bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Text-Independent Speaker Recognition System Using Feature-Level Fusion for Audio Databases of Various Sizes
Authors: Chauhan Neha , Isshiki Tsuyoshi , Li Dongju
Published: July 2023

To improve the speaker recognition rate, we propose a speaker recognition model based on the fusion of different kinds of speech features. A new type of feature aggregation methodology with a total of 18 features is proposed and includes mel frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC), linear predictive coding (LPC), perceptual linear prediction (PLP), root mean square (RMS), centroid, and entropy features along with their delta (Δ) and delta–delta (ΔΔ) feature vectors. The proposed approach is tested on five different sizes of speech datasets, namely the NIST-2008, voxforge, ELSDSR, VCTK, and voxceleb1 speech corpora. The results are evaluated using the MATLAB classification learner application with the linear discriminant (LD), K nearest neighbor (KNN), and ensemble classifiers. For the NIST-2008 and voxforge datasets, the best SI accuracy of 96.9% and 100% and the lowest speaker verification (SV) equal error rate (EER) values of 0.2% and 0% are achieved with the LD and KNN classifiers, respectively. For the VCTK and ELSDSR datasets, the best SI accuracy of 100% and the lowest SV EER of 0% are achieved with all three classifiers using different feature-level fusion approaches, while the highest SI accuracy and lowest EER achieved on the voxceleb1 database are 90% and 4.07%, respectively, using the KNN classifier. From the experimental results, it is observed that the fusion of different features with their delta and delta–delta values shows an increase in speaker identification accuracy of 10–50%, and the EER value for SV is reduced compared to the value obtained with a single feature.
Activity and sports resumption after long segment fusions to the pelvis for adult spinal deformity: survey results of AO Spine members
Authors: Theologis Alekos A. , Cummins Daniel D. , Kato So , Lewis Stephen , Shaffrey Christopher , Lenke Lawrence , Berven Sigurd H. ,   AO Spine Knowledge Forum Deformity
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To assess recommendations for when adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients may return to athletic activities after surgery.

Methods

A web-based survey was administered to members of AO Spine. The survey consisted of surgeon demographic information and questions asking when a patient undergoing a long thoracolumbar fusion (> 5 levels) with pelvic fixation for ASD would be allowed to resume unrestricted range of motion (ROM), non-contact sports, and contact sports postoperatively. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine predictors for time to resume each activity.

Results

One hundred twenty four members’ responses were included for analysis. The majority of respondents would allow unrestricted ROM within 3 months postop (< 3 months: 81% vs > 3 months: 19%]. For when to return to non-contact sports, the most common responses were “2–3 months” (26.6%), “3–4 months” (26.6%), and “6–12 months” (18.5%). For when to return to contact sports, the majority advised > 4 months postop [> 4 months: “4–6 months” (19.2%), “6–12 months” (28.0%), “ > 12 months” (28.8%) versus < 4 months: “1–2 months” (4.0%), “2–3 months” (1.6%), “3–4 months” (8.8%)]. 8.8% responded they would “never” allow resumption of contact sports.

Conclusion

There was significant variation between surgeons’ recommendations for resumption of unrestricted range of motion and sports following long fusion with pelvic fixation for ASD. An evidence-based approach to activity recommendations will require information on outcomes and complications.
Compartment Syndrome after Crotalid Envenomation in the United States: A Review of the North American Snakebite Registry from 2013 to 2021 on Behalf of the ToxIC Snakebite Study Group
Authors: Spyres Meghan B. , Maker Greg , Aldy Kim , Wolk Brian J. , Meadors Kevan E. , Christian Michael , Ruha Anne-Michelle
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Compartment syndrome (CS) is a rare but serious complication after crotalid envenomation in the United States. Few data are available regarding the epidemiology and management of these cases. Significant controversy and misunderstanding over best practices, including measurement of compartment pressures and use of fasciotomy, exist for this syndrome. This study aims to describe presentation and management of suspected CS cases after native snakebite reported to the North American Snakebite Registry (NASBR).

Methods

This is an analysis of snakebite cases reported to the Toxicology Investigators Consortium NASBR between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2021. Cases of native snakebite with documented concern for CS were included.

Results

Over an 8-y period, 22 cases of suspected CS were identified, representing 1% of all cases reported to the NASBR. Fasciotomies were performed in 41% (n=9) of these cases, most commonly to the upper extremity (67%, n=6). In cases of suspected CS, intracompartmental pressures (ICPs) were rarely measured (23%, n=5) and fasciotomies were performed without measurement of ICPs frequently (56%, n=5). In 1 case, ICPs were measured and found to be low (8 mm Hg) and fasciotomy was avoided.

Conclusions

Measurement of compartment pressures in cases of suspected CS was uncommon in cases reported to the NASBR. Fasciotomy was commonly performed without measurement of compartment pressures.
Contaminated water and the Food Safety Modernization Act
Authors: Bahalou Horeh Marziyeh , Elbakidze Levan , Taylor R. Garth
Published: July 2023

We develop a theoretical framework and present a corresponding empirical analysis of the Food and Drug Administration’s irrigation water quality regulatory standard under the Food Safety Modernization Act using lettuce as a case study. We develop a stochastic price endogenous partial equilibrium model with recourse to examine the standard’s efficacy under various scenarios of foodborne illness severity, standard implementation, demand response to foodborne outbreaks, and irrigation costs. The stringency of regulation is evaluated with endogenous producer response to regulatory requirements and corresponding implications for economic surplus. The baseline results show that in the case of the lettuce market, the proposed microbial irrigation water quality regulation in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is not cost effective relative to the existing Leafy-Greens Marketing Agreements relying on water treatment for mitigation of microbial contamination. However, FSMA can be cost effective if water treatment is sufficiently expensive.
Exploring potential mental health spillover effects among caregivers and partners of youth in Sierra Leone: A qualitative study
Authors: Desrosiers Alethea , Schafer Carolyn , Bond Laura , Akinsulure-Smith Adeyinka , Hinton Miriam , Vandi Alpha , Betancourt Theresa S.
Published: July 2023

Given the large mental health treatment gap in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in post-conflict settings like Sierra Leone, and the limited healthcare infrastructure, understanding the wider benefits of evidence-based mental health interventions within households is critical. This study explored potential mental health spillover effects – the phenomenon of beneficial effects among nonparticipants – among cohabitating caregivers and partners of youth who participated in an evidence-based mental health intervention in Sierra Leone. We recruited a sub-sample of cohabitating caregivers and partners (N = 20) of youth intervention participants; caregivers had enrolled in a larger study investigating indirect benefits of the evidence-based intervention in Sierra Leone (MH117359). Qualitative interviews were conducted at two time points to explore the following: (a) potential mental health spillover effects and (b) through which mechanisms spillover may have occurred. Two trained coders reviewed transcripts and analyzed qualitative data, assisted by MaxQDA. Qualitative findings suggested that spillover effects likely occurred and supported three potential mechanisms: decreased caregiving burden, behavior changes among Youth Readiness Intervention participants and improved interpersonal relationships. Mental health spillover effects may occur following youth intervention participation in a post-conflict LMIC. Investing in evidence-based services may offer indirect benefits that extend beyond those directly receiving services.
Fārsīgraphy in Zoroastrian Middle Persian Manuscripts
Authors: Šafiʿī Ibrāhīm
Published: July 2023

The tradition of writing in Iran has a long history, and its continuous development has, from time to time, led to new scripts. A most notable case is that of Perso-Arabic's replacement of Pahlavi script when New Persian replaced Middle Persian, resulting in Zoroastrian priests having difficulties reading and understanding their religious texts. The process of changing scripts is well attested by the tradition of Pāzand. Although Pāzand was considered one of the first types of transliteration in Iran, this tradition was also gradually abandoned due to its reliance on Avestan script, which was and continues to be uncommon. Avestan script is now found in Zoroastrian Middle Persian (Pahlavi) manuscripts, just as Pāzand was traditionally used for earlier texts. Pāzand–i.e., transcription of Middle Persian in the Avestan alphabet–was used for some time, but was eventually abandoned for scripts in common use, i.e., Persian in Persia and Gujarati and Devanagari in India. In this paper, the aim is to identify and categorize this tradition's characteristics in Pahlavi manuscripts, drawing on manuscripts from the fifty-three volumes published by the Asia Institute of the Pahlavi University of Shiraz, as listed in the Appendix.
A tale of two histories: Dual-system architectures in modular perspective
Authors: Zerilli John
Published: July 2023

I draw parallels and contrasts between dual-system and modular approaches to cognition, the latter standing to inherit the same problems De Neys identifies regarding the former. Despite these two literatures rarely coming into contact, I provide one example of how he might gain theoretical leverage on the details of his “non-exclusivity” claim by paying closer attention to the modularity debate.
Not feeling right about uncertainty monitoring
Authors: Newman Ian R. , Thompson Valerie A.
Published: July 2023

De Neys proposed a “switch” model to address what he argued to be lacuna in dual-process theory, in which he theorized about the processes that initiate and terminate analytic thinking. We will argue that the author neglected to acknowledge the abundant literature on metacognitive functions, specifically, the meta-reasoning framework developed by Ackerman and Thompson (2017), that addresses just those questions.
Describe the house and I will tell you the price: House price prediction with textual description data
Authors: Zhang Hanxiang , Li Yansong , Branco Paula
Published: July 2023

House price prediction is an important problem that could benefit home buyers and sellers. Traditional models for house price prediction use numerical attributes such as the number of rooms but disregard the house description text. The recent developments in text processing suggest these can be valuable attributes, which motivated us to use house descriptions. This paper focuses on the house asking/advertising price and studies the impact of using house description texts to predict the final house price. To achieve this, we collected a large and diverse set of attributes on house postings, including the house advertising price. Then, we compare the performance of three scenarios: using only the house description, only numeric attributes, or both. We processed the description text through three word embedding techniques: TF-IDF, Word2Vec, and BERT. Four regression algorithms are trained using only textual data, non-textual data, or both. Our results show that by using exclusively the description data with Word2Vec and a Deep Learning model, we can achieve good performance. However, the best overall performance is obtained when using both textual and non-textual features. An$R^2$of 0.7904 is achieved by the deep learning model using only description data on the testing data. This clearly indicates that using the house description text alone is a strong predictor for the house price. However, when observing the RMSE on the test data, the best model was gradient boosting using both numeric and description data. Overall, we observe that combining the textual and non-textual features improves the learned model and provides performance benefits when compared against using only one of the feature types. We also provide a freely available application for house price prediction, which is solely based on a house text description and uses our final developed model with Word2Vec and Deep Learning to predict the house price.
Comparison of Parent-Rated Teaching Activities During the First and Second School Lockdowns and Its Association With Students’ Learning Outcomes During Distant Teaching
Authors: Steinmayr Ricarda , Lazarides Rebecca , Wirthwein Linda , Christiansen Hanna
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools were closed twice in Germany for several months. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether distant teaching activities increased from the first school lockdown to the second school lockdown and whether the frequency of distant teaching activities were related to students’ outcomes (motivation, competent and independent learning, perceived learning progress) during distant learning. To this end, N = 3,480 legal guardians filled in an online questionnaire during the second lockdown (see Steinmayr et al., 2021 ). Distant teaching activities greatly increased from the first lockdown to the second lockdown. Besides communication with a parent, all other distant teaching activities were more frequent at secondary schools. However, in both elementary and secondary schools, distant teaching activities varied greatly. Distant teaching activities as well as children’s characteristics and social background were independently important for students’ outcomes. The results are discussed with regard to their practical implications for realizing distant teaching.
Widespread Permafrost Degradation and Thaw Subsidence in Northwest Canada
Authors: O’Neill H. B. , Smith S. L. , Burn C. R. , Duchesne C. , Zhang Y.
Published: July 2023

Long‐term (1991–2018) thaw tube measurements highlight widespread permafrost thaw and ground surface (GS) subsidence over a large portion of northwest Canada. Statistically significant positive trends in thaw penetration (TP), measured with respect to a fixed datum, were observed at 18 of 28 sites with data that span three decades at a median rate of 0.8 cm a−1. This rate implies thawing of about 22 cm of permafrost over the study period. Similarly significant trends in GS subsidence occurred at 21 of 28 sites, at a median rate of 0.4 cm a−1. In contrast with TP and GS elevation, long‐term trends in active layer thickness (ALT) were less consistent, with 10 of 28 sites having statistically significant trends indicating increasing ALT (median rate: 0.6 cm a−1), and 7 sites having trends indicating decrease in ALT (median: 0.3 cm a−1). The ALT measurements underestimated the thawing of ice‐rich permafrost due to GS subsidence. Sites with high rates of thaw had relatively warm permafrost, deep snow cover, and poor drainage. Masking of ice‐rich permafrost degradation by ALT measurements has important implications for modeling permafrost thaw and climate change reporting. Accurate simulation of ice‐rich permafrost thaw is conceivable for sites where conditions are well‐defined. However, the prediction of subsidence and TP at regional or broader scales is only possible in general terms due to variation in surface conditions and ground ice content. Trends in TP and GS subsidence more accurately characterize ice‐rich permafrost degradation than trends in ALT.
Nitrate Legacy in a Tropical and Complex Fractured Volcanic Aquifer System
Authors: Sánchez‐Gutiérrez R. , Sánchez‐Murillo R. , Esquivel‐Hernández G. , Birkel C. , Boll J. , Rojas‐Jiménez L. D. , Castro‐Chacón L.
Published: July 2023

Nitrate legacy is affecting groundwater sources across the tropics. This study describes isotopic and ionic spatial trends across a tropical, fractured, volcanic multi‐aquifer system in central Costa Rica in relation to land use change over four decades. Springs and wells (from 800 to 2,400 m asl) were sampled for NO3− and Cl− concentrations, δ18Owater, δ15NNO3, and δ18ONO3. A Bayesian isotope mixing model was used to estimate potential source contributions to the nitrate legacy in groundwater. Land use change was evaluated using satellite imagery from 1979 to 2019. The lower nitrate concentrations (<1 mg/L NO3−N) were reported in headwater springs near protected forested areas, while greater concentrations (up to ∼63 mg/L) were reported in wells (mid‐ and low‐elevation sites in the unconfined unit) and low‐elevation springs. High‐elevation springs were characterized by low Cl− and moderate NO3−/Cl− ratios, indicating the potential influence of soil nitrogen (SN) inputs. Wells and low‐elevation springs exhibited greater NO3−/Cl− ratios and Cl− concentrations above 100 μmol/L. Bayesian calculations suggest a mixture of sewage (domestic septic tanks), SN (forested recharge areas), and chemical fertilizers (coffee plantations), as a direct result of abrupt land use change in the last 40 years. Our results confirm the incipient trend in increasing groundwater nitrogen and highlight the urgent need for a multi‐municipal plan to transition from domestic septic tanks to regional sewage treatment and sustainable agricultural practices to prevent future groundwater quality degradation effectively.
Dual intron-targeted CRISPR-Cas9-mediated disruption of the AML RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion gene effectively inhibits proliferation and decreases tumor volume in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Neldeborg Signe , Soerensen Johannes Frasez , Møller Charlotte Thornild , Bill Marie , Gao Zongliang , Bak Rasmus O. , Holm Kasper , Sorensen Boe , Nyegaard Mette , Luo Yonglun , Hokland Peter , Stougaard Magnus , Ludvigsen Maja , Holm Christian Kanstrup
Published: July 2023

Oncogenic fusion drivers are common in hematological cancers and are thus relevant targets of future CRISPR-Cas9-based treatment strategies. However, breakpoint-location variation in patients pose a challenge to traditional breakpoint-targeting CRISPR-Cas9-mediated disruption strategies. Here we present a new dual intron-targeting CRISPR-Cas9 treatment strategy, for targeting t(8;21) found in 5–10% of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which efficiently disrupts fusion genes without prior identification of breakpoint location. We show in vitro growth rate and proliferation reduction by 69 and 94% in AML t(8;21) Kasumi-1 cells, following dual intron-targeted disruption of RUNX1-RUNX1T1 compared to a non t(8;21) AML control. Furthermore, mice injected with RUNX1-RUNX1T1-disrupted Kasumi-1 cells had in vivo tumor growth reduction by 69 and 91% compared to controls. Demonstrating the feasibility of RUNX1-RUNX1T1 disruption, these findings were substantiated in isolated primary cells from a patient diagnosed with AML t(8;21). In conclusion, we demonstrate proof-of-principle of a dual intron-targeting CRISPR-Cas9 treatment strategy in AML t(8;21) without need for precise knowledge of the breakpoint location.
The effect of intravenous granisetron on prophylactic ephedrine for preventing hypotension after general anaesthesia induction in elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Youfa , Wang Cencen , Lin Binbin , Lin Xianyi , Zhang Yanting , Yu Xin , Chen Gang
Published: July 2023

Serotonin 3 receptor antagonists, a commonly used drug for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting, have recently been reported to decrease the incidence of hypotension and the need for vasoactive drugs after spinal anaesthesia in obstetric surgery. However, it remains unknown whether they could also prevent hypotension after induction of general anaesthesia. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of intravenous granisetron on prophylactic ephedrine for preventing hypotension after general anaesthesia induction in elderly patients. Sixty elderly patients were randomly assigned to receive granisetron or saline control 30 min before induction of general anaesthesia. The first patient in each group received a prophylactic dose of ephedrine (0.15 mg kg−1) to prevent hypotension. The prophylactic dose for each patient was increased or decreased by 0.05 mg/kg based on the efficacy results of the previous patient. The up-down sequential allocation analysis and probit regression was used to calculate the effective dose for 50% of patients (ED50) with prophylactic ephedrine. In the up-down sequential allocation analysis, the ED50 of ephedrine was significantly lower in group granisetron (0.08 mg kg−1 [95% CI, 0.06–0.11 mg kg−1]) when compared with group control (0.14 mg kg−1 [95% CI, 0.13–0.16 mg kg−1]) (P < 0.001). The conclusion was further supported by probit regression analysis (0.09 mg kg−1 [95% CI, 0.05–0.12 mg kg−1] in group granisetron and 0.14 mg kg−1 [95% CI, 0.12–0.16 mg kg−1] in group control). Intravenous granisetron reduced the requirement of prophylactic ephedrine in preventing hypotension after general anaesthesia induction in elderly patients.
Seasonal variations of triterpene acid contents in Viscum album L. on typical host trees of Hyrcanian forests
Authors: Soursouri Arina , Hosseini Seyed Mohsen , Fattahi Farnoosh
Published: July 2023

Viscum albumL. (mistletoe) is a semiparasitic plant of the Santalaceae family. A valuable group of bioactive compounds in mistletoe are triterpene acids (TTAs), which possess anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.Parrotia persicaandCarpinus betulusare the most common hosts of mistletoe in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran. This study was performed to compare the content of oleanolic acid (OA), betulinic acid (BA), and ursolic acid (UA) in the mistletoe foliage (stems and leaves) fromP. persicaandC. betulusin various seasons for the first time. The results showed that OA was the prevailing TTA in all samples, while UA was found in none of them. The maximum amount of OA (12.38 mg/g dry weight [DW]) and BA (1.68 mg/g DW) was detected inV. albumfromP. persicain summer. The minimum amount of OA (5.58 mg/g DW) and BA (0.72 mg/g DW) was observed in that growing onC. betulusin winter. However, the mistletoe fromC. betulusshowed the greatest level of OA in spring (9.06 mg/g DW) and BA in summer and autumn (0.92 and 0.97 mg/g DW, respectively). The data collected in this study complement existing research on this subject from around the world.
Sleeping behavior and associated factors during COVID-19 in students at a Hispanic serving institution in the US southwestern border region
Authors: Rahman Humairat H. , Akinjobi Zainab , Gard Charlotte , Munson-McGee Stuart H.
Published: July 2023

Sleep is responsible for maintenance and regulatory functions in human physiology. Insufficient sleep has been associated with cardiovascular disease, weight gain, obesity, inflammation, and morbidity. University students are at high risk under normal circumstances of stress and anxiety due to extracurricular demands, competing pressures on student time, long study hours, and financial concerns. The COVID 19 pandemic has disrupted normal college students’ lives adding stresses such as lost jobs and family responsibilities such as serving as caregivers, which disproportionally affect minority and rural student. This study aimed to assess the correlation of sleep disorders in New Mexico State University students during COVID 19 with selected variates including base demographics (e.g., gender, age, etc.), lifestyle metrics (e.g., employment status, discipline, class, etc.), living arrangements (e.g., housing type, number of children, etc.), alcohol and tobacco use, vaccination status, family COVID status, and family vaccination status. Single- and multi-factor logistic regressions were performed to analyze the data on the students. Qualtrics software was used to collect data on demographics and sleep disorders. R software was used for data analysis. Correlations were found between sleeping less, sleeping more, and disturbed sleep among several covariate categories. For all three responses, being married (sleeping less: OR = 0.342, 95% CI = 0.181–0.642, sleeping more: OR = 0.265, 95% CI = 0.111–0.591; disturbed sleeping: OR = 0.345, 95% CI = 0.182–0.650), frequency of feeling sleepy-very often (OR = 16.87, 95% CI = 6.571–47.434; OR = 8.393, 95% CI = 3.086–25.298; OR = 13.611, 95% CI = 5.409–36.975) and change in diet- quality decreased (OR = 7.304, 95% CI = 3.615–15.270; OR = 5.250, 95% CI = 2.309–12.558; OR = 4.181, 95% CI = 2.145–8.359) were all significant correlated to change in sleeping behavior. Other correlations were found among covariates and sleep changes. Several covariates were determined to be correlated with the effect of COVID-19 on sleeping.
Measuring small-scale plasma irregularities in the high-latitude E- and F-regions simultaneously
Authors: Ivarsen Magnus F. , St-Maurice Jean-Pierre , Hussey Glenn , Spicher Andres , Jin Yaqi , Lozinsky Adam , Goodwin Lindsay V. , Galeschuk Draven , Park Jaeheung , Clausen Lasse B. N.
Published: July 2023

The ionosphere, Earth’s space environment, exhibits widespread turbulent structuring, or plasma irregularities, visualized by the auroral displays seen in Earth’s polar regions. Such plasma irregularities have been studied for decades, but plasma turbulence remains an elusive phenomenon. We combine scale-dependent measurements from a ground-based radar with satellite observations to characterize small-scale irregularities simultaneously in the bottomside and topside ionosphere and perform a statistical analysis on an aggregate from both instruments over time. We demonstrate the clear mapping of information vertically along the ionospheric altitude column, for field-perpendicular wavelengths down to 1.5 km. Our results paint a picture of the northern hemisphere high-latitude ionosphere as a turbulent system that is in a constant state of growth and decay; energy is being constantly injected and dissipated as the system is continuously attempting an accelerated return to equilibrium. We connect the widespread irregularity dissipation to Pedersen conductance in the E-region, and discuss the similarities between irregularities found in the polar cap and in the auroral region in that context. We find that the effects of a conducting E-region on certain turbulent properties (small-scale spectral index) is near ubiquitous in the dataset, and so we suggest that the electrodynamics of a conducting E-region must be considered when discussing plasma turbulence at high latitudes. This intimate relationship opens up the possibility that E-region conductivity is associated with the generation of F-region irregularities, though further studies are needed to assess that possibility.
In vitro study of nanoliposomes containing curcumin and doxycycline for enhanced antimicrobial photodynamic therapy against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Afrasiabi Shima , Partoazar Alireza , Chiniforush Nasim
Published: July 2023

The excessive inappropriate use of systemic antibiotics has contributed to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, which pose a significant risk to the success of treatment. This study has approached this problem by developing doxycycline-loaded liposome doped with curcumin (NL-Cur+Dox) for combination antibacterial therapy against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. The characterization of formulation revealed encapsulation of both drugs in NL-Cur+Dox with an average size of 239 nm and sustained release behavior. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the vesicular-shaped nanocarriers without any aggregation or crystallization. The cytotoxic and hemolytic activities of NL-Cur+Dox were evaluated. The anti-biofilm and anti-metabolic effects of NL-Cur+Dox -mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) were examined. The data indicated that NL-Cur+Dox -mediated aPDT led to a significant reduction of biofilm (82.7%, p = 0.003) and metabolic activity (75%, p < 0.001) of A. actinomycetemcomitans compared to the control. NL-Cur+Dox had no significant cytotoxicity to human gingival fibroblast cells under selected conditions (p = 0.074). In addition, the hemolytic activity of NL-Cur+Dox were negligible (< 5%). These findings demonstrate the potential application of such potent formulations in reducing one of the main bacteria causing periodontitis where the NL-Cur+Dox could be exploited to achieve an improved phototherapeutic efficiency.
Grading of lung adenocarcinomas with simultaneous segmentation by artificial intelligence (GLASS-AI)
Authors: Lockhart John H. , Ackerman Hayley D. , Lee Kyubum , Abdalah Mahmoud , Davis Andrew John , Hackel Nicole , Boyle Theresa A. , Saller James , Keske Aysenur , Hänggi Kay , Ruffell Brian , Stringfield Olya , Cress W. Douglas , Tan Aik Choon , Flores Elsa R.
Published: July 2023

Preclinical genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of lung adenocarcinoma are invaluable for investigating molecular drivers of tumor formation, progression, and therapeutic resistance. However, histological analysis of these GEMMs requires significant time and training to ensure accuracy and consistency. To achieve a more objective and standardized analysis, we used machine learning to create GLASS-AI, a histological image analysis tool that the broader cancer research community can utilize to grade, segment, and analyze tumors in preclinical models of lung adenocarcinoma. GLASS-AI demonstrates strong agreement with expert human raters while uncovering a significant degree of unreported intratumor heterogeneity. Integrating immunohistochemical staining with high-resolution grade analysis by GLASS-AI identified dysregulation of Mapk/Erk signaling in high-grade lung adenocarcinomas and locally advanced tumor regions. Our work demonstrates the benefit of employing GLASS-AI in preclinical lung adenocarcinoma models and the power of integrating machine learning and molecular biology techniques for studying the molecular pathways that underlie cancer progression.
Marine diterpenoid targets STING palmitoylation in mammalian cells
Authors: Hsiao Wan-Chi , Niu Guang-Hao , Lo Chen-Fu , Wang Jing-Ya , Chi Ya-Hui , Huang Wei-Cheng , Tung Chun-Wei , Sung Ping-Jyun , Tsou Lun Kelvin , Zhang Mingzi M.
Published: July 2023

Natural products are important sources of therapeutic agents and useful drug discovery tools. The fused macrocycles and multiple stereocenters of briarane-type diterpenoids pose a major challenge to total synthesis and efforts to characterize their biological activities. Harnessing a scalable source of excavatolide B (excB) from cultured soft coral Briareum stechei, we generated analogs by late-stage diversification and performed structure-activity analysis, which was critical for the development of functional excB probes. We further used these probes in a chemoproteomic strategy to identify Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) as a direct target of excB in mammalian cells. We showed that the epoxylactone warhead of excB is required to covalently engage STING at its membrane-proximal Cys91, inhibiting STING palmitoylation and signaling. This study reveals a possible mechanism-of-action of excB, and expands the repertoire of covalent STING inhibitors.
Total organic halogen (TOX) in treated wastewaters: an optimized method and comparison with target analysis
Authors: Verwold Chad , Tremblay Christopher , Patron Miriam , Kimura Susana Y.
Published: July 2023

A total organic halogen method for wastewater was developed and compared with target methods where only 1.5% of TOX was known.
Electrodeposition, composition and properties of cobalt–rhenium alloys coatings
Authors: Yapontseva Yuliya , Kublanovsky Valeriy , Maltseva Tetyana , Troshchenkov Yuri , Vyshnevskyi Oleksii
Published: July 2023

This paper compares the chemical composition, current efficiency, crystal structure, as well as the magnetic, electrocatalytic, and corrosion properties of CoRe electrolytic alloys.
Iron oxide nanoparticles trigger endoplasmic reticulum damage in steatotic hepatic cells
Authors: Uzhytchak Mariia , Lunova Mariia , Smolková Barbora , Jirsa Milan , Dejneka Alexandr , Lunov Oleg
Published: July 2023

The analysis of iron oxide nanoparticle-mediated toxicity in steatotic cells. The treatment of steatotic cells with iron oxide nanoparticles resulted in endoplasmic reticulum stress, accompanied by the release of cathepsin B from lysosomes to the cytosol.
Interplay of the charge density wave transition with topological and superconducting properties
Authors: Wang Zishen , You Jing-Yang , Chen Chuan , Mo Jinchao , He Jingyu , Zhang Lishu , Zhou Jun , Loh Kian Ping , Feng Yuan Ping
Published: July 2023

Electron-doped 1H-MSe2 (M = Nb, Ta) as a rich platform to study charge density waves, superconductivity, and topology.
Remarkable enhancement of optical and electric properties by temperature-controlled solid-phase molecular motion
Authors: Lun Meng-Meng , Su Chang-Yuan , Jia Qiang-Qiang , Zhang Zhi-Xu , Li Jie , Lu Hai-Feng , Zhang Yi , Fu Da-Wei
Published: July 2023

The optical and electric properties of the polar molecular rotator [(Me2N(CH2)2NH3)(18-crown-6)]ClO4can be optimized by temperature-triggered molecular motion.
Formation of typical disinfection by-products (DBPs) during chlorination and chloramination of polymyxin B sulfate
Authors: Wei Xingya , Han Bangjun , Gu Renzheng , Geng Weimin , Gao Naiyun
Published: July 2023

Polymyxin B Sulfate (PBS), like free amino acids, could be the precursor of typical C-DBPs (CF) and N-DBPs (DCAN, TCAN and TCNM) during chlorination and chloramination.
Methane conversion coupled with hydrogen production from water using Au/Ga2O3 photocatalysts prepared by different methods
Authors: Januario Eliane R. , Carminati Saulo A. , Tofanello Aryane , da Silva Bruno L. , Silvaino Patricia F. , Machado Arthur P. , Vaz Jorge M. , Spinacé Estevam V.
Published: July 2023

Au/Ga2O3 photocatalysts prepared by 3 methods showed to be highly active for CH4 conversion and H2 production using UV light under mild conditions.
Fully sp2-carbon connected polymeric frameworks with rotatable conformation-enhanced lithium-storage performance
Authors: Mushtaq Sidra , Meng Fancheng , Zhang Zixing , Wang Zhiheng , Jiang Biao , Xue Bai , Zhang Fan
Published: July 2023

Fully sp2-carbon connected polymeric frameworks with conformationally tuned flexibilities, rich redox sites, and porous structures, were constructed, and fabricated with carbon nanotubes to film-like electrodes for high-performance electrochemical lithium-ion storage.
Associating Co single atoms with RuO2nanoparticles anchor on nitrogen-doped ultrathin porous carbon nanosheets as effective bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Ma Xuena , Liu Mingyang , Li Qi , Xiao Xudong , Liu Jianan , Xu Xiaoqin , Yin Yihang , Qiao Panzhe , Zhang Luoming , Zou Xiaoyan , Wang Ruihong , Jiang Baojiang
Published: July 2023

The picture shows Co single atom-decorated RuO2nanoparticles anchored on nitrogen-doped ultrathin carbon nanosheet (CoSA-RuO2-NUCN). The bifunctional catalytic process (ORR/OER) of CoSA-RuO2-NUCN is also fully presented.
Perinatal iron restriction is associated with changes in neonatal cardiac function and structure in a sex-dependent manner
Authors: Noble Ronan M.N. , Holody Claudia D. , Woodman Andrew G. , Nie Chunpeng , Liu Si Ning , Young Daniel , Wiedemeyer Alyssa , Soni Shubham , Dyck Jason R.B. , Graf Daniel , Eckersley Luke G. , Dufour Antoine , Bourque Stephane L.
Published: July 2023

Iron deficiency (ID) is common during gestation and in early infancy and can alter developmental trajectories with lasting consequences on cardiovascular health. While the effects of ID and anemia on the mature heart are well documented, comparatively little is known about their effects and mechanisms on offspring cardiac development and function in the neonatal period. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed an iron-restricted or iron-replete diet before and during pregnancy. Cardiac function was assessed in a cohort of offspring on postnatal days (PD) 4, 14, and 28 by echocardiography; a separate cohort was euthanized for tissue collection and hearts underwent quantitative shotgun proteomic analysis. ID reduced body weight and increased relative heart weights at all time points assessed, despite recovering from anemia by PD28. Echocardiographic studies revealed unique functional impairments in ID male and female offspring, characterized by greater systolic dysfunction in the former and greater diastolic dysfunction in the latter. Proteomic analysis revealed down-regulation of structural components by ID, as well as enriched cellular responses to stress; in general, these effects were more pronounced in males. ID causes functional changes in the neonatal heart, which may reflect an inadequate or maladaptive compensation to anemia. This identifies systolic and diastolic dysfunction as comorbidities to perinatal ID anemia which may have important implications for both the short- and long-term cardiac health of newborn babies. Furthermore, therapies which improve cardiac output may mitigate the effects of ID on organ development.
Analysis by synthesis of engine sounds for the design of dynamic auditory feedback of electric vehicles
Authors: Dupré Théophile , Denjean Sébastien , Aramaki Mitsuko , Kronland-Martinet Richard
Published: July 2023

In traditional combustion engine vehicles, the sound of the engine plays an important role in enhancing the driver’s experience of the vehicle’s dynamics, and contributes to both comfort and safety. However, with the development of quieter electric vehicles, drivers no longer receive this important auditory feedback, and this can lead to a less satisfying acoustic environment in the vehicle cabin. To address this issue, sonification strategies have been developed for electric vehicles to provide similar auditory feedback to the driver, but feedback from users has suggested that the sounds produced by these strategies do not blend seamlessly with the other sounds in the vehicle cabin. This study focuses on identifying the key acoustic parameters that create a sense of cohesion between the synthetic sounds and the vehicle’s natural soundscape, based on the characteristics of traditional combustion engine vehicles. Through analyzing the time and frequency of the noises produced by combustion engine vehicles, the presence of micro-modulations in both frequency and amplitude was identified, as well as resonances caused by the transfer of sound between the engine and the cabin. These parameters were incorporated into a synthesis model for the sonification of electric vehicle dynamics, based on the Shepard-Risset illusion. A perceptual test was conducted, and the results showed that the inclusion of resonances in the synthesized sounds significantly enhanced their naturalness, while micro-modulations had no significant impact.
Proximal algorithm with quasidistances for multiobjective quasiconvex minimization in Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Quiroz Erik Alex Papa , Rocha Rogério Azevedo , Oliveira Paulo , Gregório Ronaldo
Published: July 2023

We introduce a proximal algorithm using quasidistances for multiobjective minimization problems with quasiconvex functions defined in arbitrary Riemannian manifolds. The reason of using quasidistances instead of the classical Riemannian distance comes from the applications in economy, computer science and behavioral sciences, where the quasidistances represent a non symmetric measure. Under some appropriate assumptions on the problem and using tools of Riemannian geometry we prove that accumulation points of the sequence generated by the algorithm satisfy the critical condition of Pareto-Clarke. If the functions are convex then these points are Pareto efficient solutions.
A closed-loop supply chain operation decision under life cycle: Ecological design, service design and recycling effort perspectives
Authors: Shan Liu , Duan Caiquan , Qiao Jinyou
Published: July 2023

The commercial, environmental and social value of closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) has been widely recognised in the literature. Enterprises are increasingly aware of the importance of product life cycle management; that is, enterprises conduct CLSC management of the production, use and recycling of products. Existing research lacks research on CLSC operation decision under product life cycle. This paper introduces ecological design, service design and recycling into a CLSC with the manufacturer, retailer and recycler. Stackelberg models considering different leadership structures and service design providers are constructed using game theory, and we use backward induction to solve the game in different cases. Results show that from the system-operating efficiency and total profits maximisation perspectives, the recycler-led is always the most effective. However, for the selection of the optimal service design provider, when the manufacturer (retailer) is the leader, the retailer (manufacturer) providing the service design should be the dominant strategy. When the recycler is the leader, the effect is the same no matter who provides the service design. Finally, we find an interesting conclusion that in the case of retailer provides service design, supply chain members do not always achieve the highest profits under their own leadership structure. The numerical analysis shows that when the consumer’s preference for service design is greater than 6.3, the manufacturer can obtain greater profits under the recycler-led structure, and when consumer’s preference for ecological design is greater than 7.1, the retailer can gain greater profits under the recycler-led structure.
Fractures in Childhood and Young Adulthood According to Maternal Smoking in Late Pregnancy. A Danish Cohort Study
Authors: Rasmussen Jannie Biolzi , Rath Sabine Marie , Wu Chunsen , Weile Louise Kathrine Kjaer , Schmal Hagen , Olsen Jørn , Bech Bodil Hammer , Nohr Ellen Aagaard
Published: July 2023

Fractures account for the most frequent cause of hospitalization during childhood and numbers have increased over time. Of all fractures in childhood and young adulthood, 66% are recurrent fractures, suggesting that some people are predestined for fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal smoking during late pregnancy and the risk of fractures in the children.

The study included 11,082 mothers and their children from the cohort “Healthy Habits for Two” born between 1984 and 1987. Information about maternal smoking during pregnancy came from questionnaires filled out in pregnancy, while information about fractures was derived from the Danish National Patient Registry. Over a follow-up of 24 years (1994–2018), Cox regression with multiple failures was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for fractures in childhood and young adulthood according to maternal smoking in late pregnancy. Information about body mass index (BMI) and smoking status in young adulthood was included as time variant covariates.

During an age span of 8–32 years, 6,420 fractures were observed. Of the mothers, 39.1% smoked during late pregnancy. Compared to children of mothers who did not smoke, children of mothers who smoked 1–9 cigarettes per day and 10+ cigarettes per day had an increased risk of fractures (HR 1.14 [CI: 1.06; 1.21] and HR 1.14 [CI: 1.07; 1.22], respectively). After adjusting for BMI and smoking status in young adulthood, the findings were slightly strengthened, showing an increased risk of fractures of 23 and 25% in children of mothers smoking 1–9 cigarettes per day and 10+ cigarettes per day, respectively.

Maternal smoking during late pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of fractures in the child. This result indicates that exposure to cigarette smoke in utero may play a role in lifelong bone health.
Medical Students' Attitudes and Awareness toward Teaching and Participation in Formal Clinical Teaching in Iraq
Authors: Alsaffar Hussain , Abdullah Wasnaa Hadi , Akram Nabeeha Najatee , Nadhim Haider , Salman Mayameen H. , Laylani Amal Adnan , Yahya Farah Sameer , Rahim Ali Ibrahim , Salih Aso , Jassim Duralhassan , Salman Houreleen H. , Ibrahim Hind Mutar , Gargary Khalaf , Ibrahim Ahmad Khalil , Alsayegh Adyan , Ibrahim Maysaa Nihad , Al-Dabagh Jaafar D. , Habeeb Sawsan Issa
Published: July 2023

Objective Clinical teaching is essential for the continuity of education of health care professionals. Developing teaching skills is highly required to communicate efficiently and transfer experience and knowledge to others. To our knowledge, medical students across Iraq did not give their perception of clinical teaching in a comprehensive way. Therefore, the aim of this study is to understand our students' perception of clinical teaching and to learn from their responses what subtypes of clinical teaching they may desire the most.

Materials and Methods An online survey was distributed among medical students in Iraqi universities between February and April 2022.

Results In all, 2,562 students (1,567 females and 995 males) responded from 24 of 26 colleges of medicine in Iraq. The majority of responders were senior students. In total, 73.3% of our students had no previous experience in teaching. Those willing to work in a teaching or academic hospital comprised 84.2% of the students, and 1,563 students were interested in pursuing “clinical teaching” for medical students/residents upon completion of residency. Collective confidence in teaching abilities was rated as 3.4 out of 5. In total, 1,505 medical students felt they would be interested to have an elective period in medical education, and the majority voted for a 1-month period. Male students perceived more confidence in their variable teaching abilities compared to females (p < 0.05).

Conclusion This is the first study among Iraqi medical students that revealed a desire to avail of a 4-week elective in clinical teaching and become incorporated within the undergraduate curriculum of medical schools in Iraq.
Challenges of Medical Education in Libya: A Viewpoint on the Potential Impact of the 21st Century
Authors: Elkhammas Elmahdi A. , Al-Areibi Arif , Rajab Faten Ben , Arrabti Abdelaziz
Published: July 2023

Traditional medical education is no longer adequate for preparing medical graduates for immediate practice and to make them ready to practice their profession efficiently with quality and citizenship to the health care system. Medical education is changing based on changes in societies, culture, technology, and quality of care. More elderly patients require special attention, technologies require different skills, and patient-centered, evidence-based medicine needs special training. In Libya, an example of a developing country, medical education faces these challenges and many more. It requires ample resources and an adequate number of qualified health care professionals who are highly specialized. Such faculty are up to date to deliver service, teach, and perform quality research. Attention is necessary to improve their medical education system and keep up with the advances and care needed for their citizens. It is possible with more investment in faculty development, collaboration with reputable institutions in developed countries, and use of professional accreditation from international organizations.