bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonclassical Transport Laws in Third-Grade Nanoliquid Flow on a Stretchable Surface: A Novel Approach Incorporating Soret and Dufour Effects
Authors: Shah Faisal , Zhang D. , Ahmad Furqan , Waqas M. , Ijaz Khan M.
Published: October 2024

Here the Cattaneo–Christov double diffusion model explores the mixed convective flow of third-grade nanoliquid on a stretchable surface with Riga device diverging from the traditional Fourier and Fick’s law. The model incorporates entropy optimization and Soret–Dufour effects, offering a unique perspective on heat and mass transfer phenomena. By employing relevant transformations, the complex partial differential equations are converted into more manageable ordinary differential systems. An optimal analysis method is then applied to solve the resulting nonlinear differential system, shedding light on the intricate interplay of various physical variable. Through the utilization of plots, the study delves into the impact of these physical variable, providing insights into the behavior of the system under different conditions. This comprehensive approach not only enhances our understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing the convective flow of nano-liquids, but also highlights the significance of considering nonclassical models in thermal and mass transport studies. The key finding of this study is that fluid velocity enhances for material parameters due to low viscosity. Temperature and nanoparticle concentration enhance for higher values of Dufour and Soret numbers, respectively. For higher estimations of Reynold number, entropy of the system decreases.
Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Characteristics and Computation of Stress Intensity Factor of High-Speed Train Brake Disc Under Wheel–Rail Excitation
Authors: Zhu Hai-Yan , Zhang Ren-Yi , Li Jie , Xiao Qian , Zeng Jing , Zhou Sheng-Tong
Published: October 2024

In order to research the influence of wheel–rail excitation on the stress intensity factor of the brake disc of high-speed train, finite element model of brake disc was established. The vibration characteristics of the brake disc under wheel–rail excitation and the changes of thermo-mechanical coupling temperature field and stress field were computed by combining dynamics and finite element simulation. Finally, the variation law of the stress intensity factor of the fatigue crack of the brake disc with the crack inclination angle and the distance between the two cracks under wheel–rail excitation and without wheel–rail excitation was obtained. The results show that the vibration acceleration value of the brake disc in the vertical direction is maximum. The surface temperature of the brake disc gradually decreases with the increase of the thickness. The maximum temperature under the wheel–rail excitation condition is higher than that without wheel–rail excitation condition. The stress intensity factor of mode I crack of brake disc decreases with the increase of crack angle and radial angle. The stress intensity factor of mode II increases first and then decreases with the increase of crack angle. Under the action of collinear double cracks, as the distance between the two cracks increases, the crack action parameters gradually decrease, which can effectively reduce the crack propagation in the radial direction. In the state of two parallel cracks, with the increase of the distance between the two cracks, the crack action parameters will gradually increase, while the wheel–rail excitation condition will strengthen the inhibition.
A stochastic SIRS epidemic model with a saturation incidence under semi-Markovian switching
Authors: Zhou Chang , Li Zhiming
Published: October 2024

The saturation incidence is of vital importance in the spread of large-scale epidemics. Although many achievements have been concerning deterministic epidemic models with saturated incidence, little is known about a stochastic version with a saturation incidence under semi-Markovian switching. Based on the above, this paper aims to propose such a stochastic model. Via constructing suitable Lyapunov functions, we prove the existence and uniqueness of a positive solution and provide a threshold value for disease tending to be extinct. Further, the bounded and persistent properties are provided for the model. Under sufficient conditions, the stochastic model has a unique ergodic stationary distribution. As illustrations, several examples are presented to show the theoretical results. The results show that the density function of the solution depends on regime switching. As an application, we study COVID-19 data in Iceland. The SMC-ABC algorithm is used to estimate unknown parameters of the model with semi-Markovian switching.
Exploring epidemics using non-monotonic incidence function: Effects of sociological factors and hospital bed availability
Authors: Dutta Shimli , Dutta Protyusha , Samanta Guruprasad
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the dynamics of an epidemic employing an (Susceptible-Infected-Hospitalized-Recovered-Susceptible (SIHRS) epidemiological model highlighting the crucial importance of hospital bed availability and a non-monotone incidence function, which incorporates the influences of stringent governmental measures, social behavior dynamics and public responses in both autonomous and non-autonomous scenarios. The analysis investigates the conditions for existence of infection-free and endemic steady states based on the basic reproduction number as it surpasses unity. Sensitivity analysis has been conducted to evaluate the impact of different system parameters on disease transmission. This work also investigates alterations in stability of the system caused by transcritical, Hopf and saddle-node bifurcations. Additionally, two-parameter bifurcation identifies the regions where the stability of both the equilibrium points has been examined. Numerical simulations are shown to illustrate all the theoretically obtained results. Also, the model examines the dynamical behavior of the epidemic when the quantity of available hospital beds varies periodically. This aspect of the study highlights the significant impact of hospital bed availability. Such factors are crucial in preventing disease spread during an epidemic. The results provide valuable insights into how dynamic patterns of disease transmission are influenced by healthcare infrastructure and public health interventions. This comprehensive exploration underscores the importance of integrated approaches combining medical resources and societal measures in managing and mitigating the effects of epidemics.
Conformable evolution inclusions with causal operators
Authors: Donchev Tzanko , Kitanov Nikolay , Kolev Mikhail K. , Lazu Alina , Nikolova Iveta
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we study local and nonlocal problems of conformable semilinear evolution inclusions with causal operators, which include time lag system and a large classes of parabolic multivalued differential equations. We first investigate the problems with the help of measure of noncompactness and afterwards when the right-hand side is Lipschitz.
Contextual Emotional Transformer-Based Model for Comment Analysis in Mental Health Case Prediction
Authors: Ibitoye Ayodeji O. J. , Oladimeji Oladosu O. , Onifade Olufade F. W.
Published: October 2024

Mental health (MH) assessment and prediction have become critical areas of focus in healthcare, leveraging developments in natural language processing (NLP). Recent advancements in machine learning have facilitated the exploration of predictive models for MH based on user-generated comments that overlooked the integration of emotional attention mechanisms. The methods often struggle with contextual nuances and emotional subtleties, leading to suboptimal predictions. The prevailing challenge lies in accurately understanding the emotional context embedded within textual comments, which is crucial for effective prediction and intervention. In this research, we introduce a novel approach employing contextual emotional transformer-based models (CETM) for comment analysis in MH case prediction. CETM leverages state-of-the-art transformer architectures enhanced with contextual embedding layers and emotional attention mechanisms for MH case prediction. By incorporating contextual information and emotional cues, CETM captures the underlying emotional states and MH indicators expressed in user comments. Through extensive experimentation and evaluation, both Roberta and bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) models exhibited enhanced accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 scores compared to their counterparts lacking emotional attention. Notably, the Roberta model attained a greater accuracy of 94.5% when matched to BERT’s 87.6% when emotional attention was employed. Hence, by incorporating emotional context into the predictive model, we achieved significant improvements, which offers promising avenues for more precise and personalized MH interventions.
Red blood cells as potential materials for microRNA biomarker study: overcoming heparin-related challenges
Authors: Kontidou Eftychia , Humoud Rawan , Chernogubova Ekaterina , Alvarsson Michael , Maegdefessel Lars , Collado Aida , Pernow John , Zhou Zhichao
Published: October 2024

microRNAs are valuable biomarkers in cardiometabolic disease, but heparinized tubes hinder their detection because of qPCR interference. RBCs, which express abundant microRNAs like miR-210-3p, may serve as an alternative. microRNAs, including miR-210-3p, are consistently detectable in RBCs at comparable levels between heparinized and EDTA tubes. miR-210-3p levels in RBCs are similarly reduced in heparinized tubes of patients with type 2 diabetes. Thus, RBCs offer a promising solution for miRNA biomarker studies, overcoming heparin-related challenges.
Experimental Study of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Cement‐Based Composite Reinforced With Macro‐/Microfibers: Case of Rhecktophyllum camerunense and Triumfetta pentandra
Authors: Nkapleweh Azemafac Desmond , Tendo Josepha Foba , Ebanda Fabien Betene , Stanislas Tido Tiwa , Nafu Yakum Reneta , Mewoli Armel Edwige
Published: October 2024

Plant fibers have the ability to bridge crack propagation on a microscopic scale for microfibers and on a macroscopic scale for macrofibers. Therefore, the use of two or more fiber types in an appropriate combination can potentially improve the overall properties of the cement composite as well as promote green construction. The hybrid composite was cast using random orientation with two fibers: Rhecktophyllum camerunense as macrofiber and Triumfetta pentandra as microfiber. Cement mortar matrices were reinforced with a constant microfiber length of 1 mm and three different macrofiber lengths of 1.5, 3, and 6 mm at varying fiber contents of 1%, 1.5%, and 2.5% wt. The physical characteristics of the composite were assessed by porosity, density, and water absorption. Mechanically, three‐point bending tests and single‐edge notch bending (SENB) tests were performed after 7 and 14 days of curing. Mode I fracture behavior (KIC) and modulus of rupture (MOR) were calculated as per formulation. Physical experimental results reveal that there is a correlation between the rate of water absorption, porosity, density, and that of the fiber loading and length in the composite. Mechanically, the developed material presented a multiple cracking behavior under bending. There was a decrease in MOR and fracture toughness values with a decrease in macrofiber content in the hybrid composite. They both presented an increase in value with an increase in fiber content and fiber length. The composites reinforced with both fibers presented higher values of MOR than the unreinforced due to the powerful interfacial bond between the fibers and the cement matrix. The unreinforced composites had the least MOR and fracture toughness values of 0.442 MPa and 694,000 N.m1.5, respectively, showing that they are very reactive to faults at low stress levels.
Collaborative Attack Sequence Generation Model Based on Multiagent Reinforcement Learning for Intelligent Traffic Signal System
Authors: Wu Yalun , Xiang Yingxiao , Baker Thar , Tong Endong , Zhu Ye , Cui Xiaoshu , Zhang Zhenguo , Han Zhen , Liu Jiqiang , Niu Wenjia
Published: October 2024

Intelligent traffic signal systems, crucial for intelligent transportation systems, have been widely studied and deployed to enhance vehicle traffic efficiency and reduce air pollution. Unfortunately, intelligent traffic signal systems are at risk of data spoofing attack, causing traffic delays, congestion, and even paralysis. In this paper, we reveal a multivehicle collaborative data spoofing attack to intelligent traffic signal systems and propose a collaborative attack sequence generation model based on multiagent reinforcement learning (RL), aiming to explore efficient and stealthy attacks. Specifically, we first model the spoofing attack based on Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) at single and multiple intersections. This involves constructing the state space, action space, and defining a reward function for the attack. Then, based on the attack modeling, we propose an automated approach for generating collaborative attack sequences using the Multi‐Actor‐Attention‐Critic (MAAC) algorithm, a mainstream multiagent RL algorithm. Experiments conducted on the multimodal traffic simulation (VISSIM) platform demonstrate a 15% increase in delay time (DT) and a 40% reduction in attack ratio (AR) compared to the single‐vehicle attack, confirming the effectiveness and stealthiness of our collaborative attack.
Laboratory Investigation of the Unsaturated Shear Strength Characteristics of Sand–Clay Mixtures
Authors: Tao Gaoliang , Mao Nong , Huang ShaoPing , Ouyang Qing
Published: October 2024

Sandy‐clay mixtures are commonly used in civil engineering projects, such as transportation and water resources, due to their unique construction properties. While the macromechanical characteristics of these mixtures under saturated conditions are well understood, their behavior in unsaturated states is still not fully elucidated. This study aims to investigate the mechanical behavior of sand–clay mixtures under unsaturated conditions by examining the influence of varying sand content and matric suction on their shear strength. The research includes unsaturated shear strength tests and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments to analyze the pore characteristics within the mixtures at different sand content levels. The correlation between changes in pore structure and shear strength is systematically analyzed. The unsaturated shear strength of the mixtures is predicted using the Fredlund shear strength formula and compared with the measured values. The results indicate that the unsaturated shear strength of the mixture decreases as the sand content increases but stabilizes once the sand content reaches 20%. Below 20% sand content, the changes in micropore distribution are not significant with increasing sand content. However, beyond 20% sand content, there is a noticeable increase in the ratio of large pores and a decrease in the proportion of small pores. The sand content of 20% represents a critical threshold for the strength and porosity variations in the mixture. Under constant matric suction, the unsaturated shear strength of the mixture improves with the increase in sand content. However, the predictive accuracy of the Fredlund shear strength formula gradually diminishes as the sand content increases.
Comparison Between the Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Adult Advanced Life Support Protocols: A Simulation‐Based Pilot Study
Authors: Altuwaijri Fawaz , Alrabiah Abdulaziz , Alqarni Abdullah , Habash Alia Kamal , Alghofili Mohammad , Alotaibi Omar , Altuwaijri Mansour
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Cardiac arrest is a public health concern associated with unfavorable disease outcomes. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of optimal quality is widely acknowledged as an indispensable technique in restoring spontaneous circulation. In order to perform advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), chest compression must be paused twice: once to assess the rhythm and again to administer the shock. Australian advanced life support (ALS) recommends that the defibrillator needs to be precharged in order to administer the shock during a solitary interval in chest compressions. While performing chest compressions, precharging defibrillators can decrease hands‐off time without posing a risk of injury.

Aim: To compare chest compression fraction (CCF)—which is the cumulative time spent providing chest compressions divided by the total time taken for the entire resuscitation—by calculating the hands‐off time duration in cardiac arrest between the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and American Heart Association (AHA) protocols for CPR.

Methods: A simulation‐based pilot study was designed using a Laerdal Resusci Anne mannequin and a LIFEPACK 20 defibrillator. The study included six participants recruited from King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where three participants were certified ACLS providers and there were certified ALS providers. Participants were divided into two groups, ALS and ACLS, each following one protocol. For each scenario, a random job was assigned to each participant, regardless of their role as assistant, team leader, or performer of CPR. Each case’s shockable and nonshockable rhythms were hidden from the team leader and the chest compressor. Ten trials of CPR were performed, each for four cycles with a total time of 8 min. The simulation was video recorded for hands‐off time counting. Comparison between CCF (seconds) per cycle between the two protocols was performed using an independent sample t‐test. A p value of 0.05 was used to measure statistical significance.

Results: Comparing CCF in shockable rhythms between ARC and AHA protocols, it was observed that the CCF of ALS‐ARC was significantly higher than ACLS‐AHA in all cycles; the first cycle: t = 3.782, p = 0.004; the second cycle: t = 3.380, p = 0.007; the third cycle: t = 3.803, p = 0.003; and the fourth cycle: t = 4.341, p = 0.001.

Conclusion: Precharging a defibrillator before a rhythm check during chest compression, in anticipation of a potentially shockable rhythm, reduces the time required for defibrillation and limits interruptions in chest compression during CPR. This practice effectively enhances the CCF. Enhancing the continuity of chest compressions can potentially improve survival rates in ARC.
Handgrip‐Ring Structure Sensing Probe Assisted Multiple Signal Amplification Strategy for Sensitive and Label‐Free Single‐Stranded Nucleic Acid Analysis
Authors: Ren Ying , He Yu , Li Ping
Published: October 2024

Precise and efficient identification of single‐stranded nucleic acids is crucial for both pathological research and early diagnosis of diseases, such as cancers. Therefore, we have devised a novel biosensor that utilizes an elegantly designed handgrip‐ring structure sensing probe to enhance the detection sensitivity and reduce background signals. The handgrip‐ring structure sensing probe combines ring padlock‐based target recognition and hairpin structure probe‐based signal amplification. The target sequences form a binding interaction with the ring padlock in the sensing probe, leading to the elongation of the single‐stranded chain with the assistance of polymerase. This elongation step results in the release of the hairpin probe, triggering a signal amplification process. This design significantly minimized the potential discrepancies that may occur during the signal amplification process, hence bestowing the approach with a low level of background signals. By utilizing this innovative design, the current biosensor demonstrates a remarkable ability to detect miRNA with a limit as low as 376 aM and single‐stranded DNA sequences with a limit as low as 45.3 aM. In addition, it possesses exceptional discrimination capabilities. The efficacy of this approach in diagnosing targets was also effectively proved by the rational redesign of the ring padlock.
Enhancing the Efficiency of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines Through Optimization of Blade Parameters
Authors: Seifi Davari Hossein , Botez Ruxandra Mihaela , Seify Davari Mohsen , Chowdhury Harun
Published: October 2024

In this research, we delve into the promising potential of horizontal axis wind turbines to effectively meet the electricity needs of developing countries. By addressing the challenges posed by low Reynolds number airflow characteristics, we focus on specific airfoils—E471, S2055, and RG15—tailored for horizontal axis wind turbine blade optimization. Utilizing QBLADE software, we evaluate the lift coefficient, stall angle of attack, and lift‐to‐drag ratio coefficient efficiency of these airfoils across various thickness‐to‐camber ratios. The aerodynamic efficiency of the altered airfoils is assessed in terms of lift coefficient, drag coefficient, lift‐to‐drag ratio coefficient, and stall angle of attack at Reynolds number ranging from 50,000 to 500,000. The findings reveal that the optimized thickness‐to‐camber ratio results in peak lift‐to‐drag ratio coefficient values surpassing the reference airfoils across the Re range. These lift‐to‐drag ratio coefficient enhancements vary among airfoils and Re values. Furthermore, modifications to the E471, S2055, and RG15 airfoils increase the peak lift coefficient and stall angle of attack values across all Re ranges examined. The validation of results is achieved through comparison with experimental testing, solidifying the reliability of QBLADE software in predicting aerodynamic performance.
Risk of Developing a Subsequent Primary Cancer among Adult Cancer Survivors
Authors: Warkentin Matthew T. , Cheung Winson Y. , Brenner Darren R. , O’Sullivan Dylan E.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Improvements in cancer control have led to a drastic increase in cancer survivors who may be at an elevated risk of developing subsequent primary cancers (SPC). In this study, we assessed the risk and patterns of SPC development among 196,858 adult cancer survivors in Alberta, Canada.

Methods:

We used data from the Alberta Cancer Registry to identify all first primary cancers occurring between 2004 and 2020. A SPC was considered as the next primary cancer occurring in a different site. We estimated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for SPC development as the observed number of SPC (O) divided by the expected number of SPC (E), in which E is a weighted sum of the population-based year–age–sex–specific incidence rates and the corresponding person-years of follow-up.

Results:

The risk of developing a SPC up to 15 years after an initial cancer was 16.2% for males and 12.2% for females. Overall, both males (SIR = 1.50) and females (SIR = 1.58) had an increased risk of a SPC. There were significant increases in SPC risk for nearly all age groups, with a greater than five-fold increase for survivors diagnosed between ages 18 and 39. Screen-detectable cancers including colorectal, lung, cervix, and breast accounted for 46% and 27% of SPC among females and males, respectively.

Conclusions:

Cancer survivors of nearly every initial site had substantially increased risk of a SPC, compared with the cancer risk in the general population.

Impact:

Screen-detectable cancers were common SPC sites and highlight the need to investigate optimal strategies for screening the growing population of cancer survivors.
Reverse Selection Designs for Accommodating Multiple Control Arms
Authors: Samorodnitsky Sarah , Othus Megan , LeBlanc Michael , Wu Michael C.
Published: October 2024

Evaluating a novel treatment in a randomized controlled trial requires comparison against existing therapies. If several existing therapies of similar benefit exist, the identification of a single control regimen may be difficult. For this situation, we propose a reverse selection design which, in its simplest form, includes a single experimental treatment arm and two control arms. Rather than carrying both control arms through the entire trial, the control arms are compared at an early interim analysis, ideally while accrual is ongoing. At this time, the worst-performing control arm is dropped and randomization continues to the remaining arms. At the end of the study, we compare the treatment to the remaining control arm. When no head-to-head comparison of the extant therapies is available or feasible, this design requires a smaller sample size than a traditional three-arm design or two sequential trials in which the extant therapies are compared and the better treatment is used in a subsequent trial as the control arm. This is because the final comparison is only between two arms and because the early interim analysis occurs prior to the end of accrual—yet with enough information such that any substantially better control arm will be selected. We evaluate the operating characteristics of a reverse selection design via simulation and show that it reduces the required sample size needed to compare the treatment against the best control, controls type I error, and likely selects the right control arm to use in the final analysis.
Chemotherapy Sparks Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Metastatic Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Bravo Melgar Jesús , Laoui Damya
Published: October 2024

Ovarian cancer remains resistant to immunotherapy in most patients, highlighting the need to make these tumors more immunogenic. A recent study unveils how chemotherapy is able to induce cancer cell stress in metastatic ovarian carcinomas, inducing the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures that create a “hotter” tumor microenvironment.

See related article by Lanickova et al., p. 164
The Efficacy of a Food Supplement in the Treatment of Tinnitus with Comorbid Headache: A Statistical and Machine Learning Analysis with a Literature Review
Authors: Kalentakis Zacharias , Feretzakis Georgios , Baxevani Georgia , Dritsas Georgios , Papatheodorou Effrosyni
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external auditory stimulus, affects approximately 10–15% of the population and is often associated with significant comorbidities such as headaches. These conditions can severely impact the quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a food supplement in reducing the symptoms of both tinnitus and headache in patients experiencing these conditions concurrently. Methods: This prospective study included 32 patients (21 males and 11 females) aged between 23 and 68 years (mean age 49.38 years) who were experiencing both tinnitus and headache. The study assessed the impact of a food supplement on tinnitus and headache over a 90-day treatment period using three main instruments: the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for discomfort. Statistical analyses, including paired t tests, were conducted to compare pre- and posttreatment scores. In the same dataset, Ridge Regression, a linear regression model with L2 regularization, was used to predict posttreatment scores (THI90, HIT90, VAS90). Results: The results indicated a statistically significant reduction in all three measures after 90 days of treatment. The mean THI score decreased from 29.81 to 27.06 (p = 0.011), the mean HIT-6 score decreased from 50.41 to 48.75 (p = 0.019), and the mean VAS score for discomfort decreased from 7.63 to 7.13 (p = 0.033). The optimal Ridge Regression model was found with an “alpha” value of approximately 3.73. The performance metrics on the test set were as follows: Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 13.91 and an R-squared score of 0.61, indicating that the model explains approximately 61% of the variance in the posttreatment scores. These results indicate that pretreatment scores are significant predictors of posttreatment outcomes, and gender plays a notable role in predicting HIT and VAS scores posttreatment. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a food supplement is effective in reducing the symptoms of tinnitus and headache in patients suffering from both conditions. The significant improvements in THI, HIT-6, and VAS scores indicate a positive impact on patient quality of life. Further research with larger sample sizes and more detailed subgroup analyses is recommended to fully understand the differential impacts of treatment across various demographics.
Tetracyclines Revisited: Tetracyclines in the Field of Dermatology
Authors: Kim Yoon-Seob , Kim Hei Sung
Published: October 2024

Background: Tetracyclines are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics favored by dermatologists. Over the last decade, the clinical efficacy of tetracyclines has expanded into various dermatoses. Summary: This review tries to encompass the possible indications of tetracycline in the field of dermatology and possible mechanisms of action. This comprehensive review encompasses all possible indications of tetracyclines besides acne vulgaris and rosacea: hidradenitis suppurativa, autoimmune bullous dermatoses, vitiligo, alopecia, prurigo pigmentosa, granulomatous dermatoses, Kaposi’s sarcoma, cold urticaria, atopic dermatitis, scrub typhus, scarring, and miscellaneous dermatoses. We also focus on the recently approved sarecycline, a third-generation narrow-spectrum tetracycline, and its clinical efficacy and potential impact on the microbiome. Our review provides a better understanding of this extremely familiar drug class and encourages its use in a wider spectrum of dermatologic diseases and symptoms. Key Messages: This study comprehensively reviewed the current literature on potential indications of tetracyclines in the field of dermatology.
Bidirectional Impact of Varying Severity of Acute Kidney Injury on Calcium Oxalate Stone Formation
Authors: Yang Yu , Huang Junkai , Ma Xiaochen , Xie Haijie , Xie Linguo , Liu Chunyu
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a prevalent renal disorder. The occurrence of AKI may promote the formation of renal calcium oxalate stones by exerting continuous effects on renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs). We aimed to delineate the molecular interplay between AKI and nephrolithiasis. Methods: A mild (20 min) and severe (30 min) renal ischemia-reperfusion injury model was established in mice. Seven days after injury, calcium oxalate stones were induced using glyoxylate (Gly) to evaluate the impact of AKI on the formation of kidney stones. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on TECs to elucidate the relationship between AKI severity and kidney stones. Key transcription factors (TFs) regulating differential gene transcription levels were identified using motif analysis, and pioglitazone, ginkgetin, and fludarabine were used for targeted therapy to validate key TFs as potential targets for kidney stone treatment. Results: Severe AKI led to increased deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in renal, impaired kidney function, and upregulation of kidney stone-related gene expression. In contrast, mild AKI was associated with decreased crystal deposition, preserved kidney function, and downregulation of similar gene expression. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that genes associated with inflammation and cell adhesion pathways were significantly upregulated after severe AKI, while genes related to energy metabolism pathways were significantly upregulated after mild AKI. An integrative bioinformatic analysis uncovered a TF regulatory network within TECs, pinpointing that PKNOX1 was involved in the upregulation of inflammation-related genes after severe AKI, and inhibiting PKNOX1 function with pioglitazone could simultaneously reduce the increase of calcium oxalate crystals after severe AKI in kidney. On the other hand, motif analysis also revealed the protective role of STAT1 in the kidneys after mild AKI, enhancing the function of STAT1 with ginkgetin could reduce kidney stone formation, while the specific inhibitor of STAT1, fludarabine, could eliminate the therapeutic effects of mild AKI on kidney stones. Conclusion: Inadequate repair of TECs after severe AKI increases the risk of kidney stone formation, with the upregulation of inflammation-related genes regulated by PKNOX1 playing a role in this process. Inhibiting PKNOX1 function can reduce kidney stone formation. Conversely, after mild AKI, effective cell repair through upregulation of STAT1 expression can protect TEC function and reduce stone formation, and activating STAT1 function can also achieve the goal of treating kidney stones.
Melody transposition tolerance in the human cortex: An fMRI adaptation and MVPA investigation
Authors: Han Yun-An , Hsieh Po-Jang
Published: October 2024

Melody perception involves constant relational representations, enabling most people to recognize the melodies after being transposed. This invariant property of melody transposition has been supported in many previous behavioral studies, and we hypothesize that there are brain regions showing tolerance toward melody transposition when processing melodies. To test the hypothesis, we adopted an event-related adaptation approach and a multivariate pattern cross-classification (MVCC) analysis approach. Consistent with our prediction, we discovered clusters in the right superior temporal gyrus (STG) and the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) that exhibited adaptation when participants listened to both the same and transposed-same melodies after the original ones. An ROI and searchlight-based cross-classification analysis also revealed that BOLD pattern in the bilateral precentral gyrus (PreCG), the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL), the right angular gyrus (AG), and the right superior temporal gyrus (STG) showed tolerance to melody transposition. These findings suggest that tolerance to melody transposition exists throughout the music processing pathway from auditory to motor cortices.
Foraging behaviour and pollinator dynamics in lucerne crop of the Bundelkhand region: Implications for crop management in the subtropics
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Keerthi M.C. , Mahesha H.S. , Arunkumara C.G. , Shivakumara K.T. , Saini Ravi Prakash , Bhargavi H.A. , Yadav Vijay Kumar
Published: October 2024

Pollination stands out as the paramount ecosystem service facilitated by insect pollinators, providing benefits to over three quarters of the world’s major crops. The conservation and effective management of honeybees constitute integral components for ensuring the sustainable productivity of cross-pollinated crops. The present study aimed to document the potential pollinators of lucerne in the Bundelkhand region in India, which is known for its subtropical climatic conditions. Further, the foraging behaviour, including foraging rate and speed, was meticulously documented. A total of 13 insect species from seven families across three insect orders were observed visiting lucerne flowers. Hymenopterans comprised the majority of the floral visitors (73.48%), followed by Lepidoptera (26.51%) during the study period. Among them, Apis dorsata (Hymenoptera: Apidae) emerged as the most predominant floral visitor, exhibiting peak activity at 12:00 h with a density of 7.85 bees/m2/10 min. Surprisingly, among the major floral visitors, A. florea has the highest mean foraging rate (number of flowers visited/minute/forager), i.e., 11.56, 11.59 and 10.79 bees/flowers/minute during the initial flowering stage, peak flowering stage and late flowering stage, respectively. However, the foraging speed (time spent by the forager on each flower) was longest in A. dorsata, i.e., 5.05, 3.78 and 5.41 s/flower during initial, peak and late flowering stages, respectively. The findings emphasize the importance of enhancing honeybee activity to boost lucerne seed yield. Further, the outcomes of the study can be leveraged to optimize honeybee colony management, scheduling field operations such as pesticide application and weeding during periods of minimal honeybee activity.
New Aspects of Hobbes – Matter and Energy: Remarks on Samantha Frost’s Lessons from a Materialist Thinker
Authors: Rossello Diego
Published: October 2024

A symposium on Samantha Frost’s Lessons from a Materialist Thinker: Hobbesian Reflections on Ethics and Politics offers an opportunity to revisit one of the most original contributions to Hobbes scholarship in the last few decades. The book’s originality resides not only in recuperating Hobbes’s materialist metaphysics for contemporary ethics and politics, but in making Hobbes’s take on matter inform novel conceptual approaches to social and non-social reality, such as new materialism – a philosophical school that conceives matter as vibrant and agentic, rather than inert.
Re-interpreting the Magdalenian cricket: did the Paleolithic rein-deer hunters engraved one of their insect delicacies?
Authors: Azémar F. , Pelozuelo L.
Published: October 2024

The depiction of an Orthoptera Ensifera discovered in Enlène cave (Ariège, France) in 1928 has long been interpreted as a Troglophilus sp., i.e. a representation of a cave-dwelling orthoptera species. We here propose another interpretation based on the knowledge of the contemporary community of bush- and cave-cricket species, and their morphological and ecological traits. We rather suggest that this engraved Orthoptera may represent a bush-cricket species (Polysarcus spp.) and propose arguments supporting the hypothesis that it may represent a bush-cricket that could have been part of their diet.
War Dummies: Structured Data on Organised Armed Confrontations with Dutch Involvement, 1566–1812
Authors: Petram L.O. , Kruizinga S.F.
Published: October 2024

The War dummies dataset offers structured data on Dutch-involved organised armed confrontations from 1566 to 1812. Comprising 1216 records detailing the participation of 95 entities in 548 encounters across 50 wars, it fills a crucial need for well-structured, accessible, and reusable pre-1815 historical warfare data. Based on the comprehensive Military History of the Netherlands book series, it aligns with post-1815 conflict datasets like the Inter-State War Database of the Correlates of War Project and the Georeferenced Event Dataset of the Uppsala Conflict Data Program. This article outlines the data collection, structure, and potential research applications, and discusses data quality and potential biases. The War dummies codebook offers comprehensive variable descriptions.
Roles and Interaction of Supervisors and Students in Collective Academic Supervision: A Qualitative Study in China
Authors: YAN Xiaojing , ZHU Zhiyong , LI Bingqing , LI Zhuo , SUN Yan
Published: October 2024

Collective academic supervision (cas) is a form of student-supervisor interaction for academic learning. This paper is a qualitative case study using observation and interviews to explore the roles and interactions of supervisors and students in three cas groups in a university. Symbolic interaction theory was employed for data analysis, also taking into account the influence of the higher education context on the roles and interactions of participants. The research found that supervisors and students create various symbols through the discussion in cas. The symbols in question have exerted a substantial influence on the reciprocal relationship between supervisors and students, functioning as symbolic representations of the profound effects on students’ intellectual development and emotional energy.
Statistical non-independence of brain metabolite concentrations whether normalized to creatine or water
Authors: Maddock Richard J
Published: October 2024

1H-MRS investigators studying brain metabolite concentrations often attribute biological significance to correlations between calculated metabolite values within the same voxel. A recent report in this journal provides a valuable perspective on how statistical non-independence of such values can undermine biological interpretations of their correlations. However, careful examination of this issue suggests their critical analysis does not go far enough. Hong et al. claim that appropriate water normalization, unlike creatine normalization, eliminates the problem of spurious correlation. Both logical and empirical considerations show this is not the case. Correlations between water-normalized metabolite values are also prone to substantial spurious correlations.
Story Circles of Black Doulas, Cultural Brokers for Birthing People in Healthcare
Authors: Blackman Kacie C. A. , Jefferson Urmeka , Cotton-Curtis Wyconda , Galloway Detrich
Published: October 2024

Doula care services (in-person, hybrid, and virtual) during the COVID-19 pandemic may vary. The purpose of this study was to explore doulas’ experiences as birthing professionals and epistemological resources assisting Black birthing families during the pandemic. Virtual qualitative story circles were conducted with 11 Black doulas who attended births as doulas from January 2020 to December 2021. Participants were recruited in California. The story circles were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis, with attention to the influence of epistemic injustice (types of injustices inflicted on marginalized groups) on service provision. Additionally, we employed Patricia Hill Collins’ Black Feminist Theory which describes “Black women’s ways of knowing” that disrupts and challenges existing epistemologies. Narrative data revealed (1) doulas are positioned as possessors of epistemic influence in birthing spaces with intersecting social identities, (2) a pervasive oppression of doulas’ knowledge, (3) epistemological resilience and disruption, and (4) a commitment to Black indigenous practices. Despite these epistemic unfair structures, systems, and experiences, Black doulas reimagine and establish pathways for birthing families to navigate the healthcare system during intrapartum care.
Design and study of crashworthiness for square vicsek fractal hierarchical multicellular tubes under axial compression
Authors: Xu Shen , Huang Huilan , Deng Xiaolin
Published: October 2024

Through extensive examination of thin-walled structures, the efficacy of enhancing the crashworthiness of thin-walled tubes via layered structures has been confirmed. In this study, we introduce a novel design called the square Vicsek fractal hierarchical multicellular tube (SVFHMT), which integrates principles from fractal science, specifically Vicsek fractals. Unlike conventional layered structures that align along a single direction, our design incorporates layers evenly distributed at five positions throughout the structure, resulting in a more uniform material distribution compared to traditional layering methods. In this paper, the verified finite element model is used to analyze the crashworthiness of the structure, and the effects of levels, wall thickness, wall thickness ratio of different levels and height to diameter ratio on the crashworthiness of the structure are discussed. The mean crushing force (MCF) of SVFHMT is predicted by Simplified Super Folding Element theory. Our findings highlight the significant influence of layering, wall thickness, and ratios of wall thickness between layers on the crashworthiness of the structure. Specifically, for structures of equal mass, the energy absorption of second-order SVFHMTs and third-order SVFHMTs demonstrates substantial improvements compared to square nine-cell tubes, with increases of 51.05% and 91.70%, respectively. Moreover, when maintaining equal mass for second-order SVFHMTs with differing ratios of wall thickness between layers, specific energy absorption ranges from 15.69 kJ/kg to 21.29 kJ/kg. Notably, the maximum error between theoretical and simulated values of the mean crushing force for each order of SVFHMT is only 7.34%. This underscores the effectiveness of our novel layer design strategy, which diverges significantly from conventional approaches and offers valuable insights for advancing layered structures further.
Can we do this together? Exploring the transformative potential of care for academic work, labor, and life
Authors: Brown Anna , Loza Olga
Published: October 2024

Through a reflective account of our own experiences as early career academics, we explore the nuanced ways in which care materializes and is embodied in the micro-relations and mundane practices that constitute academic life. By emphasizing the affective dimension of an ethic of care, we bring the destabilizing and unsettling promise of affect to bear on our understanding of care and, in turn, highlight care’s transformative potential. We show how care, when mobilized by affect, manifests in ambiguous and at times contradictory ways, which leaves us asking whether care can be a straightforward and unproblematic antidote to feelings of dissatisfaction with neoliberal institutions. Yet, at the same time, we speculate that care holds rich potential to problematize the structural norms and demands that organize our academic (work) lives, and to offer new and different ways of living instead.
Perception Matters: Attitudes Toward Transgender Inclusion in Campus Recreational Sports
Authors: Knee Eric , Anderson Austin R. , Miller Alison Moira , Ramos William Dominic
Published: October 2024

The participation of transgender individuals in sporting spaces continues to receive increased attention in both popular media and in academic scholarship. However, while attention is growing, little is known about the attitudes the general public holds toward transgender sport participation. This is particularly true when it comes to attitudes participants hold toward transgender persons and their participation in recreational sport programming. As such, this study quantitatively explores the attitudes of intramural and club sport participants across the United States toward transgender persons and transgender participation in recreational sport programming. Specifically, results emphasize (a) the general attitudes of recreational sport participants toward transgender persons, (b) the attitudes of recreational sport participants toward the participation of transgender persons in recreational sport programs, (c) differences in attitudes by gender, and (d) differences in attitudes by program area (intramural vs club sport). Discussion of these differences and practical implications for recreational sports are considered.
Surgical Treatments of Pediatric Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nemry Noémie , Lechien Jérôme R.
Published: October 2024

Objective

To review the current literature about surgical treatments of pediatric bilateral vocal fold paralysis (PBVFP).

Methods

A systematic review of the current literature in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library regarding etiologies and management of PBVFP was performed until November 2023 according to PRISMA statements. Quality assessment was assessed with Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool.

Results

Of the 211 screened articles, 26 were included accounting for 320 patients. The etiologies included idiopathic (42.2%), congenital (19.7%), neurological (16.9%), or post-surgical (9.5%) pediatric bilateral vocal cord paralysis (PBVCP). Patients were decannulated in 76.7% of cases without laryngeal procedure. Decannulation was achieved in 84.6%, 66.6%, 83.3%, 80.0%, and 62.5% of cases of laterofixation of the vocal fold, cricoid split approaches, partial or total arytenoidectomy, uni- or bilateral transverse cordotomy, and selective laryngeal reinnervation, respectively. Dyspnea/stridor relief, swallowing, or voice quality outcomes were used in some studies, which reported conflicting results. Revision and complications varied between studies, with complications mainly involving edema, granuloma, or aspirations. Revision was required in 6.4%, 12.9%, and 40.0% of cases that underwent laterofixation of the vocal fold, arytenoidectomy, and cricoid split procedures, respectively. There was substantial heterogeneity across studies in inclusion criteria, procedures, and outcomes.

Conclusion

The management of PBVFP may involve several temporary or permanent surgical procedures that are associated with overall subjective improvements of symptoms, and laryngeal findings. The retrospective design of studies, the small number of cohorts, the lack of objective outcomes, and the differences between teams regarding procedure timing and features limit drawing reliable conclusions about the superiority of one technique over others.