bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Clustering Techniques for Solar Irradiance Prediction for Optimal Design of Microgrids in Rural Communities
Authors: Pesantes Luis A. , Punin Alicia A. , Torres Miguel A. , Soriano Guillermo , Ugarte Luis F. , Aragundi Jorge
Published: October 2024

The electrification of rural communities is crucial from both social and economic perspectives, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 7: ”Affordable and Clean Energy.” This study presents a comprehensive comparison of clustering techniques, including k-means, Gaussian mixture models (GMM), hierarchical clustering, density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN), and agglomerative clustering, aimed at enhancing solar irradiance prediction. Leveraging historical climate data from a rural community in the coastal region of Ecuador, each technique is evaluated using error metrics such as mean absolute error (MAE) and coefficient of determination (R2). This assessment identifies the most effective clustering technique in this specific context. In order to delve deeper into these comparisons, simulations are conducted in AMPL to validate and refine the selection of techniques. In this process, it is considered the sizing and design of a microgrid within the Barcelona community, Ecuador, which integrates various energy sources, including solar. Additionally, a penalty system is introduced for unmet energy demands during less critical periods, thereby optimizing efficiency and enhancing energy availability within the community. In conclusion, this article introduces a scalable methodology to analyze algorithms for solar irradiance prediction, emphasizing the significance of comparing clustering techniques as its main contribution. This advancement in prediction accuracy has the potential to enhance the feasibility and efficiency of renewable energy systems for rural communities, thereby fostering sustainable economic growth and bolstering efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Identification and characterization of thiamine analogs with antiplasmodial activity
Authors: Fathoni Imam , Ho Terence C. S. , Chan Alex H. Y. , Leeper Finian J. , Matuschewski Kai , Saliba Kevin J.
Published: October 2024

Thiamine is metabolized into thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), an essential enzyme cofactor. Previous work has shown that oxythiamine, a thiamine analog, is metabolized by thiamine pyrophosphokinase (TPK) into oxythiamine pyrophosphate within the malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
and then inhibits TPP-dependent enzymes, killing the parasite
in vitro
and
in vivo
. To identify a more potent antiplasmodial thiamine analog, 11 commercially available compounds were tested against
P. falciparum
and
P. knowlesi
. Five active compounds were identified, but only N3-pyridyl thiamine (N3PT), a potent transketolase inhibitor and candidate anticancer lead compound, was found to suppress
P. falciparum
proliferation with an IC
50
value 10-fold lower than that of oxythiamine. N3PT was active against
P. knowlesi
and was >17 times less toxic to human fibroblasts, as compared to oxythiamine. Increasing the extracellular thiamine concentration reduced the antiplasmodial activity of N3PT, consistent with N3PT competing with thiamine/TPP. A transgenic
P. falciparum
line overexpressing TPK was found to be hypersensitized to N3PT. Docking studies showed an almost identical binding mode in TPK between thiamine and N3PT. Furthermore, we show that [
3
H]thiamine accumulation, resulting from a combination of transport and metabolism, in isolated parasites is reduced by N3PT. Treatment of
P. berghei
-infected mice with 200 mg/kg/day N3PT reduced their parasitemia, prolonged their time to malaria symptoms, and appeared to be non-toxic to mice. Collectively, our studies are consistent with N3PT competing with thiamine for TPK binding and inhibiting parasite proliferation by reducing TPP production, and/or being converted into a TPP antimetabolite that inhibits TPP-dependent enzymes.
In vivo
pharmacodynamic evaluation of the novel nystatin derivative BSG005 in the invasive candidiasis and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis mouse models
Authors: Lepak Alexander J. , Massey Justin , Zarnowski Robert , Olesen Tine K. , Jones Ryley , Andes David R.
Published: October 2024

Nystatin, a polyene, is one of the oldest antifungal drugs with wide
in vitro
potency. BSG005 is a novel, chemically modified, nystatin-like molecule in development for systemic therapy. We evaluated the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationships and target exposures using
in vivo
invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and invasive candidiasis (IC) infection models for BSG005 against common fungal pathogens including
Aspergillus fumigatus
,
Candida albicans
,
Candida auris
, and
Candida glabrata
. For each species group, three to four strains were selected. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing was done by Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) methods. Single-dose kinetics for BSG005 were performed at four dose levels. The immunosuppressed mouse IPA model was used for
A. fumigatus
studies. For all
Candida
studies, we utilized the neutropenic disseminated candidiasis model. We used quantitative PCR to enumerate
Aspergillus
in the lung and colony forming units (CFU) counts for
Candida
in the kidney. Treatment results were evaluated based on both area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)/MIC and maximum plasma concentration (
C
max
)/MIC exposures. The BSG005 MIC was 1 mg/L against all strains. Escalating doses of BSG005 resulted in increased effect and, in general, the dose-response curves within each species were concordant. The median 96-h AUC/MIC associated with net stasis was lowest at 6.08 for
C. glabrata
. Increasing exposures were needed for same outcome for
C. auris
at 18.7,
C. albicans
at 29.3, and
A. fumigatus
at 102.4.
C
max
/MIC targets for the four groups were 0.22, 0.48, 0.60, and 1.41. BSG005 demonstrated potent activity against a variety of fungal pathogens in the neutropenic mouse models.
C
max
/MIC PK/PD targets were numerically lower than other polyene studies using the same infection models.
Identification and characterization of a novel formaldehyde dehydrogenase in
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Klein Vivien Jessica , Troøyen Susanne Hansen , Fernandes Brito Luciana , Courtade Gaston , Brautaset Trygve , Irla Marta
Published: October 2024

Formaldehyde is a known toxic compound, and functional formaldehyde detoxification is crucial for the survival of all living cells. Such detoxification systems are of particular importance for methylotrophic microorganisms that rely on formaldehyde as a central metabolite in their one-carbon metabolism. Understanding formaldehyde dissimilation pathways in non-methylotrophic industrial microorganisms is necessary for ongoing research aiming at engineering methylotrophy into their metabolism (synthetic methylotrophy). There is a variety of formaldehyde dissimilation pathways across microorganisms, often based on the activity of formaldehyde dehydrogenases. In this study, we investigated the role of the
yycR
gene of
Bacillus subtilis
putatively encoding a novel, uncharacterized zinc-type alcohol dehydrogenase-like protein. We showed that the
B. subtilis
Δ
yycR
mutant displayed a reduced formaldehyde tolerance level and confirmed the enzymatic activity of recombinantly produced and purified YycR as formaldehyde dehydrogenase
in vitro
. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that YycR activity is optimal at 40°C, with the highest measured activity at pH 9.5, formaldehyde is the preferred substrate, and the kinetic constants are

K
m

of 0.19 ± 0.05 mM and
V
max
of 2.24 ± 0.05 nmol min
−1
. Altogether, we showed that YycR is a novel formaldehyde dehydrogenase with a role in formaldehyde detoxification in
B. subtilis
, providing valuable insights for future research on synthetic methylotrophy in this organism.

IMPORTANCE

Formaldehyde is a key metabolite in methanol assimilation for many methylotrophic microorganisms, and at the same time, it is toxic to all living cells, which means its intracellular concentrations must be tightly controlled. An in-depth understanding of methanol detoxification systems in industrially relevant microorganisms is a prerequisite for the introduction of methanol utilization pathways into their metabolism (synthetic methylotrophy).
Bacillus subtilis
, an industrial workhorse conventionally used for the production of enzymes, is known to possess two formaldehyde detoxification pathways. Here, we identify a novel formaldehyde dehydrogenase in this bacterium as a path towards creating innovative prospect strategies for strain engineering towards synthetic methylotrophy.
Draft genome sequence of heat-tolerant
Escherichia coli
strain AKS1GF CIFRI isolated from a coal power plant discharge in the river ganga
Authors: Kumar Sahoo Amiya , Kumar Meena Dharmendra , Das Basanta Kumar , Dasgupta Subhankhi , Samantaray Smruti , Mohanty Debasmita , Gadnayak Ayushman , Behera Subhasmita , Bera Asit Kumar
Published: October 2024

Escherichia coli
strain, AKS1GF ICAR-CIFRI, was isolated from a thermally contaminated water with average water temperatures of 45°C ± 2.5°C in river Ganga, India. The draft genome sequence is of 4.7 MB consisting of 44 contigs. The strain contains 4,314 protein coding genes and 96 RNA genes.
Exploring the dynamic adult hard ticks-camel-pathogens interaction
Authors: Makwatta JohnMark O. , Ndegwa Paul N. , Oyieke Florence A. , Ahuya Peter , Masiga Daniel K. , Getahun Merid N.
Published: October 2024

The ability of ticks to interact and adapt to different ecologies and hosts determines their vectorial competence for various pathogens; however, ticks-livestock-pathogens interaction studies are limited. With our ticks-hosts-pathogens interface studies, we found 14 species of hard ticks feeding on various livestock. Ticks showed a strong preference for one-humped camels (
Camelus dromedarius
). The camel nostril was the most preferred predilection site. The most prevalent tick species on camels was
Hyalomma rufipes
. We found two novel
Amblyomma gemma
variants which are distinct both morphologically and genetically from previously described
Amblyomma gemma
. The signature odors from camel breath and body were attractive to adult
H. rufipes
, demonstrating ticks utilize camel-derived metabolites to find their host. Our research shows that
H. rufipes
and camel hosts have unique and shared pathogens showing
H. rufipes
’ vector and dromedary camel’s reservoir host qualities. Our study unravels the dynamic interactions between hard ticks, pathogens, and host camels that all influence the likelihood of pathogen adaptation and transmission dynamics.

IMPORTANCE

Ticks are obligatory hematophagous arachnids, serving as vectors for a wide array of pathogens that can be transmitted to animals and humans. The ability of ticks to acquire and transmit various pathogens depends on their attraction to quality reservoir hosts and the survival of the pathogens in ticks’ gut and other tissues. However, the complex dynamics of tick-pathogen interaction and host-seeking behavior remain understudied. This investigation revealed notable variation in tick preference for domestic animals, with camel being the most preferred host. Moreover, our spatial analysis of tick attachment sites showed nostrils are the most preferred sites by various tick species. Our epidemiology data showed variation in the pathogens harbored by camel (host) and vector (
Hyalomma rufipes
), demonstrating the camel’s efficiency as reservoir host and ticks’ vector competence for various pathogens. With our behavioral experiment using
H. rufipes
and its preferred host’s (camel) breath and body signature odors, we identified novel attractants for
H. rufipes
, thus offering new avenues for combating tick-borne diseases. Overall, our study presents novel insights into how multiple factors shape tick-host-pathogen interaction.
Quantitating SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies from human dried blood spots
Authors: Berman Katherine , Van Slyke Greta , Novak Hayley , Rock Jean M. , Bievenue Rachel , Damjanovic Amanda K. , DeRosa Kate L. , Mirabile Gianna , Phipps Kara , Machowski Jessica , Bialosuknia Sean , Giradin Roxie C. , Dupuis Alan P. , Payne Anne F. , Lee William T. , McDonough Kathleen A. , Parker Monica M. , Styer Linda M. , Mantis Nicholas J.
Published: October 2024

In the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the collection of dried blood spots (DBS) enabled public health laboratories to undertake population-scale seroprevalence studies used to estimate rates of SARS-CoV-2 exposure. With SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity levels now estimated to exceed 94% in the United States, attention has turned to using DBS to assess neutralizing antibodies within cohorts of interest. With this goal in mind, we generated contrived DBS (cDBS) and whole blood-derived DBS from convalescent and vaccinated individuals and subjected DBS eluates to a battery of assays, including a SARS-CoV-2 multiplexed microsphere immunoassay (MIA), a receptor binding domain (RBD)-human ACE2 inhibition assay (iACE2), a cell-based pseudovirus neutralization assay, and real-time PCR-based surrogate neutralization assay (NAB-Sure). The DBS results were benchmarked against paired serum samples tested in a clinically validated SARS-CoV-2 plaque reduction neutralization titer (PRNT) assay. The results of an 8-plex MIA and NAB-Sure assays demonstrated highly significant correlations with PRNT values when evaluated with a panel of 86 paired serum–DBS samples. Both the MIA and NAB-Sure are adaptable to automated liquid handlers for high-throughput capacity. While neutralizing assays were limited to the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 WA1, this study nonetheless represents an important proof of concept demonstrating the potential utility of DBS as a biospecimen type for use in assessing immunity to SARS-CoV-2 at the community and population levels.

IMPORTANCE

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern continue to circulate globally and remain a serious health threat to large segments of the population. From a public health standpoint, identifying vulnerable communities based on immune status is critical in terms of vaccine booster recommendations. In this report, we investigated the utility of dried blood spots (DBS) as a biospecimen type from which to estimate SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers. Using contrived and whole blood-derived DBS, we demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies are readily measurable in DBS eluates and correlate with plaque reduction neutralization titer (PRNT) values from paired serum samples. Moreover, several of the methods used to estimate SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in DBS eluates are adaptable to high-throughput platforms.
Supplemental Material: Brecciation and epithermal mineralization in the Baia Mare ore district (Romania): The Wilhelm deposit
Authors: Tămaș Călin G.
Published: October 2024

Figures S1 and S2 and Table S1.
Schwinger versus Unruh (Brief Review)
Authors: Volovik G. E.
Published: October 2024

It is shown that the temperatures which characterise the Unruh effect, the Gibbons–Hawking radiation from the de Sitter cosmological horizon and the Hawking radiation from the black hole horizon acquire the extra factor 2 compared with their traditional values. The reason for that is the coherence of different processes. The combination of the coherent processes also allows us to make the connection between the Schwinger pair production and the Unruh effect.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of cognitive–behavioural therapy for insomnia delivered by nurses and physicians for patients in primary care (the NPD study): protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Torrens-Darder Maria del Mar , Torrens-Darder Isabel , Gonzalez Torrente Susana , Vicens Caterina , Leiva Alfonso , Pizá-Portell Maria Rosa , Esteva Arrom Apol lonia , Lorente Patricia , Serrano-Ripoll Maria-Jesus , Vidal-Thomas Maria Clara , Miralles-Xamena Jerónima , Ramírez Manent José Ignacio , Esteva Magdalena
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, and it adversely impacts daily living and increases the risk of chronic and acute health problems. Of the few individuals who seek treatment for insomnia, most pursue help in primary care settings. The management of insomnia most commonly focuses on the prescription of hypnotics and sleep hygiene recommendations, although these are not the most effective treatments. Conversely, cognitive–behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-i), which is considered to be the first-line treatment for persistent insomnia, is seldom prescribed by primary care physicians (PCPs) or primary care nurses (PCNs). The hesitancy of these professionals to provide CBT-i is mainly attributed to their heavy workloads and the difficulties in acquiring the skills needed to administer this intervention.

Methods and analysis

A two-arm cluster-randomised study (in which patients are assigned to a PCP or PCN) will be conducted in primary health centres of Majorca Island (Spain). A total of 206 patients will be recruited. Healthcare professionals will be allocated to the intervention or control group in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group will receive CBT-i and the control group will receive usual care. We will include patients with Insomnia Severity Index scores of 8 or more who also report that insomnia interferes with daily functioning or is noticeable to others. The CBT-i will consist of four individual structured sessions, three in person (20 min each) and one by telephone (10 min) that are administered at intervals of 2–3 weeks. An additional session will be provided for patients taking hypnotic medications. The primary outcome measure is the decrease in sleep latency, which will be measured with the Pittsburg Sleep Quality index at 6 months and 12 months.

Ethics and dissemination

This project was approved by the Ethical Committee of the Balearic Islands (IB 4604/21 PI) and the Primary Care Research Committee of the Department of Majorca Primary Care (PI19/24). All participants are required to provide written informed consent and no study-related procedures will be performed until consent is obtained. The trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN10144646.
National census of UK endoscopy services in 2023
Authors: Bendall Oliver , Pohl Keith , Siau Keith , Dodds Phedra , Feeney Mark , Butler Jessica , Bano Madeline , Cullinan Daniel , Griffiths Helen , Mills Sarah , Jarvis Mark , Dunckley Paul , Rutter Matt
Published: October 2024

Background

The Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG) conducts a biennial census of UK endoscopy services. The 2023 census aimed to assess the current status of endoscopy services and compare them with pre-pandemic census benchmark data.

Methods

An electronic survey was sent to all JAG participating services in April 2023. Key domains included activity, waiting times, workforce and safety. Whole census and service level paired comparison was made with 2019 census data.

Results

There were 334 census responses representing 443 JAG-participating services (86.7% response rate). NHS services were operating at 110% of pre-pandemic activity levels. In the first 3 months of 2023, 53.6% of NHS services met urgent suspected cancer waiting time targets, 26.5% met routine waits and 26.2% met surveillance waits. The proportion of NHS services meeting all three targets decreased from 40.9% to 21.9% between 2019 and 2023. Compared with 2019, the proportion of independent sector activity has significantly increased. Insourcing activity has significantly increased and is being used by 57.9% of NHS services. Staff shortages were the most cited reasons for services not meeting waiting time targets or providing training. Absence through sickness rates for Band 2–6 nursing and healthcare support workers were significantly higher in 2023 compared with 2019 (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The 2023 census presents a system under strain. While overall activity is above pre-pandemic levels, this is set against workforce concerns, increasing staff absences and reliance on insourcing for additional activity. This census re-emphasises the need to proactively plan for rising demand, while maximising all current available resources.
Connect, care, create: practical framework for physical environment design for person-centred palliative care
Authors: Beuls Iris , Petermans Ann , Vanrie Jan
Published: October 2024

Objective

This article aims to explore architectural-rich insights derived from users’ experiences within everyday practice in palliative environments and provides a practical framework for healthcare organisations, architects and researchers involved in (re)designing palliative environments for person-centred care.

Methods

An ethnographic study involving participatory observation was undertaken to gain insight into the influence of palliative environments on the diverse users’ subjective experiences. This immersive research took place across multiple palliative environments, encompassing a palliative care unit, a day care centre for palliative care and a hospice located in Belgium. Also, informal conversations and photo-elicitation interviews were conducted with residents, family members, healthcare professionals, volunteers and maintenance staff.

Results

Analysing the subjective experiences yielded a practical framework of four architectural atmospheres (proximity, support, engagement, comfort) intended to serve as guiding principles for designing palliative environments. To shape these atmospheres, this article elaborates on 17 spatial aspects and aligns them with real-life experiences of users within palliative environments, thereby enriching and contextualising these insights.

Conclusions

This study presents a practical framework encompassing atmospheres, spatial aspects and overarching insights. It is augmented by supplemental material featuring real-life user experiences, all directed towards guiding the design of palliative environments in pursuit of person-centred palliative care. This article advocates for a collaborative, interdisciplinary, holistic design approach that acknowledges these considerations’ interconnectedness and considers the users’ multiple perspectives. Ultimately, this approach serves as a means of bridging design intentions and actual experiences encountered by users in their real-life contexts to assist healthcare organisations and architects in creating environments for person-centred palliative care.
Palliative care integration into outpatient heart failure management: pilot study
Authors: Nadarajah Shamara , Sirianni Giovanna , Poon Stephanie , Bonares Michael
Published: October 2024

Objectives

People with heart failure have palliative care needs yet services remain underused. The heart failure clinic is a potential setting for initial palliative care delivery though evidence for such services is lacking. We explored the outcomes of an embedded model of palliative medicine within a heart failure clinic.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of individuals who received a palliative medicine consultation in a heart failure clinic. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise the cohort and their outcomes, and the McNemar test to compare rates of advance care planning before/after consultation.

Results

Majority of individuals who received a palliative medicine consultation experienced New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II symptoms (65.5%) and had a Palliative Performance Scale score of≥60% (66.8%). While only 17% engaged in advance care planning in the year before consultation, 93% had advance care planning during the first consultation (p<0.001). Care was provided in multiple domains including advance care planning (95%), symptom management (97%) and caregiver support (30%), regardless of the reason for referral.

Conclusions

Our embedded model of palliative medicine within the heart failure clinic was associated with increased advance care planning at a time when patients were functional and minimally symptomatic. Further research should substantiate these findings at other sites.
Case Study of Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Inheritance Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Qian Ding
Published: October 2024

With the development of modern science and technology, computer technology is more and more applied to the learning and development of martial arts. In order to study and expand the way of martial arts, this paper analyzes the role of the traditional way of martial arts teaching mode and computer-aided teaching mode. Computer technology breaks old ideas, breaks traditional teaching methods, and promotes the learning and development of martial arts. The way of martial arts collection is the combination of a series of movements, which means the protective significance of boxing and attack. Based on the analysis of the current emotional state of students and its reasons, this paper studies the positive influence of various elements of traditional martial arts on students’ emotional states and puts forward specific measures to enhance the positive effect of traditional martial arts on students’ emotional states.
Isokinetic Force Modeling in Sports Based on Embedded System of Motion Recognition Model
Authors: Dong Xuelian
Published: October 2024

With the gradual deepening of sports research, sports training methods integrating more scientific and technological means can greatly improve athletes’ professional ability. Combined with the isokinetic strength training method, it can effectively alleviate muscle recovery and body flexibility, which requires an analysis of the level of sports body promotion, and a more efficient training program for various sports parameters. In this study, taking strength enhancement as an example, the convolutional neural network is innovatively integrated into isokinetic strength training. Using the motion data obtained by wearable sensors in the training, we trained the neural network model by real-time analysis of data samples through an embedded system. Further, we optimized the network parameters to realize the extraction and recognition of EMG depth features. Compared with the traditional isokinetic strength classification model, this model lays a foundation for further constructing personalized strength training guidance methods. After the simulation test, the difference of the model’s accuracy requirement before and after the pre-training is 4.6%, and the difference of the test set before and after the pre-intensive training is [Formula: see text]1%. It is 16.2% higher than the TCAM algorithm, and the gap with STA-LSTM remains between [Formula: see text]. It is verified that the attention concentration control scheme can not only reduce the error rate in visual recognition tasks, but also improve the complexity of the neural network model. The optimized lightweight data structure is especially suitable for embedded systems with limited computing power. All kinds of test projects verify its rationality and make full use of the control ability of the embedded system and the characteristics of parallel computing and programmability, which has great practical application value for the development of the Internet of Things system network. The research results have made a thorough study of the physiological guidance of existing strength training, the identification and evaluation methods of exercise-induced muscle fatigue, and the current situation of the existing isokinetic equipment.
AN EFFECTIVE NUMERICAL METHOD FOR STUDYING THE FRACTAL-FRACTIONAL SMOKING MODEL
Authors: ADEL M. , KHADER M. M. , ALRADDADI I. , SWEILAM N. H. , RIAZ M. B. , AHMAD HIJAZ
Published: October 2024

Worldwide, smoking is a common social practice, especially in places like schools and on important occasions. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that smoking is the third leading cause of death worldwide and the most significant avoidable cause of disease. Thus in this study, we present the solution behavior of the fractal-fractional (FF) smoking model. Using an effective numerical integration technique, the discretized system of FF differential equations that results is numerically integrated. By using RK4 to evaluate the numerical solution, we can meet the requirements for both efficiency and accuracy in the given approach. In the hope of providing some recommendations through which to reduce the risks of this bad behavior, the effect of some parameters and external factors affecting the solution behavior of this proposed mathematical model was studied, including the recruitment rate (due to immigration or birth) and the smoking cessation rate. The results show that the implemented technique is a straightforward and efficient tool for modeling the solution for these models.
Modified U-Net and Convolutional Networks for Breast Cancer Segmentation and Classification with New Texture Descriptors
Authors: Porwal Priya , Singh Ajay Shanker , Kannapiran Thirunavukkarasu
Published: October 2024

Effective techniques for detection and classification are necessary to enhance the results of patients with common fatal diseases like breast cancer. With benefits including increased effectiveness and precision, DL and ML methods are currently being used as effective tools in the breast cancer diagnosis process. However, the efficiency and stability constraints of current approaches highlight the necessity for additional study. Therefore, this work suggested a new model of modified U-Net and convolutional networks for Breast Cancer (BC) segmentation and classification with new texture descriptors and the proposed model is named “U-TexBCNet”. First, mammography images are preprocessed by enhancing the image using the CLAHE filter and after inputting the preprocessed image into the modified U-Net-based segmentation for the segmentation process, the modified U-Net segmentation is named as “HexpNet”. Once the segmentation process is completed, the feature extraction process takes place. Here, the features include shape feature, color feature, VGG-16 feature, Inception V3 feature, GoogLeNet and modified LGTP feature extracted from the segmented image. Then, the extracted features are inputted into the hybrid classification model including modified CNN and LSTM. Lastly, the outcome from the classifiers (Modified CNN and LSTM) is averaged together to get the outcome of the proposed model. Ultimately, the results of the simulation are evaluated using both positive and negative criteria by contrasting them with the conventional models.
Dynamics and optimal control of a stochastic delayed human papillomavirus epidemic model with media coverage
Authors: Qiu Hong , Li Jiyuan
Published: October 2024

In this work, we propose a stochastic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) epidemic model with two kinds of delays and media influences. These two time delays are the delay time caused by media receiving the disease information and the delay time of public feedback after the media coverage. In addition, media coverage not only has a negative impact on the infection rate, but it also has a positive impact on the vaccination rate of disease. We discuss the existence and uniqueness of the positive solution for the HPV epidemic model, and then put forward a positively invariant set. The sufficient conditions of the extinction and persistence for the HPV epidemic are given. For the optimal control problem of the HPV epidemic, we obtain an optimal strategy. Our numerical simulations validate the theoretical results of this paper, showing that appropriate media coverage can help control the development of the disease.
The Current Development and Outlook of China Certified Emission Reduction Trading Scheme
Authors: ZHU Lei , WANG Mou , HUANG Desheng , LU Yunqi
Published: October 2024

China’s trading scheme for voluntary greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, i.e. China Certified Emission Reduction (CCER), is an important policy tool to promote GHG emission reduction through market mechanisms and help achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals (the “dual carbon” goals). The CCER trading scheme was initiated in 2012, and after five years of practical exploration, it has provided an effective channel for the whole society to actively participate in carbon emission reductions. Since 2023, the relevant state departments have issued the Measures for the Administration of Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Trading (Trial) and released the first batch of four project-specific methodologies and five verification institutions, marking the basic completion of the institutional framework of the CCER trading market. In January 2024, the CCER trading market was officially launched, and has been operated in a stable and orderly way, with its policy role of low-cost emission reduction through market mechanisms gradually coming into play. It should be also noted that, in the early stage of its start-up, the market still faces problems such as insufficient market supply, uncertain integration with international schemes, and relatively lagging behind in capacity building, which need to be gradually addressed in the development process. On that basis, this paper gives an outlook.
Intercropping Maize–Faba Bean Reduced Yield and Economic Losses Caused by Busseola fusca (Fuller) in Semiarid Area
Authors: Gidey Tesfay , Berhe Daniel Hagos , Birhane Emiru , Abrha Haftu , Gufi Yirga
Published: October 2024

Intercropping is an important practice for controlling crop pests in Ethiopia. However, there is a limited studies on the maize–faba bean intercropping benefits for controlling stemborer (Busseola fusca) pests. This study was carried out at Wukro Agricultural College, Tigray, Ethiopia, to investigate the effects of maize intercrops with two faba bean varieties (Gora and Moti) at three different population levels (25%, 50%, and 75%) of the recommended sole faba bean (250,000 plants ha−1) on infestation, density, and damage of stemborer on maize. The intercrops significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the stemborer infestation, density, and damage on maize over to the sole maize. Maize intercrops with the Gora faba bean variety at a density of 50% lowered the pest damage on maize cobs by 35% relative to the sole maize. The intercrop also reduced the grain yield and economic losses due to the pest by 48% and 53%, respectively, compared to the sole maize. The results recommended that maize intercropped with the Gora faba bean variety at a density of 50% could be used as an alternative farming against stemborer pest in the semiarid farming systems of northern Ethiopia.
Incidence of Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma (UPS) in the United States
Authors: Ma Jiemin , Groisberg Roman , Shao Changxia , Zhong Wenjun
Published: October 2024

The classification of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) has been evolving with advances in immunohistochemistry and genomic profiling over the past 20 years. There is a lack of current information on UPS incidence. Due to the lack of designated histology codes for UPS in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEERs) program, we estimated UPS incidence by three different definitions based on clinical opinions using the 2000–2020 data from 22 registries of the SEER program. The incidence varied widely across the three definitions with 0.06 per 100,000 persons for the least inclusive definition and 0.67 per 100,000 persons for the most inclusive definition in 2016–2020, making it challenging to estimate the exact incidence of UPS. Regardless, all the incidences decreased between 2000 and 2020. Guidelines in UPS diagnosis and classification need to be better implemented in the US.
Deep Domain Adaptation Approach Using an Improved Parallel Residual Network for Cross‐Domain Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Huang Jiezhou
Published: October 2024

Recently, bearing fault diagnosis based on transfer learning (TL) has been a hot topic, which has attracted widespread interest due to its ability to adapt bearing fault datasets with different feature distributions. However, existing research suffer from low diagnosis efficiency and poor generalization capabilities. Therefore, an improved parallel residual network‐domain adaptation (IPRN‐DA) method for bearing fault diagnosis is proposed in this paper, which is to address these challenges. Firstly, a parallel residual block (PRB) is designed to extract critical features that can fully characterize the original signals without significantly increasing the model parameters and more attention is paid to them. Secondly, a hybrid attention mechanism (HAM) is constructed to adaptively integrate channel and spatial features to enhance fault feature information. Finally, multikernel maximum mean discrepancy (MK‐MMD) is employed to measure the distribution difference between the source and target domains in advanced feature extraction and predicted label spaces, implementing high‐precision bearing transfer diagnosis. Rolling bearing datasets from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and Jiangnan University (JNU) are used to validate the effectiveness of the presented method. Experimental results illustrate that the algorithm can extract domain‐invariant features for different cross‐domain diagnosis tasks and thus improve fault diagnosis accuracy.
Evaluation of the Anatomical Cross‐Sectional Area of Psoas Major Muscle Using an Ultrasound Imaging System Combined With an Inertial Measurement Unit
Authors: Ito Kazuhiro , Maeshima Etsuko , Arai Nobuyuki , Saito Koichi , Koshiba Hiroya , Maruyama Junko , Asada Keiji , Nakamata Takaaki , Yamaguchi Kazuki , Hatanaka Yasuhiko
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Recently, ultrasound (US) imaging has been used to estimate the cross‐sectional area of skeletal muscle, but the reliability is uncertain. To improve the reliability of the US, we investigated skeletal muscle thickness measurement using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to determine the direction of US beam incidence based on posture angle information. In addition, we examined whether the anatomical cross‐sectional area (ACSA) of muscle can be estimated from the muscle thickness measured using the US with the IMU.

Methods: In Experiment 1, two examiners measured the right psoas major at the fourth lumbar vertebra level in 10 university students using the US with and without an IMU. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to examine intra‐ and inter‐rater variability. In Experiment 2, the two examiners measured the muscle thickness of the right psoas major in 31 male subjects using the US with an IMU. In addition, the ACSA of this muscle was measured using MRI. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between muscle thickness and ACSA, and a single regression analysis was performed.

Results: Both intrarater reliability ICC (1, 2) and inter‐rater reliability ICC (2, 2) were higher when US was used with IMU compared to without IMU (Experiment 1). A significant positive correlation (r = 0.84, p < 0.01) was observed between muscle thickness and ACSA (Experiment 2). The regression equation was significant at R2 = 0.71 (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Using an IMU during US measurement of the psoas major improves intra‐ and interexaminer reliability and can be used to estimate the ACSA of the muscle.
A Study on Variants of Status Unequal Coloring in Graphs and Its Properties
Authors: Gnana Sambandam Parvathy , Raman Sundareswaran , Hayat Sakander , Venkatasubramanian Swaminathan
Published: October 2024

Let be a simple connected graph with vertex set and edge set . The status of a vertex is defined as ∑q≠pd(p, q). A subset of is called a status unequal dominating set (stu‐dominating set) of ; for every , there exists p in such that p and q are adjacent and st(p) ≠ st(q). Among the most admired, extensively explored, and extensively discussed topics in the field of graph theory is graph coloring. This article recommends a new research study on the topic of incorporating stu‐dominating set with coloring. Diverse coloring variants can be found in literature, some of which serve as inspiration is chromatic number, dominator coloring, color class domination, and colorful dominating sets. A novel study on the topic of incorporating stu‐dominating set with coloring is suggested in this article. The stu‐chromatic number, stu‐dominator coloring, stu‐color class domination, and colorful stu‐domination have thus been explored and investigated. For each parameter introduced, the minimum cardinality of certain standard classes of graphs, bounds, and characterization results was explored.
Table S3 from A Phase II Trial of the Bruton Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitor Zanubrutinib (BGB-3111) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Authors: An Gang , Zhou Daobin , Cheng Shu , Zhou Keshu , Li Jianyong , Zhou Jianfeng , Xie Liping , Jin Jie , Zhong Liye , Yan Lingzhi , Guo Haiyi , Du Chenmu , Zhong Jinhua , Yu Yiling , Wu Binghao , Qiu Lugui
Published: October 2024

Time to disease response in Chinese patients with R/R WM receiving zanubrutinib, as assessed by the investigator.
Supplementary Figure S1 from A Randomized, Phase III Study of Lenvatinib in Chinese Patients with Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Zheng Xiangqian , Xu Zhengang , Ji Qinghai , Ge Minghua , Shi Feng , Qin Jianwu , Wang Feng , Chen Guang , Zhang Yuan , Huang Rui , Tan Jian , Huang Tao , Li Sijin , Lv Zhongwei , Lin Yansong , Guo Zhuming , Kubota Tomoki , Suzuki Takuya , Ikezawa Hiroki , Gao Ming
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Figure S1. Forest plot of PFS hazard ratios for lenvatinib versus placebo (by IIR using RECIST v1.1)
Supplementary Data from A Randomized, Phase III Study of Lenvatinib in Chinese Patients with Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Zheng Xiangqian , Xu Zhengang , Ji Qinghai , Ge Minghua , Shi Feng , Qin Jianwu , Wang Feng , Chen Guang , Zhang Yuan , Huang Rui , Tan Jian , Huang Tao , Li Sijin , Lv Zhongwei , Lin Yansong , Guo Zhuming , Kubota Tomoki , Suzuki Takuya , Ikezawa Hiroki , Gao Ming
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Material
Figure S3 from A Phase II Trial of the Bruton Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitor Zanubrutinib (BGB-3111) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Authors: An Gang , Zhou Daobin , Cheng Shu , Zhou Keshu , Li Jianyong , Zhou Jianfeng , Xie Liping , Jin Jie , Zhong Liye , Yan Lingzhi , Guo Haiyi , Du Chenmu , Zhong Jinhua , Yu Yiling , Wu Binghao , Qiu Lugui
Published: October 2024

Median immunoglobulin M and hemoglobin over time in Chinese patients with R/R WM receiving zanubrutinib.
CTR-FAPI PET Enables Precision Management of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Kong Ziren , Li Zhu , Cui Xi-Yang , Wang Jian , Xu Mengxin , Liu Yang , Chen Junyi , Ni Song , Zhang Zongmin , Fan Xiaowei , Huang Jiazhao , Lin Yansong , Sun Yuning , He Yuqin , Lin Xinfeng , Meng Tianyu , Li Han , Song Yixuan , Peng Boshizhang , An Changming , Gao Chenyan , Li Nan , Liu Chen , Zhu Yiming , Yang Zhi , Liu Zhibo , Liu Shaoyan
Published: October 2024

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) can only be cured through the excision of all metastatic lesions, but current clinical practice fails to localize the disease in 29% to 60% of patients. Previously, we developed a fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI)-based covalent targeted radioligand (CTR) for improved detection sensitivity and accuracy. In this first-in-class clinical trial, we head-to-head compared [68Ga]Ga-CTR-FAPI PET-CT and [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) PET-CT in 50 patients with MTC. The primary endpoint was the patient-based detection rate, with [68Ga]Ga-CTR-FAPI exhibiting higher detection than [18F]FDG (98% vs. 66%, P = 0.0002). This improved detection was attributed to increased tumor uptake (maximum standardized uptake value = 11.71 ± 9.16 vs. 2.55 ± 1.73, P < 0.0001). Diagnostic accuracy, validated on lesions with gold-standard pathology, was greater for [68Ga]Ga-CTR-FAPI compared with [18F]FDG (96.7% vs. 43.3%, P < 0.0001). Notably, the management of 32% of patients was altered following [68Ga]Ga-CTR-FAPI PET-CT, and the surgical plan was changed for 66.7% of patients. Overall, [68Ga]Ga-CTR-FAPI PET-CT provided superior detection and diagnostic accuracy compared with [18F]FDG PET-CT, enabling precision management of patients with MTC.

Significance: In this first-in-class clinical trial of CTR, [68Ga]Ga-CTR-FAPI demonstrated an improved patient-based detection rate (98%), tumor uptake (maximum standardized uptake value = 11.71 ± 9.16), and pathology-validated diagnostic accuracy (96.7%) compared with the currently approved method in MTC treatment. It directly altered management in 32% of patients, enabling precision diagnosis and management of MTC.

See related commentary by Witney, p. 264
Table 1 from Targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Pathway in Chemotherapy-Resistant Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Phase II Study
Authors: Yam Clinton , Patel Miral , Hill Holly A. , Sun Ryan , Bassett Roland L. , Kong Elisabeth , Damodaran Senthil , Koenig Kimberly B. , Abouharb Sausan , Saleem Sadia , Bisen Ajit K. , Murthy Rashmi K. , Ramirez David L. , Rauch Gaiane M. , Adrada Beatriz E. , Candelaria Rosalind P. , Wang Xiaoping , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Thompson Alastair M. , White Jason B. , Ravenberg Elizabeth E. , Clayborn Alyson R. , Ding Qing-Qing , Booser Daniel J. , Oke Oluchi , Brewster Abenaa M. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Ibrahim Nuhad K. , Litton Jennifer K. , Valero Vicente , Arun Banu K. , Tripathy Debu , Chang Jeffrey T. , Chen Ken , Korkut Anil , Moulder Stacy L. , Huo Lei , Lim Bora , Ueno Naoto T.
Published: October 2024

Baseline clinicopathologic characteristics and associations with pathologic response
Supplementary Figure SF3 from Targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Pathway in Chemotherapy-Resistant Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Phase II Study
Authors: Yam Clinton , Patel Miral , Hill Holly A. , Sun Ryan , Bassett Roland L. , Kong Elisabeth , Damodaran Senthil , Koenig Kimberly B. , Abouharb Sausan , Saleem Sadia , Bisen Ajit K. , Murthy Rashmi K. , Ramirez David L. , Rauch Gaiane M. , Adrada Beatriz E. , Candelaria Rosalind P. , Wang Xiaoping , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Thompson Alastair M. , White Jason B. , Ravenberg Elizabeth E. , Clayborn Alyson R. , Ding Qing-Qing , Booser Daniel J. , Oke Oluchi , Brewster Abenaa M. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Ibrahim Nuhad K. , Litton Jennifer K. , Valero Vicente , Arun Banu K. , Tripathy Debu , Chang Jeffrey T. , Chen Ken , Korkut Anil , Moulder Stacy L. , Huo Lei , Lim Bora , Ueno Naoto T.
Published: October 2024

SUPPLEMENTARY FIGURE SF3. Box plots showing relationship between tumor mutational burden and pathological response.