bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Machine Learning Models for Studying the Premixed Turbulent Combustion of Gas-To-Liquids (GTL) Fuel Blends
Authors: Sadeq Abdellatif M. , Moghaddam Amin Hedayati , Sleiti Ahmad K. , Ahmed Samer F.
Published: February 2024

Studying the spatial and temporal evolution in turbulent flames represents one of the most challenging problems in the combustion community. Based on previous 3D numerical analyses, this study aims to develop data-driven machine learning (ML) models for predicting the flame radius evolution and turbulent flame speeds for diesel, gas-to-liquids (GTL), and their 50/50 blend (by volumetric composition) under different thermodynamic and turbulence operating conditions. Two ML models were developed in this study. Model 1 predicts the variations of the flame radius with time, equivalence ratio, and turbulence intensity, whereas model 2 predicts the variations of the turbulence flame speed with the operating parameters. The k-fold cross-validation technique is used for model training, and the developed neural network-based model is used to investigate the effects of operating parameters on the premixed turbulent flames. In addition, the possible minimum and maximum values of responses at the corresponding operating parameters are found using a genetic algorithm (GA) approach. Model 1 could capture the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) outputs with high precision at different flame radiuses and time instants with a maximum absolute error percentage of 5.46%. For model 2, the maximum absolute error percentage was 6.58%. Overall, this study demonstrates the applicability and promising performance of the proposed ML models, which will be used in subsequent research to analyze turbulent flames a posteriori.
Interfacial Tissue Regeneration with Bone
Authors: Steltzer Stephanie S. , Abraham Adam C. , Killian Megan L.
Published: February 2024

Purpose of Review

Interfacial tissue exists throughout the body at cartilage-to-bone (osteochondral interface) and tendon-to-bone (enthesis) interfaces. Healing of interfacial tissues is a current challenge in regenerative approaches because the interface plays a critical role in stabilizing and distributing the mechanical stress between soft tissues (e.g., cartilage and tendon) and bone. The purpose of this review is to identify new directions in the field of interfacial tissue development and physiology that can guide future regenerative strategies for improving post-injury healing.

Recent Findings

Cues from interfacial tissue development may guide regeneration including biological cues such as cell phenotype and growth factor signaling; structural cues such as extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, ECM, and cell alignment; and mechanical cues such as compression, tension, shear, and the stiffness of the cellular microenvironment.

In this review, we explore new discoveries in the field of interfacial biology related to ECM remodeling, cellular metabolism, and fate. Based on emergent findings across multiple disciplines, we lay out a framework for future innovations in the design of engineered strategies for interface regeneration. Many of the key mechanisms essential for interfacial tissue development and adaptation have high potential for improving outcomes in the clinic.
Is there a preferred platinum and fluoropyrimidine regimen for advanced HER2-negative esophagogastric adenocarcinoma? Insights from 1293 patients in AGAMENON–SEOM registry
Authors: Arias-Martinez Aranzazu , Martínez de Castro Eva , Gallego Javier , Arrazubi Virginia , Custodio Ana , Fernández Montes Ana , Diez Marc , Hernandez Raquel , Limón María Luisa , Cano Juana María , Vidal-Tocino Rosario , Macias Ismael , Visa Laura , Martin Richard Marta , Sauri Tamara , Hierro Cinta , Gil Mireia , Cerda Paula , Martínez Moreno Elia , Martínez Lago Nieves , Mérida-García Antonio José , Gómez González Lucía , García Navalón Francisco Javier , Ruiz Martín Maribel , Marín Gema , López-López Flora , Ruperez Blanco Ana Belen , Fernández Alejandro Francisco , Jimenez-Fonseca Paula , Carmona-Bayonas Alberto , Alvarez-Manceñido Felipe
Published: February 2024

Background

The optimal chemotherapy backbone for HER2-negative advanced esophagogastric cancer, either in combination with targeted therapies or as a comparator in clinical trials, is uncertain. The subtle yet crucial differences in platinum-based regimens' safety and synergy with combination treatments need consideration.

Methods

We analyzed cases from the AGAMENON–SEOM Spanish registry of HER2-negative advanced esophagogastric adenocarcinoma treated with platinum and fluoropyrimidine from 2008 to 2021. This study focused exclusively on patients receiving one of the four regimens: FOLFOX (5-FU and oxaliplatin), CAPOX (capecitabine and oxaliplatin), CP (capecitabine and cisplatin) and FP (5-FU and cisplatin). The aim was to determine the most effective and tolerable platinum and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy regimen and to identify any prognostic factors.

Results

Among 1293 patients, 36% received either FOLFOX (n = 468) or CAPOX (n = 466), 20% CP (n = 252), and 8% FP (n = 107). FOLFOX significantly increased PFS (progression free survival) compared to CP, with a hazard ratio of 0.73 (95% CI 0.58–0.92, p = 0.009). The duration of treatment was similar across all groups. Survival outcomes among regimens were similar, but analysis revealed worse ECOG–PS (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group–Performance Status), > 2 metastatic sites, bone metastases, hypoalbuminemia, higher NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), and CP regimen as predictors of poor PFS. Fatigue was common in all treatments, with the highest incidence in FOLFOX (77%), followed by FP (72%), CAPOX (68%), and CP (60%). Other notable toxicities included neuropathy (FOLFOX 69%, CAPOX 62%), neutropenia (FOLFOX 52%, FP 55%), hand–foot syndrome in CP (46%), and thromboembolic events (FP 12%, CP 11%).

Conclusions

FOLFOX shown better PFS than CP. Adverse effects varied: neuropathy was more common with oxaliplatin, while thromboembolism was more frequent with cisplatin.
Induzierbares CRISPR-Kill-System zur zelltypspezifischen Gewebeeliminierung
Authors: Gehrke Fabienne , Puchta Holger
Published: February 2024

Recently, the repertoire of CRISPR/Cas-based techniques has been expanded with CRISPR-Kill, enabling tissue engineering through targeted genome elimination. Through SaCas9-mediated induction of multiple double-strand breaks in evolutionary conserved repetitive genomic regions, targeted cell death can be achieved. To exert temporal control over cell ablation, a chemically inducible system has been implemented in Arabidopsis thaliana, providing a valuable tool for the investigation of the developmental plasticity of specific cell types.
Männlicher Haarausfall – was uns unsere Gene verraten
Authors: Henne Sabrina K. , Nöthen Markus M. , Heilmann-Heimbach Stefanie
Published: February 2024

Up to 80 % of European men experience some degree of male-pattern hair loss (MPHL) during their lifetime. The condition is highly heritable and current treatment options are limited, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of its biological causes. In recent years, molecular genetic studies have provided significant insights into the genetic and biological causes of MPHL. This article summarizes important findings and discusses their potential for improving hair loss prediction and treatment.
Wie RNA-Thermometer die Sekretion von Virulenzfaktoren kontrollieren
Authors: Javadi Soheila , Pienkoss Stephan , Narberhaus Franz
Published: February 2024

Pathogenic bacteria use outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and highly adapted machineries like the type 3 secretion system (T3SS) to deliver virulence factors into host cells. The secretion of such effector proteins is tightly regulated. In the foodborne human pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, several thermo-responsive RNA elements, termed RNA thermometers, are strategically positioned at critical checkpoints of virulence regulation. They use a temperature-dependent, zipper-like mechanism to control translation initiation of genes for several T3SS components and an exotoxin.
Expression of FOXI1 and POU2F3 varies among different salivary gland neoplasms and is higher in Warthin tumor
Authors: Hoki Masahito , Yamada Yosuke , Hiratomo Emi , Hirata Masahiro , Takeuchi Yasuhide , Yoshimatsu Masayoshi , Kikuchi Masahiro , Kishimoto Yo , Marx Alexander , Haga Hironori
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Salivary gland tumors are histologically diverse. Ionocytes and tuft cells, rare epithelial cells found in normal salivary glands, might be associated with salivary tumors. Here, we explored the expression of FOXI1 and POU2F3, master regulators of ionocytes and tuft cells, respectively, for common salivary neoplasms using immunohistochemistry.

Methods

We analyzed normal salivary tissues and nine salivary gland tumors; Warthin tumors (WT), pleomorphic adenomas (PA), basal cell adenomas, and oncocytomas were benign, whereas mucoepidermoid, adenoid cystic, acinic cell, salivary duct carcinomas, and polymorphous adenocarcinomas were malignant.

Results

Normal salivary glands contained a few FOXI1- and POU2F3-positive cells in the ducts instead of the acini, consistent with ionocytes and tuft cells, respectively. Among the benign tumors, only WTs and PAs consistently expressed FOXI1 (10/10 and 9/10, respectively). The median H-score of WTs was significantly higher than that of PAs (17.5 vs. 4, P = 0.01). While WTs and PAs harbored POU2F3-positive cells (10/10 and 9/10, respectively), the median H-score was higher in WTs than in PAs (10.5 vs 4, respectively). Furthermore, WTs exhibited a unique staining pattern of FOXI1- and POU2F3-positive cells, which were present in luminal and abluminal locations, respectively. Whereas none of the malignant tumors expressed FOXI1, only adenoid cystic carcinoma consistently expressed POU2F3 (5/5), with a median H-score of 4.

Conclusion

The expression patterns of the characteristic transcription factors found in ionocytes and tuft cells vary among salivary gland tumor types and are higher in WT, which might be relevant for understanding and diagnosing salivary gland neoplasms.
Hybrid river stage forecasting based on machine learning with empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Heddam Salim , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar , Abed Salwan Ali , Sharma Pankaj , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Alataway Abed , Dewidar Ahmed Z. , Mattar Mohamed A.
Published: February 2024

The river stage is certainly an important indicator of how the water level fluctuates overtime. Continuous control of the water stage can help build an early warning indicator of floods along rivers and streams. Hence, forecasting river stages up to several days in advance is very important and constitutes a challenging task. Over the past few decades, the use of machine learning paradigm to investigate complex hydrological systems has gained significant importance, and forecasting river stage is one of the promising areas of investigations. Traditional in situ measurements, which are sometime restricted by the existing of several handicaps especially in terms of regular access to any points alongside the streams and rivers, can be overpassed by the use of modeling approaches. For more accurate forecasting of river stages, we suggest a new modeling framework based on machine learning. A hybrid forecasting approach was developed by combining machine learning techniques, namely random forest regression (RFR), bootstrap aggregating (Bagging), adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), and artificial neural network (ANN), with empirical mode decomposition (EMD) to provide a robust forecasting model. The singles models were first applied using only the river stage data without preprocessing, and in the following step, the data were decomposed into several intrinsic mode functions (IMF), which were then used as new input variables. According to the obtained results, the proposed models showed improved results compared to the standard RFR without EMD for which, the error performances metrics were drastically reduced, and the correlation index was increased remarkably and great changes in models’ performances have taken place. The RFR_EMD, Bagging_EMD, and AdaBoost_EMD were less accurate than the ANN_EMD model, which had higher R≈0.974, NSE≈0.949, RMSE≈0.330 and MAE≈0.175 values. While the RFR_EMD and the Bagging_EMD were relatively equal and exhibited the same accuracies higher than the AdaBoost_EMD, the superiority of the ANN_EMD was obvious. The proposed model shows the potential for combining signal decomposition with machine learning, which can serve as a basis for new insights into river stage forecasting.
Cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima-media thickness with neurocognitive dysfunction in people living with HIV on stable combination anti-retroviral therapy
Authors: Nayak Unnathi , Dsouza Nikhil Victor , Rai P. V. Santosh , Achappa Basavaprabhu , Holla Ramesh , Murlimanju B. V.
Published: February 2024

The goal of this clinical research was to determine the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), cardiovascular risk factors, and neuro-cognitive function in people living with HIV (PLHIV) and were on stable combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART). This is a cross-sectional study performed at a single center, including 149 patients who visited the anti-retroviral therapy center of our tertiary care hospital. Among the PLHIV of our research, 62.4% had at least one associated cardiovascular risk factor, and 61.1% of them had abnormally high cIMT (≥ 0.9 mm on any one side, p = 0.035). These factors and being the male gender (p = 0.028) were associated with a greater Framingham 10-year risk percentage. Hypercholesterolemia was observed in 30.9% of the PLHIV and a higher body mass index (≥ 25 kg/m2) was found in 26.8% of them. The cognitive impairment was milder in 71.8% of cases and moderate in 9.4% of PLHIV. The Chi-square test revealed that a higher proportion of participants who had lower HDL-C levels (p = 0.045), smokers (p = 0.029), systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg (p = 0.012), and lower educational status (p = 0.017) had a poorer cognitive performance. In our sample population, a higher prevalence of elevated cIMT, cardiovascular risk factors, and mild and moderate cognitive deficiency was observed in PLHIV, who were on stable cART. However, routine assessment of the neuropsychological functions and management of modifiable risk factors are not performed in our patients. Further exploration of the relationship between cardiovascular risks, cIMT, and cognitive impairment in PLHIV is essential to formulate the guidelines and delay the onset of neurocognitive disorders in these patients.
Resveratrol-loaded invasome gel: A promising nanoformulation for treatment of skin cancer
Authors: Samir Bassant , El-Kamel Amal , Zahran Noha , Heikal Lamia
Published: February 2024

Skin cancer is a widespread type of cancer representing 30% of all cancer types worldwide. Resveratrol (RSV) is an anticancer drug used for skin cancer treatment. Several limitations of RSV such as poor aqueous solubility, first-pass metabolism, and instability limit their topical use. The study aimed to develop and optimize RSV-loaded invasomes for topical administration as well as assess their efficacy in vivo. The optimized RSV-loaded invasomes showed small particle size (208.7 ± 74 nm), PDI (0.3 ± 0.03), high % entrapment efficiency (77.7 ± 6%), and negative zeta potential (−70.4 ± 10.9 mV). They showed an initial burst effect followed by controlled drug release for 24 h. RSV-loaded invasomal gel revealed the highest skin deposition percentage (65%) in ex vivo rat skin, the highest potency (low IC50 of 6.34 μg/mL), and the highest cellular uptake when tested on squamous cancerous cells (SCCs) when compared to other formulations. The antitumor effect of topical RSV-loaded invasomes was also evaluated in vivo in Ehrlich-induced mice models. The results revealed that RSV-loaded invasomal gel exhibited the smallest tumor volume with no signs of organ toxicity indicating its safety in skin cancer treatment. Upregulation of BAX and Caspase-3 gene levels and downregulation of NF-kB and BCL2 protein levels were demonstrated using RT-PCR and ELISA tests, respectively. Interestingly, the present study is the first to develop RSV-loaded invasomal gel for topical skin cancer treatment. According to our results, invasomes are considered promising lipid-based nanosystems for topical RSV delivery having high skin penetration ability and anticancer effect in the treatment of skin carcinoma.

Graphical Abstract
Long-term prognostic value of thyroid hormones in left ventricular noncompaction
Authors: Liu L. , Cai S. , Chen A. , Dong Y. , Zhou L. , Li L. , Zhang Z. , Hu Z. , Zhang Z. , Xiong Y. , Hu Z. , Li Y. , Lu M. , Wu L. , Zheng L. , Ding L. , Fan X. , Yao Y.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Thyroid function is closely related to the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of thyroid hormones for adverse cardiovascular outcomes in left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC).

Methods

This longitudinal cohort study enrolled 388 consecutive LVNC patients with complete thyroid function profiles and comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. Potential predictors for adverse outcomes were thoroughly evaluated.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 5.22 years, primary outcome (the combination of cardiovascular mortality and heart transplantation) occurred in 98 (25.3%) patients. For secondary outcomes, 75 (19.3%) patients died and 130 (33.5%) patients experienced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Multivariable Cox analysis identified that free triiodothyronine (FT3) was independently associated with both primary (HR 0.455, 95%CI 0.313–0.664) and secondary (HR 0.547, 95%CI 0.349–0.858; HR 0.663, 95%CI 0.475–0.925) outcomes. Restricted cubic spline analysis illustrated that the risk for adverse outcomes increased significantly with the decline of serum FT3. The LVNC cohort was further stratified according to tertiles of FT3 levels. Individuals with lower FT3 levels in the tertile 1 group suffered from severe cardiac dysfunction and remodeling, resulting in higher incidence of mortality and MACE (Log-rank P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that lower concentration of FT3 was linked to worse prognosis, particularly for patients with left atrial diameter ≥ 40 mm or left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35%. Adding FT3 to the pre-existing risk score for MACE in LVNC improved its predictive performance.

Conclusion

Through the long-term investigation on a large LVNC cohort, we demonstrated that low FT3 level was an independent predictor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Graphical Abstract
Explaining the﻿ non-adoption of blockchain technology in global value chains: a micro-foundational perspective
Authors: Hubenova Tsvetelina , Lindeque Johan P. , Peter Marc K.
Published: February 2024

The business potential of blockchain technology in global value chains (GVCs) includes the creation of permanent records of information, to facilitate specifications regulation, to mitigate risk using smart contracts and through full, transparent transaction traceability at reduced costs. Blockchain as a general-purpose technology (GPT) thus has the potential to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of value creation for firm specific advantages owned and/or controlled by multinational enterprises (MNE), yet adoption of blockchain is uneven. This study adopts a micro-foundational lens to explain the non-adoption of blockchain technology in multinational enterprises’ (MNE) global value chains (GVC), emphasizing the influence of the technology, organization and environment (TOE) influences on the technology acceptance (TAM) for blockchain, due to the impact on managers’ perception of blockchain's usefulness and ease of use. The empirical results are based on a multiple-case study research design, that collected interview data from supply chain managers in small, medium, and large-sized manufacturing MNEs that participate in global value chains that differ in their governance patterns. The results identified fifteen different drivers of the non-adoption of blockchain technology across the technological, organizational and external environments of the MNE. The results of the study allow a parsimonious model of blockchain technology non-adoption that is aligned with the digital technology adoption literature using a TOE–TAM approach.
Integrating Multiscale Geospatial Analysis for Monitoring Crop Growth, Nutrient Distribution, and Hydrological Dynamics in Large-Scale Agricultural Systems
Authors: Akanbi Olatunde D. , Bhuvanagiri Deepa C. , Barcelos Erika I. , Nihar Arafath , Gonzalez Hernandez Brian , Yarus Jeffrey M. , French Roger H.
Published: February 2024

Monitoring crop growth, soil conditions, and hydrological dynamics are imperative for sustainable agriculture and reduced environmental impacts. This interdisciplinary study integrates remote sensing, digital soil mapping, and hydrological data to elucidate intricate connections between these factors in the state of Ohio, USA. Advanced spatiotemporal analysis techniques were applied to key datasets, including the MODIS sensor satellite imagery, USDA crop data, soil datasets, Aster GDEM, and USGS stream gauge measurements. Vegetation indices derived from MODIS characterized crop-specific phenology and productivity patterns. Exploratory spatial data analysis show relationships of vegetation dynamics and soil properties, uncovering links between plant vigor, edaphic fertility, and nutrient distributions. Correlation analysis quantified these relationships and their seasonal evolution. Examination of stream gauge data revealed insights into spatiotemporal relationships of nutrient pollution and stream discharge. By synthesizing diverse geospatial data through cutting-edge data analytics, this work illuminated complex interactions between crop health, soil nutrients, and water quality in Ohio. The methodology and findings provide actionable perspectives to inform sustainable agricultural management and environmental policy. This study demonstrates the significant potential of open geospatial resources when integrated using a robust spatiotemporal framework. Integrating additional measurements and high-resolution data sources through advanced analytics and interactive visualizations could strengthen these insights.
Dispersive Wave Focusing on a Shear Current: Part 1—Linear Approximations
Authors: Ellingsen Simen Å. , Zheng Zibo , Abid Malek , Kharif Christian , Li Yan
Published: February 2024

We consider the evolution and kinematics during dispersive focussing, for a group of waves propagating atop currents varying with depth. Our analysis assumes long-crested linear waves propagating at arbitrary angles relative to the current. Although low steepness is assumed, the linear model is often a reasonable approximation for understanding rogue waves. A number of analytical approximate relations are derived assuming different sub-surface current profiles, including linearly varying current, exponentially varying current, and currents of arbitrary depth profile which are weakly sheared following the approximation of Stewart and Joy (Deep Sea Res. Abs. 21, 1974). The orbital velocities are likewise studied. While shear currents have modest influence on the motion of the envelope of the wave group, they significantly change wave kinematics. Horizontal orbital velocities are either amplified or suppressed depending on whether the shear is opposing or following, respectively. To illustrate these phenomena we consider a real-world example using velocity profiles and wave spectra measured in the Columbia River estuary. Near the surface at the point where focusing occurs, horizontal orbital velocities are, respectively, increased and decreased by factors of 1.4 and 0.7 for focusing groups propagating on following and opposing shear (respectively, upstream and downstream in the earth-fixed reference system). The implications for the forces a focusing wave group can exert on vessels and installations are profound, emphasising the importance of considering current profiles in maritime operations.
Exploring the Experiences of NEET-Situated Young People Within the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic Using Resonance Theory
Authors: Norvell Gustavsson Isa , Jonsson Frida
Published: February 2024

This study explores the experiences of young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET) within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden, using resonance theory as an analytical lens. It contributes knowledge about the importance of school and work (or lack thereof) for these youths during a time of uncertainty and gives insight into their quality of life and well-being from a social and relational perspective. The findings shed light on how the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated an already strained situation for this group while highlighting the importance of relationships, not only with friends and family, but with society as a whole. Adopting a non-materialistic approach to NEET situated young people’s quality of life and well-being allowed resonant experiences to become evident in various aspects of their lives, which may be overlooked if the norms of an educationally underpinned work-centrism are in focus. The study calls for a broadened view on what constitutes or characterizes a good life for young people at the margins of the labor market and education system, while emphasizing the need to move beyond narrow concerns about integration into education or employment, towards focusing on their well-being.
Comparing the Effects of Two Culture Methods to Determine the Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Colony Count in Hospital Purified Water
Authors: Cao Xiongjing , Xiong Huangguo , Fan Yunzhou , Xiong Lijuan
Published: February 2024

Background

Accurately detecting the quantity of microorganisms in hospital purified water is of significant importance for early identification of microbial contamination and reducing the occurrence of water-borne hospital infections. The choice of detection method is a prerequisite for ensuring accurate results. Traditional Plate Count Agar (PCA) belongs to a high-nutrient medium, and there may be limitations in terms of accuracy or sensitivity in detecting microorganisms in hospital purified water. On the other hand, Reasoner’s 2A agar (R2A) has characteristics, such as low-nutrient levels, low cultivation temperature, and extended incubation time, providing advantages in promoting the growth of aquatic microorganisms. This study, through comparing the differences in total colony counts between two detection methods, aims to select the method more suitable for the growth of aquatic microorganisms, offering new practical insights for accurately detecting the total count of heterotrophic bacteria in hospital purified water.

Methods

The most commonly used plate count agar (PCA) method, and the R2A agar culture were adopted to detect microorganisms and determine the total number of bacterial colonies in the water for oral diagnosis and treatment water and terminal rinse water for endoscopes in medical institutions. The two water samples were inoculated by pour plate and membrane filtration methods, respectively. Using statistical methods including Spearman and Pearson correlation, Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test, paired-Chi-square test, and linear regression, we analyze the differences and associations in the bacterial counts cultivated through two different methods.

Results

In 142 specimens of the water, the median and interquartile range of the heterotrophic bacterial colony number under the R2A culture method and under the PCA culture method were 200 (Q1–Q3: 25–18,000) and 6 (Q1–Q3: 0–3700). The total number of heterotrophic bacteria colonies cultured in R2A medium for 7 days was more than that cultured in PCA medium for 2 days (P < 0.05). The linear regression results showed a relatively strong linear correlation between the number of colonies cultured by the R2A method and that cultured by the PCA method (R2 = 0.7264). The number of bacterial species detected on R2A agar medium is greater than that on PCA agar medium.

Conclusion

The R2A culture method can better reflect the actual number of heterotrophic bacterial colonies in hospital purified water. After logarithmic transformation, the number of colonies cultured by the two methods showed a linear correlation.
Nonlocal Symmetries, Consistent Riccati Expansion Solvability and Interaction Solutions of the Generalized Ito Equation
Authors: Wang Hui
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we investigate the generalized Ito equation. By using the truncated Painlevé analysis method, we successfully derive its nonlocal symmetry and Bäcklund transformation, respectively. By introducing new dependent variables for the nonlocal symmetry, we find the corresponding Lie point symmetry. Moreover, we construct the interaction solution between soliton and cnoidal periodic wave of the equation by considering the consistent tanh expansion method. The conservation laws of the equation are also obtained with a detailed derivation.
Mary Wollstonecraft and Political Economy
Authors: Packham Catherine
Published: February 2024

Why was Wollstonecraft's landmark feminist work, the Vindication of the Rights of Woman, categorised as a work of political economy when it was first published? Taking this question as a starting point, Mary Wollstonecraft and Political Economy gives a compelling new account of Wollstonecraft as critic of the material, moral, social, and psychological conditions of commercial modernity. Offering thorough analysis of Wollstonecraft's major writings - including her two Vindications, her novels, her history of the French Revolution, and her travel writing - this is the only book-length study to situate Wollstonecraft in the context of the political economic thought of her time. It shows Wollstonecraft as an economic as much as a political radical, whose critique of the emerging economic orthodoxies of her time anticipates later Romantic thinkers. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.
Integration of traditional and telematics data for efficient insurance claims prediction
Authors: Peiris Hashan , Jeong Himchan , Kim Jae-Kwang , Lee Hangsuck
Published: February 2024

While driver telematics has gained attention for risk classification in auto insurance, scarcity of observations with telematics features has been problematic, which could be owing to either privacy concerns or favorable selection compared to the data points with traditional features.

To handle this issue, we apply a data integration technique based on calibration weights for usage-based insurance with multiple sources of data. It is shown that the proposed framework can efficiently integrate traditional data and telematics data and can also deal with possible favorable selection issues related to telematics data availability. Our findings are supported by a simulation study and empirical analysis in a synthetic telematics dataset.
AI regulation in the European Union: examining non-state actor preferences
Authors: Tallberg Jonas , Lundgren Magnus , Geith Johannes
Published: February 2024

As the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow, policymakers are increasingly grappling with the question of how to regulate this technology. The most far-reaching international initiative is the European Union (EU) AI Act, which aims to establish the first comprehensive, binding framework for regulating AI. In this article, we offer the first systematic analysis of non-state actor preferences toward international regulation of AI, focusing on the case of the EU AI Act. Theoretically, we develop an argument about the regulatory preferences of business actors and other non-state actors under varying conditions of AI sector competitiveness. Empirically, we test these expectations using data from public consultations on European AI regulation. Our findings are threefold. First, all types of non-state actors express concerns about AI and support regulation in some form. Second, there are nonetheless significant differences across actor types, with business actors being less concerned about the downsides of AI and more in favor of lax regulation than other non-state actors. Third, these differences are more pronounced in countries with stronger commercial AI sectors. Our findings shed new light on non-state actor preferences toward AI regulation and point to challenges for policymakers balancing competing interests in society.
Sufficient conditions for non-zero entropy of closed relations
Authors: BANIČ IZTOK , GRIL ROGINA RENE , KENNEDY JUDY , NALL VAN
Published: February 2024

We introduce the notions of returns and well-aligned sets for closed relations on compact metric spaces and then use them to obtain non-trivial sufficient conditions for such a relation to have non-zero entropy. In addition, we give a characterization of finite relations with non-zero entropy in terms of Li–Yorke and DC2 chaos.
Analysing legal responses to coerced debt
Authors: Gordon-Bouvier Ellen
Published: February 2024

This paper analyses legal responses to the problem of debt taken out due to coercion within an intimate relationship. Coerced debt differs from other forms of domestic abuse, as it involves a contractual relationship between the victim and a third-party lender. Legal responses must consider whether the victim should be released from her contractual obligation. The paper employs a theoretical lens of vulnerability and relationality, examining lenders’ duties to combat coerced debt, as well as contractual doctrines of undue influence and duress, which allow victims to have transactions set aside under certain circumstances. The paper argues that victims are being failed by an inadequate legal response. The law views vulnerability as an exceptional state and relationality as a constraint, rather than inherent features of the human condition. Through the social construct of the ‘free market’, lenders are consistently favoured by the law, with little obligation to ensure that transactions are free from coercion. The paper concludes with a call for the state to take greater responsibility for coerced debt and to allocate the risk differently than it currently does. This will promote higher levels of resilience for victims and allow them to escape abusive relational contexts.
Walk on a grid
Authors: Shahali Manija , Shahali H. A.
Published: February 2024

There are various combinatorial questions on rectangular arrays consisting of points, numbers, fields or, in general, of symbols such as chessboards, lattices, and graphs. Many such problems in enumerative combinatorics come from other branches of science and technology like physics, chemistry, computer sciences and engineering; for example the following two very challenging problems from chemistry:
Problem 1: Dimer problem (Domino tiling)
In chemistry, a large molecule composed repeatedly from monomers as a long chain is called a polymer and a dimer is composed of two monomers (where: mono = 1, di = 2, poly = many and mer = part).
xy = cos (x + y) and other implicit equations that are surprisingly easy to plot
Authors: Jewess Michael
Published: February 2024

The following equations relate y only implicitly to x:(1)(2) In both equations, y is a function of x for a continuous range of (x, y) values in the real x-y plane. (1) represents an ellipse. (2) has been designed by the author to have a solution in the real x-y plane at (−1, 2), and because the function on the left-hand side of (2) meets certain conditions regarding continuity and partial differentiability there must be a line of points in the real x-y plane satisfying (2) and passing continuously through (−1, 2) [1, pp. 23-28].
Some generalisations and extensions of a remarkable geometry puzzle
Authors: Tran Quang Hung
Published: February 2024

There is a very interesting mathematical puzzle involving the geometrical configuration in the book Mathematical Curiosities [1, 2] by Alfred Posamentier and Ingmar Lehmann. It is shown in Figure 1.
Extensions of Vittas’ Theorem
Authors: Dergiades Nikolaos , Tran Quang Hung
Published: February 2024

The Greek architect Kostas Vittas published in 2006 a beautiful theorem ([1]) on the cyclic quadrilateral as follows:

Theorem 1 (Kostas Vittas, 2006): If ABCD is a cyclic quadrilateral with P being the intersection of two diagonals AC and BD, then the four Euler lines of the triangles PAB, PBC, PCD and PDA are concurrent.
The magnetohydrodynamic equations in terms of waveframe variables
Authors: Van Doorsselaere T. , Magyar N. , Sieyra M.V. , Goossens M.
Published: February 2024

Generalising the Elsässer variables, we introduce the

$Q$

-variables. These are more flexible than the Elsässer variables, because they also allow us to track waves with phase speeds different than the Alfvén speed. We rewrite the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equations with these

$Q$

-variables. We consider also the linearised version of the resulting MHD equations in a uniform plasma, and recover the classical Alfvén waves, but also separate the fast and slow magnetosonic waves into upward- and downward-propagating waves. Moreover, we show that the

$Q$

-variables may also track the upward- and downward-propagating surface Alfvén waves in a non-uniform plasma, displaying the power of our generalisation. In the end, we lay the mathematical framework for driving solar wind models with a multitude of wave drivers.
LIMIT SETS OF UNFOLDING PATHS IN OUTER SPACE
Authors: Bestvina Mladen , Gupta Radhika , Tao Jing
Published: February 2024

We construct an unfolding path in Outer space which does not converge in the boundary, and instead it accumulates on the entire 1-simplex of projectivized length measures on a nongeometric arational
${\mathbb R}$
-tree T. We also show that T admits exactly two dual ergodic projective currents. This is the first nongeometric example of an arational tree that is neither uniquely ergodic nor uniquely ergometric.
Who's near the local food? A regional proximity analysis of short food supply chain types in southern New England
Authors: Trivette Shawn , McCarragher Shannon
Published: February 2024

This paper examines three types of locally oriented Short Food Supply Chains in southern New England and their spatial alignment with a variety of demographic factors. We find that pay-as-you-go operations are particularly likely in predominantly White areas, and to some extent in higher income areas, but box share arrangements (i.e., community-supported agricultures) show stronger associations with educational attainment. Building on these empirical findings, we argue that local food availability is a systematically uneven phenomenon. Through the role of proximity we demonstrate how the dynamics of that availability vary with both outlet type and social characteristics.
Yoram Barzel: commemorating the life of an institutional economist
Authors: Allen Douglas W.
Published: February 2024

Yoram Barzel was a Chicago trained price theorist who became a foundational contributor to the literature on property rights and transaction costs. In this commemoration I outline the academic path he took, but then concentrate on the set of transformative ideas he had that led to ‘the theory of economic property rights’. It was Yoram's belief that such a theory is the ground floor for the study of the organization of economic activity, and therefore, should be used to understand the structure and form of law, institutions, firms, and all other forms of organization.
The LILY Database: Linking Lithology to IODP Physical, Chemical, and Magnetic Properties Data
Authors: Childress Laurel B. , Acton Gary D. , Percuoco Vincent P. , Hastedt Margaret
Published: February 2024

During each expedition of the International Ocean Discovery Program and its precursor, the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (jointly referred to as IODP), vast arrays of data are collected from drill cores. These data, which are accessible from the IODP LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) database, include physical, chemical, and magnetic properties collected semi‐continuously along cores using automated track systems, as well as a variety of analyses conducted on discrete subsamples taken from the cores. In addition, the lithology of all cores is described based on visual characteristics of the surface of split cores, visual examination of smear slides and thin sections, and compositional or mineralogical information derived from geochemical analyses. We extract basic lithologic information from this complex array of descriptive information and then tie that information to all other measurements. This new database is referred to as LIMS with Lithology (LILY). LILY currently contains over 34 million data from 89 km of core recovered on 42 expeditions conducted 2009–2019. Some uses of LILY include identifying the abundance of different lithologies, finding data from core intervals with a specific lithology, assessing the efficacy of coring systems in different lithologies, or characterizing and analyzing physical, chemical, and magnetic properties based on lithology. We illustrate the use of LILY by computing the grain density by lithology from over 24,000 moisture and density measurements and then use those grain densities, along with the large IODP bulk density dataset, to compute a new high‐resolution porosity dataset with over 3.7 million new porosity estimates.
First Full‐Vector Archeomagnetic Data From Central Asia (3 BCE to 15 CE Centuries): Evidence for a Large Non‐Dipole Field Contribution Around the First Century BCE
Authors: Bonilla‐Alba R. , Gómez‐Paccard M. , Pavón‐Carrasco F. J. , Campuzano S. A. , Beamud E. , Martínez‐Ferreras V. , Gurt‐Esparraguera J. M. , Ariño‐Gil E. , Martín‐Hernández F. , Osete M. L.
Published: February 2024

Unraveling the short‐term behavior of the Earth's past geomagnetic field at regional scales is crucial for understanding its global behavior and, thus, the dynamics of the deep Earth. In this context, obtaining accurate full‐vector geomagnetic field records from regions where archeomagnetic data are absent becomes essential. Here, we present the first full‐vector archeomagnetic data from Central Asia, derived from the analysis of nine archeological kilns sampled in South Uzbekistan, dating back to the period between 200 BCE and 1429 CE. To obtain these new data, we conducted thermal and alternating field demagnetization procedures, along with Thellier‐Thellier paleointensity experiments, including partial thermoremanent magnetization checks, thermoremanent magnetization anisotropy and cooling rate corrections. The comparison between the new data, previous selected data from Central Asia, and available global models reveals important differences between approximately 400 BCE and 400 CE, especially concerning the geomagnetic field intensity element. In order to investigate this in detail, we have developed a regional update of the SHAWQ global models family by incorporating, for the first time, high‐quality data from Central Asia. The results suggest that this deviation is linked to non‐dipolar sources of the geomagnetic field in Central Asia reaching a maximum contribution around the first century BCE. According to the updated global paleoreconstruction, this non‐dipole feature, manifested at the Earth's surface as low intensities, is associated with the presence of a reversed flux patch at the core‐mantle boundary beneath this region.
Illustrating the Application of Brief Integrated Behavioral Health Prevention Visits
Authors: Herbst Rachel B. , Lauer Brea A. , Fiat Aria E. , Austin Jillian E. , Rybak Tiffany M.
Published: February 2024

Objectives: This case study explores the application of a brief Integrated Behavioral Health-Prevention (IBH-P) model in a pediatric primary care setting that provides care to families experiencing complex psychosocial stressors. The model focuses on promoting social–emotional health and well-being while addressing structural and systemic inequities that hinder access to mental health care for families living in poverty and underresourced communities. The IBH-P visits use a universal, standardized approach, emphasizing trauma-informed care and recognizing the impact of caregiver well-being on the child. Method: This case study demonstrates the feasibility and impact of the IBH-P model through a case example of a Black family living below the federal poverty line. Results: The case study illustrates results previously documented in the literature regarding the impact of this IBH-P model. These include adherence to well child visits (WCVs), achieving developmental milestones on target, enhanced family distress tolerance and socioemotional well-being, reduced unnecessary emergency department visits, and sustained progress despite psychosocial risk factors. Conclusions: This case example highlights how IBH-P effectively supports families facing multiple challenges and promotes health equity for underresourced populations. It underscores the importance of culturally responsive care, standardization, and flexibility in building scalable and sustainable IBH programs.
Cystine deprivation triggers CD36-mediated ferroptosis and dysfunction of tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells
Authors: Han Chenfeng , Ge Minmin , Xing Pengfei , Xia Tian , Zhang Cangang , Ma Kaili , Ma Yifu , Li Shicheng , Li Wenhui , Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Baojun , Zhang Liyuan , Zhang Lianjun
Published: February 2024

Cancer cells develop multiple strategies to evade T cell-mediated killing. On one hand, cancer cells may preferentially rely on certain amino acids for rapid growth and metastasis. On the other hand, sufficient nutrient availability and uptake are necessary for mounting an effective T cell anti-tumor response in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here we demonstrate that tumor cells outcompete T cells for cystine uptake due to high Slc7a11 expression. This competition induces T-cell exhaustion and ferroptosis, characterized by diminished memory formation and cytokine secretion, increased PD-1 and TIM-3 expression, as well as intracellular oxidative stress and lipid-peroxide accumulation. Importantly, either Slc7a11 deletion in tumor cells or intratumoral cystine supplementation improves T cell anti-tumor immunity. Mechanistically, cystine deprivation in T cells disrupts glutathione synthesis, but promotes CD36 mediated lipid uptake due to dysregulated cystine/glutamate exchange. Moreover, enforced expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (Gclc) promotes glutathione synthesis and prevents CD36 upregulation, thus boosting T cell anti-tumor immunity. Our findings reveal cystine as an intracellular metabolic checkpoint that orchestrates T-cell survival and differentiation, and highlight Gclc as a potential therapeutic target for enhancing T cell anti-tumor function.
Nonlinear topological symmetry protection in a dissipative system
Authors: Coen Stéphane , Garbin Bruno , Xu Gang , Quinn Liam , Goldman Nathan , Oppo Gian-Luca , Erkintalo Miro , Murdoch Stuart G. , Fatome Julien
Published: February 2024

We investigate experimentally and theoretically a system ruled by an intricate interplay between topology, nonlinearity, and spontaneous symmetry breaking. The experiment is based on a two-mode coherently-driven optical resonator where photons interact through the Kerr nonlinearity. In presence of a phase defect, the modal structure acquires a synthetic Möbius topology enabling the realization of spontaneous symmetry breaking in inherently bias-free conditions without fine tuning of parameters. Rigorous statistical tests confirm the robustness of the underlying symmetry protection, which manifests itself by a periodic alternation of the modes reminiscent of period-doubling. This dynamic also confers long term stability to various localized structures including domain walls, solitons, and breathers. Our findings are supported by an effective Hamiltonian model and have relevance to other systems of interacting bosons and to the Floquet engineering of quantum matter. They could also be beneficial to the implementation of coherent Ising machines.