bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive interference suppression based on an invariant subspace of matrices matching for a horizontal array in underwater acoustics
Authors: Sheng Xueli , Li Dewen , Cao Ran , Zhou Xuan , Yin Jiarui
Published: June 2024

Passive detection of target-of-interest (TOI) within strong interferences poses a challenge. This paper introduces an adaptive interference suppression based on an invariant subspace of matrix matching. Assume that the TOI-bearing intervals are known. We define a correlation ratio for each eigenvector to obtain the highest one. Then, we use invariant subspace of matrix matching to measure the distance between two invariant projection matrices of this eigenvector. This identifies and removes the eigenvectors associated with TOI. Finally, the remaining eigenvectors are subtracted from the sample covariance matrix to suppress interference and noise. The viability of the proposed method is demonstrated experimentally.
Canine sentinels and our shared exposome
Authors: Sexton Courtney , Ruple Audrey
Published: June 2024

Dogs are distinctly positioned to be indicators of human health and well-being
Scientists in exile
Authors: Machlis Gary E. , Carrero-Martinez Franklin A.
Published: June 2024

Since 2001, the United Nations has designated 20 June as World Refugee Day. It seeks to raise awareness of refugees—currently estimated to be more than 114 million persons internally displaced, exiled, or on the move—and the often-harsh conditions they confront around the world. Among them are scientists, giving the scientific community a special responsibility to protect and support these colleagues. It is not just scientists and their families whose lives are disrupted, but science as an enterprise as well.
Sacrificed Maya boys tied to myth of ‘Hero Twins’
Authors: Curry Andrew
Published: June 2024

Ancient DNA shows continuity between living and ancient Maya communities
Hubble telescope down to last gyroscopes, limiting science
Authors: Greshko Michael
Published: June 2024

Despite failing hardware, NASA has no plans to pursue a servicing mission to the aging, iconic instrument
Dynamic answer-dependent multiple-choice questions and holistic assessment analysis in high-enrollment courses
Authors: Atwal Harnejan K. , Quides Kenjiro W.
Published: June 2024

Many 4-year public institutions face significant pedagogical challenges due to the high ratio of students to teaching team members. To address the issue, we developed a workflow using the programming language R as a method to rapidly grade multiple-choice questions, adjust for errors, and grade answer-dependent style multiple-choice questions, thus shifting the teaching teams’ time commitment back to student interaction. We provide an example of answer-dependent style multiple-choice questions and demonstrate how the output allows for discrete analysis of questions based on various categories such as Fundamental Statements or Bloom’s Taxonomy Levels. Additionally, we show how student demographics can be easily integrated to yield a holistic perspective on student performance in a course. The workflow offers dynamic grading opportunities for multiple-choice questions and versatility through its adaptability to assessment analyses. This approach to multiple-choice questions allows instructors to pinpoint factors affecting student performance and respond to changes to foster a healthy learning environment.
Severely reduced physical performance is already present at the time of admission for stem cell transplantation
Authors: Beller Ronja , Gauß Gabriele , Basu Oliver , Schönberger Stefan , Höfs Michaela , Reinhardt Dirk , Götte Miriam
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Paediatric patients with cancer undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) face a high risk for life-threatening infections and transplant-related complications. Therefore, these children should be in the best possible physical condition beforehand. The study aims to evaluate the fitness status before allo-HSCT and identify correlations between fitness, quality of life and fatigue, clinical data, and previous exercise sessions.

Methods

Paediatric patients with cancer ≥4 years old, treated with allo-HSCT, were recruited for the ANIMAL trial ("Effects of a low vs. moderate intense exercise program on immune recovery during paediatric allo-HSCT.", DRKS ID:DRKS00019865). Assessed at admission for HSCT were (1) clinical and anthropometric data, (2) motor performance (strength, endurance and balance) and (3) psychological parameters. Values were compared with published reference values (normative data from the literature) of healthy children, and correlation analyses were conducted.

Results

22 paediatric patients undergoing pre-allo-HSCT (23% female, 9.4±4.5 years, 73% leukaemia) exhibited substantial reduced differences in all motor performance parameters, with up to −106%±98 (mean difference to reference value) in static stance, −37%±45 in sit-to-stand, −52%±16 in leg extension and −48%±22 in hand grip strength compared with reference values. Correlations were observed among age and fitness parameters, the number of inpatient days and fatigue, and many previous exercise sessions correlated with better hand grip strength.

Conclusion

These results indicate a poorer fitness status in children before HSCT compared with healthy children, recommending the need for structured exercise programmes for children undergoing HSCT. Differently directed correlations between age/body mass index and endurance/strength and between exercise sessions and strength show the importance of individualised training recommendations and the effect of training.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a tailored online educational video on the contraceptive knowledge and decision making of young women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds: findings from the EXTEND-PREFER study
Authors: Mazza Danielle , Botfield Jessica R , Zeng Jessie , Morando-Stokoe Claudia , Arefadib Noushin
Published: June 2024

Background

Young Australian women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are vulnerable to unwanted pregnancy. We aimed to assess whether an online educational video, co-designed with young CALD women, can increase their contraceptive knowledge, preference for and uptake of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).

Methods

Online advertising was used to recruit young CALD women aged 16–25 years. Participants completed the pre-video survey (S1), watched the 13-min co-designed video, then completed a survey immediately afterwards (S2) and 6 months later (S3). Outcomes were analysed using McNemar tests and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 160 participants watched the video, completed S1 and S2, and 57% of those completed S3. At S1 only 14% rated their knowledge about every contraceptive method as high. Knowledge improved at S2 for all methods (aOR 3.2, 95% CI 2.0 to 5.0) and LARC (aOR 4.7, 95% CI 2.9 to 7.5). Overall method preference for LARC increased from 2.5% (n=4) at S1 to 51% (n=82) at S2. Likelihood of using a LARC increased at S2 (aOR 3.8, 95% CI 2.6 to 5.6). The overall proportion of participants using a LARC increased from 8% at S1 to 11% at S3; however, this increase was not significant (p=0.7).

Conclusions

The significant increase in knowledge, likelihood of use, and preference for LARC underscores the potential of online video-based contraceptive education to address contraceptive knowledge gaps and challenge misconceptions about LARC held by young women. Combining contraceptive education with supports to LARC access is crucial for empowering young CALD women to make informed contraceptive decisions.
Lack of association of impaired upper airway sensation with the presence or absence of obstructive sleep apnoea or chronic rhinosinusitis in World Trade Center responders
Authors: Sunderram Jag , Legard Alicia , De Resende Adriana , Black Kathleen , Udasin Iris G , Lu Shou-en , Romero Castillo Horacio , Ravi Sri Saranya , Mullins Anna E , de la Hoz Rafael E , Rapoport David M , Ayappa Indu
Published: June 2024

Objective

Examine sensory function of the upper airway in four groups of subjects recruited from the World Trade Centre General Responder Cohort (WTCGRC), with/without obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and with/without chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

Upper airway sensory function was determined using 2-point discrimination (2-PD) and vibration threshold (VT) in 163 WTCGRC subjects with both OSA and CRS (cases), OSA or CRS alone and without OSA or CRS (controls). Presence of OSA was determined from clinical sleep studies or home sleep testing. Presence of CRS was determined by nasal symptom questionnaire. The relationship between the presence of OSA and CRS and upper airway sensory impairment was assessed using linear regression analysis with each of 2PD and VT sensory threshold values as the dependent variable; OSA, CRS and their interaction were the independent variables. Age, gender and body mass index were covariates in the statistical model. The primary analysis was comparison of OSA+CRS versus controls (no OSA and no CRS) evaluated by linear contrasts.

Results

There were no differences in 2-PD or VT in those with OSA+CRS, OSA and CRS alone or controls. However, both 2-PD and VT were significantly higher in the WTCGRC controls compared with values seen in historical controls using the same methodology (median 2-PD 13.0; CI (11.0 to 13.5) vs 10.5; CI (8 to 11); VT: mean±SEM (9.3±0.6 vs 2.2±0.1)).

Conclusion

While no differences were found in upper airway sensation between cases of OSA and CRS versus controls in the WTGRC population, there was evidence of impaired upper airway sensation in the WTGRC overall.
The assembly of Pangaea: geodynamic conundrums revisited
Authors: Murphy J. Brendan , Nance R. Damian , Mitchell Ross N.
Published: June 2024

Geodynamic models for Pangaea assembly require knowledge of Paleozoic mantle convection patterns. Application of basic geodynamic principles to Neoproterozoic–Paleozoic plate reconstructions yields Pangaea in the incorrect configuration (predicting that it should have formed by consumption of the exterior palaeo-Pacific Ocean instead of the Iapetus, Rheic and Proto-Tethys oceans). We contend that the mantle legacy of Late Neoproterozoic–Cambrian amalgamation of Gondwana must be factored into models for Pangaea amalgamation. Proxy data suggest that the mantle downwelling driving Pan-African collisions and Gondwana assembly evolved into a mantle upwelling as evidenced by the interplay between subduction-related and plume-related tectonics around the periphery of Gondwana. Orthoversion theory, whereby a supercontinent assembles
c
. 90° away from the centre of the previous supercontinent, suggests that Gondwana amalgamated above an intense downwelling along a meridional subduction girdle that bisected two antipodal sub-equatorial upwellings. Several processes beneath and around Gondwana reduced the intensity of the original downwelling, as evidenced by plume-related activity along its margins, initiation of subduction zone rollback, and the export of terranes from Gondwana that collided with the margin of Laurentia–Baltica. As upwelling beneath it intensified, Gondwana migrated along the girdle until it collided with Laurentia–Baltica, resulting in the final assembly of Pangaea.
PACMNET, V2, CoNEXT2, June 2024 Editorial
Authors: Mellia Marco , Steenkiste Peter , Tyson Gareth , Qazi Ihsan Ayyub
Published: June 2024

The Proceedings of the ACM on Networking (PACMNET) series present the highest-quality research conducted in the areas of emerging computer networks and their applications. We encourage submissions that present new technologies, novel experimentation, creative use of networking technologies, and new insights made possible using analysis. The journal is strongly supported by the ACM Special Interest Group on Communications and Computer Networks (SIGCOMM) and involves top-level researchers in its Editorial Board.

This issue contains five articles submitted to the December'23 deadline, where we received more than 80 articles. Each article underwent a rigorous review process involving more than 80 Editors coordinated by the two Associate Editors. In the first phase of the review process, each article received at least three reviews. After an online discussion phase, about half of the articles were rejected, and half were promoted to the second review phase. There, the Editors provided at least two additional reviews for each article. After a second discussion phase, the Editors met online to decide which articles to accept after a minor revision, which to offer the authors a "oneshot-major" revision opportunity, and which to reject. Ten articles have been offered a one-shot major revision option and five have been accepted. These have been revised by their authors based on the extensive feedback provided by the Editors who checked the revised version after modifications. The issue covers topics related to computer networks and their applications: one article on network management introduces the usage of Large Language Models, one article focuses on video streaming, one article on Internet overlay network design, one article on LoRaWAN, and one article on Internet measurements of the emerging IPv6 infrastructure.

We want to thank the many individuals who contributed to this issue of PACMNET, in particular the authors, who submitted their best work to PACMNET, and the Associate Editors, who provided constructive feedback to the authors in their reviews, participated in the online discussions and the Editors' meeting. We would like to thank the SIGCOMM Executive Committee Chair and the CoNEXT Steering Committee members who supported and guided us as usual, giving important suggestions an insight during the article selection process.
BYOG : Multi-Channel, Real-time LoRaWAN Gateway Testbed using General-purpose Software Defined Radio
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Osama , Krishnaswamy Bhuvana
Published: June 2024

Adaptive Data Rate (ADR) is used by multi-channel LoRaWANs to meet the demanding capacity needs of LoRa networks. The network server running ADR in each channel determines the optimum data rate and assigns the appropriate spreading factor for each LoRa device to maximize the network throughput. This in turn requires the gateway to be capable of receiving LoRa packets of all possible spreading factors. Existing gateways achieve this by using multiple RF front ends, increasing the overall cost and complexity. In this work, we propose BYOG (Bring Your Own Gateway), a LoRaWAN receiver that can receive and decode 10 channels simultaneously in real-time. Towards this pipeline, we develop self-dechirping, an SF-agnostic packet detection algorithm that also detects the spreading factor of the packet. This computationally lightweight algorithm can be implemented on any general-purpose software-defined radio, bringing down the cost and ease of LoRaWAN gateway implementations. BYOG will enable research and development in LoRaWAN ADR. Using experimental, real-world datasets, we show that the proposed algorithm can detect the spreading factor accurately and operate over a wide range of SNRs using three different SDRs (RTL-SDR, HackRF One, USRP B210). BYOG performs as well as a high-end LoRaWAN gateway in terms of network throughput.
Blockchain Double Spending with Low Mining Power and Network Delays
Authors: Natoli Chris , Ekparinya Parinya , Jourjon Guillaume , Gramoli Vincent
Published: June 2024

Traditional blockchain systems offer a secure way of tracking the ownership of digital assets as long as the attacker does not control a large portion of the overall computational or mining power. They typically require participants to generate a proof-of-work before proposing a block at a given index of the chain. To choose one block among the candidate blocks at the same index, Nakamoto’s consensus,
Ghost
, and the original Ethereum’s consensus select, respectively, the longest branch, the heaviest subtree and the branch with the most difficult crypto-puzzles. This allows an attacker who can generate proofs-of-work faster than others to double spend by overwriting any given branch. In this article, we present a double spending attack, called the Balance attack, that simply needs to delay some messages. This result sheds new lights on an important, often implicit, assumption of the blockchain,
synchrony
, under which the transmission delay of any message should be within a known upper bound. We show that the attack succeeds with high probability on the protocols of the two largest blockchain systems in market capitalization, Bitcoin and Ethereum. To quantify the impact of our attack, we replicated the blockchain network run by 50 financial institutions and achieved double spending in less than 20 minutes. Finally, we demonstrate the success of the attack empirically by modifying the
geth
software and hijacking BGP in a controlled distributed system whose distribution of mining power is set to the distribution observed on the Ethereum main blockchain.
GIST
: Generated Inputs Sets Transferability in Deep Learning
Authors: Tambon Florian , Khomh Foutse , Antoniol Giuliano
Published: June 2024

To foster the verifiability and testability of deep neural networks (DNN), an increasing number of methods for test case generation techniques are being developed.

When confronted with testing DNN models, the user can apply any existing test generation technique. However, it needs to do so for each technique and each DNN model under test, which can be expensive. Therefore, a paradigm shift could benefit this testing process: rather than regenerating the test set independently for each DNN model under test, we could transfer from existing DNN models.

This article introduces Generated Inputs Sets Transferability (GIST), a novel approach for the efficient transfer of test sets. Given a property selected by a user (e.g., neurons covered, faults), GIST enables the selection of good test sets from the point of view of this property among available test sets. This allows the user to recover similar properties on the transferred test sets as he would have obtained by generating the test set from scratch with a test cases generation technique. Experimental results show that GIST can select effective test sets for the given property to transfer. Moreover, GIST scales better than reapplying test case generation techniques from scratch on DNN models under test.
Using Illusions to Track the Emergence of Visual Perception
Authors: Cavanagh Patrick
Published: June 2024

Everybody loves illusions. At times, the content on the internet seems to be mostly about illusions—shoes, dresses, straight lines looking bent. This attraction has a long history. Almost 2,000 years ago, Ptolemy marveled at how the sail of a distant boat could appear convex or concave. This sense of marvel continues to drive our fascination with illusions; indeed, few other corners of science can boast of such a large reach. However, illusions not only draw in the crowds; they also offer insights into visual processes. This review starts with a simple definition of illusions as conflicts between perception and cognition, where what we see does not agree with what we believe we should see. This mismatch can be either because cognition has misunderstood how perception works or because perception has misjudged the visual input. It is the perceptual errors that offer the chance to track the development of perception across visual regions. Unfortunately, the effects of illusions in different brain regions cannot be isolated in any simple way: Top-down projections from attention broadcast the expected perceptual properties everywhere, obscuring the critical evidence of where the illusion and perception emerge. The second part of this review then highlights the roadblocks to research raised by attention and describes current solutions for accessing what illusions can offer.
Electrodeposition of Thin Silicon Films for Neutron Transmutation Doping
Authors: Isakov Andrey V. , Khvostov Sergey S. , Laptev Michael V. , Khudorozhkova Anastasia O. , Grishenkova Olga V. , Zaikov Yuriy P.
Published: June 2024

Thin silicon films were electrodeposited on glassy carbon (GC) from the KF-KCl (2:1)—75 mol% KI—1.5 mol% K2SiF6 melt under potentiostatic condition at 973 K. The synthesized films were single-phase, continuous, dense, and free from unwanted impurities. Neutron transmutation doping (NTD) of the samples was performed in the IVV-2M research reactor (RR) at a thermal neutron flux density of 1.8 × 1013 cm−2s−1 for 7.7 h in order to form the 31P isotope dopant. The irradiated samples were studied by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, and gamma-ray spectrometry. Some excess of the minimum significant specific activity of the irradiated samples was explained by the formation of the 182Ta isotope due to the presence of tantalum traces in the GC substrate. The formation of the 31P isotope by the NTD process was confirmed. The calculated values of 31P concentration and electrical resistivity were 4.9 × 1016 cm–3 and 0.15 Ω·cm, respectively.
Perspective—Moving Next-Generation Phase-Field Models to BMS Applications: A Case Study that Confirms Professor Uzi Landau’s Foresight
Authors: Telmasre Tushar K. , Concepción Anthony César , Kolluri Suryanarayana , Mishra Lubhani , Thiagarajan Raghav S. , Matam Aditya Naveen , Subramaniam Akshay , Garrick Taylor R. , Subramanian Venkat R.
Published: June 2024

Physics-based electrochemical models play a prominent role in the model-based analysis, virtual engineering, and Battery Management Systems (BMS) of lithium-ion and next-generation batteries. In this paper, we demonstrate the rich physics of phase-field models and convey their potential in BMS applications. Our phase-field model-based optimization framework predicts an impulse-like control profile to reduce capacity degradation. This work was partially inspired by the pulse-charging protocol proposed by Professor Landau in his 2006 work [B. K. Purushothaman and U. Landau, J Electrochem Soc, 153(3), A533 (2006)]. An open-source framework is shared for predicting the (im)pulse protocol reported in this paper.
Control of ENaC ubiquitination
Authors: Shi Shujie , Frindt Gustavo , Whelan Sarah Christine M. , Palmer Lawrence G.
Published: June 2024

We have explored the mechanisms underlying the ubiquitination of the γ subunit of epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), a process believed to control channel internalization and degradation. We previously reported that the mature, cleaved form of the subunit is selectively ubiquitinated. Here we show that this specificity arises not from the cleavage state of the protein but from its location in the cell. We also show that under some conditions, increased intracellular Na+ can stimulate ENaC ubiquitination.
Endogenous activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α in proximal tubule cells in counteracting phosphate toxicity
Authors: Katsuma Yusuke , Matsui Isao , Matsumoto Ayumi , Okushima Hiroki , Imai Atsuhiro , Sakaguchi Yusuke , Yamamoto Takeshi , Mizui Masayuki , Uchinomiya Shohei , Kato Hisakazu , Ojida Akio , Takashima Seiji , Inoue Kazunori , Isaka Yoshitaka
Published: June 2024

This study revealed the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and fatty acid β-oxidation in proximal tubular epithelial cells as an endogenous mechanism to protect the kidney from phosphate toxicity. These findings highlight noncanonical metabolic reprogramming as a potential target for suppressing phosphate toxicity in the kidneys.
Creatinine clearance is maintained in a range of wet-bulb globe temperatures and work-rest ratios during simulated occupational heat stress
Authors: Hess Hayden W. , Baker Tyler B. , Tarr Macie L. , Zoh Roger S. , Johnson Blair D. , Hostler David , Schlader Zachary J.
Published: June 2024

We highlight that glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is maintained during simulated occupational heat stress across a range of total work, work-rest ratios, and wet-bulb globe temperatures with ad libitum consumption of an electrolyte and sugar-containing sports drink. Compared with a work-rest matched compliant trial, noncompliance resulted in augmented heat strain but did not induce a reduction in GFR likely due to an increased relative fluid intake and robust fluid conservatory responses.
Sex differences in spontaneous respiratory recovery following chronic C2 hemisection
Authors: Holmes Taylor C. , Popp Nicole M. , Hintz Carley F. , Dobrzycki Isabell , Schmitz Carolyn J. , Schwichtenberg Kaylyn A. , Gonzalez-Rothi Elisa J. , Sundberg Christopher W. , Streeter Kristi A.
Published: June 2024

In response to chronic C2 hemisection, female rodents display increased tidal volume during eupneic breathing compared with males. Females show a greater reduction in diaphragm electromyography (EMG) amplitude during spontaneous deep breaths (e.g., sighs) and atrophy and remodeling of fast, fatigable diaphragm fibers. Given that most rehabilitative interventions occur in the subacute to chronic stages of injury, these results highlight the importance of considering sex when developing and evaluating therapeutics after spinal cord injury.
Continuous measurements of respiratory muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption using noninvasive frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Rodrigues Antenor , Shingai Kazuya , Gómez Carlos A. , Rassam Peter , Rozenberg Dmitry , Goligher Ewan , Brochard Laurent , Roblyer Darren , Reid W. Darlene
Published: June 2024

This study introduces a novel approach, frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (FD-NIRS & DCS), for noninvasive continuous monitoring of respiratory muscle blood flow and metabolic rate of oxygen consumption. Unlike prior methods involving invasive dye injection and magnetic resonance imaging, FD-NIRS & DCS offers the advantage of continuous measurement without the need for invasive procedures. It holds promise for advancing muscle physiology understanding and opens avenues for real-time monitoring of respiratory muscles.
Numerical Investigation on the Indicated Mean Effective Pressure and Integral Heat Release Rate Variations under Different Key Operating Parameters of a Spark‐Ignited Free Piston Engine Generator
Authors: Liu Yong , Jia Boru , Yang Zixuan , Zhang Zhiyuan , Liu Chang , Wang Wei , Feng Huihua , Zuo Zhengxing , Roskilly Tony
Published: June 2024

Free‐piston engine generator is a new type of hybrid power device and is regarded as the next‐generation energy conversion device which can replace the traditional internal combustion engine. This paper focused on the combustion stability and combines experimental results to study the key factors affecting the stability of the free‐piston engine, such as ignition time, intake pressure, equivalence ratio, and operating frequency. The simulation results showed that as the ignition advance angle increased, the indicated mean effective pressure increased significantly and the coefficient of variation of the indicated mean effective pressure was effectively reduced from 15.55% to 1.02% as the advance in ignition time from −15 to −30°ECA. When the intake pressure was increased to 1.2 bar, the average value of indicated mean effective pressure reached about 5.15 bar. When the equivalence ratio was in the range of 1.0–1.4, the coefficient of variation of the indicated mean effective pressure can be kept below 10%. The indicated mean effective pressure decreased monotonically from 4.79 to 3.62 bar, and the coefficient of variation increased by five times as the engine speed increased as the engine speed increased from 1,000 to 2,500 RPM.
Insights Into the Emerging Entity of HER2‐Low Breast Cancer
Authors: El Haddad Georges , Diab Ernest , Hajjar Michel , Aoun Maroun , Mallat Farid , Zalaquett Ziad , Kourie Hampig-Raphael
Published: June 2024

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐low breast cancer (BC) is a subtype of BC that has been recently recognized as a separate clinical entity with distinct clinical and molecular characteristics. It is defined by a low level of HER2 protein expression, which distinguishes it from other more aggressive BC subtypes. Early studies suggest that it may have a more favorable prognosis than HER2‐positive BC, as it is less likely to spread to other parts of the body and may be more responsive to standard BC treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Given the relative new emergence of HER2‐low BC, there is still much to be learned about this subtype; ongoing research is focused on identifying the underlying genetic mutations that contribute to HER2‐low BC as well as developing targeted therapies that can improve outcomes for patients with this disease. This review is aimed at summarizing the current clinical knowledge on HER2‐low BC, with the aim of creating a better understanding of this entity and paving the way for potential interventions and a new standard of care.
Mechanical Response and Control Measures of Pile Foundations under Close‐Range Shield Tunneling in Water‐Rich Sandy Pebble Strata
Authors: Du Yanpeng , Zhang Peng , Zhang Jiabing
Published: June 2024

By relying on the foundation engineering of pile foundations for the Chengdu Metro Line 27 shield tunneling through interchange bridges, three‐dimensional numerical simulation results are used to verify field measurements. This study investigates the horizontal displacement, vertical displacement, and stress characteristics of the pile foundation during shield tunneling considering the coupling effect of seepage stress. Additionally, protective measures and reinforcement effects for pile foundations near the tunnel are discussed. Results show that the deformation caused by shield tunneling in gravel strata mainly affects piles within 10 ring widths before and after the piles. During right‐side excavation, the bending moment of the pile body exhibits an inverted “S” distribution, while during left‐side excavation, it is symmetrically distributed, with the maximum bending moment and axial force occurring at the same buried depth as the tunnel crown. Vertical displacement of the pile body is divided by the horizontal position at the top of the tunnel, with upper pile settlement and lower pile uplift, reaching maximum at the pile top. Horizontal displacement of the pile body shows an “arch” distribution, with stress concentration near the tunnel, indicating an overall trend of the pile foundation moving away from the tunnel. Based on the mechanical response of the pile foundation, control measures such as ground pregrouting with sleeve valve pipes and semicircular grouting inside the tunnel are proposed. Optimized reinforcement parameters are obtained through three‐dimensional numerical simulation, resulting in an 80% reduction in horizontal displacement, an 80.5% reduction in vertical displacement, a 70% reduction in pile axial force, and a 67% reduction in pile bending moment under the optimal reinforcement conditions. The research provides important theoretical basis for revealing the impact laws of shield tunneling through pile foundations in gravel strata and for controlling bridge pile deformation.
Inversion of Lateral Impact Load Migration History and Trajectory Location Method for Deck Structures Based on the Time‐Slicing Method
Authors: Li Hongtao , Sheng Qihu , Qu Xianqiang , Xie Yaoguo
Published: June 2024

The impact load transfer caused by the landing of a carrier aircraft is a complicated problem in engineering, especially for a deck structure with a known area but an unknown location. This is a crucial structural dynamics inverse problem. The traditional dynamics inverse problem is generally to divide and calibrate the known region through Green’s function, locate the region through the minimum norm of the load data obtained from the measurement response inversion, and obtain the time history. However, this method is mostly aimed at single‐peak impacts and cannot deal with impact load migration, that is, with multipeak impacts in the time domain. Therefore, based on the time‐slice method, this paper presents a method of locating the impact load migration trajectory and time history inversion for deck structures. A mathematical model is constructed independently through the segmentation and identification of the response, combining the Tikhonov regularization method and the generalized cross‐validation (GCV) regularization operator to achieve region calibration and time history inversion and then locating the migration trajectory using a load similarity criterion, thus overcoming the limitation that traditional methods cannot achieve multipeak recognition. At the same time, invalid data are avoided through slice screening, and the accuracy of trajectory recognition is greatly improved. The effectiveness and accuracy of the method are verified based on the influence of different slice lengths on the identification results. The influence of different incidence angles on the results is discussed, and the universality of the method is verified.
Dietary Effect of Withania somnifera Root Powder on Growth, Hematobiochemical Parameters, Immunity, and Disease Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Habib Syed Sikandar , Saeed Muhammad Qamar , Masud Samrah , Kesbiç Osman Sabri , Ujan Javed Ahmed , Cravana Cristina , Al-Rejaie Salim S. , Mohany Mohamed , Fazio Francesco
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the influence of Withania somnifera root powder (WSRP) on different aspects of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), including growth, hematobiochemical parameters, antioxidant status, nonspecific immune response, and resilience to bacterial infections. Over a 60‐day period, 180 common carp fingerlings (11.73 ± 0.52 g) were subjected to diets supplemented with increasing WSRP levels (0 (control), 1% (WSRP1), 2.5% (WSRP2.5), and 4% (WSRP4)). Nonspecific immune parameters were evaluated using serum samples collected at intervals of 0, 20, 40, and 60 days. After the feeding trial, the fish underwent experimental challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila, and relative percentage survival (RPS) was monitored for 14 days. The findings revealed a considerable (p  < 0.05) enhancement in growth performance and a decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) with increasing WSRP supplementation. Additionally, hematological and biochemical profiles exhibited improvements in groups receiving WSRP‐enriched diets. Fish serum antioxidant status showed a significant (p  < 0.05) increase, as indicated by increased activities of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in WSRP4. WSRP‐supplemented diets led to remarkable enhancements in lysozyme activity (p = 0.001), phagocytic activity (p = 0.002), and RPS (p = 0.003), peaking in WSRP4 at day 60. Furthermore, WSRP2.5 and WSRP4 demonstrated a substantial decrease (p  > 0.05) in serum glucose and cortisol levels compared to other groups. In conclusion, WSRP proves valuable for enhancing growth, blood parameters, antioxidant balance, immune response, and infection resistance in common carp, especially at 2.5%–4% dietary supplementation levels. In the future, it will be crucial to study the long‐term effects of WSRP supplementation on fish health, as well as its potential for large‐scale aquaculture and economic viability in the aquafeed industry.
Claudin-4 Modulates Autophagy via SLC1A5/LAT1 as a Mechanism to Regulate Micronuclei
Authors: Villagomez Fabian R. , Lang Julie , Rosario Fredrick J. , Nunez-Avellaneda Daniel , Webb Patricia , Neville Margaret , Woodruff Elizabeth R. , Bitler Benjamin G.
Published: June 2024

Genome instability is a hallmark of cancer crucial for tumor heterogeneity and is often a result of defects in cell division and DNA damage repair. Tumors tolerate genomic instability, but the accumulation of genetic aberrations is regulated to avoid catastrophic chromosomal alterations and cell death. In ovarian cancer tumors, claudin-4 is frequently upregulated and closely associated with genome instability and worse patient outcomes. However, its biological association with regulating genomic instability is poorly understood. Here, we used CRISPR interference and a claudin mimic peptide to modulate the claudin-4 expression and its function in vitro and in vivo. We found that claudin-4 promotes a tolerance mechanism for genomic instability through micronuclei generation in tumor cells. Disruption of claudin-4 increased autophagy and was associated with the engulfment of cytoplasm-localized DNA. Mechanistically, we observed that claudin-4 establishes a biological axis with the amino acid transporters SLC1A5 and LAT1, which regulate autophagy upstream of mTOR. Furthermore, the claudin-4/SLC1A5/LAT1 axis was linked to the transport of amino acids across the plasma membrane as one of the potential cellular processes that significantly decreased survival in ovarian cancer patients. Together, our results show that the upregulation of claudin-4 contributes to increasing the threshold of tolerance for genomic instability in ovarian tumor cells by limiting its accumulation through autophagy.

Significance:

Autophagy regulation via claudin-4/SLC1A5/LAT1 has the potential to be a targetable mechanism to interfere with genomic instability in ovarian tumor cells.
Keratitis Dendritik HSV Pada Ibu Menyusui : Laporan Kasus
Authors: Tanusantoso Gabriela , Avianty Astri , Herman  , Choliq Abdul
Published: June 2024

Pendahuluan: Keratitis Herpes Simpleks merupakan penyebab kebutaan paling banyak di dunia. Infeksi HSV dapat terjadi sebagai infeksi primer maupun infeksi rekuren. Karakteristik khas keratitis dendritik adalah lesi dendritik.
Laporan kasus: Pasien ibu menyusui usia 33 tahun datang ke poliklinik mata RSD Gunung Jati dengan keluhan mata kiri merah, berair, gatal dan buram sejak 1 bulan sebelum masuk rumah sakit. Pada pemeriksaan didapatkan visus dasar mata kanan 6/12 PH 6/6, mata kiri 6/20 PH tetap. Pada pemeriksaan oftalmologi mata kiri didapatkan sensitabilitas kornea menurun di empat kuadran dan diberikan pewarnaan fluorescein didapatkan lesi dendritik. Kemudian pasien didiagnosa suspek refractive error OD dan keratitis dendritik HSV OS. Penatalaksanaan pada pasien ini diberikan terapi yaitu asiklovir salep mata 5xOS, prednisolon tetes mata 6xOS, dan asiklovir 5x400mg. 2 minggu kemudian pasien disarankan untuk kontrol sudah mengalami perbaikan dan tidak ada komplikasi.
Diskusi: Keratitis HSV primer biasanya self-limiting disease, meskipun dengan terapi antivirus dapat mempersingkat perjalanan penyakit dan mengurangi komplikasi jangka panjang HSV. Kondisi malnutrisi dan anemia yang diperberat oleh menyusui dapat memperburuk sistem imun karena dapat menyebabkan rekurensi keratitis HSV.
Kesimpulan: Pengobatan dengan antiviral, nutrisi yang adekuat, dan imunitas yang baik, disertai edukasi pasien merupakan bentuk pencegahan terhadap rekurensi dan komplikasi keratitis HSV.
Endothelial Chromatin-Remodeling Enzymes Regulate the Production of Critical ECM Components During Murine Lung Development
Authors: Wu Meng-Ling , Wheeler Kate , Silasi Robert , Lupu Florea , Griffin Courtney T.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

The chromatin-remodeling enzymes BRG1 (brahma-related gene 1) and CHD4 (chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 4) independently regulate the transcription of genes critical for vascular development, but their coordinated impact on vessels in late-stage embryos has not been explored.

METHODS:

In this study, we genetically deleted endothelial
Brg1
and
Chd4
in mixed background mice (
Brg1

fl/fl

;Chd4

fl/fl

;VE-Cadherin-Cre
), and littermates that were negative for Cre recombinase were used as controls. Tissues were analyzed by immunostaining, immunoblot, and flow cytometry. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to determine gene expression, and chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed gene targets of BRG1 and CHD4 in cultured endothelial cells.

RESULTS:

We found
Brg1/Chd4
double mutants grew normally but died soon after birth with small and compact lungs. Despite having normal cellular composition, distal air sacs of the mutant lungs displayed diminished ECM (extracellular matrix) components and TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β) signaling, which typically promotes ECM synthesis. Transcripts for collagen- and elastin-related genes and the TGFβ ligand
Tgfb1
were decreased in mutant lung endothelial cells, but genetic deletion of endothelial
Tgfb1
failed to recapitulate the small lungs and ECM defects seen in
Brg1/Chd4
mutants. We instead found several ECM genes to be direct targets of BRG1 and CHD4 in cultured endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS:

Collectively, our data highlight essential roles for endothelial chromatin-remodeling enzymes in promoting ECM deposition in the distal lung tissue during the saccular stage of embryonic lung development.
‘Buddhism(s) for this World’ and ‘Engaged Buddhism’: Some Key Differences
Authors: Laliberté André
Published: June 2024

This article highlights the key differences between two approaches to Buddhism adopted worldwide, ‘Buddhism(s) for this World’ and ‘Engaged Buddhism.’ Although these two terms seem interchangeable, the article presents some differences arising from specific historical circumstances. While the former originated in a reform movement within Chinese Buddhism at the beginning of the twentieth century, the second one, which emerged later, encompasses a much wider variety of Buddhist movements. While ‘Buddhism(s) for this world’ started as a reformist movement, it has become in some cases the vehicle of nationalism. Meanwhile, ‘Engaged Buddhism,’ a somewhat more diverse movement indirectly inspired by his predecessor, has embraced many social justice causes but struggles to institutionalize. The article presents the geopolitical context of international rivalry in which these two trends seek to affirm their respective perspectives.
The Great Spirit of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
Authors: Thepa Phramaha Chakrapol Acharashubho
Published: June 2024

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, renowned as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a tireless advocate for social justice, has left an enduring impact on India’s socio-political landscape. This research essay delves into the multifaceted spirit of Ambedkar, emphasizing his profound engagement with Buddhism and the emergence of Neo-Buddhism as a potent catalyst for social transformation. His conversion to Buddhism symbolized a resolute renunciation of the entrenched caste hierarchy, heralding an embrace of the Buddha’s teachings that exalted the fundamental interconnectedness of all sentient beings. This underlines his steadfast belief in Buddhism as an antidote to the deeply ingrained caste system, marking his unwavering dedication to bestow a renewed spiritual identity upon the marginalized. Ambedkar’s profound reinterpretation of Buddhist philosophy, with a focus on its social dimensions and ethical code, exemplifies his spirit of adapting Buddhism to the contemporary struggles of the oppressed.
Examination of the Cultural Awareness Scale for Border Crossers
Authors: ZHAO Shizhe , OZEKI Miki , TANAKA Tomoko
Published: June 2024

Previous studies suggested that long-term Chinese residents living in Japan, instead of identifying as Japanese or Chinese, may have a “superordinate orientation” not characterized by nationality. This study developed a scale to measure cultural awareness of border crossers and evaluated its reliability and validity. To confirm the scale’s reliability, we conducted two online surveys of adult Chinese who had lived in Japan for at least three years at the time of the survey. A 45-item scale was created based on the interview results. The same items were used in both surveys. An exploratory factor analysis (maximum likelihood method, promax rotation) was performed on the valid responses to the first survey. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on the valid responses to the second survey. The results showed that the Cultural Awareness Scale for Border Crossers has acceptable reliability and validity.
Radar Signatures Associated with Quasi-Linear Convective System Mesovortices
Authors: Kuster Charles M. , Sherburn Keith D. , Mahale Vivek N. , Schuur Terry J. , McCauley Olivia F. , Schaumann Jason S.
Published: June 2024

Recent operationally driven research has generated a framework, known as the three ingredients method and mesovortex warning system, that can help forecasters anticipate mesovortex development and issue warnings within quasi-linear convective systems (QLCSs). However, dual-polarization radar data has not yet been incorporated into this framework. Therefore, several dual- and single-polarization radar signatures associated with QLCS mesovortices were analyzed to determine if they could provide additional information about mesovortex development and intensity. An analysis of 167 mesovortices showed that 1) KDP drops precede ∼95% of mesovortices and provide an initial indication of where a mesovortex may develop; 2) midlevel KDP cores are a potentially useful precursor signature because they precede a majority of mesovortices and have higher magnitudes for mesovortices that produce wind damage or tornadoes; 3) low-level KDP cores and areas of enhanced spectrum width have higher magnitudes for mesovortices that produce wind damage or tornadoes but tend to develop at about the same time as the mesovortex, which makes them more useful as diagnostic than as predictive signatures; and 4) as range from the radar increases, the radar signatures become less useful in anticipating mesovortex intensity but can still be used to anticipate mesovortex development or build confidence in mesovortex existence.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to look at weather radar features that might help forecasters predict the development and intensity of tornadoes and strong winds within linear thunderstorm systems. Our results show that the intensity and trends of some radar features are helpful in showing when these hazards might develop and how strong they might be, while other radar features are less helpful. This information can help forecasters focus on the most useful radar features and ultimately provide the best possible warnings.
Narcotic Consumption Analysis among Severely Injured and Advanced Aged Trauma Patients
Authors: Minner Nicholas G. , Steiniger Jacob , Lombardozzi Siena C. , Biester Joel M. L. , Mentzer Caleb J. , Morrow Charles E. , Mount Michael G. , Thurston Brian C. , Compton Barri S. , Steed Robert , Frye Sarah W. , Mack T. J. , Lombardozzi Kristine A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Multimodal pain management has been shown to be effective in treating pain in acutely injured trauma patients. Our community-based, level 1 trauma center previously published in 2022 the efficacy of implementing multimodal pain control (MMPC) protocol in our inpatient trauma population which decreased the use of opioids while maintaining similar pain control. The MMPC group had a trend toward higher age and was significantly less injured. We hypothesize MMPC will reduce opioid consumption in both the advanced aged and more severely injured trauma populations while still providing adequate pain control.

Methods

Defined by the year of admission, MMPC and physician managed pain control (PMPC) were compared in both advanced age groups and between the severely injured groups. The advanced age group included patients ≥55 years old. The severely injured group included ≥18 years old with ≥15 ISS. Primary outcomes were total opioid utilization per day, calculated in morphine milliequivalents (MME), and median daily pain scores.

Results

For the severely injured population, the MMPC group showed a 3-fold decrease in opioid use (30 MME/d vs 90.3 MME/d, P < .001) and lower pain scores (5/10 vs 6/10, P < .001) than the PMPC group. In the advance age group, there was no significant difference between MMPC and PMPC groups in opioid use ( P = .974) or pain scores ( P = .553).

Conclusion

MMPC effectively reduces opioid consumption in a severely injured patient population while simultaneously improving pain control. Advanced age trauma patients can require complex pain management solutions and future research to determine their needs is recommended.