bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time Series Methods to Assess the Impact of Regulatory Action: A Study of UK Primary Care and Hospital Data on the Use of Fluoroquinolones
Authors: Guo Yuchen , Raventós Berta , Català Martí , Elhussein Leena , López‐Güell Kim , Tan Eng Hooi , Prats‐Uribe Albert , Dedman Daniel , Man Wai Yi , Omulo Hezekiah , Delmestri Antonella , Lane Jennifer C. E. , Rahman Usama , Griffin Xavier L. , Gao Chuang , Cole Christian , Batty Patrick , Connelly John , Booth Helen , Cave Alison , Donegan Katherine , Prieto‐Alhambra Daniel , Burn Edward , Jödicke Annika M.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To illustrate the interest in using interrupted time series (ITS) methods, this study evaluated the impact of the UK MHRA's March 2019 Risk Minimisation Measures (RMM) on fluoroquinolone usage.

Methods

Monthly and quarterly fluoroquinolone use incidence rates from 2012 to 2022 were analysed across hospital care (Barts Health NHS Trust), primary care (Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum and CPRD GOLD), and linked records from both settings (East Scotland). Rates were stratified by age (19–59 and ≥ 60 years old). Seasonality‐adjusted segmented regression and ARIMA models were employed to model quarterly and monthly rates, respectively.

Results

Post‐RMM, with segmented regression, both age groups in Barts Health experienced nearly complete reductions (> 99%); CPRD Aurum saw 20.19% (19–59) and 19.29% ( 60) reductions; no significant changes in CPRD GOLD; East Scotland had 45.43% (19–59) and 41.47% ( 60) decreases. Slope analysis indicated increases for East Scotland (19–59) and both CPRD Aurum groups, but a decrease for CPRD GOLD's  60; ARIMA detected significant step changes in CPRD GOLD not identified by segmented regression and noted a significant slope increase in Barts Health's 19–59 group. Both models showed no post‐modelling autocorrelations across databases, yet Barts Health's residuals were non‐normally distributed with non‐constant variance.

Conclusions

Both segmented regression and ARIMA confirmed the reduction of fluoroquinolones use after RMM across four different UK primary care and hospital databases. Model diagnostics showed good performance in eliminating residual autocorrelation for both methods. However, diagnostics for hospital databases with low incident use revealed the presence of heteroscedasticity and non‐normal white noise using both methods.
Safety assessment of wellhead devices on the offshore platform in a shallow gas blowout accident
Authors: Li Zhong , Yin Zhiming , Yan Xinjiang , Yang Xiangqian , Huang Xiaoguang , Han Zhongying
Published: October 2024

The blowout during shallow oil‐gas exploitation always increases the failure risk of the offshore platforms and equipment on them. The thermo‐solid dynamic response of offshore structures in blowout accidents is significant for the process safety evaluation and post‐disaster recovery. A new safety evaluation method was proposed using blowout scenario modeling on the offshore platform and the structural safety evaluation of wellhead devices through the fluid‐thermal‐solid coupling analysis and reduced yield strength method. The results indicated that the blowout flame was significantly affected by the blowout gas velocity, and environmental wind strength, low blowout gas velocity, and high wind speed can lower the flame height and aggravate the safety conditions of the wellhead devices. The proposed method can be applied to the process safety evaluation of offshore structures in blowout accidents.
Improving weather forecast skill of the Korean Integrated Model by assimilating Soil Moisture Active Passive soil moisture anomalies
Authors: Kwon Yonghwan , Jun Sanghee , Kim Eunkyu , Seol Kyung‐Hee , Hong Seokmin , Kwon In‐Hyuk , Kang Jeon‐Ho , Kim Hyunglok
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the potential benefit of assimilating soil moisture (SM) data retrieved from Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) in improving global SM estimates and enhancing the weather forecast skill of the Korean Integrated Model (KIM). The 36‐km SMAP L2 SM retrievals are assimilated into the Noah land surface model (LSM) using the ensemble Kalman filter scheme through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Land Information System (LIS) that is weakly coupled to KIM. A suite of cycling experiments of the KIM–LIS system that includes land and atmospheric data assimilation (DA) and five‐day weather forecasts are conducted over the global domain from March to July 2022. In the SMAP SM DA, two different SM bias correction methods, namely the cumulative distribution function matching and anomaly‐based bias correction, are applied to correct systematic biases between SMAP and Noah‐LSM before assimilation. The global triple collocation analysis reveals that compared to the control case (without SM DA), significant improvements in the global SM estimates are achieved by assimilating the SMAP data, especially by employing the anomaly‐based bias correction. Notably, the improved SM initial conditions lead to an improved screen‐level specific humidity and air temperature analysis and forecasts when the results are compared against the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts‐Integrated Forecasting System analysis. The beneficial impacts of the SMAP DA on the atmospheric variables extend up to an atmospheric level of 700 hPa. Prominent improvements in the KIM forecast skill by the SMAP DA applying the anomaly‐based bias correction are observed in the northern part of Africa and West and Central Asia with stronger impacts for longer forecast lead time. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of assimilating the SMAP data within KIM–LIS to enhance the KIM weather forecasts in the lower atmosphere when a proper SM bias correction method is applied.
Layered Double Hydroxide: An Economical and Dynamic Choice for Water Remediation with Multiple Functionality
Authors: Gupta Dimpi , Singh Chandani , Koranne Anushka , Singh Suryabhan , Azad Uday Pratap , Singh Ashish Kumar , Singh Sunil Kumar
Published: October 2024

In terms of environmental pollution, water pollution is the most significant problem facing living organisms worldwide. Pollutants of various types, including toxic, inorganic, and organic materials, have a detrimental impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Materials with layers, such as layered double hydroxides (LDHs), a type of synthetic anion clay, have a wide range of potential applications. In this comprehensive study, we have discussed variety of LDHs, and their explicit properties which have significant advantages for the removal of a variety of pollutants from water. Besides these, LDHs are easily synthesized with high yield and, tuneable structure based on choice of metals, etc. Based on these unique potentials, we have summarized how layered double hydroxides and their hybrids are synthesized efficiently. The performance and applications in removing water pollutants involving heavy metals, inorganic anions, and organics at different parameters such as temperature, adsorbent dosage, pH, and contact time are discussed. Consolidated information has been provided regarding the LDH synthesis, conditions for adsorption, and reference of the particular work. The worked‐up LDH's regeneration potential and methods evolved for regenerating it, different kinetic models and isotherms are also discussed.
Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Humic Acid in Water Using N‐Doped Ti3AlC2 MAX
Authors: Wang Youyi , Rau Jui‐Yeh , Mao Zhujian , Chen Zhi‐Ting , Huang Jian
Published: October 2024

Humic acid (HA) is the main precursor of carcinogenic compounds such as trichloromethane, which form during the disinfection of drinking water. Therefore, removing HA from water sources is crucial for producing safe drinking water. This study introduces a novel approach using dilute nitric acid as a nitrogen source to dope pristine Ti3AlC2 (TAC) to varying degrees, enhancing the material‘s photocatalytic degradation performance for HA. Characterisations through X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, UV–vis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the surface morphology of the modified catalyst changed from an original blocky lamellar structure to a rod‐like cluster structure, which is advantageous for light trapping. In addition, the incorporation of nitrogen reduced the band gap of the material from 1.25 to 1.15 eV, considerably enhancing its overall light responsiveness and thereby improving its photocatalytic performance. The results demonstrated that the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of HA by TAC under optimal conditions reached 93.8 %, which is 4.3 times higher than the 21.8 % efficiency achieved using the undoped TAC material. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to N doping, which not only reduces the TiO2 band gap at the TAC surface but also improves the electrochemical behaviour of TAC. This results in enhanced light response and more efficient separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. The mechanism for CTAC–Nx photocatalytic degradation of HA was investigated using trapping agent experiments, revealing that the primary active substance responsible for the degradation is O2−.
Application and Development of Hydrogel in Soilless Culture
Authors: Qin Chao , Kong Lingshuang , Xu Deliang , Qi Yue , Wu Nan , Xu Wenlong
Published: October 2024

Soilless culture refers to the method of cultivating plants without soil as a growing medium, and the use of hydrogel in soilless culture overcomes many technical difficulties, but there are many applications that just stay at the experimental level, with fewer applications in fields. Although many new functionalized hydrogels may help to overcome the shortcomings of traditional media and give them more functionality, little research on hydrogels over the past decades has been reflected in soilless culture techniques. This paper details the concept and development of soilless culture, as well as several applications of hydrogels in soilless culture, including the use of hydrogels as soilless culture substrates and the application of hydrogel membranes. The important roles of different types of hydrogels in soilless culture, such as antimicrobial properties, salt tolerance and high water absorption, are highlighted, and these excellent properties largely overcome a series of drawbacks of traditional cultivation methods. The application of hydrogels in pest control is also discussed. Hydrogel applications to soilless culture have better prospects for the creation of more promising multifunctional composite hydrogel membranes and hydrogel substrates capable of supporting plants throughout their growth cycle.
Discovery of Quinazoline Derivatives as Potent KRASG12C Inhibitors
Authors: Liu Nian , Li Zhilong , Liu Rui , Zhang Chaoxin , Sun Yixiang , Ma Xing , Qin Qiaohua , Wu Tianxiao , Sun Yin , Yin Wenbo , Zhang Haoyu , Gao Zixuan , Xia Guangxin , Zhao Dongmei , Cheng Maosheng
Published: October 2024

RAS proteins are necessary for cell survival, and their mutations are closely related to tumor formation and progression. Mutated RAS proteins were undruggable owing to their smooth surface decades ago. Since chemists found that covalently binding to mutated cysteine (G12 C) was a potential therapy for KRASG12C inhibition. Recently, AMG‐510 and MRTX‐849 were approved in 2021 and 2022 respectively for solid tumor treatment. In this paper, started with KRASG12C inhibitor ARS‐1620, we introduced different hydrophilic fragment on it and reached compound K09, which had the best KRASG12C inhibitory activity and antiproliferation activities. Compound K09 is regarded as a lead compound for further exploration.
Benzyl/phenyl‐1,2,3‐Triazole Tethered 3‐Acetyl Coumarins as Potential Drug‐Resistant Antitubercular Agents: Synthesis, Biology, and in Silico Investigations as Mtb DNA Gyrase Inhibitors
Authors: Bakchi Bulti , Maddipatla Sarvan , Gottemukkala Seshamma , Raut Shital , Naiyaz Ahmad Mohammad , Imran Mohmmad , Saxena Deepanshi , Maitra Rahul , Kumari Agnivesh Puja , Pal Kalia Nitin , Nanduri Srinivas , Dasgupta Arunava , Chopra Sidharth , Madhavi Yaddanapudi Venkata
Published: October 2024

Owing to the emergence of multi‐drug resistant tuberculosis, there is a need for the exploration of new antitubercular agents. In this context, new coumarin‐based 1,2,3‐triazole hybrids were developed and evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against ESKAPE pathogens and the Mtb H37Rv strain. Among them, compounds 9 c and 12 showed MICs of 1 and 2 μg/mL, respectively, against the Mtb strain. The lead compounds exhibited a good selectivity index against Vero cells and were equally effective against ETB‐resistant and RIF‐resistant Mtb strains. Time‐kill kinetic studies revealed the bacteriostatic properties of the lead compounds, while combination studies using FDA‐approved antibiotics showed no drug interactions. Based on the structural similarity, it was envisaged that they might inhibit the DNA gyrase, which was further proved by the DNA supercoiling inhibition assay. Additionally, in silico docking studies, binding energy calculations, and ADME/T studies for the synthesized conjugates showed favourable pharmacokinetic and physicochemical characteristics. Hence, these molecules could further pave the way for discovering new potent antitubercular agents to combat AMR.
Novel Ketone Derivatives Involving Triphenylamine Electron‐Donating Group as Low Migration Photoinitiators for Visible Light Radical Polymerization and 3D Printing
Authors: Jiangyu Luo , Jinqing Qu
Published: October 2024

Given the ongoing advancements in photopolymerization technology, there is an imperative need to develop novel free radical photoinitiators (PIs) with long‐wavelength absorbance and low migration. To meet the demand for visible light photopolymerization, four novel ketone derivatives photoinitiators (PHMOs) were synthesized in this study via a one‐step reaction. By constructing the push‐pull structure, the maximum absorption wavelength of the new PIs was red‐shifted to the vicinity of 400 nm, satisfying the requirement of visible excitation. The one‐component photoinitiation effect of PHMOs under visible light was comparable to that of Irgacure 1173, among which the photopolymerisation performance of PHMO‐2 was significantly superior to that of 1173. The photopolymerization effect of the two‐component photoinitiaton system composed by the addition of hydrogen donor was significantly improved. PHMO‐1 was successfully used in 3D printing to produce well‐defined printed products. The photolysis mechanism of PHMOs was investigated by steady‐state photolysis and electron spin resonance test. In addition, PHMOs had good solubility, thermal stability and good biosafety. Attributed to the presence of double bonds, PHMOs had low migration. These excellent properties indicated that PHMOs had desirable potential applications in the field of visible light polymerization.
Composite Material from Waste ABS 3D Filaments and Graphite: A Cost‐Effective and Sustainable Alternative for Electrochemical Sensor Manufacturing and Voltammetric Analysis of Acebutolol
Authors: Santos Oliveira Raylla , Burger Veríssimo de Oliveira Wallace , Cunha de Souza Cassiano , Mendes Fernandes Bruno Luiz , Costa Matos Maria Auxiliadora , Pedrosa Lisboa Thalles , Camargo Matos Renato
Published: October 2024

Additive manufacturing technology is renowned for its ability to produce components on demand. Presently, the development of sustainable materials has been promoted by Green Chemistry, leading to an increase in the recycling of polymers and other materials for use in 3D printing. In this work, we proposed the construction of a 3D printed electrochemical device using a conductive paste made from 3D printing residues of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filaments and graphite to develop a sustainable sensor for acebutolol detection using square wave voltammetry method. The electrode was characterized using imaging and electrochemical techniques, demonstrating superior electrochemical performance compared to a commercial device. The method exhibited excellent analytical performance with a linear working range from 0.98 to 51.8 μmol L−1 and good detectability (detection limit) of 0.28 μmol L−1. Furthermore, the recycled sensor demonstrated good precision with a relative standard deviation of less than 8.4 % and good accuracy with recovery percentages ranging from 93 to 107 % for monitoring acebutolol in urine and tap water samples. Additionally, the device was free from interference from the matrix and other commonly used drugs, making it suitable for electroanalytical applications and extremely promising.
Sustainable Synthesis of Novel Calcium Magnesium Nanoferrites for Biomolecules Sensing and its Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Tejashwini D. M , Nagaswarupa H. P , Naik Ramachandra , Basavaraju N. , Alodhayb Abdullah N. , Pandiaraj Saravanan , Goud Burragoni Sravanthi , Kim Jae Hong
Published: October 2024

Sustainable synthesis of novel Calcium magnesium ferrite nanomaterial was carried out in this work using aloe vera plant extract as a fuel for the combustion method. Structural characterizations of the synthesized material shows the crystallite size∼ 14 nm with cubic structure and chemical bonds between Ca−O and Fe−O. Porous nature and agglomerated particles were observed in morphological analysis. Modified carbon paste, glassy carbon and screen printed electrodes were prepared using the synthesized nanomaterial for biomolecules sensing using cyclic voltammetry technique. Therefore, the present green synthesized CMF nanoparticles modified carbon paste electrode shows significantly high sensitivity and hence it can be used as a sensor for biomedical application. Employing the agar disc diffusion technique, the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was ascertained. C against the pathogens like Pseudomonas spp., E coli, and Staphylococcus spp.
An Effective Method for the Synthesis of New Bis(indole)methane Analogs Using Rosmarinic Acid‐Supported Magnetic Nanoparticles (Nano‐Fe3O4@RA)
Authors: Alizadeh Mohammadreza , Mokhtary Masoud , Nikpasand Mohammad , Asadpour Leila
Published: October 2024

This research presents an effective method for synthesizing new derivatives of bis(indole)methane using rosmarinic acid supported magnetic nanoparticles (nano‐Fe3O4@RA) as a catalyst. The reaction offers numerous advantages, such as high yield, catalyst reusability, short reaction time, product purification without column chromatography, and a simple procedure. These factors make it an attractive and efficient option in the field of bis(indole)methane construction.
Quasi‐Static and Dynamic Deformation Behavior of Medium Manganese Automotive Steel under Interrupted Tension
Authors: Feng Yi , Jia Yongyong , Ying Zhengyan , Li Shuaijun , Zhang Deliang , Cai Zhihui , Huang Guangjie
Published: October 2024

This work investigates the mechanical properties of medium manganese automotive steel across a strain rate range from 2 × 10−4 to 200 s−1. The results indicate that the tensile strength is the lowest at a low strain rate (0.0002 s−1), primarily due to the high mechanical stability of austenite, which results in low work‐hardening ability during deformation. As the strain rate increases, the softening effect because of temperature rise, and the dislocation density increase. Consequently, the deformation mechanism is transitioned from the transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) effect (ε < 2 × 10−2 s−1) to the co‐occurrence TRIP and twinning induced plasticity effect (ε ≥ 2 × 10−2 s−1). Furthermore, in the initial stages of dynamic deformation (ε < 0.1), the same work‐hardening phenomenon occurs under the influence of geometrically necessary dislocations as in quasi‐static deformation. However, in the later stages of dynamic deformation (ε > 0.25), the weakening of the copper texture density occurs due to an increase in stacking fault energy within the austenite.
Advancements in Desilylation Reactions for the Synthesis of Valuable Organic Molecules
Authors: Liu Chuang , Zhang Le , You Qingqing , Feng Huangdi , Huang Junhai
Published: October 2024

Silicon, due to its abundance, non‐toxicity, and cost‐effectiveness, is a critical element in the earth's crust with significant industrial applications. In organic chemistry, main group elements, and in particular silicon, are extensively utilized as versatile synthetic intermediates. Despite the current challenges associated with harsh reaction conditions and unsustainable practices in synthesizing crucial organic structural molecules, desilylation reactions have emerged as a facilitative method, offering milder conditions and operational simplicity. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the synthesis of valuable organic molecules through two distinct desilylation reactions. It systematically presents the synthesis of a variety of derivatives, such as furan, alcohol, N‐heterocyclic, and ketone, highlighting the broad substrate tolerance of these reactions. This broad functional group compatibility suggests a promising future for the synthesis of a wide range of bioactive molecules, underscoring the significant potential of desilylation in contemporary organic synthesis.
Recent Progress on NHC‐Catalyzed 1,6‐Conjugate Addition Reactions
Authors: Sun Jun , Jiang Shichun , Liu Yonggui , Pan Ling , Liu Ying‐Guo , Zeng Bing
Published: October 2024

As a significant variant of the Michael reaction, the 1,6‐addition reaction has undergone considerable development over the past decade. This effective strategy enables the synthesis of a variety of novel and potentially bioactive functional molecules. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in NHC‐catalyzed 1,6‐addition reactions, highlighting their efficiency in the rapid synthesis of complex functional molecules. We also provide our perspectives on the future development of this dynamic and highly active research area.
Courage against Domination in Republican Democracy
Authors: Rebolj Dušan
Published: October 2024

The chapter rejects three potential misgivings about awarding courage a place in contemporary democratic theory. Prompted by republicanism’s historical emphasis on civic courage, it examines the potential objections to having courage play a role in the standard neorepublican account of democracy as the embodiment or safeguard of non-domination. First, it enquires how the situationist challenge to traditional virtue ethics limits the general concept of courage. It finds that courage can, at most, be conceived as a local virtue, guaranteeing that its possessors act desirably in a limited range of situations; and that, at least, courage is a property ascribable to some people’s occasional acts. Then, the chapter tests the potential objection that, so conceived, courage cannot help entrench non-domination. In response, it shows that courage can be inserted into the neorepublican democratic schema: either in the form of occasional acts that secure the preconditions of virtue practice and norm compliance; as a local virtue supporting democratic norms through collective action; or as a socially facilitated mode of being that supports the norms of trust and tolerance. Lastly, it addresses the worry that courage might be at odds with an other-regarding value like non-domination, due to its tendency to eclipse other desirable qualities. It replies that even if the worry was not weakened by the situationist critique of virtues as personality traits, a concern with non-domination would commit courageous actors to a measure of regard for others. Furthermore, such actors would not be prone to needless risk-taking or cruelty.
Radiation Environment and Their Effects on Electronics
Authors: Aguiar Ygor Quadros de , Wrobel Frédéric , Autran Jean-Luc , García Alía Rubén
Published: October 2024

Reliability evaluation of circuits operating in harsh environments is essential to prevent functional failures and potential catastrophic events. To achieve this, it is important to have a solid understanding of different radiation environments and their effects on matter. This chapter aims to provide the necessary foundations to comprehend the dynamics of radiation environments, including space and Earth’s atmosphere, as well as particle accelerators. Additionally, the chapter explores the prominent effects resulting from the interaction of energetic particles with matter. This knowledge is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the impact of radiation on circuit reliability and ensure the proper functioning of electronic systems in challenging environments.
Radiation Hardening
Authors: Aguiar Ygor Quadros de , Wrobel Frédéric , Autran Jean-Luc , García Alía Rubén
Published: October 2024

To cope with the threats of a harsh environment containing energetic particles, scientists and engineers have been developing mitigation strategies and hardening techniques to improve the resilience of electronic systems. Considering that the radiation environment and the operation conditions are known, as it will be shown in this chapter, several techniques can be applied to increase the robustness of a circuit. The radiation hardening techniques can be adopted during the manufacturing process of a technology or, in a higher level, in the circuit design phase of the component. While process-based techniques offer undeniable efficiency, hardening techniques at the design level are the main focus of this chapter thanks to their several advantages.
Examining Bald Eagle Contaminant Exposure and Reproductive Risk Above and Below Dams on Great Lakes Tributaries
Authors: Eakin Carly Jasmine , Williams Lisa , Moore Jeremy , Annis Mandy , Best David , Warner Sarah , Bowerman William , Fuentes Latice , Simon Kendall , Armstrong Brandon
Published: October 2024

Removing lowermost dams can reestablish fish passage on Great Lakes tributaries. This can increase the transfer of contaminants from anadromous fish to piscivorous wildlife upstream; however, concentrations of bioaccumulative contaminants in Great Lakes fish have decreased over the last several decades. We analyzed concentrations of PCBs and the toxic equivalence (TEQs) calculated from PCBs, DDTs, other organochlorine pesticides, and PBDEs in the plasma of bald eagle nestlings above and below lowermost dams on five river systems in Michigan from 1999 to 2013. We examined relationships between contaminants and metrics of reproductive success from 1997 to 2018, including the effects of year and location relative to the lowermost dam. Σ20PCB and p,p’-DDE were important in characterizing differences in contaminant mixtures above and below dams. Concentrations of contaminants were generally greater below dams than above. There were generally greater nest success and more nestlings per nest below dams, but nest location explained little variability (R2 values = 0.03–0.15). Neither Σ20PCB nor p,p’-DDE was a significant predictor of 5-year productivity means by river reach despite concentrations exceeding previously established effects thresholds for healthy bald eagle populations in the Great Lakes (≥ 1 nestling/nest). Our study indicates that dams may continue to reduce the upstream movement of contaminants to bald eagles, but at the measured concentrations, contaminants did not impair productivity and reproductive success as indicated by nestlings per nest. Additional information about population dynamics could clarify population-level effects of contaminants on bald eagles and to what degree these populations are self-sustaining throughout the Great Lakes.
Two-mode subharmonic generating system with coherent and thermal light
Authors: Tirfie Zegbreal Lemma , Hirpo Deribe
Published: October 2024

The statistical and squeezing characteristics of the light generated by a two-mode subharmonic generating system in a cavity pumped by two-mode coherent light and coupled to a two-mode thermal reservoir through a single-port mirror have been studied in this study. We construct the c-number Langevin equations linked to the normal ordering using the master equation for the system under discussion, and we establish the correlation characteristics of the noise forces. The mean and variance of the photon number of the cavity light are then determined using the solutions of the resulting differential equations. We have discovered that the cavity light mode’s photon statistics are super-Poissonian because the variance of the photon number is more significant than the mean of the photon number. Additionally, using the same solutions, we were able to extract the antinormally ordered characteristic function, which is used to calculate the Q function. In addition, the photon number distribution for the cavity mode is computed using the Q function. The variance of the plus and minus quadrature of the two-mode cavity light generated by the two-mode subharmonic generating system is also obtained. It is discovered that the cavity mode’s squeezing characteristics are unaffected by the two-mode driving coherent light, however, the thermal light has the effect of decreasing the squeezing of the cavity light and the squeezing takes place in the plus quadrature. Finally, we discovered that when the cavity is coupled to a vacuum reservoir, there is a 50$$\%$$
%
maximum squeezing of the two-mode cavity at a steady state and at the threshold. The nondegenerate subharmonic generator generates a two-mode cavity light that is 50$$\%$$
%
entangled.
Extracorporeal cytokine adsorption as therapeutic option for immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome
Authors: Buhlmann Alix , Rom Emanuel , Schweiger Giovanna , Schneidawind Dominik , David Sascha
Published: October 2024

With the rising number of patients receiving chimeric antigen receptor T-cells, the treatment of this therapy’s complications is of growing concern to intensivists and neurologists. We used extracorporeal cytokine adsorption as an add-on therapy in a patient suffering from immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. Interleukin-6 level, which as a readily available parameter is generally used to evaluate course of disease, was rapidly reduced using this method. The patient made a full recovery and is still in hematological remission.
An efficient propositional system for Abductive Logic Programming
Authors: Gavanelli Marco , Julián-Iranzo Pascual , Sáenz-Pérez Fernando
Published: October 2024

Abductive logic programming (ALP) extends logic programming with hypothetical reasoning by means of abducibles, an extension able to handle interesting problems, such as diagnosis, planning, and verification with formal methods. Implementations of this extension have been using Prolog meta-interpreters and Prolog programs with Constraint Handling Rules (). While the latter adds a clean and efficient interface to the host system, it still suffers in performance for large programs. Here, the concern is to obtain a more performant implementation of the system following a compiled approach. This paper, as a first step in this long term goal, sets out a propositional ALP system following , eliminating the need for and achieving better performance.
The atmospheric boundary layer: a review of current challenges and a new generation of machine learning techniques
Authors: Canché-Cab Linda , San-Pedro Liliana , Ali Bassam , Rivero Michel , Escalante Mauricio
Published: October 2024

Atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) structure and dynamics are important aspects to consider in human health. The ABL is characterized by a high degree of spatial and temporal variability that hinders their understanding. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of machine learning (ML) methodologies, encompassing deep learning and ensemble approaches, within the scope of ABL research. The goal is to highlight the challenges and opportunities of using ML in turbulence modeling and parameterization in areas such as atmospheric pollution, meteorology, and renewable energy. The review emphasizes the validation of results to ensure their reliability and applicability. ML has proven to be a valuable tool for understanding and predicting how ABL spatial and seasonal variability affects pollutant dispersion and public health. In addition, it has been demonstrated that ML can be used to estimate several variables and parameters, such as ABL height, making it a promising approach to enhance air quality management and urban planning.
A major falling number locus on chromosome 4B governs resistance to pre-harvest sprouting in bread wheat line Soru#1
Authors: Vahramians Khosravizad Beyayna , Ruud Anja Karine , Belova Tatiana , Windju Susanne S. , Dieseth Jon Arne , Yang Ennian , Lillemo Morten
Published: October 2024

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a serious threat to wheat quality and occurs when maturing seeds on plants encounter substantial rain before harvest. In the present study, the genetics of PHS resistance were studied using a population of 131 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between Soru#1 and Naxos. The population was genotyped with the Illumina 90 K and Axiom 35 K wheat SNP arrays and tested in field trials across two locations in Norway and one in China. Seed dormancy as a measure of sprouting damage was evaluated using germination index (GI) and falling number (FN). Days to heading, days to maturity, and plant height were also recorded to evaluate their potential impact on PHS. Thirteen PHS-related quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected. The most consistent QTL for FN, contributed by Soru#1, on the long arm of chromosome 4B explained 10.0–19.2% of the phenotypic variation across trials. Other important PHS resistance QTL from Soru#1 detected on chromosome arms 2AL, 2BL, and 4BS, affected both GI and FN. Naxos carried favorable QTL alleles for PHS resistance on chromosome arm 4AS and the Phs1 allele on 4AL. The reduced height Rht-D1 and vernalization Vrn-A1 alleles were the major determinants of plant height and earliness; however, these traits had minimal impact on the genetic control of PHS resistance in this population. Thus, both parents contributed valuable alleles for improving PHS resistance in breeding programs.
The Time of the Stones: A Call for Palimpsest Dissection to Explore Lithic Record Formation Processes
Authors: Sossa-Ríos Santiago , Mayor Alejandro , Sánchez-Romero Laura , Mallol Carolina , Vaquero Manuel , Hernández Cristo M.
Published: October 2024

The dissection of archaeological palimpsests has become a crucial process for achieving a diachronic understanding of the history of human groups. However, its widespread application to archaeological deposits has been hampered by both methodological and theoretical limitations, as well as by the inherent characteristics of the deposits. This paper explores whether overcoming these barriers, both methodological and theoretical, truly represents a significant shift in understanding past human behaviour, thereby motivating the pursuit of shorter timescales. To this end, we have analysed the lithic assemblages of Unit Xb from the Neanderthal site of El Salt (Alcoi, Iberian Peninsula) focusing on lithic attributes and raw material analyses, enabling the definition of raw material units and refitting sets. Considering these variables, we have applied archaeostratigraphic and spatial analyses in order to generate units of analysis whose content is compared to that of the entire unit. The defined archaeostratigraphic units display different spatial distributions and lithic composition. Some of them are attached to certain hearths and composed of refitted sets, while other units are related to areas without combustion evidence and integrated with bigger and heavier single products. Through this approach, here, we show that reducing the spatiotemporal scale of the record helps to unravel behavioural variability, reducing interpretative errors implicit in the assemblage-as-a-whole approach. This highlights the role of temporal resolution in reconstructing site formation processes and challenges research perspectives that assert the unnecessary or impossible nature of palimpsest dissection.
A Precision Teaching Framework for Training Autistic Students to Respond to Bids for Joint Attention
Authors: Vostanis Athanasios , Ritchie Rianna , Langdon Peter E.
Published: October 2024

Precision teaching has historically been primarily applied to academic skills. This study aimed to show how precision teaching could enhance the application of existing evidence-based interventions focused on crucial pre-academic skills, such as joint attention. Joint attention is typically broken into two categories: responding to bids for joint attention (RJA) and initiating joint attention (IJA). This study developed RJA using precision teaching and play-based, natural environment teaching. Four autistic students, aged between 5 and 6, attending a special education school in England participated. Six prerequisite skills were trained in two triads during 15-min sessions for three weeks. RJA was then targeted, and participants needed three, four, five, and seven days, respectively, to master it. A concurrent multiple baseline design across participants was used for all skills. Participants improved across all skills with moderate effect sizes that were maintained five weeks post-intervention. Moreover, participants demonstrated steep learning rates measured via celeration, low variability measured via the bounce metric, and a maintenance of performance improvements during the assessment of endurance, stability, and generalization. The results suggest that autistic students can quickly improve their RJA skills and demonstrate fluency in them. However, the results are tentative and require replication while addressing the limitations that have been identified. Integrating precision teaching and naturalistic approaches could offer practitioners additional information about the impact of existing evidence-based interventions on developing RJA and related skills.
MicroRNA signatures in osteosarcoma: diagnostic insights and therapeutic prospects
Authors: Dey Mritunjoy , Skipar Palina , Bartnik Ewa , Piątkowski Jakub , Sulejczak Dorota , Czarnecka Anna M.
Published: October 2024

Osteosarcoma (OSa) is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents, characterized by complex genetic and epigenetic alterations. Traditional treatments face significant challenges due to high rates of drug resistance and lack of targeted therapies. Recent advances in microRNA (miRNA) research have opened new avenues for understanding and treating osteosarcoma. This review explores the many critical functions of miRNAs in osteosarcoma, particularly their potential for clinical use. The review highlights two key areas where miRNAs could be beneficial. Firstly, miRNAs can act as biomarkers for diagnosing osteosarcoma and predicting patient prognosis. Secondly, specific miRNAs can regulate cellular processes like proliferation, cell death, migration, and even resistance to chemotherapy drugs in osteosarcoma. This ability to target multiple pathways within cancer cells makes miRNA-based therapies highly promising. Additionally, though the interaction between miRNAs and circular RNAs (circRNAs) falls outside the scope of the paper, it has also been discussed briefly. While miRNA-based therapies offer exciting possibilities for targeting multiple pathways in osteosarcoma, challenges remain. Efficient delivery, potential off-target effects, tumor complexity, and rigorous testing are hurdles to overcome before these therapies can reach patients. Despite these challenges, continued research and collaboration among scientists, clinicians, and regulatory bodies hold the promise of overcoming them. This collaborative effort can pave the way for the development of safe and effective miRNA-based treatments for osteosarcoma.
Objective quality assessment of medical images and videos: review and challenges
Authors: Rodrigues Rafael , Lévêque Lucie , Gutiérrez Jesús , Jebbari Houda , Outtas Meriem , Zhang Lu , Chetouani Aladine , Al-Juboori Shaymaa , Martini Maria G. , Pinheiro Antonio M. G.
Published: October 2024

Quality assessment is a key element for the evaluation of hardware and software involved in image and video acquisition, processing, and visualization. In the medical field, user-based quality assessment is still considered more reliable than objective methods, which allow the implementation of automated and more efficient solutions. Regardless of increasing research on this topic in the last decade, defining quality standards for medical content remains a non-trivial task, as the focus should be on the diagnostic value assessed by expert viewers rather than the perceived quality from naïve viewers, and objective quality metrics should aim at estimating the first rather than the latter. In this paper, we present a survey of methodologies used for the objective quality assessment of medical images and videos, dividing them into visual quality-based and task-based approaches. Visual quality-based methods compute a quality index directly from visual attributes, while task-based methods, being increasingly explored, measure the impact of quality impairments on the performance of a specific task. A discussion on the limitations of state-of-the-art research on this topic is also provided, along with future challenges to be addressed.
Weekly streamflow forecasting of Rhine river based on machine learning approaches
Authors: Khozani Zohreh Sheikh , Precht Elimar , Ionita Monica
Published: October 2024

The Rhine River is a vital waterway in Europe, crucial for navigation, hydropower generation, and ecosystem health. Thus, accurately forecasting its streamflow is essential for effective water resource management. This study explored the utilization of several Machine Learning (ML) techniques including Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP), Support Vector Regression (SVR), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), for forecasting weekly streamflow for the Rhine River. Meteorological data (e.g., precipitation, temperature, vapor pressure deficit) collected from meteorological stations situated on the main river course (i.e., Mannheim and Worms) spanning from 2013 to 2023 were used as predictors. Two scenarios were considered for predicting weekly streamflow according to the results of the best input combination. According to the results streamflow is most significantly predicted by precipitation, vapor pressure, and relative humidity, while average and maximum temperatures play a smaller role. Various quantitative and visually-oriented evaluation metrics were employed to validate and compare the performance of the proposed models. It found that the XGBoost outperformed than other algorithms in prediction of weekly streamflow in Rhine River. Overall, weekly streamflow forecasting for the Rhine River is crucial for effective water resource management, navigation, hydropower generation, flood control, and ecosystem health. By providing timely insights into flow variations and identifying the optimal predictors, weekly forecasts empower stakeholders to make informed decisions and ensure the Rhine’s continued sustainability.
“It Wasn’t Meant for Gays”: Lesbian Women’s and Gay Men’s Reactions to the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory
Authors: Bravestone Lee , Hammond Matthew D. , Muise Amy , Cross Emily J.
Published: October 2024

Researchers can unintentionally reinforce societal prejudice against minoritized populations through the false assumption that psychological measurements are generalizable across identities. Recently, researchers have posited that gender and sexually diverse (GSD) people could feel excluded or confused by the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI) due to its overtly heteronormative statements like “A man is incomplete without the love of a woman.” Yet, the ASI is used for indexing the endorsement of sexism in GSD samples and across diverse populations. An ideal test of these experiences is to directly consult GSD participants for their reactions. In the current study, we report a reflexive thematic analysis of lesbian women and gay men’s (N = 744) feedback immediately after completing the ASI. Four themes characterized participants’ reactions to the ASI: Exclusion: Heteronormative items erase diverse genders and sexualities, Confusion: Inability to meaningfully respond due to heteronormativity, Hope: Exclusion understood as a necessary sacrifice toward progress, and Distress: Exclusion inflicts distress by reflecting societal prejudice. The themes captured the experience that many participants found heteronormative assumptions salient in the ASI and had varied reactions to the heteronormativity. Our results extend prior research that questions the generalizability of results drawn from the ASI, especially studies including GSD participants. We discuss the implications of the continued use of the ASI and encourage researchers to critically evaluate underlying theories and assumptions to ensure participants can engage with measures as intended.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Adults with Osteogenic Sarcoma
Authors: Robinson Michael J. , Davis Elizabeth J.
Published: October 2024

Opinion Statement

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in adolescents and adults. The 5-year survival rate is 65% when localized; however, survival drops dramatically to 10-20% in cases of metastatic disease. Therapy for osteosarcoma saw its first significant advancement in the 1970-80’s, with the introduction of our current standard of care, consisting of the neo/adjuvant treatment regimen methotrexate, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and cisplatin (collectively referred to as MAP) and surgical resection. Since MAP, development of a better therapeutic approach has stalled, creating a plateau in patient outcomes that has persisted for 40 years. Despite substantial research into a variety of pathways for novel treatment options, clinical trials have not produced sizeable improvements in outcomes. In this article, we discuss our current neoadjuvant standard of care therapy, followed by a review of contemporary therapeutic options, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Lastly, we consider the challenges hindering the success of novel treatment options and future research directions.
Post-COVID-19-pandemic changes and clinical characteristics of invasive group a streptococcal infections from 2015 to 2023
Authors: Tomidis Chatzimanouil Markos K. , Rößler Susann , Nurjadi Dennis , Iakovidis Isidoros , Berner Reinhard , Toepfner Nicole , Bornstein the Dresden G. A. S. Study Group: S , Aschoff Roland , Bornhäuser Martin , Güldner Andreas , Gunzer Florian , Herold Johannes , Schultz Jurek , Wimberger Pauline , Zahnert Thomas
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Since winter 2022, invasive GAS (iGAS) infections have re-emerged in Europe, causing severe diseases in children and adults. We aimed to examine whether this reported post-pandemic increase was associated with an increased disease severity and/or a shift in clinical disease phenotypes.

Methods

We performed detailed clinical phenotyping of patients hospitalized with iGAS infections at a 1410-bed tertiary German Medical Center from 01/2015 to 09/2023.

Results

One hundred seventy-eight patients were included: 50 children (28.1%) and 128 adults (71.9%). IGAS infections of Q1/2023 exceeded the pre-pandemic average by 551% (1200% for children). The mean age of affected patients shifted significantly post-pandemically (49.5 ± 26.5 to 32.4 ± 28.2 years of age, p < 0.05), mainly due to the higher percentage of children affected with iGAS infections (15.2% pre-pandemic, 44.2% post-pandemic). CFR was significantly lower for children (2%) compared to adults (11.7%) (p < 0.05) and decreased from 13% to 6.5% post-pandemically (p = 0.148). Duration of antibiotic therapy (13.5 (10 to 21) to 10 (9 to 14) days), length of hospital (10 (4 to 25) to 7 (5 to 15) days), and ICU stay (7.0 (2.5 to 18.0) to 5.0 (3.0 to 8.5) days) were shorter post-pandemically. Despite the higher post-pandemic percentage of affected children, PICU admissions (57% before to 32% after), use of catecholamines (28.6% to 11.8%), invasive ventilation (35.7% to 17.6%) and CFR (7% to 0%) were all lower after the pandemic.

Conclusion

Children were at higher risk for iGAS infections post-pandemically. The surge of post-pandemic iGAS infections was not accompanied by increased iGAS-associated morbidity and mortality.