bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aortitis in patients with psoriatic arthropathy: report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Slobodin Gleb , Khateeb Ali , Rimar Doron , Boulman Nina , Rozenbaum Michael , Rosner Itzhak , Kaly Lisa , Odeh Majed
Published: November 2014

Aortitis, which is well described in patients with other spondyloarthritides, has been rarely cited in relation to psoriatic arthropathy (PsA). Two patients with known PsA, who developed aortitis, are reported herein. The PubMed database was searched using the following keywords: aortitis, Takaysu arteritis, PsA, ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease. The relevant articles were critically reviewed and pertinent data organized. Analysis of 5 cases of aortitis in patients with PsA, including the 2 cases reported herein, revealed no specific pattern of PsA joint involvement in the patients who developed aortitis. All aortic segments can be involved and complications, such as insufficiency of the aortic valve and stenosis of the major aortic branches, have been described. The genetic association involving the IL12B locus may be involved in the clinical association of aortitis and spondyloarthritis.
Subdural hydatid cyst presenting as recurrent subdural hygroma
Authors: Wani Abrar , Ramzan Altaf , Nizami Furqan , Malik Nayil , Dar Bashir , Kumar Ashish
Published: November 2014

Intracranial hydatid disease is an uncommon entity that usually is parenchymal in location. Presence of hydatid cyst in subdural location is being reported for the first time in the literature. A 13-year-old female child with the diagnosis of hydatid disease of brain was operated. She was advised to take albendazole which she did not take. In postoperative period she developed recurrent subdural hygroma for which multiple surgical interventions were done and finally cause of recurrent subdural hygroma was found to be hydatid cyst in the subdural space. The patient had initially undergone craniotomy for the excision of hydatid cyst. Later on she developed subdural hygroma for which the burr hole drainage was done twice. At time of third recurrence subduro-peritoneal (SDP) shunt was done. When she had recurrence again along with hydrocephalus, than VP shunt and revision of the SDP shunt was planned. While doing revision of SDP shunt, hydatid cyst was seen emerging from the burr hole site. A craniotomy was done to remove the hydatid cyst from the subdural space. Since then there has been no recurrent collection. Complete surgical excision is the best treatment modality to treat hydatid cyst of brain. Accidental spillage of the contents can have lead to recurrence, so every effort must be taken to prevent spillage of contents. Postoperatively all the patients must be put on antihelminthics.
Coexistent dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour and pilocytic astrocytoma
Authors: Nasit Jitendra , Shah Payal , Zalawadia Himanshu
Published: November 2014

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour (DNET) is an uncommon mixed glioneuronal tumour. DNET is classified as Grade I neoplasm in revised World Health Organization classification of tumors of the nervous system. DNET is commonly seen in the temporal lobe of children and young adults with features of pharmacoresistant complex partial seizures. Tumors arising in association with DNETs are rare. Only two cases of pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) arising in DNETs are reported. Surgical excision is the only successful management with favourable prognosis. The development of recurrence and malignancy after subtotal or even after complete excision challenges the premise of stability and highlights the importance of close clinical follow up. Here, a case of DNET with area of PA is described which helps in understanding the pathogenesis and biological behavior of DNET.
Surgical outcome in cystic vestibular schwannomas
Authors: Nair Suresh , Baldawa Sachin , Gopalakrishnan Chittur , Menon Girish , Vikas Vazhayil , Sudhir Jayanand
Published: November 2014

Background: Cystic vestibular schwannomas (VS) form a rare subgroup that differs from the solid variant clinically, radiologically, and histopathologically. These tumors also vary in their surgical outcome and carry a different risk of post-operative complications. We analyzed our series of 64 patients with cystic VS and discuss the technical difficulties related to total excision of these tumors and focus on complication avoidance. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of cystic VS surgically managed over a span of 11 years. The case records were evaluated to record the clinical symptoms and signs, imaging findings, surgical procedure, complications, and follow-up data. Post-operative facial nerve palsy was analyzed with respect to tumor size and tumor type. Results: Progressive hearing impairment was the most common initial symptom (76.6%). Atypical initial symptoms were present in 15 patients (23.4%). Preoperatively, 78% patients had good facial nerve function (HB grade 1, 2) and 22% had intermediate (HB grade 3, 4) to poor (HB grade 5 and 6) function. Mean tumor size was 4.1 cm. Complete tumor removal was achieved in 53 patients (83%). The facial nerve was anatomically intact but thinned out after tumor excision in 38 patients (59.4%). Ninety percent patients had either intermediate or poor facial nerve function at follow-up. Poor facial nerve outcome was associated with giant tumors and peripherally located, thin-walled cystic tumors. Conclusion: Resection of cystic VS is complicated by peritumoral adhesions of the capsule to the nerve. Extensive manipulation of the nerve in order to dissect the tumor–nerve barrier results in worse facial nerve outcome. The outcome is worse in peripherally located, thin-walled cystic VS as compared to centrally located, thick-walled cystic tumors. Subtotal excision may be justified, especially in tumors with dense adhesion of the cyst wall to the facial nerve in order to preserve nerve integrity.
Mapping the Epidemiology of Yaws in the Solomon Islands: A Cluster Randomized Survey
Authors: Marks Michael , Vahi Ventis , Sokana Oliver , Puiahi Elliot , Pavluck Alex , Zhang Zaixing , Dalipanda Tenneth , Bottomley Christian , Mabey David C. , Solomon Anthony W.
Published: November 2014

Yaws, a non-venereal treponemal disease, is targeted for eradication by 2020 but accurate epidemiological data to guide control programs remain sparse. The Solomon Islands reports the second highest number of cases of yaws worldwide. We conducted a cluster randomized survey of yaws in two provinces of the Solomon Islands. One thousand four hundred and ninety-seven (1,497) children 5–14 years of age were examined. Clinical signs of active yaws were found in 79 children (5.5%), whereas 140 children (9.4%) had evidence of healed yaws lesions. Four hundred and seventy (470) (31.4%) children had a positive Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA). Two hundred and eighty-five (285) children (19%) had a positive TPPA and rapid plasma regain assay. Risk of yaws increased with age and was more common in males. The prevalence of yaws at village level was the major risk factor for infection. Our findings suggest the village, not the household, should be the unit of treatment in the World Health Organization (WHO) yaws eradication strategy.
A~characterization of thermal structure and conditions for overshooting of tropical and extratropical cyclones with GPS radio occultation
Authors: Biondi R. , Steiner A. K. , Kirchengast G. , Rieckh T.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The thermal structure of Tropical Cyclones (TCs) in different ocean basins is studied using Global Positioning System (GPS) Radio Occultation (RO) measurements co-located with TCs' best tracks. The objective of this work is to understand the mutual influence of TCs and atmospheric parameters in different regions. We selected more than 20 000 GPS RO profiles co-located with TCs in a time window of 6 h and space window of 600 km from the TC center in the period 2001–2012 and classified them by intensity of the cyclone and by ocean basin. The results show that tropical cyclones have different characteristics depending on the basin, which affects the cloud top altitude, and the TC thermal structure, which usually shows a negative temperature anomaly near the cloud top altitude. In the Northern Hemisphere ocean basins, the temperature anomaly becomes positive above the cloud top, while in the Southern Hemisphere ocean basins, it stays negative up to about 25 km of altitude. Furthermore, in the Southern Hemisphere the storms reach higher cloud top altitudes than in the Northern Hemisphere ocean basins, indicating that possible overshootings overpass the climatological tropopause more deeply at extratropical latitudes. The comparison of the TC thermal structure with the respective monthly mean tropopause altitude allows a detailed analysis of the probability for possible overshooting. While the co-locations between GPS ROs and TC tracks are well distributed in all the ocean basins, conditions for possible overshootings are found to be more frequent in the Southern Hemisphere basins and in the North Indian ocean basin. However the number of possible overshootings for high intensities (i.e. TC categories 1–5) is highest in the West Pacific ocean basin.
The percentage of living bacterial cells related to organic carbon release from senescent oceanic phytoplankton
Authors: Lasternas S. , Agustí S.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Bacteria recycle vast amounts of organic carbon, playing key biogeochemical and ecological roles in the ocean. Bacterioplankton dynamics are expected to be dependent on phytoplankton primary production, but there is a high diversity of processes (e.g., sloppy feeding, cell exudation, viral lysis) involved in the transfer of primary production to dissolved organic carbon available to bacteria. Here, we show the percentage of living heterotrophic bacterioplankton in the subtropical NE Atlantic Ocean in relation to phytoplankton extracellular carbon release (PER). PER represents the fraction of primary production released as dissolved organic carbon. PER variability was explained by phytoplankton cell death, with communities experiencing higher phytoplankton cell mortality showing a larger proportion of phytoplankton extracellular carbon release. Both PER and the percentage of dead phytoplankton cells increased from eutrophic to oligotrophic waters, while abundance of heterotrophic bacteria was highest in the intermediate waters. The percentage of living heterotrophic bacterial cells (range: 60–95%) increased with increasing phytoplankton extracellular carbon release from productive to oligotrophic waters in the subtropical NE Atlantic. The lower PERs, observed at the upwelling waters, have resulted in a decrease in the flux of phytoplankton dissolved organic carbon (DOC) per bacterial cell. The results highlight phytoplankton cell death as a process influencing the flow of dissolved photosynthetic carbon in this region of the subtropical NE Atlantic Ocean, and suggest a close coupling between the fraction of primary production released and heterotrophic bacterial cell survival.
Wind-induced upwelling in the Kerguelen Plateau region
Authors: Gille S. T. , Carranza M. M. , Cambra R. , Morrow R.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. In contrast to most of the Southern Ocean, the Kerguelen Plateau supports an unusually strong spring chlorophyll (Chl a) bloom, likely because the euphotic zone in the region is supplied with higher iron concentrations. This study uses satellite wind, sea surface temperature (SST), and ocean color data to explore the impact of wind-driven processes on upwelling of cold (presumably iron-rich) water to the euphotic zone. Results show that, in the Kerguelen region, cold SSTs correlate with high wind speeds, implying that wind-mixing leads to enhanced vertical mixing. Cold SSTs also correlate with negative wind-stress curl, implying that Ekman pumping can further enhance upwelling. In the moderate to high eddy kinetic energy (EKE) regions surrounding Kerguelen, we find evidence of coupling between winds and SST gradients associated with mesoscale eddies, which can locally modulate the wind-stress curl. This coupling introduces persistent wind-stress curl patterns and Ekman pumping around these long-lived eddies, which may modulate the evolution of Chl a in the downstream plume far offshore. Close to the plateau, this eddy coupling breaks down. Kerguelen has a significant wind shadow on its downwind side, which changes position depending on the prevailing wind and which generates a wind-stress curl dipole that shifts location depending on wind direction. This leads to locally enhanced Ekman pumping for a few hundred kilometers downstream from the Kerguelen Plateau; Chl a values tend to be more elevated in places where wind-stress curl induces Ekman upwelling than in locations of downwelling, although the estimated upwelling rates are too small for this relationship to derive from direct effects on upward iron supply, and thus other processes, which remain to be determined, must also be involved in the establishment of these correlations. During the October and November (2011) KErguelen Ocean and Plateau compared Study (KEOPS-2) field program, wind conditions were fairly typical for the region, with enhanced Ekman upwelling expected to the north of the Kerguelen Islands.
The vertical distribution of buoyant plastics at sea
Authors: Reisser J. , Slat B. , Noble K. , du Plessis K. , Epp M. , Proietti M. , de Sonneville J. , Becker T. , Pattiaratchi C.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Millimeter-sized plastics are numerically abundant and widespread across the world's ocean surface. These buoyant macroscopic particles can be mixed within the upper water column due to turbulent transport. Models indicate that the largest decrease in their concentration occurs within the first few meters of water, where subsurface observations are very scarce. By using a new type of multi-level trawl at 12 sites within the North Atlantic accumulation zone, we measured concentrations and physical properties of plastics from the air–seawater interface to a depth of 5 m, at 0.5 m intervals. Our results show that plastic concentrations drop exponentially with water depth, but decay rates decrease with increasing Beaufort scale. Furthermore, smaller pieces presented lower rise velocities and were more susceptible to vertical transport. This resulted in higher depth decays of plastic mass concentration (mg m−3) than numerical concentration (pieces m−3). Further multi-level sampling of plastics will improve our ability to predict at-sea plastic load, size distribution, drifting pattern, and impact on marine species and habitats.
Impact of Demographic and Loan Size on the Probabilities of Women Freedom of Movement Empowerment
Authors: Yasmeen Kausar , Abd Karim Mohd Zaini
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of microfinance involvement of women’s freedom of movement empowerment. The cross sectional data for this study is collected by using questionnaires. Using random sampling, 744 households are selected from female clients of Khushhali Bank and National Rural Support Program from three districts namely district Bahawalpur, District Bahawalnagar and district Rahim Yar Kan of Division Bahawalpur, Pakistan. We used the multinomial logit model. The loan size increases women’s freedom of movement empowerment. This paper is intended to be a valuable contribution in term of socio- economic and political arena. This paper recommends that the future research should be done in other province of Pakistan, as there is cultural difference between Punjab, Sarhad and Baluchistan. In addition, the future research can examine the impact of socio cultural factors.
An Overview of Customer Loyalty, Perceived Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction: Brief on Saudi Grocery Stores
Authors: Otaibi Naif Mutlaq Al , Yasmeen Kausar
Published: November 2014

Lack perceived quality in Saudi Arabia has been repeatedly identified as one of the most formidable barriers to people for engaging in customer loyalty.Despite, the widespread establishment of shopping malls all over the country, the statistics revealed that Saudi consumers, although trying grocery shopping in some shopping malls, still prefer to do their grocery shopping activities in traditional grocery stores and convenience stores (Othaim, 2012).This paper provides an overview perceived service quality and customer satisfaction which affect Saudi customer loyalty,,and it reviews relevant previous studies that investigate the relationships among said three variables.  This paper provides the critical remarks and direction for future research.
Impact of Interaction Term between Education and Loan Size on Women’s Decision Making
Authors: Yasmeen Kausar , Abd Karim Mohd Zaini
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of the microfinance involvement of women’s household decision making.The cross sectional data for this study is collected by using questionnaires. Using random sampling, 744 households are selected from female clients of Khushhali Bank and National Rural Support Program in Bahawalpur Division, Pakistan. We used the multinomial Logit and multinomial Probit model. The results show the woman's borrowers are more empower than women no borrowers. The coefficient of the loan size increases woman's household making empowerment. This paper is intended to be a valuable contribution in term of socio- economic and political arena.
The Machine That Therefore I Am
Authors: Brown James J.
Published: November 2014

Following Derrida, who follows the animal, this article seeks to proliferate the figures that mark the limits of the space between the “machine” and the “human.” Drawing on Erasmus's De copia, I argue that rhetoricians have long been interested in robot-like procedures. Given these machinic roots, we can understand a rhetorical education as procedural and computational and as particularly well suited to a cultural moment in which we write with (alongside) machines. In addition, I describe a robot that enacts Erasmus's method of continually rewriting the sentence “Your letter pleased me greatly.” The article thus demonstrates two ways of addressing the robot rhetor. First, it suggests that a rereading of the machinic tradition within rhetoric opens up new ways of understanding all rhetorical action as robotic. Second, echoing Ian Bogost, it demonstrates how works of “carpentry” can offer a window (albeit, a cloudy one) onto extrahuman rhetorical relations.
Guidelines and evidence based medicine. The importance of stakeholder involvement.
Authors: Massoni Francesco , Ricci Pasquale , Ricci Serafino
Published: November 2014

With the depenalization of professional conduct of the physician in case of adherence to the guidelines proposed by L. 189/2012 the discussion on the quality of the available guidelines in the literature has led the authors to a review with particular regard to stakeholder involvement in the elaboration process. Evident critical points arise in the accessible studies that have used as an assessment tool a scientifically validated questionnaire (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation – AGREE). As a result the solution of the legislature, although useful to contain the phenomenon of defensive medicine, may be useless and ineffective in criminal cases where fundamental and absolute rights, as the right to life and health of patients, are involved.
A bacteriophage tubulin harnesses dynamic instability to center DNA in infected cells
Authors: Erb Marcella L , Kraemer James A , Coker Joanna K C , Chaikeeratisak Vorrapon , Nonejuie Poochit , Agard David A , Pogliano Joe
Published: November 2014

Dynamic instability, polarity, and spatiotemporal organization are hallmarks of the microtubule cytoskeleton that allow formation of complex structures such as the eukaryotic spindle. No similar structure has been identified in prokaryotes. The bacteriophage-encoded tubulin PhuZ is required to position DNA at mid-cell, without which infectivity is compromised. Here, we show that PhuZ filaments, like microtubules, stochastically switch from growing in a distinctly polar manner to catastrophic depolymerization (dynamic instability) both in vitro and in vivo. One end of each PhuZ filament is stably anchored near the cell pole to form a spindle-like array that orients the growing ends toward the phage nucleoid so as to position it near mid-cell. Our results demonstrate how a bacteriophage can harness the properties of a tubulin-like cytoskeleton for efficient propagation. This represents the first identification of a prokaryotic tubulin with the dynamic instability of microtubules and the ability to form a simplified bipolar spindle.
Cervical Length Screening
Authors: Romero Stephanie T. , Holmgren Calla C. , Feltovich Helen , Porter T. Flint , Esplin M. Sean
Published: November 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to quantify the time required for transvaginal cervical length measurements during a second‐trimester anatomy scan and to evaluate patient attitudes regarding cervical length assessment.

Methods

Consenting women were randomly assigned to one of the following: (1) standard arm—cervix visualized, no prespecified cervical length measurement; (2) sequential arm—3 transabdominal cervical length measurements obtained, transvaginal sonography performed if images were inadequate or if any measurement was 3 cm or less; and (3) screening transvaginal sonography arm—3 transvaginal cervical length measurements obtained. Times were recorded for the entire examination and cervical length evaluation. Participants completed a questionnaire at the end of their visits.

Results

Sixty of 230 eligible women enrolled. Demographic characteristics were similar across groups except for body mass index, which was greater in the sequential arm than the screening arm (mean ± SD, 28.5 ± 7.75 versus 24.7 ± 3.89 kg/m2; P = .03). There were no differences in total examination times between the 3 arms (24.8 ± 8.59 versus 27.8 ± 8.75 versus 28.5 ± 7.78 minutes; P= .39). There were no differences across groups in participant attitudes regarding examination discomfort or embarrassment.

Conclusions

Performing screening transvaginal sonography to measure cervical length did not have a statistically significant impact on the amount of time for completion of the entire examination. Participants had positive responses regarding cervical length assessment by transabdominal and transvaginal sonography.
Current Concepts in Management of Pterygium
Authors: Bahuva Anuj , Rao Srinivas K
Published: November 2014

The pterygium is a common ocular disorder. Medical therapy is ineffective and the goals of surgery are complete removal of the lesion and the prevention of recurrence. Although a wide variety of treatment modalities are currently available, there is no consensus on the ideal option. Pterygium excision is often combined with conjunctival autograft, mitomycin C, beta-irradiation or other adjunctive therapies to reduce recurrence rates. Although studies report the success rates with these approaches, variable inclusion criteria, differences in follow-up and definition of recurrence make comparison of outcomes difficult. This article reviews the current options availablefor the management of Pterygium, reviews the outcomes and suggests guidelines for various categories of the lesion encountered in clinical practice.
The Compelling Need for Shared Responsibility of AI Oversight
Authors: Ratwani Raj M. , Classen David , Longhurst Christopher
Published: August 2024

This Viewpoint highlights the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) health care tools to introduce unintended patient harm; calls for an efficient, rigorous approach to AI testing and certification that is the shared responsibility of developers and users; and makes recommendations to inform such an approach.
At-Home Testing for Survivors of Sexual Assault—Empowerment or Exploitation?
Authors: Kadakia Kushal T. , Ross Joseph S. , Ramachandran Reshma
Published: August 2024

This Viewpoint discusses concerns about the marketing of at-home sexual assault kits.
Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Use in Nursing Home Residents With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ko Darae , Lee Yoojin , Kim Dae Hyun , Shah Sachin J. , Hayes Kaleen N. , Zullo Andrew R. , Berry Sarah D.
Published: August 2024

This cross-sectional study evaluates the use of oral anticoagulants and antiplatelets, including aspirin, among nursing home residents with atrial fibrillation.
Dynamic range and optimization strategies for radiochromic film calibration using gradient radiation fields
Authors: Pecic Stevan , Belca Ivan , Stojadinovic Strahinja , Nidzovic Borko , Vicic Milos , Devic Slobodan
Published: August 2024

This investigation aimed to optimize gradient positioning for radiochromic film calibration to facilitate a uniform distribution of calibration points. The study investigated the influence of various parameters on gradient dose profiles generated by a physical wedge, assessing their impact on the field's dose dynamic range, a scalar quantity representing the span of absorbed doses. Numerical parameterization of the physical wedge profile was used to visualize and quantify the impact of field size, depth, and energy on the dynamic range of dose gradients. This concept enabled the optimization of the gradient positioning and estimation of the necessary number of exposures for the desired calibration dose range. An optimization algorithm based on histogram bin height minimization was developed and presented. The maximum dynamic range was achieved with a 20 20 field size at 5 cm depth. Optimization of wedge gradient positioning yielded the most uniform dose distribution with 7 exposures for the [1,10] Gy range and 8 exposures for the [1,20] Gy range. Film calibration using gradients centered at 1.6, 3, 3.5, and 7 Gy central axis (CAX), obtained through optimized gradient positioning, was showcased. The presented work demonstrates the potential for an improved film calibration process, with efficient material utilization and enhanced dosimetric accuracy for clinical applications. While the method was described for the use of a physical wedge, the methodology can be easily extended to the use of a more convenient dynamic wedge.
Tremendous Stiffness‐Changing Polymer Networks Enabled by Touch‐Induced Crystallization
Authors: Ming Xiaoqing , Zhang Dong , Zhu He , Zhang Qi , Zhu Shiping
Published: August 2024

Stiffness‐changing polymers are critically needed for intelligent and adaptive applications in soft robotics and wearable electronics; however, they suffer from the requirement of persistent external stimulation. Herein, a stiffness‐changing polymer network impregnated with a supercooled ionic liquid is introduced, which undergoes touch‐induced crystallization from a soft ionogel to a stiff plastic. The network exhibits a remarkable tunability in stiffness change, with the highest value exceeding 190 000 times between the soft and stiff states (3.5 kPa vs 691.1 MPa). This tremendous transition is achieved through the first‐order liquid–solid phase transition of the supercooled ionic liquid, which is highly reversible and isochoric via a heating‐cooling process. Unlike traditional stimuli, only a single touch is needed without sustained stimulation to trigger the stiffening from soft to stiff states. Importantly, the touch‐responsive polymer network can be extended to various types of ionic liquids and monomers, indicating excellent strategic versatility. Moreover, this unique ionogel exhibits switchable adhesiveness and ionic conductivity, effectively demonstrating smart adhesives and ionic switches with enhancements of more than 66 and 5800 times, respectively. This work provides a facile and versatile strategy for designing stable stiffness‐changing polymers, unlocking significant potential applications for next‐generation smart devices.
Ce12V6 Clusters with Multi‐Enzymatic Activities for Sepsis Treatment
Authors: Liu Di , Sun Si , Qiao Huanhuan , Xin Qi , Zhou Sufei , Li Lingxia , Song Nan , Zhang Lijie , Chen Qi , Tian Fangzhen , Mu Xiaoyu , Zhang Shaofang , Zhang Jing , Guo Meili , Wang Hao , Zhang Xiao‐Dong , Zhang Ruiping
Published: August 2024

Artificial enzymes, especially nanozymes, have attracted wide attention due to their controlled catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. The rising Cerium‐based nanozymes exhibit unique SOD‐like activity, and Vanadium‐based nanozymes always hold excellent GPx‐like activity. However, most inflammatory diseases involve polymerase biocatalytic processes that require multi‐enzyme activities. The nanocomposite can fulfill multi‐enzymatic activity simultaneously, but large nanoparticles (>10 nm) cannot be excreted rapidly, leading to biosafety challenges. Herein, atomically precise Ce12V6 clusters with a size of 2.19 nm are constructed. The Ce12V6 clusters show excellent glutathione peroxidase (GPx) ‐like activity with a significantly lower Michaelis‐Menten constant (Km, 0.0125 mM versus 0.03 mM of natural counterpart) and good activities mimic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). The Ce12V6 clusters exhibit the ability to scavenge the ROS including O2·− and H2O2 via the cascade reactions of multi‐enzymatic activities. Further, the Ce12V6 clusters modulate the proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and consequently rescue the multi‐organ failure in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced sepsis mouse model. With excellent biocompatibility, the Ce12V6 clusters show promise in the treatment of sepsis.
Compliant Lattice Modulations Enable Anomalous Elasticity in Ni–Mn–Ga Martensite
Authors: Repček Kristýna , Stoklasová Pavla , Grabec Tomáš , Sedlák Petr , Olejňák Juraj , Vinogradova Mariia , Sozinov Alexei , Veřtát Petr , Straka Ladislav , Heczko Oleg , Seiner Hanuš
Published: August 2024

High mobility of twin boundaries in modulated martensites of Ni–Mn–Ga‐based ferromagnetic shape memory alloys holds a promise for unique magnetomechanical applications. This feature has not been fully understood so far, and in particular, it has yet not been unveiled what makes the lattice mechanics of modulated Ni–Mn–Ga specifically different from other martensitic alloys. Here, results of dedicated laser‐ultrasonic measurements on hierarchically twinned five‐layer modulated (10M) crystals fill this gap. Using a combination of transient grating spectroscopy and laser‐based resonant ultrasound spectroscopy, it is confirmed that there is a shear elastic instability in the lattice, being significantly stronger than in any other martensitic material and also than what the first‐principles calculations for Ni–Mn–Ga predict. The experimental results reveal that the instability is directly related to the lattice modulations. A lattice‐scale mechanism of dynamic faulting of the modulation sequence that explains this behavior is proposed; this mechanism can explain the extraordinary mobility of twin boundaries in 10M.
Product differentiation, quality, and milk price stability: The case of the Swiss cheese market
Authors: Wang Yanbing , Hug Simon , Irek Judith , Finger Robert
Published: August 2024

We investigate potential linkages between product and quality differentiation in the cheese markets and raw milk producer prices. We analyze the co‐movements of producer prices of milk delivered to cheese processing channels with different differentiation strategies, namely industrial, artisanal, and artisanal cheese with geographical indications (GI) in the Swiss dairy market. We find that overall, product and quality differentiation in cheese markets helps milk producers achieve higher and more stable prices. Additional GI protection does not guarantee further enhancement of producer prices. Rather, its effectiveness may depend largely on the strength of GI protection and the governance of producer organizations.
Navigating Intelligence: A Survey of Google OR‐Tools and Machine Learning for Global Path Planning in Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Benoit Alexandre , Asef Pedram
Published: August 2024

We offer a new in‐depth investigation of global path planning (GPP) for unmanned ground vehicles, an autonomous mining sampling robot named ROMIE. GPP is essential for ROMIE's optimal performance, which is translated into solving the traveling salesman problem, a complex graph theory challenge that is crucial for determining the most effective route to cover all sampling locations in a mining field. This problem is central to enhancing ROMIE's operational efficiency and competitiveness against human labor by optimizing cost and time. The primary aim of this research is to advance GPP by developing, evaluating, and improving a cost‐efficient software and web application. We delve into an extensive comparison and analysis of Google operations research (OR)‐Tools optimization algorithms. Our study is driven by the goal of applying and testing the limits of OR‐Tools capabilities by integrating Reinforcement Learning techniques for the first time. This enables us to compare these methods with OR‐Tools, assessing their computational effectiveness and real‐world application efficiency. Our analysis seeks to provide insights into the effectiveness and practical application of each technique. Our findings indicate that Q‐Learning stands out as the optimal strategy, demonstrating superior efficiency by deviating only 1.2% on average from the optimal solutions across our datasets.
Large Language Model‐Based Chatbots in Higher Education
Authors: Yigci Defne , Eryilmaz Merve , Yetisen Ail K. , Tasoglu Savas , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: August 2024

Large language models (LLMs) are artificial intelligence (AI) platforms capable of analyzing and mimicking natural language processing. Leveraging deep learning, LLM capabilities have been advanced significantly, giving rise to generative chatbots such as Generative Pre‐trained Transformer (GPT). GPT‐1 was initially released by OpenAI in 2018. ChatGPT's release in 2022 marked a global record of speed in technology uptake, attracting more than 100 million users in two months. Consequently, the utility of LLMs in fields including engineering, healthcare, and education has been explored. The potential of LLM‐based chatbots in higher education has sparked significant interest and ignited debates. LLMs can offer personalized learning experiences and advance asynchronized learning, potentially revolutionizing higher education, but can also undermine academic integrity. Although concerns regarding AI‐generated output accuracy, the spread of misinformation, propagation of biases, and other legal and ethical issues have not been fully addressed yet, several strategies have been implemented to mitigate these limitations. Here, the development of LLMs, properties of LLM‐based chatbots, and potential applications of LLM‐based chatbots in higher education are discussed. Current challenges and concerns associated with AI‐based learning platforms are outlined. The potentials of LLM‐based chatbot use in the context of learning experiences in higher education settings are explored.
Oxymetazoline as a predictor of turbinate reduction surgery outcomes: Objective support from a prospective, single‐blinded, computational fluid dynamics study
Authors: Root Zachary T. , Wu Zhenxing , Lepley Thomas J. , Schneller Aspen R. , Chapman Robbie J. , Formanek Veronica L. , Kelly Kathleen M. , Otto Bradley A. , Zhao Kai
Published: August 2024

Background

A patient's subjective response to topical nasal decongestant is often used to screen for turbinate reduction surgery suitability. However, this anecdotal strategy has not been objectively and quantitatively evaluated.

Methods

Prospective, longitudinal, and single‐blinded cohort study employing computational fluid dynamic modeling based on computed tomography scans at baseline, 30 min postoxymetazoline, and 2 months postsurgery on 11 patients with chronic turbinate hypertrophy.

Results

Nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) and visual analogue scale (VAS) obstruction scores significantly improved from baseline to postoxymetazoline and again to postsurgery (NOSE: 71.82 ± 14.19 to 42.27 ± 25.26 to 22.27 ± 21.04; VAS: 6.09 ± 2.41 to 4.14 ± 2.20 to 2.08 ± 1.56; each interaction p < 0.05), with significant correlation between the latter two states (r∼0.37–0.69, p < 0.05). Oxymetazoline had a broader anatomical impact throughout inferior and middle turbinates than surgery (many p < 0.05); however, the improvement in regional airflow is similar (most p > 0.05) and predominantly surrounding the inferior turbinate. Strong postoxymetazoline to postsurgery correlations were observed in decreased nasal resistance (r = 0.79, p < 0.05), increased regional airflow rates (r = ‐0.47 to −0.55, p < 0.05) and regional air/mucosa shear force and heat flux (r = 0.43 to 0.58, p < 0.05); however, only increasing peak heat flux significantly correlated to symptom score improvement (NOSE: r = 0.48, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

We present the first objective evidence that the “topical decongestant test” can help predict turbinate reduction surgery outcomes. The predictive effect is driven by similar improvementin regional airflow that leading to improved air/mucosa stimulations (peak heat flux) rather than through reduced nasal resistance.
Leptin bioavailability and markers of brain atrophy and vascular injury in the middle age
Authors: Charisis Sokratis , Short Meghan I. , Bernal Rebecca , Kautz Tiffany F. , Treviño Hector A. , Mathews Julia , Dediós Angel Gabriel Velarde , Muhammad Jazmyn A. S. , Luckey Alison M. , Aslam Asra , Himali Jayandra J. , Shipp Eric L. , Habes Mohamad , Beiser Alexa S. , DeCarli Charles , Scarmeas Nikolaos , Ramachandran Vasan S. , Seshadri Sudha , Maillard Pauline , Satizabal Claudia L.
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the associations of leptin markers with cognitive function and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of brain atrophy and vascular injury in healthy middle‐aged adults.

METHODS

We included 2262 cognitively healthy participants from the Framingham Heart Study with neuropsychological evaluation; of these, 2028 also had available brain MRI. Concentrations of leptin, soluble leptin receptor (sOB‐R), and their ratio (free leptin index [FLI]), indicating leptin bioavailability, were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Cognitive and MRI measures were derived using standardized protocols.

RESULTS

Higher sOB‐R was associated with lower fractional anisotropy (FA, β = −0.114 ± 0.02, p < 0.001), and higher free water (FW, β = 0.091 ± 0.022, p < 0.001) and peak‐width skeletonized mean diffusivity (PSMD, β = 0.078 ± 0.021, p < 0.001). Correspondingly, higher FLI was associated with higher FA (β = 0.115 ± 0.027, p < 0.001) and lower FW (β = ‐0.096 ± 0.029, p = 0.001) and PSMD (β = ‐0.085 ± 0.028, p = 0.002).

DISCUSSION

Higher leptin bioavailability was associated with better white matter (WM) integrity in healthy middle‐aged adults, supporting the putative neuroprotective role of leptin in late‐life dementia risk.

Highlights

Higher leptin bioavailability was related to better preservation of white matter microstructure.

Higher leptin bioavailability during midlife might confer protection against dementia.

Potential benefits might be even stronger for individuals with visceral obesity.

DTI measures might be sensitive surrogate markers of subclinical neuropathology.
Psychosocial implications of learning amyloid PET results in an observational cohort
Authors: Clark Lindsay R. , Erickson Claire M. , Chin Nathaniel A. , Basche Kristin E. , Ketchum Fred B. , Rosario Hannah L. , Peterson Amanda J. , Eveler Marcella L. , Johnson Sterling C.
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

Information on the psychosocial impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarker testing in adults at risk of AD is needed to inform best practices for communicating biomarker results.

METHODS

Ninety‐nine cognitively unimpaired older adults learned amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) results (mean age = 72.0 ± 4.8, 95% White, 28% elevated amyloid). Linear mixed‐effects regression models were used to test the main effects and interaction of PET result × time on psychosocial outcomes up to 6 months after learning results.

RESULTS

A significant interaction of PET result × time was observed for concern about AD (β = 0.28, p = 0.02) and intrusive thoughts and avoidance (β = ‐0.82, p < 0.001). A main effect of PET result was observed for AD test‐related distress (β = 12.09, p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Cognitively unimpaired adults learning elevated‐amyloid PET results reported mildly intrusive thoughts/avoidance initially following disclosure, but these symptoms decreased over time. Concern about AD dementia and AD biomarker test‐related distress remained higher in elevated‐amyloid compared to non‐elevated‐amyloid participants.

Highlights

Longitudinal assessment of psychosocial reactions after amyloid PET disclosure was conducted.

Transient highly intrusive thoughts or avoidance after learning elevated amyloid results.

Persistent test result‐related distress after receiving elevated‐amyloid results.

There is increased concern about AD dementia after receiving elevated‐amyloid results.

Happiness and relief are experienced after receiving non‐elevated‐amyloid results.
Association of cortical morphology, white matter hyperintensity, and glymphatic function in frontotemporal dementia variants
Authors: Xiao Die , Li Jianyu , Ren Zhanbing , Dai Minghui , Jiang Yihan , Qiu Ting , Zhang Huixiong , Chen Yifan , Zhang Youming , Zhang Yuanchao , Palaniyappan Lena ,   For the Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) can be phenotypically divided into behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD), nonfluent variant primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA), and semantic variant PPA (svPPA). However, the neural underpinnings of this phenotypic heterogeneity remain elusive.

METHODS

Cortical morphology, white matter hyperintensities (WMH), diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI‐ALPS), and their interrelationships were assessed in subtypes of FTD. Neuroimaging‐transcriptional analyses on the regional cortical morphological deviances among subtypes were also performed.

RESULTS

Changes in cortical thickness, surface area, gyrification, WMH, and DTI‐ALPS were subtype‐specific in FTD. The three morphologic indices are related to whole‐brain WMH volume and cognitive performance, while cortical thickness is related to DTI‐ALPS. Neuroimaging‐transcriptional analyses identified key biological pathways linked to the formation and/or spread of TDP‐43/tau pathologies.

DISCUSSION

We found subtype‐specific changes in cortical morphology, WMH, and glymphatic function in FTD. Our findings have the potential to contribute to the development of personalized predictions and treatment strategies for this disorder.

Highlights

Cortical morphologic changes, white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and glymphatic dysfunction are subtype‐specific.

Cortical morphologic changes, WMH, and glymphatic dysfunction are inter‐correlated.

Cortical morphologic changes and WMH burden contribute to cognitive impairments.
APOE ε4–associated downregulation of the IL‐7/IL‐7R pathway in effector memory T cells: Implications for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhang Ying‐Jie , Cheng Yan , Tang Hai‐Liang , Yue Qi , Cai Xin‐Yi , Lu Zhi‐Jie , Hao Yi‐Xuan , Dai An‐Xiang , Hou Ting , Liu Hao‐Xin , Kong Nan , Ji Xiao‐Yu , Lu Chang‐Hao , Xu Sheng‐Liang , Huang Kai , Zeng Xin , Wen Ya‐Qi , Ma Wan‐Yin , Guan Ji‐Tian , Lin Yan , Zheng Wen‐Bin , Pan Hui , Wu Jie , Wu Ren‐Hua , Wei Nai‐Li
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele exerts a significant influence on peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive.

METHODS

The present study enrolled 54 patients diagnosed with late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (AD; including 28 APOE ε4 carriers and 26 non‐carriers). Plasma inflammatory cytokine concentration was assessed, alongside bulk RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

RESULTS

Plasma tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ, and interleukin (IL)‐33 levels increased in the APOE ε4 carriers but IL‐7 expression notably decreased. A negative correlation was observed between plasma IL‐7 level and the hippocampal atrophy degree. Additionally, the expression of IL‐7R and CD28 also decreased in PBMCs of APOE ε4 carriers. ScRNA‐seq data results indicated that the changes were mainly related to the CD4+ Tem (effector memory) and CD8+ Tem T cells.

DISCUSSION

These findings shed light on the role of the downregulated IL‐7/IL‐7R pathway associated with the APOE ε4 allele in modulating neuroinflammation and hippocampal atrophy.

Highlights

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele decreases plasma interleukin (IL)‐7 and aggravates hippocampal atrophy in Alzheimer's disease.

Plasma IL‐7 level is negatively associated with the degree of hippocampal atrophy.

The expression of IL‐7R signaling decreased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of APOE ε4 carriers

Dysregulation of the IL‐7/IL‐7R signal pathways enriches T cells.
Broad‐Spectrum Antiviral Agents against SARS‐CoV‐2 Variants Inhibit the Conserved Viral Protein Nsp1–RNA Interaction
Authors: Gi Byun Wan , Lee Minha , Ko Meehyun , Hyae Lee Ji , Yi Sihyeong , Lee JinAh , Kim Seungtaek , Bum Park Seung
Published: August 2024

The ongoing global threats posed by COVID‐19 pandemic, catalyzed by SARS‐CoV‐2, underscores the pressing need for effective antiviral strategies. The viral non‐structural protein 1 (Nsp1) significantly influences pathogenicity by impeding host protein expression and enhancing viral RNA translation through its interaction with the stem‐loop 1 (SL1) in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR). We have developed a novel dual‐luciferase reporter assay, designed to investigate the critical Nsp1–SL1 interaction, and identified P23E02 as a potential inhibitor. Our investigation, combining molecular docking studies and alanine mutagenesis, has unveiled that P23E02 disrupts Nsp1–40S ribosomal subunit interaction, liberating translational inhibition and empowering host antiviral responses. P23E02 exhibits antiviral efficacy against various sarbecoviruses, making it a promising candidate for combatting COVID‐19 and related diseases. This study underscores the therapeutic potential of targeting the Nsp1/SL1 axis and lays the foundation for innovative antiviral interventions, ultimately fortifying global preparedness against future viral threats.
Higher Affinity Enables More Accurate Detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in Human Saliva Using Aptamer‐Based Litmus Test
Authors: Liu Rudi , Li Jiuxing , Gu Jimmy , Salena Bruno J. , Li Yingfu
Published: August 2024

Many aptamers have been generated by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) to recognize spike proteins of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2&ek), some of which have been engineered into dimeric and trimeric versions for enhanced affinity for diagnostic applications. However, no studies have been conducted to compare the utilities of monomeric, dimeric and trimeric aptamers in diagnostic assays with real clinical samples to answer the question of what levels of affinity an aptamer must have for accurate clinical diagnostics. Herein, we carried out a comparative study with two monomeric aptamers MSA1 and MSA5, one dimeric aptamer and two homotrimeric aptamers constructed with MSA1 and MSA5, with affinity varying by 1000‐fold. Using a colorimetric sandwich assay to analyze 48 human saliva samples, we found that the trimeric aptamer assay (Kd≈10 pM) can identify the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection much more accurately than the dimeric aptamer assay (Kd≈100 pM) and monomeric aptamer assay (Kd≈10,000 pM). Based on the experimental data, we theoretically predict the levels of affinity an aptamer needs to possess to achieve 80–100 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity. The findings from this study highlight the need for deriving very high affinity aptamers to enable highly accurate detection of viral infection for future pandemics.