bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can income inequality reduction policies limit the disparity between urban and rural clean cooking fuel access rates?
Authors: Murshed Muntasir
Published: August 2024

Considering the utmost importance of adopting clean cooking fuels, especially from the viewpoint of partially realizing the targets of the 7th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG‐7), this study appraises how income inequality and other macroeconomic factors impact urban–rural disparities in clean cooking fuel accessibility across 40 developing countries from Sub‐Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. For analytical purposes, yearly data spanning from 2002 to 2018 is utilized for conducting advanced panel data examinations using methods that are robust against issues of cross‐sectional dependency, slope heterogeneity, and endogeneity. As a whole, the empirical findings reveal that deteriorating income inequality situations widen the gap between urban and rural clean cooking fuel access rates while good institutional quality accounts for lower disparities in urban–rural clean cooking fuel accessibility. Besides, region‐specific findings assure that this disparity is further enhanced by foreign remittances flowing into the selected Sub‐Saharan African nations while institutional quality improvement reduces disparity in the Latin America and the Caribbean countries of concern. Furthermore, the factors influencing the urban–rural disparities in clean cooking fuel accessibility are found to vary across different regional locations and national income‐based classifications of the sampled countries. Accordingly, considering the above findings, some region‐ and income‐group‐specific policy suggestions are put forward for enabling convergence between urban and rural clean fuel access rates across Sub‐Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Dear‐PSM: A deep learning‐based peptide search engine enables full database search for proteomics
Authors: He Qingzu , Li Xiang , Zhong Jinjin , Yang Gen , Han Jiahuai , Shuai Jianwei
Published: August 2024

Peptide spectrum matching is the process of linking mass spectrometry data with peptide sequences. An experimental spectrum can match thousands of candidate peptides with variable modifications leading to an exponential increase in candidates. Completing the search within a limited time is a key challenge. Traditional searches expedite the process by restricting peptide mass errors and variable modifications, but this limits interpretive capability. To address this challenge, we propose Dear‐PSM, a peptide search engine that supports full database searching. Dear‐PSM does not restrict peptide mass errors, matching each spectrum to all peptides in the database and increasing the number of variable modifications per peptide from the conventional 3–20. Leveraging inverted index technology, Dear‐PSM creates a high‐performance index table of experimental spectra and utilizes deep learning algorithms for peptide validation. Through these techniques, Dear‐PSM achieves a speed breakthrough 7 times faster than mainstream search engines on a regular desktop computer, with a remarkable 240‐fold reduction in memory consumption. Benchmark test results demonstrate that Dear‐PSM, in full database search mode, can reproduce over 90% of the results obtained by mainstream search engines when handling complex mass spectrometry data collected from different species using various instruments. Furthermore, it uncovers a substantial number of new peptides and proteins. Dear‐PSM has been publicly released on the GitHub repository https://github.com/jianweishuai/Dear‐PSM.
NG_MDERANK: A software vulnerability feature knowledge extraction method based on N‐gram similarity
Authors: Wu Xiaoxue , Weng Shiyu , Zheng Bin , Zheng Wei , Chen Xiang , Sun Xiaobin
Published: August 2024

As software grows in size and complexity, software vulnerabilities are increasing, leading to a range of serious insecurity issues. Open‐source software vulnerability reports and documentation can provide researchers with great convenience for analysis and detection. However, the quality of different data sources varies, the data are duplicated and lack of correlation, which often requires a lot of manual management and analysis. In order to solve the problems of scattered and heterogeneous data and lack of correlation in traditional vulnerability repositories, this paper proposes a software vulnerability feature knowledge extraction method that combines the N‐gram model and mask similarity. The method generates mask text data based on the extraction of N‐gram candidate keywords and extracts vulnerability feature knowledge by calculating the similarity of mask text. This method analyzes the samples efficiently and stably in the environment of large sample size and complex samples and can obtain high‐value semi‐structured data. Then, the final node, relationship, and attribute information are obtained by secondary knowledge cleaning and extraction of the extracted semi‐structured data results. And based on the extraction results, the corresponding software vulnerability domain knowledge graph is constructed to deeply explore the semantic information features and entity relationships of vulnerabilities, which can help to efficiently study software security problems and solve vulnerability problems. The effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method is verified by comparing it with several traditional keyword extraction algorithms on Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) and Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) vulnerability data.
Good for the goose, bad for the gander? Corruption and income inequality
Authors: Pavlik Jamie Bologna , Callais Justin T.
Published: August 2024

We examine the relationship between corruption and income inequality across countries. While previous studies have explored this association at both an international and within‐country level, we expand on this literature in two distinct ways. First, along with the most commonly utilized measure of inequality (Gini coefficients), we also examine income per‐capita at each decile, along with top 1% and 5%, and the associated income shares. Second, we employ an empirical strategy that differs from the existing literature. Our primary results are estimated using matching methods, but we also supplement these results with a “doubly robust” difference‐in‐difference design. We find that a reduction in corruption increases incomes of the top 80% but does not significantly impact incomes of the bottom 20%, or the top 1% and 5%. We find some evidence of income growth amongst the top 1% and 5% following increases in corruption, but these results are inconsistent across estimations. Our results also suggest that accounting for the size of the informal sector matters a great deal in understanding the relationship between corruption and the distribution of income.
A systematic literature review on the mathematical underpinning of model‐based systems engineering
Authors: Wach Paul , Topcu Taylan G. , Jung Sukhwan , Sandman Brandt , Kulkarni Aditya U. , Salado Alejandro
Published: August 2024

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) has initiated a Future of Systems Engineering (FuSE) program that includes a stream for advancing the theoretical foundations of the discipline of Systems Engineering (SE). A near‐term goal of FuSE is to assess the adequacy of current theoretical foundations of SE. The discipline of SE is converging toward model‐based practices (i.e., MBSE) that have not yet reached the maturity of model‐based practices in other engineering domains. For example, finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics are grounded in mathematical theory, while, generally, MBSE is not. However, some attempts have been made to underpin MBSE with theoretical richness. This article presents a systematic literature study that surveyed state of the art on providing MBSE with mathematical foundations. Our protocol collected over 2000 publications that were reviewed for inclusion/exclusion, categorized, and analyzed. We provide insights to the type of mathematical theories used, domains of applications, and areas of SE to which the math was applied to, among other analysis. We also provide a synthesized discussion about the field moving forward, emphasizing positive trends along with the negatives and areas of concern. Overall, we found the field to be nascent.
Evaluating the tipping point of a complex system: The case of disruptive technology
Authors: Edwards Christine M. , Nilchiani Roshanak Rose , Ganguly Anirban , Vierlboeck Maximilian
Published: August 2024

Complex systems often operate in equilibriums that can be disrupted under specific conditions, driving the system to undergo an irreversible phase transition (aka tipping point) into a new equilibrium. Disruptive technology, as introduced in the book Innovator's Dilemma, is a new emerging technology that can successfully displace incumbent technologies and push the market through phase transition into a new equilibrium. In this paper, the authors model the market disruption caused by a disruptive technology as a complex system, with dynamics that show a phase transition or tipping point, after which the system shifts into a new equilibrium aiming at assessing the success or failure of a disruptive technology. The purpose of this study is to mathematically model a tipping point measure of complex networks and a theoretical framework for disruptive technology dynamics. A predator–prey model is used to emulate the behavior of a disruptive technology versus an incumbent technology, and a resilience index is integrated to measure the tipping point in the market where the disruptive technology will overtake the incumbent technology. This methodology is applied to a historical case study of film versus digital versus cell phone cameras, demonstrating the application of this methodology. The study's contribution can be applied to both systems engineering and disruptive innovation management. The proposed approach can help stakeholders assess the impact of a potential new disruptive technology and use the resulting resilience index as a measurement for adjusting technology requirements and systems management approaches to achieve a desired outcome.
Detecting cancer biomarkers using electrochemical composite nanomaterials tools
Authors: Mohan Brij , Mehak  , Virender  , Kumar Ashwani , Modi Krunal , Singh Gurjaspreet , Garazade Ismayil M. , Parikh Jaymin , Pombeiro Armando J. L. , Solovev Alexander A.
Published: August 2024

Annually, cancer accounts for a large number of mortalities worldwide, underscoring the imperative for early‐stage detection as a public health priority. This article not only offers an in‐depth analysis of the synthesis, fabrication, design, and structural attributes of these nanomaterials but also provides a critical evaluation of their application in various electrochemical biosensing modalities, including amperometry, impedimetric, photoelectrochemical, potentiometric, and field‐effect transistor‐based sensors. A primary focus is placed on the importance of nanomaterials‐based biosensors in detecting cancer biomarkers, emphasizing their role in achieving enhanced sensitivity and specificity for detecting circulating tumor cells, nucleic acids, proteins, and exosomes, which are crucial indicators of malignancy. The article offers valuable insights into the detection of these biomarkers. It details their significance and relevance in the early diagnosis of various cancer types with nanomaterial‐enhanced electrochemical biosensors’ stability, reusability, and conductivity, shedding light on their practical applicability in real‐world scenarios. The manuscript concludes by addressing existing challenges and outlining prospective avenues for future research, emphasizing the need for continued innovation and exploration in this burgeoning field.
A review on carbonaceous materials for fuel cell technologies: An advanced approach
Authors: Joshi Harish Chandra , Bagauli Reetika , Ahmad Waseem , Bisht Bhawana , Sharma Nishesh
Published: August 2024

In the context of sustainable development environment‐friendly approaches, technologies have gained momentum with dual objective of achieving technological advancements and innovations through green energy source. One such approach is fuel cells which have been identified as a potential source for the production of electric power from chemical fuels. Fuel cell has become popular as they represent environmentally friendly method to generate power. The trucking industry and fleet transit networks have shown the potential of the hydrogen fuel cell despite many obstacles, such as material composition, storage, and distribution, because it can be used and moved securely, leading to a significant reduction in CO2 and particulate pollution. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are the subject of intense research in environmental friendly power transformation and storing tools as a consequence of environmental friendliness, minimal emissions, and great effectiveness. Fuel cell transportation is successful with oxygen reduction process (ORR). Graphite, a highly organized type of carbon, serves as the standard due to its durability and accessibility. This article focuses on the evolution of electrodes as well as electrolytic materials or fluid materials for various kinds of fuel cells and also explains the uses, difficulties, advancements, etc. pertaining to electrodes and fluids of diverse types of fuel cells.
First‐principles calculations to investigate electronic thermodynamic and optical properties of the RbScO2 alloy
Authors: Dahri Soukaina , Jabar Abderrahim , Bahmad Lahoucine , Drissi Lalla Btissam , Laamara Rachid Ahl
Published: August 2024

In this study, we explore the electronic, thermodynamic, and optical properties of the compound RbScO₂ using density functional theory (DFT) and incorporating a U‐correction term, known as the Hubbard correlation energy. This approach enables us to gain an in‐depth understanding of the band structure, density of states, and specific optical properties of RbScO₂. The results reveal that RbScO₂ exhibits an indirect band gap measuring 3.68 eV for GGA+SOC+U. Importantly, this indirect band gap is located at the Γ‐VBM and M‐CBM points of the Brillouin zone. The optical properties of RbScO₂ were studied in the xx, yy, and zz directions, revealing a significant increase in the absorption coefficient with higher photon energies, including a distinct peak in the UV range. Increased absorption was observed along the xx and yy axes under a pressure of 50 GPa. Additionally, the thermodynamic attributes of RbScO₂, including volume, Debye temperature, heat capacity, and entropy, were examined. It was observed that the Debye temperature increases proportionately to the tensile strain but decreases with increasing temperature, suggesting that the expansion strain may increase the compound's mechanical and thermal stability. This study provides valuable information on the characteristics of RbScO2, enriching our understanding of its potential applications.
Predictors of distant metastatic recurrence in intermediate‐risk papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Onoda Naoyoshi , Ito Yasuhiro , Miya Akihiro , Kihara Minoru , Miyauchi Akira
Published: August 2024

Background

Patients with intermediate‐risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) have a favorable prognosis with standard treatment of total thyroidectomy (TT) and adjuvant radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT). However, the benefits of TT or adjuvant RAIT remain undetermined, and they are often omitted in Japan. We investigated risk factors for life‐threatening distant recurrence in patients with intermediate‐risk PTC who are optimal candidates for adjuvant RAIT.

Patients and Methods

Outcomes without RAIT were retrospectively examined in 4030 intermediate‐risk conventional PTC cases underwent initial surgery from 2005 to 22 (IRB approval 20200709‐1).

Results

Lobectomy (LT) and TT was performed in 11.5% and 88.5%, respectively. Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis and hypoparathyroidism was less commonly observed in LT (1.3% and 0%) than TT (2.4% and 3.5 %). Fifty‐six cases (1.4%) had distant recurrence. Recurrence‐free survival rates at 10 years was 93.5%. There was no significant difference in recurrence rate between LT and TT. Age ≥55, cN1b, and tumor diameter >30 mm significantly associated with distant recurrence. There was a strong relationship between the number of positive risk factors and recurrence; the distant recurrence rate in cases of 0, 1, 2, and 3 positive factors was 0.3% (4/1203), 1.3% (25/1889), 2.7% (23/830) and 7.1% (4/52) (HR 6.46 (2.34–17.86), Log‐rank <0.001).

Conclusion

For intermediate‐risk conventional PTC, there is no difference in prognosis even if LT was selectively conducted. However, in patients with risk factors for distant metastatic recurrence, such as age ≥55 years, cN1b, and tumor size >30 mm, adjuvant RAIT was considered eligible.
Unraveling the impact of dog‐friendly spaces on urban–wildland pumas and other wildlife
Authors: Granados Alys , McDonald Zara , McPherson Katie , Stoner David
Published: August 2024

As the most widespread large carnivore on the planet, domestic dogs Canis lupus familiaris can pose a major threat to wildlife, even within protected areas (PAs). Growing human presence in PAs, coupled with increasing pet dog ownership underscores the urgency to understand the influence of dogs on wildlife activity and health. This knowledge can mitigate the adverse repercussions of recreation, optimizing PA management. Drawing on five years (2017–2021) of data from 101 camera traps in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States, we measured the spatiotemporal responses of puma Puma concolor, bobcat Lynx rufus, coyote Canis latrans, and mule deer Odocoileus hemionus towards domestic dogs. Additionally, using six years (2017–2022) of community science data, we explored the impacts of PA dog policies on puma sightings outside park boundaries. Puma responses provide insights into broader ecological impacts, while analyses of bobcat, coyote, and mule deer offer a comprehensive understanding of species responses to dog‐friendly spaces. Because dogs can be perceived as predators or competitors by wildlife, we anticipated shifts in spatial and temporal activity patterns in response to dogs. Wildlife responses included avoidance (bobcat, puma) or spatial overlap (mule deer) for areas with more dogs, and no effect (coyote). Mule deer may benefit from a “human shield” provided by people with dogs, while pumas and bobcats appeared more sensitive, and coyotes more adaptable. Dog policies influenced puma and mule deer temporal activity, with increased nocturnal activity in dog‐friendly PAs. Bobcat temporal activity was less variable in dog‐friendly PAs and coyote activity was similar between treatments. Outside PAs, puma sightings increased with human disturbance. Our study underscores the trade‐offs between recreation and wildlife conservation, emphasizing the need to quantify the ecological impacts of dogs. This understanding is vital for informing conservation strategies and promoting coexistence between dogs, wildlife, and protected environments.
Societal Burdens Imposed by Nuclear Accidents
Authors: Brugge Doug , Datesman Aaron
Published: August 2024

Nuclear power plant accidents place extraordinary burdens of crisis management, leadership, and rulemaking upon governmental authority. Societal burdens of this kind far outweigh the monetary cost of cleanup operations, which realistically may not even be possible.
Three Mile Island: An Unresolved Paradox
Authors: Brugge Doug , Datesman Aaron
Published: August 2024

There is biological evidence of injury to human beings due to the 1979 accident at the Three Mile Island Unit 2 nuclear power station. The evidence that exists may not have been given a proper hearing because authority is largely anchored to the community of engineering and the physical sciences.
Results from the Bivariate and Multivariate Analysis of Homonegativity
Authors: Tausch Arno
Published: August 2024

Our estimates of global homonegativity based on rates of disapproval of homosexual neighbours cover more than 90% of the world's population and are based on research results from 88 countries covert in the World Values Survey and the European Values Study. These data give the population-weighted result of a global percentage of homonegative people of around 55%. We present our research findings on the drivers of homonegativity using correlations, partial correlations and factor analysis, examining the effects of individual global attitudes on secularism, democracy, tolerance and religious particularism, as well as on gender equality, religion, political violence and national resilience on homonegativity, as evidenced in the global attitude data from the World Values Survey. We also analyse the relationship between homophobia and cross-social science data in the countries of the world.
Climate Change and Socio-economic Issues in Sri Lanka: An Assessment of Landslide-Induced Relocations in Aranayake
Authors: Abeywardhana Dinushika M. Yapa
Published: August 2024

Being a tropical island with a developing economy in the South Asian region, Sri Lanka is exposed to the adverse impacts of climate change. Extreme weather events and their slow-onset effects have threatened well-functioning communities, serving as a core factor for climate mobility. This paper explores the socio-economic impacts of landslide-induced relocations in Aranayake, Sri Lanka. Communities in Aranayake were exposed to a massive landslide in 2017, which led to a wide range of relocations. The relocation of the affected community to peripheral areas intensified the economic and social vulnerabilities, leaving their well-being at risk. The lack of consideration for the societal implications of the relocation and the rebuilding process has further enhanced their vulnerability by disrupting social networks and reducing individual livelihoods. Though it has been five years since the landslide relocation, the insecurities of the communities persist, and access to fundamental rights, including food, development, and freedom, are negatively impacted. Proper identification of the community’s needs before the relocation and proper post-monitoring is a must in order for policy formation in Sri Lanka to be more effective and community sensitive.
Conclusion
Authors: Jolly Stellina , Ahmad Nafees , Scott Matthew
Published: August 2024

A legal research and policy agenda for addressing climate-related human mobility in Asia and the Pacific in the context of interdisciplinary rights-based approaches.
Climate Change-Induced Disaster Displacement and Law in India: Positioning the Operationalization of Artificial Intelligence for Protecting Human Rights
Authors: Ahmad Nafees
Published: August 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasing role in humanitarian space requiring the integration of human rights into AI and human rights-based approach (HRBA) into law and policy relating to the Climate Change-induced Disaster Displacement (CiDD) in India. AI has the potential to significantly impact low-emission, climate-resilient development as well as CiDD. The UN Climate Change Initiative on AI for Climate Action investigates how AI might be used as a potent instrument to advance and intensify climate action that is revolutionary and pragmatic. Therefore, the CiDD crisis must also be re-imagined and operationalised for protecting human rights instead of posing risks to inherent human dignity and human protection at the intersection of National Disaster Laws (NDL), National Climate Law Frameworks (NCLF) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL). The institutional capabilities of the AI-driven systems pose challenges to the human rights of the CiDD population that has become a threat multiplier. Therefore, AI technologies must be designed and developed to incorporate diagnostic, formative, and summative digital assessments of the CiDD situations. The digital assessments must be integrated with NDL, NCLF, and IHRL frameworks to facilitate the protection of human rights. In protecting human rights, the changing climate conditions have necessitated a specific legally binding international Human Rights Protection Framework (HRPF) during CiDD situations. Therefore, India can create AI-driven automatic decision-making (ADM) systems in collaboration with Asia–Pacific countries or otherwise to protect human rights in CiDD scenarios. Thus, in India and elsewhere, AI technologies, AI policies, and accountability systems operationalise human rights protection and contribute to attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in climate statecraft and beyond. In this chapter, I explore the space to integrate AI into NDL, NCLF, and IHRL frameworks with the human rights-based approach (HRBA). I investigate the questions around legal and policy considerations, such as the divergences and convergences of AI norms between NDL on CiDD and the protection of human rights in India. Can AI help national governments better prepare for CiDD migration? What are the specific AI tools and AI best practices that India can adopt for operationalizing the ADM systems and integrating them with the NDL and IHRL framework? Can AI be used to direct and operationalize the IHRL framework in the CiDD crisis? Should AI Ethics be invoked to plug gaps in CiDD emergency and raise standards above the minimum requirements of IHRL obligations in India? Would the age of algorithmic humanitarianism be sufficient for protecting human rights in CiDD prosceniums?
Form factors, spectral and Källén-Lehmann representation in nonlocal quantum gravity
Authors: Briscese Fabio , Calcagni Gianluca , Modesto Leonardo , Nardelli Giuseppe
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We discuss the conical region of convergence of exponential and asymptotically polynomial form factors and their integral representations. Then, we calculate the spectral representation of the propagator of nonlocal theories with entire form factors, in particular, of the above type. The spectral density is positive-definite and exhibits the same spectrum as the local theory. We also find that the piece of the propagator corresponding to the time-ordered two-point correlation function admits a generalization of the Källén-Lehmann representation with a standard momentum dependence and a spectral density differing from the local one only in the presence of interactions. These results are in agreement with what already known about the free theory after a field redefinition and about perturbative unitarity of the interacting theory. The spectral and Källén-Lehmann representations have the same standard local limit, which is recovered smoothly when sending the fundamental length scale ℓ* in the form factor to zero.
Influence of machining conditions on dry EDM with workpiece cooling of Inconel 625 alloy in the milling kinematics
Authors: Żyra Agnieszka
Published: August 2024

One potential eco-friendly variant of electro-discharge machining is dry electro-discharge machining (EDM), in which the liquid hydrocarbon–based dielectric is substituted with a gaseous medium. The primary challenge associated with dry EDM is the excessive dissipation of heat within the machining gap, which restricts its utilisation only to a microscale machining. Consequently, further modifications to the underlying mechanism of the process are being undertaken with the aim of efficient industrialising it on a larger scale. In the present study, a novel approach is proposed to enhance the efficiency of dry-EDM process while using carbon dioxide as a gaseous medium together with introducing additional external workpiece cooling with deionised water. A series of experiments were conducted to determinate the impact of external workpiece cooling with deionised water and the main machining parameters, namely pulse-on time and current intensity gas pressure, on the material removal rate, working electrode wear, and surface integrity of Inconel 625 during EDM in milling kinematics. The results demonstrated that, under the same machining parameters, the wear of the working electrode, the surface roughness, and the thickness of the recast layer were significantly reduced in the EDM with external workpiece cooling in comparison to the dry-EDM process without water cooling. Furthermore, the EDM with coolant exhibited superior performance in comparison to the dry-EDM process due to the fact that there were fewer changes in the surface morphology and chemical composition of the machined material.
Effects of novel flame retardants tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) and triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) on function and homeostasis in human and rat pancreatic beta-cell lines
Authors: Pavlíková Nela , Šrámek Jan , Němcová Vlasta , Bajard Lola
Published: August 2024

Despite the fact that environmental pollution has been implicated in the global rise of diabetes, the research on the impact of emerging pollutants such as novel flame retardants remains limited. In line with the shift towards the use of non-animal approaches in toxicological testing, this study aimed to investigate the effects of two novel flame retardants tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) and triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) in rat (INS1E) and human (NES2Y) pancreatic beta-cell lines. One-week exposure to 1 μM and 10 μM TDCIPP and TPhP altered intracellular insulin and proinsulin levels, but not the levels of secreted insulin (despite the presence of a statistically insignificant trend). The exposures also altered the protein expression of several factors involved in beta-cell metabolic pathways and signaling, including ATP citrate lyase, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1, perilipins, glucose transporters, ER stress-related factors, and antioxidant enzymes. This study has brought new and valuable insights into the toxicity of TDCIPP and TPhP on beta-cell function and revealed alterations that might impact insulin secretion after more extended exposure. It also adds to the scarce studies using in vitro pancreatic beta-cells models in toxicological testing, thereby promoting the development of non-animal testing strategy for identifying pro-diabetic effects of chemical pollutants.
Carfilzomib-induced thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) refractory to eculizumab: A case report and literature review
Authors: Meseha Mina , Qu Dan , Lykon Jill , Coffey David
Published: August 2024

This case report describes the clinical course of a patient with relapsed IgA kappa multiple myeloma with high-risk cytogenetics. Initially treated with daratumumab–bortezomib–lenalidomide–dexamethasone (Dara-VRD) then transitioned to lenalidomide maintenance. However, he experienced a relapse and was treated with carfilzomib-based therapy (CFZ) but developed drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathy (DI-TMA). Despite receiving eculizumab and supportive care, the patient's condition worsened, leading to encephalopathy and refractory gastrointestinal bleeding in the setting of persistent thrombocytopenia. Ultimately, the decision was made to transition to comfort-focused care. DI-TMA has been documented with various proteasome inhibitors such as ixazomib and bortezomib. Additionally, other medications such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, and interferon have been associated with DI-TMA as well (Pisoni et al. (Drug Saf 24:491–501, 2001) [18]). Here we discuss a case of carfilzomib-induced TMA (CFZ-TMA) refractory to eculizumab as well as a review of the published literature.
Changes in aerobic metabolism associated with the settlement transition for the leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus)
Authors: Downie Adam T. , Phelps Caroline M. , Illing Björn , Whan Jen , McCormick Mark I. , Rummer Jodie L.
Published: August 2024

Metamorphosis is a critical aspect of coral reef fish ecology. This developmental milestone marks changes in form and function that permit successful transition of pelagic larvae to the demersal lifestyle on coral reefs. However, we know very little about the physiological changes that occur during this period, specifically potential changes in energetics associated with swimming. This is critical, as swimming is the mechanism by which pelagic larvae find a suitable reef on which to settle. Coral grouper larvae (Serranidae: Plectropomas leopardus) were collected at night as they came into the vicinity of a fringing reef to settle, and their physiological metamorphosis was characterized. Larvae and 24 h-settled juveniles were exposed to an endurance swimming test at ecologically relevant swimming speeds, and oxygen uptake rates were measured during activity. To describe how aerobic and anaerobic properties of tissues change during metamorphosis, we also measured whole body citrate synthase and lactate dehydrogenase activity, respectively, as well as mitochondrial density in the trunk and pectoral fins. Our approach accurately measures the oxygen uptake rates these life stages need during the recruitment process, with larvae having a 74% higher mass-specific oxygen uptake rate (ṀO2) than settled juveniles despite swimming at speeds that are only 1.5 body-lengths per second (BLs−1) faster. Citrate synthase activity significantly decreased upon settlement; as larvae had 3.7 times higher activities than juveniles, suggesting that rapid changes in aerobic metabolism of tissues may be an important process during metamorphosis in this species. In contrast, lactate dehydrogenase did not significantly differ upon settlement. These findings highlight some physiological modifications that pelagic coral grouper larvae undertake within 24 h that contribute to successfully settling onto a coral reef.
Genetic factors and symptom dimensions associated with antidepressant treatment outcomes: clues for new potential therapeutic targets?
Authors: Martone Alfonso , Possidente Chiara , Fanelli Giuseppe , Fabbri Chiara , Serretti Alessandro
Published: August 2024

Treatment response and resistance in major depressive disorder (MDD) show a significant genetic component, but previous studies had limited power also due to MDD heterogeneity. This literature review focuses on the genetic factors associated with treatment outcomes in MDD, exploring their overlap with those associated with clinically relevant symptom dimensions. We searched PubMed for: (1) genome-wide association studies (GWASs) or whole exome sequencing studies (WESs) that investigated efficacy outcomes in MDD; (2) studies examining the association between MDD treatment outcomes and specific depressive symptom dimensions; and (3) GWASs of the identified symptom dimensions. We identified 13 GWASs and one WES of treatment outcomes in MDD, reporting several significant loci, genes, and gene sets involved in gene expression, immune system regulation, synaptic transmission and plasticity, neurogenesis and differentiation. Nine symptom dimensions were associated with poor treatment outcomes and studied by previous GWASs (anxiety, neuroticism, anhedonia, cognitive functioning, melancholia, suicide attempt, psychosis, sleep, sociability). Four genes were associated with both treatment outcomes and these symptom dimensions: CGREF1 (anxiety); MCHR1 (neuroticism); FTO and NRXN3 (sleep). Other overlapping signals were found when considering genes suggestively associated with treatment outcomes. Genetic studies of treatment outcomes showed convergence at the level of biological processes, despite no replication at gene or variant level. The genetic signals overlapping with symptom dimensions of interest may point to shared biological mechanisms and potential targets for new treatments tailored to the individual patient’s clinical profile.
Uncovering the correlation between neurotransmitter-specific functional connectivity and multidimensional anxiety in a non-clinical cohort
Authors: Saiz-Masvidal C. , De la Peña-Arteaga V. , Bertolín S. , Martínez-Zalacaín I. , Juaneda-Seguí A. , Chavarría-Elizondo P. , Subirà M. , Menchón J. M. , Fullana M. A. , Soriano-Mas C.
Published: August 2024

Research on anxiety faces challenges due to the wide range of symptoms, making it difficult to determine if different aspects of anxiety are linked to distinct neurobiological processes. Both alterations in functional brain connectivity (FC) and monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems are implicated as potential neural bases of anxiety. We aimed to investigate whole-brain FC involving monoaminergic nuclei and its association with anxiety dimensions in 178 non-clinical participants. Nine anxiety-related scales were used, encompassing trait and state anxiety scores, along with measures of cost-probability, hypervigilance, reward-punishment sensitivity, uncertainty, and trait worry. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired, focusing on seven brainstem regions representing serotonergic, dopaminergic, and noradrenergic nuclei, with their FC patterns voxel-wise correlated with the scales. All models underwent family-wise-error correction for multiple comparisons. We observed intriguing relationships: trait and state anxiety scores exhibited opposing correlations in FC between the dorsal raphe nucleus and the paracingulate gyrus. Additionally, we identified shared neural correlates, such as a negative correlation between the locus coeruleus and the frontal pole. This connection was significantly associated with scores on measures of probability, hypervigilance, reward sensitivity, and trait worry. These findings underscore the intricate interplay between anxiety dimensions and subcortico-cortical FC patterns, shedding light on the underlying neural mechanisms governing anxiety.
Clinicopathological association of CD93 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shen Yun , Wu Yahui , Hao Mengfei , Fu Minghan , Zhu Kai , Luo Panru , Wang Jinsheng
Published: August 2024

Aims

CD93 was recently identified as a promising therapeutic target for angiogenesis blockade in various tumors. Herein, we aimed to investigate the expression and clinicopathological significance of CD93 in gastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods

The gene expression of CD93 gastric adenocarcinoma was assessed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. We then analyzed CD93 expression in 404 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma using immunohistochemistry. Clinicopathological associations and prognostic implications of CD93 expression were further investigated.

Results

Using the TCGA dataset, we observed a significantly elevated CD93 gene expression in gastric adenocarcinoma compared to normal gastric tissues. The immunohistochemistry assay revealed a highly variable CD93 expression among patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, consistently demonstrating higher intratumor expression than in adjacent normal tissues. Notably, CD93 was predominantly expressed on the membrane of CD31+ vascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, patients with higher CD93 expression demonstrated significantly poorer overall survival. Accordingly, higher CD93 expression was associated with deeper invasion and a higher possibility of lymph node metastasis and developing tumor thrombus. Cox proportional hazards regression suggested CD93 expression was an independent predictor for the prognosis of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions

Our study revealed a significantly higher CD93 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma when compared with adjacent normal gastric tissues, and demonstrated its predominant expression on vascular endothelial cells. Our findings also highlighted the clinicopathological significance of CD93 in gastric adenocarcinoma, shedding light on a potential therapeutic target.
Integrative genomic analyses identify neuroblastoma risk genes involved in neuronal differentiation
Authors: Tirelli Matilde , Bonfiglio Ferdinando , Cantalupo Sueva , Montella Annalaura , Avitabile Marianna , Maiorino Teresa , Diskin Sharon J. , Iolascon Achille , Capasso Mario
Published: August 2024

Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have been decisive in elucidating the genetic predisposition of neuroblastoma (NB). The majority of genetic variants identified in GWAS are found in non-coding regions, suggesting that they can be causative of pathogenic dysregulations of gene expression. Nonetheless, pinpointing the potential causal genes within implicated genetic loci remains a major challenge. In this study, we integrated NB GWAS and expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL) data from adrenal gland to identify candidate genes impacting NB susceptibility. We found that ZMYM1, CBL, GSKIP and WDR81 expression was dysregulated by NB predisposing variants. We further investigated the functional role of the identified genes through computational analysis of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from single-cell and whole-tissue samples of NB, neural crest, and adrenal gland tissues, as well as through in vitro differentiation assays in NB cell cultures. Our results indicate that dysregulation of ZMYM1, CBL, GSKIP, WDR81 may lead to malignant transformation by affecting early and late stages of normal program of neuronal differentiation. Our findings enhance the understanding of how specific genes contribute to NB pathogenesis by highlighting their influence on neuronal differentiation and emphasizing the impact of genetic risk variants on the regulation of genes involved in critical biological processes.
Karlleuite Ca2MnO4 – a first mineral with the Ruddlesden-Popper type structure from Bellerberg volcano, Germany
Authors: Juroszek Rafał , Krüger Biljana , Cametti Georgia , Ternes Bernd , Blaβ Günter
Published: August 2024

Karlleuite, ideally Ca2MnO4, is a newly approved accessory mineral found in the xenolith sample within the basaltic lava from the Caspar quarry, Bellerberg volcano, Eifel, Germany. It usually occurs as thin tabular/plate crystals, which range from 40 to 80 μm in diameter, and is associated with other members of the perovskite supergroup such as srebrodolskite, brownmillerite, sharyginite, perovskite, and lakargiite distributed within rock-forming minerals represented by reinhardbraunsite, fluorellestadite, fluorapatite, larnite, gehlenite, and several hydrated Ca aluminosilicates. Karlleuite crystals are brown with sub-metallic lustre, a light brown streak, and a good cleavage along (001). It is non-fluorescent, brittle and has an uneven fracture, a Mohs hardness of 3.5 and calculated density Dx = 3.79 g/cm3. The empirical formula of the holotype karlleuite calculated based on O = 4 atoms per formula is (Ca1.97Ce3+0.06)2.03(Mn4 + 0.39Ti0.36Fe3+0.19Al0.09)1.03O4, which shows that it is a multicomponent phase characterised by various substituents at the octahedral site. Karlleuite is tetragonal I4/mmm (no. 139), with a = 3.7683(2) Å, c = 11.9893(8) Å, V = 170.254(17) Å3, and Z = 2. The calculated strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern are [d in Å (I) hkl]: 5.995 (43), 2.742 (100), 2.665 (91), 2.023 (25), 1.998 (28), 1.884 (61), 1.553 (38), 1.371 (24). The new mineral is the first natural phase which exhibits a first order of Ruddlesden-Popper type structure, which indicates a modular nature and consists of Ca(Mn, Ti, Fe, Al)O3 perovskite layers, packed between CaO rock-salt layers arranged along the c-axis. Raman spectroscopy supports the interpretation of the chemical and structural data. Mineral association, structural data, as well as the study of the synthetic Ca-Mn-O system suggest that karlleuite could form under high-temperature conditions, above 1000˚C.
Family therapy and cognitive behavior therapy for eating disorders in children and adolescents in routine clinical care: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wergeland Gro Janne , Ghaderi Ata , Fjermestad Krister , Enebrink Pia , Halsaa Lillan , Njardvik Urdur , Riise Eili N. , Vorren Gyri , Öst Lars-Göran
Published: August 2024

Family therapy for eating disorders (ED) is well-established and represents the treatment choice for ED in children and adolescents according to guidelines, with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as a second line treatment. There is limited knowledge about how these treatments work in routine clinical care. The goal of the present meta-analysis is to investigate the effectiveness of family therapy and CBT for various EDs in children and adolescents when carried out in routine clinical care. Ovid MEDLINE, Embase OVID, and PsycINFO were searched for articles published until December 2023. The outcome of family therapy and CBT, methodological quality, risk of bias, and moderators of treatment outcome were examined and benchmarked by meta-analytically comparing with ED efficacy studies. Forty-four effectiveness studies comprising 3251 family therapy or CBT patients were included. Large to very large within-group effect sizes (ES) were found for ED-psychopathology (0.80) and weight measures for AN (1.64) at post treatment. The attrition rate was 15%. Risk of bias was considerable. Moderate to large ES were found for family therapy and CBT, respectively. The benchmarking analysis showed that effectiveness studies had comparable ESs to efficacy studies (0.80 and 0.84 for the ED-psychopathology at post treatment). The findings support family therapy and CBT for ED in children and adolescents as effective treatments when delivered in routine clinical care, with effects comparable with those found in efficacy studies. The evidence needs to be interpreted with caution because of the risk of bias in a high proportion of studies.

PROSPERO [CRD42023441794].
Drug Trafficking as Crime Against Humanity: Global Moral Panics and Drugs at the United Nations
Authors: Mostyn Ben
Published: August 2024

This article presents archival data produced by Australian diplomats in the 1980s that report on the ‘drug problem’ in various host countries. The reports reveal growing concern in many countries at a rapid increase in drug use. The second half of the article focusses on diplomatic reports from the United Nations where discussions were beginning about creating a third convention against drug trafficking. These early drafts of the convention labelled drug trafficking a ‘crime against humanity’—a criminal charge that had not been prosecuted since the Nuremburg trials. The article applies elements of moral panic theory, neorealism, and the sociology of punishment. Combining these theories suggests that condemning drug traffickers in the 1980s allowed diplomats to create a global social solidarity that may have helped end the Cold War.
Fostering Play in the COVID Crisis: Insights from Infant-Toddler Teachers
Authors: Shin Minsun
Published: August 2024

Play is pivotal in supporting young children’s holistic development. The COVID-19 crisis further highlighted the importance of play in supporting children’s well-being and in providing a sense of normalcy. Guided by the phenomenographic method, this study aimed to examine Korean in-service infant-toddler teachers’ experiences in fostering play in early childhood educational classrooms during the COVID-19 crisis. The study involved 10 infant-toddler teachers working with children under the age of three years at a large university-based childcare center. They participated in drawing tasks and in-person focus group interviews. The findings revealed that the pandemic caused and exacerbated barriers to everyday play. However, despite challenges, the participants demonstrated their strong commitment to play in the classroom, exhibiting resilience, adaptability, creativity, and resourcefulness. They continued to create a playful environment, support play in various forms, and prioritize play-based learning, demonstrating their strong commitment to play. One notable change expressed by the participants was limited social interaction during mealtime. This study found that the much-needed, unavoidable public health interventions during the COVID-19 crisis may have resulted in unintended consequences for infants’ and toddlers’ social-emotional and language development. Such findings reinforce the idea that play should remain at the forefront of education during the pandemic and beyond.