bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD45-Directed CAR-T Cells with CD45 Knockout Efficiently Kill Myeloid Leukemia and Lymphoma Cells In Vitro Even after Extended Culture
Authors: Harfmann Maraike , Schröder Tanja , Głów Dawid , Jung Maximilian , Uhde Almut , Kröger Nicolaus , Horn Stefan , Riecken Kristoffer , Fehse Boris , Ayuk Francis A.
Published: January 2024

Background: CAR-T cell therapy has shown impressive results and is now part of standard-of-care treatment of B-lineage malignancies, whereas the treatment of myeloid diseases has been limited by the lack of suitable targets. CD45 is expressed on almost all types of blood cells including myeloid leukemia cells, but not on non-hematopoietic tissue, making it a potential target for CAR-directed therapy. Because of its high expression on T and NK cells, fratricide is expected to hinder CD45CAR-mediated therapy. Due to its important roles in effector cell activation, signal transduction and cytotoxicity, CD45 knockout aimed at preventing fratricide in T and NK cells has been expected to lead to considerable functional impairment. Methods: CD45 knockout was established on T and NK cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9-RNPs and electroporation, and the successful protocol was transferred to primary T cells. A combined protocol was developed enabling CD45 knockout and retroviral transduction with a third-generation CAR targeting CD45 or CD19. The functionality of CD45ko effector cells, CD45ko/CD45CAR-T and CD45ko/CD19CAR-T cells was studied using proliferation as well as short- and long-term cytotoxicity assays. Results: As expected, the introduction of a CD45-CAR into T cells resulted in potent fratricide that can be avoided by CD45 knockout. Unexpectedly, the latter had no negative impact on T- and NK-cell proliferation in vitro. Moreover, CD45ko/CD45CAR-T cells showed potent cytotoxicity against CD45-expressing AML and lymphoma cell lines in short-term and long-term co-culture assays. A pronounced cytotoxicity of CD45ko/CD45CAR-T cells was maintained even after four weeks of culture. In a further setup, we confirmed the conserved functionality of CD45ko cells using a CD19-CAR. Again, the proliferation and cytotoxicity of CD45ko/CD19CAR-T cells showed no differences from those of their CD45-positive counterparts in vitro. Conclusions: We report the efficient production of highly and durably active CD45ko/CAR-T cells. CD45 knockout did not impair the functionality of CAR-T cells in vitro, irrespective of the target antigen. If their activity can be confirmed in vivo, CD45ko/CD45CAR-T cells might, for example, be useful as part of conditioning regimens prior to stem cell transplantation.
A Comprehensive Review of Immunotherapy Clinical Trials for Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Alone or in Combination, Novel Antibodies, Cellular Therapies, and Vaccines
Authors: Patel Dixita M. , Mateen Ruba , Qaddour Noor , Carrillo Alessandra , Verschraegen Claire , Yang Yuanquan , Li Zihai , Sundi Debasish , Mortazavi Amir , Collier Katharine A.
Published: January 2024

Urothelial cancer is an immune-responsive cancer, but only a subset of patients benefits from immune checkpoint inhibition. Currently, single-agent immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the combination of pembrolizumab with the antibody–drug conjugate enfortumab vedotin are approved to treat patients with metastatic UC (mUC). Approval of first-line nivolumab in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin is expected imminently. Many treatment approaches are being investigated to better harness the immune system to fight mUC. In this review, we summarize the landmark clinical trials of ICIs that led to their incorporation into the current standard of care for mUC. We further discuss recent and ongoing clinical trials in mUC, which are investigating ICIs in combination with other agents, including chemotherapy, antibody–drug conjugates, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and novel antibodies. Lastly, we review novel approaches utilizing bispecific antibodies, cellular therapies, and vaccines. The landscape of immunotherapy for mUC is rapidly evolving and will hopefully lead to better outcomes for patients.
Exo70 Promotes the Invasion of Pancreatic Cancer Cells via the Regulation of Exosomes
Authors: Xiang Jingzhou , Zheng Bowen , Zhao Lingying , He Yuting , Lou Fanzhuoran , Li Runyang , Fu Miao , Huang Xintian , Zhang Wenqing , Hong Xiaoting , Xiao Li , Hu Tianhui
Published: January 2024

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive and fatal malignant tumor, and exosomes have been reported to be closely related to PC invasion and metastasis. Here we found that Exo70, a key subunit of the exocyst complex, promoted PC metastasis by regulating the secretion of tumor exosomes. Clinical sample studies showed that Exo70 was highly expressed in PC and negatively correlated with patients’ survival. Exo70 promoted PC cell lines’ invasion and migration. Interestingly, knockdown of Exo70, or using an Exo70 inhibitor (ES2) inhibited the secretion of tumor exosomes and increased the accumulation of cellular vesicles. Furthermore, Exo70 was found to accumulate in the exosomes, which then fused with neighboring PC cells and promoted their invasion. Moreover, Exo70 increased the expression of exosomal PD-L1, leading to the immune escape of PC cells. In vivo, knockdown of Exo70 or treatment with ES2 both decreased the tumor metastasis of PC cells in mice. This study provides new insight into the mechanism of invasion and metastasis in PC and identifies Exo70 as a potential prognostic factor and therapeutic target for PC.
Hot-Electron Microwave Noise and Energy Relaxation in (Be)MgZnO/ZnO Heterostructures
Authors: Šermukšnis Emilis , Šimukovič Artūr , Avrutin Vitaliy , Izyumskaya Natalia , Özgür Ümit , Morkoç Hadis
Published: January 2024

Pulsed hot-electron microwave noise measurements of the (Be)MgZnO/ZnO heterostructures are presented in this work. The heterostructures of different barrier thicknesses and different bulk electron densities in ZnO layer are compared. Capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements reveal the decrease in the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) peak in electron density profile at the Zn-polar BeMgZnO/ZnO interface as the BeMgZnO barrier layer thickness decreases. For thin-barrier heterostructures, the peak disappears and only the bulk electron density is resolved in C–V measurements. The excess noise temperature at ∼10 GHz in thick-barrier heterostructures is noticeably higher (∼10 times) compared to thin-barrier heterostructures, which is attributed to the strong noise source in the contacts of the former. In the case of thin-barrier heterostructures, at electric fields above ∼10 kV/cm and electron density ≳1×1017cm−3, strong noise source is resolved, which was also observed earlier in the Ga-doped ZnO films due to the formation of self-supporting high-field domains. However, for the low electron densities (≲6 ×1016 cm−3), the aforementioned noise source is not observed, which suggests the importance of a deep ZnO/GaN interface with 2DEG for power dissipation. The hot-electron temperature dependence on the dissipated power of those low-electron-density heterostructures is similar to that of O-polar ZnO/MgZnO. The estimated electron energy relaxation time in ZnO/MgZnO is ∼0.45 ps ± 0.05 ps at dissipated electrical power per electron of ∼0.1 nW/el and approaches ∼0.1 ps as the dissipated power is increased above ∼10 nW/el.
Application of Cognitive Information Systems in Medical Image Semantic Analysis
Authors: Ogiela Marek R. , Ogiela Lidia
Published: January 2024

Cognitive information systems create a new class of intelligent systems focused on semantic data analysis tasks. Such systems are based on cognitive resonance processes, which use a knowledge-based perception model, to analyze and semantically classify visual data. Such systems can therefore be used for image analysis and classification, including semantic analysis of medical images, aimed at supporting diagnostic processes and determining the severity of lesions visualized by diagnostic imaging methods. This paper will describe various types of cognitive information systems designed for lesion recognition in selected abdominal and coronary structures, as well as skeletal parts of the human body, made visible by the application of various modalities in medical diagnostic imaging procedures. In this paper, a new generation of cognitive systems will also be described, and when compared to existing systems, will have the ability to perform extended cognitive resonance processes. Inference based on extended resonance inference allows the system to acquire additional knowledge, as well as expand the knowledge base used for semantic analysis. This paper will also propose the implementation of new efficient formal grammars, which increase the efficiency of lesion recognition in selected medical images to over 90%.
An Efficient Noise Reduction Method for Power Transformer Voiceprint Detection Based on Poly-Phase Filtering and Complex Variational Modal Decomposition
Authors: Zhou Hualiang , Lu Lu , Shen Mingwei , Su Zhantao , Huang Yuxuan
Published: January 2024

The transformer is a core component in power systems, and its reliable operation is crucial for the safety and stability of the power grid. Transformer faults can be diagnosed early using acoustic signals. However, effective acoustic features are often affected by complex environmental noise, which reduces the accuracy of fault identification. As a solution, this study proposes a poly-phase filtering (PF)-based noise reduction algorithm for complex variational mode decomposition (CVMD) of multiple acoustic sources in power transformers. The algorithm dissects the received signal from the power transformer into subbands, downsizing their sampling rates via PF. Subsequently, it independently targets noise reduction within these subbands, focusing on specific acoustic sources. Leveraging complex signal transformations, we extend the variational mode decomposition (VMD) to mitigate the field of complex signals and utilize the CVMD to reduce the noise of each acoustic source within each subband for every acoustic source. The experimental results reveal that the proposed method effectively separates and denoises the sound signal of transformer operation under the interference of multiple sound sources in the substation. Its powerful noise reduction ability, combined with minimal computational complexity, greatly improves the accuracy of transformer fault identification and the reliability of the system.
Research on Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Classification Based on Convolutional Neural Networks and Landsat-8 Remote Sensing Imagery
Authors: Wu Jingming , Li Xu , Shi Ziyan , Li Senwei , Hou Kaiyao , Bai Tiecheng
Published: January 2024

The study explores the use of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and satellite remote sensing imagery for walnut analysis in Ganquan Township, Alar City, Xinjiang. The recent growth of walnut cultivation in Xinjiang presents challenges for manual data collection, making satellite imagery and computer vision algorithms a practical solution. Landsat-8 satellite images from Google Earth Engine underwent preprocessing, and experiments were conducted to enhance the ResNet model, resulting in improved accuracy and efficiency. Experiments were conducted to evaluate multiple CNN models and traditional methods, and the best detection method was chosen through comparisons. A comparison was drawn between traditional algorithms and convolutional neural network algorithms based on metrics such as precision, recall, f1-score, accuracy, and total time. The results indicated that although traditional methods were more efficient compared to CNN, they exhibited lower accuracy. In the context of this research, prioritizing efficiency at the cost of accuracy was deemed undesirable. Among the traditional algorithms employed in this study, k-NN produced the most favorable outcomes, with precision, recall, f1-score, and accuracy reaching 75.78%, 92.43%, 83.28%, and 84.46%, respectively, although these values were relatively lower than those of the CNN algorithm models. Within the CNN models, the ResNet model demonstrated superior performance, yielding corresponding results of 92.47%, 94.29%, 93.37%, and 93.27%. The EfficientNetV2 model also displayed commendable results, with precision, recall, and f1-score achieving 96.35%, 91.44%, and 93.83%. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the classification efficiency of EfficientNetV2 fell significantly short of that of ResNet. Consequently, in this study, the ResNet model proved to be relatively more effective. Once optimized, the most efficient CNN model closely rivals traditional algorithms in terms of time efficiency for generating results while significantly surpassing them in accuracy. Through our studies, we discovered that once optimized, the most efficient CNN model closely rivals traditional algorithms in terms of time efficiency for generating results while significantly surpassing them in accuracy. In this study, empirical evidence demonstrates that integrating CNN-based methods with satellite remote sensing technology can effectively enhance the statistical efficiency of agriculture and forestry sectors, thus leading to substantial reductions in operational costs. These findings lay a solid foundation for further research in this field and offer valuable insights for other agricultural and forestry-related studies.
Production of Nanofibers by Blow Spinning from Polylactide Containing Propolis and Beeswax
Authors: Penconek Agata , Kilarski Maciej , Soczewka Anna , Wojasiński Michał , Moskal Arkadiusz
Published: January 2024

The growing pollution of the environment with slowly decomposing waste, as well as the increasing drug resistance of pathogens, including the antibiotic resistance of bacteria, has led to a search for new solutions based on biodegradable and natural materials, which are known for their potential bacteriostatic properties. This study aimed to produce nanofibers by blowing from a polylactide (PLA) polymer solution containing natural compounds (e.g., beeswax, propolis). As a result of the conducted research, nanofibers were produced from PLA solutions containing various additives. The fibers’ mean diameter ranges from 0.36 to 2.38 µm, depending on the process parameters. To the authors’ knowledge, fibers were produced for the first time by blow spinning from a polymer solution containing propolis and beeswax.
Thermal Decomposition Process of Fireproof Sealant Measured with Thermogravimetric and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis and Estimated Using Shuffled Complex Evolution
Authors: Liu Wei , Xu Xinrong , Zhang Jiaqing , Zhong Yu , Li Xiang , Ding Yanming
Published: January 2024

Fireproof sealing technology is widely used in industrial, commercial, and other public buildings, so the performance of fireproof sealing materials in high temperatures or fire environments must be taken into account as an important factor. Fireproof sealant is considered to be a highly effective adhesive for sealing and fireproofing purposes. To explore its thermal decomposition mechanism and estimate its pyrolysis behaviors, a series of thermogravimetric experiments from 10 K/min to 60 K/min coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis technology were performed. The results indicated that the thermal decomposition of the fireproof sealant could be divided into three reactions: the degradation of ammonium polyphosphate, melamine, and acrylic acid. In addition, the pyrolysis behavior of the fireproof sealant was compared under two kinds of atmosphere (nitrogen and air). Furthermore, the initial kinetic parameters in the nitrogen atmosphere were calculated based on model-free methods including the Friedman, KAS, and Starink methods. The average activation energy of three reactions obtained by the three methods was 108.32 kJ/mol, 200.46 kJ/mol, and 177.10 kJ/mol, respectively, while these obtained parameters were hard to regenerate, the thermogravimetric curves were accurately based on the established pyrolysis reaction scheme, with the existence of clear deviations. Therefore, a global heuristic optimization algorithm, Shuffled Complex Evolution (SCE), was selected to optimize 14 parameters (including activation energies and the pre-exponential factors) and the optimized pyrolysis results agreed well with the experimental data, even at the extra heating rate, with the correlation coefficient for the mass loss and mass loss rate being reaching up to 0.9943 and 0.9019, respectively. The study indicated that the SCE algorithm showed an appropriate potential to estimate the pyrolysis behavior of an unknown thermogravimetric experiment group.
Low Fat Yoghurts Produced with Different Protein Levels and Alternative Natural Sweeteners
Authors: Campos Lara , Tuma Paulina , Silva Tânia , Gomes David , Pereira Carlos Dias , Henriques Marta H. F.
Published: January 2024

The food industry is looking for substitutes for sucrose in food items due to the excessive consumption of products with added sugar and the demand for healthier products. Alternative natural sweeteners can help achieve this goal. Different types of low-fat yoghurts (1% fat), with low-protein and high-protein levels (3% and 4.5–6.5% protein, respectively), were produced using alternative natural sweeteners. The low-protein yoghurts were made with stevia (0.03% w/w) or agave syrup (4.5% w/w). The high-protein yoghurts were made with stevia (0.04% w/w), xylitol (6% w/w) or honey (6% w/w). Sucrose (6% w/w) was used as a control in both trials. pH and titratable acidity, CIEL*a*b* color parameters, syneresis index, rheology and the texture profile of the low-fat yoghurts were evaluated over refrigerated storage. All products underwent sensory evaluation by an untrained panel. The high-protein yoghurts were found to be more acidic (>1% as lactic acid), had a lower syneresis index (between 2.1 and 16.2%) and a better consistency (stronger gel structure) than the low-protein yoghurts. In terms of rheological parameters, stevia-sweetened yoghurts scored higher than the other sweetened yoghurts, showing a better gel structure. The different sweeteners tested did not significantly affect the sensory properties of the yoghurts, although the high-protein yoghurts scored higher for most of the attributes evaluated. Overall, consumers preferred stevia-sweetened yoghurts to yoghurts sweetened with sucrose or agave for the low-protein yoghurts. Of the tested formulations, those containing high protein with the alternative natural sweetener xylitol received higher scores in all attributes. These results reveal the potential of the tested natural sweeteners as sucrose substitutes, while contributing to improving the nutritional value of yoghurts.
Alternative Traits for Genetic Evaluation of Mastitis Based on Lifetime Merit
Authors: Leitner Gabriel , Blum Shlomo E. , Krifucks Oleg , Lavon Yaniv , Jacoby Shamay , Seroussi Eyal
Published: January 2024

Genetic selection has achieved little progress in reducing mastitis incidence. Mastitis traits are problematic due to the lack of sensitivity of the data and reliance on clinical diagnosis, often missing subclinical cases, and/or on monthly somatic cell count (SCC) measurements. The current measure for mastitis is the lactation average of the somatic cells score (LSCS). We studied two datasets: (1) 148 heifers divided into non-intramammary infected, sub-clinically infected and clinical mastitis groups; (2) data from 89,601 heifers from Israeli Holsteins through the same period divided into “udder healthy” (UH) and “non-healthy” (UNH) by a threshold of SCC 120,000 cells/mL in all nine monthly milk recordings. In study 1, non-infected heifers had significantly (p < 0.05) more partum, production days and overall lifetime milk production compared to clinical and sub-clinically infected. In study 2, UH heifers (20.3%) had significantly higher (p < 0.01) lifetime milk, production days, and lactations. Subdividing datasets by sires, the same analyses detected differences in percentages of UH daughters between the sire groups. Lifetime milk production correlated (r = +0.83, p < 0.001) with udder health status. SCC threshold of less than 120,000 cells/mL during all first lactation measurements indicated healthy udder, providing a valuable insight that this dichotomous trait is advantageous for calculating lifetime net-merit index (NM$) over LSCS.
Assessment of Knowledge of Health Economics among Healthcare Professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Algharibi Esraa Dhaif Allah , Fadel Bodour Ayman , Al-Hanawi Mohammed Khaled
Published: January 2024

Addressing the ongoing challenge of rising healthcare spending is crucial for ensuring the health quality of a population. At the core of healthcare systems, health professionals play a vital role in patient care and resource utilization. Despite healthcare cost concerns, health professionals often lack an understanding of health economics for optimal decision making. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of health economics among healthcare professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The broader goal was to identify knowledge gaps crucial for developing targeted interventions to maintain quality healthcare within the context of resource constraints. We used cross-sectional data collected from January to June 2023 and employed univariate, bivariate, and multivariable techniques for analysis. Univariate analyses were used to compare respondent proportions in socio-economic and demographic categories, bivariate analysis was used to examine the frequencies of independent variables related to the dependent variable, and a multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with knowledge of health economics among healthcare professionals. A total of 1056 responses were included for analysis. Approximately 35.35% of the sample possessed optimal knowledge of healthcare economics. Additionally, 58.14% of respondents considered health economics knowledge essential in their job practice, 16.95% regularly read articles on health economics, 22.06% engage in economic decision making at work, and 20.17% apply health economics techniques in their decision making. Health economics knowledge varied according to profession status, work experience, perceptions about health economics, and involvement in management tasks and decision-making processes. Generally, knowledge of health economics tended to increase with experience, positive perceptions, and engagement in administrative or management tasks. Nevertheless, knowledge of health economics is largely limited among health professionals in Saudi Arabia. Policymakers should address disparities in knowledge and perceptions of health economics through ongoing training courses and workshops. These interventions will ensure the presence of highly skilled professionals capable of implementing effective healthcare decisions and managing the increasing costs of healthcare.
Proprioceptive and Strength Exercise Guidelines to Prevent Falls in the Elderly Related to Biomechanical Movement Characteristics
Authors: Aleixo Pedro , Abrantes João
Published: January 2024

Falls are a major concern in the elderly and walking is an important daily activity in which falls occur, with tripping and slipping being the most frequent causes. Gait biomechanical parameters have been related to the occurrence of falls in the elderly. Moreover, there is evidence that falls can be prevented through exercise programs, which have been shown to be also effective in improving gait biomechanical parameters. However, a question remains: “What types of exercises must be included in exercise programs to prevent falls?”. The purpose of this manuscript was to present guidelines for a fall prevention exercise program for the elderly, which was created with the aim of improving the gait biomechanical parameters related to falls. The critical review performed during the preparation of this manuscript collected important evidence and knowledge in order to create a structural basis for the development of a fall prevention exercise program. This type of program should last 6 or more weeks and be prescribed based on four movement pillars (locomotion, level changes, pulling and pushing, and rotations); however, the locomotion pillar must be the focus of the program. Proprioceptive and functional strength exercises should be included in this program. Based on the theoretical rationale, a proposal for a fall prevention exercise program is presented.
Regeneration of African Violet in Response to Light Quality
Authors: Aslami Zohreh , Ghehsareh Masood Ghasemi , Mahdavi Sayyed Mohammad Ehsan , Nicola Silvana
Published: January 2024

Light-emitting diode (LED) technology is a form of artificial lighting that offers precise control over spectral composition, creating specific conditions for plant growth and development. However, the influence of various LED wavelengths on the regeneration characteristics in African violet (AV) has not been extensively explored. This study aims to investigate the changes in the regeneration traits of AV when exposed to different LED light colors within controlled conditions. In this study, AV leaf cuttings were prepared and subjected to white, red, blue, and red + blue light colors for a period of three months in a growth chamber. Afterward, they were transferred to the laboratory for further analysis. The results indicated that the AVs treated with red + blue colors exhibited the most significant improvement in several morpho-physiological traits of both the roots and shoots. The highest total biomass (2.96 g), shoot fresh weight (1.76 g), root dry weight (0.14 g), root volume (3.10 cm3), and shoot length (1.60 cm) were observed in this treatment group. Furthermore, the highest levels of photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids (0.14, 0.12, and 3.80 mg g−1 f.w., respectively), were predominantly observed in the red + blue treatment group. In conclusion, this study introduces a novel methodology for optimizing lighting conditions to enhance the regeneration of African violets, shedding light on the potential for improving AV regeneration practices.
Harnessing the Stem Cell Niche in Regenerative Medicine: Innovative Avenue to Combat Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Velikic Gordana , Maric Dusan M. , Maric Dusica L. , Supic Gordana , Puletic Miljan , Dulic Oliver , Vojvodic Danilo
Published: January 2024

Regenerative medicine harnesses the body’s innate capacity for self-repair to restore malfunctioning tissues and organs. Stem cell therapies represent a key regenerative strategy, but to effectively harness their potential necessitates a nuanced understanding of the stem cell niche. This specialized microenvironment regulates critical stem cell behaviors including quiescence, activation, differentiation, and homing. Emerging research reveals that dysfunction within endogenous neural stem cell niches contributes to neurodegenerative pathologies and impedes regeneration. Strategies such as modifying signaling pathways, or epigenetic interventions to restore niche homeostasis and signaling, hold promise for revitalizing neurogenesis and neural repair in diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Comparative studies of highly regenerative species provide evolutionary clues into niche-mediated renewal mechanisms. Leveraging endogenous bioelectric cues and crosstalk between gut, brain, and vascular niches further illuminates promising therapeutic opportunities. Emerging techniques like single-cell transcriptomics, organoids, microfluidics, artificial intelligence, in silico modeling, and transdifferentiation will continue to unravel niche complexity. By providing a comprehensive synthesis integrating diverse views on niche components, developmental transitions, and dynamics, this review unveils new layers of complexity integral to niche behavior and function, which unveil novel prospects to modulate niche function and provide revolutionary treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
A Traceable Universal Designated Verifier Transitive Signature Scheme
Authors: Hou Shaonan , Lin Chengjun , Yang Shaojun
Published: January 2024

A transitive signature scheme enables anyone to obtain the signature on edge (i,k) by combining the signatures on edges (i,j) and (j,k), but it suffers from signature theft and signature abuse. The existing work has solved these problems using a universal designated verifier transitive signature (UDVTS). However, the UDVTS scheme only enables the designated verifier to authenticate signatures, which provides a simple way for the signer to deny having signed some messages. The fact that the UDVTS is not publicly verifiable prevents the verifier from seeking help arbitrating the source of signatures. Based on this problem, this paper proposes a traceable universal designated verifier transitive signature (TUDVTS) and its security model. We introduce a tracer into the system who will trace the signature back to its true source after the verifier has submitted an application for arbitration. To show the feasibility of our primitive, we construct a concrete scheme from a bilinear group pair (G,GT) of prime order and prove that the scheme satisfies unforgeability, privacy, and traceability.
Fatal Attraction: Argiope Spiders Lure Male Hemileuca Moth Prey with the Promise of Sex
Authors: Warren Andrew , Severns Paul
Published: January 2024

Predator–prey coevolution, particularly chemo-ecological arms races, is challenging to study as it requires the integration of behavioral, chemical ecology, and phylogenetic studies in an amenable system. Moths of the genus Hemileuca (Saturniidae) are colorful, diurnal, and fast and often fly well above the vegetation canopy layer. However, several Hemileuca species have been reported as being captured in spider webs, specifically Argiope species (Araneidae). Female Hemileuca are known to produce mating pheromones and spiders of the Araneidae family are known to use pheromone lures to attract lepidopteran prey. We presented primarily female Argiope aurantia, which are attractive to male Anisota pellucida (Saturniidae), to different populations of Hemileuca species across the southern and western United States to categorize the homing response strength of different species of male Hemileuca. When we mapped these Argiope lure attraction strength categories onto the most recently published Hemileuca phylogeny, the behavioral patterns suggested a potential co-evolutionary arms race between predators and prey. Males of Hemileuca maia, H. grotei, and H. nevadensis (all in the same clade) appeared to have no attraction to A. aurantia, while H. magnifica and H. hera (within a different, separate clade) appeared to be strongly attracted to A. aurantia, but H. nuttalli (also within the H. hera and H. magnifica clade) displayed no attraction. Furthermore, Hemileuca eglanterina (yet a different clade) displayed strong, weak, and no attraction to A. aurantia, depending on the population. These apparent clade partitioning patterns of Argiope lure effectiveness and within-species variation in Hemileuca lure responses suggest a predator–prey coevolutionary history of measures and countermeasures.
From the Colon to the Liver: How Gut Microbiota May Influence Colorectal Cancer Metastatic Potential
Authors: Mignini Irene , Piccirilli Giulia , Galasso Linda , Termite Fabrizio , Esposto Giorgio , Ainora Maria Elena , Gasbarrini Antonio , Zocco Maria Assunta
Published: January 2024

The gut microbiota’s influence on human tumorigenesis is a burning topic in medical research. With the new ontological perspective, which considers the human body and its pathophysiological processes as the result of the interaction between its own eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic microorganisms living in different body niches, great interest has arisen in the role of the gut microbiota on carcinogenesis. Indeed, dysbiosis is currently recognized as a cancer-promoting condition, and multiple molecular mechanisms have been described by which the gut microbiota may drive tumor development, especially colorectal cancer (CRC). Metastatic power is undoubtedly one of the most fearsome features of neoplastic tissues. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms is of utmost importance to improve patients’ prognosis. The liver is the most frequent target of CRC metastasis, and new evidence reveals that the gut microbiota may yield an effect on CRC diffusion to the liver, thus defining an intriguing new facet of the so-called “gut-liver axis”. In this review, we aim to summarize the most recent data about the microbiota’s role in promoting or preventing hepatic metastasis from CRC, highlighting some potential future therapeutic targets.
Is Parity a Risk Factor for Late Preterm Birth? Results from a Large Cohort Study
Authors: Kashani-Ligumsky Lior , Neiger Ran , Segal Ella , Cohen Ronnie , Lopian Miriam
Published: January 2024

Most preterm births occur in the late preterm period. While prematurity-related adverse outcomes are significantly diminished when birth occurs during this period, these infants are still at increased risk of complications. Parity affects the incidence of obstetric complications. The purpose of this study was to determine whether parity impacts the risk of spontaneous late preterm birth (SLPTB) and associated complications. A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted. Patients were divided into three study groups according to parity. The primary outcome was the rate of SLPTB in each group. Secondary outcomes were unplanned cesarean delivery (UCD), prolonged third stage of labor respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), neonatal hypoglycemia, duration of NICU admission, neonatal death, and composite adverse neonatal outcome (CANO). Primiparas were more likely to have SLPTB, UCD, and CANO compared to multiparas (2.6% vs. 1.9% OR 1.5 [1.3–1.7] p < 0.01) (4.1% vs. 1.3% OR 2.7 [1.2, 5.9] p < 0.01) (8.5% vs. 4.2 OR 2.1 [1.3–3.5] p = 0.002) and grandmultiparas (2.6% vs. 1.7% OR 1.4 [1.2–1.5] p < 0.001) 8.5% vs. 4.4% OR 2.0 [1.1, 3.8], p = 0.01) but no difference in UCD compared to grandmultiparas (4.1% vs. 3.3% OR 1.2 [0.6–2.7] p = 0.28). Primiparas are at increased risk of SLPTB and UCD, and this is accompanied by an increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes.
Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Single Implant-Supported Zirconia Crowns Following a Digital and Conventional Workflow: Four-Year Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Beck Florian , Zupancic Cepic Lana , Lettner Stefan , Moritz Andreas , Ulm Christian , Zechner Werner , Schedle Andreas
Published: January 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of single posterior screw-retained monolithic implant crowns following a digital and conventional workflow and to report on the survival/complication rate after a mean 4-year follow-up. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with a single posterior tooth missing were rehabilitated with a bone-level implant. After a healing period of ≥3 months, they were subjected to both a digital and conventional workflow to fabricate two screw-retained monolithic implant crowns. The quantitative clinical adjustments to both crowns (intrasubject comparison) and a questionnaire were recorded at try-in. Thereafter, a crown of the digital and conventional workflows was randomly inserted. At the last follow-up, the marginal bone level (MBL), peri-implant health-related parameters (bleeding on probing (BoP), plaque, pocket probing depth (PPD)), and functional implant prosthodontic score (FIPS) were assessed. Furthermore, the implant survival and success rates and technical complications were evaluated. Results: A total of 27 patients were followed for a mean period of 4.23 ± 1.10 years. There was no significant difference between the digital and conventional workflows regarding clinical adjustments and questionnaire outcomes. More than twice as many participants recommended digital (n = 16) compared to conventional impressions (n = 7) to friends. The implant survival and success rate were 100% and 96.3%, respectively. Furthermore, two de-cementations and one fracture of the ti-base abutment occurred. There were no significant differences in BoP, plaque, and PPD metrics between the two groups. The changes in the MBL between implant crown insertion (baseline) and the last follow-up were 0.07 ± 0.19 mm and 0.34 ± 0.62 mm in the digital and conventional groups, respectively (p = 0.195). The mean overall FIPS score was 8.11 ± 1.37 (range: 5–10). Conclusions: The clinical and radiographic outcomes of single screw-retained monolithic implant crowns were similar between both workflows after a mean of 4 years of service. The patients did not clearly prefer an impression technique for their restoration, although they would recommend the digital impression more often to friends. Thus, decision regarding clinical workflows may be based on the patient’s and/or clinician’s preference.
Correlation between Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelets-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio and Clinical Picture of Elderly Chronic Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Powrózek Tomasz , Skwarek-Dziekanowska Aneta , Sobieszek Grzegorz , Małecka-Massalska Teresa
Published: January 2024

Background: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) are believed to be potential inflammatory markers that are closely related to the prognosis and course of cardiovascular diseases. The main goal of this study was the evaluation of NLR, PLR and CAR as factors reflecting the clinical picture and the prognosis of elderly chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. Methods: In 150 elderly patients with newly diagnosed CHF, the NLR, PLR and CAR were correlated with cardiac, laboratory and nutritional parameters. Results: Systemic inflammatory ratios were correlated with selected patient’s parameters. CAR was associated with an unfavorable clinical picture of CHF—a reduced EF (p = 0.007), an elevated PASP (p = 0.014), an increased LVESD in both males and females (p = 0.032 and 0.024, respectively) and a decreased TAPSE (p = 0.023). CAR allowed us to distinguish between NYHA I–III and NYHA IV classes with AUC of 0.830. By analyzing the five-year mortality rate in patients with different CAR values, the greater death rate was recorded for patients with high CAR values—one-year death rate (40.3% vs. 17.2%) and five-year death rate (80% vs. 58.3%) (p = 0.002). Both NLR and PLR correlated only with selected parameters. Conclusion: An analysis of inflammatory markers, mainly CAR, allows the management of CHF, because its value can reflect the cardiac and nutritional status of patients with a prognostic value. NLR and PLR can serve as supplementary examinations for CAR evaluation.
The Application of Existing Risk Assessment Models (RAMS) to Predict the Occurrence of Venous Thromboembolic Events among Patients with Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Ma’koseh Mohammad , Abufara Alaa , Albaghdadi Dana , Ghalayni Ruba , Abdel-Razeq Sarah , Alzughali Eman , Abdel Rahman Fadwa , Alhalaseh Yazan , Halahleh Khalid , Abdel-Razeq Hikmat
Published: January 2024

Background: A majority of patients included in risk assessment models (RAMs) developed to predict venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in lymphoma were non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Our study aims to evaluate the incidence and predictors of VTE, utilizing different RAMs, in patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) treated with adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD). Methods: Adult patients with cHL, treated and followed at our center, were included. Correlations between different variables, Khorana score, and thrombosis in lymphoma (ThroLy) RAMs with VTE were examined using Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 321 patients were included, with a median age of 29 (range: 18–83) years. Of them, 169 (52.6%) had advanced-stage disease. Combined modality treatment was given to 169 (52.6%) patients. A total of 52 (16.2%) patients had relapsed or refractory disease. VTE were reported in 15 (4.7%) patients and were mostly during the administration of first-line (n = 8, 53.3%), or salvage chemotherapy (n = 6, 40.0%). There was no correlation between a Khorana score > 2 (p = 0.689) or ThroLy score > 3 (p = 0.335) and VTE. Older age (p = 0.014) and relapsed or refractory disease (p = 0.003) significantly correlated with VTE. Conclusions: VTE are uncommon in cHL. The commonly used RAMs failed to predict VTE. However, older age and relapsed or refractory disease significantly increased this risk.
Development of a Mobile Buoy with Controllable Wings: Design, Dynamics Analysis and Experiments
Authors: Wang Haibo , Chen Junsi , Feng Zhanxia , Du Guangchao , Li Yuze , Tang Chao , Zhang Yang , He Changhong , Chang Zongyu
Published: January 2024

Marine monitoring equipment such as Argo profiling buoys and underwater gliders are important devices for oceanographic research and marine resource exploration. In this study, a novel mobile buoy capable of vertical profiling motion like Argo profiling buoys and sawtooth gliding motion like underwater gliders is proposed. The proposed mobile buoy can switch between the two motion modes with controllable wings. To verify the feasibility of the proposed mobile buoy, a fluid–multibody coupling model considering multibody dynamics and hydrodynamics was developed to investigate the dynamic response. A scaled-down buoy prototype was fabricated and the feasibility of the two motion modes was experimentally investigated in a laboratory tank. The experimental results agree well with the results of numerical simulation. This work can be helpful for the design and analysis of this kind of mobile buoy.
Enhancing Wave Energy Conversion Efficiency through Supervised Regression Machine Learning Models
Authors: Poguluri Sunny Kumar , Bae Yoon Hyeok
Published: January 2024

The incorporation of machine learning (ML) has yielded substantial benefits in detecting nonlinear patterns across a wide range of applications, including offshore engineering. Existing ML works, specifically supervised regression models, have not undergone exhaustive scrutiny, and there are no potential or concurrent models for improving the performance of wave energy converter (WEC) devices. This study employs supervised regression ML models, including multi-layer perceptron, support vector regression, and XGBoost, to optimize the geometric aspects of an asymmetric WEC inspired by Salter’s duck, based on key parameters. These important parameters, the ballast weight and its position, vary along a guided line within the available geometric resilience of the asymmetric WEC. Each supervised regression ML model was fine-tuned through hyperparameter optimization using Grid cross-validation. When evaluating the performance of each ML model, it became evident that the tuned hyperparameters of XGBoost led to predictions that strongly aligned with the actual values compared to other models. Furthermore, the study extended to assess the performance of the optimized WEC at the designated deployment test site location.
Trajectory Mining and Routing: A Cross-Sectoral Approach
Authors: Kaklis Dimitrios , Kontopoulos Ioannis , Varlamis Iraklis , Emiris Ioannis Z. , Varelas Takis
Published: January 2024

Trajectory data holds pivotal importance in the shipping industry and transcend their significance in various domains, including transportation, health care, tourism, surveillance, and security. In the maritime domain, improved predictions for estimated time of arrival (ETA) and optimal recommendations for alternate routes when the weather conditions deem it necessary can lead to lower costs, reduced emissions, and an increase in the overall efficiency of the industry. To this end, a methodology that yields optimal route recommendations for vessels is presented and evaluated in comparison with real-world vessel trajectories. The proposed approach utilizes historical vessel tracking data to extract maritime traffic patterns and implements an A* search algorithm on top of these patterns. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach can lead to shorter vessel routes compared to another state-of-the-art routing methodology, resulting in cost savings for the maritime industry. This research not only enhances maritime routing but also demonstrates the broader applicability of trajectory mining, offering insights and solutions for diverse industries reliant on trajectory data.
Contribution to the Study of Lichenicolous Fungi from Northwest Iberian Peninsula (León and Lugo Provinces)
Authors: Etayo Javier , López de Silanes María Eugenia
Published: January 2024

We have found 117 taxa of lichenicolous fungi in the studied area. In this paper, we describe five taxa: Arthonia boomiana on Nephromopsis chlorophylla, Lawalreea burgaziana on Platismatia glauca, Pronectria scrobiculatae on Lobarina scrobiculata, Trichonectria parmeliellae on Parmeliella testacea and Trichonectria rubefaciens ssp. cryptoramalinae on Ramalina. Furthermore, the next records are interesting chorologically from the Iberian Peninsula: Arthophacopsis parmeliarum, Catillaria lobariicola, Lichenopuccinia poeltii, Myxotrichum bicolor, Nanostictis christiansenii, Niesslia lobariae, Opegrpaha sphaerophoricola, Pronectria fragmospora, Rhymbocarpus aggregatus, R. neglectus, and Tremella cetrariicola.
Can Investment Views Explain Why People Insure Their Cell Phones But Not Their Homes?—A New Perspective on the Catastrophe Insurance Puzzle
Authors: Hofmann Annette , Zweifel Peter
Published: January 2024

The consistently missing demand for catastrophe insurance and for coverage of other low-probability–high-consequence risks is often referred to as the catastrophe insurance puzzle. People show reluctance to insure low-probability–high-consequence events, even with some disastrous consequences, yet insure against small high-probability–low-consequence events. There has been no convincing explanation of this puzzle to this date. This article points out that the underlying rationale may be that individuals interpret insurance contracts with low payout probability as an investment with negative expected net present value. While premium payments start with the conclusion of the contract, usually there is only one loss payment in the near or far future. Using a simple annuity model with fixed annual premiums and expected indemnity payouts, it is found that even an individual characterized by the degree of risk aversion found in the literature is unlikely to purchase insurance with these characteristics. To alleviate this unfavorable insurance purchase syndrome, combining a low-probability with a high-probability loss insurance contract may be a way to incentivize individuals to purchase catastrophe risk coverage.