bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase I and II Study of Exisulind in Combination With Capecitabine in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Pusztai Lajos , Zhen Jim Hou , Arun Banu , Rivera Edgardo , Whitehead Clark , Thompson W. Joseph , Nealy Kimberly M. , Gibbs Amy , Symmans W. Fraser , Esteva Francisco J. , Booser Daniel , Murray James L. , Valero Vicente , Smith Terry L. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N.
Published: September 2003

Purpose: We studied the safety and clinical activity of exisulind in combination with capecitabine in 35 patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Patients and Methods: All patients had received previous anthracycline and taxane chemotherapies. Two dose levels of exisulind were explored, 125 and 250 mg orally bid as continuous daily therapy, concomitant with capecitabine 2,000 mg/m2 for 14 days in 21-day cycles. In the phase I study, the dose-limiting toxicities were hand-foot syndrome and diarrhea. The 125-mg bid dose was selected for phase II testing.

Results: The most common nonhematologic grade 2 to 3 adverse events were hand-foot syndrome (57%) and fatigue (48%). The most frequent grade 2 to 3 laboratory abnormality was granulocytopenia. No death, unexpected adverse events, or cumulative toxicity were encountered. One complete and four partial responses were achieved (objective response rate, 16%) in the 31 patients assessable for response. The median duration of response was 31 weeks; three patients experienced stable disease longer than 26 weeks. Overall clinical benefit (complete response, partial response, or stable disease > 26 weeks) was 23%. Fourteen specimens were available for immunohistochemical assessment of phosphodiesterase-5 isoenzyme (PDE-5) and PDE-2 expression, which are the targets of exisulind. Eighty percent of tumors showed some expression of PDE-5 in the invasive cancer cells including 35% that showed moderate or strong staining. PDE-2 showed moderate or strong staining in 78% of tumors. There was no apparent association between tumor response and staining intensity.

Conclusion: Exisulind (125 mg orally bid) in combination with capecitabine is well tolerated and the combination has anticancer activity similar to that of capecitabine alone in heavily pretreated patients with MBC.
Decreased Quality of Life in Adult Patients with Growth Hormone Deficiency Compared with General Populations Using the New, Validated, Self-Weighted Questionnaire, Questions on Life Satisfaction Hypopituitarism Module
Authors: Blum Werner F. , Shavrikova Elena P. , Edwards David J. , Rosilio Myriam , Hartman Mark L. , Marín Fernando , Valle Domenico , van der Lely Aart Jan , Attanasio Andrea F. , Strasburger Christian J. , Henrich Gerhard , Herschbach Peter
Published: September 2003

To develop reference ranges for the Questions on Life Satisfaction Hypopituitarism Module (QLS-H), a new quality of life questionnaire for patients with hypopituitarism, data from 8177 adults were collected in France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States QLS-H scores declined with age, were lower in females than males, and differed significantly among countries. From these reference ranges we derived equations for z-scores, which adjust for age, gender, and country. QLS-H results from 957 adults with GH deficiency (GHD) participating in clinical trials were analyzed. At baseline, QLS-H scores were lower in females and differed significantly among countries. QLS-H scores significantly increased after GH treatment (6–8 months), but differences by country persisted. Calculating z-scores for patients eliminated all gender and most country differences. Pooled z-scores (mean ± sd) from all patients increased from −0.99 ± 1.39 at baseline to −0.14 ± 1.30 after GH treatment. Quality of life assessment in adults with GHD requires the use of z-scores to correct for age, gender, and country differences. This approach allows pooling of data from different cohorts and comparison with general populations. QLS-H scores in adults with GHD were significantly decreased at baseline and were almost normalized after 6–8 months of GH therapy.
The Stimulatory G Protein α-Subunit Gsα Is Imprinted in Human Thyroid Glands: Implications for Thyroid Function in Pseudohypoparathyroidism Types 1A and 1B
Authors: Liu Jie , Erlichman Beth , Weinstein Lee S.
Published: September 2003

The stimulatory G protein α-subunit Gsα couples receptors to adenylyl cyclase and is required for hormone-stimulated cAMP generation. In Albright hereditary osteodystrophy, heterozygous Gsα null mutations only lead to PTH, TSH, and gonadotropin resistance when inherited maternally [pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A; (PHP1A)]. Maternal-specific expression of Gsα in specific hormone targets could explain this observation. Using hot-stop PCR analysis on total RNA from six normal human thyroid specimens, we showed that the majority of the Gsα mRNA (72 ± 3%) was derived from the maternal allele. This is consistent with the presence of TSH resistance in patients with maternal Gsα null mutations (PHP1A) and the absence of TSH resistance in patients with paternal Gsα mutations (pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism). Patients with PTH resistance in the absence of Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (PHP1B) have an imprinting defect of the Gsα gene resulting in both alleles having a paternal epigenotype, which would lead to a more moderate level of thyroid-specific Gsα deficiency. We found evidence of borderline TSH resistance in 10 of 22 PHP1B patients. This study provides further evidence for tissue-specific imprinting of Gsα in humans and provides a potential mechanism for mild to moderate TSH resistance in PHP1A and borderline resistance in some patients with PHP1B.
Apoptosis - the p53 network
Authors: Haupt Susan , Berger Michael , Goldberg Zehavit , Haupt Ygal
Published: September 2003

Exposure to cellular stress can trigger the p53 tumor suppressor, a sequence-specific transcription factor, to induce cell growth arrest or apoptosis. The choice between these cellular responses is influenced by many factors, including the type of cell and stress, and the action of p53 co-activators. p53 stimulates a wide network of signals that act through two major apoptotic pathways. The extrinsic, death receptor pathway triggers the activation of a caspase cascade, and the intrinsic, mitochondrial pathway shifts the balance in the Bcl-2 family towards the pro-apoptotic members, promoting the formation of the apoptosome, and consequently caspase-mediated apoptosis. The impact of these two apoptotic pathways may be enhanced when they converge through Bid, which is a p53 target. The majority of these apoptotic effects are mediated through the induction of specific apoptotic target genes. However, p53 can also promote apoptosis by a transcription-independent mechanism under certain conditions. Thus, a multitude of mechanisms are employed by p53 to ensure efficient induction of apoptosis in a stage-, tissue- and stress-signal-specific manner. Manipulation of the apoptotic functions of p53 constitutes an attractive target for cancer therapy.
Hiding at the ends of yeast chromosomes: telomeres, nucleases and checkpoint pathways
Authors: Lydall David
Published: September 2003

Telomeres stabilise DNA at the ends of chromosomes, preventing chromosome fusion and genetic instability. Telomeres differ from double strand breaks in that they activate neither DNA repair nor DNA damage checkpoint pathways. Paradoxically DNA repair and checkpoint genes play critical roles in telomere stability. Recent work has provided insights into the roles of DNA repair and DNA damage checkpoint pathways in the physiological maintenance of telomeres and in cellular responses when telomeres become uncapped. In budding yeast the Mre11p nuclease, along with other unidentified nucleases, plays critical roles in physiological telomere maintenance. However, when telomeres are uncapped, the 5′-to-3′ exonuclease, Exo1p, plays a critical role in generating single-stranded DNA and activating checkpoint pathways. Intriguingly Exo1p does not play an important role in normal telomere maintenance. Although checkpoint pathways are not normally activated by telomeres, at least four different types of telomere defect activate checkpoint pathways. Interestingly, each of these telomere defects depends on a different subset of checkpoint proteins to induce cell cycle arrest. A model for how a spectrum of telomeric states might interact with telomerase and checkpoint pathways is proposed.
Analysis and taxonomy of remanufacturing industry practice
Authors: Parkinson H J , Thompson G
Published: September 2003

The remanufacturing industry is a large and economically important industry that includes many market sectors and provides significant societal and environmental benefits. Products are remanufactured through a series of industrial processes including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, reconditioning, reassembly and testing. Literature on the subject is diverse, and widely differing views, definitions and descriptions of ‘remanufacturing’ are given. The objective of this paper is to review the literature available and examine the terminology surrounding remanufacture, and establish definitions for the various processes such as recycling, refurbishing and reconditioning that are used synonymously. The definitions provide a sound research framework for examining the processes further. Secondly, via a review of industrial practice and a set of case studies, the key business drivers faced by the remanufacturing industry are presented.
A mechanism of the Madden–Julian Oscillation based on interactions in the frequency domain
Authors: Krishnamurti T. N. , Chakraborty D. R. , Cubukcu Nihat , Stefanova Lydia , Vijaya Kumar T. S. V.
Published: September 2003

The surface and boundary‐layer fluxes of moisture exhibit a large amplification as the waves in the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) time‐scales interact with synoptic time‐scales of 2 to 7 days. This amplification is clearly seen when the datasets are cast in the frequency domain for computations of the respective fluxes. Those flux relations carry triple‐product nonlinearities, and the fluxes on the time‐scale of the MJO are evaluated using co‐spectra of triadal frequency interactions. The trigonometric selection rules on interactions among these frequencies are largely satisfied by the time‐scales of the MJO and two others that reside in the synoptic time‐scales. Tropical instabilities provide a rich family of tropical disturbances that appear to be ready and waiting to interact with the MJO time‐scales (since these satisfy the selection rules for non‐vanishing interactions). A consequence of these nonlinear interactions in the frequency domain is a two‐ to three‐fold amplification of the surface fluxes. Although this analysis does not address how a small signal in the sea surface temperature on the time‐scale of the MJO arises in a coupled atmosphere–ocean model, we are able to show that its presence enables a large amplification of this time‐scale vertically across the planetary boundary layer. Given a low‐frequency ocean with many time‐scales, this process amplifies the fluxes on the time‐scale of the MJO; this amplification eventually feeds back to the ocean via amplified surface stresses, and an equilibrium state with a robust MJO in the coupled system is realized. The datasets for this study were derived from a coupled ocean–atmosphere model that was able to resolve a robust MJO in its simulations. This study also examines the character of sensible‐heat fluxes and momentum within the same framework. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
Analytical and clinical aspects of adrenocorticotrophin determination
Authors: Talbot JA , Kane JW , White A
Published: September 2003

Adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) is formed from the cleavage of pro-opiomelanocortin. Measurement of plasma ACTH is a key step in the differential diagnosis of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal disorders.

Prior to the development of radioimmunoassay, the bioassays employed for the determination of ACTH were highly complex, time-consuming and costly in terms of number of animals used. Their sensitivity was such that the normal early morning peak of ACTH could not be determined. The introduction of immunoassay methodology enabled the measurement of low normal ACTH concentrations. Immunological recognition of ACTH by the antibodies employed offered improvements with regard to specificity. The development of two-site immunometric assays further improved specificity and the ability to measure low normal ACTH concentrations without the need to extract large volumes of plasma. The quantification of ACTH is now routinely performed in clinical laboratories, with non-radioisotopic methods becoming increasingly popular.

ACTH measurement is of limited value in distinguishing between the causes of Cushing's syndrome, as there is considerable overlap in circulating ACTH concentrations in subjects with either a pituitary or an ectopic tumour. The role of ACTH precursor and related peptides in normal and pathological states and the clinical utility of their measurement remain to be fully elucidated. However, there is evidence that measurement of ACTH precursors can be a useful diagnostic tool in identifying the aetiology of Cushing's syndrome.

This review will primarily address methodological aspects of ACTH measurement in the diagnosis of clinical conditions.
Herbal remedies and clinical biochemistry
Authors: Corns Cathryn M
Published: September 2003

The use of herbal products in the UK is increasing, and over-the-counter herbal supplements are perceived by the public as 'safe' and 'harmless'. Although the majority of them are safe, some herbal medicines carry risks. Heavy metal contamination, adulteration with Western pharmaceuticals and inclusion of prohibited animal and plant ingredients are regularly reported in ethnic medicines. Other herbs are hepato- or nephrotoxic and some interact with prescription medicines. Doctors should be made aware of the need to take a herbal as well as a drug history, and the clinical laboratory has a role in helping understanding of how herbal products may affect laboratory tests and in suggesting relevant lines of investigation in patients whose symptoms may be linked to the use of herbal products.
Issues of methodology, standardization and metabolite recognition for 25-hydroxyvitamin D when comparing the DiaSorin radioimmunoassay and the Nichols Advantage automated chemiluminescence protein-binding assay in hip fracture cases
Authors: Glendenning Paul , Noble Jane M , Taranto Mario , Musk Alexander A , McGuiness Marjory , Goldswain Peter R , Fraser William D , Vasikaran Samuel D
Published: September 2003

Background: Deficiency of vitamin D is commonly associated with hip fracture and treatment with vitamin D reduces hip fracture rates. Consequently, the demand for assays to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) has increased. The Nichols Advantage chemiluminescence protein-binding assay (CLPBA) for 25-OHD is a first-generation automated immunoassay with decreased turnaround time, reduced manual handling and non-radioactive label.

Methods: We compared the CLPBA to the DiaSorin radioimmunoassay (RIA) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the measurement of 25-OHD using 161 samples from hip fracture patients and samples before and after institution of ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) therapy.

Results: A negative bias for the CLPBA at concentrations below 30 nmol/L and a positive bias at 25-OHD values above 30 nmol/L compared with the RIA resulted in diagnostic discordance for one in three samples when using 30 and 50 nmol/L as decision limits. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of a negative bias for the CLPBA at low values. Both immunoassays under-estimate 25-hydroxyvitamin D2.

Conclusions: The discordance between 25-OHD values may be due to differences in standardization of each assay relative to HPLC. Our results emphasize the need for assay-specific clinical decision limits.
Capillary blood gas analysis in complex regional pain syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Tan ECTH , de Keijzer MH , Goris RJA
Published: September 2003

Background: The pathophysiology of complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS 1) is still a matter of debate. An inflammatory reaction may cause the syndrome. Increasing evidence points to a role for impairment of oxygen metabolism in the affected limb.

Methods: In this pilot study (16 patients) we performed capillary blood gas analysis in extremities with acute CRPS 1, in order to assess oxygen saturation and lactate concentrations. Comparison was made with the unaffected limb for capillary blood pH, pO2, SaO2, and lactate and glucose concentrations.

Results: No statistically significant differences could be found.

Conclusions: Capillary blood gas analysis is not useful to detect changes in oxygen saturation and lactate concentrations in CRPS 1.
Variable-Speed Wind Turbines with Doubly-Fed Induction Generators Part III: Model with the Back-to-back Converters
Authors: Akhmatov Vladislav
Published: September 2003

A model of the back-to-back converter is set up and implemented in the simulation tool PSS/E as a user-developed model. This model is applied with that of the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG), described in previous parts of this work [parts II and I]. The latter models variable-speed wind turbines in power stability investigations. Subjected to a short circuit fault, there will be a risk of converter blocking, followed by tripping of the wind turbine [1, 3]. The main reasons of blocking are over-current in the rotor converter and over-voltage in the dc-link. The DFIG model, with representation of the back-to-back converter, results in (a) more accurate replication of the current in the rotor converter and (b) improved computation of the dc-link voltage. These improvements are compared with the model with representation of the rotor converter only. Hence, the DFIG model with representation of the back-to-back converters might be preferred, in practical investigations of power system stability, to models with representation of the rotor converter only.
Wind Energy and Greenhouse Gases Emission Market: The Brazilian Potential
Authors: Carvalho Paulo C. M.
Published: September 2003

This paper analyses the potential for wind power in Brazil replacing thermal power plant and hence contributing to greenhouse gases (GHG) mitigation through emission reductions credits. The focus of the analysis is concentrated on the Brazilian states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte. These states have participated strongly in the allocation of generating licenses for wind power plant granted by ANEEL in Brazil (ca. 68% of 5,637.9 MW). If 20% of the coastal areas of Ceará's and Rio Grande do Norte's have wind parks (409 km2), then the wind power delivered is expected to be nearly 17 TW h/y, giving GHG emission reduction of at least 8 times 106 tonnes/y of CO2. Consequently, the value of their credits in the GHG emission markets in these states would be about US$ 83 million/y.
Superhydrophobic and Highly Elastic Strain‐Sensing Fiber Embedded with Carbon Nanotubes and Aerogels Based on the Dipping and Drying Method
Authors: Seo Keumyoung , Jeong Sang‐Mi , Seo Hee Sung , Yang Jonguk , Ju Sanghyun , Lim Taekyung
Published: January 2024

For a fiber‐based strain sensor to be used as a wearable device, its conductivity and sensing characteristics should be stably maintained even during repeated mechanical movements. Additionally, the sensing characteristics should remain unaffected by external contaminants, such as water or sweat, as the sensor is expected to be in contact with the human body. In this study, a superhydrophobic and highly elastic strain‐sensing fiber with durability against continuous tension and contraction while maintaining a stable sensing performance even when in contact with water and sweat is developed. A carbon nanotube is embedded, which is a highly conductive material, inside a spandex fiber with high elasticity and shape recovery rate, enabling the stable measurement of repetitive joint movements under various strain conditions. Furthermore, a superhydrophobic silica aerogel is embedded inside the spandex fiber to facilitate stable sensing without malfunction even when exposed to external contaminants. The proposed strain‐sensing fiber can monitor joints of the human body during various movements, such as dumbbell pressing, squatting, walking, and running. Therefore, the study findings can contribute to the development of wearable healthcare devices that warrant reliable sensing.
Bioresorbable Resistive Switching Device Based on Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Structure for Transient Memory Applications
Authors: Nguyen Tan Hoang Vu , Shaikh Mohammad Tauquir Alam Shamim , Jeon Ho Jung , Vu Thi Thanh Huong , Prasad Chowdam Venkata , Labed Madani , Kim Sangmo , Rim You Seung
Published: January 2024

Biocompatible and biodegradable resistive random‐access memory devices using Mg/agarose/Al2O3/Mg‐based organic/inorganic structures are reported, showing nonvolatile bipolar resistive switching memory behavior. The organic/inorganic‐based hybrid active layer has large working windows (≈106) and is highly stable up to 200 continuous sweeps. The device can be also tuned into multilevel memory by varying the compliance current from a few microamperes to several milliamperes. The formation of metallic filaments inside the active layer during SET and RESET stages using an X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profile and magnesium (Mg) metallic ions that penetrate the agarose layer is confirmed. For the bioresorbable test in both deionized water and phosphate‐buffered saline solution, the erasing time of whole devices can be adjusted by using an ultrathin ALD‐grown Al2O3 film.
CYCLOIDEA paralogs function partially redundantly to specify dorsal flower development in Mimulus lewisii
Authors: Dunivant Taryn S. , Singh Vibhuti , Livingston Kaylee E. , Ross Jack D. , Hileman Lena C.
Published: January 2024

Premise

Duplicated genes (paralogs) are abundant in plant genomes, and their retention may influence the function of genetic programs and contribute to evolutionary novelty. How gene duplication affects genetic modules and what forces contribute to paralog retention are outstanding questions. The CYCLOIDEA(CYC)‐dependent flower symmetry program is a model for understanding the evolution of gene duplication, providing multiple examples of paralog partitioning and novelty. However, a novel CYC gene lineage duplication event near the origin of higher core Lamiales (HCL) has received little attention.

Methods

To understand the evolutionary fate of duplicated HCL CYC2 genes, we determined the effects on flower symmetry by suppressing MlCYC2A and MlCYC2B expression using RNA interference (RNAi). We determined the phenotypic effects on flower symmetry in single‐ and double‐silenced backgrounds and coupled our functional analyses with expression surveys of MlCYC2A, MlCYC2B, and a putative downstream RADIALIS (MlRAD5) ortholog.

Results

MlCYC2A and MlCYC2B jointly contribute to bilateral flower symmetry. MlCYC2B exhibits a clear dorsal flower identity function and may additionally function in carpel development. MlCYC2A functions in establishing dorsal petal shape. Further, our results suggest an MlCYC2A–MlCYC2B regulatory interaction, which may affect pathway homeostasis.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that CYC paralogs specific to higher core Lamiales may be selectively retained for their joint contribution to bilateral flower symmetry, similar to the independently derived CYC paralogs in the Lamiales model for bilateral flower symmetry research, Antirrhinum majus (snapdragon).
Synthesis Of Dipyrrolobenzo[1,2‐a : 2′,1′‐c][1,4]diazepine Scaffold Via Three‐Component Reaction
Authors: Zinoveva Anna D. , Borisova Tatiana N. , Podchufarova Valeria A. , Novikov Anton P. , Romanycheva Anna A. , Shetnev Anton A. , Titov Alexander A. , Varlamov Alexey V. , Voskressensky Leonid G.
Published: January 2024

A three component reaction employing readily available starting materials: 2‐(1‐pyrrolyl)benzylamine, arylglyoxal monohydrates and electron‐deficient alkenes in the synthesis of dipyrrolobenzo[1,2‐a : 2′,1′‐c][1,4]diazepines ‐ previously undescribed system and indolo[2,1‐c]pyrrolo[1,2‐a][1,4]benzodiazepine derivatives have been shown. Domino reactions of pyrrolo[1,2‐a][1,4]benzodiazepines with electron‐deficient alkenes has been proposed as another approach. The applicability of the three‐component reaction for the synthesis of indolizino[8,7‐b]indole derivatives from tryptamine has been studied. The in vitro biological activity of title compounds has been tested.
Effect of home‐based resistance training on chemotherapy relative dose intensity and tolerability in colon cancer: The FORCE randomized control trial
Authors: Caan Bette J. , Brown Justin C. , Lee Catherine , Binder Alexandra M. , Weltzien Erin , Ross Michelle C. , Quesenberry Charles P. , Campbell Kristin L. , Cespedes Feliciano Elizabeth M. , Castillo Adrienne , Quinney Sara , Yang Shengping , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Schmitz Kathryn H.
Published: January 2024

Background

Many patients with colon cancer cannot fully adhere to postoperative chemotherapy due to dose‐limiting toxicities, resulting in lower relative dose intensity (RDI) and potentially compromising overall survival. This study examined whether home‐based resistance training (RT) during adjuvant chemotherapy improves RDI and patient‐reported toxicities versus usual care (UC) in colon cancer patients.

Methods

Multicenter, randomized control trial (RCT) conducted at community and academic practices. Enrollment of patients receiving postoperative chemotherapy for colon cancer occurred between February 23, 2018, and September 29, 2021; final follow‐up was March 21, 2022. Participants were randomized to RT (n = 90) or UC (n = 91) for the duration of chemotherapy. Participants in the RT group engaged in twice weekly home‐based progressive RT. At the end of the study, UC was given an online exercise program.

Results

Among 181 randomized patients (mean age, 55.2 [SD, 12.8] years, 95 [52.5%] were men), there were no differences in the mean RDI among those in RT (79% [SD, 19%]) and those in UC (82% [SD, 19%]); (mean difference –0.04 [95% confidence interval (CI), –0.09 to 0.02]). Assignment to RT did not significantly reduce the number of moderate/severe symptoms per week across follow‐up (relative rate: 0.94 [95% CI, 0.72–1.22]). Additionally, time since randomization did not significantly modify the effect of RT on the overall number of symptoms (p = .06).

Conclusions

Among patients with colon cancer, these results do not support home‐based RT as an adjunct to chemotherapy specifically to improve planned treatment intensity.
Squirrel Henry Gas Solubility Optimization driven Deep Maxout Network with multi‐texture feature descriptors for digital image forgery detection
Authors: Nirmala Priya G. , Suresh Kumar K. , Suganthi N. , Muppidi Satish
Published: January 2024

The ability to detect image forgeries is a crucial component in solving many problems, especially social ones that arise in legal proceedings, on Facebook, and so forth. Generally, forgery detection attempts to predict the artifacts through evaluating the differences in texture properties of an image. One division of an image is copied in a comparable image, typically at a different position, in a process known as copy move forgery. The two main types of copy move forgery prediction are keypoint‐based and block‐based techniques. While the block‐based approach takes more time, the keypoint‐based model performs poorly. The goal of this research was to develop a method for detecting image counterfeiting called the Squirrel Henry Gas Solubility Optimization algorithm‐based Deep Maxout Network (SHGSO‐based DMN). Here, Steerable Pyramid Transform (SPT) decomposition is done in order to obtain quantity of multi‐scale and multi‐oriented sub bands. For the purpose of detecting forgeries, the Deep Maxout Network which was constructed using the SHGSO model is deployed. With accuracy of 0.9507, True Negative Rate (TNR) of 0.9568, and True Positive Rate (TPR) of 0.9517, the new method outperformed other current forgery detection techniques.
Performance analysis of a bridgeless power factor correction (PFC) buck–boost LED driver with ripple diversion scheme for extended lifespan
Authors: Ashok Kumar Kanithi , Narasimharaju Beeramangalla Lakshminarasaiah
Published: January 2024

In the state of the art of AC‐fed light‐emitting diode (LED) drivers, power factor correction (PFC), second harmonic LED current ripple elimination, low current total harmonic distortion (iTHD), removal of electrolytic capacitors (EC) and flicker‐free operation are the major challenging issues. This paper proposes a bridgeless universal voltagerange AC‐fed LED driver that overcome the major issues of LED driver. The bridgeless buck–boost PFC configuration minimizes the losses relative to the front‐end bridge rectifier‐based configurations. Operating in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), the source current tracks the input voltage shape for a wide operating range, achieves inherent PFC and maintains low input current THD. Also, this provides significant reduction in the output current ripple with the ripple diversion circuit (RDC) connected in shunt across the LED load, which relatively reduces and utilizes low value of output capacitance. Hence, a flicker‐free operation is achieved without the use of electrolytic capacitors. In addition, the elimination of ECs improves the operating lifespan of the proposed LED driver. A detailed theoretical analysis and results of the proposed LED driver are validated on DSP and analog controller platforms with a 62 W/62 V experimental laboratory prototype. The experimental results confirm that the proposed LED driver achieves a power factor of 0.94–0.997, input current THD of maximum 6.8%, output current ripple of 5%, and a peak efficiency of 91.25% for the wide range of input voltage variation. These indices also satisfy IEC‐61000‐3‐2 and IEEE 1789‐2015 standard limits.
Crosstalk between fibroblasts and immunocytes in fibrosis: From molecular mechanisms to clinical trials
Authors: Di Xingpeng , Chen Jiawei , Li Ya , Wang Menghua , Wei Jingwen , Li Tianyue , Liao Banghua , Luo Deyi
Published: January 2024

Background

The impact of fibroblasts on the immune system provides insight into the function of fibroblasts. In various tissue microenvironments, multiple fibroblast subtypes interact with immunocytes by secreting growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, leading to wound healing, fibrosis, and escape of cancer immune surveillance. However, the specific mechanisms involved in the fibroblast‐immunocyte interaction network have not yet been fully elucidated.

Main body and conclusion

Therefore, we systematically reviewed the molecular mechanisms of fibroblast‐immunocyte interactions in fibrosis, from the history of cellular evolution and cell subtype divisions to the regulatory networks between fibroblasts and immunocytes. We also discuss how these communications function in different tissue and organ statuses, as well as potential therapies targeting the reciprocal fibroblast‐immunocyte interplay in fibrosis. A comprehensive understanding of these functional cells under pathophysiological conditions and the mechanisms by which they communicate may lead to the development of effective and specific therapies targeting fibrosis.
Variability in auditory processing performance is associated with reading difficulties rather than with history of otitis media
Authors: Breadmore Helen L. , Halliday Lorna F. , Carroll Julia M.
Published: January 2024

The nature and cause of auditory processing deficits in dyslexic individuals have been debated for decades. Auditory processing deficits were argued to be the first step in a causal chain of difficulties, leading to difficulties in speech perception and thereby phonological processing and literacy difficulties. More recently, it has been argued that auditory processing difficulties may not be causally related to language and literacy difficulties. This study compares two groups who have phonological processing impairments for different reasons: dyslexia and a history of otitis media (OM). We compared their discrimination thresholds and response variability to chronological age‐ and reading age‐matched controls, across three auditory processing tasks: frequency discrimination, rise‐time discrimination and speech perception. Dyslexic children showed raised frequency discrimination thresholds in comparison with age‐matched controls but did not differ from reading age‐matched controls or individuals with a history of OM. There were no group differences on speech perception or rise‐time tasks. For the dyslexic children, there was an association between phonological awareness and frequency discrimination response variability, but no association with thresholds. These findings are not consistent with a ‘causal chain’ explanation but could be accounted for within a multiple deficits view of literacy difficulties.
Universal dynamic fitting of magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Clarke William T. , Ligneul Clémence , Cottaar Michiel , Ip I. Betina , Jbabdi Saad
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Dynamic (2D) MRS is a collection of techniques where acquisitions of spectra are repeated under varying experimental or physiological conditions. Dynamic MRS comprises a rich set of contrasts, including diffusion‐weighted, relaxation‐weighted, functional, edited, or hyperpolarized spectroscopy, leading to quantitative insights into multiple physiological or microstructural processes. Conventional approaches to dynamic MRS analysis ignore the shared information between spectra, and instead proceed by independently fitting noisy individual spectra before modeling temporal changes in the parameters. Here, we propose a universal dynamic MRS toolbox which allows simultaneous fitting of dynamic spectra of arbitrary type.

Methods

A simple user‐interface allows information to be shared and precisely modeled across spectra to make inferences on both spectral and dynamic processes. We demonstrate and thoroughly evaluate our approach in three types of dynamic MRS techniques. Simulations of functional and edited MRS are used to demonstrate the advantages of dynamic fitting.

Results

Analysis of synthetic functional 1H‐MRS data shows a marked decrease in parameter uncertainty as predicted by prior work. Analysis with our tool replicates the results of two previously published studies using the original in vivo functional and diffusion‐weighted data. Finally, joint spectral fitting with diffusion orientation models is demonstrated in synthetic data.

Conclusion

A toolbox for generalized and universal fitting of dynamic, interrelated MR spectra has been released and validated. The toolbox is shared as a fully open‐source software with comprehensive documentation, example data, and tutorials.
Assessment of the possibility of quantitative identification of the Mannesmann effect using ductile fracture criteria
Authors: Bulzak Tomasz , Wójcik Łukasz , Lis Konrad , Kusiak Tomasz
Published: January 2024

This article presents a study to estimate the possibility of determining the shape and size of a Mannesmann effect crack using the finite element method. Experimental tests were carried out to obtain reference specimens with a crack. A rotational compression test of cylindrical specimens in a channel was used for the experimental studies. Finite element tests were carried out using nine ductile fracture criteria. In the first stage of the study, using the rotational compression test and the finite element method, the limit values of the fracture criteria were determined. In the second stage, the development of a Mannesmann effect crack was simulated using the limit values of the fracture criteria using the finite element method. Based on the analysis, it was found that the greatest agreement in terms of void shape and size obtained in finite element method and experiment was obtained for the Ayada criterion. Analysis of the progression of the shape of the void formed using the Ayada criterion showed that crack initiation occurs as a result of maximum principal stress. The development of the resulting void is the result of the action of the maximum shear stress as well as the maximum principal stress.
Adsorption studies of toxic organic pesticides from aqueous medium by sodium alginate‐cl‐poly (allyl amine‐co‐acrylic acid)/copper oxide nanocomposite hydrogel: Isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics
Authors: Samanta Santu Kumar , Adak Shubhadeep , Tripathy Tridib
Published: January 2024

The sodium alginate (SAG) cross‐linked poly (allyl amine‐co‐acrylic acid)/copper oxide [SAG‐cl‐poly(AAM‐co‐AA)/CuO] nanocomposite hydrogel (SNCHG) was synthesized by using a free radical initiated cross‐linked copolymerization process in‐situ. Several characterization techniques namely FTIR, PXRD, FESEM with EDAX, TGA, and BET analysis were employed to characterize the synthesized SNCHG. Water swelling properties together with swelling kinetics of SNCHG were evaluated. The highest swelling (35% after 30 minutes) was found at pH 8. The adsorption property of the developed nanocomposite hydrogel (SNCHG) was evaluated in three pesticides' solution namely chlorpyrifos (CP), phosalone (PL), and 4,4'‐ dichloro diphenyl dichloro ethane (DD) in water medium. Several factors affecting the adsorption like solution pH, time of adsorption, amount of pesticides, etc. were evaluated. The maximum adsorption were found to be 96.9% for CP at pH 7, 95.85% for PL at pH 7, and 86.72% for DD at pH 4. Pseudo‐second order kinetics and both Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich adsorption isotherms were followed in all the three cases. Maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) were found to be 507.61, 158.22, and 132.97 mg g−1 for CP, PL, and DD, respectively. The adsorption process was endothermic in nature and spontaneous.

Highlights

A novel CuO Nps embedded sodium alginate‐based hydrogel is developed.

Increment of surface area and water swelling property are illustrated.

The hydrogel exhibits excellent adsorption property towards pesticides.

The observed affinity of adsorption is chemisorption.
Polysulfide Anions [Sx]2− (x = 2, 3, 4, 5): Promising Functional Building Units for Infrared Nonlinear Optical Materials
Authors: Song Miao , Xiao Yan , Yang Daqing , Wang Ying , Zhang Bingbing
Published: January 2024

Infrared nonlinear optical (IR NLO) materials play significant roles in laser technology. The novel functional building units (FBUs) are of great importance in constructing NLO materials with strong second harmonic generation (SHG). Herein, polysulfide anion [Sx]2− (x = 2, 3, 4, 5) units are investigated on NLO‐related properties and structure‐performance relationships. Theoretical calculations uncover that the [Sx]2− (x = 2, 3, 4, 5) units are potential IR NLO FBUs with large polarizability anisotropy (δ), hyperpolarizability (β) and wide HOMO–LUMO gap. Fourteen crystals including [Sx]2− (x = 2, 3, 4, 5) units are calculated and analyzed. The results show that these units can result in a wide IR transmittance range, significant SHG effects, wide band gap Eg (Na2S4: Eg = 3.09 eV), and large birefringence Δn [BaS3 (P21212): Δn = 0.70]. More importantly, it is highlighted that the crystal materials including with [Sx]2− (x = 2, 3, 4, 5) groups are good candidates for the exploration of the outstanding IR NLO materials.
A Versatile Nanozyme‐Based NADH Circulating Oxidation Reactor for Tumor Therapy through Triple Cellular Metabolism Disruption
Authors: Liang Ke , Nan Fuchun , Wang Jian , Zhang Yunxiu , Li Jian , Xue Xiaokuang , Chen Tiejin , Hao Yongliang , Wang Pengfei , Ge Jiechao
Published: January 2024

Nanozyme‐based metabolic regulation triggered by tumor‐specific endogenous stimuli has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for tumors. The current efficacy, however, is constrained by the limited concentration of endogenous substrates and the metabolic plasticity of tumors. Consequently, the implementation of efficient metabolic regulation in tumor therapy is urgently needed. Herein, a versatile nanozyme‐based nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) circulating oxidation nanoreactor is reported. First, the synthesized cobalt‐doped hollow carbon spheres (Co‐HCS) possess NADH oxidase (NOX)‐mimicking activity for the NADH oxidation to disrupt oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway of tumor cells. Second, the substrate‐cycle manner of Co‐HCS can be used for NADH circulating oxidation to overcome the limitation of substrate deficiency. Finally, 2‐Deoxy‐D‐glucose (2‐DG) and 6‐aminonicotinamide (6‐AN) are introduced to block glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), thus creating a versatile nanozyme‐based NADH circulating oxidation nanoreactor (Co‐HCS/D/A) for tumor therapy through triple cellular metabolism disruption. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the designed nanoreactor not only enhances the catalytic efficiency but also disrupts the tumor metabolic homeostasis, leading to efficient therapy outcome. This study develops a novel NADH circulating oxidation nanoreactor for tumor therapy through triple cellular metabolism disruption, which addresses the limitations of current nanozyme‐based metabolism regulation for tumor therapy.
Orientational Knowledge in the Adoption and Use of Robots in Care Services
Authors: Melkas Helinä , Pekkarinen Satu , Hennala Lea
Published: January 2024

Health and welfare technology are expected to help people live independent and healthy lives, including contributing to elderly care. Robots have gained more cognitive functions and improved safety, which makes it possible to use them to provide new types of services. Although care robots have great potential for health and welfare, their application proves challenging. A lack of knowledge is a major barrier to the use of robots in care. This chapter’s authors examine knowledge and knowledge building as a central perspective when introducing, using, and assessing care robots. In their research synopsis, they focus on the micro, meso, and macro levels related to care robot use while unveiling a more systemic view of the issue of its related orientation—a tangible example of the multi-faceted encounter of knowledge and technology. They propose focusing on orientation to care robot use as the continuous co-creative process of introduction to technology use and its familiarization, including the learning of multi-faceted knowledge and skills for its effective use. With this perspective, the authors emphasize the processes and actions that take place among orientation givers and receivers at different levels. The societal-level actors—such as business and industry, public administration, and the non-profit sector, the media, and other stakeholders in the related innovation ecosystem—should not be overlooked.
On the Need to Understand Human Behavior to Do Analytics of Behavior
Authors: Meyer Joachim
Published: January 2024

Artificial Intelligence and data science are rapidly gaining importance as parts of decision support systems. As these systems improve, it becomes necessary to clarify humans’ roles in the decision-making processes. Humans may not be able to improve on the choices a good algorithm makes, they may not be able to adjust the parameters of the algorithm correctly, and their role in processes that use good algorithms may be limited. However, this does not mean human involvement in data-supported decision processes is unnecessary. A closer look at the analytical process reveals that each step entails human decisions, beginning with the data preparation through the choice of algorithms, the iterative analyses, and the display and interpretation of results. These decisions may affect the following steps in the process and may alter the resulting conclusions. Furthermore, the data for the analyses often result from recordings of human actions that do not necessarily reflect the actual recorded events. Data for certain events may often not be recorded, requiring a “big-data analysis of non-existing data.” Thus, adequate use of data-based decisions requires modeling relevant human behavior to understand the decision domains and available data to prevent possible systematic biases in the resulting decisions.
Boosting Consumers: Algorithm-Supported Decision-Making under Uncertainty to (Learn to) Navigate Algorithm-Based Decision Environments
Authors: Rebitschek Felix G.
Published: January 2024

Finding information that is quality assured, objectively required, and subjectively needed is essential for consumers navigating uncertain and complex decision environments (e.g., retail or news platforms) and making informed decisions. This task is particularly challenging when algorithms shape environments and choice sets in the providers’ interest. On the other side, algorithms can support consumers’ decision-making under uncertainty when they are transparent and educate their users (boosting). Exemplary, fast-and-frugal decision trees as interpretable models can provide robust classification performance akin to expert advice and be effective when integrated in consumer decision-making. This study’s author provides an overview of expert-driven decision-tree developments from a consumer research project. The developed tools boost consumers making decisions under uncertainty across different domains. Informed decision making in highly uncertain, non-transparent algorithm-controlled decision environments pose a need for applicable and educative tools, which calls for public engagement in their development within the field of consumer education.
The Datafication of Knowledge Production and Consequences for the Pursuit of Social Justice
Authors: Ettlinger Nancy
Published: January 2024

Educational institutions shape knowledges that students learn upstream and apply downstream in everyday life, notably in workplaces. Based on a critical synthesis of interdisciplinary literatures, the paper argues that current pedagogy datafies knowledges through the edtech industry, prioritizing skills and circumventing contextual and conceptual knowledges. The pedagogical orientation inculcates technocratic, non-relational thinking, obscures the effects of applications to which workers bring their learned skills, and prefigures deepening social and data injustice in a world beset with intensifying societal tensions and deep inequalities. Although scholarship on current educational trajectories presumes that the new, purportedly ‘disruptive’ digitalized technology has prompted a new pedagogy, I show that the so-called ‘new’ pedagogy has a history that would have predicted the wide-ranging problems evident in non-relational thinking and lack of critique in the data sciences and among its users.