bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buckling Stability and Vibration Characteristics of Functionally Graded Graphene Platelet-Reinforced Composites Multi-Arc Concave Honeycomb Sandwich Panels Under Thermal Loading
Authors: Yuan Wenhao , Liao Haitao , Gao Ruxin , Chen Yuxin
Published: November 2023

The utilization of functionally graded graphene platelet-reinforced composites (FG-GPLRC) and honeycomb sandwich constructions is prevalent in the field of engineering. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the buckling and vibration properties of these materials under heat circumstances. This paper specifically focuses on the vibration and thermal buckling characteristics of a novel multi-arc concave honeycomb sandwich plate (MACHSP) equipped with an adjustable positive-negative Poisson’s ratio. The governing equations of motion for the system are derived based on the first-order shear deformation theory in conjunction with Hamilton’s principle. The formulation of the system’s characteristic equation involves the establishment of displacement functions that satisfy distinct boundary conditions. Using computational programming, natural frequencies, mode shapes, and critical buckling temperatures of MACHSP with three different FG-GPLRC distributions under thermal influences are determined. Subsequently, these results are compared with outcomes from finite element simulations and findings from previously published literature. Additionally, the amplitude-frequency response characteristics of the structure under harmonic excitation are analyzed, followed by a discussion of the impact of structural parameters on its buckling and vibration characteristics. The results indicate that the established theoretical model for predicting the buckling and vibration characteristics of MACHSP with FG-GPLRC distribution aligns well with simulation models and prior research. In contrast to solid plates, MACHSP not only achieves a substantial reduction in weight but also demonstrates a significant increase in natural frequency. Furthermore, graphene platelets have the potential to enhance the structure’s natural frequency values and critical buckling temperatures. Lastly, various structural parameters exert a notable influence on the structure’s performance.
Design of CNTFET-Based Electronic Circuits: A Review
Authors: Marani R. , Perri A. G.
Published: November 2023

In this review, we present some designs of CNTFET-based circuits, already proposed by us, and critically examine them here. For some of these, we compare the performance of proposed circuits both in CNTFET and CMOS technology. For the CNTFET model, we use a compact, semi-empirical model, already proposed by us and briefly recalled, while, for the MOSFET model, we use the BSIM4 one of the ADS library. Moreover in some design examples, we compare our results with those obtained using the Stanford model. All simulations are carried out using the software advanced design system (ADS), which is compatible with the Verilog-A programming language.
Domain patterning in nonpolar cut PMN–PT by focused ion beam
Authors: Pashnina Elena , Chezganov Dmitry , Slautina Alla , Turygin Anton , Ushakov Andrei , Hu Qingyuan , Liu Xin , Xu Zhuo , Wei Xiaoyong , Shur Vladimir
Published: November 2023

The formation of the ferroelectric domain structure as a result of irradiation by focused ion beam of [100]-cut 0.61Pb(Mg[Formula: see text]Nb[Formula: see text]O3–0.39PbTiO3 (PMN–PT) single crystals covered by surface artificial dielectric layer and with free surface was investigated. The dot irradiation resulted in formation of the wedge-like domains grown along [00[Formula: see text]] direction. For irradiation of the free surface, the domains are mainly located under the surface, while at the irradiated surface with an artificial dielectric layer the domains are located at the surface. It was shown that the subsurface wedge-shaped part of the domain is unstable and completely disappears after a month due to spontaneous backswitching under the action of the residual depolarization field. The revealed nonlinear dose dependence of the domain sizes was attributed to the distribution of the electric field using the point charge model. The domain interaction for the distance between irradiated dots below 30[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m has been revealed in all samples. It was shown that the decrease of the distance between irradiated dots in the created domain row leads to an increase in the length of the central domains, which is explained by the contribution of all injected charges to the switching field.
Interactions of insecticides with DNA–RNA bases and environmental conditions
Authors: Kadioglu Yelda , Yavaşoğlu Sare İlknur
Published: November 2023

The toxicological effects of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and the stability of methoprene under environmental conditions were investigated in this study by Density Functional Theory. DDT is known to be very persistent in the environment and accumulate in fatty tissues concluding with serious health issues such as birth defects, metabolic disorders, cancers, impaired immune and reproductive systems. Therefore results of the interactions between DDT and DNA–RNA bases were presented at the first part of this study. While there is no deterioration in the structure of DDT or DNA–RNA bases, DDT binds to DNA–RNA bases with high binding energy values which may cause aggregation or trigger DNA methylation. It is important in terms of explaining the interaction of DDT on the basis of DNA–RNA bases for the first time. In the second part, methoprene which is widely used as larvicide in the aquatic mosquito habitats was investigated. Because the chemical stability of the methoprene is an important phenomenon which might present a valuable information in mosquito control efforts, the effects of temperature and atom/molecules which are commonly exist in aquatic nature (Ca, Cl, Mg, Na, CO, CO2, CO3, H2, H2O, H2S, HCO3, N2, NH3, O2, SO4) on methoprene were presented. These atoms/molecules bind to methoprene with low binding energies however, the binding of the molecules to methoprene was disrupted by 313 K (40[Formula: see text]C).
THE IMPACT OF SFAS166/167 ON BANK LIQUIDITY AND LENDING
Authors: ZHAO QIUHONG , FORGIONE DANA A.
Published: November 2023

This study examines whether, and to what extent, SFAS166/167 changed the role of securitization in bank liquidity and lending activities. We compare the sensitivity of on-balance sheet loan growth to the loan portfolio liquidity index proposed by Loutskina [( 2011 ) The role of securitization in bank liquidity and funding management, Journal of Financial Economics 100, 663–684] between affected banks and control banks. We find that SFAS166/167 is significantly associated with a reduction in the use of securitization to enhance on-balance sheet liquidity, consistent with the view that consolidation on balance sheets may render the securitization of loans too costly to be considered an effective source of liquidity. In addition, we find that affected banks with the highest increase in liabilities from consolidating Qualified Special Purpose Entities (QSPEs) experienced a significant decrease in lending activities relative to the control banks. This is likely because consolidating former QSPEs may adversely affect the ability and willingness of banks to engage in securitization and issue new loans. Taken together, our results suggest that SFAS166/167, requiring the consolidation of former QSPEs, led to a decline in the role of securitization as a liquidity management tool in banks and to a significant decline in lending.
Cretaceous stratigraphic framework and sedimentary architecture, Pakistan: signatures of rift–drift tectonics and submarine volcanism along the western continental margin of the Indian Plate
Authors: Umar Muhammad , Kassi Akhtar Muhammad , Jamil Muhammad , Kasi Aimal Khan , Khan Abdul Salam
Published: November 2023

The lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and depositional environments of the Cretaceous successions in Pakistan were investigated to reveal the major geological events, including local, regional and global-scale tectonics, phases of volcanism, basin condensation, emergence of structural highs and episodes of non-deposition. The succession is entirely missing at Salt Range but is excellently exposed in the Kirthar–Sulaiman Fold-Thrust belts. Such deviating nature (e.g. Hazara, Kala Chitta, Surghar and Kohat), suggesting episodical tectonic activities, is associated with inter–intra rifting and drifting of the India–Madagascar–Seychelles and Antarctica–Australian plates during the Cretaceous. Correspondingly, several unconformities within the Cretaceous succession at numerous stratigraphic intervals consistently attest to the effect of tectonics throughout the period. The recognized unconformities over Kawagarh, Lumshiwal, Parh and Fort Munro formations testify to episodic uplifts on local and/or regional scales during the Coniacian–Santonian, Coniacian–Maastrichtian, Campanian and Maastrichtian in response to the separation of Madagascar from the India–Seychelles Plate. In contrast, there was continuous sedimentation of carbonate, clastic and/or submarine volcanics in the Kirthar and Indian–Eurasian suture zone. Significant geological events in the restricted regions, e.g. local-scale submarine volcanism (Bibai Formation), ironstone deposition (Dilband Formation) and basin condensation (Khuzdar), were also associated with such rifting–drifting phases along the WNW margin of the Indian Plate.
Algorithm 1040: The Sparse Grids Matlab Kit - a Matlab implementation of sparse grids for high-dimensional function approximation and uncertainty quantification
Authors: Piazzola Chiara , Tamellini Lorenzo
Published: November 2023

The Sparse Grids Matlab Kit provides a Matlab implementation of sparse grids, and can be used for approximating high-dimensional functions and, in particular, for surrogate-model-based uncertainty quantification. It is lightweight, high-level and easy to use, good for quick prototyping and teaching; however, it is equipped with some features that allow its use also in realistic applications. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of the data structure and of the mathematical aspects forming the basis of the software, as well as comparing the current release of our package to similar available software.
Forward Security with Crash Recovery for Secure Logs
Authors: Blass Erik-Oliver , Noubir Guevara
Published: November 2023

Logging is a key mechanism in the security of computer systems. Beyond supporting important forward security properties, it is critical that logging withstands both failures and intentional tampering to prevent subtle attacks leaving the system in an inconsistent state with inconclusive evidence. We propose new techniques combining forward security with crash recovery for secure log data storage. As the support of specifically forward integrity and the online nature of logging prevent the use of conventional coding, we propose and analyze a coding scheme resolving these unique design constraints. Specifically, our coding enables forward integrity, online encoding, and most importantly a constant number of operations per encoding. It adds a new log item by 𝖷𝖮𝖱 ing it to
k
cells of a table. If up to a certain threshold of cells is modified by the adversary, or lost due to a crash, we still guarantee recovery of all stored log items. The main advantage of the coding scheme is its efficiency and compatibility with forward integrity. The key contribution of the paper is the use of spectral graph theory techniques to prove that
k
is constant in the number
n
of all log items ever stored and small in practice, e.g.,
k
= 5. Moreover, we prove that to cope with up to

\(\sqrt {n}\)

modified or lost log items, storage expansion is constant in
n
and small in practice. For
k
= 5, the size of the table is only 12% more than the simple concatenation of all
n
items. We propose and evaluate original techniques to scale the computation cost of recovery to several GBytes of security logs. We instantiate our scheme into an abstract data structure which allows to either detect adversarial modifications to log items or treat modifications like data loss in a system crash. The data structure can recover lost log items, thereby effectively reverting adversarial modifications.
System Resilience through Health Monitoring and Reconfiguration
Authors: Matei Ion , Piotrowski Wiktor , Perez Alexandre , de Kleer Johan , Tierno Jorge , Mungovan Wendy , Turnewitsch Vance
Published: November 2023

We demonstrate an end-to-end framework to improve the resilience of man-made systems to unforeseen events. The framework is based on a physics-based digital twin model and three modules tasked with real-time fault diagnosis, prognostics and reconfiguration. The fault diagnosis module uses model-based diagnosis algorithms to detect and isolate faults and generates interventions in the system to disambiguate uncertain diagnosis solutions. We scale up the fault diagnosis algorithm to the required real-time performance through the use of parallelization and surrogate models of the physics-based digital twin. The prognostics module tracks fault progression and trains the online degradation models to compute remaining useful life of system components. In addition, we use the degradation models to assess the impact of the fault progression on the operational requirements. The reconfiguration module uses PDDL-based planning endowed with semantic attachments to adjust the system controls to minimize the fault impact on the system operation. We define a resilience metric and use a fuel system example to demonstrate how the metric improves with our framework.
DxHash: A Memory-saving Consistent Hashing Algorithm
Authors: Dong Chao , Wang Fang , Feng Dan
Published: November 2023

Consistent Hashing (CH) algorithms are widely adopted in networks and distributed systems for their ability to achieve load balancing and minimize disruptions. However, the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has introduced new challenges for existing CH algorithms, characterized by high memory usage and update overhead. This article presents DxHash, a novel CH algorithm based on repeated pseudo-random number generation. DxHash offers significant benefits, including a remarkably low memory footprint, high lookup throughput, and minimal update overhead. Additionally, we introduce a weighted variant of DxHash, enabling adaptable weight adjustments to handle heterogeneous load distribution. Through extensive evaluation, we demonstrate that DxHash outperforms AnchorHash, a state-of-the-art CH algorithm, in terms of the reduction of up to 98.4% in memory footprint and comparable performance in lookup and update.
Aging and sympathetic transduction to blood pressure in humans: methodological and physiological considerations
Authors: Bigalke Jeremy A. , Young Benjamin E. , Cleveland Emily L. , Fadel Paul J. , Carter Jason R.
Published: November 2023

The current study demonstrated that aging is associated with a greater prevalence of sympathetic bursts occurring above the average blood pressure, which offers both methodologically and physiologically relevant information regarding aging and sympathetic control of blood pressure. These data support age-related reductions in sympathetic transduction via a reduced pressor response to sympathetic bursts irrespective of the prevailing absolute blood pressure value, along with increases in sympathetic outflow necessary to maintain blood pressure.
Effects of regular exercise on vascular function with aging: Does sex matter?
Authors: Moreau Kerrie L. , Clayton Zachary S. , DuBose Lyndsey E. , Rosenberry Ryan , Seals Douglas R.
Published: November 2023

Vascular aging, featuring endothelial dysfunction and large elastic artery stiffening, is a major risk factor for the development of age-associated cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Vascular aging is largely mediated by an excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased inflammation leading to reduced bioavailability of the vasodilatory molecule nitric oxide and remodeling of the arterial wall. Other cellular mechanisms (i.e., mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired stress response, deregulated nutrient sensing, cellular senescence), termed “hallmarks” or “pillars” of aging, may also contribute to vascular aging. Gonadal aging, which largely impacts women but also impacts some men, modulates the vascular aging process. Regular physical activity, including both aerobic and resistance exercise, is a first-line strategy for reducing CVD risk with aging. Although exercise is an effective intervention to counter vascular aging, there is considerable variation in the vascular response to exercise training with aging. Aerobic exercise improves large elastic artery stiffening in both middle-aged/older men and women and enhances endothelial function in middle-aged/older men by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and preserving nitric oxide bioavailability; however, similar aerobic exercise training improvements are not consistently observed in estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women. Sex differences in adaptations to exercise may be related to gonadal aging and declines in estrogen in women that influence cellular-molecular mechanisms, disconnecting favorable signaling in the vasculature induced by exercise training. The present review will summarize the current state of knowledge on vascular adaptations to regular aerobic and resistance exercise with aging, the underlying mechanisms involved, and the moderating role of biological sex.
Evaluating transient phenomena by wavelet analysis: early recovery to exercise
Authors: Kralj Lana , Potočnik Nejka , Lenasi Helena
Published: November 2023

We address the applicability of wavelet analysis (WA) in evaluating transient phenomena on a model of early recovery to exercise, which is the only exercise-associated phase characterized by a distinct transient shape and as such cannot be assessed using conventional tools. Our WA-based algorithm provided a reliable spectral decomposition of laser-Doppler (LD) signals in early recovery, enabling us to speculate roughly on the mechanisms involved in the regulation of skin microcirculation in this phase.
Simulation Method for Rubber Compounding under Isothermal Partial Filling Conditions
Authors: Wang Guolin , Wang Jingshixiong , Zhou Haichao , Liang Chen
Published: November 2023

Rubber mixing is an important link in the production of rubber products. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is often used to explore the effect of rubber mixing parameters on rubber mixing effect. Previous CFD-based rubber mixing simulation studies did not consider the impact of using 2D or 3D numerical calculation models on the numerical simulation results. In order to investigate the differences between 2D and 3D numerical computational models in rubber compounding CFD simulation problems, in this paper, we compare and analyze the results obtained from 2D and 3D computational models under different rotational speed conditions to investigate the differences between the models in the numerical simulation of rubber compounding. Three different experimental speeds of the rubber mixer—39, 44, and 49 r/min—were set during the study using 2D and 3D asynchronous rotor models with a speed ratio of 1.15, respectively. The rubber was processed using the Bird–Carreau model. The phase interface between rubber and air was calculated using the volume of fluid (VOF) method. The numerical simulation results of different models show that the rotational speed set to 49 r/min shows the best dispersion distribution effect; the mixing effect and speed change rule obtained by the 2D model are consistent with the results obtained by the 3D model. The performance of the results of the two models is consistent when exploring the numerical simulation of rubber compounding.
ML‐DSTnet: A Novel Hybrid Model for Breast Cancer Diagnosis Improvement Based on Image Processing Using Machine Learning and Dempster–Shafer Theory
Authors: Eftekharian Mohsen , Nodehi Ali , Enayatifar Rasul
Published: November 2023

Medical intelligence detection systems have changed with the help of artificial intelligence and have also faced challenges. Breast cancer diagnosis and classification are part of this medical intelligence system. Early detection can lead to an increase in treatment options. On the other hand, uncertainty is a case that has always been with the decision‐maker. The system’s parameters cannot be accurately estimated, and the wrong decision is made. To solve this problem, we have proposed a method in this article that reduces the ignorance of the problem with the help of Dempster–Shafer theory so that we can make a better decision. This research on the MIAS dataset, based on image processing machine learning and Dempster–Shafer mathematical theory, tries to improve the diagnosis and classification of benign, malignant masses. We first determine the results of the diagnosis of mass type with MLP by using the texture feature and CNN. We combine the results of the two classifications with Dempster–Shafer theory and improve its accuracy. The obtained results show that the proposed approach has better performance than others based on evaluation criteria such as accuracy of 99.10%, sensitivity of 98.4%, and specificity of 100%.
Condition Assessment of Highway Bridges Using Textual Data and Natural Language Processing- (NLP-) Based Machine Learning Models
Authors: Feng De-Cheng , Wang Wen-Jie , Mangalathu Sujith , Sun Zhen
Published: November 2023

Condition rating of bridges is specified in many countries since it provides a basis for the decision-making of maintenance actions such as repair, strengthening, or limitation of passing vehicle weight. In practice, professional engineers check the textual description of damages to bridge members, such as girders, bearings, expansion joints, and piers that are acquired from periodic inspections, and then make a rating of the bridge condition. The task is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the large amount of detailed data buried in the inspection reports. In this paper, a natural language processing- (NLP-) based machine learning (ML) approach is proposed for automated and fast bridge condition rating, which can efficiently extract the information of deficiencies in bridge members. The proposed approach involves three major steps, say, data repository establishment, NLP-based textual data processing, and ML-based bridge condition rating prediction. The data repository is established with the inspection reports of 263 concrete bridges, and in total there, are four condition levels for the bridges. Then, the NLP-based textual data processing approach is implemented to calculate the word frequency and the word clouds to visualize the characteristics of bridges in different condition levels. Finally, four typical ML techniques are adopted to generate the predictive model of the bridge condition rating. The results indicate that the NLP-based ML prediction model has an accuracy of 89% and is very efficient so that it can be used for large-scale applications such as condition rating for regional-level bridges.
Pre- and Postnatal Exposures to Tobacco Smoking and Survival of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic and Myeloid Leukemias in California, United States
Authors: Metayer Catherine , Morimoto Libby M. , Kang Alice Y. , Sanchez Alvarez Jacklyn , Winestone Lena E.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Tobacco smoke adversely affects the prognosis of adult cancers including myeloid leukemia, but less is known in children.

Methods:

We evaluated whether pre- and postnatal exposures to tobacco smoke decrease 5-year survival of 1,235 childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 188 childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases derived from a population-based case–control study in California. Cases were diagnosed between 1995 and 2015 (median follow-up time of 13.2 years overall). We obtained data on tobacco smoking (before conception, during pregnancy, after birth), parental education and income, clinical features, and vital status through 2020. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for mortality associated with smoking, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and risk group (ALL only).

Results:

About 23% of mothers and 39% of fathers reported smoking and 130 children with ALL and 52 with AML died within 5 years. For AML, increased risks of death were observed among children whose fathers smoked before conception compared with nonsmoking fathers [HR = 1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.95–3.44 and 3.47; 95% CI, 1.37–8.81, respectively for <20 vs. ≥20 cigarettes per day; Ptrend = 0.01]. HR for child's passive smoking was 1.74, 95% CI, 0.81–3.73. Paternal preconception smoking may also reduce 5-year survival among ALL with favorable prognostic molecular subtypes (high hyperdiploidy and absence of IKZF1 gene deletion), although the associations did not reach statistical significance (Pheterogeneity = 0.07).

Conclusions:

Paternal preconception smoking decreased 5-year survival of childhood AML.

Impact:

Knowledge of exposure to tobacco smoking should be integrated in the treatment plan of childhood leukemias.
Antibody Drug Clearance: An Underexplored Marker of Outcomes with Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Guo Yizhen , Remaily Bryan C. , Thomas Justin , Kim Kyeongmin , Kulp Samuel K. , Mace Thomas A. , Ganesan Latha P. , Owen Dwight H. , Coss Christopher C. , Phelps Mitch A.
Published: November 2023

Immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has dramatically changed the clinical landscape for several cancers, and ICI use continues to expand across many cancer types. Low baseline clearance (CL) and/or a large reduction of CL during treatment correlates with better clinical response and longer survival. Similar phenomena have also been reported with other monoclonal antibodies (mAb) in cancer and other diseases, highlighting a characteristic of mAb clinical pharmacology that is potentially shared among various mAbs and diseases. Though tempting to attribute poor outcomes to low drug exposure and arguably low target engagement due to high CL, such speculation is not supported by the relatively flat exposure–response relationship of most ICIs, where a higher dose or exposure is not likely to provide additional benefit. Instead, an elevated and/or increasing CL could be a surrogate marker of the inherent resistant phenotype that cannot be reversed by maximizing drug exposure. The mechanisms connecting ICI clearance, therapeutic efficacy, and resistance are unclear and likely to be multifactorial. Therefore, to explore the potential of ICI CL as an early marker for efficacy, this review highlights the similarities and differences of CL characteristics and CL-response relationships for all FDA-approved ICIs, and we compare and contrast these to selected non-ICI mAbs. We also discuss underlying mechanisms that potentially link mAb CL with efficacy and highlight existing knowledge gaps and future directions where more clinical and preclinical investigations are warranted to clearly understand the value of baseline and/or time-varying CL in predicting response to ICI-based therapeutics.
Phase Ia/b Study of Giredestrant ± Palbociclib and ± Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Agonists in Estrogen Receptor–Positive, HER2-Negative, Locally Advanced/Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Jhaveri Komal L. , Bellet Meritxell , Turner Nicholas C. , Loi Sherene , Bardia Aditya , Boni Valentina , Sohn Joohyuk , Neilan Tomas G. , Villanueva-Vázquez Rafael , Kabos Peter , García-Estévez Laura , López-Miranda Elena , Pérez-Fidalgo J. Alejandro , Pérez-García Jose M. , Yu Jiajie , Fredrickson Jill , Moore Heather M. , Chang Ching-Wei , Bond John W. , Eng-Wong Jennifer , Gates Mary R. , Lim Elgene
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

Giredestrant is an investigational next-generation, oral, selective estrogen receptor antagonist and degrader for the treatment of estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancer. We present the primary analysis results of the phase Ia/b GO39932 study (NCT03332797).

Patients and Methods:

Patients with ER+, HER2-negative locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer previously treated with endocrine therapy received single-agent giredestrant (10, 30, 90, or 250 mg), or giredestrant (100 mg) ± palbociclib 125 mg ± luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist. Detailed cardiovascular assessment was conducted with giredestrant 100 mg. Endpoints included safety (primary), pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy.

Results:

As of January 28, 2021, with 175 patients enrolled, no dose-limiting toxicity was observed, and the MTD was not reached. Adverse events (AE) related to giredestrant occurred in 64.9% and 59.4% of patients in the single-agent ± LHRH agonist and giredestrant + palbociclib ± LHRH agonist cohorts, respectively (giredestrant-only–related grade 3/4 AEs were reported in 4.5% of patients across the single-agent cohorts and 3.1% of those with giredestrant + palbociclib). Dose-dependent asymptomatic bradycardia was observed, but no clinically significant changes in cardiac-related outcomes: heart rate, blood pressure, or exercise duration. Clinical benefit was observed in all cohorts (48.6% of patients in the single-agent cohort and 81.3% in the giredestrant + palbociclib ± LHRH agonist cohort), with no clear dose relationship, including in patients with ESR1-mutated tumors.

Conclusions:

Giredestrant was well tolerated and clinically active in patients who progressed on prior endocrine therapy. Results warrant further evaluation of giredestrant in randomized trials in early- and late-stage ER+ breast cancer.
Supplementary Figure 2 from Concordance and Clinical Significance of Genomic Alterations in Progressive Tumor Tissue and Matched Circulating Tumor DNA in Aggressive-variant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wang Ruiliang , Xu Qiufan , Guo Hanxu , Yang Guanjie , Zhang Jun , Wang Hong , Xu Tianyuan , Guo Changcheng , Yuan Jing , He Yanyan , Zhang Xiaoying , Fu Hongliang , Xu Guang , Zhao Binghui , Xie Jun , Zhao Tingting , Huang Longfei , Zhang Jiansheng , Peng Bo , Yao Xudong , Yang Bin
Published: November 2023

An additional calculation by using the selected patients (patients who have alteration detections in both tumor tissue and ctDNA in terms of the same alteration type) was developed for concordance.
Shikonin Exerts an Antileukemia Effect against FLT3-ITD Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells via Targeting FLT3 and Its Downstream Pathways
Authors: Zhao Mu-Nan , Su Long , Song Fei , Wei Zhi-Feng , Qin Tian-Xue , Zhang Yun-Wei , Li Wei , Gao Su-Jun
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations in Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) has an unfavorable prognosis. Recently, using newly emerging inhibitors of FLT3 has led to improved outcomes of patients with FLT3-ITD mutations. However, drug resistance and relapse continue to be significant challenges in the treatment of patients with FLT3-ITD mutations. This study aimed to evaluate the antileukemic effects of shikonin (SHK) and its mechanisms of action against AML cells with FLT3-ITD mutations in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The CCK-8 assay was used to analyze cell viability, and flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and differentiation. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to examine the expression of certain proteins and genes. Leukemia mouse model was created to evaluate the antileukemia effect of SHK against FLT3-ITD mutated leukemia in vivo. Results: After screening a series of leukemia cell lines, those with FLT3-ITD mutations were found to be more sensitive to SHK in terms of proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction than those without FLT3-ITD mutation. SHK suppresses the expression and phosphorylation of FLT3 receptors and their downstream molecules. Inhibition of the NF-κB/miR-155 pathway is an important mechanism through which SHK kills FLT3-AML cells. Moreover, a low concentration of SHK promotes the differentiation of AML cells with FLT3-ITD mutations. Finally, SHK could significantly inhibit the growth of MV4-11 cells in leukemia bearing mice. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that SHK may be a promising drug for the treatment of FLT3-ITD mutated AML.
Egypt as a Gateway for the Passage of Pathogens into the Ancient Mediterranean
Authors: Huebner Sabine R. , McDonald Brandon T.
Published: November 2023

Ancient Egypt plays a crucial role in the history of infectious disease. An intersection for communication and commerce, Egypt linked disparate civilizations and ecologies, allowing the spread of local epidemics and Mediterranean-wide pandemics. The region south of Egypt developed a pestilential reputation, due in part to Thucydides’ account of the Plague of Athens, which traced the disease’s origins to that area. Later records are modeled on Thucydides’ account, muddling the true origins and scope of later outbreaks. Critical reading of ancient literature and documents—particularly papyri—supplemented with archeological and palaeoscientific evidence, significantly improves our understanding of how Egypt facilitated the circulation of pathogens between the western Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean.
A Gender Analysis of the Population Exchange Between Greece and Turkey
Authors: Göktürk Baltas Gülen
Published: November 2023

One hundred years after people were forcibly driven from their ancestral lands, this article traces the gender aspect of the Turkish-Greek population exchange from an ethnographic perspective. This aspect certainly differs with respect to the refugees’ place of origin, place of residence, social class, and the cultural capital they brought from their previous lives. The experiences were diverse, in some cases similar, and cut across religious boundaries. Based on memoirs, literary works, and oral history, this article draws a comparative picture of refugee lives before and after their displacement.
Diversity of Myxomycetes from Peru Part III: The high Andes and the altiplano
Authors: TREVIÑO-ZEVALLOS ITALO , GARCÍA-CUNCHILLOS IVÁN , DE BASANTA DIANA WRIGLEY , LADO CARLOS
Published: November 2023

The results obtained from a survey for Myxomycetes in the Peruvian Andes (between 3,000 and 5,000 m a.s.l.) are reported. This survey is based on 3,352 identifiable collections of myxomycetes, resulting from sampling carried out during six field expeditions of the Myxotropic Project, from moist chamber culture and the revision of deposited specimens in the HSP herbarium. In total, 178 taxa representing 31 genera were recorded. Ten species are considered new records for South America or the Neotropics, and 53 additional new records for Peru are reported. Notes and SEM micrographs of relevant species are included. The best-represented order was Physarales with 55% (99 species), followed by Trichiales (43 species), Stemonitidales (21 species), Cribrariales (14 species), and the least represented was Echinosteliales (1 species). The most diverse genera were Physarum and Didymium, with 43 and 24 spp., respectively. The most abundant species were Didymium nigrisporum, with 336 collections and Didymium difforme, with 156 collections. These data, together with those obtained at other elevations in the country and in the Southern Andes, confirm the high diversity of myxomycetes of Peru, show the biological value of the Andes Cordillera and highlight the vital role that it plays in the distribution of these microorganisms. The study confirms the striking differences between the species assemblages in different vegetation belts of the tropical Andes, with only 18% of the species recovered in all three studied areas in Peru.
Temporal Assessment of GCM-Driven Hydroclimatic Conditions for the Alberta Oil Sands Region, Canada
Authors: Thiombiano Alida , Pietroniro Alain , Stadnyk Tricia , Eum Hyung , Farjad Babak , Gupta Anil , Bonsal Barrie
Published: November 2023

Freshwater supplies in most western Canadian watersheds are threatened by the warming of temperatures because it alters the snow-dominated hydrologic patterns that characterize these cold regions. In this study, we used datasets from 12 climate simulations, which are associated with seven global climate models and four future scenarios and are participating in phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, to calculate and assess the historical and future temporal patterns of 13 hydroclimate indicators relevant to water resources management. We conducted linear long-term trend and change analyses on their annual time series to provide insight into the potential regional impacts of the detected changes on water availability for all users. We implemented our framework on the Alberta oil sands region in Canada to support the monitoring of environmental changes in this region, relative to the established baseline 1985–2014. Our analysis indicates a persistent increase in the occurrence of extreme hot temperatures, fewer extreme cold temperatures, and an increase in warm spells and heatwaves, while precipitation-related indices show minor changes. Consequently, deficits in regional water availability during summer and water-year periods, as depicted by the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration indices, are expected. The combined effects of the strong climate warming signals and the small increases in precipitation annual amounts generally detected in this study suggest that drier conditions may become severe and frequent in the Alberta oil sands region. The challenging climate change risks identified for this region should therefore be continuously monitored, updated, and integrated to support a sustainable management for all water users.
ENSO and MJO Modulation of U.S. Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Activity
Authors: Malloy Kelsey , Tippett Michael K. , Koshak William J.
Published: November 2023

Cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning substantially impacts human health and property. However, the relations between U.S. lightning activity and the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), two predictable drivers of global climate variability, remain uncertain, in part because most lightning datasets have short records that cannot robustly reveal MJO- and ENSO-related patterns. To overcome this limitation, we developed an empirical model of 6-hourly lightning flash count over the contiguous United States (CONUS) using environmental variables (convective available potential energy and precipitation) and National Lightning Detection Network data for 2003–16. This model is shown to reproduce the observed daily and seasonal variability of lightning over most of CONUS. Then, the empirical model was applied to construct a proxy lightning dataset for the period 1979–2021, which was used to investigate the summer MJO–lightning relationship at daily resolution and the winter–spring ENSO–lightning relationship at seasonal resolution. Overall, no robust relationship between MJO phase and lightning patterns was found when seasonality was taken into consideration. El Niño is associated with increased lightning activity over the coastal Southeast United States during early winter, the Southwest during winter through spring, and the Northwest during late spring, whereas La Niña is associated with increased lightning activity over the Tennessee River valley during winter.

Significance Statement

Cloud-to-ground lightning is dangerous for humans via direct strikes or through triggering wildfires, generating air pollution, etc. How lightning activity can be affected by climate remains unclear, and it is challenging to study their links because the data record for lightning is short. With the available lightning record, we developed a model that relates lightning flash counts over the United States to environmental factors. This model well represents observed fluctuations in daily and seasonal lightning over most of the United States. Because the model only needs environmental information to predict lightning flash counts, we were able to construct a longer record of predicted lightning based on the longer data record of environmental variables. With this dataset, we investigated the links between lightning and climate and found that the state of sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific (El Niño–Southern Oscillation) is linked to changes in U.S. lightning patterns in winter and spring.
The HbA1c/C-Peptide Ratio is Associated With the No-Reflow Phenomenon in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Toprak Kenan , Kaplangoray Mustafa , Memioğlu Tolga , İnanır Mehmet , Omar Bahadır , Ermiş Mehmet Fatih , Toprak İbrahim Halil , Acar Osman , Taşcanov Mustafa Begenç , Altıparmak İbrahim Halil , Biçer Asuman , Demirbağ Recep
Published: November 2023

Currently, the gold standard treatment for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI), but even after successful pPCI, a perfusion disorder in the epicardial coronary arteries, termed no-reflow phenomenon (NR), can develop, resulting in short- and long-term adverse events. The present study assessed the relationship between NR and HbA1c/C-peptide ratio (HCR) in 1834 consecutive patients who underwent pPCI due to STEMI. Participants were divided into two groups according to NR status and the demographic, clinical and periprocedural characteristics of the groups were compared. NR developed in 352 (19.1%) of the patients in the study. While C-peptide levels were significantly lower in the NR group, HbA1c and HCR were significantly higher ( P < .001, for all). In multivariable analysis, C-peptide, HbA1c, and HCR, were determined as independent predictors for NR ( P < .05, for all). In Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, HCR predicted the NR with 80% specificity and 77% sensitivity. In STEMI patients, combining HbA1c and C-peptide in a single fraction has a predictive value for NR independent of diabetes. This ratio may contribute to risk stratification of STEMI patients.
Influence of pneumatic tube delivery system on laboratory results
Authors: Makhlouf Rihab , Fendri Sana , Jallouli Dana , Labiadh Zeinab , Fritis Lotfi , Chaabouni Khansa , Elleuch Aida , Ayadi Fatma Makni
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The pneumatic tube system (PTS) is an automated and fast modality of transportation of biological samples, but it has been reported to induce preanalytical errors.

Aim

To study the influence of transportation by PTS on biochemistry tests which are particularly sensitive to haemolysis and atmospheric pressure variation.

Materials and methods

We compared laboratory results of arterial blood gas, sodium, potassium, chloride, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, glucose and haemolysis index of samples conveyed simultaneously by PTS and by courier.

Results

We recruited 30 patients from the sampling room and 40 patients from the intensive care unit. Transport through PTS resulted in a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase and potassium without exceeding the limits of acceptability. Potassium was significantly more increased for samples transported in a higher speed line ( p = .048) but without exceeding the limits of acceptability. No significant impact was noted on haemolysis indices. The pO2 variations due to PTS transportation exceeded the limit of acceptability with significant intra-individual variations.

Conclusion

Our PTS is validated for biochemistry tests results. It reduces turnaround times without affecting sample quality. However, the interpretation of arterial blood gas results should be careful for samples transported by PTS.
An International Validation of the “DECAF Score” to Predict Disease Severity and Hospital Mortality in Acute Exacerbation of COPD in the UAE
Authors: Almarshoodi Khadeijah , Echevarria Carlos , Kassem Abeer , Mahboub Bassam , Salameh Laila , Ward Chris
Published: November 2023

The DECAF score (the Dyspnea, Eosinopenia, Consolidation, Academia, and Atrial fibrillation score) has been adopted in some hospitals to predict the severity of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD). However, DECAF score has not been widely evaluated or used in Middle Eastern countries. The present study aimed to validate the DECAF score for predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with AECOPD in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This was a retrospective, observational study conducted in 19 hospitals in the UAE. Data were retrieved from the electronic records of patients admitted for AECOPD in 17 hospitals across the country. Patients aged more than 35 years who were diagnosed with AECOPD were included in the study. The validation of the DECAF Score for inpatient death, 30-days death, and 90-day readmission was conducted using the Area Under the Receiver Operator curve (AUROC). The AUROCDECAF curves for inpatient death, 30-days death, and 90-day readmission were 0.8 (95% CI: 0.8-0.9), 0.8 (95% CI: 0.7-0.8), and 0.8 (95% CI: 0.8-0.8), respectively. The model was a satisfactory fit to the data (Hosmer–Lemeshow statistic = 0.195, Nagelkerke R2 = 31.7%). There were significant differences in means of length of stay across patients with different DECAF score ( P = .008). Patients with a DECAF score of 6 had the highest mean length of stay, which was 29.8 ± 31.4 days. Patients with a DECAF score of 0 had the lowest mean length of stay, which was 3.6 ± 2.0 days. The DECAF score is a strong predictive tool for inpatient death, 30 days mortality and 90-day readmission in UAE hospital settings. The DECAF score is an effective tool for predicating mortality and other disease outcomes in patients with AECOPD in the UAE; hence, clinicians would be more empowered to make appropriate clinical decisions by using the DECAF score.
International Peacekeeping Encourages Foreign Direct Investment: Subnational Evidence From Liberia’s Extractive Sector
Authors: Hunnicutt Patrick
Published: November 2023

Attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to post-conflict countries is difficult. After conflict ends, governments struggle to perfectly enforce the institutions which otherwise shield investors from political instability. Reflecting this governance problem, this article presents a new explanation linking United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations to subnational allocations of FDI in post-conflict countries. I specifically argue that deployments of UN peacekeeping police credibly signal to foreign firms where future political instability is least likely to disrupt their operations. Data from Liberia’s extractive sector support my argument. Increasing the local deployment of UN police encourages foreign firms to establish new natural resource concessions, particularly in areas where the government’s capacity to uphold the rule of law is weak.
The Crumbs
Authors: Frush Benjamin W.
Published: November 2023

Contemporary medicine strains our ability as practitioners to attend adequately to the patients we serve in their moments of need. The account of Jesus’ interaction with the Canaanite woman depicted in the gospel of Matthew offers a vision of patience, humility, and kindness that we as time and resource-stretched practitioners might emulate when faced with such challenges.
Non-Qualified Staff’s Experience of Suicidal Behaviour in Adult Mental Health Inpatient Services
Authors: Shinton Rebecca , Ledwith Susan
Published: November 2023

Suicide and attempted suicide of people receiving care in Adult Mental Health Inpatient Services (AMHIS) leads to significant emotions amongst mental health professionals, characterised by guilt and shame. A sense of responsibility occurs due to hospital being seen as a safe place. However, little is known about what it is like for ‘non-qualified’ staff. This study explored experiences of suicide and attempted suicide on ‘non-qualified’ staff in AMHIS. Semi-structured interviews explored ten staff’s experiences. Participants were recruited online and transcripts were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Four themes were identified; ‘Direct personal impact’, ‘Unrealistic expectations’, ‘Attempting to contain the impact’ and ‘Acclimatisation’. Ten sub-themes outlined; responsibility for assessing risk, shame and protective strategies to aid acceptance. The results provide insight into the unique experience of non-qualified staff in AMHIS experiencing suicidal behaviour.