bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Signature flips in time-varying $$\Lambda (t)$$ cosmological models with observational data
Authors: Myrzakulov Yerlan , Koussour M. , Karimov M. , Rayimbaev J.
Published: July 2024

In this study, we investigate signature flips within the framework of cosmological models featuring a time-varying vacuum energy term $$\Lambda (t)$$

Λ
(
t
)

. Specifically, we consider the power-law form of $$\Lambda =\alpha H^n$$

Λ
=
α

H
n

, where $$\alpha $$
α
and n are constants. To constrain the model parameters, we use the MCMC technique, allowing for effective exploration of the model’s parameters. We apply this approach to analyze 31 points of observational Hubble Data (OHD), 1048 points from the Pantheon data, and additional CMB data. We consider three scenarios: when n is a free parameter (Case I), when $$n=0$$

n
=
0

(Case II), and when $$n=1$$

n
=
1

(Case III). In our analysis across all three cases, we observe that our model portrays the universe’s evolution from a matter-dominated decelerated epoch to an accelerated epoch, as indicated by the corresponding deceleration parameter. In addition, we investigate the physical behavior of total energy density, total EoS parameter, and jerk parameter. Our findings consistently indicate that all cosmological parameters predict an accelerated expansion phase of the universe for all three cases ($$q_0<0$$

q
0

<
0

, $$\omega _0<-\frac{1}{3}$$

ω
0

<
-

1
3

, $$j_0>0$$

j
0

>
0

). Furthermore, our analysis reveals that the Om(z) diagnostics for Cases I and III align with the quintessence region, while Case II corresponds to the $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model.
Beams of electrons, gammas and fast neutrons at BINP
Authors: Bobrovnikov V. S.
Published: July 2024

An overview of test beam facilities at Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics (BINP) is presented. Facility for generation of extracted beams of electrons was designed at BINP for testing of detector prototypes in HEP field. The electron beam energy is from 100[Formula: see text]MeV to 3.5[Formula: see text]GeV. Since 2011, the facility has been used successfully for testing various detector prototypes. On the base of VEPP–4M collider, it is possible to obtain gamma beams too. The energy scale and resolution of calorimeters can be calibrated using edges of Compton and bremsstrahlung spectra. A facility for boron–neutron capture therapy (BNCT) was upgraded to perform radiation tests with fast neutrons with the integral flux up to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]n/cm2. In 2022, the experiment on the study of the radiation hardness of optical fibers for the laser calibration system of electromagnetic calorimeter and the CMS detector was carried out. It has been demonstrated for the first time that at the BINP it is possible to operate with such doses. It could be further used for the wide range of radiation test tasks related with the development of facilities for HEP.
Charmed baryon studies at the Super Tau-Charm facilities
Authors: Uglov Timofey
Published: July 2024

This paper discusses various aspects of the physical program Super Tau-Charm facility — a future flavor super-factory, whose construction is currently being discussed in China and Russia. Particular attention is paid to the study of charmed baryons, where record statistics Super Tau-Charm facility can provide significant progress.
User Requirement Identification and Dynamic Analysis Based on Improved Kano Model
Authors: Zhang Ruijie , Qiao Yanan , Wang Keqin , Zhou Junle , Zhang Kailong , Xia Weili
Published: July 2024

The widespread adoption of e-commerce has rendered online reviews an indispensable source for acquiring knowledge about product features. The Kano model serves as a classic framework for categorizing customer requirements. It was proposed by the Japanese scholar Noriaki Kano in 1984 as a tool primarily used to help businesses better understand and categorize customer needs, guiding product development and service quality improvement. However, existing research on mining online review information often relies predominantly on static analysis, lacking comprehensive categorization of user demands. To address this gap, this paper introduces an enhanced Kano model for the identification and dynamic analysis of user demands. This model classifies review data based on emotional polarity and user attention, leveraging the characteristics inherent in online reviews. Furthermore, it constructs a user demand evolution model using time series analysis and utilizes SnowNLP for emotional calculations. By conducting word frequency statistics and employing LDA models to analyze product features, this paper identifies the evolving trends in user demands. Additionally, the exponential smoothing method is used to forecast the trend in users’ emotional values towards the product. The findings demonstrate that this model effectively extracts valuable insights regarding product feature information from user reviews, thereby offering novel perspectives and methodologies for related fields. Consequently, this contributes significantly to advancing the identification and dynamic analysis of user demands.
Studying high-energy nuclear physics with machine learning
Authors: Pang Long-Gang
Published: July 2024

The research paradigm in physics has evolved through three distinct phases: empirical observation and induction, theoretical modeling and deduction and computational numerical analysis and simulation. We are now situated within a novel epoch wherein the scientific research paradigm is increasingly shaped by the preeminence of large-scale data and artificial intelligence, particularly within the realm of AI for science applications. The advent of high-energy colliders coupled with Monte Carlo simulations has given rise to an unprecedented accumulation of data. Nested within this transformative research paradigm, machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies have been extensively harnessed for the analysis of these vast data sets. Within the domain of high-energy nuclear physics, two prevalent machine learning techniques have emerged: Bayesian analysis and deep learning. The former employs comprehensive fitting methodologies that compare extensive data sets against theoretical models, enabling the extraction of critical information pertaining to the initial nuclear structure, parton distributions, the equation of state governing hot and dense nuclear matter, and the transport coefficients of the quark–gluon plasma, among other parameters. Conversely, the latter capitalizes on the unparalleled pattern recognition capabilities of deep learning to discern robust features from high-dimensional raw data, specifically targeting individual physical parameters. This paper elucidates the fundamental principles of machine learning and delineates its potential to augment high-energy nuclear physics research endeavors.
Design and Synthesis of Whey Protein-Based Nanoformulation of Fe Ion and Data Extract-Loaded Agents and Functionalized with Folic Acid for Studying its Effect on Yogurt Properties
Authors: Al-Suwidi Mohammed Q. J. , Al-Saadi Jasim M. S. , Al-Musawi Sharafaldin
Published: July 2024

Recently, there has been a strong interest in nanoparticles (NPs) and their use in a wide range of food applications due to their possession of a set of unique physical and chemical properties. In this work, the nanoformulation was synthesized by coating Fe Ion and Zahdi date pit powder (ZDP) by whey protein. This nanosystem was functionalized by folic acid (FA) molecules. The physiochemical characteristics of WPI@Fe-ZDP-FA nanocomposite were evaluated and confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and radical scavenging activity using DPPH methods. These NPs were added to skim milk and yogurt was produced from it. The effects of this addition on the chemical, physical and sensory properties of yogurt were studied during storage at [Formula: see text]C for 28 days. The prepared nanocomposite was used in proportions of 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75%, respectively. The chemical tests included measuring the percentage of moisture, protein, carbohydrates, fat, and ash, in addition to the total acidity and pH, while the rheological tests included hardness, cohesion and flexibility. A sensory evaluation of the curd parameters was also performed. The curd treatments to which the nanocomposite was added showed a decrease in the level of moisture over the length of the storage period and an increase in the percentage of protein, carbohydrates and ash compared to the control sample that was without the addition. As for the rheological tests, there was a discrepancy in the results of the treatments when compared to the control treatment, as the addition of 0.25% has higher characteristics than all other treatments, especially in the ability to retain water and spontaneous whey excretion. It was more acceptable in terms that the novel WPI@Fe-ZDP-FA nanoformulation greatly improved the characteristics of texture, taste and flavor in yogurt.
From Pursuit of the Universal AGI Architecture to Systematic Approach to Heterogeneous AGI (SAGI): Addressing Alignment, Energy & AGI Grand Challenges
Authors: Kurshan Eren
Published: July 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) faces a trifecta of grand challenges: the Energy Wall, the Alignment Problem and the Leap from Narrow AI to AGI. Contemporary AI solutions consume unsustainable amounts of energy during model training and daily operations. Making things worse, the amount of computation required to train each new AI model has been doubling every 2 months since 2020, directly translating to unprecedented increases in energy consumption. The leap from AI to AGI requires multiple functional subsystems operating in a balanced manner, which requires a system architecture. However, the current approach to AI lacks system design; even though system characteristics play a key role in the human brain; from the way it processes information to how it makes decisions. In this paper, we posit that system design is the missing piece in overcoming current AI the grand challenges. We present a Systematic Approach to AGI (SAGI) that utilizes system design principles to overcome the energy wall and the alignment challenges. This paper asserts that artificial intelligence can be realized through a multiplicity of design-specific pathways, rather than a singular, overarching AGI architecture. AGI systems may exhibit diverse architectural configurations and capabilities, contingent upon their intended use cases. We argue that AI alignment, the most difficult among the grand challenges, is not attainable without a way to reflect the complexity of the human moral system and its subsystems in the AGI architectures. We claim that AGI approaches such as symbolicism, connectionism and others are not fundamental to AGI but emergent from the system design processes. Hence, we focus on employing system design principles as a guiding framework, rather than solely concentrating on a universal AGI architecture.
Digital Twin-Driven Dynamic Scheduling of Flexible Manufacturing System in the Context of Smart Factory Producing Brass Accessories
Authors: Chakroun Ayoub , Hani Yasmina , Elmhamedi Abderrahmane , Masmoudi Faouzi
Published: July 2024

This study aims to deal with a dynamic scheduling problem of a real Flow Shop follow-up of an assembly process considering the specific constraints and requirements of a brass accessories manufacturing (BAM) company. We basically set up a Digital Twin-driven dynamic scheduling approach for Industry 4.0 by addressing uncertainties of machine availability. In fact, the setup of this Digital Twin (DT) is the outcome of the combination of both optimization and simulation. For the first step, we have elaborated a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) scheduling model by taking into account the dedicated requisites of our case study. Concerning simulation, a 3D simulation platform of a workshop producing brass accessories controlled by a Cyber-Physical Production System (CPPS) has been developed, in our previous work, including constraints and stochastic aspects. The simulation constraints are difficult or impossible to be modeled in the MILP model. These designs are integrated with the real workshop to construct the Digital Twin. The proposed tool enables the rescheduling of production orders based on machine disturbances and unpredictability. Validation scenarios have been designed and conducted to highlight the efficacy of the Digital Twin approach utilizing the brass accessories case study. We are confident that this represents the initial endeavor addressing the optimization of production rescheduling in a flow shop follow-up of a mixed assembly system.
PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF DATA-DRIVEN MODELS IN ARCTIC SEA ICE PREDICTION
Authors: PANG RUI
Published: July 2024

Data-driven models are emerging as a brand-new approach in Arctic sea ice prediction. In this study, we perform the effectiveness comparison of different machine learning models in predicting the sea ice extent in the whole Arctic Sea and its subregions: the Bering Sea, the East Siberian Sea, the Chukchi Sea, the Beaufort Sea, and the Central Arctic Sea. The machine learning models used in this study include Ridge Regression, Lasso Regression, Decision Tree, k-Nearest Neighbors, Random Forests, XGBoost, as well as two stacked learning models. Our research reveals that due to the different features of sea ice evolution in different sea areas, these data-driven models generate significantly different prediction performances for sea ice evolution in different seas. In detail, two stacked learning models performed the best in the whole Arctic Sea, the stacked learning model LR_Random Forests performed the best in the Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, and Chukchi Sea, the Random Forests model performed the best in the Central Arctic Sea, and the Decision Tree model performed the best in the East Siberian Sea.
Transactions and Serverless are Made for Each Other
Authors: Li Qian , Kraft Peter
Published: July 2024

Database-backed applications are an exciting new frontier for serverless computation. By tightly integrating application execution and data management, a transactional serverless platform enables many new features not possible in either existing serverless platforms or server-based deployments.
Table S6 from A Compound That Inhibits Glycolysis in Prostate Cancer Controls Growth of Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Uo Takuma , Ojo Kayode K. , Sprenger Cynthia C.T. , Epilepsia Kathryn S. , Perera B. Gayani K. , Damodarasamy Mamatha , Sun Shihua , Kim Soojin , Hogan Hannah H. , Hulverson Matthew A. , Choi Ryan , Whitman Grant R. , Barrett Lynn K. , Michaels Samantha A. , Xu Linda H. , Sun Vicky L. , Arnold Samuel L.M. , Pang Haley J. , Nguyen Matthew M. , Vigil Anna-Lena B.G. , Kamat Varun , Sullivan Lucas B. , Sweet Ian R. , Vidadala Ram , Maly Dustin J. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Plymate Stephen R.
Published: July 2024

Table S6 shows in vitro AMPK activity.
Supplementary Figure S4 from The Novel ATR Inhibitor Tuvusertib (M1774) Induces Replication Protein Overexpression and Broad Synergy with DNA-targeted Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Jo Ukhyun , Arakawa Yasuhiro , Zimmermann Astrid , Taniyama Daiki , Mizunuma Makito , Jenkins Lisa M. , Maity Tapan K. , Kumar Suresh , Zenke Frank T. , Takebe Naoko , Pommier Yves
Published: July 2024

This figure shows profiling of cell viability after M1774 treatment in H146 and H82 cells.
Table S2 from A Compound That Inhibits Glycolysis in Prostate Cancer Controls Growth of Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Uo Takuma , Ojo Kayode K. , Sprenger Cynthia C.T. , Epilepsia Kathryn S. , Perera B. Gayani K. , Damodarasamy Mamatha , Sun Shihua , Kim Soojin , Hogan Hannah H. , Hulverson Matthew A. , Choi Ryan , Whitman Grant R. , Barrett Lynn K. , Michaels Samantha A. , Xu Linda H. , Sun Vicky L. , Arnold Samuel L.M. , Pang Haley J. , Nguyen Matthew M. , Vigil Anna-Lena B.G. , Kamat Varun , Sullivan Lucas B. , Sweet Ian R. , Vidadala Ram , Maly Dustin J. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Plymate Stephen R.
Published: July 2024

Table S2 shows rat cardiovascular assessment (nonGLP) after IV administration of increasing dosages of BKIDC-1553.
Figure S3 from A Compound That Inhibits Glycolysis in Prostate Cancer Controls Growth of Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Uo Takuma , Ojo Kayode K. , Sprenger Cynthia C.T. , Epilepsia Kathryn S. , Perera B. Gayani K. , Damodarasamy Mamatha , Sun Shihua , Kim Soojin , Hogan Hannah H. , Hulverson Matthew A. , Choi Ryan , Whitman Grant R. , Barrett Lynn K. , Michaels Samantha A. , Xu Linda H. , Sun Vicky L. , Arnold Samuel L.M. , Pang Haley J. , Nguyen Matthew M. , Vigil Anna-Lena B.G. , Kamat Varun , Sullivan Lucas B. , Sweet Ian R. , Vidadala Ram , Maly Dustin J. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Plymate Stephen R.
Published: July 2024

Figure S3 shows competitive proteomic profiling of 1553-N-Me.
Figure S16 from A Compound That Inhibits Glycolysis in Prostate Cancer Controls Growth of Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Uo Takuma , Ojo Kayode K. , Sprenger Cynthia C.T. , Epilepsia Kathryn S. , Perera B. Gayani K. , Damodarasamy Mamatha , Sun Shihua , Kim Soojin , Hogan Hannah H. , Hulverson Matthew A. , Choi Ryan , Whitman Grant R. , Barrett Lynn K. , Michaels Samantha A. , Xu Linda H. , Sun Vicky L. , Arnold Samuel L.M. , Pang Haley J. , Nguyen Matthew M. , Vigil Anna-Lena B.G. , Kamat Varun , Sullivan Lucas B. , Sweet Ian R. , Vidadala Ram , Maly Dustin J. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Plymate Stephen R.
Published: July 2024

Figure S16 shows metabolites of BKIDC-1553 produced by liver microsomes from rats, dogs, and humans.
Figure S15 from A Compound That Inhibits Glycolysis in Prostate Cancer Controls Growth of Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Uo Takuma , Ojo Kayode K. , Sprenger Cynthia C.T. , Epilepsia Kathryn S. , Perera B. Gayani K. , Damodarasamy Mamatha , Sun Shihua , Kim Soojin , Hogan Hannah H. , Hulverson Matthew A. , Choi Ryan , Whitman Grant R. , Barrett Lynn K. , Michaels Samantha A. , Xu Linda H. , Sun Vicky L. , Arnold Samuel L.M. , Pang Haley J. , Nguyen Matthew M. , Vigil Anna-Lena B.G. , Kamat Varun , Sullivan Lucas B. , Sweet Ian R. , Vidadala Ram , Maly Dustin J. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Plymate Stephen R.
Published: July 2024

Figure S15 shows measured and simulated plasma levels in SCID mice.
Figure S12 from A Compound That Inhibits Glycolysis in Prostate Cancer Controls Growth of Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Uo Takuma , Ojo Kayode K. , Sprenger Cynthia C.T. , Epilepsia Kathryn S. , Perera B. Gayani K. , Damodarasamy Mamatha , Sun Shihua , Kim Soojin , Hogan Hannah H. , Hulverson Matthew A. , Choi Ryan , Whitman Grant R. , Barrett Lynn K. , Michaels Samantha A. , Xu Linda H. , Sun Vicky L. , Arnold Samuel L.M. , Pang Haley J. , Nguyen Matthew M. , Vigil Anna-Lena B.G. , Kamat Varun , Sullivan Lucas B. , Sweet Ian R. , Vidadala Ram , Maly Dustin J. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Plymate Stephen R.
Published: July 2024

Figure S12 shows antiproliferative activity of BKIDCs on HK1 and HK2 KO LNCaP cell lines.
Figure S5 from Zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein Secreted by Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Promotes Peritumoral Fibrosis
Authors: Verma Surbhi , Giagnocavo Stephanie D. , Curtin Meghan C. , Arumugam Menusha , Osburn-Staker Sandra M. , Wang Guoying , Atkinson Aaron , Nix David A. , Lum David H. , Cox James E. , Hilgendorf Keren I.
Published: July 2024

Supplemental Figure and Figure Legend 5
Routine Preoperative Frailty Assessment Predicts Postoperative Complication in PCNL Surgery
Authors: Janardhana Alfryan , Santika Suparno Adi
Published: July 2024

Objectives. Frailty is an assessment of functional status related to postoperative outcome. This observational study aims to determine differences in the frailty status of patients undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with the incidence of postoperative complications.Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study design conducted at a tertiary referral hospital in Jember with the patient's medical record as the source of data. The frailty status is evaluated using Clinical Frailty Scale(CFS) which are categorized into frailty and non-frailty. The outcomes of this study were perioperative and the incidence of postoperative complications which included estimated blood loss, fever, sepsis, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and postoperative.Results. Of the 24 patients who were screened, 7 patients with frailty status and 17 patients with non-frailty status before PCNL were performed. Patients with frailty status occur at an older age with a significance value of 0.001 and have a risk of postoperative complications such as fever, length of stay (LOS), sepsis, ICU admission and higher blood transfusion compared to non-frailty patients. The result of the comparison test from length of stay showed a significance of <0.001 (p<0.05). The perioperative events did not have a significant relationship with frailty status.Conclusions. Assessment of frailty status prior to PCNL is very useful for predicting the incidence of postoperative complications. Risks include fever, sepsis, length of stay, ICU care and blood transfusion are higher in patients with frailty status.
Nephrolithiasis treated with RIRS on single kidney patient: A Case Report
Authors: Neang Fransiska Roslinda Dua , Siadary Ephram Sanders Alfian , Telussa Arley Sadra
Published: July 2024

Abstract. Urinary stones is a common disorder and affects a considerable number of people worldwide. Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) is one of the kidney diseases, where the discovery of stones containing crystal components and organic matrix is the biggest cause of urinary tract disorders.Case. The case of this left kidney stone was reported at WZ Johannes General Hospital, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The patient is a 31 year old female with a single kidney, renal stone with the size measured -+ 1.2 cm (HU = 1078) at the lower calyx pole. The patient came to the ER with complaints of left flank pain and patient complaints of left lower back pain, lower left abdomen and radiating to the groin. The patient also complains of the most pain at night and often wakes up to urinate and can't hold urine so that the patient sometimes starts urinating before arriving at the bathroom, the patient's urine output is also small. The patient often complains of gritty urine and foam at the end of the urine and has time to urinate blood. RIRS surgical procedure was performed to release the stone.Conclusion. The cause of the Renal stone should be considered prior to treatment as eliminating the cause and the underlying factor will reduce the complications and recurrence rates.
Pyonephrosis due to congenital obstruction
Authors: Usaputro Rizki , Suyadnya I Made
Published: July 2024

Pyonephrosis is a suppurative infection of the upper urinary tract due to a combination of obstruction and hydronephrosis of the high urinary tract. Patients usually come with flank pain and fever with or without enlargement of abdomen. Pyonephrosis may lead to a urosepsis condition that can cause life threatening conditions if timely non-treated with antibiotics and surgical intervention. We report uncommon 2 cases of 16 years old female with pyonephrosis due to Ureteropelvic Obstruction and 21 years old female with pyonephrosis due to Ureterovesical Junction (UVJ) Obstruction. Clinical features, work up diagnosis and management of the pyonephrosis with the review of literature have been discussed here.
The climate detective : book for educators - vol. 2
Authors: Cseh Amanda , Cavaco Isabela Carmo
Published: July 2024

The book "The climate detective : book for educators - vol. 2" is part of the NOSS Education for Climate Justice Series, a result of the “Participatory Research Project in Action: Education for Climate Justice in Vale do Ribeira” developed by NOSS EACH USP, with international Climate-U funding, coordinated by INCLINE USP. The central objective is to help schools become a strategic epicenter in the promotion of climate justice, creating subsidies and inspiring educators to be disseminators of knowledge for climate action and, consequently, for students to become central agents for change in their communities. The Climate Detective's methodological strategy is based on Paulo Freire's dialogic education, meaningful learning and Citizen Science. Includes participatory activities and individual reflection.
The climate detective : workbook - vol. 1
Authors: Cseh Amanda , Cavaco Isabela Carmo ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Energia e Ambiente
Published: July 2024

The work "Climate detective: workbook - Vol. 1" is part of the NOSS Education for Climate Justice Series, a result of the “Participatory Research Project in Action: Education for Climate Justice in Vale do Ribeira” developed by NOSS EACH USP, with international Climate-U funding, coordinated by INCLINE USP. The central objective is to help schools become a strategic epicenter in the promotion of climate justice, creating subsidies and inspiring educators to be disseminators of knowledge for climate action and, consequently, for students to become central agents for change in their communities. The Climate Detective's methodological strategy is based on Paulo Freire's dialogic education, meaningful learning and Citizen Science. Includes participatory activities and individual reflection.
“Do Jaborandi”: o estudo das produções vegetais brasileiras por Joaquim Monteiro Caminhoá (1875)
Authors: Varela Alex Gonçalves
Published: July 2024

Joaquim Monteiro Caminhoá (1836-1896) was an active scientist who worked in the Brazilian Empire, producing a wealth of knowledge published in magazines and annals. Among the articles he wrote is “Do Jaborandi”, published in Annaes Brasiliensis de Medicina in 1875. The present article aims to analyze the aforementioned work and its contribution to the emergence and consolidation of natural sciences in the 1800’s in our country. We will consider the authors cited by Caminhoá, who dedicated themselves to the study and classification of Jaborandi, the descriptions of the plant and its uses, among other aspects present in the scientific text, and reveal the author's contribution to the process mentioned above.
APPLICATION OF 0-1 INTEGER GOAL PROGRAMMING FOR SHIFT SCHEDULING OF MEDICAL STAFF IN LABORATORY DEPARTMENT
Authors: Bolayır Banu
Published: July 2024

With the increase in population, hospitals are the institutions with the most intensive shift work. When scheduling shifts in hospitals, it is difficult to create a balanced shift schedule for each staff by taking into account constraints such as the working conditions of the hospital, the satisfaction of patients, staff and the hospital, and the wishes of staff in terms of days off, holidays , etc. as well as different objectives. The aim of this study is to optimally plan the shift schedule for medical staff in the laboratory department. The shift schedule of the laboratory department of a government hospital in Gümüşhane in November 2022 was used for the study. According to the working conditions and shift schedule of the hospital, a 0-1 integer goal programming model is established. The optimal shift schedule was obtained as a result of analyzing the model by coding it in the GAMS 42.5.0 program.
Single-cell genomics details the maturation block in BCP-ALL and identifies therapeutic vulnerabilities in DUX4-r cases
Authors: Thorsson Hanna , Henningsson Rasmus , Puente-Moncada Noelia , Peña-Martínez Pablo , Sjöström Ludvig , Ågerstam Helena , Sandén Carl , Rissler Marianne , Castor Anders , Marquart Hanne , Modvig Signe , Paulsson Kajsa , Pronk Cornelis Jan , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Hyrenius-Wittsten Axel , Orsmark-Pietras Christina , Lilljebjörn Henrik , Fioretos Thoas
Published: July 2024

B-cell progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy and is driven by multiple genetic alterations that cause maturation arrest and accumulation of abnormal progenitor B cells. Current treatment protocols with chemotherapy have led to favorable outcomes but are associated with significant toxicity and risk of side effects, highlighting the necessity for highly effective, less toxic, targeted drugs, even in subtypes with a favorable outcome. Here, we used multimodal single-cell sequencing to delineate the transcriptional, epigenetic, and immunophenotypic characteristics of 23 childhood BCP-ALLs belonging to the BCR::ABL1+, ETV6::RUNX1+, high hyperdiploid, and recently discovered DUX4-rearranged (DUX4-r) subtypes. Projection of the ALL cells along the normal hematopoietic differentiation axis revealed a diversity in the maturation pattern between the different BCP-ALL subtypes. Although the BCR::ABL1+, ETV6::RUNX1+, and high hyperdiploidy cells mainly showed similarities to normal pro-B cells, DUX4-r ALL cells also displayed transcriptional signatures resembling mature B cells. Focusing on the DUX4-r subtype, we found that the blast population displayed not only multilineage priming toward nonhematopoietic cells, myeloid, and T-cell lineages, but also an activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling that sensitized the cells to PI3K inhibition in vivo. Given the multilineage priming of DUX4-r blasts with aberrant expression of myeloid marker CD371 (CLL-1), we generated chimeric antigen receptor T cells, which effectively eliminated DUX4-r ALL cells in vivo. These results provide a detailed characterization of BCP-ALL at the single-cell level and reveal therapeutic vulnerabilities in the DUX4-r subtype, with implications for the understanding of ALL biology and new therapeutic strategies.
A single-sample workflow for joint metabolomic and proteomic analysis of clinical specimens
Authors: Gegner Hagen M. , Naake Thomas , Aljakouch Karim , Dugourd Aurelien , Kliewer Georg , Müller Torsten , Schilling Dustin , Schneider Marc A. , Kunze-Rohrbach Nina , Grünewald Thomas G.P. , Hell Rüdiger , Saez-Rodriguez Julio , Huber Wolfgang , Poschet Gernot , Krijgsveld Jeroen
Published: July 2024

Understanding the interplay of the proteome and the metabolome helps to understand cellular regulation and response. To enable robust inferences from such multi-omics analyses, we introduced and evaluated a workflow for combined proteome and metabolome analysis starting from a single sample. Specifically, we integrated established and individually optimized protocols for metabolomic and proteomic profiling (EtOH/MTBE and autoSP3, respectively) into a unified workflow (termed MTBE-SP3), and took advantage of the fact that the protein residue of the metabolomic sample can be used as a direct input for proteome analysis. We particularly evaluated the performance of proteome analysis in MTBE-SP3, and demonstrated equivalence of proteome profiles irrespective of prior metabolite extraction. In addition, MTBE-SP3 combines the advantages of EtOH/MTBE and autoSP3 for semi-automated metabolite extraction and fully automated proteome sample preparation, respectively, thus advancing standardization and scalability for large-scale studies. We showed that MTBE-SP3 can be applied to various biological matrices (FFPE tissue, fresh-frozen tissue, plasma, serum and cells) to enable implementation in a variety of clinical settings. To demonstrate applicability, we applied MTBE-SP3 and autoSP3 to a lung adenocarcinoma cohort showing consistent proteomic alterations between tumour and non-tumour adjacent tissue independent of the method used. Integration with metabolomic data obtained from the same samples revealed mitochondrial dysfunction in tumour tissue through deregulation of OGDH, SDH family enzymes and PKM. In summary, MTBE-SP3 enables the facile and reliable parallel measurement of proteins and metabolites obtained from the same sample, benefiting from reduced sample variation and input amount. This workflow is particularly applicable for studies with limited sample availability and offers the potential to enhance the integration of metabolomic and proteomic datasets.

Graphical Abstract
Molecular Characterization of Lineage-IV Peste Des Petits Ruminants Virus and the Development of In-House Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (IELISA) for its Rapid Detection”
Authors: Kamal Tahira , Khan Saeed-ul-Hassan , Hassan Fariha , Zahoor Amir-bin- , Ullah Amman , Andrabi S. Murtaza Hassan , Ali Ghulam Muhammad , Afsar Tayyaba , Husain Fohad Mabood , Shafique Huma , Razak Suhail
Published: July 2024

Peste des petits ruminants (PPRV), a highly contagious viral disease, causes significant economic losses concerning sheep and goats. Recently, PPR viruses (PPRVs), have adopted new hosts and lineage IV of PPRVs represents genetic diversity within the same lineage. 350 samples, including blood, swabs, and tissues from sheep/goats, were collected during the 2020–2021 disease outbreaks in Pakistan. These samples were analysed through RT-PCR and three isolates of PPRV with accession numbers, MW600920, MW600921, and MW600922, were submitted to GenBank, based on the partial N-gene sequencing. This analysis provides a better understanding of genetic characterizations and a targeted RT-PCR approach for rapid PPRV diagnosis. An IELISA test was developed using the semi-purified antigen MW600922 isolate grown in Vero cells. The PPRV isolates currently present high divergence with the Turkish strain; conversely, similarities equivalent to 99.73% were observed for isolates collected from Pakistan. The developed indirect ELISA (IELISA) test demonstrated antibody detection rates at dilutions of 1:200 for antibodies (serum) and 1:32 for antigens. In comparison to cELISA, high specificity (85.23%) and sensitivity (90.60%) rates were observed. In contrast to the virus neutralization test (VNT), IELISA was observed to be 100% specific and 82.14% sensitive in its results. Based on these results, serological surveys conducted for PPR antibodies using IELISA can be a more effective strategy on a larger scale. Furthermore, our results demonstrate a significant breakthrough in the research in terms of cost-effectiveness and storage efficiency, and the developed IELISA test is highly recommended for use in developing countries.
Comparative genome analysis of the genus Marivirga and proposal of two novel marine species: Marivirga arenosa sp. nov., and Marivirga salinae sp. nov.
Authors: Muhammad Neak , Avila Forbes , Kim Song-Gun
Published: July 2024

Background

The phylum Bacteroidota represents a significant proportion of heterotrophic bacteria found in marine ecosystems. Members of the phylum Bacteroidota are actively involved in the degradation of biopolymers such as polysaccharides and proteins. Bacteroidota genomes exhibit a significant enrichment of various enzymes, including carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), carboxypeptidases, esterases, isomerases, peptidases, phosphatases, and sulfatases. The genus Marivirga, a member of the family Marivirgaceae within the phylum Bacteroidota, comprises six documented species. During a microbial diversity study, three novel Marivirga strains (BKB1-2 T, ABR2-2, and BDSF4-3 T) were isolated from the West Sea, Republic of Korea.

Results

To explore the taxonomic status and genomic characteristics of the novel isolates, we employed a polyphasic taxonomic approach, which included phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and comprehensive genome analysis. The three isolates were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, moderately halophilic, and had a gliding motility. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values among the two isolates, BKB1-2 T and BDSF4-3 T, and the six reference strains were 70.5–76.5% for ANI and 18.1–25.7% for dDDH. Interestingly, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that the strains harbor genes for a comprehensive pathway for dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), as well as other nitrogen pathways for the reduction of nitrite, nitric oxide, and nitrous oxide. Additionally, the antiSMASH analysis indicated that the strains contained three to eight biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) associated with the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Furthermore, the strains carried a high number of CAZyme ranging from 53 to 152, which was also demonstrated by an in vitro analysis of degradation of the polysaccharide cellulose, chitin, laminarin, starch, and xylan. Additionally, all the strains carried genes for the metabolism of heavy metals, and exhibited tolerance to heavy metals, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in millimoles (mM) in ranges of Co2+ (3–6), Cu2+ (0.2–0.4), Ni2+ (3–5), Zn2+ (2–4), Mn2+ (20–50), and Hg2+ (0.3).

Conclusions

Based on polyphasic taxonomic approach, the three isolated strains represent two novel species names Marivirga arenosa sp. nov. (BKB1-2 T = KCTC 82989 T = InaCC B1618T), and Marivirga salinae sp. nov. (BDSF4-3 T = KCTC 82973 T = InaCC B1619T).
A novel approach to terminate roof-dependent atrial flutter with epicardial conduction through septopulmonary bundle
Authors: Zhou Dongchen , Zhang Biqi , Zeng Cong , Yin Xiang , Guo Xiaogang
Published: July 2024

Atrial flutter, a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, is primarily characterized by reentrant circuits in the right atrium. However, atypical forms of atrial flutter present distinct challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we examine three noteworthy clinical cases of atypical atrial flutter, which offer compelling evidence indicating the implication of the lesser-known Septopulmonary Bundle (SPB). This inference is based on the identification of distinct electrocardiographic patterns observed in these patients and their favorable response to catheter ablation, which is a standard treatment for atrial flutter. Remarkably, in each case, targeted ablation at the anterior portion of the left atrial roof effectively terminated the arrhythmia, thus providing further support for the hypothesis of SPB involvement. These insightful observations shed light on the potential significance of the SPB in the etiology of atypical atrial flutter and introduce a promising therapeutic target. We anticipate that this paper will stimulate further exploration into the role of the SPB in atrial flutter and pave the way for the development of targeted ablation strategies.
Phenogrouping heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction using electronic health record data
Authors: Soltani Fardad , Jenkins David A. , Kaura Amit , Bradley Joshua , Black Nicholas , Farrant John P. , Williams Simon G. , Mulla Abdulrahim , Glampson Benjamin , Davies Jim , Papadimitriou Dimitri , Woods Kerrie , Shah Anoop D. , Thursz Mark R. , Williams Bryan , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Mayer Erik K. , Herbert Christopher , Grant Stuart , Curzen Nick , Squire Iain , Johnson Thomas , O’Gallagher Kevin , Shah Ajay M. , Perera Divaka , Kharbanda Rajesh , Patel Riyaz S. , Channon Keith M. , Lee Richard , Peek Niels , Mayet Jamil , Miller Christopher A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Heart failure (HF) with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction includes a heterogenous group of patients. Reclassification into distinct phenogroups to enable targeted interventions is a priority. This study aimed to identify distinct phenogroups, and compare phenogroup characteristics and outcomes, from electronic health record data.

Methods

2,187 patients admitted to five UK hospitals with a diagnosis of HF and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 40% were identified from the NIHR Health Informatics Collaborative database. Partition-based, model-based, and density-based machine learning clustering techniques were applied. Cox Proportional Hazards and Fine-Gray competing risks models were used to compare outcomes (all-cause mortality and hospitalisation for HF) across phenogroups.

Results

Three phenogroups were identified: (1) Younger, predominantly female patients with high prevalence of cardiometabolic and coronary disease; (2) More frail patients, with higher rates of lung disease and atrial fibrillation; (3) Patients characterised by systemic inflammation and high rates of diabetes and renal dysfunction. Survival profiles were distinct, with an increasing risk of all-cause mortality from phenogroups 1 to 3 (p < 0.001). Phenogroup membership significantly improved survival prediction compared to conventional factors. Phenogroups were not predictive of hospitalisation for HF.

Conclusions

Applying unsupervised machine learning to routinely collected electronic health record data identified phenogroups with distinct clinical characteristics and unique survival profiles.
Bundle care approach to reduce device associated infections in post-living-donor-liver transplantation in a tertiary care hospital, Egypt
Authors: Wassef Mona A. , Ghaith Doaa M. , Hussien Marwa M. , El-Shazly Mostafa A. , Yousef Reham H. A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Device-associated infections (DAIs) are a significant cause of morbidity following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We aimed to assess the impact of bundled care on reducing rates of device-associated infections.

Methods

We performed a before-and-after comparative study at a liver transplantation facility over a three-year period, spanning from January 2016 to December 2018. The study included a total of 57 patients who underwent LDLT. We investigated the implementation of a care bundle, which consists of multiple evidence-based procedures that are consistently performed as a unified unit. We divided our study into three phases and implemented a bundled care approach in the second phase. Rates of pneumonia related to ventilators [VAP], bloodstream infections associated with central line [CLABSI], and urinary tract infections associated with catheters [CAUTI] were assessed throughout the study period. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the automated Vitek-2 system. The comparison between different phases was assessed using the chi-square test or the Fisher exact test for qualitative values and the Kruskal-Wallis H test for quantitative values with non-normal distribution.

Results

In the baseline phase, the VAP rates were 73.5, the CAUTI rates were 47.2, and the CLABSI rates were 7.4 per one thousand device days (PDD). During the bundle care phase, the rates decreased to 33.3, 18.18, and 4.78. In the follow-up phase, the rates further decreased to 35.7%, 16.8%, and 2.7% PDD. The prevalence of Klebsiella pneumonia (37.5%) and Methicillin resistance Staph aureus (37.5%) in VAP were noted. The primary causative agent of CAUTI was Candida albicans, accounting for 33.3% of cases, whereas Coagulase-negative Staph was the predominant organism responsible for CLABSI, with a prevalence of 40%.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of utilizing the care bundle approach to reduce DAI in LDLT, especially in low socioeconomic countries with limited resources. By implementing a comprehensive set of evidence-based interventions, healthcare systems can effectively reduce the burden of DAI, enhance infection prevention strategies and improve patient outcomes in resource-constrained settings.
Comparison of the repeatability and reproducibility of corneal thickness mapping using optical coherence tomography according to tear film break-up time
Authors: Lin Kan , Xu Zhiqiang , Wang Hui , Wang Yuzhou , Wei Linzhi , Ma Hongqing , Zhao Jian , Lu Fan , Hu Liang
Published: July 2024

Background

To compare the repeatability and reproducibility of corneal and corneal epithelial thickness mapping using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) according to tear film break-up time (TBUT).

Methods

The included eyes were divided into three subgroups according to TBUT (group 1: TBUT ≤ 5 s, group 2: 5 s < TBUT ≤ 10 s, and group 3: TBUT > 10 s). All eyes were imaged separately thrice by two operators to obtain the thickness maps (TMs) of the cornea and corneal epithelium based on spatial zones encompassing a 9-mm-diameter area. Each TM consisted of 25 areas. Intraoperator (repeatability) and interoperator (reproducibility) standard deviations (Sws), coefficients of variation (CoVs), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) among the tests were calculated and compared in all the areas.

Results

Altogether, 132 eyes of 67 subjects were included (50, 47, and 35 eyes in groups 1, 2, and 3; respectively). The ICCs of corneal epithelial thickness and corneal thickness were > 0.75 in most of the areas. Pairwise comparisons showed that AS-OCT exhibited lower repeatability in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.05). However groups 2 and 3 showed similar results. Sws and CoVs of corneal epithelial thickness exhibited no significant interoperator differences. While no significant differences were observed in corneal thickness in most of the areas.

Conclusions

TBUT significantly influences the repeatability of corneal and corneal epithelial thickness measurements. Poor tear film stability requires careful evaluation of corneal epithelial thickness.
Detection of spatial, temporal and spatiotemporal distribution of diarrhea incidence among under-five children in Central Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia: a time-series study (2019–2022)
Authors: Yitageasu Gelila , Feleke Hailemariam , Andualem Zewudu , Demoze Lidetu , Asrat Kidist , Gizaw Zemichael
Published: July 2024

Under-five children’s diarrhea is a significant public health threat and the World Health Organization (WHO) reported it as the second leading cause of children’s death worldwide. In this study area, little is known about the spatiotemporal distribution of under-5 diarrhea incidence. This study was therefore, conducted among all districts in the Central Gondar zone to assess the spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal variation in diarrhea incidence among under-five children in the Central Gondar zone. The data for children under 5 years of age with diarrhea was obtained from Central Gondar Zone Health Department diarrhea reports from January 2019 to December 2022. All districts were included and geo-coded. The spatial data were created in ArcGIS 10.8.1. Global and local spatial autocorrelation were used to detect hot spots and cold spots. The Poisson model was generated by applying the Kulldorff method in SaTScan™9.6 to analyse the the purely temporal, spatial, and space-time clusters. The study revealed spatial variation of under-5 diarrhea where Gondar City, Gondar Zuria, East Dembia, and Lay Armacho districts were the high-rate spatial clusters during the study period. A year search window for temporal scan statistic identified 01 January 2020-30 December 2021 as risk periods across all districts. Spatiotemporal scan statistics detected high-rate clusters at Gondar City, Gondar Zuria, East Dembia, Lay Armacho, and Alefa between 2019 and 2022. In conclusion, there has been a spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal variability of under-5 children’s diarrhea in the Central Gondar Zone. Interventional and preventive strategies should be developed and given priority to the areas that has been detected as a hotspot in this study to reduce the mortality and morbidity of under 5 children.