bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guided Waves in Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels and Considerations for Sensor Placement Toward Structural Health Monitoring—An Experimental Study
Authors: Heimann Jan , Mustapha Samir , Yilmaz Bengisu , Prager Jens
Published: January 2025

The utilization of composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) to store hydrogen, especially at high pressures, is gaining more popularity due to their lightweight design and high storage density, offering significant economic advantages. However, the presence of material defects or fatigue can lead to critical failures, requiring an innovative and robust approach to ensure safe operation and system integrity. Developing a continuous structural health monitoring (SHM) system for COPVs can provide comprehensive real-time information about their condition, facilitating a shift away from periodic inspections. This study scrutinizes the behavior of guided waves (GWs) within COPVs to design a sensor network for damage detection and localization. First, the dispersive and multimodal propagation behavior of GWs is experimentally investigated. Subsequently, important parameters for the network design are derived and finally a sensor network consisting of 15 piezoelectric transducers is designed to cover the entire cylindrical area. The effectiveness is then evaluated experimentally by placing artificial defects on the surface of the COPV. The multi-layered dataset of GW signals was analyzed using both commonly used ultrasonic features (e.g., amplitude, frequency, time of flight) as well as statistical features (kurtosis, skewness, variance, etc.). These features were utilized to compute a damage index, and the effectiveness of the detection performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves. It can be seen that some features are more sensitive and robust under varying experimental conditions. The results show that ultrasonic GW SHM system is a promising solution for damage detection and localization in COPVs.
Compressing slippery surface-assembled amphiphiles for tunable haptic energy harvesters
Authors: Jani Pallav K. , Yadav Kushal , Derkaloustian Maryanne , Koerner Hilmar , Dhong Charles , Khan Saad A. , Hsiao Lilian C.
Published: January 2025

A recurring challenge in extracting energy from ambient motion is that devices must maintain high harvesting efficiency and a positive user experience when the interface is undergoing dynamic compression. We show that small amphiphiles can be used to tune friction, haptics, and triboelectric properties by assembling into specific conformations on the surfaces of materials. Molecules that form multiple slip planes under pressure, especially through π-π stacking, produce 80 to 90% lower friction than those that form disordered mesostructures. We propose a scaling framework for their friction reduction properties that accounts for adhesion and contact mechanics. Amphiphile-coated surfaces tend to resist wear and generate distinct tactile perception, with humans preferring more slippery materials. Separately, triboelectric output is enhanced through the use of amphiphiles with high electron affinity. Because device adoption is tied to both friction reduction and electron-withdrawing potential, molecules that self-organize into slippery planes under pressure represent a facile way to advance the development of haptic power harvesters at scale.
Quorum sensing regulates virulence factors in the coral pathogen
Vibrio coralliilyticus
Authors: Lydick Victoria N. , Mass Shir , Pepin Robert , Podicheti Ram , Klempic Emra , Rusch Douglas B. , Ushijima Blake , Brown Laura C. , Salomon Dor , van Kessel Julia C.
Published: January 2025

The bacterial pathogen
Vibrio coralliilyticus
causes disease in coral species worldwide. The mechanisms of
V. coralliilyticus
coral colonization, coral microbiome interactions, and virulence factor production are understudied. In other model
Vibrio
species, virulence factors like biofilm formation, toxin secretion, and protease production are controlled through a density-dependent communication system called quorum sensing (QS). Comparative genomics indicated that
V. coralliilyticus
genomes share high sequence identity for most of the QS signaling and regulatory components identified in other
Vibrio
species. Here, we identify an active QS signaling pathway in two
V. coralliilyticus
strains with distinct infection etiologies: type strain BAA-450 and coral isolate OCN008. In
V. coralliilyticus
, the inter-species AI-2 autoinducer signaling pathway in both strains controls expression of the master QS transcription factor and LuxR/HapR homolog VcpR to regulate >300 genes, including protease production, biofilm formation, and two conserved type VI secretion systems (T6SSs). Activation of T6SS1 by QS results in the secretion of effectors and enables interbacterial competition and killing of prey bacteria. We conclude that the QS system in
V. coralliilyticus
is functional and controls the expression of genes involved in relevant bacterial behaviors typically associated with host infection.

IMPORTANCE

Vibrio coralliilyticus
infects many marine organisms, including multiple species of corals, and is a primary causative agent of tissue loss diseases and bacterial-induced bleaching. Here, we investigated a common cell-cell communication mechanism called quorum sensing, which is known to be intimately connected to virulence in other
Vibrio
species. Our genetic and chemical studies of
V. coralliilyticus
quorum sensing uncovered an active pathway that directly regulates the following key virulence factors: proteases, biofilms, and secretion systems. These findings connect bacterial signaling in communities to the infection of corals, which may lead to novel treatments and earlier diagnoses of coral diseases in reefs.
Draft genome sequence of glyphosate-degrading
Ochrobactrum
sp. strain GPK 3 (VKM B-2554D) isolated from agricultural soil
Authors: Sviridov Alexey V. , Tarlachkov Sergey V. , Epiktetov Dmitry O. , Shushkova Tatyana V. , Petrakova Marina P. , Leontievsky Alexey A.
Published: January 2025

The genome of
Ochrobactrum
sp. isolated from agricultural soil polluted with the herbicide glyphosate is reported. The genome size is 5.48 Mb with an average G + C content of 56.3%. This genomic data could contribute to a better understanding of biochemistry and regulatory mechanisms of microbial degradation of glyphosate and 2-aminoethylphosphonic acid
Complete genome sequence of
Algoriphagus halophilus
strain SOCE 003, a marine bacterium isolated from the surface seawater of Dapeng Bay
Authors: Yang Jiayi , Xia Tian , Zhou Xunying , Xu Shuaishuai , Guo Kangli , Zhang Qianqing , Guo Jing , Hou Shengwei
Published: January 2025

Algoriphagus
is a heterotrophic bacterium commonly found in diverse marine environments. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Algoriphagus halophilus
strain SOCE 003, which is 5,154,101 bp long, encoding 5,524 annotated protein-coding genes, 39 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. This genome information will help us understand the ecology of
Algoriphagus
.
Evaluating the feasibility, sensitivity, and specificity of next-generation molecular methods for pleural infection diagnosis
Authors: Bell Peter T. , Baird Timothy , Goddard John , Olagoke Olusola S. , Burke Andrew , Subedi Shradha , Davey Tiana R. , Anderson James , Sarovich Derek S. , Price Erin P.
Published: January 2025

Pleural infections are common and associated with substantial healthcare costs, morbidity, and mortality. Accurate diagnosis remains challenging due to low culture positivity rates, frequent polymicrobial involvement, and non-specific diagnostic biomarkers. Here, we undertook a prospective study examining the feasibility and performance of molecular methods for diagnosing suspected pleural infection. We prospectively characterized 26 consecutive clinically suspected pleural infections, and 10 consecutive patients with suspected non-infective pleural effusions, using shotgun metagenomics, bacterial metataxonomics, quantitative PCR, and conventional culture. Molecular methods exhibited excellent diagnostic performance, with each method identifying 54% (14 out of 26) positive cases among the pleural infection cohort, versus 38% (10 out of 26) with culture. Metagenomics and bacterial metataxonomics unveiled complex polymicrobial infections that were not captured by culture. Dominant microbes included streptococci (
Streptococcus intermedius
,
Streptococcus pyogenes
, and
Streptococcus mitis
),
Prevotella
spp. (
Prevotella oris
and
Prevotella pleuritidis
), staphylococci (
S. aureus
and
S. saprophyticus
), and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. However, we encountered challenges that complicated pleural infection interpretation, including: (i) uncertainties regarding microbial pathogenicity and the impact of prior antibiotic therapy on diagnostic performance; (ii) lack of a clinical diagnostic gold-standard for molecular performance comparisons; (iii) potential microbial contamination during specimen collection or processing; and (iv) difficulties distinguishing background microbial noise from true microbial signal in low-biomass specimens. This pilot study demonstrates the potential utility and value of molecular methods in diagnosing pleural infection and highlights key concepts and challenges that should be addressed when designing larger prospective trials.

IMPORTANCE

Confident pleural infection diagnosis is often challenging due to low culture positivity rates, frequent polymicrobial involvement, and non-specific diagnostic biomarkers. Limitations of conventional diagnostic tests result in prolonged and inappropriately broad-spectrum antimicrobial use, encouraging antimicrobial resistance and leading to avoidable adverse effects. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility, utility, and challenges associated with the use of culture-independent molecular techniques for accurate pleural infection diagnosis in a real-world clinical setting. These data will help to inform the design of larger prospective clinical trials and identify potential obstacles to be overcome before next-generation sequencing technologies can be integrated into routine clinical practice.
Climate-Induced Changes in River Hydrological and Thermal Conditions in a Large Basin: Implications for Diadromous Fish Migration
Authors: Seyedhashemi Hanieh , Drouineau Hilaire , Arevalo Elorri , Legrand Marion , Moatar Florentina , Maire Anthony
Published: January 2025

Climate-induced changes in river conditions, such as water temperature and current velocity, can disrupt species migration patterns by altering the conditions encountered during migration. We assessed these impacts across the Loire River basin in Europe by compiling long-term fish passage data for three diadromous fish species at fishways, alongside reconstructed time series of water temperature and current velocity. We considered both water temperature and current velocity on days when migration was observed as ''suitable conditions'' for the species' upstream migration. Our findings for the 1963–2019 period revealed that trends in the frequency of suitable conditions for upstream migration were species-specific. For Atlantic salmon, particularly fall migrants, the frequency of suitable conditions has declined over time in certain areas. In contrast, the frequency of suitable migration conditions for both allis shad and sea lamprey has shown an overall increase across the basin. This study offers policy-makers and environmental managers valuable insights for developing effective, spatially explicit strategies to preserve diadromous fish populations amid ongoing climate change.
Lorentz canonicial forms of two-qubit states
Authors: . Sudha , Ushadevi A R , B N Karthik , H S Karthik , Shenoy H Akshatha , K S Mallesh , A V Gopala Rao
Published: January 2025

The Bloch sphere provides an elegant way of visualizing a qubit. Analogous representation of the simplest composite state of two-qubits has attracted significant attention. Here we present a detailed mathematical analysis of the real-matrix parametrization and associated geometric picturization of arbitrary two-qubit states - up to their local SL(2C) equivalence -- in terms of canonical ellipsoids inscribed within the Bloch sphere.
Topological Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer theory of superconducting quantum rings
Authors: Landrò Elena , Fomin Vladimir M. , Zaccone Alessio
Published: January 2025

Quantum rings have emerged as a playground for quantum mechanics and topological physics, with promising technological applications. Experimentally realizable quantum rings, albeit at the scale of a few nanometers, are 3D nanostructures. Surprisingly, no theories exist for the topology of the Fermi sea of quantum rings, and a microscopic theory of superconductivity in nanorings is also missing. In this paper, we remedy this situation by developing a mathematical model for the topology of the Fermi sea and Fermi surface, which features non-trivial hole pockets of electronic states forbidden by quantum confinement, as a function of the geometric parameters of the nanoring. The exactly solvable mathematical model features two topological transitions in the Fermi surface upon shrinking the nanoring size either, first, vertically (along its axis of revolution) and, then, in the plane orthogonal to it, or the other way round. These two topological transitions are reflected in a kink and in a characteristic discontinuity, respectively, in the electronic density of states (DOS) of the quantum ring, which is also computed. Also, closed-form expressions for the Fermi energy as a function of the geometric parameters of the ring are provided. These, along with the DOS, are then used to derive BCS equations for the superconducting critical temperature of nanorings as a function of the geometric parameters of the ring. The

$$T_c$$

T
c

varies non-monotonically with the dominant confinement size and exhibits a prominent maximum, whereas it is a monotonically increasing function of the other, non-dominant, length scale. For the special case of a perfect square toroid (where the two length scales coincide), the

$$T_c$$

T
c

increases monotonically with increasing the confinement size, and in this case, there is just one topological transition.

Graphic Abstract
Questioning the Criteria for Evaluating Non-Cryptographic Hash Functions
Authors: Hayes Catherine , Malone David
Published: January 2025

Maybe we need to think more about non-cryptographic hash functions.
Finding Information Leaks with Information Flow Fuzzing - RCR Report
Authors: Gruner Bernd , Brust Clemens-Alexander , Zeller Andreas
Published: January 2025

This is the Replicated Computational Results (RCR) Report for our ACM TOSEM paper, ”Finding Information Leaks with Information Flow Fuzzing,” in which we propose
information flow fuzzing
. This approach directs fuzzers toward detecting
information leaks
. We introduce a novel
leak oracle
and employ information flow as
guidance
for the fuzzer to identify information leaks effectively. As part of this RCR, we provide a replication package that enables the complete replication of all our results and simplifies the reuse of our FLOWFUZZ fuzzer.
Automatically Learning a Precise Measurement for Fault Diagnosis Capability of Test Cases
Authors: Zhao Yifan , Sun Zeyu , Wang Guoqing , Liang Qingyuan , Zhang Yakun , Lou Yiling , Hao Dan , Zhang Lu
Published: January 2025

Prevalent Fault Localization (FL) techniques rely on tests to localize buggy program elements. Tests could be treated as fuel to further boost FL by providing more debugging information. Therefore, it is highly valuable to measure the Fault Diagnosis Capability (FDC) of a test for diagnosing faults, so as to select or generate tests to better help FL (i.e., FL-oriented test selection or FL-oriented test generation). To this end, researchers have proposed many FDC metrics, which serve as the selection criterion in FL-oriented test selection or the fitness function in FL-oriented test generation. Existing FDC metrics can be classified into result-agnostic and result-aware metrics depending on whether they take test results (i.e., passing or failing) as input. Although result-aware metrics perform better in test selection, they have restricted applications due to the input of test results, e.g., they cannot be applied to guide test generation. Moreover, all the existing FDC metrics are designed based on some predefined heuristics and have achieved limited FL performance due to their inaccuracy. To address these issues, in this paper, we reconsider result-agnostic metrics (i.e., metrics that do not take test results as input), and propose a novel result-agnostic metric RLFDC which predicts FDC values of tests through reinforcement learning. In particular, we treat FL results as reward signals, and train an FDC prediction model with the direct FL feedback to automatically learn a more accurate measurement rather than design one based on predefined heuristics. Finally, we evaluate the proposed RLFDC on Defects4J by applying the studied metrics to test selection and generation. According to the experimental results, the proposed RLFDC outperforms all the result-agnostic metrics in both test selection and generation, e.g., when applied to selecting human-written tests, RLFDC achieves 28.2% and 21.6% higher acc@1 and mAP values compared to the state-of-the-art result-agnostic metric TfD. Besides, RLFDC even achieves competitive performance compared to the state-of-the-art result-aware metric FDG in test selection.
System Safety Monitoring of Learned Components Using Temporal Metric Forecasting
Authors: Sharifi Sepehr , Stocco Andrea , Briand Lionel C.
Published: January 2025

In learning-enabled autonomous systems, safety monitoring of learned components is crucial to ensure their outputs do not lead to system safety violations, given the operational context of the system. However, developing a safety monitor for practical deployment in real-world applications is challenging. This is due to limited access to internal workings and training data of the learned component. Furthermore, safety monitors should predict safety violations with low latency, while consuming a reasonable computation resource amount.

To address the challenges, we propose a safety monitoring method based on probabilistic time series forecasting. Given the learned component outputs and an operational context, we empirically investigate different Deep Learning (DL)-based probabilistic forecasting to predict the objective measure capturing the satisfaction or violation of a safety requirement (
safety metric
). We empirically evaluate safety metric and violation prediction accuracy, and inference latency and resource usage of four state-of-the-art models, with varying horizons, using autonomous aviation and autonomous driving case studies. Our results suggest that probabilistic forecasting of safety metrics, given learned component outputs and scenarios, is effective for safety monitoring. Furthermore, for both case studies, the Temporal Fusion Transformer (TFT) was the most accurate model for predicting imminent safety violations, with acceptable latency and resource consumption.
Mitigating Regression Faults Induced by Feature Evolution in Deep Learning Systems
Authors: You Hanmo , Wang Zan , Chen Xuyang , Chen Junjie , Sun Jun , Liu Shuang , Dong Zishuo
Published: January 2025

Deep learning (DL) systems have been widely utilized across various domains. However, the evolution of DL systems can result in regression faults. In addition to the evolution of DL systems through the incorporation of new data, feature evolution, such as the addition of new features, is also common and can introduce regression faults. In this work, we first investigate the underlying factors that are correlated with regression faults in feature evolution scenarios, i.e., redundancy and contribution shift. Based on our investigation, we propose a novel mitigation approach called FeaProtect, which aims to minimize the impact of these two factors. To evaluate the performance of FeaProtect, we conducted an extensive study comparing it with state-of-the-art approaches. The results show that FeaProtect outperforms the in-processing baseline approaches, with an average improvement of 50.6%

\(\sim\)

56.4% in terms of regression fault mitigation. We also show that FeaProtect can further enhance the effectiveness of mitigating regression faults by integrating with state-of-the-art post-processing approaches.
ZT-SDN: An ML-Powered Zero-Trust Architecture for Software-Defined Networks
Authors: Katsis Charalampos , Bertino Elisa
Published: January 2025

Zero Trust (ZT) is a security paradigm aiming to curtail an attacker’s lateral movements within a network by implementing least-privilege and per-request access control policies. However, its widespread adoption is hindered by the difficulty of generating proper rules owing to the lack of detailed knowledge of communication requirements and the characteristic behaviors of communicating entities under benign conditions. Consequently, manual rule generation becomes cumbersome and error prone. To address these problems, we propose
ZT-SDN
, an automated framework for learning and enforcing network access control in Software-Defined Networks (SDNs). ZT-SDN collects data from the underlying network and models the network “transactions” performed by communicating entities as graphs. The nodes represent entities, whereas the directed edges represent transactions identified by different protocol stacks observed. It uses novel unsupervised learning approaches to extract transaction patterns directly from the network data, such as the allowed protocol stacks and port numbers and data transmission behavior. Finally, ZT-SDN uses an innovative approach to generate correct access control rules and infer strong associations between them, allowing proactive rule deployment in forwarding devices. We show the framework’s efficacy in detecting abnormal network accesses and abuses of permitted flows in changing network conditions with real network datasets. Additionally, we showcase ZT-SDN’s scalability and the network’s performance when applied in an SDN environment.
Parallel-Correctness and Transferability for Conjunctive Queries under Bag Semantics
Authors: Ketsman Bas , Neven Frank , Vandevoort Brecht
Published: January 2025

Single-round multiway join algorithms first reshuffle data over many servers and then evaluate the query at hand in a parallel and communication-free way. A key question is whether a given distribution policy for the reshuffle is adequate for computing a given query. This property is referred to as parallel-correctness. Another key problem is to detect whether the data reshuffle step can be avoided when evaluating subsequent queries. The latter problem is referred to as transfer of parallel-correctness. This article extends the study of parallel-correctness and transfer of parallel-correctness of conjunctive queries to incorporate bag semantics. We provide semantical characterizations for both problems, obtain complexity bounds, and discuss the relationship with their set semantics counterparts. Finally, we revisit both problems under a modified distribution model that takes advantage of a linear order on compute nodes and obtain tight complexity bounds.
NNFit: A Self-Supervised Deep Learning Method for Accelerated Quantification of High-Resolution Short-Echo-Time MR Spectroscopy Datasets
Authors: Giuffrida Alexander S. , Sheriff Sulaiman , Huang Vicki , Weinberg Brent D. , Cooper Lee A. D. , Liu Yuan , Soher Brian J. , Treadway Michael , Maudsley Andrew A. , Shim Hyunsuk
Published: January 2025

NNFit, a deep learning method for accelerated quantification of echo-planar spectroscopic imaging datasets, achieved competitive quantitative performance compared with a standard parametric modeling spectral analysis method (FITT), with greater computational efficiency.
Modeling the Nucleation and Growth of Lead Sulfate Particles on Lead Electrodes
Authors: Effat Mohammed B. , Knehr Kevin W. , Fister Timothy T. , Ferels Crystal , Chaudhari Nikhil , Lopes Pietro Papa
Published: January 2025

Lead-acid batteries (LABs) play a pivotal role in the energy storage sector with applications spanning from starting-lighting-ignition batteries to grid energy storage. Passivation of lead negative electrodes by PbSO4 particles is a fundamental mechanism limiting the performance of LAB. In this regard, an electrochemical model is developed that simulates the nucleation and growth (N&G) dynamics of PbSO4 particles on a flat lead electrode, responsible for its passivation. The model considers the electrochemical reactions between lead electrode and sulfuric acid, N&G of PbSO4 particles, passivation of the lead surface, and the ternary transport of PbSO4 (aq), bisulfate, and protons in H2SO4 electrolyte. The model is validated with a dataset of cyclic voltammetry (CV) responses collected at several scan rates and H2SO4 concentrations. The model shows remarkable qualitative and quantitative agreement with the experimental data including CV peak features, discharge capacity, and particle size. The model was employed to explore key N&G quantities, such as supersaturation, nucleation rate, particle count, growth rate, particle size, and surface coverage, and to examine how their interactions influence electrode utilization. Parametric studies were also conducted to evaluate how scan rates and acid concentrations influence the previously mentioned N&G quantities and, subsequently, the utilization of the electrode.
Communication─A High-Efficiency and Low-Damage Treatment for Pressure Less Sintering of Ag Micro-Nano Particles at Low Temperature
Authors: Yan Han , Qi Xiaoyun , Wang Chenxi
Published: January 2025

Pressure-free and low-damage interconnections are essential for high-density packaging of high-power devices. Here, a novel and high-efficient plasma treatment method to sinter micro-nano particles at low temperature without pressure is discussed. The silver paste was exposed to Ar/H2 plasma for only 10 s, followed by sintering at 200 ℃ for 15 min. The shear strength increased to 2.6 times that of the untreated sample. Improvements in the sheet resistivity and thermal conductivity were observed. Ar/H2 plasma treatment is a viable approach for enhancing the sintering performance of commercially available silver pastes, thereby contributing to advancements in packaging technology.
Teaching pathological physiology of sepsis using a high-fidelity simulator
Authors: Capec Szergej , Capec Gabriella , Mateasikova Zuzana , Rancova Hana , Petrkova Jana , Vachutka Jaromir , Petrek Martin
Published: January 2025

The authors applied core theoretical concepts of physiology and the fundamental concepts of pathological physiology for teaching sepsis and septic shock clinical scenarios on the high-fidelity simulator in the course of pathological physiology for preclinical medical students. It elevated students’ interest and motivation, enhanced the educational experience, and prepared students better for real-world clinical decision-making. We consider that this idea might be an inspiration to colleagues and invite further discussion.
Enhancing student understanding of cardiovascular disease burden in marginalized communities in the physiology classroom
Authors: Moreira-Bouchard Jesse D. , Roberts Lisa M. , Silva Vanessa , Nessen Evan J. , Smith Karan K. , Streed Carl G. , Fetterman Jessica L.
Published: January 2025

Physiology education has historically lacked the inclusion of the social determinants of health and discussion of medically marginalized communities. Here, we show that discussion of cardiovascular disease and psychosocial stress in marginalized communities improves student understanding of the distribution of and causes of cardiovascular disease in marginalized groups. We conclude that more physiology instructors should include discussions on chronic diseases within multiple communities and programs should incorporate social determinants of health into their curricula.
Kisspeptin and neurokinin B: roles in reproductive health
Authors: Koysombat Kanyada , Tsoutsouki Jovanna , Patel Aaran H. , Comninos Alexander N. , Dhillo Waljit S. , Abbara Ali
Published: January 2025

Kisspeptin and neurokinin B (NKB) play a key role in several physiological processes including in puberty, adult reproductive function including the menstrual cycle, as well as mediating the symptoms of menopause. Infundibular kisspeptin neurons, which coexpress NKB, regulate the activity of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and thus the physiological pulsatile secretion of GnRH from the hypothalamus. Outside of their hypothalamic reproductive roles, these peptides are implicated in several physiological functions including sexual behavior and attraction, placental function, and bone health. Over the last two decades, research findings have considerably enhanced our understanding of the physiological regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and identified potential therapeutic applications. For example, recognition of the role of kisspeptin as the natural inductor of ovulation has led to research investigating its use as a safer, more physiological trigger of oocyte maturation in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Moreover, the key role of NKB in the pathophysiology of menopausal hot flashes has led to the development of pharmacological antagonism of this pathway. Indeed, fezolinetant, a neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist, has recently received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for clinical use to treat menopausal vasomotor symptoms. Here, we discuss the roles of kisspeptin and NKB in human physiology, including in the regulation of puberty, menstrual cyclicity, reproductive behavior, pregnancy, menopause, and bone homeostasis. We describe how perturbations of these key physiological processes can result in disease states and consider how kisspeptin and NKB could be exploited diagnostically as well as therapeutically to treat reproductive disorders.
Numerical Simulation of Fluid Shear Stress Distribution in Microcracks of Trabecular Bone
Authors: Gao Yan , Zhao Sen , Yang Ailing
Published: January 2025

Bone is one of the hardest tissues in the human body, but it can undergo microcracks under long‐term and periodic mechanical loads. The Newton iterative method was used to calculate the steady state, and the effects of different inlet and outlet pressures, trabecular gap width and height, and microcrack’s depth and width on the fluid shear stress (FSS) were studied, and the gradient of FSS inside the microcrack was analyzed. The results show that the pressure difference and trabecular gap heigh are positively correlated with the FSS (the linear correlation coefficients R2 were 0.9768 and 0.96542, respectively). When the trabecular gap width was 100 μm, the peak of FSS decreased by 28.57% compared with 800 and 400 μm, and the gradient of FSS inside the microcrack was 0.1–0.4 Pa/mm. This study can help people more intuitively understand the internal fluid distribution of trabecular bone and provide a reliable theoretical basis for the subsequent construction of gradient FSS devices in vitro.
Permanent Deformation of Thermoplastic Polyurethane in the Solid‐State Rolling Process
Authors: Ahmadi Ehsan , Forouzan Mohammad Reza , Mosaddegh Peiman
Published: January 2025

The findings suggest that rolling is a potentially effective technique for commercial applications in industries requiring high‐performance polymer films. The solid‐state rolling process is well‐established for semicrystalline and amorphous polymers, but its application to segmented, two‐phase polymers like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which features physically cross‐linked systems and excellent physical and mechanical properties, remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the rolling of TPU under various conditions to address viscous relaxation and achieve maximum thickness reduction, producing thin sheets. The rolling characteristics were assessed by measuring the thickness changes of rolled specimens of two TPUs with different hard phase fractions, alongside thermoset polyurethane (PUR) with chemical cross‐linking for comparative analysis. The results showed that the TPUs exhibited little plastic deformation at room temperature. The cold rolling test, conducted at a rolling speed of 0.5 m min−1 with a nominal reduction of 85%, indicated that the permanent reduction ratio was less than 35% for both TPUs. However, when the rolling speed was increased to 3 m min−1, the permanent reduction ratio increased to 67% and 60% for TPU ShA90 and TPU ShA85, respectively. This result indicates that at high rolling speeds, the thermal condition tends to change from isotherm to adiabatic in the rolling test. The maximum reduction ratio of 70% was achieved at a nominal reduction of 85% for TPU ShA90 at higher rolling temperatures and speeds.
Awareness and Knowledge of Chemotherapy Among Cancer Patients at Suresh Wagle Memorial Cancer Centre, Kathmandu
Authors: Tamang Sabina , Prajapati Urmila , Maharjan Gayatri
Published: January 2025

Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in cancer treatment, targeting rapidly dividing abnormal and normal cells, which often leads to significant side effects. This study aimed to assess the awareness of chemotherapy among cancer patients at Suresh Wagle Memorial Cancer Centre, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Kathmandu, Nepal. A descriptive cross‐sectional design was employed, involving 103 cancer patients selected through nonprobability, purposive sampling. Data were collected via in‐person interviews using a semistructured questionnaire. Statistical analysis, including chi‐square tests, was conducted to explore associations between patients’ knowledge of chemotherapy and biodemographic variables. The results indicated that nearly half of the respondents, 50 (48.5%), had moderate knowledge of chemotherapy, while a significant association was found between the cycle of chemotherapy and access to health information, with a p value of less than 0.05. The study highlights the need for regular patient education and counseling to enhance awareness and understanding of chemotherapy. The use of educational materials such as brochures, videos, and online resources is recommended to reinforce patients’ knowledge and improve their overall quality of life during treatment.
The Material Basis for the Beneficial Effects of Paidu Powder on Hyperuricemia: A Network Pharmacology and Clinical Study
Authors: Yan Sun , Tong Wu , Ye Zhu , Shuwen Zheng , Yuting Guo , Jian Lin , Zhang Hailing , Yonglin Gao
Published: January 2025

Background: Paidu powder (PDP) is a formula that is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices and has been demonstrated to be effective to lower blood uric acid (UA) level.

Methods: Network pharmacology was employed to probe the mechanistic basis for the beneficial effects of PDP. Then, PDP was subjected to Aspergillus oryza AS3.042 fermentation, and the primary bioactive compounds in the resultant samples were analyzed via HPLC. A clinical study was then performed to test the therapeutic effects of unfermented and fermented PDP on HUA.

Results: Network pharmacology strategies identified 122 active compounds and 924 HUA‐related target genes, with 61 overlapping targets relative to PDP and HUA ultimately being selected. These target genes were associated with 474 GO biological process terms and 136 KEGG pathways. Moreover, good binding was observed between three main bioactive compounds of interest and nine primary target proteins. Notably, the levels of the top three bioactive compounds (quercetin, kaempferol, and naringenin) were significantly elevated by 308.96%, 1386.44%, and 719.21%, respectively, following fermentation. Clinical analyses indicated that both PDP and fermented PDP treatment significantly reduced UA, CRE, and BUN levels (p < 0.01), with a higher overall efficacy rate in the fermented PDP group relative to the unfermented PDP group (p < 0.01). Fewer adverse reactions were also observed in the fermented PDP group.

Conclusion: These results offer novel insights into the putative mechanisms through which PDP can exert its beneficial effects against HUA, offering a novel basis for the identification of the pharmacological effects of this popular TCM prescription.
Advancements and Future Directions of Dual‐Target Chimeric Antigen Receptor T‐Cell Therapy in Preclinical and Clinical Studies
Authors: Zhang Chenyun , Liu Haizhou
Published: January 2025

In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) therapy has made groundbreaking progress in the treatment of various cancer types, particularly hematological malignancies. In the meantime, various preclinical and clinical studies have extensively explored dual‐target CAR‐T therapies which can be designed to recognize two antigens simultaneously based on the immunophenotype of tumor cells. Compared with single‐target CAR‐T approach, dual‐target CAR‐T therapies demonstrate varying degrees of superior antitumor CAR effects, prevent antigen escape and relapse, reduce on‐target off‐tumor effects, and ensure durable responses in different types of cancer. These advantages highlight the potential future prospects in this field, showing varying degrees of advancement in preclinical and clinical studies. Herein, we aimed to review different dual‐target CAR‐T studies conducted on a wide range of tumor models, summarizing the selection of target combinations, the efficacy and safety demonstrated in preclinical and clinical settings, the existing limitations, and the potential future directions of this promising therapeutic strategy.
The Effect of Preexisting Fracture Angles on Crack Propagation in Sandstone
Authors: Mughieda Omer , Namdar Abdoullah , Alzaylaie Marwan , Abd.Razak Abdul Syukor
Published: January 2025

The fracture propagation on the rock causes failure and impacts the sustainability time of the structure. As part of the present work, sandstone with the variation of preexisting crack angle was simulated using the extended finite element method (XFEM). The crack propagation on sandstone has a preexisting fracture angle of 30°, 45°, and 60°, with an equivalent crack length. The impact of preexisting fracture angle on the possibility of crack propagation, failure mechanism, and displacement at a critical point of all models was studied. The numerical simulation revealed the crack angle of the model control vibration and its impact on the model’s seismic stability. The XFEM results are validated with reference to those available in the literature. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are used for prediction by considering the training, testing, and validation process and analyzing prediction errors. The present simulation’s conclusion significantly supports the model’s displacement prediction with no crack propagation occurrence. In addition, by considering the preexisting fracture angle of a model, the load sustainability can be estimated.
Table 2 from First-in-Human Study of 23ME-00610, an Antagonistic Antibody for Genetically Validated CD200R1 Immune Checkpoint, in Participants with Advanced Solid Malignancies
Authors: Kummar Shivaani , Razak Albiruni Abdul , Laurie Scott , Glatt Dylan M. , Kell Sariah , Diep Anh N. , Schmidt Maike , Hom Clifford , German Chris , Shringarpure Suyash S. , Majeed Sophia R. , Rasco Drew
Published: January 2025

23ME-00610 treatment exposure and AE summary
Global Trends and Collaborative Models in Manipulative Therapy for Low Back Pain: A Bibliometric and Academic Network Analysis
Authors: Tian Yukui , Han Nianrong , Bai Xue , Liu Junchang
Published: January 2025

Background
Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition that significantly affects work productivity and quality of life. Despite advancements in treatment, LBP continues to pose a global health challenge, with increasing research on manipulative therapy as a non-invasive treatment option. This study aims to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research trends in manipulative therapy for LBP.
Summary
This study utilized the Web of Science Core Collection database to analyze global research dynamics on manipulative therapy for LBP from 1998 to 2023. A total of 2,879 articles were identified and analyzed using CiteSpace software, revealing key research trends, leading countries, and influential contributors. The analysis demonstrated that research on manipulative therapy for LBP has been steadily increasing, particularly between 2019 and 2021. The United States, the Netherlands, and Denmark were among the leading countries in this field. Core research concepts identified through keyword co-occurrence analysis include "low back pain," "manipulative therapy," and "spinal manipulation."
Key Messages
Manipulative therapy for LBP is a growing field with increasing global interest, particularly between 2019 and 2021.
The United States, Netherlands, and Denmark are leading contributors to the research, with notable academic collaborations.
Future research should focus on comparative treatment effectiveness, safety assessments, and mechanistic analyses to further validate the role of manipulative therapy in LBP management.
Association of Right Bundle Branch Block with Ischemic Stroke Incidence: A UK Biobank Cohort Study
Authors: Park Dougho , Phoung Sopheak , Borei Phoeuk , Bang Myeonghwan , Kim Seungsoo , Suh Yousin , Kim Hyoung Seop , Kim Jong Hun
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Right bundle branch block (RBBB) is often considered benign; however, its association with ischemic stroke (IS) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between RBBB and the incidence of IS.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the UK Biobank database (2004–2021), which included 3,634 participants with new-onset RBBB and 3,643 matched controls. The primary outcome was the incidence of IS, while the secondary outcomes included atrial fibrillation (AF) and all-cause mortality. We applied a propensity score matching with variables such as age, sex, presence of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Subsequently, time-dependent Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the association between RBBB and the outcomes.

Results: The cumulative incidence of IS was higher in the RBBB group. RBBB was independently associated with an increased risk of IS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.12–6.03; p < 0.001), as well as AF (aHR, 4.58; 95% CI, 3.86–5.43; p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (aHR, 2.66; 95% CI, 2.35–3.02; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: RBBB was associated with an increased risk of IS, independent of age, sex, and other comorbidities. These findings emphasize the need for careful monitoring and management of patients with RBBB to mitigate the risk of IS and other adverse outcomes. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and better inform clinical management strategies for patients with RBBB.
A pilot, single-blinded, randomized cross-over trial of cramp reduction with angiotensin II in maintenance patients on hemodialysis (The CRAMP-HD study)
Authors: Phongphithakchai Atthaphong , Bellomo Rinaldo , Mount Peter , Bach Cindy-Anne T. , Gurry Greta , Liu Wendy , Maeda Akinori , Pattamin Nuttapol , Hikasa Yukiko , Spano Sofia , Chaba Anis , Eastwood Glenn , Chawla Mink , Atkinson Arthur J. , Wilkie James , See Emily J.
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Angiotensin II may reduce muscle ischemia during intermittent hemodialysis and thereby decrease the incidence and/or intensity of intradialytic muscle cramps. We aimed to test whether angiotensin II infusion during intermittent hemodialysis is safe, feasible, and effective in the attenuation of muscle cramps.
Methods: We performed a pilot, single-blinded, randomized crossover trial of patients receiving intermittent hemodialysis who frequently experience intradialytic muscle cramps. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either intravenous angiotensin II or placebo for the duration of their first dialysis session of the week. They crossed over to the alternate arm each week for four weeks. The primary outcome was safety. Secondary outcomes included cramp-related symptoms, hemodynamic parameters, dialysis prescription alterations, and biomarkers.
Results: We studied 24 sessions in 6 patients. Intradialytic hypertension (systolic blood pressure >180mmHg) occurred more often with angiotensin II than with placebo (33% vs 17% sessions, P=0.64). There were no other adverse events. Compared with placebo, muscle cramps were less frequent (33% vs. 92% sessions, P=0.009) and of lower intensity with angiotensin II (median Brief Pain Inventory score 1.4 vs. 5.3; P<0.001; maximal Brief Pain Inventory score 1.2 vs. 6.0; P<0.001). Fluid bolus administration for cramps was less common during angiotensin II infusion than placebo (0% vs. 42% sessions, P=0.037).
Conclusion: Angiotensin II increased blood pressure and heart rate but not cardiac output or levels of troponin, creatine kinase or renin. In conclusion, angiotensin II infusion during intermittent hemodialysis appears safe and effective at reducing intradialytic muscle cramps. These observations justify further investigation in larger controlled studies.
Validity and Reliability of the M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory in Turkish Patients with Neurological Disease
Authors: Keles Muserrefe Nur , Inal Ozun Ozgu , Gesoglu Demir Tulin , Sarioglu Ermumcu Serife Gizem , Sengeze Nihat
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Dysphagia is a prevalent symptom of various neurological diseases and is associated with decreased quality of life. The M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) is globally utilized tool to assess the impact of dysphagia on quality of life. However, a Turkish version of the scale is not yet available. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the MDADI.
Methods: One hundred twenty-four patients who were diagnosed with definite neurological disease completed the study. The cross-cultural adaptation and translation process of the MDADI adhered to the World Health Organization's guidelines using the forward-backward translation method. The feasibility and the floor and ceiling effects were evaluated. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess internal consistency. The Bland and Altman method and Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were used to evaluate test-retest reliability. Absolute reliability was determined using the standard error of the measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). Construct validity was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the MDADI and the Turkish Swallowing Quality of Life (T-SWAL-QOL) questionnaire.
Results: Our study had a feasibility rate of 100%. No floor or ceiling effects were determined for any subscale or composite scores of the T-MDADI. The T-MDADI demonstrated excellent reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.89 to 0.96 and ICC values from 0.81 to 0.95, confirming strong internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Measurement precision was supported by a SEM of 3.96 and an MDC of 10.97 for the composite score. In terms of validity, significant correlations were observed between T-MDADI subdomains and T-SWAL-QOL subdomains (r = 0.61–0.80 for food selection, mental health, and social functioning; r = 0.41–0.60 for eating duration and communication; p < 0.01), demonstrating good to very good convergent validity.
Conclusion: The T-MDADI demonstrates validity and reliability as a questionnaire for assessing dysphagia-related quality of life in Turkish patients with neurological diseases.