bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meropenem pharmacokinetics in cerebrospinal fluid: comparing intermittent and continuous infusion strategies in critically ill patients—a prospective cohort study
Authors: Wicha Sebastian G. , Kinast Christina , Münchow Max , Wittova Sandra , Greppmair Sebastian , Kunzelmann Alexandra K. , Zoller Michael , Paal Michael , Vogeser Michael , Habler Katharina , Weig Thomas , Terpolilli Nicole , Heck Suzette , Dimitriadis Konstantinos , Scharf Christina , Liebchen Uwe
Published: July 2024

Meropenem penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is subject to high interindividual variability resulting in uncertain target attainment in CSF. Recently, several authors recommended administering meropenem as a continuous infusion (CI) to optimize CSF exposure. This study aimed to compare the concentrations and pharmacokinetics of meropenem in CSF after intermittent infusion (II) and CI. This prospective, observational study (NCT04426383) included critically ill patients with external ventricular drains who received either II or CI of meropenem. Meropenem pharmacokinetics in plasma and CSF were characterized using population pharmacokinetic modeling (NONMEM 7.5). The developed model was used to compare the concentration–time profile and probability of target attainment (PTA) between II and CI. A total of 16 patients (8 CI, 8 II; samples: n
plasma
= 243, n
CSF
= 263) were recruited, with nine patients (5 CI, 4 II) suffering from cerebral and seven patients from extracerebral infections. A one-compartment model described the plasma concentrations adequately. Meropenem penetration into the CSF (partition coefficient (KP), c
CSF
/c
plasma
) was generally low (6.0%), exhibiting substantial between-subject variability (coefficient of variation: 84.0%). There was no correlation between the infusion mode and KP, but interleukin (IL)-6 measured in CSF showed a strong positive correlation with KP (
P
< 0.001). Dosing simulations revealed no relevant differences in CSF concentrations and PTA in CSF between CI and II. Our study did not demonstrate increased penetration rates or higher concentrations of meropenem in the CSF with CI compared with II.

CLINICAL TRIALS

This study is registered with

ClinicalTrials.gov
as
NCT04426383

.
Identification of two missing genome segments of tulip streak virus
Authors: Neriya Yutaro , Nishigawa Hisashi
Published: July 2024

Complete sequences of RNA1 and RNA2 of tulip streak virus (TuSV) were already reported, but other segments were not yet. In this study, we reported RNA3 and RNA4 of TuSV, which shared around 69% nucleotide identity with those of closely related virus, suggesting that these are additional RNA segments.
Complete genome sequence of
Bacillus subtilis
phage fHSPT3
Authors: Midha Tushar , Choudhary Aaina , Baranwal Somesh
Published: July 2024

Here, we describe a
Bacillus subtilis
bacteriophage isolated from sewage water. The phage fHSPT3 was isolated against the host
Bacillus subtilis
168 and has a genome size of 150,187 bp with 221 protein-coding sequences. The fHSPT3 belongs to the genus
Siophivirus
, lacks virulence or antibiotic resistance genes, and shows a virulent life cycle predicted through PhageScope and PhageAI.
Prebiotic galactooligosaccharide feed modifies the chicken gut microbiota to efficiently clear
Salmonella
Authors: Richards Philip J. , Almutrafy Abeer , Liang Lu , Flaujac Lafontaine Geraldine M. , King Elizabeth , Fish Neville M. , Connerton Amber J. , Connerton Phillippa L. , Connerton Ian F.
Published: July 2024

Chicken meat is contaminated with
Salmonella
from the gut of infected chickens during slaughter. Eradication of
Salmonella
from broiler chickens through hygiene measures and/or vaccination is not cost-effective; complementary approaches are required. A mature gut microbiota obstructs
Salmonella
infection in chickens, and deliberate fortification of colonization resistance through prebiotic feed formulations would benefit public health and poultry production. Prebiotic galactooligosaccharides hastens
Salmonella
clearance from the gut of infected chickens. To better understand the role of galactooligosaccharides in colonization resistance, broiler chickens were raised on a wheat-soybean meal-based feed, with or without galactooligosaccharides for the first 24 days of life. Chickens were orally challenged with
Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis at 20 days and the effect of supplementary galactooligosaccharides characterized by profiling
Salmonella
colonization, gut microbiota, innate immune response, and cecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations. Exposure to dietary galactooligosaccharides shortened the time to clear
S
. Enteritidis from the ceca. Differential abundance analysis of the cecal microbiota associated
Salmonella
challenge with a bacterial taxon belonging to the Acidaminococcaceae family (
P
< 0.005). Increased cecal concentrations of the short-chain fatty acids propionate and valerate were measured in
Salmonella
-challenged chickens sustained on either control or galactooligosaccharide-supplemented feed relative to mock-challenged controls; but far greater concentrations were detected in chickens fed a galactooligosaccharide-supplemented diet in early life. The abundance of the Acidaminococcaceae taxon exhibited a positive correlation with the cecal concentrations of propionate (ρ = 0.724,
P
= 0.008) and valerate (ρ = 0.71,
P
= 0.013). The absence of cecal pro-inflammatory transcriptional responses suggest that the rapid
Salmonella
clearance observed for the galactooligosaccharide-supplemented diet was not linked to innate immune function.

IMPORTANCE

Work presented here identifies bacterial taxa responsible for colonization resistance to
Salmonella
in broiler chickens. Deliberate cultivation of these taxa with prebiotic galactooligosaccharide has potential as a straight-forward, safe, and cost-effective intervention against
Salmonella
. We hypothesize that catabolism of galactooligosaccharide and its breakdown products by indigenous microorganisms colonizing the chicken gut produce excess levels of propionate. In the absence of gross inflammation, propionate is inimical to
Salmonella
and hastens intestinal clearance.
Exploring synergistic and antagonistic interactions in phage-antibiotic combinations against ESKAPE pathogens
Authors: Kunz Coyne Ashlan J. , Eshaya Mirna , Bleick Callan , Vader Samantha , Biswas Biswajit , Wilson Melanie , Deschenes Michael V. , Alexander Jose , Lehman Susan M. , Rybak Michael J.
Published: July 2024

In the era of antimicrobial resistance, phage-antibiotic combinations offer a promising therapeutic option, yet research on their synergy and antagonism is limited. This study aims to assess these interactions, focusing on protein synthesis inhibitors and cell envelope-active agents against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. We evaluated synergistic and antagonistic interactions in multidrug-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Enterococcus faecium
, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains. Phages were combined with protein synthesis inhibitors [linezolid (LZD), minocycline (MIN), gentamicin (GEN), and azithromycin (AZM)] or cell envelope-active agents [daptomycin (DAP), ceftaroline (CPT), and cefepime (FEP)]. Modified checkerboard minimum inhibitory concentration assays and 24-h time-kill analyses were conducted, alongside one-step growth curves to analyze phage growth kinetics. Statistical comparisons used one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test (
P
< 0.05). In the checkerboard and 24-h time-kill analyses (TKA) of
S. aureus
and
E. faecium
, phage-LZD and phage-MIN combinations were antagonistic (FIC > 4) while phage-DAP and phage-CPT were synergistic (FIC 0.5) (ANOVA range of mean differences 0.52–2.59 log
10
CFU/mL;
P
< 0.001). For
P. aeruginosa
, phage-AZM was antagonistic (FIC > 4), phage-GEN was additive (FIC = 1), and phage-FEP was synergistic (ANOVA range of mean differences 1.04–1.95 log
10
CFU/mL;
P
< 0.001). Phage growth kinetics were altered in the presence of LZD and MIN against
S. aureus
and in the presence of LZD against a single
E. faecium
strain (HOU503). Our findings indicate that select protein synthesis inhibitors may induce phage-antibiotic antagonism. However, this antagonism may not solely stem from changes in phage growth kinetics, warranting further investigation into the complex interplay among strains, phage attributes, and antibiotic mechanisms affecting bacterial inhibition.

IMPORTANCE

In the face of escalating antimicrobial resistance, combining phages with antibiotics offers a promising avenue for treating infections unresponsive to traditional antibiotics. However, while studies have explored synergistic interactions, less attention has been given to potential antagonism and its impact on phage growth kinetics. This research evaluates the interplay between phages and antibiotics, revealing both synergistic and antagonistic patterns across various bacterial strains and shedding light on the complex dynamics that influence treatment efficacy. Understanding these interactions is crucial for optimizing combination therapies and advancing phage therapy as a viable solution for combating antimicrobial resistance.
Allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics in children: predictors for a positive oral challenge test
Authors: Wilkins Amanda L , Pittet Laure F , Kyriakou Sophie , Walker Kimberly , Donath Susan , Choo Sharon , Cranswick Noel , Gwee Amanda
Published: July 2024

Objective

Beta-lactam antibiotic allergies are reported in 5%–10% of children; however, up to 90% do not have any reaction at oral challenge test (OCT). This study aimed to determine the frequency and identify predictors of positive in-hospital graded beta-lactam OCTs in children with a beta-lactam antibiotic allergy label (AAL).

Design

This is a retrospective study conducted over 7 years, including children aged 0–19 years who underwent a beta-lactam OCT. The OCT comprised an in-hospital graded challenge followed by a 5-day outpatient antibiotic course. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of a positive in-hospital graded OCT.

Results

Overall, 1259 beta-lactam OCTs were included: median age at time of OCT was 6.3 years (range 8.8 months to 19.2 years). Of these, 18 (1.4%) in-hospital graded OCTs were positive and 10 (0.8%) were equivocal, with only 4 children (0.3%) having an immediate, severe reaction to their in-hospital graded OCT. Factors associated with a positive in-hospital graded OCT on univariate analysis were: history of other drug allergy (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.0 to 7.2; p 0.05), an index reaction which was severe (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 7.6; p 0.035), immediate and severe (OR 5.85, 95% CI 1.7 to 20.0; p 0.005) or that required epinephrine (OR 9.65, 95% CI 1.7 to 53.6; p 0.01).

Conclusion

Of the children referred with a beta-lactam AAL, only 1.4% had a positive in-hospital graded OCT. Risk factors for a positive in-hospital graded OCT were history of other drug allergy, an index reaction which was severe, immediate and severe or required epinephrine.
Weil’s disease in a temperate climate: diagnostic uncertainty and the importance of prompt antibiotic treatment
Authors: Arberry Jamie , Williams Sara , Abbas Madiha
Published: July 2024

A man in his 50s presents with a short history of rigors, back pain and dark urine. This was associated with scleral icterus. He was initially treated as urosepsis due to perinephric fat stranding on his first CT but continued to deteriorate with worsening sepsis requiring intensive care admission. He had a conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia (peak 708 µmol/L) with normal liver enzymes, anaemia, thrombocytopaenia, acute kidney injury requiring filtration and respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support. A subsequent CT revealed mediastinal lymphadenopathy and extensive ground-glass changes with patchy consolidation. When his history was revisited, exposure to rodents was identified, and serological testing for leptospirosis subsequently came back positive. This case explores the causes of hyperbilirubinaemia in leptospirosis, the dangers of tunnel vision in diagnostic medicine and the importance of prompt antibiotic therapy in Weil’s disease.
Efficacy, acceptability and tolerability of second-generation antipsychotics for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Lü Wenqi , Liu Fangzhou , Zhang Yuwei , He Xiance , Hu Yongbo , Xu Huifang , Yang Xin , Li Jin , Kuang Weihong
Published: July 2024

Background

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are highly prevalent in people living with dementia. Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are commonly used to treat BPSD, but their comparative efficacy and acceptability are unknown.

Methods

The standard mean difference (SMD) was used to pool the fixed effects of continuous outcomes. We calculated ORs with corresponding 95% credible intervals (CI) for the categorical variable. Efficacy was defined as the scores improved on the standardised scales. Acceptability was defined as the all-cause dropout rate. Tolerability was defined as the discontinuation rate due to adverse effects (AEs). The relative treatment rankings were reported with the surface under the cumulative curve. The AE outcomes included mortality, cerebrovascular adverse events (CVAEs), falls, sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms and urinary symptoms.

Results

Twenty randomised controlled trials with a total of 6374 individuals containing 5 types of SGAs (quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone, brexpiprazole and aripiprazole) with intervention lengths ranging from 6 weeks to 36 weeks were included in this network meta-analysis. For the efficacy outcome, compared with the placebo, brexpiprazole (SMD=−1.77, 95% CI −2.80 to −0.74) was more efficacious, and brexpiprazole was better than quetiapine, olanzapine and aripiprazole. Regarding acceptability, only aripiprazole (OR=0.72, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.96) was better than the placebo, and aripiprazole was also better than brexpiprazole (OR=0.61, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.99). In terms of tolerability, olanzapine was worse than placebo (OR=6.02, 95% CI 2.87 to 12.66), risperidone (OR=3.67, 95% CI 1.66 to 8.11) and quetiapine (OR=3.71, 95% CI 1.46 to 9.42), while aripiprazole was better than olanzapine (OR=0.25, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.78). Quetiapine presented good safety in CVAE. Brexpiprazole has better safety in terms of falls and showed related safety in sedation among included SGAs.

Conclusion

Brexpiprazole showing great efficacy in the treatment of BPSD, with aripiprazole showing the highest acceptability and olanzapine showing the worst tolerability. The results of this study may be used to guide decision-making.
Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis on intention to screen for cervical cancer and predictors among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia
Authors: Lahole Begetayinoral Kussia , Simon Tesfahun , Ewunetu Wondimu , Kussia Wondafrash
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The incidence and fatality rates associated with cervical cancer are continuously decreased by cervical cancer screening. However, in underdeveloped nations such as Ethiopia, very few women have undergone cervical cancer screening. There is a scarcity of nationally summarised data in Ethiopia on women’s intention to use cervical cancer screening and its determinants. Therefore, this protocol describes a planned systematic review and meta-analysis that will evaluate the intention to use cervical cancer screening and its predictors among women of childbearing age in Ethiopia.

Methods and materials

The online databases of EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, HINARI, Google Scholar, and African Journals online databases will be comprehensively searched from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute quality rating instrument will be used to assess the quality of the included studies. The STATA V.17 statistical software will be used for data analysis. The inverse variance (I2) and Cochran Q statistics will be used to examine the heterogeneity between studies. A random effects model will be used to calculate the pooled prevalence of intention towards cervical cancer screening with a 95% CI. To determine publication bias, a funnel plot, the Egger and Begg test, and a 5% significance level will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

There is no need for ethical approval. The results will be disseminated to academic beneficiaries and the public.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023440970.
Efficacy of intra-arterial carboplatin and bevacizumab in the C6 rat glioma model of glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Lim Jaims , Santo Briana A , Baig Ammad A , Ciecierska Shiau-Sing K , Donnelly Brianna , Balghonaim Sarah , Levy Bennett R , Jaikumar Vinay , Levy Elad I , Tutino Vincent M , Siddiqui Adnan H
Published: July 2024

Background

Utilizing an endovascular rat glioma model, this study aimed to analyze the efficacy of intra-arterial (IA) carboplatin and bevacizumab delivery with blood-brain barrier breakdown (BBBB) for glioblastoma treatment.

Methods

C6-glioma cells were stereotactically injected into the left frontal lobe of Wistar rats. Tumor growth was confirmed on day 8 via MRI. On day 9, a microcatheter was navigated under fluoroscopy from the left femoral artery to the left internal carotid artery. A volume of 2.25 mL of 25% mannitol was administered, followed by either 10 mg/kg of bevacizumab or 2.4 mg/kg of carboplatin. Serial MRI was obtained post-treatment to assess tumor response via analysis of tumor size and radiomics. Histology was analyzed after termination.

Results

Control tumor rats and IA mannitol treated tumor rats had fatal tumor growths, with survival until 19.75±2.21 and 36.3±15.1 days, respectively. Carboplatin and bevacizumab treated rats lived >40 days, after which they were euthanized. From serial MRI and histology, IA carboplatin treated rats exhibited tumor regression and resolution by day 35. In IA bevacizumab treated rats, there was tumor regression near the basal ganglia of the brain, closer to the IA chemotherapy injection site, which had reorganized growth patterns. From MRI, 29 unique radiomic features were significantly different between control and treated tumors (notably for total energy and skewness), and treatment responders had a distinct, early manifesting radiomic profile.

Conclusion

IA carboplatin and bevacizumab treatment resulted in varying degrees of tumor suppression, validating the first endovascular C6 glioma model as a reliable method to assess new IA therapies.
Development and validation of a nomogram for cerebral hemorrhage in patients with carotid stenosis undergoing stenting: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Xianjun , Wang Xiaoliang , Ma Teng , Gong Wentao , Zhang Yong , Wang Naidong
Published: July 2024

Background

Hyperperfusion-induced cerebral hemorrhage (HICH) is a rare but severe complication in patients with carotid stenosis undergoing stent placement for which predictive models are lacking. Our objective was to develop a nomogram to predict such risk.

Methods

We included a total of 1226 patients with carotid stenosis who underwent stenting between June 2015 and December 2022 from three medical centers, divided into a development cohort of 883 patients and a validation cohort of 343 patients. The model used LASSO regression for feature optimization and multivariable logistic regression to develop the predictive model. Model accuracy was assessed via the receiver operating characteristic curve, with further evaluation of calibration and clinical utility through calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA). The model underwent internal validation using bootstrapping and external validation with the validation cohort.

Results

Older age (OR 1.07, p=0.005), higher degrees of carotid stenosis (OR 1.07, p=0.006), poor collateral circulation (OR 6.26, p<0.001), elevated preoperative triglyceride levels (OR 1.27, p=0.041) and neutrophil counts (OR 1.36, p<0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for HICH during hospitalization. The nomogram constructed based on these predictive factors demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.817. The AUCs for internal and external validation were 0.809 and 0.783, respectively. Calibration curves indicated good model fit, and DCA confirmed substantial clinical net benefit in both cohorts.

Conclusion

We developed and validated a nomogram to predict HICH in patients with carotid stenosis post-stenting, facilitating early identification and preventive intervention in high-risk individuals.
Cerebral angiography in outpatient endovascular centers: roadmap and lessons learned from interventional radiology, cardiology, and vascular surgery
Authors: Silva Michael A , Peterson Eric C
Published: July 2024

A growing proportion of percutaneous procedures are performed in outpatient centers. The shift from hospitals to ambulatory surgery centers and office-based laboratories has been driven by a number of factors, including declining reimbursements, increased patient demand, and competition for hospital resources. This transition has been dominated by the interventional radiology, cardiology, and vascular surgery fields. Cerebral angiography, in contrast, is still performed almost exclusively in a hospital-based setting, despite sharing many features with other endovascular procedures commonly performed in outpatient centers. As interest grows in performing cerebral angiography in outpatient endovascular centers, much can be learned from the decades of experience that our interventional colleagues have in the outpatient setting. In this article we examine the outpatient experience of other interventional fields and apply key principles to evaluate the prospect of outpatient neurointervention. The literature suggests that cerebral angiography can feasibly be performed in an outpatient center in both private and academic settings, as some groups have begun to do. Outpatient endovascular centers have helped to improve the patient experience, liberate inpatient resources, and control costs in other interventional fields, and might offer neurointerventionalists an opportunity to do the same.
Application and Optimization of Decision Tree ID3 Algorithm in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Analysis Model
Authors: Mei Linchen
Published: July 2024

In recent years, with the rise of innovation and entrepreneurship, the decision tree ID3 algorithm is more and more widely used in innovation and entrepreneurship analysis models. The decision tree ID3 algorithm is an effective data mining technology, which can mine useful information from a large number of data and provide a scientific basis for innovation and entrepreneurship. The traditional ID3 algorithm has obvious convergence characteristics, which limits its application in innovation and entrepreneurship analysis models. Therefore, it is important to optimize the ID3 algorithm to improve its computational efficiency and accuracy. From the perspective of the innovation and entrepreneurship analysis model, the application of the decision tree ID3 algorithm in innovation and entrepreneurship is studied. The basic principle, advantages, and disadvantages of the ID3 algorithm are analyzed, and a method to optimize the ID3 algorithm is proposed. Through the experimental verification, the application effect of the optimized ID3 algorithm in the analysis model of innovation and entrepreneurship is proved. When the number of records is 5200, the error rate of the optimization algorithm is 70%, while the error probability of the classical algorithm is 95%. When the number of records is 7200, the error rate of the optimized calculation method is 130%, while the error rate of the classic ID3 calculation method is 170%. As the number of records increases, the error rates of both optimization algorithms and classical algorithms will increase. As the number of records increases, the error rate of the optimized ID3 algorithm increases less than that of the classical algorithm. The optimized ID3 algorithm can significantly improve computational efficiency and accuracy and provide an effective data mining technology for innovation and entrepreneurship analysis models.
Cosmological consequences of the Lorentz and Doppler transformations
Authors: Vavryčuk Václav
Published: July 2024

The common opinion that the Lorentz transformation distorts the Minkowski spacetime arises from a mathematically incorrect neglect of its non-diagonal terms. When the non-diagonal Lorentz transformation is properly treated, the time dilation and the space distortion disappear. Consequently, the Lorentz metric produced by the Lorentz transformation is identical to the Minkowski metric. The spacetime distortion in moving inertial frames is properly described by the so-called Doppler metric produced by the Doppler transformation. This transformation assumes the existence of a preferred frame and depicts the Doppler shift of light for a moving light source and/or observer. The Doppler metric is Lorentz invariant and leaves the Maxwell’s equations unchanged from their form in the Minkowski spacetime. Moreover, the Doppler metric is experimentally confirmed because it yields the null result in the Michelson–Morley experiment and other interferometric experiments. The suitability of the Doppler metric for describing light properties in Special and General Relativity is supported by recent cosmological observations of the cosmic microwave background.
Bifurcation Mechanism at a Sustain Point of a Long Narrow Economy
Authors: Ikeda K. , Aizawa H. , Gaspar J. M.
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we investigate population agglomeration in a long narrow economy, in which an odd number of places are evenly distributed over a line segment. The bifurcation analysis of this economy elucidates the mechanism of the emergence of twin cities around the central city. The validity and usefulness of this analysis are confirmed using several well-known economic geography models that display various kinds of bifurcation behaviors. By this analysis, we investigate the historical change in the population distribution in a chain of cities on Japan’s Main Island.
Catalytic oxidation of toluene over ZIF-8 composited with Mn by different methods
Authors: Liao Yinnian , Rong Chao , Fei Ke , Xu Dayu , Zheng Zhiyuan , Zhao Mengqi , Zhou Xukun
Published: July 2024

ZIF-8 composites with Mn (Mn-ZIF-8 & Mn/ZIF-8) were prepared by two methods for the complete catalytic oxidation of toluene. The results revealed that catalytic activity increased with the increasing content of manganese, and the activities of the two series composites were different from each other. The Mn[Formula: see text]-ZIF-8[Formula: see text] prepared by the methanol thermal method showed the best catalytic performance, which had the lowest T[Formula: see text] of toluene conversion, compared with the series of Mn/ZIF-8 catalysts. The resulting composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was concluded that Mn, as the active species, might partly replace Zn in the frame of Mn-ZIF-8 for the catalytic oxidation of toluene at lower temperatures.
LCD codes over finite fields
Authors: Zoubir N. , Guenda Kenza , Seneviratne Padmapani , Aaron Gulliver T.
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we introduce several new construction techniques of linear complimentary dual (LCD) codes. First, we show that if a LCD code is fixed by a transitive automorphism group, then the punctured code is also LCD. We show that several important families such as anti-primitive BCH codes and extended Gabidulin codes are LCD. Finally relationships among self-dual codes, [Formula: see text]-orthogonal matrices and LCD codes are studied. As an application we give LCD codes from Paley-type bipartite graph and from punctured MacDonalds codes. Further, we give a bound on some LCD codes.
Study of 14-Substituted-14H-Dibenzo[a,j] Xanthene Derivatives
Authors: Rachid Ayache , Hassina Harkat , Lamiss Akakba , Abderezzak Bouaoune Oussama
Published: July 2024

Xanthene derivatives of the 14-aryl-14H dibenzo[a.j] xanthene type were exploited in our study because of their interesting biological profile as well as their innumerable applications described in previous studies. They were synthesized by one-pot condensation of [Formula: see text]-naphthol with arylaldehydes and catalyzed by zinc trifluoromethanesulfate Zn(OTf)2 under conventional heating without solvent. Their characterization was carried out by Ultraviolet–Visible spectrophotometry (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). First, spectral analysis in the UV–Vis range showed that all xanthene derivatives had similar absorption spectra at an absorption maximum [Formula: see text] in the region of 310–340[Formula: see text]nm. Similarly, the infrared spectra suggested the presence of characteristic bands for each product in the range of 500–3500[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]. In addition, the analysis of their crystalline structures was carried out by the XRD technique and reported in our study. Finally, their sizes and morphologies were highlighted by SEM. The obtained results revealed the presence of microcrystals in the form of micro-cubes having an average length of 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m for the compound [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]O and micro-shuttles of average size of 20[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m for the compound [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]BrO. It was therefore concluded that the xanthene derivatives synthesized have characteristic functional groups and structures which will provide them with various therapeutic properties and can therefore be exploited as bioactive molecules in several fields.
Can Artificial Intelligence Be Open Sourced?
Authors: Goth Gregory
Published: July 2024

Open source AI momentum is more a matter of 'when' than 'if'.
Fair-RGNN: Mitigating Relational Bias on Knowledge Graphs
Authors: Chuang Yu-Neng , Lai Kwei-Herng , Tang Ruixiang , Du Mengnan , Chang Chia-Yuan , Zou Na , Hu Xia
Published: July 2024

Knowledge graph data are prevalent in real-world applications, and knowledge graph neural networks (KGNNs) are essential techniques for knowledge graph representation learning. Although KGNN effectively models the structural information from knowledge graphs, these frameworks amplify the underlying data bias that leads to discrimination towards certain groups or individuals in resulting applications. Additionally, as existing debiasing approaches mainly focus on entity-wise bias, eliminating the multi-hop relational bias that pervasively exists in knowledge graphs remains an open question. However, it is very challenging to eliminate relational bias due to the sparsity of the paths that generate the bias and the non-linear proximity structure of knowledge graphs. To tackle the challenges, we propose Fair-KGNN, a KGNN framework that simultaneously alleviates multi-hop bias and preserves the proximity information of entity-to-relation in knowledge graphs. The proposed framework is generalizable to mitigate relational bias for all types of KGNN. Fair-KGNN is applicable to incorporate two state-of-the-art KGNN models, RGCN and CompGCN, to mitigate gender-occupation and nationality-salary bias. The experiments carried out on three benchmark knowledge graph datasets demonstrate that Fair-KGNN can effectively mitigate unfair situations during representation learning while preserving the predictive performance of KGNN models. The source code of the proposed method is available at:
https://github.com/ynchuang/Mitigating-Relational-Bias-on-Knowledge-Graphs
.
Historical Performance Gap, Readiness of Government, and Open Data Quality: Transnational Empirical Analysis Based on Performance Feedback Theory
Authors: Meng Xianyin , Fan Bo
Published: July 2024

Open government data has become an important movement for government administrations in numerous countries. Previous studies have paid less attention to the complex relationship among the historical performance gap, the readiness of government (including policy and action dimensions), and open data quality. Therefore, on the basis of performance feedback theory, a theoretical model has been developed and tested to analyze the impact of the historical performance gap on the readiness of government and open data quality. The model is empirically tested by the partial least squares method using sample data from 115 countries. The results show that the historical performance gap could indirectly contribute to a country's open data quality by promoting the readiness of government. In addition, the impact of this gap on the readiness of government and open data quality shows a U-shaped curve. In other words, a greater change in the effect of open data utilization in a country in the previous year entails a more significant promotion of readiness of government and open data quality in the next year. These findings drive governments to pay more attention to performance evaluation in open data and improve the readiness of government to improve their respective country's open data quality.
A Double Auction for Charging Scheduling among Vehicles Using DAG-Blockchains
Authors: Guo Jianxiong , Ding Xingjian , Wu Weili , Du Ding-Zhu
Published: July 2024

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more popular in our daily life, which replaces traditional fuel vehicles to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. EVs need to be charged, but the number of charging piles in a Charging Station (CS) is limited, and charging is usually more time-consuming than fueling. According to this scenario, we propose a secure and efficient charging scheduling system based on a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG)-blockchain and double-auction mechanism. In a smart area, it attempts to assign EVs to the available CSs in the light of their submitted charging requests and status information. First, we design a lightweight charging scheduling framework that integrates DAG-blockchain and modern cryptography technology to ensure security and scalability during performing scheduling and completing tradings. In this process, a constrained multi-item double-auction problem is formulated because of the limited charging resources in a CS, which motivates EVs and CSs in this area to participate in the market based on their preferences and statuses. Due to this constraint, our problem is more complicated and harder to achieve truthfulness as well as system efficiency compared to the existing double-auction model. To adapt to it, we propose two algorithms, namely, Truthful Mechanism for Charging (TMC) and Efficient Mechanism for Charging (EMC), to determine an assignment between EVs and CSs and pricing strategies. Then, both theoretical analysis and numerical simulations show the correctness and effectiveness of our proposed algorithms.
Technology-Enabled Database Education: Challenges andOpportunities
Authors: Li Hui
Published: July 2024

Motivation: User-friendly systems and tools are paramount for facilitating learning of database systems. In many universities around the world, database systems courses are supplemented with the use of industrial-strength relational database management systems (RDBMS). Although there exist a few efforts on mini RDBMS for learners to practice implementing a database kernel, e.g., Minibase [6], unfortunately, there is a lack of learner-friendly technological support to facilitate the learning of various core components of a database systems course, such as database storage and indexing, relational query processing and optimization, and transaction management.
Phenotypic Heterogeneity in Pathogens
Authors: Sherry Jessica , Rego E. Hesper
Published: July 2024

Pathogen diversity within an infected organism has traditionally been explored through the lens of genetic heterogeneity. Hallmark studies have characterized how genetic diversity within pathogen subpopulations contributes to treatment escape and infectious disease progression. However, recent studies have begun to reveal the mechanisms by which phenotypic heterogeneity is established within genetically identical populations of invading pathogens. Furthermore, exciting new work highlights how these phenotypically heterogeneous subpopulations contribute to a pathogen population better equipped to handle the complex and fluctuating environment of a host organism. In this review, we focus on how bacterial pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, establish and maintain phenotypic heterogeneity, and we explore recent work demonstrating causative links between this heterogeneity and infection outcome.
Navigating the Complexity: The Sustainability Challenges in Global Value Chains
Authors: Berthet E. , Fusacchia I.
Published: July 2024

The global value chain (GVC) framework may provide a systematic approach to depict and advance sustainable path options at the global, national, and local scales. However, a coherent picture of the fragmented body of knowledge on the sustainability implications of GVCs is lacking. In an attempt to delineate the most effective perspective for addressing sustainability challenges within GVCs, this review explores the main academic streams that have emerged in response to the pressing need for detailed insights into GVCs. These academic streams include sociological, economic, and management approaches. We examine the intersections and distinctions among them, evaluating whether they converge or diverge in addressing sustainability within GVCs. By discussing the limitations and potential of these approaches, we suggest a possible integrated and appropriate research agenda to achieve an encompassing and still operative perspective to address current sustainability challenges.
CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles on Bio-Based Polymer Derived Nitrogen Doped Carbon as Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Li-Air Battery
Authors: Arkasalerks Pirapath , Patra Amarshi , Patnaik Kottisa Sumala , Higashimine Koichi , Matsumi Noriyoshi
Published: July 2024

Lithium-air batteries (LABs) are gaining attention as a promising energy storage solution. Their theoretical energy density of 3,505 Whkg−1 exceeds that of conventional lithium-ion batteries (500–800 Whkg−1). The commercial viability and widespread adoption of lithium-air batteries face challenges such as poor cycling stability, limited lifespan, and unresolved side reactions. In this study, we synthesized spinel CoFe2O4-decorated on bio-based poly(2,5-benzimidazole) derived N-doped carbon for electrocatalysts. Notably, strong metal-substrate interaction (SMSI) was observed through various characterizations. The bifunctional electrocatalytic activity and stability toward oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction were significantly enhanced by the SMSI, The LAB demonstrated a high discharge capacity of 18,356 mAhg−1 at a current density of 200 mAg−1, maintaining a remarkable discharge capacity of 1,000 mAhg−1 even at a high current density of 400 mAg−1 for 200 cycles. CoFe2O4-decorated on bio-derived ABPBI holds promise as a practical air-breathing electrode for high-capacity rechargeable LABs.
Edge‐Preserved Tversky Indexive Hellinger with Deep Perceptive Czekanowski‐Based Image Classification
Authors: Ramalakshmi K. , Srinivasa Raghavan V. , Kaliappan Jayakumar , Srinivasan Kathiravan
Published: July 2024

The texture is identifiable in optical and easy ways. Texture classification is an imperative region in texture analysis, where it gives descriptors for classifying the images. The categorization of normal and abnormal matter by magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), and texture images has made noteworthy evolution in modern years. Recently, different novel robust classification techniques have been introduced to classify the different kinds of images for prediction. However, the accuracy of classification was not improved with lesser time. To address these issues, the edge‐preserved Tversky indexive Hellinger and deep perceptive Czekanowski classifier (ETIH‐DPCC) technique is introduced to segment and classify the images with more accuracy. The ETIH‐DPCC technique includes diverse processes namely preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction, as well as classification. At first, different types of images, such as magnetic resonance imaging, CT, and texture, are used as input. With the acquired input, edge‐preserving normalized adaptive bilateral filtering is employed to carry the image preprocessing. In this stage, the noisy pixels are removed and edges are preserved. Then, the Tversky‐indexed quantile regression is applied to segment the images into diverse texture regions. After that, the feature extraction is performed on the segmented region using Hellinger kernel feature extraction, where a more informative feature for image prediction is extracted. During this process, the irrelevant features are avoided to decrease the dimensionality and feature extraction time. These extracted features are finally classified into positive and negative classes for disease prediction using DPCC. DPCC comprises multiple layers to deeply analyze the association between training and testing features. With this, the prediction accuracy is improved. Experimental outcomes show that the ETIH‐DPCC technique efficiently enhances prediction accuracy and less time compared to conventional methods.
Recent Progress in Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Advanced Health Monitoring and Rehabilitation
Authors: Pandey Puran , Maharjan Pukar , Seo Min-Kyu , Thapa Keshav , Sohn Jung Inn
Published: July 2024

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have become a vital technology in physical health monitoring and rehabilitation applications, enabling continuous, personalized, and convenient monitoring, facilitating early detection and prevention, and offering valuable data‐driven insights. On‐body wearable triboelectric sensors enable real‐time tracking of vital health parameters, promoting accurate and personalized healthcare interventions. In addition to being self‐powered, these sensors facilitate early detection and prevention by capturing early warning signs of potential health issues, leading to timely interventions. Furthermore, they play a vital role in rehabilitation monitoring and feedback, helping to assess progress during the recovery process. This continuous monitoring, along with artificial intelligence, provides data‐driven insights into patterns, trends, and correlations, facilitating evidence‐based healthcare decision‐making. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent wearable TENG developments for healthcare applications. We discuss how TENGs work and explore a wide range of self‐powered health monitoring and rehabilitation applications. We then summarize recent advancements in healthcare applications, material selection, and unique features to help design highly efficient, accurate, and practical bioapplicable technology. Further, we discuss the challenges and prospects of the TENGs technology for healthcare applications, including miniaturization, moisture resistance, device maintenance, data reliability, and high outpower requirements.
Examining the Relationship between Workplace Fun and Innovative Behavior among Nurses: The Mediating Effect of Innovation Support and Affective Commitment
Authors: Hashemian Maryam , Hashemian Moghadam Azam , Hosseini Mirtohid , Azizpour Islam , Mirzaei Alireza
Published: July 2024

Aim. This study investigated the role of cultural, organizational, and managerial support, workplace fun, affective commitment, innovative behavior with innovative output, and also the mediating role of innovative behavior in the framework of a causal model. Background. Innovation is the driving force of development in hospitals, and the quality of healthcare is closely related to hospital innovation. Today, nurses with innovative behaviors are the biggest asset of any hospital because they are involved in any improvement and progress. Methods. This descriptive cross‐sectional correlational study was conducted using causal modeling methods, including path analysis and structural equation modeling. Using the proportional stratified sampling method, 321 nurses from Ardabil teaching hospitals were included in the study. Data were collected by standard demographic characteristics, innovative behaviors, innovative support, workplace fun, and affective commitment questionnaires. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) was used to test the conceptual model using PLS‐SMART 2 software. Results. Cultural support had a positive and significant effect on innovative behavior by affecting organizational support and then managerial support. In addition, workplace fun had a positive and significant effect on innovative behavior directly and indirectly through the mediating role of affective commitment. Finally, innovative behavior also had a positive and significant effect on nurses’ innovative output. Conclusion. Supervisors and managers can adopt the organizational and managerial support approach to improve the nurses’ innovative behaviors. Workplace fun will also improve nurses’ innovative behaviors and affective commitment, thereby increasing their innovative output. Implications for Nursing Management. By adopting organizational and managerial support for nurses’ innovative behaviors, managers should take measures that promote workplace fun and affective commitment to improve nurses’ innovative output by encouraging innovative behaviors.
Supplementary Figure S5 from CD70-Targeted Allogeneic CAR T-Cell Therapy for Advanced Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Pal Sumanta K. , Tran Ben , Haanen John B.A.G. , Hurwitz Michael E. , Sacher Adrian , Tannir Nizar M. , Budde Lihua E. , Harrison Simon J. , Klobuch Sebastian , Patel Sagar S. , Meza Luis , Dequeant Mary-Lee , Ma Anna , He Qiuling Ally , Williams Leah M. , Keegan Alissa , Gurary Ellen B. , Dar Henia , Karnik Sushant , Guo Changan , Heath Heidi , Yuen Rachel R. , Morrow Phuong K. , Agarwal Neeraj , Srour Samer A.
Published: July 2024

COBALT-RCC trial design schematic
Supplementary Figure S9 from Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Biomarker-Stratified Phase Ib Microbiome Modulation in Melanoma: Impact of Antibiotic Preconditioning on Microbiome and Immunity
Authors: Glitza Isabella C. , Seo Yongwoo David , Spencer Christine N. , Wortman Jennifer R. , Burton Elizabeth M. , Alayli Farah A. , Loo Christopher P. , Gautam Shikha , Damania Ashish , Densmore Julie , Fairchild Justin , Cabanski Christopher R. , Wong Matthew C. , Peterson Christine B. , Weiner Brian , Hicks Nathan , Aunins John , McChalicher Christopher , Walsh Emily , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Hamid Omid , Ott Patrick A. , Boland Genevieve M. , Sullivan Ryan J. , Grossmann Kenneth F. , Ajami Nadim J. , LaVallee Theresa , Henn Matthew R. , Tawbi Hussein A. , Wargo Jennifer A.
Published: July 2024

Changes in alpha diversity over time
Supplementary Figure S22 from Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Biomarker-Stratified Phase Ib Microbiome Modulation in Melanoma: Impact of Antibiotic Preconditioning on Microbiome and Immunity
Authors: Glitza Isabella C. , Seo Yongwoo David , Spencer Christine N. , Wortman Jennifer R. , Burton Elizabeth M. , Alayli Farah A. , Loo Christopher P. , Gautam Shikha , Damania Ashish , Densmore Julie , Fairchild Justin , Cabanski Christopher R. , Wong Matthew C. , Peterson Christine B. , Weiner Brian , Hicks Nathan , Aunins John , McChalicher Christopher , Walsh Emily , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Hamid Omid , Ott Patrick A. , Boland Genevieve M. , Sullivan Ryan J. , Grossmann Kenneth F. , Ajami Nadim J. , LaVallee Theresa , Henn Matthew R. , Tawbi Hussein A. , Wargo Jennifer A.
Published: July 2024

Gating strategy for X50 cytometric T-cell phenotyping