bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐contrast magnetic resonance angiography for systemic artery evaluation in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Nonaka Haruki , Tahara Masahiro , Sanada Kazuya , Okano Mio , Morikawa Yuko , Yoshiura Takayuki , Nitta Tetsuya , Urayama Kotaro , Yoneyama Masami , Imada Naoyuki , Sato Tomoyasu
Published: November 2023

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis; systemic arteries other than the coronary arteries should therefore also be evaluated. This study investigated the feasibility of evaluating coronary aneurysms, systemic artery aneurysms (SAAs), and cerebrovascular diseases in patients with KD using non‐contrast magnetic resonance angiography (NC‐MRA).

Methods

Coronary artery protocols, including coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and vessel wall imaging, were performed in 57 examinations of 28 patients. Systemic artery protocol, including SAA scans and head MRA, along with coronary artery protocol, were performed in 42 examinations of 42 patients. The image quality of the SAAs was evaluated on a 4‐point scale. Examination time and sedation dosage were compared between the protocols. The presence of SAAs and cerebrovascular disease was also evaluated.

Results

The image quality score of SAAs was 4 (interquartile range [IQR]: 4–4) for the aorta, 4 (IQR: 3–4) for the subclavian artery, 4 (IQR: 3–4) for the renal artery, and 3 (IQR: 3–4) for the iliac artery. No differences were found between examination time (47.0 [IQR: 43.0–61.0] min vs. 51.0 [IQR: 45.0–60.0] min, p = 0.48) and sedative dose (4.63 [IQR: 3.93–5.79] mg/kg vs. 4.21 [IQR: 3.56–5.71] mg/kg, p = 0.37) between the protocols. Systemic artery protocol detected SAAs in three patients (7.1%), and cerebrovascular disease was not detected.

Conclusions

Evaluating the coronary and systemic arteries in patients with KD using NC‐MRA on a single examination was possible without compromising examination time or sedation dose. The systemic artery protocol was useful in finding SAAs.
Understanding Chinese authoritative experts and their roles in China's COVID‐19 policy response process: A combined perspective of institutional and multiple‐streams framework
Authors: Chen Guiwu , Zhang Junyi
Published: November 2023

This study is among the first to examine the defining characteristics of Chinese authoritative experts and their roles in crisis policy response by integrating both institutional and multiple‐streams framework. The study argues that the defining characteristics of authoritative experts in China include standing as role models for the public, being adaptively embedded into the policy‐making system, and usually engaging in policy process by becoming a member of a formal experts group. Authoritative experts can act as problem brokers in the problem stream, as policy advocates in the policy stream, and as legitimacy enhancers in politics stream, depending on the nature and dynamics of the crisis and the socio‐political context. The theoretical argument was based on and supported by empirical evidence from China's COVID‐19 policy response in the early stage.
Racial Gaslighting in a Politically Progressive City
Authors: Woody Ashley
Published: November 2023

Drawing from in‐depth interviews with an ethnically diverse sample of Black, Indigenous, and people of color living in Portland, Oregon, this article draws upon the concept of racial gaslighting, which Davis and Ernst (Politics, Groups, and Identities, 2019, 7, 761) describe as the political, social, economic, and cultural process that pathologizes those who resist or question the racial status quo. Racial gaslighting may create cycles of self‐blame among racialized people who question their own perceptions of reality, even in purportedly progressive contexts. While the term gaslighting has historically been used to describe abusive interpersonal relationship dynamics, racial gaslighting is applicable to the emotional and mental health impacts of structural racism on racialized people. This research addresses how the historical, political, and demographic landscape of places may contribute to racial gaslighting. In particular, this study demonstrates how seemingly progressive contexts fuel the conditions for racial gaslighting.
Tsunami potential in the Makran subduction zone: Amplification effects from earthquake rupture directivity and speed
Authors: Chen Zhanying , Lin Jian , Qiu Qiang , Zhou Zhiyuan , Zhang Fan
Published: November 2023

The Makran subduction zone has historically experienced major earthquakes and tsunamis. Here, we integrate fault morphology, InSAR measurements, and high‐resolution bathymetry to quantitively evaluate potential future tsunami sources and tsunami wave characteristics. We systematically investigate how earthquake rupture speed and direction could affect tsunami hazards for the Makran region. Our analyses reveal the following new understanding: (1) The estimated maximum slip deficit in the Makran region southeast of the Gwadar port is >4 m since the last significant 1851 rupture; (2) Earthquakes with finite rupture speed investigated in the range of 300–1,000 m/s are calculated to generate higher tsunami waves than the static rupture model; (3) For an east‐to‐west rupture direction, the tsunami waves are calculated to arrive at the Gwadar port 3–5 mins later but with higher waves than the static rupture model. Together, our results highlight the importance of the source earthquake rupture speed and directivity in controlling tsunamigenic effects.
Citizens’ Data Protection in E-government System
Authors: Ahmed Musa Midila , Musa Ahmed Aishatu
Published: November 2023

E-government is the use of information and communication technology for public service provision in governance. Nowadays, E-government facilitates transparent, accountable, efficient and all-inclusive governing process for improved service delivery to citizens. However, the emergence of this novel innovation opened up new security vulnerabilities to citizens’ data. Comprehensive security plan for secure linkage of people, process and technology is crucial to ensure that data and network channel is protected from potential security threats. The purpose of this study is to provide a security model for protection of citizens’ data in E-government system. This paper propose information security stack, a data protection model for efficient data protection in E-government system. The information security stack comprised of citizens’ identification, authentication of identities, data confidentiality and data integrity in E-government system. First, this paper classified citizens’ identification into international, national and purposive identification. Second, acceptable form of identification for authentication of identities in E-government system depends on the security restriction imposed on the requested information. Consequently, user authentication is classified into single factor authentication, two-factor authentication and multifactor authentication depending on the use case in the E-government system. Third, data confidentiality implemented by data encryption is an information security goal for preserving the privacy of information in E-government system. The authors categorised data encryption in E-government into symmetric encryption and asymmetric encryption. Finally, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of citizens’ data is crucial for preserving data integrity in E-government system. This can be achieved by digital signature, an electronic version of handwritten signature.
Systematic Review on Teaching and Learning for IoT Programming
Authors: Zainal Salbiah , Che Mohd Yusoff Rasimah , Abas Hafiza , Ibrahim Roslina , Ab. Rahim Nor Zairah
Published: November 2023

Teaching and learning Internet of Things (IoT) programming is challenging. The literature regarding teaching and learning for IoT programming still lacking. Therefore, we conducted an updated and comprehensive review using a systematic literature review (SLR) to report recent research findings regarding teaching and learning for IoT programming. Five databases were selected for this SLR to identify related journals, of which 21 papers were reviewed systematically. This review answered five research questions regarding the level of study being taught for IoT programming; the tools used for IoT programming; the teaching and learning approach used; and the methods and instruments adopted for data collection.
Experiences and attitudes of task-shifting and task-sharing of physicians, nurses, and nursing assistants in hospitals: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Saiki Masatoshi , Nishimiya Gaku , Gotoh Tomomi , Hirota Kazuhito , Sakai Ikuko
Published: November 2023

Objective:

The objective of this review is to explore the experiences and attitudes of physicians, nurses, and nursing assistants regarding task-shifting and task-sharing in hospitals.

Introduction:

Despite multiple health care professionals performing overlapping tasks, the need for effective task-shifting and task-sharing remains a concern. Understanding task-shifting and task-sharing experiences, as well as the attitudes of health care providers in hospitals, is essential for providing safe and patient-appropriate care with limited human resources.

Inclusion criteria:

Qualitative studies that examine the experiences and attitudes of physicians, nurses, and nursing assistants in hospitals regarding task-shifting and task-sharing will be included. The review will include physicians, advanced practice nurses who are nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists, registered nurses, and nursing assistants. Midwives, pharmacists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and students will be excluded.

Methods:

PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database, and Web of Science will be searched as part of a 3-step search strategy. We will search for unpublished research and gray literature using Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Studies published in English or Japanese from the time each database was established to the present will be considered for inclusion. The methodological quality of all studies will be evaluated by screening against the inclusion criteria and by at least 2 critical evaluations using the standardized JBI checklist. Synthesized results will be pooled by meta-aggregation and published as a ConQual Summary of Findings.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42023409612
Assessment of health literacy in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and its relationship with health behaviours: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Ying , Guo Yunmei , Yan Xin , Ding Rui , Tan Huiwen , Wang Yousha , Wang Xueting , Wang Lianhong
Published: November 2023

Objective

Healthy behaviours are important for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, adopting and maintaining lifestyle changes involves a complex set of behavioural changes, which most patients fail to adhere to. The current research on health literacy, which includes individual and social skills needed in health self-management, in patients with PCOS is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore health literacy, health behaviours and the relationship between the two to expand research on PCOS management.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

A gynaecological outpatient clinic.

Participants

A total of 286 patients with PCOS (≥18 years, diagnosed via Rotterdam criteria, able to self-report and give informed consent) were recruited from March to June 2022.

Outcome measures

Health literacy and health behaviours in patients with PCOS were assessed using the Health Literacy Management Scale and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (Chinese version). Multiple logistic regression was used to analyse the factors influencing health literacy, and linear regression to assess the relationship between health literacy and health behaviours, with an F-significance test; p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Overall, most patients with PCOS had insufficient health literacy (55.9%). The influencing factors of health literacy in patients with PCOS were age (β=0.154, p<0.05), Body Mass Index (β=−0.140, p<0.05), income (β=1.228, p<0.05), duration of illness (β=0.110, p<0.05) and educational level (β=1.552, p<0.05). Moreover, 40.6% of patients with poor health behaviours, and 31.8% with moderate health behaviours, needed to improve their health behaviours. Health literacy was positively correlated with health behaviours in patients with PCOS (r=0.473, p<0.05).

Conclusion

The positive correlation between health literacy and health behaviour in patients with PCOS indicates that promoting health literacy in future treatment and management of PCOS may be beneficial.
Policy-makers’ conception of patient non-attendance fees in specialist healthcare: a qualitative document analysis
Authors: Fystro Joar Røkke , Feiring Eli
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Patients missing their scheduled appointments in specialist healthcare without giving notice can undermine efficient care delivery. To reduce patient non-attendance and possibly compensate healthcare providers, policy-makers have noted the viability of implementing patient non-attendance fees. However, these fees may be controversial and generate public resistance. Identifying the concepts attributed to non-attendance fees is important to better understand the controversies surrounding the introduction and use of these fees. Patient non-attendance fees in specialist healthcare have been extensively debated in Norway and Denmark, two countries that are fairly similar regarding political culture, population size and healthcare system. However, although Norway has implemented a patient non-attendance fee scheme, Denmark has not. This study aimed to identify and compare how policy-makers in Norway and Denmark have conceptualised patient non-attendance fees over three decades.

Design

A qualitative document study with a multiple-case design.

Methods

A theory-driven qualitative analysis of policy documents (n=55) was performed.

Results

Although patient non-attendance fees were seen as a measure to reduce non-attendance rates in both countries, the specific conceptualisation of the fees differed. The fees were understood as a monetary disincentive in Norwegian policy documents. In the Danish documents, the fees were framed as an educative measure to foster a sense of social responsibility, as well as serving as a monetary disincentive. The data suggest, however, a recent change in the Danish debate emphasising fees as a disincentive. In both countries, fees were partly justified as a means of compensating providers for the loss of income.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate how, as a regulative policy tool, patient non-attendance fees have been conceptualised and framed differently, even in apparently similar contexts. This suggests that a more nuanced and complex understanding of why such fees are debated is needed.
Optical Coherence Tomography in the Evaluation of Suspected Carotid Webs
Authors: Al-Bayati Alhamza R , Nogueira Raul G , Sachdeva Rajesh , Mohammaden Mahmoud H , Bhatt Nirav R , Liberato Bernardo , Frankel Michael R , Haussen Diogo C
Published: November 2023

Background

Carotid web (CaW) is a subtype of fibromuscular dysplasia that predominantly involves the intimal layer of the arterial wall and is commonly overlooked as a separate causative entity for recurrent strokes. CaW is defined as a shelf-like lesion at the carotid bulb, although different morphological features have been reported. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been described in the literature as a useful microscopic and cross-sectional tomographic imaging tool. This study aimed to evaluate the potential utility of OCT in characterizing the wall structure features of patients with suspected CaW.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients with suspected CaW who underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) coupled with OCT of the carotid bulb from 2018 to 2021 in a single comprehensive stroke center.

Results

Sixteen patients were included. The median age was 56 years (IQR 46–61) and 50% were women. OCT corroborated the diagnosis of CaW in 12/16 (75%) cases and ruled it out in 4/16 (25%) patients in whom atherosclerotic disease was demonstrated. Five of the 12 lesions demonstrated a thick fibrotic ridge consistent with CaW but also showed atherosclerotic changes in the vicinity of the carotid bulb (labeled as “CaW+”). In 4/16 (25%) patients, microthrombi adhered to the vessel wall were noted on OCT (inside the CaW pocket or just distal to the web), none of which were observed on CT angiography or DSA.

Conclusions

OCT may have value as a complementary imaging tool in the investigation of patients with suspected CaW and atypical morphological features. Further studies are warranted.
Symptomatic carotid artery intraluminal thrombus: risk of medical management failure and distal embolization
Authors: Schartz Derrek , Susa Stephen , Ellens Nathaniel , Akkipeddi Sajal Medha K , Houk Clifton , Bhalla Tarun , Mattingly Thomas , Hasan David , Bender Matthew T
Published: November 2023

Background

Carotid artery intraluminal thrombus (ILT), or free-floating thrombus, is an uncommon cerebrovascular entity with considerable equipoise regarding its clinical management. Likewise, in patients treated with medical management (MM), distal embolization and/or intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) may still occur.

Methods

All patients with symptomatic ILT from 2016 to 2023 were identified from our tertiary care institution. Patients with MM failure (recurrent cerebral ischemia and/or symptomatic ICH) were compared with patients with MM non-failure. Differences in ILT volume and length were calculated. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify the cut-off volume and length for risk of MM failure.

Results

In total, 45 patients with ILT were identified with 41 treated with frontline MM. Of these 41 patients treated with MM, seven (17%) had MM failure with six (14.6%) having new embolic stroke and one (2.3%) with symptomatic ICH. Patients with MM failure had a significantly higher mean thrombus volume than MM non-failure patients (257 mm3vs 59.6 mm3, P=0.0006). Likewise, patients with MM failure had significantly longer thrombus on average (21 mm vs 6.6 mm, P=0.0009). ROC curve analysis showed that an ILT volume of 90 mm3resulted in a sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 85.3% for MM failure (AUC 0.775; CI 0.55 to 1.0, P=0.023).

Conclusions

Carotid ILTs that fail MM are significantly larger and longer. These findings suggest that a thrombus volume of 90 mm3may serve as a guide for intervention with good sensitivity and specificity for risk of MM failure.
Cardiac dysfunction in solid tumours: scoping review
Authors: Brady Bernadette , Brown Alexandra , Barrett Michelle , Maraj Vikram , Lawler Fiona , Murphy Ross , Walsh Declan
Published: November 2023

Cardio-oncology is a dynamic field. Research has suggested that cancer itself can damage the heart, independent of cancer treatment-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). The aim of this study was to establish the nature of cardiovascular abnormalities reported in cancer, excluding CTRCD. Scoping review search included cardiovascular abnormalities in adults with solid tumour malignancies, and excluded CTRCD and thrombotic events. Three databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline) were searched, supplemented by a handsearch. All screening and data extraction was done by two researchers with consensus reached for any conflicts. Given the heterogeneous nature of the studies identified, data synthesis was narrative. The search identified 42 366 studies. Following deduplication and title/abstract screening, 195 studies were assessed for full-text eligibility. Forty-four studies are included in the final analysis. There are 19 prospective observational studies, 13 retrospective studies, 9 case reports and 3 cross-sectional studies. Types of abnormality identified include cardiomyopathy (16, including Takotsubo (9)), autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction (10), biomarker disturbances (9), reduced myocardial strain (6) and others (3). Due to variable study design, the prevalence was not determined. Cardiovascular abnormalities were associated with morbidity (chest pain, dyspnoea, fatigue) and shortened prognosis. In conclusion: (1) There is evidence for cardiovascular dysfunction in patients with solid tumour malignancies, distinct from CTRCD. People with solid tumours have higher rates of cardiac disease, even when newly diagnosed and treatment naïve. (2) Abnormalities manifest mainly as cardiomyopathies, ANS dysfunction and raised biomarker levels and are associated with significant symptoms. (3) Treatment plans need to take account of these risks, and widen criteria for screening.
Electron collisional excitation cross-section measurements and modeling for select Ni-like to Ge-like gold transitions
Authors: May M.J. , Hansen S.B. , Beiersdorfer P. , Jordan N.M. , Scofield J.H. , Reed K.J. , Brown G.V. , Porter F.S. , Kelley R.L. , Kilbourne C.A. , Boyce K.R.
Published: November 2023

We have experimentally determined the electron collisional excitation cross-sections for several 3d→4f and 3d→5f excitations in Ni- to Ge-like Au at energies of ∼ 0.4, 1, 2, and 3 keV above threshold energy, ET, for the 3d→4f excitations ( ET ∼ 2.5 keV) and ∼ 0.2, 1, and 2 keV above threshold energy for the 3d→5f excitations ( ET ∼ 3.3 keV). The cross-section measurements are possible by using the GSFC micro-calorimeter to record emission spectra from beam plasmas created in the Livermore EBIT-I electron beam ion trap. The cross-sections are experimentally determined from the ratio of the measured intensities of the collisionally excited lines to the intensities of the radiative recombination lines in monoenergetic electron distribution EBIT-I plasmas. The effects of polarization and Auger processes in the beam plasmas are accounted for in the cross-section determination. Experimentally determined cross-sections are compared with those from HULLAC, DWS, and FAC calculations. The measurements exhibit significant differences with the calculations of these excitation cross-sections.
Degree of compaction, aeration, and soil water retention indices of a sugarcane field without soil disturbance after initial tillage
Authors: Awe Gabriel Oladele , Fontanela Eracilda , Reichert José Miguel
Published: November 2023

Soil compaction after initial soil tillage for crop establishment has been a major problem in crop fields because of its deleterious effects on soil functioning and crop performance. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the degree of compaction, soil air capacity, near-surface optimum ratios, and water retention characteristics in a sandy loam. Dystrophic Paleudalf initially under different tillage methods for sugarcane crop but without tillage for two seasons in southern Brazil. Initial soil tillage systems consisted of no-tillage (NT), compacted no-tillage (NTC), conventional tillage, and chiseling of no-tillage (Ch). Disturbed and undisturbed soil was sampled from 0 to 10, 10 to 20, 20 to 40, and 40 to 60 cm layers to determine degree of compaction, air capacity, near-surface optimum ratios, soil water retention characteristics, and soil physical quality index S. Initially, NT treatment had the significantly ( p < 0.05) lowest degree of compaction (87%), highest soil air capacity (0.104 cm3 cm−3), air capacity/total porosity ratio (0.261), and better water retention characteristics in the surface layer. Over time, Ch had improved the structure of the subsurface soil layers with the lowest degree of compaction (≈88%) and highest air capacity (≈0.140 cm3 cm−3), while the measured indices were poor in NTC. Irrespective of tillage, the surface layer showed resilience during the years without soil disturbance with low degree of compaction, increased water retention, and air capacity. NT could be a good soil management option for sugarcane production, while mechanical chiseling is advocated for ameliorating compacted soils.
Pionic final state interactions and the hypertriton lifetime
Authors: Hildenbrand Fabian , Hammer Hans-Werner
Published: November 2023

We analyze the contribution of pionic final state interactions (FSI) in the weak decay of the hypertriton. Focusing on the$$^3$$3He channel, we find a contribution of the pionic FSI of the order of$$18\%$$18%. Assuming a fixed value for the branching ratio$$R_3$$R3for the decay width into$$^3$$3He over the decay width into$$^3$$3He andpdfinal states, we find values for the hypertriton lifetime that are consistent with the world average as well as recent measurements by the ALICE Collaboration.
Dirac equation in curved spacetime: the role of local Fermi velocity
Authors: Bagchi B. , Gallerati A. , Ghosh R.
Published: November 2023

We study the motion of charge carriers in curved Dirac materials, in the presence of a local Fermi velocity. An explicit parameterization of the latter emerging quantity for a nanoscroll cylindrical geometry is also provided, together with a discussion of related physical effects and observable properties.
Persistence of Solitary Waves and Periodic Waves of a Singularly Perturbed Generalized Drinfel’d–Sokolov System
Authors: Huang Zihong , Wen Zhenshu
Published: November 2023

This paper focuses on the persistence of solitary waves and periodic waves of a singularly perturbed generalized Drinfel’d–Sokolov system. Geometric singular perturbation theory is first employed to reduce the higher-dimensional system to the perturbed planar system. By perturbation analysis and Abelian integrals theory, we are then able to find some sufficient conditions about the wave speed to guarantee the existence of homoclinic orbits and periodic orbits, which indicates the existence of solitary waves and periodic waves. Furthermore, we find the lower and upper bounds of the limit wave speed.
A New Approach of Electrolytic Metal Manganese with Lower Energy Consumption and Fewer Spherical Dendrites Based on a Hyperchaotic Circuit with Directly Offset Boosting
Authors: Yang Jie , Li Chunbiao , Zhang Qian , Huang Keyu , Liu Peiqiao , Liu Zuohua , Li Zhinan , Meng Tong , Zhang Xin , Wu Junyao , Tao Changyuan , Zheng Guocan
Published: November 2023

Electrolysis is an important way to produce manganese metal, but the low current efficiency and random growth of dendrites have always been challenging problems for enterprises. The lack of understanding of the dynamic system during the electrolysis process is the main reason for the accurate control of the electrolysis process. Based on this consideration, a new four-dimensional continuous hyperchaotic system with high Lyapunov exponents is designed. The amplitude control, frequency modulation, and offset boosting of the hyperchaotic system are obtained through the selection of feedback term. A circuit simulation and corresponding simplified circuit are established. In addition, the actual hyperchaotic circuit is applied to the manganese electrolysis process through the self-designed current amplification module (the amplification of [Formula: see text] signal is realized by the offset boosting control). The experimental results of the hyperchaotic electrolysis of metal manganese showed that the hyperchaotic current can delay the occurrence time of electrochemical oscillation, and reduce the generation of cathode metal manganese dendrites. Furthermore, the results show that the hyperchaotic current can enhance the current efficiency and reduce the energy consumption. Based on the new experiment, it is suggested that the formation of anodic porous structures, whose primary phase compositions were PbSO4, MnO2, and Mn2O3, is one factor for the occurrence of electrochemical oscillations, while the conversion between Mn[Formula: see text] and Mn[Formula: see text] is another main factor for the mutation of electrochemical signal (manganese autocatalysis).
IoV-Fog-Assisted Framework for Accident Detection and Classification
Authors: Kumar Navin , Sood Sandeep Kumar , Saini Munish
Published: November 2023

The evolution of vehicular research into an effectuating area like the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) was verified by technical developments in hardware. The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANET) has significantly impacted addressing various problems, from dangerous situations to finding practical solutions. During a catastrophic collision, the vehicle experiences extreme turbulence, which may be captured using Micro-Electromechanical systems (MEMS) to yield signatures characterizing the severity of the accident. This study presents a three-layer design, with the data collecting layer relying on a low-power IoT configuration that includes GPS and an MPU 6050 placed on an Arduino Mega. The fog layer oversees data pre-processing and other low-level computing operations. With its extensive computing capabilities, the farthest cloud layer carries out Multidimensional Dynamic Time Warping (MDTW) to identify accidents and maintains the information repository by updating it. The experimentation compared the state-of-the-art algorithms such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and Random Forest Tree (RFT) using threshold-based detection with the proposed MDTW clustering approach. Data collection involves simulating accidents via VirtualCrash for training and testing, whereas the IoV circuitry would be utilized in actual real-life scenarios. The proposed approach achieved an F1-Score of 0.8921 and 0.8184 for rear and head-on collisions.
Feasibility Analysis of Cracking RSA with Improved Quantum Circuits of the Shor’s Algorithm
Authors: Liu Xia , Yang Huan , Yang Li
Published: November 2023

Since the RSA public key cryptosystem was proposed, it has been widely used because of its strong security. Although the proposal of the Shor’s algorithm offers hope for cracking RSA, it is debatable whether the algorithm can actually pose a threat in practice. From the perspective of the quantum circuit of the Shor’s algorithm, we analyse the feasibility of cracking RSA with improved quantum circuits using an ion-trap quantum computer. We present an improved quantum circuit for the modular exponentiation of a constant, which is the most expensive operation in Shor’s algorithm for integer factorization. Whereas previous studies mostly focused on minimizing the number of qubits or the depth of the circuit, we minimize the number of CNOTs, which greatly affects the time to run the algorithm on an ion-trap quantum computer. First, we give the implementation of the basic arithmetic with the lowest known number of CNOTs and the construction of an improved modular exponentiation of a constant by accumulating intermediate data and using a windowing technique. Then, we precisely estimate the number of improved quantum circuits needed to perform the Shor’s algorithm for factoring an

n

-bit integer, which is

217

n

3

/

log

2

 
n

+
4

n

2

+
n

. We analyse the running time and feasibility of the Shor’s algorithm on an ion-trap quantum computer according to the number of CNOTs. Finally, we discussed the lower bound of the number of CNOTs needed to implement the Shor’s algorithm.
Melamine Exacerbates Neurotoxicity in D-Galactose-Induced Neuronal SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Goyal Juhi , Jain Preet , Jain Vivek , Banerjee Dibyajyoti , Bhattacharyya Rajasri , Dey Sharmistha , Sharma Rambabu , Rai Nitish
Published: November 2023

Numerous studies have depicted the role of diet and environmental toxins in aging. Melamine (Mel) is a globally known notorious food adulterant, and its toxicity has been shown in several organs including the brain. However, till now, there are no reports regarding Mel neurotoxicity in aging neurons. So, this study examined the in vitro neurotoxicity caused by Mel in the D-galactose (DG)-induced aging model of neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. In the present study, the neuronal SH-SY5Y cells were treated with DG and Mel separately and in combination to assess the neurotoxicity potential using MTT assay and neurite length measurement. Further, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant activities were evaluated followed by the determination of the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and caspase3 (Casp3) activity. The cotreatment of Mel and DG in neuronal SH-SY5Y cells showed maximum cell death than the cells treated with DG or Mel individually and untreated control cells. The neurite length shrinkage and ROS production were maximum in the DG and Mel cotreated cells showing exacerbated toxicity of Mel. The activity of SOD, CAT, and total antioxidants was also found to be lowered in the cotreatment group (Mel + DG) than in Mel- or DG-treated and untreated cells. Further, the combined toxicity of Mel and DG also elevated the Casp3 activity more than any other group. This is the first study showing the increased neurotoxic potential of Mel in an aging model of neuronal SH-SY5Y cells which implicates that Mel consumption by the elderly may lead to increased incidences of neurodegeneration like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Automatic Detection of AMD and DME Retinal Pathologies Using Deep Learning
Authors: Saidi Latifa , Jomaa Hajer , Zainab Haddad , Zgolli Hsouna , Mabrouk Sonia , Sidibé Désiré , Tabia Hedi , Khlifa Nawres
Published: November 2023

Diabetic macular edema (DME) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are two common eye diseases. They are often undiagnosed or diagnosed late. This can result in permanent and irreversible vision loss. Therefore, early detection and treatment of these diseases can prevent vision loss, save money, and provide a better quality of life for individuals. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging is widely applied to identify eye diseases, including DME and AMD. In this work, we developed automatic deep learning-based methods to detect these pathologies using SD-OCT scans. The convolutional neural network (CNN) from scratch we developed gave the best classification score with an accuracy higher than 99% on Duke dataset of OCT images.
Table S1 from Targeted Degradation of XIAP is Sufficient and Specific to Induce Apoptosis in MYCN-overexpressing High-risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Choo Zhang'E , Koh Xiaoying , Wong Megan Rui En , Ashokan Ruth Minothini , Ali Ahamed Nurul Suhana Binte , Kang CongBao , Kuick Chik Hong , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Larisch Sarit , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Chen Zhi Xiong
Published: November 2023

Supplementary Table S1, related to Figure 1. Table of densitometry values calculated from western blot to generate scatter plot in Figure 1A.
Supplementary Methods from Targeted Degradation of XIAP is Sufficient and Specific to Induce Apoptosis in MYCN-overexpressing High-risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Choo Zhang'E , Koh Xiaoying , Wong Megan Rui En , Ashokan Ruth Minothini , Ali Ahamed Nurul Suhana Binte , Kang CongBao , Kuick Chik Hong , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Larisch Sarit , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Chen Zhi Xiong
Published: November 2023

Supplementary Figure Legends, Methods and Resources
Supplementary Data 3 from Targeted Degradation of XIAP is Sufficient and Specific to Induce Apoptosis in MYCN-overexpressing High-risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Choo Zhang'E , Koh Xiaoying , Wong Megan Rui En , Ashokan Ruth Minothini , Ali Ahamed Nurul Suhana Binte , Kang CongBao , Kuick Chik Hong , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Larisch Sarit , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Chen Zhi Xiong
Published: November 2023

Supplementary Data 3 to Fig 4B
Figure S6 from Targeted Degradation of XIAP is Sufficient and Specific to Induce Apoptosis in MYCN-overexpressing High-risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Choo Zhang'E , Koh Xiaoying , Wong Megan Rui En , Ashokan Ruth Minothini , Ali Ahamed Nurul Suhana Binte , Kang CongBao , Kuick Chik Hong , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Larisch Sarit , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Chen Zhi Xiong
Published: November 2023

Supplementary Figure S6, related to Figure 4. Immunoblot analysis of tumor tissue from other sets of PDXs treated with A4.
Figure S4 from Targeted Degradation of XIAP is Sufficient and Specific to Induce Apoptosis in MYCN-overexpressing High-risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Choo Zhang'E , Koh Xiaoying , Wong Megan Rui En , Ashokan Ruth Minothini , Ali Ahamed Nurul Suhana Binte , Kang CongBao , Kuick Chik Hong , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Larisch Sarit , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Chen Zhi Xiong
Published: November 2023

Supplementary Figure S4, related to Figure 3. Time course of XIAP degradation in response to XIAP-specific (A4) and pan-IAP (BV6) antagonists.
Figure S2 from Targeted Degradation of XIAP is Sufficient and Specific to Induce Apoptosis in MYCN-overexpressing High-risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Choo Zhang'E , Koh Xiaoying , Wong Megan Rui En , Ashokan Ruth Minothini , Ali Ahamed Nurul Suhana Binte , Kang CongBao , Kuick Chik Hong , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Larisch Sarit , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Chen Zhi Xiong
Published: November 2023

Supplementary Figure S2, related to Figure 3. NMR analysis on 1H-15N-HSQC spectra of XIAP in the absence and presence of A4.
FIGURE 5 from Targeted Degradation of XIAP is Sufficient and Specific to Induce Apoptosis in MYCN-overexpressing High-risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Choo Zhang'E , Koh Xiaoying , Wong Megan Rui En , Ashokan Ruth Minothini , Ali Ahamed Nurul Suhana Binte , Kang CongBao , Kuick Chik Hong , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Larisch Sarit , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Chen Zhi Xiong
Published: November 2023

XIAP-specific antagonist A4 works synergistically with and promotes effective dose reduction of vincristine and topotecan in vitro. A, CI demonstrating synergism between A4 with vincristine and topotecan. Increasing doses of A4 with either vincristine or topotecan were added to neuroblastoma cell lines at a fixed ratio based on the IC50 values of the individual drugs for 48 hours [A4:vincristine; BE(2)-C 1:1 (0–100 µmol/L A4: 0–100 nmol/L Vin), KELLY 1:0.5 (0–100 µmol/L A4: 0–50 nmol/L Vin) and A4:Topotecan; BE(2)-C 1:6 (0–100 µmol/L A4: 0–600 nmol/L Topo), KELLY 1:16 (0–100 µmol/L A4: 0–1,600 nmol/L Topo)], respectively. CI was generated using CompuSyn software by Chou–Talalay (25). CI60–90 represents the average CI at 60%–90% cell death. CI <1 denotes synergistic effect; CI = 1 denotes addictive effect and CI >1 denotes antagonistic effect. DRI demonstrating the fold differences of A4 effectively reducing the dose of vincristine (B) or topotecan (C) when used in combination with these agents. Increasing doses of A4 with either vincristine or topotecan were added to neuroblastoma cell lines at a fixed ratio based on the IC50 values of the individual drugs for 48 hours (A4:vincristine; BE(2)-C 1:1, KELLY 1:0.5 and A4:Topotecan; BE(2)-C 1:6, KELLY 1:16), respectively. DRI was generated using CompuSyn software by Chou–Talalay. DRI60–90 represents the average DRI at 60%–90% cell death. DRI <1 denotes unfavorable dose reduction and DRI >1 denotes favorable dose reduction. Right, Dose–response curves of vincristine(B) and topotecan (C) treated alone or in combination with A4 in BE(2)-C and KELLY neuroblastoma cells, with corresponding comparison of mean areas under the dose–response curves with versus without addition of A4 (t test).
FIGURE 4 from Targeted Degradation of XIAP is Sufficient and Specific to Induce Apoptosis in MYCN-overexpressing High-risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Choo Zhang'E , Koh Xiaoying , Wong Megan Rui En , Ashokan Ruth Minothini , Ali Ahamed Nurul Suhana Binte , Kang CongBao , Kuick Chik Hong , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Larisch Sarit , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Chen Zhi Xiong
Published: November 2023

Treatment with XIAP-specific antagonist A4 prolongs and improves overall survival in high-risk neuroblastoma PDXs. A, Top, Immunoblot analysis of XIAP, cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3 expression in tumors harvested from treated neuroblastoma PDXs. Neuroblastoma PDXs were treated with 10 mg/kg A4 via intraperitoneal injection. Tumors were harvested over the following time courses of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 24, and 48 hours after dosing. β-actin is used as internal control. Bottom, Graphical representation of densitometry ratio for XIAP expression normalized to β-actin in tumors harvested from neuroblastoma PDXs as described in A (Supplementary Data S2). Values were expressed as mean ± SD with n = 3/timepoint. B, Kaplan–Meier survival plot of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma PDXs (n = 9/treatment group). Blue line indicates percentage survival of vehicle-treated mice (control) and green line is the percentage survival of A4-treated mice (10 mg/kg). The mice were monitored over a period of 7 weeks, including 4 weeks of stabilizing implantation and subsequent 3 weeks of treatment period. log-rank (Mantel–Cox test) derived from Kaplan–Meier survival plot was used for statistical comparisons between groups with *, P < 0.05. C, Bioluminescence imaging of tumor growth in two representative neuroblastoma PDXs. D, Top, Representative photomicrographs of A4-treated and vehicle control tumors demonstrating increased intratumoral hemorrhage in the latter [pink eosinophilic areas, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), 100X and 200X (inset)], and increased staining for cleaved caspase 3 in the former [CC3, 100X, and 200X (inset)]. Bottom, Average cells per HPF with positive staining on TUNEL assay and CC3 IHC in A4-treated and vehicle control tumors, showing significantly increased CC3 staining in A4-treated tumors (n = 5 tumors per group, average of 5 HPF per tumor, P = 0.03, paired t test; scale bar: 50 µm).
FIGURE 3 from Targeted Degradation of XIAP is Sufficient and Specific to Induce Apoptosis in MYCN-overexpressing High-risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Choo Zhang'E , Koh Xiaoying , Wong Megan Rui En , Ashokan Ruth Minothini , Ali Ahamed Nurul Suhana Binte , Kang CongBao , Kuick Chik Hong , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Larisch Sarit , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Chen Zhi Xiong
Published: November 2023

Binding and degradation of XIAP by A4 is necessary for targeting high-risk neuroblastoma cells. A, BRET response curves which indicate direct binding/target engagement of either XIAP-specific antagonist A4 or pan-IAP antagonist BV6 to XIAP in neuroblastoma cells. Cells were transfected with XIAP NanoLuc fusions and treated with fixed NanoBRET tracer and various concentrations of unlabeled A4 or BV6 as a competitive compound. BRET signal was measured at 2 hours after treatment using a Tecan Infinite 200 Pro equipped with NanoBRET dual-filters (donor 460 nm and acceptor 618 nm) and determined via the formula (BRET ratio = values at 618 nm/values at 460 nm). Raw BRET ratios were then converted to milliBRET units (mBU) and plotted to determine apparent intracellular affinity of A4 or BV6 to XIAP. Values were expressed mean ± SD of three independent experiments conducted in duplicates. B, Degradation profiles of endogenous XIAP in response to A4 or BV6 treatment of neuroblastoma cells, BE(2)-C (top) and KELLY (bottom). Cells were treated with increasing dose of A4 or BV6 and luminescence was measured continuously in real time for 2 hours. Luminescence values were normalized to DMSO vehicle control and degradation profiles were generated using GraphPad Prism. Values were expressed as mean ± SD of three independent experiments conducted in duplicates. C, BRET response curves which indicate the binding of ubiquitin to XIAP upon treatment with XIAP-specific antagonist A4 in neuroblastoma cells. Neuroblastoma cells with endogenous luciferase-tagged XIAP were transfected with Halo-tag ubiquitin and treated with fluorescent Halo-tag ligand followed by the addition of various concentrations of A4. BRET signal was measured every 5 minutes for 6 hours after treatment using a Tecan equipped with NanoBRET dual-filters (donor 460 nm and acceptor 618 nm) and determined via the formula (BRET ratio = values at 618 nm/values at 460 nm). Raw BRET ratios were then converted to milliBRET units (mBU) and plotted to determine the binding of ubiquitin to XIAP. Values were expressed mean ± SD of three independent experiments. D, Immunoblot analysis of XIAP expression upon A4 treatment with (+) or without (−) 10 µmol/L proteasomal inhibitor MG-132 in neuroblastoma cells, BE(2)-C and KELLY. Cells were pretreated with or without MG-132 for 2 hours prior the addition of A4 for 4 hours. β-actin is used as internal control.
FIGURE 2 from Targeted Degradation of XIAP is Sufficient and Specific to Induce Apoptosis in MYCN-overexpressing High-risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Choo Zhang'E , Koh Xiaoying , Wong Megan Rui En , Ashokan Ruth Minothini , Ali Ahamed Nurul Suhana Binte , Kang CongBao , Kuick Chik Hong , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Larisch Sarit , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Chen Zhi Xiong
Published: November 2023

Specific loss of XIAP expression, not c-IAP1, is required for mediating apoptosis in high-risk neuroblastoma cells. A, Summary of IAP antagonists’ efficacy in killing neuroblastoma cells. The IAP antagonists were ranked on the basis of the average potency of killing (IC50) and specificity of killing toward only neuroblastoma cells: (i) A4, (ii) B3, (iii) BV6, (iv) LCL161, (v) CUDC-427, (vi) Debio 1143. B, Immunoblot analysis of c-IAP1, XIAP, PARP, and cleaved caspase-3 expression in neuroblastoma cell lines, BE(2)-C and KELLY, and noncancerous normal tissue cell line, HS5, after treatment with 10 µmol/L of either A4, B3, or BV6 at indicated timings (three independent replicates). C, Graphical representation showing the fold change of caspase-3/7 activity relative to vehicle controls after treatment with 10 µmol/L of either A4, B3, or BV6 at indicated timings (data were expressed as mean ± SD of three independent experiments conducted in duplicates; *, P < 0.05). D, Morphology of cells 48 hours posttreatment with 10 µmol/L of either A4, B3, or BV6. Images were taken using a light microscope with 10X magnification enlarged (scale: 1 cm: 200 µm). E, Immunoblot analysis of c-IAP1, XIAP, PARP, and cleaved caspase-3 expression in neuroblastoma cell lines, KELLY and NLF transfected with plasmid encoding either XIAP or empty vector, followed by treatment with 10 µmol/L of A4, B3, or BV6 at indicated timings (three independent replicates). β-actin is used as internal control.
TABLE 1 from Activation of KrasG12D in Subset of Alveolar Type II Cells Enhances Cellular Plasticity in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chaudhary Priyanka , Xu Xia , Wang Guangfang , Hoj Jacob P. , Rampersad Rishi R. , Asselin-Labat Marie-Liesse , Ting Stephanie , Kim William , Tamayo Pablo , Pendergast Ann Marie , Onaitis Mark W.
Published: November 2023

Number of subcutaneous tumors resulting after 8 weeks of engraftment on the flank of immunodeficient mice
Supplementary Table S1 from Activation of KrasG12D in Subset of Alveolar Type II Cells Enhances Cellular Plasticity in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chaudhary Priyanka , Xu Xia , Wang Guangfang , Hoj Jacob P. , Rampersad Rishi R. , Asselin-Labat Marie-Liesse , Ting Stephanie , Kim William , Tamayo Pablo , Pendergast Ann Marie , Onaitis Mark W.
Published: November 2023

Validated alveolar type I and type II epithelial cell markers
Supplementary Figure S8 from Activation of KrasG12D in Subset of Alveolar Type II Cells Enhances Cellular Plasticity in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chaudhary Priyanka , Xu Xia , Wang Guangfang , Hoj Jacob P. , Rampersad Rishi R. , Asselin-Labat Marie-Liesse , Ting Stephanie , Kim William , Tamayo Pablo , Pendergast Ann Marie , Onaitis Mark W.
Published: November 2023

Proposed model showing transformation of type II cells into lung adenocarcinoma
through Rage+/Sftpc+ double positive stage
Supplementary Figure S7 from Activation of KrasG12D in Subset of Alveolar Type II Cells Enhances Cellular Plasticity in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chaudhary Priyanka , Xu Xia , Wang Guangfang , Hoj Jacob P. , Rampersad Rishi R. , Asselin-Labat Marie-Liesse , Ting Stephanie , Kim William , Tamayo Pablo , Pendergast Ann Marie , Onaitis Mark W.
Published: November 2023

Heat map showing the differentially expressed genes between double positive and Type II cells in KrasG12D induced lungs
Supplementary Figure S2 from Activation of KrasG12D in Subset of Alveolar Type II Cells Enhances Cellular Plasticity in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chaudhary Priyanka , Xu Xia , Wang Guangfang , Hoj Jacob P. , Rampersad Rishi R. , Asselin-Labat Marie-Liesse , Ting Stephanie , Kim William , Tamayo Pablo , Pendergast Ann Marie , Onaitis Mark W.
Published: November 2023

Subcutaneous transplantation of double positive cells (Type I/II+) in Rag1-/- or NOD SCID mice leads to large tumor formation