bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectories of photons around a rotating black hole with unusual asymptotics
Authors: Li Yong-Zhuang , Kuang Xiao-Mei
Published: March 2024

Most black hole solutions are characterized with asymptotically flat, or asymptotically (anti) de-Sitter behaviors, but some black holes with unusual asymptotics have also been constructed, which is believed to provide remarkable insights into our understanding of the nature of gravity. In this paper, focusing on a rotating black hole with unusual asymptotics in Einstein–Maxwell-dilaton (EMD) theory, we innovatively analyze the photons’ trajectories around this black hole background, showing that the unusual asymptotics has significant influences on the photons’ trajectories. We expect that our analysis could give more insights in the scenario of black holes’ shadow and image.
Curcumin Analog L48H37 Induces Apoptosis in Human Oral Cancer Cells by Activating Caspase Cascades and Downregulating the Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins through JNK/p38 Signaling
Authors: Su Chun-Wen , Kao Shao-Hsuan , Chen Yi-Tzu , Hsieh Yi-Hsien , Yang Wei-En , Tsai Meng-Ying , Lin Chiao-Wen , Yang Shun-Fa
Published: March 2024

L48H37 is a synthetic curcumin analog that has anticancer potentials. Here, we further explored the anticancer effect of L48H37 on oral cancer cells and its mechanistic acts. Cell cycle distribution was assessed using flow cytometric analysis. Apoptosis was elucidated by staining with PI/Annexin V and activation of the caspase cascade. Cellular signaling was explored using apoptotic protein profiling, Western blotting, and specific inhibitors. Our findings showed that L48H37 significantly reduced the cell viability of SCC-9 and HSC-3 cells, resulting in sub-G1 phase accumulation and increased apoptotic cells. Apoptotic protein profiling revealed that L48H37 increased cleaved caspase-3, and downregulated cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (cIAP1) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in SCC-9 cells, and the downregulated cIAP1 and XIAP in both oral cancer cells were also demonstrated by Western blotting. Meanwhile, L48H37 triggered the activation of caspases and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The involvement of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK (p38) in the L48H37-triggered apoptotic cascade in oral cancer cells was also elucidated by specific inhibitors. Collectively, these findings indicate that L48H37 has potent anticancer activity against oral cancer cells, which may be attributed to JNK/p38-mediated caspase activation and the resulting apoptosis. This suggests a potential benefit for L48H37 for the treatment of oral cancer.
A Note on Zero-Sum Two-Person Undiscounted One Player Control Semi-Markov Games
Authors: Mondal Prasenjit
Published: March 2024

Zero-sum two-person finite undiscounted (limiting ratio average) semi-Markov games are considered where both the transition probabilities and the transition times are controlled by a fixed player in all states. We prove that, if such a game is unichain, the value and optimal stationary strategies of the players can be obtained from an optimal solution of the linear programming algorithm for the associated one player control stochastic game using a data transformation method. An example is provided for such class of games.
An elementary characterization of the Galois group of a doubly even octic polynomial
Authors: Awtrey Chad , Patane Frank
Published: March 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be an irreducible polynomial with rational coefficients and Galois group [Formula: see text]. We extend previous results to give an elementary classification of [Formula: see text], identified as a transitive subgroup of [Formula: see text] up to conjugacy. We show [Formula: see text] is one of 12 possibilities and can be determined by considering the squareness of at most 11 rational numbers; each number is an expression involving [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We give several applications of our results.
On amenable-like properties of some Banach algebras with applications to study their nilpotent ideals
Authors: Sahami Amir , Shariati Seyedeh Fatemeh , Bodaghi Abasalt
Published: March 2024

In this current article, we show that a non-zero closed nilpotent ideal in a Johnson pseudo-contractible Banach algebra cannot be [Formula: see text]-predual. We prove also that a nilpotent ideal in a Johnson pseudo-contractible Banach algebras with the approximation property is forced to be zero. Among other things, we characterize the property [Formula: see text] of some semigroup algebras associated with inverse semigroups. More especially, for an inverse semigroup [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is uniformly locally finite, [Formula: see text] has the property [Formula: see text] if and only if each maximal subgroup of [Formula: see text] is amenable, where [Formula: see text] is the set of idempotents of [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we study the property [Formula: see text] of some [Formula: see text]-Lau product structures.
A Multi-Stream Deep Neural Network to Predict the Energy Consumption of Smart Home Appliances
Authors: Mollashahi Mozhdeh , Jafari Pouria , Mehrjoo Mehri
Published: March 2024

A novel ensemble machine learning approach for predicting energy consumption in smart appliances is presented in this paper. The main objective is minimizing the number of necessary sensors and improving the prediction accuracy at the same time. The proposed method combines the Fuzzy C-Means method with a multi-stream deep neural network to achieve this goal. The method focuses on prediction accuracy and aims to extract the minimum number of essential features from the dataset corresponding to the required sensors. These selected features are then scatter-reduced and homogenized into subsets. Each subset is used to train a cluster-specific deep neural network designed exclusively for that subset. The final prediction is obtained by computing the fuzzy-weighted sum of these cluster-specific network outputs. Numerical results show that the proposed prediction method outperforms conventional methods in terms of root mean square error and mean absolute percentage error criteria, despite using fewer sensors. This improvement can be attributed to the reduced dataset scatter, which improves the learning speed and model performance. Furthermore, the fuzzy combination of the outputs improves the final prediction accuracy. Overall, the proposed approach provides a more cost-effective and accurate solution for predicting the energy consumed by smart appliances.
Bias, Skew, and Search Engines Are Sufficient to Explain Online Toxicity
Authors: Farrell Henry , Shalizi Cosma
Published: March 2024

Social media would still be a mess even without engagement algorithms.
ELAKT: Enhancing Locality for Attentive Knowledge Tracing
Authors: Pu Yanjun , Liu Fang , Shi Rongye , Yuan Haitao , Chen Ruibo , Peng Tianhao , Wu Wenjun
Published: March 2024

Knowledge tracing models based on deep learning can achieve impressive predictive performance by leveraging attention mechanisms. However, there still exist two challenges in attentive knowledge tracing (AKT): First, the mechanism of classical models of AKT demonstrates relatively low attention when processing exercise sequences with shifting knowledge concepts (KC), making it difficult to capture the comprehensive state of knowledge across sequences. Second, classical models do not consider stochastic behaviors, which negatively affects models of AKT in terms of capturing anomalous knowledge states. This article proposes a model of AKT, called Enhancing Locality for Attentive Knowledge Tracing (ELAKT), that is a variant of the deep KT model. The proposed model leverages the encoder module of the transformer to aggregate knowledge embedding generated by both exercises and responses over all timesteps. In addition, it uses causal convolutions to aggregate and smooth the states of local knowledge. The ELAKT model uses the states of comprehensive KCs to introduce a prediction correction module to forecast the future responses of students to deal with noise caused by stochastic behaviors. The results of experiments demonstrated that the ELAKT model consistently outperforms state-of-the-art baseline KT models.
TEA+
: A Novel Temporal Graph Random Walk Engine with Hybrid Storage Architecture
Authors: Huan Chengying , Liu Yongchao , Zhang Heng , Song Shuaiwen , Pandey Santosh , Chen Shiyang , Fang Xiangfei , Jin Yue , Lepers Baptiste , Wu Yanjun , Liu Hang
Published: March 2024

Many real-world networks are characterized by being temporal and dynamic, wherein the temporal information signifies the changes in connections, such as the addition or removal of links between nodes. Employing random walks on these temporal networks is a crucial technique for understanding the structural evolution of such graphs over time. However, existing state-of-the-art sampling methods are designed for traditional static graphs, and as such, they struggle to efficiently handle the dynamic aspects of temporal networks. This deficiency can be attributed to several challenges, including increased sampling complexity, extensive index space, limited programmability, and a lack of scalability.

In this article, we introduce
TEA+
, a robust, fast, and scalable engine for conducting random walks on temporal graphs. Central to
TEA+
is an innovative hybrid sampling method that amalgamates two Monte Carlo sampling techniques. This fusion significantly diminishes space complexity while maintaining a fast sampling speed. Additionally,
TEA+
integrates a range of optimizations that significantly enhance sampling efficiency. This is further supported by an effective graph updating strategy, skilled in managing dynamic graph modifications and adeptly handling the insertion and deletion of both edges and vertices. For ease of implementation, we propose a temporal-centric programming model, designed to simplify the development of various random walk algorithms on temporal graphs. To ensure optimal performance across storage constraints,
TEA+
features a degree-aware hybrid storage architecture, capable of adeptly scaling in different memory environments. Experimental results showcase the prowess of
TEA+
, as it attains up to three orders of magnitude speedups compared to current random walk engines on extensive temporal graphs.
Invisible Adversarial Watermarking: A Novel Security Mechanism for Enhancing Copyright Protection
Authors: Wang Jinwei , Wang Haihua , Zhang Jiawei , Wu Hao , Luo Xiangyang , Ma Bin
Published: March 2024

Invisible watermarking can be used as an important tool for copyright certification in the Metaverse. However, with the advent of deep learning, Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) have posed new threats to this technique. For example, artificially trained DNNs can perform unauthorized content analysis and achieve illegal access to protected images. Furthermore, some specially crafted DNNs may even erase invisible watermarks embedded within the protected images, which eventually leads to the collapse of this protection and certification mechanism. To address these issues, inspired by the adversarial attack, we introduce Invisible Adversarial Watermarking (IAW), a novel security mechanism to enhance the copyright protection efficacy of watermarks. Specifically, we design an Adversarial Watermarking Fusion Model (AWFM) to efficiently generate Invisible Adversarial Watermark Images (IAWIs). By modeling the embedding of watermarks and adversarial perturbations as a unified task, the generated IAWIs can effectively defend against unauthorized identification, access, and erase via DNNs and identify the ownership by extracting the embedded watermark. Experimental results show that the proposed IAW presents superior extraction accuracy, attack ability, and robustness on different DNNs, and the protected images maintain good visual quality, which ensures its effectiveness as an image protection mechanism.
Quantitative phenotyping of Nphs1 knockout mice as a prerequisite for gene replacement studies
Authors: Buerger Florian , Merz Lea M. , Saida Ken , Yu Seyoung , Salmanullah Daanya , Lemberg Katharina , Mertens Nils D. , Mansour Bshara , Kolvenbach Caroline M. , Yousef Kirollos , Hölzel Selina , Braun Alina , Franken Gijs A. C. , Goncalves Kevin A. , Steinsapir Andrew , Endlich Nicole , Schneider Ronen , Shril Shirlee , Hildebrandt Friedhelm
Published: March 2024

To evaluate potential, even subtle molecular, therapeutic effects of gene replacement therapy (GRT) in a mouse model, prior rigorous quantifiable and reproducible disease phenotyping is necessary. Here, we, therefore, describe such a phenotyping effort in nephrin ( Nphs1) knockout mice to establish the basis for GRT for congenital nephrotic syndrome. We believe that our findings set an important basis for upcoming/ongoing gene therapy approaches in the field of nephrology, especially for monogenic nephrotic syndrome.
Physiological determinants of decreased peak leg oxygen uptake in chronic disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Foulkes Stephen J. , Wagner Peter D. , Wang Jing , La Gerche Andre , Haykowsky Mark J.
Published: March 2024

Peripheral (skeletal muscle and vasculature) factors contribute significantly to reduced exercise capacity during both large and small muscle mass exercise in chronic diseases such as COPD, HFrEF, or RF and should be important targets of therapy in addition to the primary organs (lungs, heart, and kidneys) affected by disease.
Continuous Introduction of H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses in Hokkaido, Japan: Characterization of Viruses Isolated in Winter 2022–2023 and Early Winter 2023–2024
Authors: Hew Lim Yik , Isoda Norikazu , Takaya Fumihito , Ogasawara Kohei , Kobayashi Daiki , Huynh Loc Tan , Morita Tatsuru , Harada Rio , Zinyakov Nikolay Gennadievich , Andreychuk Dmitriy Borisovich , Chvala Ilya Alexandrovich , Irza Viktor Nikolaevich , Watanabe Yukiko , Fujita Hiroko , Saito Keisuke , Hiono Takahiro , Sakoda Yoshihiro
Published: March 2024

High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) has impacted poultry and wild birds globally. The number of H5 HPAI virus (HPAIV) infection cases in wild birds in Hokkaido (Northern Japan) was high in the last two seasons, contributing to virus spillover to resident birds and poultry. Therefore, H5 HPAIVs in birds and mammals in Hokkaido in winter 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 were monitored and viruses were phylogenetically, antigenically, and pathogenetically characterized. Thirty HPAIV isolates were subtyped and pathotyped by sequencing the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of viruses. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA gene revealed that all isolated HPAIVs were categorized into clade 2.3.4.4b and divided into three groups (G2b, G2c, and G2d). Most isolates belonging to subgroup G2d clustered with isolates in winter 2021–2022 in Hokkaido. The other isolates were categorized into two subgroups, G2b and G2c, mainly composed of isolates in Honshu Island in winter 2021–2022 and 2022–2023, respectively. Two H5 HPAIVs isolated in Eastern Russia in spring and autumn 2022 were genetically close to most Hokkaido isolates (G2d), and a virus isolated in Hokkaido in November 2023 was also grouped in subgroup G2d. Further analysis of all eight gene segments identified six types of gene constellations. Cross‐hemagglutination inhibition test indicated that the antigenicity of H5 HPAIVs isolated in the last several seasons was similar within them but slightly different from that in the 2010s. Three chicken breeds were intranasally challenged with four representative isolates to assess their pathogenicity. All chickens except one broiler chicken were dead until 5‐day postchallenge with different pathogenicity of these viruses. The pathogenicity of one HPAIV strain was significantly lower in broiler chickens than in layer chickens. The mixture of multiple characteristics of HPAIVs in Hokkaido was confirmed by bird migration routes. Thus, many HPAIVs can be brought and scattered anywhere on Earth.
Measuring Track-Related Pointing Errors on the Nanshan Radio Telescope with an Optical Pointing Telescope
Authors: Yuan Ye , Liu Zhi-Yong , Wang Na
Published: March 2024

The need for precise radio telescope pointing has driven great attention to investigating the effect of antenna local deformation or irregularity, such as unevenness in the azimuth track. Although the track-alidade interaction model is commonly used to investigate the pointing effect of track unevenness (such as the works on DSN 34 m antennas and the Green Bank Telescope), few experiments have been done to test the effectiveness of this model independently from the overall pointing model. To address this issue, a method utilizing an optical pointing telescope (OPT) for determining the impact of track unevenness on pointing is proposed. This method uses a group of reference pointing data collected by an OPT mounted at the bottom of the antenna alidade to extract the twist effect of the alidade from the radio telescope pointing data, thus compared with the predicted twist by the track-alidade model. This method was applied to the 26 meter Nanshan Radio Telescope (NSRT 26 m), achieving good agreement with the model-predicted values.
Study of Nonlinear Second-Order Differential Inclusion Driven by a Φ−Laplacian Operator Using the Lower and Upper Solutions Method
Authors: Béhi Droh Arsène , Adjé Assohoun , Etienne Goli Konan Charles
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we study a second-order differential inclusion under boundary conditions governed by maximal monotone multivalued operators. These boundary conditions incorporate the classical Dirichlet, Neumann, and Sturm–Liouville problems. Our method of study combines the method of lower and upper solutions, the analysis of multivalued functions, and the theory of monotone operators. We show the existence of solutions when the lower solution σ and the upper solution γ are well ordered. Next, we show how our arguments of proof can be easily exploited to establish the existence of extremal solutions in the functional interval σ,γ. We also show that our method can be applied to the periodic case.
The Stability Analyses of Tunnel Faces in Saturated Soils with Soil Arching Effect
Authors: An Liu , Mingxing Xi , Jun Liu
Published: March 2024

The undesirable effect on the stability for cross-river tunnel faces considering pore water pressure was observed with the consideration of the soil arch effect by using the discrete technology for the first time. In light of the upper bound of plastic theory, an improved failure mechanism of the deep-buried tunnel face was established. A new discrete technology approach taking account into the soil arching effect was proposed to estimate the stability for cross-river tunnel faces subjected to pore water pressure. The presented approach is validated by comparing with the existing solutions as well as showing great improvements. After verification, based on the failure mechanism, this paper discusses the impact of the changing water level and the soil parameters on the normalized supporting pressure and meanwhile analyzes the variation of the shape of collapsing domain of soils ahead of the tunnel face considering the soil arching effect. The results illustrate that soils with the bigger friction angle form the arch more easily during excavation, and with higher water height, the soil arching effect appears not as obvious as expected, particularly on those soils with the smaller friction angle.
Patterns in the Growth and Thematic Evolution of Artificial Intelligence Research: A Study Using Bradford Distribution of Productivity and Path Analysis
Authors: Gupta Solanki , Kanaujia Anurag , Lathabai Hiran H. , Singh Vivek Kumar , Mayr Philipp
Published: March 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology with applications across multiple domains. The corpus of work related to the field of AI has grown significantly in volume as well as in terms of the application of AI in wider domains. However, given the wide application of AI in diverse areas, the measurement and characterization of the span of AI research is often a challenging task. Bibliometrics is a well-established method in the scientific community to measure the patterns and impact of research. It however has also received significant criticism for its overemphasis on the macroscopic picture and the inability to provide a deep understanding of growth and thematic structure of knowledge-creation activities. Therefore, this study presents a framework comprising of two techniques, namely, Bradford’s distribution and path analysis to characterize the growth and thematic evolution of the discipline. While the Bradford distribution provides a macroscopic view of artificial intelligence research in terms of patterns of growth, the path analysis method presents a microscopic analysis of the thematic evolutionary trajectories, thereby completing the analytical framework. Detailed insights into the evolution of each subdomain are drawn, major techniques employed in various AI applications are identified, and some relevant implications are discussed to demonstrate the usefulness of the analyses.
Large-Scale Monitoring of Bird Communities along an Altitudinal Gradient in Two Central High Atlas Valleys
Authors: Mounir Mohamed , Dakki Mohamed , Douini Ikram , Benka El-Mostafa , Nouri Ayoub , Mansouri Ismail , Hammada Soumaya
Published: March 2024

Altitude is one of the determinant factors that influence the spatial distribution of birds and their species richness. However, few investigations studied its influence on African bird communities over a wide gradient in North Africa. Considering this knowledge gap, 194 sampling points were carried out along altitudinal gradient (773 to 2595 m) in two adjacent mountainous valleys in the Central High Atlas of Beni Mellal in Morocco, Aït Bouguemmaz (AB), and Ahançal (OA). Each valley was divided into three altitudinal intervals (low, medium, and high zones). For each spatial subdivision, we studied the phenological cycle, in the sense that each valley underwent a four-season monitoring, during 2018 and 2019. The results showed 131 species in the study area in 43 families; both valleys had similar community richness, but they differed by the phenological status of their species. Indeed, the increase in altitude led to a decrease in bird species richness, while it does not show any correlation with abundance. In addition, richness and abundance increased during the high-productivity seasons (i.e., spring and summer). Although these results were expected, they provide an opportunity to compare these results with higher latitude communities in Europe and to better focus future large-scale investigations on the combined influence of latitude and altitude on birds.
Repolarization of Immunosuppressive Macrophages by Targeting SLAMF7-Regulated CCL2 Signaling Sensitizes Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Immunotherapy
Authors: Weng Jialei , Wang Zheng , Hu Zhiqiu , Xu Wenxin , Sun Jia-Lei , Wang Fu , Zhou Qiang , Liu Shaoqing , Xu Min , Xu Minghao , Gao Dongmei , Shen Ying-Hao , Yi Yong , Shi Yi , Dong Qiongzhu , Zhou Chenhao , Ren Ning
Published: March 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have limited efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Macrophages are the most abundant immune cells in HCC, suggesting that a better understanding of the intrinsic processes by which tumor cells regulate macrophages could help identify strategies to improve response to immunotherapy. As signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) family members regulate various immune functions, we investigated the role of specific SLAM receptors in the immunobiology of HCC. Comparison of the transcriptomic landscapes of immunotherapy-responsive and nonresponsive patients with advanced HCC identified SLAMF7 upregulation in immunotherapy-responsive HCC, and patients with HCC who responded to immunotherapy also displayed higher serum levels of SLAMF7. Loss of Slamf7 in liver-specific knockout mice led to increased hepatocarcinogenesis and metastasis, elevated immunosuppressive macrophage infiltration, and upregulated PD-1 expression in CD8+ T cells. HCC cell-intrinsic SLAMF7 suppressed MAPK/ATF2-mediated CCL2 expression to regulate macrophage migration and polarization in vitro. Mechanistically, SLAMF7 associated with SH2 domain-containing adaptor protein B (SHB) through its cytoplasmic 304 tyrosine site to facilitate the recruitment of SHIP1 to SLAMF7 and inhibit the ubiquitination of TRAF6, thereby attenuating MAPK pathway activation and CCL2 transcription. Pharmacological antagonism of the CCL2/CCR2 axis potentiated the therapeutic effect of anti–PD-1 antibody in orthotopic HCC mouse models with low SLAMF7 expression. In conclusion, this study highlights SLAMF7 as a regulator of macrophage function and a potential predictive biomarker of immunotherapy response in HCC. Strategies targeting CCL2 signaling to induce macrophage repolarization in HCC with low SLAMF7 might enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Significance:

CCL2 upregulation caused by SLAMF7 deficiency in hepatocellular carcinoma cells induces immunosuppressive macrophage polarization and confers resistance to immune checkpoint blockade, providing potential biomarkers and targets to improve immunotherapy response in patients.
Supplemental Figure 5 from Impact of Tumor-intrinsic Molecular Features on Survival and Acquired Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Resistance in ALK-positive NSCLC
Authors: Nakazawa Mari , Harada Guilherme , Ghanem Paola , Bubie Adrian , Kiedrowski Lesli A. , Murray Joseph C. , Marrone Kristen A. , Scott Susan C. , Houseknecht Stefanie , Falcon Christina J. , Evans Patrick , Feliciano Josephine , Hann Christine L. , Ettinger David S. , Smith Kellie N. , Anagnostou Valsamo , Forde Patrick M. , Brahmer Julie R. , Levy Benjamin , Drilon Alexander , Lam Vincent K.
Published: March 2024

Kaplan-Meier curve for progression-free survival (PFS) on first-line alectinib or brigatinib by (A) variant type, (B) TP53 mutation, and (C) CDKN2A/B mutation status
Supplemental Figure 4 from Impact of Tumor-intrinsic Molecular Features on Survival and Acquired Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Resistance in ALK-positive NSCLC
Authors: Nakazawa Mari , Harada Guilherme , Ghanem Paola , Bubie Adrian , Kiedrowski Lesli A. , Murray Joseph C. , Marrone Kristen A. , Scott Susan C. , Houseknecht Stefanie , Falcon Christina J. , Evans Patrick , Feliciano Josephine , Hann Christine L. , Ettinger David S. , Smith Kellie N. , Anagnostou Valsamo , Forde Patrick M. , Brahmer Julie R. , Levy Benjamin , Drilon Alexander , Lam Vincent K.
Published: March 2024

Clonal and non-clonal ALK resistance mutations across patients with multiple resistance mutations. Each ALK mutation is plotted by sample and colored by putative clonal classification based on the maximum difference between resistance mutation mutant allele frequencies (MAFs). Inset table provides the clonal and non-clonal patient counts for those with v1/v3 variant types. Chi-squared statistic indicates there is no significant association with resistance clonality and fusion type.
Safety and Tolerability of the APOL1 Inhibitor, Inaxaplin, Following Single- and Multiple-ascending Doses in Healthy Adults
Authors: Egbuna Ogo , Audard Vincent , Manos George , Tian Simon , Hagos Fanuel , Chertow Glenn M.
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Toxic gain-of-function Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) variants contribute to the development of proteinuric nephropathies collectively referred to as APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD). Despite standard-of-care treatments, patients with AMKD experience accelerated progression to end stage kidney disease. The identification of two APOL1 variants as the genetic cause of AMKD inspired development of inaxaplin, an inhibitor of APOL1 channel activity that reduces proteinuria in patients with AMKD.

Methods
We conducted two phase 1 studies evaluating the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single-ascending doses (SAD) and multiple-ascending doses (MAD) of inaxaplin in healthy participants. In the SAD cohorts, participants were randomized to receive inaxaplin as a single dose (range, 7.5 mg to 165 mg) or placebo. In the MAD cohorts, participants were randomized to receive multiple doses of inaxaplin (range, 15 to 120 mg daily) or placebo for 14 days. We assessed safety and tolerability based on adverse events (AEs), clinical laboratory values, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and vital signs.

Results
A total of 178 participants were randomized in the SAD/MAD cohorts of both studies (mean age: 36.7 years; 94.9% male). The proportion of participants with any AEs was similar in the inaxaplin (24.6%) and placebo (22.7%) groups. All AEs were mild or moderate in severity; there were no serious AEs. Headache was the most common AE: 10.4% and 2.3% in the inaxaplin and placebo groups, respectively. There were no drug-related treatment discontinuations and no clinically relevant trends in laboratory values, ECGs, or vital signs.

Discussion/Conclusion
Inaxaplin is safe and well tolerated at single doses up to 165 mg and multiple doses up to 120 mg daily for 14 days. These results are consistent with the favorable safety profile of inaxaplin in a completed phase 2a proof-of-concept study. Together, these findings support continued evaluation of inaxaplin in an ongoing phase 2/3 pivotal trial as a potential precision medicine for patients with AMKD.
Circadian Rhythms of the Blood-Brain Barrier and Drug Delivery
Authors: Kim Mari , Keep Richard F. , Zhang Shirley L.
Published: March 2024

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical interface separating the central nervous system from the peripheral circulation, ensuring brain homeostasis and function. Recent research has unveiled a profound connection between the BBB and circadian rhythms, the endogenous oscillations synchronizing biological processes with the 24-hour light-dark cycle. This review explores the significance of circadian rhythms in the context of BBB functions, with an emphasis on substrate passage through the BBB. Our discussion includes efflux transporters and the molecular timing mechanisms that regulate their activities. A significant focus of this review is the potential implications of chronotherapy, leveraging our knowledge of circadian rhythms for improving drug delivery to the brain. Understanding the temporal changes in BBB can lead to optimized timing of drug administration, to enhance therapeutic efficacy for neurological disorders while reducing side effects. By elucidating the interplay between circadian rhythms and drug transport across the BBB, this review offers insights into innovative therapeutic interventions.
Social Memory Theory and the Enigmatic Mediated Past in Historical Jesus Research
Authors: Hatina Thomas R.
Published: March 2024

The recent appropriation of social memory theory in Jesus studies has brought us to a fork in the road in relation to what is meant by a continuity of remembrances about Jesus. Currently, the common claim among many Jesus scholars is that the past of Jesus is knowable through or is contained within the memory process, not behind it or apart from it. Mnemonic processes and their text-products are regarded as a means to an historical end as opposed to being an end in and of themselves. The main problem presented in this article is that the pervading references to, and assumptions about, the mediated past as a potential link between the evangelists’ present and the actual past of Jesus lack the clarification and critical support that is needed for advancing historical Jesus research.
Making a Home, Keeping God Close
Authors: Groskamp Nienke , Ivanescu Carolina
Published: March 2024

In Evangelical Christian communities, the responsibility for maintaining the home is taken up primarily by women (Bartkowski, 1999; Gallagher & Smith, 1999). The discursive construction of the home as a sacred space free from toxic influences emerged during the Cold War, when the global turmoil seemed to demand the delineation of a matriarchal safe space (Shively, 2017; Neumann, 2019; Anagnost 2013). More recently, restrictions concerning covid-19 have initiated a further shift from the public to the private sphere. Women who were accustomed to conducting housework while their husbands were at work have abruptly come to the foreground as life primarily took place at home. This article explores the intersection of daily activities with religious beliefs as reflected in the practice of blogging. Central to this study is the assumption that ordinary, daily activities provide a unique lens into the way people ‘in the pews’ live their lives.
Shiʿa Smartphone Communities: Trends of Continuity and Change
Authors: Mirshahvalad Minoo
Published: March 2024

This article investigates trends of continuity and differentiability between primarily Italian Shiʿa communities online and offline. Here, “online community” is adopted for groups formed on WhatsApp, Telegram, and Zoom, both before and after the outbreak of covid-19. The similarity and differences between Shiʿa activities in the online and offline spheres are investigated in three main areas: interreligious relations, gender roles, and relations with religious authorities. These fields have been selected because they are where Shiʿas face significant life challenges in a non-Islamic context. Online ethnography and interviews with members of Shiʿa communities were employed to gather data. The results confirm that women’s issues remain resistant to change, even in the online sphere, whereas relations with out-groups, as well as relations with Shiʿa religious authorities, reveal elements of novelty.
Quality Management and Animal Welfare as Culture of Care for Animal Experiments under Biosafety Level-3, taking COVID-19 as a Practical Example
Authors: Richter Armina , Wirz Katrin , Pilchová Veronika , Schulz Claudia , Volz Asisa , von Köckritz-Blickwede Maren
Published: March 2024

Since the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic, a tremendous amount of work has been done by scientists to understand the pathogenesis of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Several animal models have been reported to be useful for the development and testing of vaccines, antivirals, or therapeutics. These in vivo experiments have to be performed at high containment biosafety level (BSL)-3. Thus, an appropriate biosafety, facility and data management as well as high standard of animal welfare, thorough study design, and staff training combined with an overall research transparency and open communication need to be implemented to achieve high quality reproducible research. Such an approach combined with the well-known 3R principle (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) and the 3S principle (Good Science, Good Sense, and Good Sensibilities) can contribute to culture of care in scientific research. The perspective reviews the key points of optimized biosafety, data, quality and animal welfare management in high risk biosafety-settings to conduct animal experiments with infectious pathogens in the context of a culture of care.
Onset of Rainfall and Cumulative Analysis for Sorghum Cultivation in Baringo County
Authors: Okuku Kennedy , Onyando Japheth , Okwany Romulus , Kiptum Clement
Published: March 2024

Sorghum is an essential food security crop in the majority of the ASALs regions, such as Baringo County. This study investigated the critical relationship between rainfall levels and the initiation of sorghum planting, with the aim of identifying the threshold at which rainfall is considered sufficient for germination and optimal growth. This study used historical meteorological data from 1990 to 2022, field experiments, statistical analysis, and sorghum growth patterns to discern the trigger points for planting, which are essential for ensuring successful cultivation. This study uncovered alterations in rainfall onset and seasonal rainfall accumulation. The planting window in Baringo County varied significantly, with some dates falling above and below the average onset values of April 4th for the long rainfall season and September 24th for the short rainfall season. A short rainy season is not ideal for sorghum planting, as it typically receives less than 300 mm of rainfall, which is insufficient for sorghum production. The optimal planting time for sorghum is usually late March and early April. The study found that 36.4% of the long rainy season years had high production, 42.4% had normal production, and only 21% had low or no productivity. The years 2000 and 2018 experienced minimum and maximum rainfall amounts of 198.45 mm and 941.9 mm, respectively.
Effect of Refluxing Time and Kinetics of Synthetic Organic Chemicals Removal in Aqueous Solutions by Carbons Produced from Nipa Palm Fronds
Authors: Adowei Pereware
Published: March 2024

The refluxing time is a significant consideration in synthetic study, because it could reflect the kinetics of the reaction process. Synthetic Organic Chemicals (SOCs) are man-made carbon-based compounds that are not likely to evaporate into the atmosphere and hence they could get into aquatic water bodies through terrestrial runoff or discharge from factories. Therefore, this paper investigated the effect of refluxing time and kinetics of Synthetic Organic Chemicals (SOCs) removal in aqueous solutions by carbonized and surface-modified carbons made from Nipa Palm (Nypa Fruticans Wurmb) fronds using chemical oxygen demand (COD) as the measurement parameter. The data showed a rapid reduction of the COD of the SOCs contaminated solutions from 30.19 to 93.46% for PCC, 27.44 to 65.58% for AAC, 41.84 to 98.22% for BAC and 56.71 to 95.16% for CAC between 10 to 60 mins. Optimum reduction was achieved within 20 min of heating the solutions at 150°C. The rapid COD reduction observed for n-propanol indicates that COD is a rapid, inexpensive means of determining organics in water. Kinetic assessment of the results showed that, pseudo-first order kinetic equation did not provide a very good description of COD reduction of the SOCs in aqueous solution by the Nipa palm derived carbons. However, Nipa palm had been adjudged as a beneficial, eco-friendly and locally available source for the development of activated carbon for elimination of organic pollutants in domestic and industrial wastewaters.
Sepsis, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Alternative Therapies
Authors: Debela Negeri , Nekahiwot Solome
Published: March 2024

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body's excessive response to an infection, has emerged as a global health menace. Around 20% of all global deaths are attributable to sepsis. Conversely, the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant peril to the health system. AMR constitutes an escalating pandemic that we must not disregard, as the absence of effective antibiotics would compromise the treatment of even commonplace bacterial infections. Therefore, the increasing prevalence of AMR further adds complexity to the management and outcomes of individuals with sepsis. AMR plays a contributory role in aggravating the consequences of sepsis, ranging from prolonged hospitalization to mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) has prioritized AMR as a major concern necessitating immediate action to prevent dire consequences in the future. Though, One Health approach, infection prevention, rational use of antibiotics, strengthening surveillance systems, as well as research and development, are crucial strategies in combating antimicrobial resistance, alternative therapies, such as phage therapy and immunotherapeutics, are being explored for the management of AMR infections. Advances in these therapies show promise in addressing the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance in treating sepsis. In this critical assessment, we succinctly delineate the existing challenges of AMR in managing sepsis cases, and we provide an overview of the advancements in treating sepsis through alternative therapeutic modalities.
Calculating Growing Degree Days for Different Inbridlines of Maize (Zea mays. L) at Mid Altitude of Ethiopia, Bako
Authors: Debelo Megersa Bayisa
Published: March 2024

Comparing hybrid maize to open-pollinated varieties, the former is widely recognized for its higher producing capacity. However, the production potential of hybrids varies depending on the region and the season. Maize inbreed lines are relatively week and low in yield when compared to hybrid formed from them and open pollinated variety. Hence their seed production is challenged by weather condition like rain fall and temperature. This experiment was conducted on thirteen released inbridlines to calculate the Amount of growing degree days and production potential using a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The mean GY for inbred lines was 4.08t/. L10 had the highest yield (5.53 t/ha), followed by L13 (5.18 t/ha) and L4 (5.13t/ha). L12, L7 and L3 had grain yield above the mean with the mean values of 5.03, 4.14, and 4.10 (t/ha). The ANOVA for Anthesis-Silking Intervals (ASI) showed highly significant differences (p< 0.01). Among inbred parents, L7, with an average of (6.66 days) had the longest ASI followed by L5, and L12 with five days of ASI. And The mean of ASI was four days for L1, L3, L4 and L10. The mean of ASI was 3.58 days, which has highly significant effect on yield. The shortest ASI was observed for L9 with (1day) followed by L6 (1.33 days), L2 (2days) and L8, L11, L13 with 3days. L10 had the highest score of Growing Degree Days (GDD) (°C) for DA and DS with 957.3 and 998, respectively. Whereas the lowest scores of GDD (°C) for DA and DS, observed on for L2, Were 815°C and 835°C), respectively.
Features of Monarchical Rules and Succession in the Ancient Near East
Authors: Umar Emmanuel
Published: March 2024

Features of kingship in the Ancient Near East manifested in the use of titles which expressed the relationship between the King and the Divine. The titles in later usage were developed, formulated, promulgated and finally became the royal ideology. The features, therefore, revealed that the concept of Kingship in the Ancient Near East is of divine origin. This paper argues that those features were conceived and nurtured by the Kings, the royal court and palace traditions in order to subject and subdue the opposing voices among their followers especially the opposition group who might had contested for the throne during the succession. The features were used to benefit the rulers and their palace officials. The approaches used in this research to arrive at this argument include historical, descriptive and comparative. Historical approach had been used because the terms ‘features’ and ‘monarchy’ seems to be historical terms. Descriptive approach had been used because grammatical relationship of words were examined. Thirdly, comparative approach had been used to point out how the two kingdoms though years apart but had similarities in terms of their royal ideologies. This research concludes that the features as used by the kings were an oppressive means used by the rulers over their subjects through exaggerating the powers of gods to manipulate the minds of their followers even though the King’s ruthlessness can be seen in the open, especially in enacting decrees and harsh policies on taxations and corveer.
Story Type and Factors to Adjust Story of Lanna Oral Buddhist Literature: Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
Authors: Sorpobdee Wiset , Chaibutra Nathakorn , Phoolaiyao Kittitkhun , Lunsamrong Narongsak , Pimkere Choom
Published: March 2024

This study was aimed at analyzing the identity and development of Lanna oral Buddhist literature. Research tools included (1) a questionnaire by collecting data from 304 regular users of local oral literature and analyzing data by percentage, mean, and standard deviation and (2) a structured interview form by collecting data from 6 experts in local Buddhist literature and analyzing data by descriptive analysis. The results indicated that (1) Story Type of local oral literature included traditional preaching, alms offering, asking for forgiveness, Triple Gem and others, Lanna proverbs, storytelling, morals, asking for forgiveness from dead bodies, traditional praying, sharing of loving kindness, introduction before starting a ritual, and sayings for pouring water on Phra That Chedi and (2) Factors to Adjust Story of local oral literature arose from changes according to the community context, consistency with governance system, integration with current events and local and various languages, such as Thai, Chinese, and English, application of concepts and beliefs from other localities, content shortening, deployment according to the specified time, more use of central Thai than local languages, and use of Pali with Thai accent instead of Pali with Lanna accent.
Agriculture and Climate Change: A Socio-Economic Dynamics of Climate-Smart Practices in Oubritenga Province, Burkina Faso
Authors: Compaoré Constantin Gueswindé , Compaoré Evéline Marie Fulbert Windinmi , Ouédraogo Mathieu , Thiombiano Boundia Alexandre , Toé Patrice
Published: March 2024

The issue of farmers' resilience to climate and natural resource degradation remains a major concern in Sahelian countries, including Burkina Faso. The aim of this study is to analyze the dynamics of farming practices in the province of Oubritenga in Burkina Faso, highlighting similarities and differences in climate-smart practices. To do this, a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) was used, combining surveys, individual interviews and focus groups. The results indicate that these practices were disseminated and adopted in Oubritenga province well before the 1980s, and that they have evolved in terms of adoption rates and improvements in recent years through research. The practices mentioned include sustainable land management (SLM), water and soil conservation practices/soil defense and restoration (WSC/SDR). Rural households are responding by adopting and reinforcing climate-smart farming practices that are considered more sustainable in the face of climate shock, soil degradation and greenhouse gas mitigation. It should be noted that other agricultural practices and techniques have been disseminated and adopted over time, in connection with mechanization and the promotion of technical production itineraries. This is a body of endogenous knowledge that coexists with technical production itineraries aimed at respecting the balance between nature and the well-being of living beings by integrating a sustainable land and environmental management system.