bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The accuracy of estimating equations for the evaluation of kidney function in adult survivors of unilateral, nonmetastatic, non‐syndromic Wilms tumor: A pilot study from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study
Authors: Green Daniel M. , Wang Mingjuan , Krasin Matthew J. , Davidoff Andrew M. , Srivastava DeoKumar , Jay Dennis W. , Ness Kirsten K. , Shulkin Barry L. , Lanctot Jennifer Q. , Shelton Kyla C. , Brennan Rachel C. , Mulrooney Daniel A. , Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Dixon Stephanie B. , Kurt Beth A. , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M. , Spunt Sheri L.
Published: November 2024

Background

Adult survivors of unilateral, nonmetastatic, non‐syndromic Wilms tumor (WT) treated with whole abdomen radiation therapy (WART) are at risk for impaired kidney function. The impact of bias and accuracy on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among adult survivors of WT has not been well documented.

Procedure

We clinically evaluated male and female WT survivors with creatinine and cystatin C, calculated eGFR using the Chronic Kidney Disease—Epidemiology equations with and without cystatin C, and measured 99mTc diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) plasma clearance. WT survivors treated with unilateral nephrectomy (UN), non‐nephrotoxic chemotherapy (NNC) and WART or treated with UN, no radiation therapy, and NNC were enrolled. Correlations between 99mTc DTPA clearance and eGFR were calculated. Bias and the percentage of eGFR calculations that differed from the 99mTc DTPA clearance by 10% or less (P10) or 30% or less (P30) (accuracy) were calculated.

Results

Among female WT survivors, none of the eGFR calculations was statistically significantly correlated with 99mTc DTPA clearance. Among both unirradiated and WART‐treated male WT survivors, 99mTc DTPA clearance correlated well with eGFR calculations that included creatinine. eGFR calculations that included creatinine were positively biased among female participants compared to 99mTc DTPA clearance, and no P30 was greater than 90% among either irradiated males or females.

Conclusions

Among female survivors of unilateral, nonmetastatic, non‐syndromic WT who have undergone UN, eGFR is poorly correlated with, is positively biased, and lacks sufficient accuracy, compared to 99mTc DTPA clearance.
PVDF‐based nanocomposite coatings with superhydrophobic and antibacterial properties on stainless steel surfaces
Authors: Azar Somayeh Jalilzadeh , Hosseini Farzaneh , Larypoor Mohaddeseh , Seyfi Javad , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: November 2024

In this study, using a spray‐coating technique, stainless steel surfaces were coated with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and carbon soot nanoparticles. We imparted various surface properties onto the coatings' surfaces by varying the nanoparticle content and the preparation method. The main aim was to develop antibacterial surfaces by inducing superhydrophobic properties in stainless steel surfaces. In a one‐step preparation method, 5% and 10% of nanoparticles were insufficient to achieve superhydrophobicity, whereas 20% significantly increased the water contact angle to 153°. Morphological evaluations revealed the formation of a nano‐scale structure, which also led to a staggering antibacterial rate of 99.5% against Listeria monocytogenes. Using a two‐step preparation, soot nanoparticles were localized at the coating's top layer, which led to superhydrophobicity at a lower nanoparticle content (10%). However, the bacterial adhesion study showed a lower antibacterial rate (~93%). The difference in bacterial adhesion results was explained by various roughness structures according to the atomic force microscopy results. The developed system has a promising potential to be used as self‐cleaning and antibacterial coatings in the medical and food industries.

Highlights

Stainless steel surfaces were coated with PVDF and carbon soot nanoparticles

Imparted various surface properties onto the coatings' surfaces

Developed antibacterial surfaces by inducing superhydrophobic properties

Using a two‐step, soot nanoparticles were localized at the coating's top layer

Bacterial adhesion study showed a lower antibacterial rate (~93%).
Efficacy of a prototype inspiratory‐synchronized small particle versus conventional vibrating mesh nebulizer during pediatric and neonatal mechanical ventilation
Authors: Li Jie , Karabelas Paul , Gong Lingyue , Sheridan Caylie A. , Fink James B.
Published: November 2024

Background

An inspiration‐synchronized vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN) has been reported to improve aerosol delivery during adult mechanical ventilation. A prototype VMN generating smaller particles was developed. We aimed to compare the aerosol delivery efficiency of small‐particle and conventional VMNs in inspiration‐synchronized and continuous modes during neonatal and pediatric mechanical ventilation.

Methods

A critical care ventilator with heated humidified circuits connected to an endotracheal tube (ETT) and passive test lung was set to pediatric and neonate parameters. Albuterol (2.5 mg/ml, 1 ml) was administered using both small‐particle and conventional VMNs in inspiration‐synchronization and continuous modes. For the pediatric model, VMN was placed at the humidifier inlet, inspiratory limb at Y‐piece, and between Y‐piece and ETT (Y‐ETT). For the neonatal model, VMN was placed at the humidifier inlet and between Y‐ETT. Each setup was repeated five times. Albuterol collected on the filter distal to the ETT was eluted and assayed with UV spectrophotometry (276 nm).

Results

The inspiration‐synchronized VMN generated higher inhaled doses compared to continuous VMN across all nebulizer placements, particle sizes, and aerosol generation models (all p < .05). The highest inhaled doses (42.2 ± 2.0% and 40.7 ± 1.0% for pediatric and neonate, respectively) were observed with the small‐particle inspiration‐synchronized VMN placed at Y‐ETT. In the pediatric model, the inhaled dose with inspiration‐synchronized conventional VMN was similar, independent of nebulizer placements (24.4 ~ 27.0%). In contrast, the inhaled dose was greatest with continuous VMN placed at the humidifier inlet. With the neonatal model, VMN placed at Y‐ETT yielded higher doses than the humidifier inlet, and small‐particle VMNs outperformed conventional VMNs across all settings (all p < .05).

Conclusion

The prototype small‐particle VMN positioned between Y‐piece and ETT in an inspiration‐synchronized mode optimized aerosol delivery during mechanical ventilation in both pediatric and neonatal models.
Heterogeneity in Reported Side Effects Following Initiation of Elexacaftor‐Tezacaftor‐Ivacaftor: Experiences at a Quaternary CF Care Center
Authors: Papadakis Lena , Stander Tayler , Mombourquette Jacqueline , Richards Christopher J. , Yonker Lael M. , Lawton Brenden , Hardcastle Margot , Zweifach Julia , Sicilian Leonard , Bringhurst Lindsay , Neuringer Isabel P.
Published: November 2024

Background

The benefits of Elexecaftor‐Tezacaftor‐Ivacaftor (ETI) therapy on the health and wellbeing of people with CF (pwCF) are well documented. Since approval, however, a growing number of potential side effects have emerged in reports from clinical practice. With current understanding of ETI tolerability limited to data from clinical trials, the prevalence of side effects and their impact on care decision making remains poorly categorized.

Methods

A 10‐question survey was developed and distributed to patients 18 years or older who were treated at the Massachusetts General Hospital CF centers. Reports of side effects were measured across 12 distinct categories, and dose adjustments and discontinuation due to side effects were collected. If a patient reported no side effects, they did not have to complete the entire survey.

Results

Among 92 respondents initiated on ETI, 51 respondents (55.4%) reported potential side effects and 41 (44.5%) respondents reported no adverse events. The most commonly reported side effects were mental health, changes in appearance, and gastrointestinal complaints, which were reported by 22.8%, 30.4%, and 21.7% of patients, respectively. Eighteen (19.6%) respondents modified their dosing in response to side effects, and six discontinued treatment permanently (6.52%) due to persistent side effects.

Conclusions

Responses demonstrated marked heterogeneity, with most respondents reporting at least one side effect following initiation. Dose modification was commonly utilized to mitigate adverse effects, however few respondents had to discontinue treatment. These findings demonstrate the importance of monitoring for potential drug‐related side effects of ETI in clinical settings.
NezhNPV, a new biocontrol agent for Nesodiprion zhejiangensis Zhou & Xiao (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae), an emerging forest pest
Authors: Wang Qinghua , Zhao Jicheng , Li Enjie , Merchant Austin , Su Zhicheng , Liu Quanquan , Zhou Xuguo
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Nesodiprion zhejiangensis, a multivoltine sawfly, is widely distributed in south China and has caused serious damage to forests. Historically, N. zhejiangensis management has relied heavily on synthetic chemicals. To reduce the reliance on chemical control, we previously isolated a nucleopolyhedrovirus, NezhNPV, from deceased N. zhejiangensis larvae. A subsequent pathogenicity assay confirmed its high virulence in a laboratory setting.

RESULTS

In order to comprehensively examine the hypothesis that NezhNPV is an effective new biocontrol agent for N. zhejiangensis, we carried out a field test in Beijing, China, and characterized NezhNPV morphologically by electron microscopy and genetically by genome sequencing. Our field trials showed that NezhNPV was effective in controlling N. zhejiangensis in a naturally infested Himalayan blue pine forest. The occlusion bodies of NezhNPV consist of irregular polyhedra that occlude rod‐shaped enveloped virions with a single nucleocapsid per virion. The NezhNPV genome is 80 637 bp in length, and contains 90 open reading frames, including 38 core, eight lepidopteran baculovirus, 34 hymenopteran baculovirus and 10 unique baculovirus genes, representing the smallest known genome among baculoviruses. The combined results based on phylogenetic analyses, Kimura‐2‐parameter distances and biological characteristics indicate that NezhNPV is a novel gammabaculovirus and candidate for species status with the provisional name Gammabaculovirus nezhejiangensis. NezhNPV is highly collinear with other gammabaculoviruses and contains nonsyntenic regions with an inversion and rearrangement between orf3 and orf35.

CONCLUSION

The combined results from our field trials, coupled with morphological and genomic characterization clearly demonstrate the bioactivity of NezhNPV. This gammabaculovirus may be included in pest management practices against N. zhejiangensis as a novel biocontrol agent. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
High‐Frequency Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Electron‐Nuclear Double Resonance Spectroscopy Study of the Ga Vacancy in β‐Ga2O3
Authors: von Bardeleben Hans Jurgen , Cantin Jean Louis
Published: November 2024

The Ga vacancy (VGa) defect in β‐Ga2O3, generated by proton irradiation, is studied using high‐frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron‐nuclear double resonance spectroscopy. The previous X‐band EPR studies of this defect, attributed to VGa2−, are extended to higher frequencies (240 GHz) and lower temperatures (T = 6 K). The spin Hamiltonian parameters of the VGa2− center are determined: electron spin S = 1/2, g‐tensor: gb = 2.0313, gc = 2.0079, and ga = 2.0025; the hyperfine interaction parameters with 2 equivalent Ga neighbors: Ab = 14.0 G, Ac = 14.6 G, and Aa* = 12.8 G for 69Ga; the superhyperfine interaction with distant Ga neighbors ASHF(69Ga) = 11 MHz; and the quadrupole interaction Qb(69Ga) = 0.32 MHz and Qb(71Ga) = 0.22 MHz. These results shall allow to refine the assignment of this center to a split vacancy or an unrelaxed VGa2− defect.
Watershed Grouping Based on Suspended Sediment Yield Using Morphological Criteria: A Comparison of Hierarchical and Nonhierarchical Techniques
Authors: Adhami Maryam , Hamdami Ghasem , Najafinejad Ali , Sadoddin Amir , Abghari Hirad
Published: November 2024

Regional sediment analysis methods have traditionally been used to reliably estimate sediment yield in ungauged watersheds with adequate hydrometric stations. Watershed‐grouping techniques are a suitable approach for estimating sediment load, which can be used to assess erosion processes, and surface water quality, and plan soil and water conservation measures. Additionally, the relationship between sediment yield and watershed characteristics can be used to identify different stages of erosion evolution and prioritize watersheds for conservation efforts. To this end, this study aimed to assess the applicability of various analytical hierarchy process (AHP) methods, including Ward's, Single linkage, and β‐flexible methods, as well as the nonhierarchical fuzzy C‐means (FCM) method in the Gorganroud and Qareh‐Sou watersheds of northern Iran based on hydrological, geological, climatic, physiographical, and land‐use characteristics. Furthermore, the study evaluated clustering methods to determine the optimal number of subwatershed clusters. The AHP methods identified two, three, or four clusters, while the FCM method identified three clusters as the best number of clusters. The results indicated that the FCM method had a well‐regionalized estimation in the study area with the maximum amount of validation indices (The highest Dunn coefficient 0.31–0.65, the lowest TESS 16.62–36.8, and acceptable Pseudo‐F coefficient 8.1–10.4). Notably, the fuzzy clustering methods associated each input sample with two or more clusters, which reduced the uncertainty of sediment yield estimation. The recommended clustering method can be used for regional sediment analysis in ungauged watersheds and evaluated against other hydrological variables in the study area.
Threat of Human Pathogens in Farmlands: A One Health Perspective
Authors: Jiang Gaofei , Yang Xinrun , Pommier Thomas , Xu Yangchun , Shen Qirong , Wei Zhong
Published: November 2024

A key aspect of “One Health” is to recognize that environmental health and human health are inseparable. In this interconnected network, farmland plays a crucial role, as it serves as a link connecting various ecosystems. However, the threat of human pathogens in farmlands is often overlooked despite growing evidence highlighting its importance as a pressing public health concern via direct and indirect pathways. To address this issue, we advocate the adoption of a “One Health” approach, which relies on strengthening the development of detection tools and emphasizing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices aimed at enhancing soil biodiversity. By doing so, we can effectively disrupt the transmission source and mitigate the risks posed by human pathogens in agricultural ecosystems, ultimately safeguarding both human health and agricultural sustainability.
Design and Application of Nuclear and Molecular Theragnostic Probes
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Chaturvedi Shubhra , Kaul Ankur , Pal Sunil , Singh V. P. , Mishra A. K.
Published: November 2024

With growing propensity towards personalised medication, the application and impact of molecular theragnostic (or, theranostic) is expected to increase dramatically. Molecular theragnostic is the combination of diagnostics and therapeutics in single targeted molecule. If successful, molecular theragnostic will determine the treatment strategy and therapeutic outcome apart from favourably influencing the time of treatment and comfort of the patient. Recent developments such as [64Cu]Cu‐ATSM for imaging tumor‐hypoxia, 99Y silicate for arthritis, 1⁷⁷Lu‐PSMA‐617 for prostate cancer etc has been discussed in detail in the literature.[1,2] This sectioned review deals in particular with the development of nuclear molecular theragnostic agents. The genesis and design strategies are presented after compiling recent reports.
Brønsted Acid Saponin Combined Catalyst (BASapC) for the Synthesis of Diverse 1,1‐Dihomoarylmethane Scaffolds in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Nirmale Shubhangi , Patil Karuna , Kumbhar Arjun , Rajmane Archana
Published: November 2024

The present study describes the synthesis of various bioactive compounds, including bis‐coumarins, bis‐lawsones, bis‐dimedones, and bis‐indolylmethanes, using a novel catalytic system called “Brønsted acid saponin combined catalyst” (BASapC). The BASapC was formed by combining p‐toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) and saponin in an aqueous medium. The prepared BASapC proved to be effective in facilitating cascade‐type Knoevenagel–Michael addition reactions between various aromatic aldehydes with 4‐hydroxycoumarin, lawsone, dimedone, or indole at 80 °C. In the BASapC system, PTSA acted as a powerful Brønsted acid, activating reactants, whereas saponin served as a natural surfactant, enhancing the solubility of organic compounds in water. This catalytic approach established a straightforwardness and robustness of diversity‐oriented synthesis (DoS), delivering the desired products with good to excellent yields. Additionally, the BASapC exhibited recyclability for at least four cycles without significant loss of activity.
MXene Hydrogels for Soft Multifunctional Sensing: A Synthesis‐Centric Review
Authors: Amara Umay , Xu Lingtian , Hussain Iftikhar , Yang Kai , Hu Haibo , Ho Derek
Published: November 2024

Intelligent wearable sensors based on MXenes hydrogels are rapidly advancing the frontier of personalized healthcare management. MXenes, a new class of transition metal carbon/nitride synthesized only a decade ago, have proved to be a promising candidate for soft sensors, advanced human–machine interfaces, and biomimicking systems due to their controllable and high electrical conductivity, as well as their unique mechanical properties as derived from their atomistically thin layered structure. In addition, MXenes’ biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and antifouling properties render them particularly suitable to synergize with hydrogels into a composite for mechanoelectrical functions. Nonetheless, while the use of MXene as a multifunctional surface or an electrical current collector such as an energy device electrode is prevalent, its incorporation into a gel system for the purpose of sensing is vastly less understood and formalized. This review provides a systematic exposition to the synthesis, property, and application of MXene hydrogels for intelligent wearable sensors. Specific challenges and opportunities on the synthesis of MXene hydrogels and their adoption in practical applications are explicitly analyzed and discussed to facilitate cross gemination across disciplines to advance the potential of MXene multifunctional sensing hydrogels.
Record‐Breaking H2S Capture and ppm‐Level Sensing with a Chemically Stable Porous Organic Cage
Authors: Obeso Juan L. , Hu Dingyue , López‐Cervantes Valeria B. , Amador‐Sánchez Yoarhy A. , Flores Catalina V. , Flores J. Gabriel , Ling Sanliang , Lima Enrique , Gutiérrez‐Alejandre Aída , Vera Marco A. , Peralta Ricardo A. , de los Reyes José Antonio , Solis‐Ibarra Diego , Ibarra Ilich A. , Liu Ming
Published: November 2024

The first experimental investigation of a porous organic cage (POC) for the challenging task of H2S capture is reported. The N‐containing cage molecular material, a tertiary amine POC (6FT‐RCC3), demonstrates the highest H2S (hydrogen sulfide) capture (record capacity) for a porous material at room temperature and atmospheric pressure (20.6 mmol H2S g−1; 25 H2S molecules per cage) combined with excellent reversibility for at least five adsorption–desorption cycles. In situ FTIR spectroscopy, solid‐state 13C, and 15N CP MAS NMR spectroscopy experiments are applied to investigate the adsorption mechanism, identifying relatively weak interactions via hydrogen bonding. In addition, the fluorescence performances of this POC material are evaluated for the detection and sensing of H2S, where a clear H2S selectivity is observed over other gases. Remarkably, the limit of detection (LOD) is calculated to be 0.13 mm (≈4.43 ppm) in a tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution of H2S.
Early Stages of High‐Temperature Oxidation Behavior and Its Phase Evolution of 9% Ni Steel
Authors: Mingqi Liu , Fujun Dong , Yong Wan , Ruihong Cao , Yonghong Wen , Lefei Sun , Jiping Lv , Lijie Tian
Published: November 2024

Herein, the effects of oxygen partial pressure (5–20%) and oxidation time (0.5–6 h) on the growth behavior and phase structure of 9% Ni steel oxide layer are studied by means of high‐temperature oxidation experiment, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The results show that the inner and outer oxide layers of 9% Ni steel grow opposite to each other along the initial surface direction of the vertical matrix during the high‐temperature oxidation process. From the perspective of the phase, the phase transition of Fe2O3→Fe3O4→FeO mainly undergoes from the outside and the inside, the results of thermodynamic calculations show that <<<0, and the main factor affecting the phase transition is the diffusion concentration of free O and Fe atoms. During the high‐temperature oxidation process of 9% Ni steel, the diffusion of O and Fe atoms along grain boundaries promotes preferential oxidation at these boundaries. The columnar structure formed in the outer oxide layer of 9% Ni steel may be related to the uneven diffusion rate of Fe atoms at different positions at the interface between the inner and outer oxide layers.
MCM4 Promotes the Progression of Malignant Melanoma by Activating the PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Zhang Xuewei , Dong Mingming , Zheng Guoxing , Sun Meng , Zhang Chuzhao , Zhou Zibin , Tang Shijie
Published: November 2024

This study aims to elucidate the role of minichromosome maintenance protein 4 (MCM4) in malignant melanoma (MM) and explore the underlying mechanism. Initially, data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the Molecular Signature Database (MSigDB) were used to investigate the biological impact of MCM4 on MM. Further, a prognostic model using Cox regression analysis was developed to predict the overall survival (OS) rate in the MM patients. The effects of MCM4 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of MM (B16F0 and A375) cells were demonstrated using the CCK‐8, colony formation, EDU, wound scratch, and Transwell assays. In subcutaneous tumor models in C57BL/6 mice in vivo, the expression levels of MCM4 in MM cells and tumors were detected using Western blot and immunofluorescence approaches. The bioinformatics analysis indicated that MCM4 was expressed higher in MM tissues than in the normal tissues (p < 0.05). The established OS prediction model could significantly contribute to devising follow‐up strategies and treating MM patients. MCM4 knockdown resulted in reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of MM cells, which were reversed by MCM4 overexpression (p < 0.05). Moreover, MCM4 could activate the phosphatidylinositol 3′‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway in MM cells. The PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) could reverse the effects of MCM4 on MM cells. MCM4 could substantially prompt the tumor growth of MM in mice through the PI3K/AKT pathway in vivo. In summary, MCM4 prompted the development and metastasis of MM by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Business Analytics in Customer Lifetime Value: An Overview Analysis
Authors: Dogan Onur , Hiziroglu Abdulkadir , Pisirgen Ali , Seymen Omer Faruk
Published: November 2024

In customer‐oriented systems, customer lifetime value (CLV) has been of significant importance for academia and marketing practitioners, especially within the scope of analytical modeling. CLV is a critical approach to managing and organizing a company's profitability. With the vast availability of consumer data, business analytics (BA) tools and approaches, alongside CLV models, have been applied to gain deeper insights into customer behaviors and decision‐making processes. Despite the recognized importance of CLV, there is a noticeable gap in comprehensive analyses and reviews of BA techniques applied to CLV. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting a thorough survey of the state‐of‐the‐art investigations on CLV models integrated with BA approaches, thereby contributing to a research agenda in this field. The review methodology consists of three main steps: identification of relevant studies, creating a coding plan, and ensuring coding reliability. First, relevant studies were identified using predefined keywords. Next, a coding plan—one of the study's significant contributions—was developed to evaluate these studies comprehensively. Finally, the coding plan's reliability was tested by three experts before being applied to the selected studies. Additionally, specific evaluation criteria in the coding plan were implemented to introduce new insights. This study presents exciting and valuable results from various perspectives, providing a crucial reference for academic researchers and marketing practitioners interested in the intersection of BA and CLV.
Combating infections under siege: Healthcare challenges amidst the military assault in Gaza
Authors: Irfan Bilal , Lulu Izzeddin , Hamawy Adam , Shammala Abdallah Abu , Kullab Susan , Fawaz Mohamed , Sammour Abd Al‐Karim , Khawaja Haseeb , Alshaer Nour , Abu‐Sittah Ghassan , Alser Osaid , Perlmutter Mark , Al‐Shembari Anas , Hickey Jeremy , Nayfeh Tariq , Tahir Mohammed , Sultan Muhammad Junaid , Nasser Elias , Wajahath Muaaz , Yaqoob Aneela , Hasan Ahmad , Elaydi Ali , Ghali Abdullah , Nasser Mosab , Saleh Khaled J.
Published: November 2024

The ongoing Israeli military assault on Gaza has caused a devastating collapse of healthcare infrastructure, resulting in an unprecedented surge in infectious diseases. The destruction of sanitation systems, restrictions on medical supplies, and displacement of civilians have created an environment conducive to the rapid spread of waterborne, vector‐borne, and antibiotic‐resistant infections. This paper draws from the insights of local Palestinian healthcare workers and recent medical missions conducted by FAJR Scientific, the Palestine American Medical Association, and Doctors Without Borders, examining infection control efforts under extreme constraints. The missions encountered major challenges, such as the absence of sterile equipment, inadequate access to clean water, and disrupted healthcare services. These conditions have exacerbated the spread of diseases such as hepatitis, meningitis, and polio, with severe impacts on Gaza's pediatric population. Efforts to implement infection control measures, such as telemedicine consultations, wound care protocols, and antibiotic stewardship, were heavily impeded by the ongoing blockade. The paper underscores the critical importance of lifting the siege to allow humanitarian access and to address the root causes of the infectious disease crisis in Gaza. It also highlights the resilience of Palestinian healthcare workers who continue to provide care under these dire circumstances. The recommendations outlined aim to support future medical teams working in conflict zones by providing practical strategies for infection prevention and control amidst such sustained violence. These efforts are contingent on international intervention and an end to the systematic blockade that has weaponized healthcare access.
Topological recursion for hyperbolic string field theory
Authors: Fırat Atakan Hilmi , Valdes-Meller Nico
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We derive an analog of Mirzakhani’s recursion relation for hyperbolic string vertices and investigate its implications for closed string field theory. Central to our construction are systolic volumes: the Weil-Petersson volumes of regions in moduli spaces of Riemann surfaces whose elements have systoles L ≥ 0. These volumes can be shown to satisfy a recursion relation through a modification of Mirzakhani’s recursion as long as L ≤ 2 sinh−1 1. Applying the pants decomposition of Riemann surfaces to off-shell string amplitudes, we promote this recursion to hyperbolic string field theory and demonstrate the higher order vertices are determined by the cubic vertex iteratively for any background. Such structure implies the solutions of closed string field theory obey a quadratic integral equation. We illustrate the utility of our approach in an example of a stubbed scalar theory.
One-dimensional Carrollian fluids. Part I. Carroll-Galilei duality
Authors: Athanasiou Nikolaos , Petropoulos P. Marios , Schulz Simon M. , Taujanskas Grigalius
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Galilean and Carrollian algebras acting on two-dimensional Newton-Cartan and Carrollian manifolds are isomorphic. A consequence of this property is a duality correspondence between one-dimensional Galilean and Carrollian fluids. We describe the dynamics of these systems as they emerge from the relevant limits of Lorentzian hydrodynamics, and explore the advertised duality relationship. This interchanges longitudinal and transverse directions with respect to the flow velocity, and permutes equilibrium and out-of-equilibrium observables, unveiling specific features of Carrollian physics. We investigate the action of local hydrodynamic-frame transformations in the Galilean and Carrollian configurations, i.e. dual Galilean and Carrollian local boosts, and comment on their potential breaking. Emphasis is laid on the additional geometric elements that are necessary to attain complete systems of hydrodynamic equations in Newton-Cartan and Carroll spacetimes. Our analysis is conducted in general Cartan frames as well as in more explicit coordinates, specifically suited to Galilean or Carrollian use.
Probing Krylov complexity in scalar field theory with general temperatures
Authors: He Peng-Zhang , Zhang Hai-Qing
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Krylov complexity characterizes the operator growth in the quantum many-body systems or quantum field theories. The existing literatures have studied the Krylov complexity in the low temperature limit in the quantum field theories. In this paper, we extend and systematically study the Krylov complexity and Krylov entropy in a scalar field theory with general temperatures. To this end, we propose a new method to calculate the Wightman power spectrum which allows us to compute the Lanczos coefficients and subsequently to study the Krylov complexity (entropy) in general temperatures. We find that the Lanczos coefficients and Krylov complexity (entropy) in the high temperature limit will behave somewhat differently from those studies in the low temperature limit. We give an explanation of why the Krylov complexity does not oscillate in the high-temperature region. Moreover, we uncover the transition temperature that separates the oscillating and monotonic increasing behavior of Krylov complexity.
Integrable auxiliary field deformations of coset models
Authors: Cesàro Mattia , Kleinschmidt Axel , Osten David
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We prove the existence of a family of integrable deformations of ℤN-coset models in two dimensions. Our approach uses and generalises the method of auxiliary fields that was recently introduced for the principal chiral model by Ferko and Smith.
Can air traffic booms induce innovation and bridge regional innovation gaps?
Authors: Inggrid  , Resosudarmo Budy P.
Published: November 2024

The key role of innovation in long-term economic growth is well-established, but it is unevenly distributed across regions. This paper examines how increased air passenger traffic fosters innovation and whether it reduces innovation disparities. Focusing on regional innovation in Indonesia, measured by patent activity, we utilize the exogenous airline deregulation in the early 2000s, which significantly boosted domestic air passenger traffic. Using a newly geocoded patent dataset for Indonesian municipalities from 1995 to 2016, we find that domestic air passenger traffic positively affects regional patenting. This result is robust across various samples and sensitivity tests. However, increased air passenger traffic alone may not suffice to reduce innovation disparities within the country.
Automated acute skin toxicity scoring in a mouse model through deep learning
Authors: Sahlertz Morten , Kristensen Line , Sørensen Brita Singers , Poulsen Per Rugaard , Asonganyi Folefac Charlemagne , Sinha Priyanshu , Nijkamp Jasper
Published: November 2024

This study presents a novel approach to skin toxicity assessment in preclinical radiotherapy trials through an advanced imaging setup and deep learning. Skin reactions, commonly associated with undesirable side effects in radiotherapy, were meticulously evaluated in 160 mice across four studies. A comprehensive dataset containing 7542 images was derived from proton/electron trials with matched manual scoring of the acute toxicity on the right hind leg, which was the target area irradiated in the trials. This dataset was the foundation for the subsequent model training. The two-step deep learning framework incorporated an object detection model for hind leg detection and a classification model for toxicity classification. An observer study involving five experts and the deep learning model, was conducted to analyze the retrospective capabilities and inter-observer variations. The results revealed that the hind leg object detection model exhibited a robust performance, achieving an accuracy of almost 99%. Subsequently, the classification model demonstrated an overall accuracy of about 85%, revealing nuanced challenges in specific toxicity grades. The observer study highlighted high inter-observer agreement and showcased the model’s superiority in accuracy and misclassification distance. In conclusion, this study signifies an advancement in objective and reproducible skin toxicity assessment. The imaging and deep learning system not only allows for retrospective toxicity scoring, but also presents a potential for minimizing inter-observer variation and evaluation times, addressing critical gaps in manual scoring methodologies. Future recommendations include refining the system through an expanded training dataset, paving the way for its deployment in preclinical research and radiotherapy trials.
Interpreting the actionable clinical role of rare variants associated with short QT syndrome
Authors: Martínez-Barrios Estefanía , Greco Andrea , Cruzalegui José , Cesar Sergi , Díez-Escuté Nuria , Cerralbo Patricia , Chipa Fredy , Zschaeck Irene , Slanovic Leonel , Mangas Alipio , Toro Rocío , Brugada Josep , Sarquella-Brugada Georgia , Campuzano Oscar
Published: November 2024

Genetic testing is recommended in the diagnosis of short QT syndrome. This rare inherited lethal entity is characterized by structural normal hearts with short QT intervals in the electrocardiogram. Few families diagnosed with this arrhythmogenic disease have been reported worldwide so far, impeding a comprehensive understanding of this syndrome. Unraveling the origin of the disease helps to the early identification of genetic carriers at risk. However, only rare variants with a definite deleterious role should be actionable in clinical practice. Our aim was to perform a comprehensive update and reinterpretation, according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommendations of all rare variants currently associated with short QT syndrome. We identified 34 rare variants. Reanalysis showed that only nine variants played a deleterious role associated with a definite short QT syndrome phenotype. These variants were located in the four main genes: KCNQ1, KCNH2, KCNJ2 or SLC4A3. Additional rare variants located in other genes were associated with other conditions with phenotypic shortened QT intervals, but not definite diagnosis of short QT syndrome. Periodically updating of rare variants, especially those previously classified as unknown, helps to clarify the role of rare variants and translate genetic data into clinical practice.
Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in a child with autoimmune joint disease
Authors: Kriek Pieter Willem , Karsas Maria , Cloete Jeané
Published: November 2024

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is a rare condition in paediatric patients, mostly described in middle-aged female patients. We present a 7-year-old female with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, who was found to have a kidney mass with a concurrent Escherichia coli urinary tract infection. Surgical excision was done out of concern for possible malignancy. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and persistent E. coli infection.
Contact metamorphism and dolomitization overprint on Cambrian carbonates from the Ossa-Morena Zone (SW Iberian Massif): implications to Sr-chronology of carbonate rocks
Authors: Roseiro José , Moreira Noel , Andrade Laura , Nogueira Pedro , de Oliveira Daniel , Eguiluz Luis , Mirão José , Moita Patrícia , Santos José Francisco , Ribeiro Sara , Pedro Jorge
Published: November 2024

The Cambrian Series 2 Carbonate Formation from the Alter do Chão Elvas-Cumbres Mayores unit (Ossa-Morena Zone, SW Iberian Massif) is composed of regionally metamorphosed marbles and marlstones that underwent chlorite zone metamorphism and preserve the primaeval limestone 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7083–0.7088). These are consistent with the established Lower Cambrian seawater curve, and therefore used for age constraints in formations lacking fossil contents. The regional mineralogical and Sr-isotopic features of the carbonate rocks are frequently overprinted by the effects of contact metamorphism induced by magmatic bodies emplaced during rift-related and synorogenic events of the Palaeozoic, as well as by post-metamorphic dolomitization processes. The development of calc-silicate minerals due to contact metamorphism is common in the rocks of the Carbonate Formation and apparently results from the interaction of the protolith with fluids of different origin: (i) internally produced fluids released by conductive heating (observed in external contact aureoles) and (ii) external intrusion-expelled fluids that, besides leading to the appearance of distinctive assemblages, also promote an influx of strontium content (observed in roof pendants). Calc-silicate mineralogy varies substantially throughout the region, likely due to the heterogeneous distribution of silicate minerals of the protolith, progression of intrusion-driven fluids, and the irregular effect of thermal gradients. Results suggest that high-grade contact metamorphism (hornblende facies or higher) and dolomitization processes imposed on the Carbonate Formation significantly influence the isotopic signatures of the carbonates, providing limitations in applying Sr-isotopic chronology.

Graphical abstract
Global point cloud registration network for large transformations
Authors: Cuevas-Velasquez Hanz , Galan-Cuenca Alejandro , Gallego Antonio Javier , Saval-Calvo Marcelo , Fisher Robert B.
Published: November 2024

Three-dimensional registration is an established yet challenging problem that is key in many different applications, such as mapping the environment for autonomous vehicles, or modeling people for avatar creation, among others. Registration refers to the process of mapping multiple data into the same coordinate system by means of matching correspondences and transformation estimation. Novel proposals exploit the benefits of deep learning architectures for this purpose, as they learn the best features for the data, providing better matches and hence results. However, the state of the art is usually focused on cases of relatively small transformations, although in certain applications and in a real and practical environment, large transformations are very common. In this paper, we present ReLaTo (Registration for Large Transformations), an architecture that addresses the cases where large transformations happen while maintaining good performance for local transformations. This proposal uses a novel Softmax pooling layer to find correspondences in a bilateral consensus manner between two point sets, sampling the most confident matches. These matches estimate a coarse and global registration using weighted Singular Value Decomposition (SVD). A target-guided denoising step is applied to both the obtained matches and latent features to estimate the final fine registration considering the local geometry. All these steps are carried out following an end-to-end approach, which has been shown to perform better than 7 state-of-the-art registration methods in two datasets commonly used for this task (ModelNet40 and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Toyota Technological Institute dataset, KITTI), especially in the case of large transformations.

Graphic abstract
Opportunities for Earth Observation to Inform Risk Management for Ocean Tipping Points
Authors: Wood Richard A. , Baker Jonathan A. , Beaugrand Grégory , Boutin Jacqueline , Conversi Alessandra , Donner Reik V. , Frenger Ivy , Goberville Eric , Hayashida Hakase , Koeve Wolfgang , Kvale Karin , Landolfi Angela , Maslowski Wieslaw , Oschlies Andreas , Romanou Anastasia , Somes Christopher J. , Stocker Thomas F. , Swingedouw Didier
Published: November 2024

As climate change continues, the likelihood of passing critical thresholds or tipping points increases. Hence, there is a need to advance the science for detecting such thresholds. In this paper, we assess the needs and opportunities for Earth Observation (EO, here understood to refer to satellite observations) to inform society in responding to the risks associated with ten potential large-scale ocean tipping elements: Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation; Atlantic Subpolar Gyre; Beaufort Gyre; Arctic halocline; Kuroshio Large Meander; deoxygenation; phytoplankton; zooplankton; higher level ecosystems (including fisheries); and marine biodiversity. We review current scientific understanding and identify specific EO and related modelling needs for each of these tipping elements. We draw out some generic points that apply across several of the elements. These common points include the importance of maintaining long-term, consistent time series; the need to combine EO data consistently with in situ data types (including subsurface), for example through data assimilation; and the need to reduce or work with current mismatches in resolution (in both directions) between climate models and EO datasets. Our analysis shows that developing EO, modelling and prediction systems together, with understanding of the strengths and limitations of each, provides many promising paths towards monitoring and early warning systems for tipping, and towards the development of the next generation of climate models.
Elite Incomes Around the World: Command over Tradables, Nontradables and Labour
Authors: Segal Paul , Moatsos Michail
Published: November 2024

This paper shows that cross-country comparisons of elite incomes vary widely and systematically depending on the conception of real income used. It is well known that between-country income inequality is higher using market exchange rates than PPP exchange rates, due to a combination of traded sector bias and the Balassa-Samuelson effect, and we empirically confirm that this is the case for comparing top 1 percent incomes across countries. In contrast, we argue that measuring real incomes of elites using entitlements over labour (ELs), which take local wage costs as the numeraire, leads to the opposite effect: since the non-traded sector is relatively labour-intensive, incomes in the sense of ELs demonstrate non-traded sector bias relative to PPP incomes. They therefore provide a complement, or opposite bound, to the traded-sector bias of market exchange rates. Consistent with this argument, we find that between-country inequality among the world’s national elites is indeed lower using ELs than either PPP or market exchange rates. But elite incomes in ELs do not merely converge: elites in poorer countries leapfrog or overshoot their rich country counterparts, enjoying higher real incomes in terms of their command over domestic labour.
Temporal Dynamics of Scout Release-Behavior of Termitophagous Ponerine ant, Megaponera Analis
Authors: Modiba Rifilwe V. , Pirk Christian W. W. , Yusuf Abdullahi A.
Published: November 2024

Megaponera analis is an obligate termitophagous species endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. The species forages by sending out scouts to search for termites. Once termites are located, the scouts return to the nest and recruit nest mates. Scouts face unpredictable environmental conditions, including sudden flooding, temperature changes, high winds and predation by natural enemies. We observed 519 scouting trips from 18 different colonies over three years to determine how long it takes for the colony to replace a scout that has likely died while on scouting duty or is lost due to environmental perturbations. Study areas were at Maremani, Musina, Masebe and D’nyala Nature Reserves in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. We introduced definitions of scouting turnover, scouting trip, and scouting session. Scouting turnover is the time it takes a successive scout to leave the nest for a trip, whereas a scouting trip is the journey a scout takes from the nest in search of food. Since M. analis shows bimodal foraging behavior, the morning observations were recorded as the first scouting session, while the subsequent session, which starts in the afternoon, was recorded as the second scouting session. The mean scouting turnover for all 519 trips was 9.36 ± 0.64 (SD) minutes. When turnover was divided into sessions, the first scouting session lasted a mean of 7.77 ± 12.17 (SD) minutes, while the second had 10.34 ± 18.32 (SD) minutes. The minimum turnover was zero minutes, and the maximum was 124 minutes.
Assessing indicators and preferences of cultural ecosystem services in urban areas: a case study of Murcia, Spain
Authors: Krsnik Goran , Illán-Fernández Emilio José
Published: November 2024

Context

The degradation of the environment due to anthropogenic action underscores the need to demonstrate the benefits that natural areas provide to society. Continuously growing urbanisation trends and high demand on urban green infrastructure requires the inclusion of cultural ecosystem services (CESs) in strategic urban planning. To achieve this, understanding the population's preferences regarding the various CESs provided by urban green spaces is extremely useful for their management and long-term planning strategies. Nevertheless, the complexity of urban environment and urban CESs and inclusion of participatory-oriented and demand-based planning poses challenges in conducting solution-oriented assessments.

Objectives

To address this issue, we aim to define and validate spatial indicators that are applicable in any urban area. We employ them to quantify the provision of CESs considering that such approach can contribute to better urban planning strategies.

Methods

A survey, aiming to validate five proposed CESs indicators and evaluate the population’s perception regarding the importance of CESs in urban green areas in the city of Murcia (Spain) was conducted. In total, 733 answers were collected. The survey results underwent through statistical and geospatial analysis at the neighbourhood level, which facilitated the creation of CESs maps, considering socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents.

Results

All five proposed CESs indicators were highly accepted by the respondents across all demographic groups. Conversely, differences in the perception of importance of CESs are noted based on the age of the respondents. Disparities in CESs provision are observed between different city neighbourhoods and socio-demographic groups.

Conclusions

We identified significant differences in CESs perception by age group. We also detected the areas where action is needed to improve the CESs provision. Through this study, we emphasize the significance of participatory-based, demand-oriented, and territorially tailored planning approaches to ensure the high provision of CESs and enhance urban well-being.