bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An approach for mitigating cognitive load in password management by integrating QR codes and steganography
Authors: Balayogi G. , K. S. Kuppusamy
Published: July 2024

The proliferation of digital services and the imperative for secure authentication have necessitated the management of an expanding array of passwords, imposing a significant cognitive burden on users. The predominant method for authentication remains the use of passwords. However, a critical issue with this approach is that individuals frequently forget their passwords, particularly when managing multiple accounts. This often results in users creating similar or easily guessable passwords for different accounts or writing them down, compromising security. This article investigates an innovative method to mitigate cognitive burden using steganography‐embedded quick response (QR) codes for streamlined password management. The proposed model, named MASTER (Multi‐device‐based Authentication using STEgged QR Codes), was evaluated for usability using the system usability scale (SUS) and the subjective mental effort scale. The security of the model is evaluated using attack analysis and comparative analysis with image visibility and robustness. The evaluation results indicate that the MASTER model achieved a SUS score of 75.94, with the majority of participants agreeing that the system reduces cognitive effort.
Effect of Boron on Stress Corrosion Resistance of S31254 Super‐Austenitic Stainless Steel After Cold Deformation
Authors: Xiao Taike , Liang Xiaohong , Cao Zhuangzhuang , Han Peide , Ma Jinyao , Liang Hongli , Zhang Caili , Dong Nan
Published: July 2024

The effect of boron (B) on stress corrosion resistance of S31254 in the presence of residual stresses has been studied. The microstructure and corrosion resistance of S31254 containing B at different levels of cold deformation are analyzed in this study. In the results, it is shown that B favors the improvement of deformation uniformity of S31254. The grain boundary (GB) and slip bands have better corrosion resistance at 5% deformation, and the overall corrosion resistance is better than that of the undeformed state, with smaller passivation current density and narrower width of GB corrosion grooves, especially for the 40B samples. At 30% deformation, the overall corrosion resistance of 40B S31254 is better than 0B due to improved deformation uniformity.
Quercetin alleviates inflammation induced by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in MARC‐145 cells through the regulation of arachidonic acid and glutamine metabolism
Authors: Guang Qian , Zhang Long‐Ze , Tang Xin , Li Jia‐Kai , Cao Chong , Chen Hong‐Bo , Qiu Long‐Xin
Published: July 2024

Background

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection causes severe inflammatory response, respiratory disease and sow reproductive failure. Quercetin is among the widely occurring polypheno found abundantly in nature. Quercetin has anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidative and anti‐viral properties.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of quercetin on PRRSV‐induced inflammation in MARC‐145 cells.

Methods

Observing the cytopathic effect and measurements of inflammatory markers in MARC‐145 cells collectively demonstrate that quercetin elicits a curative effect on PRRSV‐induced inflammation. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was further used for a non‐targeted metabolic analysis of the role of quercetin in the metabolic regulation of PRRSV inflammation in MARC‐145 cells.

Results

It was shown that quercetin attenuated PRRSV‐induced cytopathy in MARC‐145 cells. Quercetin treatment inhibited PRRSV replication in MARC‐145 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. We also found that quercetin inhibited PRRSV‐induced mRNA expression and secretion levels of tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin 1β and interleukin 6. Metabolomics analysis revealed that quercetin ameliorated PRRSV‐induced inflammation. Pathway analysis results revealed that PRRSV‐induced pathways including arachidonic acid metabolism, linoleic acid, glycerophospholipid and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism were suppressed by quercetin. Moreover, we confirmed that quercetin inhibited the activation of NF‐κB/p65 pathway, probably by attenuating PLA2, ALOX and COX mRNA expression.

Conclusions

These results provide a crucial insight into the molecular mechanism of quercetin in alleviating PRRSV‐induced inflammation.
Characterization of antimicrobial resistance profiles in Escherichia coli isolated from captive mammals in Ecuador
Authors: Medina Anabell , Vega Yadira , Medina Jennifer , López Rosa N. , Vayas Patricio , Soria Joyce , Velásquez‐Yambay Cristian , Sánchez‐Gavilanes Lissette , Bastidas‐Caldes Carlos , Calero‐Cáceres William
Published: July 2024

Background

This study focuses on the AMR profiles in E. coli isolated from captive mammals at EcoZoo San Martín, Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador, highlighting the role of wildlife as reservoirs of resistant bacteria.

Aims

The aim of this research is to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profiles of E. coli strains isolated from various species of captive mammals, emphasizing the potential zoonotic risks and the necessity for integrated AMR management strategies.

Materials & Methods

A total of 189 fecal samples were collected from 70 mammals across 27 species. These samples were screened for E. coli, resulting in 90 identified strains. The resistance profiles of these strains to 16 antibiotics, including 10 β‐lactams and 6 non‐β‐lactams, were determined using the disk diffusion method. Additionally, the presence of Extended‐Spectrum Beta‐Lactamase (ESBL) genes and other resistance genes was analyzed using PCR.

Results

Significant resistance was observed, with 52.22% of isolates resistant to ampicillin, 42.22% to ceftriaxone and cefuroxime, and 27.78% identified as ESBL‐producing E. coli. Multiresistance (resistance to more than three antibiotic groups) was found in 35.56% of isolates. Carnivorous and omnivorous animals, particularly those with prior antibiotic treatments, were more likely to harbor resistant strains.

Discussion

These findings underscore the role of captive mammals as indicators of environmental AMR. The high prevalence of resistant E. coli in these animals suggests that zoos could be significant reservoirs for the spread of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. The results align with other studies showing that diet and antibiotic treatment history influence resistance profiles.

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for an integrated approach involving veterinary care, habitat management, and public awareness to prevent captive wildlife from becoming reservoirs of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. Improved waste management practices and responsible antibiotic use are crucial to mitigate the risks of AMR in zoo environments and reduce zoonotic threats.
Exploring the tribological impact of micaceous additives in copper‐free automobile brake friction composites
Authors: Sathyamoorthy G. , Raghunathan Vijay , Rangappa Sanjay Mavinkere , Siengchin Suchart , Singaravelu D. Lenin
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the tribological impact of incorporating micaceous additives in copper‐free brake friction composites for automotive applications. Four brake pad formulations were created, each containing different amounts of muscovite and phlogopite, ranging from 0% to 10% by weight. A brake pad comparison was conducted by replacing mica with synthetic barites. The physical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties of the fabricated brake friction composite were examined. Tribological features were evaluated through inertia brake dynamometer testing following the JASO‐C‐406 schedule. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis delved into contact plateau formations and back transfer patches on the brake pad's surfaces. Notably, phlogopite‐based pads exhibited enhanced thermal stability and efficient heat dissipation, contributing to sustained tribological performance. Overall, the comprehensive evaluation using the multiple objective optimization by ratio analysis (MOORA) method positioned phlogopite‐based brake pads as the optimal choice for optimized braking performances.

Highlights

Exploration of micaceous additives as an ingredient in brake friction composite.

Phlogopite‐based brake pads showed better fade and recovery performance.

Phlogopite‐based brake pads exhibited low pad wear and rotor wear.

MOORA optimization positioned phlogopite‐based brake pads as the optimal choice.
Shear‐driven flow of an ionic fluid in a narrow vertical channel under a Hall electric field
Authors: Das Sanatan , Karmakar Poly , Ali Asgar , Patra Ruma Rani , Jana Rabindra Nath
Published: July 2024

This paper focuses on demonstrating the shear‐driven convective flow of an ionic optically thin fluid in a narrow channel formed by two vertical parallel plates subject to a Hall electric field. The Hall electric field induces Hall currents, amending the flow dynamics of the ionic fluid. The setup involves a stationary left wall and a right wall that either undergoes impulsive motion (IM) or accelerated motion (AM), which initiates the fluid flow. A unified closed‐form solution for flow‐regulating equations is derived by harnessing the Laplace transform (LT) approach. The upshots of cardinal parameters on the velocity components and temperature distributions, shear stresses, and rate of heat transfer (RHT) are elucidated via graphics for both IM and AM scenarios. The graphs reveal that an intensification in the Hall parameter notably boosts the velocity components in both IM and AM cases. The primary and secondary velocities are consistently higher for IM than AM. The magnitude of shear stresses at the moving wall is always greater for IM than AM. Additionally, the shear stresses at the moving wall are notably greater for IM than AM, and the RHT at the moving wall reduces as the radiation parameter amplifies. The significant findings of this research have potential applications in electromagnetic propulsion systems, like plasma or ion thrusters, commonly employed in propelling spacecraft.
Radlogistik und ihre Wirkung auf Verkehr, Umwelt und Stadtentwicklung
Authors: Knese Dennis
Published: July 2024

Mit den zunehmenden Mengen im Wirtschaftsverkehr, die u. a. durch die steigende Zahl von Online-Bestellungen einhergehen, nehmen auch die potenziell negativen Wirkungen auf Klima- und Umweltaspekte zu. Die Radlogistik bietet Potenzial, diese Negativeffekte zu reduzieren, wenn dadurch Kfz-Fahrten ersetzt werden, da beim Transport mit Fahrrädern und Lastenrädern weniger Treibhausgase, Luftschadstoffe und Lärm emittiert werden. Zudem sinken der Flächenverbrauch, die Staugefahr und das Risiko von Unfällen mit schwerwiegenden Folgen für die Verkehrsteilnehmenden. Genaue Wirkungsabschätzungen liegen bislang nur begrenzt vor und fallen je nach Anwendungskontext und lokalen Rahmenbedingungen unterschiedlich aus.
Treiber und Hemmnisse der Radlogistik
Authors: Gruber Johannes , Bachmann Robin
Published: July 2024

Dieser Beitrag befasst sich tiefer gehend mit den von Nutzenden wahrgenommenen Treibern und Hemmnissen der gewerblichen Lastenradnutzung, ihrer Veränderung im Zeitverlauf und den dahinterliegenden Faktorenstrukturen. Damit können Barrieren für die weitere Verbreitung der Radlogistik identifiziert und Implikationen für Politik und Lastenradhersteller abgeleitet werden.
Gewerblicher Einsatz von Lastenrädern – Vielfalt der Nutzungsmöglichkeiten
Authors: Gruber Johannes , Plener Martin , Rudolph Christian , Seiffert Robert
Published: July 2024

Dieser Beitrag beleuchtet die Vielfalt der Nutzungsmöglichkeiten von Lastenrädern im gewerblichen Einsatz, welche sich am stetig wachsenden Interesse von privatwirtschaftlichen und öffentlichen Organisationen an der Lastenradnutzung zeigt. Am Beispiel der rund 750 Teilnehmenden an einem deutschlandweiten Lastenrad-Testprogramm werden gewerbliche Nutzer charakterisiert. Des Weiteren bietet der Beitrag einen Vorschlag zur Segmentierung der äußerst heterogenen Anwendungsfelder, die sich nicht nur auf Logistik- und Dienstleistungsbranchen beschränken.
On the anomaly interpretation of amplitudes in self-dual Yang-Mills and gravity
Authors: Doran George , Monteiro Ricardo , Wikeley Sam
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We investigate the integrability anomalies arising in the self-dual sectors of gravity and Yang-Mills theory, focusing on their connection to both the chiral anomaly and the trace anomaly. The anomalies in the self-dual sectors generate the one-loop all-plus amplitudes of gravitons and gluons, and have recently been studied via twistor constructions. On the one hand, we show how they can be interpreted as an anomaly of the chiral U(1) electric-magnetic-type duality in the self-dual sectors. We also note the similarity, for the usual fermionic chiral anomaly, between the 4D setting of self-dual Yang-Mills and the 2D setting of the Schwinger model. On the other hand, the anomalies in the self-dual theories also resemble the trace anomaly, sharing the same type of non-local effective action. We highlight the role of a Weyl-covariant fourth-order differential operator familiar from the trace anomaly literature, which (i) explains the conformal properties of the one-loop amplitudes, and (ii) indicates how this story may be extended to non-trivial spacetime backgrounds, e.g. with a cosmological constant. Moving beyond the self-dual sectors, and focusing on the gravity case, we comment on an intriguing connection to the two-loop ultraviolet divergence of pure gravity, whereby cancelling the anomaly at one-loop eliminates the two-loop divergence for the simplest helicity amplitudes.
Mobilität, Autofahren und funktionale Kompetenz bei älteren Menschen – Ausgewählte Ergebnisse einer Längsschnittstudie zur Alterung urbaner Kohorten (LUCAS)
Authors: von Renteln-Kruse Wolfgang , Püschel Klaus
Published: July 2024

Mobilität ist auch im höheren Alter maßgeblich für die selbstständige Lebensführung. Ältere Menschen beginnen bei geringerer körperlicher Leistungsfähigkeit (Gebrechlichkeit, engl. Frailty) ihren persönlichen Aktionsradius auf das nähere Wohnumfeld und schließlich die unmittelbare Häuslichkeit zu begrenzen. Erkrankungen des Bewegungsapparates, neurologische, psychische, kognitive, Sinnes- oder Kreislaufstörungen können die funktionale Kompetenz (Fähigkeit, unabhängig zu leben) einschränken.

In einer Längsschnittstudie zur Alterung urbaner Kohorten (LUCAS), aus der in diesem Artikel ausgewählte Ergebnisse berichtet werden, wurden die Teilnehmenden mittels des LUCAS-Funktions-Index unterschiedlichen Funktionsklassen zugeordnet (Robust, postRobust, preFrail und Frail). Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass zunehmende Verluste funktionaler Kompetenz mit abnehmender Mobilität und weniger häufigem selbstständigen Autofahren verknüpft waren. Beeinträchtigungen der Mobilität engten den Aktionsradius ein.

Das Ziel der gesundheitlichen Versorgung im Alter ist es, Unabhängigkeit und Lebensqualität der Menschen lange zu erhalten. Autofahren ist ein wichtiger Teil der Alltagsaktivitäten älterer Menschen. Deshalb sollte insbesondere hausärztlich auch regelmäßig wiederholt die Frage nach dem Autofahren gestellt werden, denn präventive Maßnahmen zum Erhalt funktionaler Gesundheit dienen auch dem Erhalt der Fahreignung älterer Menschen.
Cholestasis after Kasai operation predicts portal hypertension in native liver survivors of biliary atresia: a multicenter study
Authors: Chung Patrick Ho Yu , Harumatsu Toshio , Nakagawa Yoichi , Tsuboi Koichi , Chan Edwin Kin Wai , Leung Michael Wai Yip , Yeung Fanny , Muto Mitsuru , Kawano Takafumi , Amano Hizuru , Shirota Chiyoe , Nakamura Hiroki , Koga Hiroyuki , Miyano Go , Yamataka Atsuyuki , Ieiri Satoshi , Uchida Hiroo , Wong Kenneth Kak Yuen
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study evaluated portal hypertension (PHT) and its predictors among native liver survivors (NLS) of biliary atresia (BA) after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE).

Methods

This was a multicenter study using prospectively collected data. The subjects were patients who remained transplant-free for 5 years after KPE. Their status of PHT was evaluated and variables that predicted PHT were determined by regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

Six centers from East Asia participated in this study and 320 subjects with KPE between 1980 to 2018 were analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 10.6 ± 6.2 years. At the 5th year after KPE, PHT was found in 37.8% of the subjects (n = 121). Patients with KPE done before day 41 of life had the lowest percentage of PHT compared to operation at older age. At 12 months after KPE, PHT + ve subjects had a higher bilirubin level (27.1 ± 11.7 vs 12.3 ± 7.9 µmol/L, p = 0.000) and persistent jaundice conferred a higher risk for PHT (OR = 12.9 [9.2–15.4], p = 0.000). ROC analysis demonstrated that a bilirubin level above 38 µmol/L at 12 months after KPE predicted PHT development (sensitivity: 78%, specificity: 60%, AUROC: 0.75).

Conclusions

In BA, early KPE protects against the development of PHT among NLSs. Patients with persistent cholestasis at one year after KPE are at a higher risk of this complication. They should receive a more vigilant follow-up.

Level of evidence

Level III
Quantitative stakeholder-driven assessment of radiation protection issues via a PIANOFORTE online survey
Authors: Groma Veronika , Madas Balázs , Rauser Florian , Birschwilks Mandy , Blume Andreas , Real Almudena , Murakas Rein , Michalik Boguslaw , Paiva Isabel , Sjømoen Tone-Mette , Tkaczyk Alan H. , Popic Jelena Mrdakovic
Published: July 2024

To enhance stakeholder engagement and foster the inclusion of interests of citizens in radiation protection research, a comprehensive online survey was developed within the framework of the European Partnership PIANOFORTE. This survey was performed in 2022 and presented an opportunity for a wide range of stakeholders to voice their opinions on research priorities in radiation protection for the foreseeable future. Simultaneously, it delved into pertinent issues surrounding general radiation protection. The PIANOFORTE e-survey was conducted in the English language, accommodating a diverse range of participants. Overall, 440 respondents provided their insights and feedback, representing a broad geographical reach encompassing 29 European countries, as well as Canada, China, Colombia, India, and the United States. To assess the outcomes, the Positive Matrix Factorization numerical model was applied, in addition to qualitative and quantitative assessment of individual responses, enabling the discernment of four distinct stakeholder groups with varying attitudes. While the questionnaire may not fully represent all stakeholders due to the limited respondent pool, it is noteworthy that approximately 70% of the participants were newcomers to comparable surveys, demonstrating a proactive attitude, a strong willingness to collaborate and the necessity to continuously engage with stakeholder groups. Among the individual respondents, distinct opinions emerged particularly regarding health effects of radiation exposure, medical use of radiation, radiation protection of workers and the public, as well as emergency and recovery preparedness and response. In cluster analysis, none of the identified groups had clear preferences concerning the prioritization of future radiation protection research topics.
Analysen an alten Kris-Dolchen sowie Nachschmiedung eines Dolchs
Authors: Scheiblechner Wolfgang , Strobl Susanne , Haubner Roland
Published: July 2024

Indonesische Krisdolche wurden mittels eines tragbaren RFA-Geräts untersucht. Zwei von vier Krisen enthielten Ni, was auf die Verwendung von Meteoriteneisen hindeutet. Bei einem weiteren Kris aus Privatbesitz wurden Ni Konzentrationen im Prozentbereich gemessen, was eher auf die Verwendung eines Ni-reichen Stahls hindeutet. Es wurde auch ein gewellter Kris nachgeschmiedet und das Gefüge sowie die Qualität der Feuerverschweißungen metallographisch überprüft.
Health Literacy und Empowerment für Menschen mit schweren psychischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Mües Hanna M. , Grabovac Igor , Löffler-Stastka Henriette
Published: July 2024

Psychische Störungen gehen mit einer erhöhten Krankheitslast einher. Des Weiteren stellen somatische Erkrankungen, u. a. aufgrund erhöhter Risikofaktoren sowie des „diagnostic overshadowing“, eine zusätzliche potenzielle Problematik bei Menschen mit psychischen Erkrankungen dar. Dennoch suchen Menschen mit psychischen Störungen erst spät oder gar keine professionelle Unterstützung. Eine Förderung der Health Literacy und des Empowerments stellen wichtige Ansatzpunkte für die Gesundheitsförderung und die Verringerung von Ungleichheiten in der Gesundheitsversorgung von Menschen mit psychischen Erkrankungen dar. In diesem Beitrag werden die Konzepte Health Literacy und Empowerment näher erläutert, Möglichkeiten zur Förderung in der Praxis präsentiert und ein Fallbeispiel vorgestellt. Das Gesundheitspersonal spielt für den Ausbau von Health Literacy und Empowerment eine entscheidende Rolle.
The water weakening effect on the progressive slope failure under excavation and rainfall conditions
Authors: Yu Xiang , Zhao Tao , Gong Bin , Tang Chun’an
Published: July 2024

The water weakening effect refers to the gradual deterioration of soil mechanical properties under long-term saturation. This paper analyzed the impact of water weakening on slope stability under alternating excavation and rainfall. The field investigation speculated shale hydration as the cause of overall slope instability. The mechanical parameters of hydrated shale were determined by the parameter inversion and empirical estimation methods. The simulations were used to restore the process of parameter weakening and slope failure, and confirmed the fact that hydration causes landslide. Furthermore, the failure mechanism of slope and support structure under hydration were investigated. The results show that the mechanical parameters of the slope decreased linearly, whereas the plastic strain–time and total displacement-maximum shear stress curves of the hydrated shale exhibited three stages: slow initial growth, rapid growth in the middle term, and rapid increase in the later period; the rate of slope deformation and the factor of safety reduction also gradually increase over time; under middle stage of hydration, the middle to rear of shale were extruded, while the front first underwent tensile shear deformation, forming a plastic zone of at rear and front excavated slope; In the late stage, hydrated shale quickly reaches its yield limit (maximum shear stress of 270 kPa), the middle and rear shale is damaged and compresses the front, causing it to transform from tensile shear to compressive shear failure. The plastic zone in the rear extends forward and connects with the front ones, forming an overall landslide. Besides, preventing deep landslides caused by hydration through waterproofing, drainage, protection, and support for excavated slopes has proven difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to redesign treatment schemes based on the characteristics of stress, strain, and seepage.
Assessing the readability and quality of online patient information for laser tattoo removal
Authors: Jean-Pierre Philippe , Scheinkman Ryan , Nouri Keyvan
Published: July 2024

Just as tattoos continue to increase in popularity, many people with tattoos also seek removal, often due to career concerns. Prospective clients interested in laser tattoo removal may do research about the procedure online, as the internet increasingly becomes a resource to get preliminary health information. However, it is important that the online health information on the topic be of high quality and be accessible to all patients. We analyzed 77 websites from a Google search query using the terms “Laser tattoo removal patient Information” and “Laser tattoo removal patient Instructions” to assess this. The websites were evaluated for their readability using multiple validated indices and comprehensiveness. We found that websites had a broad readability range, from elementary to college, though most were above the recommended eighth-grade reading level. Less than half of the websites adequately discussed the increased risk of pigmentary complications in the skin of color clients or emphasized the importance of consulting with a board-certified dermatologist/plastic surgeon before the procedure. Over 90% of the websites noted that multiple laser treatments are likely needed for complete clearance of tattoos. The findings from our study underscore a significant gap in the accessibility and quality of online information for patients considering laser tattoo removal, particularly in addressing specific risks for patients with darker skin tones and emphasizing the need for consulting a board-certified physician before undergoing the procedure. It is important that online resources for laser tattoo removal be appropriately written to allow better decision-making, expectations, and future satisfaction for potential clients interested in the procedure.
GPC2 promotes prostate cancer progression via MDK-mediated activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Sijin , Liao Jiaxing , Li Juhua , Wang Saihui
Published: July 2024

Prostate cancer is a major medical problem for men worldwide. Advanced prostate cancer is currently incurable. Recently, much attention was paid to the role of GPC2 in the field of oncology. Nevertheless, there have been no investigations of GPC2 and its regulatory mechanism in prostate cancer. Here, we revealed a novel action of GPC2 and a tumor promoting mechanism in prostate cancer. GPC2 was upregulated in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines. Higher expression of GPC2 was correlated with higher Gleason score, lymphatic metastasis, and worse overall survival in prostate cancer patients. Decreased expression of GPC2 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in prostate cancer, whereas GPC2 overexpression promoted these properties. Mechanistically, GPC2 promoted the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through MDK. The rescue assay results in prostate cancer cells demonstrated that overexpression of MDK could attenuate GPC2 knockdown induced inactivation of PI3K/AKT signaling and partly reverse GPC2 knockdown induced inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In all, our study identified GPC2 as an oncogene in prostate cancer. GPC2 promoted prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via MDK-mediated activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. GPC2 might be a promising prognosis predictor and potential therapeutic target in prostate cancer.
Phase 3 THOR Japanese subgroup analysis: erdafitinib in advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer and fibroblast growth factor receptor alterations
Authors: Matsubara Nobuaki , Miura Yuji , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Taoka Rikiya , Kojima Takahiro , Shimizu Nobuaki , Hwang Jason , Ote Tatsuya , Oyama Ryo , Toyoizumi Kiichiro , Mukhopadhyay Sutapa , Triantos Spyros , Deprince Kris , Loriot Yohann
Published: July 2024

Background

In the THOR trial (NCT03390504) Cohort 1, erdafitinib demonstrated significantly prolonged overall survival (OS) (median 12.1 versus 7.8 months) and reduced risk of death by 36% (hazard ratio 0.64, P = 0.005) compared with chemotherapy in metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) patients with FGFR alterations who progressed after ≥ 1 prior treatments, including anti-PD-(L)1. There have been no reports of the Japanese subgroup results yet.

Methods

THOR Cohort 1 randomized patients to erdafitinib once daily or docetaxel/vinflunine once every 3 weeks. Primary endpoint was OS. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR). No specific statistical power was set for this Japanese subgroup analysis.

Results

Of 266 patients randomized, 27 (14 erdafitinib; 13 chemotherapy) were Japanese. Baseline characteristics were generally similar between treatments and to the overall population, except for more males, lower body weight, and more upper tract primary tumors among Japanese patients. Compared with chemotherapy, erdafitinib showed improved OS (median 25.4 versus 12.4 months), PFS (median 8.4 versus 2.9 months) and ORR (57.1% versus 15.4%). Any grade treatment-related adverse events (AEs) occurred in all patients from both arms but Grade 3/4 AEs and AEs leading to discontinuation were lower in the erdafitinib arm. No new safety signals were observed in the Japanese subgroup.

Conclusion

In the Japanese subgroup, erdafitinib showed improved survival and response compared to chemotherapy, with no new safety concerns. These results support erdafitinib as a treatment option for Japanese mUC patients with FGFR alterations, and early FGFR testing after diagnosis of mUC should be considered.
The influence of conservation policies and legislations on communities in Tanzania
Authors: Kegamba Juma J. , Sangha Kamaljit K. , Wurm Penelope A.S. , Kideghesho Jafari R. , Garnett Stephen T.
Published: July 2024

Benefit-sharing mechanisms have been instrumental in securing the support of local communities living on the edge of protected areas, and in resolving human-wildlife conflicts. Understanding how current conservation policies influence benefit-sharing and the management of human-wildlife conflicts is vital for designing strong mechanisms to achieve both conservation and ethical community outcomes. Here we examined how benefit-sharing and human-wildlife conflicts are acknowledged and addressed within the current conservation policies (wildlife policies, legislations, regulations and strategic plans) using the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem (GSE) as a case study. The fourteen policies focusing primarily on wildlife conservation in Tanzania are analysed. We also drew on the findings of three studies conducted during 2021 and 2022 documenting community interactions with wildlife and adjacent protected areas. These studies covered the types of benefit provided by various conservation institutions to local communities, the effectiveness of benefit-sharing mechanisms, and the conservation-related losses incurred by communities. The study uncovered a wide range of benefits provided to local communities in the form of social amenities, livelihood support and employment. However, the losses and costs experienced are far greater than these benefits. Integrating these findings with policy analysis, we identified that the main limitations reducing the impacts of benefits in motivating positive conservation behaviours to be: losses of livestock and crops were more than four times the value of benefits/compensation offered to communities; a lack of details and clarity of benefit-sharing mechanisms; benefit/conservation rates that have not been indexed against inflation and; shortcomings in implementation. To achieve conservation outcomes, we recommend revising the conservation policies and legislation across the country in collaboration with local communities who experience the impacts of conservation in their day-to-day life. We also propose a coordinated approach for all conservation institutions managing wildlife to address widespread human-wildlife conflicts across the country effectively and to achieve better conservation outcomes rather than leaving that task to a single organization (i.e. Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority).
Curve-lifted codes for local recovery using lines
Authors: Matthews Gretchen L. , Morrison Travis , Murphy Aidan W.
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we introduce curve-lifted codes over fields of arbitrary characteristic, inspired by Hermitian-lifted codes over $$\mathbb {F}_{2^r}$$

F

2
r

. These codes are designed for locality and availability, and their particular parameters depend on the choice of curve and its properties. Due to the construction, the numbers of rational points of intersection between curves and lines play a key role. To demonstrate that and generate new families of locally recoverable codes (LRCs) with high availabilty, we focus on norm-trace-lifted codes.
Soil carbon storage under different types of arid land use in Algeria
Authors: Benslama Abderraouf , Benbrahim Fouzi , Rym-Gadoum Lydia , Gómez-Lucas Ignacio , Mordan-Vidal Manuel Miguel , Navarro-Pedreño Jose , Bech-Borrás Jaume
Published: July 2024

This study aims to assess the amount of organic carbon stored in soils, as it is an intention of knowing the sustainable soil management, by using two common methods for determining soil organic matter (SOM), namely oxidation with acidified wet dichromate (Walkley–Black method-WB) and loss on ignition (LOI). The study was carried with soil samples collected from a depth of 0 to 30 cm in the Saharan arid region of Ghardaïa (Algeria), with different land uses: agricultural, forest and pastoral. The results obtained from the LOI and WB methods were subjected to statistical analysis, and the relations between both methods were tested to investigate their relationship. The mean percentage of SOM values were 1.86, 2.42, 1.54 by using LOI, but, lower values of 0.34, 0.33, 0.36 were determined by using WB method, for agricultural, forest and pastoral soils respectively. A weak linear relationship between the two analytical procedures was obtained (R2 of 0.19 and 0.13 for agricultural and forest soils), while a medium relationship (R2 = 0.65) was found for pastoral soils when using linear adjustment. However, the opposite behaviour was found when we use the logarithmic adjustment. The study outcomes indicated discrepancies in the measurements of SOM values between the two methods, been higher those estimated with LOI. Finally, in order to identify the best methodology to measure soil organic matter in arid soils, more research is required in these extreme arid regions as they are a gap in world soil organic matter maps.
Neuroprotective efficiency of celecoxib vesicular bilosomes for the management of lipopolysaccharide-induced Alzheimer in mice employing 23 full factorial design
Authors: Darwish Asmaa Badawy , Salama Abeer , Younis Mostafa Mohammed
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate bilosomes loaded with Celecoxib (CXB) for the efficient treatment of Alzheimer. The thin-film hydration approach was utilized in the formulation of CXB bilosomes (CXB-BLs). The study used a 23-factorial design to investigate the impact of several formulation variables. Three separate parameters were investigated: bile salt type (X1), medication amount (X2), and lipid–bile salt ratio (X3). The dependent responses included entrapment efficiency (Y1: EE %), particle size (Y2: PS), and zeta potential (Y3: ZP). The formulation factors were statistically optimized using the Design-Expert® program. The vesicles demonstrated remarkable CXB encapsulation efficiency, ranging from 94.16 ± 1.91 to 98.38 ± 0.85%. The vesicle sizes ranged from 241.8 ± 6.74 to 352 ± 2.34 nm. The produced formulations have high negative zeta potential values, indicating strong stability. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the optimized vesicles had a spherical form. CXB release from BLs was biphasic, with the release pattern following Higuchi's model. In vivo studies confirmed the efficiency of CXB-BLs in management of lipopolysaccharide-induced Alzheimer as CXB-BLs ameliorated cognitive dysfunction, decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and inhibited neuro-inflammation and neuro-degeneration through reducing Toll-like receptor (TLR4), and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels. The findings suggested that the created CXB-BLs could be a potential drug delivery strategy for Alzheimer's treatment.
Completion of Upper Secondary Mainstream School in Autistic Students in Sweden
Authors: Stark Isidora , Rast Jessica E. , Lundberg Michael , Döring Nora , Ohlis Anna , Idring Nordström Selma , Rai Dheeraj , Magnusson Cecilia
Published: July 2024

Higher education is an increasingly necessary achievement to attain employment. However, even in cases where a student has the academic skills to succeed, educational environments may not support students across all other domains necessary for education success, including social and communication needs. This is especially true for students with disabilities and autistic students, where the rate of completion of non-compulsory education is unknown. We used the Stockholm Youth Cohort (children aged 0–17 years from 2001 to 2011), a total population cohort (N = 736,180) including 3,918 autistic individuals, to investigate the association between autism without intellectual disability and completion of upper secondary education. We assessed the impact of sex and co-occurring Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on this association. By age 20 years (the expected age of completion), 68% of autistic students and 91% of non-autistic students admitted to upper secondary education had completed. In logistic regression models adjusted for student demographics, autistic students had almost five-fold higher odds of not completing secondary school (OR 4.90, 95% CI 4.56 5.26) compared to their non-autistic peers. Autistic students with ADHD had particularly high odds of non-completion of upper secondary school. Autistic students without intellectual disability attending mainstream education are substantially less likely to complete upper secondary education as compared to their peers. These findings have implications for the appraisal of how inclusive school policies serve autistic students’ academic and social needs, ultimately addressing population health and independent living.
A simple method for repeated in vivo sperm collection from laboratory mice
Authors: Burgstaller Sophie M. , Auer Kerstin E. , Rülicke Thomas
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Mouse spermatozoa for archiving laboratory mice or for in vitro fertilization (IVF) are routinely obtained from the cauda epididymis of adult males sacrificed for this purpose. To avoid the death of the donor, we tested whether a precisely timed interruption of the mating act could be used for repeated sperm collection from laboratory mice.

Methods

Sperm donors (B6D2F1) were mated with a receptive female, and mating behavior was observed. The stud was separated from the female 1–2 s after the onset of the ejaculatory shudder. The ejected copulatory plug with the yellowish viscous ejaculate was carefully removed from the penile cup.

Results

A total of 80 ejaculates were successfully obtained from 100 ejaculations. The latency to first mount was 1.1 ± 1.1 min (mean ± SD) and to ejaculation 8.1 ± 4.7 min. The average number of mounts to ejaculation was 10.5 ± 5.8, and the mean number of spermatozoa per collected ejaculate was 1.86 ± 1.05 × 106. An average fertilization rate of 76% was observed after IVF.

Conclusions

Separating the stud from the female just before ejaculation is feasible, easy to learn, and requires no special equipment. The sperm count of collected ejaculates is lower than natural ejaculations, but higher than previous in vivo sperm collection methods achieved. We recommend this simple sperm collection method in mice, especially when the donor cannot be sacrificed and/or repeated sperm collection from the same animal is required for experimental purposes.
Towards the Development of an In-Process Quality Monitoring System for Polyethylene Recyclates by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Ahrens André , Shamsuyeva Madina , Endres Hans-Josef , Zimmermann Stefan
Published: July 2024

Over the past few decades, the topic of recycling has become increasingly prominent in the field of sustainable materials and circular economy. One significant challenge is the physical separation of different types of plastics to obtain recyclates of one plastic type as pure as possible with comparable quality and properties to those of virgin material. Given the substantial effort involved in such separation, small amounts of contamination from other plastics may be tolerated. However, these contaminations must be monitored to ensure high-level recyclate quality. In recent years, compact, low-cost ion mobility spectrometers (IMS) with high analytical performance have been developed, and have thus become widely used in a variety of sensing applications. Due to their high sensitivity, IMS are particularly suited for detecting lowest concentration levels of various compounds, as required for the detection of impurities in recyclate quality monitoring. When coupled to a miniature gas chromatograph (GC), GC-IMS reach even higher separation power while being still compact. To bring recyclate samples to the gas phase, pyrolysis (Py) is used in this work. A first feasibility study was conducted to assess the potential of such a pyrolysis–gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometer (Py-GC-IMS) with the objective of detecting contaminations of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in polyethylene (PE) recyclates. The study clearly demonstrates the ability to identify PET-related fingerprints while suppressing the PE background matrix by design so that Py-GC-IMS seems a promising approach for in-process monitoring PET contaminations in PE recyclates.
The effect of landscape composition, complexity, and heterogeneity on bird richness: a systematic review and meta-analysis on a global scale
Authors: Lu Xinghao , Jia Yifei , Wang Yuncai
Published: July 2024

Context

Birds, as indicators of biodiversity, are experiencing habitat reduction and loss due to landscape changes. Evidence is mounting that the response of bird richness to landscape patterns remains controversial on a global scale. In this study, we conducted a quantitative global synthesis to gain a comprehensive understanding of this relationship. Our findings contribute to the development of bird conservation strategies that align with the objectives of SDG15.

Objective

Through a quantitative review, this study investigated the effects of landscape patterns on bird richness and analyzed the sources of heterogeneity in the results.

Methods

A random-effects model was utilized to merge the impacts of landscape metrics on bird richness, and a meta-regression analysis was performed to investigate the origins of heterogeneity.

Results

The review encompassed 101 articles from 51 countries worldwide. Field sampling emerged as the primary method for acquiring bird data, with multiple linear regression and generalized linear models as the main analytical approaches. The meta-analysis results highlighted landscape area as a crucial factor influencing bird richness. Regarding landscape composition, the proportions of forests, shrublands, and water bodies positively impacted bird richness, while agricultural land and urban land had negative effects. The relationship between landscape complexity and bird richness is influenced by factors, including net primary productivity (NPP) and precipitation. Landscape heterogeneity was identified as a contributing factor to increased species richness.

Conclusion

Compared to landscape complexity, indicators of landscape composition and heterogeneity are more suitable as reference tools for bird conservation. The results of landscape complexity exhibit variation. Moreover, our findings underscore the crucial role of preserving forested areas in supporting bird diversity, emphasizing the necessity to account for regional variations when establishing forest cover thresholds.
Variable selection for both outcomes and predictors: sparse multivariate principal covariates regression
Authors: Park Soogeun , Ceulemans Eva , Van Deun Katrijn
Published: July 2024

Datasets comprised of large sets of both predictor and outcome variables are becoming more widely used in research. In addition to the well-known problems of model complexity and predictor variable selection, predictive modelling with such large data also presents a relatively novel and under-studied challenge of outcome variable selection. Certain outcome variables in the data may not be adequately predicted by the given sets of predictors. In this paper, we propose the method of Sparse Multivariate Principal Covariates Regression that addresses these issues altogether by expanding the Principal Covariates Regression model to incorporate sparsity penalties on both of predictor and outcome variables. Our method is one of the first methods that perform variable selection for both predictors and outcomes simultaneously. Moreover, by relying on summary variables that explain the variance in both predictor and outcome variables, the method offers a sparse and succinct model representation of the data. In a simulation study, the method performed better than methods with similar aims such as sparse Partial Least Squares at prediction of the outcome variables and recovery of the population parameters. Lastly, we administered the method on an empirical dataset to illustrate its application in practice.
ICM ensemble with novel betting functions for concept drift
Authors: Eliades Charalambos , Papadopoulos Harris
Published: July 2024

This study builds upon our previous work by introducing a refined Inductive Conformal Martingale (ICM) approach for addressing Concept Drift. Specifically, we enhance our previously proposed CAUTIOUS betting function to incorporate multiple density estimators for improving detection ability. We also combine this betting function with two base estimators that have not been previously utilized within the ICM framework: the Interpolated Histogram and Nearest Neighbor Density Estimators. We assess these extensions using both a single ICM and an ensemble of ICMs. For the latter, we conduct a comprehensive experimental investigation into the influence of the ensemble size on prediction accuracy and the number of available predictions. Our experimental results on four benchmark datasets demonstrate that the proposed approach surpasses our previous methodology in terms of performance while matching or in many cases exceeding that of three contemporary state-of-the-art techniques.
A novel method of reconstructing planar flow field from given distribution of single velocity component: comparison to conventional divergence-free approach
Authors: Shimano Kenjiro , Shiratori Suguru , Nagano Hideaki
Published: July 2024

Measurements of a single flow velocity component are still prevalent due to their reasonable costs and some difficulties in multiple-component measurements. If the transverse component can be obtained additionally by a numerical technique, qualitative features of the flow will be understood more effectively. In this context, methods based on the 2-dimensonal divergence-free assumption have been widely used for problems in which a single velocity component is measured over a planar domain. In this study, the authors proposed a method of approximating the second planar velocity component by minimising an objective function expressed with divergence and vorticity so that the mass transport in the out-of-plane direction could be taken into consideration. The present method was tested with numerically produced 3-dimensional flows in a hexahedral chamber and a flow around a bluff body measured by particle image velocimetry. There was a tendency that the present method calculated the second velocity component with smaller errors than existing divergence-free approaches. It was also shown that the present method had a high capability to locate strong suction and generation caused by the mass transport in the out-of-plane direction. The present method is deemed promising for many one-component flow measurements in engineering and medicine.