bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Individualistic Homoeopathic Approach in a Case of Infected Epidermal Naevus—A Case Report
Authors: Das Torsa
Published: August 2024

Naevi are circumscribed developmental defects or the lack of one or more components of the skin that manifest as overgrowths or hamartomas derived from embryonic ectoderm. The majority of naevi are present at birth or appear soon after birth. Naevi can be infected by various organisms, particularly by Staphylococcus, without other systemic involvement, similar to the skin. A 30-year-old male patient presented with an infected, painful congenital epidermal naevus on the anterior side of his right thigh. He experienced severe itching, burning, and sudden blister formation. After treatment, the infection completely resolved, leaving the naevus without any complications. Possible causal attribution of these changes was determined using the Modified Naranjo Criteria (score: 8 out of 13). No recurrence of further infection was reported in the next year, demonstrating the positive curative role of individualized homeopathic treatment in a case of infected epidermal naevus.
Stabilization of interdomain closure by a G protein inhibitor
Authors: Todd Tyson D. , Vithani Neha , Singh Sukrit , Bowman Gregory R. , Blumer Kendall J. , Soranno Andrea
Published: August 2024

Inhibitors of heterotrimeric G proteins are being developed as therapeutic agents. Epitomizing this approach are YM-254890 (YM) and FR900359 (FR), which are efficacious in models of thrombosis, hypertension, obesity, asthma, uveal melanoma, and pain, and under investigation as an FR-antibody conjugate in uveal melanoma clinical trials. YM/FR inhibits the Gq/11/14 subfamily by interfering with GDP (guanosine diphosphate) release, but by an unknown biophysical mechanism. Here, we show that YM inhibits GDP release by stabilizing closure between the Ras-like and α-helical domains of a Gα subunit. Nucleotide-free Gα adopts an ensemble of open and closed configurations, as indicated by single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer and molecular dynamics simulations, whereas GDP and GTPγS (guanosine 5’-O-[gamma-thio]triphosphate) stabilize distinct closed configurations. YM stabilizes closure in the presence or absence of GDP without requiring an intact interdomain interface. All three classes of mammalian Gα subunits that are insensitive to YM/FR possess homologous but degenerate YM/FR binding sites, yet can be inhibited upon transplantation of the YM/FR binding site of Gq. Novel YM/FR analogs tailored to each class of G protein will provide powerful new tools for therapeutic investigation.
Oncofetal IGF2BP3-mediated control of microRNA structural diversity in the malignancy of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fujiwara Yuko , Takahashi Ryou-u , Saito Motonobu , Umakoshi Michinobu , Shimada Yoko , Koyama Kei , Yatabe Yasushi , Watanabe Shun-ichi , Koyota Souichi , Minamiya Yoshihiro , Tahara Hidetoshi , Kono Koji , Shiraishi Kouya , Kohno Takashi , Goto Akiteru , Tsuchiya Naoto
Published: August 2024

The nature of microRNA (miRNA) dysfunction in carcinogenesis remains controversial because of the complex connection between miRNA structural diversity and biological processes. Here, we found that oncofetal IGF2BP3 regulates the selective production of a subset of 3′-isoforms (3′-isomiRs), including miR-21-5p and Let-7 family, which induces significant changes in their cellular seed occupancy and structural components, establishing a cancer-specific gene expression profile. The D-score, reflecting dominant production of a representative miR-21-5p+C (a 3′-isomiR), discriminated between clinical early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cases with low and high recurrence risks, and was associated with molecular features of cell cycle progression, epithelial–mesenchymal transition pressure, and immune evasion. We found that IGF2BP3 controls the production of miR-21-5p+C by directing the nuclear Drosha complex to select the cleavage site. IGF2BP3 was also involved in the production of 3′-isomiRs of miR-425-5p and miR-454-3p. IGF2BP3-regulated these three miRNAs are suggested to be associated with the regulation of p53, TGF-β, and TNF pathways in LUAD. Knockdown of
IGF2BP3
also induced a selective upregulation of Let-7 3′-isomiRs, leading to increased cellular Let-7 seed occupancy and broad repression of its target genes encoding cell cycle regulators. The D-score is an index that reflects this cellular situation. Our results suggest that the aberrant regulation of miRNA structural diversity is a critical component for controlling cellular networks, thus supporting the establishment of a malignant gene expression profile in early stage LUAD.
Bayesian Neural Network Variational Autoencoder Inverse Mapper (BNN-VAIM) and its application in Compton Form Factors extraction
Authors: Hossen MD Fayaz Bin , Alghamdi Tareq , Almaeen Manal , Li Yaohang
Published: August 2024

We extend the Variational Autoencoder Inverse Mapper (VAIM) framework for the inverse problem of extracting Compton Form Factors (CFFs) from deeply virtual exclusive reactions, such as the unpolarized Deeply virtual exclusive scattering (DVCS) cross section. VAIM is an end-to-end deep learning framework to address the solution ambiguity issue in ill-posed inverse problems, which comprises of a forward mapper and a backward mapper to simulate the forward and inverse processes, respectively. In particular, we incorporate Bayesian Neural Network (BNN) into the VAIM architecture (BNN-VAIM) for uncertainty quantification. By sampling the weights and biases distributions of the BNN in the backward mapper of the VAIM, BNN-VAIM is able to estimate prediction uncertainty associated with each individual solution obtained for an ill-posed inverse problem. We first demonstrate the uncertainty quantification capability of BNN-VAIM in a toy inverse problem. Then, we apply BNN-VAIM to the inverse problem of extracting 8 CFFs from the unpolarized DVCS cross section.
Optimization design of the cavity tuning and RF input coupler for an 11 MeV superconducting cyclotron
Authors: Wu Yue , He Zi-Feng , Wan Wei-Shi , Zheng Pan-Pan , Dai Zhi-Min
Published: August 2024

This study addresses the compact design requirements for a
11 MeV superconducting cyclotron utilized in isotope production by
proposing a design and optimization scheme for a radio frequency
(RF) input coupling system. The system, comprising a coupler loop,
transmission lines, and RF window, has been tailored to accommodate
the spatial constraints imposed by the super conducting magnet
radius, thereby facilitating efficient RF power transfer to the RF
cavity and minimizing input power. Structural optimization of the
coupler loop and RF window has achieved S11 parameter of
-82.23 dB, significantly reducing input power while maintaining
high coupling efficiency. A coaxial coupler suitable for lower
frequency ranges has been designed, employing a tapered structure
for the transmission line to ensure a smooth transition to reduce
impedance discontinuity effects and enhance adjustability. The
multi-stage design of the RF window has achieved fine impedance
matching, significantly lowering the S11 parameter. In response to
frequency drift caused by RF loss and temperature increase, the
study utilizes perturbation theory to analyze the perturbation
effect of coupling components on the resonant frequency, designing
an adjustable structure with both coarse and precise tuning
capabilities, realizing tuning precision at the kHz/mm level and a
tuning range of several MHz. A conjectural formula has been proposed
based on the impact of the tuner's structural parameters on the
resonant frequency, accurately calculating the equivalent inductance
of the tuner and the resonant frequency of the RF cavity post-tuner
installation, with the maximum estimation error of the resonant
frequency kept within 0.1%, offering significant guidance for
engineering design.
Embedded FPGA developments in 130 nm and 28 nm CMOS for machine learning in particle detector readout
Authors: Gonski J. , Gupta A. , Jia H. , Kim H. , Rota L. , Ruckman L. , Dragone A. , Herbst R.
Published: August 2024

Embedded field programmable gate array (eFPGA) technology
allows the implementation of reconfigurable logic within the design
of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). This approach
offers the low power and efficiency of an ASIC along with the ease
of FPGA configuration, particularly beneficial for the use case of
machine learning in the data pipeline of next-generation collider
experiments. An open-source framework called “FABulous” was used
to design eFPGAs using 130 nm and 28 nm CMOS technology nodes,
which were subsequently fabricated and verified through testing.
The capability of an eFPGA to act as a front-end readout chip was
assessed using simulation of high energy particles passing through a
silicon pixel sensor. A machine learning-based classifier, designed
for reduction of sensor data at the source, was synthesized and
configured onto the eFPGA. A successful proof-of-concept was
demonstrated through reproduction of the expected algorithm result
on the eFPGA with perfect accuracy. Further development of the
eFPGA technology and its application to collider detector readout is
discussed.
Assessing urban water-energy nexus characteristics in China and the US
Authors: Wu Xiaomeng , Liu Yi , Yu Zongqi , Jiang Jitong , Wang Chunyan , Zhao Bu
Published: August 2024

The Water-Energy Nexus (WEN) provides a comprehensive concept for the cooperative management of resources. Although the WEN system in cities is intricately connected to socioeconomic activities, relationship between WEN and economic systems remains understudied. This study introduces a tri-dimensional Nexus Pressure Index (NPI) to assess the pressure on WEN system. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita and city tiers in the urban agglomeration were used to assess the relationship between the characteristics of WEN and economic system. We conducted a case study of 296 cities in China and 1330 counties in the United States from 2012 to 2019. During the 9 year study period, on average, pressure on WEN system have relieved by 22% in China and 27% in the United States, measured by NPI. Cities with most ideal characteristics (low pressure in all dimensions) rank merely in the middle of all eight classes, with GDP per capita 74% and 85% of the highest-GDP-per-capita class in China and the US respectively. Well-performing WEN system does not yield best economic outcomes. High water pressure correlates with better economic performance in the US, while high-energy-pressure cities had GDP per capita about 50% and 70% of the class with highest GDP per capita in China and the US, respectively, suggesting stronger economic constraints from energy stress. Urban agglomeration analysis revealed a negative relationship between WEN and economic performance. NPI in emerging cities is 0.6–1 lower than NPI in regionally-central cities in China, while 0.2–0.5 lower in the US. These results underscore the contradiction between preferred WEN characteristics and higher economic performance, and underpin the resource curse hypothesis at city-level in the two considered giants. A sustainable approach to harmonize WEN and economic system is in urgent need.
Dominant features of phasic evolutions in the winter Arctic-midlatitude linkage since 1979
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Wu Bingyi
Published: August 2024

Over the past decades, the Arctic-midlatitude linkage has been extensively explored. Recent studies have suggested that the characteristics of phasic evolutions in the relationship between the Arctic warming and midlatitudes remain elusive. Therefore, this study systematically investigates this issue by using running empirical orthogonal function and moving correlation, and the results show a phasic alternation process in the relationship between the tropospheric thickness over the Barents–Kara Seas (BKS) and East Asian temperature, characterized by a phasic weak (P1: 1979–2000)–strong (P2: 2001–2011)–weak (P3: 2012–2021) connection. Our results highlight that since the winter of 2010, despite the Arctic sea ice being in an exceptionally reduced phase and continuous Arctic warming, the Arctic-midlatitude connection has not exhibited sustained strengthening relative to P2 phase. Moreover, it is found that changes of the connection between the BKS warming and the East Asian winter Monsoon may contribute to this phasic evolution, and the Arctic Oscillation plays an important role in modulating their phasic evolutions. The conclusions of this study help to deepen our understanding of the evolution of the strength and weakness of the relationship between Arctic warming and climate variations in midlatitudes.
Footprints of drought risk on Africa’s agricultural, water and nutritional security
Authors: Sharma Tarul , Amarnath Giriraj , Amarasinghe Upali , Seid Abdulkarim
Published: August 2024

Prolonged and recurrent droughts seriously threaten Africa’s food and water security. This threat frequently coexists with human-induced calamities, such as domestic and international conflicts and civil unrest, which could exacerbate the socio-economic instability already present in the region. Using a novel data-driven approach, we evaluated how drought risk in Africa affects the security of various crucial sectors of sustainable development, such as agriculture, water, and food nutrition/health (referred here as ‘nutritional’). Our findings show that different sectors and geographical areas exhibit distinct risk footprints. In Central African countries, for instance, we found that social instability linked to higher nutritional risk is more prevalent than that resulting from the agriculture and water sectors. Socio-economic volatility rather than uncertainty in the climate is the primary driver of this elevated nutritional risk. However, most Northern African countries are at risk of considerable agriculture and water insecurity because of extreme water stress and unstable climate trends. We indicate that the risk is majorly driven by recurrent drought events in Southern Africa, which significantly affect inclusive sectoral securities. The cause of higher risks in Eastern and Western Africa has been found to be an unfavorable interaction of all the risk components—vulnerability, exposure, and hazard. Notably, basic amenities, climate stability, and access to sustainable and renewable water sources are often missing from Africa’s sectoral risk hotspots. Our results emphasize the necessity of maximizing the efficacy of bottom-up initiatives to achieve sustainable food and water security, by integrating socio-economic policies and climate change at the granular level through observation.
Application of digital transformation in real-time bridge monitoring systems: a case study with GNSS, accelerometer and IoT solution
Authors: Quang Vu Ngoc , Ha Nguyen Viet , Trong Tran Dinh
Published: August 2024

Digital transformation is a term that has recently become more popular in all industries such as economics, financial fields, and engineering. The development of the Internet of Things, smart sensor systems, and cloud computing is the basis for forming effective solutions in construction monitoring from cyclic monitoring and post-processing to real-time monitoring and processing; from physical storage systems to virtual systems, and connecting every component in the project. This article presents a study and application of advanced devices including GNSS, acceleration sensors and IoT solutions in bridge construction monitoring. The research aims to apply smart devices and IoT to build real-time monitoring modules for bridge projects following the digital transformation trend. The study uses a GNSS N3 Comnav receiver with a sampling interval of 1Hz, an MPU 6050 acceleration sensor with a sampling frequency of 250 Hz, and an ESP Wi-Fi module. The result of the research is a real-time wireless monitoring system that operates effectively and economically and initially processes data with GNSS and high-frequency acceleration sensors.
Predicting PM2.5 concentrations in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province using an artificial neural network model
Authors: Dung H M , Than N H
Published: August 2024

Air pollution has increased rapidly and significantly recently, particularly in big cities. Various methods for predicting air pollution are available, including traditional air quality models, statistical techniques, and artificial intelligence. In this study, the author developed a model using a Feed Forward Neural Network with multivariate statistical methods to predict air pollution. Data from three automated air monitoring locations in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province were gathered between 2020 and 2022 to forecast the concentration of PM2.5. The results demonstrated that the FFNN model with an I(6)-HL(5)-O(1) structure outperformed other models in predicting PM2.5 concentration. The training, validation, and testing phases yielded mean squared error values of 9.2×10−6, 8.2×10−6, and 8.6×10−6, respectively. The regression coefficient obtained consistently high values across a range of experiments (above 0.99). The MSE value of the FFNN model of the prediction set was lower than that of the NSE value, which was higher than those obtained from the multiple linear regression.
Urban green tree morphology and the problem of minimizing runoff. A case study in Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hue City, Vietnam.
Authors: Phuc Chi Lang Le , Ngoc Bay Tran , Hoang Son Nguyen
Published: August 2024

Sustainable urban drainage by green infrastructure is emphasized. Trees can change the three processes of interception, evapotranspiration, and infiltration of the hydrological cycle, so they are considered one of the effective solutions to reduce urban flooding. The article applies Minnesota’s Minimum Impact Design Standards (MIDS) Calculator method to compare the ability to reduce surface runoff of urban trees on Ly Thuong Kiet Street before 2009 and 2022. The calculation results show that before 2009 it was 3,406m3; after expanding the road and replacing the type of greenery, it was only 1,570m3 in 2022, a decrease of 2.16 times compared to before 2009. The factors that create the difference are canopy area (CP), leaf area index (LAI), tree species, and soil volume for each tree. The decrease in this ability is due to the greenery replaced after 2010 being unsuitable for local characteristics, so the trees are poorly developed or dead.
Therapeutic Garden Design at Marzoeki Mahdi Hospital
Authors: Akbarinaldi G , Utami F N H
Published: August 2024

Mental disorders is characterized by clinically significant disturbance in a person’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior. Dr. H. Marzoeki Mahdi Hospital (RSMM) is one of the mental hospitals that provides psychosocial rehabilitation services. Psychosocial rehabilitation consists of various activities to hone the patient’s ability so that they live independently. One of the activities is vocational and occupational therapy. The hospital garden is a necessity in the patient rehabilitation process so it needs to be designed to make it can be utilized optimally. The research objectives are to identify and analyze activities, user needs, potentials and constraints on the site; determine the design concept and create a therapeutic garden design for psychosocial rehabilitation at Marzoeki Mahdi Hospital. This research uses a descriptive method with stages such as preparation, research and analysis, concept and design. Data was collected through surveys, interviews, questionnaires and literature studies. The proposed design is a therapeutic garden to support psychosocial rehabilitation. The design concept applies one of patients rehabilitaion activities, namely socializing, which is depicted in a circular pattern and rehabilitation activities carried out repeatedly are depicted in a repetitive pattern. In addition, a symmetrical pattern is also applied which illustrates organized life and firmness. Based on this pattern, spaces are designed to support rehabilitation activities, namely the welcome area, active therapy area, passive therapy area and parking area.
Identification of landscape components for heat mitigation in Bahrain’s arid climate urban waterfront parks
Authors: Saputra W E , Lai L Y
Published: August 2024

Heat mitigation became a significant issue in urban spaces because of increased urban temperature due to urban heat phenomena in cities worldwide, particularly in regions with arid climates. This paper discusses the potential of landscape component configurations that mitigate heat in urban parks in arid climate regions. This paper explores the possibility of landscape components in arid climates to mitigate heat in the microthermal areas of urban parks. A case study area and systematic literature review methodology were applied to analyze combining landscape components to generate outdoor heat mitigation in arid climate regions. The study found that combinations of ground asphalt and solid building provide the lowest temperature compared to other configurations in Bahrain’s arid urban waterfront park, which might provide a solid shadow and supported by wind speeds.
Numerical Study on Static and Fatigue Behavior of Alkali-Activated Fly Ash Concrete Modelled using Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) Model
Authors: Nandhineekrishna  , Channappa T M , Prashanth M H , Kuttagola Imran
Published: August 2024

Alkali-activated concretes (AAC) are considered as an alternative to Portland cement concretes because of their much lower carbon emissions. To study its characteristics is of utmost importance. In the present research, an attempt is made to create a numerical model to analyze the static and fatigue flexural behavior of alkali-activated fly ash concrete (FC) and compare them with ordinary Portland cement concrete (PCC). Three-point bending tests are simulated for the monotonic load to obtain the static behavior of a 2D notched rectangular beam. A 2D beam specimen of size 262.5 mm x 75 mm, with a notch of size 15 mm x 3 mm was provided at the bottom middle. Fly ash-based alkali-activated concrete (FC) and corresponding PCC of similar strength are modeled in ABAQUS CAE using the concrete damage plasticity (CDP) model. The ultimate loads, maximum deflection, and CMOD for each of them were obtained from the history output manager. The results of monotonic tests are utilized for creating a sinusoidal load cycle for fatigue tests with various loading frequencies and stress ratios. Different structural responses are examined under the fatigue test. The results showed that FC performs better than PCC under static and fatigue tests. Fatigue performance of both FC and PCC is influenced by the frequency of loading and fatigue life increases at higher frequencies. It is also found that stress reversal negatively impacts the fatigue life of both FC and PCC.
Bio gas production from blends of canna generalis plant chaff with cow dung and poultry waste
Authors: Naik Pushparaj A. , Deekshitha K , Janakaraj M
Published: August 2024

Canna x generalis plant is proved as a wetland species identified for the treatment of partially treated domestic wastewater. Mycrophyte chaff harvested from wetland system is commonly discharged into the environment, posing a hazard to the friendliness of the environment. There are examples of plant chaff being used as a renewable energy source, particularly in the production of bio gas. Therefore a study on the biogas production from blends of canna x generalis plant chaff with cow dung and Poultry waste is carried out. The wastes are blended as Canna chaff and Cow dung (CC: CD), Canna chaff and Poultry dropping (CC: PD), all in different ratios, while the CC alone served as control. The CC waste is ground, blended with cow dung and Poultry waste and charged to the digesters in the prescribed ratio. The moisture content of the wastes are determined as the water to waste ratio. The anaerobic digestion is operated under a mesophilic temperature range of 23°C - 37°C during the digestion period. Findings revealed that the cumulative biogas yield from cow dung and canna chaff in 1:3 and 1:4 ratios is 40 % higher than the cumulative biogas yield from canna chaff alone. The cumulative biogas produced by combining Poultry droppings and canna chaff in a 1:3 ratio is 32 percent more than the cumulative biogas yield with substrate canna chaff alone. All the blends commenced flammable gas production within 24 hr of charging the digesters, however, the gas flammability was not sustained and gas production decreased considerably after 4th day. Overall results show that blending the canna plant chaff with cow dung and Poultry droppings in proportion 1:3 yielded maximum cumulative biogas over the entire digestion period.
Experimental Investigation of Tannery wastewater by Electrocoagulation method
Authors: Priyadharshini B , Abraham Marykutty , Nirmala R , Agalya S
Published: August 2024

Treating tannery wastewater poses a significant challenge due to its composition, comprising biogenic materials from hides and a diverse range of organic and inorganic chemicals. Experimental procedures were conducted using an electrochemical reactor employing sacrificial electrodes—mild steel as both anode and cathode—in a unceasing process. Numerous working parameters such as current density and electrolysis duration were examined to achieve optimal reduction in presence of turbidity, total solids, COD, BOD, TDS, and Chromium content. Enhanced reductions in COD, BOD, TDS, and chromium content were observed at higher flow rates. The applied current density also notably impacted the reduction efficiency of COD, BOD, TDS, and chromium content. Investigation into the electro coagulation method employing short cell current (1A) and solvable mild steel electrodes revealed their efficacy compared to aluminium electrodes, particularly in chromium removal, achieving over 90% removal efficiency. However, the use of mild steel electrodes resulted in the formation of a black precipitate characteristic of iron (II) sulphides during the treatment, although effectively reducing effluent coloration. The removal efficiency of chloride, however, remained lower, at less than 12%. A comprehensive discussion on the mechanisms involved in the removal of COD, chromium, total dissolved salts, total solids, chloride and coloration using soluble mild steel electrodes was presented. The predominant role of the electrode was highlighted by treating tannery wastewater with mild steel electrodes, followed by filtration, resulting in removal rates of 68.0% for chemical oxygen demand, 43.1% for chromium, 55.1% for total dissolved salts and 84.3% for coloration, considering initial concentrations of 2850 mg/L, 230 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 100 mg/L, and a 256- fold dilution, respectively.
Antifungal activities of chitosan nanoparticles against Fusarium pseudensiforme on durian trees
Authors: Cuong Hoang Ngoc , Thi Kim Cuc Nguyen , Thi Tinh Le , Van Hoa Nguyen
Published: August 2024

Antifungal nano-biomaterials are gaining interest as an effective strategy for controlling fungal pathogens because of their nontoxicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and high activity. The study aimed to present an antifungal agent, squid chitosan nanoparticles (SCNs), against the Fusarium pseudensiforme pathogen in durian trees. Besides, the in vitro antifungal activity of SCNs was compared to other agents, including neem oil and squid pen chitosan. All biomaterials showed a decrease in mycelial growth as their treated concentrations increased. However, at the same concentration of 250 ppm after 8 days of incubation at 28 °C, SCNs exhibited the highest in totally inhibiting the growth of Fusarium pseudensiforme, while the lesion diameters were 2.5 cm (neem oil) and 2.1 cm (chitosan). Besides, the lowest dried biomass was obtained after 8 days of incubation in broth culture at 250 ppm of the SCNs. The findings suggested that SCNs could be used as an effective alternative nano-biomaterial for controlling the Fusarium pseudensiforme pathogen in durian trees.
Formative Phase
Authors: Howard-Johnston James
Published: August 2024

Byzantium retained many features of the late Roman empire, notably the infrastructure of a centralized, bureaucratically capable state (roads, money, law, and fiscal grip). Changes were enforced on the superstructure by defeat, loss of territory, and virtually unceasing warfare. Three phases of reform (much of it improvised initially) are distinguished: (1) fiscal adjustments to increase revenue from a reduced resource base, creation of a new military logistics system (640s); (2) forward deployment of field armies, creation of navy, and improvement to urban defences (643–85); (3) establishment of four regional military commands in Asia Minor, encompassing several civil provinces, and extension of a fortification programme (eighth century). Byzantium was preparing itself to fight a long guerrilla war of defence.
Social Order I
Authors: Howard-Johnston James
Published: August 2024

There is plenty of archaeological evidence for urban decline at the end of antiquity—in the shrinkage of sites and decline in building standards. City notables either left, seeking security elsewhere (within the beefed-up defences of a few regional centres or in Constantinople), or gradually lost wealth and status. Ostrogorsky’s thesis of a slow-moving social revolution in the country holds true: most inhabitants of villages (georgoi, a term previously used of tenants) had become independent proprietors by the end of the eighth century; the condition of tenants (now termed paroikoi) had improved dramatically by the early ninth century. Three explanations can be offered: (1) an increase in the power of labour relative to that of landowners, in an era of population decline; (2) landowners’ difficulty in retaining labour, because of distance and the loss of elite solidarity; (3) the arming of a significant proportion of the peasantry.
Social Order II
Authors: Howard-Johnston James
Published: August 2024

Three zones are distinguished in Asia Minor: (1) coastlands, highly urbanized in late antiquity, (2) highland recruiting grounds, and (3) the interior plateau given over more and more to pastoralism in the seventh and eighth centuries. Stress is put on (1) the social cohesion of the village and the rise in status of the peasant, and (2) the emergence of the country house as the base of a new rural elite. The impact of government was significant: the tax system reached down to the individual household; army units were allocated to groups of villages for supplies and billeting; defended refuges were developed for the localities. The social order was transformed: urban notables were replaced by local officials, resident in shrunken cities; the peasant village rose to be regarded as the basic building block of the state; there was a break in aristocratic lineages and landownership.
Plant extinction in the Anthropocene
Authors: Christenhusz Maarten J M , Govaerts Rafaël
Published: August 2024

Species go extinct each day, most without notice. The current human-induced extinction rate is up to 700 times higher than the background rate. Extinctions are not different for plants, animals, or fungi, although botanical and invertebrate extinctions are much more poorly documented than those of charismatic vertebrates. In a recent book on extinct plants (Christenhusz & Govaerts, 2023), an overview of botanical extinctions since 1753 was presented, listing which species became extinct and the probable reason for their extinction. As most have a date when they were last documented, a timeline of extinction can also be compiled based on these data. This timeline shows an increase from 1890 to 1940, but a decline in new recorded extinctions after the 1980s, which is likely a result of taxonomic impediment. Extinction rates before 1800 are impacted by the lack of data (here named Berkeley extinction). It can be concluded that extinction is highest in biodiversity-rich areas with high human influence (extinction hotspots). Two new combinations and a new name are proposed here, showing the importance of taxonomy to conservation. Although anthropogenic plant extinction is a global phenomenon, areas of particular concern are the Hawaiian Islands, southern Africa, Australia, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. Extinctions have been mainly caused by land clearing for agriculture and urbanization, invasive feral animals, mining, river dams, diseases, and poaching. We predict that the unusual weather patterns associated with rapid climate change may result in more plant extinctions. Reintroduction, even if a species persists in cultivation, is not always possible due to lack of suitable remaining habitat where threats are decreased or removed. Successful reintroduction cannot be guaranteed. It is costly and usually dependent on short-term funding, after which these efforts may be in vain. Protection of species in their natural habitat is much more cost-effective in the long term. Sometimes, rescued plants should be introduced in similar habitats outside their natural range where the threats are absent. This follows the programmes of assisted migration for climate change mitigation, but this can also be assisted introduction to prevent extinction. Protection of critically endangered species that have naturalized outside their native range should also be considered.
Achievement of Endoscopic Remission After Induction Reduces Hospitalization Burden in Crohn’s Disease: Findings From a Pooled Post Hoc Analysis of Risankizumab and Upadacitinib Phase III Trials
Authors: Panaccione Remo , Ma Christopher , Jairath Vipul , Dignass Axel , Joshi Namita , Clark Ryan , Griffith Jenny , Kligys Kristina , Semwal Monika , Smith Zachary , Mitchell Dominic , Nunag Dominic , Ferrante Marc
Published: August 2024

Background

Endoscopic remission has emerged as an important treatment target in Crohn’s disease (CD) and has been associated with improvement in long-term outcomes. We examined the relationship between achievement of endoscopic remission and hospitalizations using pooled data from 52-week Phase III maintenance trials of risankizumab and upadacitinib in patients with moderate-to-severe active CD.

Methods

Included patients received maintenance therapy after achieving a clinical response following a 12-week induction with risankizumab or upadacitinib. Endoscopic remission was defined as a Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease (SES-CD) of no greater than 4, with at least a 2-point reduction vs induction baseline and no subscore greater than 1. All subsequent hospitalization events were recorded until completion of the maintenance trial or discontinuation. Exposure-adjusted negative binomial regression models were estimated to assess the relationship between post-induction endoscopic remission and long-term hospitalization, controlling for demographics, clinical variables, and treatment arm.

Results

Post-induction hospitalization rates were lower in patients who achieved endoscopic remission at the end of the induction period. In multivariable models, post-induction endoscopic remission was independently associated with incidence rate ratios of 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-0.95, p = 0.036) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.44-1.14, p = 0.156) for long-term disease-related and all-cause hospitalizations, respectively.

Conclusions

Week 12 endoscopic remission is independently associated with a reduction in 52-week disease-related hospitalizations. However, achieving this stringent endpoint within 12 weeks of therapy may be challenging. Endoscopic response may be a more realistic early endoscopic target in the post-induction timeframe. Additional research is needed to evaluate early achievement of alternative endoscopic endpoints in CD.
Seasonal activity of plum curculio (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in small Southeastern peach orchards
Authors: Liu Tzu-Chin (Jean) , Cottrell Ted E , Blaauw Brett R
Published: August 2024

Plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a key pest in Southeastern peach production by infesting fruit and decreasing yield. In Northeastern apples, plum curculio was found to have an “edge effect,” where more plum curculio are present next to a forested border than in the center of an orchard, and their propensity to fly or walk depended on air temperature. We conducted field studies over 3 seasons (2019–2021) to investigate whether plum curculio in small Southeastern peach plots exhibits the edge effect and to determine its primary mode of movement (flying or walking). Our results revealed that plum curculio did not exhibit the edge effect in Southeastern peaches. Thus, unlike Northeastern apples where plum curculio exhibits the edge effect, the reduced-input application program where insecticide sprays mainly target a few perimeter-row trees instead of the whole orchard for plum curculio management is not recommended for Southeastern peaches. Additionally, we observed that plum curculio in Southeastern peaches did not exhibit a primary mode of movement, and in most of the sampling weeks, the numbers of flying and walking plum curculio were not significantly correlated in the field. These results emphasize that using plum curculio sampling tools that only capture flying or walking plum curculio is not ideal for monitoring plum curculio activity in the Southeast. Overall, our findings indicate that plum curculio in Southeastern small peach plots and Northeastern apples does not exhibit the same behavior (i.e., edge effect and propensity to fly or walk).
A comparison of the compensation effects of two typical post-stack attenuation compensation methods
Authors: Wu Jizhong , Shi Ying
Published: August 2024

When seismic waves propagate through oil and gas reservoirs, significant energy attenuation occurs, which affects the resolution of post-stack imaging data. High-resolution processing of post-stack data through attenuation compensation is theoretically significant and has practical industrial applications. In this study, two attenuation compensation methods with different principles, namely inverse Q filtering and curvelet transform, were selected for investigation. The advantages and disadvantages of the two methods in terms of resilience and compensation effect were analyzed using both models and actual data. The inverse Q-filtering method can achieve satisfactory results with clear physical significance and accurate Q values. It excels in accurately suppressing high-frequency noise by incorporating gain control into the compensation factor. On the other hand, the curvelet transform leverages the multi-scale decomposition of seismic signals, facilitating high-frequency recovery through mathematical operations, and exhibits stronger frequency extension capabilities. However, the curvelet transform lacks an effective means for precise noise suppression. The comparative analysis results in this study can provide a basis and guidance for practitioners in choosing between these two methods.
Intraosseous mandibular schwannoma managed via submandibular approach: a case report with a review of previously published cases
Authors: Alabdulkarim Abdulaziz , AlDukhail Shaikha , Al Qurashi Abdullah A , Abuhaimed Abdullatif , Alshameri Omar , Alghamdi Abdulaziz , Alammar Alwaleed K , Alsahabi Abdulrahman
Published: August 2024

A 40-year-old female presented with right mandibular swelling. A panoramic radiograph showed a unilocular radiolucency from the mandibular angle to tooth #46. Biopsy confirmed a schwannoma. Surgical resection was performed via a submandibular approach with a reconstruction plate. Teeth 46 and 47 were extracted. Surgery was complication-free, and histopathology confirmed the tumor’s benign nature. The patient was discharged on the second postoperative day. At the 1-year follow-up, she had no paresthesia, normal mouth opening, and full mandibular motion. The reconstruction plate was intact. This case adds to the limited literature on intraosseous schwannomas, emphasizing early detection, thorough radiological assessment, and meticulous surgical planning.
Oropouche fever diagnosed in Milan, Italy in returning travellers from Rio de Janeiro, March 2024, and Cuba, July 2024
Authors: Mancon Alessandro , Gagliardi Gloria , Giacomelli Andrea , Vezzosi Luigi , Gori Andrea , Antinori Spinello , Cereda Danilo , Gismondo Maria Rita , Mileto Davide
Published: August 2024

We describe two cases of Oropouche fever in travellers from Brazil, late March 2024, and from Cuba, July 2024. The Oropouche virus was carried outside the Americas before the Cuba outbreak, requiring screening in febrile travellers from Latin America. Studies on possible vectors and reservoirs in new areas should be implemented.
Quality of Endometrial Cancer Care from the Patients’ Perspective: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Olsson Cecilia , Larsson Maria , Holmberg Erik , Stålberg Karin , Sköld Camilla , Flöter Rådestad Angelique , Bjurberg Maria , Dahm-Kähler Pernilla , Hellman Kristina , Kjølhede Preben , Wilde Larsson Bodil , Åvall-Lundqvist Elisabeth , Borgfeldt Christer
Published: August 2024

Background:

While patient perspectives in healthcare are recognized, endometrial cancer (EC) care quality and patient experiences remain understudied.

Objective:

To explore how women treated for EC perceived the quality of care during treatment and waiting times until diagnosis and surgery.

Methods:

Endometrial cancer patients (n = 684) diagnosed from January 2017 to March 2018 participated in the study 6–8 months after diagnosis. Data were collected digitally by means of the Quality from the Patient’s Perspective—Gynecological Cancer instrument. Each item (n = 27) was answered in 2 ways: both as actual care received and as perceived importance of different aspects of care.

Results:

The highest levels of perceived quality of actual received care and the corresponding subjective importance were reported to be related to physical-technical conditions, comprising the items “acceptable waiting times”, “access to necessary equipment”, and for the factor “respect and empathy from healthcare personnel”. The lowest levels were reported regarding information related to self-care and aspects of sexuality. Most of the women (79%) reported a less than 1-month waiting time until diagnosis and surgery, and >40% of the women experienced the waiting time as troublesome.

Conclusions:

Women perceived the quality of endometrial cancer care mostly as good or high, and age had limited impact.

Implications for Practice:

Information on self-care and aspects of sexuality, along with reducing waiting times needs improvement for reducing patient distress.

What is Foundational:

This study contributes to a better understanding of the quality of care among women with endometrial cancer during illness, treatment and early cancer rehabilitation.
AT1b receptors contribute to regional disparities in angiotensin II mediated aortic remodelling in mice
Authors: Cavinato Cristina , Spronck Bart , Caulk Alexander W. , Murtada Sae-Il , Humphrey Jay D.
Published: August 2024

The renin–angiotensin system plays a key role in regulating blood pressure, which has motivated many investigations of associated mouse models of hypertensive arterial remodelling. Such studies typically focus on histological and cell biological changes, not wall mechanics. This study explores tissue-level ramifications of chronic angiotensin II infusion in wild-type (WT) and type 1b angiotensin II (AngII) receptor null (
Agtr1b
−/−
) mice. Biaxial biomechanical and immunohistological changes were quantified and compared in the thoracic and abdominal aorta in these mice following 14 and 28 days of angiotensin II infusion. Preliminary results showed that changes were largely independent of sex. Associated thickening and stiffening of the aortic wall in male mice differed significantly between thoracic and abdominal regions and between genotypes. Notwithstanding multiple biomechanical changes in both WT and
Agtr1b
−/−
mice, AngII infusion caused distinctive wall thickening and inflammation in the descending thoracic aorta of WT, but not
Agtr1b
−/−
, mice. Our study underscores the importance of exploring differential roles of receptor-dependent angiotensin II signalling along the aorta and its influence on distinct cell types involved in regional histomechanical remodelling. Disrupting the AT1b receptor primarily affected inflammatory cell responses and smooth muscle contractility, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
A two-dimensional vertex model for curvy cell–cell interfaces at the subcellular scale
Authors: Kim Kyungeun , Schwarz J. M. , Ben Amar Martine
Published: August 2024

Cross-sections of cell shapes in a tissue monolayer typically resemble a tiling of convex polygons. Yet, examples exist where the polygons are not convex with curved cell–cell interfaces, as seen in the adaxial epidermis. To date, two-dimensional vertex models predicting the structure and mechanics of cell monolayers have been mostly limited to convex polygons. To overcome this limitation, we introduce a framework to study curvy cell–cell interfaces at the subcellular scale within vertex models by using a parametrized curve between vertices that is expanded in a Fourier series and whose coefficients represent additional degrees of freedom. This extension to non-convex polygons allows for cells with the same shape index, or dimensionless perimeter, to be, for example, either elongated or globular with lobes. In the presence of applied, anisotropic stresses, we find that local, subcellular curvature or buckling can be energetically more favourable than larger scale deformations involving groups of cells. Inspired by recent experiments, we also find that local, subcellular curvature at cell–cell interfaces emerges in a group of cells in response to the swelling of additional cells surrounding the group. Our framework, therefore, can account for a wider array of multicellular responses to constraints in the tissue environment.
Force generation by a cylindrical cell under stationary osmolyte synthesis
Authors: Kong Weiyuan , Mosciatti Jofré Antonio , Quiros Manon , Bogeat-Triboulot Marie-Béatrice , Kolb Evelyne , Couturier Etienne
Published: August 2024

Turgor is the driving force of plant growth, making it possible for roots to overcome soil resistance or for stems to counteract gravity. Maintaining a constant growth rate while avoiding cell content dilution, which would progressively stop the inward water flux, imposes the production or import of osmolytes in proportion to the increase of volume. We coin this phenomenon stationary osmoregulation. The article explores the quantitative consequences of this hypothesis on the interaction of a cylindrical cell growing axially against an obstacle. An instantaneous axial compression of a pressurized cylindrical cell generates a force and a pressure jump, which both decrease towards a lower value once water has flowed out of the cell to reach the water potential equilibrium. In the first part, the article derives analytical formulae for these forces and over-pressure both before and after relaxation. In the second part, we describe how the coupling of the Lockhart growth law with the stationary osmoregulation hypothesis predicts a transient slowdown in growth due to contact before a re-acceleration in growth. We finally compare these predictions with the output of an elastic growth model which ignores the osmotic origin of growth: models only match in the early phase of contact for a high-stiffness obstacle.
Draft genome sequence of a Lactiplantibacillus pentosus isolated from traditionally fermented rice.
Authors: Cheruvari Athira , kammara Raja gopal
Published: August 2024

Lactiplantibacillus pentosus is a probiotic bacterium reported to be present in various fermented foods, such as fermented olives, and it significantly influences human health. The present study concerns a lactic acid bacterial strain designated L. pentosus, isolated from traditional fermented rice and has been shown to have an assortment of beneficial attributes. Using Illumina technologies, we have sequenced and investigated the whole genome sequence of L. pentosus for an accurate understanding of its functionality and safety. The chromosomal genome was 3.7 Mb in size with 46 % GC (Guanine-Cytosine) content and 3192 protein-coding sequences. Additional extensive bioinformatics investigations were carried out involving whole genome sequence assembly and annotation.