bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An improved manta ray foraging optimization algorithm
Authors: Qu Pengju , Yuan Qingni , Du Feilong , Gao Qingyang
Published: May 2024

The Manta Ray Foraging Optimization Algorithm (MRFO) is a metaheuristic algorithm for solving real-world problems. However, MRFO suffers from slow convergence precision and is easily trapped in a local optimal. Hence, to overcome these deficiencies, this paper proposes an Improved MRFO algorithm (IMRFO) that employs Tent chaotic mapping, the bidirectional search strategy, and the Levy flight strategy. Among these strategies, Tent chaotic mapping distributes the manta ray more uniformly and improves the quality of the initial solution, while the bidirectional search strategy expands the search area. The Levy flight strategy strengthens the algorithm’s ability to escape from local optimal. To verify IMRFO’s performance, the algorithm is compared with 10 other algorithms on 23 benchmark functions, the CEC2017 and CEC2022 benchmark suites, and five engineering problems, with statistical analysis illustrating the superiority and significance of the difference between IMRFO and other algorithms. The results indicate that the IMRFO outperforms the competitor optimization algorithms.
Stress and deformation analysis of the steel pipe arch integral lifting construction process of a continuous beam arch bridge
Authors: Xiang Hui , Xia Dadong , Wang Sheng , Zhang Zizheng , Luo Shang , Chen Wei
Published: May 2024

The Changjinghuang Railway Xinjiang Xizhi Bridge is a (90 + 180 + 90) m continuous beam arch bridge, and the arch rib steel pipe installation adopts “short bracket assembly and overall lifting method”. In order to ensure the accuracy of closure, the stress and deformation of the arch rib and bracket must be strictly controlled. Midas Civil is used to establish the finite element model to simulate the overall lifting construction process of the arch rib. Based on the model, the stress and deformation of the arch rib and the supports are analyzed, and the determination method of the horizontal cable force under temperature variations is proposed. The results show that the stress and deformation of the arch rib and bracket meet the requirements. Considering the variation of temperature, the tension force of the horizontal cables is taken as 200 t. The construction plan proposed under the guidance of numerical calculation results has been proven by practical engineering to meet the requirement of closure accuracy, which can be used as a reference for similar projects.
Contrasting neurofunctional correlates of face- and visuospatial-processing in children and adolescents with Williams syndrome: convergent results from four fMRI paradigms
Authors: Garvey Madeline H. , Nash Tiffany , Kippenhan J. Shane , Kohn Philip , Mervis Carolyn B. , Eisenberg Daniel P. , Ye Jean , Gregory Michael D. , Berman Karen F.
Published: May 2024

Understanding neurogenetic mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism is complicated by their inherent clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Williams syndrome (WS), a rare neurodevelopmental condition in which both the genetic alteration (hemideletion of ~ twenty-six 7q11.23 genes) and the cognitive/behavioral profile are well-defined, offers an invaluable opportunity to delineate gene-brain-behavior relationships. People with WS are characterized by increased social drive, including particular interest in faces, together with hallmark difficulty in visuospatial processing. Prior work, primarily in adults with WS, has searched for neural correlates of these characteristics, with reports of altered fusiform gyrus function while viewing socioemotional stimuli such as faces, along with hypoactivation of the intraparietal sulcus during visuospatial processing. Here, we investigated neural function in children and adolescents with WS by using four separate fMRI paradigms, two that probe each of these two cognitive/behavioral domains. During the two visuospatial tasks, but not during the two face processing tasks, we found bilateral intraparietal sulcus hypoactivation in WS. In contrast, during both face processing tasks, but not during the visuospatial tasks, we found fusiform hyperactivation. These data not only demonstrate that previous findings in adults with WS are also present in childhood and adolescence, but also provide a clear example that genetic mechanisms can bias neural circuit function, thereby affecting behavioral traits.
Observation of exceptionally strong near-bottom flows over the Atlantis II Seamounts in the northwest Atlantic
Authors: Godin Oleg A. , Tan Tsu Wei , Joseph John E. , Walters Matthew W.
Published: May 2024

Knowledge of near-bottom ocean current velocities and especially their extreme values is necessary to understand geomorphology of the seafloor and composition of benthic biological communities and quantify mechanical energy dissipation by bottom drag. Direct measurements of near-bottom currents in deep ocean remain scarce because of logistical challenges. Here, we report the results of flow velocity and pressure fluctuation measurements at three sites with depths of 2573–4443 m in the area where the Gulf Stream interacts with the New England Seamounts. Repeated episodes of unexpectedly strong near-bottom currents were observed, with the current speed at 4443 m of more than 0.40 m/s. At 2573 m, current speeds exceeded 0.20 m/s approximately 5% of the time throughout the entire eight-week measurement period. The maximum flow speeds of over 1.10 m/s recorded at this site significantly surpass the fastest previously reported directly measured current speeds at comparable or larger depths. A strong correlation is found between the noise intensity in the infrasonic band and the measured current speed. The noise intensity and the characteristic frequency increase with the increasing current speed. Machine-learning tools are employed to infer current speeds from flow-noise measurements at the site not equipped with a current meter.
Differential analysis of histopathological and genetic markers of cancer aggressiveness, and survival difference in EBV-positive and EBV-negative prostate carcinoma
Authors: Ahmed Khalid , Sheikh Alisalman , Fatima Saira , Ghulam Tahira , Haider Ghulam , Abbas Farhat , Sarria-Santamera Antonio , Ghias Kulsoom , Mughal Nouman , Abidi Syed Hani
Published: May 2024

Several studies have shown an association between prostate carcinoma (PCa) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV); however, none of the studies so far have identified the histopathological and genetic markers of cancer aggressiveness associated with EBV in PCa tissues. In this study, we used previously characterized EBV-PCR-positive (n = 39) and EBV-negative (n = 60) PCa tissues to perform an IHC-based assessment of key histopathological and molecular markers of PCa aggressiveness (EMT markers, AR expression, perineural invasion, and lymphocytic infiltration characterization). Additionally, we investigated the differential expression of key oncogenes, EMT-associated genes, and PCa-specific oncomiRs, in EBV-positive and -negative tissues, using the qPCR array. Finally, survival benefit analysis was also performed in EBV-positive and EBV-negative PCa patients. The EBV-positive PCa exhibited a higher percentage (80%) of perineural invasion (PNI) compared to EBV-negative PCa (67.3%) samples. Similarly, a higher lymphocytic infiltration was observed in EBV-LMP1-positive PCa samples. The subset characterization of T and B cell lymphocytic infiltration showed a trend of higher intratumoral and tumor stromal lymphocytic infiltration in EBV-negative tissues compared with EBV-positive tissues. The logistic regression analysis showed that EBV-positive status was associated with decreased odds (OR = 0.07; p-value < 0.019) of CD3 intratumoral lymphocytic infiltration in PCa tissues. The analysis of IHC-based expression patterns of EMT markers showed comparable expression of all EMT markers, except vimentin, which showed higher expression in EBV-positive PCa tissues compared to EBV-negative PCa tissues. Furthermore, gene expression analysis showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the expression of CDH1, AR, CHEK-2, CDKN-1B, and CDC-20 and oncomiRs miR-126, miR-152-3p, miR-452, miR-145-3p, miR-196a, miR-183-3p, and miR-146b in EBV-positive PCa tissues compared to EBV-negative PCa tissues. Overall, the survival proportion was comparable in both groups. The presence of EBV in the PCa tissues results in an increased expression of certain oncogenes, oncomiRs, and EMT marker (vimentin) and a decrease in CD3 ITL, which may be associated with the aggressive forms of PCa.
Challenges for room temperature operation of electrically pumped GeSn lasers
Authors: Ellis A. R. , Duffy D. A. , Marko I. P. , Acharya S. , Du W. , Yu S. Q-. , Sweeney S. J.
Published: May 2024

Recent demonstrations of room-temperature lasing in optically pumped GeSn show promise for future CMOS compatible lasers for Si-photonics applications. However, challenges remain for electrically pumped devices. Investigation of the processes that limit device performance is therefore vital in aiding the production of future commercial devices. In this work, a combined experimental and modelling approach is utilised to explore the dominant loss processes in current devices. By manipulating the band structure of functioning devices using high hydrostatic pressure techniques at low temperature, the dominant carrier recombination pathways are identified. This reveals that 93$$~\pm ~$$

±

5% of the threshold current is attributable to defect-related recombination at a temperature, T = 85 K. Furthermore, carrier occupation of L-valley states (carrier leakage) is responsible for 1.1$$~\pm ~$$

±

0.3% of the threshold current, but this sharply increases to 50% with a decrease of just 30 meV in the L-$$\Gamma$$
Γ
separation energy. This indicates that thermal broadening of a similar order may reproduce these adverse effects, limiting device performance at higher temperatures. Temperature dependent calculations show that carrier occupation of indirect valley L-states strongly affects the transparency carrier density and is therefore very sensitive to the Sn composition, leading to an effective operational temperature range for given Sn compositions and strain values. Recommendations for future device designs are proposed based on band structure and growth optimisations.
Study on plasma metabolomics profiling of depression in Chinese community-dwelling older adults based on untargeted LC/GC‒MS
Authors: Guo Jiangling , Han Peipei , Zheng Yaqing , Wu Yahui , Zheng Kai , Huang Chuanjun , Wang Yue , Chen Cheng , Qi Yiqiong , Chen Xiaoyu , Tao Qiongying , Zhai Jiayi , Guo Qi
Published: May 2024

Depression is a serious psychiatric illness that causes great inconvenience to the lives of elderly individuals. However, the diagnosis of depression is somewhat subjective. Nontargeted gas chromatography (GC)/liquid chromatography (LC)–mass spectrometry (MS) was used to study the plasma metabolic profile and identify objective markers for depression and metabolic pathway variation. We recruited 379 Chinese community-dwelling individuals aged ≥ 65. Plasma samples were collected and detected by GC/LC‒MS. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis and a heatmap were utilized to distinguish the metabolites. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic value of these differential metabolites. Additionally, metabolic pathway enrichment was performed to reveal metabolic pathway variation. According to our standard, 49 people were included in the depression cohort (DC), and 49 people age- and sex-matched individuals were included in the non-depression cohort (NDC). 64 metabolites identified via GC‒MS and 73 metabolites identified via LC‒MS had significant contributions to the differentiation between the DC and NDC, with VIP values > 1 and p values < 0.05. Three substances were detected by both methods: hypoxanthine, phytosphingosine, and xanthine. Furthermore, 1-(sn-glycero-3-phospho)-1D-myo-inositol had the largest area under the curve (AUC) value (AUC = 0.842). The purine metabolic pathway is the most important change in metabolic pathways. These findings show that there were differences in plasma metabolites between the depression cohort and the non-depression cohort. These identified differential metabolites may be markers of depression and can be used to study the changes in depression metabolic pathways.
Glaucoma detection using non-perfused areas in OCTA
Authors: Schottenhamml Julia , Würfl Tobias , Ploner Stefan , Husvogt Lennart , Lämmer Robert , Hohberger Bettina , Maier Andreas , Mardin Christian
Published: May 2024

Multiple ophthalmic diseases lead to decreased capillary perfusion that can be visualized using optical coherence tomography angiography images. To quantify the decrease in perfusion, past studies have often used the vessel density, which is the percentage of vessel pixels in the image. However, this method is often not sensitive enough to detect subtle changes in early pathology. More recent methods are based on quantifying non-perfused or intercapillary areas between the vessels. These methods rely upon the accuracy of vessel segmentation, which is a challenging task and therefore a limiting factor for reliability. Intercapillary areas computed from perfusion-distance measures are less sensitive to errors in the vessel segmentation since the distance to the next vessel is only slightly changing if gaps are present in the segmentation. We present a novel method for distinguishing between glaucoma patients and healthy controls based on features computed from the probability density function of these perfusion-distance areas. The proposed approach is evaluated on different capillary plexuses and outperforms previously proposed methods that use handcrafted features for classification. Moreover the results of the proposed method are in the same range as the ones of convolutional neural networks trained on the raw input images and is therefore a computationally efficient, simple to implement and explainable alternative to deep learning-based approaches.
Coastal and deep-sea biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate microbeads
Authors: Hyodo Natsumi , Gan Hongyi , Ilangovan Manikandan , Kimura Satoshi , Kasuya Ken-ichi , Isobe Noriyuki , Iwata Tadahisa
Published: May 2024

Microbeads find widespread usage in personal care items and cosmetics, serving as exfoliants or scrubbing agents. Their micro-scale size poses challenges in effective drainage capture and given their origin from non-biodegradable oil-based plastics, this contributes substantially to marine pollution. In this study, microbeads were prepared by a simple yet scalable melt homogenization method using four types of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), namely poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] (P(3HB)), poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyvalerate] (P(3HB-co-3HV)), poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate] (P(3HB-co-3HHx)) and poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-4-hydroxyvalerate] (P(3HB-co-4HB)). Microbeads with different surface smoothness, compressive strength (6.2–13.3 MPa) and diameter (from 1 ~ 150 μm) could be produced. The microbeads were subjected to a comprehensive degradation analysis using three techniques: enzymatic, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) evaluations, and in situ degradation tests in the deep-sea off Misaki Port in the northern Pacific Ocean (depth of 757 m). Qualitatively, results from enzymatic and in situ degradation demonstrated significant degradation within one week and five months, respectively. Quantitatively, BOD findings indicated that all PHA microbeads degraded similarly to cellulose (~ 85% biodegradability in 25 days). In conclusion, PHA microbeads from this study exhibit promising potential as alternatives to conventional non-biodegradable microbeads.
Excitation signal optimization for minimizing fluctuations in knock out slow extraction
Authors: Niedermayer Philipp , Singh Rahul
Published: May 2024

The synchrotron is a circular particle accelerator used for high energy physics experiments, material and life science, as well as hadron cancer therapy. After acceleration to the desired energies, particle beams are commonly extracted from the synchrotron using the method of resonant slow extraction. The goal is to deliver a steady particle flux—referred to as spill—to experiments and treatment facilities over the course of seconds while slowly emptying the storage ring. Any uncontrolled intensity fluctuations in the spill are detrimental to the efficiency of beam usage, as they lead to detector pileups or detector interlocks, hindering experiments and cancer treatment. Among the most widely used extraction scheme in medical facilities is the Radio Frequency Knock Out (RF-KO) driven resonant slow extraction, where the stored beam is transversely excited with a radio frequency (RF) field and the spill intensity is controlled by the excitation signal strength. This article presents particle dynamics simulations of the RF-KO system with the focus on finding effective mechanism for minimizing the intensity fluctuations while maintaining a good extraction efficiency and other advantages of KO extraction. An improved beam excitation signal which optimizes these main objectives is found, and is rigorously compared experimentally with other commonly applied techniques.
Comparative study on effect of pomegranate peel powder as natural preservative and chemical preservatives on quality and shelf life of muffins
Authors: Giri Namrata Ankush , Bhangale Aditi , Gaikwad Nilesh N. , Manjunatha N. , Raigond Pinky , Marathe R. A.
Published: May 2024

This research aims to investigate the potential of utilizing pomegranate peel powder (PPP) as a natural preservative in muffin preparation. Pomegranate peel is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins, which possess high antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The In-Vitro antifungal activity of pomegranate peel powder (8% PPP), potassium sorbate (0.1% PS) and calcium propionate (0.5% CP) was assessed against Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. using poison food technique. The PPP showed the anti-fungal activity by delaying the growth of microorganism on media plate similar to the PS and CP. The effect of utilization of PPP on quality characteristics of muffins were compared with the muffins with chemical preservatives (0.1% PS and 0.5% CP). The viscosity and specific gravity of batter significantly increased from 7.98 to 11.87 Pa s and 1.089–1.398 respectively on addition of 8% PPP. The optical microscopic structure of PPP added batter revealed the decrease in the number of air cells from 24 to 12 with radius range of 6.42–72.72 μm and area range of 511.03–15,383.17 µm2. The functional properties of flour with PPP had higher water absorption capacity, foaming stability, emulsification activity and emulsion stability than others. The addition of PPP significantly increase the weight (32.83 g), and decrease the height (31.3 mm), volume (61.43 cm3), specific volume (1.67 cm3/g) and baking loss (10.19%). The 418.36% increase in fibre content, 14.46% and 18.46% decrease in carbohydrates and energy value was observed in muffin with 8% PPP as compared to control respectively. The total phenols was increased from 0.92 to 12.5 mg GAE/100 g, total tannin from 0.2 to 8.27 mg GAE/100 g, In-vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH from 6.97 to 29.34% and In-vitro antioxidant activity by FRAP from 0.497 to 2.934 mg AAE/100 g in muffins added with 8% PPP. The muffin with PPP was softer than control and muffin with 0.1% PS. The addition of PPP resulted to improve in muffin texture but taste slightly bitter. During the storage of muffins at room temperature (27–30 °C), the moisture content of muffin with PPP was reduced from 17.04 to 13.23% which was higher than the rest of the treatments. Similarly, the hardness of sample with PPP was higher than the sample with 0.5% CP, but lowers than control and sample with 0.1% PS throughout the storage period. The results suggest that pomegranate peel powder can be successfully used as a natural preservative in place of chemical preservatives in muffins, to extend the shelf life. This study provides the opportunity to use PPP as functional ingredient and natural preservative in different bakery products.
Novel therapeutic strategies for rare mutations in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Gou Qitao , Gou Qiheng , Gan Xiaochuan , Xie Yuxin
Published: May 2024

Lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Over the past two decades, the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has undergone a significant revolution. Since the first identification of activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in 2004, several genetic aberrations, such as anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangements (ALK), neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK) and hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET), have been found. With the development of gene sequencing technology, the development of targeted drugs for rare mutations, such as multikinase inhibitors, has provided new strategies for treating lung cancer patients with rare mutations. Patients who harbor this type of oncologic driver might acquire a greater survival benefit from the use of targeted therapy than from the use of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. To date, more new agents and regimens can achieve satisfactory results in patients with NSCLC. In this review, we focus on recent advances and highlight the new approval of molecular targeted therapy for NSCLC patients with rare oncologic drivers.
New insight into the role of the self-assembly of heteroatom compounds in heavy oil viscosity enhancement
Authors: Fang Jichao , Ji Bingyu , Wang Xueyu , Yuan Shideng , Yu Haiying
Published: May 2024

Unveiling the role of heteroatom compounds in heavy oil viscosity is pivotal for finding targeted viscosity reduction methods to improve oil recovery.
Two-dimensional Mo1−xB2 with ordered metal vacancies obtained for advanced thermoelectric applications based on first-principles calculations
Authors: Pu Jie , Hu Ziyu , Shao Xiaohong
Published: May 2024

We found that n-type Mo0.9B2 sheets lead to excellent thermoelectric properties and their excellent ZT values reach 3.29. The conversion efficiency of n-type Mo0.9B2 reaches 30%, which is conducive to further application in thermoelectric devices.
Kinetic control in the synthesis of highly conductive solution-processable PEDOTs
Authors: Guo Ziyi , Tang Jingming , Yao Jingyuan , Li Yuda
Published: May 2024

Precise kinetic control facilitates the optimization of PEDOT CP architecture, resulting in an approximately 50-fold increase in pristine film conductivity and a remarkable enhancement of 1700-fold in H2SO4 post-treatment conductivity.
Inverted n–p junction 940‐nm vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting laser arrays consisting of 875 devices on p‐GaAs substrate
Authors: Lee Yong Gyeong , Pouladi Sara , Kim Nam‐In , Moradnia Mina , Kim Jaekyun , Lee Keon Hwa , Ryou Jae‐Hyun
Published: May 2024

The authors demonstrate a large‐area vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting laser (VCSEL) 25 × 35 array on a p‐type GaAs substrate with an emission wavelength of ∼940 nm and optical output power > 1 W, using an inverted junction (n‐up) epitaxial structure for emerging sensing applications. The electrical characteristic (series resistance) of the inverted n–p VCSELs is better than that of standard p–n VCSELs, but optical characteristics (the threshold current density and slope efficiency) are worse possibly due to crystalline defects originating from the p‐type substrate whose effect could be avoided in small‐area VCSELs. Other inverted junction structures on an n‐type substrate are needed for further development.
Modelling and analysis of nuclear reactor system coupled with a liquid metal battery
Authors: Shigrekar Amey , Peng Jiangkai , Olowu Temitayo O. , Gallego Dias Fernando , Westover Tyler
Published: May 2024

Traditionally, nuclear power plants in the U.S. provide baseload power to the power grid because they have less flexibility for ramping their output power than natural gas peaking plants. However, achieving climate goals to reduce the consumption of fossil‐based natural gas places pressure on nuclear power plants and other power generators to ramp up their power output to balance grid generation with demand. This paper presents the modelling and performance analysis of a nuclear reactor system (NRS) coupled to a liquid‐metal battery (LMB) to improve its dynamic response and enable its black start capability. The NRS and LMB thermal behaviour are modelled in Dymola, while the electrical dynamics of the LMB and power grid are modelled in RTDS‐RSCAD. Both simulation platforms are coupled and share their thermal and electrical data using a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) communication protocol. The dynamic performance of the NRS‐LMB integration is tested on the IEEE 9 bus, which demonstrates its ability to respond and provide frequency and voltage regulation. The black start capability of the NRS‐LMB is also evaluated by simulating a grid outage and using the LMB to supply the auxiliary loads required to bring the NRS back online as soon as possible. The results show that coupling an NRS to an LMB improves the system dynamic performance and enables it to black start after being disconnected from the grid for several days.
Social media group support for antidepressant deprescribing: a mixed-methods survey of patient experiences
Authors: Coe Amy , Abid Noor , Kaylor-Hughes Catherine
Published: May 2024

Background Antidepressant use has continually increased in recent decades and although they are an effective treatment for moderate-to-severe depression, when there is no longer a clinical benefit, deprescribing should occur. Currently, routine deprescribing is not part of clinical practice and research shows that there has been an increase in antidepressant users seeking informal support online. This small scoping exercise used a mixed-methods online survey to investigate the motives antidepressant users have for joining social media deprescribing support groups, and what elements of the groups are most valuable to them. Methods Thirty members of two antidepressant deprescribing Facebook groups completed an online survey with quantitative and open-text response questions to determine participant characteristics and motivation for group membership. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and open-text responses were analysed thematically through NVivo. Results Two overarching themes were evident: first, clinician expertise, where participants repeatedly reported a perceived lack of skills around deprescribing by their clinician, not being included in shared decision-making about their treatment, and symptoms of withdrawal during deprescribing going unaddressed. Motivated by the lack of clinical support, peer support developed as the second theme. Here, people sought help online where they received education, knowledge sharing and lived experience guidance for tapering. The Facebook groups also provided validation and peer support, which motivated people to continue engaging with the group. Conclusions Antidepressant users who wish to cease their medication are increasingly subscribing to specialised online support groups due to the lack of information and support from clinicians. This study highlights the ongoing need for such support groups. Improved clinician understanding about the complexities of antidepressant deprescribing is needed to enable them to effectively engage in shared decision-making with their patients.
Evaluating proficiency testing implementation and identifying challenges that government comprehensive specialized hospital laboratories in northwest Ethiopia faced as they participated in the external quality assessment scheme: A document-based, interview-driven evaluation
Authors: Cherie Negesse , Adane Kasaw , Wolde Maereg , Nigus Mesele , Deress Teshiwal
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To assess the implementation of proficiency testing in the northwest Ethiopian government comprehensive specialized hospital laboratories, with a focus on identifying and understanding the challenges encountered during their participation in the external quality assessment scheme.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3 comprehensive specialized hospitals in northwest Ethiopia, analyzing 41 documented laboratory test parameters from 2020 to 2022. In addition, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were carried out to identify the major challenges the participating institutions faced.

Results

The study covered a total of 41 tests across 9 cycles. Overall, proper implementation of proficiency testing was observed in 59.3% of the tests, with 61.8% maintaining consistent implementation status over 3 consecutive years. In addition, the overall performance of the laboratory was 54.3%, with a 68.7% participation rate. The predominantly identified challenges included the lack of participation, insufficient reagents and supplies, inadequacy of suitable proficiency testing materials, equipment malfunction and downtime, lack of management support, insufficient budget, and inadequate training and awareness.

Conclusions

The results of this study highlight the ineffective implementation of proficiency testing. Contributing factors include personnel issues, equipment and supplies challenges, managerial shortcomings, difficulties with proficiency testing providers, budgetary constraints, and a lack of training and motivation.
A simple risk stratification model for prostate cancer using histopathologic findings of radical prostatectomy
Authors: Semba Remi , Uchida Katsunori , Hirokawa Yoshihumi , Shiraishi Taizo , Onishi Takehisa , Sasaki Takeshi , Inoue Takahiro , Watanabe Masatoshi , Miyamoto Hiroshi
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To develop a simple postoperative risk stratification based on histopathologic findings from radical prostatectomy specimens.

Methods

This study included 3 cohorts of patients with a preoperative diagnosis of clinically localized prostate cancer: 1 derivation cohort (n = 432) and 2 validation cohorts (n = 506 and n = 720). First, a postoperative risk stratification model was developed in the derivation cohort using the factors extraprostatic extension, surgical margin status, seminal vesicle invasion, and lymph node involvement. Each of the first 3 factors was assigned 0 or 1 point for negative or positive results, respectively, and the sum of the points, ranging from 0 to 3, was scored. pN1 was not scored but was analyzed separately. Validation cohorts were then used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the model. Additionally, we compared the model with the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score.

Results

Because the log-rank test showed no statistically significant differences between scores 1 vs 2 or score 3 vs pN1 in the derivation cohort, the following 3-level risk stratification was created: low risk (score 0), intermediate risk (score 1-2), and high risk (score 3 or pN1). There were statistically significant differences in recurrence-free survival between any of 2 groups of 3-level risk stratification. This model similarly worked in both validation cohorts. The C indexes for the model were higher than those for the CAPRA score.

Conclusions

This simple postoperative risk stratification model, based on radical prostatectomy findings, has a prognostic impact that has been validated in a multicenter population.
The Neuropsychological Assessment Battery Driving Scenes Test in a Dementia Clinic
Authors: Ashendorf Lee , Withrow Susanne , Gavett Brandon E
Published: May 2024

Objective

In dementia research, the Driving Scenes test from the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery has been shown to relate to memory, dementia diagnosis, and functional impairment. The aim of the current study was to examine Driving Scenes and its component scores, and their relationships with cognition and daily functioning, in a mixed dementia clinic sample.

Method

One hundred U.S. military veterans between the ages of 55 and 88 were administered a full neuropsychological protocol that included Driving Scenes.

Results

The Driving Scenes score and its subscores were strongly related to memory skills, and there were additional subscore associations with language and visuospatial functions. Driving Scenes uniquely predicted reported bill payment difficulties and tendency to get lost while driving, which were not predicted by other performances across cognitive domains.

Conclusion

Driving Scenes is a clinically and functionally relevant measure of memory. Although the Driving Scenes total score remains useful in dementia evaluations, component scores and error scores contribute additional practical information.
Co-Occurrence of Apathy and Impulse Control Disorders in Parkinson Disease: Variation across Multiple Measures
Authors: Scott Bonnie M , Eisinger Robert S , Mara Roshan , Rana Amtul-Noor , Thompson Sable , Okun Michael S , Gunduz Aysegul , Bowers Dawn
Published: May 2024

Objective

To determine if the co-occurrence of apathy and impulse control disorders (ICDs) in Parkinson disease is dependent on instrument selection and assess the concurrent validity of three motivation measures by examining interrelationships between them.

Method

Ninety-seven cognitively normal individuals with idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) completed the Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson Disease–Rating Scale (QUIP-RS) and three apathy measures: the Apathy Scale, Lille Apathy Rating Scale, and Item 4 of the Movement Disorder Society–Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale.

Results

Fifty (51.5%) participants were classified as apathetic on at least one measure, and only four individuals (4.3%) obtained clinically elevated scores on all three measures. The co-occurrence of apathy and ICD varied across measures.

Conclusions

We observed a co-occurrence of apathy and ICDs in PD patients with each apathy instrument; however, limited concurrent validity exists across measures. This is important for future investigations into shared pathophysiology and the design of future clinical trials aimed at improving the early detection and treatment of these debilitating syndromes.
SC-Track: a robust cell-tracking algorithm for generating accurate single-cell lineages from diverse cell segmentations
Authors: Li Chengxin , Xie Shuang Shuang , Wang Jiaqi , Sharvia Septavera , Chan Kuan Yoow
Published: May 2024

Computational analysis of fluorescent timelapse microscopy images at the single-cell level is a powerful approach to study cellular changes that dictate important cell fate decisions. Core to this approach is the need to generate reliable cell segmentations and classifications necessary for accurate quantitative analysis. Deep learning–based convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have emerged as a promising solution to these challenges. However, current CNNs are prone to produce noisy cell segmentations and classifications, which is a significant barrier to constructing accurate single-cell lineages. To address this, we developed a novel algorithm called Single Cell Track (SC-Track), which employs a hierarchical probabilistic cache cascade model based on biological observations of cell division and movement dynamics. Our results show that SC-Track performs better than a panel of publicly available cell trackers on a diverse set of cell segmentation types. This cell-tracking performance was achieved without any parameter adjustments, making SC-Track an excellent generalized algorithm that can maintain robust cell-tracking performance in varying cell segmentation qualities, cell morphological appearances and imaging conditions. Furthermore, SC-Track is equipped with a cell class correction function to improve the accuracy of cell classifications in multiclass cell segmentation time series. These features together make SC-Track a robust cell-tracking algorithm that works well with noisy cell instance segmentation and classification predictions from CNNs to generate accurate single-cell lineages and classifications.
Metritis and the uterine disease microbiome are associated with long-term changes in the endometrium of dairy cows
Authors: Silva Josiane C C , Caldeira Monica O , Moraes Joao G N , Sellmer Ramos Isabella , Gull Tamara , Ericsson Aaron C , Poock Scott E , Spencer Thomas E , Lucy Matthew C
Published: May 2024

Cows with metritis (uterine disease) during the first 1 to 2 weeks postpartum have lower pregnancy rates when inseminated later postpartum (typically >10 weeks). We hypothesized that metritis and the disease-associated uterine microbiome have a long-term effect on endometrial gene expression. Changes in gene expression may inform a mechanism through which disease lowers pregnancy rates. A total of 20 cows were enrolled at 1 to 2 weeks postpartum to either metritis (clinical disease; n = 10) or healthy (control; n = 10) groups and randomly assigned to be slaughtered at approximately 80 and 165 dpp (mid-lactation). The microbiome of the reproductive tract was sampled to confirm the presence of pathogens that are typical of metritis. In addition to the original clinical diagnosis, study cows were retrospectively assigned to uterine-disease and control groups based on the composition of their microbiome. There was no effect of early postpartum uterine disease on the uterine microbiome at mid-lactation (time of slaughter). Nonetheless, early postpartum metritis and the disease microbiome were associated with a large number of differentially-expressed genes at mid-lactation primarily in the caruncular compared with the inter-caruncular endometrium. Gene enrichment analysis identified oxidative phosphorylation as the primary pathway increased in caruncular endometrium of diseased cows whereas growth factor signaling pathways were reduced. The current study demonstrated that metritis and a uterine disease microbiome leave a sustained imprint on gene expression in the caruncular endometrium that may explain lower fertility in cows with postpartum uterine disease.
A model-free variable screening method for optimal treatment regimes with high-dimensional survival data
Authors: Yang Cheng-Han , Cheng Yu-Jen
Published: May 2024

We propose a model-free variable screening method for the optimal treatment regime with high-dimensional survival data. The proposed screening method provides a unified framework to select the active variables in a prespecified target population, including the treated group as a special case. Based on this framework, the optimal treatment regime is exactly the optimal classifier that minimizes a weighted misclassification error rate, with weights associated with survival outcome variables, the censoring distribution and a prespecified target population. Our main contribution involves reformulating the weighted classification problem into a classification problem within a hypothetical population, where the observed data can be viewed as a sample obtained from outcome-dependent sampling, with the selection probability inversely proportional to the weights. Consequently, we introduce the weighted Kolmogorov–Smirnov approach for selecting active variables in the optimal treatment regime, extending the conventional Kolmogorov–Smirnov method for binary classification. Additionally, the proposed screening method exhibits two levels of robustness. The first level of robustness is achieved because the proposed method does not require any model assumptions for the survival outcome on treatment and covariates, whereas the other is attained as the form of treatment regimes is allowed to be unspecified even without requiring convex surrogate loss, such as logit loss or hinge loss. As a result, the proposed screening method is robust to model misspecifications, and nonparametric learning methods such as random forests and boosting can be applied to those selected variables for further analysis. The theoretical properties of the proposed method are established. The performance of the proposed method is examined through simulation studies and illustrated by a lung cancer dataset.
Histone deacetylase 3-specific inhibitor RGFP966 attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation after traumatic brain injury by activating the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Xu Lanjuan , An Tingting , Jia Baohui , Wu Qiong , Shen Jinggui , Jin Jie , Liu Jing , Li Chengjian
Published: May 2024

Background

Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory reactions play pivotal roles in secondary brain injury after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) controls the acetylation of histones and non-histones, which has a significant impact on the central nervous system’s reaction to damage. This research determined the implications of RGFP966, a new and specific inhibitor of HDAC3, for the antioxidant (AO) systems mediated by nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in TBI. The study also studied the underlying mechanisms of RGFP966’s actions. Our objective was to examine the impacts and underlying RGFP966 mechanisms in TBI.

Methods

In vitro, a rat cortical neuron OS model was induced by H2O2, followed by the addition of RGFP966 to the culture medium. Neurons were collected after 24 h for western blot (WB), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and 2′-7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining. In vivo, RGFP966 (10 mg/kg) was administered post-TBI. Brain tissue water content and modified neurological severity scores were assessed 72 h post-injury. Cortical tissues surrounding the focal injury were subjected to western blot, TUNEL staining, Nissl staining and immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry staining, and malondialdehyde level, hindered glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity were measured. Serum was collected for the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Nrf2-specific shRNA lentivirus was injected into the lateral ventricle of rats for 7 days, and cerebral cortex tissue was analyzed by WB and real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

During in vitro and in vivo experiments, RGFP966 suppressed HDAC3 expression, promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation, activated downstream AO enzymes, mitigated excessive reactive oxygen species production and alleviated nerve cell apoptosis. RGFP966 effectively reduced brain edema and histological damage and enhanced neurological and cognitive function in rats with TBI. RGFP966 markedly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation mediated by high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Nrf2 knockdown in TBI rats attenuated the AO and anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective impacts of RGFP966.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings demonstrate that RGFP966 can mitigate the first brain damage and neurological impairments in TBI. The underlying mechanism involves triggering the Nrf2-mediated AO system and negatively regulating the HMGB1/TLR4-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.
Development and Validation of the HPLC Method for Simultaneous Quantification of Glucose and Xylose in Sugar Cane Bagasse Extract
Authors: Jafari Saeedeh , Hematian Sourki Abdollah
Published: May 2024

A validated rapid high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-refractive index (RI) method was developed for the identification and quantification of glucose and xylose in hydrolyzed bagasse extract. The separation of compounds was achieved on Eurokat® H column (300 × 8 mm, 10 μm) at 75°C, using 0.01 N sulfuric acid solution as mobile phase and 0.6 mL/min as flow rate. The method was validated based on accuracy, precision, linearity, robustness, uncertainty, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). Total chromatographic analysis time per sample was ~11 min. Calibration plots were linear over the concentration ranges 11–100 μg/100 μL for glucose and xylose. The LOD was 0.8 ppm and LOQ was 2.5 ppm. The high recovery and low relative standard deviation confirm the suitability of the method for determination of glucose and xylose in bagasse extract. The proposed HPLC-RI method was accurate, fast and robust and required less run time due to less analytes retention times and allowed optimal energy consumption owing to lower column oven temperature.
Development of Response Surface Approach for Determination of Paracetamol, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Caffeine and Ascorbic Acid by Green HPLC Method: A Desirability-Based Optimization
Authors: Mouhamed Aya A , Eltanany Basma M , Mostafa Nadia M , Nadim Ahmed H
Published: May 2024

Design of experiment is an efficient and cost-effective tool to optimize the chromatographic separation of a multicomponent mixture. The central composite design was conducted to develop and optimize a green high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for simultaneous quantitation of a quaternary mixture of paracetamol, chlorpheniramine maleate, caffeine and ascorbic acid in their pharmaceutical dosage form as well as the determination of their dissolution profile. A five-level three-factor model was performed to investigate the effect of mobile phase composition, pH and flow rate on enhanced resolution and short run time. Analysis was performed using a Kinitex EVO C18 column and a mobile phase composed of methanol: 0.02 M phosphate buffer pH 3.3 (34:66, v/v) at 1.0 mL/min using photodiode array detection. Optimum chromatographic separation was achieved in <6 min with a desirability of 0.999. Linearity was achieved over a range of 1.00–300.00, 1.00–50.00, 2.00–50.00 and 2.00–100.00 μg/mL for paracetamol, chlorpheniramine maleate, caffeine and ascorbic acid, respectively, with a limit of detection (<0.1 μg/mL). The greenness profile was evaluated using the analytical eco-scale and Analytical GREEnness Metric Approach with values of 81 and 0.77, respectively.
Tor Trace in Images: A Novel Multi-Tab Website Fingerprinting Attack With Object Detection
Authors: Xu Yifan , Wang Liangmin , Chen Jie , Zhou Qiang
Published: May 2024

Website fingerprinting (WF) attacks on Tor enable a passive adversary to predict the encrypted web browsing activity of a victim by matching the eavesdropped traffic with pretrained classifiers. Nowadays, deep learning-based methods have led to significant achievements in the single-tab Tor WF attack. However, the practical implementation of these single-tab methods is challenging due to most real-world Tor traffic involving multiple tabs. Existing single-tab methods hardly identify multi-tab WF due to the overlapping areas of the traffic trace confusing the original features. In this paper, we propose a Trace Image-based Object Detection model named TIOD as a novel multi-tab attacking model. Specifically, we model the traffic overlap in Tor as the object overlap in object detection tasks from the computer vision field. Besides, we propose a special S-matrix scheme to convert a trace into an image: (i) Retaining the original features by keeping the direction and order of the cells and (ii) Bringing cells of the same page closer together in space. We then utilize a specially designed object detection model for trace images, WF R-CNN, to extract features and identify potential destination websites within multi-tab traces. Comparative analysis with other multi-tab attacks is conducted, and the empirical results consistently underscore the superior performance of the proposed trace image model across diverse datasets. In the two-tab setting, TIOD achieves the best accuracy with more than 85% on both the first and second tabs.