bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stage I (T1N0M0) breast cancer with a median follow-up of 14 years: A retrospective cohort study of 328 consecutive patients and the prognostic value of tumor size, grade, and subtype
Authors: Hadar Maayan , Friger Michael , Ariad Samuel , Koretz Michael , Delgado Bertha , Tokar Margarita , Bayme Michael , Agassi Ravit , Rosenthal Maia , Dyomin Victor , Belochitski Olga , Amir Noa , Libson Shai , Meirovitz Amichay , Lazarev Irena , Abu-Ghanem Sara , Geffen David B.
Published: October 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of stage I breast cancer(BC) patients diagnosed during the current era of screening mammography, immunohistochemistry receptor testing, and systemic adjuvant therapy. The primary endpoints were invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) and overall survival (OS).
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 328 stage I BC patients treated consecutively in a single referral center with a follow-up period of at least 12 years. The STEEP system was used to define the endpoints. The influence of tumor size, grade, and subtype on the outcomes was analyzed.
Results
Most patients were treated by lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy and adjuvant endocrine therapy and most (82%) were of subtype luminal-A. Only 24 patients underwent gene expression testing, which was introduced toward the end of the study period and 25.6% of our cohort received adjuvant chemotherapy. Mean invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) was 14.64 years, with a 15-year IDFS of 75.6%. Mean overall survival (OS) was 15.28 years with a 15-year OS of 74.9%. In a Cox multivariate analysis only tumor size (< 1 centimeter (cm) vs 1–2 cm), impacted significantly on IDFS. During follow-up, 20.1% of the cohort developed second primary cancers, including BC. Median time to diagnosis of a second BC was 6.49 years.
Conclusion
The study results emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up and screening for subsequent malignancies of patients with stage I BC and support the need for using prognostic and predictive indicators beyond the routine clinicopathological characteristics in luminal-A patients.
Implementing a direct access care model to mitigate injuries in career firefighters: A mixed methods study protocol
Authors: Heebner Nicholas R. , Abel Mark G. , Reiner Susannah L. , Hoch Johanna M. , Melton Bridget , Rous Beth , Uhl Timothy , Gribble Phillip A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose and Aims: A successful model for managing MSI in occupational settings is direct access and early intervention from integrated health care practitioners (HCPs). There is no widespread implementation of this model among fire departments. Subsequently, limited information is available to illustrate the benefit of HCPs integrated into the fire service. The barriers to the implementation of this model must be explored to address the currently limited adoption. Therefore, the purposes of this study include examining the mechanisms of MSI sustained by firefighters, establishing the impact that HCPs have in mitigating time loss from MSI, and identifying barriers to future implementation of the HCP direct access model.
Methods: A mixed-methods study will be conducted using convenience sampling of career firefighter departments across the United States. Qualitative interviews will explore the lived experiences of firefighters and HCPs to identify MSI mechanisms of injured firefighters. Data on MSI-related time loss and financial outcomes will be compiled and compared across departments with and without direct access to HCPs. Qualitative interviews will also be used to identify critical barriers to implementing the direct access model from key stakeholders in the Fire Service. Profiles of departments with and without direct access to HCPs will be discussed, integrating the subjective and objective findings.
Discussion: Insight from firefighters and HCPs on the mechanisms of MSI will provide a key platform to improve time-loss injury mitigation. Compiled objective data will indicate a potential improvement in MSI-related time-loss and financial burden in fire departments with direct access to HCPs over those without. Barriers to implementing an HCP access model will also be identified to facilitate future adoption. Collectively, these findings will lead to developing an evidence-based model for improving healthcare delivery and occupational injury in the fire service and related populations.
Impact of Glyphosate and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides on Phyllospheric Methylobacterium
Authors: Palberg Daniel , Kaszecki Emma , Dhanjal Chetan , Kisiała Anna , Morrison Erin , Stock Naomi , Emery R. J. Neil
Published: October 2023

Symbiotic Methylobacterium comprise a significant portion of the phyllosphere, and are known to benefit host plant growth, development, and confer tolerance to stress factors. The near ubiquitous use of the broad-spectrum herbicide, glyphosate, in farming operations globally has necessitated a more expansive evaluation of the impacts of the agent itself and formulations containing glyphosate on important components of the plant phyllosphere, including Methylobacterium. This study provides an investigation of the sensitivity of 18 strains of Methylobacterium to glyphosate and two commercially available glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH). Nearly all strains of Methylobacterium showed signs of sensitivity to the popular GBH formulations WeatherMax® and Transorb® in a modified Kirby Bauer experiment. However, exposure to pure forms of glyphosate did not show a significant effect on growth for any strain in both the Kirby Bauer test and in liquid broth, until polysorbate-20 (Tween20) was added as a surfactant. Artificially increasing membrane permeability through the introduction of polysorbate-20 caused a 78–84% reduction in dry cell biomass relative to controls containing glyphosate or high levels of surfactant only (0–9% and 6–37% reduction respectively). The observable high sensitivity of Methylobacterium to the tested GBH formulations, including complete bactericidal activity in liquid broth at concentrations as low as 0.05% w/v (500 µg/L), was shown by the inability to recover culture viability when transferred to fresh media. To better understand the compatibility of important phyllospheric bacteria with commercial herbicides, this study endeavours to uncover the feasibility of synthetic products with biofertilizers and explores possible mechanisms by which toxicity may be induced in Methylobacteria.
Spatial structure of overlying rock strata and advanced abutment stress evolution in deep filling mining: A case study
Authors: Chen Yang , Sun Xikui , Gu Peng , Li Guoying , Fan Deyuan , Dong Chunyu , Zhang Yu , Wang Hao , Liu Chuancheng , Liu Xuesheng
Published: October 2023

Filling mining is one of feasible methods to prevent rock burst in coal mining, which is a meaningful topic in the field. In this paper, we first described the filling mining effect based on 'equivalent mining height' and analyzed the evolution of overlying rock strata. It was found that time-space hysteresis occurred during the movement of overlying rock strata in filled working face. (Movement of overlying rock strata took a period of time to reach the location of traditional caving) On this basis, mechanical relationship of dynamic transformation among 'filling rate-strata movement-abutment stress' was obtained by analyzing the coal stress characteristics. Then, advanced abutment stress estimation model of filled working face in deep coal mine was established. Finally, the C5301 working face of Yunhe coal mine was taken as the engineering background, example calculation and field monitoring were carried out. The results showed that the influence range of the advanced abutment stress is 91 ~ 97 m, and the peak value is 41.1 MPa, which is 21 ~ 50 m away from the working face. In addition, large pressure step and long interval time were the characteristics of time-space hysteresis in the filled working face. This study could provide guidance and reference for overlying rock strata and advanced abutment stress evolution in deep filling mining under the same or similar conditions.
A role for the ATP-dependent DNA ligase Lig E of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in biofilm formation
Authors: Pan Jolyn , Hicks Joanna , Williamson Adele
Published: October 2023

The ATP-dependent DNA ligase Lig E is present as an accessory DNA ligase in numerous proteobacterial genomes, including many disease-causing species. Here we have constructed a genomic Lig E knock-out in the obligate human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae and characterised its growth and infection characteristics. This demonstrates that N. gonorrhoeae Lig E is a non-essential gene and its deletion does not cause defects in replication or survival of DNA-damaging stressors. Knock-out strains were partially defective in biofilm formation on an artificial surface as well as adhesion to epithelial cells which coupled with the predicted extracellular/ periplasmic location of Lig E indicates a role in extracellular DNA joining. In addition to in vivo characterisation, we have recombinantly expressed and assayed N. gonorrhoeae Lig E and determined the crystal structure of the enzyme-adenylate engaged with DNA substrate in an open non-catalytic conformation, providing insight into the binding dynamics of these minimal DNA ligases.
Evaluating the Correlation between Serum Prostate-specific antigen Values and Gleason Score of the Prostate Carcinoma with Gallium 68- Prostate-specific membrane antigen Uptake in the Prostate Tumor in Primary Staging
Authors: Momeni Amir , Soltani Salman , Ghorbani Hamidreza , Tafazoli Nooshin , Kabiri Mona , Dadgar Habibollah , Golestani Zahra Bakhshi , Norouzbeigi Nasim , Kakhki Vahidreza Dabbagh , Sadeghi Ramin , aghaee atena
Published: October 2023

Objective
Gallium-68 - prostate-specific membrane antigen (Ga68-PSMA) PET/CT plays a crucial role in staging, evaluating treatment, and diagnosing local recurrence of prostate tumors. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network ( NCCN) guidelines have recently recommended it as the preferred staging method for unfavorable intermediate and high-risk patients. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and the Gleason score of prostate tumors with the findings of Ga 68-PSMA PET/CT scans in primary staging.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients referred for Ga68-PSMA PET/CT whole-body scans were enrolled. The scans were performed at three-time points (early, whole-body, and late). The standardized uptake value of Ga68-PSMA in the primary tumor and its association with serum PSA levels, tumor Gleason score, and presence of tumor metastasis were evaluated and analyzed.
Results
Forty-nine male patients, 65 years old on average (interquartile range (IQR): 59–69) were included in the study. Of these patients, 43.9% were classified as high-risk based on their Gleason score (8–10). The median serum PSA level was 17 ng/mL (IQR: 8.02–42.10). PSA levels correlated with the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the tumor in the whole-body stage of the scan (p < 0.05; r = + 0.392) but not in the early or late stages (p > 0.05). Gleason scores positively correlated with tumor SUVmax in all three scan stages (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Our results indicate that the Gleason score significantly correlates with the SUVmax of the prostate tumor in all three-time points of the scan. However, serum PSA levels only correlate with the tumor SUVmax in the whole-body stage of the scan, not in the early and late stages. In the whole-body stage, a higher SUVmax is significantly associated with higher Gleason scores, bladder wall, invasion of the seminal vesicle, and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05).
Different Patient Versus Provider Perspectives on Living with Cushing’s Disease
Authors: Halstrom Amanda , Lin I-Hsin , Lin Andrew , Cohen Marc , Tabar Viviane , Geer Eliza
Published: October 2023

Context: Patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) face challenges living with and receiving appropriate care for this rare, chronic condition. Even with successful treatment, many patients experience ongoing symptoms and impaired quality of life (QoL). Different perspectives and expectations between patients and healthcare providers (HCPs) may also impair well-being.
Objective: To examine differences in perspectives on living with CD between patients and HCPs, and to compare care goals and unmet needs.
Design: Memorial Sloan Kettering Pituitary Center established an annual pituitary symposium for pituitary patients and HCPs. Through anonymous pre-program surveys distributed at the 2020 and 2022 symposia, patients and HCPs answered questions related to their own sense, or perception of their patients’ sense, of hope, choice, and loneliness in the context of living with CD.
Participants: From 655 participants over two educational events, 46 patients with CD and 116 HCPs were included. Median age of both groups was 51 years. 78.3% of the patients were female vs. 53.0% of the HCPs.
Results:More patients than HCPs reported they had no choices in their treatment (21.7% vs. 0.9%, P<0.001). More patients reported feeling alone living with CD than HCPs’ perception of such (60.9% vs. 45.5%, P=0.08). The most common personal care goal concern for patients was ‘QoL/mental health,’ vs. ‘medical therapies/tumor control’ for HCPs. The most common CD unmet need reported by patients was ‘education/awareness’ vs. ‘medical therapies/tumor control’ for HCPs.
Conclusions: CD patients experience long term symptoms and impaired QoL which may in part be due to a perception of lack of effective treatment options and little hope for improvement. Communicating experiences and care goals may improve long term outcomes for CD patients.
Seed protein biotyping in Amaranthus species: A tool for rapid identification of weedy amaranths of concern
Authors: Murphy Maxime , Hubert Julia , Wang Ruojing , Galindo-González Leonardo
Published: October 2023

Background:
The Amaranthus genus contains at least 20 weedy and invasive species, including Amaranthus palmeri (palmer’s amaranth) and Amaranthus tuberculatus (tall waterhemp), two species of regulatory concern in North America, impacting production and yield in crops like corn, soybean and cotton. Amaranthus tuberculatus is regulated in Canada with limited establishment, while current climate models predict a range expansion of A. palmeri impacting crop growing areas in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba. Since many Amaranthus species are similar in their morphology, especially at the seed stage, this demands the development of additional methods that can efficiently aid in the detection and identification of these species.
Protein biotyping using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) has been traditionally used to identify microorganism species, races and pathotypes. Major protein fractions extracted from an organism, ionized and run through a biotyper using mass spectrometry, result in protein spectra that represent a fingerprint at the species or lower taxonomic rank, providing an efficient molecular diagnostics method.
Here we use a modified protein biotyping protocol to extract major protein fractions from seeds of the family Brassicaceae to test our protocol, and then implemented the standardized approach in seeds from Amaranthusspecies. We then created a database of Amaranthus protein spectra that can be used to test blind samples for a quick identification of species of concern.
Results:
We generated a protein spectra database with 16 Amaranthus species and several accessions per species, spanning target species of regulatory concern and species which are phylogenetically related or easily confused at the seed stage due to phenotypic plasticity. Testing of two Amaranthus blind sample seed sets against this database showed accuracies of 100% and 87%, respectively.
Conclusions:
Our method is highly efficient in identifying Amaranthus species of regulatory concern. The mismatches between our protein biotyping approach and phenotypic identification of seeds are due to absence of the species in the database or close phylogenetic relationship between the species.
While A. palmeri cannot be distinguished from A. watsonii, there is evidence these two species have the same native range and are closely related.
The relationship between self-stigma and quality of life in long-term hospitalized patients with schizophrenia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: 刘 福权 , Deng Hu , Hu Na , Huang Wenqian , Wang Hong , Zhou Xuanzi , Liu Lin , Chai Jiabao , Li Ying
Published: October 2023

Objective: To investigate self-stigma's influence on schizophrenia patients' quality of life and its mediated impact by various factors.
Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional design and randomly selected 170 hospitalized patients with schizophrenia for evaluation. The assessment tools included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI), Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale (SQLS), Coping Questionnaire for Schizophrenia Patients (CQSP), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Correlation analysis, regression analysis, and mediation analysis were used to test the correlation and mediation effects.
Results: Self-shame hada significant impact on quality of life (T = 8.13, p = 0.00). Self-esteem (T = -2.11, p = 0.04) and coping strategies, specifically problem-solving (T = -2.58, p = 0.01) and avoidance (T = 4.65, p= 0.00), have a greater impact on self-shame. When self-shame is used as a mediator, the problem-solving factor in coping strategies has an indirect effect on quality of life, which is significant (AB = -0.16, P = 0.02), while the avoidance factor in coping strategies has a direct effect on quality of life, which is significant (C' = 0.54, p < 0.001), and an indirect effect, which is also significant (AB = 0.25, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Self-stigma has a significant impact on quality of life. Clinical work to improve the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia should focus on self-stigma and factors that affect self-stigma, especially self-esteem and coping strategies.
Influence of MnO on gamma attenuation characteristics of modified borate bioglass
Authors: Awad W. M. , Ziada O. E. , Meikail M. S. , Abdelghany A.M.
Published: October 2023

Modified borate Hench glass was successfully synthesized with the composition of (xMnO-(42.5-x)B2O3-28.7CaO-26Na2O-2.8P2O5) where x = (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) mol% via melting technique and investigated by using different techniques. The density, molar volume, and several physical parameters were calculated. The density has nonlinear behavior by increased MnO due to the manganese ions' nonlinear behavior since they have numerous stable valence states, while the molar volume was increased. The UV/Vis measurement produced a peak that indicated the presence of manganese in Mn3+. The radiation shielding properties of the prepared samples were calculated theoretically using the Phy-X program at energies from 0.015 to 1.5 MeV. Linear and mass attenuation coefficients, as well as half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), effective conductivity (Ceff), and exposure buildup factor (EBF), were assessed. The results show that the shielding parameters are affected by MnO concentration and photon energy. Based on the results, it was determined that the synthesized glass sample containing 0.2 mol % MnO has the best optical properties and shielding capabilities, making it great for optical and shielding applications.
Spectral and conformational characteristics of phycocyanine associated with changes of medium pH
Authors: Parshina E.Yu. , Lee V. , Yusipovich A.I. , Gvozdev D. A. , Yang He , Pirutin S.K. , Klimanova E. A. , Maksimov E.G. , Maksimov G.V.
Published: October 2023

C-phycocyanin (C-PC) is the main component of water-soluble light-harvesting complexes of cyanobacteria. These complexes are involved in the absorption of quantum energy and the transfer of electron excitation energy to photosystems. A specific environment of C-PC chromophoric groups is provided by the protein matrix structure including protein-protein contacts between different subunits. Registration of C-PC spectral characteristics and the kinetics of a fluorescence anisotropy damping have revealed a significant pH influence on the chromophore microenvironment: at pH 5.0, a chromophore is more significantly interacts with a solvent, whereas at pH 9.0 the chromophore microenvironment becomes more viscous. Conformations of a chromophore and a C-PC protein matrix have been studied by Raman and infrared spectroscopy. A decrease in the medium pH results in changes in the secondary structure of both C-PC and chromophore making the last one to be more convoluted.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analysis of Vernonia [Vernonia galamensis (Cass.) Less L.] Germplasm in Ethiopia using ISSR Markers
Authors: Eshetu Gete , Mekonnen Tilahun , Mideksa Alemineh , Tesfaye Kassahun
Published: October 2023

Vernonia (Vernonia galamensis (Cass.) Less.) is a new potential industrial oil crop with high content of vernolic acid in the seed oil. Ethiopia is one of the few Vernonia rich African countries. Knowledge of the genetic structure of the crop is very important for its improvement and sustainable management. The present study was targeted to investigate genetic diversity and population structure of 60 Vernonia genotypes in Ethiopia representing 8 populations using ISSR markers. A wide range of genetic diversity indices were computed to determine the extents and patterns of genetic variation within the eight populations. All the used markers were highly informative with polymorphic information content ranging from 0.5 to 0.71 with overall mean of 0.51, indicating that they are useful genetic tools for genetic structure analyses. The within-populations Nei’s gene diversity ranged from 0.28 to 0.43 with an overall mean of 0.36, indicating existence of promising genetic variation to exploit through breeding to improve desired traits. Clustering, and Principal coordinate analysis did not sharply grouped the genotypes following their geographical areas of sampling. Population structure analysis revealed the presence of two sub-populations with lower degree of genetic admixture. In conclusion, the used ISSR markers were very valuable and highly informative to determine the extent and patterns of genetic diversity and population structures of Vernonia. Among the studied populations, East Shoa and East Hararghe Vernonia populations showed relatively higher gene diversity indicating that these area could be targeted for identifying super performing Vernonia genotypes for breeding program and conservation purposes.
Pretherapeutic factors predicting conversion surgery in unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Higashi Toshiya , Murase Katsutoshi , Watanabe Daichi , Ishihara Takuma , Yokoi Ryoma , Kuno Masashi , Fukada Masahiro , Iwashita Takuji , Tajima Jesse Yu , Kiyama Shigeru , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Okumura Naoki , Shimizu Masahito , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa
Published: October 2023

Background
Recently, conversion surgery (CS) has been reported to improve the prognosis in patients with unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (UR-PDAC) with a favorable response to intense chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. However, few pretherapeutic parameters predict the attainability of CS in patients with UR-PDAC. This study aimed to explore the pretherapeutic predictors for the attainability of CS in patients with UR-PDAC.
Methods
We retrospectively evaluated 130 patients with UR-PDAC treated at our institute from January 2015 to December 2021. The CS was performed only in patients with UR-PDAC who could expect R0 resection in the multidisciplinary meeting. The primary outcome of the study was CS. Survival analysis was performed using the Simon and Makuch’s modified Kaplan–Meier method. The hazard ratio (HR) was estimated using a time-varying Cox regression model. The association between each predictor and CS was evaluated using the univariable and age-adjusted Fine-Gray sub-distribution hazard model. The bootstrap bias-corrected area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for predicting the CS was used to assess the cut-off values for each predictor. The cumulative incidence rate was calculated with CS as the outcome when divided into two groups based on the cut-off value of each pretherapeutic predictor.
Results
Among the 130 patients included in the analysis, only 14 (10.8%) patients underwent CS. The median survival time was significantly longer in patients who underwent CS compared with patients without CS (56.3 versus 14.1 months; p < 0.001). The univariable and age-adjusted Fine-Gray sub-distribution hazard regression showed that the total protein (TP) (HR 2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19–6.65; p = 0.018), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31–0.90; p = 0.020), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07–1.53; p = 0.006) were statistically significantly associated with CS. Moreover, TP ≥ 6.8, NLR < 2.84, and LMR ≥ 3.87 were associated with a higher cumulative incidence of CS.
Conclusions
Pretherapeutic TP, NLR, and LMR are clinically feasible biomarkers for predicting the attainability of CS in patients with UR-PDAC.
Green Energy Transition Using Torrefied and Treated Biomass in Indian Thermal Power Plants
Authors: Kulshreshtha Amit , Mallik Shuvadip , Saxena Kanchan , Dhakate Sanjay
Published: October 2023

The present work examines the prospects of using biomass-based fuels for the complete replacement of coal in Indian pulverized coal thermal power plants (PC-TPPs) without substantial plant modifications. Replacing coal with biomass-based fuel is the fastest way to green energy transition with several associated benefits like air quality improvement, waste elimination, and reduction of other harmful emissions. It also avoids the need for storage peculiar to high levels of renewable grid integration using solar and wind. However, substituting biomass-based fuels for coal requires them to have similar properties. We investigated torrefaction and washing of biomass wastes with parameter and treatment variations. Results indicate that the fuel properties of rice straw after torrefaction and washing resemble domestic Indian coal, and it can potentially replace the coal completely in large thermal power plants. Similarly, other biomasses studied, viz. Lantana camara can, grass and tree leaf litter can replace imported coal.
DrugGPT: A Knowledge-Grounded Collaborative Large Language Model for Evidence-based Drug Analysis
Authors: Liu Fenglin , Zhou Hongjian , Zhang Wenjun , Huang Guowei , Clifton Lei , Eyre David , Luo Haochen , Liu Fengyuan , Branson Kim , Schwab Patrick , Wu Xian , Zheng Yefeng , Thakur Anshul , Clifton David
Published: October 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Mirror symmetry for five-parameter Hulek-Verrill manifolds
Authors: Candelas Philip , de la Ossa Xenia , Kuusela Pyry , McGovern Joseph
Published: October 2023

We study the mirrors of five-parameter Calabi-Yau threefolds first studied by Hulek and Verrill in the context of observed modular behaviour of the zeta functions for Calabi-Yau manifolds. Toric geometry allows for a simple explicit construction of these mirrors, which turn out to be familiar manifolds. These are elliptically fibred in multiple ways. By studying the singular fibres, we are able to identify the rational curves of low degree on the mirror manifolds. This verifies the mirror symmetry prediction obtained by studying the mirror map near large complex structure points. We undertake also an extensive study of the periods of the Hulek-Verrill manifolds and their monodromies. On the mirror, we compute the genus-zero and -one instanton numbers, which are labelled by 5 indices, as h^{1,1}\!=5h1,1=5. There is an obvious permutation symmetry on these indices, but in addition there is a surprising repetition of values. We trace this back to an S_{6}S6 symmetry made manifest by certain constructions of the complex structure moduli space of the Hulek-Verrill manifold. Among other consequences, we see in this way that the moduli space has six large complex structure limits. It is the freedom to expand the prepotential about any one of these points that leads to this symmetry in the instanton numbers. An intriguing fact is that the group that acts on the instanton numbers is larger than S_6S6 and is in fact an infinite hyperbolic Coxeter group, that we study. The group orbits have a “web” structure, and with certain qualifications the instanton numbers are only nonzero if they belong to what we term “positive webs”. This structure has consequences for instanton numbers at all genera.
Does Interactivity in an English Presentation Affect its Preparation Process?
Authors: Shinozaki Fumiya , Aoki Hiroaki
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to clarify the differences in the process of students’ preparation and practice outside of class for a one-way or interactive English presentation. The participants were 105 third-year junior high school students in Japan. They were supposed to record their actions while preparing for each type of presentation outside of class for a week. A hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted on all learners based on a self-evaluation questionnaire administered beforehand. Three clusters were created from the dendrogram. Kruskal-Wallis test and multiple comparisons showed significant differences among all items. Each cluster was named "Self-rating (high)", "Self-rating (medium)", and "Self-rating (low)". These three groups were analyzed based on the records and the post-questionnaire. The results indicated that the amount of practice on the day of the presentation was greater for a one-way presentation in any group, while in an interactive presentation, the tendency of the group to “Self-rating (high)” was different from the others. The inclusion of interaction with listeners in a presentation confirmed motivation for further preparation, such as conducting research and creating additional questions and quizzes in advance, suggesting the possibility of a different range of effects on learning.
Precision local anomaly positioning technology for large complex electromechanical systems
Authors: Zhao Yaping
Published: October 2023

In recent years, Prognostics Health Management (PHM) technology has become an important reference technology in fields such as avionics and electromechanical systems due to its ability to reduce costs and achieve state based maintenance and autonomous support. However, with the operation of large and complex electromechanical systems (ES), the data generated gradually ages the status of components, and traditional PHM technology is difficult to solve the problem of electromechanical system components becoming more complex. Based on this, this study takes the hydraulic actuator cylinder as an example to construct a local component fault detection model. Firstly, fault data features are extracted using wavelet packet energy spectrum, and then a fault detection model is constructed based on support vector machine (SVM). In response to the shortcomings of SVM, a smooth support vector machine (SSVM) is proposed to replace SVM, and an improved crow search algorithm (ICSA) is used to improve SVM. Finally, an intelligent detection model for hydraulic actuator cylinder faults based on ICSA-SSVM was constructed based on the above algorithms. The experimental results show that the ICSA-SSVM model has the fastest Rate of convergence, among which, the positioning accuracy is 0.96, the fitting degree is 0.984, the fault detection accuracy is 99.16 %, the recall value is 94.52 %, and the AUC value is 0.986, all of which are better than the existing fault detection models. From this, it can be seen that the precise local anomaly localization technology for large-scale complex electromechanical systems based on the ICSA-SSVM algorithm proposed in this study can improve the efficiency and accuracy of fault detection, achieve accurate and intelligent detection of ES local anomalies, and have certain positive significance for the development of China’s industry.
Water pollution remediation in Kazakhstan: evaluating bacterial consortiums for organic pollutant decomposition
Authors: Sarmurzina Zinigul , Bissenova Gulmira , Temirkhanov Aslan , Tekebayeva Zhanar , Zakarya Kunsulu
Published: October 2023

Wastewater treatment is one of the key problems that has to be solved by environmental biotechnology. Wastewater bioremediation is one of the most efficient and safest methods to replenish water resources. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of using bacterial consortiums for reducing the organic load in wastewater, specifically focusing on water samples collected from three water bodies in central and northern Kazakhstan, which are known for their high levels of organic pollution. This study utilized bacterial strains from a microorganism collection to create consortiums. These consortiums were used to treat wastewater from polluted water bodies in Kazakhstan, focusing on parameters like COD, BOD5, ammonia, and phosphate. The methodology involved culturing strains, collecting water samples, and analyzing various parameters. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the results. The study found that two bacterial consortiums, 7BLB and 7BLPA, were the most effective in reducing COD, ammonia, and ammonia nitrogen in wastewater. The consortium 6BLP was highly effective at reducing phosphate levels, surpassing acceptable standards. Hydrogen levels met regulatory requirements in all cases. The study recommends further investigation of these consortiums’ impact on other water quality indicators and suggests conducting field experiments in natural water ponds.
El sentido de un juramento: los chinos y la guerra del Pacífico
Authors: Zapata Antonio , Song Zhang
Published: October 2023

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar el posicionamiento de los chinos del Perú ante la guerra del Pacífico. Como vía de ingreso al tema, veremos el proceso de incorporación de una unidad china como auxiliar del ejército de Chile y su juramento en la víspera de las batallas por la capital peruana en enero de 1881. Las fuentes son los testigos presenciales de la ceremonia, todos los cuales fueron occidentales: oficiales y periodistas chilenos, así como algunos observadores militares europeos. También usaremos los relatos tempranos de la guerra del Pacífico: Vicuña Mackenna y Paz Soldán, autores chileno y peruano respectivamente. Por último, analizaremos periódicos chinos del siglo XIX que contienen cartas de los culíes sobre su situación en el Perú y la guerra con Chile. Los hallazgos son: (1) que el rito es 100% chino; no guarda relación con identidad patriótica chilena ni peruana, sino con tradiciones chinas ante la inminencia de una batalla; (2) que la cultura guerrera de los culíes estaba basada en la guerra entre clanes que se desenvolvió en Cantón, entre los locales, llamados puntis, y los huéspedes, llamados hakkas; (3) que la guerra del Pacífico fue oportunidad para una rebelión de los culíes en gran escala y que propició enfrentamientos interétnicos muy profundos en el Perú; (4) que los culíes han dejado testimonios, en cartas enviadas a diarios chinos de la época, en los que relatan el gran sufrimiento encontrado en el Perú, relacionan su probable derrota con la falta de moralidad pública, definen su condición de neutrales, y se preguntan por las razones de los peruanos para saquear sus negocios; (5) que la historiografía peruana reconoce que los chinos actuaron en defensa propia, que no se aliaron con Chile salvo un grupo pequeño, mientras que la gran mayoría actuó de la misma manera que el resto de los neutrales envueltos en este conflicto internacional.
An Overview of the Antimicrobials from Marine Bacteria
Authors: Srinivasan Ramanathan , Kannappan Arunachalam , Chen Xiaomeng , Shi Chunlei , Lin Xiangmin
Published: October 2023

The marine environment comprised huge biological diversity and remained
the least explored location for prospecting novel antimicrobial agents. Marine bacteria,
in specific, are considered an essential source of therapeutically valuable biologically
active secondary metabolites. As bacteria are ubiquitous, they evolve with a certain
unique mechanism to thrive under stressful conditions like competitive habitats, much-varied temperatures, light, pH and pressure. In these harsh environments, surprisingly,
bacteria in these regions produce many natural bioactive compounds with unique
molecular scaffolds and structural complexity. This untapped biological resource may
become a source for the cure of several crises facing the world in the 21st century, such
as the emergence of multi and pan-drug-resistant bacterial and fungal pathogens and
pandemic and epidemic outbreaks of viral infections. This chapter discusses the role of
natural secondary metabolites from marine-derived bacteria as a tool in the fight
against emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. 
Reconnoitering Cell Factories of Marine Algae for Antimicrobials
Authors: Thomas Jibu , Grace S. Jerusha Pealin
Published: October 2023

Antimicrobial compounds are groups consistent with the microorganisms
that they could potentially act against bacteria or fungi. It is expected to kill
microorganisms or inhibit their growth and activity. As the case of antimicrobial
resistance increases, nature has been generous in providing compounds with the
potential to treat various ailments and infectious diseases. Bacteria, fungi and plants are
known to own a good list of antibacterial molecules. Although research has been
carried out to reveal the antimicrobial potential of natural products, the significance of
vast terrestrial and marine Animalia has gained momentum. Though the naturally
available antimicrobial agents obtained from plants, animals and microbial sources are
considered safe in comparison with synthetic molecules, the outbreak of pathogens
needs exploration over and above the reported ones. As the synthetic antimicrobials
soon become immune to pathogens, it makes emphasis on antimicrobials from novel
origins that have a long duration of effectiveness. The marine environment houses a
wide and taxonomically diverse species of algae, mollusks, sponges, corals and
tunicates. These organisms have adapted to survive the infectious environment by
producing pharmacologically active compounds of phlorotannins, fatty acids,
polysaccharides, peptides, and terpenes that help in battling bacterial annexation. As
marine algae provide considerable opportunities in antimicrobials, the optimization in
the methodologies leading to extraction and purification plays a greater role in
capturing the antimicrobial activity of the bioactive molecules. Though an outsized
number of potential antimicrobial compounds from marine algae have been identified
and isolated, the majority of those compounds are yet to be categorized and
commercialized. Recent research in algae focused on “omics” where metagenomics,
metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics are done to understand better pathway leading
to the synthesis of various functional molecules.
A Recent Update on Sponge Bioprospecting and its Antimicrobial Properties: Their Biological Mode of Action
Authors: Sudha Balraj , Suganya Kanagaraj , Mishra Bishwambhar , Laxmi Govindugari Vijaya , Mandal Sanjeeb Kumar , Kumar Sanjay , Sumathi Sundaravadivelu
Published: October 2023

In recent decades, both the growing global resistance to existing antibiotics
and the shortage of new groups of compounds identified have become a public health
concern. In order to solve it, researchers are now focusing their attention on
unconventional sources, including microbes from harsh environments. In this context,
the aim of this study was to determine whether marine sponges have the ability to
inhibit the growth of microorganisms that are terrestrial in origin and pathogenic to
humans. The majority of these chemicals have so far been found in marine
invertebrates, primarily sponges. Marine sponges are a rich source of structurally
specific natural substances, some exhibiting a diverse variety of biological activities.
Also, excellent sponge drug candidates are often overlooked because the sponges are
either rare or difficult to obtain, or both. Sponges have piqued the interest of scientists
who want to learn more about the associated microbial community and the useful
metabolites they produce, which can be used in pharmaceutical and biotechnological
applications. The ecological importance of mutualistic relationships between marine
sponges and their related microbes cannot be overstated. These bioactive compounds
from microbes protect their hosts from a variety of microbial diseases. These results
indicate that the antimicrobial properties of marine sponge extracts may be used as a
complementary or replacement method for treating microbial infections.
Antimicrobial Peptides: A Recent Update in the Pros, Cons, and Opportunities as Potential Antimicrobial Agents from Marine Resources
Authors: Kannappan Arunachalam , Srinivasan Ramanathan , Sathya Sethuraman , Shi Chunlei
Published: October 2023

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) among pathogenic organism
puts human and animal lives at stake. As a result of that, researchers in the scientific
community tirelessly made efforts to search for novel antimicrobial agents to combat
the pathogenesis of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Marine environment represents a
vast diversity of lives that interact with each other and thus have to protect themselves
against infectious pathogens. Hence, they present an armamentarium of diversified
biomolecules with different mechanisms of action, which aids the survival of the host
in the very same environment. Among the natural biomolecules, antimicrobial peptides
(AMPs) gain more attention owing to their potential action as antimicrobial agents
against several infectious diseases. With the emergence of MDR pathogens, AMPs are
currently deemed to be the next generation of antibiotics. The quest of these AMPs was
initially focused on the terrestrial environment for years. By knowing the presence of
the least explored and diverse organism, the focus on the quest of AMPs is now
heading toward the marine ecosystem. The current chapter focuses on the benefits,
confronts and chances of using AMPs against MDR pathogens, and also emphasizes the need and importance of designing a focused development tactic to support the
advancement and potential application of AMPs in medicine.
Antimicrobial Peptides from Marine Invertebrates
Authors: Rath Srichandan , Jena Subhashree , Kanchana Sankar , Arumugam Muthuvel
Published: October 2023

This chapter centers on the novel marine metabolites from marine
organisms, especially peptides and other therapeutic agents. The major component of
the innate immune defense system, also regarded as the first line of defense, is the
antimicrobial peptide, which not only boosts resistance but also displays promising
curative properties. The isolation, potential antimicrobial activity, various properties,
mechanism and sources of diversified antimicrobial peptides distributed in various
phyla of marine invertebrates, along with their potential role in the therapeutic arena,
are explored. The most popular conotoxin peptide Zincnotide was available as a drug
(Prialt®) and entered the market as a potent analgesic agent. Ethionamide (Trecator®),
a nicotinamide derivative, isolated from porifera possessing antibacterial activity, is
used to treat tuberculosis. Similarly, a number of peptides have been reported for
exhibiting antimicrobial activities in marine organisms. Hence, the present chapter is
mainly focusing on the list of marine invertebrates’ antimicrobial peptides and their
therapeutic applications. 
Marine Metabolites: An Untapped Resource for Combinatorial Approaches against Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Vigneshwari Loganathan , Priya Arumugam , Sethupathy Sivasamy
Published: October 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogens of clinical importance has
been reported as the most commonly used antibiotics. The discovery of antimicrobial
agents is in a sharp decline due to the high probability of rediscovery, high costs, and
low income. Hence, the development of combinatorial antimicrobial approaches to
treat AMR-related infections has gained greater attention in recent decades. Marine
organisms are a rich source of structurally and chemically diversified bioactive
compounds for drug discovery to address the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers have identified several bioactive metabolites from marine resources and
reported on their pharmacological activities. Interestingly, marine-derived metabolites
such as antimicrobial peptides, alkaloids, anthraquinones, and polysaccharides were
shown to enhance the action of antibiotics by means of synergistic activity. However,
numerous marine-derived compounds are yet to be evaluated for their inherent
proficiency to increase the efficiency of the antibiotics and research in this regard is
expected to save time, expenses and successful identification of potential compounds to
treat AMR infectious diseases. 
Preclinical Drug Entities in Clinical Trial Pipeline from Marine Source
Authors: Kannan Suganya , Sevugamurthi Karvannan , Balakrishnan Jeyakumar , Govindasamy Ambujam , Marudhamuthu Murugan
Published: October 2023

The massive increase in the world’s population has placed an undue strain
on the available resources for pharmaceuticals. As a result, drug producers are
constantly on the lookout for new resources that will allow them to build effective and
safe pharmaceuticals to meet the growing demands of the world’s population.
However, three fourth of the earth’s surface is covered by the marine environment,
studies into the pharmacology of marine creatures have been limited, and much of what
has been discovered is still undiscovered. The marine environment is a plethora and
diversified source of novel medications to treat important diseases like cancer and
malaria, among others. Marine natural products have distinct, previously unexplored
diversifications as well as a diverse range of intriguing biological potentialities that are
characterized by unique mechanisms of action. Recently discovered and preclinically
researched marine bioactive antimicrobials are the focus of this chapter.
Introduction of Challenges with Pediatric Diseases
Authors: Samieefar Noosha , Ghadimi Delaram J. , Zibadi Sara , Heydari Fateme , Pourbakhtyaran Elham , Rezaei Nima
Published: October 2023

Children and the knowledge of taking care of them, pediatrics, are faced
with growing challenges. With the advancement of medical sciences, pediatrics is
becoming a group of subspecialties. This could lead to improving the care and
management of pediatric disorders, however, transdisciplinary management should not
be ignored.
Although the health status of children has improved over the past years, still
preventable child deaths are occurring, especially in low-income countries. The
increased sexual abuse, discrimination, racism, increased intercountry adoption,
malnutrition, environmental hazards like arsenic contamination, pornography, and
surrogacy are among the most important current challenges to children’s health.
Worldwide vaccination coverage has declined from 86% in 2019 to 83% in 2020, and
the number of completely unvaccinated children increased by 3.4 million.
Approximately, 1 billion children are dealing with multidimensional poverty all around
the world among which at least 356 million of them live in extreme poverty, and 100
million more children plunged into poverty as a result of COVID-19.
In this chapter, we will review the most important challenges of children’s health and
pediatrics with a focus on social and mental health problems.