bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autologous CD19‐Targeting CAR T Cells in a Patient With Refractory Juvenile Dermatomyositis
Authors: Nicolai Rebecca , Merli Pietro , Moran Alvarez Patricia , Bracaglia Claudia , Del Bufalo Francesca , Marasco Emiliano , Caiello Ivan , Prencipe Giusi , Algeri Mattia , Cefalo Maria G. , Becilli Marco , Quintarelli Concetta , Sinibaldi Matilde , Hanssens Linda , De Benedetti Fabrizio , Locatelli Franco
Published: June 2024

Objective

The aim of this study is to report the safety and efficacy of CD19‐targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in a child with refractory juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

Methods

We describe a 12‐year‐old White boy with severe, chronically active JDM refractory to multiple immunosuppressive treatment lines, including B cell depletion with rituximab. The patient received a single infusion of fresh, autologous, second‐generation anti‐CD19 CAR T cell product (lentiviral vector) manufactured on the Prodigy device (1 × 106 CAR T cells/kg), after lymphodepletion with cyclophosphamide (1,000 mg/m2 over two days) and fludarabine (90 mg/m2 over three days). Immunosuppressive and glucocorticoid treatment were withdrawn before leukapheresis and CAR T cell infusion.

Results

Before anti‐CD19 CAR T cell therapy, the patient had persistent severe skin and muscular disease activity. CAR T cells expanded significantly (peak at day 7, 32.69 cells/μL). Complete B cell depletion was documented on day 5 in the blood and at week 2 in the bone marrow. The patient presented with fever as part of mild cytokine release syndrome (grade 1), transient anemia (grade 2), and neutropenia (grade 4). Neither infection nor neurotoxicity were observed. Laboratory tests, magnetic resonance imaging, Physician Global Assessment of disease activity, Childhood Myositis Assessment Scale, and Cutaneous Assessment Tool for myositis were performed at baseline and follow‐up to assess treatment response, showing remarkable progressive improvement that persists over time, even after B cell recovery.

Conclusion

This patient with JDM with severe chronic disease, refractory to multiple treatments, achieved sustained B cell depletion and ongoing immunosuppressive drug‐free clinical and radiologic improvement eight months after a single infusion of anti‐CD19 CAR T cells.

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Self‐Assembly of four Ni16 Molecular Wheels with Capsule and Tubular Supramolecular Architectures
Authors: Dais Tyson N. , Schlittenhardt Sören , Ruben Mario , Anson Christopher E. , Powell Annie K. , Plieger Paul G.
Published: June 2024

Four new Ni16 molecular wheels with the general formula [L4Ni16(RCOO)16(H2O)x(MeOH)12‐x] (where H4L=1,4‐bis((E)‐((2’‐hydroxybenzyl)imino)methyl)‐2,3‐naphthalenediol, and R=H or Me) have been isolated and structurally characterised. Complexes C1−C3 (R=Me) were formed using nickel (II) acetate and presented as polymorphs with the same formulation of charged components. The same wheel‐like architecture was observed in C4 (R=H), which was prepared using nickel (II) formate, demonstrating the potential for further versatility of the system. In contrast to similar four‐fold symmetric Ni(II) wheel clusters, measurements of the static magnetic properties of C1 indicated the presence of dominant antiferromagnetic interactions and an S=0 ground state.
Predefined‐time hierarchical control for bipartite time‐varying formation tracking of networked Euler–Lagrange systems with parametric uncertainties
Authors: Wang Shuang , Han Tao , Xiao Bo , Zhao Xiao‐Feng , Yan Huaicheng
Published: June 2024

This paper mainly addresses the bipartite time‐varying formation tracking (BTVFT) problem for networked Euler–Lagrange systems (NELSs) with external disturbances and parametric uncertainties, considering a directed signed communication network that encompasses both cooperative and competitive interactions. A novel nonsingular sliding mode control (SMC) method serves as the foundation for a predefined‐time hierarchical control algorithm (PTHCA), introduced to tackle the BTVFT challenge for NELSs in a predefined time. This approach enables the settling time to be predetermined as a control parameter. Moreover, sufficient conditions for establishing the predefined‐time stability of closed‐loop systems are provided based on the Lyapunov argument. Simulations are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the main findings.
Infections associated with CAR‐T cell therapy in patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma: Risks and prevention strategies
Authors: An Jing , Zhao Jie , Zou Ping , Zhang Yicheng , Wei Junni , Tian Weiwei , Wei Jia
Published: June 2024

Background

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR‐T) cell therapy has emerged as a potent treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, demonstrating significant clinical efficacy. Despite these advances, treatment‐related toxicities, particularly infections, pose a significant challenge to patient safety.

Methods

This review synthesizes current knowledge on the mechanisms underlying post‐CAR‐T therapy infections, focusing on the interplay between immune dysfunction, host factors, and treatment‐induced toxicity. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the temporal and individual variability in infection characteristics and the confounding clinical presentation of cytokine release syndrome.

Results

The review identifies that patients receiving CAR‐T cells are at increased risk of concurrent infections due to the heterogeneity in infection characteristics across different time periods, individuals, and patient groups. It highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic complexities introduced by the overlapping symptoms of infection and cytokine release syndrome.

Conclusion

To enhance the infection control post‐CAR‐T therapy, this review proposes preventive strategies tailored to the early and long‐term management of patients. It underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of infection mechanisms and the importance of personalized prevention plans to improve clinical outcomes in multiple myeloma treatment.
One‐Pot Cascade Reaction from Epoxide to Carboxylic Acids Using Bifunctional Fe‐ZSM‐5
Authors: Treu Philipp , Gonçalves Danielle , Nilayam Ajai Raj Lakshmi , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk , Saraçi Erisa
Published: June 2024

The quest for sustainable synthesis of carboxylic acids has led to the exploration of innovative routes and catalysts for the oxidative cleavage of carbon−carbon double bonds, prevalent in bio‐derived molecules. This process involves multiple steps including epoxidation, hydrolysis and vicinal diol cleavage, often catalysed by unsustainable homogeneous or noble‐metal catalysts. In this study, we present the utilization of Fe‐ZSM‐5 as a versatile bifunctional catalyst capable of catalysing both hydrolysis and vicinal diol cleavage steps, utilizing propylene oxide as model compound and H2O2 as oxidizing agent. The prepared Fe‐ZSM‐5 features the zeolite intrinsic Lewis and Brønsted acidity functions, essential for the hydrolysis step, as well as high fractions of monomeric FeOx species, crucial for the subsequent vicinal diol cleavage, leading to streamlined carboxylic acids formation in a one‐pot, two‐step process. Moreover, by combining Fe‐ZSM‐5 with TS‐1, renowned for its epoxidation activity, we demonstrate the complete cascade reaction in one pot, under mild conditions, starting from ethylene. Our study expands the utility of cost‐effective zeolite‐based catalysts enriched with abundant Fe metal for the one‐pot oxidative cleavage of C=C double bonds, offering a promising pathway towards sustainable carboxylic acid synthesis.
Layer‐by‐Layer Construction of Hybrid Film Based on PEI Polymer and Preyssler‐Type Polyoxometalates: Its Electrochemical and Quartz Crystal Microbalance Measurement
Authors: Kuruly Rajan Athira , Sakthinathan Indherjith , Renaudineau Séverine , Proust Anna , McCormac Timothy
Published: June 2024

In this work, Preyssler‐type POM (NH4)14[NaP5W30O110].44H2O (NH4P5W30), has been synthesised and its electrochemical behaviour in solution was examined at the surface of glassy carbon (GC) and gold electrodes. Furthermore, multilayer assemblies of NH4P5W30 POM were constructed onto the surfaces of GCE, gold electrode, and gold quartz electrode via the electrostatic Layer‐by‐Layer (LBL) technique employing polyethyleneimine as the cationic layer and POM as an anionic layer. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance measurements (EQCM) were used to monitor the LBL assembly as the NH4P5W30 POM layer was being built. These techniques revealed significant differences in film growth. The multilayer film exhibited well‐defined redox couples associated with POM's tungsten‐oxo framework and showed surface‐confined behaviour up to 100 mVs−1 on both the GC and gold electrodes. The pH dependency and stability of the film were investigated. EIS demonstrated that when the POM layer was the outer layer, the layers were less conductive, and resistance increased as the number of layers increased. In addition, the charge transfer resistance values (Rct) for the layers were calculated. The solvation of ions into the film associated with POM redox activity was studied employing an in‐situ EQCM.
Biomimetic Capsid‐Like Nanoshells Self‐Assembled from Homopolypeptides
Authors: Qi Shuo , He Xiaohua
Published: June 2024

The preparation of capsid‐like nanoshells and the elucidation of their formation pathways are crucial for the application potential of capsid‐like nanomaterials. In this study, we have prepared biomimetic capsid‐like nanoshells (CLNs) through the solution self‐assembly of poly (β‐phenethyl‐L‐aspartate) homopolypeptide (PPLA). The formation of CLNs is governed by an aggregation‐fusion mechanism. Initially, PPLA molecules self‐assemble into small spherical assemblies as subunits and the initial nuclei are formed through fusing some subunits. Subsequently, additional subunits rapidly fuse onto these nuclei, leading to the growth of full or partial CLNs during the growth phase. Moreover, the suitable condition benefiting CLNs formation is clarified by a morphological phase diagram based on the initial PPLA concentration against water content. Molecular‐level measurements suggest that the molecular flexibility of PPLA is a key factor in the arrangement and fusion of subunits for the formation of CLNs. These findings offer new perspectives for a deeper understanding of the formation pathways of capsid‐like nanoshells derived from synthetic polymers.
Proton Conducting Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs) via Post Synthetic Transmetallation and Water Induced Structural Transformations
Authors: Goswami Anindita , Ghorai Arijit , Pal Debasis , Banerjee Susanta , Biradha Kumar
Published: June 2024

Post Synthetic Modification (PSM) of Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is a crucial strategy for developing new MOFs with enhanced functional properties compared to their parent one. PSM can be accomplished through various methods:1) modification of organic linkers; 2) exchange of metal ions or nodes; and 3) inclusion or exchange of solvent/guest molecules. Herein, PSM of bimetallic and monometallic MOFs containing biphenyl dinitro‐tetra‐carboxylates (NCA) are demonstrated. The tetra carboxylate NCA, produces monometallic Cd‐MOF‐1 and Cu‐MOF‐1 and bimetallic CoZn‐MOF in solvothermal reactions with the corresponding metal salts. The CoZn‐MOF undergoes post‐synthetic transmetallation with Cd(NO3)2 and Cu(NO3)2 in aqueous solution to yield Cd‐MOF‐2 and Cu‐MOF‐2, respectively. Additionally, green crystals of Cu‐MOF‐1 found to undergo a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SCSC) transformation to blue crystals of Cu‐MOF‐3 upon dipped into water at room temperature. These MOFs demonstrate notable proton conductivities ranging from 10−3 to 10−4 S cm−1 under variable temperatures and humidity levels. Among them, Cu‐MOF‐3 achieves the highest proton conductivity of 1.36×10−3 S cm−1 at 90 °C and 98 % relative humidity, attributed to its continuous and extensive hydrogen bonding network, which provides effective proton conduction pathways within the MOF. This work highlights a convenient strategy for designing proton‐conducting MOFs via post‐synthetic modification.
Artificial Intelligence in Inflammatory Skin Disorders
Authors: Rokni Ghasem Rahmatpour , Gholizadeh Nasim , Babaei Mahsa , Das Kinnor , Datta Shainee
Published: June 2024

Background

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in dermatology is revolutionizing the diagnostic methods and management strategies and hence is uplifting the overall patient care. AI technologies have shown a significant potential in automated diagnosis, severity assessment of chronic cutaneous diseases like psoriasis, and the development of comprehensive dermatological databases is helping in swift disease detection.

Objective

This review aims to explore the current landscape and future potential of AI in inflammatory skin diseases. It focuses on various automated diagnostic systems, the role of AI in assessment and staging of chronic inflammatory dermatological conditions, and the importance of dermatological databases. The review also addresses the various challenges associated with AI implementation.

Methods

A extensive literature search was conducted from databases namely, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase. Search terms included combinations of “artificial intelligence,” “deep learning,” “dermatology,” “automated diagnosis,” and “dermatological databases” from different field of study. Articles were selected and reviewed based on relevance and quality, highlighting studies demonstrating AI's impact on diagnosis and management.

Results

AI‐powered diagnostic systems have ominously advanced, offering noninvasive and accessible diagnostic tool(s) that use extensive datasets to improve accuracy and efficacy across different populations. The development of dermatological databases is fundamental for training of different AI models. Despite these advances, challenges related to data privacy, regulatory oversight, and inclusivity in AI models persist. Addressing these challenges is essential for augmenting and optimizing AI's potential in dermatology.

Conclusion

AI is set to transmute dermatology by augmenting diagnostic precision, customizing treatment plans, and making dermatological care more reachable, particularly in underprivileged areas. This review highlights the various advances made in AI for the diagnosis and management of inflammatory skin disorders, acknowledging the ethical and technical hurdles that need to be addressed.
Parental Exposure to Morphine Before Conception Decreases Morphine and Cocaine‐Induced Locomotor Sensitization in Male Offspring
Authors: Heidari Amirhossein , Hajikarim‐Hamedani Arman , Hosseindoost Saereh , Ghane Yekta , Sadat‐Shirazi Mitra , Zarrindast Mohammad‐Reza
Published: June 2024

Repeated exposure to abused drugs leads to reorganizing synaptic connections in the brain, playing a pivotal role in the relapse process. Additionally, recent research has highlighted the impact of parental drug exposure before gestation on subsequent generations. This study aimed to explore the influence of parental morphine exposure 10 days prior to pregnancy on drug‐induced locomotor sensitization. Adult male and female Wistar rats were categorized into morphine‐exposed and control groups. Ten days after their last treatment, they were mated, and their male offspring underwent morphine, methamphetamine, cocaine, and nicotine‐induced locomotor sensitization tests. The results indicated increased locomotor activity in both groups after drug exposure, although the changes were attenuated in morphine and cocaine sensitization among the offspring of morphine‐exposed parents (MEPs). Western blotting analysis revealed altered levels of D2 dopamine receptors (D2DRs) in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens of the offspring from MEPs. Remarkably, despite not having direct in utero drug exposure, these offspring exhibited molecular alterations affecting morphine and cocaine‐induced sensitization. The diminished sensitization to morphine and cocaine suggested the development of a tolerance phenotype in these offspring. The changes in D2DR levels in the brain might play a role in these adaptations.
Fighting microplastics: The role of dietary fibers in protecting health
Authors: Wang Huiping , Wang Zhen , Zhang Sijie , Du Chenxu , Zhang Xinrui , Wang Luyang , Huang Jihong
Published: June 2024

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a significant food‐related risk factor, posing potential threats to human health through dietary intake and the food chain. This review comprehensively analyses the impact of MPs as a novel food safety risk factor on human health (in particular on the gastrointestinal route). Furthermore, we explore the potential mechanisms by which dietary fibers (DFs) may alleviate the health risks associated with MPs. The impact of DFs on human health is intricately linked to factors such as their size, concentration, and composition. We characterize current knowledge and highlight gaps. Although DFs may be a potential strategy to reduce the impact of MPs on organism health, more in‐depth studies are needed to determine their practical effects and application prospects. In particular, research on MPs that actively reduce intake in vivo remains relatively limited and needs to receive more attention from the scientific community.
Preventing enzymatic browning of freshly cut green bananas through immersion in normal water, lemon juice, and coconut water
Authors: Sarkar Shampa , Akhter Sumaia , Roy Joysree , Wazed Md. Abdul , Abedin Raihan , Neogie Suvrow , Mishat Khairul Bashar , Sarker Md. Sazzat Hossain
Published: June 2024

The rising demand for freshly cut agricultural produce like bananas, apples, pears, potatoes, and roots due to health concerns and modern lifestyles has heightened awareness of their susceptibility to browning, which diminishes their appeal and contributes to food waste. The present study explored the efficacy of natural anti‐browning agents in prolonging the quality and shelf‐life of freshly cut green banana slices. The bananas underwent treatment with normal water (NW), lemon juice (LJ), and coconut water (CW), and the changes in physicochemical properties, such as browning intensity, color, firmness, total soluble solid (TSS), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and also microbial attributes, were evaluated during their storage at 4 ± 1°C for 12 days. The results demonstrated significant enhancements in treated samples compared to untreated ones. While normal water and lemon juice‐treated banana slices exhibited visual browning during storage, coconut water immersion proved superior in maintaining visual appeal, whiteness, and lightness while delaying yellowing and browning. Coconut water‐treated samples also displayed firmer texture (0.75 kg), lower TSS (5.67 °Brix), and reduced weight loss (9.14%) after 12 days, in contrast to samples subjected to lemon juice and normal water treatments which showed lesser texture (0.68 kg, 0.58 kg), higher TSS (5.87 °Brix, 6.10 °Brix), and greater weight loss (11.76%, 16.09%), respectively. Furthermore, coconut water‐treated samples retained higher levels of total phenols (392.67 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalent)/100 g FW (fresh weight), total flavonoids (55.67 mg QE (quercetin equivalent)/100 g FW), and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity (38.68%). Coconut water treatment also significantly suppressed polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity (14 U/g) compared to lemon juice (16 U/g) and normal water (26 U/g) treatments, and untreated samples (133 U/g) after 12 days. Additionally, microbial load remained within acceptable limits for all samples, with coconut water‐treated samples showing the lowest values. Thus, coconut water is a promising natural solution for inhibiting browning and preserving the quality of fresh‐cut green banana slices during storage.
Investigation of the effect of geometric configurations on natural convection heat transfer in external flow
Authors: Güler Birkut
Published: June 2024

The complexities of natural convection heat transfer are investigated through experimentation, focusing on the influence of geometric configurations such as spheres, cylinders, and cubes in external flows. The study aims to understand how different geometries affect heat transfer coefficients, providing insights for architectural and engineering applications. Experimental results revealed significant variations in heat transfer efficiency among geometric models, with cubic configurations exhibiting the lowest heat transfer rates compared with spherical and cylindrical counterparts. This underscores the critical impact of geometric configuration on thermal performance and heat dissipation characteristics. The findings highlight the necessity of considering geometric factors in design processes to optimize thermal management strategies. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of convective heat transfer mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of precise geometric modeling in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in built environments
Can green bonds be a safe haven for equity investors?
Authors: Flavin Thomas , Sheenan Lisa
Published: June 2024

We investigate if green bonds can act as a safe‐haven asset for equity investors by analysing their relationship with stocks and other alternative safe havens, namely sovereign bonds and gold. Safe havens are defined as assets that exhibit zero or negative comovement with equity during a stock market downturn. We analyse the interrelationships between the asset classes using the Marginal Expected Shortfall of Acharya et al. (The Review of Financial Studies, 30(1), pp. 2–47, 2017) and by comparing the regime‐dependent GIRFs from a Markov‐switching VAR model. Our results suggest that green bonds are not safe haven assets for equity investors but rather show positive comovement during periods of market stress. The sovereign bond is the most consistent in delivering diversification benefits across market conditions, while gold acts as a safe‐haven asset during all regimes except during rare periods of extreme turbulence.
Association Between MRI‐Based Radiomics Features and Regional Lymph Node Metastasis in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Its Clinical Outcome
Authors: Qian Xianling , Ni Xiaoyan , Miao Gengyun , Wang Fang , Zhou Changwu , Huang Peng , Zhang Yunfei , Chen Lei , Yang Chun , Zeng Mengsu
Published: June 2024

Background

Regional lymph node metastasis (LNM) assessment is crucial for predicting intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) prognosis. However, imaging assessment has limitations for identifying LNM.

Purpose

To investigate the association between MRI radiomics features, regional LNM status, and prognosis in iCCA.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Two hundred ninety‐six patients (male = 197) with surgically confirmed iCCA.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T and 3.0 T. DWI, T2WI, and contrast‐enhanced T1WI.

Assessment

Clinical information, radiologic, and MRI‐based radiomics features associated with LNM status were collected to establish models. Performance of MRI, PET/CT, and the combined LNM models were compared in training (N = 207) and test (N = 89) datasets. Overall survival (OS) was compared based on LNM status.

Statistical Tests

The independent features were selected by 5‐fold cross‐validation. The performance of MRI, PET/CT, and the models was evaluated using the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Univariable and multivariable Cox regression were used to identify independent variables for OS. Kaplan–Meier curves were compared with the log‐rank test between LNM positive and negative groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Intrahepatic duct dilatation, enhancement pattern, and CA19‐9 were independent clinicoradiologic features. The radiomics model was constructed by the independent radiomics features extracted from T2WI and delay phase T1WI. The combined LNM model showed AUC of 0.888, 0.884, and 0.811 in training, validation, and test cohorts with a positive net benefit. PET/CT exhibited similar sensitivity to the combined LNM model (0.750 vs. 0.733, P > 0.999) while the combined LNM model showed higher specificity (0.703 vs. 0.630, P = 0.039) in the test cohort. High risk of regional LNM was significantly associated with worse OS (median: 24 months) than low risk (median: 30 months, P < 0.0001).

Data Conclusions

The combined LNM model has the strongest correlation with LNM status for mass‐forming iCCA patients.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Global strong solutions to the 3D incompressible Navier–Stokes equations with zero heat conduction
Authors: Xu Hao , Ye Xia
Published: June 2024

This paper concerns the global regularity of strong solutions to the Cauchy problem of inhomogeneous incompressible Navier–Stokes fluids with vacuum, zero heat conduction, and density–temperature‐dependent viscosity. The existence of global‐in‐time strong solutions is proved when the initial energy is suitably small or the lower bound of the viscosity coefficient is large enough. Moreover, some exponential decay‐in‐time rates of strong solutions are obtained via time‐weighted a priori estimates.
The business of sport
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: June 2024

An increasing number of undergraduates envision careers in sports that involve them being professional athletes. Attorney Alicia Jessop is a tenured professor at Pepperdine University, California, in the Sport Administration program. There, she teaches sport law, sport sponsorship, and sales and sport finance.
Au⋅⋅⋅H−X (X=N or C) Intramolecular Interactions in Gold (I)‐NHC Carbene Complexes with Potential Anticancer Properties: A Quantum Mechanical Study with Two Basis Sets
Authors: Benavides Maria , Granda Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

Three cationic Gold(I)‐NHC complexes with potential anticancer properties were studied using DFT with B3LYP functional in combination with two basis sets, LanL2DZ and SDD. Obtained equilibrium geometries and computed IR spectra were found in excellent agreement with previously reported x‐ray structures and experimental IR spectral data. NBO population analysis showed gold(I) has a charge deficiency of 0.26–0.30 e. All three complex cations are polar, with dipole moment values ranging from 6.8 to 7.4 Debye. Regardless of some structural differences in their co‐ligands, all three complex cations have remarkably similar HOMO‐LUMO energy gaps, with values ranging from 5.2 to 5.4 eV, confirming they are chemically stable and that they share an almost identical stability. Long‐range intramolecular interactions Au ⋅⋅⋅H−X (X=N or C) in all three cationic complexes were identified. Both basis sets employed in this study were found equally effective in producing reliable results.
Cost‐sensitive classification with time constraint on incomplete data
Authors: Lee Yong‐Shiuan , Wu Chia‐Chi
Published: June 2024

Missing values are common, but dealing with them by inappropriate method may lead to large classification errors. Empirical evidences show that the tree‐based classification algorithms such as classification and regression tree (CART) can benefit from imputation, especially multiple imputation. Nevertheless, less attention has been paid to incorporating multiple imputation into cost‐sensitive decision tree induction. This study focuses on the treatment of missing data based on a time‐constrained minimal‐cost tree algorithm. We introduce various approaches to handle incomplete data into the algorithm including complete‐case analysis, missing‐value branch, single imputation, feature acquisition, and multiple imputation. A simulation study under different scenarios examines the predictive performances of the proposed strategies. The simulation results show that the combination of the algorithm with multiple imputation can assure classification accuracy under the budget. A real medical data example provides insights into the problem of missing values in cost‐sensitive learning and the advantages of the proposed methods.
Spread of Shingles Impeded by Previous Surgical Scar?
Authors: Shiraishi Makoto , Kurita Masakazu
Published: June 2024

We herein report an atypical case of shingles caused by varicella zoster virus after surgery. The virus, which goes along with the cutaneous nerve from the ganglia, was unable to spread across the previous surgical scar due to damage of the cutaneous nerves, but made a detour to the upper left direction from the scar.
Crystal structure and photophysical properties of (κ2‐(N,O)‐5,7‐dichloro‐2‐methyl‐8‐quinolinolate)di(pentafluorophenyl)borane: Experiment and density functional theory calculations
Authors: Phuong Nguyen Minh , Huy Nguyen Thac , Nhi Nguyen Thuy Huong , Hai Le Thi Hong , Dung Tran Ngoc , Van Thong Pham , Xuyen Nguyen Thi , Van Hung Hoang , Mo Nguyen Thi , Hue Nguyen Thi Minh
Published: June 2024

Over the past decade, the boron Schiff bases (BOSCHIBAs) have garnered significant attention due to their facile and eco‐friendly synthesis, nonlinear and linear optical properties, and sensitivity in solar cells. Recently, luminescent boron(III) complexes have been successfully employed as emitters in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). The [B(C6F5)2(MeClQ)] complex was synthesized by reacting 5,7‐dichloro‐2‐methylquinoline‐8‐ol with tripentafluorophenylborane, and its structure was determined via single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD). The photophysical properties of the compound in various solvents were investigated using UV–Vis and fluorescence spectra in combination with DFT calculations. Analysis based on HOMO‐LUMO energy, emission and absorption spectra, and other parameters indicates that [B(C6F5)2(MeClQ)] exhibits great potential as a blue light emitter in OLEDs.
Conquering the crush: A novel tool for holding crocodilian jaws open
Authors: Boucher Miriam , Rainwater Thomas R. , Stoner Michael , Sigler Luis , Whitmire Stefanie L. , Anderson James T.
Published: June 2024

Crocodilians have diverse snout shapes ranging from the long, narrow snouts of the Indian gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) to the broad snout of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). In addition, crocodilians possess the strongest bite force of all extant animals, with recorded values for adult alligators exceeding 9 kilonewtons (kN). Jaw‐closing pressure poses a challenge and safety risk for people working with crocodilians, such as veterinarians, wildlife managers, and researchers who must safely access the oral cavity to perform veterinary procedures, health assessments, hook removals, or sample collection. Conventionally, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or metal tubes (pipes) placed longitudinally into the mouth have been used to hold crocodilian jaws open for such operations. The short sections of opaque pipe can cause oral irritation, obscure the palate and tongue, and restrict access to the oral cavity and palatal valve. In conjunction with a project investigating the diet of alligators in the southeastern United States, we identified a need to create an efficient tool to allow safe and direct access to the alligator oral cavity. We built 2 versions of a device for holding alligator jaws open that are adjustable to accommodate different gape sizes. The device allows for safe positioning within the mouth, includes safety considerations for device failure, and is adaptable to both widen and collapse the gape of the mouth. We successfully deployed and recovered the device on 76 wild alligators ranging in total length from 120 to 329 cm. We also performed mechanical tests in the laboratory to assess the maximum force the devices and associated materials can safely withstand, as well as the conditions under which the devices fail. Our medium‐duty and heavy‐duty device designs withstood forces up to 6 kN and 18 kN, respectively. We observed no material fracture in the devices but did observe deformations of materials used during laboratory testing. The device is an inexpensive and effective tool for veterinarians, wildlife researchers, and managers who need to hold open the jaws of crocodilians safely.
Gravito-magnetic polarization of Schwarzschild black hole
Authors: Hadad Tomer , Kol Barak , Smolkin Michael
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We determine the gravito-magnetic Love numbers of non-rotating black holes in all spacetime dimensions through a novel and direct derivation. The Ishibashi-Kodama master field and its associated field equation are avoided. The matching to the EFT variables is simple. This method allows us to correct the values in the literature. Moreover, we highlight a parity-based selection rule for nonlinear terms that include both electric-type and magnetic-type gravitational field tensors, enabling us to conclude that many of the nonlinear response coefficients in the Schwarzschild black hole effective action vanish.
Clifford Actions Defining Klein Surfaces
Authors: Tyszkowska Ewa
Published: June 2024

We represent Klein surfaces as the orbit spaces of Riemann surfaces under actions of multiplicative subgroups of real Clifford algebras. We define a partial order on the set of all Klein surfaces and we prove that the defining action of any Klein surface Y can be obtained by induction from the defining action of a minimal element of the chain to which Y belongs.
Identified γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase (GGCT) as a novel regulator in the progression and immunotherapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through multi-omics analysis and experiments
Authors: Zheng Ying , Xiong Qunli , Yang Yang , Ma Yifei , Zhu Qing
Published: June 2024

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is renowned for its formidable and lethal nature, earning it a notorious reputation among malignant tumors. Due to its challenging early diagnosis, high malignancy, and resistance to chemotherapy drugs, the treatment of pancreatic cancer has long been exceedingly difficult in the realm of oncology. γ-Glutamyl cyclotransferase (GGCT), a vital enzyme in glutathione metabolism, has been implicated in the proliferation and progression of several tumor types, while the biological function of GGCT in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains unknown.

Methods

The expression profile of GGCT was validated through western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and RT-qPCR in both pancreatic cancer tissue samples and cell lines. Functional enrichment analyses including GSVA, ssGSEA, GO, and KEGG were conducted to explore the biological role of GGCT. Additionally, CCK8, Edu, colony formation, migration, and invasion assays were employed to evaluate the impact of GGCT on the proliferation and migration abilities of pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, the LASSO machine learning algorithm was utilized to develop a prognostic model associated with GGCT.

Results

Our study revealed heightened expression of GGCT in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells, suggesting an association with poorer patient prognosis. Additionally, we explored the immunomodulatory effects of GGCT in both pan-cancer and pancreatic cancer contexts, found that GGCT may be associated with immunosuppressive regulation in various types of tumors. Specifically, in patients with high expression of GGCT in pancreatic cancer, there is a reduction in the infiltration of various immune cells, leading to poorer responsiveness to immunotherapy and worse survival rates. In vivo and in vitro assays indicate that downregulation of GGCT markedly suppresses the proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, this inhibitory effect appears to be linked to the regulation of GGCT on c-Myc. A prognostic model was constructed based on genes derived from GGCT, demonstrating robust predictive ability for favorable survival prognosis and response to immunotherapy.
Effect of bile salts on intestinal epithelial function in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Fuentes J. , Gregório S. F. , Fonseca F. , Robles-Arozarena R. , Martos-Sitcha J. A. , Moyano F. J.
Published: June 2024

In the context of modern aquaculture, the effort to reduce the reliance on fishmeal/marine ingredients in fish diets has led to the exploration of plant-based protein sources as potential substitutes, a dietary shift that disrupts the bile acid profile in fish. Therefore, bile salts are being sought as additives. However, artificially increased intestinal levels of bile acids may significantly impact mucosal function. Therefore, here, we explored the regulatory role in the intestine of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) of (i) chenodeoxycholic acid (CDC), (ii) a mixture formed by two bile acids, 3% cholic acid and 97% deoxycholic acid (MIX), and (iii) a conjugated bile salt sodium taurocholate (TC) in Ussing chambers with the epithelial voltage clamp technique. We tested the bile salts in a 50–500 μg/ml concentration range, and all of them promoted ion absorption. Yet, clear concentration-dependent and more pronounced effects on the ion transport were observed in the posterior intestine. On the other hand, bile salts had no or minor effects on tissue resistance. However, there are indications that the MIX could have adverse effects at high concentrations (500 μg/ml), promoting a threefold increase in tissue permeability measured using FITC-dextran (4 kD) regardless of the intestinal region, thus suggesting an alteration in intestinal permeability at high bile salt concentrations. The findings from our study emphasize the importance of considering intestinal function when contemplating the possible use of a particular bile salt as a dietary supplement. It appears that bile salts, whether acting individually or in combination, play a pivotal role in orchestrating nutrient absorption by influencing the function of epithelial ion transport. However further research is needed to fully grasp the region-dependent nuances of bile salt effects on ion transport and the ultimate consequences for nutrient absorption in the context of fish aquaculture.
A Review of Ice Deformation and Breaking Under Flexural-Gravity Waves Induced by Moving Loads
Authors: Ni Baoyu , Xiong Hang , Han Duanfeng , Zeng Lingdong , Sun Linhua , Tan Hao
Published: June 2024

Ice-breaking methods have become increasingly significant with the ongoing development of the polar regions. Among many ice-breaking methods, ice-breaking that utilizes a moving load is unique compared with the common collision or impact methods. A moving load can generate flexural-gravity waves (FGWs), under the influence of which the ice sheet undergoes deformation and may even experience structural damage. Moving loads can be divided into above-ice loads and underwater loads. For the above-ice loads, we discuss the characteristics of the FGWs generated by a moving load acting on a complete ice sheet, an ice sheet with a crack, and an ice sheet with a lead of open water. For underwater loads, we discuss the influence on the ice-breaking characteristics of FGWs of the mode of motion, the geometrical features, and the trajectory of motion of the load. In addition to discussing the status of current research and the technical challenges of ice-breaking by moving loads, this paper also looks ahead to future research prospects and presents some preliminary ideas for consideration.
Identifying miRNA Signatures Associated with Pancreatic Islet Dysfunction in a FOXA2-Deficient iPSC Model
Authors: Elsayed Ahmed K. , Aldous Noura , Alajez Nehad M. , Abdelalim Essam M.
Published: June 2024

The pathogenesis of diabetes involves complex changes in the expression profiles of mRNA and non-coding RNAs within pancreatic islet cells. Recent progress in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology have allowed the modeling of diabetes-associated genes. Our recent study using FOXA2-deficient human iPSC models has highlighted an essential role for FOXA2 in the development of human pancreas. Here, we aimed to provide further insights on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) by studying the miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks in iPSC-derived islets lacking the FOXA2 gene. Consistent with our previous findings, the absence of FOXA2 significantly downregulated the expression of islet hormones, INS, and GCG, alongside other key developmental genes in pancreatic islets. Concordantly, RNA-Seq analysis showed significant downregulation of genes related to pancreatic development and upregulation of genes associated with nervous system development and lipid metabolic pathways. Furthermore, the absence of FOXA2 in iPSC-derived pancreatic islets resulted in significant alterations in miRNA expression, with 61 miRNAs upregulated and 99 downregulated. The upregulated miRNAs targeted crucial genes involved in diabetes and pancreatic islet cell development. In contrary, the absence of FOXA2 in islets showed a network of downregulated miRNAs targeting genes related to nervous system development and lipid metabolism. These findings highlight the impact of FOXA2 absence on pancreatic islet development and suggesting intricate miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks affecting pancreatic islet cell development.

Graphical Abstract
Social choice models and topological dynamics
Authors: Juárez-Anguiano Hugo
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we propose a topological social choice model in an equivariant setting. We generalize the Chichilnisky–Heal impossibility theorem to the realm of proper actions of almost-connected locally compact groups. We also improve one result stated in Juárez-Anguiano (Topol Appl 279:107246, 2020) about the preservation of equivariant ANR’s by symmetric powers.
Racial Fairness of Individual- and Community-Level Proxies of Socioeconomic Status Among Birthing Parent–Child Dyads
Authors: Makkad Harsimran , Saini Amisha , Manning Erika Rasnick , Duan Qing , Colegate Stephen , Brokamp Cole
Published: June 2024

Background

While precision medicine algorithms can be used to improve health outcomes, concerns have been raised about racial equity and unintentional harm from encoded biases. In this study, we evaluated the fairness of using common individual- and community-level proxies of pediatric socioeconomic status (SES) such as insurance status and community deprivation index often utilized in precision medicine algorithms.

Methods

Using 2012–2021 vital records obtained from the Ohio Department of Health, we geocoded and matched each residential birth address to a census tract to obtain community deprivation index. We then conducted sensitivity and specificity analyses to determine the degree of match between deprivation index, insurance status, and birthing parent education level for all, Black, and White children to assess if there were differences based on race.

Results

We found that community deprivation index and insurance status fail to accurately represent individual SES, either alone or in combination. We found that deprivation index had a sensitivity of 61.2% and specificity of 74.1%, while insurance status had a higher sensitivity of 91.6% but lower specificity of 60.1%. Furthermore, these inconsistencies were race-based across all proxies evaluated, with greater sensitivities for Black children but greater specificities for White children.

Conclusion

This may explain some of the racial disparities present in precision medicine algorithms that utilize SES proxies. Future studies should examine how to mitigate the biases introduced by using SES proxies, potentially by incorporating additional data on housing conditions.
A-HERO: Integrating Authenticity into the Psychological Capital Model
Authors: Sutton Anna , Roemer Anja
Published: June 2024

Authenticity was proposed as a potential addition to the Psychological Capital construct several years ago, but the PsyCap model has not yet been expanded. We review the theoretical and empirical support for the inclusion of authenticity and test this proposal in two studies. Study 1 examines the structural model of A-HERO (Authenticity, Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, Optimism) as an extended representation of the PsyCap construct. Study 2 tests the extent to which A-HERO may explain well-being. CFA demonstrates that the addition of authenticity provides slight improvement in overall PsyCap model fit. Hierarchical regression shows that the addition of authenticity to the PsyCap model improves the explanation of well-being, with beta values of comparable size to optimism and greater than efficacy. We therefore recommend that authenticity be included in PsyCap to provide a more holistic understanding of personal resources and to enable the further identification of interactions and potential synergies amongst A-HERO components.
Ethical Dimensions of Digital Phenotyping Within the Context of Mental Healthcare
Authors: D’Alfonso Simon , Coghlan Simon , Schmidt Simone , Mangelsdorf Shaminka
Published: June 2024

Digital phenotyping (DP) refers to the emerging field within digital (mental) health that involves the collection of data from individual’s digital devices (smartphones, wearable, Internet usage, etc.) to monitor and analyse their behaviours, activities and health-related patterns. That such ‘digital footprint’ data can be mined for behavioural insights is an intriguing idea, which has motivated an increasing amount of research activity, particularly in the field of digital mental health. Whilst of potentially revolutionary utility in (mental) healthcare, the idea of DP also raises a set of rich sociotechnical, ethical and philosophical considerations, and a cottage industry of sociotechnical and ethical critiques of DP has emerged, particularly within the humanities. Within this scene of early empirical investigation in the health/behavioural sciences on the one hand and general conceptual critiques from the humanities on the other, in this paper we instead explore a case for the potential utility of DP in circumstances of clinical mental health practice and examine its ethical dimensions in this context. After providing an explicatory framework for DP and making a case for it within this framework, we subsequently examine the ethical pros and cons of three topics pertaining to DP in clinical practice, namely (1) issues in psychometric assessment/testing, (2) the role and responsibilities of mental health practitioners with regard to DP technology, and (3) the value DP can afford clients in terms of self-awareness/empowerment and strengthening the therapeutic alliance with their clinician.
Rapid and quantitative detection of Aspergillus niger Van Tieghem using loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay
Authors: Dai Xiaodong , Cao Yanyong , Yu Minghui , Hou Meiwei , Li Huimin , Li Jie , Li Hangyu , Li Peipei , Wang Zhenyu , Zhang Xinyou
Published: June 2024

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) crown rot and root rot are common diseases caused by Aspergillus niger Van Tieghem. Early and accurate detection of A. niger is key to disease management. In this study, the design of two to five sets of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) primers was based on the EglA, GOD, Tub, NRPS, Tan, CbhA, and CbhB genes of A. niger. Of these, primer set GOD-91 was selected for optimization of the three-factor LAMP system: the Bst DNA polymerase concentration, the concentration ratio of the inner and outer primers, and the concentration of Mg2+. In addition, the optimized LAMP reaction system for A. niger detection was validated for specificity, sensitivity, and on-site feasibility. The specificity test showed that A. niger could be specifically detected with the proposed method without cross-amplification of other pathogenic fungi DNA. Moreover, based on the sensitivity test, the lowest detection limit of this reaction system was 5.1 × 10−7 ng/µL pAN01 plasmid DNA, after which a standard curve was generated for the quantitative detection of A. niger. The LAMP method was further applied for field sample assessment before and after A. niger infection, successfully detecting A. niger presence in the samples collected in the field. This study yielded a sensitive, specific, and reproducible LAMP system that can be used to assess on-site samples within 45 min. It is an effective approach for the rapid and quantitative detection of A. niger.