bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity and Reliability of Handheld Dynamometry to Assess Isometric Hamstrings and Quadriceps Strength at Varying Muscle Lengths
Authors: Baron Margaux , Divernois Gilles , Grandjean Benoît , Guex Kenny
Published: April 2024

Context: The hamstrings are the most commonly injured muscle in sports and are especially injury prone in lengthened positions. Measuring knee muscle strength in such positions could be relevant to establish injury risk. Handheld dynamometry has been shown to be a valid, reliable, and practical tool to measure isometric muscle strength clinically. The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the assessment of isometric knee muscle strength with a handheld dynamometer (HHD) at various muscle lengths, by modifying the hip and knee angles during testing. Design: Concurrent validity and test–retest reliability. Methods: Thirty young healthy participants were recruited. Hamstring and quadriceps isometric strength was measured with a HHD and with an isokinetic dynamometer, over 2 testing sessions, in a randomized order. Isometric strength was measured on the right lower limb in 6 different positions, with the hip at either 0° or 80° of flexion and the knee at either 30°, 60°, or 90° of flexion. Pearson and Spearman correlations were used to assess the validity, and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to establish the test–retest reliability of the HHD. Results: Good to excellent reliability and moderate to high validity were found in all the tested muscle length positions, except for the hamstrings in a seated position with the knee extended at 30°. Conclusions: The use of a HHD is supported in the clinical setting to measure knee muscle strength at varying muscle lengths in healthy adults, but not for the hamstrings in a lengthened position (hip flexed and knee extended). These results will have to be confirmed in sport-specific populations.
The Associations Between Parental-Reported and Device-Based Measured Outdoor Play and Health Indicators of Physical, Cognitive, and Social–Emotional Development in Preschool-Aged Children
Authors: Davenport Cody , Kuzik Nicholas , Larouche Richard , Carson Valerie
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Examine in preschool-aged children: (1) the associations between parental-reported and device-measured outdoor play (OP) and health indicators of physical, cognitive, and social–emotional development and (2) whether associations were independent of outdoor moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 107 participants. Children’s OP was measured via a parental questionnaire and the lux feature of accelerometers. Children’s growth, adiposity, and motor skills were assessed as physical development indicators. Visual–spatial working memory, response inhibition, and expressive language were assessed as cognitive development indicators. Sociability, prosocial behavior, internalizing, externalizing, and self-regulation were assessed as social–emotional development indicators. Regression models were conducted that adjusted for relevant covariates. Additional models further adjusted for outdoor MVPA. Results: Parental-reported total OP, OP in summer/fall months, and OP on weekdays were negatively associated (small effect sizes) with response inhibition and working memory. After adjusting for outdoor MVPA, these associations were no longer statistically significant. OP on weekdays was negatively associated with externalizing (B = −0.04; 95% confidence interval, −0.08 to −0.00; P = .03) after adjusting for outdoor MVPA. A similar pattern was observed for device-based measured total OP (B = −0.49; 95% confidence interval, −1.05 to 0.07; P = .09). Conclusions: Future research in preschool-aged children should take into account MVPA and contextual factors when examining the association between OP and health-related indicators.
In vitro
activity of cefoxitin, imipenem, meropenem, and ceftaroline in combination with vaborbactam against
Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Chen Liang , Shashkina Elena , Kurepina Natalia , Calado Nogueira de Moura Vinicius , Daley Charles L. , Kreiswirth Barry N.
Published: April 2024

Mycobacterium abscessus
(MAB) infections pose a growing public health threat. Here, we assessed the
in vitro
activity of the boronic acid-based β-lactamase inhibitor, vaborbactam, with different β-lactams against 100 clinical MAB isolates. Enhanced activity was observed with meropenem and ceftaroline with vaborbactam (1- and >4-fold MIC
50
/
90
reduction). CRISPRi-mediated
bla
MAB
gene knockdown showed a fourfold MIC reduction to ceftaroline but not the other β-lactams. Our findings demonstrate vaborbactam’s potential in combination therapy against MAB infections.
CslA and GlxA from
Streptomyces lividans
form a functional cellulose synthase complex
Authors: Zhong Xiaobo , Nicolardi Simone , Ouyang Ruochen , Wuhrer Manfred , Du Chao , van Wezel Gilles , Vijgenboom Erik , Briegel Ariane , Claessen Dennis
Published: April 2024

Filamentous growth of streptomycetes coincides with the synthesis and deposition of an uncharacterized protective glucan at hyphal tips. Synthesis of this glucan depends on the integral membrane protein CslA and the radical copper oxidase GlxA, which are part of a presumably large multiprotein complex operating at growing tips. Here, we show that CslA and GlxA interact by forming a protein complex that is sufficient to synthesize cellulose
in vitro
. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the purified complex produces cellulose chains with a degree of polymerization of at least 80 residues. Truncation analyses demonstrated that the removal of a significant extracellular segment of GlxA had no impact on complex formation, but significantly diminished activity of CslA. Altogether, our work demonstrates that CslA and GlxA form the active core of the cellulose synthase complex and provide molecular insights into a unique cellulose biosynthesis system that is conserved in streptomycetes.

IMPORTANCE

Cellulose stands out as the most abundant polysaccharide on Earth. While the synthesis of this polysaccharide has been extensively studied in plants and Gram-negative bacteria, the mechanisms in Gram-positive bacteria have remained largely unknown. Our research unveils a novel cellulose synthase complex formed by the interaction between the cellulose synthase-like protein CslA and the radical copper oxidase GlxA from
Streptomyces lividans
, a soil-dwelling Gram-positive bacterium. This discovery provides molecular insights into the distinctive cellulose biosynthesis machinery. Beyond expanding our understanding of cellulose biosynthesis, this study also opens avenues for exploring biotechnological applications and ecological roles of cellulose in Gram-positive bacteria, thereby contributing to the broader field of microbial cellulose biosynthesis and biofilm research.
Association between physical activity over a 10-year period and current insomnia symptoms, sleep duration and daytime sleepiness: a European population-based study
Authors: Bjornsdottir Erla , Thorarinsdottir Elin Helga , Lindberg Eva , Benediktsdottir Bryndis , Franklin Karl , Jarvis Debbie , Demoly Pascal , Perret Jennifer L , Garcia Aymerich Judith , Dorado-Arenas Sandra , Heinrich Joachim , Torén Kjell , Garcia Larsen Vanessa , Jögi Rain , Gislason Thorarinn , Janson Christer
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To explore the relationship between physical activity over a 10-year period and current symptoms of insomnia, daytime sleepiness and estimated sleep duration in adults aged 39–67.

Design

Population-based, multicentre cohort study.

Setting

21 centres in nine European countries.

Methods

Included were 4339 participants in the third follow-up to the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS III), who answered questions on physical activity at baseline (ECRHS II) and questions on physical activity, insomnia symptoms, sleep duration and daytime sleepiness at 10-year follow-up (ECRHS III). Participants who reported that they exercised with a frequency of at least two or more times a week, for 1 hour/week or more, were classified as being physically active. Changes in activity status were categorised into four groups: persistently non-active; became inactive; became active; and persistently active.

Main outcome measures

Insomnia, sleep time and daytime sleepiness in relation to physical activity.

Results

Altogether, 37% of participants were persistently non-active, 25% were persistently active, 20% became inactive and 18% became active from baseline to follow-up. Participants who were persistently active were less likely to report difficulties initiating sleep (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.45–0.78), a short sleep duration of ≤6 hours/night (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.59–0.85) and a long sleep of ≥9 hours/night (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33–0.84) than persistently non-active subjects after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking history and study centre. Daytime sleepiness and difficulties maintaining sleep were not related to physical activity status.

Conclusion

Physically active people have a lower risk of some insomnia symptoms and extreme sleep durations, both long and short.
Estimating the impact on patient safety of enabling the digital transfer of patients’ prescription information in the English NHS
Authors: Camacho Elizabeth M , Gavan Sean , Keers Richard Neil , Chuter Antony , Elliott Rachel Ann
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To estimate the number and burden of medication errors associated with prescription information transfer within the National Health Service (NHS) in England and the impact of implementing an interoperable prescription information system (a single digital prescribing record shared across NHS settings) in reducing these errors.

Methods

We constructed a probabilistic mathematical model. We estimated the number of transition medication errors that would be undetected by standard medicines reconciliation, based on published literature, and scaled this up based on the annual number of hospital admissions. We used published literature to estimate the proportion of errors that lead to harm and applied this to the number of errors to estimate the associated burden (healthcare resource use and deaths). Finally, we used reported effect sizes for electronic prescription information sharing interventions to estimate the impact of implementing an interoperable prescription information system on number of errors and resulting harm.

Results

Annually, around 1.8 million (95% credibility interval (CrI) 1.3 to 2.6 million) medication errors were estimated to occur at hospital transitions in England, affecting approximately 380 000 (95% CrI 260 397 to 539 876) patient episodes. Harm from these errors affects around 31 500 (95% CrI 22 407 to 42 906) patients, with 36 500 (95% CrI 25 093 to 52 019) additional bed days of inpatient care (costing around £17.8 million (95% CrI £12.4 to £24.9 million)) and >40 (95% CrI 9 to 146) deaths. Assuming the implementation of an interoperable prescription information system could reduce errors by 10% and 50%, there could be 180 000–913 000 fewer errors, 3000–15 800 fewer people who experience harm and 4–22 lives saved annually.

Conclusions

An interoperable prescription information system could provide major benefits for patient safety. Likely additional benefits include healthcare professional time saved, improved patient experience and care quality, quicker discharge and enhanced cross-organisational medicines optimisation. Our findings provide vital safety and economic evidence for the case to adopt interoperable prescription information systems.
Precision predictions for dark matter with DM@NLO in the MSSM
Authors: Harz Julia , Herrmann Björn , Klasen Michael , Kovařík Karol , Wiggering Luca Paolo
Published: April 2024

We present DM@NLO, a Fortran 77 based program with a C++ interface dedicated to precision calculations of dark matter (DM) (co)annihilation cross-sections and elastic dark matter-nucleon scattering amplitudes in the minimal supersymmetric (SUSY) Standard Model (MSSM) at next-to-leading order (NLO) in perturbative (SUSY) QCD. If the annihilating initial particles carry an electric or colour charge, the Sommerfeld enhanced cross section is included as well and can be matched to the NLO cross section. We review these calculations including technical details relevant for using the code. We illustrate their impact by applying DM@NLO to an example scenario in the constrained MSSM.
Gravitational memory effects of black bounces and a traversable wormhole
Authors: Hadi Hamed , Naderi Reza
Published: April 2024

Black bounces are spacetimes that can be interpreted as either black holes or wormholes depending on specific parameters. In this study, we examine the Simpson–Visser and Bardeen-type solutions as black bounces and investigate the gravitational wave in the background of these solutions. We then explore the displacement and velocity memory effects by analyzing the deviation of two neighboring geodesics and their derivatives influenced by the magnetic charge parameter a. This investigation aims to trace the magnetic charge in the gravitational memory effect. Additionally, we consider another family of traversable wormhole solutions obtained from non-exotic matter sources to trace the electric charge $$Q_{e}$$

Q
e

in the gravitational memory effect, which can be determined from the far field asymptotic. Furthermore, this research aims to explore the gravitational memory effect related to the variation in Bondi mass for the Simpson–Visser and Bardeen-type black bounces. The investigation will also be conducted on a traversable wormhole solution that does not require any exotic field. This study holds importance in not only identifying compact objects such as wormholes through gravitational memory effects but also in observing the charge $$Q_{e}$$

Q
e

, which offers a tangible manifestation of Wheeler’s idea of “electric charge without charge.”
Student's Emotion Recognition using Multimodality and Deep Learning
Authors: Kalaiyarasi M. , Siva Prasad B. V. V. , Ramesh Janjhyam Venkata Naga , Kushwaha Ravindra Kumar , Patel Ruchi , J Balajee
Published: April 2024

The goal of emotion detection is to find and recognise emotions in text, speech, gestures, facial expressions, and more. This paper proposes an effective multimodal emotion recognition system based on facial expressions, sentence-level text, and voice. Using public datasets, we examine face expression image classification and feature extraction. The Tri-modal fusion is used to integrate the findings and to provide the final emotion. The proposed method has been verified in classroom students, and the feelings correlate with their performance. This method categorizes students' expressions into seven emotions: happy, surprise, sad, fear, disgust, anger, and contempt. Compared to the unimodal models, the suggested multimodal network design may reach up to 65% accuracy. The proposed method can detect negative feelings such as boredom or loss of interest in the learning environment.
Double Reference Guided Interactive 2D and 3D Caricature Generation
Authors: Huang Xin , Liang Dong , Cai Hongrui , Bai Yunfeng , Zhang Juyong , Tian Feng , Jia Jinyuan
Published: April 2024

In this article, we propose the first geometry and texture (double) referenced interactive two-dimensional (2D) and 3D caricature generating and editing method. The main challenge of caricature generation lies in the fact that it not only exaggerates the facial geometry but also refreshes the facial texture. We address this challenge by utilizing the semantic segmentation maps as an intermediary domain, removing the influence of photo texture while preserving the person-specific geometry features. Specifically, our proposed method consists of two main components: 3D-CariNet and CariMaskGAN. 3D-CariNet uses sketches or caricatures to exaggerate the input photo into several types of 3D caricatures. To generate a CariMask, we geometrically exaggerate the photos using the projection of exaggerated 3D landmarks, after which CariMask is converted into a caricature by CariMaskGAN. In this step, users can edit and adjust the geometry of caricatures freely. Moreover, we propose a semantic detail preprocessing approach that considerably increases the details of generated caricatures and allows modification of hair strands, wrinkles, and beards. By rendering high-quality 2D caricatures as textures, we produce 3D caricatures with a variety of texture styles. Extensive experimental results have demonstrated that our method can produce higher-quality caricatures as well as support interactive modification with ease.
Score-based Graph Learning for Urban Flow Prediction
Authors: Wang Pengyu , Luo Xuechen , Tai Wenxin , Zhang Kunpeng , Trajcevsky Goce , Zhou Fan
Published: April 2024

Accurate urban flow prediction (UFP) is crucial for a range of smart city applications such as traffic management, urban planning, and risk assessment. To capture the intrinsic characteristics of urban flow, recent efforts have utilized spatial and temporal graph neural networks to deal with the complex dependence between the traffic in adjacent areas. However, existing graph neural network based approaches suffer from several critical drawbacks, including improper graph representation of urban traffic data, lack of semantic correlation modeling among graph nodes, and coarse-grained exploitation of external factors. To address these issues, we propose
DiffUFP
, a novel probabilistic graph-based framework for UFP. DiffUFP consists of two key designs: (1) a semantic region dynamic extraction method that effectively captures the underlying traffic network topology, and (2) a conditional denoising score-based adjacency matrix generator that takes spatial, temporal, and external factors into account when constructing the adjacency matrix rather than simply concatenation in existing studies. Extensive experiments conducted on real-world datasets demonstrate the superiority of DiffUFP over the state-of-the-art UFP models and the effect of the two specific modules.
Counterfactual Graph Convolutional Learning for Personalized Recommendation
Authors: Jian Meng , Bai Yulong , Fu Xusong , Guo Jingjing , Shi Ge , Wu Lifang
Published: April 2024

Recently, recommender systems have witnessed the fast evolution of Internet services. However, it suffers hugely from inherent bias and sparsity issues in interactions. The conventional uniform embedding learning policies fail to utilize the imbalanced interaction clue and produce suboptimal representations to users and items for recommendation. Towards the issue, this work is dedicated to bias-aware embedding learning in a decomposed manner and proposes a counterfactual graph convolutional learning (CGCL) model for personalized recommendation. Instead of debiasing with uniform interaction sampling, we follow the natural interaction bias to model users’ interests with a counterfactual hypothesis. CGCL introduces bias-aware counterfactual masking on interactions to distinguish the effects between majority and minority causes on the counterfactual gap. It forms multiple counterfactual worlds to extract users’ interests in minority causes compared to the factual world. Concretely, users and items are represented with a causal decomposed embedding of majority and minority interests for recommendation. Experiments show that the proposed CGCL is superior to the state-of-the-art baselines. The performance illustrates the rationality of the counterfactual hypothesis in bias-aware embedding learning for personalized recommendation.
Classical Solutions for Quantum Challenges: An Introduction to Postquantum Cryptography
Authors: Long Brad
Published: April 2024

Quantum computing has tremendous potential to change the world by solving many previously unsolvable problems. However, with this tremendous computational power comes threats to our existing technologies safeguarding the world's communication channels and data storage. Specifically, it threatens our standardized and widely deployed cryptographic systems that are in use today. These existing cryptosystems are based on mathematical techniques that are difficult (essentially infeasible) for a classical computer to solve. Quantum computing presents a threat since many previously infeasible problems are likely to become feasible or even easy to solve by a quantum computer. This paper briefly reviews quantum computing and its properties before studying related work into postquantum cryptography. The eventuality of quantum computing is discussed based on readily available research and public information, in addition to expert opinion, which then provides insight into the eventuality of postquantum cryptography and the validity of action, or inaction, around this research. Further topics focus on the standardization of postquantum cryptosystems, and future research trends and opportunities in the field of postquantum cryptography.
Are you Really Competent to Be a Computer Scientist, a Computing Educator, or Even to Use a Computer? The Missing Societal Competency
Authors: Blumenthal Richard
Published: April 2024

The position postulated in this Parting Opinion is quite simple: the answer to the question posed in the title is a resounding NO for many people; no matter which of the categories you're in. Hopefully, you're curious to know why I believe this. If you think I'm crazy or that it simply doesn't apply to you, please read on and submit your counter argument to the next issue of
Computers and Society.
My opinion derives tangentially from my recent work on the CS2023 Steering Committee and pondering,
what's next?
, with respect to computers and society.
BEST4+ cells in the intestinal epithelium
Authors: Malonga Tania , Vialaneix Nathalie , Beaumont Martin
Published: April 2024

BEST4+ cells are a novel subtype of mature absorptive cells in the human intestinal epithelium highlighted by single-cell transcriptomics. The gene expression profile of BEST4+ cells suggests their role in pH regulation, electrolyte secretion, mucus hydration, and innate immune defense. The absence of BEST4+ cells in mice requires the use of alternative animal models or organoids to decipher the role of this novel type of intestinal epithelial cells.
Coculture with Colon-26 cancer cells decreases the protein synthesis rate and shifts energy metabolism toward glycolysis dominance in C2C12 myotubes
Authors: Tamura Yuki , Kouzaki Karina , Kotani Takaya , Nakazato Koichi
Published: April 2024

We explored the potential direct interplay between colon cancer cells (Colon-26) and skeletal muscle cells (C2C12 myotubes) employing a noncontact coculture experimental model. Our findings reveal that coculturing with Colon-26 cells substantially impairs the protein synthesis rate, concurrently instigating a metabolic shift toward glycolytic dominance in C2C12 myotubes. This research unveils critical insights into the intricate cellular cross talk underpinning the complex pathophysiology of cancer cachexia.
Renal upregulation of NCC counteracts empagliflozin-mediated NHE3 inhibition in normotensive but not in hypertensive male rat
Authors: Castro Paulo C. , Santos-Rios Thiago M. , Martins Flavia L. , Crajoinas Renato O. , Caetano Marcos V. , Lessa Lucília M. A. , Luchi Weverton M. , McCormick James A. , Girardi Adriana C. C.
Published: April 2024

This study suggests that reduced NHE3-mediated sodium reabsorption in the renal proximal tubule may account, at least in part, for the BP-lowering effect of SGLT2 inhibitors in the setting of hypertension. It also demonstrates that chronic treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors upregulates NCC activity, phosphorylation, and expression in the distal tubule of normotensive but not hypertensive rats. SGLT2 inhibitor-mediated upregulation of NCC seems crucial to counteract proximal tubule natriuresis in subjects with normal BP.
β-Adrenergic signaling drives structural and functional maturation of mouse cardiomyocytes
Authors: Eliezeck Marcos , Guedes Jesus Itamar Couto , Scalzo Sérgio A. , Sanches Bruno de Lima , Silva Kaoma Stephani Costa , Costa Mateus , Mesquita Thássio , Rocha-Resende Cibele , Szawka Raphael E. , Guatimosim Silvia
Published: April 2024

Maturation involves a series of morphofunctional alterations vital to heart development. Its regulatory mechanisms are only now being unveiled. Evidence implies that adrenergic signaling regulates cardiac maturation, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. To address this point, we blocked β-ARs or performed sympathectomy followed by rescue experiments with isoproterenol in neonatal mice. Our study identifies the β-AR stimuli as a maturation signal for cardiomyocytes and highlights the importance of this pathway in cardiac regeneration therapies.
A digoxin derivative that potently reduces intraocular pressure: efficacy and mechanism of action in different animal models
Authors: Barathi Veluchamy Amutha , Katz Adriana , Chaudhary Shashikant , Li Hoi-Lam , Tal Daniel M. , Marcovich Arie , Do Chi-Wai , Karlish Steven J. D.
Published: April 2024

When applied topically, a cyclobutyl derivative of digoxin (DcB) potently reduces intraocular pressure in an ocular hypertensive nonhuman primate model ( Macaca fascicularis), associated with increased aqueous humor (AH) flow rate (AFR). The mechanism of action of DcB involves increased AH outflow facility as detected in enucleated perfused porcine eyes and, in parallel, increased (AH) inflow as detected in isolated porcine ciliary epithelium. DcB might have potential as a drug for the treatment of open-angle human glaucoma.
Chronotropic and vasoactive properties of the gut bacterial short-chain fatty acids in larval zebrafish
Authors: Sree Kumar Hemaa , Wisner Alexander S. , Schiefer Isaac T. , Alviter Plata Adriana , Zubcevic Jasenka
Published: April 2024

We highlight the presence of a core gut microbiota and demonstrate in vivo short-chain fatty acid production in adult zebrafish. In addition, we show cardio-beneficial vasoactive and chronotropic properties of butyrate, and chronotropic properties of acetate in anesthetized zebrafish larvae.
Clinical Comparison between HD-tDCS and tDCS for Improving Upper Limb Motor Function: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Sham-Controlled Trial
Authors: Zeng Yaqin , Cheng Ruidong , Zhang Li , Fang Shan , Zhang Shaomin , Wang Minmin , Lv Qian , Dai Yunlan , Gong Xinyi , Liang Feng
Published: April 2024

Background. Stroke is a common and frequently occurring disease among middle-aged and elderly people, with approximately 55%−75% of patients remaining with upper limb dysfunction. How to promote the recovery of motor function at an early stage is crucial to the life of the patient. Objectives. This study aimed to investigate whether high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) functional area in poststroke patients in the subacute phase is more effective in improving upper limb function than conventional tDCS. Methods. This randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial included 69 patients with subcortical stroke. They were randomly divided into the HD-tDCS, anodal tDCS (a-tDCS), and sham groups. Each group received 20 sessions of stimulation. The patients were assessed using the Action Research Arm Test, Fugl–Meyer score for upper extremities, Motor Function Assessment Scale, and modified Barthel index (MBI) pretreatment and posttreatment. Results. The intragroup comparison scores improved after 4 weeks of treatment. The HD-tDCS group showed a slightly greater, but nonsignificant improvement as compared to a-tDCS group in terms of mean change observed in function of trained items. The MBI score of the HD-tDCS group was maintained up to 8 weeks of follow-up and was higher than that in the a-tDCS group. Conclusion. Both HD-tDCS and a-tDCS can improve upper limb motor function and daily activities of poststroke patients in the subacute stage. This trial is registered with ChiCTR2000031314.
COVID‐19 and Immigrant Status: A Qualitative Study of Malawian Immigrants Living in South Africa
Authors: David Ifeolu , Lembani Martina , Tefera Gashaye M. , Majee Wilson
Published: April 2024

Migration to South Africa is motivated by the pursuit of employment, safety, and improved living conditions. However, immigrants encounter significant challenges, such as restricted access to essential services, which were exacerbated by the COVID‐19 pandemic. This paper investigates the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on Malawian immigrants in South Africa, addressing the lack of attention given to this immigrant population by highlighting their vulnerabilities. Using a qualitative exploratory and descriptive approach, in‐depth interviews were conducted with 24 Malawi immigrants who were over 18 years old and had established residency in South Africa before the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Five key stakeholders were also interviewed for additional perspectives and to ensure triangulation and improve data reliability. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis strategies and coding with Nvivo12 software. The study highlighted the exacerbated struggles of Malawian immigrants in South Africa amid the COVID‐19 pandemic, uncovering systemic discrimination in healthcare, marked by longer wait times and reluctance from health workers to treat undocumented immigrants. The study also revealed a dire security situation, with immigrants living in high‐crime areas and feeling particularly targeted due to their foreign status, a situation worsened by the pandemic’s economic effects. Additionally, the economic downturn induced by COVID‐19 significantly impacted employment opportunities, with many immigrants facing prolonged unemployment and job losses, especially in sectors where they traditionally found work. The detailed accounts of participants highlight not only the multifaceted challenges imposed by the pandemic but also the critical need for inclusive policies and support systems that ensure healthcare access, safety, and economic resilience for immigrants, particularly during global health emergencies. Future research should focus on effective interventions for socioeconomic integration and well‐being, particularly for immigrants from other African countries.
Enhanced Photocatalytic and Electrochemical Performance of MOF‐Derived NiO‐ZnO Oxide Composites for Wastewater Treatment and Sustainable Energy Storage
Authors: Vattikuti S. V. Prabhakar , Shim Jaesool , Nguyen Dang Nam , Rosaiah P. , Karim Mohammad Rezaul , Alnaser Ibrahim A. , Khan Baseem
Published: April 2024

Solar energy is a crucial and sustainable resource, necessitating material optimization for efficient use in solar‐driven applications, particularly photocatalysis. Mixed‐metallic nanocomposites, notably those derived from metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), have emerged as promising functional materials for environmental remediation and electrochemical energy storage. MOFs provide unique platforms for synthesizing diverse nanostructures, incorporating metals, oxides, sulfides, and nitrides within a porous carbon matrix. These resulting nanocomposites exhibit high crystallinity, retained morphologies, and tunable textural features. This study focuses on synthesizing a MOF‐derived Ni/Zn nanocomposite (i.e., MD‐Ni/Zn) from a bimetallic MOF to exploit its potential in photocatalytic pollutant degradation and electrochemical energy storage. Under UV irradiation, the MD‐Ni/Zn nanocomposite efficiently degrades 98% of mixed (RhB + CV) dye within 60 minutes. This remarkable photocatalytic performance is attributed to the occurrence of mixed phases in the MD‐Ni/Zn nanocomposite, minimizing the recombination efficiency of photoinduced e-/h+ through the p‐n heterojunction mechanism. Electrochemical analysis reveals outstanding capacitance in the MD‐Ni/Zn nanocomposite, reaching 1002 F/g at 5 A/g, emphasizing its suitability for enhanced electrochemical energy storage.
In Silico Approach Triterpene Glycoside of H. atra Targeting Orotidine 5-Monophosphate Decarboxylase Protein (PfOMPDC) in P. falciparum Infection Mechanism
Authors: Utami Prawesty Diah , Setianingsih Herin , Sari Dewi Ratih Tirto
Published: April 2024

This study accessed the potential antimalarial activity of triterpene glycoside of H. atra through targeting orotidine 5-monophosphate decarboxylase protein (PfOMPDC) in P. falciparum by molecular docking. Nine triterpene glycosides from H. atra extract modeled the structure by the Corina web server and interacted with PfOMPDC protein by using Hex 8.0.0. The docking results were visualized and analyzed by Discovery Studio version 21.1.1. 17-Hydroxyfuscocineroside B showed the lowest binding energy in PfOMPDC interaction, which was -1,098.13 kJ/mol. Holothurin A3, echinoside A, and fuscocineroside C showed low binding energy. Nine triterpene glycosides of H. atra performed interaction with PfOMPDC protein at the same region. Holothurin A1 posed interaction with PfOMPDC protein by 8 hydrogen bonds, 3 hydrophobic interactions, and 8 unfavorable bonds. Several residues were detected in the same active sites of other triterpene glycosides. Residue TYR111 was identified in all triterpene glycoside complexes, except holothurin A3 and calcigeroside B. In summary, the triterpene glycoside of H. atra is potentially a drug candidate for malaria therapeutic agents. In vitro and in vivo studies were required for further investigation.
Enhanced Myocardial Tissue Visualization: A Comparative Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study of Gradient-Spin Echo-STIR and Conventional STIR Imaging
Authors: Dehghani Sadegh , Shirani Shapoor , Jazayeri Gharebagh Elahe
Published: April 2024

Purpose. This study is aimed at evaluating the efficacy of the gradient-spin echo- (GraSE-) based short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence (GraSE-STIR) in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging compared to the conventional turbo spin echo- (TSE-) based STIR sequence, specifically focusing on image quality, specific absorption rate (SAR), and image acquisition time. Methods. In a prospective study, we examined forty-four normal volunteers and seventeen patients referred for CMR imaging using conventional STIR and GraSE-STIR techniques. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), image quality, T2 signal intensity (SI) ratio, SAR, and image acquisition time were compared between both sequences. Results. GraSE-STIR showed significant improvements in image quality (4.15±0.8 vs. 3.34±0.9, p=0.024) and cardiac motion artifact reduction (7 vs. 18 out of 53, p=0.038) compared to conventional STIR. Furthermore, the acquisition time (27.17±3.53 vs. 36.9±4.08 seconds, p=0.041) and the local torso SAR (<13% vs. <17%, p=0.047) were significantly lower for GraSE-STIR compared to conventional STIR in short-axis plan. However, no significant differences were shown in T2 SI ratio (p=0.141), SNR (p=0.093), CNR (p=0.068), and SAR (p=0.071) between these two sequences. Conclusions. GraSE-STIR offers notable advantages over conventional STIR sequence, with improved image quality, reduced motion artifacts, and shorter acquisition times. These findings highlight the potential of GraSE-STIR as a valuable technique for routine clinical CMR imaging.
Influence of Depression on Pain and Disability in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain after Physical Therapy: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Rui , Peng Meng-Si , Wang Yi-Zu , Chen Pei-Jie , Wang Xue-Qiang
Published: April 2024

Background. Depressive complications in chronic pain are detrimental to rehabilitation. This study was aimed at determining the influence of the presence of depressive symptoms on the efficacy of physical therapy among participants with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods. Data was collected from a randomized controlled trial on 113 participants with CLBP. Participants were reallocated into the depressed or nondepressed groups based on the 50-cutoff point of the self-rating depression scale. All patients received 60 min sessions of physical therapy twice a week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was back-related disability. Secondary outcomes included pain ratings, sleep quality, life quality, other psychological outcomes, and minimal clinically important differences. These outcomes were collected at baseline, 12, 26, and 52 weeks. Results. 31 (27.4%) were accompanied by depressive symptoms. At 12 weeks, the initial depression score was only associated with anxiety score (β=1.196 [0.531 to 1.860], P=0.001) and depression score (β=0.742 [0.200 to 1.284], P=0.009) in the depressed group, but the initial depression score was associated with anxiety score (β=0.409 [0.138 to 0.681], P=0.004), depression score (β=0.920 [0.658 to 1.184], P<0.001), sleep quality (β=0.108 [0.018 to 0.199], P=0.020), and pain anxiety (β=0.465 [0.034 to 0.897], P=0.035) and negatively associated with life quality (β=−0.815 [−1.267 to −0.363], P=0.001) in the nondepressed group. Conclusions. Physical therapy is effective to CLBP with depressive symptoms. A higher initial depression score may weaken the efficacy of physical therapy in the nondepressed group. Depressive complications may adversely influence intervention efficacy for CLBP. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1800016396.
The Transformative Power of AI Writing Technologies: Enhancing EFL Writing Instruction through the Integrative Use of Writerly and Google Docs
Authors: Wale Bantalem Derseh , Kassahun Yirgalem Fentie
Published: April 2024

AI technologies transform language instruction by offering feedback, support, and guidance to students, ultimately leading to a more effective and efficient learning experience. The present study investigated the impacts of integrating Writerly and Google Docs to enhance EFL writing instruction. It also assessed students’ perceptions towards using these AI technologies. The study employed a quasiexperimental pretest-posttest two-group design. It used a mixed-methods approach, utilizing tests, questionnaires, focus group discussions, and teacher diaries to gather data from a sample of 92 randomly selected participants. In the experimental group, students enhanced their writing skills through the integration of Writerly and Google Docs, while the control group students received instruction using the traditional paper and pencil feedback system. When the quantitative data were analyzed through independent samples T-test and descriptive statistics, the qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The results confirmed that the integration of Writerly and Google Docs AI technologies, significantly improved EFL writing instruction, as evidenced by a statistically significant difference in writing performance between the experimental and control groups. Hence, students who learned through the integration of Writerly and Google Docs showed improved writing performance as they were able to produce essays that effectively addressed task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy, whereas those who learned through the conventional method were less effective in producing quality essays. The findings also revealed that the experimental group students had positive perceptions towards integrating Writerly and Google Docs because they found these AI writing technologies interesting, effective, goal-oriented, and supportive. Consequently, this study recommends researchers, curriculum designers, material designers, teachers, and students pay due attention to Writerly and Google Docs.
Prediction of Vibration Waveform and Division of Influenced Partitions under the Action of Blasting
Authors: Zhao Yan , Yin Xiangxiang , Wang Hailong , Ge Lijie , Yan Jialei , Li Yunhe , Li Huilin , Liu Jinglei
Published: April 2024

To study the impact of cutting blasting on the surface, a vibration waveform prediction function was constructed, and a method of dividing the affected area was proposed. Based on the equivalent spherical charge theory, it is possible to establish a connection between the fitting coefficient and the engineering parameters in the equivalent source intensity function. Furthermore, a blasting vibration waveform function suitable for engineering can be constructed. Secondly, the reliability of the method introduced is verified through the data monitored on‐site. Finally, the affected partitions of blasting vibration are divided based on the peak particle velocity and vibration displacement as standards. The results show that the vibration waveform prediction system introduced can restore the vibration waveform corresponding to cutting blasting. In addition, the zoning method can reasonably divide the scope of the affected area.
Circulating Immune Landscape Profiling in Psoriasis Vulgaris and Psoriatic Arthritis by Mass Cytometry
Authors: Sang Xudong , Gan Tian , Ge Gai , Li Dan , Mei Youming , Pan Chun , Long Siyu , Xie Bibo , Yu Xiaobing , Chen Zhiming , Wang Hongsheng
Published: April 2024

Background. Psoriasis, a systemic disorder mediated by the immune system, can appear on the skin, joints, or both. Individuals with cutaneous psoriasis (PsC) have an elevated risk of developing psoriatic arthritis (PsA) during their lifetime. Despite this known association, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this progression remain unclear. Methods. We performed high‐dimensional, in‐depth immunophenotyping of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with PsA and psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) by mass cytometry. Blood samples were collected before and after therapy for a longitudinal study. Then three sets of comparisons were made here: active PsA vs. active PsV, untreated PsV vs. treated PsV, and untreated PsA vs. treated PsA. Results. Marked differences were observed in multiple lymphocyte subsets of PsA related to PsV, with expansion of CD4+ T cells, CD16− NK cells, and B cells. Notably, two critical markers, CD28 and CD127, specifically differentiated PsA from PsV. The expression levels of CD28 and CD127 on both Naïve T cells (TN) and central memory CD4+ T cells (TCM) were considerably higher in PsA than PsV. Meanwhile, after treatment, patients with PsV had higher levels of CD28hi CD127hi CD4+ TCM cells, CD28hi CD127hi CD4+ TN cells, and CD16− NK cells. Conclusion. In the circulation of PsA patients, the TN and CD4+ TCM are characterized with more abundant CD28 and CD127, which effectively distinguished PsA from PsV. This may indicate that individuals undergoing PsV could be stratified at high risk of developing PsA based on the circulating levels of CD28 and CD127 on specific cell subsets.
Supplementary Figure 1 from Integrating AI-Powered Digital Pathology and Imaging Mass Cytometry Identifies Key Classifiers of Tumor Cells, Stroma, and Immune Cells in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Rigamonti Alessandra , Viatore Marika , Polidori Rebecca , Rahal Daoud , Erreni Marco , Fumagalli Maria Rita , Zanini Damiano , Doni Andrea , Putignano Anna Rita , Bossi Paola , Voulaz Emanuele , Alloisio Marco , Rossi Sabrina , Zucali Paolo Andrea , Santoro Armando , Balzano Vittoria , Nisticò Paola , Feuerhake Friedrich , Mantovani Alberto , Locati Massimo , Marchesi Federica
Published: April 2024

Supplementary Figure 1
Supplementary Data from Sarcoma Cells Secrete Hypoxia-Modified Collagen VI to Weaken the Lung Endothelial Barrier and Promote Metastasis
Authors: Liu Ying , Murazzi Ileana , Fuller Ashley M. , Pan Hehai , Irizarry-Negron Valerie M. , Devine Ann , Katti Rohan , Skuli Nicolas , Ciotti Gabrielle E. , Pak Koreana , Pack Michael A. , Simon M. Celeste , Weber Kristy , Cooper Kumarasen , Eisinger-Mathason T.S. Karin
Published: April 2024

Supplementary figures and legends
Supplemental Figure S6 from Subclonal Cancer Driver Mutations Are Prevalent in the Unresected Peritumoral Edema of Adult Diffuse Gliomas
Authors: Underhill Hunter R. , Karsy Michael , Davidson Christian J. , Hellwig Sabine , Stevenson Samuel , Goold Eric A. , Vincenti Sydney , Sellers Drew L. , Dean Charlie , Harrison Brion E. , Bronner Mary P. , Colman Howard , Jensen Randy L.
Published: April 2024

Supplemental Figure S6. Percentage of panel positions affected during generation of a blacklist for common error.
Supplemental Figure S3 from Subclonal Cancer Driver Mutations Are Prevalent in the Unresected Peritumoral Edema of Adult Diffuse Gliomas
Authors: Underhill Hunter R. , Karsy Michael , Davidson Christian J. , Hellwig Sabine , Stevenson Samuel , Goold Eric A. , Vincenti Sydney , Sellers Drew L. , Dean Charlie , Harrison Brion E. , Bronner Mary P. , Colman Howard , Jensen Randy L.
Published: April 2024

Supplemental Figure S3. Effects of proper-pair-plus (PP+), alignment quality (MQ), and base quality (BQ) on read depth and false positives.
Supplemental Figure S16 from Subclonal Cancer Driver Mutations Are Prevalent in the Unresected Peritumoral Edema of Adult Diffuse Gliomas
Authors: Underhill Hunter R. , Karsy Michael , Davidson Christian J. , Hellwig Sabine , Stevenson Samuel , Goold Eric A. , Vincenti Sydney , Sellers Drew L. , Dean Charlie , Harrison Brion E. , Bronner Mary P. , Colman Howard , Jensen Randy L.
Published: April 2024

Supplemental Figure S16. The distribution of mutation types from unique subclones.
Supplemental Figure S14 from Subclonal Cancer Driver Mutations Are Prevalent in the Unresected Peritumoral Edema of Adult Diffuse Gliomas
Authors: Underhill Hunter R. , Karsy Michael , Davidson Christian J. , Hellwig Sabine , Stevenson Samuel , Goold Eric A. , Vincenti Sydney , Sellers Drew L. , Dean Charlie , Harrison Brion E. , Bronner Mary P. , Colman Howard , Jensen Randy L.
Published: April 2024

Supplemental Figure S14. Comparison of tumor burden by histology and True2.
Supplemental Figure S11 from Subclonal Cancer Driver Mutations Are Prevalent in the Unresected Peritumoral Edema of Adult Diffuse Gliomas
Authors: Underhill Hunter R. , Karsy Michael , Davidson Christian J. , Hellwig Sabine , Stevenson Samuel , Goold Eric A. , Vincenti Sydney , Sellers Drew L. , Dean Charlie , Harrison Brion E. , Bronner Mary P. , Colman Howard , Jensen Randy L.
Published: April 2024

Supplemental Figure S11. Read depth and total paired reads for each tumor and peritumoral sample.
Supplement 4 from Subclonal Cancer Driver Mutations Are Prevalent in the Unresected Peritumoral Edema of Adult Diffuse Gliomas
Authors: Underhill Hunter R. , Karsy Michael , Davidson Christian J. , Hellwig Sabine , Stevenson Samuel , Goold Eric A. , Vincenti Sydney , Sellers Drew L. , Dean Charlie , Harrison Brion E. , Bronner Mary P. , Colman Howard , Jensen Randy L.
Published: April 2024

Methodology for identifying copy number variations using a pool-of-normal as a reference. Example Python scripts included.
Movie#4 from Human Tumor–Associated Macrophages and Neutrophils Regulate Antitumor Antibody Efficacy through Lethal and Sublethal Trogocytosis
Authors: Singhal Sunil , Rao Abhishek S. , Stadanlick Jason , Bruns Kyle , Sullivan Neil T. , Bermudez Andres , Honig-Frand Adam , Krouse Ryan , Arambepola Sachinthani , Guo Emily , Moon Edmund K. , Georgiou George , Valerius Thomas , Albelda Steven M. , Eruslanov Evgeniy B.
Published: April 2024

Suppl Movie 4, monocyte lethal trogocytosis
Supplementary Fig.S17 from PRMT1 Sustains De Novo Fatty Acid Synthesis by Methylating PHGDH to Drive Chemoresistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Yamamoto Takehiro , Hayashida Tetsu , Masugi Yohei , Oshikawa Kiyotaka , Hayakawa Noriyo , Itoh Mai , Nishime Chiyoko , Suzuki Masami , Nagayama Aiko , Kawai Yuko , Hishiki Takako , Matsuura Tomomi , Naito Yoshiko , Kubo Akiko , Yamamoto Arisa , Yoshioka Yujiro , Kurahori Tomokazu , Nagasaka Misa , Takizawa Minako , Takano Naoharu , Kawakami Koji , Sakamoto Michiie , Wakui Masatoshi , Yamamoto Takushi , Kitagawa Yuko , Kabe Yasuaki , Horisawa Kenichi , Suzuki Atsushi , Matsumoto Masaki , Suematsu Makoto
Published: April 2024

Fig.S17