bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of illness‐related cognition in the relationships between resilience and depression/anxiety in nasopharyngeal cancer patients
Authors: Wang Shenghao , Deng Yang , Zhang Yuan , Guo Vivian Yawei , Zhang Bo , Cheng Xi , Xin Meiqi , Hao Yuantao , Hou Fengsu , Li Jinghua
Published: November 2023

Objective

Resilience has been reported as an important predictor of better mental health and prognoses in cancer patients, while its mechanisms were not clearly elucidated. In this study, we surveyed a large sample of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients to investigate the mediating role of illness‐related cognition (illness perception, stigma and meaning in life) on the associations between resilience and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study involved 773 participants diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Participants completed a self‐reported structured questionnaire to assess their illness perception, stigma and meaning in life, resilience and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Structural equation models (SEM) were employed to explore the relationship between resilience and symptoms of anxiety and depression in the entire sample, as well as in two subgroups: Subgroup I (0–1 year since diagnosis), and Subgroup II (over 1 year since diagnosis).

Results

In the entire sample, after adjusting for potential confounders, illness perception, stigma and meaning in life were found to mediate the protective effect of resilience on symptoms of depression (mediating effect proportion: 65.25%) and anxiety (mediating effect proportion: 67.63%). In Subgroup I, direct effects were dominant in the associations between resilience and symptoms of anxiety (mediating effect proportion: 37.95%) and depression (mediating effect proportion: 29.13%). However, in Subgroup II, the associations between resilience and symptoms of anxiety (mediating effect proportion: 98.92%) and depression (mediating effect proportion: 81.04%) were completely mediated.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that direct and indirect effects of resilience on depression and anxiety dominate in early periods (0–1 year) and long‐term periods (over 1 year) following the cancer diagnosis, respectively. The findings indicate that comprehensive intervention considering both the direct effect of resilience in early stages (e.g., health education prescription and social support groups) and the indirect effects of illness cognition in long‐term periods (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapies) are likely to yield the most favorable outcomes for cancer patients.
The effects of size referents in user‐generated photos on online review helpfulness
Authors: Dang Anh , Nichols Bridget Satinover
Published: November 2023

Product size misperceptions are a common problem for consumers when shopping online. To help their peers estimate a product's size, customers often include a size referent next to the focal product when adding photos to their online reviews. The purpose of this article is to investigate the effects of user‐provided review photos (with and without a size referent) on online review helpfulness. From two online experiments and one eye‐tracking lab experiment, this article finds that photo‐enhanced reviews that include a size referent object can improve review helpfulness. In study 1, eye‐tracking data shows that consumers pay greater attention to the photo and less to the text when the size referent is included. Study 2 shows that size referents are more helpful when consumers have limited experience with the product and the size referent is familiar. The role of perceived reviewer effort is investigated as a mediator to explain this result. Study 3 shows that the effects of a familiar size referent are robust when the seller provides detailed size information but vary depending on review valence.
Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Genotoxic, Antigenotoxic Effects in Bacterial Models, and Hypoglycemic Activity of Epilobium angustifolium L. with Bioguided Isolation of Active Compounds
Authors: Yuca Hafize , Karadayı Mehmet , Karakaya Songül , Civaş Ayşe , Tekman Enes , Guvenalp Zuhal
Published: November 2023

This study examined the effects of methanol extract and its sub‐extracts from Epilobium angustifolium on α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase activity. Secondary metabolites and amino acids were quantified using LC–MS/MS. Dichloromethane sub‐extract displayed the highest activity and was chosen for further investigation. Despite the widespread use of E. angustifolium, genotoxicity studies were conducted to assess its safety. Dichloromethane significantly inhibited α‐glucosidase (IC50=17.340 μg/mL), making it approximately 293 times more effective than acarbose. Six known compounds, including gallic acid (1), a mixture of quercetin‐3‐O‐α‐galactoside (2a) and quercetin‐3‐O‐α‐glucoside (2b), quercetin‐3‐O‐α‐glucuronic acid (3), quercetin‐3‐O‐α‐rhamnoside (4), and kaempferol‐3‐O‐α‐rhamnoside (5) were identified. Quercetin‐3‐O‐α‐rhamnoside exhibited the highest inhibition of α‐glucosidase (IC50=1735±85 μM), making it 3.70 times more effective than acarbose. Dichloromethane also showed significant antigenotoxic activity against mutagenesis induced by NaN3, 9‐AA, 4‐NPD, and MNNG. Gallic acid was found in the highest abundance (13253.6931 ng/mL) in the methanolic extract. Furthermore, L‐Aspartic acid was the most concentrated amino acid (363.5620 nmol/mL) in the methanolic extract.
Mechanical circulatory support versus vasopressors alone in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Javaid Awad I. , Michalek Joel E. , Gruslova Aleksandra B. , Hoskins Serene A. , Ahsan Chowdhury H. , Feldman Marc D.
Published: November 2023

Background

Previous studies have compared Impella use to intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) use in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (AMI‐CS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Our objective was to compare clinical outcomes in patients with AMI‐CS undergoing PCI who received Impella (percutaneous left ventricular assist device) without vasopressors, IABP without vasopressors, and vasopressors without mechanical circulatory support (MCS).

Methods

We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) using ICD‐10 codes (2015–2018) to identify patients with AMI‐CS undergoing PCI. We created three propensity‐matched cohorts to examine clinical outcomes in patients receiving Impella versus IABP, Impella versus vasopressors without MCS, and IABP versus vasopressors without MCS.

Results

Among 17,762 patients, Impella use was associated with significantly higher in‐hospital major bleeding (31.4% vs. 13.6%; p < 0.001) and hospital charges (p < 0.001) compared to IABP use, with no benefit in mortality (34.1% vs. 26.9%; p = 0.06). Impella use was associated with significantly higher mortality (42.3% vs. 35.7%; p = 0.02), major bleeding (33.9% vs. 22.7%; p = 0.001), and hospital charges (p < 0.001), when compared to the use of vasopressors without MCS. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between IABP use and the use of vasopressor without MCS.

Conclusions

In this analysis of retrospective data of patients with AMI‐CS undergoing PCI, Impella use was associated with higher mortality, major bleeding, and in‐hospital charges when compared to vasopressor therapy without MCS. When compared to IABP use, Impella was associated with no mortality benefit, along with higher major bleeding events and in‐hospital charges. A vasopressor‐only strategy suggested no difference in clinical outcomes when compared to IABP. This study uses the NIS for the first time to highlight outcomes in AMI‐CS patients undergoing PCI when treated with vasopressor support without MCS, compared to Impella and IABP use.
Glucose Oxidase Patterned Meta‐Chemical Surface for Sensing Glucose Using Dip‐Pen Nanolithography
Authors: Saban Dganit , Shamir Dror , Zohar Moshe , Burg Ariela
Published: November 2023

Numerous studies have been done to advance the development of efficient, simple, and cheap sensors, especially for glucose, which are important in the pharmaceutical and food industries. The most common sensors and biosensors used today are based on electrochemistry. The novelty of this study is the use of dip‐pen nanolithography (DPN) in order to pattern a mixture of glucose oxidase with PMMA as nanoclusters and develop meta‐chemical surface (MCS), which leads to highly efficient working electrodes with increased detection sensitivity compared to the today‐known glucose sensors (
M was detected in the current study). Our novel and important results support the feasibility of using DPN to develop sensors on various electrode surfaces patterned with different active species, especially in systems requiring target substance detection over large concentration ranges.
A New Series of Sandwich‐Type 5,5′‐Biterphenylenes: Synthetic Challenge, Structural Uniqueness and Photodynamics
Authors: Pan Ming‐Lun , Hsu Chao‐Hsien , Lin Yan‐Ding , Chen Wei‐Sen , Chen Bo‐Han , Lu Chih‐Hsuan , Yang Shang‐Da , Cheng Mu‐Jeng , Chou Pi‐Tai , Wu Yao‐Ting
Published: November 2023

A new series of biaryls, bi‐linear‐terphenylenes (BLTPs), were prepared using the tert‐butyllithium‐mediated cyclization as the key synthetic step. The three‐dimensional structures of the studied compounds were verified using X‐ray crystallography and DFT calculations. Tetraaryl(ethynyl)‐substituted BLTPs are highly crowded molecules, and the internal rotation around the central C−C bond is restricted due to a high barrier (>50 kcal/mol). These structures contain several aryl/terphenylenyl/aryl sandwiches, where the through‐space π‐π (TSPP) interactions are strongly reflected in the shielding of 1H NMR chemical shifts, reduction of oxidation potentials, increasing aromaticity of the central six‐membered ring and decreasing antiaromaticity of the four‐membered rings in a terphenylenyl moiety based on NICS(0) and iso‐chemical shielding surfaces. Despite the restricted C−C bond associated intramolecular TSPP interactions for BLTPs in the ground state, to our surprise, the electronic coupling between two linear terphenylenes (LTPs) in BLTPs in the excited state is weak, so that the excited‐state behavior is dominated by the corresponding monomeric LTPs. In other words, all BLTPs undergo ultrafast relaxation dynamics via strong exciton‐vibration coupling, acting as a blue‐light absorber with essentially no emission.
Structurally Diverse Pyrene‐decorated Planar Chiral [2,2]Paracyclophanes with Tunable Circularly Polarized Luminescence between Monomer and Excimer
Authors: Lian Zhe , Liu Lin , He Jing , Fan Shimin , Guo Shengzhu , Li Xiaonan , Liu Guoqin , Fan Yanqing , Chen Xuebo , Li Meng , Chen Chuanfeng , Jiang Hua
Published: November 2023

We reported the synthesis of a series of structurally diverse CPL‐active molecules, in which pyrene units were installed to chiral pm/po‐[2,2]PCP scaffolds either with or without a triple bond spacer for pm/po‐PCP‐P1 and pm/po‐PCP‐P2, respectively. The X‐ray crystallographic analyses revealed that these pyrene‐based [2,2]PCP derivatives exhibited diverse structures and crystal packings in the solid phases. The pyrene‐based [2,2]PCP derivatives exhibit various (chir)optical properties in organic solutions, depending on their respective structures. In a mixture of dioxane and water, pm/po‐PCP‐P1 emit green excimer fluorescence, whereas pm/po‐PCP‐P2 emit blue one. The chiroptical investigation demonstrated that Rp‐pm‐PCP‐P1 and Rp‐pm‐PCP‐P2 exhibited completely opposite CD and CPL signals even they possess the same chiral Rp‐[2,2]PCP core. The same argument also holds for other chiral pyrene‐based [2,2]PCP derivatives. The theoretical calculation revealed that these unusual phenomena were attributed to different orientation between transition electric dipole moments and the magnetic dipole moments originating from the presence or absence of a triple bond spacer. These pyrene‐based [2,2]PCP derivatives display various colours and fluorescence emissions in the solid state and PMMA films, possibly due to the different packings as observed in the crystal structure. Moreover, these compounds also can interact with perylene diimide through π‐π interactions, leading to near‐white fluorescence.
Integration of single‐cell and bulk RNA‐sequencing to analyze the heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma and establish a prognostic model
Authors: Mu Yaping , Zheng Ding , Peng Qinghua , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Yurong , Yin Yue , Wang Encheng , Ye Fei , Wang Jing
Published: November 2023

Background

The highly heterogeneous nature of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) results in different responses and prognoses to the same treatment in patients with similar clinical stages.

Aims

Thus, it is imperative to investigate the association between HCC tumor heterogeneity and treatment response and prognosis.

Methods and Results

At first, we downloaded scRNA‐seq, bulk RNA‐seq, and clinical data from TCGA and GEO databases. We conducted quality control, normalization using SCTransform, dimensionality reduction using PCA, batch effect removal using Harmony, dimensionality reduction using UMAP, and cell annotation‐based marker genes on the scRNA‐seq data. We recognized tumor cells, identified tumor‐related genes (TRGs), and performed cell communication analysis. Next, we developed a prognostic model using univariable Cox, LASSO, and multivariate Cox analyses. The signature was evaluated using survival analysis, ROC curves, C‐index, and nomogram. Last, we studied the predictability of the signature in terms of prognosis and immunotherapeutic response for HCC, assessed a variety of drugs for clinical treatment, and used the qRT‐PCR analysis to validate the mRNA expression levels of prognostic TRGs.

Conclusion

To conclude, this study expounded upon the influence of tumor cell heterogeneity on the prediction of treatment outcomes and prognosis in HCC. This, in turn, enhances the predictive ability of the TNM staging system and furnishes novel perspectives on the prognostic assessment and therapy of HCC.
Capacity to consent to psychotherapy: Reliability of the newly adapted German version of the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment for psychotherapy
Authors: Ladwig Sönke , Pauls Franz , Gerke Leonie , Trachsel Manuel , Nestoriuc Yvonne
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients' capacity to consent to treatment (CCT) is a prerequisite for ethically sound informed consent in psychotherapy. The MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment (MacCAT‐T) is a reliable instrument for assessing CCT. A German version was adapted to the psychotherapeutical context (MacCAT‐PT) to investigate its reliability and possible influences of age, education and prior experience with psychotherapy on CCT in a mixed clinical sample.

Methods

N = 108 patients with indication for psychotherapy were recruited. The MacCAT‐PT was administered by trained psychologists, took 20 min on average and was rated by the administering psychologist and an independent rater. Reliability statistics were investigated and regression analyses were conducted on MacCAT‐PT scores and sociodemographic variables.

Results

Sufficient to moderate inter‐rater reliability (ICC = 0.80) and internal consistency (α = 0.80) were found for the total sum score of the MacCAT‐PT and its scales, Understanding (ICC = 0.79, α = 0.77), Reasoning (ICC = 0.57, α = 0.65) and Making a Choice (ICC = 0.57). Appreciation featured an unacceptable inter‐rater reliability (ICC = −0.01). Regression analyses indicated no significant effects.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the MacCAT‐PT is a reliable tool for assessing patients' overall CCT in psychotherapy. Psychometric properties of three scales were of good quality, while Appreciation needs to be reanalysed in patient samples with lower motivation for psychotherapy or limited CCT. The CCT may be suggested to be independent of age, education and prior experience. Future research should provide analyses focusing on structural and clinical validity in multiple clinical samples.
Canine Models of Inflammatory Skin Diseases and Their Application in Pharmacological Research
Authors: Gil Natalia , Santoro Domenico
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of existing pharmacological models of canine dermatitis. Canine models of dermatitis have contributed significantly to our current understanding of the pathology of dermatitis and to the development of corresponding pharmacological interventions. Specifically, canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is reviewed here, as it is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases in dogs. Canine AD also shares clinicopathological features with human AD, making the dog a natural and optimal model for human disease. Thus, pharmacological models of canine AD may be uniquely applicable to human pharmacological research. In this article, particular attention is dedicated to relevant in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo models of canine AD, skin barrier defect models, pruritus models, and skin immunology models. Additionally, models of superficial pyoderma and food allergy are also discussed. With understanding of findings from canine models, researchers can select the most salient features for future pharmacological drug development. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
DFT Study of N‐modified Co3Mo3C Electrocatalyst with Separated Active Sites for Enhanced Ammonia Oxidation
Authors: Yang Xue Jing , Yang Chun Cheng , Jiang Qing
Published: November 2023

Since the facile oxidation of ammonia is one key for its utilization as a zero‐carbon fuel in a direct ammonia fuel cell, developing the ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR) catalysts with cost‐effective and higher activity is urgently required. However, the catalytic activity of AOR is limited by the scaling relationship of the intermediate adsorption. Based on the density functional theory, the N‐modified Co3Mo3C with separated active sites of NH3 dehydrogenation and N−N coupling has been designed and investigated, which is a promising strategy to circumvent the scaling relationship, achieving improved AOR catalytic performance with a lower theoretical overpotential of 0.59 V under fast reaction kinetics condition. The calculation results show that the hollow site (Co−Mo−Mo and Co−Co−Mo) and Co site in N‐modified Co3Mo3C play essential roles in NH3 dehydrogenation and N−N coupling, respectively. This work not only benefits for understanding the mechanism of AOR, but also provides a fundamental guidance for rational design of AOR catalysts.
Fine needle aspiration as a diagnostic modality for Warthin tumors identified as fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography‐positive
Authors: Kowalewski Adam , Tissot Hubert , Jehanno Nina , Bakuła Zalewska Elwira , Choussy Olivier , Lesnik Maria , Badois Nathalie , Rougier Guillaume , Klijanienko Jerzy
Published: November 2023

Limited evidence exists regarding the 2‐deoxy‐2‐[fluorine‐18]‐fluoro‐D‐glucose (FDG) avidity of Warthin tumors, the second most common benign parotid gland tumor. This study aims to clarify this aspect by analyzing patients who underwent FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and quantifying tumor standardized uptake values (SUV). Medical records of 29 patients with fine needle aspiration (FNA)‐confirmed Warthin tumors who underwent FDG‐PET/CT near the diagnosis of Warthin tumor were reviewed. Key parameters included cancer history, cytologic diagnosis of Warthin tumor, maximum SUV on FDG PET/CT, and tumor localization. Among the cohort, 18 males and 11 females (average age: 67.9 years) were included. Most patients had malignant neoplasms (lung, head and neck, breast, others). One patient had synchronous liver cancer. Three individuals had bilateral Warthin tumors, and three had bifocal tumors, resulting in 35 tumors for analysis. Tumors were located in the parotid gland (28) and vicinity (7). SUVmax for the Warthin tumors ranged from 3.6 to 26.8, with an average SUVmax of 10.1. Warthin tumors exhibit significant and variable FDG accumulation, exceeding expectations and mimicking high‐grade malignancies. Awareness of this phenomenon is crucial for accurate staging and timely management. In cases of positive FDG PET/CT uptake in periparotid, perimandibular, and upper jugular areas, FNA is recommended to avoid misinterpretation or delays in management.
Field programmable gate array‐based energy‐efficient and fast epileptic seizure detection using support vector machine and quadratic discriminant analysis classifier
Authors: Alam Md. Shamshad , Hasan Mohd , Farooq Omar , Hasan Mehedi
Published: November 2023

Epilepsy is a serious neurological disorder that results in seizures. It can be diagnosed by analyzing the brain's electrical activity using an electroencephalogram (EEG). However, the detection of seizures from massive EEG datasets is a challenging task. To address this challenge, researchers have developed several machine‐learning classifiers and feature extraction techniques for detecting seizures. This paper proposes an energy‐efficient and fast field programmable gate array (FPGA) architecture for detecting epileptic seizures using minimal computational resources. The seizure detection system uses the one Hjorth parameter (mobility) and another statistical parameter (nonlinear energy) as features and employs two efficient classifiers, quadratic discriminant analysis and linear support vector machine (LSVM), for classifying signals into seizure and nonseizure categories. The feature extractor block is connected individually to each of these classifiers. Subsequently, the performance of these two proposed models is evaluated in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, power consumption, resource utilization, and other metrics. The results demonstrate that the SVM classifier‐based model achieved the highest accuracy (99.4%) and sensitivity (98.8%) while consuming minimal dynamic power (0.057 mW) and utilizing the minimum FPGA resources. Thus, the proposed hardware system offers a reliable and energy‐efficient solution for detecting seizures in clinical and real‐time applications.
Preparation of Phase‐Change Composites and Their Interfacial Water Evaporation Properties
Authors: Dong Weixiong , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Tian , li Hao , Tao Naili , Meng Guihua , Wu Jianning
Published: November 2023

Materials for the photothermal conversion of solar energy for evaporation have attracted the attention of researchers due to their low energy consumption. However, photothermal conversion materials cannot operate continuously in all weathers due to intermittent solar radiation, which reduces the evaporation efficiency of interfacial evaporated materials. Therefore, this article uses phase‐change materials (PCMs) to improve the evaporation efficiency of traditional interfacial evaporation materials, using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as PCMs, polydopamine (PDA) as light absorption material, acrylamide (AM), bacterial nanocellulose (BC), and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC‐Na) as matrix raw materials. 3D gel blend (AM/PEG/BC/CMC@PDA) phase transition composite is fabricated using the one‐pot cross‐linking method. Experimental results show that the material achieves 98% light absorption in the entire spectral range. At 1 kW m−2 light, the evaporation rate of the AM/PEG/BC/CMC@PDA phase transition composite reaches 3.44 kg m−2 h−1. The evaporation rate of the material is equivalent to 8 times that of water, and the photothermal conversion efficiency is 95%. The evaporation rate of the material in the dark is 1.2 kg m−2 h−1. The material has excellent evaporation rates in various water bodies and meets drinking water standards.
A convolutional neural network deep learning method for model class selection
Authors: Impraimakis Marios
Published: November 2023

The response‐only model class selection capability of a novel deep convolutional neural network method is examined herein in a simple, yet effective, manner. Specifically, the responses from a unique degree of freedom along with their class information train and validate a one‐dimensional convolutional neural network. In doing so, the network selects the model class of new and unlabeled signals without the need of the system input information, or full system identification. An optional physics‐based algorithm enhancement is also examined using the Kalman filter to fuse the system response signals using the kinematics constraints of the acceleration and displacement data. Importantly, the method is shown to select the model class in slight signal variations attributed to the damping behavior or hysteresis behavior on both linear and nonlinear dynamic systems, as well as on a 3D building finite element model, providing a powerful tool for structural health monitoring applications.
Pore structure of tight sandstones with differing permeability: The He 8 Member of the Middle Permian Lower Shihezi Formation, Gaoqiao area, Ordos Basin
Authors: Chen Dayou , Zhu Yushuang , Wang Wei , Zhang Liling , Tang Jianyun , Ren Jiangli , Wang Yizhe
Published: November 2023

Tight sandstone has strong pore heterogeneity and complex pore structure, and the pore structure of tight sandstone varies with different permeability. To study the differences in the pore structure of tight sandstone with different permeability, this study investigated the tight sandstone of the He 8 Member in the Gaoqiao area of the Ordos Basin. Factors influencing pore formation are analyzed through experiments utilizing methods, such as distinguishing casting thin sections, scanning electron microscopy, high‐pressure mercury intrusion, and low‐temperature nitrogen adsorption. The results indicate that in this area, the pores of the tight sandstone are primarily dissolution and intercrystalline pores, with occasional intergranular pores and microcracks. Type Ⅱ samples (permeability > 0.2 × 10−3 μm2) are primarily composed of dissolution and intercrystalline pores, with a few visible intergranular and microcracks. In contrast, Type Ⅰ samples (permeability < 0.2 × 10−3 μm2) mainly consist of micropores and intercrystalline pores, where microcracks are observed locally. Pore size research demonstrates that Type Ⅰ samples have pore size under 1000 nm, with peaks primarily at 4–5 nm. There are also peaks between 10–1000 nm, but without a consistent pattern. For Type Ⅱ samples with sizes smaller than 1000 nm, pore distribution is evident. Peak values when the pore size exceeds 1000 nm. Type Ⅰ samples have fewer micron‐level pores, while Type Ⅱ samples are primarily dissolution pores. The nanopores of Type Ⅰ samples consist of flat pores with good connectivity, whereas those of Type Ⅱ samples are mainly blind pores with poor connectivity. Type Ⅰ samples have larger pore fractal dimensions, more intricate pore morphology, and rougher and irregular pore throat surfaces compared to Type II samples. Hence, the sedimentary environment, diagenesis, and mineral composition affect the pore distribution in tight sandstone. The research findings highlight the variations in the pore structure of tight sandstone with varying permeability, providing crucial guidance for classifying and assessing pore structure in tight sandstone reservoirs.
Anomalous vehicle recognition in smart cities using persistent bloom filter: Memory efficient and intelligent monitoring
Authors: Kumar Mandeep , Singh Amritpal
Published: November 2023

Globally, there is a rapid and significant change in the distribution of the urban population. Concerning which there is an increase in traffic rule violations in smart cities, resulting in traffic congestion and accidents. Anomalous vehicle recognition in smart cities is a critical issue that demands prompt and real‐time responsive solutions to address such situations. This article proposes an effective technique utilizing a persistent bloom filter to store and retrieve vehicle data, to improve road safety in urban locations. The technique employs distinct bloom filters to store vehicle data based on the hour, day, month, and year, which enables effective temporal membership queries on vast data. The proposed approach of anomalous vehicle recognition in smart cities using a persistent bloom filter is a memory‐efficient and intelligent monitoring technique. According to experimental analysis on large datasets such as “Montgomery County 911 Calls", “EMS and Fire Calls", “Seattle Fire Dept: 911", and “Traffic Violations in Montgomery County", the approach has the potential to boost query efficiency by up to 80% in comparison to conventional methods, in addition to decreasing storage space demands by up to 60%. The proposed approach has the potential to bridge the gap between research and practice in the field of urban safety and to enhance road safety while considering the dynamic changes in the road network. Employing traditional approaches to detect violations and monitor real‐time changes in a vast dataset of vehicles can be a laborious undertaking. The proposed technique provides a reliable and efficient approach to handling big data and improving traffic safety in smart cities.
Volatility forecasting for stock market index based on complex network and hybrid deep learning model
Authors: Song Yuping , Lei Bolin , Tang Xiaolong , Li Chen
Published: November 2023

The existing literature on the volatility forecasting less considered the co‐movement among stock markets from the spatial dimension. This paper builds the hybrid convolutional neural networks (CNNs)–gated recurrent unit (GRU) model for volatility forecasting under high frequency financial data based on transaction information and the topological characteristics constructed through the complex network of multi‐market symbol patterns. The hybrid neural network CNN‐GRU combines the advantages of CNN automatically extracting features for the input indicators and GRU processing long and short‐term serially dependent features, which can better improve the forecasting accuracy. The empirical results show that with the integration of topological characteristics as the indicators based on complex network, the deep learning model has a significant improvement of one‐step and multi‐step volatility forecasting accuracy for the China's and the US stock markets. The research in this paper provides a complete index system from the spatial dimension and a more accurate and robust volatility forecasting method under the high‐frequency financial data.
A Markov chain model of crop conditions and intrayear crop yield forecasting
Authors: Stokes J. R.
Published: November 2023

Crop condition reports are an important source of information for producers, grain traders, businesses, and policymakers to assess and manage the price and yield risk inherent in a given crop. A Markov chain model is proposed for describing the weekly dynamic behavior of reported crop conditions. Empirical transition probabilities are estimated for corn grown in Nebraska, and forecasted crop conditions from the Markov chain are used as inputs to forecast final crop yields prior to harvest time. The results suggest that the modeling and forecasting approach has value for estimating crop yields as intrayear information about crop conditions materializes.
Synergistic antimicrobial interaction of plant essential oils and extracts against foodborne pathogens
Authors: Angane Manasweeta , Swift Simon , Huang Kang , Perera Janesha , Chen Xiao , Butts Christine A. , Quek Siew Young
Published: November 2023

Essential oils (EOs) and plant extracts have demonstrated inhibitory activity against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria. In this study, the chemical composition of manuka, kanuka, peppermint, thyme, lavender, and feijoa leaf and peel EOs and feijoa peel and leaf extracts were analyzed, and their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Listeria monocytogenes were determined. The results showed that the major compounds varied among different EOs and extracts, with menthol in peppermint EO, thymol and carvacrol in thyme EO, linalool in lavender EO, β‐caryophyllene in feijoa EO, and flavones in feijoa extract being the most prevalent. The study found that while EOs/extracts had antimicrobial activity alone, no individual EO/extract was highly effective against all tested species. Therefore, their combinations were tested to identify those that could broaden the spectrum of activity and act synergistically. The checkerboard method was applied to assess the possible synergism between the paired combinations of EOs/extract. The peppermint/thyme, peppermint/lavender, and peppermint/feijoa peel extract combinations exhibited a synergistic effect against E. coli and L. monocytogenes, with the peppermint/thyme and peppermint/feijoa peel extract combinations being the most effective against all five pathogens. Time‐to‐kill kinetics assays demonstrated that peppermint/thyme and peppermint/feijoa peel extract combinations achieved complete eradication of E. coli within 10–30 min and L. monocytogenes within 4–6 h. This study provides a promising approach to developing a natural alternative for food preservation using synergistic combinations of EOs/extracts, which could potentially reduce the required dosage and broaden their application in food products as natural preservatives.
Comparative analysis of the physicochemical, proximate, and antioxidant characteristics of stingless bee (Meliponula beccarii) honey from modern and wild beehives in Ethiopia
Authors: Negera Taye , Degu Asfaw , Tigu Fitsum
Published: November 2023

There is a dearth of information on the comparative studies of the physicochemical, proximate, and antioxidant properties as well as quality standards of stingless bee honey (SBH) in Ethiopia. Hence, this study was designed to assess and compare the physicochemical, proximate, and antioxidant properties of SBH, specifically sourced from Meliponula beccarii, and produced under both wild and modern apiary conditions at two distinct geographical locations. A total of forty‐six honey samples were meticulously collected from domesticated stingless bee colonies and naturally occurring wild nests at Wolmera and Cheliya districts. Pollen analysis unveiled eleven distinct bee plant species distributed across six families, with Asteraceae being the most prevalent, primarily represented by Guizotia scabra and Vernonia amygdalina. Notably, the physicochemical, proximate, and antioxidant properties of SBH collected from modern pot hives exhibited significant variances (p < .05) when compared to SBH from wild nests. Principal component analysis (PCA) delineated the differentiation of SBH sources based on both geographical location and the type of beehive. One‐way ANOVA corroborated these distinctions, underscoring significantly higher levels (p < .05) of ash, electrical conductivity, free acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural, sucrose, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and radical scavenging activities of SBH from modern pot hives in Wolmera. Whereas, Cheliya modern pot hives recorded higher values in pH, hydroxymethylfurfural and maltose contents compared to the wild nest SBH. Further analysis through Pearson correlation highlighted a strong positive association between total phenolic content and total flavonoid content with the antioxidant capacity of SBH. These findings underscore the significance of integrating modern pot hives to enhance the quality of SBH within Ethiopia's beekeeping sector.
The information content of wheat derivatives regarding the Ukrainian war
Authors: Branger Nicole , Hanke Michael , Weissensteiner Alex
Published: November 2023

We extract implied price densities from wheat options and futures prices during the first 17 months of the Ukrainian war. Changing differences between short‐ and long‐term densities indicate that market expectations about the dynamics of the underlying changed over time. Before the signing of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, wheat derivatives prices showed predictive power for the further development of the conflict, and implied volatilities from wheat options were highly correlated with geopolitical risk (GPR). Afterwards, wheat prices lost their predictive power for the conflict, but instead reflected the market's opinion regarding the viability of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. By that time, correlations between wheat price risk and GPR dropped sharply.
Carboplatin and paclitaxel after anti‐PD‐1 or anti‐PD‐L1 antibody therapy in recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck
Authors: Humphries Audrey , Zhou Connie J. , Welsh Madeleine , Lem Melinda , Kang Hyunseok , Algazi Alain P.
Published: November 2023

Background

The impact of concurrent chemotherapy and immunotherapy has been well characterized in patients with recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RM‐SCCHN). Here, we report outcomes in patients treated sequentially with immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) followed by carboplatin and paclitaxel.

Methods

Patients with RM‐SCCHN treated with ICI followed by carboplatin/paclitaxel at a single institution were identified retrospectively. ICI therapy history, p16, and PD‐L1 status were collected. The best overall response was assessed by RECIST v1.1.

Results

Twelve patients met inclusion criteria. Eight patients received pembrolizumab, three durvalumab, and one nivolumab. The median duration of ICI was 3.44 months, median PFS was 5.8 months, and median OS was 15.2 months. 66.7% of patients had an objective response on carboplatin/paclitaxel.

Conclusions

Carboplatin/paclitaxel can induce objective responses in patients with prior treatment with ICI and clinical outcomes in this small series compare favorably to those seen in ICI naïve patients.
Probing the Nature of Surface Hydrides by Deuterium Quadrupolar Parameters: A Case Study on Silica‐Supported Zirconium Hydrides
Authors: Docherty Scott R. , Schärz Philipp , Gioffrè Domenico , Yakimov Alexander V. , Copéret Christophe
Published: November 2023

Supported metal hydrides are key reactive intermediates in various catalytic processes, such as hydrogenation and dehydrogenation, but are often challenging to characterize spectroscopically. Here, deuterium solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is used to understand the structure of the corresponding silica‐supported zirconium hydrides after H/D exchange as an illustrative example of supported metal hydrides, which have been shown to display notable reactivity towards small molecules (e. g., CO2 and N2O) and to activate both C−H and C−C bonds, hence their use in to the conversion of hydrocarbons (alkanes, polyolefins etc.)
Psychosexual counseling intervention to improve women's genital self‐image: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial based on a multistage mixed method design
Authors: Malary Mina , Hamzehgardeshi Zeinab , Keramat Afsaneh , Yunesian Masoud , Farjamfar Maryam
Published: November 2023

Background

Genital self‐image (GSI) is a major barrier to reproductive and sexual health for women. This practical randomized trial aims to evaluate the effect of psychosexual counseling based on a cognitive‐behavioral approach to promoting GSI for reproductive‐age married Iranian women.

Methods

Married women aged 15–49 years under the coverage of health centers will be invited to join the study. The study will be conducted using a multistage mixed method design in three phases. In the first phase, semi‐structured interviews with women and key informants will be conducted to understand better the GSI concept, the factors influencing it, and the interventions promoting it. Simultaneously, a literature review will be conducted by searching electronic databases to find the factors influencing GSI and the interventions to enhance it.

In the second phase, the GSI‐related factors, sexual and reproductive health outcomes correlated with GSI, and intervention programs for promoting GSI in women will be extracted from the integration of qualitative study and literature review. Then, based on the expert panel's priority, a suitable program will be prepared.

In the third phase, at first, a cross‐sectional study will be conducted to identify women with poor GSI and the factors relating to GSI, and then psychosexual counseling intervention will be performed. For the randomized controlled trial study, participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: (1) the intervention group and (2) the control group. Data will be collected using the Female Genital Self‐Image Scale and sexual and reproductive health outcomes correlated with GSI at baseline, immediate, and 2‐month follow‐up assessments. The impact of the intervention on the promotion of GSI will be evaluated.

Discussion

This study provides a counseling program for promoting GSI. If this interventional program is successful, it has practical potential to be generalized for Iranian Women with poor GSI.
Partial identification and inference for conditional distributions of treatment effects
Authors: Lee Sungwon
Published: November 2023

This paper considers identification and inference for the distribution of treatment effects conditional on observable covariates. Since the conditional distribution of treatment effects is not point identified without strong assumptions, we obtain bounds on the conditional distribution of treatment effects by using the Makarov bounds. We also consider the case where the treatment is endogenous and propose two stochastic dominance assumptions to tighten the bounds. We develop a nonparametric framework to estimate the bounds and establish the asymptotic theory that is uniformly valid over the support of treatment effects. An empirical example illustrates the usefulness of the methods.
Epithelial‐like transport of mineral distinguishes bone formation from other connective tissues
Authors: Blair Harry C. , Larrouture Quitterie C. , Tourkova Irina L. , Nelson Deborah J. , Dobrowolski Steven F. , Schlesinger Paul H.
Published: November 2023

We review unique properties of bone formation including current understanding of mechanisms of bone mineral transport. We focus on formation only; mechanism of bone degradation is a separate topic not considered. Bone matrix is compared to other connective tissues composed mainly of the same proteins, but without the specialized mechanism for continuous transport and deposition of mineral. Indeed other connective tissues add mechanisms to prevent mineral formation. We start with the epithelial‐like surfaces that mediate transport of phosphate to be incorporated into hydroxyapatite in bone, or in its ancestral tissue, the tooth. These include several phosphate producing or phosphate transport‐related proteins with special expression in large quantities in bone, particularly in the bone‐surface osteoblasts. In all connective tissues including bone, the proteins that constitute the protein matrix are mainly type I collagen and γ−carboxylate‐containing small proteins in similar molar quantities to collagen. Specialized proteins that regulate connective tissue structure and formation are surprisingly similar in mineralized and non‐mineralized tissues. While serum calcium and phosphate are adequate to precipitate mineral, specialized mechanisms normally prevent mineral formation except in bone, where continuous transport and deposition of mineral occurs.
OGT‐1 regulates synaptic assembly through the insulin signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Mengting , Jiang Huihui , Li Qian , Liu Yunhe , Zhang Hongjun , Li Xuekun , Shao Zhiyong
Published: November 2023

The formation and maintenance of synapses are precisely regulated, and the misregulation often leads to neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders. Besides intrinsic genetically encoded signaling pathways, synaptic structure and function are also regulated by extrinsic factors, such as nutrients. O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT), a nutrient sensor, is abundant in the nervous system and required for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. However, whether OGT is involved in synaptic development and the mechanism underlying the process are largely unknown. In this study, we found that OGT‐1, the OGT homolog in C. elegans, regulates the presynaptic assembly in AIY interneurons. The insulin receptor DAF‐2 acts upstream of OGT‐1 to promote the presynaptic assembly by positively regulating the expression of ogt‐1. This insulin‐OGT‐1 axis functions most likely by regulating neuronal activity. In this study, we elucidated a novel mechanism for synaptic development, and provided a potential link between synaptic development and insulin‐related neurological disorders.
NUSAP1 regulates mouse oocyte meiotic maturation
Authors: Yu Lina , Kong Na , Lin Yuling , Qiu Panpan , Xu Qian , Zhang Yang , Zhen Xin , Yan Guijun , Sun Haixiang , Mei Jie , Cao Guangyi
Published: November 2023

The correct assembly of the spindle apparatus directly regulates the precise separation of chromosomes in mouse oocytes, which is crucial for obtaining high‐quality oocytes capable of successful fertilization. The localization, assembly, migration, and disassembly of the spindle are regulated by a series of spindle‐associated proteins, which exhibit unique expression level variations and specific localization in oocytes. Proteomic analysis revealed that among many representative spindle‐associated proteins, the expression level of nucleolar and spindle‐associated protein 1 (NUSAP1) significantly increased after meiotic resumption, with a magnitude of change higher than that of other proteins. However, the role of NUSAP1 during oocyte meiosis maturation has not been reported. Here, we report that NUSAP1 is distributed within the cell nucleus during the germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes with non‐surrounded nucleolus stage and is not enriched in the nucleus during the GV‐surrounded nucleolus stage. Interestingly, NUSAP1 forms distinct granular aggregates near the spindle poles during the prophase of the first meiotic division (Pro‐MI), metaphase I, and anaphase I/telophase I stages. Nusap1 depletion leads to chromosome misalignment, increased aneuploidy, and abnormal spindle assembly, particularly a decrease in spindle pole width. Correspondingly, RNA‐seq analysis revealed significant suppression of the “establishment of spindle orientation” signaling pathway. Additionally, the attenuation of F‐actin in NUSAP1‐deficient oocytes may affect the asymmetric division process. Gene ontology analysis of NUSAP1 interactomes, identified through mass spectrometry here, revealed significant enrichment for RNA binding. As an RNA‐binding protein, NUSAP1 is likely involved in the regulation of messenger RNA homeostasis by influencing the dynamics of processing (P)‐body components. Overall, our results demonstrate the critical importance of precise regulation of NUSAP1 expression levels and protein localization for maintaining mouse oocyte meiosis.