bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Incentive Mechanism for Federated Learning: A Single Contract to Dual Contract Approach for Smart Industries
Authors: Wan Tao , Jiang Tiantian , Liao Weichuan , Jiang Nan
Published: January 2024

Federated learning (FL) has shown promise in smart industries as a means of training machine-learning models while preserving privacy. However, it contradicts FL’s low communication latency requirement to rely on the cloud to transmit information with data owners in model training tasks. Furthermore, data owners may not be willing to contribute their resources for free. To address this, we propose a single contract to dual contract approach to incentivize both model owners and workers to participate in FL-based machine learning tasks. The single-contract incentivizes model owners to contribute their model parameters, and the dual contract incentivizes workers to use their latest data to participate in the training task. The latest data draw out the trade-off between data quantity and data update frequency. Performance evaluation shows that our dual contract satisfies different preferences for data quantity and update frequency, and validates that the proposed incentive mechanism is incentive compatible and flexible.
Analysis of Fatty Acids and Amino Acids of Three Local Freshwater Bagridae Fish Species in the Kampar Kanan River, Indonesia, for Food Security
Authors: Azrita Azrita , Syandri Hafrijal , Zakeri HazlinaAhamad , Damanhuri Harfiandri , Aryani Netti
Published: January 2024

Fish have become an irreplaceable dietary source of animal protein, especially among households with low socioeconomic status in rural and urban areas of Indonesia. This study is aimed at analysing the proximate composition, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids of three local Bagridae fish species in the Kampar Kanan river, Indonesia. The standard AOAC method was employed to examine the proximate composition of the carcass, and the analysis of amino acids and fatty acids was conducted through HPLC and GC-MS, respectively. The mineral content was determined using AAS. The nutrient composition results of Hemibagrus nemurus, Hemibagrus wyckii, and Mystus nigriceps revealed that the protein content was 24.26%, 22.57%, and 21.39% (% dry weight), whereas the total lipid content was 6.64%, 7.47%, and 7.75%, respectively. Regarding mineral contents, the calcium levels ranged from 1.49 to 1.66 mg/g, iron levels from 28.35 to 40.36 μg/g, and zinc levels from 24.03 to 54.46 μg/g. Among the fatty acids, palmitic acid was the most abundant in all three species, accounting for 25.59–30.70% of the total fatty acids. Additionally, significant amounts of C18:1 (oleic acid), C18:0 (stearic acid), and C20:4 (arachidonic acid) were also detected as primary fatty acids. The calculated atherogenic index values in the three species of Bagridae fish ranged from 0.73 to 0.99, while the thrombogenic index values varied between 0.54 and 0.75. The predominant amino acids found in the three species of Bagridae fish were glutamic acid with their concentrations ranging from 9.10 to 24.34%. These results indicate that consuming the meat of these three freshwater Bagridae fish species caught in the wild does not pose any health risks to consumers. They can be considered a safe and suitable food source with good nutritional quality.
Adipocyte Precursor-Derived NRG1 Promotes Resistance to FGFR Inhibition in Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Hosni Sana , Kilian Viola , Klümper Niklas , Gabbia Daniela , Sieckmann Katharina , Corvino Dillon , Winkler Anja , Saponaro Miriam , Wörsdörfer Karin , Schmidt Doris , Hahn Oliver , Zanotto Ilaria , Bertlich Marina , Toma Marieta , Bald Tobias , Eckstein Markus , Hölzel Michael , Geyer Matthias , Ritter Manuel , Wachten Dagmar , De Martin Sara , Alajati Abdullah
Published: January 2024

Aberrations of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family members are frequently observed in metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC), and blocking the FGF/FGFR signaling axis is used as a targeted therapeutic strategy for treating patients. Erdafitinib is a pan-FGFR inhibitor, which has recently been approved by the FDA for mUC with FGFR2/3 alterations. Although mUC patients show initial response to erdafitinib, acquired resistance rapidly develops. Here, we found that adipocyte precursors promoted resistance to erdafitinib in FGFR-dependent bladder and lung cancer in a paracrine manner. Moreover, neuregulin 1 (NRG1) secreted from adipocyte precursors was a mediator of erdafitinib resistance by activating human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (ERBB3; also known as HER3) signaling, and knockdown of NRG1 in adipocyte precursors abrogated the conferred paracrine resistance. NRG1 expression was significantly downregulated in terminally differentiated adipocytes compared with their progenitors. Pharmacologic inhibition of the NRG1/HER3 axis using pertuzumab reversed erdafitinib resistance in tumor cells in vitro and prolonged survival of mice bearing bladder cancer xenografts in vivo. Remarkably, data from single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that NRG1 was enriched in platelet-derived growth factor receptor-A (PDGFRA) expressing inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts, which is also expressed on adipocyte precursors. Together, this work reveals a paracrine mechanism of anti-FGFR resistance in bladder cancer, and potentially other cancers, that is amenable to inhibition using available targeted therapies.

Significance:

Acquired resistance to FGFR inhibition can be rapidly promoted by paracrine activation of the NRG1/HER3 axis mediated by adipocyte precursors and can be overcome by the combination of pertuzumab and erdafitinib treatment.

See related commentary by Kolonin and Anastassiou, p. 648
Supplemental Figure 4 from Intracellular K+ Limits T-cell Exhaustion and Preserves Antitumor Function
Authors: Collier Camille , Wucherer Kelly , McWhorter Matthew , Jenkins Chelsea , Bartlett Alexandra , Roychoudhuri Rahul , Eil Robert
Published: January 2024

Supplemental figure 4. NAC provision alone is insufficient to rejuvenate Atp1a1 deficient T cell function in vivo
Supplemental Figure 3 from Intracellular K+ Limits T-cell Exhaustion and Preserves Antitumor Function
Authors: Collier Camille , Wucherer Kelly , McWhorter Matthew , Jenkins Chelsea , Bartlett Alexandra , Roychoudhuri Rahul , Eil Robert
Published: January 2024

Supplemental Figure 3. K+ limits T cell exhaustion and TCR-induced ROS generation
Supplemental Figure 1 from Intracellular K+ Limits T-cell Exhaustion and Preserves Antitumor Function
Authors: Collier Camille , Wucherer Kelly , McWhorter Matthew , Jenkins Chelsea , Bartlett Alexandra , Roychoudhuri Rahul , Eil Robert
Published: January 2024

Supplemental Figure 1. The Na+/K+ ATPase prevents T cell mTOR and ROS associated transcriptional programs Experimental schema depicting isolation, electroporation with sgRNA + spCas9 complexes, and activation of CD8+ T cells with attendant gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) comparing the abundance of transcripts making up the indicated gene sets in Atp1a1 deficient vs sufficient CD8+ T cells. Net enrichment score, NES. False discovery rate, FDR.
TABLE 3 from A Randomized Phase III Study of Arfolitixorin versus Leucovorin with 5-Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, and Bevacizumab for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The AGENT Trial
Authors: Tabernero Josep , Yoshino Takayuki , Stintzing Sebastian , de Gramont Aimery , Gibbs Peter , Jonker Derek J. , Nygren Peter , Papadimitriou Christos , Prager Gerald W. , Tell Roger , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: January 2024

AEs with frequency ≥10% in either trial arm (safety population)
Supplementary Table 4 from A Randomized Phase III Study of Arfolitixorin versus Leucovorin with 5-Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, and Bevacizumab for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The AGENT Trial
Authors: Tabernero Josep , Yoshino Takayuki , Stintzing Sebastian , de Gramont Aimery , Gibbs Peter , Jonker Derek J. , Nygren Peter , Papadimitriou Christos , Prager Gerald W. , Tell Roger , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: January 2024

Supplementary Table 4. Patient Disposition
Supplementary Table 15 from A Randomized Phase III Study of Arfolitixorin versus Leucovorin with 5-Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, and Bevacizumab for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The AGENT Trial
Authors: Tabernero Josep , Yoshino Takayuki , Stintzing Sebastian , de Gramont Aimery , Gibbs Peter , Jonker Derek J. , Nygren Peter , Papadimitriou Christos , Prager Gerald W. , Tell Roger , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: January 2024

Supplementary Table 15. Subgroup Analyses of Objective Response Rate (ORR)
Supplementary Table 14 from A Randomized Phase III Study of Arfolitixorin versus Leucovorin with 5-Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, and Bevacizumab for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The AGENT Trial
Authors: Tabernero Josep , Yoshino Takayuki , Stintzing Sebastian , de Gramont Aimery , Gibbs Peter , Jonker Derek J. , Nygren Peter , Papadimitriou Christos , Prager Gerald W. , Tell Roger , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: January 2024

Supplementary Table 14. Efficacy Outcomes in the Japanese Subgroup
Supplementary Figure 7 from A Randomized Phase III Study of Arfolitixorin versus Leucovorin with 5-Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, and Bevacizumab for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The AGENT Trial
Authors: Tabernero Josep , Yoshino Takayuki , Stintzing Sebastian , de Gramont Aimery , Gibbs Peter , Jonker Derek J. , Nygren Peter , Papadimitriou Christos , Prager Gerald W. , Tell Roger , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: January 2024

Association between MTHFD2 Expression and Progression-Free Survival (biomarker analysis set)
Supplementary Figure 1 from A Randomized Phase III Study of Arfolitixorin versus Leucovorin with 5-Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, and Bevacizumab for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The AGENT Trial
Authors: Tabernero Josep , Yoshino Takayuki , Stintzing Sebastian , de Gramont Aimery , Gibbs Peter , Jonker Derek J. , Nygren Peter , Papadimitriou Christos , Prager Gerald W. , Tell Roger , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: January 2024

Kaplan–Meier Curve of Progression-Free Survival (key secondary endpoint) (ITT population)
An Overview of the Medical Tourism in Qatar: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: AlBaz Asrar
Published: January 2024

Background: Since the early 2000s, the Qatari Government has been proactively trying to provide world-class healthcare for its population free at the point of use. The Qatar National Vision 2030 advocates developing a medical tourism industry, which would continue to provide world-class healthcare for its citizens and residents, provide high status employment, and expand its sustainable economic base. Summary: Currently, the outbound medical tourism appears to be higher than the inbound tourism in Qatar, but this trend may be reversed in the future given the publicity generated by the recent FIFA World Cup and the large number of people who visited and learned about Qatar as a safe and developed destination in the Middle East. In this review, an in-depth understanding of the complexity of medical tourism per se and, in particular, the complexity of medical tourism as a distinct niche market within the Qatari context is described. Key Message: Considering the tangible and intangible infrastructure, Qatar boasts a very high potential to place itself among the top medical tourism destinations in the region.
A consolidação do monopólio dos diamantes como pilar da joalharia real portuguesa no período mariano: 1730-1790
Authors: Teixeira João Júlio Rumsey
Published: January 2024

A descoberta de diamantes no Brasil no início de setecentos revolucionou o mercado dessas gemas na Europa e, consequentemente, transformou a joalharia. Ao início preocupados com a afluência desses diamantes, concorrentes dos asiáticos, os comerciantes europeus procuraram boicotar a reputação das pedras brasileiras, também porque não dominavam o seu circuito. Após várias tentativas, em 1760, foi concretizada uma medida que resolveu esse problema e garantiu o monopólio dos diamantes brasileiros pela coroa portuguesa durante o meio século seguinte. A criação da “Reserva em Segredo” reuniu 241.405 quilates de diamantes, avaliados em mais de 2.200 contos, agora propriedade da coroa. Dominado o problema, os soberanos portugueses do último terço do século XVIII não tiveram pejo em fazer jus ao epíteto de “senhores dos diamantes” o que, naturalmente, se refletiu na produção de joalharia sob sua encomenda.
Pulmonary Hypertension Induces Serotonin Hyperreactivity and Metabolic Reprogramming in Coronary Arteries via NOX1/4-TRPM2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Huang Yan-Zhen , Wu Ji-Chun , Lu Gui-Feng , Li Hui-Bin , Lai Su-Mei , Lin Yi-Chen , Gui Long-Xin , Sham James S.K. , Lin Mo-Jun , Lin Da-Cen
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Clinical evidence revealed abnormal prevalence of coronary artery (CA) disease in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). The mechanistic connection between PH and CA disease is unclear. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), reactive oxygen species, and Ca
2+
signaling have been implicated in both PH and CA disease. Our recent study indicates that NOXs (NADPH [nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate] oxidases) and TRPM2 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 2) are key components of their interplay. We hypothesize that activation of the NOX-TRPM2 pathway facilitates the remodeling of CA in PH.

METHODS:

Left and right CAs from chronic hypoxia and monocrotaline-induced PH rats were collected to study vascular reactivity, gene expression, metabolism, and mitochondrial function. Inhibitors or specific siRNA were used to examine the pathological functions of NOX1/4-TRPM2 in CA smooth muscle cells.

RESULTS:

Significant CA remodeling and 5-hydroxytryptamine hyperreactivity in the right CA were observed in PH rats. NOX1/4-mediated reactive oxygen species production coupled with TRPM2-mediated Ca
2+
influx contributed to 5-hydroxytryptamine hyperresponsiveness. CA smooth muscle cells from chronic hypoxia-PH rats exhibited increased proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and metabolic reprogramming in an NOX1/4-TRPM2–dependent manner. Furthermore, the NOX1/4-TRPM2 pathway participated in mitochondrial dysfunction, involving mitochondrial DNA damage, reactive oxygen species production, elevated mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial Ca
2+
accumulation, and mitochondrial fission. In vivo knockdown of NOX1/4 alleviated PH and suppressed CA remodeling in chronic hypoxia rats.

CONCLUSIONS:

PH triggers an increase in 5-hydroxytryptamine reactivity in the right CA and provokes metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial disruption in CA smooth muscle cells via NOX1/4-TRPM2 activation. This signaling pathway may play an important role in CA remodeling and CA disease in PH.
Multifocal, Asymmetric Bilateral Primary Aldosteronism Cannot be Excluded by Strong Adrenal Vein Sampling Lateralization: An International Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Turcu Adina F. , Tezuka Yuta , Lim Jung Soo , Salman Zara , Sehgal Kartik , Liu Haiping , Larose Stéphanie , Parksook Wasita Warachit , Williams Tracy Ann , Cohen Debbie L. , Wachtel Heather , Zhang Jinghong , Dorwal Pranav , Satoh Fumitoshi , Yang Jun , Lacroix André , Reincke Martin , Giordano Tom J. , Udager Aaron M. , Vaidya Anand , Rainey William E.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Primary aldosteronism (PA) has been broadly dichotomized into unilateral and bilateral forms. Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) lateralization indices (LI) ≥2 to 4 are the standard-of-care to recommend unilateral adrenalectomy for presumed unilateral PA. We aimed to assess the rates and characteristics of residual PA after AVS-guided adrenalectomy.

METHODS:

We conducted an international, retrospective, cohort study of patients with PA from 7 referral centers who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy based on LI≥4 on baseline and/or cosyntropin-stimulated AVS. Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) immunohistochemistry and next generation sequencing were performed on available formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded adrenal tissue.

RESULTS:

The cohort included 283 patients who underwent AVS-guided adrenalectomy, followed for a median of 326 days postoperatively. Lack of PA cure was observed in 16% of consecutive patients, and in 22 patients with lateralized PA on both baseline and cosyntropin-stimulated AVS. Among patients with residual PA postoperatively, 73% had multiple CYP11B2 positive areas within the resected adrenal tissue (versus 23% in those cured), wherein
CACNA1D
mutations were most prevalent (63% versus 33% in those cured). In adjusted regression models, independent predictors of postoperative residual PA included Black versus White race (odds ratio, 5.10 [95% CI, 1.45–17.86]), AVS lateralization only at baseline (odds ratio, 8.93 [95% CI 3.00–26.32] versus both at baseline and after cosyntropin stimulation), and CT-AVS disagreement (odds ratio, 2.75 [95% CI, 1.20–6.31]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Multifocal, asymmetrical bilateral PA is relatively common, and it cannot be excluded by robust AVS lateralization. Long-term postoperative monitoring should be routinely pursued, to identify residual PA and afford timely initiation of targeted medical therapy.
Violations of physical and psychological expectations in the human adult brain
Authors: Liu Shari , Lydic Kirsten , Mei Lingjie , Saxe Rebecca
Published: January 2024

After seeing one solid object apparently passing through another, or a person taking the long route to a destination when a shortcut was available, human adults classify those events as surprising. When tested on these events in violation-of-expectation (VOE) experiments, infants look longer at the same outcomes, relative to similar but expected outcomes. What cognitive processes underlie these judgments from adults, and perhaps infants' sustained attention to these events? As one approach to test this question, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scan the brains of human adults (total N = 49, 22 female, mean age of 26 years) while they viewed stimuli that were originally designed to test for physical and psychological expectations in infants. We examined non-mutually exclusive candidates for the processes underlying the VOE effect, including domain-general processes, like visual prediction error and curiosity, and domain-specific processes, like prediction error with respect to distinctively physical and psychological expectations (objects are solid; agents behave rationally). Early visual regions did not distinguish between expected and unexpected events from either domain. By contrast, multiple demand regions, involved in goal-directed attention, responded more to unexpected events in both domains, providing evidence for domain-general goal-directed attention as a mechanism for VOE. Left supramarginal gyrus (LSMG) was engaged during physical prediction and responded preferentially to unexpected events from the physical domain, providing evidence for domain-specific physical prediction error. Thus, in adult brains, violations of physical and psychological expectations involve domain-specific, and domain-general, though not purely visual, computations.
Rescuing missing data in connectome-based predictive modeling
Authors: Liang Qinghao , Jiang Rongtao , Adkinson Brendan D. , Rosenblatt Matthew , Mehta Saloni , Foster Maya L. , Dong Siyuan , You Chenyu , Negahban Sahand , Zhou Harrison H. , Chang Joseph , Scheinost Dustin
Published: January 2024

Recent evidence suggests brain-phenotype predictions may require very large sample sizes. However, as the sample size increases, missing data also increase. Conventional methods, like complete-case analysis, discard useful information and shrink the sample size. To address the missing data problem, we investigated rescuing these missing data through imputation. Imputation is substituting estimated values for missing data to be used in downstream analyses. We integrated imputation methods into the Connectome-based Predictive Modeling (CPM) framework. Utilizing four open-source datasets—the Human Connectome Project, the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort, the UCLA Consortium for Neuropsychiatric Phenomics, and the Healthy Brain Network (HBN)—we validated and compared our framework with different imputation methods against complete-case analysis for both missing connectomes and missing phenotypic measures scenarios. Imputing connectomes exhibited superior prediction performance on real and simulated missing data compared to complete-case analysis. In addition, we found that imputation accuracy was a good indicator for choosing an imputation method for missing phenotypic measures but not informative for missing connectomes. In a real-world example predicting cognition using the HBN, we rescued 628 individuals through imputation, doubling the complete case sample size and increasing the variance explained by the predicted value by 45%. In conclusion, our study is a benchmark for state-of-the-art imputation techniques when dealing with missing connectome and phenotypic data in predictive modeling scenarios. Our results suggest that improving prediction performance can be achieved by strategically addressing missing data through effective imputation methods rather than resorting to the outright exclusion of participants. Our results suggest that rescuing data with imputation, instead of discarding participants with missing information, improves prediction performance.
50 Years after OPW: History and Historiography
Authors: Luraghi Nino
Published: January 2024

This short preface is meant to explain the purpose of the present volume and point to the diverse approaches and lines of argument pursued by the contributors.
Old Comedy and Athenian Power
Authors: Lazar Leah
Published: January 2024

In this article, jumping off from Geoffrey de Ste. Croix’s treatment of Aristophanes and the Megarian Decree, I argue that Old Comedy is an underutilised category of evidence for the study of the popular intellectual history of Athens. My particular focus here is the Athenian empire: how does Old Comedy present Athenian power and what does this comic presentation tell us about how at least some ordinary Athenians understood it? Can one popular Athenian imaginary of the empire be constructed through analysis of Aristophanes and his contemporaries? I will argue that Old Comedy, taken as a corpus, presents a very Athenian empire, that is to say one focused on Athens and its exploitation of others. The comic poets, therefore, likely assumed parochialism and myopia on the part of their audience, but also significant topical interest in the mechanisms of Athenian power, particularly those which brought revenue to Athens. This impression of highly topical engagement with the empire is corroborated by bringing Comedy into dialogue with other sources, in particular the epigraphic record.
Review of the genus Xyrosaris Meyrick (Lepidoptera, Yponomeutidae, Yponomeutinae) from Korea, with two new species
Authors: NA SOL-MOON , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: January 2024

The genus Xyrosaris Meyrick, 1907 from Korea is reviewed. Two new species, Xyrosaris vaginata sp. nov. and X. triacantha sp. nov. are described from Korea, along with notes on allied species of the genus. In addition, X. insuralis Ponomarenko & Beljaev, 2023 is reported for the first time from Korea, including a new host plant. Key to species, illustrations of adult, male and female genitalia, diagnoses, host plants, and descriptions are provided.
A new species of the genus Scirtothrips (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) from India
Authors: RACHANA R.R. , AMARENDRA B. , GRACY R. GANDHI , REDDY K. V. NAGARJUNA , SUSHIL S. N.
Published: January 2024

A new species of Scirtothrips is described from India, S. donumdei, collected on leaves of Senegalia pennata (Fabaceae). Partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mtCOI) gene sequence of the species was sequenced and the annotated sequence was submitted to NCBI GenBank.
Between Barbarism and Civilization: The Image of the Inhabitants of Dalmatia under Napoleon (1806–1813) from the French Perspective in the Mediterranean Context
Authors: Sajkowski Wojciech
Published: January 2024

The article analyzes the image of the population of Dalmatia in the Napoleonic era. The analysis is mainly based on documents produced by the French administration of Dalmatia between 1806 and 1813, when the province was first part of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy and from 1809 belonged to a separate entity of the French Empire, the Illyrian Provinces. The study analyzes the picture of Dalmatian society that the French drew for practical administrative purposes and places it in the broader context of the concepts of the Balkans and Eastern Europe and, in particular, the environmental and historical peculiarities of the Mediterranean region. The article shows that the tensions between the settled population on the coast and the semi-nomadic pastoral communities in the Dalmatian hinterland, which was a characteristic phenomenon of the Mediterranean world, had a great influence, at least in the Dalmatian context, on the formation of ideas that later became part of the image of Balkan backwardness and other ideas about the Balkan region that took shape in the Age of Enlightenment.
Experimental Study on the Adsorption of Sulfide on Stainless Steel Surface
Authors: Chen Cheng , Yu Xiaoxue , Li Yanqiong , Zeng Wen
Published: January 2024

This work characterized the microstructure of stainless steel before and after adsorption. At the same time, the adsorption experiments at different temperatures and the adsorption characteristic experiment were carried out. The results show that chemical adsorption has taken place
on the surface of stainless steel. The change of temperature has little effect on the functional groups of the stainless-steel surface after adsorption. Hydrogen sulfide showed the largest adsorption capacity and fastest rate, while methyl and ethyl mercaptan performed second. Carbonyl sulfide
exhibited the smallest adsorption capacity and slowest rate.
Optical Spectroscopy Based Microfluidic Platform for Detecting Pathogens Using Immunomagnetic Separation
Authors: Hussain Mubashir , He Xu , Chen Mingyue , Ni Xinye , Wang Yichuan , Deng Yan , Chen Zhu , Li Song , Chen Hui , Shahzad Khawar Ali , Li Jianqing , Tang Yongjun , Zhou Xiuping , Liu Bin
Published: January 2024

Rapid detection of pathogens is crucial for controlling pathogenic diseases and improving the quality of food industry. This paper presents a microfluidic platform integrated with optical detection module to rapidly detect Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Escherichia
coli (E. coli). The detection module comprises a microfluidic chip embedded with fiber optics connected to photosensors and a laser source. Initially, the immunomagnetic separation technique was applied to isolate specific pathogens out of testing sample using magnetic particles coated
with antibodies. The separated sample containing magnetic beads was loaded into the chip and passed by the monochromatic light in the detection module. The scattered light signals from the passing magnetic beads were collected by the photosensors coupled with fiber optics. The acquired raw
data were pre-processed by removing noise and distortions for further analysis. A new calibration model known as the Optical Transformer (OptiTr) structure was used for classification of acquired data. Convolution-based classical model (ResNeXt) was used as baseline comparison. The system
provided higher classification results using the OptiTr model for classifying P. aeruginosa and E. coli, with accuracy values of 99.57% and 94.59%, respectively. The blank samples without P. aeruginosa and E. coli showed a classification accuracy of 94.73%. The
microfluidic platform has the capability to identify P. aeruginosa and E. coli with a detection limit of 101 CFU/mL. The technique does not require complex sample preparation methods or complicated laboratory tools. The developed technique has a 15-minute detection
time with a 40-minute sample preparation duration.
Design an Efficient Communication Routing of Smart Antenna Using Optimized Algorithm
Authors: Imam Rahmani Mohammad Khalid , Ahmad Sultan , Alanazi Abed , Badr Mohammed Mehdi , Aziz Asfia , Rukmani Devi S. , Gangopadhyay Amit , Mufti Tabish , Irshad Reyazur Rashid
Published: January 2024

In the last few years, mobile communication and satellite communications have rapidly increased the services. Nevertheless, there is no proportionate enhancement in the distributed spectrum efficiency. Moreover, smart antennas are very essential for mobile and satellite communications
since they can improve the coverage range capacity, channel capacity, etc. but the existing antenna designs are not achieving efficient communication because they all are low performance. To address these issues a novel adaptive array-based smart antenna is designed in this research. Moreover,
the designing process is done with HFSS software. In this research, a novel hybrid African buffalo-based Grey Wolf (HAB-GW) is designed to enhance the performance. Thus the developed technique is implemented in MATLAB and, the fitness function is used for efficient communication. Finally,
the calculated parameters are validated with other existing works to identify the effectiveness of the developed antenna model.
Experimental Study on the Inhibition of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Growth and Biofilm Formation by Berberine Hydrochloride Combined with Vancomycin
Authors: Gan Fengping , Yao Zhicheng , Zeng Yuqing , Zhang Qibiao , Zeng Yirong
Published: January 2024

Our study aimed to investigate the combined effect of berberine hydrochloride and vancomycin on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) planktonic bacteria. MRSA strains were isolated from patients with periprosthetic infections. In vitro experiments were conducted
to examine changes in the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the bacteria when treated with the combination. The study found that berberine hydrochloride enhanced the antibacterial effect of vancomycin against MRSA. Interestingly, sub-inhibitory
concentrations of vancomycin led to increased biofilm formation of MRSA, with a more pronounced effect as the concentration decreased. Berberine hydrochloride partly increased MRSA biofilm formation when combined with sub-inhibitory concentrations of vancomycin, but it reduced the promotion
of MRSA biofilm formation at MIC concentrations. Notably, the combination of berberine hydrochloride and vancomycin at MIC concentrations decreased MRSA’s adhesion ability, possibly linked to the down-regulation of biofilm formation-related genes (icaA, sarA, and cidA). Overall, these
findings suggest that berberine hydrochloride, in conjunction with vancomycin, can exert an inhibitory effect against MRSA to some extent. This combination has the potential to enhance the antimicrobial activity of vancomycin and may hold promise in combating MRSA infections.
Effects of Ultrasound Contrast Agent-Encapsulated Paclitaxel Extract on the Proliferation and Invasion Ability of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Deng Duanji , Luo Honghui
Published: January 2024

Regarding to the limitations of paclitaxel (PTX) in cancer treatment, PTX was extracted from Taxus chinensis and PTX nano-ultrasound contrast agents (NUCA) were prepared to investigate their impacts on proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells (HCCCs).
The PTX extract was obtained through extraction and multi-step purification methods using Taxus chinensis as the source material and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-carboxylic acid (PLGA-COOH) as the experimental material. A modified double emulsion solvent evaporation (DESE) method was
employed to prepare paclitaxel-loaded PLGA NUCA (PLGA@PTX). The particle size distribution (PSD) and zeta potential (ZP) of PLGA@PTX were identified using a laser particle size (PS) analyzer, while the drug-loading capacity (DLC) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of PTX in PLGA@PTX NUCA were
evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The in vitro release rate (IVRR) of PTX from PLGA@PTX NUCA was also analyzed. HepG2 lines, a human HCC cell line, were grouped into four randomly: a blank control group (Blank), a PTX group, a blank nano-contrast agent group
without PTX encapsulation (PLGA), and a PTX-loaded NUCA group (PLGA@PTX). In the Blank group, HepG2 lines were cultured conventionally for 12 hours, while PTX or PLGA@PTX was added to the PTX and PLGA@PTX groups, respectively, to achieve a required concentration (10−7 mol/L)
of PTX. An equal amount of PLGA nanoparticles was added to the PLGA group. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Transwell were utilized to judge the impacts of PLGA@PTX nanoparticles on proliferation and invasion of HepG2 lines, respectively. Moreover, flow
cytometry (FCT) was utilized to examine the influence of PLGA@PTX nanoparticles on cell cycle (CC) and apoptosis of HepG2 lines. The results revealed that the purity of the PTX extract was as high as 99.04±0.92%. The average PS of PLGA@PTX NUCA was (432.79±4.56) nm, with a surface
potential of (−10.79±2.28) mV. Furthermore, the EE and DLC were (89.27±2.63) % and (9.03±0.29) %, respectively. The inhibition rate (IR) to HepG2 lines and cell invasion and the apoptotic rate (AR) in the PLGA@PTX group were much higher to those in the PLGA and PTX
groups (P <0.01, P <0.05). The ratio of G1/G0 phase in the CC was greatly lower in the PLGA@PTX group to the PLGA and PTX groups, showing obvious differences with (P <0.05), while that of G2/M phase was higher (P <0.05). These findings indicated that
the prepared PLGA@PTX NUCA hindered the proliferation and invasion of HepG2 lines and induced CC arrest at the G2/M phase and apoptosis.
Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Ferroptosis in Spermatogenic Dysfunction
Authors: Dong Panpan , Xia Lei , Zeng Qingqi
Published: January 2024

Ferroptosis plays a pivotal role in cellular demise, encompassing processes involving germ cells, and it is intricately associated with spermatogenesis. However, the role of ferritinase-associated genes in spermatogenic dysfunction has not been comprehensively elucidated. In this study,
we retrieved relevant information and Ferritin-Related Genes (FRGs) associated with spermatogenic dysfunction from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the FerrDb ferritin database, resulting in a total of 24 Differentially Expressed Ferritin-Related Genes (DE-FRGs) linked to spermatogenic
dysfunction. Subsequently, the application of LASSO and SVM-RFE algorithms identified KLHDC3 from the pool of DE-FRGs as the candidate marker gene. Subsequent functional enrichment analysis indicated that the identified candidate marker gene may function through involvement in regulating ferroptosis,
autophagy, apoptosis, and various kinases in the pathogenesis of spermatogenic dysfunction. The constructed ceRNA network revealed intricate regulatory relationships centered around the candidate marker gene. We have established a diagnostic efficacy and offered insights into the mechanisms
underlying spermatogenic dysfunction. Prior to clinical implementation, further investigation is warranted to validate its diagnostic value for spermatogenic dysfunction.
Investigating Multidecadal Trends in Ice Cover and Subsurface Temperatures in the Laurentian Great Lakes Using a Coupled Hydrodynamic–Ice Model
Authors: Cannon David , Wang Jia , Fujisaki-Manome Ayumi , Kessler James , Ruberg Steve , Constant Steve
Published: January 2024

While changing lake surface conditions have received significant research scrutiny, changes in subsurface conditions, including stratification and heat content, remain largely unexplored. In this work, we highlight changes in thermal structure, stratification dynamics, and ice characteristics in the Laurentian Great Lakes (Lakes Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario) as simulated between 1979 and 2021. Three-dimensional lake hydrodynamics and ice cover were modeled using the Finite Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM) coupled with the Los Alamos sea ice model (CICE). Analysis revealed significant increases in surface (0.4°–0.6°C decade−1) and subsurface (0.1°–0.4°C decade−1) temperatures as well as dramatic losses in ice cover (1%–8% decade−1) and ice volume (0–3 km3 decade−1) over the last 40 years. Estimated surface heating rates were strongest during the summer and fall, while subsurface warming was most rapid during the nearly isothermal winter and spring. Intensified (decreased) summer (winter) stratification led to shifts in lake turnover dynamics, with delayed fall turnover dates (2–6 days decade−1) and earlier spring overturn dates (2–9 days decade−1). Modeled surface temperatures (LST), bottom temperatures (LBT), and annual averaged ice cover (AAIC) were used to estimate low-frequency climate signals, which were highly correlated with the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation. Warming trends fit to residual climate signals (LST: 0.1°C decade−1; LBT: 0.03°C decade−1; AAIC: −1% decade−1), calculated by removing low-frequency variability from the raw climate signal, were lower than those fit to associated low-frequency components, suggesting that recent climate change in the Great Lakes may be strongly influenced by natural multidecadal climate variability.
The Role of the Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand/Osteoprotegerin Ratio in Vascular Diseases: A Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Celebi Torabfam Gizem , Porsuk Melis Hazal
Published: January 2024

Cardiovascular and bone diseases contribute independently to mortality and global health. The exact mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology shared between bone and vascular diseases are not well defined. Endothelial cells and osteoblasts communicate during osteogenesis, thus establishing a connection between angiogenesis and osteogenesis. One shared mechanism may involve osteoprotegerin (OPG) and its ligand Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand (RANKL). The RANKL/OPG ratio is an important modulator for the skeletal, immunological, and vascular systems. OPG levels are elevated due to either osteogenic causes or inflammatory responses in the vasculature. The data obtained from clinical and in vitro studies support the role of the RANKL/OPG ratio as a potential marker for the progression of endothelial damage. Therefore, determining the therapeutic approaches for the targeting RANKL/OPG ratio and evaluating its usage as a biomarker in cardiovascular and bone pathophysiology are needed. By integrating the protective and disease-causing role of OPG with its ligand, this review outlines the role of the RANKL/OPG ratio at the molecular level. We also consider targeted therapeutic approaches.
Impact of Low Bone Mineral Content Index on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Itagaki Tadashi , Ueki Yasushi , Sunohara Daisuke , Aoki Moeko , Nomoto Fumika , Takamatsu Toshifumi , Mochidome Tomoaki , Miura Takashi , Kasai Toshio , Kuwahara Koichiro , Ikeda Uichi
Published: January 2024

The prognostic value of bone mineral content (BMC) for the clinical outcomes of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unknown. The present study evaluated the association between BMC index (BMCI) and cardiovascular events between January 2020 to June 2021, in consecutive patients (n = 257) with CAD undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at the Nagano Municipal Hospital. BMCI was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis and calculated as the BMC divided by height squared. Patients were classified as low (<0.918) or high BMCI (≥0.918) groups according to the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis for the primary endpoint, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, spontaneous myocardial infarction, stroke, and any revascularization. During a median follow-up of 744 days, the low BMCI group (n = 152) had an increased risk of MACE compared with the high group (n = 105) (19.7 vs 6.7%, P = .004). A low BMCI was significantly associated with MACE in the multivariable Cox and the Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting analyses (hazard ratio: 3.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.15-8.67, P = .025). In conclusion, among patients with CAD undergoing PCI, BMCI was a predictor for cardiovascular events. Further research is required to determine whether medical interventions for BMC can improve patient prognosis.
Urban Educator Preparation Program: Assessing Preservice Teachers’ Preparedness for Inclusive Education
Authors: Tiwari Ashwini
Published: January 2024

Pre-service teacher perception of inclusive education plays a critical role in the field of K-12 education, ensuring that students with disabilities receive the best possible instruction in the least restrictive environment. This qualitative case study used one-to-one interviews and focus groups to gather data from 16 pre-service teachers enrolled in an Urban teacher preparation program in a major city in Texas, United States. The data analysis highlighted the pre-service teachers’ understanding of differentiation instruction for students with disabilities. Furthermore, the pre-service teachers felt positive about meeting the needs of the special education students in the general education classrooms. However, they expressed concerns related to limited coursework that helps them acquire teaching strategies to meet the needs of the special education students in the general education classrooms. The research findings offer valuable insights into the factors behind pre-service teachers’ perceptions of inclusion, underscoring the importance of coursework specifically targeting their preparedness for inclusive education.
Valoctocogene Roxaparvovec
Authors: Levien Terri L. , Baker Danial E.
Published: January 2024

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are available online to subscribers. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, contact Wolters Kluwer customer service at 866-397-3433.
Determinants of Health Expenditure during Extreme Climate Events: An Ex-post Analysis of Households in Rural Odisha of India
Authors: Sahu Santosh Kumar , Narayanan K. , Semetko Holli A.
Published: January 2024

This study is an ex-post analysis of household health expenditure for rural India in the presence of climate shock. Primary data from Odisha state, located on the east coast of India, are collected for empirical analysis. We have also used information from focus group discussions at the village level and the primary data. Further, an adaptive response measure is created to understand household spending behaviour on health better. Econometric techniques such as regression and propensity score matching explain sample households’ ex-post-health spending behaviour. Our findings indicate that mitigation and adaptation strategies must be heterogeneous among villages classified as near or far from the coast. Social status matters in the health spending behaviour of households. Hence, a particular focus must be given to socially backward castes or classes in designing health policies and information at the state and national levels.

JEL Codes: D31, I18, Q54, Q56
In and off- axes mechanical properties of three- dimensional textile reinforced carbon composites
Authors: Korkmaz Mehmet
Published: January 2024

Orienting or placing the yarns at the third direction of three dimensional (3D) textiles may improve or degrade the in- plane mechanical properties of 3D composites. In the previous study, the bending and out- of- plane mechanical properties of 3D composites were comprehensively investigated. As the controversial results can be clarified in the literature, the study was extended to investigate the in and off- axes mechanical properties of 3D composites. The tensile and in- plane shear properties of 3D carbon woven, 3D carbon multi- axis warp knitted, and 3D carbon stitched fabrics were comparatively examined from dry structure to the composite. In addition, a carbon traditional laminated composite was produced and tested to make a comparison. According to the load bearing capacity of 3D textiles from dry structure to the composite, the 3D woven fabric shown the worst performance.
Beyond the Surface: Teachers’ Perceptions and Experiences in Cases of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among High School Students
Authors: Elyoseph Zohar , Levkovich Inbar
Published: January 2024

Non-suicidal self-injury (NNSI) among adolescents is a significant concern. This study aimed to explore teachers’ perceptions and experiences in cases of NSSI among their students. This qualitative-phenomenological study used in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted with 27 teachers from high-schools in Israel. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes. Theme 1 highlighted the emotional impact of discovering self-injury incidents, including panic, confusion, and helplessness. Theme 2 focused on teachers’ limited professional support and their need for training and guidance. Theme 3 explored teachers' desire to help students and their strategies for building connections and providing empathy, sometimes despite emotional detachment. Theme 4 emphasized the importance of involving parents and the need for effective communication. This study emphasizes the importance of providing teachers comprehensive training to address NSSI effectively. These findings provide a better understanding of teachers’ experiences and underscore the need for enhanced support systems.
Entre contrôle de l’image de soi et fermeture. Retour sur la grammaire des attitudes adoptées par des personnes réfugiées dans le cadre d’entretiens biographiques
Authors: Dollet Soazig
Published: January 2024

Cet article interroge la relation d’enquête qui s’est nouée avec des personnes bénéficiant de la protection internationale prises en charge par un opérateur de l’État, dans le cadre d’une thèse en Cifre. Il questionne ce que le recours à des entretiens biographiques a pu induire comme formes de docilités et résistances de la part des personnes enquêtées, que ce soit dans le récit d’elles-mêmes mais aussi dans la possibilité (ou non) de refuser l’interaction et par conséquent l’injonction à se raconter.
Preparing Students for Professional Activities in English
Authors: Andreyeva Olga , Tleuzhanova Gulnaz , Kharitonova Larissa , Mirza Natalya
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this research is to identify the key problems involved in preparing students for teaching special disciplines in English and conducting experiments to introduce pedagogical conditions into teaching, taking into account the interdisciplinary integration of linguistic and professional disciplines. The object of our research is the pedagogical process in the multilingual groups of specialties of natural and mathematical cycle of Karaganda Buketov University. In the process of assessing the quality of knowledge and levels of English proficiency, we identified the groups with a low level of knowledge, analyzed the possible reasons for low indicators, and conducted a pedagogical experiment.