bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing city size distributions: Gridded population versus nighttime lights
Authors: Puente‐Ajovín Miguel , Sanso‐Navarro Marcos , Vera‐Cabello María
Published: April 2024

This paper compares the size distributions of cities when they are measured using gridded population and nighttime lights (NTLs) data. To do so, we exploit recent and accurate satellite imagery to proxy urban economic activity. Similarly to related studies, our results suggest that population is more equally distributed than lights at the country level. However, and calling assumptions established for urban NTLs into question, our findings do not support a Pareto function for their distribution. We also obtain evidence of a nonlinear and heterogeneous link between population and lights for a global sample of cities. Grounded on our empirical analysis, we develop a simple theoretical framework that relates the difference between the distributions of population and light emissions to the strength of agglomeration economies.
The limits of virtue politics in an African context
Authors: Olujohungbe Benjamin Timi , Owoseni Adewale O.
Published: April 2024

This paper situates Karl Popper's ‘paradox of tolerance’ as foundation within the context of interrogating multifaceted violent identity politics propagated in contemporary Nigeria. The paper argues that the ‘active’ virtue of tolerance which requires that subjects within the Nigerian polity engage each other in rationally‐driven discourse on issues of dissent does not presume long‐suffering or passive endurance of violence propagated by a side of the dissenting divide. It is thus pertinent that an appropriate intervention by the Nigerian state delineating the limits of tolerance in the face of perennial intolerance and the proliferation of violent identity politics is inevitable.
First evidence of late‐acting self‐incompatibility in the Aristolochiaceae
Authors: Matallana‐Puerto C. A. , Duarte M. O. , Aguilar Fachin D. , Poloni Guilherme C. , Oliveira P. E. , Cardoso J. C. F.
Published: April 2024

Most Aristolochiaceae species studied so far are from temperate regions, bearing self‐compatible protogynous trap flowers. Although self‐incompatibility has been suggested for tropical species, the causes of self‐sterility in this family remain unknown. To fill this gap, we studied the pollination of the tropical Aristolochia esperanzae, including the physical and physiological anti‐selfing mechanisms.

Floral visitors trapped inside flowers were collected to determine the pollinators. Protogyny was characterized by observing the temporal expression of sexual phases and stigmatic receptivity tests. The breeding system was investigated using hand‐pollination treatments. Pollen tube growth was observed using epifluorescence to identify the self‐incompatibility mechanism.

Flies were the most frequent visitors found inside A. esperanzae trap flowers, with individuals from the family Ulidiidae being potential pollinators since they carried pollen. The characteristic flower odour and presence of larvae indicate that A. esperanzae deceives flies through oviposition‐site mimicry. Although this species showed incomplete protogyny, stigmatic receptivity decreased during the male phase, avoiding self‐pollination. Fruits developed only after cross‐ and open pollination, indicating that the population is non‐autonomous, non‐apomictic, and self‐sterile. This occurred through a delay in the growth of geitonogamous pollen tubes to the ovary and lower ovule penetration, indicating a late‐acting self‐incompatibility mechanism.

Our findings expand the number of families in which late‐acting self‐incompatibility has been reported, demonstrating that it is more widespread than previously thought, especially when considering less‐studied tropical species among the basal angiosperms.
Imagining other worlds
Alien Earths: The New Science of Planet Hunting in the Cosmos
Lisa Kaltenegger
St. Martin’s Press, 2024. 288 pp.
Authors: Tasker Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

An astronomer offers a vivid portrait of exoplanet landscapes
Earth’s sinking surface
Authors: Nicholls Robert J. , Shirzaei Manoochehr
Published: April 2024

China’s major cities show considerable subsidence from human activities
Sentinels of the airways
Authors: Zhu Ziai , Sun Xin
Published: April 2024

Epithelial cells in the larynx and trachea sense harmful cues and trigger protective reflexes
Sir Michael Anthony Epstein (1921–2024)
Authors: Ambinder Richard F. , Xian Rena R.
Published: April 2024

Codiscoverer of the Epstein-Barr virus
France needs a chief science adviser
Authors: Lemaire Patrick , Massol François
Published: April 2024

France is at a crossroads, facing environmental and social challenges that are profoundly altering its society. Yet, the French government keeps prioritizing short-term political gains over long-term evidence-based planning for major transitions that France, like most countries, will undergo over the next 20 years. There is an urgent need for France to implement long-term science-informed policy-making.
Native lizards taught to avoid toxic toads by released toadlets
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

Exposing monitor lizards to thousands of young cane toads helped them survive once the adult toads invaded
Hiring ban disrupts research at Florida universities
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: April 2024

Suit seeks to overturn state law targeting graduate and postdocs from China and other “countries of concern”
Cardiovascular outcomes following hospitalisation for exacerbation of bronchiectasis: a territory-wide study
Authors: Kwok Wang Chun , Tsui Chung Ki , Leung Sze Him Isaac , Wong Chun Ka Emmanuel , Tam Terence Chi Chun , Ho James Chung-man
Published: April 2024

Background

Although bronchiectasis is reported to be associated with cardiovascular disease, evidence for an association with cardiovascular events (CVEs) is lacking.

Methods

A territory-wide retrospective cohort study was conducted in Hong Kong involving all patients who had bronchiectasis diagnosed in public hospitals and clinics between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 2017 were included. Patients were allocated to be exacerbator or non-exacerbator group based on hospitalzied bronchiecsis history and CVEs over the next 5 years determined. Propensity score matching was used to balance baseline characteristics.

Results

10 714 bronchiectasis patients (mean age 69.6±14.4 years, 38.9% men), including 1230 in exacerbator group and 9484 in non-exacerbator group, were analysed. At 5 years, 113 (9.2%) subjects in the exacerbator group and 87 (7.1%) in the non-exacerbator group developed composite CVEs. After adjustment for age, sex, smoking and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, bronchiectasis exacerbation was associated with increased risks for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF) and CVE compared with those in the non-exacerbator group with adjusted HR of 1.602 (95% CI 1.006–2.552, p value=0.047), 1.371 (95% CI 1.016–1.851, p value=0.039) and 1.238 (95% CI 1.001–1.532, p=0.049) in the whole cohort. Findings were similar for the propensity score-matched cohort for AMI and CVE.

Conclusion

Patients who were hospitalised for exacerbation of bronchiectasis were at significantly increased risk of AMI, CHF and CVE over a 5-year follow-up period.
Characterizing contemporary evolutionary change in a recently isolated population of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.)
Authors: Kozak Aspen M. , Barry Tegan N. , Stanford Brenna C.M. , Rogers Sean M. , Jamniczky Heather A.
Published: April 2024

The parallel evolution of lateral plates and body shape in the threespine stickleback ( Gasterosteus aculeatus) is an iconic example of adaptation. We test a case of contemporary evolutionary transition in a recently isolated population of marine G. aculeatus in British Columbia, Canada. We investigate Ectodysplasin ( Eda) genotypes, plate counts, neutral genetic divergence, and whole-body phenotypes to determine the genetic and phenotypic distance between this population and nearby comparative populations. Our focal population is in the process of adapting both genetically and phenotypically to a freshwater environment, and we provide an example of the genetic basis for parallel evolution on a contemporary timescale. The frequency of Eda genotypes and lateral plate phenotypes in our focal population is not consistent with those of marine or fully freshwater populations. Although our focal population is genetically distinct from nearby marine populations, these fish still more closely resemble marine populations in overall body shape while demonstrating an intriguing intermediate phenotype. Eda frequency and lateral plate phenotype change faster than body shape in response to freshwater conditions, suggesting that the pace of adaptation differs across traits in response to the same environmental conditions. Our results further bolster the case for G. aculeatus as a key model of contemporary evolution.
Killing spinors and hypersurfaces
Authors: Conti Diego , Segnan Dalmasso Romeo
Published: April 2024

We consider spin manifolds with an Einstein metric, either Riemannian or indefinite, for which there exists a Killing spinor. We describe the intrinsic geometry of nondegenerate hypersurfaces in terms of a PDE satisfied by a pair of induced spinors, akin to the generalized Killing spinor equation.

Conversely, we prove an embedding result for real analytic pseudo-Riemannian manifolds carrying a pair of spinors satisfying this condition.
Efficient Recurrent Neural Networks via Importance-Based Sparsification
Authors: Ren Jiankang , Ni Zheng , Su Xiaoyan , Zhang Haijun , Li Haifang , Li Shengyu
Published: April 2024

Embedded sensing devices that are battery-operated and resource-limited are increasingly utilizing recurrent neural networks (RNNs) to attain real-time perception of the complex environment. Nevertheless, the majority of RNNs typically handle substantial amounts of time-series data, resulting in computational intensity and high energy consumption. Hence, the development of energy-efficient RNN models is a crucial focus. This paper introduces IS-RNN, an energy-efficient RNN model featuring importance-based sparsification, aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of RNN-based in-sensor inference. The principal motivation for this research arises from the recognition that time series data obtained from sensor sensing often exhibit inherent redundancy. Leveraging input sequence sparsification allows for the elimination of invalid input accesses and computations, thus optimizing efficiency. As a result, optimizing the sparsity of the input sequence through adaptive control allows us to improve inference performance while adhering to energy constraints. In particular, we build an importance score analysis method to quantify the contribution of each input toward the RNN inference performance. Building upon the proposed quantitative importance score analysis, we introduce a dynamic efficient RNN architecture, which enables the model to make decisions based on important data to obtain the highest accuracy under energy constraints. Moreover, we introduce an adaptive RNN inference method to enhance prediction accuracy under energy constraints by making a trade-off between computational cost and model performance. We evaluated IS-RNN on five datasets and the results show that it achieves a higher inference accuracy with the same amount of data processed compared to the state-of-the-art methods.
Road Network Traffic Flow Prediction Method Based on Graph Attention Networks
Authors: Wang Junqiang , Yang Shuqiang , Gao Ya , Wang Jun , Alfarraj Osama
Published: April 2024

With the acceleration of urbanization and the continuous growth of transportation demand, the traffic management of smart city road networks has become increasingly complex and critical. Traffic flow prediction, as an important component of smart transportation systems, is of great significance for optimizing traffic planning and improving traffic efficiency. The study collected and preprocessed traffic data in the smart city road network, including multi-dimensional information such as traffic flow, road conditions, and meteorological data. Then, based on the idea of graph neural networks, we constructed the topological structure of the urban road network and abstracted elements such as roads and intersections into nodes, using edges to represent their connection relationships, thus forming a graph dataset. Next, we introduced an attention mechanism to extract more representative node features through the weighted aggregation of node features, thereby achieving effective modeling of urban road network traffic flow. During the model training phase, we used real traffic datasets for experimental verification and integrated various information such as time, space, and road features into the model. The experimental results show that compared to traditional methods, this research prediction method has achieved better performance in traffic flow prediction tasks, with higher prediction accuracy and robustness. It has stronger applicability and effectiveness in different traffic scenarios. By integrating multi-dimensional information and introducing attention mechanisms, this method has significant advantages in improving the accuracy and robustness of traffic flow prediction, and has important practical significance and application prospects for the construction of smart transportation systems and the development of smart cities.
Double attention Res-U-Net-based Deep Neural Network Model for Automatic Detection of Tuberculosis in Human Lungs
Authors: Balamurugan M. , Balamurugan R.
Published: April 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) stands as the leading cause of death and a significant threat to humanity in the contemporary world. Early detection of TB is crucial for precise identification and treatment, and Chest X-Rays (CXR) serve as a valuable tool in this regard. Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) systems play a vital role in easing the classification process of active and latent TB. This paper uses an approach called the Double Attention Res-U-Net-based Deep Neural Network (DARUNDNN) to enhance TB detection in the lungs. The detection process involves pre-processing, noise removal, image level balancing, the application of the DARUNDNN model and using the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) for improved accuracy. Experimental validation using Montgomery Country (MC), Shenzhen China (SC), and NIH CXR Datasets compares the results with U-Net, AlexNet, GoogleNet, and convolutional neural network (CNN) models. The findings, particularly from the SC dataset, demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed DARUNDNN model with an accuracy of 98.6%, specificity of 96.24%, and sensitivity of 97.66%, outperforming benchmarked deep learning models. Additionally, validation with the MC dataset reveals an excellent accuracy of 98%, specificity of 97.56%, and sensitivity of 98.52%.
Investigating the equation-of-state, stability and mass–radius relationship of anisotropic and massive neutron stars embedded in f(R,T) modified gravity
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Mayukh , Biswas Ritabrata
Published: April 2024

In this study, our main focus is to investigate the mass–radius relation and several important properties of massive neutron stars to realize the nature, behavior and evolution of these kinds of compact objects at present time. Also, we want to understand the equation-of-state of the core nuclear matter precisely with their stable equilibrium configuration. We have chosen a few massive binary pulsars and investigated on maximum attainable mass and lowest possible radius of them. We have considered Einstein–Hilbert action as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the Ricci scalar and [Formula: see text], the trace of energy–momentum tensor with [Formula: see text] as the coupling parameter and also used modified TOV equations. The interior space-time of the spherical neutron star is matched to the exterior Schwarzschild line element at the surface of the star. The [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] curve can predict the maximum achievable mass is about [Formula: see text] with lowest possible radius of around [Formula: see text] km for the massive compact stars under stable equilibrium. We have obtained a clear picture of structural evolution of massive neutron stars through accelerating space-time and can put some constraints on several quantities related to them. It is depicted from our present investigation that all the derived outcomes are compatible with physically adopted regimes which reveal the viability of our current model in the context of [Formula: see text] modified gravity.
The Structural Characteristics of Sustainable Nanomelanin Derived from Lasiodiplodia theobromae
Authors: Liu Yuansong , Chen Yunyun
Published: April 2024

Natural melanin is a sustainable and environmentally friendly pigment. The structural properties of melanin are of great significance for its functional applications. In this study, the preliminary composition and structure of melanin extracted from the induced cultures of Lasiodiplodia theobromae were qualitatively characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV) spectrophotometer, elemental analysis (EA), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). The results showed that the secreted melanin contained many functional groups such as hydroxy groups, alkanes and aromatic rings, which belonged to benzoquinone structure and aliphatic structure. The melanin secreted by Lasiodiplodia theobromae can be identified as a type of allomelanin. This research work is expected to provide a reference for the application of melanin in various fields in the future.
Stationary probability density and noise-induced transitions in a stochastic host-generalist parasitoid model
Authors: Wang Tiande , Ma Jiying
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we study the dynamical behavior of a stochastic host-generalist parasitoid model with Holling II functional response. First, by constructing a suitable Lyapunov function, we prove that the stochastic system has a unique ergodic stationary distribution under certain condition. Second, we analyze the stationary probability density when the corresponding deterministic system has a unique stable positive equilibrium. The original stochastic system is transformed to an It[Formula: see text] average diffusion system by using Taylor expansions at the positive equilibrium point, polar coordinate transformation and stochastic average method. Then the stationary probability density is obtained by solving the Fokker–Planck equation of the average diffusion system. Finally, we explore noise-induced state transitions between two random attractors in the bistable regions: (i) between two internal stable equilibria; (ii) between an internal equilibrium and a limit cycle. The critical noise intensity for which the state switching occurs is estimated by calculating confidence ellipses. The results show that large environmental fluctuations can obviously affect the stability of ecosystems, and cause transitions between high and low biomass of the hosts and the generalist parasitoids.
The sign of bistable wave speed for a plankton model
Authors: Wan Yuting , Li Jiang , Wang Hongyong
Published: April 2024

The sign of the speed of bistable traveling wave solution is an important focus in the field of population dynamics, since it can be used to predict which species will win the competition and ultimately survive. In this paper, the sign of bistable wave speed of a plankton model with cubic nonlinearity is studied. By a delicate analysis, a sufficient condition for bistable wave to be stationary is first obtained. Symmetric and multiplication properties for stationary bistable wave are established. By upper-lower solution method and comparison principle, two sufficient conditions are found so that the bistable wave speed is negative or positive. Moreover, numerical simulations are performed to illustrate our theoretic conclusions.
Hopf bifurcation in a delay-diffusion housefly equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions
Authors: Chang Xiaoyuan , Feng Yixuan , Li Meng , Zhang Jimin
Published: April 2024

The dynamical behaviors for a delay-diffusion housefly equation with two kinds of Dirichlet boundary conditions are considered in this paper. The existence and uniqueness of the steady state solutions are investigated, and the stability of the constant steady state solutions is obtained by using qualitative theory. The existence of Hopf bifurcation near the positive constant steady state solution is discussed and the expressions which can identify the bifurcation properties, including the stability of the bifurcating periodic solution and the bifurcation direction, are presented.
C2: ABR Streaming in Cognizant of Consumption Context for Improved QoE and Resource Usage Tradeoffs
Authors: Park Cheonjin , Shende Chinmaey , Sen Subhabrata , Wang Bing
Published: April 2024

Smartphones have emerged as ubiquitous platforms for people to consume content in a wide range of
consumption contexts (C2)
, e.g., over cellular or WiFi, playing back audio and video directly on phone or through peripheral devices such as external screens or speakers. In this article, we argue that a user’s specific C2 is an important factor to consider in Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) streaming. We examine the current practices of using C2 in five popular ABR players, and identify various limitations in existing treatments that have a detrimental impact on network resource usage and user experience. We then formulate C2-cognizant ABR streaming as an optimization problem and develop practical best-practice guidelines to realize it. Instantiating these guidelines, we develop a proof-of-concept implementation in the widely used state-of-the-art ExoPlayer platform and demonstrate that it leads to significantly better tradeoffs in terms of user experience and resource usage. Last, we show that the guidelines also benefit
dash.js
player that uses an ABR logic significantly different from that of ExoPlayer.
Decoding Functional Brain Data for Emotion Recognition: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Tülay Emine Elif , Balli Tugçe
Published: April 2024

The identification of emotions is an open research area and has a potential leading role in the improvement of socio-emotional skills such as empathy, sensitivity, and emotion recognition in humans. The current study aimed at using Event Related Potential (ERP) components (N100, N200, P200, P300, early Late Positive Potential (LPP), middle LPP, and late LPP) of EEG data for the classification of emotional states (positive, negative, neutral). EEG data were collected from 62 healthy individuals over 18 electrodes. An emotional paradigm with pictures from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) was used to record the EEG data. A linear Support Vector Machine (C = 0.1) was used to classify emotions, and a forward feature selection approach was used to eliminate irrelevant features. The early LPP component, which was the most discriminative among all ERP components, had the highest classification accuracy (70.16%) for identifying negative and neutral stimuli. The classification of negative versus neutral stimuli had the best accuracy (79.84%) when all ERP components were used as a combined feature set, followed by positive versus negative stimuli (75.00%) and positive versus neutral stimuli (68.55%). Overall, the combined ERP component feature sets outperformed single ERP component feature sets for all stimulus pairings in terms of accuracy. These findings are promising for further research and development of EEG-based emotion recognition systems.
Rift Valley Fever Virus Encephalitis: Viral and Host Determinants of Pathogenesis
Authors: Wilson Lindsay R. , McElroy Anita K.
Published: April 2024

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne virus endemic to Africa and the Middle East. RVFV infection can cause encephalitis, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Studies of RVFV encephalitis following percutaneous inoculation, as would occur following a mosquito bite, have historically been limited by a lack of consistent animal models. In this review, we describe new insights into the pathogenesis of RVFV and the opportunities provided by new mouse models. We underscore the need to consider viral strain and route of inoculation when interpreting data obtained using animal models. We discuss the trafficking of RVFV and the role of host genetics and immunity in modulating the pathogenesis of RVFV encephalitis. We also explore potential strategies to prevent and treat central nervous system disease caused by RVFV and discuss remaining knowledge gaps.
Effect of the DASH diet on the sodium-chloride cotransporter and aquaporin-2 in urinary extracellular vesicles
Authors: Bielopolski Dana , Musante Luca , Hoorn Ewout J. , Molina Henrik , Barrows Douglas , Carrol Thomas S. , Harding Michael A. , Upson Samantha , Qureshi Adam , Weder Max M. , Tobin Jonathan N. , Kost Rhonda G. , Erdbrügger U.
Published: April 2024

Numerous studies link DASH diet to lower blood pressure, but its mechanism is unclear. Urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) offer noninvasive insights, potentially replacing tissue sampling. Transitioning to DASH diet alters kidney transporters in our stage 1 hypertension cohort: AQP2 decreases, NCC increases in uEVs. This aligns with increased urine volume, reduced sodium reabsorption, and blood pressure decline. Our data highlight uEV protein changes as diet markers, suggesting some uEVs may function as waste pathways. We analyzed larger EVs alongside small EVs, and NCC in immunoblots across its molecular weight range.
The Personalized Thermal Comfort Prediction Using an MH‐LSTM Neural Network Method
Authors: Cho Jaeyoun , Shin Hyunkyu , Ahn Yonghan , Ho Jongnam
Published: April 2024

As demand for indoor thermal comfort increases, occupants’ subjective thermal sensation is becoming an important indicator of the building environment. Traditional models like the predicted mean vote‐based model may not be reliable for individual comfort. This study proposed the multihead long short‐term memory (LSTM) model to reflect physical and environment‐driven data variation. Controlled experiments were conducted with individual temperature measurements of six participants, and the collected data showed significant potential to predict individual thermal comfort using a model trained for each person. The results derived from this study can be utilized, in future, for predicting the thermal comfort and for optimizing the thermal environments using personal body temperature and surrounding environmental data in a space where mainly independent activities are performed. This study contributes to the relevant literature by suggesting a method that predicts thermal comfort based on the multihead LSTM method.
Hangeshashinto Inhibits Porphyromonas gingivalis Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns-Mediated IL-6 and IL-8 Production through Toll-Like Receptors in CAL27 Cells
Authors: Oh Hourei , Makita Yoshimasa , Masuno Kazuya , Imamura Yasuhiro
Published: April 2024

While previous reports have established the anti-inflammatory effects of hangeshashinto, the intracellular signal transduction pathways involved have yet to be elucidated. We aim to employ an experimental system using oral cancer cells to assess the impact of hangeshashinto on intracellular signal transduction pathways in response to stimulation by Porphyromonas gingivalis pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP). Hangeshashinto demonstrated the ability to inhibit the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 induced by P. gingivalis PAMP. Furthermore, hangeshashinto suppressed the activation of the IL-6 promoter stimulated by PAMP. Hangeshashinto, like Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling inhibitors (resatorvid and C29) and an immunosuppressant (dexamethasone), exhibited the ability to suppress TLR-mediated activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in response to PAMP stimulation. This study suggests that the anti-inflammatory effects of hangeshashinto may be attributed to the inhibition of TLR signal transduction pathways including NF-κB activation, thereby suppressing NF-κB-dependent gene expression.
Expression and Analysis of Uncertainty in Deep Foundation Pit Design Scheme Decision‐Making
Authors: Cui Yu , Wang Qun , Chen Tiebing , Deng Ronghui , Chen Xiaoliang
Published: April 2024

The burgeoning urbanization of major cities has precipitated a critical examination of deep foundation pit projects, with escalating costs, protracted construction phases, complex site conditions, and specialized technical requirements. Selecting the optimal design scheme from multiple alternatives in a multiattribute decision‐making environment poses a significant challenge. This study presents a novel model tailored for the design of deep foundation pits in design‐build (DB) contracting projects. The model combines multiattribute ideal point theory with the analytic hierarchy process to evaluate 22 key factors and their uncertainties. It computes the deviations of potential design schemes from ideal benchmarks across all considered attributes. By employing the lexicographic hierarchy aggregation operator, the model aggregates group‐level deviations and linguistically weighted evaluations to calculate a comprehensive score for each design scheme. This approach aids in identifying the most suitable design to meet the deep foundation requirements of DB projects. The effectiveness of the model is demonstrated through its application in the decision‐making process for a commercial hotel’s deep foundation pit design scheme. The empirical findings affirm the model’s ability to identify critical factors and accurately assess their impact on engineering design decisions in DB contracting projects. Among the four evaluated designs, the continuous retaining wall scheme achieved the lowest group deviation score, marking it as the preferred option. Consequently, this research offers a robust framework for making informed decisions in the design of deep foundation pits within DB contracting projects, effectively handling the complexities of uncertain linguistic evaluations and the collaboration of multiple attributes.
Data from Association between Receipt of Guideline-Concordant Lung Cancer Treatment and Individual- and Area-Level Factors: A Spatio-Temporal Analysis
Authors: Wah Win , Stirling Rob G. , Ahern Susannah , Earnest Arul
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground:
Guideline-concordant treatment (GCT) of lung cancer has been observed to vary across geographic regions over the years. However, there is little evidence as to what extent this variation is explained by differences in patients’ clinical characteristics versus contextual factors, including socioeconomic inequalities.
Methods:
This study evaluated the independent effects of individual- and area-level risk factors on geographic and temporal variation in receipt of GCT among patients with lung cancer. Receipt of GCT was defined on the basis of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. We used Bayesian spatial-temporal multilevel models to combine individual and areal predictors and outcomes while accounting for geographically structured and unstructured correlation and linear and nonlinear trends.
Results:
Our study included 4,854 non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cases, reported to the Victorian Lung Cancer Registry between 2011 and 2018. Area-level data comprised socioeconomic disadvantage and remoteness data at the local government area level in Victoria, Australia. Around 60.36% of patients received GCT, and the rates varied across geographic areas over time. This variation was mainly associated with poor performance status, advanced clinical stages, NSCLC types, public hospital insurance, area-level deprivation, and comorbidities.
Conclusions:
This study highlights the need to address disparities in receipt of GCT among patients with lung cancer with poor performance status, NSCLC, advanced clinical stage, stage I–III SCLC, stage III NSCLC, public hospital insurance, and comorbidities, and living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
Impact:
Two-year mortality outcomes significantly improved with GCT. Interventions aimed at reducing these inequalities could help to improve lung cancer outcomes.
TABLE 3 from First-in-human Phase I Trial of TPST-1120, an Inhibitor of PPARα, as Monotherapy or in Combination with Nivolumab, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Yarchoan Mark , Powderly John D. , Bastos Bruno R. , Karasic Thomas B. , Crysler Oxana V. , Munster Pamela N. , McKean Meredith A. , Emens Leisha A. , Saenger Yvonne M. , Ged Yasser , Stagg Robert , Smith Steven , Whiting Chan C. , Moon Anne , Prasit Peppi , Jenkins Yonchu , Standifer Nathan , Dubensky Thomas W. , Whiting Sam H. , Ulahannan Susanna V.
Published: April 2024

Summary of genes associated with TPST-1120 exposure levels
TABLE 2 from First-in-human Phase I Trial of TPST-1120, an Inhibitor of PPARα, as Monotherapy or in Combination with Nivolumab, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Yarchoan Mark , Powderly John D. , Bastos Bruno R. , Karasic Thomas B. , Crysler Oxana V. , Munster Pamela N. , McKean Meredith A. , Emens Leisha A. , Saenger Yvonne M. , Ged Yasser , Stagg Robert , Smith Steven , Whiting Chan C. , Moon Anne , Prasit Peppi , Jenkins Yonchu , Standifer Nathan , Dubensky Thomas W. , Whiting Sam H. , Ulahannan Susanna V.
Published: April 2024

Treatment-related treatment-emergent AEs by preferred term in ≥1 patient, any grade and grade 3
Supplementary Table S1 from First-in-human Phase I Trial of TPST-1120, an Inhibitor of PPARα, as Monotherapy or in Combination with Nivolumab, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Yarchoan Mark , Powderly John D. , Bastos Bruno R. , Karasic Thomas B. , Crysler Oxana V. , Munster Pamela N. , McKean Meredith A. , Emens Leisha A. , Saenger Yvonne M. , Ged Yasser , Stagg Robert , Smith Steven , Whiting Chan C. , Moon Anne , Prasit Peppi , Jenkins Yonchu , Standifer Nathan , Dubensky Thomas W. , Whiting Sam H. , Ulahannan Susanna V.
Published: April 2024

Additional PPAR-α Associated Genes Monitored
Exposure to Progestin 17-OHPC Induces Gastrointestinal Dysfunction through Claudin-1 Suppression in Female Mice with Increased Anxiety-Like Behaviors
Authors: Zeng Liqin , Zhang Xiaozhuang , Shen Qingjun , He Li , Liu Xiaohan , Zeng Xiangyue , Wu Qiaozhu , Ma Irene , Zheng Shuangyun , Cheng Liqin , Li Ling , Yao Paul
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Progestin, commonly used in oral contraception and preventing preterm birth, elicits various off-target side effects on brain and gastrointestinal (GI) functions, yet the precise mechanisms remain elusive. This study aims to probe progestin’s impact on GI function and anxiety-like behaviors in female mice. Methods: Colon stem cells were utilized to explore the mechanism underlying progestin 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC)-mediated suppression of claudin-1 (CLDN1), crucial for epithelial integrity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays identified potential progestin-response elements on the CLDN1 promoter, with subsequent assessment of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Manipulation of vitamin D receptor (VDR) or estrogen receptor β (ERβ) expression elucidated their roles in 17-OHPC-mediated effects. Intestine-specific VDR deficient mice were generated to evaluate 17-OHPC’s impact on GI dysfunction and anxiety-like behaviors in female mice. Additionally, gene expression was analyzed in various brain regions, including the amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. Results: Exposure to 17-OHPC suppressed CLDN1 expression via epigenetic modifications and VDR dissociation from the CLDN1 promoter. Furthermore, 17-OHPC intensified oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine release. VDR knockdown partly mimicked, while overexpression of either VDR or ERβ partly restored 17-OHPC-mediated effects. Intestinal VDR deficiency partly mirrored 17-OHPC-induced GI dysfunction, with minimal impact on 17-OHPC-mediated anxiety-like behaviors. Conclusions: 17-OHPC suppresses CLDN1 expression through VDR, contributing to GI dysfunction in female mice, distinct from 17-OHPC-induced anxiety-like behaviors. This study reveals a new mechanism and potential negative impact of progestin exposure on the GI tract, alongside inducing anxiety-like behaviors in female mice.
Vestibular Hypofunction Secondary to Topical Use of Aminoglycosides in Ears with Perforated Tympanic Membrane
Authors: González-Aguado Rocío , Veiga-Alonso Aida , Morales-Angulo Carmelo
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The objective of this study was to identify and clinically characterize patients treated in an Otoneurology Unit who experienced vestibular ototoxicity as a result of using aminoglycoside ear drops during outbreaks of superinfection in chronic otitis media. Material and Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted, including patients with perforated eardrums who developed vestibular ototoxicity within the past 10 years following the application of topical ear aminoglycosides in a tertiary referral center. The study encompassed the assessment of the clinical presentation, treatment, quality of life, and evolution after treatment of the identified individuals. Results: During the study period, 6 patients, aged between 33 and 71 years, developed vestibular ototoxicity following the use of topical aminoglycoside drops due to infection flares in chronic otitis media. All cases involved the use of gentamicin. Two cases were unilateral, and 4 were unilateral. The onset of symptoms occurred within one to four weeks of using the drops, resulting in all patients experiencing instability without vertigo attacks. After discontinuing the drops and undergoing vestibular rehabilitation, 4 patients experienced sequelae, with 2 patients (both with bilateral vestibular hypofunction) suffering significant impairment in their quality of life. Conclusions: Vestibular ototoxicity due to the topical application of aminoglycosides during acute exacerbations of chronic otitis media is a rare occurrence. However, given its potential for severe consequences and the fact that we are still encountering patients with this condition, healthcare professionals should explore alternative antibacterial agents that offer similar efficacy.
Malnutrition Prevalence and Nutrient Intakes of Indonesian Older Adults in Institutionalized Care Setting: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies
Authors: Dewiasty Esthika , Setiati Siti , Agustina Rina , Saldi Siti Rizny F. , Wisuda Nove Zain , Pramudita Arvin , Kumaheri Meutia , Fensynthia Gracia , Rahmah Fariza , Jonlean Reganedgary , de Groot Lisette C.P.G.M.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Data on the prevalence of malnutrition and nutrient intakes among Indonesian older adults in institutionalized care setting are scattered and scarce. Thus, we conducted a systematic review of published and gray literature to estimate (1) the prevalence of malnutrition, (2) the level and distribution of habitual energy and nutrient intakes, and (3) the prevalence of inadequacy of energy and nutrient intakes among hospitalized and institutionalized older adults in Indonesia. Methods: This systematic review was written following the PRISMA 2020 checklist. The population of this review was Indonesian older adults in institutionalized care settings, including hospital wards, orphanages, nursing homes, residential facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Malnutrition was assessed using body mass index, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score, or the subjective global assessment (SGA) score. The dietary intakes (from food recalls, food records, or food frequency questionnaire) were compared with the Indonesian Recommended Dietary Allowances for people aged 65–80. The prevalence of inadequacy was calculated using two-thirds of the Recommended Dietary Allowance as a proxy for the estimated average requirement. Results: The search yielded 330 studies from electronic databases, resulting in fifteen eligible studies. One report was obtained from an unpublished study. Based on the JBI criteria, most studies had low risk of bias and represented the target population. The prevalence of malnutrition in hospital, nursing home, and other institutionalized care ranged from 6.5% to 48.3% in hospitals and 3.2% to 61.0% in other institutionalized care units. In the hospital setting, there was a high prevalence of inadequacies for all nutrients, particularly protein (20%), calcium (more than 90%), and vitamin D intakes (more than 50%). In nursing homes, these proportions were exceptionally high for protein (66%) and calcium and vitamin D intakes (almost 100%). Conclusion: The high risk of malnutrition in Indonesian older adults in institutionalized care setting is pronounced, along with poor intakes of macronutrients and micronutrients in both settings.
Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Patients Undergoing Renal Surgery for Cancer: Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate versus Measured Glomerular Filtration Rate in the Era of Precision Medicine
Authors: Trevisani Francesco , Simeoni Mariadelina , Bettiga Arianna , Cinque Alessandra , Floris Matteo
Published: April 2024

Background: In the era of precision medicine, determining reliable renal function assessment remains a critical and debatable issue, especially in nephrology and oncology. Summary: This paper delves into the significance of accurately measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) in clinical practice, highlighting its essential role in guiding medical decisions and managing kidney health, particularly in the context of renal cancer (RC) patients undergoing nephrotoxic anti-cancer drugs. The limitations and advantages of traditional glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation methods, primarily using serum biomarkers like creatinine and cystatin C, are discussed, emphasizing their possible inadequacy in cancer patients. Specifically, newer formulae designed for GFR estimation in cancer patients may not perform at best in RC patients. The paper explores various methods for direct GFR measurement, including the gold standard inulin clearance and alternatives like iohexol plasma clearance. Key Message: Despite the logistical challenges of these methods, their implementation is crucial for accurate renal function assessment. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for continued research and innovation in GFR measurement methodologies to improve patient outcomes, particularly in populations with complex medical needs.
Evaluation of Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation and Acidogenicity of Infant Milk Formulas for Treating Cow Milk Allergy: An in vitro Study
Authors: Rattanapakdeekul Navaphan , Lapirattanakul Jinthana , Tosrisawatkasem Orada , Surarit Rudee , Smutkeeree Apiwan
Published: April 2024

Introduction: When infants cannot consume breast milk, the most commonly available alternative milk formula is cow milk-based. Due to a rise in the prevalence of cow milk protein allergy (CMPA) among children, this study aimed to assess the biofilm formation and acidogenicity of cow milk-based formulas as well as milk formulas suggested for children with CMPA. Methods: Cow milk-based formulas with 0%, 10%, or 18% sucrose added, partially hydrolyzed formula (pHF), extensively hydrolyzed formula (eHF), amino acid-based formula (AAF), and soy-based formulas with 0%, or 11% sucrose added were evaluated. Streptococcus mutans was used as a representative microorganism associated with caries. The acidogenicity after 24-h incubation was assessed by the pH of the formed biofilm and lactic acid formation. Biofilm formation was quantified using crystal violet staining. Additionally, the biofilm characteristics were determined using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Comparisons were made among formulas without added sucrose to observe protein-based differences. Furthermore, formulas with different sucrose percentages were compared to explore the impact of sucrose content. Results: When comparing the formulas without added sucrose, the biofilm formation in the cow milk-based formula and pHF were significantly greater than the soy-based formula, eHF, and AAF. In the presence of S. mutans, all formulas reduced the biofilm pH below the critical enamel pH. The cow milk-based formula and AAF showed a significantly lower biofilm pH than the pHF, soy-based, and eHF groups, while the lactic acid production was markedly higher in the cow milk-based formula, pHF and AAF, compared with the eHF and soy-based formula. Adding sucrose into the cow milk-based and soy-based formulas substantially increased biofilm mass. The biofilm pH of the cow milk-based formulas, with or without sucrose, was significantly lower than that of the soy-based formulas. The CLSM indicated distinct biofilm characteristics among the different protein-based formulas, with sucrose supplementation promoting S. mutans aggregation in cow milk-based formula biofilm and increased density and intact biofilm in the soy-based formula. Conclusion: All assessed milk formulas had caries-inducing factors, including those without supplemental sucrose. Among them, the eHF demonstrated the least caries-inducing factors, attributed to its minimal biofilm formation and the highest biofilm pH.
6 – BENZYLAMINOPURINE INDUCES HIGH-FREQUENCY MULTIPLICATION IN VULNERABLE Curcuma pseudomontana J. Graham.: A POTENTIAL EX VIVO CONSERVATION TOOL
Authors: Vaze Gayatri , Pramod Hurkadale  , Hegde Harsha
Published: April 2024

A rapid high-frequency multiplication protocol is designed for Curcuma pseudomontana J. Graham, belonging to the family Zingiberaceae, an endemic species to the Western Ghats of India. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Taxa mentions this species as vulnerable due to multiple underlying causes. The Plant is extensively used in traditional and tribal medicine. The species has suffered habitat loss due to uncontrolled use for tribal medicine leading to a 30% loss in the last decade. This study is planned with a specific objective to conserve the species, and this is the first-ever report of micropropagation of Curcuma pseudomontana J. Graham using in vitro multiplication. An efficient rapid protocol for Micropropagation is developed using rhizome bud explants. The explants are transferred from MS basal medium onto the MS medium fortified with BAP, KN, TDZ at a varying concentration range. The maximum shoot induction is observed in MS medium enriched with BAP 2mg L-1resulting in 9.66 ±2.08 number of shoots per explant with a shoot length of 6.40 ±0.36cm. The root induction response is studied by aseptically transferring the shoots onto MS medium fortified with NAA, IBA, and IAA at varying concentration. Maximum root length and root number is recorded in MS supplemented with 1- Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) at 0.5 mg L-1. However, a 100 % root induction frequency is observed in all the samples under study. The rooted plantlets are removed from the culture flasks and transferred into hardening media containing 1:1:1 ratio of Sand: Soil: Cocopeat. The hardened plants are healthy and disease-free and showed a 92% survival after acclimatization.
Description of a new species of Bibrax Fletcher from Colombia with an updated diagnosis and key to species (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae)
Authors: ASENJO ANGÉLICO , LOZADA CLARA MILENA CONCHA , ROPERO MARIA CRISTINA GALLEGO , GOUVEA BRUNO
Published: April 2024

Bibrax popeye Asenjo, Concha-Lozada, Gallego-Ropero & Gouvea, sp. nov., of the Neotropical Pselaphinae of the tribe Metopiasini, is described from the department of Cauca in southeastern Colombia. Diagnosis is provided for the genus and new species; with illustrations of the major diagnosis features, a key to the known species, and a distribution map.