bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL-20 controls resolution of experimental colitis by regulating epithelial IFN/STAT2 signalling
Authors: Chiriac Mircea Teodor , Hracsko Zsuzsanna , Günther Claudia , Gonzalez-Acera Miguel , Atreya Raja , Stolzer Iris , Wittner Leonie , Dressel Anja , Schickedanz Laura , Gamez-Belmonte Reyes , Erkert Lena , Hundorfean Gheorghe , Zundler Sebastian , Rath Timo , Vetrano Stefania , Danese Silvio , Sturm Gregor , Trajanoski Zlatko , Kühl Anja A , Siegmund Britta , Hartmann Arndt , Wirtz Stefan , Siebler Jürgen , Finotto Susetta , Becker Christoph , Neurath Markus F
Published: October 2023

Objective

We sought to investigate the role of interleukin (IL)-20 in IBD and experimental colitis.

Design

Experimental colitis was induced in mice deficient in components of the IL-20 and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)2 signalling pathways. In vivo imaging, high-resolution mini-endoscopy and histology were used to assess intestinal inflammation. We further used RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq), RNAScope and Gene Ontology analysis, western blot analysis and co-immunoprecipitation, confocal microscopy and intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)-derived three-dimensional organoids to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Results were validated using samples from patients with IBD and non-IBD control subjects by a combination of RNA-Seq, organoids and immunostainings.

Results

In IBD,IL20levels were induced during remission and were significantly higher in antitumour necrosis factor responders versus non-responders. IL-20RA and IL-20RB were present on IECs from patients with IBD and IL-20-induced STAT3 and suppressed interferon (IFN)-STAT2 signalling in these cells. In IBD, experimental dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and mucosal healing, IECs were the main producers of IL-20. Compared with wildtype controls,Il20−/−, Il20ra−/−andIl20rb−/−mice were more susceptible to experimental DSS-induced colitis. IL-20 deficiency was associated with increased IFN/STAT2 activity in mice and IFN/STAT2-induced necroptotic cell death in IEC-derived organoids could be markedly blocked by IL-20. Moreover, newly generatedStat2ΔIECmice, lacking STAT2 in IECs, were less susceptible to experimental colitis compared with wildtype controls and the administration of IL-20 suppressed colitis activity in wildtype animals.

Conclusion

IL-20 controls colitis and mucosal healing by interfering with the IFN/STAT2 death signalling pathway in IECs. These results indicate new directions for suppressing gut inflammation by modulating IL-20-controlled STAT2 signals.
Sport-related major trauma incidence in young people and adults in England and Wales: a national registry-based study
Authors: Davies Madeleine , Lawrence Tom , Edwards Antoinette , McKay Carly , Lecky Fiona E , Stokes Keith A , Williams Sean
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Data on sport and physical activity (PA) injury risk can guide intervention and prevention efforts. However, there are limited national-level data, and no estimates for England or Wales. This study sought to estimate sport and PA-related major trauma incidence in England and Wales.

Methods

Nationwide, hospital registry-based cohort study between January 2012 and December 2017. Following Trauma Audit and Research Network Registry Research Committee approval, data were extracted in April 2018 for people ≥16 years of age, admitted following sport or PA-related injury in England and Wales. The population-based Active Lives Survey was used to estimate national sport and PA participation (ie, running, cycling, fitness activities). The cumulative injury incidence rate was estimated for each activity. Injury severity was described by Injury Severity Score (ISS) >15.

Results

11 702 trauma incidents occurred (mean age 41.2±16.2 years, 59.0% male), with an ISS >15 for 28.0% of cases, and 1.3% were fatal. The overall annual injury incidence rate was 5.40 injuries per 100 000 participants. The incidence rate was higher in men (6.44 per 100 000) than women (3.34 per 100 000), and for sporting activities (9.88 per 100 000) than cycling (2.81 per 100 000), fitness (0.21 per 100 000) or walking (0.03 per 100 000). The highest annual incidence rate activities were motorsports (532.31 per 100 000), equestrian (235.28 per 100 000) and gliding (190.81 per 100 000).

Conclusion

Injury incidence was higher in motorsports, equestrian activity and gliding. Targeted prevention in high-risk activities may reduce admissions and their associated burden, facilitating safer sport and PA participation.
U–Pb zircon geochronology and geochemistry of the Jurassic magmatic rocks from the region of Cananea and Nacozari, northeastern Sonora, Mexico: timing and composition of the southernmost edge of the Jurassic continental arc
Authors: Valencia-Moreno Martín , González-León Carlos M. , Solari Luigi , Rascón-Heimpel Mario Arturo , González-Becuar Elizard , Lozano-Santacruz Rufino , Pérez-Arvizu Ofelia
Published: October 2023

Igneous rocks of the Jurassic continental arc of southwest North American Cordillera crop out in the region between Cananea and Nacozari, in northeastern Sonora, Mexico. Contemporaneous igneous rocks occur farther south in the Nazas rift province; however, their tectonic affinity is debated between the southern extension of the Cordilleran arc and an origin associated with decompressive mantle melting during the Pangea breakup. We consider that the studied rocks represent the southernmost expression of the Jurassic continental arc. Four magmatic units are distinguished based on geology, U–Pb zircon geochronology, and geochemical composition. They comprise the Buenos Aires granite dated at 183.8 ± 1.1 Ma, the Mababi granite with ages of 175.5 ± 1.8, 173.5 ± 1.8, and 171.7 ± 1.0 Ma, the Elenita Formation volcanic rocks dated at 169.7 ± 1.7 Ma, and the Cerro Blanco granite dated at 162.3 ± 2.4 Ma. The studied samples correspond to highly differentiated rocks with high-silica contents (69–76 wt.%), low Mg# values (mostly <45), and alkali–calcic and peraluminous compositions suggesting crustal contamination. LREE-enriched normalized slopes with negative Eu anomalies and multielement plots characterized by well-developed negative anomalies of Nb–Ta, P, and Ti provide an unequivocal signal of the continental arc nature. In contrast to the Nazas province, where the Jurassic magmatism consists of discreet volcaniclastic sequences deposited in extensional basins with no evidence of plutonic rocks, the Jurassic continental arc of Arizona and northern Sonora forms a regionally coherent geological feature characterized by large exposures of volcanic and plutonic rocks.
Active Ising Models of flocking: a field-theoretic approach
Authors: Scandolo Mattia , Pausch Johannes , Cates Michael E.
Published: October 2023

Using an approach based on Doi-Peliti field theory, we study several different Active Ising Models (AIMs), in each of which collective motion (flocking) of self-propelled particles arises from the spontaneous breaking of a discrete symmetry. We test the predictive power of our field theories by deriving the hydrodynamic equations for the different microscopic choices of aligning processes that define our various models. At deterministic level, the resulting equations largely confirm known results, but our approach has the advantage of allowing systematic generalization to include noise terms. Study of the resulting hydrodynamics allows us to confirm that the various AIMs share the same phenomenology of a first-order transition from isotropic to flocked states whenever the self-propulsion speed is nonzero, with an important exception for the case where particles align only pairwise locally. Remarkably, this variant fails entirely to give flocking—an outcome that was foreseen in previous work, but is confirmed here and explained in terms of the scalings of various terms in the hydrodynamic limit. Finally, we discuss our AIMs in the limit of zero self-propulsion where the ordering transition is continuous. In this limit, each model is still out of equilibrium because the dynamical rules continue to break detailed balance, yet it has been argued that an equilibrium universality class (Model C) prevails. We study field-theoretically the connection between our AIMs and Model C, arguing that these particular models (though not AIMs in general) lie outside the Model C class. We link this to the fact that in our AIMs without self-propulsion, detailed balance is not merely still broken, but replaced by a different dynamical symmetry in which the dynamics of the particle density is independent of the spin state.

Graphical Abstract

.
Cretaceous amber insects
Authors: Jarzembowski Edmund A. , Coram Robert A. , Song Zhenyu
Published: October 2023

Amber first became relatively abundant and widespread in the geological record during the Cretaceous period. It originated often as copious resin production by a variety of incompletely understood coniferous trees, generally under humid climates, but not excluding seasonal aridity. Study of insect and other organic inclusions only commenced in the twentieth century, but has expanded considerably since then, with several thousand taxa now described. Cretaceous amber insects can be exquisitely preserved in three dimensions, although tend to be biased towards smaller individuals that lived in the local forest environment. They are therefore complemented by the Cretaceous rock record, which sampled larger insects and other habitats. As well as the fine morphological detail exhibited by the amber insect inclusions, various behaviours and interactions unlikely to be otherwise preserved can be found frozen in time, such as brooding behaviour and the entrapment of insects in spiders’ webs. Insects in amber also provide important information about evolutionary changes over the course of the Cretaceous, including the rise of eusociality and angiosperm pollination.
At the Locus of Performance: Quantifying the Effects of Copious 3D-Stacked Cache on HPC Workloads
Authors: Domke Jens , Vatai Emil , Gerofi Balazs , Kodama Yuetsu , Wahib Mohamed , Podobas Artur , Mittal Sparsh , Pericàs Miquel , Zhang Lingqi , Chen Peng , Drozd Aleksandr , Matsuoka Satoshi
Published: October 2023

Over the last three decades, innovations in the memory subsystem were primarily targeted at overcoming the data movement bottleneck. In this paper, we focus on a specific market trend in memory technology: 3D-stacked memory and caches. We investigate the impact of extending the on-chip memory capabilities in future HPC-focused processors, particularly by 3D-stacked SRAM. First, we propose a method oblivious to the memory subsystem to gauge the upper-bound in performance improvements when data movement costs are eliminated. Then, using the gem5 simulator, we model two variants of a hypothetical LARge Cache processor (LARC), fabricated in 1.5 nm and enriched with high-capacity 3D-stacked cache. With a volume of experiments involving a broad set of proxy-applications and benchmarks, we aim to reveal how HPC CPU performance will evolve, and conclude an average boost of 9.56× for cache-sensitive HPC applications, on a per-chip basis. Additionally, we exhaustively document our methodological exploration to motivate HPC centers to drive their own technological agenda through enhanced co-design.
ULEEN: A Novel Architecture for Ultra-low-energy Edge Neural Networks
Authors: Susskind Zachary , Arora Aman , Miranda Igor D. S. , Bacellar Alan T. L. , Villon Luis A. Q. , Katopodis Rafael F. , de Araújo Leandro S. , Dutra Diego L. C. , Lima Priscila M. V. , França Felipe M. G. , Breternitz Jr. Mauricio , John Lizy K.
Published: October 2023

‘‘Extreme edge”

1

devices, such as smart sensors, are a uniquely challenging environment for the deployment of machine learning. The tiny energy budgets of these devices lie beyond what is feasible for conventional deep neural networks, particularly in high-throughput scenarios, requiring us to rethink how we approach edge inference. In this work, we propose ULEEN, a model and FPGA-based accelerator architecture based on weightless neural networks (WNNs). WNNs eliminate energy-intensive arithmetic operations, instead using table lookups to perform computation, which makes them theoretically well-suited for edge inference. However, WNNs have historically suffered from poor accuracy and excessive memory usage. ULEEN incorporates algorithmic improvements and a novel training strategy inspired by binary neural networks (BNNs) to make significant strides in addressing these issues. We compare ULEEN against BNNs in software and hardware using the four MLPerf Tiny datasets and MNIST. Our FPGA implementations of ULEEN accomplish classification at 4.0–14.3 million inferences per second, improving area-normalized throughput by an average of 3.6× and steady-state energy efficiency by an average of 7.1× compared to the FPGA-based Xilinx FINN BNN inference platform. While ULEEN is not a universally applicable machine learning model, we demonstrate that it can be an excellent choice for certain applications in energy- and latency-critical edge environments.
The Dirty Secret of SSDs: Embodied Carbon
Authors: Tannu Swamit , Nair Prashant J.
Published: October 2023

Scalable Solid-State Drives (SSDs) have ushered in a transformative era in data storage and accessibility, spanning both data centers and portable devices. However, the strides made in scaling this technology can bear significant environmental consequences. On a global scale, a notable portion of semiconductor manufacturing relies on electricity derived from coal and natural gas sources. A striking example of this is the manufacturing process for a single Gigabyte of Flash memory, which emits approximately 0.16 Kg of CO
2
- a considerable fraction of the total carbon emissions attributed to the system. Remarkably, the manufacturing of storage devices alone contributed to an estimated 20 million metric tonnes of CO
2
emissions in the year 2021.

In light of these environmental concerns, this paper delves into an analysis of the sustainability trade-offs inherent in Solid-State Drives (SSDs) when compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Moreover, this study proposes methodologies to gauge the embodied carbon costs associated with storage systems effectively. The research encompasses four key strategies to enhance the sustainability of storage systems.

Firstly, the paper offers insightful guidance for selecting the most suitable storage medium, be it SSDs or HDDs, considering the broader ecological impact. Secondly, the paper advocates for implementing techniques that extend the lifespan of SSDs, thereby mitigating premature replacements and their attendant environmental toll. Thirdly, the paper emphasizes the need for efficient recycling and reuse of high-density multi-level cell-based SSDs, underscoring the significance of minimizing electronic waste.

Lastly, for handheld devices, the paper underscores the potential of harnessing the elasticity offered by cloud storage solutions as a means to curtail the ecological repercussions of localized data storage. In summation, this study critically addresses the embodied carbon issues associated with SSDs, comparing them with HDDs, and proposes a comprehensive framework of strategies to enhance the sustainability of storage systems.
The Internet of Tomorrow Must Sleep More and Grow Old
Authors: Jacob Romain , Vanbever Laurent
Published: October 2023

Today, the ICT industry has a massive carbon footprint (a few percent of worldwide emissions) and one of the fastest growth rates. The Internet accounts for a large part of that footprint while being also energy inefficient;
i.e.
, the total energy cost per byte transmitted is very high. Thankfully, there are many ways to improve the current status; we discuss two relatively unexplored directions in this paper.

Putting network devices to "sleep,"
i.e.
, turning them off, is known to be an efficient vector to save energy; we argue that harvesting this potential requires new routing protocols, better suited to devices switching on/off often, and revising the corresponding hardware/software co-design. Moreover, we can reduce the embodied carbon footprint by using networking hardware longer, and we argue that this could even be beneficial for reliability! We sketch our first ideas in these directions and outline practical challenges that we (as a community) need to address to make the Internet more sustainable.
The impact of life-long strength versus endurance training on muscle fiber morphology and phenotype composition in older men
Authors: Tøien Tiril , Nielsen Jakob Lindberg , Berg Ole Kristian , Brobakken Mathias Forsberg , Nyberg Stian Kwak , Espedal Lars , Malmo Thomas , Frandsen Ulrik , Aagaard Per , Wang Eivind
Published: October 2023

Aging is associated with loss of fast-twitch type II myofibers, motor unit remodeling, and grouping of myofibers. This study reveals, for the first time, that strength training preserves neural innervation of type II fibers, resulting in similar myofiber type distribution and grouping in life-long strength-trained master athletes as young moderately active adults. In contrast, life-long endurance-trained master athletes and recreationally active old adults demonstrated higher proportion of type I fibers accompanied by more marked grouping of type I myofibers, and more atrophic fibers compared with strength-trained master athletes and young individuals. Thus, strength training should be utilized as a training modality for preservation of fast-twitch musculature, maximal muscle strength, and rapid force capacity (RFD) with advancing age.
The effect of oscillatory hemodynamics on the cardiovascular responses to simulated hemorrhage during isocapnia
Authors: Anderson Garen K. , Davis K. Austin , Bhuiyan Nasrul , Rusy Ryan , Rosenberg Alexander J. , Rickards Caroline A.
Published: October 2023

We examined the role of forcing oscillations in arterial pressure and blood flow at 0.1 Hz and 0.05 Hz on extra- and intracranial blood flow and cerebral tissue oxygenation during simulated hemorrhage (using lower body negative pressure, LBNP) under isocapnic conditions. Contrary to our hypothesis, both cerebral blood flow and cerebral tissue oxygenation were completely protected during simulated hemorrhage with isocapnia, regardless of whether oscillations in arterial pressure and cerebral blood flow were induced. These findings highlight the protective effect of preventing hypocapnia on cerebral blood flow under simulated hemorrhage conditions.
Augmented sympathoexcitation slows postexercise heart rate recovery
Authors: Boyes Natasha G. , Mannozzi Joseph , Rapin Nicole , Alvarez Alberto , Al-Hassan Mohamed-Hussein , Lessanework Beruk , Lahti Dana S. , Olver T. Dylan , O’Leary Donal S. , Tomczak Corey R.
Published: October 2023

Augmented sympathoexcitation, via muscle metaboreflex activation, functionally slows heart rate recovery in both young healthy adults and chronically instrumented canines. Furthermore, elevated sympathoexcitation corresponded with lower parasympathetic activity, as assessed by heart rate variability, during the first 3 min of recovery. Finally, sympathoinhibition, via phenylephrine infusion, normalizes heart rate recovery during muscle metaboreflex activation.
Evaluation of Freshness of Farmed Two-Year-Old Acipenser persicus during Storage in Ice
Authors: Seifzadeh Mina , Raoufi Ali
Published: October 2023

Chilled fish is considered a fresh product and helps to ensure the development of world trade. So, the present study aimed to investigate the freshness of two-year-old farmed A. persicus by chemical, microbial, sensory, and physical experiments, and determine its shelf life during ice storage. 20 fish samples were maintained in chilled seawater tanks for 12 days. The ratio of ice powder to fish is of 2 : 1. The fish were separated by layers of ice with a thickness of about 5 cm. The temperature was maintained throughout the storage period at 0-1°C. The fish had an average weight and length of 3.50 kg and 70 cm, respectively. Total bacterial counts, Staphylococcus, and Enterobacteriaceae were acceptable (6.78, 2.96, and 3.99 log CFU·g−1, respectively) for 10 days. Coliform, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Aeromonas hydrophila were not detected during storage. pH (6.89), peroxide value (4.32 meq O2 kg oil−1), thiobarbituric acid (0.96 mg·kg−1), free fatty acids (10.86 g 100 g−1), and total volatile nitrogen bases (19.83 mg 100 g−1) were normal during 10 days. Texture (2.56), odor (2.50), the appearance of gills (2.59), eyes (2.67), belly cavity (2.58), skin (2.49), and outer surface (2.90) of A. persicus displayed a decrease throughout storage (

p
<
0.05

). Sensory characteristics were acceptable for 10 days. Ash was 1.88–2.13% during storage (

p
>
0.05

). Unlike moisture (79.05–81.06%), fat and protein showed a decrease of 1.16−2.33 and 15.65–16.74%, respectively, during storage (

p
<
0.05

). According to the results of the present study, to maintain the economic value of sturgeon and for the expansion of their business, and to preserve the freshness of sturgeon during handling and the effect of freshness on the consumer’s opinion, it is recommended that fisheries use ice for sturgeon transport for 10 days.
Towards Risk‐Free Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence: Significance and Requirements
Authors: Alzubaidi Laith , Al-Sabaawi Aiman , Bai Jinshuai , Dukhan Ammar , Alkenani Ahmed H. , Al-Asadi Ahmed , Alwzwazy Haider A. , Manoufali Mohamed , Fadhel Mohammed A. , Albahri A. S. , Moreira Catarina , Ouyang Chun , Zhang Jinglan , Santamaría Jose , Salhi Asma , Hollman Freek , Gupta Ashish , Duan Ye , Rabczuk Timon , Abbosh Amin , Gu Yuantong
Published: October 2023

Given the tremendous potential and influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic decision‐making (DM), these systems have found wide‐ranging applications across diverse fields, including education, business, healthcare industries, government, and justice sectors. While AI and DM offer significant benefits, they also carry the risk of unfavourable outcomes for users and society. As a result, ensuring the safety, reliability, and trustworthiness of these systems becomes crucial. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the synergy between AI and DM, focussing on the importance of trustworthiness. The review addresses the following four key questions, guiding readers towards a deeper understanding of this topic: (i) why do we need trustworthy AI? (ii) what are the requirements for trustworthy AI? In line with this second question, the key requirements that establish the trustworthiness of these systems have been explained, including explainability, accountability, robustness, fairness, acceptance of AI, privacy, accuracy, reproducibility, and human agency, and oversight. (iii) how can we have trustworthy data? and (iv) what are the priorities in terms of trustworthy requirements for challenging applications? Regarding this last question, six different applications have been discussed, including trustworthy AI in education, environmental science, 5G‐based IoT networks, robotics for architecture, engineering and construction, financial technology, and healthcare. The review emphasises the need to address trustworthiness in AI systems before their deployment in order to achieve the AI goal for good. An example is provided that demonstrates how trustworthy AI can be employed to eliminate bias in human resources management systems. The insights and recommendations presented in this paper will serve as a valuable guide for AI researchers seeking to achieve trustworthiness in their applications.
The Discrepancy of ANA and Compartment Bead Patterns Suggestive of a Neuropsychiatry Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (NPSLE)
Authors: Fitriah Munawaroh , Rahmawati Lita Diah , Wulanda Indah Adhita , Susianti Hani , Tambunan Betty Agustina
Published: October 2023

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) exhibits neurological and psychiatric manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, which NPSLE diagnosis can be challenging for rheumatologists. An Indonesian female, 44 years old, complained of two times seizures with 10-min duration, which during seizures were stiff, eyes rolled up, foaming at the mouth, wet the bed, and fainting afterward. The patient also has a history of SLE and received cyclophosphamide therapy 5 years ago. Her clinical condition showed facial and lingual palsy, with central type on the right. Antinuclear antibody indirect immunofluorescence (ANA IF) positive using cytobead ANA with a homogenous pattern and cytoplasmic speckled titer 1/80. Confirmation beads showed positive of dsDNA only. ANA profile showed positive antinucleosome, antihistone, and AMA-M2, and also increased anticardiolipin antibody that supports the diagnosis of NPSLE. The difference in the pattern of ANA IF with confirmation beads suggests the presence of other autoantibodies in NPSLE.
Phytochemical Constituents of Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab) Fruit Pulp from Tekeze Valley, Tigrai, Ethiopia
Authors: Wasihun Abebe Asmamaw , Sbhatu Desta Berhe , Berhe Goitom Gebreyohannes , Abay Kiros Hagos , Gebreyohannes Gebreselema
Published: October 2023

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L) is a large tree species growing in semiarid and arid lowlands of Ethiopia and other places. The plant is valued by natives for its contributions as a cash crop and livelihood tree. Previous studies using samples from different countries have documented their phytochemical profiles and nutritional and health benefits. This study explored the phytochemical constituents and biological activities of fruit pulp extracts of baobab collected from Tekeze Valley, Tigrai, Ethiopia. To this end, qualitative phytochemical screening tests, quantitative phytochemical analyses, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were carried out using aqueous extract. Analyses of antioxidant activities were also conducted with aqueous- and methanol-extracts using of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), and hydroxyl (OH) radical scavenging activity assays. The qualitative screening tests showed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. Quantitative analyses of these phytochemicals at 25, 50, and 100 g/mL aqueous extract resulted in 0.0252 to 0.1000% yields. Yields of flavonoids, phenols, and saponins were higher at 50 g/mL extract, while that of tannins and terpenoids were higher at 100 g/mL. GC-MS analysis resulted in 15 predominant compounds including (1,2bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene (13.17%), 2-methyl-7-phenylindole (11.75%), 2-ethylacridine (10.11%), and benz[b]-1,4-oxazepine-4(5H)-thione,2,3-dihydro-2,8-dimethyl (10.11%). Aqueous and methanol extracts showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activities. In all the assays and concentrations, the antioxidant activities of both extracts were lower than that of the ascorbic acid standard. At equal extract concentrations (e.g., 100 and 250 μg/mL), methanol extract had higher antioxidant activities than aqueous extract. The findings can encourage future initiatives towards large-scale research for compiling a complete phytochemical profile of the fruit pulp of the Ethiopian baobab.
Hazard Assessment of Urban Trees along the Bagmati River Corridor: A Case Study from Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Ward Number 8
Authors: Shapkota Jun , Gautam Jeetendra
Published: October 2023

Urban trees are extremely significant and provide numerous advantages for both the environment and people. In order to provide a healthy and sustainable environment, green spaces have long been seen as a crucial component of contemporary cities. Nevertheless, as urbanization and population growth have accelerated, environmental challenges have become a major worldwide issue. This study mainly focuses on the assessment of hazardous trees along the Bagmati river corridor and documents major tree species for urban forestry. The study was conducted in ward number 08 of Kathmandu metropolitan city. Total enumeration was carried out by recording information on trees through direct observation of the whole site. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) tree hazard evaluation method was used as a tree risk assessment tool. A total of 74 trees were recorded from the study site. Grevillea robusta, Cinnamomum camphora, Ficus bengalensis, F. religiosa, and so on were the major species planted along the Bagmati corridor. The trees were categorized in varying degrees of hazard. Forty-seven trees were less hazardous, 24 were semihazardous, and 3 were hazardous with hazard rates of 2.91, 6.04, and 9, respectively. Jasminum nudiflorum was the only hazardous species recorded followed by semihazardous species such as Morus alba and F. religiosa among other species, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Citrus limon, Psidium guajava, Alnus nepalensis, and so on were least hazardous tree species. The hazardous tree in urban areas increases the risk to people and public as well as private properties. There is a need for the removal of such hazardous trees and planting the right species at the right time. Moreover, regular inspection and a clear policy for urban trees are needed.
Automation of Legal Precedents Retrieval: Findings from a Literature Review
Authors: Mentzingen Hugo , António Nuno , Bacao Fernando
Published: October 2023

Judges frequently rely their reasoning on precedents. Courts must preserve uniformity in decisions while, depending on the legal system, previous cases compel rulings. The search for methods to accurately identify similar previous cases is not new and has been a vital input, for example, to case‐based reasoning (CBR) methodologies. This literature review offers a comprehensive analysis of the advancements in automating the identification of legal precedents, primarily focusing on the paradigm shift from manual knowledge engineering to the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML). While multiple approaches harnessing NLP and ML show promise, none has emerged as definitively superior, and further validation through statistically significant samples and expert‐provided ground truth is imperative. Additionally, this review employs text‐mining techniques to streamline the survey process, providing an accurate and holistic view of the current research landscape. By delineating extant research gaps and suggesting avenues for future exploration, this review serves as both a summation and a call for more targeted, empirical investigations.
Two-Stage Caving Characteristics of Complex Irregular Goaf: A Case Study in China
Authors: Zhang Junyang , Zhou Zonghong , Zhang Jing , Liu Yin , Liu Yang
Published: October 2023

Different from the goaf formed by normal mining, the goaf formed by the continuous caving of the lower illegal goafs is extremely irregular and unstable, which leads to the difference in the goaf caving characteristics. Taking the complex irregular goaf of the Shirengou Iron Mine in China as the research object, the 3D laser scanning technology is used to detect the goaf shape and analyze the cause of the formation. Then, the caving characteristics of the goaf are analyzed by the methods of the numerical simulation, the monitoring of the crash of the caving rock, and the monitoring of the deformation of the arch foot. The simulation results show that the transverse expansion of the irregular goaf boundary is mainly along the perpendicular to the direction of the ore body strike when the goaf caves upward in the initial stage. Additionally, the monitoring results show that the caving characteristics can be divided into two stages: the paroxysmal caving stage and the periodicity caving stage. The paroxysmal caving characteristics are intense and irregular, while the periodicity caving characteristics have obvious periodicity, which is mainly reflected in the periodic alternation between the mass caving and the temporary stability. The interval period of the goaf mass caving is about 15–30 days and is changed by the progress of filling treatment. The conclusions in this work reveal the particularity of the caving characteristics in the complex irregular goaf and contribute to the improvement of the caving characteristics and the prediction of mass caving.
New Organotin (IV) Compounds Derived from Dehydroacetic Acid and Thiosemicarbazides: Synthesis, Rational Design, Cytotoxic Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Simulation
Authors: Gómez Elizabeth , Galván-Hidalgo José Miguel , Pérez-Cuéllar Guillermo , Huerta-Landa Karoline Alondra , González-Hernández Arturo , Gómez-García Omar , Andrade-Pavón Dulce , Ramírez-Apan Teresa , Rodríguez Hernández Karla Daniela , Hernández Simón , Cano-Sánchez Patricia , Gómez-Velasco Homero
Published: October 2023

Organotin complexes were prepared through a one-pot reaction with three components by reacting thiosemicarbazide or 4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazide or 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide, dehydroacetic acid (DHA) and dibutyl, diphenyl, dicyclohexyl, and bis[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]tin(IV) oxides; all complexes were characterized by infrared (IR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), mass spectrometry (MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The 119Sn NMR revealed chemical shifts corresponding to a pentacoordinated environment in solution. The X-ray crystallography of the two complexes evidenced the formation of monomeric complexes with a pentacoordinated geometry around tin via three donor atoms from the ligand, the sulfur of the thiol, the nitrogen of the imine group, and the oxygen of the pyran ring. The geometries of the five-coordinated complexes 3a (Bu2SnL3), 3c (Ph2SnL3), and 3d (Cy2SnL3) acid were intermediate between square pyramidal and trigonal bipyramidal, and complex 1a (Bu2SnL1) adopted a bipyramidal trigonal geometry (BPT). The sulforhodamine B assay assessed the cytotoxicity of organotin(IV) complexes against the MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 (human mammary adenocarcinoma) cell lines and one normal COS-7 (African green monkey kidney fibroblast). The IC50 values evidenced a significant antiproliferative effect on cancer cells; the complexes were more potent than the positive cisplatin control and the corresponding ligands, dehydroacetic acid thiosemicarbazone (L1), dehydroacetic acid-N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazone (L2), and dehydroacetic acid-N(4)-phenylthiosemicarbazone (L3). The IC50 values also indicated that the organotin(IV) complexes were more cytotoxic against the triple-negative breast cell line MDA-MB-231 than MCF-7, inducing significant morphological alterations. The interactions of organotin(IV) 1c (Ph2SnL1), 1d (Cy2SnL1), and 1e (((CH3)3SiCH2)2SnL1) were evaluated with ss-DNA by fluorescence; intensity changes of the fluorescence were indicative of the displacement of ethidium bromide (EB), confirming the interaction of the organotin(IV) complexes with ss-DNA; the results showed a DNA binding affinity. The thermodynamic parameters obtained through isothermal titration calorimetry showed that the interaction of 1c (Ph2SnL1), with ss-ADN, was exothermic. Molecular docking studies also demonstrated that the organotin(IV) complexes were intercalated in DNA by conventional hydrogen bonds, carbon-hydrogen bonds, and π-alkyl interactions. These complexes furthermore showed a greater affinity towards DNA than cisplatin.
Precise Construction of Dual-Promising Anticancer Drugs Associated with Gold Nanomaterials on Glioma Cancer Cells
Authors: Shakila P. Baby , Hirad Abdurahman Hajinur , Alarfaj Abdullah A. , Hussein-Al-Ali Samer Hasan , Mulugeta Beza
Published: October 2023

Multiple chemodrugs with nanotechnology have proven to be an effective cancer treatment technique. When taken combined, cabazitaxel (CTX) and cisplatin (PT) have more excellent cytotoxic effects than drugs used alone in the chemotherapy of several different cancers. However, several severe side effects are associated with using these chemotherapy drugs in cancer patients. Gold nanomaterials (AuNMs) are promising as drug carriers because of their small diameter, easy surface modifications, good biocompatibility, and strong cell penetration. This work aimed to determine the CTX and PT encapsulated with AuNMs against human glioma U87 cancer cells. The fabrication of the AuNMs achieved a negative surface charge, polydispersity index, and the mean sizes. The combined cytotoxic effect of CTX and PT bound to AuNMs was greater than that of either drug alone when tested on U87 cells. The half inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for free PT were 54.7 μg/mL (at 24 h) and 4.8 g μg/mL (at 72 h). Results acquired from the MTT assay show cell growth decreases time- and concentration-dependent AuNMs, free CTX, free PT, and AuNMs@CTX/PT-induced cytotoxicity and, ultimately, the cell death of U87 cells via apoptosis. The biochemical apoptosis staining techniques investigated the cells’ morphological changes of the cells (acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO-EB) and nuclear staining (DAPI) techniques). The AO-EB and nuclear staining results reveal that the NPs effectively killed cancer cells. Furthermore, the flow cytometry analysis examined the mode of cell death. Therefore, AuNMs@CTX/PT has excellent potential in the cancer therapy of different cancer cells.
Investigation on Bacterial Growth and pH in Milk after the Expiration Date
Authors: Yang Euphoria , Yang Qing , Troemper Brett , Zhang Jianying
Published: October 2023

Food waste is a serious national and global problem. Milk is one of the most frequently wasted food items. This study aims to determine how long postexpiration-pasteurized milk may still be safe to consume and what is the relationship between bacterial growth from the milk and time after expiration. The experiments were carried out by incubating milk with agarose gel. The results showed that the bacterial growth was relatively low for at least the first few days after expiration. The more the days passed after the expiration date, the more the bacteria grew from the milk. There was no significant difference in the bacteria colony numbers in the whole milk samples opened either on day 0 or day 5 of expiration. None of the fat-free milk samples collected on the later (1–10) days showed any statistically significant difference in bacterial growth compared to the samples collected on the day after expiration (day 0). The bacterial growth increased with the increasing fat content of the milk. In addition, the rate of bacterial growth from the milk correlated with the acidity of the milk that is measured by pH. No significant sensory changes could be detected in any of the milk samples immediately after opening on the day of expiration or for up to 10 days after expiration when the unopened cartons were kept refrigerated. However, within 24 hours of opening the carton, whole milk that has expired for 6 or more days and 2% milk that has expired for 8 or more days developed a sour taste and mildly pungent smell. This sensory change was accompanied by the formation of lumps and fat-water separation. Fat-free milk samples remained unchanged under the same conditions. The experimental results suggest that whole and 2% skim milk may be safe for consumption up to 5-6 days after expiration. Fat-free milk may be safe for consumption up to 10 days after expiration, possibly longer. This study devised a way to show that milk is still safe for consumption after expiration; it will help reduce food waste.
Direct Medical Spending on Young and Average-Age Onset Colorectal Cancer before and after Diagnosis: a Population-Based Costing Study
Authors: Garg Ria , Sayre Eric C. , Pataky Reka , McTaggart-Cowan Helen , Peacock Stuart , Loree Jonathan M. , McKenzie Michael , Brown Carl J. , Yeung Shirley S.T. , De Vera Mary A.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Despite a better understanding of the increasing incidence of young-onset colorectal cancer (yCRC; age at diagnosis <50 years), little is known about its economic burden. Therefore, we estimated direct medical spending on yCRC before and after diagnosis.

Methods:

We used linked administrative health databases in British Columbia, Canada, to create a study population of yCRC and average-age onset colorectal cancer (aCRC; age at diagnosis ≥50 years) cases, along with cancer-free controls. Over the 1-year period preceding a colorectal cancer diagnosis, we estimated direct medical spending on hospital visits, healthcare practitioners, and prescription medications. After diagnosis, we calculated cost attributable to yCRC and aCRC, which additionally included the cost of cancer treatments (e.g., chemotherapy and radiotherapy) across phases of care.

Results:

We included 1,058 yCRC (45.4% females; age at diagnosis 42.4 ± 6.2 years) and 12,619 aCRC (44.8% females; age at diagnosis of 68.1 ± 9.2 years) cases. Direct medical spending on the average yCRC and aCRC case during the year before diagnosis was $6,711 and $8,056, respectively. After diagnosis, the overall average annualized cost attributable to yCRC significantly differed in comparison with aCRC for the initial ($50,216 vs. $37,842; P < 0.001), continuing ($8,361 vs. $5,014; P < 0.001), and end-of-life cancer phase ($86,125 vs. $61,512; P < 0.001) but not end-of-life non-cancer phase ($77,273 vs. $23,316; P = 0.372).

Conclusions:

Reported cost estimates may be used as inputs for future economic evaluations pertaining to yCRC.

Impact:

We provided comprehensive cost estimates for healthcare spending on young-onset colorectal cancer.
Supplementary Figure 7 from PSGL-1 Blockade Induces Classical Activation of Human Tumor-associated Macrophages
Authors: Kauffman Kevin , Manfra Denise , Nowakowska Dominika , Zafari Mohammad , Nguyen Phuong A. , Phennicie Ryan , Vollmann Elisabeth H. , O'Nuallain Brian , Basinski Sara , Komoroski Veronica , Rooney Kate , Culyba Elizabeth K. , Wahle Joseph , Ries Carola , Brehm Michael , Sazinsky Steve , Feldman Igor , Novobrantseva Tatiana I.
Published: October 2023

Anti-PSGL-1 induces pro-inflammatory response in a LPS stimulated mouse splenocytes.
FIGURE 2 from PSGL-1 Blockade Induces Classical Activation of Human Tumor-associated Macrophages
Authors: Kauffman Kevin , Manfra Denise , Nowakowska Dominika , Zafari Mohammad , Nguyen Phuong A. , Phennicie Ryan , Vollmann Elisabeth H. , O'Nuallain Brian , Basinski Sara , Komoroski Veronica , Rooney Kate , Culyba Elizabeth K. , Wahle Joseph , Ries Carola , Brehm Michael , Sazinsky Steve , Feldman Igor , Novobrantseva Tatiana I.
Published: October 2023

PSGL-1 is expressed on human M2-like macrophages. A, Schematic of M1, M0, and M2c macrophage differentiation and polarization conditions using human peripheral blood monocytes. B, PSGL-1 expression on M0, M2c, and M1-like macrophages. Data are presented as an average MFI across 4 donors and is representative of six experiments. C, siRNA knockdown of PSGL-1 in M2c macrophages transfected with 25 nmol/L PSGL-1 siRNA LNPs on days 1 and 3 during the differentiation and polarization period. PSGL-1 mRNA and protein levels were measured on day 8 by branched chain DNA analysis and flow cytometry, respectively (n = 4 donors). D, Fold change of M2c markers CD16, CD163, and CD206 as determined by flow cytometry in M2c macrophages treated with siRNA LNPs relative to those treated with Luciferase siRNA. Significance measured using Student t test in Graph Prism software for each pair of phenotypic macrophage conditions (B) or siRNA knockdown and phenotypic change (C, D).
The Potential of Bacteriophage Therapy as an Alternative Treatment Approach for Antibiotic-Resistant Infections
Authors: Walter Nike , Mirzaei Mohammadali , Deng Li , Willy Christian , Alt Volker , Rupp Markus
Published: October 2023

Objective: This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the literature on the therapeutical application of bacteriophages. Methods: First, a bibliometric analysis was performed using the database Web of Science to determine annual number of publications and citations. Second, a systematic literature review was conducted on randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) of phage therapy in PubMed. Results: Over the past decade, the number of publications on bacteriophage therapy increased more than fourfold with 212 articles in 2011 and 739 in 2022. The systematic search in PubMed yielded 7 RCTs eligible for inclusion, reporting on a total of 418 participants. Identified indications in this study included bacterial diarrhea, urinary tract infections, infected burn wounds, chronic otitis, chronic venous leg ulcers, and chronic rhinosinusitis. In three studies, mild to moderate adverse events were reported in 10/195 participants (5.1%). Three of the studies reported a statistically significant difference in outcomes comparing phage therapy with standard of care or placebo. Conclusion: Phage therapy has gained increasing interest over the years. RCTs on different indications suggest the safety of phage therapy; however, reasons why phage therapy is not yet well accepted are limitations in the study designs. For a successful translation into clinical practice researchers and clinicians should learn from the earlier experiences and consider issues such as the quality of phage preparation, sensitivity testing, titer and dosages, as well as access to the infection site and stability for standardized protocols and future trials.
Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Patients with Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Protocol for a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Double-Blinded Multicenter Trial
Authors: Zhao Yang , Cui Wanzhen , Xie Tingting , Zhao Kai , Li Yunke , Wan Yingfeng , Wang Xia , Li Qiang , Xiaoying Chen , Liu Zhenchuan , Zhao Haining , Gong Baoying , Wang Ruihua , Wu Manli , Wang Dou , Zheng Yanwen , Chen Yanjia , Chen Yue , Guo Qihua , Gan Changlian , Che Fengyuan , Song Lili , Anderson Craig S. , Guo Jianwen ,   for CHAIN investigators
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound FYTF-919 (Zhong Feng Xing Nao prescription) may improve outcome from acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) through effects on brain edema, hematoma absorption, and the immune system. This study is to assess whether FYTF-919 is safe and effective as compared to matching placebo treatment in patients with acute ICH. Methods: The ongoing Chinese Herbal medicine in patients with Acute INtracerebral hemorrhage (CHAIN) is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of FYTF-919 in patients with acute ICH at 20–30 hospital sites in China. Eligible ICH patients presenting within 48 h after symptom onset are randomly allocated to receive either FYTF-919 (100 mL per day × 28 d, oral) or matching placebo. A sample size of 1,504 patients is estimated to provide 90% power (α 0.05) to detect a ≥20% improvement in average utility-weight scores on the modified Rankin scale (UW-mRS) assessed at 90 days, with 6% non-adherence and 10% lost to follow-up. The primary efficacy outcome is UW-mRS at 90 days. Secondary outcomes include binary measures of the mRS, neurological impairment on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, and health-related quality of life on the EuroQol EQ-5D-5L scale at different time points over 6 months of follow-up. The key safety measure is serious adverse events. Conclusion: CHAIN is on schedule to provide reliable evidence over the benefits of a popular herbal TCM for the treatment of acute ICH.