bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluvial habitat associations of riverine dragonflies (Odonata, Gomphidae) in the Huron Mountains (Michigan, USA)
Authors: Orlofske Jessica M. , Wilson Brandon R. , Tesar Danielle E. , Tyrrell Christopher D. , Headley Rachel
Published: July 2024

The presence of sediment‐burrowing clubtail dragonflies (Gomphidae) may be directly related to riverine geomorphic properties. Their synchronous emergence behavior, marked by persistent exuviae, allows for the examination of emerging adult‐stage habitats. Here we explore how emerging adult and benthic larvae are related to hydrogeomorphic factors through regression modeling. Nine sites in two subwatersheds of the Huron Mountain region (Michigan, USA) were surveyed during two periods: May/June 2021 and August 2021. Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and discharge were measured concurrent with invertebrate surveys, and field samples of total suspended solids, nutrients, and substrate particle size distribution were also taken. In spring, 317 exuviae were collected, including 153 Gomphidae. In August, 45 larvae were collected including 22 Gomphidae. Spearman's rank correlations preceded robust regression analysis to aid variable selection. Although nonsignificant, Gomphidae exuviae were negatively correlated with conductivity, average water depth, and percent sand while non‐Gomphidae exuviae were positively correlated with the same variables. The model selection found the top models for Gomphidae and non‐Gomphidae exuviae abundance to relate to depth and conductivity, while the top model for Gomphidae larvae was with discharge. All single variable models (discharge, width, and percent sand) had similar AICc criterion values when examining their relationship with non‐Gomphidae larval abundance. Our study demonstrates that larvae of several riverine dragonfly taxa in the Huron Mountains co‐occur despite hydrogeomorphic variation, yet, at emergence, specific taxa may be responding to different stream properties. Understanding the habitat requirements of riverine dragonflies and how these potentially shift throughout development can support conservation efforts.
Single Nucleus Total RNA Sequencing of Formalin‐Fixed Paraffin‐Embedded Gliomas
Authors: Xu Ziye , Chen Lingchao , Lin Xin , Lyu Yuexiao , Zhou Mofei , Chen Haide , Zhang Heng , Zhang Tianyu , Chen Yu , Suo Yuanzhen , Liang Qian , Qin Zhiyong , Wang Yongcheng
Published: July 2024

Gliomas, the predominant form of brain cancer, comprise diverse malignant subtypes with limited curative therapies available. The insufficient understanding of their molecular diversity and evolutionary processes hinders the advancement of new treatments. Technical complexities associated with formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) clinical samples hinder molecular‐level analyses of gliomas. Current single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) platforms are inadequate for large‐scale clinical applications. In this study, automated snRandom‐seq is developed, a high‐throughput single‐nucleus total RNA sequencing platform optimized for archival FFPE samples. This platform integrates automated single‐nucleus isolation and droplet barcoding systems with the random primer‐based scRNA‐seq chemistry, accommodating a broad spectrum of sample types. The automated snRandom‐seq is applied to analyze 116 492 single nuclei from 17 FFPE samples of various glioma subtypes, including rare clinical samples and matched primary‐recurrent glioblastomas (GBMs). The study provides comprehensive insights into the molecular characteristics of gliomas at the single‐cell level. Abundant non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with distinct expression profiles across different glioma clusters and uncovered promising recurrence‐related targets and pathways in primary‐recurrent GBMs are identified. These findings establish automated snRandom‐seq as a robust tool for scRNA‐seq of FFPE samples, enabling exploration of molecular diversities and tumor evolution. This platform holds significant implications for large‐scale integrative and retrospective clinical research.
Road Target Detection in Different Weather Conditions Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Yang Zhendong , Zhao Yibing , Li Bin , Guo Lie
Published: July 2024

Addressing the challenge of ensuring robustness in vision‐based target recognition algorithms under adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and fog, is crucial. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach for road target detection that can effectively operate under various weather conditions. Our method is based on the cascade task framework of target detection, complemented by image restoration techniques. Specifically, we have developed a denoising network tailored to meet the demands of de‐raining and snow removal tasks. This network leverages prior knowledge about the mask, enhancing its effectiveness. In real‐world scenarios featuring fog, wet conditions, and snow‐covered roads, our proposed method demonstrates a significant improvement in both recall rate and accuracy compared to conventional single‐object detection algorithms. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Anaesthetic mortality in cats: A worldwide analysis and risk assessment
Authors: Redondo José I. , Martínez‐Taboada Fernando , Viscasillas Jaime , Doménech Luis , Marti‐Scharfhausen Reyes , Hernández‐Magaña Eva Z. , Otero Pablo E.
Published: July 2024

Background

Patient safety is essential in small animal anaesthesia. This study aimed to assess anaesthesia‐related deaths in cats worldwide, identify risk and protective factors and provide insights for clinical practice.

Methods

A prospective multicentre cohort study of 14,962 cats from 198 veterinary centres across different countries was conducted. Data on anaesthesia‐related deaths, from premedication up to 48 hours postextubation, were collected. Logistic regression was used to analyse patient demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, procedure type and anaesthetic drugs.

Results

The anaesthesia‐related mortality was 0.63%, with 74.5% of deaths occurring postoperatively. Cats with cachexia, a higher ASA status or who underwent abdominal, orthopaedic/neurosurgical or thoracic procedures exhibited elevated mortality. Mechanical ventilation use was associated with increased mortality. Mortality odds were reduced by the use of alpha2‐agonist sedatives, pure opioids in premedication and locoregional techniques.

Limitations

Limitations include non‐randomised sampling, potential biases, unquantified response rates, subjective death cause classification and limited variable analysis.

Conclusions

Anaesthetic mortality in cats is significant, predominantly postoperative. Risk factors include cachexia, higher ASA status, specific procedures and mechanical ventilation. Protective factors include alpha2‐agonist sedatives, pure opioids and locoregional techniques. These findings can help improve anaesthesia safety and outcomes. However, further research is required to improve protocols, enhance data quality and minimise risks.
Erratum to: Jet charge identification in the e+e− → Z → $$ \textrm{q}\overline{\textrm{q}} $$ process at Z pole
Authors: Cui Hanhua , Zhao Mingrui , Wang Yuexin , Liang Hao , Ruan Manqi
Published: July 2024

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP05(2024)210
On the existence of symplectic barriers
Authors: Haim-Kislev Pazit , Hind Richard , Ostrover Yaron
Published: July 2024

In this note we establish the existence of a new type of rigidity of symplectic embeddings coming from obligatory intersections with symplectic planes. In particular, we prove that if a Euclidean ball is symplectically embedded in the Euclidean unit ball, then it must intersect a sufficiently fine grid of two-codimensional pairwise disjoint symplectic planes. Inspired by analogous terminology for Lagrangian submanifolds, we refer to these obstructions as symplectic barriers.
Combinatorics of semi-toric degenerations of Schubert varieties in type C
Authors: Fujita Naoki , Nishiyama Yuta
Published: July 2024

An approach to Schubert calculus is to realize Schubert classes as concrete combinatorial objects such as Schubert polynomials. Using the polytope ring of the Gelfand–Tsetlin polytopes, Kiritchenko–Smirnov–Timorin realized each Schubert class as a sum of reduced Kogan faces. The first named author introduced a generalization of reduced Kogan faces to symplectic Gelfand–Tsetlin polytopes using a semi-toric degeneration of a Schubert variety, and extended the result of Kiritchenko–Smirnov–Timorin to type C case. In this paper, we introduce a combinatorial model to this type C generalization using a kind of pipe dream with self-crossings. As an application, we prove that the type C generalization can be constructed by skew mitosis operators.
The antiarrhythmic drugs amiodarone and dronedarone inhibit intoxication of cells with pertussis toxin
Authors: Jia Jinfang , Lietz Stefanie , Barth Holger , Ernst Katharina
Published: July 2024

Pertussis toxin (PT) is a virulent factor produced by Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough. PT exerts its pathogenic effects by ADP-ribosylating heterotrimeric G proteins, disrupting cellular signaling pathways. Here, we investigate the potential of two antiarrhythmic drugs, amiodarone and dronedarone, in mitigating PT-induced cellular intoxication. After binding to cells, PT is endocytosed, transported from the Golgi to the endoplasmic reticulum where the enzyme subunit PTS1 is released from the transport subunit of PT. PTS1 is translocated into the cytosol where it ADP-ribosylates inhibitory α-subunit of G-protein coupled receptors (Gαi). We showed that amiodarone and dronedarone protected CHO cells and human A549 cells from PT-intoxication by analyzing the ADP-ribosylation status of Gαi. Amiodarone had no effect on PT binding to cells or in vitro enzyme activity of PTS1 but reduced the signal of PTS1 in the cell suggesting that amiodarone interferes with intracellular transport of PTS1. Moreover, dronedarone mitigated the PT-mediated effect on cAMP signaling in a cell-based bioassay. Taken together, our findings underscore the inhibitory effects of amiodarone and dronedarone on PT-induced cellular intoxication, providing valuable insights into drug repurposing for infectious disease management.
Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression in Parkinson’s disease patients: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alnajjar Asmaa Zakria , Abouelmagd Moaz Elsayed , Krayim Abdulrahman , AbdelMeseh Maickel , Bushara Nagham , Nabil Yehia
Published: July 2024

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients often experience non-motor symptoms like depression and anxiety, significantly impacting their quality of life. With the limited effectiveness of pharmacological treatments, effective non-pharmacological interventions are needed. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in PD patients.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring CBT's effectiveness for depression and anxiety in PD patients were included. Studies published until April 2023 were identified from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Methodological quality was assessed using the Risk of Bias-2 (ROB-2) tool. Statistical analysis involved calculating the standardized mean difference (SMD) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Review Manager 5.4.1.

Results

The systematic review included 12 studies involving 241 PD patients. CBT led to a substantial reduction in anxiety (SMD -0.95, 95% CI [-1.15 to -0.74], P < 0.00001) and depression (SMD -1.02, 95% CI [-1.39 to -0.65], P < 0.0001). Both traditional CBT and tele-CBT (administered over the phone or internet) were effective in treating depression and anxiety. Traditional CBT improved depression (SMD -1.16, 95% CI [-1.83 to -0.49], P < 0.00001), while tele-CBT showed comparable results (SMD -0.90, 95% CI [-1.31 to -0.48], P < 0.00001). For anxiety, both traditional CBT (SMD -0.94, 95% CI [-1.25 to -0.63], P < 0.00001) and tele-CBT (SMD -0.95, 95% CI [-1.22 to -0.67], P < 0.00001) significantly reduced symptoms.

In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated the efficacy of CBT in reducing depression and anxiety in PD patients. Healthcare providers are encouraged to integrate CBT into their treatment protocols. However, additional high-quality studies with longer-term follow-up assessments are needed to further enhance understanding in this area.

Prospero Registration

CRD42023424758.
Portable multi-focal visual evoked potential diagnostics for multiple sclerosis/optic neuritis patients
Authors: Banijamali S. Mohammad Ali , Versek Craig , Babinski Kristen , Kamarthi Sagar , Green-LaRoche Deborah , Sridhar Srinivas
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuro-inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS), where the immune system targets and damages the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers, inhibiting axonal signal transmission. Demyelinating optic neuritis (ON), a common MS symptom, involves optic nerve damage. We’ve developed NeuroVEP, a portable, wireless diagnostic system that delivers visual stimuli through a smartphone in a headset and measures evoked potentials at the visual cortex from the scalp using custom electroencephalography electrodes.

Methods

Subject vision is evaluated using a short 2.5-min full-field visual evoked potentials (ffVEP) test, followed by a 12.5-min multifocal VEP (mfVEP) test. The ffVEP evaluates the integrity of the visual pathway by analyzing the P100 component from each eye, while the mfVEP evaluates 36 individual regions of the visual field for abnormalities. Extensive signal processing, feature extraction methods, and machine learning algorithms were explored for analyzing the mfVEPs. Key metrics from patients’ ffVEP results were statistically evaluated against data collected from a group of subjects with normal vision. Custom visual stimuli with simulated defects were used to validate the mfVEP results which yielded 91% accuracy of classification.

Results

20 subjects, 10 controls and 10 with MS and/or ON were tested with the NeuroVEP device and a standard-of-care (SOC) VEP testing device which delivers only ffVEP stimuli. In 91% of the cases, the ffVEP results agreed between NeuroVEP and SOC device. Where available, the NeuroVEP mfVEP results were in good agreement with Humphrey Automated Perimetry visual field analysis. The lesion locations deduced from the mfVEP data were consistent with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Optical Coherence Tomography findings.

Conclusion

This pilot study indicates that NeuroVEP has the potential to be a reliable, portable, and objective diagnostic device for electrophysiology and visual field analysis for neuro-visual disorders.
Quantum Reconstructions as Stepping Stones Toward ψ-Doxastic Interpretations?
Authors: Berghofer Philipp
Published: July 2024

In quantum foundations, there is growing interest in the program of reconstructing the quantum formalism from clear physical principles. These reconstructions are formulated in an operational framework, deriving the formalism from information-theoretic principles. It has been recognized that this project is in tension with standard ψ-ontic interpretations. This paper presupposes that the quantum reconstruction program (QRP) (i) is a worthwhile project and (ii) puts pressure on ψ-ontic interpretations. Where does this leave us? Prima facie, it seems that ψ-epistemic interpretations perfectly fit the spirit of information-based reconstructions. However, ψ-epistemic interpretations, understood as saying that the wave functions represents one’s knowledge about a physical system, recently have been challenged on technical and conceptual grounds. More importantly, for some researchers working on reconstructions, the lesson of successful reconstructions is that the wave function does not represent objective facts about the world. Since knowledge is a factive concept, this speaks against epistemic interpretations. In this paper, I discuss whether ψ-doxastic interpretations constitute a reasonable alternative. My thesis is that if we want to engage QRP with ψ-doxastic interpretations, then we should aim at a reconstruction that is spelled out in non-factive experiential terms.
Beginning mathematics teachers’ values and beliefs about pedagogy during a time of policy flux
Authors: Hyde Rosalyn , Archer Rosa , Bamber Sally
Published: July 2024

This study interrogates how beginning secondary mathematics teachers align their beliefs with their practice when they justify their pedagogical choices in the context of recent English mathematics education policy which is strongly influenced by approaches to mathematics teaching in Shanghai and Singapore currently referred to as ‘mastery’ approaches. It seeks to understand beginning teachers’ perceptions and understandings of these approaches and the extent to which they recognise aspects of ‘mastery’ in practice. In setting the context, pre-service teachers’ beliefs were surveyed and found to be congruent with constructivist approaches to learning. We then draw on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews secondary mathematics teachers in their first year post-qualification. The interviews were designed to interrogate and capture understanding of the features of mastery within their own classrooms. By using vignettes to capture participants’ beliefs, our aim was to present a ‘more nuanced understanding of the phenomena’ (Skilling and Stylianides in Int J Res Method Educ 43(5):541–556, 2019, 10.1080/1743727x.2019.1704243). The analytical framework developed draws on Guskey’s (In: Wright J (ed) International encyclopedia of the social & behavioural sciences, 2015, vol 14, 2nd edn, Elsevier, pp 752–759) interpretation of Bloom’s theory of mastery learning together with features of mastery learning in mathematics articulated by Drury (How to teach mathematics for mastery, 2018, Oxford University Press) and Boylan et al. (Edu Sci 8(4):202, 2018, 10.3390/educsci8040202). This posed a research design challenge given the variation in interpretation of mastery learning as it is understood in practice. The data exposes differences in the interpretation of mastery approaches in the settings where they learn to teach, as well as the tensions that arise between beginning teachers’ beliefs, practice, professional knowledge and agency in their developing classroom roles.
Variations in the Central Mode Water in the North Pacific as a manifestation of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation
Authors: Naoto Iwasaka , Kobashi Fumiaki , Kawai Yoshimi
Published: July 2024

The North Pacific Central Mode Water (CMW) is examined from the viewpoint of its volume variations. The volume of the CMW layers thicker than $$150 m$$

150
m

is used as an index of CMW variations, which successfully represents the year-to-year and decadal variations in the CMW volume. The CMW index shows the variation close to that of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). The CMW variation is strongly tied with large-scale, dominant variations in sea surface temperature (SST), surface dynamic height (SDH), and sea surface height (SSH) anomalies in the North Pacific, with a significant correlation with the PDO. Year-to-year and decadal variations of CMW volume in May to July are significantly correlated with the wintertime Aleutian Low and 500$$hPa$$

hPa

geopotential height variations, which indicates that the Aleutian Low induces the eastward extension/retreat of the strong winter westerlies and resultant net surface heat flux anomaly over the CMW distribution region. Thus, the CMW volume variation can be regarded as a significant manifestation of the PDO. The SST, SDH, and SSH anomalies are associated with the surface cooling in the northern sector of the CMW distribution region. On the other hand, the SDH and SSH anomalies throughout a year and the SST anomaly in the cold season in the southeastern sector of the CMW region are formed due to the heaving of isopycnal surfaces in the subsurface layer above the CMW in response to its volume variations.
Photothermal Depth Profiling of Gelatin-Stabilised Gold Nanorods-Trastuzumab Conjugate as a Potential Breast Cancer Photothermal Agent
Authors: Mwad Mbaz Gracia It , Calvin Lebepe Thabang , Maluleke Rodney , Obonai Akiyoshi , Mgedle Nande , Aladesuyi Olanrewaju A. , Kalimutu Rajendran , Kodama Tetsuya , Komiya Atsuki , Oluwafemi Oluwatobi Samuel
Published: July 2024

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are powerful photothermal agents (PTAs) in cancer treatment due to their near-infrared laser light absorption ability. However, the cytotoxicity of AuNRs caused by the presence of cationic surfactants often used and their lack of specificity affect their application in photothermal therapy. Thus, we herein developed a bioconjugate obtained from the functionalisation of AuNRs to gelatin (Gel@AuNRs), followed by the conjugation of the as-synthesised material to a breast cancer antibody, trastuzumab (Trast-Gel@AuNRs) to address these issues. The optical and structural characterization of the as-synthesized indicated no significant changes in the optical properties of AuNRs after their functionalisation with gelatin and conjugation with the antibody. The photothermal profiling of the as-synthesised materials showed that AuNRs still have an excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) after their functionalisation (20%) and their conjugation to an antibody (19%). In addition, the In vitro photothermal depth response showed that Trast-Gel@AuNRs is a promising photothermal agent for HER2-positive breast cancer treatment.

Graphical Abstract
Susceptibility Testing of Environmental and Clinical Aspergillus sydowii Demonstrates Potent Activity of Various Antifungals
Authors: Spruijtenburg Bram , Rezusta Antonio , Houbraken Jos , Hagen Ferry , de Groot Theun , Meis Jacques F. , Meijer Eelco F. J.
Published: July 2024

The genus Aspergillus consists of a vast number of medically and environmentally relevant species. Aspergillus species classified in series Versicolores are ubiquitous in the environment and include the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus sydowii, which is associated with onychomycosis and superficial skin infections. Despite frequent clinical reports of A. sydowii and related series Versicolores species, antifungal susceptibility data are scarce, hampering optimal treatment choices and subsequent patient outcomes. Here, we employed antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) based on microbroth dilution on a set of 155 series Versicolores strains using the common antifungals amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole and micafungin with the addition of luliconazole and olorofim. All strains were identified using partial calmodulin gene sequencing, with 145 being A. sydowii, seven A. creber and three A. versicolor, using the latest taxonomic insights. Overall, tested antifungals were potent against the entire strain collection. In comparison to A. fumigatus, azole and amphotericin B MICs were slightly elevated for some strains. AFST with luliconazole and olorofim, here reported for the first time, displayed the highest in vitro activity, making these antifungals interesting alternative drugs but clinical studies are warranted for future therapeutic use.
Decreased β-cell volume and insulin secretion but preserved glucose tolerance in a growth hormone insensitive pig model
Authors: Laane Laeticia , Renner Simone , Kemter Elisabeth , Stirm Michael , Rathkolb Birgit , Blutke Andreas , Bidlingmaier Martin , de Angelis Martin Hrabĕ , Wolf Eckhard , Hinrichs Arne
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Growth hormone (GH) is a central regulator of β-cell proliferation, insulin secretion and sensitivity. Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of GH insensitivity on pancreatic β-cell histomorphology and consequences for metabolism in vivo.

Methods

Pancreata from pigs with growth hormone receptor deficiency (GHR-KO, n = 12) were analyzed by unbiased quantitative stereology in comparison to wild-type controls (WT, n = 12) at 3 and 7–8.5 months of age. In vivo secretion capacity for insulin and glucose tolerance were assessed by intravenous glucose tolerance tests (ivGTTs) in GHR-KO (n = 3) and WT (n = 3) pigs of the respective age groups.

Results

Unbiased quantitative stereological analyses revealed a significant reduction in total β-cell volume (83% and 73% reduction in young and adult GHR-KO vs. age-matched WT pigs; p < 0.0001) and volume density of β-cells in the pancreas of GHR-KO pigs (42% and 39% reduction in young and adult GHR-KO pigs; p = 0.0018). GHR-KO pigs displayed a significant, age-dependent increase in the proportion of isolated β-cells in the pancreas (28% in young and 97% in adult GHR-KO vs. age-matched WT pigs; p = 0.0009). Despite reduced insulin secretion in ivGTTs, GHR-KO pigs maintained normal glucose tolerance.

Conclusion

GH insensitivity in GHR-KO pigs leads to decreased β-cell volume and volume proportion of β-cells in the pancreas, causing a reduced insulin secretion capacity. The increased proportion of isolated β-cells in the pancreas of GHR-KO pigs highlights the dependency on GH stimulation for proper β-cell maturation. Preserved glucose tolerance accomplished with decreased insulin secretion indicates enhanced sensitivity for insulin in GH insensitivity.
Long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic for patients with cancer
Authors: Debie Yana , Palte Ziyad , Salman Haya , Verbruggen Lise , Vanhoutte Greetje , Chhajlani Siddharth , Raats Silke , Roelant Ella , Vandamme Timon , Peeters Marc , van Dam Peter A.
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

Long COVID is defined as the continuation of symptoms, unexplainable by alternative diagnosis, longer than four weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. These symptoms might hinder daily activities and overall well-being, ultimately impacting quality of life (QoL). Several studies have reported fatigue as the most common symptom, followed by dyspnoea, headache and myalgia. Although it is assumed that long COVID affects 10–20% of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals, recently numbers up to 60% were described for patients with cancer. This study uncovers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on QoL of patients with cancer and how long COVID manifests in this cohort.

Methods:

A group of 96 patients with cancer was followed from March 2022 till March 2023. Online questionnaires assessing symptoms associated with long COVID, anxiety and depression (HADS), quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and cognitive functioning (CFQ) were sent every three months during this period. Furthermore, a semi-structured focus group was organised for qualitative data collection.

Results:

Overall, these patients reported a negative impact of the enforced COVID-19 restrictions on the emotional and psychological wellbeing. Forty nine patients with cancer (51.0%) were infected with SARS-CoV-2 over the course of the study, of which 39 (79.6%) reported long COVID symptoms. The most commonly reported symptoms were myalgia (46.2%), fatigue (38.5%) and disturbed sleep (35.9%) and it was observed that male sex is associated with poor long COVID outcomes.

Conclusion:

While patients with cancer experience similar long COVID symptoms as healthy controls, the prevalence is remarkably higher possibly due to their compromised immune system and weakened physiological reserve.
ABCNN-IDS: Attention-Based Convolutional Neural Network for Intrusion Detection in IoT Networks
Authors: Momand Asadullah , Jan Sana Ullah , Ramzan Naeem
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes an attention-based convolutional neural network (ABCNN) for intrusion detection in the Internet of Things (IoT). The proposed ABCNN employs an attention mechanism that aids in the learning process for low-instance classes. On the other hand, the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) employed in the ABCNN framework converges toward the most important parameters and effectively detects malicious activities. Furthermore, the mutual information technique is employed during the pre-processing stage to filter out the most significant features from the datasets, thereby improving the effectiveness of the ABCN model. To assess the effectiveness of the ABCNN approach, we utilized the Edge-IoTset, IoTID20, ToN_IoT, and CIC-IDS2017 datasets. The performance of the proposed architecture was assessed using various evaluation metrics, such as precision, recall, F1-score, and accuracy. Additionally, the performance of the proposed model was compared to multiple ML and DL methods to evaluate its effectiveness. The proposed model exhibited impressive performance on all the utilized datasets, achieving an average accuracy of 99.81%. Furthermore, it demonstrated excellent scores for other evaluation metrics, including 98.02% precision, 98.18% recall, and 98.08% F1-score, which outperformed other ML and DL models.
Cannabis Use from Early Adolescence to the Mid-Twenties in Children of Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Parents: Findings from a Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Steinhoff Annekatrin , Bechtiger Laura , Birchler Kurt , Ribeaud Denis , Eisner Manuel , Quednow Boris B. , Shanahan Lilly
Published: July 2024

This study compares the developmental course of cannabis use in adolescents with versus without an immigrant background. Data came from a Swiss prospective-longitudinal cohort study (n = 1445) with nine assessments between ages 7 and 24. Parents reported their immigration history; adolescents self-reported their past-year cannabis use five times between ages 13 (in 2011) and 24 years (in 2022). Latent growth curve models revealed a curvilinear increase in cannabis use, with a peak at age 20. Adolescents whose parents had immigrated showed a less steep increase in cannabis use during adolescence and a lower cumulative prevalence of cannabis use by age 24. Specific cultural and religious backgrounds were linked with lower odds of cannabis use. Interventions in early adolescence need to consider immigration, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
Teacher education for mathematical modelling: exploring the experiences of secondary school teachers in two courses
Authors: Barquero Berta , Ferrando Irene
Published: July 2024

This paper focuses on in-service teacher education as a crucial agent in driving educational paradigm shifts for the teaching and learning of mathematical modelling. Our paper presents empirical research based on two case studies, examining training courses for in-service secondary school mathematics teachers. The first course integrates different modelling approaches, while the second one is based on the anthropological theory of the didactic and uses the proposal of the study and research paths for teacher education. Both experiences conclude with teachers working on the design of modelling tasks to be implemented in secondary schools. Both courses are analysed through the lenses of how teachers progress on the collective identification of conditions and constraints for modelling, when teachers deal with the design of modelling tasks and analyse their implementations. First, the results show the kind of modelling tasks teachers design and the level of disciplinary specificity at which they plan modelling to be implemented. Second, we analyse how teachers address the “ecological analysis”, that is, the identification of conditions and constraints that facilitate or hinder the integration of modelling in secondary school classrooms after their experiences.
Molecular pathway of anticancer effect of next-generation HSP90 inhibitors XL-888 and Debio0932 in neuroblastoma cell line
Authors: Kaplan Özlem , Gökşen Tosun Nazan
Published: July 2024

Neuroblastoma is a common nervous system tumor in childhood, and current treatments are not adequate. HSP90 is a molecular chaperone protein that plays a critical role in the regulation of cancer-related proteins. HSP90 inhibition may exert anticancer effects by targeting cancer-related processes such as tumor growth, cell proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis. Therefore, HSP90 inhibition is a promising strategy in the treatment of various types of cancer, and the development of next-generation inhibitors could potentially lead to more effective and safer treatments. XL-888 and Debio0932 is a next-generation HSP90 inhibitor and can inhibit the correct folding and stabilization of client proteins that cancer-associated HSP90 helps to fold correctly. In this study, we aimed to investigate the comprehensive molecular pathways of the anticancer activity of XL-888 and Debio0932 in human neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y. The cytotoxic effects of XL-888 and Debio0932 on the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y cells were evaluated by MTT assay. Then, the effect of these HSP90 inhibitors on the expression of important genes in cancer was revealed by Quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) method. The qRT-PCR data were evaluated using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) biological process tools. Finally, the effect of HSP90 inhibitors on HSP27, HSP70 and HSP90 protein expression was investigated by Western blotting analysis. The results revealed that XL-888 and Debio0932 had a role in regulating many cancer-related pathways such as migration, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. In conclusion, it shows that HSP90 inhibitors can be considered as a promising candidate in the treatment of neuroblastoma and resistance to chemotherapy.
Comparative responses of two maize genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance to biochar application
Authors: Ruan Renjie , Lambers Hans , Wang Yaosheng
Published: July 2024

The impact of biochar application on plant performance under drought stress necessitates a comprehensive understanding of biochar–soil interaction, root growth, and plant physiological processes. Therefore, pot experiments were conducted to assess the effects of biochar on plant responses to drought stress at the seedling stage. Two contrasting maize genotypes (drought-sensitive KN5585 vs. -tolerant Mo17) were subjected to biochar application under drought stress conditions. The results indicated that biochar application decreased soil exchangeable Na+ and Ca2+ contents while increased soil exchangeable K+ content (2.7-fold) and electrical conductivity (4.0-fold), resulting in an elevated leaf sap K+ concentration in both maize genotypes. The elevated K+ concentration with biochar application increased root apoplastic pH in the drought-sensitive KN5585, but not in the drought-tolerant Mo17, which stimulated the activation of H+-ATPase and H+ efflux in KN5585 roots. Apoplast alkalinization of the drought-sensitive KN5585 resulting from biochar application further inhibited root growth by 30.7%, contributing to an improvement in water potential, a reduction in levels of O2–, H2O2, T-AOC, SOD, and POD, as well as the down-regulation of genes associated with drought resistance in KN5585 roots. In contrast, biochar application increased leaf sap osmolality and provided osmotic protection for the drought-tolerant Mo17, which was associated with trehalose accumulation in Mo17 roots. Biochar application improved sucrose utilization and circadian rhythm of Mo17 roots, and increased fresh weight under drought stress. This study suggests that biochar application has the potential to enhance plant drought tolerance, which is achieved through the inhibition of root growth in sensitive plants and the enhancement of osmotic protection in tolerant plants, respectively.

Graphical Abstract
A Practical Approach to Tracking Estimation Using Object Trajectory Linearization
Authors: Yousefi Seyed Mohammad Mehdi , Mohseni Seyed Saleh , Dehbovid Hadi , Ghaderi Reza
Published: July 2024

In the field of image processing and machine vision, object tracking is a significant and rapidly developing subfield. The numerous potential applications of object tracking have garnered much attention in recent years. The effectiveness of tracking and detecting moving targets is directly related to the quality of motion detection algorithms. This paper presents a new method for estimating the tracking of objects by linearizing their trajectories. Estimating the movement paths of objects in dynamic and complex environments is one of the fundamental challenges in various fields, such as surveillance systems, autonomous navigation, and robotics. Existing methods, such as the Kalman filter and particle filter, each have their strengths and weaknesses. The Kalman filter is suitable for linear systems but less efficient in nonlinear systems, while the particle filter can better handle system nonlinearity but requires more computations. The main goal of this research is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of estimating the movement paths of objects by combining path linearization techniques with existing advanced methods. In this method, the nonlinear model of the object's path is first transformed into a simpler linear model using linearization techniques. The Kalman filter is then used to estimate the states of the linearized system. This approach simplifies the calculations while increasing the estimation accuracy. In the subsequent step, a particle filter-based method is employed to manage noise and sudden changes in the object's trajectory. This combination of two different methods allows leveraging the advantages of both, resulting in a more accurate and robust estimate. Experimental results show that the proposed method performs better than traditional methods, achieving higher accuracy in various conditions, including those with high noise and sudden changes in the movement path. Specifically, the proposed approach improves movement forecasting accuracy by about 12% compared to existing methods. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that object trajectory linearization can be an effective tool for improving object tracking estimation. Combining this technique with existing advanced methods can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of tracking systems. Consequently, the results of this research can be applied to the development of advanced surveillance systems, self-driving cars, and other applications.
Ideology, Scholarship, and Sociolegal Change: Lessons from Galanter and the “Litigation Crisis”
Authors: Nelson Robert L.
Published: July 2024

A prominent feature of the landscape of American sociolegal research is Marc Galanter's scholarship on the civil justice system. Galanter began his academic career in anthropological research on India, and his studies of the American legal system reflect these origins. Like an anthropologist at work in his native land, Galanter's contribution has been to illuminate the properties of the American legal system as a social whole. No other scholar has so effectively comprehended the organic character of American law—how the operation of the formal rules system depends on the strategic interplay among actors in the system, the significance of indigenous or embedded systems of normative ordering that pervasively emerge in the shadow of the formal legal system, and the relationship between the law as a system of symbols and a system of bargaining endowments. “Why the Haves Come Out Ahead” (Galanter, 1974) remains the most ambitious and comprehensive attempt to explain the relationship between the litigation system and patterns of inequality in American society. Not only did the article develop a useful set of grounded categories for social actors in the system (the famous distinction between “repeat players” and “one-shotters”), it also specified the mechanisms through which these social categories could achieve dominance in the system. In broad sweep, it suggested those strategies of legal change that would have the greatest redistributive effects on society, as well as the limitations that would confront attempts at social change through the law. Given the nature of this early accomplishment, it seemed natural when Galanter (1983b) reasserted his role as the preeminent commentator on the civil justice system with “Reading the Landscape of Disputes.”
Legal and Non-Legal Voluntariness: A Rejoinder to Wertheimer
Authors: Philips Michael
Published: July 2024

I argued in the paper that has given rise to this exchange (1982) that Wertheimer failed to distinguish between two questions: (A) Are negotiated pleas involuntary in a sense that renders them legally invalid? and (B) Are negotiated pleas entered involuntarily in a sense that justifies the abolition of plea bargaining as a matter of social policy? In his reply, Wertheimer agrees that he failed to make this distinction but disputes its importance. He offers two reasons for minimizing its significance: (1) That to decide (A) judges must decide “questions of social and political morality”; and (2) that the structure of the concept of voluntariness is the same in both (A) and (B). I will argue that (1) is false and that (2) is not true in any interesting sense.
Low glycaemic index diet in pregnancy and child asthma and eczema: follow-up of the ROLO trial
Authors: Callanan S. , Talaei M. , Delahunt A. , Shaheen S.O , McAuliffe F.M
Published: July 2024

Atopic diseases, including asthma and eczema, represent a substantial public health problem in children and adolescents globally; asthma is the commonest chronic disorder of childhood(1). Research suggests that the origins of childhood asthma lie in utero, and several components of the maternal diet during pregnancy have been investigated in relation to atopic outcomes in children. Epidemiological evidence suggests that a higher intake of sugar during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of childhood asthma and atopy(2,3). However, randomised trial evidence supporting such a link is lacking.

Aims

1.

To examine whether a low glycaemic index (GI) dietary intervention during pregnancy decreases the risk of asthma and eczema in childhood.

2.

To assess observationally whether maternal intake of sugar during pregnancy is positively associated with asthma and eczema in childhood.

This is a secondary analysis of children from the ROLO trial. Healthy women were randomised to receive an intervention of low GI dietary advice or routine antenatal care from early pregnancy. All women completed a 3-day food diary in each trimester of pregnancy. Estimates of maternal intake of sugar in each trimester were averaged to provide mean intakes during pregnancy. Mothers reported current doctor-diagnosed eczema in their children at 2-years of age (n=271), and current doctor-diagnosed asthma and eczema in their children at 5 (n=357) and 9-11 years (n=391) of age. Multivariable logistic regression models were used a) to test the effect of the intervention on child outcomes overall, and stratified by maternal education level (with, versus without, a complete tertiary level education), and b), in observational analyses, to analyse the relation between sugar and carbohydrate intake in pregnancy and child outcomes.

There was weak evidence overall for a reduction in asthma at 5-years of age in children whose mothers received the low GI dietary intervention during pregnancy compared to usual care [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.43 (95% CI 0.18, 1.03); P=0.06]. However, in stratified analyses the intervention was associated with a marked reduction in risk of asthma at 5-years of age in children born to mothers with lower educational attainment [adjusted OR 0.16 (0.03, 0.85); P=0.032]. Intake of sugar during pregnancy was positively associated with the development of asthma at any time point in childhood [adjusted OR per quartile of mean sugar intake 1.40 (0.99, 1.97), P-trend=0.048] and at 5-years of age [adjusted OR per quartile 1.55 (1.00, 2.40), P-trend=0.046]. No associations with eczema outcomes were found.

This novel study provides stronger evidence that higher sugar intake during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of asthma among offspring. An intervention to reduce sugar intake in pregnancy may have potential as a primary prevention strategy, particularly amongst children born to mothers with lower educational attainment.
The association between selenium status and cognitive decline in very old adults: The Newcastle 85+ Study
Authors: Perri G. , Mathers J. C , Martin-Ruiz C. , Parker C. , Demircan K. , Chillon T. S. , Schomburg L. , Robinson L. , Stevenson E. J , Terrera G. , Sniehotta F. F , Ritchie C. , Adamson A. , Burns A. , Minihane A.M , Shannon O. , Hill T.R
Published: July 2024

The trace element selenium is known to protect against oxidative damage which is known to contribute to cognitive impairment with ageing (1,2). The aim of this study was to explore the association between selenium status (serum selenium and selenoprotein P (SELENOP)) and global cognitive performance at baseline and after 5 years in 85-year-olds living in the Northeast of England.

Serum selenium and SELENOP concentrations were measured at baseline by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively, in 757 participants from the Newcastle 85+ study. Global cognitive performance was assessed using the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) where scores ≤25 out of 30 indicated cognitive impairment. Logistic regressions explored the associations between selenium status and global cognition at baseline. Linear mixed models explored associations between selenium status and global cognition prospectively after 5 years. Covariates included sex, body mass index, physical activity, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, alcohol intake, self-rated health, medications and smoking status.

At baseline, in fully adjusted models, there was no increase in odds of cognitive impairment with serum selenium (OR 1.004, 95% CI 0.993-1.015, p = 0.512) or between SELENOP (OR 1.006, 95% CI 0.881-1.149, p = 0.930). Likewise, over 5 years, in fully adjusted models there was no association between serum selenium and cognitive impairment (β 7.20E-4 ± 5.57E-4, p = 0.197), or between SELENOP and cognitive impairment (β 3.50E-3 ± 6.85E-3, p = 0.610).

In this UK cohort of very old adults, serum selenium or SELENOP was not associated with cognitive impairment at baseline and 5 years. This was an unexpected finding despite SELENOP’s key role in the brain and the observed associations in other studies. Further research is needed to explore the effect of selenium on global cognition in very old adults.