challenges posed by the pandemic, including fear-induced psychosis, domestic conflicts and economic hardships, while also highlighting the importance of adaptability in the face of unprecedented adversity. As a case study, the article describes how Shoolini University’s Literature Department responded to the crisis by organising a series of online literary gatherings, symposia and conferences, fostering connections and providing solace to individuals grappling with the isolation of lockdowns. They also detail the publication of an anthology titled Covid’s Metamorphosis: Stories of our Corona Times, which captures the diverse experiences of individuals during the pandemic. Furthermore, the article explores the shifting landscape of education and pedagogy, emphasising the need for innovative approaches in the post-COVID era. It discusses the integration of practices like yoga and meditation into the curriculum to support holistic well-being and psychological resilience, reflects on the transformative nature of the pandemic, likening it to a tsunami of change and underscores the importance of adaptability, compassion and holistic education in navigating the challenges of the post-pandemic world.
Reimagining Chinese American Identity: Postcolonial Perspectives on Cultural Negotiation and Transformation in Laurence Yep’s Dragonwings
Authors:   School of Humanties, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia *, Zhou Hui , Asl Moussa Pourya ,   School of Humanties, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia *, Mohd Pakri Mohamad Rashidi ,   School of Humanties, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia *
Published: December 2023

The Chinese immigrant and Chinese American communities have faced a long history of stigmatisation and misrepresentation due to racial bias and discrimination. This article explores the transformative growth narrative of the child protagonist in Laurence Yep’s novel Dragonwings, set against the backdrop of historical anti-Asian sentiment in the early 1900s. By adopting Said’s “imaginative geography” and Bhabha’s “third space” as analytical perspectives, the study aims to shed light on how the child protagonist’s growth challenges passive Chinese stereotypes and confronts deeply ingrained adversities within the Asian American diaspora by offering an active anti-Oriental perspective. We argue that the transformative journey of the protagonist, Moon Shadow, contests racial biases and cultural boundaries, contributing to a reflective perspective that liberates writers of colour from complicit interrogations. The analysis underlines the transgressive aesthetic within the Chinese American diaspora, showcasing Dragonwings as a quintessential postcolonial bildungsroman that embraces compromise and accommodation in selfformation. Furthermore, the exploration of the child protagonist’s growth in the context of historical realist narrative and the postcolonial lens emphasises the transgressive enjoyment that subverts established norms and identities. The study thus acknowledges the resilience and agency exhibited by the characters in the face of adversity and by understanding the emancipatory potential of growth narratives, it contributes to the broader theme of overcoming adversity and embracing change in the context of language and culture in Asia.
Saul Msane: friend or foe of the people? The life of the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries South African politician and journalist
Authors:   , Mokoatsi Thapelo
Published: December 2023

Saul Msane was a prominent founding member of the ANC and an active journalist and editor of the ANC newspaper Abantu-Batho. His career generated controversy. Towards the end of his life, he had a feud with his colleagues in the African National Congress (henceforth Congress) that led to him being labelled isitha sabantu, “the enemy of the people” for his refusal to support the Shilling strike of 1918, an accusation which was retracted a year after his death in 1919. The label of isitha sabantu levelled against Msane, had the effect of ending his political prominence in the Transvaal, forcing him to relocate to kwaNongoma where he died shortly thereafter. Msane’s years in the Congress amounted to about seven years, between 1912, the founding of the Congress, and the demise of his career in 1919. Msane’s seven years in Congress were characterised by controversies, clashes, and conflicts owing to his perceived elitism. In Congress historiography Msane is an obscure and elusive figure, he lives here and there in a footnote, as a supporting statement or a mentioned in mere passing. His marginalisation reveals some of the gaps within the history of Congress and invites us to write about those who did not emerge from the history of Congress necessarily as heroes. This thesis sets out to write a biography of Msane and document his political career beyond that one moment in which he came to be “isitha sabantu”. While Msane’s Congress career was comparably short and filled with tensions, an archive of his life exists. This study is an exploration of that archive to reconstruct the biography of a once prominent leader who dies in political exile from the Congress movement. This thesis sets out to do two key things in relation to reconstructing Msane’s life: Firstly, it reconstructs the longer biography of Msane’s political life by drawing on the existing archives, and thus filling in the South African historical record in that regard. Secondly, at the broader conceptual and historiographical level, it argues that the controversies surrounding Msane’s persona and character illustrate that conceptions of elitism and the nature of being ‘elite’ were key to the politics of Congress at the time.