bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of epoxidized castor oil on the mechanical, thermal, and water diffusion properties of epoxy composites
Authors: Sankar Lal Sathyaraj , Kannan Sekar
Published: January 2025

Due to the high consumptions of the petroleum resources and an increase in the conservation awareness, the bio‐based replacements are considered by the researchers as an alternative for synthetic fibers and resins in the composites. This work explores the effects of partially replacing epoxy components with castor oil‐based bio‐resins in a flax fiber‐reinforced epoxy system for eco‐friendly material development. Epoxidized castor oil (ECO) was incorporated into petro‐based epoxy at 10%, 20%, and 30% to serve as a matrix for the composites, which were fabricated using the compression molding technique. Tensile strength, modulus and impact properties of 10% ECO modified epoxy composites increased dramatically for 10% ECO by 5%, 3%, and 5.5%, respectively. The pullout test showed the positive effect of ECO, increasing the pullout adhesion strength by 26.4% at 20% of ECO. The thermomechanical characterization of the bio‐composites showed that the inclusion of between 10% of ECO bio‐resin improves storage modulus and damping by 3.15% and 27%, respectively. The analysis of morphology indicates favorable bonding between the matrix and fiber in the bio‐based epoxy composite, whereas a suboptimal connection is evident in the neat epoxy composite. This research establishes a foundation for developing advanced sustainable bio‐composites with high bio‐based content (up to 50%), tailored for applications requiring enhanced strength and energy absorption capabilities.

Highlights

Bio‐based resins from castor oil replace synthetic fibers in composite materials.

Castor oil‐based bio‐resin enhances mechanical properties of flax fiber composites.

10% ECO‐modified epoxy shows 5% increase in tensile strength and impact properties.

ECO modification improves pullout adhesion strength by 26.4% at 20% ECO.

Toughness and bio‐content were enhanced by adding ECO.
Analysis and prediction of tensile properties based on a novel wide‐angle fabric/EPDM composite under different temperatures
Authors: Zhang Zhuhui , Zhang Diantang , Lu Jian , Qian Kun , Zhang Jinqiu , Pang Zengyuan
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the tensile properties of the wide‐angle fabric/ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer (EPDM) composite (WFRC) under varying temperature conditions based on the macro‐ and mesoscopic structural characterization. The wide‐angle fabric was modeled using an improved “cross‐sectional path” method that precisely represents the yarn geometry by integrating warp and weft orientations within a non‐orthogonal coordinate system derived from optical micrographs. Tensile tests conducted across a temperature range from 25 to 150°C revealed that both stress and strain decrease with increasing temperature. Numerical simulations closely aligned with the experimental data, exhibiting a maximum relative error of only 2.5% at 90°C, thereby demonstrating the robustness of the simulation models in capturing the mechanical responses of WFRC. The findings underscore the predominant role of the rubber matrix in determining the mechanical properties of WFRC, while also highlighting that the fabric maintains excellent shape conformity with the rubber. This paper presents an effective methodology for analyzing the mechanical properties of WFRC under varying temperatures, laying the groundwork for future studies on the long‐term durability and failure mechanisms of WFRC under cyclic thermal loads, and broadening its applications across various engineering domains.

Highlights

The improved “cross section path” method is employed for fabric modeling.

Macro‐ and mesoscopic modeling of the wide‐angle fabric/EPDM composite.

The superelasticity of the rubber is integrated into the VUMAT subroutine.

The numerical simulations closely align with the experimental data.
Nonparametric Path‐Specific Effects on a Survival Outcome Through Multiple Time‐to‐Event Mediators
Authors: Huang Yen‐Tsung , Hong Ju‐Sheng
Published: January 2025

A causal mediation model with multiple time‐to‐event mediators is exemplified by the natural course of human disease marked by sequential milestones with a time‐to‐event nature. For example, from hepatitis B infection to death, patients may experience intermediate events such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The sequential events of hepatitis, cirrhosis, cancer, and death are susceptible to right censoring; moreover, the latter events may preclude the former events. Casting the natural course of human diseases in the framework of causal mediation modeling, we establish a model with intermediate and terminal events as the mediators and outcomes, respectively. We define the interventional analog of path‐specific effects (iPSEs) as the effect of an exposure on a terminal event mediated (or not mediated) by any combination of intermediate events without parametric models. The expression of a counting process‐based counterfactual hazard is derived under the sequential ignorability assumption. We employ composite nonparametric likelihood estimation to obtain maximum likelihood estimators for the counterfactual hazard and iPSEs. Our proposed estimators achieve asymptotic unbiasedness, uniform consistency, and weak convergence. Applying the proposed method, we show that hepatitis B induced mortality is mostly mediated through liver cancer and/or cirrhosis whereas hepatitis C induced mortality may be through extrahepatic diseases.
Allocation Predictability of Individual Assignments in Restricted Randomization Designs for Two‐Arm Equal Allocation Trials
Authors: Zhao Wenle , Livingston Sherry
Published: January 2025

This manuscript derives the allocation predictability measured by the correct guess probability and the probability of being deterministic for individual treatment assignments, as well as the averages of a randomization sequence, based on the treatment imbalance transition matrix and the conditional allocation probability. The methods described are applicable to restricted randomization designs that satisfy the following criteria: (1) two‐arm equal allocation, (2) restriction of maximum tolerated imbalance, and (3) conditional allocation probability fully determined by the observed current treatment imbalance. Analytical results indicate that, for two‐arm equal allocation trials, allocation predictability alternates by the odd/even sequence order of the treatment assignment. Additionally, the sequence average allocation predictability converges to its asymptotic value significantly more slowly than the allocation predictability for individual assignment does. Consequently, comparisons of allocation predictability between different randomization designs based on sequence averages are sensitive to sequence length. Using sequence average allocation predictability may underestimate the risk of selection bias for individual assignment. This discrepancy is particularly pronounced for short sequence lengths, where individual assignment predictability can be substantially higher than the sequence average.
Five Key Criteria for Identifying Optimal Therapeutic Targets in Protein‐Mediated Diseases
Authors: Al‐Shuhaib Mohammed Baqur S. , Al‐Shuhaib Jafar M. B.
Published: January 2025

Therapeutic trends involve designing ligands to target proteins in various diseases, but no parallel filters have been established to prioritize pathological proteins within pathogens for optimal inhibition. This study unveils that in order for a protein to serve as an optimal target for therapeutic intervention, it must exhibit five key attributes. It should have a druggable site with a recognized cleft in which a ligand can be fitted with high specificity. It should possess a unique structure, with distinct sequences having low similarity with other non‐targeted proteins. It should be dispensable for the pathogenesis of a disease, and in the case of microbial infection, it must be crucial for the survival of infectious organisms. It should be available in a crystallized 3D structure to enable high‐throughput screening of candidate ligands. It should occupy an accessible localization to provide an easy route for the ligand to reach its target with less effort. The study justifies five rules as essential filters for considering a protein as an ideal therapeutic target for any protein‐mediated dysfunction. When these rules of targeting proteins are found in a protein, eradicating the intended ailment can primarily be enhanced in less time, money, and effort.
Construction of Spiro[indoline‐3,2′‐pyrrolo[2,1‐a]Isoquinoline] and Spiro[indoline‐3,2′‐pyrrolo[1,2‐a]Quinoline] via Isocyanide‐Based Three‐Component Reaction
Authors: Liu Dong‐Mei , He Yu‐Wei , Han Ying , Sun Jing , Yan Chao‐Guo
Published: January 2025

A convenient synthetic protocol for novel spiro[indoline‐3,2′‐pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline] and spiro[indoline‐3,2′‐pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoline] motifs was successfully developed by three‐component reaction of isoquinoline (quinoline), cyclohexyl isocyanide, and isatylidene malononitriles. In the absence of any catalyst, the three‐component reaction of isoquinoline, cyclohexyl isocyanide, and isatylidene malononitriles in refluxing dichloromethane gave functionalized spiro[indoline‐3,2′‐pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolines] in good yields and with high diastereoselectivity. However, the similar three‐component reaction with quinoline afforded functionalized spiro[indoline‐3,2′‐pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinolines] with about 2:1 diastereoselectivity.
Preparation and Adsorption Properties of Corn Straw Amphoteric Adsorbent for Cationic and Anionic Dyes
Authors: Shan Bin , Yang Ye , Cui Ruilin , Tan Weiqiang , Tian Yong , Ma Jiping
Published: January 2025

A highly efficient and environmentally friendly corn straw amphoteric adsorbent (CSAA) was produced using pretreatment, etherification, and graft copolymerization of corn straw (CS) for the purpose of removing methylene blue (MB) and acid red 1 (AR1). The CSAA was subjected to characterize utilizing SEM, FTIR, XRD, Zeta surface potential, and TG. The impacts of pH value, adsorbent dosage, dye concentration, and salt concentration on the adsorption of MB and AR1 by CSAA were examined. The concurrent removal of cationic and anionic dyes under different pH levels has been successfully shown, exhibiting potential utility in dye wastewater. The pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation indicated a superior match with the empirical data, suggesting that the principal adsorption mechanism may be attributable to ionic attraction. The equilibrium adsorption isotherm study of the CSAA demonstrated a stronger conformance with the Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum adsorption capacity reached 356.2 and 408.2 mg·g−1 for MB and AR1, respectively. Furthermore, the thermodynamic parameters revealed that adsorption reaction using CSAA was spontaneous and exothermic.
Neuron Modulation by Synergetic Management of Redox Status and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Liu Xianping , Jiang Xingwu , Liu Zonghao , Chen Feixiang , Chen Jian , Chu Xu , Bu Wenbo , Liu Yanyan
Published: January 2025

The transient receptor potential (TRP) channel is a key sensor for diverse cellular stimuli, regulating the excitability of primary nociceptive neurons. Sensitization of the TRP channel can heighten pain sensitivity to innocuous or mildly noxious stimuli. Here, reversible modulation of TRP channels is achieved by controlling both the light‐induced photoelectrochemical reaction to induce neuronal depolarization, and antioxidants for neuronal protection. It is based on a hybrid nanosystem, CZPN, created by coating CeO2 nanocrystals with the metalloporphyrin ZnTPyP. Light irradiation triggers an electrochemical response, with efficient electron injection from ZnTPyP to CeO2, converting Ce4+ into Ce3+ as antioxidants. Meanwhile, the charge migrates from surrounding O2 molecules to the hole‐injected ZnTPyP*, giving rise to reactive oxygen species (ROS). This change in the redox environment sensitizes TRP channels, eliciting action potentials in primary rat neurons, and is partially blocked by pretreatment with capsazepine. The resulting CeO2‐x, with a high Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio, can scavenge excessive ROS to prevent oxidative damage. The light‐induced pain behaviors in mice pre‐injected with CZPN are further confirmed. This work suggests a safe, effective, and universal approach to photoelectrochemical processes for modulation and research of the peripheral nervous system.
Factors Influencing Science Teachers' Professional Development: A Cultural‐Historical Activity Theory Perspective
Authors: Hu Xinyang , Bi Hualin
Published: January 2025

Exploring the factors influencing science teacher professional development (STPD) and their interactions may provide insight into promoting professional development and improving science education. However, existing research mainly focuses on STPD in larger domains, such as individual, external, and contextual, without paying systematic attention to the connections between internal elements within domains. Therefore, this study utilized the cultural‐historical activity theory (CHAT) as a framework to systematically explore the interactions between factors influencing STPD. Content analysis was used to identify the factors influencing STPD. Subsequently, we adopted a convergent parallel mixed research method, aiming at a more comprehensive exploration of how these factors affect STPD. The interpretive structural model (ISM) and cross‐influence matrix multiplication (MICMAC) method were used to explore the interrelationships among the factors. Furthermore, from the CHAT perspective, semi‐structured interviews were used to identify the tensions in STPD. The ISM results showed that the factors influencing STPD have a six‐level hierarchical structure. Level 1 represents factors that directly influence STPD. The influences at Level 1 were also directly or indirectly influenced by the factors at Levels 2–6. The primary and secondary contradictions in STPD were identified by integrating the MICMAC and interview results under the CHAT lens. This study established that ISM and MICMAC not only identifies the hierarchical relationship between the influencing factors but also better identifies the contradictions between and within different types of factors from the perspective of CHAT. Based on our results, we suggest a focus on professional practice and learning communities, rural and remote school teachers, and efficient use of technology to connect experts, teacher trainers, and peer groups to improve the reach and efficacy of STPD.
Classification Method for Fatigue Driving Signals Based on Multiple Classifier Analysis
Authors: Mu Zhendong
Published: January 2025

This study constructs an ensemble learning model under several classifiers by optimizing the hyperparameters of the base classifier to address the low accuracy issue of fatigue driving detection that uses traditional classifiers. In this study, the fatigue driving electroencephalogram (EEG) signals of 26 participants were analyzed using various classifiers, namely, k‐nearest neighbor, back‐propagation neural network, support vector machine, random forest, Gaussian naive Bayes, and quadratic discriminant analysis, as base classifiers. This study also used 10‐fold cross‐validation to evaluate the model and four ensemble learning methods, namely, bagging, boosting, stacking, and voting, for comparative analysis. Through the analysis of the EEG signals of the 26 participants, a conclusion could be drawn that the average recognition rate of the ensemble learning model for the participants was improved to 95% after hyperparameter optimization of the base classifier. Moreover, an ensemble learning model was constructed under multiple classifiers to improve the recognition rate of fatigue driving signals. © 2025 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Assessment of Soil and Sediment Loss in the Ken River Basin, Central India, Using RUSLE and InVEST SDR Models
Authors: Bhatt Suresh Chandra , Singh Moirangthem Mourdhaja , Singh Sudhir Kumar , Rana Narendra Kumar , Kori Rakesh Kumar , Patel Adesh , Sachan Hrithik
Published: January 2025

Assessing soil and sediment loss are the main aims of the paper using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and the InVEST SDR models in the Ken River Basin (KRB). The annual soil loss varied from few‐ton/hectare/year to 1630.5. The high erosion susceptibility was prevalent in the elevated area and low soil erosion severity was seen in the low‐lying plains of the middle and lower reaches. The maximum sediment export (430.16‐ton/hectare/year) was noticed in the hills of the Vindhyans, Bundelkhand, and Deccan traps. Contrary to this the low sediment transport was observed in the flat alluvium plains. The conservation practices are slightly more effective in the KRB. Its crop cover reduces the impact of rain's kinetic energy, increase recharge, and mitigates soil erosion. These research output may be helpful to planners in minimizing soil and sediment loss and in enhancing the soil conservation and agricultural productivity.
Fighting Hate Speech on Social Media: The Challenge of “Deep Work” in Digital Peacebuilding
Authors: Hirblinger Andreas T.
Published: January 2025

The rise in efforts to fight hate speech is representative of the bigger trend of taking peacebuilding online, yet the phenomenon of hate speech clearly predates the internet age. This chapter argues that contemporary efforts struggle to address the deeper drivers of conflict that are also related to hate speech. Hate speech plays a role in inciting mass violence, encouraging extremism, and undermining democracy, but also provides the justifications for maintaining inequality, discrimination, and oppression that often underpin violent conflict. However, efforts to fight hate speech on social media tend to focus more on curtailing its immediate role in violence than its intermediate role in reproducing the conditions of violence. Presenting a study of efforts to fight hate speech in Sri Lanka, the chapter suggests that countering social media hate speech tends to focus on the detection of words (lexicalism), the analysis of data for conflict-preventative purposes (dashboardism), the reporting and removal of hate speech (deletionism), a joint reactionary response that advances alternative narratives (crowd-counterism), and a rights-based approach focused on regulating contemporary expressions of hate speech (presentism). Overall, the chapter argues that these technical solutions do relatively little to address the underlying, historically conditioned socio-economic dimensions of conflict.
Reimagining Ocean Connections: Relationality and Care in Ocean Literacy
Authors: Tugend Mana
Published: January 2025

This chapter re-evaluates our relationship with the ocean, challenging traditional views that reduce it to a mere resource. It advocates for a shift towards ocean literacy, emphasizing the interconnectedness and interdependence between humans and the marine environment through the values of relationality and care. Relationality rejects Western dualisms, promoting a holistic perspective that sees humans and the ocean as deeply interconnected. Care highlights the ethical and emotional dimensions of this relationship, advocating for empathy and responsibility. By exploring these values through two pathways—connecting with each other and with the ocean—the chapter illustrates how integrating relationality and care can transform ocean governance.
Navigating the International Data Space To Build Edge-Driven Cross-Domain Dataspace Ecosystem
Authors: Singh Parwinder , Meratnia Nirvana , Beliatis Michail J. , Presser Mirko
Published: January 2025

Data is an asset for the modern industrial era that plays a crucial role in driving intelligence through machine learning techniques and methods for business, technical, economic, and social decision making. Generally, data generated in a specific domain is often used in other domains, which requires cross-domain data integration (CDDI) and sharing across edges. Here, an edge represents an organization, system, or entity with computing data processing capabilities. This CDDI and sharing across edges need data sovereignty to govern the relevant usage context, wherein the sharing edge domain’s data context must be respected by the shared edge domain. This edge domain’s data context can be seen as a medium to define rules for associated data usage, access, and identity management. This can be achieved by the common dataspace vision of the European Union for CDDI to turn the European market into a unified data-driven European market. International Data Space (IDS) is such an effort backed up by the European Commission to develop relevant standards and specifications for CDDI. However, even though a vast amount of IDS ecosystem information is available online, it is scattered and hard to navigate. This obstructs the use and adoption of the IDS at a desired pace and in a simplified manner. This study contributes to this need by converging the information in one place and leveraging theoretical and pragmatic insights on building IDS-based edge-driven dataspace in real-world scenarios. We dive into a wind industry supply-chain-specific use case realized through a locally developed IDS platform to showcase and validate the use of CDDI.
Integrating a Hybrid Lightweight Consensus Algorithm in HyperLedger Fabric
Authors: Michalopoulos Fotis , Vavilis Sokratis , Niavis Harris , Loupos Konstantinos
Published: January 2025

In today’s interconnected IoT ecosystems, blockchain technology acts as a facilitator for decentralization. Hyperledger Fabric (HLF) is a renounced permissioned blockchain platform designed for enterprise use. Currently, HLF supports two primary consensus algorithms: Raft and smartBFT. Despite HLF’s modular nature, integrating new consensus algorithms remains a challenging and intricate process that lacks sufficient guidelines. In this work, we bridge this gap by providing a novel, comprehensive, yet practical guide to simplify the integration of consensus algorithms into HLF. Furthermore, we demonstrate our approach by integrating a new hybrid algorithm into HLF, specifically tailored for the IoT ecosystem. Compared to the current algorithms, experiments indicate promising performance and reliability.
Leveraging the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for Real-Time CO2 Monitoring, Measurement and Visualization: Technologies, Applications and Future Directions
Authors: Christensen Mads S-F.
Published: January 2025

Global CO2 emissions reduction requires industries to manage and understand their CO2 emission levels in real-time. This paper examines the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for real-time monitoring, measurement, and visualization of reducing CO2 emissions in industrial and environmental domains.

Methodology: The methodology consists of a literature review based on peer-reviewed publications and use cases to explore the current state and practical implications. Furthermore, a technical analysis of IIoT systems, CO2 sensors, and data processing techniques is also identified.

Results: IIoT systems can support CO2 emission monitoring and accuracy optimization in industrial domains by combining CO2 sensors, wireless communication, and data fusion techniques. In addition, machine learning and artificial intelligence can be used to reduce anomalies in CO2 sensor readings and predictive maintenance of systems.

Challenges: Challenges include interoperability, data security and system scalability. To resolve these issues standardized communication protocols, data security methods and implementation barriers should be improved.

Future Directions: To enhance data processing and security features, future work should focus on integrating edge computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain techniques. In addition, data visualizations and cost-effective solutions should also be in focus, to provide more adoptable IIoT systems in industrial domains.

Conclusion: As IIoT systems and CO2 sensor technologies evolve, IIoT systems can contribute significantly to increasing global air quality and CO2 emission control in industry, agricultural, and urban areas.
Privacy Preserving Enablers for Data Space Ecosystems
Authors: García Natalia Borgoñós , Padilla María Hernández , Gómez Antonio Fernando Skarmeta
Published: January 2025

Data Spaces are ecosystems designed to allow multiple organizations or companies to share data in a secure manner. Despite the potential of these technologies, they encounter a number of challenges and privacy issues that limit their use. Privacy Preserving Enablers are mechanisms developed to tackle these difficulties, ensuring data integrity and access control. This paper aims to analyze the role of some Privacy Preserving Enablers and its integration with Connectors in the context of Data Spaces. The research will focus on key enablers, including a Self-Sovereign Identity with Zero-Knowledge Proof, which is a privacy preserving approach that allows users to verify their identity and attributes without the need to disclose underlying data, ensuring their privacy. Additionally, the usage of Sticky Policies instantiated through Attribute-Based Encryption attaches control policies into the encrypted data in order to have an attribute-based access control, enhancing its security. The application of Policies Enforcement assure the consistent application of policies and the maintenance of the security within the Data Space.
Postoperative accuracy quantification of corrective osteotomies: standardisation of Q3D-CT methodology
Authors: Tabernée Heijtmeijer Sander J. C. , Meesters Anne M. L. , Verdonschot Nico J. J. , Jutte Paul C. , Doornberg Job N. , Pijpker Peter A. J. , Kraeima Joep
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Currently, no gold standard exists for 3D analysis of virtually planned surgery accuracy postoperatively. The aim of this study was to present a new, validated and standardised methodology for 3D postoperative assessment of surgical accuracy in patients undergoing 3D virtually planned and guided corrective osteotomies.

Methods

All patients who underwent 3D planned corrective osteotomy in 2021–2022 at our center with a postoperative CT were included. Postoperative surgical outcome was analysed with a postoperative CT and compared to the preoperative virtual surgical planning to determine achieved accuracy. Validation of the analysis was performed by evaluating the individual assessment of six experienced observers. A postoperative quantification was performed according to the proposed innovative methodology based on rotation axes of a virtual postoperative bone model aligned to the virtual preoperative bone model and virtual surgical planned bone model. To evaluate the intra-observer variability, one observer performed the assessment twice.

Results

Quantification of 13 patients according resulted in measurements with a median range (and its interquartile range) for 3D translation of: 2.43 mm (3.17), for the angle deviations: 3D rotation, 2D coronal, 2D sagittal and 2D axial were: 0.66° (1.66°), 0.74° (0.44°), 0.99° (1.27°), 2.37° (5.00°), respectively. The inter- and intraobserver reliability established with the Intraclass correlation coefficient was for all measurements excellent (> 0.76).

Conclusion

The proposed 3D CT technique provides an significant more accurate and objective method for assessment of surgical outcome of a guided corrective osteotomy. The present proposed novel methodology showed excellent inter- and intra-observer reliability with clinically acceptable absolute surgical outcome measurements.
Dose-dependent association of hyperoxia and decreased favorable outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients with traumatic brain injury, a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lalla Louisa Telsche , Czorlich Patrick , Fischer Marlene , Schweingruber Nils , Cramer Christopher , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Gempt Jens , Kluge Stefan , Grensemann Jörn
Published: January 2025

Purpose

In patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), adequate oxygenation is crucial to optimize survival and neurological outcome. However, supranormal oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) only leads to minor increase in cerebral oxygen delivery but can cause numerous pathophysiological disturbances. Therefore, we aimed to study effects of hyperoxia on patient outcome and identify optimum PaO2 ranges.

Methods

This retrospective, single-center cohort study included TBI patients receiving mechanical ventilation for ≥ 72 h. Time-weighted mean PaO2 and integrals above thresholds of 80, 100, 120, and 150 mmHg were calculated over periods of 1, 3, 7, and 14 days. The effects on in-hospital mortality and favorable functional outcome defined as Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) ≥ 4 were explored at discharge and after 3–6 months.

Results

From 01/2013 until 12/2021, 290 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Hyperoxia was dose-dependently associated with a worsened functional outcome 3–6 months post-injury. Regarding the first 24 h, odds ratios were 0.959 (95% confidence intervals: 0.932–0.990; p = 0.009) for time-weighted mean PaO2 and 0.955 (0.923–0.988; p = 0.008), 0.939 (0.897–0.982; p = 0.006), 0.923 (0.871–0.978; p = 0.007) and 0.922 (0.858–0.992; p = 0.029) per mmHg above 80, 100, 120 and 150 mmHg, respectively. For exposure within 72 h, odds ratios were 0.897 (0.819–0.983; p = 0.020), 0.842 (0.738–0.961; p = 0.011) and 0.832 (0.705–0.981; p = 0.029) per mmHg per day over 100, 120 and 150 mmHg, respectively. No significant association could be established between PaO2-exposure and in-hospital mortality, GOS at discharge or the 7- and 14-day periods.

Conclusion

In this cohort, hyperoxia within 72 h after admission was dose-dependently associated with an unfavorable neurological outcome after 3–6 months.
On the Enumeration of Arf Numerical Semigroups with Given Multiplicity and Conductor
Authors: Karakaş Halil İbrahim , Tutaş Nesrin
Published: January 2025

Let

$$N_{ARF}(m,\mathscr {C})$$

N

ARF

(
m
,
C
)

denote the number of Arf numerical semigroups with multiplicity m and conductor

$$\mathscr {C}$$

C

. In an earlier paper of the first author (Semigroup Forum 105:478–487, 2022), it was proved that

$$N_{ARF}(m,\mathscr {C})$$

N

ARF

(
m
,
C
)

depends only on the congruence class of

$$\mathscr {C}$$

C

modulo m if m is prime. In the same paper, it was noticed that there are composite numbers m for which

$$N_{ARF}(m,\mathscr {C})$$

N

ARF

(
m
,
C
)

depends only on the congruence class of

$$\mathscr {C}$$

C

modulo m for some congruence classes, and the author had posed the question of characterizing such m and congruence classes of m for which

$$N_{ARF}(m,\mathscr {C})$$

N

ARF

(
m
,
C
)

is an invariant of those classes. We prove that

$$N_{ARF}(m,\mathscr {C})$$

N

ARF

(
m
,
C
)

is an invariant of the congruence class of

$$\mathscr {C}$$

C

(mod m) if and only if

$$m = p^n$$

m
=

p
n

and

$$\mathscr {C} \equiv (tp^{n-1}+1) \ (\textrm{mod}\ p^n)$$

C
≡

(
t

p

n
-
1

+
1
)

(
mod

p
n

)

where

$$n\in {\mathbb {N}}$$

n
∈
N

, p is prime,

$$t \in \{1, \ldots , p-1\}$$

t
∈
{
1
,
…
,
p
-
1
}

.
Central nervous system involvement in Waldenström macroglobulinemia: a comparative population-based study of Bing-Neel syndrome and histological transformation
Authors: Østergaard Simon , Munksgaard Lars , Hammer Troels , Nielsen Torsten Holm , Pedersen Mette Ølgod , Gjerdrum Lise Mette Rahbek
Published: January 2025

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare complication that can manifest as Bing-Neel syndrome (BNS) or as histological transformation (HT) to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We report data from a single-center cohort of 469 patients consecutively diagnosed with WM between 2000 and 2022. BNS was identified in 1.5% (n = 7) and HT with CNS involvement (CNS-HT) in 1.7% (n = 8) of patients. The cumulative incidence of BNS and CNS-HT at 15 years was 2.6% and 2.7%, respectively, with CNS-HT more likely to develop in closer proximity to the initial WM diagnosis. One patient with CNS-HT exhibited a preceding phase of BNS before transformation. In general, patients with BNS and CNS-HT presented with diverse neurological symptoms and clinical features. Parenchymal lesions were uniformly found in all patients with CNS-HT, while neuroimaging findings were less consistent in patients with BNS. Involvement of multiple extramedullary sites was observed in approximately half of the patients with both BNS and CNS-HT. Patients with CNS-HT had poor outcomes, with a median overall survival of 10 months following the onset of CNS involvement, whereas BNS was associated with a more favorable prognosis, particularly in patients treated with ibrutinib. This study is the first to present a comparative analysis of BNS and CNS-HT in WM, providing novel insights into their incidence, clinical features, and outcomes.
HMGB1 assists the predictive value of tumor PD-L1 expression for the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody in NSCLC
Authors: Funaishi Kunihiko , Yamaguchi Kakuhiro , Tanahashi Hiroki , Kurose Koji , Sakamoto Shinjiro , Horimasu Yasushi , Masuda Takeshi , Nakashima Taku , Iwamoto Hiroshi , Hamada Hironobu , Oga Toru , Oka Mikio , Hattori Noboru
Published: January 2025

Background

The expression of anti-programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in tumors is widely used as a biomarker to predict the therapeutic efficacy of anti-programmed cell death-1(PD-1)/PD-L1 antibodies. However, the predictive accuracy of this method is limited. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is known to modulate cancer immunity. Therefore, we investigated the potential of circulatory HMGB1 in combination with PD-L1 expression to predict the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody monotherapy.

Patients and methods

This multicenter retrospective study analyzed blood samples collected from 114 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) prior to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody monotherapy at two university hospitals (Hiroshima University Hospital and Kawasaki Medical School Hospital) between December 2015 and October 2020. We evaluated the association of serum HMGB1 levels with tumor response and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

Serum HMGB1 levels were significantly higher in patients with complete or partial response than in those with stable or progressive disease. Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, the cut-off level of serum HMGB1 to predict tumor response was determined to be 3.83 ng/mL. PFS was significantly longer in the HMGB1high group than that in the HMGB1low group in the entire cohort (4.3 months vs. 2.3 months) and in patients with NSCLC with PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥ 50% (12.4 months vs. 4.4 months), but not in those with PD-L1 TPS < 50% or unknown.

Conclusion

HMGB1 may serve as a predictive biomarker for the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody therapy in the patients with NSCLC, especially in those with PD-L1 TPS ≥ 50%.
Transurethral resection of the prostate across continents: a meta-analysis evaluating quality of gold standard in the twenty-first century
Authors: Porto Joao G. , Bhatia Ansh M. , Bhat Abhishek , Suarez Arbelaez Maria Camila , Blachman-Braun Ruben , Shah Khushi , Malpani Ankur , Lopategui Diana , Herrmann Thomas R. W. , Marcovich Robert , Shah Hemendra N.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To compare outcomes of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) across different regions worldwide over the past two decades.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials indexed to PubMed that assessed TURP. A total of 102 studies with 8,454 patients were included and grouped by continents: Europe, Asia, Africa, and Others (North America, South America, and Australia). International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), peak flow (Qmax), postvoid residual urine (PVR), PSA levels, prostate volume, and Sexual Health Inventory for Men scores (at 3, 12, and 36 months) were assessed, along with postoperative complications. Heterogeneity across studies was classified as low (I2 < 25%), moderate (I2 = 25–75%), or high (I2 > 75%).

Results

TURP consistently exhibited significant enhancements in IPSS, Qmax, and PVR across various regions. Notably, PVR demonstrated high heterogeneity (I²=100%). TURP presented low complication rates with TURP syndrome (2%), bleeding (8%), and blood transfusion (6%). However, significant heterogeneity was observed, particularly for clot evacuation (I2 = 87%), irritative symptoms (I2 = 96%), and incontinence (I2 = 84%). The retreatment rates at 1 and 3 years were 5% and 7%, respectively, with significant differences across regions.

Conclusion

Global outcomes of TURP lack a discernible trend. The substantial heterogeneity observed among continents suggests a lack of standardization. Nevertheless, uniform symptomatic improvements among patients still support TURP as the gold-standard surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, despite variations in its results worldwide.
Enlargement of the human prefrontal cortex and brain mentalizing network: anatomically homogenous cross-species brain transformation
Authors: Amano Hideki , Tanabe Hiroki C. , Ogihara Naomichi
Published: January 2025

To achieve a better understanding of the evolution of the large brain in humans, a comparative analysis of species differences in the brains of extant primate species is crucial, as it allows direct comparisons of the brains. We developed a method to achieve anatomically precise region-to-region homologous brain transformations across species using computational neuroanatomy. Utilizing three-dimensional neuroimaging data from humans (Homo sapiens), chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), and Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata), along with the anatomical labels of their respective brains, we aimed to create a cross-species average template brain that preserves neuroanatomical correspondence across species. Homologous transformation of the brain from one species to another can be computed using the cross-species average brain. Applying this transformation to human and chimpanzee brains revealed that, compared to chimpanzees, humans had significantly larger and more expanded prefrontal cortex, middle and posterior temporal gyrus, angular gyrus, precuneus, and cortical areas associated with mentalization. This neuroanatomically homologous brain transformation enables the systematic investigation of the similarities and differences in brain anatomy and structure across different species.
Fast and fair randomized wait-free locks
Authors: Ben-David Naama , Blelloch Guy E.
Published: January 2025

We present a randomized approach for wait-free locks with strong bounds on time and fairness in a context in which any process can be arbitrarily delayed. Our approach supports a tryLock operation that is given a set of locks, and code to run when all the locks are acquired. A tryLock operation may fail if there is contention on the locks, in which case the code is not run. Given an upper bound

$$\kappa $$

κ

known to the algorithm on the point contention of any lock, and an upper bound L on the number of locks in a tryLock’s set, a tryLock will succeed in acquiring its locks and running the code with probability at least

$$1/(\kappa L)$$

1
/
(
κ
L
)

. It is thus fair. Furthermore, if the maximum step complexity for the code in any lock is T, the operation will take

$$O(\kappa ^2 L^2 T)$$

O
(

κ
2

L
2

T
)

steps, regardless of whether it succeeds or fails. The operations are independent, thus if the tryLock is repeatedly retried on failure, it will succeed in

$$O(\kappa ^3 L^3 T)$$

O
(

κ
3

L
3

T
)

expected steps. If the algorithm does not know the bounds

$$\kappa $$

κ

and L, we present a variant that can guarantee a probability of at least

$$1/\kappa L\log (\kappa L T)$$

1
/
κ
L
log
(
κ
L
T
)

of success. We assume an oblivious adversarial scheduler, which does not make decisions based on the operations, but can predetermine any schedule for the processes, which is unknown to our algorithm. Furthermore, to account for applications that change their future requests based on the results of previous tryLock operations, we strengthen the adversary by allowing decisions of the start times and lock sets of tryLock operations to be made adaptively, given the history of the execution so far.
Elevated A2F bisect N-glycans of serum IgA reflect progression of liver fibrosis in patients with MASLD
Authors: Hanamatsu Hisatoshi , Suda Goki , Ohara Masatsugu , Ogawa Koji , Tamaki Nobuharu , Hikita Hayato , Haga Hiroaki , Maekawa Shinya , Sugiyama Masaya , Kakisaka Tatsuhiko , Nakai Masato , Sho Takuya , Miura Nobuaki , Kurosaki Masayuki , Asahina Yasuhiro , Taketomi Akinobu , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Takehara Tetsuo , Nishikaze Takashi , Furukawa Jun-ichi , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: January 2025

Background

Advanced liver fibrosis in cases of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) leads to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The current gold standard for liver fibrosis is invasive liver biopsy. Therefore, a less invasive biomarker that accurately reflects the stage of liver fibrosis is highly desirable.

Methods

This study enrolled 269 patients with liver biopsy-proven MASLD. Patients were divided into three groups (F0/1 (n = 41/85), F2 (n = 47), and F3/4 (n = 72/24)) according to fibrosis stage. We performed serum N-glycomics and identified glycan biomarker for fibrosis stage. Moreover, we explored the carrier proteins and developed a sandwich ELISA to measure N-glycosylation changes of carrier protein.

Results

Comprehensive N-glycomic analysis revealed significant changes in the expression of A2F bisect and its precursors as fibrosis progressed. The sum of neutral N-glycans carrying bisecting GlcNAc and core Fuc (neutral sum) had a better diagnostic performance to evaluate advanced liver fibrosis (AUC = 0.804) than conventional parameters (FIB4 index, aspartate aminotransferase-to-alanine aminotransferase ratio (AAR), and serum level of Mac-2-binding protein glycol isomer (M2BPGi). The combination of the neutral sum and FIB4 index enhanced diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.840). IgM, IgA, and complement C3 were identified as carrier proteins with A2F bisect N-glycan. A sandwich ELISA based on N-glycans carrying bisecting GlcNAc and IgA showed similar diagnostic performance than the neutral sum.

Conclusions

A2F bisect N-glycan and its precursors are promising candidate biomarkers for advanced fibrosis in MASLD patients. Analysis of these glycan alterations on IgA may have the potential to serve as a novel ELISA diagnostic tool for MASLD in routine clinical practice.

Clinical trial number

UMIN000030720.
Emotion processing difficulties in ADHD: a Bayesian meta-analysis study
Authors: Soler-Gutiérrez Ana-María , Sánchez-Carmona Alberto J. , Albert Jacobo , Hinojosa José Antonio , Cortese Samuele , Bellato Alessio , Mayas Julia
Published: January 2025

We investigated whether there is an emotional processing deficit in ADHD and whether this only applies to specific emotional categories. In this PRISMA-compliant systematic review based on a pre-registered protocol (https://osf.io/egp7d), we searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ERIC, Scopus and Web of Science databases until 3rd December 2023, to identify empirical studies comparing emotional processing in individuals meeting DSM (version III to 5-TR) or ICD (version 9 or 10) criteria for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and in a non-psychiatric control group. Study quality was assessed with the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS). Eighty studies were included and meta-analysed (encompassing 6191 participants and 465 observations). Bayesian meta-analyses were conducted to compare individuals with ADHD and non-psychiatric controls on overall emotional processing measures (meta-analysis 1) and across emotional categories (meta-analysis 2). The type of stimulus employed, outcome measurement reported, age, sex, and medication status were analysed as moderators. We found poorer performance in both overall emotion processing (g =  − 0.65) and across emotional categories (anger g =  − 0.37; disgust g =  − 0.24; fear g =  − 0.37; sadness g =  − 0.34; surprise g =  − 0.26; happiness/positive g =  − 0.31; negative g =  − 0.20; neutral g =  − 0.25) for individuals with ADHD compared to non-psychiatric controls. Scales items and accuracy outcome being the most effective moderators in detecting such differences. No effects of age, sex, or medication status were found. Overall, these results show that impaired emotional processing is a relevant feature of ADHD and suggest that it should be systematically assessed in clinical practice.
A characterization study of the anterior segment morphology of patients with and without long-term silicone oil following vitrectomy
Authors: Singh Gurfarmaan , Lee Yong Min , Sun Michelle , Selva Dinesh , Chan WengOnn
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To characterize the anterior segment (AS) morphology of patients with long-term silicone oil (SiO) in situ (> 12 months) following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).

Methods

This prospective, comparative characterization study was conducted between January 2022 and July 2023. Patients were included and sorted based on if they had undergone PPV without long-term SiO or had SiO in situ for at least 12 months at the time of review and image collection. The Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT (Carl Zeiss, Dublin, California, USA) was employed to image the ASs of study patients. Software within the OCT was used to collect the central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber diameter (ACd), anterior chamber depth (ACD), chamber area, temporal irideocorneal angle and nasal irideocorneal angle.

Results

A total of 78 eyes from 42 total patients were included, their mean age was 63.74 ± 19.13 years and 64.29% (27/42) of participants were males. Patients who underwent PPV with and without long-term SiO were found to have no significant difference in CCT, ACd, ACD, chamber area and irideocorneal angles compared to their fellow unoperated eyes. The multivariate analysis of variance of the pooled data noted a statistically significant difference in the ACd of PPV with long-term SiO eyes compared to PPV without long-term SiO and unoperated eyes (p = < 0.001).

Conclusion

These findings suggest PPV with long-term SiO may alter the AS morphology of patients, its influence on the development of OAG remains unclear and warrants further investigation.