bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning-Based Risk-Aware Congestion Control Scheme for Minimization of Information Loss in Dense VANET Environment
Authors: Dhakad Bhupendra , Shrivastava Laxmi
Published: December 2023

Vehicular Ad-Hoc Network is one of the most growing research fields and has become a promising topic for researchers. Day by day, vehicle density increases, causing very serious issues like road accidents and traffic jams. These issues can be minimized by a periodic exchange of awareness messages among the vehicles. Traffic density increases transmission of awareness messages, which causes channel congestion and degrades safety services, so congestion control schemes must ensure that the channel load should be below a particular threshold, boost the quality of services and minimize information loss and delay in the network. This paper proposes a machine learning-based risk-aware congestion control (MLB-RACC) scheme which is an efficient congestion control scheme based on the modified [Formula: see text] -means machine learning algorithms. MLB-RACC technique processes the input data and helps to improve the quality of services in the automotive industry. It works in three phases: detecting congestion, clustering of vehicles and controlling the broadcasting of awareness messages for decreasing the channel load. MLB-RACC scheme works by grouping the nearest vehicles and the number of groups or clusters is decided on the basis of transmission range/transmission power. The group member selects adaptive transmission rate by looking at the channel busy ratio (CBR). In this technique, message generation rate is controlled at two levels: first is at the clustering level and second is during the checking of CBR. The scheme is implemented through MATLAB, NS2 and the SUMO platform and provides evidence for the minimization of information loss by analyzing the throughput, packet loss and end-to-end delay in comparison to ordinary decentralized congestion control (DCC) technique.
Using Area Under the Precision Recall Curve to Assess the Effect of Random Undersampling in the Classification of Imbalanced Medicare Big Data
Authors: Hancock John T. , Khoshgoftaar Taghi M. , Johnson Justin M.
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we investigate the impact of Random Undersampling (RUS) on a supervised Machine Learning task involving highly imbalanced Big Data. We present the results of experiments in Medicare Fraud detection. To the best of our knowledge, these experiments are conducted with the largest insurance claims datasets ever used for Medicare Fraud detection. We obtain two datasets from two Big Data repositories provided by the United States government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The larger of the two datasets contains nearly 174 million instances, with a minority to majority class ratio of approximately 0.0039. Our contribution is to show that RUS has a detrimental effect on a Medicare Fraud detection task when performed on large scale, imbalanced data. The effect of RUS is apparent in the Area Under the Precision Recall Curve (AUPRC) scores recorded from experimental outcomes. We use four popular, open-source classifiers in our experiments to confirm the negative impact of RUS on their AUPRC scores.
Microscopic and phenomenological theory of the dynamics of screening photorefractive solitons
Authors: Wichtowski M. , Jabłoński B.
Published: December 2023

The theory of photorefractive (PR) screening solitons is regarded as a well-established theory and solidly confirmed experimentally. In this paper we focus main attention on the dynamics of bright and dark beams in PR crystals in the context of soliton generation. The analysis was carried out within the microscopic theory in opposition to the commonly used macroscopic theory. It has been shown that the standard solution may be drastically different from the solution based on the microscopic model. This paper presents a new formulation of the adiabatic approximation and the corresponding temporal equation for the formation of the electric field in PR crystals. A novel time constant has been introduced to describe the total duration of the transition state. The obtained results were compared with numerical solutions. In this way, we developed a description of the dynamics of (1+1)D beams in PR materials consistent with the microscopic model.
Smoothness of invariant manifolds for stochastic evolution equations with non-dense domain
Authors: Li Zonghao , Huang Jianhua , Zeng Caibin
Published: December 2023

With the crucial estimation of random Stieltjes-type convolution, the Lyapunov–Perron method allows us to establish the existence of invariant dynamics for stochastic evolution equation with non-dense domain. In this paper, we develop the conditions for [Formula: see text]-smoothness of center manifold for such equation with linear multiplicative noise, unstable manifold and stable set for the one with nonlinear multiplicative noise as well. Our result may apply to a broad range of stochastic systems with non-dense domain beyond Brownian noise.
Controlled cyclic quantum teleportation of unknown single-qutrit states
Authors: Peng Jiayin , Liu Miao , Tang Jiangang , Yang Zhen , Zhang Zhihua
Published: December 2023

In order to explore multi-directional quantum communication in a three-dimensional (3D) system, five-, seven- and [Formula: see text]-qutrit entangled states are constructed by 3D-Hadamard gates and 3D-controlled-NOT gates in this paper. Then a new scheme of controlled bidirectional quantum teleportation (QT) via five-qutrit entangled channel is proposed, where two observers can exchange their unknown single-qutrit states at the same time under the control of the supervisor. Along this mental, we propose a novel theoretical scheme to fulfil four-party controlled cyclic QT by using a seven-qutrit entangled state as the quantum channel, in which Alice can teleport an arbitrary unknown single-qutrit state to Bob, Bob can transmit an arbitrary single-qutrit state to Charlie, at the same time, Charlie can also teleport an arbitrary unknown single-qutrit state to Alice with the permission of the supervisor. In these schemes, only specific two-qutrit 3D-Bell state measurements, single-qutrit 3D-Z-basis measurements and suitable 3D-Weyl operators are needed, which can be implemented in physics easily. Moreover, the proposed four-party controlled cyclic scheme can be generalized into the case containing [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) observers by using a [Formula: see text]-qutrit entangled channel. Analysis shows that the success probability of our schemes can reach 1. Through detailed discussion, we find that the security of our schemes and the control power of the supervisors can be guaranteed, and the intrinsic efficiency of the proposed schemes is relatively high.
Is it possible to speak about the two-dimensional nature of the dielectric properties of layered perovskite-like compounds of the family of Aurivillius–Smolensky phases?
Authors: Parinov Ivan A. , Zubkov Sergei V.
Published: December 2023

Two-dimensionality of the properties of a volumetric object may be defined by its anisotropy. Perovskite-like compounds of the family of Aurivillius–Smolensky phases (ASPs) have exactly this property. By studying perovskite-like compounds of the family of Aurivillius–Smolensky phases and the changes in the volume of the crystal lattice, occurring in them, namely the increase or decrease in the phase transition temperature (Curie temperature), the preferred direction of grain growth with an increase in the sintering temperature and, as a consequence, the increase in the relative permittivity, the main factor in all cases is the change in the linear parameters a and b, lying in the plane perpendicular to the c-axis.
Dual nitrogen-sulfur-doping induce microwave absorption and EMI shielding in nanocomposites based on graphene
Authors: Elagib Tienah H. H. , Kabbashi Nassereldeen A. , Alam Md Zahangir , Hassan Elwathig A. M. , Mirghani Mohamed E. S. , Abdurahman Nour Hamid
Published: December 2023

Graphene-oxide (GO) is one of the most commonly used carbon nanomaterials in advanced applications such as microwave absorption and EMI shielding, due to various advantages such as ease of synthesis and exfoliation, effective doping capability, and superior composite compatibility. In this study, we used the modified Hummer’s method to synthesize GO by exfoliating graphite powder, and a simple hydrothermal approach was employed for elemental doping and GO reduction. As nitrogen–sulfur (N, S) dual-doping precursors, thiourea and l-cysteine amino acids were utilized. The structural features and microporous network structure of GO aerogel foams were investigated. The microwave absorption capabilities of polyethersulfone-based nanocomposite films incorporating the as-produced nitrogen–sulfur enrich reduced GO (NS-rGO) are also explored. According to the physicochemical characterization, the existence of remarkable structural defects with a porous three-dimensional (3D) network was discovered due to heteroatom insertion and hydrothermal doping. Additionally, the dual-doped sample exhibited high Nitrogen and sulfur content of 8.93% and 13.19%, respectively. While NS-rGO possesses a higher conductivity of 174.7[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]S compared to 12.65[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]S for GO. The nanocomposites filled with NS-rGO foams demonstrated a high shielding efficiency (SE) of 45[Formula: see text]dB in the X-band with a filler loading of 0.5[Formula: see text]wt.%. This high SE arises from dopant heteroatoms and the heterogeneous interface, which induce interface polarization, thereby increasing microwave absorption and dielectric constant. It also results from multi-level reflections caused by the 3D porous structures. These findings offer valuable insights into the functionalization of carbon nanostructures and the development of 3D networks in GO-based functional materials, providing further guidance for engineering high-performance electromagnetic interference shielding materials.
Antifibromyalgic Activity of Phytomolecule Niranthin: In-Vivo Analysis, Molecular Docking, Dynamics and DFT
Authors: Chopade Atul R. , Potdar Vikram H. , Mali Suraj N. , Yadav Susmita , Pandey Anima , Lai Chin-Hung , Saied Essa M. , Ferreira Oberdan Oliveira , de Oliveira Mozaniel Santana , Gurav Shailesh S. , Andrade Eloisa Helena de Aguiar
Published: December 2023

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic pain and heightened sensitivity to painful stimuli. This study investigated the potential of Niranthin (NR), a natural compound derived from Phyllanthus species, in a rat model of FM. We employed a multifaceted approach to comprehensively assess the potential benefits of NR as a treatment for FM, including in-vivo analysis, molecular docking studies, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Three doses of NR (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) significantly reduced mechanical allodynia induced by acidic saline injections. In an acute study, NR dosing increased the mechanical threshold in both ipsilateral and contralateral paws. In a four-day study, twice-daily NR treatment further elevated the mechanical threshold. Temporary treatment interruption led to a re-establishment of allodynia, but subsequent reinitiation of NR treatment remained effective, ruling out tolerance development. MD simulations were conducted to investigate the stability and dynamics of NR-target complexes, revealing stable binding interactions and conformational changes associated with NR binding. Docking calculations indicated that the NR molecule had a similar binding affinity to the drug Amiloride towards Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). NR showed interactions with amino acid residues, including LYS 373, ARG 370, GLU 374 and GLN 277. DFT calculations provided insights into the electronic and structural properties of NR and its interactions with FM-related molecular target ASICs. We propose that NR may modulate ASICs, leading to decreased pain sensitivity in FM rats. However, further research is required to fully understand the mechanism of action and explore NRs therapeutic potential for the treatment of FM.
Report on the 23rd International Society for Music Information Retrieval Conference (ISMIR 2022)
Authors: Rao Preeti , Murthy Hema A. , Srinivasamurthy Ajay
Published: December 2023

The annual International Society for Music Information Retrieval (ISMIR) conference is the world's leading research forum on processing, searching, organizing and accessing music-related data. The 23rd International Society for Music Information Retrieval Conference (ISMIR 2022) was held from 04--08 December, 2022 at the National Science Seminar Complex, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. ISMIR 2022 is the first ever ISMIR conference to take place in India. Due to the changing global landscape as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 23rd ISMIR conference became the first hybrid ISMIR conference, with both in-person and remote participants. The scientific program of the single-track conference comprised two keynotes, 113 research papers, six tutorials, 13 music pieces and five special sessions. The conference also included a Women in MIR (WiMIR) plenary session, industry presentations, a late-breaking/demo session, five satellite events, and multiple social events that showcased the rich musical and cultural heritage of India. In this report, we present a summary of the event, highlighting some unique challenges we faced organizing the hybrid conference and reflecting on the event for future improvements.

Date:
04--08 December 2022.

Website:
https://ismir2022.ismir.net.
A Common Misassumption in Online Experiments with Machine Learning Models
Authors: Jeunen Olivier
Published: December 2023

Online experiments such as Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) or A/B-tests are the bread and butter of modern platforms on the web. They are conducted continuously to allow platforms to estimate the causal effect of replacing system variant "A" with variant "B", on some metric of interest. These
variants
can differ in many aspects. In this paper, we focus on the common use-case where they correspond to machine learning models. The online experiment then serves as the final arbiter to decide which model is superior, and should thus be shipped. The statistical literature on causal effect estimation from RCTs has a substantial history, which contributes deservedly to the level of trust researchers and practitioners have in this "gold standard" of evaluation practices. Nevertheless, in the particular case of machine learning experiments, we remark that certain critical issues remain. Specifically, the assumptions that are required to ascertain that A/B-tests yield unbiased estimates of the causal effect, are seldom met in practical applications. We argue that, because variants typically learn using pooled data, a lack of
model interference
cannot be guaranteed. This undermines the conclusions we can draw from online experiments with machine learning models. We discuss the implications this has for practitioners, and for the research literature.
Improved Resistive Switching Behaviors of Al/Ag-Doped Fe2O3 Film/ITO Devices Fabricated with a Radio-Frequency Co-Sputtering System
Authors: Hsu Chia Feng , Huang Yu-chun , Huang Shyh-Jer , Yang Chih-Chiang , Su Yan-Kuin
Published: December 2023

We fabricated Fe2O3−x and Ag-doped Fe2O3−x devices with resistive switching behavior by using a radiofrequency cosputtering system. Our results indicated that doping Ag into Fe2O3−x can effectively improve device performance, increasing the data retention test time to beyond 104 s and resulting in switching cycles of approximately ∼3 × 102 times; resistance on/off ratios of approximately ∼103; and mean setting and reset voltages of 0.94 V and −1.35 V, respectively. The improvement in performance had several possible reasons. In our case, conductive filament formation was mainly induced by oxygen vacancies and Ag atoms. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that oxygen vacancies increased significantly with Ag doping. This phenomenon can improve device performance. Ag atoms served as trap centers, allowing for the easy trapping and release of charges. This effect facilitated the formation of conductive filaments. Ag-doped Fe2O3−x has significant potential for application in resistive switching random access memory devices.
Vibrational, Optical, Electrochemical, and Electrical Analysis of Normal and Cancer DNA
Authors: Mir Owais I. , Gupta Upendra K. , Bhat Gulzar A. , Pandith Arshad A. , Mir Feroz A.
Published: December 2023

In the current article, we did characterizations like Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, UV-Visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Current-Voltage (I-V) characteristics, dielectric spectroscopy, and transient time spectroscopy on normal and cancerous (esophagus) DNA samples. FT-IR confirms the associated functional groups of DNA. Also a significant change in these groups with mutations is observed. From the analysis of UV data, the various optical parameters like optical band gap, disorder energy were estimated and discussed. PL data demonstrate the various emissions and are described as per the existing structure of the molecule. From the CV plots, the energy levels, like highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) were also calculated. The EIS data interpretations show well developed changes in various parameters related with nature of the present molecules. Also from I-V characteristics, visible variations were observed and discussed. From the dielectric spectroscopy, a drastic change in the data were seen and described. Dynamic measurements like transient time demonstrates a vital impact on charge storage and hence on the rise and fall time of the molecules. The various calculated parameters related with these methods show changes with normal and mutated DNA. These observed properties shown by these techniques could be explored for further confirmation of the diagnostic of the disease.
High-Sensitivity Temperature Sensor Based on Photonic Crystal Fiber Filled with Ethanol and Toluene
Authors: Li HaiPing , Ruan Juan , Li Xin , Yang ZiQin , Xu ZhangLiang , Wei GuangYong , He Tao , Luo Yang
Published: December 2023

A surface plasmon resonance photonic crystal fiber-based highly sensitive temperature sensor is proposed. The surface plasmon resonance is induced by injecting toluene into the central hole and ethanol into the side holes coated with gold film. Optimal sensor sensitivity by optimizing the size and position of the air holes. The coupling mechanism and sensing performance of the proposed sensor are analyzed. The results indicate that in the sensing range of 0 °C−70 °C, the highest figure of merit (FOM) is 0.1169/°C and the average temperature sensitivity can reach 7.13 nm/°C. Such temperature sensor exhibits tremendous potential in the domain of temperature detection.
Characterization, Strength and Wear Optimization of Aluminium Based Boron Carbide/Graphite Hybrid Composite by TOPSIS for Dry Condition
Authors: Thakur Anupam , Khanna Virat , Murtaza Qasim
Published: December 2023

Aluminium is one of the most widely available metals and its application is seen vastly due to its high strength-to-weight ratio as compared to other metals being cost effective at the same time. Its application is found to be in various structural, automobile and machine industries. But somehow due to its ductile nature, challenging conditions like high-speed applications with minimal wear and friction loss are an important aspect to look forward to. Al6063-based hybrid composites having boron carbide (B4C) 4% wt. and graphite (Gr) 0/2/3.5/5% wt. composites have been fabricated by the stir casting route using K2TiF6 for enhancing the particle dispersion in the metal matrix. XRD, SEM and EDAX results have been obtained for the composites fabricated for characterization. Impact and hardness test results show improvement in the toughness and hardness of the fabricated composites. SEM images of the fractured specimen have been obtained which depict the inhibition of crack propagation due to the boron carbide and graphite reinforcement’s presence. Pin-on-disc wear tests have been carried out considering the L25 Taguchi orthogonal array along with TOPSIS optimization for finding the best and the worst conditions for wear analysis considering the closeness coefficient, C

j
.
Enhancing Dye Degradation Property of MoO3 Nanoplates by Vanadium Doping
Authors: Jain Vishva , Doshi Yash , Shah Mona , Ray Jaymin , Kedia Abhitosh , Patel Kinjal , Shah Dimple
Published: December 2023

Nanomaterial based water degradation is becoming as a promising option in comparison to conventional water degradation methods. MoO3 nanoparticles have been used as a nano adsorbent for methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous solution. Here, effect of vanadium (V) element doping in MoO3 on adsorption activity against MB was studied. 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% of V element doped MoO3 nanoparticles were synthesized using surfactant free chemical method. All the synthesized nanoparticles were well characterized through different analysis tools to study their structural, morphological, and optical properties. Stability of particles in water with respect to time was also studied by zeta potential. Adsorption activity of all the samples were carried out and 8% doped MoO3 nanoparticle was found to be most efficient. Moreover, the regeneration and reusability test of 8% doped MoO3 nanoparticle was also successfully carried out.
MicroRNA-19 is regulated by aldosterone in a sex-specific manner to alter kidney sodium transport
Authors: Farrell Corinne E. , Liu Xiaoning , Yagan Nejla Ozbaki , Suda Amanda C. , Cerqueira Debora M. , Bodnar Andrew J. , Kashlan Ossama B. , Subramanya Arohan R. , Ho Jacqueline , Butterworth Michael B.
Published: December 2023

Expression of the microRNA-17-92 cluster is upregulated by aldosterone in mouse cortical collecting duct principal cells, exclusively in female mice. MiR-19 in this cluster targets the serum and glucocorticoid kinase (SGK1) to downregulate both mRNA and protein expression, resulting in a decrease in sodium transport across epithelial cells of the collecting duct. The miR-17-92 cluster is evolutionarily conserved and may act as a novel feedback regulator for aldosterone signaling in females.
Identification of FOXP3+ epithelial cells contributing to pancreatic proliferation and angiogenesis
Authors: Gong Ruining , Chen Xianghan , Sun Xiaoyuan , Zhang Yuxing , Wang Jia , Yu Qian , Lei Ke , Ren He
Published: December 2023

In this study, we revealed a novel c-FOXP3+ tumor epithelial cell subset marked by diminished E-cadherin and stable FOXP3 expression. These subpopulations not only show robust proliferation and drive angiogenesis via CXCL1, CXCL5, and CXCL8, bypassing VEGFA pathways, but their heightened presence also correlates with adverse PDAC outcomes. By challenging traditional epithelial cell definitions and extending lymphocyte markers to these cells, our findings present innovative targets for PDAC treatment and enrich our understanding of cell biology.
Skeletal Manifestations, Bone Pain, and BMD Changes in Albanian Type 1 Gaucher Patients Treated with Taliglucerase Alfa
Authors: Velmishi Virtut , Troja Erjon , Tanka Marjeta , Bali Donjeta , Dervishi Ermira , Tako Afërdita , Kollcaku Laurant , Cullufi Paskal
Published: December 2023

Gaucher disease is a rare, genetic lysosomal disorder leading to lipid accumulation and dysfunctions in multiple organs. Bone involvement is one of the most prevalent aspects of Gaucher disease. Pain, disability, and reduced quality of life remain the most frequent characteristics of bone involvement in Gaucher patients. Patients and Method. In this study, we will take into consideration data from 24 patients diagnosed with type 1 Gaucher disease. We followed them closely for six years in progress. At baseline, all patients started therapy with taliglucerase alfa at a mean dosage of 45 UI/kg; later, during the study, two of them switched their cure toward velaglucerase alfa. Before baseline evaluations, 12 patients had been treated with imiglucerase at variable duration times. At baseline, we performed an X-ray of long bones and the spine, and each year, different standard assessments were performed, such as bone pain, MRI of the vertebral spine and pelvis, and DEXA for bone density. Four patients left the study for various reasons, two of them at baseline and two others during year 3 (FU3). Results. At baseline, we had 8 children and 16 adults. The average age was 28.7 ± 16.5 SD years. The most frequent skeletal manifestations in our patients were reduction of tibial femoral space (40%), osteonecrosis (36%), and body vertebral reduction (32%). At baseline, 15 patients presented with bone pain to different degrees. Over the years, bone pain in our patients had a gradual improvement. The most dramatic bone pain improvement was seen in a patient who presented bone crises. Another impressive finding was a significant BMD improvement during six years of treatment. Our study showed a significant improvement in BMD comparing FU5 and baseline values (

p

 = 0.0007). Especially children demonstrated a significant improvement in BMD (

p

 = 0.00061) compared to adults (

p

 = 0.3673). Mean BMD change was more indicative in switched patients (

p

 = 0.0142) compared to naïve patients (

p

 = 0.147). Conclusions. Skeletal manifestations are very different in Gaucher type 1 patients. In our study, as a result of long-term evaluations, it was noticed that the most frequent skeletal manifestation was a reduction of tibiofemoral space. Bone pain has gradually improved in all patients. Also, BMD values have been enhanced over six years of treatment, especially in children.
Study on the Influence Factors on Harvesting Capacity of a Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvesting System Covered on Curved Beam with Acoustic Black Hole
Authors: Xie Miaoxia , Gao Fengwei , Zhang Peng , Wei Yuanqi , Tong Meijuan , He Yumin , Yan Guanhai
Published: December 2023

The acoustic black hole (ABH) structures have been shown to have great potential for energy harvesting. Within an ABH, the bending wave velocity decreases rapidly and the phase accumulates, resulting in localised energy accumulation. It is very significant that the energy can be harvested and power can be supplied for microelectronic devices. How to improve energy harvesting capacity is a problem that needs to be solved. Previous research on energy harvesting capacity of straight beams and flat plates with ABH has yielded a wealth of results. However, in practical engineering, curved beams are also commonly found. Given the differences in structure, it is of practical significance to study the influence factors on harvesting capacity of the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting system covered on curved beam with acoustic black hole. First, the vibration characteristics of curved beam with ABH are analysed by the finite element method and localised energy accumulation is observed. Then, energy harvesting capacity is studied by means of the electromechanical coupling model in FEA; it has been found that energy harvesting capacity is lower in high frequency. The reason of this problem is analysed and solved by dividing the size of the piezoelectric sheet in an array layout. Based on this, the influence of array layout of piezoelectric cells on the energy harvesting capacity of the system is focused on. In addition, the influence of resistance value, material property, and curvature of curved beam on the energy harvesting capacity is analysed. Some meaningful results are obtained. These results provide the guidance to the design and optimisation for an energy harvesting system covered on curved beam with ABH.
Simultaneous Preconcentration of Fast Green FCF and Rhodamine B Using Deep Eutectic Solvent and Determination via High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography
Authors: Karami Forough , Shokrollahi Ardeshir
Published: December 2023

The aim of the current investigation is the development of a green, quick, easy, and accurate method for simultaneous preconcentration of fast green FCF (FG) and rhodamine B (Rh B) using a deep eutectic solvent (DES). Then, the high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique was used for the determination of analytes. Decanoic acid and tetrabutylammonium bromide were chosen as the components of DES. HPTLC analysis was performed on an aluminum plate silica gel 60 F254. Methanol-ammonia and ethyl acetate were selected as the mobile phase. Scanning of the plates was accomplished by scanner 3. Effective parameters on the preconcentration process such as concentration of salt, volume of DES, stirrer time, and pH were investigated via central composite design (CCD). Data validation demonstrated good repeatability. The limit of detection for FG and Rh B was obtained as 0.08 and 0.01 µg·mL−1, respectively. The enrichment factor for FG and Rh B was achieved as 7.43 and 10.77, respectively. The linear ranges for FG and Rh B were acquired as 0.10–1.20 and 0.05–1.20 µg·mL−1, respectively. The preconcentration factor for both analytes was 21.66. Finally, the proposed method was successfully used for the quantitation of FG and Rh B in pastille and lipstick.
REVEL Is Better at Predicting Pathogenicity of Loss-of-Function than Gain-of-Function Variants
Authors: Hopkins Jasmin J. , Wakeling Matthew N. , Johnson Matthew B. , Flanagan Sarah E. , Laver Thomas W.
Published: December 2023

In silico predictive tools can help determine the pathogenicity of variants. The 2015 American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines recommended that scores from these tools can be used as supporting evidence of pathogenicity. A subsequent publication by the ClinGen Sequence Variant Interpretation Working Group suggested that high scores from some tools were sufficiently predictive to be used as moderate or strong evidence of pathogenicity. REVEL is a widely used metapredictor that uses the scores of 13 individual in silico tools to calculate the pathogenicity of missense variants. Its ability to predict missense pathogenicity has been assessed extensively; however, no study has previously tested whether its performance is affected by whether the missense variant acts via a loss-of-function (LoF) or gain-of-function (GoF) mechanism. We used a highly curated dataset of 66 confirmed LoF and 65 confirmed GoF variants to evaluate whether this affected the performance of REVEL. 98% of LoF and 100% of GoF variants met the author-recommended REVEL threshold of 0.5 for pathogenicity, while 89% of LoF and 88% of GoF variants exceeded the 0.75 threshold. However, while 55% of LoF variants met the threshold recommended for a REVEL score to count as strong evidence of pathogenicity from the ACMG guidelines (0.932), only 35% of GoF variants met this threshold (

P
=
0.0352

). GoF variants are therefore less likely to receive the highest REVEL scores which would enable the REVEL score to be used as strong evidence of pathogenicity. This has implications for classification with the ACMG guidelines as GoF variants are less likely to meet the criteria for pathogenicity.
Cancer Evolution: A Multifaceted Affair
Authors: Ciriello Giovanni , Magnani Luca , Aitken Sarah J. , Akkari Leila , Behjati Sam , Hanahan Douglas , Landau Dan A. , Lopez-Bigas Nuria , Lupiáñez Darío G. , Marine Jean-Christophe , Martin-Villalba Ana , Natoli Gioacchino , Obenauf Anna C. , Oricchio Elisa , Scaffidi Paola , Sottoriva Andrea , Swarbrick Alexander , Tonon Giovanni , Vanharanta Sakari , Zuber Johannes
Published: December 2023

Cancer cells adapt and survive through the acquisition and selection of molecular modifications. This process defines cancer evolution. Building on a theoretical framework based on heritable genetic changes has provided insights into the mechanisms supporting cancer evolution. However, cancer hallmarks also emerge via heritable nongenetic mechanisms, including epigenetic and chromatin topological changes, and interactions between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. Recent findings on tumor evolutionary mechanisms draw a multifaceted picture where heterogeneous forces interact and influence each other while shaping tumor progression. A comprehensive characterization of the cancer evolutionary toolkit is required to improve personalized medicine and biomarker discovery.

Significance:

Tumor evolution is fueled by multiple enabling mechanisms. Importantly, genetic instability, epigenetic reprogramming, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment are neither alternative nor independent evolutionary mechanisms. As demonstrated by findings highlighted in this perspective, experimental and theoretical approaches must account for multiple evolutionary mechanisms and their interactions to ultimately understand, predict, and steer tumor evolution.
p53R245W Mutation Fuels Cancer Initiation and Metastases in NASH-driven Liver Tumorigenesis
Authors: Dibra Denada , Gagea Mihai , Qi Yuan , Chau Gilda P. , Su Xiaoping , Lozano Guillermina
Published: December 2023

Obesity is a significant global health concern. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are common risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and are closely associated with metabolic comorbidities, including obesity and diabetes. The TP53 tumor suppressor is the most frequently mutated gene in liver cancers, with half of these alterations being missense mutations. These mutations produce highly abundant proteins in cancer cells which have both inhibitory effects on wildtype (WT) p53, and gain-of-function (GOF) activities that contribute to tumor progression. A Western diet increases p53 activity in the liver. To elucidate the functional consequences of Trp53 mutations in a NASH-driven liver tumorigenesis model, we generated somatic mouse models with Trp53 deletion or the missense hotspot mutant p53R245W only in hepatocytes and placed mice on a high-fat, choline-deficient diet. p53R245W in the presence of diet increased fatty liver, compensatory proliferation in the liver parenchyma, and enriched genes of tumor-promoting pathways such as KRAS signaling, MYC, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition when compared with controls in the premalignant liver. Moreover, p53R245W suppressed transcriptional activity of WT p53 in the liver in vivo under metabolic challenges, and shortened survival and doubling of HCC incidence as compared with control heterozygous mice. Complete loss of Trp53 also significantly accelerated liver tumor incidence and lowered time-to-tumor development compared with WT controls. p53R245W GOF properties increased carcinoma initiation, fueled mixed hepatocholangial carcinoma incidence, and tripled metastatic disease. Collectively, our in vivo studies indicate that p53R245W has stronger tumor promoting activities than Trp53 loss in the context of NASH.

Significance:

Using somatic NASH-driven mouse models with p53 deletion or mutant p53R245W only in hepatocytes, we discovered that p53R245W increased carcinoma initiation, fueled hepatocholangial carcinoma incidence, and tripled metastases.
High Risk of Acute Kidney Failure in Kidney Transplant Recipients Early after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Moreau Karine , Couzi Lionel , Kaminskia Hannah , Merville Pierre , Monsaingeon-Henry Maud , Pupier Emilie , Gronnier Caroline , Gatta-Cherifi Blandine
Published: December 2023

Bariatric surgery is routinely proposed to patients suffering from obesity including kidney transplant recipients. In this specific population, bariatric surgery has a positive impact in long-term outcomes in terms of patient and graft survival. We report here the cases of 4 patients with five post-kidney transplantation bariatric surgeries who experimented acute renal injury early after surgery. Creatinine rising occurred between day 14 and day 20 after surgery. In all cases, it was due to dehydration leading to a pre-renal acute renal failure. The specific care of kidney transplanted patients is discussed: single kidney associated with pre-existing altered kidney function associated with concomitant use of nephrotoxic drugs. Specific education intervention before surgery associated with careful early management of hydration after surgery is mandatory for these patients.
Border-Zone Cerebral Infarcts Associated with COVID-19 in CADASIL: A Report of 3 Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Aghetti Agnès , Amsellem Talia , Hervé Dominique , Chabriat Hugues , Guey Stéphanie
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most common inherited cerebral small vessel disease and is a cause of early onset ischemic lacunar stroke. COVID-19 infection may lead, in addition to acute respiratory syndrome, to vascular complications including stroke. Herein, we report three CADASIL patients presenting with cerebral border-zone infarcts concomitant to COVID-19 infection and summarize similar cases previously published in literature. Methods: Clinical and radiological features of the 3 patients were collected and described. A narrative review of literature was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar by the end of 2022 using the “CADASIL” AND “COVID-19” AND “stroke” terms. Results: In our 3 patients, aged 40–58 years, stroke symptoms occurred one to 11 days after the first COVID-19 manifestations. Pulmonary symptoms were mild or absent. One patient presented with hemodynamic failure presumably related to acute cardiomyopathy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed in all cases, ischemic lesions within border-zone areas in both cerebral hemispheres, lesions in the genu of the corpus callosum or in the medium cerebellar peduncles in two cases. The watershed pattern of ischemic lesions was detected in two cases despite any blood pressure drop or severe respiratory dysfunction. Seven CADASIL patients presenting with acute brain infarcts (multiple in 4/7) in context of SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified in literature, despite no fall in blood pressure except for one of them. Conclusion: Our observations, in line with previous reports, further suggest that COVID-19 infection may alter blood flow autoregulation in the deepest cerebral white matter in CADASIL patients. The thrombocytopathy and endotheliopathy developing during COVID-19 infection may participate to the underlying vascular processes.
Diagnosis, Management, and Outcome of Bart’s Syndrome Observed in a Sub-Saharan African Country (Senegal, Dakar): 2 Case Reports
Authors: Ndiaye Diop Mame Téné , Bassoum Maimouna , Diop Khadim , Dieng Yaye Diood , Seck Birame , Fall Fatou Diasse , Tchibinda Delicat Charles , Ndiaye Alassane , Diop Assane , Ndiaye Maodo , Faye Pape Moctar , Diallo Moussa , Ndiaye Ousmane , Ly Fatimata , Niang Suzanne Oumou
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Bart’s syndrome is an uncommon inherited congenital disorder associating congenital cutaneous aplasia of the extremities and inherited epidermolysis bullosa. Bilateral and symmetrical involvement of the limbs is exceptionally described on black skin. In most cases, the diagnosis is clinical; however, the management remains very difficult and the extended forms are a real therapeutic challenge. We report 2 cases of Bart’s syndrome observed in a sub-Saharan African country (Senegal, Dakar). Case Presentation: It was about 2 premature female and male newborns. On physical examination, the girl presented with a total absence of skin on the limbs, associated with cutaneous detachment of the trunk representing a detached and detachable skin surface of 46%; the boy underwent a total absence of skin of more than 50% of the skin surface. The diagnosis of Bart’s syndrome was set based on the typical clinical aspect. The blood count and CRP were normal for the girl whereas it revealed some disorders for the boy. The 2 newborns were urgently admitted to an incubator, and the intensive care was started with hyperhydration, anti-staphylococcal prophylaxis, and daily dermatological care with antiseptic baths and fatty dressings. Conclusion: Bart’s syndrome is an uncommon genodermatosis characterized by a clinical triad associating congenital cutaneous aplasia of the extremities, inherited epidermolysis bullosa suspected in the presence of bubbles, and areas of cutaneous fragility and nail deformity. All types of which can be associated with this syndrome. The easy clinical diagnosis but the difficult management encumber the vital prognosis of our cases.
Idiopathic Granulomatous Orbital Inflammation with Right Frontal Nerve Involvement: A Case Report
Authors: Pietris James , Tong Jessica Y. , Selva Dinesh
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Idiopathic granulomatous orbital inflammation is a rare subtype of orbital inflammatory disease, and frontal nerve involvement has not been previously described. Case Presentation: This is a case of a 75-year-old female who presented with a 4-week history of a right orbital mass, scalp dysaesthesia, and ptosis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits confirmed a right supraorbital mass originating from the lacrimal gland with frontal nerve enlargement. Biopsy showed non-caseating granulomatous inflammation. Conclusion: The patient was treated with an intralesional triamcinolone injection and oral prednisolone and will continue to be monitored for development of systemic sarcoidosis.
Assessing The Country’s Legal Framework for Taxing Digital Transactions: A Basis for Recommending Policy Measures
Authors: Cater Belinda P. , Agustin Reynabeth C. , Josef Joebel R. , Oxales Allura Ayo F. , Malang Bernandino P.
Published: December 2023

This study aims to assess the country’s legal framework for taxing digital transactions. Specifically, the extensiveness of which the provisions of the legal framework can implement the value of digital transactions to taxpayers. This study employs a qualitative method by reviewing and further analyzing relevant case studies, recent gap analysis, policies, and literature on taxing digital transactions, and conducting interviews with policy experts from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Recent study recommends enhanced policy measures based on the findings on new digital technology and its possible interactions with both current and proposed tax policies, three (3) policies were recommended. First, optimizing existing authority to tax over online platforms. Second, to have a digital-ready tax administration. Finally, to have an expanded and continued investigation for enhancement and liability regarding these digital transactions. Findings include that the BIR doesn’t have enough systems to capture all revenue-generated digital service providers and is unable to track all revenue-generating digital platforms. The Philippines should continue improving taxing rights and administration pursuant to modern times. This study concluded that digital platforms can be designated as withholding agents, improve communication channels with these digital platforms and tie them up with BIR exclusively for data access, and finally, a centralized BIR portal where all digital service providers will be registered and monitored. This will be the tax platform for online transactions that is convenient and accessible for taxpayers and is deemed a highly resilient revenue generation and imposition of tax administration as time changes.
Update on Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Infections and Their Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Baddour Larry M. , Esquer Garrigos Zerelda , Rizwan Sohail M. , Havers-Borgersen Eva , Krahn Andrew D. , Chu Vivian H. , Radke Connie S. , Avari-Silva Jennifer , El-Chami Mikhael F. , Miro Jose M. , DeSimone Daniel C. ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young (Young Hearts); and Council on Clinical Cardiology
Published: December 2023

The American Heart Association sponsored the first iteration of a scientific statement that addressed all aspects of cardiovascular implantable electronic device infection in 2010. Major advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of these infections have occurred since then, necessitating a scientific statement update. An 11-member writing group was identified and included recognized experts in cardiology and infectious diseases, with a career focus on cardiovascular infections. The group initially met in October 2022 to develop a scientific statement that was drafted with front-line clinicians in mind and focused on providing updated clinical information to enhance outcomes of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic device infection. The current scientific statement highlights recent advances in prevention, diagnosis, and management, and how they may be incorporated in the complex care of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic device infection.
Event-induced modulation of aperiodic background EEG: Attention-dependent and age-related shifts in E:I balance, and their consequences for behavior
Authors: Kałamała Patrycja , Gyurkovics Máté , Bowie Daniel C. , Clements Grace M. , Low Kathy A. , Dolcos Florin , Fabiani Monica , Gratton Gabriele
Published: December 2023

The broadband shape of the EEG spectrum, summarized using the slope of a 1/fx function, is thought to reflect the balance between excitation and inhibition in cortical regions (E:I balance). This balance is an important characteristic of neural circuits and could inform studies of aging, as older adults show a relative deficit in inhibitory activity. Thus far, no studies have leveraged the event-related temporal dynamics of 1/fx activity to better understand the phases of information processing, especially in the context of aging. Here, for the first time, we examined variations of this activity during the foreperiod of a cued flanker task in younger (YA) and older adults (OA), with picture cues varying in task relevance, relative novelty, and valence. We report a biphasic change in the spectral slope after cue presentation, independent of cue-elicited event-related potentials (ERPs), with an initial period of steeper slope (indicating cortical inhibition, similar in YA and OA) followed by a flattening (indicating cortical excitation, especially in OA). The reduction in slope steepness was associated with lower performance and greater congruency costs in the flanker task. Finally, more novel cues reduced the shift towards excitation in OA, partly restoring their E:I balance, and diminishing congruency costs. These findings demonstrate that the broadband shape of the EEG spectrum varies dynamically in a manner that is predictive of subsequent behavior. They also expand our understanding of how neural communication shapes cognition in YA and OA and has implications for neuroscientific models of cognitive processing and age-related cognitive decline.