bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictor importance in habitat suitability models for invasive terrestrial plants
Authors: Williams Demetra A. , Shadwell Keana S. , Pearse Ian S. , Prevéy Janet S. , Engelstad Peder , Henderson Grace C. , Jarnevich Catherine S.
Published: July 2024

Aim

Due to the socioeconomic and environmental damages caused by invasive species, predicting the distribution of invasive plants is fundamental for effectively targeting management efforts. A habitat suitability model (HSM) is a powerful tool to predict potential habitat of invasive species to help guide the early detection of invasive plants. Despite numerous studies of the predictors used in HSMs, there is little consensus about the most appropriate predictors to use in creating ecologically realistic predictions from HSMs.

Location

The contiguous United States.

Methods

We explore 220 invasive terrestrial plant species' existing HSMs constructed with consistent modelling algorithms, background generation methods, predictor resolution, and geographic extent, and calculate the relative importance of predictors for each species. We sort predictors into eight groups (topography, temperature, disturbance, atmospheric water, landscape water, substrate, biotic interaction, and radiation) and compare the importance of predictor groups by plant lifeforms and phylogenetic relatedness.

Results

Human modification and minimum winter temperature were generally the two highest performing individual predictors across the species studied. The highest‐performing predictor groups were disturbance, temperature, and atmospheric water. Across lifeforms, there were minimal differences in the influences of predictor groups, although woody plant models exhibited the largest differences in predictor importance when compared with non‐woody plant models. Additionally, we found no significant relationship between the importance of predictor groups and phylogenetic relatedness.

Main Conclusions

This study has implications for informing predictor selection in invasive plant HSMs, leading to more reliable and accurate models of invasive terrestrial plants. Our results emphasize the need to critically select predictors included in HSMs, with special consideration to temperature and disturbance predictors, to accurately predict habitat of invasive plant for detection and response of invasive plant species. With more accurate predictions, managers will be better prepared to address invasive species and reduce their threats to landscapes.
First record of Retithrips syriacus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Algeria: damage observed on two Vitaceae species in Khenchela province
Authors: Hayet Aggoun , Souad Tahar Chaouche
Published: July 2024

This paper is the first record of Retithrips syriacus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) for Algeria. This thrips pest is reported for the first time from Khenchela Province, north‐eastern Algeria, on two Vitaceae species (Vitis vinifera and Parthenocissus quinquefolia). The observations were made in several gardens of different houses within the same neighbourhood.
The impact of cognitive fusion on stress among nurses: Exploring gender as a moderator controlling for depressive symptoms
Authors: AL‐Hammouri Mohammed Munther , Rababah Jehad , Dormans Jorn
Published: July 2024

Aim

To investigate the influence of cognitive fusion on stress among nurses, with a focus on exploring gender as a moderator among Jordanian nurses controlling for depressive symptoms.

Background

Stress is a significant concern among healthcare workers, particularly nurses, given the escalating work demands and organizational constraints.

Methods

Data were collected from 206 nurses using a cross‐sectional design. Participants completed surveys that included measures for cognitive fusion, stress, and depressive symptoms. Statistical analysis included bivariate correlations, independent sample t‐tests, and moderation analysis using Hayes PROCESS. The results were reported using The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

Results

The findings revealed a moderate correlation among stress, cognitive fusion, and depressive symptoms. The regression model explained 42% of the variance in stress, with significant contributions from cognitive fusion, gender, depressive symptoms, and the interaction between cognitive fusion and gender. Gender moderated the relationship between cognitive fusion and stress, indicating differential effects for males and females.

Conclusion

This study underscores the importance of cognitive fusion in understanding and managing stress among nurses. The moderating effect of gender highlights the need for tailored interventions. Reducing stress among nurses may benefit their mental health and potentially enhance patient care and treatment outcomes.

Implications for nursing practice and policy

The study highlights crucial implications for nursing policy. Addressing cognitive fusion is vital to reducing nurse stress, directly impacting patient care quality and healthcare outcomes. Policymakers should prioritize gender‐aware strategies within nursing policies, fostering a less stressful and more supportive work environment. By doing so, healthcare institutions can enhance the well‐being of nurses and ultimately improve patient care, aligning with broader healthcare policy objectives of patient safety and quality improvement.
Inclusion of blood pressure parameter increases predictive capability of severe obstructive sleep apnea: A decision tree approach
Authors: Cheng Hsiang‐Ju , Li Chung‐Yi , Lin Cheng‐Yu
Published: July 2024

Few studies included objective blood pressure (BP) to construct the predictive model of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study used binary logistic regression model (BLRM) and the decision tree method (DTM) to constructed the predictive models for identifying severe OSA, and to compare the prediction capability between the two methods. Totally 499 adult patients with severe OSA and 1421 non‐severe OSA controls examined at the Sleep Medicine Center of a tertiary hospital in southern Taiwan between October 2016 and April 2019 were enrolled. OSA was diagnosed through polysomnography. Data on BP, demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, comorbidity histories, and sleep questionnaires were collected. BLRM and DTM were separately applied to identify predictors of severe OSA. The performance of risk scores was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). In BLRM, body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m2, and Snore Outcomes Survey score ≤55 were significant predictors of severe OSA (AUC 0.623). In DTM, mean SpO2 <96%, average systolic BP ≥135 mmHg, and BMI ≥39 kg/m2 were observed to effectively differentiate cases of severe OSA (AUC 0.718). The AUC for the predictive models produced by the DTM was higher in older adults than in younger adults (0.807 vs. 0.723) mainly due to differences in clinical predictive features. In conclusion, DTM, using a different set of predictors, seems more effective in identifying severe OSA than BLRM. Differences in predictors ascertained demonstrated the necessity for separately constructing predictive models for younger and older adults.
Spatial ecology and population dynamics of brown trout Salmo trutta L. in reservoirs and headwater tributaries
Authors: Dodd Jamie R. , Noble Richard A. A. , Nunn Andy D. , Owen Holly M. , Moccetti Paolo , Harvey Jonathan P. , Wallace Liam , Gillespie Ben , Joyce Domino A. , Bolland Jonathan D.
Published: July 2024

This investigation compared the spatial ecology and population dynamics of brown trout Salmo trutta L. between reservoirs with (impact; Langsett Reservoir) and without (control; Grimwith Reservoir) barriers to fish movements into headwater tributaries, and the effectiveness of a fish pass intended to remediate connectivity. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) telemetry revealed that fish that emigrated from Langsett and Grimwith tributaries were 1–3 and 0–2 years old, respectively, and predominantly did so in spring and autumn‐early winter in both systems. Weirs at Langsett Reservoir appeared to thwart emigration rate (26%) relative to Grimwith Reservoir (85%). Acoustic telemetry (two‐dimensional positions) in the impacted reservoir revealed that the largest home range was in October–December (95% monthly activity space S.D. up to 26.9 ± 6.69 ha in November), activity was influenced by both month and time of day, and fish occupied shallow water depths (relative to reservoir depth), especially at night. Brown trout tagged in Grimwith and Langsett Reservoirs (42.9% and 64.1%, respectively) and fish tagged in the tributaries that emigrated (37.2% and 27.7%, respectively) were detected immigrating into tributaries throughout the year. At both reservoirs, peak immigration for ≥3‐year‐old trout occurred primarily in autumn‐early winter. Overall passage efficiency went from 3% prior to remediation to 14% after and there was no significant increase in fish densities following the construction of the fish pass. Fish were attracted towards and entered the fish pass under a wide range of river levels, but only succeeded in passing upstream during low levels, which are uncommon druing the main migration period. Overall, this investigation significantly furthers our understanding of brown trout spatial ecology and population dynamics in reservoirs and headwater tributaries.
Banking Panic Risk and Macroeconomic Uncertainty
Authors: POESCHL JOHANNES , MIKKELSEN JAKOB G.
Published: July 2024

We explore the interactions between banking panics and uncertainty shocks. To do so, we build a model of a production economy with a banking sector. In the model, financial constraints of banks can lead to disastrous banking panics. We find that a higher probability of a banking panic increases macroeconomic uncertainty. Vice versa, a shock to macroeconomic uncertainty increases the likelihood of a banking panic. This banking panic channel amplifies the macroeconomic effects of uncertainty shocks. A countercyclical capital buffer increases welfare by reducing the likelihood of a banking panic.
A Global Phenomenology of Whiteness: Turkey, Europe and Institutional Global Racism
Authors: Delatolla Andrew
Published: July 2024

Contemporary international institutions are often discussed as part of a new liberal international order and a departure from colonial logics of the nineteenth century. While some have discussed the ongoing dynamics of race within international institutions, few have explored whiteness as the positionality embedded in such institutions. This article argues that the racial logics embedded in most international institutions, throughout the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty‐first centuries, are developed in relation to the structures of experience and consciousness of whiteness that circumscribe notions of 'universality' and 'normalcy'. This renders whiteness as an invisible characteristic, or background knowledge and practice, to which racialisation occurs. Using the case of the Ottoman Empire's attempt to accede to the European group of 'civilised nations' and subsequent Turkish attempts to gain membership to the European Union, this article explores how a phenomenology of whiteness is historically produced and embedded as an orientating mechanism in international institutions.
Unmet needs in autoimmune hepatitis: Results of the prospective multicentre European Reference Network Registry (R‐LIVER)
Authors: Schregel Ida , Papp Maria , Sipeki Nora , Kovats Patricia J. , Taubert Richard , Engel Bastian , Campos‐Murguia Alejandro , Dalekos George N. , Gatselis Nikolaos , Zachou Kalliopi , Milkiewicz Piotr , Janik Maciej K. , Raszeja‐Wyszomirska Joanna , Ytting Henriette , Braun Felix , Casar Christian , Sebode Marcial , Lohse Ansgar W. , Schramm Christoph ,   the European Reference Network (ERN) RARE‐LIVER
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

The European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE‐LIVER) launched the prospective, multicentre, quality‐controlled R‐LIVER registry on rare liver diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the presentation and outcome of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) after 1 year of treatment.

Methods

Data were prospectively collected at the time of diagnosis and after 6 and 12 months follow‐up. Complete biochemical response (CBR) was defined as normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) serum levels.

Results

A total of 231 patients from six European centres were included in the analysis. After 6 months of treatment 50% (106/212), and after 12 months 63% (131/210) of patients reached CBR with only 27% (56/211) achieving a steroid‐free CBR within the first year.

Overall, 16 different treatment regimens were administered. Change of treatment, mostly due to intolerance, occurred in 30.4% within the first 6 months. In multivariate analysis, younger age at diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.05]; p = .007), severe fibrosis (OR .38 [95% .16–.89], p = .026) and change of treatment within the first 6 months (OR .40 [95% CI .2–.86]; p = .018) were associated with a lesser chance of ALT normalization at 12 months follow‐up.

Conclusion

The landscape of AIH treatment in Europe is highly heterogeneous, even between expert centres. The results from this first European multicentre prospective registry reveal several unmet needs, highlighted by the overall low rates of CBR and the frequent failure to withdraw corticosteroids.
Expression–environment associations in transcriptomic heat stress responses for a global plant lineage
Authors: Andrew Samuel C. , Simonsen Anna K. , Coppin Chris W. , Arnold Pieter A. , Briceño Verónica F. , McLay Todd G. B. , Jackson Chris J. , Gallagher Rachael V. , Mokany Karel
Published: July 2024

The increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves will intensify stress on plants. Given regional variation in heatwave exposure and expected differences in thermal tolerance between species it is unlikely that all plant species will be affected equally by climate change. However, little is currently known about variation in the responses of plants to heat stress, or how those responses differ among closely related species adapted to different environments. Here we quantify the response of 17 Acacia species (175 RNA‐seq libraries), from across Australia's diverse biomes, to a multi‐day experimental heatwave treatment to identify variation in transcriptomic and physiological responses to heat stress. Genes with known heat response functions showed consistent responses across Acacia species. Up to 10% of all genes and over 100 gene families showed significant clinal variation in the magnitude of their expression plasticity across species. Specifically, gene families linked to the temperature stress response were overrepresented among significant relationships with home range temperature conditions. Gene expression responses seen on the first day of the heatwave were more frequently associated with home range climates, while expression responses by day four were more commonly related to photosystem II acclimation. Comparative transcriptomics on non‐model species has the potential to provide key information on stress response plasticity, especially when linked with our understanding of model species. Our study indicates that the pressing challenge to identifying potentially vulnerable species to climate change could be benefited by the further exploration of clinal variation in transcriptome plasticity.
Fostering the clinician as teacher: A realist review
Authors: Brouwer Hiske Joanna , Barry Margot , Kluijtmans Manon , Damoiseaux Roger Anna Maria Joseph , de Groot Esther
Published: July 2024

Background

Clinician‐teachers, physicians with educational responsibilities in either classroom or clinical setting, are assumed to add value by virtue of their dual role. The clinical responsibilities are often prioritised over the educational tasks. How and under which circumstances clinician‐teachers are able to perform their educational role and create added value for different stakeholders is currently unclear.

Objectives

To identify for whom, how and under which circumstances educational activities executed by CTs by virtue of their dual role add value to others.

Scope

CTs activities linking the system of education and clinical practice beyond direct patient interactions and purposefully executed.

Methods

A realist review was conducted. Databases were searched in two stages: a narrow conventional search, followed by a comprehensive artificial intelligence‐aided search. Studies concerning clinician‐teachers' dual role were included. Realist analysis was applied to identify in which contexts resource mechanisms triggered reasoning mechanisms, which led to specific outcomes for different stakeholders.

Results

Sixty‐six studies were included. In contexts where clinician‐teachers' dual role was formally recognised and valued, clinician‐teachers benefitted from the credibility and legitimacy bestowed on them, making the transfer of domain‐specific knowledge more impactful. In contexts where sociocultural differences between both systems existed, CTs were able to mediate and adjust recommendations aligned with stakeholders' perceived relevance. Also, contexts organised to support both roles made resource mechanisms more impactful. Clinician‐teachers added value to students' clinical competency and learning environment, and to educational organisations' curricular innovation. In their clinical workspace, clinician‐teachers added value by enhancing colleague physicians' teaching expertise, implementing educational innovations and recruiting students for scarce specialisms.

Conclusion

Clinician‐teachers add value to students, colleague physicians and the clinical and educational contexts at large. Domain‐specific knowledge of both systems was important to gain credibility and achieve added value. Openness, formal recognition and allocated time for both roles in educational and clinical contexts towards the dual role are important to strengthen the impact of the dual role.
Short‐term changes in financial situation have immediate mental health consequences: Implications for social policy
Authors: Nettle Daniel , Chevallier Coralie , de Courson Benoît , Johnson Elliott A. , Johnson Matthew T. , Pickett Kate E.
Published: July 2024

Poverty is associated with psychological variables such as increased anxiety, increased depression, steeper time discounting and greater risk aversion. However, less is known about whether short‐term changes in financial circumstances are coupled to immediate psychological responses. We present data from the Changing Cost of Living study, in which panels of adults in France (n = 232) and the UK (n = 240) completed financial and psychological surveys every month for a year (September 2022–August 2023). We found the expected overall socioeconomic gradients in anxiety, depression and time discounting. In addition, monthly fluctuations in financial situation were associated with fluctuations in depression, anxiety and risk preference. Increases in essential costs, considered separately from fluctuations in income, had an immediate impact on depression. Social support, the instrumental and emotional assistance derivable from one's social network, buffered the effects of short‐term financial fluctuations on depression and time discounting, but did not mitigate the overall gradients. We conclude that declines in income or increases in the cost of living have immediate and measurable psychological impacts, which must be borne in mind in the formulation and evaluation of social policy.
The impact of bureaucracy and managerialism on relationship‐based practise: A mixed methods study of frontline social work in Northern Ireland
Authors: Pascoe Katheryn Margaret
Published: July 2024

Combining quantitative data from a national survey (n = 252) with qualitative interviews with frontline social workers (n = 16), this manuscript examines the ways in which bureaucracy and managerialism has impacted social work in Northern Ireland, with specific attention to relationship‐based practise. Although policy documents emphasise the importance of relationship‐based practise, quantitative and qualitative data demonstrate social workers are spending increasingly more time on administrative tasks to the detriment of direct work with service users. A whole institutional response is necessary to develop conditions conducive to placing relationships at the heart of practise, and promotion in practise guidelines and policy documents alone is insufficient.
Are charitable donations a luxury good of the rich? Evidence from a survey and actual behavior in a superdiverse metropolis
Authors: Elis Jonas , Mayer Sabrina Jasmin , Goerres Achim
Published: July 2024

Objective

Previous studies on charitable giving have emphasized the importance of socioeconomic status in explaining why individuals choose to donate or not to donate money. Other explanations, such as social capital or local contexts, have also been investigated, but these perspectives are rarely combined and tested against an actual behavioral outcome measure. We seek to compare the statistical importance of these explanations for individual‐level donation decisions.

Methods

Our study investigates survey respondents’ choices to repeatedly donate their earned incentive after a completed interview in the three waves of the Immigrant German Election Study II from 2021. In each wave, respondents were offered an incentive worth 10 euros, which they could either keep as a gift card or donate to the local food bank. This decision is a measurement of real rather than self‐reported donation behavior. We combine individual‐level variables and neighborhood‐level variables that capture the heterogeneity of our sample to systematically compare explanations for this donation decision.

Results

We find that the respondents’ self‐assessed economic situation and sociopolitical preferences in favor of more social spending by the state, rather than the respondents’ objective socioeconomic status, have strong positive effects on the total amount donated throughout the survey.

Conclusion

Not the rich per se, but those who think they are doing well economically, and who are on the redistributive left, give more to others. These findings remain robust after controlling for the strong heterogeneity of our sample.
Preparation of Graphene Oxide (GO) incorporated-Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Nanofiltration Membrane with Alkaline Post-Treatment for Textile Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Ak Suel Vrendon Inchana , Rohalin Mohammad Hairie , Misdan Nurasyikin
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this research is to study the potential of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer incorporated with graphene oxide (GO), following with the alkaline etching post-treatment process for dye waste water treatment. Its anti-oxidation properties of PVDF, have led to its choice as a host polymer due to its high thermal stability, great organic selectivity, and excellent chemical and mechanical resistance. In addition, the post-treatment with a NaOH solutions of varied concentration ranging from 0 M to 0.2 M for 30 minutes was conducted in alter the morphology of the fabricated membrane with the aim to increase the perm-selectivity of the membranes. Besides, the fabricated membranes were further characterized in terms of the chemical and physical properties using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Contact Angle (CA), Ultraviolet Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Atomic Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The experimental results showed that the post-treatment has decreased the membrane flux of dye wastewater. Based on the obtained result, as the concentration of NaOH solution increased, the permeability increased. While the overall dye rejection of the membrane remained of above 90 %.
A Comprehensive Examination of Low GO-Silica Loading in Pebax1657/PEI Thin Film Nano-composite Membranes for Gas Dehydration
Authors: Valagohar A. R. , Hashemifard S. A. , Ghanavatyan M. A. , Khosravi A.
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of blending Pebax1657 polymer with SiO2-GO nanoparticles in the production of TFN membranes for N2 gas dehydration. By utilizing dip coating, nanoparticles were incorporated at varying concentrations. The resulting nanocomposites were subjected to thorough analysis to investigate their chemical structure, physical morphology, surface topology, and thermal stability. This examination encompassed the application of FTIR, SEM, CA, AFM, and TGA techniques. The results demonstrated that the samples displayed good thermal stability and a highly hydrophilic surface. The investigation concluded that the dehydration properties of TFN membranes are influenced by a variety of factors, such as morphology, plasticization, and hydrophilic attributes. The effectiveness of the system is contingent upon the contribution made by each individual nanoparticle. The impact of SiO2 nanoparticles in their pure form is clearly evident in the 0.5 wt% loaded composite membrane membrane. When 0.5% of SiO2 nanoparticles are introduced into the composite membrane, the morphology closely resembles the ideal state due to the non-porous nature of SiO2 and the low concentration of nanoparticles, hence a selectivity of ~560 is experienced. Fortunately this selectivity is beyond the need of the industries. Consequently, there was a reduction in water vapor and nitrogen permeability, resulting in a heightened selectivity ratio. These discoveries hold considerable importance in industrial settings, as they offer a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.
A blueprint for truncation resonance placement in elastic diatomic lattices with unit cell asymmetry
Authors: Al Ba'ba'a Hasan B. , Yousef Hosam , Nouh Mostafa
Published: July 2024

Elastic periodic lattices act as mechanical filters of incident vibrations. By and large, they forbid wave propagation within bandgaps and resonate outside them. However, they often encounter “truncation resonances” (TRs) inside bandgaps when certain conditions are met. In this study, we show that the extent of unit cell asymmetry, its mass and stiffness contrasts, and the boundary conditions all play a role in the TR location and wave profile. The work is experimentally supported via two examples that validate the methodology, and a set of design charts is provided as a blueprint for selective TR placement in diatomic lattices.
Statistical Analysis of Flux Enhancements of Energetic Electrons in the Low-Latitudinal Ionosphere According to the Data from the NOAA/POES and MetOp Satellites from 1998 to 2022
Authors: Golubkov M. G. , Suvorova A. V. , Dmitriev A. V. , Golubkov G. V.
Published: July 2024

The intense precipitation of energetic electrons from the Earth’s radiation belt (ERB) is one of the most important sources of ionization in the ionosphere and atmosphere. A large-scale statistical analysis is carried out of the data from continuous low-orbit satellite observations of solar-cycle variations in the flux enhancements of the ERB electrons with energy >30 keV at an altitude of 850 km, acquired from the NOAA/POES and MetOp satellites in the interval from 1998 to 2022. The basic features of artificial failures in the satellite database with high-time resolution measurements in the interval from 2014 to 2022 are found and described. Appropriate data correction is carried out. It is shown that the average annual number of days with electron flux enhancements increases rapidly within three years after the solar-cycle maximum and reaches its greatest value near the middle of the declining phase of solar activity. Then the frequency of event occurrence begins to decrease noticeably within an 8-year interval, including the minimum, rising, and maximum phases of the solar cycle. The minimum level is achieved at the maximum solar activity.
Mechanical chest compressions as a last-ditch attempt to salvage a profoundly hypoxic but normotensive patient with a massive pulmonary embolism
Authors: Bleetman Anthony , Wolanski Marek Andrzej , Brodie Jonathan
Published: July 2024

Massive pulmonary embolism is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. For patients presenting with massive pulmonary embolism, severe hypoxia is usually associated with severe hypotension. These patients should be considered for thrombectomy should thrombolysis and respiratory support fail to improve their condition. Should thrombectomy not be available or suitable, consideration should be given to offering mechanical chest compressions to ‘break up the clot’. We describe a case in which this seemingly led to survival and full recovery.
Proteomic and phenotypic characteristics of memory-like natural killer cells for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Arellano-Ballestero Helena , Zubiak Agnieszka , Dally Chris , Orchard Kim , Alrubayyi Aljawharah , Charalambous Xenia , Michael Melina , Torrance Robert , Eales Trinity , Das Kushal , Tran Maxine G. B. , Sabry May , Peppa Dimitra , Lowdell Mark W.
Published: July 2024

Background

Human and mouse natural killer (NK) cells have been shown to develop memory-like function after short-term exposure to the cocktail of IL-12/15/18 or to overnight co-culture with some tumor cell lines. The resulting cells retain enhanced lytic ability for up to 7 days as well as after cryopreservation, and memory-like NK cells (mlNK) have been shown to induce complete remissions in patients with hematological malignancies. No single phenotype has been described for mlNK and the physiological changes induced by the short-term cytokine or tumor-priming which are responsible for these enhanced functions have not been fully characterized. Here, we have generated mlNK by cytokine and tumor-priming to find commonalities to better define the nature of NK cell “memory” in vitro and, for the first time, in vivo.

Methods

We initiated mlNK in vitro from healthy donors with cytokines (initiated cytokine-induced memory-like (iCIML)-NK) and by tumor priming (TpNK) overnight and compared them by high-dimensional flow cytometry, proteomic and metabolomic profiling. As a potential mechanism of enhanced cytolytic function, we analyzed the avidity of binding of the mlNK to NK-resistant tumors (z-Movi). We generated TpNK from healthy donors and from cancer patients to determine whether mlNK generated by interaction with a single tumor type could enhance lytic activity. Finally, we used a replication-incompetent tumor cell line (INKmune) to treat patients with myeloid leukaemias to potentiate NK cell function in vivo.

Results

Tumor-primed mlNK from healthy donors and patients with cancer showed increased cytotoxicity against multiple tumor cell lines in vitro, analogous to iCIML-NK cells. Multidimensional cytometry identified distinct memory-like profiles of subsets of cells with memory-like characteristics; upregulation of CD57, CD69, CD25 and ICAM1. Proteomic profiling identified 41 proteins restricted to mlNK cells and we identified candidate molecules for the basis of NK memory which can explain how mlNK overcome inhibition by resistant tumors. Finally, of five patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or refractory acute myeloid leukemia treated with INKmune, three responded to treatment with measurable increases in NK lytic function and systemic cytokines.

Conclusions

NK cell “memory” is a physiological state associated with resistance to MHC-mediated inhibition, increased metabolic function, mitochondrial fitness and avidity to NK-resistant target cells.
Open-capsule budesonide for the treatment of immune-related enteritis from checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Magahis Patrick Tiongco , Corso Tara , Livingstone Pamela , Tom Erika , Srivastava Amitabh , Postow Michael , Faleck David
Published: July 2024

Background

Limited data exist for management strategies targeting immunotherapy-related enteritis (irEnteritis). Systemic corticosteroids are commonly used but often are limited by adverse events. Enteric corticosteroids such as budesonide offer an attractive alternative; however, the ileocolonic release of enteric-coated budesonide has limited utility for diffuse enteritis. Open-capsule budesonide (OCB) is a novel therapeutic approach that offers drug delivery throughout the small bowel. We report outcomes in patients treated with OCB for confirmed or suspected irEnteritis.

Methods

This retrospective cohort included all individuals treated with OCB for irEnteritis at Memorial Sloan Kettering from July 2018 to August 2023. Primary outcomes included clinical response, clinical remission, and corticosteroid-free remission following OCB. Secondary outcomes were OCB-related adverse events and efficacy by gastrointestinal toxicity location.

Results

19 patients (53% female) with irEnteritis were treated with OCB. All patients presented with diarrhea; 15 (79%) reported anorexia with median 6 kg weight loss. 17 patients (89%) underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsies revealing enteritis in all; 8 (42%) had concomitant colitis. 15 (79%) patients were treated previously with systemic corticosteroids: 8 (53%) were corticosteroid-dependent while 7 (47%) demonstrated non-response. 18 patients (95%) achieved clinical response, 15 (79%) attained clinical remission, and 11 (58%) had corticosteroid-free remission. Response to OCB was rapid with improvement noted after a median 4 days. 14 (74%) patients restored their pre-irEnteritis weight by OCB cessation. One mild, self-resolving adverse event was reported.

Conclusions

OCB is a safe and effective therapy for irEnteritis. OCB avoids systemic immunosuppression and successfully achieves clinical response and remission even in patients previously nonresponsive to systemic corticosteroids. Future studies are needed to optimize indications and duration.
Moral parenthood: not gestational
Authors: Lange Benjamin
Published: July 2024

Parenting our biological children is a centrally important matter, but how, if it all, can it be justified? According to a contemporary influential line of thinking, the acquisition by parents of a moral right to parent their biological children should be grounded by appeal to the value of the intimate emotional relationship that gestation facilitates between a newborn and a gestational procreator. I evaluate two arguments in defence of this proposal and argue that both are unconvincing.
‘It takes a village’: deciphering the role of the gut microbiome in the health and performance of military personnel
Authors: Templeman Iain , Parish E , Rimmer J , Clarke G , Troth T , Goodson M S , Soares J W , Harding S V
Published: July 2024

The human gut microbiome can be impacted by a range of environmental and lifestyle factors including diet, antibiotics, physical fitness and acute and chronic stressors. There is also evidence to suggest that specific compositional and/or functional features of the gut microbiome are mediators of aspects of health and performance including disease susceptibility, cognitive and physical states and the immune response. Therefore, understanding microbe-to-microbe and nutrient-to-microbe interactions in the gut and how they interact with host biology (eg, via the gut–brain axis) could enable better design of interventions aimed at modulating the gut microbiome to improve the health and performance of the military. Accordingly, this review summarises a thematic session hosted at the 6th International Conference on Soldier Physical Performance which provided an overview of military-relevant research related to the gut microbiome. It articulates a timely opportunity to leverage this rapidly advancing area to improve personnel health and military performance.
Analytical analysis of 2D couple stress flow of blood base nanofluids with the influence of viscous dissipation over a stretching surface
Authors: Rehman Ali , Inc Mustafa , Tawfiq Ferdous M. , Bilal Muhammad
Published: July 2024

This study examines the effects of viscous dissipation, thermal radiation, nanofluid over a stretched surface, and viscous dissipation on a two-dimensional couple stress blood base for the enhancement of heat transfer rate. Gold and multiwall carbon nanotubes are two forms of nanoparticles that are taken into consideration, with blood serving as the base fluid. The NLPDE controls the considering problem. The NLPDE was converted to NODEs using the mentioned similarity transformation. The analytical method known as HAM was used to analyze the transform NODE analytically. Graphs are used to illustrate the effects of many parameters, such as magnetic factors, nanoparticle volume friction, velocity power index, PN, thermal radiation factors, and EN, which are derived from TE and VE. The current research work highlights how important it is to include viscous dissipation in nanofluid dynamics. The results show complex interactions among stretching, thermal properties, and micro-scale effects. The results may have an impact on the development and enhancement of biomedical devices and treatments that use nanofluidic systems, especially those that deal with blood.
Computational analysis of carboxymethyl cellulose water-based Casson hybrid nanofluid (Al2O3-CuO) flow past a wedge, cone and plate
Authors: Karthikeyan S. , Ali Farhan , Thamaraikannan N. , Loganathan K.
Published: July 2024

The swift advancement of heat transfer technologies can be attributed to the growing need for effective heating and cooling systems in various sectors, including the automotive, chemical, and aerospace industries. This work aims to examine the impact of radiation on the behavior of Casson hybrid nanoparticles (Al2O3-CuO) mixed convective flow in three distinct scenarios. The physical properties of copper oxide (CuO) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles are utilized when mixed with CMC-water as the solvent. This paper aims to analyze the influence of mixed convective flow on the thermal integrity of hybrid nanoparticles when subjected to a wedge, cone, and plate. The analysis of chemical reactions and the existence of a permeable substance is also incorporated. The partial differential systems are appropriately transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). In addition, the calculation of this system of ODEs is carried out using the analytical technique known as the homotopy analysis approach (HAM). The study examines potential resolutions for flow issues in three distinct configurations: wedge, cone, and plate. A comprehensive examination and record of the impacts of various physical characteristics is carried out. The concepts of wall friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number, among others, are explained through the utilization of graphical representations. The porosity and Casson fluid characteristics cause a decrease in the performance of the velocity profile. Hybrid nanofluids have superior heat transfer efficiency compared to conventional nanofluids.
An appropriate statistical approach for non-equilibrium particle production
Authors: Tawfik A. , Elyazeed E. R. Abou , Alshehri A. A. , Yassin H.
Published: July 2024

The incapability of thermal models to accurately reproduce the horn-like structure of the Kaon-to-pion ratio measured at AGS, SPS, and low RHIC energies, as well as confirmed in the beam energy scan program, has long been a persistent problem. This issue is believed to have arisen due to the inappropriate application of statistics, particularly the extensive additive Boltzmann–Gibbs (BG) statistics. The assumption that the analysis of particle production, a dynamic non-equilibrium process, should be primarily conducted using extensive BG or non-extensive Tsallis statistics, has proven to be an unsuccessful approach that has been followed for several decades. By employing generic (non)extensive statistics, two equivalence classes [Formula: see text] emerge, thereby undermining the validity of any ad hoc assumption. Consequently, the degree of (non)extensivity exhibited by the statistical ensemble is determined by its own characteristics. This encompasses both extensive BG statistics, characterized by [Formula: see text], and non-extensive Tsallis statistics, characterized by [Formula: see text]. The energy dependence of light-, [Formula: see text], and strange-quark occupation factor, [Formula: see text], suggests that the produced particles are most appropriately described as a non-equilibrium ensemble. This is evidenced by a remarkable non-monotonic behavior observed in the [Formula: see text] horn, for instance. On the other hand, the resulting equivalence classes [Formula: see text] are associated with a generic non-extensivity related to extended exponential and Lambert-[Formula: see text] exponentially generating distribution function, which evidently arise from free, short- and long-range correlations. The incorporation of generic non-extensive statistics into the hadron resonance gas model yields an impressive ability to rightfully reproduce the non-monotonic [Formula: see text] ratio.
REDUCING PAPR IN OTFS 6G WAVEFORMS USING PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION-BASED PTS AND SLM TECHNIQUES WITH 64, 256, AND 512 SUB-CARRIERS IN RICIAN AND RAYLEIGH CHANNELS
Authors: ALANAZI MESHARI H. , KUMAR ARUN , ALJEBREEN MOHAMMED , ALZABEN NADA , NANTHAAMORNPHONG AZIZ , MARAY MOHAMMED , SOROUR SHAYMAA , ALZAHRANI YAZEED
Published: July 2024

The search complexity for partial transmit sequence (PTS) and selective mapping (SLM) techniques increases exponentially with the number of sub-blocks, necessitating a comprehensive search over all possible combinations of phase-weighting variables. This paper proposes a novel complex system modeling approach for PTS and SLM in an Orthogonal Time Frequency Space (OTFS) system, utilizing phase factors and a sub-block partition scheme. We describe an OTFS system that achieves low computational complexity in identifying optimal phase-weighting factors and reducing the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) using sub-optimal PTS and SLM based on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Parameters such as PAPR, bit error rate (BER), and power spectral density (PSD) were analyzed for 64, 256, and 512 sub-carriers in Rayleigh and Rician channels. The experimental outcome reveals that the proposed approaches can effectively regulate the optimal phase-weighting factors, substantially lessening PAPR with modest complexity. Fractals enhance complex modeling by optimizing PAPR reduction in OTFS 6G waveforms using fractal-influenced PSO for sub-carrier efficiency. The proposed method incorporates fractal modeling to enhance the optimization process in complex environments. Fractals, known for their intricate patterns and self-similarity, provide a robust framework for exploring vast and complex search spaces, crucial in PSO. This approach improves the efficiency of the framework.
Generative AI Requires Broad Labor Policy Considerations
Authors: Felten Ed , Raj Manav , Seamans Rob
Published: July 2024

Considering how generative artificial intelligence might affect occupations.
InvesTEE: A TEE-supported Framework for Lawful Remote Forensic Investigations
Authors: Lindenmeier Christian , Gruber Jan , Freiling Felix
Published: July 2024

Remote forensic investigations, i.e., the covert lawful infiltration of computing devices, are a generic method to acquire evidence in the presence of strong defensive security. A precondition for such investigations is the ability to execute software with sufficient privileges on target devices. The standard way to achieve such remote access is by exploiting yet unpatched software vulnerabilities. This in turn puts other users at risk, resulting in a dilemma for state authorities that aim to protect the general public (by patching such vulnerabilities) and those that need remote access in criminal investigations. As a partial solution, we present a framework that enables privileged remote forensic access without using privileged exploits. The idea is to separate the remote forensic software into two parts: a Forensic Software, designed by law enforcement agencies to execute investigative actions, and a (privileged) Control Software, provided by the device vendor to selectively grant privileges to the Forensic Software based on a court warrant within the rules of criminal procedure. By leveraging trusted execution environments for running the Control Software in a tamper-proof manner, we enable trustful deployment and operation of remote forensic software. We provide a proof-of-concept implementation of InvesTEE that is based on ARMv8-A TrustZone.
Continuous Intra‐Incisional Bupivacaine for Postoperative Analgesia after Hip Nailing Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Farbood Arash , Abbasi Sanaz , Asmarian Naeimehossadat , Banifatemi Mahsa , Naderi-boldaji Vida , Fattahi Saravi Zeinabsadat
Published: July 2024

Background. The effectiveness of continuous wound infiltration (CWI) as a postoperative pain‐control technique has been shown in many surgical procedures. This study investigates the effect of CWI of local anesthetic on postoperative pain control in intertrochanteric fracture patients undergoing hip nailing surgery. Methods. In this randomized clinical trial, 48 patients who were scheduled for hip nailing surgery were randomly assigned to receive (n = 24) or not receive (n = 24) bupivacaine infusion through a catheter inside the surgical wound, postoperatively. Pain intensity (NRS), required dose of morphine, and drug‐related complications within 24 hours of the intervention were assessed and compared. Results. Pain intensity was significantly lower in the bupivacaine group both during the recovery room stay and in the ward in the first 24 hours after the procedure (P < 0.001). In the recovery room, the control group patients had a higher morphine consumption compared to the bupivacaine group (P < 0.001) and requested it earlier than the bupivacaine group (60 (45–60) vs. 360 (195–480) minutes) (P < 0.001). In the ward, all control group patients used the PCA morphine pump, while only 54% of the bupivacaine group self‐administered morphine through the pump, with a significantly lower total morphine consumption (1 (0–2) vs. 10 (5–14) mg, P < 0.001). None of the patients in the bupivacaine group required additional morphine, while 37.5% of the control requested additional morphine (P = 0.002). Altogether, the control group had a higher total morphine consumption compared to the bupivacaine group in the first 24 hours (10.5 (6–15.5) vs. 1 (0–2) mg, P < 0.001). Conclusion. CWI of bupivacaine helps better pain reduction during the early postoperative hours while it reduces opioid consumption, minimizes nausea and vomiting, and improves patient satisfaction.