bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic landscape and potential therapeutic targets in alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer
Authors: Zan Likun , Zhang Xin , Shen Lulu , Zhao Qi , Tan Dongfeng , Peng Xiao , Jia Yi , Li Jiawen , Liu Jing , Zhao Jiaqi , Gao Ning , Bu Peng , Xi Yanfeng
Published: February 2025

Alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric carcinoma (AFPGC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of gastric cancer (GC). A comprehensive analysis of clinicopathological features, immunophenotypes, molecular characteristics, and survival in AFPGC contributes to identifying potential therapeutic targets and developing new strategies to manage this disease. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Shanxi Cancer Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020, involving patients diagnosed with GC and elevated AFP serum levels. Among these, 91 patients underwent immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to reveal the immunophenotypic and molecular characteristics of AFPGC. We found that AFPGC is more common in males and primarily occurs in the cardia and antrum of the stomach. A panel of IHC markers including AFP, GPC3, SALL4, CD10, CDX-2, and ATBF1 can be used for the diagnosis and differentiating AFPGC. NGS analysis revealed that TP53 hypermutation was the most frequent molecular event associated with AFPGC. The altered signaling pathways included disease signal transduction, receptor tyrosine kinase signaling and intracellular second messenger signaling pathways. The cumulative incidence of 21 genes, based on the evidence of clinical actionability in the OncoKB, was found to be 59.34%. Among these genes, CCNE1, ERBB2, and EGFR were the most frequently observed. This underscores the potential benefit of targeted therapy for patients with AFPGC. Furthermore, LRP1B and ARID1A have been identified as prognostic factors associated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), respectively. Our results aim to improve AFPGC diagnosis by identifying potential therapeutic targets and prognostic factors, which could help facilitate the development of new treatment strategies.
Test-to-PrEP: An Egocentric Approach to Promoting HIV Discussions and Resource Sharing in PrEP Clients’ Social Networks
Authors: Rodriguez E. , Johnson A. L. , Craker L. , Butts S. , Kanamori M. , Doblecki-Lewis Susanne
Published: February 2025

Test-to-PrEP, a bundled HIV self-test (HIVST) and PrEP educational kit was distributed to the social networks (SN) of PrEP clients using social network strategies (SNS). PrEP clients (n = 100) distributed kits to their SN members (n = 415). Multilevel analysis assessed the relationship between demographic/network characteristics and likelihood of PrEP discussions. Higher network density (e.g., the level of linkage among network members) and daily contact were associated with having previously talked about PrEP. Networks that were denser (more ties/connections), more frequently in contact, and had a relationship type that assumes greater closeness (proximal relations) resulted in greater likelihood of having had PrEP conversations. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using SNS to increase routine HIV testing and PrEP knowledge. The Test-To-PrEP SNS strategy is a promising tool to increase HIV prevention and care access to all who may benefit.
Positron emission tomography in cardiac amyloidosis: current evidence and future directions
Authors: Aimo Alberto , Ferrari Chen Yu Fu , Castiglione Vincenzo , Passino Claudio , Genovesi Dario , Giorgetti Assuero , Emdin Michele , Vergaro Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

The increasing recognition of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) as a cause of heart failure, coupled with advancements in therapeutic options, has underscored the need for early detection. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging emerged as a promising non-invasive tool for diagnosing and managing CA. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of current PET imaging techniques, focusing on radiotracers, including [11C]Pittsburgh Compound B, [18F]Flutemetamol, [18F]Florbetapir, [18F]Florbetaben, [18F]-sodium fluoride, and [124I]Evuzamitide. PET imaging’s ability to differentiating CA subtypes and quantify amyloid burden contributes defining prognosis and aids in monitoring treatment response. However, standardizing imaging protocols and establishing definitive diagnostic thresholds remain challenging. As PET imaging continues to evolve, it promises to improve patient outcomes by facilitating earlier diagnosis, more accurate subtype differentiation, and better treatment monitoring in CA.
What is an Antinomic Emotion?
Authors: Depraz Natalie
Published: February 2025

In his Symphony n. 94 (1792), Haydn has a movement entitled “mit einem Paukenschlag,” which surprises the audience with a fortissimo timpani strike. This symphony, thus nicknamed “Die Überraschung,” offers a nice artistic example of fulguration against the background of imminence. Works of art offer a snapshot that unites beauty and novelty and evoke in us - in the artist as much as in the lover of music - the feeling of losing all control in a fraction of a second: I call it the art of release [déprise]. The aim of my paper is to show the complexity of the emotional dynamic while identifying under the expression of “antinomic emotion,” and to dismantle thereby the current and naive understanding of emotions as being merely “uni-valent” (love is positive, hate is negative) or even as being “ambiguous” or “ambivalent” (e.g., the pleasure I have to see somebody suffer). With “antinomic emotions,” of which I will give and describe three main exemplary situations, there remains an open tension between opposed moves, like in the case of a painful joy (Diadochos of Photicea), of a dreadful beauty (Plato) or in the case of a drunken soberness (Gregorius of Nyssa). Such expressions have the particularity not to be immediately and obviously understandable, which is the heart of their interest and complexity and will precisely require the analysis that follows in the article. In order to reach the threshold of experiential emotional complexity, I will benefit from useful philosophical and phenomenological resources in Kant and his binary distinctive analysis of the feelings of beauty and sublime, in Max Scheler in his fine experiential distinctions between positive and negative empathy and his descriptions of pathological ambiguous emotions (e.g., the pleasure to see someone suffer), but also in some less well-known Husserl’s about intense emotional movements combining for example in multifarious microphase-time taste, disgust, and euphoria. We will show how such analyses are at the same time useful as thresholds of understanding and limited in their descriptive potentiality. To open up the discussion, I will state that the structure of open tension inherent in antinomic emotions is complemented by a specific dynamic of reversal of the opposed emotional polarities, which can take the form either of inversion or of annulment.
Small dams fragment assemblages of diadromous and freshwater decapods in Hong Kong lowland streams
Authors: Chan Jeffery C. F. , Liew Jia Huan , Dudgeon David
Published: February 2025

Dam construction has fragmented and substantially altered streams globally, obstructing migrations between coastal and freshwater habitats by diadromous animals. We undertook a territory-wide survey of decapod species (shrimps and crabs) in Hong Kong, southern China, examining spatial and seasonal variability in assemblage composition, and the impacts of barriers, across 24 lowland streams. Thirteen diadromous and 10 primary (i.e., non-migratory) freshwater decapod species were recorded, considerably more than reported elsewhere on the Chinese mainland. While some decapods are proficient climbers, six diadromous species were confined to unobstructed streams. Dams (0.3–8.7 m high) reduced total richness, but had stronger effects on diadromous species (mean richness fell from 4.9 to 3.2 species). Mean species richness of both total and diadromous decapods were lowest in streams with dams > 2 m tall (reductions of 6.4 to 3.8 and 4.9 to 2.2, respectively). Decapod assemblage structure was significantly different above and below dams, reflecting the restriction of primary freshwater species to reaches above dams, and diadromous species to reaches downstream of dams. Our findings underscore the need for improved knowledge of the diversity of diadromous animals in China and tropical East Asia, as well as better understanding of mitigation measures to improve dam passage by these animals.
A review of artificial intelligence application for machining surface quality prediction: from key factors to model development
Authors: Ko Jeong Hoon , Yin Chen
Published: February 2025

This article presents a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art advancements in applying artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, especially machine learning and deep learning models, to forecast surface quality in computer numerical control (CNC) machining. Surface quality is influenced by a wide range of factors, which makes its prediction a complex and significant challenge. The factors affecting surface quality are reviewed and categorized into two key elements—tool center positioning errors and the interaction between the tool edge and workpiece materials. As highlighted in recent research of less than five years, the factors are systematically organized into the key elements and presented in tabulated form. Then, particular emphasis is placed on how recent AI techniques have incorporated these factors, addressing the capability of machine learning and deep learning methods to handle the complexity and variability inherent in machining surface quality prediction (MSQP). Moreover, further review is conducted to highlight how advanced AI techniques, particularly transfer learning techniques, have enabled accurate and adaptive MSQP despite data scarcity conditions due to costly experiments and diverse machining conditions. By comprehensively reviewing recent studies from the perspective of the analysis results of key elements affecting surface quality and the inherent characteristics of data-driven AI techniques, this paper identifies the strengths and limitations of various machine learning and deep learning approaches applied in MSQP. Based on the insights into the state of the art, future research directions are discussed for improving prediction accuracy, computational efficiency, and real-time monitoring in the domain.
Indirect causatives in Basque: The syntax of implicit causees
Authors: Berro Ane , Odria Ane , Fernández Beatriz
Published: February 2025

In Basque there is a morphological causative construction where the causative suffix is added to the verbal root and an additional argument—the causer—is added to the already existing ones. In this paper we analyze indirect causatives (ICs), that is, morphological causative constructions where the causee—the caused-to-act subject—is left implicit, with no morphological reflex. Our analysis argues that both causative constructions, the direct and the indirect ones, involve a Voice-over-Voice projection and discusses its consequences for Case and Agreement. Additionally, we explore the nature of the implicit causee, and claim that it is syntactically projected as a strong implicit argument but with deficient φ-features. In these respects, it is similar to the impersonal subject found in Basque. Nevertheless, it differs in one key aspect: the causee is projected in a phrase with its own probe, resulting in distinct behavior concerning the PCC. This paper contributes to the discussion on the different versions of Voice, the syntactic nature of implicit arguments and how they interact in different constructions like causatives and impersonals.
Stability analysis and prediction of Bimslope failures using numerical modelling and hybrid meta-heuristic models
Authors: Ray Arunava , Atul Gopika C. , Sapkota Sanjog Chhetri , Saha Prasenjit , Das Sourav , Rai Rajesh , Khandelwal Manoj
Published: February 2025

Bimsoil slope (Bimslope) or Soil-Rock-Mixture slopes are complex geological formations made up of geotechnically important ‘blocks’ enclosed in a finer-textured ‘matrix.’ These geomaterials possess heterogeneous properties owing to changes in the block and matrix properties that can arise from natural weathering processes or various anthropogenic activities. The present study focuses on the stability analysis of a Bimslope under varying block properties (orientation and volumetric block proportion), matrix type (Loamy sand, Sandy loam, and Silt loam) and matrix water content. The study indicates that the failure of a Bimslope is not governed by only one physical parameter but rather by a critical combination of block properties, matrix type and matrix water content. When the water content (< 25% saturation) and block content (< 25%) are less, the failure is governed by matrix only. With the increase in block content, the failure is governed by block however under fully saturated (100% saturation) conditions, the failure is solely governed by matrix type irrespective of block properties. In addition to that, the data generated using numerical analysis was used to predict the factor of safety using hybridized ensembled methods considering the XGB model and three other novel meta-heuristic algorithms (MHA): political optimization (POA), the Leopard Seal algorithm (LSA), and the Giant Armadillo Algorithm (GAA). It has been found that among all the models, the GAA-XGB algorithm exhibits better results with R2 and RMSE values as 0.99628, 0.055436 in training and 0.985664, 0.063092 in the testing stage. Furthermore, SHAP-based analysis has been performed to identify the most influential parameters.
Development of an Infant Air-Jet Dry Powder Aerosol Delivery System (iDP-ADS) Including a New Multifunctional Bifurcating Two-Prong Nasal Interface
Authors: Strickler Sarah C. , Farkas Dale R. , Momin Mohammad A. M. , Vargas Laura , Aladwani Ghali , Hindle Michael , Longest Worth
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To improve the quality of aerosol delivery to infants, the iDP-ADS was advanced to include dual-prong nose-to-lung aerosol administration with a bifurcating interface, consistently monitor lung pressures and control ventilatory parameters with a pressure monitoring and control (PMC) unit, and implement flexible nasal prongs for use across a range of subject sizes.

Methods

Four bifurcating flow pathways were integrated into the iDP-ADS and tested in vitro with a full-term infant nose-throat (NT) model for comparison to the performance of a single-prong interface. After selecting the best-performing flow pathway, flexible prong designs were evaluated in the same model and chosen for additional testing. Realistic pulmonary mechanics (PM) and age-appropriate tidal volumes were used to simulate ventilation with the PMC unit and aerosol delivery in full-term and 34-week gestational age preterm NT models.

Results

Three of the four bifurcating flow pathways matched the performance of the single-prong design (tracheal filter delivery of ~55%), and the FP4 design with co-flow was selected. A flexible prong version of FP4 produced similar performance to the rigid version. Measurements from the PMC unit demonstrated that consistent air volumes under safe operating pressures could be delivered with a PEEP between 4–6 cmH2O. Considering aerosol delivery, PM conditions resulted in ~4% decrease in filter deposition but high lung delivery efficiencies of ~45% and ~34% for the full-term and preterm models, respectively.

Conclusions

The best-performing interface with flexible prongs matched the lung delivery efficiency of a high-transmission single-prong interface and delivered high aerosol doses through late-preterm to full-term NT models.
Prediction of the Extent of Blood–Brain Barrier Transport Using Machine Learning and Integration into the LeiCNS-PK3.0 Model
Authors: Gülave Berfin , van den Maagdenberg Helle W. , van Boven Luke , van Westen Gerard J. P. , de Lange Elizabeth C. M. , van Hasselt J. G. Coen
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The unbound brain-to-plasma partition coefficient (Kp,uu,BBB) is an essential parameter for predicting central nervous system (CNS) drug disposition using physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. Kp,uu,BBB values for specific compounds are however often unavailable, and are moreover time consuming to obtain experimentally. The aim of this study was to develop a quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) model to predict the Kp,uu,BBB and to demonstrate how QSPR-model predictions can be integrated into a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model for the CNS.

Methods

Rat Kp,uu,BBB values were obtained for 98 compounds from literature or in house historical data. For all compounds, 2D and 3D physico-chemical and structural properties were derived using the Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software. Multiple machine learning (ML) regression models were compared for prediction of the Kp,uu,BBB, including random forest, support vector machines, K-nearest neighbors, and (sparse-) partial least squares. Finally, we demonstrate how the developed QSPR model predictions can be integrated into a CNS PBPK modeling workflow.

Results

Among all ML algorithms, a random forest showed the best predictive performance for Kp,uu,BBB on test data with R2 value of 0.61 and 61% of all predictions were within twofold error. The obtained Kp,uu,BBB were successfully integrated into the LeiCNS-PK3.0 CNS PBPK model.

Conclusions

The developed random forest QSPR model for Kp,uu,BBB prediction was found to have adequate performance, and can support drug discovery and development of novel investigational drugs targeting the CNS in conjunction with CNS PBPK modeling.
Effect of Calcium Hydroxide and Nixtamalization Time on the In Vitro Starch and Protein Digestibility of Traditional Maize Tortillas
Authors: Escamilla-Urbina Izxayana , Totosaus-Sánchez Alfonso , Rodríguez-Huezo M. Eva , Vernon-Carter E. Jaime , Alvarez-Ramirez Jose
Published: February 2025

This work addressed the traditional nixtamalization processing conditions on the in vitro protein and starch digestibility of tortillas. Two levels of lime addition (1 and 2 g/100 g db) and three different cooking times (30, 45 and 60 min) were considered. FTIR analysis was used to evaluate the organization of water, proteins and starch in the tortilla matrix. Lime concentration impacted the random secondary structure formation of the protein, and cooking time the starch ordered structures content. Higher lime concentration led to lower protein digestibility, but longer cooking time increased it. Highest protein hydrolysis (74.36 ± 3.72%) was achieved in T1,60 after 120 min of enzymatic digestion. Higher RDS contents were found as lime concentration increased, probably due to starch chain fragmentation at all cooking temperatures. A multivariate analysis indicated that both the lime concentration and cooking time had a major effect on the tortilla’s digestibility. Both protein and starch digestibility can be modulated by using appropriate lime concentrations and cooking temperatures.
Ohm’s Law, the Reconnection Rate, and Energy Conversion in Collisionless Magnetic Reconnection
Authors: Liu Yi-Hsin , Hesse Michael , Genestreti Kevin , Nakamura Rumi , Burch James L. , Cassak Paul A. , Bessho Naoki , Eastwood Jonathan P. , Phan Tai , Swisdak Marc , Toledo-Redondo Sergio , Hoshino Masahiro , Norgren Cecilia , Ji Hantao , Nakamura Takuma K. M.
Published: February 2025

Magnetic reconnection is a ubiquitous plasma process that transforms magnetic energy into particle energy during eruptive events throughout the universe. Reconnection not only converts energy during solar flares and geomagnetic substorms that drive space weather near Earth, but it may also play critical roles in the high energy emissions from the magnetospheres of neutron stars and black holes. In this review article, we focus on collisionless plasmas that are most relevant to reconnection in many space and astrophysical plasmas. Guided by first-principles kinetic simulations and spaceborne in-situ observations, we highlight the most recent progress in understanding this fundamental plasma process. We start by discussing the non-ideal electric field in the generalized Ohm’s law that breaks the frozen-in flux condition in ideal magnetohydrodynamics and allows magnetic reconnection to occur. We point out that this same reconnection electric field also plays an important role in sustaining the current and pressure in the current sheet and then discuss the determination of its magnitude (i.e., the reconnection rate), based on force balance and energy conservation. This approach to determining the reconnection rate is applied to kinetic current sheets with a wide variety of magnetic geometries, parameters, and background conditions. We also briefly review the key diagnostics and modeling of energy conversion around the reconnection diffusion region, seeking insights from recently developed theories. Finally, future prospects and open questions are discussed.
Fuzzy K-expectiles clustering
Authors: D’Urso Pierpaolo , De Giovanni Livia , Federico Lorenzo , Vitale Vincenzina
Published: February 2025

In this paper the Fuzzy K-expectiles clustering model is proposed. The model takes into account the asymmetry inherent in the data distribution, extending its applicability to a broader spectrum of data than the Fuzzy K-means. To achieve this, the Fuzzy K-expectiles clustering model introduces the cluster centroid expectile, and assigns data points based on expectile distances. An adaptive asymmetry parameter is specified for each variable and for each cluster The performance of the adaptive Fuzzy K-expectiles model is compared with other clustering models suggested in the literature. To show the performances of the proposed model three simulation studies and three applications to real datasets are presented.
Multicast Scaling in Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks for Security and Time Efficiency
Authors: Vankdothu Ramdas , Hameed Mohd Abdul , Fatima Husnah , Subbarao Akkala
Published: February 2025

Heterogeneous wireless sensor networks (HWSNs) satisfy researchers' requirements for developing real-world solutions that handle unattended challenges. However, the primary constraint of researchers is the privacy of the sensor nodes. It safeguards the sensor nodes and extensions in the HWSNs. Therefore, it is necessary to develop secure operational systems. Multicast scaling with security and time efficiency is described in heterogeneous wireless sensor networks to maximize network performance while also successfully protecting network privacy. This study evaluates the initial security and time efficiency measures, such as execution time, transmission delay, processing delay, congestion level, and trust measure. Subsequently, the optimal location of the heterogeneous nodes is determined using sigmoid-based fuzzy c-means clustering. Finally, successful cluster routing was achieved via support-value-based particle swarm optimization. The experimental results indicate that the proposed strategy surpasses existing strategies in terms of network delivery ratio, end-to-end delay, throughput, packet delivery, and node remaining energy level.
Atmospheric emission assessment for LNG carriers: a state-of-the-art semi-empirical methodology
Authors: Gutiérrez Carlos Gonzalez , Martínez Álvaro Herrero , de Navamuel Emma Diaz Ruiz , Piris Andrés Ortega , Rojo Beatriz Blanco
Published: February 2025

This research establishes an extensive set of algorithms for the precise evaluation of fuel consumption across a range of engine types and systems onboard LNG carriers (LNGCs). The principal objective of this research is the development of a modern, universally applicable, and refined methodology tailored to LNGCs. This methodology encompasses the comprehensive calculation of both fuel consumption and atmospheric emissions, accommodating the variability in engine configurations. Furthermore, the integration of empirical data derived from 73 operational LNGCs yields a meticulously crafted operational profile. This consequential outcome of our study carries significant implications for addressing forthcoming modeling complexities specific to LNGCs.
GC/MS-based quantitative analysis of sulfide ion in whole blood using ethenesulfonyl fluoride as a derivatization reagent
Authors: Shiraki Ryosuke , Ogawa Shin , Wakigawa Kengo , Okazaki Hidehiko , Gohda Akinaga , Mori Takeshi , Katayama Yoshiki
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Identification and quantification of sulfide ion in biological samples are required in forensic purpose. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) has been used for the analysis of sulfide ion by using derivatization reagents. However, conventional derivatization reagents require special attention for derivatization. To simplify the derivatization protocol, we examined ethenesulfonyl fluoride (ESF) as a derivatizing reagent of sulfide ion.

Methods

To 100 μL of whole blood sample containing sulfide ion, 100 μL of boric acid buffer (pH 8.0), 100 μL of acetone solution containing internal standard, 100 μL of acetone solution containing 600 mM concentration of ESF, and 100 μL of hexane were added in a 1.5-mL plastic tube. The mixture was vortexed at room temperature, the tubes were centrifuged, and the organic layer was injected into the GC/MS.

Results

ESF exhibited higher reactivity toward sulfide ion than interfering compounds present in whole blood, allowing for selective derivatization. With the optimized protocol, the detection limit for sulfide ion was 0.01 μg/mL. The calibration curve showed good linearity (R
2 = 0.9999) in the range of 0.05–10.0 μg/mL, and the precision (% relative standard deviation) and the accuracy (% bias) were within ± 10% (intra- and inter-day).

Conclusion

This GC/MS-based method is a valuable tool for forensic investigations and various analytical fields, offering reliable quantification of sulfide ion in whole blood.
Supportive care needs among head and neck cancer patients in the recovery phase from 6 months to 2 years after treatment: which factors matter?
Authors: Molenaar D. , Verdonck-de Leeuw I. M. , Lissenberg-Witte B. I. , Takes R. P. , de Bree R. , Langendijk J. A. , Hardillo J. A. , Lamers F. , Leemans C. R. , Jansen F.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To investigate which demographic, personal, clinical, physical, psychological, social, lifestyle, and cancer-related quality of life (QoL) factors are associated with (changes in) supportive care needs (SCNs) from 6 months to 2 years after treatment in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.

Methods

Data from the prospective NETherlands QUality of life and BIomedical Cohort (NET-QUBIC) study among HNC patients treated with curative intent was used. SCNs were measured using the Supportive Care Needs Survey 34-item Short-Form (SCNS-SF34) (6 months, 1 and 2 years after treatment) and the 11-item HNC-specific module (SCNS-HNC) (2 years). Multivariable linear mixed model analyses and linear regression analyses were used to study factors associated with changes in SCNs over time (SCNS-SF34) and the level of SCNs at 2 years follow-up (SCNS-SF34 and SCNS-HNC).

Results

Data from 483 patients was used. SCNs in the physical and daily living (PDL), psychological (PSY), and health system, information, and patient support (HSIPS) domains decreased significantly over time. At 2 years follow-up, the highest SCNs were reported regarding lack of energy/tiredness (10.8%). Changes in SCNs and the absolute level of SCNs at 2 years were associated with personal and clinical factors and post-treatment (6 months) with psychological, lifestyle, and cancer-related QoL factors.

Conclusions

Personal, clinical, psychological, lifestyle, and cancer-related QoL factors were associated with SCNs. These results can be used to develop predictive models to personalize supportive care for HNC patients.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

SCNs decrease over time, but a subgroup of patients still presents with SCNs 2 years after treatment.
Nanotechnology-Based Therapeutics for Airway Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Cui Limei , Yang Yujuan , Hao Yan , Zhao Hongfei , Zhang Yu , Wu Tong , Song Xicheng
Published: February 2025

Under the concept of “one airway, one disease”, upper and lower airway inflammatory diseases share similar pathogenic mechanisms and are collectively referred to as airway inflammatory diseases. With industrial development and environmental changes, the incidence of these diseases has gradually increased. Traditional treatments, including glucocorticoids, antihistamines, and bronchodilators, have alleviated much of the discomfort experienced by patients. However, conventional drug delivery routes have inherent flaws, such as significant side effects, irritation of the respiratory mucosa, and issues related to drug deactivation. In recent years, nanomaterials have emerged as excellent carriers for drug delivery and are being increasingly utilized in the treatment of airway inflammatory diseases. These materials not only optimize the delivery of traditional medications but also facilitate the administration of various new drugs that target novel pathways, thereby enhancing the treatment outcomes of inflammatory diseases. This study reviews the latest research on nano-drug delivery systems used in the treatment of airway inflammatory diseases, covering traditional drugs, immunotherapy drugs, antimicrobial drugs, plant-derived drugs, and RNA drugs. The challenges involved in developing nano-delivery systems for these diseases are discussed, along with a future outlook. This review offers new insights that researchers can utilize to advance further research into the clinical application of nano-drug delivery systems for treating airway inflammatory diseases.
Addressing the Contemporary Challenges of Business Process Compliance
Authors: Adams Nigel , Augusto Adriano , Davern Michael , Rosa Marcello La
Published: February 2025

The aim of business process compliance (BPC) is to ensure that business processes are executed in accordance with a prescribed set of rules. In practice, the evidence would suggest that achieving this goal is challenging. Penalties and subsequent remediation costs in the Australian banking industry amounted to over A$10bn between 2017 and 2022. The research community has identified many challenges, but the industry perspective is typically missing from that research. The study takes advantage of recent events in the Australian banking industry that saw detailed regulatory reports made public, highlighting the challenges the industry faces trying to maintain compliance. The study supplements these reports with BPC-related insights from practitioners and consultancy groups to develop an industry perspective on the challenges. Consolidating the two perspectives presents a comprehensive view of BPC’s challenges and the differing emphasis that each stakeholder group places on the challenges. Process mining may provide a pathway to reconciling these different perspectives. Both the BPC literature and industry have promoted process mining’s potential to address the challenges. To explore this proposition, the study details the features of representative commercial process mining software and then maps these features to the challenges. The resultant conceptual map is used to analyze known and novel BPC challenges. It outlines the limitations that must be addressed, from both a research and industry perspective, to maintain and improve compliance.
New insights into immobilized bacterial systems for removal of heavy metals from wastewater
Authors: Jhariya U. , Chien M.-F. , Umetsu M. , Kamitakahara M.
Published: February 2025

Industrial and anthropogenic activities release heavy metals (HMs) from natural resources, transforming them into toxic elements. HMs can be extremely toxic, even at very low concentrations; their bioaccumulative nature damages ecosystem endurance and human health. Bacterial bioremediation of HMs is an effective, sustainable, and reliable method owing to inherent and adaptive systems of bacteria that facilitate significant HMs removal via adsorption, ion exchange, and bioaccumulation. However, the use of free cells in wastewater treatment compromises bioremediation efficiency. Bacterial immobilization emerges as a promising visionary technique for treating HMs-contaminated wastewater. Therefore, the present review elucidates the potential of various bacterial remediation mechanisms and highlights current research outcomes in the field of metal ion bioremediation. Furthermore, this review explores the importance and potential applications of bacterial immobilization in the context of metal ion bioremediation. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to demonstrate the advantages of immobilized bacterial cells in HM-contaminated wastewater treatment. The groundbreaking relationship between bacterial HM removal mechanisms and immobilization methods has been conclusively established. Future research that integrates bacterial HM removal mechanisms and bacterial immobilization methods could play an instrumental role in the effective treatment strategies and efficient recovery of HMs from wastewater.
Influence of quality features, disturbances, sensor data, and measurement time on quality prediction for ultrasonic metal welding
Authors: Müller Florian Werner , Mirz Christian , Schiebahn Alexander , Reisgen Uwe
Published: February 2025

The production of electrical components for vehicles, battery systems, and power electronics components using ultrasonic metal welding is now well established. The industrial applications take advantage of the large joining surface and the associated excellent electrical and thermal conduction properties. However, this also prevents the weld quality from being monitored based on resistance measurements. For this reason, mechanical properties are used as a substituting quality criterion for process optimization and control. The type of mechanical testing depends on the component geometry, resulting in different quality features not necessarily comparable to each other. The ultrasonic metal welding process takes place in successive phases, which are characterized by the varying relative movements of the parts to be joined and the welding tools, prone to changes of material hardness, surface cleanliness, and geometric deviations. In this study, we investigate the influence of different mechanical quality features as target parameters for quality prediction on prediction accuracy and robustness. For this purpose, we consider the joint formation and the mechanical strength over the welding time for different quality parameters, fracture behaviors, and joint geometries. Supervised machine-learning quality prediction models are developed for the respective processes. The predictions are based on external and internal welding machine sensors. In addition to the sensor configuration, the importance of the individual process phases as a data source for the prediction accuracy is also investigated. We show that the overall process predictability strongly depends on the quality of the quality feature itself. Combining different sensor signals improves prediction quality. Furthermore, an analysis of the first process phases is sufficient for a robust quality prediction.
Eicosanoids in Coronary Sinus Correlate with NT-proBNP in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Indicated to Resynchronization Therapy: Insights from Eicosanoids in Human Heart Failure Study
Authors: Kala P. , Hnat T. , Mikula J. , Jezdikova K. , Kotaska K. , Honek J. , Ostadal P.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The diagnostic potential of eicosanoids, metabolites of arachidonic acid with cardio-renal activity, in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains unclear. The aim was to investigate levels of eicosanoids in different body compartments and their relation to natriuretic peptides.

Material and methods

Eleven HFrEF patients indicated to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) were enrolled to measure 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-EET), 14,15-dihydroxyicosatrienoic acid (14,15-DHET) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels from venous, arterial, and coronary sinus (CS) blood samples.

Results

In CS, NT-proBNP negatively correlated with plasmatic 14,15-EET (r = − 0.63, p = 0.03) and positively with the DHET/EET ratio (r = 0.73, p = 0.02). This correlation was not found in the other compartments. Plasmatic 14,15-EET nor 14,15-DHET levels in measured compartments did not differ statistically (p = 0.21, p = 0,64, respectively). In individual patients, the levels of both eicosanoids correlated across all compartments. Peripheral plasma 14,15-EET levels in controls were lower compared to HFrEF patients.

Conclusions

Peripheral venous eicosanoid (14,15-EET, 14,15-DHET) levels correlate and do not differ from arterial and CS levels in patients with HFrEF indicated to CRT. In CS, NT-proBNP negatively correlates with plasmatic 14,15-EET and positively with the DHET/EET ratio, an indirect measurement of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) activity, suggesting an important role of eicosanoids and sEH in HFrEF pathophysiology.

Graphical abstract
Accessory Spleen: An Anatomical Variation or Developmental Defect? Surgical, Anatomical and Embryological Perspectives
Authors: Mayer Alexander , Varga Ivan , Kachlik David , Voller Jaroslav , Fuljer Ivan , Jackuliak Peter
Published: February 2025

As the spleen is a morphologically highly variable organ, radiologists and surgeons frequently encounter normal variants which might be misinterpreted. Accessory spleen is quite a common anatomical variation and generally does not causes any symptoms. However, the finding of an accessory spleen located outside its usual position—the splenic hilum or surrounding. peritoneal folds—is relatively rare in clinical practice and can cause serious diagnostic and/or therapeutic complications: It may mimic a solid tumour or an enlarged lymph. In the review, we summarise the possible anatomical localisations of the accessory spleens (from the thoracic cavity to lesser pelvis and scrotum in males), as well as the diagnostic problems and challenges that the atypical anatomical localisation often causes. We also summarise recent knowledge about the embryological background of accessory spleen formation and address the classification of such a finding—is it a harmless anatomical variation, a developmental defect or a pathological condition of the spleen? According to the recent scientific literature and based the modern imaging techniques, the frequency of accessory spleens is so high that it should be considered rather an anatomical variation than a developmental defect.
The Compensation Agency Business: London Merchants, Bankers, and the Payment of Slavery Compensation, 1835-46
Authors: Bennett Michael D. , Anson Mike
Published: February 2025

Through analyzing the compensation accounts and stock ledgers in the Bank of England Archive, this article explores how British firms—especially those in the City of London—profited from the unique business opportunity that arose through the payment of slavery compensation in 1835. It uses a new dataset with 18,930 observations to establish that a cohort of 27 “compensation agents” handled as intermediaries approximately two-thirds of the transactions associated with £5 million paid in compensation as government stock (3.5% Reduced Annuities) to slave owners in Barbados, Mauritius, the Cape of Good Hope, and the Virgin Islands. The article argues that this demonstrates how the City’s financial capacity, infrastructure, and business community were significant in delivering the efficient payment of compensation. It also underscores the need to understand the slavery compensation process as contemporaries did; as an important moment in the history of the City and its financial markets.
Mechanisms of Formation of Migrant Residential Concentration Areas in the Context of a Postsocialist City: Evidence from Russia’s 15 Largest Cities
Authors: Varshaver Evgeni , Rocheva Anna , Ivanova Nataliya , Egorova Tatiana
Published: February 2025

Migrant residential concentration areas have been a significant focus for research, but academic attention has primarily centered on their effects rather than how they form. There is some research considering the discrete factors of such areas’ emergence, but these factors are rarely fused into a comprehensive explanation with a description of specific mechanisms in operation. Even less is known about the formation of migrant residential concentration areas in postsocialist cities. The few studies in existence leave the impression that such areas emerge around bazaars by default. In this article, based on a multicase study (N = 37) conducted in the 15 largest Russian cities, we argue that although there is a pattern of migrant residential concentration areas’ emergence in postsocialist cities, this process takes place only in the presence of a combination of seven factors. The article presents these factors and describes an ideal type of a migrant residential concentration area in a Russian city and mechanisms of its emergence. The article concludes with the comparison of the postsocialist pattern with other types of migrant residential concentration and hypothesizing on how the Russian case differs from the other postsocialist cases in Central and Eastern Europe.
Politics, Identity and Civic Engagement: Comparing the Protest Participation of Ukrainian Migrants in the Home and Host Countries
Authors: Biletska Yuliya , Gherghina Sergiu
Published: February 2025

Migrant protest activity has been often analyzed from the perspectives of the protest nature and issues it addressed. A comparison of protest behaviour before and after migration is largely missing. It remains unclear whether people who were actively protesting in their home country continue to be engaged in protests after migration and why. This article addresses this gap in the literature and aims to explain what made the Ukrainian migrants protest before leaving their home country and in Turkey as a host country. The analysis uses individual data from an original survey conducted in May 2023 among 935 Ukrainian migrants living in Turkey. The findings show that there are different migrants who participate in the protests organized in the two countries, and the strongest predictor for political protest is civic engagement. Protest in Ukraine is rooted in the orientation towards domestic politics, while protests abroad are driven by identitarian dimensions.
Putting George Sand in Play from the Local Theatre to the Football Stadium
Authors: Dabbous Rayyan , Pizzolitto Dominic
Published: February 2025

This article explores the potential of public humanities to bridge the gap between academia and the public by performing the humanities in unconventional spaces. Through two case studies – adapting George Sand’s Indiana for a local theatre production and hosting an outreach booth at a football match for their Pride game – we demonstrate the value of engaging with the public, rather than presenting research to the public. By reflecting on these experiments, we discuss what it means to do the public humanities dialogically and what we learned from this process. Our experiments reveal that effective public humanities require collapsing the divide between academia and the public by meeting audiences where they are and fostering reciprocal learning. By integrating academic insights into popular contexts, we demonstrate how the humanities remain vital and relevant. These initiatives challenge traditional models of outreach, affirming the discipline’s role as a collaborative, dynamic field that thrives through active dialogue with diverse communities.
Persistent PTSD symptoms are associated with plasma metabolic alterations relevant to long-term health: A metabolome-wide investigation in women
Authors: Zhu Yiwen , Shutta Katherine H. , Huang Tianyi , Balasubramanian Raji , Zeleznik Oana A. , Clish Clary B. , Ávila-Pacheco Julián , Hankinson Susan E. , Kubzansky Laura D.
Published: February 2025

Background

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by severe distress and associated with cardiometabolic diseases. Studies in military and clinical populations suggest that dysregulated metabolomic processes may be a key mechanism. Prior work identified and validated a metabolite-based distress score (MDS) linked with depression and anxiety and subsequent cardiometabolic diseases. Here, we assessed whether PTSD shares metabolic alterations with depression and anxiety and if additional metabolites are related to PTSD.

Methods

We leveraged plasma metabolomics data from three subsamples nested within the Nurses’ Health Study II, including 2835 women with 2950 blood samples collected across three time points (1996–2014) and 339 known metabolites assayed by mass spectrometry-based techniques. Trauma and PTSD exposures were assessed in 2008 and characterized as follows: lifetime trauma without PTSD, lifetime PTSD in remission, and persistent PTSD symptoms. Associations between the exposures and the MDS or individual metabolites were estimated within each subsample adjusting for potential confounders and combined in random-effects meta-analyses.

Results

Persistent PTSD symptoms were associated with higher levels of the previously developed MDS. Out of 339 metabolites, we identified 29 metabolites (primarily elevated glycerophospholipids and glycerolipids) associated with persistent symptoms (false discovery rate < 0.05; adjusting for technical covariates). No metabolite associations were found with the other PTSD-related exposures.

Conclusions

As the first large-scale, population-based metabolomics analysis of PTSD, our study highlighted shared and distinct metabolic differences linked to PTSD versus depression or anxiety. We identified novel metabolite markers associated with PTSD symptom persistence, suggesting further connections with metabolic dysregulation that may have downstream consequences for health.
Changes in glutamate levels in anterior cingulate cortex following 16 weeks of antipsychotic treatment in antipsychotic-naïve first-episode psychosis patients
Authors: Maximo Jose , Nelson Eric , Kraguljac Nina , Patton Rita , Bashir Adil , Lahti Adrienne
Published: February 2025

Background

Previous findings in psychosis have revealed mixed findings on glutamate (Glu) levels in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). Factors such as illness chronicity, methodology, and medication status have impeded a more nuanced evaluation of Glu in psychosis. The goal of this longitudinal neuroimaging study was to investigate the role of antipsychotics on Glu in the dACC in antipsychotic-naïve first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients.

Methods

We enrolled 117 healthy controls (HCs) and 113 antipsychotic-naïve FEP patients for this study. 3T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS; PRESS; TE = 80 ms) data from a voxel prescribed in the dACC were collected from all participants at baseline, 6, and 16 weeks following antipsychotic treatment. Glutamate levels were quantified using the QUEST algorithm and analyzed longitudinally using linear mixed-effects models.

Results

We found that baseline dACC glutamate levels in FEP were not significantly different than those of HCs. Examining Glu levels in FEP revealed a decrease in Glu levels after 16 weeks of antipsychotic treatment; this effect was weaker in HC. Finally, baseline Glu levels were associated with decreases in positive symptomology.

Conclusions

We report a progressive decrease of Glu levels over a period of 16 weeks after initiation of treatment and a baseline Glu level association with a reduction in positive symptomology, suggestive of a potential mechanism of antipsychotic drug (APD) action. Overall, these findings suggest that APDs can influence Glu within a period of 16 weeks, which has been deemed as an optimal window for symptom alleviation using APDs.