bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Static analysis of violin bow behavior under playing loads
Authors: Testa Francis J.
Published: October 2024

After discussing the relationship between taper and camber typically used by bowmakers, energy methods are then employed to develop nonlinear boundary value problems describing both the hair tightening problem and static deflection analysis of the violin bow under playing loads, including an analysis of possible hair tension asymmetry by employing a linear springs in series model of the hair. A simple algebraic condition for the distance the frog travels in reaching maximum tension is also presented. Boundary value problems are then applied using tools in scilab, comparing the idealized Tourte taper exhibiting a linear stiffness profile and an alternative design with a significantly different profile, revealing small differences in their behavior under static playing loads and validating previously observed significant increase in hair tension when approaching the tip. While the difference in vertical hair deflection as a function of bow position is extremely small, the Tourte design exhibits somewhat more compliance in the stick when approaching the tip, possibly desirable by players given increasing hair tension. An interesting small loss of hair tension in the lower section of the bow stroke is also discussed, representing additional slight differences in the initial compliance felt by the player when engaging the strings.
Turning trash into treasure:
Hermetia illucens
microbiome and biodegradation of industrial side streams
Authors: Klüber Patrick , Gurusinga Friscasari F. , Hurka Sabine , Vilcinskas Andreas , Tegtmeier Dorothee
Published: October 2024

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have attracted attention due to their ability to upcycle various biological side streams into valuable biomass, such as proteins, lipids, and chitin. In this study, we investigated the impact of high-fiber diets on larval growth performance and the shift of microbes in the gut. We tested empty fruit bunches (EFB), potato pulp (PP), and cottonseed press cake (CPC), with chicken feed (CF) used as a control diet. We found that larvae reared on the EFB, PP, and CPC were smaller than control larvae at the end of development due to the low nutritional value of the diets. However, survival rates of more than 90% were observed regardless of the diet. We used a cultivation-dependent approach to analyze the microbial community in the gut of BSFL, isolated, and identified a total of 329 bacterial strains.
Bacillaceae
were most frequently isolated from larvae reared on the high-fiber EFB diet. These isolates were predicted to degrade cellulose
in silico
and this was subsequently confirmed
in vitro
using the Congo Red assay. Whereas the members of
Enterobacteriaceae
and
Morganellaceae
were mostly found in guts of larvae reared on the high-protein diets CPC and CF. We conclude that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the digestion of fiber-rich plant organic material, thereby enabling the BSFL to successfully complete their life cycle also on substrates with low nutritional value. As a result, BSFL convert industrial side streams into valuable biomass, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

IMPORTANCE

Organic side streams from various industries pose a challenge to the environment. They are often present in huge amounts and are mostly discarded, incinerated, used for biogas production, or as feed for ruminant animals. Many plant-based side streams contain difficult-to-digest fiber as well as anti-nutritional or even insecticidal compounds that could harm the animals. These challenges can be addressed using black soldier fly larvae, which are known to degrade various organic substrates and convert them into valuable biomass. This will help mitigate agro-industrial side streams via efficient waste management and will contribute to the more economical and sustainable farming of insects.
Association of
Fusobacterium nucleatum
in human saliva with periodontal status and composition of the salivary microbiome including periodontopathogens
Authors: Akase Takanori , Inubushi Junya , Hayashi-Okada Yoshiko , Shimizu Yasumitsu
Published: October 2024

Fusobacterium nucleatum
promotes dental biofilm formation, increases the prevalence of periodontal disease, and is associated with systemic diseases such as colorectal cancer. However, differences in the composition of salivary microbiome among groups based on the abundance of
F. nucleatum
are unclear. Therefore, we analyzed the difference in salivary microbiome among groups based on the abundance of
F. nucleatum
in saliva samples collected from 611 subjects in Japan. Salivary DNA was extracted, and the oral microbiome was analyzed using next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA. The relationship between
F. nucleatum
and the community periodontal index was evaluated to examine effects on periodontal status, and α- and β-diversity were analyzed in four groups based on quantiles of relative abundance of
F. nucleatum
. Spearman rank correlation tests were used to examine relationships between the relative abundance of
F. nucleatum
and oral bacteria. Subjects with the highest quantiles of
F. nucleatum
had a higher prevalence of periodontitis compared with those with the lowest quantile. β-Diversity also differed among these four groups.
F. nucleatum
showed significant correlations with several periodontopathogens, including the red complex,
Prevotella intermedia
,
Filifactor alocis,
and
Fretibacterium
ssp. These results suggest that the relative abundance of
F. nucleatum
in saliva is associated with periodontal status and the composition of the salivary microbiome, including the red complex and periodontopathogens.

IMPORTANCE

We characterized the composition of the saliva microbiome in groups based on the abundance of
Fusobacterium nucleatum
. There is a lot of periodontitis in subjects with a high abundance of
F. nucleatum
. The diversity of the saliva microbiome was different among groups based on the abundance of
F. nucleatum
. The abundance of
F. nucleatum
correlated with various periodontopathogens including red complex. These results support the influence of the abundance of
F. nucleatum
in saliva on periodontal status and the composition of the salivary microbiome, including the red complex and periodontopathogens.
Multi-omics reveals the effects of dietary supplementation with
Bupleuri radix
branch powder on gut microbiota and lipid metabolism: insights into gut microbial-muscle interactions
Authors: Li Haiyan , Pan Cheng , Wang Fuqiang , Li Zengkai , Shahzad Khuram , Huang Yanping , Zhao Wangsheng
Published: October 2024

Improving livestock growth and raising the quality of livestock products have attracted much attention owing to the market’s growing need for livestock products.
Bupleuri Radix
branches powder (BR) has a variety of health characteristics, but its effects on ruminant growth and animal product quality are still uncertain. This study explored the effects of BR on growth performance, health status, gut microbiota, and muscle lipid metabolism of Shaanxi fine-wool sheep (SFS), and examined the interaction between gut microbiota and lipid metabolism through correlation analysis. The results indicated that BR can regulate the immune function, intestinal VFAs, and enzyme activity of FSF by improving the gut microbiota, thereby affecting its muscle lipid metabolism. The lipid metabolite TG showed a strong positive correlation with the gut microbes
Bacteroides
and
Fibrobacter
, while Phosphatidylethanolamine and Phosphatidyl serine (PE and PS) showed a significant negative correlation with
Fibrobacter
. The above results indicate that gut microbiota and lipid metabolites interact with each other. BR has the effects of promoting SFS growth, improving body health, and improving meat quality. These findings offer new insights into improve animal growth performance and livestock product quality in modern farming.

IMPORTANCE

Enhancing livestock growth performance and improving meat quality are important guidelines for the development of the current animal husbandry industry; thus, we explored a comprehensive study of
Bupleuri Radix
(BR) on growth performance, gut microbiology, and muscle lipid metabolism in Shaanxi fine-wool sheep (SFS). Our research has found that BR could improve the growth performance of SFS and meat quality by affecting gut microbes. This study provides new solutions to improve the economic efficiency of animal husbandry.
Orogenic Gold Deposits of Northern Transbaikalia, Russia: Geology, Age, Sources, and Genesis
Authors: Chugaev A. V.
Published: October 2024

The paper presents newly obtained and summarizes preexisting data of long-term geochronological and isotope studies of orogenic mesothermal gold deposits in the world’s largest Lena metallogenic province and reviews interpretations of their genesis. Geochronologic data indicate that the gold mineralization was formed during three ore-forming Paleozoic events. The early Late Ordovician–Early Silurian (450–430 Ma) event produced the abundant veinlet—disseminated gold–sulfide mineralization in Neoproterozoic carbonaceous terrigenous–carbonate rocks of the Baikal–Patom foldbelt (BPB). The mineralization was formed simultaneously with regional metamorphic processes. The rejuvenation of hydrothermal activity in the BPB resulted in gold-bearing quartz veins, which was produced in the Middle Carboniferous (340–330 Ma) in relation to postcollisional granitoid magmatism. The latest ore-forming event occurred in the Early Permian (290–280 Ma) and affected exclusively in Precambrian structures of the Baikal-Muya foldbelt (BMB). It was synchronous with the development of intraplate alkaline and subalkaline magmatism in the region. Newly obtained and preexisting isotopic-geochemical (87Sr/86Sr, 143Nd/144Nd, Pb–Pb, and δ34S) data indicate that the mesothermal ore-forming systems of northern Transbaikalia were heterogeneous in their isotopic characteristics, which distinguishes them from the ore–magmatic (intrusion-related type) systems. Comparison of the Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic composition of the ores and rocks, including magmatic rocks coeval with the gold mineralization, indicates that the Precambrian continental crust was the dominant source of mineral-forming components for the hydrothermal systems of the gold deposits. The contribution of the magmatic source to the genesis of the orogenic gold mineralization was limited and is identifiable only for the Early Permian ore-forming systems of the BMB, for which the input of metals from alkaline mafic melts was suggested.
Todd Polynomials and Hirzebruch Numbers
Authors: Buchstaber V. M. , Veselov A. P.
Published: October 2024

In 1956 Hirzebruch found an explicit formula for the denominators of the Todd polynomials, which was proved later in his joint work with Atiyah. We present a new formula for the Todd polynomials in terms of the “forgotten symmetric functions,” which follows from our previous work on complex cobordisms. In particular, this leads to a simpler proof of the Hirzebruch formula and provides new interpretations for the Hirzebruch numbers.
Floquet–Bloch Functions on Non-simply Connected Manifolds, the Aharonov–Bohm Fluxes, and Conformal Invariants of Immersed Surfaces
Authors: Taimanov I. A.
Published: October 2024

We define spectral (Bloch) varieties of multidimensional differential operators on non-simply connected manifolds. In their terms we give a description of the analytic dependence of the spectra of magnetic Laplacians on non-simply connected manifolds on the values of the Aharonov–Bohm fluxes, construct analogs of spectral curves for two-dimensional Dirac operators on Riemann surfaces, and thereby find new conformal invariants of immersions of surfaces into three- and four-dimensional Euclidean spaces.
Fifteen-minute consultation: How to manage neonatal bradycardia
Authors: Shrestha Sudeep , Buratti Giacomo , Husseiny Reem , Storring Nicola , Katta Prashanthi
Published: October 2024

Neonatal bradycardia is characterised by a heart rate below 80 bpm, irrespective of gestational age. It is generally self-resolving but, in some cases, represents an underlying pathology which may be cardiac or non-cardiac in origin. The common causes for bradycardia are non-cardiac in origin such as autonomic immaturity in premature infants, electrolyte imbalances, hypothyroidism and medications. Cardiac causes include—sinus bradycardia, conduction system abnormalities, congenital heart disease and channelopathies. Diagnostic investigations typically include a standard 12-lead ECG, 24-hour Holter monitor and an echocardiogram. This article aims to provide a practical framework for the management of neonates with bradycardia and guide further investigation and/or referral to specialist paediatric cardiology services.
Females have better metabolic flexibility in different metabolically challenging stimuli
Authors: Benítez-Muñoz José Antonio , Guisado-Cuadrado Isabel , Rojo-Tirado Miguel Ángel , Alcocer-Ayuga María , Romero-Parra Nuria , Peinado Ana Belén , Cupeiro Rocío
Published: October 2024

The first aim was to explore the difference in metabolic flexibility between sexes in response to changing exercise intensity under control conditions. The second aim was to evaluate metabolic flexibility between sexes in response to exercise intensity adding two different metabolically challenging stimuli (glycogen depletion and heat). Eleven males (22 ± 3 years, 176.2 ± 4 cm, 68.4 ± 4.9 kg, and 60.2 ± 4.1 mL/kg FFM/min) and nine females (22 ± 2 years, 166.7 ± 4.5 cm, 61.9 ± 2.9 kg, and 64.2 ± 5.6 mL/kg FFM/min) performed a maximal incremental exercise test (30 W every 3 min) on a cycle ergometer under three conditions: control (24 h high-carbohydrate diet followed by the incremental test), glycogen depletion (glycogen-depletion protocol followed by 24 h low-carbohydrate diet and then the incremental test), and heat (24 h high-carbohydrate diet followed by 30 min passive heating and then the incremental test in heat). In the last minute of each step, lactate was analysed, fat (FATox/FFM) and carbohydrate oxidation (CHox/FFM), and energy expenditure (EE/FFM) normalized to fat-free mass (FFM) was estimated by indirect calorimetry. Females presented a greater FATox/FFM as exercise intensity increases across conditions (control, glycogen depletion, and heat) ( p = 0.006). In contrast, CHox/FFM was not significantly different between sexes at any specific intensity across conditions ( p > 0.05). Consequently, EE/FFM was higher in females throughout the different intensities across conditions ( p = 0.002). Finally, lactate concentration was not different between sexes at the same intensities across conditions ( p = 0.87). In conclusion, females present a greater metabolic flexibility, due to the higher FATox/FFM throughout the different intensities, regardless of whether the test is performed in conditions emphasizing the oxidative pathway (glycogen depletion) or the glycolytic pathway (heat). Clinical trials: NCT05703100
Multivariate Decision Tree-Oriented Early Warning Method for College Students’ Psychological Crisis Behavior
Authors: Chen YanLi , Ke Jin
Published: October 2024

To prevent the occurrence of psychological crisis behavior and help college students grow from the crisis is not only an important issue related to college students’ mental health, but also a very necessary and urgent practical issue related to college students’ family happiness, college talent training, and social harmony and stability. Therefore, a multivariable decision tree-oriented early warning method for college students’ psychological crisis behavior is proposed. Using the laser beam emitted by the sensor as a reference standard, the psychological crisis behavior data is extracted, converted into different formats, divided into linear regions, and used to build a multivariate decision tree model. The model is used as the judgment processing target, and the judgment equation of mental health status data is established. The status data is divided into different processing groups as the processing object, calculate the maximum state value of the state data in the two data combinations to obtain the optimal early warning result, and finally realize the early warning of psychological crisis behavior. The experimental results show that the final success rate of early warning obtained by this method is high, which can improve the efficiency of early warning; the number of missing data sets was the least, and most of the subjects’ psychological risk tolerance was at the medium level.
Research on the Digital Transformation of the Enterprise Marketing Ecosystem Based on Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Chen Minghui
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the current state of the Enterprise Marketing Ecosystem (EME), especially in the context of Digital Transformation (DT), highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it presents. A significant focus is placed on the potential of genetic algorithms to address the complex optimization problems inherent in this transformation. The core issues faced by enterprises in their digital marketing evolution are elaborated, setting the stage for the exploration of genetic algorithms in this domain. The research delves into the specific steps of the proposed method, utilizing the multi-objective genetic algorithm NSGA-II to optimize various aspects of market strategies. The methodology includes the generation of an initial population, evaluation of fitness according to the tailored needs of the marketing ecosystem, selection, crossover, and mutation operations, followed by the formation of a new generation of solutions. The termination criteria of the algorithm are also discussed. Experimental results are presented, demonstrating the effectiveness of the genetic algorithm in enhancing the DT of the EME. Comparisons with traditional approaches reveal significant improvements in various key performance metrics, underscoring the algorithm’s capability in navigating the complexities of digital marketing optimization.
A Novel Method for Analyzing Global Bifurcation and Global Hysteresis of FGM Truncated Conical Shell Structure
Authors: Guo Yu-Hong , Guo Yu-Hua
Published: October 2024

In the dynamic bifurcation and dynamic hysteresis of a system, our first consideration is the tiny changes in time that can lead to variations in the vector field, potentially causing the occurrence of system dynamic bifurcation and dynamic hysteresis. This paper presents a novel method for analyzing the global bifurcation and hysteresis of Functionally Graded Material (FGM) truncated conical shell structure under aerodynamics and in-plane force along meridian near internal resonances. This method involves introducing the ratio of vector fields as a periodic perturbation parameter in the system’s nonlinear second-order ordinary differential governing equations. This allows for the analysis of the nonlinear ordinary differential equations as algebraic equations, yielding algebraic expressions that only involve parameters and do not contain state variables. Subsequently, the global bifurcation set and global hysteresis set of FGM truncated conical shell structure are obtained, providing the parameters interval ranges for the stability and instability of FGM truncated conical shell structure. By utilizing MAPLE software for numerical simulation, the images of the global bifurcation set and global hysteresis set about the amplitude of in-plane load are first simulated numerically. Subsequently, the amplitude graphs of the equilibrium points are numerically simulated for validation. The results demonstrate a perfect alignment between the images of the global bifurcation set and global hysteresis set and the data from the amplitude graphs of the equilibrium point. Due to the periodicity of the periodic perturbation parameter, it shuttles between different persistent regions as other parameters change, leading to the generation of chaotic solutions in the governing equations. The validity of the obtained results is confirmed through comparisons with existing literature.
Rice Leaf Diseases Classification Using Deep Learning Algorithms for Smartphone Application Development: An Empirical Study
Authors: Suting Albania , Kumar Ansuman , Halder Anindya , Chanu Leimapokpam Lousingkhombi
Published: October 2024

Rice is the most widely consumed grain across the world. The rice plants often suffer from diseases. Early detection of such diseases and adopting remedial measures can help the farmers to avoid major losses and can produce best-quality crops in large quantities. However, the conventional rice leaf disease detection techniques are often not accurate, time-consuming and sometimes require laboratory testing. In this context, automatic rice leaf disease detection techniques are presented based on the various deep learning classifiers (namely MobileNetV2, ResNet50, VGG16 and Le-Net5) and an Android application is also developed in order to instantly determine the possible rice diseases from the uploaded rice leaf images captured by the smartphone. The developed models are tested using the publicly available benchmark rice leaf dataset containing three types of rice leaf diseases, namely bacterial leaf blight, leaf smut and brown spot. Experimental results show that MobileNetV2 model performed better compared to other models in terms of classification accuracy, recall and [Formula: see text]-score. The results of statistical significance test also confirmed the superiority of the MobileNetV2 model over other compared deep learning models.
AI and Discrimination: Sources of Algorithmic Biases
Authors: Moussawi Sara , Deng Xuefei (Nancy) , Joshi K. D.
Published: October 2024

In this editorial, we define discrimination in the context of AI algorithms by focusing on understanding the biases arising throughout the lifecycle of building algorithms: input data for training, the process of algorithm development, and algorithm execution and usage. We draw insights from a few empirical studies to illustrate biases codified in algorithms that could result in harmful outcomes. We call on information systems scholars to prioritize scholarship in the area of algorithmic discrimination that can help generate new knowledge systems that would help safeguard against widespread and unaccountable harm.
An Introduction to Semantic Communication and Semantic-Aware Networking Standardization for 6G
Authors: Shi Guangming , Xiao Yong
Published: October 2024

Recent developments of networking technologies have witnessed a growing interest on human-oriented services such as Tactile Internet and VR/AR/XR, most of which are data-hungry and computationally expensive. Semantic communication and semantic-ware networking (SAN) are promising solutions to meet the above need and support emerging smart applications and services based on the network and user generated data. In this paper, we provide an overview of the ongoing standardization activity of semantic communication and semantic-aware networking at IMT-2030 (6G) standard promotion group, including the overview of the concepts, key functional components, reference architectures, and use cases.
No Ear Left Behind: Wireless Earbuds for Low-Cost Hearing Screening
Authors: Chan Justin , Glenn Antonio , Itani Malek , Mancl Lisa R. , Gallagher Emily R.
Published: October 2024

Hearing loss is particularly harmful for language acquisition and neuro-development if it is left undetected in early childhood. Newborn hearing screening technologies using otoacoustic emissions (OAE) rely on detecting soft sounds generated by a healthy cochlea. High-income countries like the United States frequently implement hearing screening programs for every child at birth. However, such universal hearing screening is significantly less common in low- and middle-income countries, partly due to the conventional wisdom that the test requires sensitive and expensive acoustic hardware that costs thousands of dollars.

In our MobiSys paper[1], we present the first wireless earbud design for low-cost hearing screening. Our hardware-software system reliably performs hearing screening using low-cost acoustic hardware, while being in the form-factor of a wireless earbud (Figure. 1a,b). The earbud hardware is designed to work across a large age range from newborns to adults. By developing low-cost and open-source wearable technology, our work may help address global health inequities in hearing screening by democratizing these medical devices.
Multi-Camera Lighting Estimation for Mobile Augmented Reality
Authors: Zhao Yiqin , Fanello Sean , Guo Tian
Published: October 2024

Lighting estimation is an important and long-standing task in computer vision and graphics communities[1]. Over the past few years, we have observed a rising demand for creating immersive user experiences in mobile augmented reality (AR) applications. In particular, environment lighting estimation is essential to render visually coherent virtual objects that need to be overlaid on physical scenes in mobile AR. In this work, we explore the key research questions in lighting understanding for an emerging application domain, mobile AR on multi-camera handheld devices, particularly try-on applications where end users leverage handheld mobile devices, such as smartphones, to overlay products of interest on their faces. Mobile AR try-on apps promote online shopping and often require photorealism to provide user experiences on par with physical try-on.
Mozart: A Mobile ToF System for Sensing in the Dark Through Phase Manipulation
Authors: Xie Zhiyuan , Ouyang Xiaomin , Pan Li , Xing Guoliang , Liu Xiaoming
Published: October 2024

Sensing in low-light and dark environments has a wide range of applications. However, existing sensing technologies suffer several major challenges, such as excessive noise and low resolution. In this work, we propose Mozart - a new mobile sensing system that leverages off-the-shelf Time-of-Flight (ToF) depth cameras to generate high-resolution and rich-in-texture maps for applications in dark scenarios. The design of Mozart is based on our key observation that the phase components of ToF measurements can be manipulated to expose texture information. Through in-depth analysis of the physical reflection model, we show that the textures can be exposed and enhanced using highly compute-efficient phase manipulation functions. Moreover, by exploiting the physics texture models, we propose an autoencoderbased unsupervised learning approach that can automatically learn efficient representations from phase components to generate high-resolution maps. We implemented Mozart on several Android smartphone models and an edge testbed with standalone ToF camera platforms for various applications in the dark. The results show that Mozart can work in real time and delivers significant improvement over existing sensing technologies. The demo video at https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_sxyTZxIdU shows that Mozart offers a low-cost, highperformance sensing technology for nextgeneration applications in the dark.
Impact on Prognosis of Stage I Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Secondary to Delays in Diagnostic Workup
Authors: Yankelevitz David F. , Yip Rowena , Henschke Claudia I.
Published: October 2024

Delays in treatment attributed to the time required to obtain follow-up CT scans led to decreased survival, as confirmed with two large databases and previous International Early Lung Cancer Action Program findings.
Lung Nodule Management in Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer: Lessons from the NELSON Trial
Authors: Zhong Danrong , Sidorenkov Grigory , Jacobs Colin , de Jong Pim A. , Gietema Hester A. , Stadhouders Ralph , Nackaerts Kristiaan , Aerts Joachim G. , Prokop Mathias , Groen Harry J. M. , de Bock Geertruida H. , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn , Heuvelmans Marjolein A.
Published: October 2024

Low-dose CT screening for lung cancer depicts millions of mostly benign nodules; this requires a risk-stratification protocol using nodule volume, growth, density, and other features to assess nodule malignancy risk.
Leukocyte kinetics and bacterial clearance during Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia and contributions of ICAM-1
Authors: McPeek Matthew K. , Gomez John C. , Martin Jessica R. , Iannone Marie Anne , Dang Hong , Doerschuk Claire M.
Published: October 2024

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Our study examined ICAM-1, an adhesion molecule that is expressed on most cell types and plays important roles in leukocyte adhesion, migration, and motility. The data demonstrate that ICAM-1 is necessary for the clearance of S. pneumoniae and for the resolution of pneumonia but is not required for the recruitment of neutrophils or inflammatory macrophages into the pneumonic lung parenchyma or the alveoli/airways.
Effects of spontaneous curvature on interfacial adsorption and collapse of phospholipid monolayers
Authors: Brandner Bret A. , Rananavare Shankar B. , Hall Stephen B.
Published: October 2024

Pulmonary surfactant must adsorb rapidly to the surface of the alveolar liquid but collapse slowly when compressed. Prior studies show that cylindrical monolayers of the inverse hexagonal phase adsorb rapidly. These structures have negative curvature; the hydrophilic face of the phospholipid leaflet is concave. Our studies tested whether planar lamellar structures with a greater tendency to form negative curvature would adsorb rapidly but collapse slowly. Compositional change accelerated adsorption but also yielded faster collapse.
Mice with lymphatic dysfunction develop pathogenic lung tertiary lymphoid organs that model an autoimmune emphysema phenotype of COPD
Authors: Summers Barbara , Kim Kihwan , Trivedi Anjali , Lu Tyler M. , Houghton Sean , Palmer-Johnson Jade , Rojas-Quintero Joselyn , Cala-Garcia Juan , Pannellini Tania , Polverino Francesca , Lis Raphaël , Reed Hasina Outtz
Published: October 2024

The lymphatic vasculature has been implicated in the pathogenesis of lung disease but remains understudied. Here, the authors use a mouse model to show that lymphatic dysfunction leads to a phenotype of emphysema that is characterized by lung tertiary lymphoid organs that are autoreactive and pathogenic. Analysis of human tissue showed increased lymphatic markers in autoimmune emphysema with prominent TLOs, compared with other COPD phenotypes.
MYL9 binding with MYO19 suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Sheng Meiling , Wang Qunzhi , Lou Yabo , Xiao Yuanchao , Wu Xiaoming
Published: October 2024

Myosin light chain 9 (MYL9) is downregulated in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MYL9 suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in NSCLC cells. MYL9 binds to myosin 19 (MYO19). MYL9/MYO19 signaling inhibits EMT in NSCLC.
Lens Displacement and Retinal Injury in Blunt Eye Trauma
Authors: Zhou Jiabei , Ma Xinqi , Duan Fang , Liu Manli , Xie Yiyu , Long Chongde
Published: October 2024

Introduction: We aimed to investigate the incidence and prognosis of retinal injury in patients with lens dislocation caused by blunt eye trauma.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 53 patients who underwent lensectomy and vitrectomy for contusive lens dislocation and had no preoperative retinal injuries. Patients were categorized according to the presence of retinal injury discovered intraoperatively. The clinical features of 53 eyes were assessed during a 3‐month postoperative follow‐up.

Results: Retinal injuries were observed intraoperatively in 28 patients (52.8%), predominantly in peripheral regions, with a single retinal tear being the most common type. Total lens dislocation was more frequent than subluxation in the group with retinal injuries. The intraocular pressure (IOP) at the 3‐month follow‐up was significantly lower than the initial IOP in both groups, with no significant differences between them. The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) significantly improved in both groups without significant differences.

Conclusion: Half of the patients without preoperative retinal injuries were found to have injuries during surgery. Total lens dislocation carried a greater risk of retinal injuries than subluxation. The improvement in CDVA after prompt retinal injury treatment did not significantly differ from that in patients without retinal injury, highlighting the importance of prompt intervention.
Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Virtual Food Skills and Food Sustainability Program Designed for Children Living With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Goldstein Sarah , Chow Olivia , Schwartz Joeie , Pais Vanita , Wright Susan , Gucciardi Enza
Published: October 2024

Objective: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual food skills program for children with type 1 diabetes.

Methods: Forty‐three patients, aged 6–14 years with type 1 diabetes, participated in an 8‐week online programme, summerlunch+ At Home, that included weekly live cooking classes, asynchronous learning modules, and quizzes accessed through Google Classroom. Grocery delivery or gift cards were provided to all participants to support equitable access to participation. Descriptive results were summarized, and thematic analysis was performed on answers to a post‐intervention questionnaire, parent/caregivers interview transcripts, and facilitators’ field notes.

Results: Participants reported having a positive experience and would recommend the programme to others. Acceptable elements included the online format, the cooking class demonstrations, and the well‐organized content. Families enjoyed the recipes, expressed an improvement in the families’ cooking skills and nutrition knowledge, and noted the program as a way to improve family bonding and reduce participants’ sense of social isolation given the opportunity of meeting peers with diabetes. The intervention also appears to increase participants’ independence, confidence, and self‐esteem. While grocery cards were easier to coordinate compared with meal kits, both were deemed acceptable by caregivers. Barriers to participation include a distracting home environment and not feeling comfortable on camera. Factors that negatively impacted satisfaction were the large age range of participants and the class timing and duration. Caregivers noted a desire for more diabetes education, enhanced peer‐to‐peer interaction, and incorporation of animal‐based protein recipes in future programmes.

Conclusion: The current study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of the virtual summerlunch+ At Home cooking and nutrition program that was adapted for children with diabetes. Similar food skills programmes may support the development of food skills imperative to diabetes self‐management long‐term. Further research can continue to assess food literacy skills, glycemic management, and the social benefits of such interventions.
Dexmedetomidine Combined With Patient‐Controlled Analgesia for Palliative Sedation in Terminal‐Stage Cancer Patients With Refractory Pain: A Retrospective Analysis of Nine Cases
Authors: Li Na , Wang Yumei , Cui Meng
Published: October 2024

Background: Cancer‐related pain is a pervasive symptom affecting the quality of life in patients with malignant tumors. For those with refractory pain, palliative sedation combined with pain management is recommended. Dexmedetomidine (DEX), known for its unique “awake sedation” effect, remains relatively unexplored when used in conjunction with patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) for terminal‐stage cancer patients. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of DEX for palliative sedation with PCA in patients experiencing refractory pain.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on terminal‐stage cancer patients who received DEX for palliative sedation combined with PCA in a hospice ward between January 2020 and June 2023. Data collection included general patient information, laboratory tests, rating scales, pain and analgesia conditions, sedation details, palliative sedative effects, and changes in vital signs before and after sedation.

Results: Nine patients with terminal‐stage cancer received DEX palliative sedation at doses ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 μg/kg·h combined with PCA for refractory pain. After 1 h of sedation and at the maximum sedation dose, the Richmond Agitation‐Sedation Scale scores significantly decreased (all p < 0.001). While heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate remained stable, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure after 1 h of sedation were significantly lower than presedation levels (p = 0.040 and p = 0.044, respectively).

Conclusion: DEX emerges as a promising option for palliative sedation in terminal‐stage cancer patients. When used in conjunction with PCA, DEX has been shown to effectively, safely, and stably control refractory pain without inducing adverse effects such as respiratory/circulatory depression.
Biochemical and Genetic Testing of GAA in Over 30.000 Symptomatic Patients Suspected to Be Affected With Pompe Disease
Authors: Balendran-Braun Sukirthini , Vinatzer Ursula , Liebmann-Reindl Sandra , Lux Manuela , Oliva Petra , Sansen Stefaan , Mechtler Thomas , Kasper David C. , Streubel Berthold
Published: October 2024

Pompe disease (PD) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal disorder caused by loss‐of‐function of the α‐glucosidase (GAA) gene. The deficient GAA enzyme activity may result in potential life‐threatening muscle weakness, thus requiring a rapid diagnosis to initiate therapeutic interventions. In this large retrospective study, we analyzed 30.836 PD suspect samples from 57 countries using a two‐step approach utilizing dried blood spots (DBSs): biochemical testing of GAA activity followed by complementary genetic sequencing of GAA in biochemically conspicuous cases. Of these 30.836 samples, 2% (n = 639) were excluded; accordingly, this study consisted of 30.193 cases. Biochemical testing of GAA enzyme activity showed normal values in 28.354 (93.90%) and enzyme activity below the cut‐off in 1843 (6.10%) cases. These biochemically suspicious cases were genetically analyzed. We identified 723 Pompe cases with 283 different GAA alterations, and 98 variants have been unpublished so far. The most common variant was the splice variant c.‐32‐13T>G (IVS1). Looking at the IVS1‐genotype, the majority was compound heterozygous (n = 169) and identified in late‐onset cases (n = 162). Comparison of early‐ versus late‐onset cases to evaluate whether certain genotypes correlate with the age of onset revealed that homozygosity was predominantly found in infantile (85.65%) and compound heterozygosity in late‐onset (76.9%) cases. Analysis of homozygous cases revealed 61% nonsense variants in the early stages and 87% missense variants in the late stages. Mapping of disease‐associated (homozygous) missense variants to functional GAA protein domains showed that missense variants were found throughout GAA, but we identified enrichment in the catalytic domain. A strict genotype–phenotype correlation cannot be established; nevertheless, a phenotypic implication of some GAA variants could be drawn (e.g., c.896T>C/p.L299P, c.2015G>A/p.R672Q, and c.‐32‐13T>G). The combined enzyme activity and genetic testing from DBS cards can reliably identify PD and significantly accelerate diagnosis. We identified new genetic variants that contribute to the spectrum of pathogenic variants of the GAA gene.
Some Error Bounds for 2‐Point Right Radau Formula in the Setting of Fractional Calculus via s‐Convexity
Authors: Liu Xiao Lan , Xu Hong Yan , Shokri Ali , Lakhdari Abdelghani , Meftah Badreddine
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we present a new approach to construct fractional 2‐point right Radau type integral inequalities using a novel identity, for functions with s‐convex first derivatives in the second sense via Riemann–Liouville fractional integral operators. We then demonstrate the accuracy of our results through a 2D example, as well as practical applications of the integral inequalities to quadrature formulas and special means such as arithmetic and p‐logarithmic means.
Heat and Mass Transfer of Boundary Layer Jeffrey Ternary Hybrid Nanofluid Flow Over Porous Wedge With Surface‐Catalysed Chemical Reactions: An ANFIS Model
Authors: Shanmugapriya M. , Jeffrey A. S. Ashwinth , Sundareswaran R.
Published: October 2024

The current study employs machine learning (ML) techniques to investigate the heat and mass transport of Jeffrey ternary hybrid nanofluid (THNF). Various influential factors, including magnetic field, thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, activation energy, thermophoresis, Brownian motion and surface‐catalysed chemical reactions, are considered in the analysis. The porous moving wedge supports and influences the flow pattern. For thermal enhancement, three different nanoparticles, namely, Ag (silver), CuO (copper oxide) and SWCNT (single − walled carbon nanotubes), diluted in the regular fluid (blood). Initially, the mathematically modelled partial differential equations (PDEs) are solved numerically by the help of the shooting method. The suitable nondimensional similarity transformations are implied to convert the dimensional PDEs to nondimensional ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The reduced dimensionless nonlinear coupled ODEs are solved using ode‐45 in MATLAB. The impact of φAg, φCuO, φSWCNT in Cfx, Nux, Shx, is displayed in cone plots. It is found that, on increasing φAg,  φCuO, φSWCNT, the heat transfer and mass transfer rate gets enhanced in THNF than the hybrid nanofluid (HNF) and nanofluid (NF). The influence of nondimensional parameters over f″(0), θ′(0), ϕ′(0), G′(0) and H′(0) is displayed in 3D contour plots for THNF and HNF. The radiation parameter (R), Brownian motion parameter (Nb), thermophoresis parameter (Nt) and volume fraction parameters φAg, φCuO, φSWCNT boost the energy transfer rate. Finally, the obtained numerical results are split into training and validation datasets that are used in designing the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) ML model. Five different ANFIS models are developed with the help of nondimensional parameters affecting f″(0), θ′(0), ϕ′(0), G′(0) and H′(0) to predict the physical quantities of dragging force (Cfx), energy transfer rate (Nux), the rate of mass transport (Shx) and mass fluxes for chemical species and , respectively. The training and checking errors attained the convergence less than 2 × 10−4 and 0.2, respectively, for all the five factors. The present ANFIS models have good balance between fitting the training data and generalising to new data, which can make accurate predictions irrespective of variations. The numerical and predicted ANFIS f″(0), θ′(0), ϕ′(0), G′(0) and H′(0) for training data, checking data and results are demonstrated in regression plots. From regression plots, we can observe that the Pearson correlation coefficient attains the positive correlation with R value closer to one. Hence, the developed ANFIS model shows the minimal error in predictions with high degree of accuracy of forecast in THNF flow.
Indoor Exchange Rates and Penetration From Outdoors in an Instrumented Terraced House (Townhouse) Using Gas Tracers: Implications for Particles and Gases Indoors
Authors: Matthews James C. , Khan M. Anwar H. , Wright Matthew D. , Perumal Prem K. , Percival Carl J. , Bull Ian D. , Craddock Ian J. , Shallcross Dudley E.
Published: October 2024

Air exchange rate is a key determinant of indoor air quality which is highly variable within the rooms of a naturally ventilated terraced house (townhouse). Window opening can increase the air exchange rate, but internal door opening between rooms inside decreases the rate. Inert perfluorocarbon gas‐phase tracers demonstrated flow within the house, and the penetration of tracers released outside into the house showed a strong dependence on wind speed and wind direction. Between experiments, it was found that the tracer could be detected within certain parts of the house weeks after the initial release, with implications for pollutants and their impact on the indoor environment. A limited number of reactive tracer experiments suggested an upper limit for indoor [OH]~1 × 105 molecule cm-3 with up to 0.5 ppt of [NO3] estimated, leading to an estimated indoor lifetime for d5 isoprene of many hours. Ultrafine particulate matter generated in the kitchen travels throughout the house, and the persistence of elevated aerosol concentrations is seen even in well‐ventilated rooms, with implications for particle exposure in the evening and during the night.
Targeted Degradation of SOS1 Exhibits Potent Anticancer Activity and Overcomes Resistance in KRAS-Mutant Tumors and BCR–ABL–Positive Leukemia
Authors: Luo Ziwei , Lin Chencen , Yu Chuwei , Yuan Changxian , Wu Wenyong , Xu Xiaowei , Sun Renhong , Jia Yan , Wang Yafang , Shen Jie , Wang Dingyan , Wang Sinan , Jiang Hualiang , Jiang Biao , Yang Xiaobao , Xie Chengying
Published: October 2024

Son of sevenless homolog 1 (SOS1) is an essential guanine nucleotide exchange factor for RAS that also plays a critical role in the activation of the small GTPase RAC mediated by BCR–ABL in leukemogenesis. Despite this, small-molecule inhibitors targeting SOS1 have shown limited efficacy in clinical trials for KRAS-mutant cancers, and their potential as a therapeutic approach for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) remains largely unexplored. In this study, we developed a potent SOS1 proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) SIAIS562055, which was designed by connecting a CRBN ligand to an analog of the SOS1 inhibitor BI-3406. SIAIS562055 exhibited sustained degradation of SOS1 and inhibition of downstream ERK pathways, resulting in superior antiproliferative activity compared with small-molecule inhibitors. SIAIS562055 also potentiated the activity of both KRAS inhibitors in KRAS-mutant cancers and ABL inhibitors in BCR–ABL–positive CML. In KRAS-mutant xenografts, SIAIS562055 displayed promising antitumor potency as a monotherapy and enhanced ERK inhibition and tumor regression when combined with KRAS inhibitors, overcoming acquired resistance. In CML cells, SIAIS562055 promoted the active uptake of BCR–ABL inhibitors by upregulating the carnitine/organic cation transporter SLC22A4. SIAIS562055 and BCR–ABL inhibitors synergistically enhanced inhibition of ABL phosphorylation and downstream signaling, demonstrating robust antitumor activities in both mouse xenografts and primary samples from patients with CML. In summary, this study suggests that PROTAC-mediated SOS1 degradation represents an effective therapeutic strategy for treating not only KRAS-mutant cancers but also BCR–ABL–harboring leukemia.

Significance: The PROTAC SIAIS562055 sustainably degrades SOS1 and inhibits downstream ERK signaling, showing strong antiproliferative activity and synergistic effects with KRAS inhibitors in KRAS-mutant cancers and BCR–ABL inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia.