bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertical axis turbine simulations based on sliding and overset meshes
Authors: Amaha Asmelash Haftu , Gopalakrishnan Shivasubramanian , Ramachandran Prabhu , Guerrero Joel
Published: August 2024

Vertical Axis Turbines (VATs) are gaining traction as decentralized energy sources due to their simple design and suitability for various wind conditions. However, understanding VAT aerodynamics requires robust computational methods. This study compares the accuracy and efficiency of two meshing techniques (sliding mesh and overset mesh) for VAT simulations using OpenFOAM. Validation against experimental data confirms the capability of both methods to capture flow physics and predict turbine performance. The results suggest both techniques offer efficient and accurate VAT simulations, providing valuable tools for future VAT optimization and experimental validation.
A note on Jordan types and Jordan degree types
Authors: Altafi Nasrin
Published: August 2024

We discuss whether the Jordan degree type encodes more information about graded Artinian Gorenstein algebras than the Jordan type for linear forms. It’s known that in codimension two, the Jordan type determines the Jordan degree type. We provide examples showing that this is no longer the case in higher codimensions.
Deformations of local Artin rings via Hilbert-Burch matrices
Authors: Homs Roser , Winz Anna-Lena
Published: August 2024

In the local setting, Gröbner cells are affine spaces that parametrize ideals in

\mathbf {k} \lBrack x,y\rBrack that share the same leading term ideal with respect to a local term ordering. In particular, all ideals in a cell have the same Hilbert function, so they provide a cellular decomposition of the punctual Hilbert scheme compatible with its Hilbert function stratification. We exploit the parametrization of Gröbner cells via Hilbert-Burch matrices to compute the Betti strata, with hands-on examples of deformations that preserve the Hilbert function, and revisit some classical results along the way. Moreover, we move towards an explicit parametrization of all local Gröbner cells.
Law and Order
Authors: Vale Gina
Published: August 2024

The imposed system of law and order in the Islamic State (IS) ‘caliphate’ relied upon the dominance and masculine performativity of its militants as rational, civilizing enforcers of societal morality and ‘justice’. With the group’s bureaucrats and law enforcement officers at the top of its societal hierarchy, IS cascaded responsibility and accountability of adherence to its regulations through its proto-state structure. From its senior leaders, to its active (male and female) members, and then to conforming and captive civilians, the group ensured that its ideals were internalized to produce and regulate a society ordered according to a gendered and ethnicized hierarchy. This chapter finds that rulings on social interactions, rights, and freedoms under IS are interwoven with conformity to gender ideals. Identity markers were co-constitutive of an individual’s position within the group’s hierarchy, eligibility for recognized ‘citizenship’, and entitlement to judicial leniency.
Surgical excision of umbilical endometriosis in Australia
Authors: Redler Toby Adrian , Williams Brielle , Lu Cu Tai
Published: August 2024

Endometriosis is characterised by endometrial tissue outside the confines of the endometrium in the uterus. Whilst commonly occurring in regions such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes, it is exceedingly uncommon for endometriosis to appear in the umbilical region. This condition may produce a painful and aesthetically unfavourable presentation for sufferers, and can be amendable to surgical excision of the lesion. This case outlines a very rare case of umbilical endometriosis that was managed by an Australian general surgical team.
House-roof Neoumbilicoplasty: Six-step Procedure for a Natural Navel
Authors: Cala Uribe Laura C. , Zannin Ferrero Andreina , Gómez Parra Natalia , Pérez Pachón Mauricio E. , Arbeláez Eslait Sergio A. , Lopez Torres Francisco
Published: August 2024

Background:

The umbilicus significantly contributes to abdominal aesthetics, with its reconstruction often necessary after certain procedures like umbilical herniorrhaphy, laparotomies, and abdominoplasty. Neoumbilicoplasty techniques have evolved, addressing various issues through approaches like skin and cartilage grafts, and local flaps. We are reporting our technique for neoumbilicoplasty.

Methods:

This study describes a novel neoumbilicoplasty technique implemented in 90 patients (88 women, two men) who underwent lipoabdominoplasty between February 2021 and June 2023. Exclusion criteria included procedures unrelated to neoumbilicoplasty. Surgical steps involved precise marking, dissection, and suturing to create a natural umbilical hood. Patient satisfaction was measured using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale.

Results:

The mean age was 37.7 years, with pre- and postoperative anatomics of 24.9 kg per m² and 24.2 kg per m², respectively. The average surgery duration was 84 minutes. No major complications occurred, but minor complications included dehiscence (6%), granuloma (5%), superficial infection (2%), bruising (1%), seroma (1%), and flattening (8%). Most complications were resolved with minor interventions. Patient satisfaction was high, with 96% of patients and the surgeon expressing significant satisfaction.

Conclusions:

House-roof neoumbilicoplasty is an innovative technique designed to effectively restore abdominal aesthetics through straightforward steps and timing, combined with high-definition lipoabdominoplasty.
Effects of Rosa damascena on Labor Pain and Anxiety in Primiparous Women
Authors: Li Ying , Zhu Ying , Hu Qitao , Wang Jie , Li Qian
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Damask rose aromatherapy on pain and anxiety in primiparas during the incubation and latent periods of the first stage of labor. The study randomly divided participants into aroma, placebo, and control groups. The control group received daily care, while the aroma group received at least 30 minutes of aromatherapy. The placebo group received the same aromatherapy device as the aroma group but inhaled saline. Pain, anxiety, and uterine contractions were measured at enrollment and at 30, 60, and 120 minutes. Data from 76 participants were analyzed, and the results showed that the aroma group had lower anxiety and pain scores than the placebo and control groups at 60 and 120 minutes. Additionally, the effect gradually appeared and was maintained even with increased contractions. Damask rose aromatherapy can be used as a safe and effective adjuvant therapy for reducing the anxiety and pain of women in the latent period of labor.
Steroids and Cross-Linking for Ulcer Treatment Trial II: Baseline Characteristics
Authors: Prajna Venkatesh N. , Radhakrishnan Naveen , Lalitha Prajna S. , Rajaraman Revathi , Christy Josephine , Venugopal Anitha , Abdelrahman Sarah , Srinivasan Amrita , Varnado Nicole , Arnold Ben , Amescua Guillermo , Lietman Thomas M. , Rose-Nussbaumer Jennifer R.
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

The Steroids and Cross-linking for Ulcer Treatment Trial is an NIH-funded international, randomized, double-masked, sham and placebo-controlled clinical trial to determine the benefit of adjunctive corneal cross-linking with riboflavin and/or topical difluprednate in addition to topical antibiotic drops for treatment of smear-positive bacterial ulcers. The purpose of this study was to explore the baseline characteristics for infection of patients enrolled, and the ocular comorbidities of patients screened for inclusion.

Methods:

Of the 2005 patients with smear-positive bacterial ulcers screened, 280 patients were enrolled. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and characterize the data.

Results:

Eligible patients in India had baseline factors associated with agricultural work (N = 132; 47%) and manual labor (N = 54; 19%), whereas patients in the United States were associated with contact lens wear (N = 11; 69%) (P <0.001). Nearly, 10% of patients with unilateral infectious keratitis are at risk of bilateral blindness because of preexisting visual disability in their other eye and thus ineligible for inclusion. India had higher rates of exclusionary factors for blindness in the other eye such as cataract (N = 48; 27%) and glaucoma (N = 24; 13) compared with the United States (N = 0; 0%) (P <0.001).

Conclusions:

While corneal ulceration is an important cause of disability in technologically advanced countries, it occurs more frequently in low and middle-income countries, and the implications on these populations should be considered. These baseline factors can be evaluated to address such health care disparities.
Time and Cost Savings of Virtual Established Plastic Surgery Care Using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing: Lessons from An Academic Clinic
Authors: Tang Sherry Y.Q. , Ganesh Kumar Nishant , Mirza Humza , Breuler Christopher J. , Squitieri Lee , Chung Kevin C. , Momoh Adeyiza O.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Various surgical subspecialties, including plastic surgery, have begun to embrace virtual clinic visits, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the impact of video visits on time optimization and cost incurred in outpatient plastic surgery clinics has not been studied.

Methods:

Using the time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) method, we examined the time and cost of in-person and virtual visits at an academic plastic surgery clinic. We formulated process maps for four visit types: physician-led in-person, physician assistant-led in-person, physician-led virtual, and physician assistant-led virtual. The time associated with each visit type was generated by direct observation. The cost associated with each visit type was calculated from representative salary information and estimation of resource costs.

Results:

Virtual visits took on average less time (25.3 minutes for physician-led visits and 24.4 minutes for physician assistant-led visits), compared to in-person visits (48.2 minutes for physician-led and 41.1 minutes for physician-assistant-led visits) (p<0.001). Virtual visits were also cheaper, at $52.80 for physician-led visits and $20.70 for physician assistant-led visits, compared to in-person visits ($261.13 for physician-led and $236.00 for physician assistant-led visits). Non-provider activities made up the majority of traditional in-person visits (75.7% of the visit for physician-led and 77.6% for physician assistant-led visits), which contributed to higher overall cost of in-person visits for both groups of providers.

Conclusions:

Virtual clinic visits can produce time and cost savings without reducing the amount of face-to-face time between providers and patients. Virtual visits can be a useful adjunct to traditional in-person visits.
Cheating and plagiarism in higher education: a systematic literature review from a global perspective, 2016–2024
Authors: Sozon Md , Pok Wei Fong , Sia Bee Chuan , Alkharabsheh Omar Hamdan Mohammad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study examined the causes of cheating and plagiarism in higher education from a global perspective and developed strategies for reducing these behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis reporting guidelines to select 26 research articles published between 2016 and 2024.

Findings

Cheating and plagiarism are caused by laziness, time constraints, lack of confidence, difficult exams, excessive assignments, fear of poor grades, and motivation to achieve higher grades. However, students are often unaware of the effects these behaviours can have on their academic and professional careers. Therefore, in addition to regularly updating academic honour codes following national laws and regulations, higher education institutions need to introduce training programmes and workshops to raise students’ awareness of the negative consequences of cheating and plagiarism, enhance their writing skills, and promote positive attitudes.

Practical implications

The study findings may assist policymakers and stakeholders in higher education institutions in deciding whether to implement academic integrity education programmes and modify honour codes following government laws and regulations. Additionally, this study contributes to the existing literature on cheating and plagiarism and will help higher education institutions address the root causes of these behaviours.

Originality/value

This study contributes valuable insights to the literature on cheating and plagiarism.
Sustainable cultural heritage management: a case study in Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Ugong Nur Auni
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide the challenges and sustainability of Sarawak's cultural heritage and archaeotourism.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method practiced is a qualitative descriptive approach using primary, secondary and field research sources.

Findings

The study found that the challenges faced by cultural heritage in Sarawak are the need for human resource expertise, research funding, documentation and reporting, aesthetic value and loss of sites, standard research procedures, bureaucratic processes, vandalism, natural threats, collection management and urbanization and modernization. Therefore, the proposed resolution to address the stated challenges is uniformity and professionalism, archaeotourism and public engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size for this study may be limited due to the nature of the case study. The findings may not reflect the perspectives of all stakeholders involved in cultural heritage management in Sarawak. Future studies could use larger sample sizes to capture a more diverse range of perspectives.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this study provide valuable insights for stakeholders involved in cultural heritage management, including government agencies, NGOs and local communities. By incorporating the findings into their practices, stakeholders can promote sustainable cultural heritage management and contribute to sustainable development.

Social implications

The social implications of this study highlight the potential for cultural heritage management to contribute to social and economic development, community empowerment and the preservation of cultural identity and diversity. By incorporating the findings into their practices, stakeholders can promote inclusive and sustainable cultural heritage management practices that benefit local communities and contribute to the broader social and cultural fabric of society.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this study lie in its detailed and nuanced case study approach, interdisciplinary perspective, emphasis on sustainability and community involvement and practical recommendations for improving cultural heritage management practices.
The iSTEM Rope Model: defining integrated early childhood STEM education and its pedagogical linages to the Reggio Emilia-Inspired Approach
Authors: Hachey Alyse C. , Mehta Pratimaben J.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper discusses the implementation of integrated science, technology, engineering and mathematics (EC-iSTEM) education with children in birth-to-age 5 classrooms. It offers a conceptualization for EC-iSTEM, as well as a developmental trajectory in the form of the iSTEM Rope Model. It further highlights the intersection of EC-iSTEM education and the Reggio Emelia-Inspired Approach (RE-IA) as a lens for both viewing EC-iSTEM implementation with young children and as an area of needed research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a qualitative interpretive methodology, drawing from a wide array of theoretical and research literature on early childhood education and integrated STEM education.

Findings

Despite growing research and policy reports that advocate for the inclusion of integrated STEM education in early childhood classrooms, today there is currently imprecision in understanding what exactly “integrated STEM” means when applied to the instruction of very young children. This suggests a need for the creation of a unifying conceptual framework, as well as finding alignment with currently known pedagogical approaches to ground the work of birth-to-age 5 teachers and researchers.

Research limitations/implications

This paper proposes a new conceptualization of integrated STEM education for use in birth to age 5 classrooms, as well as a systhsis of the current literature to assess the pedagogical linkages between EC-iSTEM and RE-IA. As the proposed conceptualization offered in this paper is new and research in this area is nascent, further empirical investigation is warrented.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new conceptualization of integrated STEM education for use in the early childhood education field. It further synthesizes the current literature to assess the pedagogical linkages between EC-iSTEM and RE-IA, suggesting practice implications for supporting the knowledge and skill development of young children from birth to age 5.
Disturbance and ecosystem management interact to shape reptile body condition
Authors: Macdonald K. J. , Doherty T. S. , Hradsky B. A. , Driscoll D. A.
Published: August 2024

Fire, invasive predators and low rainfall are key disturbances that interact to negatively impact wildlife. Reptiles are a highly threatened group, yet they have rarely been the focus of threat interaction research. Research assessing the impacts of disturbance on wildlife have typically focussed on changes in species richness and abundance. However, these metrics largely overlook the non‐lethal effects on individuals and populations persisting within disturbed landscapes. Body condition is an individual‐level response metric that is easily obtainable and provides insight into the cumulative behavioural and morphological changes within a population. We used a landscape‐scale natural experiment in southern Australia to investigate the impacts of prescribed fire severity, invasive red fox (Vulpes vulpes) control, low rainfall conditions and their interactive effects on reptile body condition. Low rainfall had pervasive negative effects on body condition, while prescribed fire had negative effects on the larger, viviparous species. We found a three‐way interactive effect, whereby the negative effects of fire and low rainfall were greater in areas where red foxes were controlled. These results indicate that there are complex ecological interactions at play, potentially including intra‐specific competition and interspecific interactions. Lower body condition in disturbed environments could have lasting implications for individual fitness and population persistence. For instance, species with lower body condition one‐year post‐fire could be more vulnerable to another fire event, compared to species that are able to maintain condition in post‐fire landscapes. With reptile body condition lower in a drier year, we advise minimising additional disturbance (e.g. avoid prescribed fires) during low rainfall years and drought periods. Along with research into ecological interactions, understanding how body condition indices relate to altered fitness is a priority knowledge gap. Such research could improve the ability to predict how species and populations will respond to future disturbances, a key challenge in wildlife disturbance research.
Reviving of Coenonympha oedippus: A comprehensive approach to the reintroduction of an endangered European butterfly
Authors: Čelik Tatjana , Kralj‐Fišer Simona , Šilc Urban , Küzmič Filip , Vreš Branko
Published: August 2024

In this study, we focus on Coenonympha oedippus, an endangered butterfly species protected under Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive. Predominantly inhabiting semi‐open wet grasslands across Europe, this species also occupies abandoned sub‐Mediterranean dry grasslands. Ecological distinctiveness in its habitat use is reflected in differences in larval host plants, wing morphology and genetic composition, resulting in two ecotypes: wet and dry.

Notably, by 2018, only one population of the wet ecotype survived in Slovenia, necessitating reintroduction as a critical strategy to avert its national extinction. Building on our conservation objectives, we implemented a 5‐year project (2018–2022) to develop protocols for source individual and substrate collection, ex situ breeding in semi‐natural conditions, thorough release and post‐release monitoring.

Our efforts included breeding from 18 females, yielding 754 eggs in a breeding house. From these, we successfully reared and released 460 individuals, comprising 419 pupae and 41 butterflies. The project culminated with promising outcomes: the reintroduced population exhibited an 87% growth rate, while the source population, following its last reinforcement, showed a 79% increase.

The project success can be attributed to a comprehensive understanding of species' ecological requirements and the establishment of a long‐term management plan. Key to our approach was adaptive management, which allowed for flexibility and refinement of protocols during implementation. Meticulous documentation and evaluation of all project activities were instrumental, culminating in the production of standardised annual reports. Additionally, the project was bolstered by strong collaboration among scientists, site managers, government agencies and national media.
Zirconia specimens printed by vat photopolymerization: Mechanical properties, fatigue properties, and fractography analysis
Authors: Zhai Zidi , Qian Chao , Jiao Ting , Xu Chun , Sun Jian
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The mechanical and fatigue properties of zirconia specimens printed by vat photopolymerization (VPP) were evaluated and compared with those of zirconia specimens milled by computer numerical control (CNC).

Materials and Methods

Bar‐shaped specimens were printed by stereolithography (SL) and digital light processing (DLP). CNC‐milled specimens were used as control samples. The fracture toughness, hardness, and flexural strength properties of the zirconia specimens were evaluated via single edge V‐notch beam tests, Vickers hardness tests, and 3‐point bending tests. Dynamic fatigue tests were carried out in distilled water using a step‐stress test. After static bending and dynamic step‐stress testing, fractography analysis was performed. Statistical analysis was carried out to compare the fracture toughness, hardness, flexural strength, and fatigue cycle results of each group (α = 0.05).

Results

The fracture toughness values did not significantly differ among the groups (p > 0.05). The flexural strength was 894.10 MPa for SL, 831.46 MPa for DLP, and 1140.39 MPa for CNC. The flexural strength of CNC was greater than that of SL and DLP (p < 0.01). The mean fatigue cycles were 23498.07 for SL, 19858.60 for DLP, and 31566.80 for CNC. The mean fatigue failure strength was 643.13 MPa for SL, 530.63 MPa for DLP, and 903.75 MPa for CNC. The fatigue failure strength of CNC was greater than that of SL and DLP (p < 0.05). Fractography analysis revealed material defects at the fracture origin for each group. A partially fused structure of the incompletely debonded resin could be observed in SL, and a porous region of incompletely sintered zirconia grains could be observed in CNC.

Conclusions

The fracture toughness and hardness of zirconia printed by VPP are comparable to those of zirconia milled by CNC. However, zirconia milled by CNC has superior static flexural strength and dynamic fatigue resistance. Further studies are needed to explore the clinical applications of VPP‐printed zirconia.
Risk incident analyses in the transportation of anhydrous ammonia as an emerging clean energy resource
Authors: Shikder Md. Ferdousul Haque , Tang Yili , Almehdawe Eman , Araújo Jefferson Cruz
Published: August 2024

Anhydrous ammonia has seen a rapid increase in demand due to recent developments in clean energy technologies. As it is a potential carrier of hydrogen, the transportation industry is currently facing significant logistic challenges as well as safety risks. Based on the causes and effects, this study categorizes incident patterns based on the historical incidents from 1971 to 2021 in the United States during transportation. Analysis of temporal patterns revealed that government regulations and improvement of safety infrastructures have made the biggest impact on lowering incident rates. Spatial analysis methods are also applied to understand the relationships between these incidents and spatial factors, such as land area, number of ammonia production facilities, total average production capacity, and total length of freight railway and highway in each US state. The spatial and temporal patterns and interpretations provide safety references to manage the growing hazardous transport in clean energy.
Cultural values, risk characteristics, and risk perceptions of controversial issues: How does cultural theory work?
Authors: Chassang Ianis , Rohmer Odile , Chauvin Bruno
Published: August 2024

Cultural theory and the psychometric paradigm are two frameworks proposed to explain risk perceptions, mostly used independently of each other. On the one hand, psychometric research identified key characteristics of hazards responsible for their level of perceived riskiness. On the other hand, cultural studies provided evidence that different worldviews lead to divergent perceptions of risk in a way supportive of individuals’ cultural values. The purpose of this research was to combine both approaches into mediational models in which cultural values impact risk perceptions of controversial hazards through their influence on the characteristics associated with those hazards. Using data from an online survey completed by 629 French participants, findings indicated specific associations between cultural values and risk characteristics, both of them exhibiting effects on risk perceptions that depend largely on hazardous issues. More specifically, we found that people confer specific characteristics on hazards (common or dreadful, beneficial or costly, affecting few or many people), depending on whether they are hierarchists–individualists, egalitarians, or fatalists; in turn, such characteristics have an impact on the perceived riskiness of hazards such as cannabis, social movement, global warming, genetically modified organisms, nuclear power, public transportation, and coronavirus. Finally, this article discussed the interest of addressing the mechanisms that explain how cultural values shape individuals’ perceptions of risk.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Applied Economics and Finance, Vol. 11, No. 3
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: August 2024

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 3 Ali Darub Al-Hiyali, University of Anbar, IraqBabacar Seck, University of Bahrain, BahrainFahri ÖZSUNGUR, Adana Science and Technology University, TurkeyIgor Matyushenko, School of Foreign Economic Relations and Touristic Business, UkraineJosephine Ofori Adofo, The World Bank, USANikoloz Chikhladze, Akaki Tsereteli State University, GeorgiaShaoshu LI, Cornell University , USASzabolcs Blazsek, Mercer University, Macon, Guatemala    Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
In vivo optogenetic manipulations of endogenous proteins reveal spatiotemporal roles of microtubule and kinesin in dendrite patterning
Authors: Xu Yineng , Wang Bei , Bush Inle , Saunders Harriet AJ , Wildonger Jill , Han Chun
Published: August 2024

During animal development, the spatiotemporal properties of molecular events largely determine the biological outcomes. Conventional gene analysis methods lack the spatiotemporal resolution for precise dissection of developmental mechanisms. Although optogenetic tools exist for manipulating designer proteins in cultured cells, few have been successfully applied to endogenous proteins in live animals. Here, we report OptoTrap, a light-inducible clustering system for manipulating endogenous proteins of diverse sizes, subcellular locations, and functions in
Drosophila
. This system turns on fast, is reversible in minutes or hours, and contains variants optimized for neurons and epithelial cells. By using OptoTrap to disrupt microtubules and inhibit kinesin-1 in neurons, we show that microtubules support the growth of highly dynamic dendrites and that kinesin-1 is required for patterning of low- and high-order dendritic branches in differential spatiotemporal domains. OptoTrap allows for precise manipulation of endogenous proteins in a spatiotemporal manner and thus holds promise for studying developmental mechanisms in a wide range of cell types and developmental stages.
High-field pulsed EPR spectroscopy under magic angle spinning
Authors: Nir-Arad Orit , Fialkov Alexander B. , Shlomi David H. , Manukovsky Nurit , Mentink-Vigier Frederic , Kaminker Ilia
Published: August 2024

In this work, we demonstrate the first pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments performed under magic angle spinning (MAS) at high magnetic field. Unlike nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), commonly performed at high magnetic fields and under MAS to maximize sensitivity and resolution, EPR is usually measured at low magnetic fields and, with the exception of the Spiess group work in the late 1990s, never under MAS, due to great instrumentational challenges. This hampers the investigation of DNP mechanisms, in which electron spin dynamics play a central role, because no experimental data about the latter under DNP-characteristic conditions are available. We hereby present our dedicated, homebuilt MAS-EPR probehead and show the pulsed MAS-EPR spectra of P1 center diamond defect recorded at 7 tesla. Our results reveal unique effects of MAS on EPR line shape, intensity, and signal dephasing. Time-domain simulations reproduce the observed changes in the line shapes and the trends in the signal intensity.
Development of Graphene-Based Materials with the Targeted Action for Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Semenov Konstantin N. , Shemchuk Olga S. , Ageev Sergei V. , Andoskin Pavel A. , Iurev Gleb O. , Murin Igor V. , Kozhukhov Pavel K. , Maystrenko Dmitriy N. , Molchanov Oleg E. , Kholmurodova Dilafruz K. , Rizaev Jasur A. , Sharoyko Vladimir V.
Published: August 2024

The review summarises the prospects in the application of graphene and graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) in nanomedicine, including drug delivery, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, and theranostics in cancer treatment. The application of GBNs in various areas of science and medicine is due to the unique properties of graphene allowing the development of novel ground-breaking biomedical applications. The review describes current approaches to the production of new targeting graphene-based biomedical agents for the chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy of tumors. Analysis of publications and FDA databases showed that despite numerous clinical studies of graphene-based materials conducted worldwide, there is a lack of information on the clinical trials on the use of graphene-based conjugates for the targeted drug delivery and diagnostics. The review will be helpful for researchers working in development of carbon nanostructures, material science, medicinal chemistry, and nanobiomedicine.
Effect of Time of Cord Clamping on the Serum Bilirubin Level among Full‐Term Babies Born in an Ethiopian Hospital Setting: An Exploratory Three‐Arm Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tesfaye Biruk Hailu , Gebremariam Mulugeta Betre , Estifanos Abiy Seifu , Gebremedhin Asrat D.
Published: August 2024

Background. Delayed cord clamping (DCC) for more than one minute is associated with nutritional and developmental benefits for newborns. However, there is limited evidence regarding the relationship between DCC and outcomes in resource‐limited settings. This study aims to assess the effect of the time of cord clamping on serum bilirubin level 24 hours after birth in an Ethiopian Tertiary Care hospital. Methods. A three‐arm, single‐blind, exploratory randomized controlled trial was conducted between October 2019 and January 2020 targeting healthy, full‐term neonates. Study participants were randomly assigned into one of the following intervention groups depending on the timing of cord clamping: immediate cord clamping (<30 seconds), intermediate cord clamping (60 seconds), and DCC (180 seconds). The primary outcome is serum bilirubin level in the newborns, which was assessed 24 hours after birth and before they were discharged home. Descriptive analysis was applied to assess differences between groups in terms of demographic, obstetric, and social characteristics of the participants, while a linear regression model was employed to examine the association between cord clamping time and serum bilirubin level. Result. A total of 141 term newborns were included and randomized into the three categories. The demographic, social, and obstetrics characteristics of included participants were not different across groups except for the labor duration (P value <0.05). While the time of cord clamping was not a significant predictor of total serum bilirubin levels at 24 hours postbirth, cord blood total serum bilirubin (coefficient: 0.24; p < 0.05) and bilirubin nomogram high‐risk zone (coefficient: 6.25; p < 0.001) were found to be significant predictors. (4) Conclusion. Our findings indicate that the time of umbilical cord clamping does not affect the total serum bilirubin level of neonates at least within 24 hours of birth.
Identification and Validation of Cytotoxicity‐Related Features to Predict Prognostic and Immunotherapy Response in Patients with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yu Junxiao , Zhao Bowen , Yu You
Published: August 2024

Background. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a renal cortical malignancy with a complex pathogenesis. Identifying ideal biomarkers to establish more accurate promising prognostic models is crucial for the survival of kidney cancer patients. Methods. Seurat R package was used for single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq) data filtering, dimensionality reduction, clustering, and differentially expressed genes analysis. Gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify the cytotoxicity‐related module. The independent cytotoxicity‐related risk model was established by the survival R package, and Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival analysis and timeROC with area under the curve (AUC) were employed to confirm the prognosis and effectiveness of the risk model. The risk and prognosis in patients suffering from ccRCC were predicted by establishing a nomogram. A comparison of the level of immune infiltration in different risk groups and subtypes using the CIBERSORT, MCP‐counter, and TIMER methods, as well as assessment of drug sensitivity to conventional chemotherapeutic agents in risk groups using the pRRophetic package, was made. Results. Eleven ccRCC subpopulations were identified by single‐cell sequencing data from the GSE224630 dataset. The identified cytotoxicity‐related T‐cell cluster and module genes defined three cytotoxicity‐related molecular subtypes. Six key genes (SOWAHB, SLC16A12, IL20RB, SLC12A8, PLG, and HHLA2) affecting prognosis risk genes were selected for developing a risk model. A nomogram containing the RiskScore and stage revealed that the RiskScore contributed the most and exhibited excellent predicted performance for prognosis in the calibration plots and decision curve analysis (DCA). Notably, high‐risk patients with ccRCC demonstrate a poorer prognosis with higher immune infiltration characteristics and TIDE scores, whereas low‐risk patients are more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. Conclusions. A ccRCC survival prognostic model was produced based on the cytotoxicity‐related signature, which had important clinical significance and may provide guidance for ccRCC treatment.
Effects of Voluntary Exercise on Liver and Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in Both Young and Middle‐Aged Mice Fed a High‐Fat Diet Combined with Dietary Advanced Glycation End Products
Authors: Liu Ruitong , Ma Tongtong , He Zhilong , Chen Guochong , Gu Huiwen , Wan Zhongxiao
Published: August 2024

To determine whether voluntary exercise is capable of improving liver and adipose tissue dysfunction caused by the high‐fat diet (HFD) combined with dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Young and middle‐aged male C57BL/6J mice were divided into the control group, HFD group, HFD combined AGE group (HFD + AGE), and combined diet with exercise group (HFD + AGE + EX). For young mice, in the liver tissue, compared to the YCON group, RAGE from the YHFD + AGE group and SREBP1 from the YHFD + AGE and YHFD + AGE + EX groups were increased, while LXRα from the YHFD YHFD + AGE, and YHFD + AGE + EX groups was decreased. In epididymal fat, CLOCK from the YHFD group; RAGE, OST48, BMAL1, and Rev‐Erbα from the YHFD + AGE group; RAGE, OST48, CLOCK, BMAL1, and Rev‐Erbα from the YHFD + AGE + EX group; SIRT1 from the YHFD + AGE group; adiponectin from the YHFD group; and ATGL from the YHFD and YHFD + AGE groups were significantly lower, while p‐HSLser660 from the YHFD + AGE group and p‐Aktser473 from the YHFD + AGE + EX group were significantly higher than in the YCON group. Additionally, IL‐10 and IL‐1Ra mRNA expressions from the YHFD and YHFD + AGE group were significantly decreased, while IL‐10 and IL‐1Ra from the YHFD + AGE + EX group and TNF‐α from the YHFD, YHFD + AGE, and YHFD + AGE + EX groups were significantly increased. For middle‐aged mice, in the liver tissue, compared to the MACON group, CLOCK and Rev‐Erbα from three intervention groups were increased, while p‐Aktser473 from the MAHFD and MAHFD + AGE groups was decreased and PPARα from the MAHFD and MAHFD + AGE groups was decreased. In epididymal fat, compared to the MACON group, RAGE from the MAHFD + AGE group; p‐Aktser473 from the MAHFD + AGE + EX group; and TNF‐α gene expressions from three intervention groups were increased, while BMAL1 from the MAHFD + AGE and MAEX groups; PPARγ and IL‐1Ra from the MAHFD + AGE group; SIRT1 from the MAHFD, MAHFD + AGE, and MAHFD + AGE + EX groups; adiponectin from the MAHFD group; and p‐HSLser660, ATGL, and IL‐10 from the MAHFD and MAHFD + AGE groups were decreased. In conclusion, HFD combined with AGE diet caused dysfunction in the liver and adipose glucolipid metabolism, especially in middle‐aged mice, and voluntary exercise reversed metabolic abnormalities to some extent with different mechanisms involved for young and middle‐aged mice.
A Bicriteria Model to Determine Pareto Optimal Pulse Vaccination Strategies
Authors: Samanlioglu Funda , Tabassum Nauman , Karaca Tolga Kudret , Bilge Ayse Humeyra
Published: August 2024

The aim of this paper is to determine approximate Pareto optimal (efficient) pulse vaccination strategies for epidemics modeled by the susceptible‐infected‐removed (SIR) without population dynamics, characterized by a single epidemic wave. Pulse vaccination is the application of the vaccination campaign over a limited time interval, by vaccinating susceptible individuals at a constant vaccination rate. A pulse vaccination strategy includes the determination of the beginning date and duration of the campaign and the vaccination rate. SIR with vaccination (SIRV) epidemic model is applied during pulse vaccination campaign, resulting in final proportions of removed (Rf) and vaccinated (Vf) individuals at the end of the epidemic. The burden of the epidemic is estimated in terms of Rf and Vf; two criteria are simultaneously minimized: vaccination cost and treatment cost of infected individuals and other economic losses due to sickness that are assumed to be proportional to Vf and Rf, respectively. To find approximate efficient solutions to this bicriteria problem, ODE and genetic algorithm toolboxes of MATLAB are integrated (GA‐ODE). In GA‐ODE, an augmented weighted Tchebycheff program is used as the evaluation function, calculated by solving the SIRV model and obtaining Rf and Vf values. Sample approximate efficient vaccination strategies are determined for diseases with a basic reproduction number (R0) 1.2 to 2.0. Consequently, obtained strategies are characterized as short‐period campaigns that start as early as possible, i.e., as soon as vaccines are available and the vaccination rate increases with the severity of the disease (R0) and the importance weight given to minimization of Rf.
Temporal–Spatial Acupuncture Effects on Poststroke Sensorimotor Cortex via Yanglingquan (GB34)
Authors: Liu Ruoyi , Wang Yue , Boldbayar Myadagbadam , Li Yuanyuan , Chen Chen , Yu Xin , Xu Tianjiao , Zhang Muzhao , Zou Yihuai , Zhang Hua
Published: August 2024

Hemiplegia is a common symptom after a stroke, and acupuncture at Yanglingquan (GB34) has been found to play a significant role in the treatment of poststroke hemiplegia. To explore motor cortex pathology and acupuncture’s immediate spatiotemporal effects on poststroke motor pathway impairment, 63 patients and 42 healthy subjects underwent three functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans: resting‐state, passive finger movement, and acupuncture at Yanglingquan points. Twenty‐two brain regions were selected as regions of interest (ROI). Spatial intersubject correlation (spatial ISC), intersubject time point‐to‐time point correlation (ISTC), and dynamic intersubject functional correlation (dISFC) analysis methods were employed to analyze the intersubject correlation of signal fluctuations in each scan condition. Spatial ISC and ISTC analyses revealed stable signal patterns during resting for both groups with minimal differences. During finger movement, signal patterns matched the task module (movement–rest–movement–rest). In acupuncture, response patterns showed a high–low–high–low fluctuation trend across time segments. And dISFC analysis clustered patient and control data into five time segments for resting and acupuncture, with slight group differences. Time segment distribution differed between resting and acupuncture. Resting displayed consistent ISFC intensity change trend for both groups. Acupuncture showed “strong–weak–strong–weak” ISFC fluctuation pattern between time segments, with relative intensity among ROIs being structurally consistent, varying more during needle retention. These results suggest that acupuncture at Yanglingquan (GB34) shows a “strong–weak–strong–weak” time fluctuation pattern. Motor‐related brain regions display consistent temporal features between groups, while acupuncture yields intricate spatiotemporal effects on these areas.
Figure S2 from Loss of STK11 Suppresses Lipid Metabolism and Attenuates KRAS-Induced Immunogenicity in Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Principe Daniel R. , Pasquinelli Mary M. , Nguyen Ryan H. , Munshi Hidayatullah G. , Hulbert Alicia , Aissa Alexandre F. , Weinberg Frank
Published: August 2024

Figure S2. KRASG12 mutations are associated with increased PD-L1 expression and CD8+ T-cell infiltration
Figure 4 from Loss of STK11 Suppresses Lipid Metabolism and Attenuates KRAS-Induced Immunogenicity in Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Principe Daniel R. , Pasquinelli Mary M. , Nguyen Ryan H. , Munshi Hidayatullah G. , Hulbert Alicia , Aissa Alexandre F. , Weinberg Frank
Published: August 2024

Mutant KRAS-induced immunogenicity is associated with increased lipid metabolism. A, Tissue biopsies from treatment-naïve patients with NSCLC were subjected to whole-transcriptome RNA-seq. Patients were grouped based on KRAS and TP53 mutation statuses and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) performed. Significantly altered gene sets involved in tumor immunity, apoptosis, or metabolism are shown using a Z-score cutoff of 2.5. Focused heatmaps are shown for select, significantly altered genes in the (B) adaptive immune response gene set or (C) glycerophospholipid metabolic process gene sets, both using a FDR-adjusted P value of <0.05. D, Patients were grouped based on KRAS and STK11 mutation statuses, and GSEA performed as previously and significantly altered gene sets involved in the adaptive immune response shown. Focused heatmaps are shown for select, significantly altered genes in the (E) lymphocyte-mediated immunity gene set or (F) cell activation involved in immune response gene sets, both using a FDR-adjusted P value of <0.05. Patients were again grouped based on KRAS and STK11 mutation statuses and GSEA performed. Significantly altered gene sets are shown for pathways involved in G innate or humoral immunity, (H) apoptosis/cell death, or (I) lipid metabolic processes. Focused heatmaps are shown for select, significantly altered genes in the (J) glycerolipid biosynthetic process gene set or (K) glycerophospholipid metabolic process gene set, both using a FDR-adjusted P value of <0.05.
Figure 3 from Loss of STK11 Suppresses Lipid Metabolism and Attenuates KRAS-Induced Immunogenicity in Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Principe Daniel R. , Pasquinelli Mary M. , Nguyen Ryan H. , Munshi Hidayatullah G. , Hulbert Alicia , Aissa Alexandre F. , Weinberg Frank
Published: August 2024

STK11 co-mutation negates KRAS-induced immunogenicity. A, PDL1 TPS for all patients with NSCLC arranged by TP53 mutation status [N = 44 WT; N = 145 TP53-mutated (MT)]. B and C,CD274 mRNA expression or PDL1 TPS arranged by combined KRAS and TP53 mutation statuses (N = 26 KRAS-WT/TP53-WT, N = 18 KRAS-MT/TP53-WT, N = 118 KRAS-WT/TP53-MT, N = 27 KRAS-MT/TP53-MT). D, PDL1 TPS arranged by STK11 mutation status (N = 166 wild-type or WT, N = 23 STK11-mutated or MT). E and F,CD274 mRNA expression or PDL1 TPS arranged by combined KRAS and STK11 mutation statuses (N = 131 KRAS-WT/STK11-WT; N = 35 KRAS-MT/STK11-WT; N = 13 KRAS-WT/STK11-MT; N = 10 KRAS-MT/STK11-MT). G, Percent CD8+ T-cell infiltration arranged by KRAS mutation status. H, Percent CD8+ T-cell infiltration arranged by combined KRAS and TP53 mutation statuses. I, Percent CD8+ T-cell infiltration arranged by combined KRAS and STK11 mutation statuses.
Supplementary Table 2 from KRAS Promotes GLI2-Dependent Transcription during Pancreatic Carcinogenesis
Authors: Sigafoos Ashley N. , Tolosa Ezequiel J. , Carr Ryan M. , Fernandez-Barrena Maite G. , Almada Luciana L. , Pease David R. , Hogenson Tara L. , Raja Arul Glancis L. , Mousavi Fatemeh , Sen Sandhya , Vera Renzo E. , Marks David L. , Flores Luis F. , LaRue-Nolan Kayla C. , Wu Chen , Bamlet William R. , Vrabel Anne M. , Sicotte Hugues , Schenk Erin L. , Smyrk Thomas C. , Zhang Lizhi , Rabe Kari G. , Oberg Ann L. , Zaphiropoulos Peter G. , Chevet Eric , Graham Rondell P. , Hagen Catherine E. , di Magliano Marina P. , Elsawa Sherine F. , Pin Christopher L. , Mao Junhao , McWilliams Robert R. , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E.
Published: August 2024

Supplementary Table 2 includes the SNP analysis of components of the Hedgehog pathway.
Supplementary Figure 3 from KRAS Promotes GLI2-Dependent Transcription during Pancreatic Carcinogenesis
Authors: Sigafoos Ashley N. , Tolosa Ezequiel J. , Carr Ryan M. , Fernandez-Barrena Maite G. , Almada Luciana L. , Pease David R. , Hogenson Tara L. , Raja Arul Glancis L. , Mousavi Fatemeh , Sen Sandhya , Vera Renzo E. , Marks David L. , Flores Luis F. , LaRue-Nolan Kayla C. , Wu Chen , Bamlet William R. , Vrabel Anne M. , Sicotte Hugues , Schenk Erin L. , Smyrk Thomas C. , Zhang Lizhi , Rabe Kari G. , Oberg Ann L. , Zaphiropoulos Peter G. , Chevet Eric , Graham Rondell P. , Hagen Catherine E. , di Magliano Marina P. , Elsawa Sherine F. , Pin Christopher L. , Mao Junhao , McWilliams Robert R. , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E.
Published: August 2024

Supplementary Figure 3 shows Gli2 expression in CRG and KCRG mice and Gli luciferase activity in ΔNGli2-transfected cells.