bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data autonomy and privacy in the smart home: the case for a privacy smart home meta-assistant
Authors: Orlowski Alexander , Loh Wulf
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we focus on privacy risks in smart home environments and their implications for privacy and data protection. As with other Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the collection and processing of user data in smart home environments currently lack transparency and control. Smart home applications operate within the home, a space that is both morally and legally particularly protected and characterized by a implicit expectation of privacy from the user’s perspective. In contrast to these higher privacy risks, the current regulatory efforts are not yet up to speed with respect to smart home environments. As an interim workaround solution, in this paper, we propose a meta-assistant for the smart home that increases users’ data autonomy and thereby their privacy. In the first section, we give a brief overview of smart home applications, their data collection mechanisms, and the implications for user privacy. Following this, we argue in the second section that consent to datafication, i.e., the prevalent legal option to obtain legal grounds for data collection and processing, in most smart home contexts is—albeit legally sufficient—morally inadequate to provide meaningful possibilities for users to exercise their data autonomy and manage their privacy. The third section introduces an interim solution, outlining the possibility of a meta-assistant, which is capable of operating all other devices—if necessary, by shutting them off completely.
Modellierung der Hämoglobindegeneration im UV-Vis-Bereich als Unterstützung der forensischen Altersschätzung von Blutflecken
Authors: Bergmann Tommy , Heinke Florian , Thomas Aurélien , Grabherr Silke , Labudde Dirk
Published: February 2025

Hintergrund

Die forensische Altersschätzung von Blutflecken mittels UV-Vis-Spektroskopie basiert auf der Degradation von Hämoglobinderivaten und bietet eine vielversprechende Methode für die Tatortarbeit. Allerdings erschweren Umweltfaktoren wie Temperatur, Licht und Feuchtigkeit die praktische Anwendung, da sie die Alterungsprozesse beeinflussen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Modellierung der Hämoglobinderivatverläufe in alternden Blutflecken. Durch simulationsbasierte Spektren können Blutalterungsprozesse unter verschiedenen Umweltbedingungen mathematisch abgebildet werden, um die forensische Blutanalyse zu verbessern.

Methodik

Alternde Vollblutproben wurden unter kontrollierten Bedingungen mittels UV-Vis-Spektroskopie analysiert. Zur Modellierung wurde ein statistisches Modell mit der Hamiltonian-Monte-Carlo(HMC)-Methode entwickelt. Der iterative Prozess umfasste die Identifikation spektraler Einflüsse, deren Integration ins Modell und eine schrittweise Optimierung der Parameter.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Die Modelle ermöglichen eine realitätsnahe Simulation der Hämoglobinderivatverläufe, die mit experimentellen Daten gut übereinstimmen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen das Potenzial statistischer Modellierung zur Ergänzung experimenteller Untersuchungen und Verbesserung der forensischen UV-Vis-Spektroskopie. Weitere Arbeiten sind nötig, um Umwelteinflüsse detaillierter zu erfassen.

Graphic abstract
On a symplectic quantum Howe duality
Authors: Bodish Elijah , Tubbenhauer Daniel
Published: February 2025

We prove a nonsemisimple quantum version of Howe’s duality with the rank 2n symplectic and the rank 2 special linear group acting on the exterior algebra of type C. We also discuss the first steps towards the symplectic analog of harmonic analysis on quantum spheres, give character formulas for various fundamental modules, and construct canonical bases of the exterior algebra.
Classification of symplectic birational involutions of manifolds of OG10 type
Authors: Marquand Lisa , Muller Stevell
Published: February 2025

We give a complete classification of symplectic birational involutions of manifolds of OG10 type. We approach this classification with three techniques—via involutions of the Leech lattice, via involutions of cubic fourfolds, and finally lattice enumeration via a modified Kneser’s neighbour algorithm. The classification consists of three involutions with an explicit geometric realisation via cubic fourfolds, and three exceptional involutions which cannot be obtained by any known construction.
Monitoring phage infection and lysis of surface-immobilized bacteria by QCM-D
Authors: Pothineni Bhanu K. , Probst René , Kiefer Dorothee , Dobretzberger Verena , Barišić Ivan , Grundmeier Guido , Keller Adrian
Published: February 2025

While being a promising approach for the treatment of infections caused by drug-resistant, pathogenic bacteria, the clinical implementation of phage therapy still faces several challenges. One of these challenges lies in the high strain-specificity of most bacteriophages, which makes it necessary to screen large phage collections against the target pathogens in order to identify suitable candidates for the formulations of personalized therapeutic phage cocktails. In this work, we evaluate the potential of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) to identify and detect phage infection and subsequent lysis of bacteria immobilized on the surfaces of the QCM-D sensors. Using lytic Escherichia coli phage T7 as a model, we show that phage infection of E. coli cells results in various unique alterations in the behaviors of the frequency (Δf) and dissipation (ΔD) signals, which are not observed during exposure of the E. coli strain to non-infectious Bacillus subtilis phage phi29 at similar concentration. To aid future phage screening campaigns, we furthermore identify a single measurement parameter, i.e., the spread between the different overtones of ΔD, that can be used to detect phage-induced lysis. For T7 infection of E. coli, this is achieved within 4 h after inoculation, including immobilization and growth of the bacteria on the sensor surface, as well as the completed phage propagation cycle. Given the commercial availability of highly automated multichannel systems and the fact that this approach does not require any sensor modifications, QCM-D has the potential to become a valuable tool for screening medium-sized phage collections against target pathogens.

Graphical Abstract
External validation of a predictive model for post-treatment persistent disease by 131I whole-body scintigraphy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Nappi Carmela , Megna Rosario , Zampella Emilia , Volpe Fabio , Piscopo Leandra , Falzarano Maria , Vallone Carlo , Pace Leonardo , Petretta Mario , Cuocolo Alberto , Klain Michele
Published: February 2025

Purpose

We performed an external validation of a predictive model for persistent/metastatic disease in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) at post-treatment 131I whole-body scintigraphy (WBS).

Methods

Our study population included 836 patients (median age 44 years, 78% women) with DTC referred from 1994 to 2021 at our center. Age, sex, histology, T stage, N stage, American Thyroid Association risk classes, thyroid-stimulating hormone, radioactive iodine (RAI) activity, and thyroglobulin (Tg) levels were considered potential predictors of post-treatment WBS results. For the external validation, N stage and Tg levels were put into the decision tree (DT) model using its same Tg cut-off values.

Results

Ninety-nine patients (12%) had positive post-treatment WBS. The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting WBS findings through the external validation was 0.60 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.56–0.64), and positive and negative predictive values were 58% (95% CI, 41–74%) and 90% (95% CI, 88–92%). We also developed an internal model including the independent predictors of WBS findings (i.e., Tg levels, T stage, N stage, and RAI activity). For this model the area under ROC curve was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.69–0.81), and positive and negative predictive values were 90% (95% CI, 68–99% and 88–92%).

Conclusions

The external validation of the proposed DT model has a limited value for predicting post-treatment 131I-WBS findings in our patients. The internal model including also T stage and RAI activity demonstrates higher predictive value.
Harnessing TAGAP to improve immunotherapy for lung squamous carcinoma treatment by targeting c-Rel in CD4+ T cells
Authors: Cai Peian , Sun Haibo , Jiang Tongmeng , Li Huawei , Huang Dejing , Hao Xiaopei , Wang Wei , Xing Wenqun , Liang Guanghui
Published: February 2025

Revealing the immunosenescence, particularly in CD4+ T cell function in lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC) assists in devising individual treatment strategies. This study identifies differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ROS1 mutated (ROS1
MUT) and wild-type (ROS1
WT) LUSC samples from the TCGA database. Using WGCNA, immune-related DEGs (IRGs) were screened. Prognostic signatures derived from IRGs were used to compare immune infiltration, chemotherapy sensitivity, and immune-phenotyping score (IPS) between high- and low-risk subgroups. Hub gene abundance in different cell clusters was analyzed via Sc-seq. TAGAP overexpression or silencing was employed to assess its impact on cytokines production and differentiation of CD4+ T cells, downstream c-Rel expression, and tumor progression. High-risk subgroups exhibited decreased infiltration of natural killer, follicular helper T, and CD8+ T cells, but increased plasma, CD4+ memory resting T, and macrophage M2 cells. These subgroups were more sensitive to Sunitinib and CTLA4 blockade. TAGAP expression was significantly reduced in LUSC. Overexpressing TAGAP enhanced CD4+ T cells to produce cytokines, promoted differentiation into Th1/Th17 cells, inhibited Treg conversion, and suppressed LUSC cell phenotype in vitro. TAGAP overexpression in CD4+ T cells also inhibited LUSC tumor growth and boosted immune infiltration in vivo. TAGAP’s effects on CD4+ T cells were partly reversed by c-Rel overexpression, highlighting TAGAP's role in rejuvenating CD4+ T cells and exerting anticancer effects by inhibiting c-Rel. This study elucidates the novel therapeutic potential of targeting TAGAP to modulate CD4+ T cell activity in immunotherapy for LUSC.
Monitoring peripheral blood data supports the prediction of immunotherapy response in advanced non-small cell lung cancer based on real-world data
Authors: Ramos-Guerra Ana D. , Farina Benito , Rubio Pérez Jaime , Vilalta-Lacarra Anna , Zugazagoitia Jon , Peces-Barba Germán , Seijo Luis M. , Paz-Ares Luis , Gil-Bazo Ignacio , Dómine Gómez Manuel , Ledesma-Carbayo María J.
Published: February 2025

The identification of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who will benefit from immunotherapy remains a clinical challenge. Monitoring real-world data (RWD) in the first cycles of therapy may provide a more accurate representation of response patterns in a real-world setting. We propose a multivariate Bayesian joint model using generalized linear mixed effects, trained and validated on RWD from 424 advanced NSCLC patients retrospectively collected from three clinical centers. Center1 was used as training (

$$N=212$$

N
=
212

), while Center2 and Center3 were used as independent testing sets (

$$N=137$$

N
=
137

and

$$N=75$$

N
=
75

, respectively). Peripheral blood data (PBD) were collected at baseline and at three follow-up time points, alongside demographic and epidemiologic features. Six models were trained to predict progression-free survival at 6 months, PFS(6), using different number of longitudinal samples (baseline, two, or four time points) of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) or a multivariate feature selection. Long-term predictions at 12 and 24 months were also evaluated. Prediction accuracy was measured using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The proposed model significantly improved prediction performance, achieving AUCs of 0.870, 0.804 and 0.827 at 6, 12 and 24 months for Center2, and 0.824, 0.822 and 0.667 for Center3. There was also a significant difference in PFS and overall survival (OS) between predicted response groups, defined by a 6-month PFS cutoff (log-rank test

$$p<0.001$$

p
<
0.001

). Our study suggests that the integration of multiple biomarkers and monitored PBD in an RWD-based Bayesian joint model framework significantly improves immunotherapy response prediction in advanced NSCLC compared to conventional approaches involving biomarker data at baseline only.
Tumor microenvironment as a novel therapeutic target for lymphoid leukemias
Authors: Mousavi Shahrzad , Nouri Soheil , Sadeghipour Arezoo , Atashi Amir
Published: February 2025

Lymphoid leukemias represent a significant global health burden, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. The intricate interplay between leukemic cells and their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME) is pivotal in disease initiation, progression, and therapeutic resistance. Comprising a dynamic milieu of stromal, immune, and leukemic cell populations, the TME orchestrates a complex network of signaling pathways and molecular interactions that foster leukemic cell survival and proliferation while evading immune surveillance. The crosstalk between these diverse cellular components within the TME not only fuels tumor progression but also confers resistance to conventional therapies, including the development of multi-drug resistance (MDR). Recognizing the pivotal role of the TME in shaping disease outcomes, novel therapeutic approaches targeting this dynamic ecosystem have emerged as promising strategies to complement existing anti-leukemic treatments. As a result, drugs that target the TME have been developed as complementary strategies to those that directly attack tumor cells. Thus, a detailed understanding of the TME components and their interactions with tumor cells is critical. Such knowledge can guide the design and implementation of novel targeted therapies for lymphoid leukemias.
Comparison study of two anastomosis techniques in right hemicolectomy: a systematic review and pooling up analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Qiang , Tang Run-xi , Zhang Chao-Fu , Xia Ming-Yang , Shuai Lei-Yuan , Tang Hua , Ji Guang-Yan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to compare side-to-side anastomosis (SSA) and end-to-side anastomosis (ESA) in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy from multiple perspectives to guide the selection of the optimal anastomotic technique.

Methods

This review was pre-registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024614418). A comprehensive literature search was performed using Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and China Biology Medicine (CBM). The primary outcome was anastomotic complications, and secondary outcomes included non-anastomotic complications, short-term prognosis, and surgical parameters.

Results

A total of 18 articles involving 14,555 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. No significant difference was found between SSA and ESA regarding overall anastomotic complications (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.81 to 1.62, P = 0.45). However, SSA showed advantages in reducing postoperative anastomotic bleeding (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.45 to 0.90, P = 0.01), while ESA appeared more favorable for reducing anastomotic leakage (AL) (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 0.97 to 1.73, P = 0.08) and intestinal obstruction (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.99 to 1.47, P = 0.07), though these differences were not statistically significant. No significant differences were found in non-anastomotic complications, short-term prognosis, or surgical parameters.

Conclusion

Current clinical evidence suggests that SSA is more effective than ESA in reducing postoperative anastomotic bleeding during right hemicolectomy for cancer. However, no significant differences were observed between the two techniques regarding overall anastomotic.
Current methods in explainable artificial intelligence and future prospects for integrative physiology
Authors: Finzel Bettina
Published: February 2025

Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) is gaining importance in physiological research, where artificial intelligence is now used as an analytical and predictive tool for many medical research questions. The primary goal of XAI is to make AI models understandable for human decision-makers. This can be achieved in particular through providing inherently interpretable AI methods or by making opaque models and their outputs transparent using post hoc explanations. This review introduces XAI core topics and provides a selective overview of current XAI methods in physiology. It further illustrates solved and discusses open challenges in XAI research using existing practical examples from the medical field. The article gives an outlook on two possible future prospects: (1) using XAI methods to provide trustworthy AI for integrative physiological research and (2) integrating physiological expertise about human explanation into XAI method development for useful and beneficial human-AI partnerships.
Hematology patients’ metaphorical perceptions of the disease and psychosocial support needs in the treatment process: a phenomenological study from a rural region of Türkiye
Authors: Uzun Sevda , Ediz Çiçek , Mohammadnezhad Masoud
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Although health services and access to these services have increased worldwide, there are still major barriers to access to health services, especially for rural, poor, and disabled individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the metaphorical perceptions of hematology patients living in rural areas in Türkiye about the disease and their psychosocial support needs during the treatment process with a phenomenological approach.

Methods

In this study, in which the phenomenological research method was used, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 hematology patients receiving treatment in a state hospital in a province in the eastern region of Türkiye. Criterion sampling method, one of the purposive sampling methods, was used to reach the sample group. Interviews continued until data saturation was achieved. The data of the study were evaluated using thematic analysis. The study was conducted and reported according to the COREQ checklist.

Results

Data analysis revealed two main themes including the following: metaphorical perceptions towards hematologic cancer with the sub-themes of emotional turmoil, social alienation and stigma and physical debilitation, and pathways to resilience with the sub-themes of disease process management, inner resilience and faith, and psychosocial support.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the adaptation process of patients to hematologic cancer is quite difficult, and psychosocial support is an indispensable requirement for them in their lives. In order for patients and their families to cope with this very difficult disease process, it is thought that providing them with a higher level of psychological support will be beneficial in coping with the disease effectively.
Validation of models for calculating the NVH behavior of gearbox systems in an elastic multibody simulation
Authors: Wischmann Stefan , Mann Alexander , Jacobs Georg , Brecher Christian , Hoepfner Gregor , Westphal Christian
Published: February 2025

The acoustic behavior of technical products—referred to as Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH)—forms an important criterion in customers’ purchasing decisions, e.g. in the automotive sector. Thus, optimizing the NVH behavior is essential during product development. NVH is influenced by dynamic excitations and the transfer of sound from the location of excitation to a receiver such as the driver. As the electrification of the mobility sector increases, gear mesh excitations contribute significantly to the noise of a vehicle, which was previously dominated by the combustion engine. The time-varying stiffness of the gear mesh is the main excitation in drivetrains and therefore needs to be optimized during product development. Elastic multi-body simulation (eMBS) has become an established method for modeling NVH characteristics of drivetrains. In order to evaluate the effect of gear mesh designs on a drivetrain’s excitations and therefore its NVH behavior, the time-varying stiffness of the gear mesh has to be incorporated into eMBS models. Today, this is either done by applying quasi-static transmission errors onto a model in frequency domain thereby neglecting the influence of the system’s oscillations back on the gear mesh excitations, e.g. by axial misalignment of the meshing shafts. Alternatively, analytical stiffness calculations are included in eMBS models in time-domain. However, these approaches are not yet validated. Also, incorporating the interaction between a flexible gear wheel and the gear mesh stiffness is paramount for NVH models of gears. Within previous works, a method for incorporating externally calculated gear mesh stiffnesses into eMBS has been proposed to overcome these challenges. The goal of this paper is to compare, validate and enhance the existing eMBS modeling methods of gear mesh stiffnesses with respect to their ability to model the dynamic behavior of gear boxes, defined by natural frequencies and critical operating points. A two-step approach consisting of quasi-static and dynamic validations is conducted. An improvement in accuracy between simulation and measurement of 10 dB is achieved compared to analytical eMBS methods.
Landscape of risk: responses of grey wolves to lethal control in a mosaic landscape
Authors: Preiss-Bloom Shlomo , Shamon Hila , Ben-Ami Dror , Dayan Tamar
Published: February 2025

As wolves recolonize human-modified landscapes across the Old World, management programs aiming to mitigate livestock depredation while preserving wolf populations are falling short. The combination of human activity, habitat fragmentation, and mixed land use creates complex challenges for conservation management. Recolonized by wolves in the 1970s, the Golan Heights in northern Israel poses a dense mosaic landscape of risk, comprising grazing pastures, military zones, nature reserves, agriculture, and minefields. Today it contains one of the highest densities of wolves worldwide. While wolves are protected by law, the government maintains an active lethal management program by which about 25% of the population is culled annually. To evaluate this program’s effectiveness, we used 60 motion-triggered camera traps over 5,997 nights to monitor wolf activity across the Golan Heights. Using long-term culling and landscape data, we assessed the spatiotemporal responses of single wolves and wolf packs to culling pressure, land use and human activity. We found a positive relationship between culling pressure and single wolf activity, while pack responses to culling varied over a gradient of land uses. Single wolves utilized high-risk areas near cattle despite intense culling, while packs dominated protected, no-culling zones. Overall, culling did not deter wolves, singles or packs, from conflict zones; all zones were occupied by wolves. However, wolves shifted temporally to avoid daytime human activity and were predominantly nocturnal in high-culling areas. Understanding wolves’ responses to lethal management across diverse anthropogenic pressures offers lessons for other areas, particularly in Europe, currently undergoing wolf recolonization in similar landscapes.
Environmental impact and mobility of thallium and other metal(oid)s in soils and tailings near a decommissioned Zn-Pb mine (Raibl, NE Italian Alps)
Authors: Barago Nicolò , Pavoni Elena , Floreani Federico , Crosera Matteo , Adami Gianpiero , Lenaz Davide , Covelli Stefano
Published: February 2025

The potential impact of decommissioned mining areas on environmental quality is of major concern for local communities, posing a risk to water resources and human health. This study aims to investigate the impact of extraction activities on the surface environment by evaluating the occurrence of metal(oid)s, including potentially toxic elements (PTEs, i.e. As, Cd, Fe, Tl, Zn, Pb) and critical elements (As, Ge), at the Zn-Pb Raibl mining area (northeastern Italy). Elevated concentrations of metal(oid)s are found near mine waste heaps (< 100 mg/kg for Tl, Sb, Cd, Ge; > 1,000 mg/kg for As; > 1% for Pb and > 10% for Zn and Fe), which are made up of flotation tailings and waste rocks scattered around the mining village and stored in the tailings impoundments. Conversely, upstream from the mine, the environment is largely uncontaminated. According to the results, total and leachable metal(oid) concentrations are positively correlated. Tailings (65.1–754 mg/kg of Tl) are identified as the primary source of leachable Tl (11.4–255 mg/kg) and metal(oid)s are generally more mobile in organic-rich soils, suggesting increased metal(oid) mobility with soil ageing due to low soil pH and potential soluble organometallic complexes. Furthermore, the findings suggest that reprocessing of mine tailings could be a potential solution to recover valuable elements together with residue backfilling. Lastly, results from this study highlight how crucial mining site management is to limit PTE dispersion and reducing risks to the environment and public health.
Characterization of safranal-induced morphological changes and salt stress alleviation in lettuce seedlings
Authors: Oka Tomomasa , Fujimaru Yuki , Minami Takehiko , Yamaguchi Takuya , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Sunohara Yukari
Published: February 2025

Volatile organic compounds of plant origin can be used to develop biostimulants and plant-growth regulators. While screening volatile compounds from several plant species, safranal (2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-diene-1-carbaldehyde), an apocarotenoid produced by saffron (Crocus sativus L.), effectively enhanced primary root (PR) elongation in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Legacy) seedlings. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effects of exogenous safranal treatment on the morphological and physiological characteristics of lettuce seedlings. The data showed that, three days after treatment with 19 µmol/L safranal in the dark, lettuce seedlings showed a marked increase in PR length, whereas hypocotyl growth was suppressed. Based on transcriptomic and qRT-PCR analyses, a total of 114 gene expression alterations due to safranal application were detected, including upregulations of ethylene and abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis genes. Additionally, safranal promoted ethylene production in both roots and hypocotyls; however, AgNO3, an ethylene-signalling inhibitor, did not affect PR or hypocotyl length after safranal treatment. Safranal slightly increased root ABA content. Exogenous treatment with 1 µmol/L fluridone (1-methyl-3-phenyl-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] pyridin-4(1 H)-one), a carotenoid-biosynthesis inhibitor, did not significantly affect safranal-induced changes in PR or hypocotyl length. Safranal alleviated NaCl (50 mmol/L)-induced inhibition of PR elongation and cell death in lettuce seedlings. Moreover, it mitigated the NaCl-induced increase in root O2
− and H2O2 content. Altogether, our findings suggest that exogenous safranal regulated PR and hypocotyl lengths. These effects seemingly occur through mechanisms independent of ethylene, ABA, or reactive oxygen species. Safranal apparently alleviated salinity stress by reducing oxidative damage.
Effects of the fungicide azoxystrobin and wastewater effluent on leaf-associated fungal communities and a key amphipod shredder
Authors: Wüthrich Astrid , Ebner Joshua , Bruder Andreas , von Fumetti Stefanie
Published: February 2025

Freshwater ecosystems receive a constant influx of pollutants affecting all levels of biological organisation. We assessed the impacts of wastewater and the fungicide azoxystrobin on two trophic levels: the shredder Gammarus fossarum and leaf-associated fungal communities. Gammarus fossarum and Fagus sylvatica-leaves were exposed to stream water, wastewater, and both water types spiked with 40 µg/L azoxystrobin. For G. fossarum we determined the feeding rate and the respiratory electron transport system (ETS) activity, while the effects on fungal communities were investigated by measuring biomass, community composition, and sporulation rate, the latter serving as a measure of reproductive output. A significant decrease in feeding rate from stream water to wastewater with azoxystrobin was observed. ETS activity declined over time across all treatments, except in wastewater with azoxystrobin. Fungal biomass and community composition were not affected by azoxystrobin nor by wastewater, but the presence of G. fossarum increased the reproductive output. This study suggests that the combination of two stressors negatively affects G. fossarum, while the shredder itself positively affects the reproduction of leaf-associated fungi. By assessing the impact of fungicides in natural and polluted water, this research expands our understanding of pollutant-driven ecosystem shifts and their cascading effects on different trophic levels.
Mentorship and Outreach: Exploring Students’ Feedback to Improve Men of Color Retention Programs
Authors: Lopez Edgar F. , Huerta Adrian H. , Torres Gabriela M. , Castillo Adriana J. , Salazar Maritza E.
Published: February 2025

In response to the need for increased college enrollment and retention rates among men of color, men of color programs have emerged as a key initiative in higher education. Using Yosso’s (2005) community cultural wealth as a framework, this qualitative study explored the impact of men of color programs on student experiences in higher education, focusing on the importance of student feedback in improving programmatic initiatives. Data were collected from 85 student participants at four different institutions through interviews and focus group discussions. Student participants highlighted the critical role of mentors of color, the need for diverse representation among program personnel, and the importance of broader outreach efforts to ensure that more men of color are aware of and can benefit from these resources. We recommend that institutional leaders and men of color program directors prioritize increased funding and strategic initiatives aimed at expanding program capacity, strengthening existing programs, diversifying the range of student support services offered, actively engaging students in the design and implementation of these programs, and expanding outreach efforts to ensure the academic success of their college men of color students.
Density, Normal Spectral Emissivity, Heat Capacity, and Thermal Conductivity of the Ti6Al4V Melt Measured by Electromagnetic Levitation with a Static Magnetic Field
Authors: Watanabe Manabu , Funada Suguru , Ohtsuka Makoto , Adachi Masayoshi , Fukuyama Hiroyuki
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to accurately measure the density (ρ), normal spectral emissivity (ε), heat capacity at constant pressure (C

p
), and thermal conductivity (κ) of the Ti–6 mass % Al–4 mass % V (Ti64) melt by electromagnetic levitation with a static magnetic field and laser modulation calorimetry. A static magnetic field was applied to the levitated Ti64 melt to suppress the surface oscillation and translational motion of the droplets, and to suppress the convection flow inside the droplet for each property measurement, as needed. The measurement uncertainty was analyzed for all of the thermophysical property data. The excess volume and excess heat capacity of the Ti64 melt obtained in this study were compared with those evaluated using the ideal solution model. The contribution of the thermal vibrations of the atoms in κ for the Ti64 melt was evaluated from the difference between the measured thermal conductivity (κ) value and the κ values calculated using the Wiedemann–Franz law.
Assessing ECG-QRS signal detection algorithm chip and simulation on several FPGAs
Authors: Dhyani Shikha , Kumar Adesh , Choudhury Sushabhan , Verma Chaman , Illés Zoltán
Published: February 2025

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool that records the electrical activity of the heart, providing information on the cardiac cycle. It is widely utilized in medical and healthcare settings for monitoring purposes. The QRS complex, which encompasses the Q wave, R wave, and S wave, is indicative of the depolarization of the ventricles. The QRS complex is a standard feature of ECG leads, and its waves vary depending on the lead position and the heart's electrical activity. The primary objective of this research endeavor has been to implement the Ahlstrom and Tompkins method's equations using Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL). The aim is to develop a system capable of identifying the peak of two successive ECG waveforms. The hardware chip design for detecting the QRS complex in ECG signals was implemented using Xilinx ISE 14.7 and subsequently validated through successful simulation in Modelsim 10.0 software. The algorithm's performance is assessed on various FPGA platforms, specifically focusing on power consumption, latency, frequency, and hardware utilizations on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) by Xilinx. The Virtex-7 FPGA has demonstrated superior performance when compared to other FPGA models, with an ideal delay value of 7.120 ns, power consumption of 1.95 mW, and operating frequency of 750 MHz. The novelty of this work lies in the scalable FPGA-based algorithm for QRS detection, which excels in switching speed and low power consumption across various FPGAs. This allows designers to integrate deep learning techniques for QRS detection and achieve hardware acceleration for real-time implementation.
Integrating Real-Time Wireless Sensor Networks into IoT Using MQTT-SN
Authors: Stangaciu Valentin , Stangaciu Cristina , Gusita Bianca , Curiac Daniel-Ioan
Published: February 2025

Wireless Sensor Networks gradually became a mature technology that enabled the implementation of a large number of critical applications. However, the integration of such networks in much more complex systems, such as IoT, still poses a major challenge. In this paper we present a viable solution to accomplish such a difficult task by using MQTT-SN to integrate critical real-time WSNs into an IoT platform. The core of our work is a platform independent real-time driver for MQTT-SN along with a communication architecture to enable the integration of low end devices into an MQTT network using MQTT-SN. We also describe a comprehensive practical demonstration using real hardware modules that validates our claimed solution.
Limits and Paradoxes of Accelerating Research. A Retrospective on the Attempts to Accelerate Medical Research on COVID-19
Authors: Grieser Christopher
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a historically unprecedented effort to accelerate medical research on the novel coronavirus. At the same time, researchers have raised concerns that the attempts to expedite research had negative side effects, such as information overload or adverse impacts on research quality. This paper thus explores the question whether attempts to increase the pace of research do more harm than good and to what extent the acceleration of scientific knowledge production is even possible. To address these questions, this article proposes a multi-level perspective on research speed consisting of four interrelated dimensions: the speed of individual research activities, the number of concurrent research activities, the speed of knowledge circulation, and the usefulness of knowledge contributions for peers. A closer examination of medical research on COVID-19 reveals that attempts to accelerate research were inherently precarious: On the one hand, there are hard limits to the speed of research, while on the other, several measures intended to expedite research have side effects that can actually decelerate research. This ambiguous character of research acceleration creates difficult trade-offs that require careful consideration in science policy.
Indefinite definites in Italian
Authors: Morosi Paolo , Espinal M. Teresa
Published: February 2025

This paper examines indefinite interpretations associated with morphologically definite articles in Italian, such as Ha comprato {i tulipani / l’olio} (‘She bought (the) tulips / (the) oil’), which allow both a default definite reading and an indefinite interpretation. The paper addresses two main research questions: (i) what grammatical conditions allow indefinite definites in Italian?, and (ii) why do only Italo-Romance varieties, and not other Romance languages, allow the presence of indefinite definites (in addition to bare nouns, the so called “partitive article” and even a bare di)? The primary contribution of the paper is to show that the indefinite reading of definite internal arguments in Italian cannot be derived from a weak definite approach, from kind denotation, or from an operation of derived kind predication. Instead, we argue that internal definite (plural and mass) arguments can be interpreted as conveying an indefinite reading, as long as the event in which they participate denotes incremental homogeneity (Landman and Rothstein 2010, 2012a, 2012b). This hypothesis is supported by the productivity of indefinite definites in habitual (and iterative) contexts, which are incrementally homogeneous by definition; and their compatibility with per ‘for’ (and ogni ‘every’ N) temporal modifiers. Concerning the cross-linguistic and cross-dialectal puzzle, the paper highlights that the use of indefinite definites for the expression of weak indefiniteness reveals the bidirectional influence between dialectal substrata and the national language, giving prominence to the role of competing grammars in speakers of informal Italian.
Fluoride Exposure Increases the Activity of the Cystine/Glutamate Exchanger in Glia Cells
Authors: Ocharán-Mercado Andrea , Loaeza-Loaeza Jaqueline , Hernández-Sotelo Daniel , Cid Luis , Hernández-Kelly Luisa C. , Felder-Shmittbuhl Marie-Paule , Ortega Arturo
Published: February 2025

Fluoride exposure in drinking water has been widely related to impairment of cognitive function. Even though this ion has been described as neurotoxic for more than two decades, the molecular mechanisms of fluoride neurotoxicity are not fully understood, however, increasing evidence suggests that glial cells are the site of early injury in fluoride neurotoxicity. Nevertheless, a convergence point of many studies is the effect on glutamatergic neurotransmission and the generation of reactive oxygen species. In this context, we evaluated here the expression and regulation of the cystine/glutamate exchanger upon fluoride exposure since this transporter is in the interface between excitotoxicity and the antioxidant response. We demonstrate here the functional expression of the cystine /glutamate exchanger in both the U373 human glioblastoma cells and chick cerebellar Bergmann glia cells. Using a [3H]-L-Glutamate uptake assay, we demonstrate that fluoride increases the activity of the exchanger in a time and dose-dependent manner. This augmentation is mitigated by the antioxidant Trolox. To gain insight into fluoride neurotoxicity mechanisms, we evaluated its effect on human antigen R, a RNA binding protein, that binds to the 3'-UTR region of exchanger mRNA increasing its half time life. An increase in human antigen R protein was recorded after a 6 h fluoride exposure, suggesting that this ion regulates the exchanger through this RNA-binding protein. Furthermore, we show that fluoride exposure increases both the exchanger and human antigen R mRNAs half-life. These results provide insights into fluoride neurotoxicity mechanisms and support the notion of a central role of glial cells in neuronal glutamatergic transmission disruption that leads to neuronal cell death.
Associations between financial toxicity, health-related quality of life, and well-being in Indonesian patients with breast cancer
Authors: Pangestu Stevanus , Purba Fredrick Dermawan , Setyowibowo Hari , Mukuria Clara , Rencz Fanni
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Financial toxicity (FT) is the impairment of financial well-being experienced by patients with cancer, categorized into subjective (SFT) and objective (OFT) forms. This study aimed to investigate the associations between FT, health-related quality of life, and overall well-being in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

We analyzed baseline data from a single-center longitudinal study in Indonesia. Patients completed the EQ-5D-5L, EQ Health and Wellbeing (EQ-HWB), COST: A FACIT Measure of Financial Toxicity (FACIT-COST, for measuring SFT), and OFT-related questions. Ordinal logistic regression was used to examine the associations between FT and selected EQ-5D-5L and EQ-HWB items. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the associations of FT and EQ-5D-5L and EQ-HWB-S index values. The main regression models were adjusted for socio-demographic and clinical factors such as age, income, metastasis status, and symptoms.

Results

The survey included 300 female patients with breast cancer undergoing treatment (mean age = 51). Overall, 21% experienced high SFT (FACIT-COST ≤ 17.5) and 51% reported any OFT (e.g., incurring debt). Adjusted for covariates, higher SFT was associated with more problems in EQ-5D-5L pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression, and in EQ-HWB exhaustion, anxiety, sadness/depression, frustration, pain, and discomfort. OFT was associated with more problems in exhaustion. Higher SFT was associated with lower EQ-5D-5L and EQ-HWB-S index values, with explained variances of 46.3% for EQ-HWB-S and 31.2% for EQ-5D-5L.

Conclusions

This study is the first to explore the associations between financial toxicity, EQ-5D-5L, and EQ-HWB outcomes in breast cancer. Our findings provide insight into the cancer burden and its link to health and well-being.
Biogenic synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles for the elicitation of secondary metabolites in the in vitro propagated plantlets of Rubia cordifolia L.
Authors: Prasad Aparna , Sidhic Jameema , Mohan C. K. Sruthi , Sarbadhikary Paromita , George Satheesh , Narayanankutty Arunaksharan , Tom Renjis T. , George Blassan P. , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: February 2025

In recent decades, nanoparticles (NPs) have become an important focus of research with diverse applications in industries such as food, cosmetics, and medicine. Recent studies have demonstrated that nanomaterials can boost the production of secondary metabolites in plants. In vitro techniques coupled with nanotechnology tools provide an attractive alternative for enhancing the production of targeted dye products (Alizarin and Purpurin) from crops. In this study, biocompatible hexagonal-shaped Zinc oxide nanoparticles and monoclinic-spherical-shaped Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were synthesized from the stem extract of Rubia cordifolia L., with average particle sizes of 17.9 nm and 28.35 nm, respectively. Quantitative phytochemical assessments, HRLC-MS analysis, HPTLC fingerprinting, and antioxidant properties in methanolic extracts of in vitro treated plants with different concentrations of metallic oxide NPs showed variations, in both quality and quantity of secondary metabolites. The treatment of 0.1 mg/L CuO NPs showed the highest level of secondary metabolites including alizarin and purpurin. Notably, concentrations exceeding 10 mg/L transformed these nanoparticles from elicitors to potentially toxic components for the plantlets. The extracts elicited by CuO NPs (0.1 mg/L) exhibited high antioxidant activity due to these metabolic changes. CuO NP treatment provided a useful and efficient in vitro technique to enhance the synthesis of plant based bioactive compounds with potential applications in the pharmaceutical and textile industry.
First Assessment of Freshwater Monitoring Under the Eu National Emission Ceilings Directive: Emerging Issues and Way Forward
Authors: Cesarini Giulia , Fornaroli Riccardo , Boggero Angela , Musazzi Simona , Zaupa Silvia , Dumnicka Elzbieta , Marchetto Aldo , Rogora Michela
Published: February 2025

Air pollution has significantly increased during the Anthropocene, adversely affecting ecosystems and human health. The National Emission Ceilings Directive (NECD, 2016/2284/EU) set targets for reducing emissions and required Member States to establish a national monitoring network to assess ecosystem changes due to air pollution. For freshwaters, the NECD monitoring focused on assessing effects of sulphur and nitrogen deposition and acidification status using chemical parameters and sensitive biological indicators. This paper evaluates the present NECD monitoring scheme and its applicability in Italy, from site selection to initial data collection. High mountain lakes were selected as study sites, because they are free from direct human impacts and sensitive to air pollutant deposition. A two-year survey of chemical and biological components (diatoms and macroinvertebrates) was conducted in eight lakes with the aim to (1) assess the suitability of chemical parameters and biological indices for evaluating air pollutant impacts on sensitive water bodies in Italy, focusing on acidification and nitrogen enrichment, and (2) discuss the current approach's achievements and limitations. Results highlighted the need to develop specific indices for detecting atmospheric pollution impacts on freshwater ecosystems. Beside acidification, other drivers, including nutrients, proved to be important in shaping mountain lakes biological assemblages and affecting their response to pollutant deposition. Our study contributed to a critical assessment of the present freshwater monitoring under the NECD from the Italian perspective, providing indications on future improvement and development of the monitoring scheme itself.
Improving care interactions (and training) in nursing homes with artificial intelligence
Authors: Lefelle Marie , Samy Modeliar Mouny
Published: February 2025

As the population continues to age, nursing homes will increasingly play a key role in caring for dependent individuals. To enhance the well-being of the elderly, it is crucial to focus on the language skills used during care interactions. However, issues such as the taboo surrounding dependency, scandals involving private nursing home management, the pressure for caregiver efficiency, and the variety of care contexts make monitoring these skills challenging. One way to address this is by collecting in situ data, supervised by language researchers and caregivers specialized in elderly care. This is the approach we have followed: the data collected was then analyzed using machine learning models to provide caregivers with crucial insights for improving care outcomes. Our research highlights the importance of specific factors in language-based interactions, especially in varied care situations. Notably, we emphasize the careful use of humor and the impact of caregiver experience on the success of care sessions. Consequently, we advocate for caregiver training that is grounded in real-life practice, focusing on context adaptation, active listening, and dialogue with residents.