bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multivalent supramolecular fluorescent probes for accurate disease imaging
Authors: Wu Qian , Zhou Zhixuan , Xu Li , Zhong Haichen , Xiong Bin , Ren Tianbing , Li Zhe , Yuan Lin , Zhang Xiao-Bing
Published: October 2024

Optical imaging is a powerful tool for early disease detection and effective treatment planning, but its accuracy is often compromised by the uptake of imaging materials by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). Herein, we leverage multivalent host-guest interactions between cyanine dyes and β-cyclodextrin polymers to develop supramolecular probes with enhanced stability, optical, and transport profiles for accurate in vivo imaging. These multivalent interactions not only ensure the stability of the probes but also enhance fluorescence efficiency by minimizing nonradiative decay. Our self-assembly approach effectively modulates probe size and surface properties, enabling evasion of MPS clearance and promoting prolonged bloodstream circulation, thereby improving the signal-to-background ratio for imaging. The effectiveness of our design is demonstrated by substantial advancements in the early diagnosis of acute kidney injury and by providing high-contrast imaging and precise surgical navigation across various tumor models. Our strategy not only advances optical imaging materials toward clinical translation but also establishes a versatile platform applicable to multiple imaging modalities.
Cretaceous through Neogene tectonostratigraphic evolution of the southern California margin, USA
Authors: Ingersoll* Raymond V. , Diamond David S. , Bird Peter
Published: October 2024

The paleotectonic evolution of the continental margin of southern California (USA) is recorded in the tectonostratigraphic record, much of which is exposed in the Santa Monica Mountains and their surroundings. This field trip examines the stratigraphic record that documents the Late Cretaceous through Neogene evolution of the southern California continental margin. The oldest exposed tectonostratigraphic units of latest Jurassic and earliest Cretaceous age (ca. 150–140 Ma) reflect poorly understood plate interactions, possibly coeval with or somewhat younger than the Nevadan orogeny recorded in the western Sierra Nevada, where an arc-arc collision likely occurred. These plate interactions preceded subduction of the oceanic Farallon plate, which initiated the Cretaceous–Paleogene arc-trench system (ca. 140–30 Ma), within which forearc strata accumulated. Cretaceous and Paleogene forearc strata represent times of both normal (ca. 140–80 Ma) and low-angle (ca. 80–40 Ma) subduction (Laramide). During the latest Paleogene, the arc-trench system was disrupted by interaction with the East Pacific Rise and related transforms, which resulted in progressive evolution of the margin from an arc-trench system into a transform plate boundary (ca. 30–0 Ma). Microplate capture, transrotation, transtension, and transpression have each left a stratigraphic record of these complex and superposed Neogene events. Depositional paleoenvironments included submarine fans, slopes, shelves, fluvial systems, alluvial aprons, and fan deltas. Key outcrops in the Santa Monica Mountains area illustrate these field relationships and paleoenvironments. The overall purpose of this field trip is to observe key aspects of the stratigraphic and structural record that record the complex paleotectonics of the southern California continental margin since the Jurassic.
Phanerozoic emergence of global continental collision and onset of massive crustal eclogitization
Authors: Xia Bing , Artemieva Irina M. , Thybo Hans
Published: October 2024

Post-Archean secular changes in continental crust composition, which provide key evidence for the evolution of plate tectonics, remain uncertain, particularly regarding the lower crust. Here, by digitizing 18,000 km of seismic profiles, we demonstrate a change in bulk crustal composition at the Proterozoic–Phanerozoic transition. We document that a mafic crustal layer is preserved in Proterozoic orogens but generally absent in Phanerozoic orogens. We explain this fundamental shift by a change in the global subduction style, where continental collision became important in the Phanerozoic. Densification of the lower crust by widespread eclogitization, triggered by continental collision and subduction, led to massive recycling of mafic lower crust into the mantle, leaving behind buoyant felsic crust and promoting the rise of continents, which led to the emergence of large continental areas above sea level and the related Neoproterozoic oxidation event, followed by the explosion of life in the Phanerozoic.
Fifteen-minute consultation: Management of raised intracranial pressure in children
Authors: Rafferty Claire , Cross Deborah
Published: October 2024

Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in children can be very challenging to recognise and manage. In order to minimise secondary brain injury, measures to reduce intracranial pressure must be initiated as soon as possible. Initial management is often commenced in District General Hospitals prior to transfer for definitive treatment. This article is aimed at general paediatricians and provides a framework for the initial stabilisation and management of a child with raised ICP, with discussion of the underlying physiological principles.
Assessment of PD-L1 expression and tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in early-stage non-small cell lung carcinoma with artificial intelligence algorithms
Authors: Molero Aida , Hernandez Susana , Alonso Marta , Peressini Melina , Curto Daniel , Lopez-Rios Fernando , Conde Esther
Published: October 2024

Aims

To study programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.

Methods

The study included samples from 50 early-stage NSCLCs. PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) stained slides (clone SP263) were scored manually and with two different AI tools (PathAI and Navify Digital Pathology) by three pathologists. TILs were digitally assessed on H&E and CD8 IHC stained sections with two different algorithms (PathAI and Navify Digital Pathology, respectively). The agreement between observers and methods for each biomarker was analysed. For PD-L1, the turn-around time (TAT) for manual versus AI-assisted scoring was recorded.

Results

Agreement was higher in tumours with low PD-L1 expression regardless of the approach. Both AI-powered tools identified a significantly higher number of cases equal or above 1% PD-L1 tumour proportion score as compared with manual scoring (p=0.00015), a finding with potential therapeutic implications. Regarding TAT, there were significant differences between manual scoring and AI use (p value <0.0001 for all comparisons). The total TILs density with the PathAI algorithm and the total density of CD8+ cells with the Navify Digital Pathology software were significantly correlated (τ=0.49 (95% CI 0.37, 0.61), p value<0.0001).

Conclusions

This preliminary study supports the use of AI algorithms for the scoring of PD-L1 and TILs in patients with NSCLC.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of cardiometabolic risk factors among workers: results from the Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health study
Authors: Islam Zobida , Yamamoto Shohei , Inoue Yosuke , Honda Toru , Yamamoto Shuichiro , Nakagawa Tohru , Okazaki Hiroko , Ide Hiroshi , Miyamoto Toshiaki , Kochi Takeshi , Ogasawara Takayuki , Yamamoto Makoto , Gonmori Naoki , Yamamoto Kenya , Yokoya Toshitaka , Konishi Maki , Dohi Seitaro , Kabe Isamu , Mizoue Tetsuya
Published: October 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions on human activities have greatly changed lifestyles, which might have deteriorated the cardiometabolic profile.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of cardiometabolic risk factors among Japanese workers in fiscal years (FY) 2020 and 2021 compared with the prepandemic period.

Method

This study comprised an average of 71 025 employees in Japan who underwent annual health check-ups for at least two successive years from 2015 to 2021. Annual incidence rates from 2016 to 2021 were assessed for obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The observed incidence rates in 2020 and 2021 were compared with the predicted incidence based on prepandemic trends (2016 to 2019).

Results

Relative to the prepandemic, the incidence of all the outcomes, except for dyslipidaemia, significantly increased in 2020. Between FY 2016 and 2019, the adjusted mean incidence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and MetS was 5.0%, 1.4%, 5.3%, 17.4% and 7.6%, respectively. In FY 2020, the adjusted incidence (95% CI) of these outcomes increased to 6.02 (5.80 to 6.24), 1.84 (1.73 to 1.96), 6.62 (6.40 to 6.83), 19.31 (18.83 to 19.78) and 8.51 (8.23 to 8.78), which were higher than the predicted incidence of 5.24 (4.99 to 5.49), 1.54 (1.41 to 1.67), 6.02 (5.76 to 6.27), 18.58 (18.00 to 19.16) and 8.05 (7.71 to 8.38) for 2020, respectively. The incidence returned to the prepandemic levels in FY 2021.

Conclusion

Results showed a worsening of the cardiometabolic profile during the initial year of the pandemic, which was reverted in the second year to the levels before the pandemic.
Proper maps of ball complements & differences and rational sphere maps
Authors: Al Helal Abdullah , Lebl Jiří , Kumar Nandi Achinta
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we consider proper holomorphic maps of ball complements and differences in complex euclidean spaces of dimension at least two. Such maps are always rational, which naturally leads to a related problem of classifying rational maps taking concentric spheres to concentric spheres, what we call [Formula: see text]-fold sphere maps; a proper map of the difference of concentric balls is a two-fold sphere map. We prove that proper maps of ball complements are in one to one correspondence with polynomial proper maps of balls taking infinity to infinity. We show that rational [Formula: see text]-fold sphere maps of degree less than [Formula: see text] (or polynomial maps of degree [Formula: see text] or less) must take all concentric spheres to concentric spheres and we provide a complete classification of them. We prove that these degree bounds are sharp.
Action of ℝ-Fuchsian groups on ℙℂn
Authors: Barrera W. , Montiel E. , Navarrete J. P.
Published: October 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be the group of orientation preserving isometries of the [Formula: see text]-dimensional real hyperbolic space [Formula: see text], and let [Formula: see text] be the group of holomorphic isometries of the [Formula: see text]-dimensional complex hyperbolic space [Formula: see text]. The group [Formula: see text] is naturally a subgroup of [Formula: see text], so it acts on [Formula: see text] preserving a ball that serves as a model for [Formula: see text]. We consider discrete subgroups of [Formula: see text] with limit set an [Formula: see text]-dimensional real sphere and we look at their action on [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] via the natural embedding of [Formula: see text] into [Formula: see text]. We describe the Kulkarni limit set of these set of these actions and show that this is a real semi-algebraic set in [Formula: see text]. We also show that the Kulkarni region of discontinuity can only have either one or three connected components. We use Sylvester’s law of inertia when [Formula: see text]. In the other cases, we use some suitable projections of the [Formula: see text]-dimensional complex projective space to the [Formula: see text]-dimensional complex projective space.
A cellular automata-based model of rhizosphere colonization by mutualistic bacteria accounts for the role of quorum sensing on successful concentration near plant roots
Authors: María Francisca Martinich A. , Goles Eric , Ledger Thomas , Rognone Silvia
Published: October 2024

This study employs a cellular automata (CA) model to investigate the colonization process of Paraburkholderia phytofirmans (PsJN) in the rhizosphere, a complex ecological environment critical to plant–microbe interactions. The proposed CA model simulates bacterial population dynamics, comparing the behavior of the wild-type strain (PsJN WT) with a mutant strain (PsJN-BpI.1) that exhibits impaired quorum sensing (QS), affecting its motility and communication. The model uses a grid where each cell can either be empty or occupied by bacteria. The spread of bacterial colonies is influenced by the state of neighboring cells, with a circular neighborhood used to simulate colony formation. The transition function incorporates both bacterial motility and population control, two critical factors in rhizospheric colonization. Simulation results show that the wild-type strain demonstrates a higher concentration of colonies near the roots, while the mutant strain exhibits reduced growth in these regions. Comparing the simulations with real rhizosphere colonization images confirms the model’s accuracy and highlights the importance of carefully selecting parameters for reliable outcomes. This CA model successfully captures the colonization behavior of PsJN strains in the rhizosphere, providing valuable insights into bacterial ecology and plant–microbe interactions.
Design and Analysis of Area and Time Efficient Signed Square Architecture Using Nonconventional Method
Authors: Behera Niharika , Pradhan Manoranjan , Kumar Bhoi Bandan
Published: October 2024

Computing the square of any large signed number using conventional methods is challenging. Therefore, parallel and partial product generation while squaring signed numbers is complex and time-consuming. This paper suggests a very large scale integration design for an efficient signed square architecture using a nonconventional method. The square of a large magnitude signed number is reduced to a lower magnitude signed multiplication and an addition operation by the Yavadunam algorithm. The suggested method finds the deficit of the signed number from the adjacent base to perform the signed square operation. The proposed design is coded using Verilog hardware description language. The synthesis and simulation of this architecture are performed using Xilinx integrated synthesis environment 14.7 software. Furthermore, this architecture is implemented on the Virtex-4, spartan-3 and spartan-6 field programmable gate array devices. The design is also coded in cadence virtuoso centos version 5. Then, it is synthesized using 180[Formula: see text]nm and 90[Formula: see text]nm technology. The validation of the proposed architecture is examined using the performance parameters, such as path delay and area. The synthesis results show improvements in delay-area complexity compared to state-of-the-art architectures. The superiority of the proposed architecture is claimed based on performance comparisons with the previous square, multipliers and signed multiplier architectures.
A class of index polynomial invariants for virtual knots using flat virtual knots invariants
Authors: Lin Bingyu , Li Fengling
Published: October 2024

In this paper, a class of indices is constructed using a polynomial invariant [Formula: see text] for flat virtual knots. For any integer [Formula: see text] not less than [Formula: see text], the classical crossings of an oriented virtual knot diagram are classified into two types according to whether the intersection index of the classical crossings can be divided by [Formula: see text]. We assign an index to each classical crossing whose intersection index is not divisible by [Formula: see text], the index is related to the flat virtual knot diagram corresponding to the virtual knot diagram obtained by applying 0-smoothing at that classical crossing. We construct a class of index polynomials by using these indices and prove that they are invariants of virtual knots, and also discuss some of their properties.
H(2)-moves on torus links of type (2,2n)
Authors: Kanenobu Taizo
Published: October 2024

We consider an [Formula: see text]-move between two torus links of type [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. We give some necessary conditions for two links [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] which are related by a single [Formula: see text]-move. In particular, we show that [Formula: see text] is obtained by a single [Formula: see text]-move from the Hopf link if and only if [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] is obtained by a single [Formula: see text]-move from the trivial 2-component link if and only if [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text],
UNVEILING THE IMPACT OF ANNEALING ON CHEMICAL BATH DEPOSITION-SYNTHESIZED CALCIUM ZIRCONATE THIN-FILMS: STRUCTURAL, MORPHOLOGICAL, OPTICAL, CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, AND LUMINESCENT CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: KUMAR N. KARTHICK , KAVITHA M. , KAVITHA V. , PANDI P.
Published: October 2024

The chemical bath deposition method (CBD) was used to create thin films of calcium zirconate on a glass substrate. After that, the samples were annealed for an hour at three different temperatures: [Formula: see text]C, [Formula: see text]C, and [Formula: see text]C. The structural parameters of the samples like lattice strain, dislocation density and crystallite size were calculated from XRD analysis. The lattice strain was found to be very low. The crystallite size confirms the nano-size of the synthesized sample. From UV analysis, the optical energy direct bandgap was calculated in the range of 3.98–4.16[Formula: see text]eV. A higher annealing temperature of [Formula: see text]C causes the thin film’s bandgap to diminish, confirming the calcium zirconate thin film’s broad bandgap characteristics. From SEM analysis, morphology, and adhesive nature was analyzed, and from AFM analysis, the grain size of the sample was found to be in 300[Formula: see text]nm.
MECHANICAL AND TRIBOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF C355 ALUMINUM ALLOY/GRAPHENE OXIDE (GO)/BIO-SILICA (BS) HYBRID NANOCOMPOSITE
Authors: SURESH V. , PRABHU P. , KARTHIKEYAN E. , RIYASKHAN J. , SUBIN Y. , AHAMED SHANAVAS U.
Published: October 2024

High strength and low weight materials are highly demanded in today’s automotive, aerospace, marine, medical, military, and agricultural equipment applications. Using composite materials is the best approach to increase high-strength and low-weight materials. This study focuses on evaluating the density, micro hardness, tensile, and wear behaviors of C355 aluminum alloy hybrid nanocomposites added in nanosized Graphene Oxide (GO) and Bio Silica (BS). These reinforcements are sourced from waste materials such as Thunder Coconut Shell (TCS) and Napier Grass (NG). The three different C355 aluminum alloy composites that have been improved by graphene oxide and bio-silica nanoparticles have been made utilizing the very traditional stir casting process. The percentage of GO and BS nanosized reinforcements is varied from 3[Formula: see text]wt.%, and 6[Formula: see text]wt.%. The cast composites density, hardness, and tensile strength are assessed. Unidirectional friction and wear tests are performed for each composition under six different loading conditions, ranging up to 60[Formula: see text]N, while maintaining a sliding speed of 5[Formula: see text]m/s. The worn surfaces and composite components underwent additional scrutiny through SEM analysis. By adding 6[Formula: see text]wt.% more GO/BS nanoreinforcement to the C355 Al alloy nanocomposite, the study’s findings show that the nanocomposite has almost 52.42% more tensile strength and 27.26% higher hardness than the basic alloy.
PREPARATION AND DIFFUSION RESISTANCE OF GRADIENT PtAl COATINGS WITH RE-BASE DIFFUSION BARRIERS
Authors: LIU HE , JIANG YUCHEN , LIANG ZI , LI SHUAI , QU LIU , BAO ZEBIN
Published: October 2024

It is critical to mitigate the problem of elemental interdiffusion between the traditional PtAl coatings and the alloy substrate under severe high-temperature service environments. In this work, gradient PtAl coatings containing Re-based diffusion barriers were prepared by sequentially electroplating Ni–Re, Ni, and Pt layers between traditional PtAl coatings and Ni-based single-crystal superalloys, followed by final vapor-phase deposition of infiltration. It is shown that the chemical composition of the lower part of the coating is similar to that of the single-crystal superalloy, and the presence of Re-based diffusion barriers leads to lower elemental diffusion fluxes between the coating and the substrate, thus mitigating the precipitation of TCP phases from the substrate during the high-temperature oxidation process. Gradient PtAl coatings containing Re-based diffusion barriers have excellent mechanical properties due to the precipitation of a small amount of TCP phase from the matrix, while generating an Al2O3 film with good oxidation resistance.
A GRAPH CONVOLUTIONAL NETWORK APPROACH FOR PREDICTING NETWORK ROBUSTNESS
Authors: LU XINBIAO , LIU ZECHENG , XING HAO , XIE XUPENG , YE CHUNLIN
Published: October 2024

Network robustness, which includes controllability robustness and connectivity robustness, reflects the ability of a network system to withstand attacks. In this paper, a Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) approach is proposed for predicting network robustness. In contrast to the existing Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) approach, the network topology and the node characteristics are directly used as GCN input without being converted into a grayscale image. Due to the reduction in the number of feature maps, the model size of a GCN is greatly reduced to only 1% of a CNN. Extensive experimental studies on four representative networks and six real networks have proven that the proposed approach can achieve better predictive performance with less training and running time.
Analysis of Mechanical Properties of Components Produced by Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Sandeep Kumar K. , Venkata Ramana V. S. N. , Shankar N. V. S. , Bhavani Koona , Abhinav G.
Published: October 2024

This paper analyses the effect of various lattice structures and lattice vectors on the mechanical properties of components made with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material by fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique. ABS is a well-known thermoplastic polymer that is being used in a variety of applications because of its high durability and good adaptability. A total of nine varieties of lattice structures are examined, including regular variations like hexagonal and cubic patterns and more complex ones like Gyroid patterns in this paper. Lattice vectors like 4–6 mm were considered while preparing the components. The densities of the specimens were estimated, and the specimens were tested for their flexural strength and compression strength. The results show that “Gyroid minimal surface” structures are a better choice for flexural and compression strength applications.
Parametric Analysis and Design Optimization of a Loudspeaker-Driven Synthetic Jet Actuator Using Response Surface Model in Quiescent Conditions
Authors: Kara Emre
Published: October 2024

Synthetic jet actuators (SJAs) are devices that control fluid flow by synthesizing surrounding fluid without altering the flow from the cavity. Before optimization, the selected diaphragm frequencies are subjected to a CFD solution using a dynamic mesh. Output parameters of selected loudspeaker-driven SJA are optimized under quiescent conditions. Comparisons are made between the best optimization candidate design point, experimental reference, and baseline CFD study before optimization. Re increases by 17% at 50[Formula: see text]Hz and 8.7% at other frequencies. St decreases by almost 30% across all frequencies. [Formula: see text] is maximized and held over 4. Optimized design, based on response surface model, demonstrated a consistent ability to produce higher, more centralized velocity profiles.
Kidney Stone Detection based on Improved YOLOv7 with Attention Module and Super Resolution Techniques Under Limited Training Samples
Authors: Nguyen Minh Tai Pham , Le Viet Tuan , Duong Huu Thanh , Hoang Vinh Truong
Published: October 2024

Medical imaging is considered the first step in the examination for diagnosing kidney disease. However, the recent increase in kidney stone cases has put a remarkable burden on the whole medical diagnosis system. This problem causes a demand of an automatic kidney stone detection model to decrease the weight for medical imaging phase. Moreover, X-ray imaging, which is the current most popular medical imaging technique, is struggling with false positives, which is caused by low quality, making the diagnosis more challenging. Due to the two main problems above, this study is carried out with two contributions. First, fusing different attention modules to YOLOv7 architecture that shall bring higher performance of kidney stone detection task. Second, proposing the use of super resolution (SR) models that shall address the problem of low quality in X-ray image. As a result, the proposed YOLOv7 with attention modules easily outperforms the YOLOv7 baseline in detection performance, the highest accuracy model belongs to convolution block attention module attached with YOLOv7, which reaches 91.2% mAP50. When SR models are applied to upsample X-ray images, these SR X-ray images enable the proposed attention-based models to improve the precision and sensitivity considerably, with the highest precision reaching 97.3% and highest sensitivity hitting a peak at 91.7%. Consequently, our methods are proposed to address current issues of kidney stone diagnosis and contribute another aspect of X-ray image enhancement.
Objects Diversity and its Impact on Classification Quality in Dispersed Data Environments
Authors: Marfo Kwabena Frimpong , Przybyła-Kasperek Małgorzata
Published: October 2024

This paper studies a classification model dedicated to dispersed data, employing the k-nearest neighbors method as a base classifier and a Radial Basis Function (RBF) network as a fusion method. Focusing on classifying objects described by different attributes, the study systematically reduces common objects in local tables to assess the robustness of the model. Surprisingly, the proposed approach shows resilience in reducing common objects without significantly affecting key metrics such as F-measure, balanced accuracy and overall accuracy. Moreover, the studied model performs better on balanced data. This research contributes valuable insights into dispersed data classification, demonstrating the model’s effectiveness in handling diverse objects and attributes. The findings have implications for fields reliant on dispersed data storage, such as healthcare, banking, and surveillance, showcasing the model’s potential for real-world applications.
Mineralogy, geochemistry and origin of Late Cretaceous ironstone deposits, Oman Mountains
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed Hassan , Al-Khirbash Salah , Semhi Khadija
Published: October 2024

Late Cretaceous lateritic ironstones (ferricrete) cap the ophiolitic mafic–ultramafic rocks in different locations of the Oman Mountains. Seven localities were studied to generate the first detailed report on the ooidal ironstones in Oman. The studied ironstone horizons vary in thickness from a few metres to approximately 13 m. Field, petrographic and mineralogical investigations of the ironstones confirm their oolitic and laminated to massive textures, which are dominated by hematite, goethite and magnetite. Subordinate minerals include clays, calcite, dolomite, gypsum, birnessite and minor ilmenite and apatite. Inherited chromite and Ni–Co-Fe sulfides are also observed. The sum of Fe
2
O
3
, SiO
2
and Al
2
O
3
oxides represent more than 70 wt% of the total constituents. The high abundance of compatible trace elements, including Cr, Ni, Co, V and Sc, is mainly derived from the mafic minerals such as olivine and pyroxenes present in the mafic–ultramafic protolith. The analysed detrital chromite grains from the oolitic ironstones show an intermediate Cr-number (Cr# = Cr/(Cr + Al) atomic ratios ∼0.5), which is considered a general characteristic of the upper mantle peridotites of the Oman ophiolite. The major oxide relationships coupled with the palaeosol mineralogy and their oolitic texture suggest that the studied ironstones precipitated mainly in a shallow marine environment and are of dominantly hydrogenetic origin with minor contributions from seawater. The persistence of negative and positive Ce anomalies (Ce* = 0.4–2.9), a slight positive Eu anomaly (1.12–1.29) and low Nd contents of the studied ironstones support the model of formation by fluctuations in water depth during transgressive and regressive episodes in oxic shallow marine to slightly anoxic deeper marine environments with a relatively high sedimentation rate where oxygen levels were low. Scandium abundance in the oolitic ironstones may be of economic interest alongside other critical metals (Ni, Co and V) in the underlying lateritic soil under appropriate mining conditions.
GraphSmart: A Method for Green and Accurate IoT Water Monitoring
Authors: Cattai Tiziana , Colonnese Stefania , Garlisi Domenico , Pagano Antonino , Cuomo Francesca
Published: October 2024

Water scarcity is nowadays a critical global concern and an efficient management of water resources is paramount. This paper presents an original approach for monitoring Water Distribution Systems (WDSs) through Internet of Things (IoT) that involves the integration of multiple sensors placed across the distribution network to accurately measure water flow. To enhance energy efficiency for green monitoring and communication process, we harness the power of graph theory and graph signal processing to represent in a tunable and accurate way the water flow and simultaneously minimize the number of IoT sensors communicating those measurements. We propose a graph model where water flow is represented as signal on graph and we introduce an algorithm, named GraphSmart, designed to reconstruct the graph signal when certain measurements are unknown or missing. Our framework is applied on a synthetic realistic environment within the context of LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network), an infrastructure and protocol designed for ultra-low-power IoT devices. Our findings show that GraphSmart significantly reduces energy consumption while ensuring precise flow estimation. Our research demonstrates high potential for energy-efficient and accurate water flow monitoring, paving the way to improve the management of WDSs and enabling water operators to address water scarcity challenges.
A Systematic Mapping Study on Quantum and Quantum-inspired Algorithms in Operations Research
Authors: Gomes Cláudio , Fernandes João Paulo , Falcao Gabriel , Kar Soummya , Tayur Sridhar
Published: October 2024

Quantum and quantum-inspired algorithms have not yet been systematically classified in the context of potential Operations Research (OR) applications. Our systematic mapping is designed for quick consultation and shows which algorithms have been significantly explored in the context of OR, as well as which algorithms have been vaguely addressed in the same context. The study provides rapid access to OR professionals, both practitioners and researchers, who are interested in applying and/or further developing these algorithms in their respective contexts. We prepared a replicable protocol as a backbone of this systematic mapping study, specifying research questions, establishing effective search and selection methods, defining quality metrics for assessment, and guiding the analysis of the selected studies. A total of more than 2,000 studies were found, of which 149 were analyzed in detail. Readers can have an interactive hands-on experience with the collected data on an open-source repository with a website. An international standard was used as part of our classification, enabling professionals and researchers from across the world to readily identify which algorithms have been applied in any industry sector. Our effort also culminated in a rich set of takeaways that can help the reader identify potential paths for future work.
Scale-Aware Neural Architecture Search for Multivariate Time Series Forecasting
Authors: Chen Donghui , Chen Ling , Shang Zongjiang , Zhang Youdong , Wen Bo , Yang Chenghu
Published: October 2024

Multivariate time series (MTS) forecasting has attracted much attention in many intelligent applications. It is not a trivial task, as we need to consider both intra-variable dependencies and inter-variable dependencies. However, existing works are designed for specific scenarios and require much domain knowledge and expert efforts, which is difficult to transfer between different scenarios. In this article, we propose a scale-aware neural architecture search framework for MTS forecasting (SNAS4MTF). A multi-scale decomposition module transforms raw time series into multi-scale sub-series, which can preserve multi-scale temporal patterns. An adaptive graph learning module infers the different inter-variable dependencies under different time scales without any prior knowledge. For MTS forecasting, a search space is designed to capture both intra-variable dependencies and inter-variable dependencies at each time scale. The multi-scale decomposition, adaptive graph learning, and neural architecture search modules are jointly learned in an end-to-end framework. Extensive experiments on two real-world datasets demonstrate that SNAS4MTF achieves a promising performance compared with the state-of-the-art methods.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Recovery from Anthropogenic Liquid Waste Streams
Authors: Wang Zhiyue , Skerlos Steve J. , Novak Paige J.
Published: October 2024

Nutrient recovery from waste is a promising strategy to conserve inputs while reducing nutrient discharge to the natural environment. Multiple waste streams have shown promise with respect to nutrient recovery. Multiple technologies also show promise at a pilot or full scale. These technologies, however, must not exacerbate other environmental issues, with excessive energy use, unsustainable material extraction (e.g., mineral extraction, cement use), or toxin release into the environment. Such technologies must also be feasible from economic and social perspectives. Work, therefore, should focus on both improving our current suite of available technologies for nutrient recovery from waste and framing policies that blend affordability with incentives, thereby fostering an environment conducive to innovation and adoption of sustainable approaches. This review considers the issues associated with nutrient recovery from waste, including technical feasibility and economic, environmental, and social factors, and identifies current knowledge gaps and emerging opportunities for nutrient waste recovery.
Measuring Global Human Progress: Are We on the Right Track?
Authors: Gundimeda Haripriya , Atkinson Giles
Published: October 2024

As a metric for economic progress, gross domestic product (GDP) has been criticized for hiding the destruction of natural capital and failing to improve happiness/human well-being. Consequently, many studies unanimously argued for a beyond GDP approach, which led to a proliferation of ensuing metrics. However, the proliferation leads to confusion as it complicates matters for policymakers looking to these metrics to inform coherent development objectives and plans. Our article aims to assess theoretical and empirical efforts to measure human progress based on these notions of well-being and sustainability and critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches. We explore systematic trends in indicator activity in the related literature and, in doing so, organize our discussion around the distinct and prominent perspectives that can be identified. We illustrate with a case study on India how divergent matrices, though not beyond comprehension, increase the complexity.
Science Fiction in the Anthropocene
Authors: Persinger K , Vint Sherryl , Canavan Gerry
Published: October 2024

This article catalogs major recent trends in ecological science fiction (sf), focused primarily on sf published after the completion of N.K. Jemisin's paradigm-setting Broken Earth trilogy in 2017. Major subdivisions in the genre include dystopian and antiutopian narratives about climate collapse, technocratic solutionism, reckoning with climate change as a colonial project, intergenerational conflict, and posthuman formulation. Noting that sf both as literary genre and as fan community encompasses a wide range of political perspectives ranging from reactionary hypercapitalism to utopian socialism, the article does not seek to advance any particular political position but rather seeks to name the major currents of political and ethical debate within sf in this moment of ecological crisis. The article concludes with a brief discussion of the way the sf genre, in reframing the present as the history of multiple possible futures, calls on us to act to shape that future toward human thriving.
How Gender-Sensitive Are Environmental Institutions, Climate Adaptation, and Mitigation Actions? A Narrative from the Global South
Authors: Prakash Anjal , Ley Debora , Thamari Mary
Published: October 2024

This review explores the relationships between gender and climate change, focusing on Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. It draws attention to the differences in how women, men, and others are impacted by climate change, emphasizing vulnerabilities due to lack of access to resources and decision-making authority. We highlight the role gender-sensitive environmental institutions have in moderating how gender relations are affected by climate change. We assess gender sensitivity in environmental institutions, climate adaptation, and mitigation initiatives through regional comparisons, considering the different roles, responsibilities, and demands of women, men, and other intersectional groups within policies and initiatives to identify opportunities and difficulties in enacting gender-sensitive policies. The analysis shows widespread recognition of the significance of tackling gender-related concerns in the context of climate change and concludes that while progress is evident, there is room for improvement in addressing biases, stereotypes, and specific challenges, especially concerning climate change.
A new Synthesis Route for Long Lasting and Rapid Charging Prussian Blue Analogue for Desalination and Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Morton Jacob , Hartmann Louis , Dubarry Matthieu
Published: October 2024

This work reports a novel synthesis route for a Prussian blue analogue with high-rate capability and excellent cyclability in an aqueous electrolyte. The synthesis method is a hybrid of the traditional acid decomposition and precipitation synthesis methods. This new route allows the material to retain the high capacity of acid-decomposed analogues while achieving the cyclability of co-precipitated analogues. With an initial capacity of 37 mAh/g at 32C, the capacity retention of the material remained above 90% after 4,500 cycles and 70% after 15,000 cycles, offering great promise for its application in desalination batteries.
Sertraline-induced 5-HT dysregulation in mouse cardiomyocytes and the impact on calcium handling
Authors: Lu Yongjun , Kenkel Elizabeth , Zimmerman Kathy , Weiss Robert M. , Roghair Robert D. , Haskell Sarah E.
Published: October 2024

Sertraline exposure during development decreased the expression of critical genes in calcium regulation and lengthened periods in calcium oscillation in neonatal cardiomyocytes. Sertraline upregulated specific microRNAs that may modulate serotonin signaling in neonatal cardiac tissues, which corresponded with a decrease in the levels of the corresponding target mRNAs. Although the echocardiograms in our adult mice suggest a mild phenotype associated with sertraline exposure, these upregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) have been linked to adult cardiovascular disease and heart failure.
Fast Subpixel Motion Estimation Based on Human Visual System
Authors: Hosseini Avashanagh Dadvar , Nooshyar Mehdi , Barghandan Saeed , Ghandchi Majid
Published: October 2024

More than 80% of video coding times are consumed by motion estimation calculations, which are the most complex aspect of the process. This method eliminates temporal redundancies in a video sequence to achieve maximum compression. Numerous efforts have been made to bring calculations closer to real time, yielding fruitful results. This study proposes a fast subpixel motion estimation algorithm for video encoding with fewer search points. This method employs the capabilities of human visual systems (HVSs), physical motion characteristics of real‐world objects, and special image information from successive frames. The number of search points (NSP) using the statistical data of the movement of the blocks in the frames of video sequences is reduced to apply fewer calculations to the system while maintaining the quality of images. Therefore, it is possible to approach fast and real‐time calculations instead of time‐consuming algorithms by accurately modeling this algorithm.
Association Between MRI Findings of Facet Arthropathy and Synovitis With Health‐Related Outcome and Pain Scores Following Therapeutic Lumbar Facet Injections
Authors: Green Michael S. , Hal Michele Van , Onimus Matthew , Hoffman Christopher R. , Goyal Dhruv K. C. , Potigailo Valeria , Kazmi Khuram S.
Published: October 2024

Low back pain is a common complaint among adults. The facet joint is a major source of lumbar pain, and therapeutic facet injections have gained popularity as a minimally invasive treatment option. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilization for diagnosing low back pain has increased significantly over the past few decades. Facet synovitis is an entity characterized by edema and inflammatory changes affecting the facet joints, adjacent bone marrow, and surrounding soft tissues. Although its underlying etiology remains poorly understood, recent reports suggest a high incidence in patients with arthropathy and arthritis. It is essential to explore potential correlations between specific MRI findings and outcomes after lumbar facet injections. This investigation is particularly relevant for facet synovitis, given its inflammatory nature and the common use of anti‐inflammatory agents in facet injections. We investigated associations between MRI evidence of facet arthropathy and/or synovitis and the degree of improvement in health‐related outcome and pain scores after therapeutic facet injections. The review was conducted on patients who received bilateral therapeutic facet injections, excluding those with prior lumbar spinal surgery or transitional segments. Facet arthropathy and synovitis were assessed on MRI by two neuroradiologists, and postprocedure outcomes such as pain and function were compared using univariate and multivariate analyses based on MRI findings. Our retrospective review indicates that patients receiving facet injections experience greater mean reduction in daily activity and workability burden scores from back pain when facet synovitis is a known portion of their pathology. The authors pose that further study could help identify patient populations that are the best candidates for therapeutic intervention. This may ultimately improve delivery of care, cost efficacy, and patient satisfaction.
First-in-Human Dose-Escalation Study of Fianlimab, an Antilymphocyte Activation Gene-3 Antibody, with Cemiplimab in Patients with Advanced Malignancies
Authors: Lakhani Nehal J. , Papadopoulos Kyriakos P. , Johnson Melissa Lynne , Park Haeseong , Wang Ding , Yap Timothy A. , Dowlati Afshin , Maki Robert G. , Ulahannan Susanna , Lynce Filipa , Kelly Karen , Williamson Stephen , Malhotra Jyoti , Chen Shuquan , Gonzalez Ortiz Ana , Jankovic Vladimir , Paccaly Anne , Masinde Sheila , Mani Jayakumar , Lowy Israel , Gullo Giuseppe , Sims Tasha , Kroog Glenn
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

Preclinical data indicate that fianlimab (antilymphocyte activation gene-3) plus cemiplimab (anti–PD-1) enhances antitumor activity. Here, we report prespecified final analyses of the dose-escalation part of a first-in-human, phase 1 study (NCT03005782) of fianlimab as monotherapy and in combination with cemiplimab in patients with advanced malignancies.

Patients and Methods:

Adult patients received 1 to 40 mg/kg of fianlimab plus 350 mg of cemiplimab every 3 weeks (Q3W) across various dose-escalation schedules. Primary objectives were the rate of dose-limiting toxicities, adverse events (including immune mediated), deaths, laboratory abnormalities, and pharmacokinetics. Secondary outcomes were objective response rate, best overall response, duration of response, and antidrug antibody variables.

Results:

Seventy-eight patients were enrolled (fianlimab + cemiplimab, n = 47; fianlimab monotherapy, n = 31). One patient treated with 3 mg/kg fianlimab + cemiplimab experienced dose-limiting toxicities, including increased blood creatine phosphokinase and myasthenic syndrome. No maximum tolerated dose was reached. Any-grade treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 90% of patients with fianlimab monotherapy, in 87% of patients with fianlimab + cemiplimab, and in 87% of patients who transitioned from monotherapy to combination therapy. Fianlimab pharmacokinetics were dose proportional and similar in monotherapy and combination therapy. Across patients who received fianlimab + cemiplimab, five achieved a partial response, three of whom experienced a response after transitioning from monotherapy to combination therapy. Fianlimab 1,600 mg Q3W (20 mg/kg in an 80-kg individual) is the selected dose for phase 2 and phase 3 studies.

Conclusions:

Fianlimab as monotherapy and in combination with cemiplimab demonstrated acceptable safety and preliminary antitumor activity, which is generally consistent with previous reports of cemiplimab.
Abstract A009: T cell immune landscape in melanoma patients before and post immune checkpoint blockade treatment
Authors: Luo Ying , Yao Chen , Wu Tuoqi
Published: October 2024

Immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has revolutionized cancer treatment. Immune cells, especially T cells, play a crucial role in ICB. However, ICB- induced T cell response remains incompletely investigated. Revealing T cell landscape changes caused by ICB could promote the discovery of novel biomarkers with predictive efficacy and toxicity and the potential strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy while reducing side effects. We used single cell-based sequencing approaches to analyze transcriptome and surface protein of T cells in peripheral blood collected before and post ICB treatment from melanoma patients with immune-related adverse events. A total of 17 cell clusters were identified and annotated according to the expression of RNA and protein. Collectively, variation existed among the recruited participants. ICB treatment decreased the proportion of memory CD4 T cells while increasing the proportion of T follicular helper cells. In summary, these findings provide insight into how ICB modulates T cell responses in melanoma patients.

Citation Format: Ying Luo, Chen Yao, Tuoqi Wu. T cell immune landscape in melanoma patients before and post immune checkpoint blockade treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2024 Oct 18-21; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2024;12(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A009.