bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anticancer effect of superoxide dismutase on canine mammary gland tumour in vitro
Authors: Ko Byung‐Gee , An Ju‐Hyun , Lee Jeong‐Hwa , Kim Kyeong‐Bo , Kim Tae‐Hyeon , Park Su‐Min , Chae Hyung‐Kyu , Youn Hwa‐Young
Published: November 2023

Background

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to promote tumour growth and metastasis in human cell lines. The superoxide anion (•O2−) is produced during ROS formation and is involved in tumour cell signalling.

Objectives

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) has been applied to canine mammary gland tumours to investigate its antitumour effects in vitro.

Methods

Cell proliferation, cell cycle cell migration assays, reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis were performed to determine the effects of SOD on canine mammary tumour cell line.

Results

SOD treatment resulted in anti‐proliferative effects and mediated cell cycle arrest in the canine mammary gland tumour cell lines (CIPp and CIPm). It also downregulated the expression of N‐cadherin and Vimentin.

Conclusions

The results confirmed that SOD inhibits tumour cell proliferation and migration, thus supporting the potential applications of SOD as a chemotherapeutic agent for canine mammary gland tumours.
Multispectral data mining: A focus on remote sensing satellite images
Authors: Lim Sin Liang , Sreevalsan‐Nair Jaya , Daya Sagar B. S.
Published: November 2023

This article gives a brief overview of various aspects of data mining of multispectral image data. We focus on specifically the remote sensing satellite images acquired using multispectral imaging (MSI), given the technology used across multiple knowledge domains, such as chemistry, medical imaging, remote sensing, and so on with a sufficient amount of variation. In this article, the different data mining processes are reviewed along with state‐of‐the‐art methods and applications. To study data mining, it is important to know how the data are acquired and preprocessed. Hence, those topics are briefly covered in the article. The article concludes with applications demonstrating the knowledge discovery from data mining, modern challenges, and promising future directions for MSI data mining research.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Science and Technology

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Knowledge Representation

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Big Data Mining
Characterizing a panel of amino acid auxotrophs under auxotrophic starvation conditions
Authors: Lewis Alisha G. , Carmichael Laurin , Wang Rebecca Y. , Gibney Patrick A.
Published: November 2023

Auxotrophic strains starving for their cognate nutrient, termed auxotrophic starvation, are characterized by a shorter lifespan, higher glucose wasting phenotype, and inability to accomplish cell cycle arrest when compared to a “natural starvation,” where a cell is starving for natural environmental growth‐limiting nutrients such as phosphate. Since evidence of this physiological response is limited to only a subset of auxotrophs, we evaluated a panel of auxotrophic mutants to determine whether these responses are characteristic of a broader range of amino acid auxotrophs. Based on the starvation survival kinetics, the panel of strains was grouped into three categories—short‐lived strains, strains with survival similar to a prototrophic wild type strain, and long‐lived strains. Among the short‐lived strains, we observed that the tyrosine, asparagine, threonine, and aspartic acid auxotrophs rapidly decline in viability, with all strains unable to arrest cell cycle progression. The three basic amino acid auxotrophs had a survival similar to a prototrophic strain starving in minimal media. The leucine, tryptophan, methionine, and cysteine auxotrophs displayed the longest lifespan. We also demonstrate how the phenomenon of glucose wasting is limited to only a subset of the tested auxotrophs, namely the asparagine, leucine, and lysine auxotrophs. Furthermore, we observed pleiotropic phenotypes associated with a subgroup of auxotrophs, highlighting the importance of considering unintended phenotypic effects when using auxotrophic strains especially in chronological aging experiments.
Distributed region reaching consensus control for uncertain networked multi‐robot systems
Authors: Zhu Qi , Yang Weihua , Zhang Xiaohong , Gao Ben , Yu Jinwei
Published: November 2023

The main objective of this paper is to advance the concept of region reaching control for a single robot to the study of region reaching consistency for uncertain fully‐actuated multi‐robot systems formulated by Lagrange dynamics. By introducing a directed network communication topology and utilizing the pinning‐like control methods, a distributed region reaching consensus control strategy is proposed. The desired region shape can be specified by selecting an appropriate potential objective function. A feature of the developed region reaching consensus algorithm is fully distributed, which is also an important generalization of pinning‐like set point tracking scheme based on the typical proportion‐integration‐differentiation control scheme. More importantly, the scope of consistency in this paper can be explicitly defined, which is different from traditional consistency control algorithms. Subsequently, numerical examples are presented to illustrate the performance of the designed controllers.
Introduction: Technological Competence and Social Change in a Spatial Perspective
Authors: Scheffer Jörg
Published: November 2023

Examining the entrenched inequality of opportunity between privileged and disadvantaged segments of society from the vantage point of digitalisation is a matter of urgency. The promise of individual technological empowerment should have an impact on the entire society and provide especially those who are disadvantaged with new opportunities. This guiding question will be elaborated on in the following, highlighting the special relevance of a spatial perspective. With a view on the chapters following, the subsequent approach will be laid out.
Stratification, Socialisation and Space
Authors: Scheffer Jörg
Published: November 2023

The social upheavals happening in Western countries through a drifting apart of society—creating a wealthy minority on the one hand and increasing insecurity on the other—carry a great potential for conflict especially when they seem to become structurally entrenched. Starting with the development and the causes of social inequality today, the process of social reproduction needs to be examined closely, the goal being a step-by-step comprehension of upward mobility in the internet age. To this end, the acquisition of knowledge and qualification (according to Pierre Bourdieu and Martina Löw, among others) must be put in the larger context of socialisation and its spatial contingency in order to be able to identify group-specific mechanisms of privilege and discrimination more thoroughly.
Recursive Spaces—Conclusion and Outlook
Authors: Scheffer Jörg
Published: November 2023

This final chapter sums up the mechanisms of social stabilisation using a summary diagram, clearly highlighting again the three types of social reproduction (“ternary recursivity”) in the digital age presented in the study. The outlook summarises the changing spatial structures and raises the following question: Which strategies and demands could the identified losers of the digital transformation use for their purposes in a situation where their opportunity for social advancement is increasingly curtailed by the data economy?
Fazit: Die Hürden auf dem Weg zur gesamtgesellschaftlichen Sichtbarkeit der Tailings
Authors: Landherr Anna
Published: November 2023

Das zentrale Ergebnis dieser Forschung ist, dass die gesellschaftliche Unsichtbarkeit der Tailings in Chile Resultat eines multidimensionalen multiskalaren Prozesses ist, durch den die Unsichtbarkeit der Tailings nicht nur in ihrer derzeitigen Ausprägung besteht, sondern auch immer wieder durch verschiedene Gegebenheiten, soziale Mechanismen und (in)actions der jeweils beteiligten Akteure hergestellt oder zumindest begünstigt wird. Die Betrachtung einzelner Faktoren, Akteure oder Ebenen erklärt zwar zum Teil die Unsichtbarkeit eines bestimmten Tailings oder Untersuchungsfalls, allerdings nicht die derzeitige Ausprägung der gesamtgesellschaftlichen Unsichtbarkeit der Tailings, als zu lösendes Umweltproblem in Chile. Daraus ist die Notwendigkeit entstanden durch die Berücksichtigung der jeweils spezifischen Faktoren und Akteure auf den unterschiedlichen Ebenen, ein Gesamtbild zu erstellen, das es ermöglicht, die Faktoren und Akteure einzeln zu identifizieren und darauffolgend deren Zusammenspiel, Überlappungen und Wechselwirkungen zu untersuchen.
Forschungsgegenstand: Der chilenische Bergbau und die schleichende Gewalt seiner Hinterlassenschaften
Authors: Landherr Anna
Published: November 2023

Im Folgenden werden zuerst das chilenische Wirtschaftsmodell, seine neoliberale und extraktivistische Ausrichtung sowie seine sozial-ökologischen Konsequenzen dargestellt. Anschließend wird ausführlich die Rolle des Bergbaus in diesem Kontext dargelegt und auf die, durch diesen bedingte, Produktion großer Mengen an Tailings eingegangen, die die in dieser Forschung untersuchten slow violence Phänomene verursachen, um mit einem ersten Zwischenfazit zu enden. Anschließend werden kurz die Region Atacama, sowie die drei dieser Arbeit zugrundeliegenden Fallstudien vorgestellt.
Schleichende Gewalt – der Fall Pabellón
Authors: Landherr Anna
Published: November 2023

Die kleine Ortschaft Pabellón liegt im Tal von Copiapó, im Herzen der nördlichen Region Atacama, nur 37 Kilometer von der gleichnamigen Regionalhauptstadt Copiapó entfernt und ist Teil der Gemeinde von Tierra Amarilla (zur Lage siehe Abbildung 4.1 in Kapitel 4). Auf den ersten Blick deutet nichts darauf hin, dass dieses Dorf eines der giftigsten historischen Tailingdeponien Chiles beherbergt (siehe auch Ureta 2016b). In Pabellón leben laut offiziellen Zahlen der Gemeinde von Tierra Amarilla 49 Personen (33 Männer und 16 Frauen).
Die Unsichtbarkeit des Offensichtlichen– der Fall Chañaral
Authors: Landherr Anna
Published: November 2023

Chañaral ist eine Stadt im Nordwesten der Region Atacama, in der derzeit 13.543 Menschen leben. Die wichtigste Schnellstraße Chiles – die Ruta 5 –, welche das Land einmal von Norden bis Süden durchquert, führt mitten durch Chañaral. Von den durchreisenden Fahrzeugen hält allerdings, außer einigen LKW, kaum eines an.
Dynamics of null particles and shadow for general rotating black hole
Authors: Meng Kun , Fan Xi-Long , Li Song , Han Wen-Biao , Zhang Hongsheng
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The Johannsen black hole (BH) is a generic rotating BH admitting three constants of motions (energy, angular momentum, and Carter constant) and is characterized by four deviation parameters besides mass and spin, which could be a model-independent probe of the no-hair theorem. We systematically study the dynamics of null particles around Johannsen BH, revealing the effects of the deviation parameters on the BH shadow as well as the effects of spin. By using the shadow boundaries of M87* and SgrA*, for the first time, the deviation parameters of those BHs are constrained. The detailed results depend on the spin a and inclination angle θ0. Assuming a = 0.2 and θ0 = 15°, the deviation parameter α13 are constained within ~ [−3.5, 6] for M87* observation and [−3, 0.5] for SgrA* observation. We also show the images of a Johannsen BH surrounded by a Page-Thorne thin accretion disk observed by a remote observer with a ray-tracing method and discuss the effects of the deviation parameters on deforming the accretion disk image, which could be tested by observations with higher sensitivities in the future.
Resolving RD and $$ {\textrm{R}}_{{\textrm{D}}^{\ast }} $$ anomalies in adjoint SU(5)
Authors: Ismael A. , Khalil S.
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We investigate the RD and $$ {R}_{D^{\ast }} $$

R

D
∗

anomalies in the context of non-minimal SU(5), where Higgs sector is extended by adjoint 45-dimensional multiplet. One of the light spectrum of this model could be the scalar triplet leptoquark that is contained in this multiplet. We demonstrate that this particular scalar leptogquark mediation of the transition b → cτν is capable of simultaneously accounting for both RD and $$ {R}_{D^{\ast }} $$

R

D
∗

anomalies. We further emphasize that another Yukawa coupling controls its contribution to b → sℓ+ℓ−, ensuring that RK and $$ {R}_{K^{\ast }} $$

R

K
∗

remain consistent with the standard model predictions.
Double-copying self-dual Yang-Mills theory to self-dual gravity on twistor space
Authors: Borsten Leron , Jurčo Branislav , Kim Hyungrok , Macrelli Tommaso , Saemann Christian , Wolf Martin
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We construct a simple Lorentz-invariant action for maximally supersymmetric self-dual Yang-Mills theory that manifests colour-kinematics duality. We also show that this action double-copies to a known action for maximally supersymmetric self-dual gravity. Both actions live on twistor space and illustrate nicely the homotopy algebraic perspective on the double copy presented in [1]. This example is particularly interesting as the involved Hopf algebra controlling the momentum dependence is non-commutative and suggests a generalisation to gauged maximally supersymmetric self-dual gravity.
Bootstrapping the chiral anomaly at large Nc
Authors: Ma Teng , Pomarol Alex , Sciotti Francesco
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The bootstrap approach (demanding consistency conditions to scattering amplitudes) has shown to be quite powerful to tightly constrain gauge theories at large Nc. We extend previous analysis to scattering amplitudes involving pions and external gauge bosons. These amplitudes allow us to access the chiral anomaly and connect low-energy physical quantities to UV properties of the theory. In particular, we are able to obtain an analytic bound on the chiral anomaly coefficient as a function of the pion dipole polarizabilities. This bound can be useful for holographic models whose dual UV completions are not known, and provide a consistency condition to lattice simulations.
Probing M-theory with tetrahedron instantons
Authors: Pomoni Elli , Yan Wenbin , Zhang Xinyu
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The duality between type IIA superstring theory and M-theory enables us to lift bound states of D0-branes and n parallel D6-branes to M-theory compactified on an n-centered multi-Taub-NUT space $$ \mathbbm{TN} $$
TN
n. Accordingly, the rank n K-theoretic Donaldson-Thomas invariants of ℂ3 are connected with the index of M-theory on ℂ3 × $$ \mathbbm{TN} $$
TN
n. In this paper, we extend this connection by considering intersecting D6-branes. In the presence of a suitable Neveu-Schwarz B-field, the system preserves two supercharges. This system is T-dual to the configuration of tetrahedron instantons which we introduced in [1]. We conjecture a closed-form expression for the K-theoretic tetrahedron instanton partition function, which is the generating function of the D0-D6 partition functions. We find that the tetrahedron instanton partition function coincides with the partition function of the magnificent four model for special values of the parameters, leading us to conjecture that our system of intersecting D6-branes can be obtained from the annihilation of D8-branes and anti-D8-branes. Remarkably, the K-theoretic tetrahedron instanton partition function allows an interpretation in terms of the index of M-theory on a noncompact Calabi-Yau fivefold which is related to a superposition of Kaluza-Klein monopoles. The dimensional reduction of the system allows us to express the cohomological tetrahedron instanton partition function in terms of the MacMahon function, generalizing the correspondence between Gromov-Witten invariants and Donaldson-Thomas invariants for Calabi-Yau threefolds.
Optimum pattern of grounding grid by using closed-form solution based on optimized results
Authors: El-Refaie El-Sayed M. , Abd Elrahman M. K. , Mohamed M. Kh. , Tawfic Abd Elrahman S.
Published: November 2023

Finding the optimum conductor’s pattern for unequally spaced grounding grids can be achieved by using empirical formulas or optimization techniques. Empirical formulas give an approximate solution depending on human experience and never cover the entire search space. On the other hand, the optimization techniques generally require a significant effort and time. To overcome the previous issues, this paper presents a closed-form solution based on optimized results. The main motivation behind this formula is the comprehensive study carried out by the authors to find optimum location of grounding grid conductors over different areas. In that work, particle swarm optimization technique (PSO) has been adapted with combined integration matrix method (CIMM) to facilitate the study. In this paper, the results obtained previously were summarized in the proposed formula. The proposed formula gives the optimum design of unequally grounding grids by specifying the conductor’s locations as percentage of the side length for square and rectangular shapes. As long as the side length and the number of conductors are given, the location of each conductor as a percentage of the side length can be obtained. The effect of adding driven rods and the stratified soil conditions on the results of the optimized design were investigated. The validity of the proposed closed-form solution was verified experimentally.
Noradrenergic regulation of cue-guided decision making and impulsivity is doubly dissociable across frontal brain regions
Authors: Chernoff Chloe S. , Hynes Tristan J. , Schumacher Jackson D. , Ramaiah Shrishti , Avramidis Dimitrios K. , Mortazavi Leili , Floresco Stan B. , Winstanley Catharine A.
Published: November 2023

Rationale

Win-paired stimuli can promote risk taking in experimental gambling paradigms in both rats and humans. We previously demonstrated that atomoxetine, a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, and guanfacine, a selective α2A adrenergic receptor agonist, reduced risk taking on the cued rat gambling task (crGT), a rodent assay of risky choice in which wins are accompanied by salient cues. Both compounds also decreased impulsive premature responding.

Objective

The key neural loci mediating these effects were unknown. The lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC) and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which are highly implicated in risk assessment, action selection, and impulse control, receive dense noradrenergic innervation. We therefore infused atomoxetine and guanfacine directly into either the lOFC or prelimbic (PrL) mPFC prior to task performance.

Results

When infused into the lOFC, atomoxetine improved decision making score and adaptive lose-shift behaviour in males, but not in females, without altering motor impulsivity. Conversely, intra-PrL atomoxetine improved impulse control in risk preferring animals of both sexes, but did not alter decision making. Guanfacine administered into the PrL, but not lOFC, also altered motor impulsivity in all subjects, though in the opposite direction to atomoxetine.

Conclusions

These data highlight a double dissociation between the behavioural effects of noradrenergic signaling across frontal regions with respect to risky choice and impulsive action. Given that the influence of noradrenergic manipulations on motor impulsivity could depend on baseline risk preference, these data also suggest that the noradrenaline system may function differently in subjects that are susceptible to the risk-promoting lure of win-associated cues.
Application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the surgical treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children
Authors: Ye Zhao Lan , Zhang Li Hua , Zhu Lin , Chen Wei Ji , Xu Di , Lin Ning
Published: November 2023

Background

To determine the utility of contrast-enhanced voiding urography (CeVUS) in the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) through ureterovesical reimplantation in children.

Methods

A total of 159 children with recurrent urinary tract infections were selected for CeVUS and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) from December 2018 to December 2020, among whom 78 patients were eventually diagnosed with VUR. Overall, 60 pyelo-ureteric units (PUUs) were operated according to surgical indications. Accordingly, we determined the general clinical characteristics of all children, obtained two-dimensional ultrasound images, assessed the reflux status of children using the contrast-enhanced technique, and compared the obtained results via CeVUS and VCUG. Both imaging modalities were reperformed at 6, 12, and 18 months after surgery to evaluate postoperative outcomes. In particular, we assessed the consistency of the evaluation and calculated the diagnostic efficacy of CeVUS for different levels of reflux at different time points.

Results

CeVUS showed considerable efficacy in the diagnosis of children with VUR. Notably, the diagnostic results of both CeVUS and VCUG achieved high agreement, with a kappa value of 0.966 (P < 0.001). The results of our follow-up at different stages and evaluation of postoperative efficacy revealed that CeVUS possessed substantial diagnostic efficacy and good consistency with VCUG.

Conclusion

CeVUS is an accurate and safe examination, with considerable clinical significance for diagnosing VUR in children, determining the treatment approach, conducting follow-up during treatment, and evaluating subsequent treatment outcomes.
Surprise positive culture rate in the treatment of presumed aseptic long-bone nonunion: a systematic review with meta-analysis of 2397 patients
Authors: Wagner Robert Kaspar , van Trikt Clinton Hugo , Visser Caroline E. , Janssen Stein J. , Kloen Peter
Published: November 2023

Introduction

In pre-operatively presumed aseptic nonunions, the definitive diagnosis of infection relies on intraoperative cultures. Our primary objective was to determine (1) the rate of surprise positive intraoperative cultures in presumed aseptic long-bone nonunion (surprise positive culture nonunion), and (2) the rate of surprise positive cultures that represent infection vs. contamination. Secondary objectives were to determine the healing and secondary surgery rates and to identify cultured micro-organisms.

Materials and Methods

We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Libraries from 1980 until December 2021. We included studies reporting on ≥ 10 adult patients with a presumed aseptic long-bone nonunion, treated with a single-stage surgical protocol, of which intraoperative cultures were reported. We performed a meta-analysis for: (1) the rates of surprise positive culture nonunion, surprise infected nonunion, and contaminated culture nonunion, and (2) healing and (3) secondary surgery rates for each culture result. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool.

Results

21 studies with 2,397 patients with a presumed aseptic nonunion were included. The rate of surprise positive culture nonunion was 16% (95%CI: 10–22%), of surprise infected nonunion 10% (95%CI: 5–16%), and of contaminated culture nonunion 3% (95%CI: 1–5%). The secondary surgery rate for surprise positive culture nonunion was 22% (95%CI: 9–38%), for surprise infected nonunion 14% (95%CI 6–22%), for contaminated culture nonunion 4% (95%CI: 0–19%), and for negative culture nonunion 6% (95CI: 1–13%). The final healing rate was 98% to 100% for all culture results. Coagulase-negative staphylococci accounted for 59% of cultured micro-organisms.

Conclusion

These results suggest that surprise positive cultures play a role in the clinical course of a nonunion and that culturing is important in determining the etiology of nonunion, even if the pre-operative suspicion for infection is low. High healing rates can be achieved in presumed aseptic nonunions, regardless of the definitive intraoperative culture result.
Auditory capacity of the better-hearing ear in asymmetric hearing loss
Authors: Speck Iva , Gundlach Elisabeth , Schmidt Sandra , Spyckermann Nadine , Lesinski-Schiedat Anke , Rauch Ann-Kathrin , Aschendorff Antje , Thangavelu Kruthika , Reimann Katrin , Arndt Susan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Our aim was to investigate the course of the hearing capacity of the better-hearing ear in single-sided deafness (SSD) and asymmetric hearing loss (AHL) over time, in a multicenter study.

Methods

We included 2086 pure-tone audiograms from 323 patients with SSD and AHL from four hospitals and 156 private practice otorhinolaryngologists. We collected: age, gender, etiology, duration of deafness, treatment with CI, number and monosyllabic speech recognition, numerical rating scale (NRS) of tinnitus intensity, and the tinnitus questionnaire according to Goebel and Hiller. We compared the pure tone audiogram of the better-hearing ear in patients with SSD with age- and gender-controlled hearing thresholds from ISO 7029:2017.

Results

First, individuals with SSD showed a significantly higher hearing threshold from 0.125 to 8 kHz in the better-hearing ear compared to the ISO 7029:2017. The duration of deafness of the poorer-hearing ear showed no relationship with the hearing threshold of the better-hearing ear. The hearing threshold was significantly higher in typically bilaterally presenting etiologies (chronic otitis media, otosclerosis, and congenital hearing loss), except for Menière’s disease. Second, subjects that developed AHL did so in 5.19 ± 5.91 years and showed significant reduction in monosyllabic word and number recognition.

Conclusions

Individuals with SSD show significantly poorer hearing in the better-hearing ear than individuals with NH from the ISO 7029:2017. In clinical practice, we should, therefore, inform our SSD patients that their disease is accompanied by a reduced hearing capacity on the contralateral side, especially in certain etiologies.
Diverticulitis patient care during the Covid-19 pandemic in Germany—a retrospective nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Uttinger Konstantin L. , Brunotte Maximilian , Diers Johannes , Lock Johan Friso , Jansen-Winkeln Boris , Seehofer Daniel , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Wiegering Armin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impacted health care systems around the world. Despite a decrease in emergency admissions, an increased number of complicated forms of diverticulitis was reported. It was the aim of this study to analyze the pandemic impact on diverticulitis management in Germany.

Methods

This is a retrospective population-wide analysis of hospital billing data (2012–2021) of diverticulitis in Germany. Patients were identified based on diagnosis (ICD10) and procedural codes to stratify by conservative and operative management. Primary outcome of interest was admission rates, secondary outcomes were rates of surgical vs conservative treatment and fraction of complicated clinical courses during the pandemic.

Results

Of a total of 991,579 cases, 66,424 (6.7%) were admitted during pandemic lockdowns. Conservative treatment was the most common overall (66.9%) and higher during lockdowns (70.7%). Overall admissions and population adjusted rates of surgically treated patients decreased, the latter by 12.7% and 11.3%, corrected to estimated rates, in the two lockdowns. Surgery after emergency presentation decreased by 7.1% (p=0.053) and 11.1% (p=0.002) in the two lockdowns with a higher rate of ostomy and/or revision (+5.6%, p=0.219, and +10.2%, p=0.030). In-hospital mortality was increased in lockdown periods (1.64% vs 1.49%). In detail, mortality was identical in case of conservative treatment during lockdown periods (0.5%) but was higher in surgically treated patients (4.4% vs 3.6%).

Conclusion

During lockdowns, there was an overall decrease of admissions for diverticulitis, especially non-emergency admissions in Germany, and treatment was more likely to be conservative. In case of surgery, however, there was increased risk of a complicated course (ostomy, re-surgery), possibly due to patient selection.
Sleep duration is associated with liver steatosis in children depending on body adiposity
Authors: de Cuevillas Begoña , Lubrecht Judith , Navas-Carretero Santiago , Vreugdenhil Anita , Martinez J. Alfredo
Published: November 2023

Sleep is a factor associated with overweight/obesity risk, wherein interactions with fatty liver should be ascertained. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the possible relationships of sleep with liver health and whether this interplay is related to body adiposity distribution in children and adolescents. Anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical measurements were performed in children and adolescents (2–18 years old) with overweight/obesity (n = 854). Body fat distribution was clinically assessed, and several hepatic markers, including hepatic steatosis index, were calculated. Sleep time mediation (hours/day) in the relationship between the hepatic steatosis index and body fat distribution was investigated. Differences among diverse fatty liver disease scores were found between children with overweight or obesity (p < 0.05). Linear regression models showed associations between hepatic steatosis index and lifestyle markers (p < 0.001). Hepatic steatosis index was higher (about + 15%) in children with obesity compared to overweight (p < 0.001). Pear-shaped body fat distribution may seemingly play a more detrimental role on liver fat deposition. The association between sleep time and hepatic steatosis index was dependent on body mass index z-score. Post hoc analyses showed that 39% of the relationship of body fat distribution on hepatic steatosis index may be explained by sleep time.

  Conclusion: An association of sleep time in the relationship between body fat distribution and hepatic steatosis index was observed in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity, which can be relevant in the prevention and treatment of excessive adiposity between 2 and 18 years old. Clinical trial: NCT04805762.

   Import: As part of a healthy lifestyle, sleep duration might be a modifiable factor in the management of fatty liver disease in children.

What is Known:• Sleep is an influential factor of overweight and obesity in children.• Excessive adiposity is associated with liver status in children and adolescents.

What is New:• Sleep time plays a role in the relationship between body fat distribution and liver disease.• Monitoring sleep pattern may be beneficial in the treatment of hepatic steatosis in children with excessive body weight.
Selective electrochemical reduction of mercury(II) from a simulated traditional gold mining wastewater contaminated with cyanide and heavy metals
Authors: Tami-Pimiento Leidy M. , Joya-Herrera Laura M. , Pérez-Chía Yolanda Isabel , Meléndez Angel M.
Published: November 2023

In traditional gold mining (TGM), the wastewater discharges are contaminated with high concentrations of cyanide and heavy metals. Understanding the effects of different cyanide species on the electrochemical behavior of mercury(II) is critical for its removal from TGM wastewater. Herein, we evaluated mercury electroreduction using a model solution simulating a TGM wastewater containing Fe(II), Cu(I), Zn(II), Hg(II), and CN– ions. According to speciation diagrams, the predominant Hg(II) species is Hg(CN)42–. Cyclic voltammetry was used to study the reduction processes from the simulated TGM wastewater solution and to select the potential for the potentiostatic deposition process of mercury. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to study the morphology and elemental composition of the deposits. The free cyanide (CN–) concentration affects the electrochemical behavior of the anionic cyanide complex Hg(CN)42– in addition to the chemical stability of 316 stainless steel under open circuit conditions. Voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements show that the 316 stainless steel electrode becomes more resistive when exposed to the simulated TGM wastewater solution due to a passive surface oxide, while the passive layer on the titanium electrode inhibits Hg(II) reduction.

Graphical Abstract
Enhancing security in Fiat–Shamir transformation-based non-interactive zero-knowledge protocols for IoT authentication
Authors: Hamila Firas , Hamad Mohammad , Salgado Daniel Costa , Steinhorst Sebastian
Published: November 2023

With the rapid expansion of IoT devices and their applications, there is an increasing demand for efficient and secure authentication mechanisms to protect against unauthorized access. Traditional authentication mechanisms face limitations regarding computational speed, communication costs, and vulnerability to cyber-attacks. Zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) protocols have emerged as an effective solution for achieving secure and efficient authentication in such environments without revealing sensitive information. Among ZKP protocols, $$\Sigma $$
Σ
-protocols, a class of interactive ZKP protocols, have been employed for their efficiency and security. However, their interactive nature necessitates multiple rounds of communication, which can reduce efficiency and increase communication overhead for resource-constrained devices. Many works have aimed to eliminate the interaction of $$\Sigma $$
Σ
-protocols by utilizing a transformation called the Fiat–Shamir transformation (FST). However, there is still a concern regarding the soundness of the FST as it can sometimes convert a secure $$\Sigma $$
Σ
-protocol into an insecure non-interactive zero-knowledge (NIZK) authentication scheme. In this paper, we propose an approach for transforming $$\Sigma $$
Σ
-protocols into a NIZK protocol based on the FST, yielding significant enhancements in efficiency, communication overhead reduction, and elimination of interaction. Our proposed protocol enables the completion of the authentication process in a single request while also strengthening the soundness of $$\Sigma $$
Σ
-protocols in comparison with the traditional FST by requiring two authentication factors instead of one. To demonstrate our approach’s robustness, we conducted comprehensive informal and formal security analyses (using the Tamarin-Prover). Our protocol demonstrated completeness, soundness, zero-knowledge properties, and robustness against attacks, including eavesdropping, message modification, replay, and brute force attacks. Additionally, our performance analysis displayed a remarkable 50% improvement in computational cost compared to traditional $$\Sigma $$
Σ
-protocols, underscoring its efficiency for practical use.
Computational modeling and simulation for endovascular embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations with liquid embolic agents
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Chen Xi , Zhang Xiaolong , Ding Guanghong , Ge Liang , Wang Shengzhang
Published: November 2023

Endovascular embolization of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the brain usually requires injecting liquid embolic agents (LEAs) to reduce blood flow through the malformation. In clinical procedures, the feeding artery into which the LEAs are injected, and the amount of LEAs needs to be carefully planned preoperatively. Computational fluid dynamics can simulate the injecting process of LEAs in nidus and evaluate the therapeutic effects of different procedures preoperatively. Applying a porous media model avoided the difficulties of geometric modeling of AVMs, and the complex vascular network structure within the nidus was reproduced. The multi-phase flow was applied to simulate the interaction between LEAs and blood. The viscosity of LEAs is determined by the concentration of its solute ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH). The diffusion process of the solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was calculated by solving the species transport equation. The coagulation of LEAs was simulated by constructing the relationship between the concentration of EVOH and viscosity. The numerical simulation method of LEAs for injection and coagulation was tested on two patient-specific AVMs. The calculations predicted the flow direction of the LEAs in the nidus. The morphology of the injected LEAs could be well visualized by 3D rendering. Quantitative analysis was conducted, including flow rate changes at the feeding arteries and draining veins. The embolization process of AVMs with LEAs can be simulated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods to show the therapeutic effects of different embolization procedure planning, the optimal treatment plan can be determined.
Geophysical fluid dynamics in the hypergravity field
Authors: Yeh Harry
Published: November 2023

Hypergravity can be realized by creating a field imposed by centripetal acceleration in a centrifuge apparatus. Such an apparatus is often used to test soil response in geotechnical engineering problems. Here we present the potential usage of a centrifuge apparatus to study various topics in hydrodynamics. The scaling law associated with hydrodynamics is first reviewed, and the advantage of controlling the body force is described. One of the perceived disadvantages in such experiments is the unwanted presence of the Coriolis effect in the centrifuge. However, we propose exploiting this effect to our advantage to study geophysical fluid-dynamic problems that occur particularly in the equatorial region.
CMR reveals myocardial damage from cardiotoxic oncologic therapies in breast cancer patients
Authors: Kersten Johannes , Fink Visnja , Kersten Maria , May Lisa , Nunn Samuel , Tadic Marijana , Huober Jens , Bekes Inga , Radermacher Michael , Hombach Vinzenz , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Buckert Dominik
Published: November 2023

Background

Breast cancer is a common and increasingly treatable disease. However, survivors have a significantly elevated risk of cardiac events afterwards. This study aimed to characterise cardiac changes during cardiotoxic cancer therapy using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

Methods

This study involved 34 patients with histologically proven breast cancer and planned cardiotoxic therapy. All patients underwent CMR before starting therapy, and 6 and 12 months thereafter. The CMR protocol included volumetric and functional analyses, parametric mapping, and deformation analysis using feature tracking. As the control group, 10 healthy female volunteers were scanned using the same protocol.

Results

With therapy, there was a significant reduction of left ventricular and right ventricular ejection fractions (both p < 0.05) without reaching pathologic values. Left ventricular radial (p = 0.008), circumferential (p = 0.010), and longitudinal strain (p = 0.036) were also reduced at follow-up. In the parametric mapping, there was a significant increase in native T1 time (start: 1037 ± 41 ms vs. 6 months: 1068 ± 51 ms vs. 12 months: 1017 ± 57 ms, p < 0.001) and T2 time (start: 55 ± 4 ms vs. 6 months: 59 ± 3 ms vs. 12 months: 57 ± 3 ms, p = 0.001), with unchanged extracellular volume and relative late gadolinium enhancement. Twelve months after cancer diagnosis, the breast cancer patients exhibited significant impairments in left ventricular global radial (p = 0.001), circumferential (p = 0.001), and longitudinal strain (p = 0.002) and T2 time (p = 0.008) compared to the healthy controls.

Discussion

Breast cancer patients receiving cardiotoxic chemotherapy show persistent deterioration in left ventricular strain values. This is accompanied by inflammatory changes in non-invasive tissue characterisation. Larger studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to identify patients at risk and establish preventive and therapeutic approaches.
Molecular dynamics simulations of hydrophilic pores in phospholipid bilayers and Fe3O4 nanoparticles loaded with the 5-fluorouracil anticancer drug
Authors: Harris R. A.
Published: November 2023

The interaction of a PEGylated and non-PEGylated Fe3O4 nanoparticle drug-delivery system, with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as the chemotherapy drug, is investigated via atomistic molecular dynamics (MD). The induced pore formation in a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayer phospholipid (BLPL) is studied, and the resulting hourglass-shaped pores with hydrophilic lipid headgroups lining the pores are observed. Furthermore, we optimize the required number of ligands that are required to allow for the formed pores to spontaneously reseal. Additionally, the number of water molecules that transverse through the water bridge is investigated. These results may be useful to design nanocarrier systems that will maintain the cellular osmotic pressure and stability, while the 5-FU is converted to the required metabolites inside the cell to serve its purpose as a chemotherapeutic drug.
Time point and scale measurement of carbon sink trading market risk based on catastrophe entropy and potential function
Authors: Yang Xing , Yang Zhihua , Mi Junlong , Li Jiawen
Published: November 2023

According to the principle of total entropy change of dissipative structure, the carbon trading market is defined as a nonlinear complex system that follows the law of entropy increase in this paper. Based on the potential function of sudden change theory, this paper studies the risk point and scale of the carbon trading market. The results show that (1) the theory of dissipative structure and catastrophe theory can be used as the theoretical basis of carbon financial market risk research, and its core technology can be used to measure and predict risks. (2) The risk mutation point measurement model based on the total entropy change principle and potential function technology effectively detected 16 major risk mutation points in the financial crisis, the European debt crisis, and the European new energy efficiency plan. The empirical test shows that the model has a good ability to capture abrupt changes and prediction accuracy. The fitting effect is very good. (3) The risk index value of the risk abrupt point can be calculated effectively by the risk scale measurement technique based on information entropy and the potential function surface equation. Furthermore, we judge the degree and grade of risk. From 2008 to 2021, amongst the 16 risk mutation points in the EU carbon trading market, there are three extremely high risk mutation points, seven high-risk mutation points, two medium-risk mutation points, two low-risk mutation points, and two very low risk mutation points. High risk or above grade accounted for 62.5%. Empirical analysis supports this conclusion.
Failure Analysis of a Needle Roller Bearing in a Megawatt Reciprocating Pump
Authors: Li Ran , Wei Wenshu , Ye Jian , Lai Yuehua , Liu Hao , Chen Rongming , Wu Mengyu , Wang Dalong , Li Shoubin , Wang Wei , Wu Huigang
Published: November 2023

In this paper, bearing failure was reported for a needle roller bearing used as intermediate support in a pinion shaft system. Severe deformation and wear were noticed on the working surface of the failed needle roller and around the window lintel of the bearing cage. The geometry, materials and hardness of the failed needle roller bearing were analyzed. Appearance detection, SEM and EDS analyses were carried out for clarifying the potential reasons of the needle roller bearing failure. The effect of radial displacement, Hertz contact stress and misalignment on the service life of the needle roller bearing were discussed. The excessive deformation and misalignment, resulting from the unbalanced loading and improper assembly, are the likely cause of the needle roller bearing failure.
Employment status among cancer survivors in a Late Effects Clinic in Denmark
Authors: Skovgaards Annette Sicko , Mattsson Thea Otto , Tolstrup Lærke Kjær
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate changes in employment status among disease-free working-age cancer survivors (CSs) with late effects from diagnosis to their first meeting in the Late Effects Clinic (LEC) and investigate associated patient-reported outcomes of reduced employment status.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a cohort of CSs followed in a LEC at a single institution from January, 2022, to March, 2023. Working-age CSs with no current evidence of active cancer were included in this study. CSs completed a baseline questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-SURV100) before their initial consultation. Reduced employment status was defined as transition from being in paid work at diagnosis to working fewer hours or not at all at the first visit. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used.

Results

A total of 119 CSs with diverse cancer types with a mean age of 51 years (range 26 to 70) were included in this study. Eighty percent were female. Of 93 CSs in paid work at diagnosis, 66 (71%) have reduced employment status. Reduced employment status was associated with lower role functioning score (β = −12.3, p = 0.046), higher loss of income score (β = 35.1, p = 0.001), and lower Global health status score (β = − 8.3, p = 0.05).

Conclusions

This study shows that the majority of CSs seen in the LEC have reduced employment status. This is associated with impaired quality of life.

Implications for cancer survivors

Identifying and treating late effects early in cancer survivorship are important to secure CSs’ labour market attachment and, thus, their financial and social well-being.
Measuring Innovation in Mauritius’ ICT Sector
Using Unsupervised Machine Learning: A Web Mining and Topic Modeling
Approach
Authors: Böhmecke-Schwafert Moritz , Dörries Colin
Published: November 2023

Measuring innovation accurately and efficiently is crucial for
policymakers to encourage innovation activity. However, the established indicator
landscape lacks timeliness and accuracy. In this study, we focus on the country of
Mauritius that is transforming its economy towards the information and communication
technology (ICT) sector. We seek to extend the knowledge base on innovation activity
and the status quo of innovation in Mauritius by applying an unsupervised machine
learning approach. Building on previous work on new experimental innovation
indicators, we combine recent advances in web mining and topic modeling and address
the following research questions: What are potential areas
of innovation activity in the ICT sector of Mauritius? Furthermore,
do web mining and topic modeling provide sufficient
indicators to understand innovation activities in emerging countries?
To answer these questions, we apply the natural language processing (NLP) technique
of Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to ICT companies’ website text data. We then
generate topic models from the scraped text data. As a result, we derive seven
categories that describe the innovation activities of ICT firms in Mauritius. Albeit
the model approach fulfills the requirements for innovation indicators as suggested
in the Oslo Manual, it needs to be combined with additional metrics for innovation,
for example, with traditional indicators such as patents, to unfold its potential.
Furthermore, our approach carries methodological implications and is intended to be
reproduced in similar contexts of scarce or unavailable data or where traditional
metrics have demonstrated insufficient explanatory power.