bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective clearance of rituximab-resistant tumor cells by breaking the mirror-symmetry of immunoglobulin G and simultaneous binding to CD55 and CD20
Authors: Lee Sang Min , Min Sung-Won , Kwon Hyeong Sun , Bae Gong-Deuk , Jung Ji Hae , Park Hye In , Lee Seung Hyeon , Lim Chung Su , Ko Byoung Joon , Lee Ji Chul , Jung Sang Taek
Published: October 2023

Complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), which eliminates aberrant target cells through the assembly and complex formation of serum complement molecules, is one of the major effector functions of anticancer therapeutic antibodies. In this study, we discovered that breaking the symmetry of natural immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies significantly increased the CDC activity of anti-CD20 antibodies. In addition, the expression of CD55 (a checkpoint inhibitor in the CDC cascade) was significantly increased in a rituximab-resistant cell line generated in-house, suggesting that CD55 overexpression might be a mechanism by which cancer cells acquire rituximab resistance. Based on these findings, we developed an asymmetric bispecific antibody (SBU-CD55 × CD20) that simultaneously targets both CD55 and CD20 to effectively eliminate rituximab-resistant cancer cells. In various cancer cell lines, including rituximab-resistant lymphoma cells, the SBU-CD55 × CD20 antibody showed significantly higher CDC activity than either anti-CD20 IgG antibody alone or a combination of anti-CD20 IgG antibody and anti-CD55 IgG antibody. Furthermore, the asymmetric bispecific antibody (SBU-CD55 × CD20) exhibited significantly higher CDC activity against rituximab-resistant cancer cells compared to other bispecific antibodies with symmetric features. These results demonstrate that enhancing CDC with an asymmetric CD55-binding bispecific antibody could be a new strategy for developing therapeutics to treat patients with relapsed or refractory cancers.
222Rn and its relation with meteorological conditions and gaseous pollutants in the outdoor environment of Qena City South of Egypt
Authors: Abbady Adel. G. E. , Din Khaled Salahel , Saad Nagwa
Published: October 2023

In the outdoor environment of Qena city, located in southern Egypt, 222Rn concentrations were continuously measured from January 2015 to December 2015 using Alpha-Guard radon monitor, PQ 2000 PRO. Meteorological parameters (air temperature AT, relative humidity RH, and evaporation rate EV) and gaseous pollutants [ozone O3, nitrogen oxide NOx, and particulate matter that has a diameter of less than 10 µm (PM10)] data for the same period were collected from the meteorological station. This work aims to study the potential relationships between 222Rn and each of the meteorological parameters and gaseous pollutants. According to observational data, the yearly average concentrations of 222Rn were 19.35 ± 1.58 Bq/m3, 31.68 ± 1.97 µg/m3 for O3, 9.97 ± 2.27 µg/m3 for NOx, and 109.95 ± 6.48 µg/m3 for PM10. The concentration of 222Rn is positively correlated with relative humidity, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter, whereas it is negatively correlated with air temperature, evaporation rate, and ozone. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed various distribution patterns for 222Rn, meteorological parameters, and gaseous pollutants.
Impact of micro/nano cadmium oxide on shielding properties of cement–ball clay matrix
Authors: Gouda Mona M. , Abbas Mahmoud I. , Eid Malak H. , Ziedan Mohamed S. , Ibrahim Moaaz A. , Tawfik Mohamed M. , El-Khatib Ahmed M.
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the gamma radiation shielding properties of cement–ball clay matrix composites doped with micro- and nano-sized cadmium oxide (CdO) particles. The linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) was determined using a sodium iodide (NaI) detector and five radioactive point sources with energies ranging from 59.5 to 1408 keV. The LAC values obtained were compared to the XCOM database and found to be in good agreement. The composites' half-value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), equivalent atomic number (Zeq), and absorption buildup factor (EABF) were determined. The results showed that the addition of CdO particles improved the radiation-shielding behavior of the composites and increasing the weight fraction of CdO particles increased the shielding effectiveness. The results also illustrated that when nano-sized CdO particles were compared to their micro-sized counterparts, there was a significant enhancement in radiation shielding effectiveness. For instance, a composite material composed of 50% cement, 41.7% ball clay, and 3.8% nano CdO at an energy level of 0.0595 MeV exhibited a remarkable 12.2% increase in attenuation, surpassing the performance of the micro-sized sample with an equivalent concentration. Similarly, another composite consisting of 50% cement, 33.3% ball clay, and 16.7% nano CdO demonstrated a significant 15.4% increase in attenuation at the same energy level, when compared to the micro-sized sample. The study demonstrates the potential of CdO-doped cement–ball clay matrix composites for gamma radiation shielding applications.
Development and pharmaceutical investigation of novel cervical cancer-targeting and redox-responsive melittin conjugates
Authors: Sahsuvar Seray , Guner Rabia , Gok Ozgul , Can Ozge
Published: October 2023

Cervical cancer has recently become one of the most prevalent cancers among women throughout the world. Traditional cancer therapies generate side effects due to off-target toxicity. Thus, novel cancer medications coupled with suitable drug delivery systems are required to improve cancer therapies. Melittin peptide has a high affinity to disrupt cancer cells. In this study, we designed targeted and redox-responsive Melittin conjugates for cervical cancer and then tested them in vitro. Folic acid and squamous cell carcinoma-specific peptide (CKQNLAEG) were used as targeting agents to design various conjugates. Our findings indicate that both anticancer conjugates were effective against different cancer cell lines, including MCF-7, C33A, and HeLa. Moreover, these conjugates were found to have antioxidant and antibacterial effects as well as reduced hemolytic activity. The CM–Target (N-terminus cysteine modified-Melittin–targeting peptide-functionalized conjugate) has become more stable and acted specifically against squamous cell carcinoma, whereas folic acid (FA)–containing conjugates acted efficiently against all cancer types studied, especially for breast cancer. According to our results, these anticancer conjugates may be possible anticancer drug candidates that have fewer adverse effects.
Fragmented imaginary-time evolution for early-stage quantum signal processors
Authors: Silva Thais L. , Taddei Márcio M. , Carrazza Stefano , Aolita Leandro
Published: October 2023

Simulating quantum imaginary-time evolution (QITE) is a significant promise of quantum computation. However, the known algorithms are either probabilistic (repeat until success) with unpractically small success probabilities or coherent (quantum amplitude amplification) with circuit depths and ancillary-qubit numbers unrealistically large in the mid-term. Our main contribution is a new generation of deterministic, high-precision QITE algorithms that are significantly more amenable experimentally. A surprisingly simple idea is behind them: partitioning the evolution into a sequence of fragments that are run probabilistically. It causes a considerable reduction in wasted circuit depth every time a run fails. Remarkably, the resulting overall runtime is asymptotically better than in coherent approaches, and the hardware requirements are even milder than in probabilistic ones. Our findings are especially relevant for the early fault-tolerance stages of quantum hardware.
Foveal avascular zone vessel density is associated with visual field progression in early-stage glaucoma eyes with central visual field damage
Authors: Yoon Jooyoung , Kim Ko Eun , Lee Anna , Song Woo Keun , Kook Michael S.
Published: October 2023

We investigated the relationship between foveal avascular zone (FAZ)-related parameters, assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), and visual field (VF) progression in early-stage open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes with central visual field (CVF) defects. Early-stage glaucoma eyes [VF mean deviation (MD) ≥ − 6 dB] with CVF defects were included. The rates of longitudinal change in FAZ-related parameters and structural parameters were evaluated and compared between VF progressors and non-progressors, using linear mixed effects models. Cox proportional hazards model and linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with VF progression, the VF MD reduction rate and the change rate of mean total deviation in central 12 VF points (MTD10). A total of 131 eyes were included and VF progression was detected in 32 eyes (24.4%) during 3.45 years of follow-up. The rates of reduction in vessel density in the 300 µm width annular region surrounding the FAZ (FD300) and macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer thickness (mGCIPLT) were significantly faster in progressors than in non-progressors. The faster VF MD or MTD10 reduction rates were associated with faster rates of FD300 loss and mGCIPLT reduction. The FD300 reduction rate is significantly associated with VF progression in early-stage OAG eyes with CVF defects. FD300 may be an adjunctive biomarker of VF progression in glaucomatous eyes with CVF defects.
Monitoring of manufacturing process using bayesian EWMA control chart under ranked based sampling designs
Authors: Khan Imad , Noor-ul-Amin Muhammad , Khan Dost Muhammad , Ismail Emad A. A. , Sumelka Wojciech
Published: October 2023

Control charts, including exponentially moving average (EWMA) , are valuable for efficiently detecting small to moderate shifts. This study introduces a Bayesian EWMA control chart that employs ranked set sampling (RSS) with known prior information and two distinct loss functions (LFs), the Square Error Loss function (SELF) and the Linex Loss function (LLF), for posterior and posterior predictive distributions. The chart's performance is assessed using average run length (ARL) and standard deviation of run length (SDRL) profiles, and it is compared to the Bayesian EWMA control chart based on simple random sampling (SRS). The results indicate that the proposed control chart detects small to moderate shifts more effectively. The application in semiconductor manufacturing provides concrete evidence that the Bayesian EWMA control chart, when implemented with RSS schemes, demonstrates a higher degree of sensitivity in detecting deviations from normal process behavior. Comparison to the Bayesian EWMA control chart using SRS, it exhibits a superior ability to identify and flag instances where the manufacturing process is going out of control. This heightened sensitivity is critical for promptly addressing and rectifying issues, which ultimately contributes to improved quality control in semiconductor production.
Study on the physical and chemical properties of lead passivating agent in soil
Authors: Han Chengyu , Li Juan , Shen Jianglong
Published: October 2023

With the rapid development of industry, heavy metal pollution has seriously damaged the health of soil, and heavy metals spread through the food chain, posing a threat to human health. The firm existence of heavy metals in soil under earthy conditions is a center trouble faced by soil dense metal pollution solidification and correction technology. However, the existing investigation results are mostly controlled to soil passivation experiments using various materials. Macroscopically, heavy metal passivation materials have been selected, but the intrinsic mechanisms of different compound functional groups in soil passivation have been ignored. With the common heavy metal ion Pb2+ as an example, the stability of the combination of heavy metal ions and common ion groups in soil was analyzed in this study by using quantum chemical calculation as the theoretical guidance. The results show that SO42− and PO43−, as functional groups of passivating agents, are used to control lead pollution and have been verified to have good effects. When the pollution is particularly serious and not easy to passivation and precipitation, Fe3+ can be considered to enhance the passivation effect.
Examining the endpoint impacts, challenges, and opportunities of fly ash utilization for sustainable concrete construction
Authors: Orozco Christian , Tangtermsirikul Somnuk , Sugiyama Takafumi , Babel Sandhya
Published: October 2023

Fly ash has been widely used as a cement substitute to improve the sustainability of concrete. Although the advantages of fly ash have been extensively documented, there is a gap in understanding why its use in mass concrete applications remains low in some countries, such as the Philippines. Thus, this work aims to understand the issues that impede waste utilization, particularly fly ash in the concrete construction industry, quantify the impact of the current practice, and identify opportunities for sustainable fly ash utilization. Endpoint impact analysis was conducted through the life cycle using SimaPro 9.3 to quantify the impacts on human health, ecosystem, and resources of 31 concrete mixtures of low, normal, and high strength design with 0 to 20% fly ash as cement replacement. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders were undertaken to determine the institutional, economic, social, and technological challenges related to the utilization of waste materials in large-scale concrete construction. More than 90% of the total impact of concrete contributes to damage to human health, primarily caused by global warming and fine particulate matter. The use of fly ash at 20% replacement by weight of cement benefits resources more significantly than human health and the ecosystem. The use of chemical admixture to improve strength has a significant impact on resources. High fly ash replacement for normal and high-strength concrete has a greater reduction in all endpoint categories than for low-strength design. Recommendations are proposed to maximize the beneficial impact of using fly ash in the concrete industry.
Injectable smart stimuli-responsive hydrogels: pioneering advancements in biomedical applications
Authors: Liu Jiacheng , Du Chengcheng , Huang Wei , Lei Yiting
Published: October 2023

The synergistic integration of natural and synthetic materials, capitalizing on their respective advantages and mitigating their weaknesses, represents a rational strategy for the development of an ideal injectable smart stimuli-responsive hydrogel.
Efficient depolymerization of PET over Ti-doped SBA-15 with abundant Lewis acid sites via glycolysis
Authors: Mo Songlei , Guo Yong , Liu Xiaohui , Wang Yanqin
Published: October 2023

The glycolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is considered as the most promising PET recycling strategy due to its mild reaction conditions and circularity.
Mechanism insight into palladium-catalyzed site-selective C–H functionalization of carbazoles
Authors: Jia Feiyun , Yang Yongsheng , Zhang Bo
Published: October 2023

DFT calculations reveal the mechanistic details of the palladium-catalyzed C–H functionalization of carbazoles and the origin of site selectivity.
Unleashing the piezoelectric potential of PVDF: a study on phase transformation from gamma (γ) to beta (β) phase through thermal contact poling
Authors: Morali Alban , Mandal Arijit , Skorobogatiy Maksim , Bodkhe Sampada
Published: October 2023

This novel work provides a step-by-step procedure to enhance piezoelectricity by studying the previously unresearched PVDF's γ- to β-phase transformation.
Fabrication and photoelectric conversion of densely packed C60–ethylenediamine adduct microparticle films-modified electrode covered with electrochemically deposited polythiophene thin-films
Authors: Banya Shoto , Kumagawa Yu , Izumoto Daisuke , Tanaka Moyu , Kanbe Kengo , Oku Takeo , Akiyama Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2023

Electrodeposited polythiophene-modified C60–diamine adduct microparticle films generated photocurrent.
Triazine diphosphonium tetrachloroferrate ionic liquid immobilized on functionalized halloysite nanotubes as an efficient and reusable catalyst for the synthesis of mono-, bis- and tris-benzothiazoles
Authors: Zadeh Farzaneh Gholamhossein , Asadi Beheshteh , Mohammadpoor-Baltork Iraj , Tangestaninejad Shahram , Mirkhani Valiollah , Moghadam Majid , Omidvar Akbar
Published: October 2023

A novel method for synthesis of mono-, bis- and tris-benzothiazoles using [(APTDP)(FeCl4)2@HNT] as a green and reusable catalyst under solvent-free conditions is reported.
Strategy for enhancement of magnesium ion diffusion in a vanadium tetra sulfide-layered structure for rechargeable magnesium batteries
Authors: Naseem Muhammad Kashif , Azmat Mian , Du Changliang , Jiang Rong , Hajra  , Zhu Youqi , Zou Meishuai , Cao Chuanbao
Published: October 2023

The Ni-substituted VS4 cathodes with rich sulfur vacancies can provide excellent ion diffusion for electrochemical magnesium storage.
Synergistic multi-selective photocatalysis and real-time optical thermometry of CsPbBr3/BiOI/TiO2@PAN flexible nanofibers
Authors: Li Yanyan , Shen Lifan , Pun Edwin Yue Bun , Lin Hai
Published: October 2023

The dual-function synergy of highly efficient photocatalysis and real-time temperature monitoring of CsPbBr3/BiOI/TiO2@PAN-embedded flexible nanofibers provides a new way to apply photocatalysts in the degradation of environmental pollutants.
Rigidly linked dinuclear platinum(ii) complexes showing intense, excimer-like, near-infrared luminescence
Authors: Pander Piotr , Walden Melissa T. , Salthouse Rebecca J. , Sil Amit , Yufit Dmitry S. , Dias Fernando B. , Williams J. A. Gareth
Published: October 2023

Xanthenes appended with two NCN-coordinated Pt(ii) ions form NIR-emitting “intramolecular excimers”. The xanthene-to-complex linker is crucial in determining photophysical behaviour.
A classification method for high‐dimensional imbalanced multi‐classification data
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Zheng Qibin , Liu Yi , Li Gengsong , Qin Wei , Ren Xiaoguang
Published: October 2023

High‐dimensional imbalanced multi‐classification problems (HDIMCPs) occur frequently in engineering applications such as medical detection, item classification, and email classification. However, there is a paucity of research in the academic community on this topic. This paper proposes an evolutionary algorithm‐based classification method for HDIMCPs, named HIMALO (high‐dimensional imbalanced multi‐classification method based on ant lion optimizer). HIMALO proposes a new individual initialization strategy that replaces the random initialization of the ant lion optimizer with Fuch chaos. Then, it encodes individuals using concatenated sample features and base classifier weights, optimizes these features and weights concurrently during the iteration process. Additionally, a multi‐classification strategy, union one versus many, that combines one versus all and one‐against‐higher‐order is proposed. Numerous experiments are conducted to prove the superior classification performance and stability of HIMALO when compared with other algorithms.
±0.15 V three‐stage bulk‐driven AB OTA with 36 MHzpF/µW and 55(V/µs)pF/µW small and large‐signal figures of merit
Authors: Gangineni Manaswini , Angulo Ramirez Jaime , Paul Anindita , Solís Molinar Jesus Ezequiel , Diaz‐Sanchez Alejandro , Huerta‐Chua Jesus , Lavrova Olga
Published: October 2023

A three‐stage rail‐to‐rail bulk‐driven class AB OTA that operates with ±0.15 V supplies and a power dissipation of 90 nW is introduced. The first two stages use resistive local common mode feedback. The OTA uses simple phase lead compensation. It has a 36 MHz.pF/μW small signal figure of merit and a 55(V/μs) pF/μW large signal figure of merit.
Spectropolarimetry of Type II supernovae
Authors: Nagao T. , Patat F. , Cikota A. , Baade D. , Mattila S. , Kotak R. , Kuncarayakti H. , Bulla M. , Ayala B.
Published: October 2023

The explosion processes of supernovae (SNe) are imprinted in their explosion geometries. The recent discovery of several highly aspherical core-collapse SNe is significant, and studying these is regarded as being crucial in order to understand the underlying explosion mechanism. Here, we study the intrinsic polarization of 15 hydrogen-rich core-collapse SNe and explore the relation between polarization and the photometric and spectroscopic properties of these objects. Our sample shows diverse properties of the continuum polarization. Most SNe show a low degree of polarization at early phases but a sudden rise to ∼1% at certain points during the photospheric phase followed by a slow decline during the tail phase, with a constant polarization angle. The variation in the timing of peak polarization values implies diversity in the explosion geometry: some SNe have aspherical structures only in their helium cores, while in other SNe such structures reach out to a significant part of the outer hydrogen envelope with a common axis from the helium core to the hydrogen envelope. Other SNe show high polarization from early phases and a change in polarization angle around the middle of the photospheric phase. This implies that the ejecta are significantly aspherical out to the outermost layer and have multi-directional aspherical structures. Exceptionally, the Type IIL SN 2017ahn shows low polarization at both the photospheric and tail phases. Our results show that the timing of the polarization rise in Type IIP SNe is likely correlated with their brightness, velocity, and the amount of radioactive Ni produced: brighter SNe with faster ejecta velocity and a larger 56Ni mass have more extended aspherical explosion geometries. In particular, there is a clear correlation between the timing of the polarization rise and the explosion energy; that is, the explosion asphericity is proportional to the explosion energy. This implies that the development of a global aspherical structure, such as a jet, might be the key for the realisation of an energetic SN in the mechanism of SN explosions.
The method of reducing energy consumption in large blast furnace smelting by increasing top pressure
Authors: Chu Jian , Xu Yun , Chen Qinglin , Zhang Nan , Dai Bing
Published: October 2023

Based on the fundamental processes and principles of ironmaking in a BF, an analysis was conducted on the production technical data from 18 large-scale 3200 m3 BFs in China in 2020. The study systematically investigated the influence of top pressure on reduction, air injection, furnace top, energy consumption, and pig iron composition within the BF. Practical operations in a newly No. 1 3200 m3 BF in a Chinese company demonstrated that increasing the top pressure not only effectively improved the smelting process, operational stability, and reduced furnace fluctuations but also led to a decrease in dust emissions, increased pig iron yield and quality, and significantly reduced fuel consumption and process energy consumption. Against the backdrop of dual carbon objectives, gaining a scientific understanding of the dynamic operation principles of the BF smelting process and continuously exploring low-carbon ironmaking methods have become the focus for professionals and researchers in the fields of BF ironmaking, production management, technology, and scientific research.
An exact second order cone programming approach for traffic assignment problems
Authors: Bayram Vedat
Published: October 2023

Demographic changes, urbanization and increasing vehicle ownership at unprecedented rates put a lot of strain on cities particularly on urban mobility and transportation and overwhelm transportation network infrastructures and current transportation systems, which are not built to cope with such a fast increasing demand. Traffic congestion is considered as the most difficult challenge to tackle for sustainable urban mobility and is aggravated by the increased freight activity due to e-commerce and on-demand delivery and the explosive growth in transportation network companies and ride-hailing services. There is a need to implement a combination of policies to ensure that increased urban traffic congestion does not lower the quality of life and threaten global climate and human health and to prevent further economic losses. This study aims to contribute to the United Nations (UN) climate action and sustainable development goals in tackling recurring traffic congestion problem in urban areas to achieve a sustainable urban mobility in that it offers a solution methodology for traffic assignment problem. We introduce an exact generalized solution methodology based on reformulation of existing traffic assignment problems as a second order cone programming (SOCP) problem and propose column generation (CG) and cutting plane (CP) algorithms to solve the problem effectively for large scale road network instances. We conduct numerical experiments to test the performance of the proposed algorithms on realistic road networks.
Advancements in Graft Placement Techniques
Authors: Speranzini Mauro , Souza Solon E.G.
Published: October 2023

For decades, the placement of follicular units (FUs) into incisions in the recipient area was exclusively carried out using forceps. In 1992, Dr. Choi introduced an instrument known as the “implanter,” which had the advantage of simultaneously creating incisions and placing FUs without damaging sensitive parts. Its initial popularity was greater in the East, primarily due to the characteristics of Asian hair. Asian hair is typically straight and thick, with FUs mostly consisting of just one or two hair.

With the description of the follicular unit excision (FUE) technique in 2002 and its widespread adoption nearly a decade later, the advantages of using the implanter also gained popularity in the West. The uniformity in the size of FUs provided by the FUE technique and the possibility of delegating the placement were key attractions in the use of this placement tool. In addition to the traditional Korean implanter with a sharp needle, other implanters and inserters have been described.

The choice of implantation technique depends on individual adaptation and the advantages and disadvantages offered by each instrument. Although forceps allow for safe placement in the hands of well-trained teams, the increased fragility of FUs obtained with the FUE technique has led to the growing acceptance of techniques that employ implanters and inserters.
Synthesis of Alkyl Aryl Ethers by O-Arylation of Alcohols with Diaryliodonium Salts: Scope, Limitations, and Mechanism
Authors: Stuart David R. , Gallagher Rory T. , Jha Soocheta , Metze Bryan E.
Published: October 2023

We describe the development of a C–O coupling reaction between aryl(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)iodonium salts and aliphatic alcohols under weak base conditions. The scope of the reaction is presented, with 16 examples ranging in yield from moderate to high (54–96%). The limitations of the reaction are also presented. Mechanistic experiments reveal a complex network of reactions that include side reactions that generate arynes and oxidize the alcohol nucleophile.
Vestibular Prehabilitation—A Single UK Center Experience and Literature Review
Authors: Ferguson Lucie , Ruane Victoria , Mukerji Nitin , Quail Jenna , Mansoor Hussein , Prasad K. S. Manjunath , Ahmad Noweed
Published: October 2023

Objectives To assess whether vestibular prehabilitation with intratympanic gentamicin is a useful preoperative adjunct in allowing for early mobilization and short length of stay in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS).

Design Retrospective single-center study and literature review.

Setting Tertiary neurosurgical center.

Participants Adult patients undergoing surgery for VS.

Main Outcome Measures Our primary outcome measures were evidence of compensation following prehabilitation (defined as saccades becoming more covert and clustered on video head impulse testing—vHIT), length of stay, and days until mobilization. Secondary outcome measures were reduction in gain on vHIT following treatment as well as need for antiemetics postoperatively.

Results Ten patients have been treated at our center and the majority have shown preoperative reduction in gain and evidence of compensation on vHIT. Median time to mobilization was 1 day and modal length of stay was 6 days. We found the current evidence to be variable, with small sample sizes and significant variation in outcome measures used.

Conclusion Overall we have found that the use of vestibular prehabilitation enables early mobilization, shortened length of stay and appears to be a promising preoperative adjunct in this population. Further research and assessment with a multicenter prospective clinical trial is merited.
Surgical Nuances and Predictors of Requirement for Suprameatal Tubercle Removal in Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Iwasaki Koichi , Uezato Minami , Nishida Namiko , Yoshimoto Naoya , Kitamura Kazushi , Gomi Masanori , Hashikata Hirokuni , Sasaki Isao , Toda Hiroki
Published: October 2023

Objective Suprameatal tubercle (SMT), a bony prominence located above the internal acoustic meatus, is reported to impede the microscopic view during microvascular decompression (MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). For an enlarged SMT, removal of the SMT may be required in addition to the routine MVD to precisely localize the offending vessels. The objective of this study is to investigate the predictive factors influencing the requirement of SMT removal during trigeminal MVD.

Methods We retrospectively reviewed 197 patients who underwent MVD for TN, and analyzed the correlation of the SMT height and other clinicosurgical data with the necessity to remove the SMT during MVD. The parameters evaluated in the statistical analyses included maximum SMT height, patient's clinical characteristics, surgical data including the type and number of offending vessels, and surgical outcomes.

Results SMT removal was required for 20 patients among a total of enrolled 197 patients. In the univariate analysis, maximum SMT height, patient's age, and number (≥ 2) of offending vessels were associated with the requirement for SMT removal. Multivariate analysis with binary logistic regression revealed that the maximum SMT height and number (≥ 2) of offending vessels were significant factors influencing the necessity for SMT removal. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that an SMT height ≥ 4.8 mm was the optimal cutoff value for predicting the need for SMT removal.

Conclusion Large SMTs and the presence of multiple offending vessels are helpful in predicting the technical difficulty of trigeminal MVD associated with the necessity of SMT removal.
An absolute ranging method based on FMCW principle using dual laser interferometry
Authors: Sun Bin , Wang Chao , Song Junfang
Published: October 2023

The FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) laser interferometer can achieve high-precision displacement measurement by calculating the phase of the interference signal. Due to the need for continuous superposition of signal phases, the optical path and power supply cannot be interrupted during the measurement process. To solve this problem, this article proposes a new absolute ranging method—the decimal comparison method. Two distributed feedback lasers with different central wavelengths are used to measure the same target. The digital signal processing technology is used to solve the sampled interference signals, and the initial phase value corresponding to the decimal of interference is taken. Combined with the central wavelength of the two laser sources, the length variation of the F–P cavity corresponding to the number of interference periods is calculated. Finally, the optical path difference of the target is calculated by the established mathematical model. The experimental results show that this method can realize the absolute measurement of laser interferometry and can expand the application range of FMCW interferometry.
Investigation on multiple-frequency resonant characteristics of a Helmholtz resonator with an extended neck
Authors: Mao Yijun , Shi Mengfan , Xu Chen
Published: October 2023

Helmholtz resonator (HR) is widely used in various fields, but the classic HR usually should satisfy the acoustically compact condition, which limits the application range of the classic HR. This paper investigates analytically and numerically the acoustic performance of a HR in which the length of the neck is not limited under the acoustically compact conditions. An analytical model is developed for accurately and quickly predicting resonant frequencies and transmission loss of the Helmholtz resonator with an extended neck (HREN), and numerical simulations have been performed to validate the developed analytical model. Both the analytical and numerical studies reveal that the HREN has multiple resonant frequencies, and a method is developed for approximate and fast calculation of the multiple resonant frequencies.
Aquaporin 7 is upregulated through the PI3K-Akt pathway and modulates decidualisation of endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Liu Min , Mi Yong-Jie , Dai Juan
Published: October 2023

Context Aquaporin 7 (AQP7) is selectively expressed in decidualised endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) of mice surrounding the embryonic implantation sites. However, the roles of AQP7 and the underlying mechanism that regulates AQP7 expression in endometrial decidualisation after implantation are still unclear. Aims This study aimed to investigate the role of the PI3K-Akt pathway in regulating the expression of AQP7 in ESCs and decidualisation. Methods Primary ESCs of pregnant mice were isolated to establish in vitro decidualisation models. PI3K inhibitor LY294002 was added to the decidualisation models, then AQP7 expression, changes in decidualised ESC morphology and expression of decidualisation marker molecules were examined. Key results AQP7 knockdown reduced the proliferation and differentiation of ESCs with in vitro induced decidualisation. Furthermore, when the activity of PI3K was inhibited by LY294002, the expression of AQP7 in decidualised ESCs was decreased and both the proliferation and differentiation of ESCs were significantly reduced. Conclusions This indicates that AQP7 is a key molecule involved in endometrial decidualisation and the expression of AQP7 is upregulated through activation of the PI3K-Akt pathways, which promotes the proliferation and differentiation of the ESCs, thus affecting occurrence of decidualisation. Implications This study may provide a new biomarker for the diagnosis of infertility and a new drug target for the prevention and treatment of infertility.
Reproduction in the era of genomics and automation
Authors: Chebel Ricardo C. , Bisinotto Rafael S. , Giordano Julio , Maggiolino Aristide , de Palo Pasquale
Published: October 2023

Much progress has been made in the reproductive efficiency of lactating dairy cows across the USA in the past 20 years. The standardisation of evaluation of reproductive efficiency, particularly with greater focus on metrics with lesser momentum and less lag-time such as 21-day pregnancy rates (21-day PR), and the recognition that subpar reproductive efficiency negatively impacted profitability were major drivers for the changes that resulted in such progress. Once it became evident that the genetic selection of cattle for milk yield regardless of fertility traits was associated with reduced fertility, geneticists raced to identify fertility traits that could be incorporated in genetic selection programs with the hopes of improving fertility of lactating cows. Concurrently, reproductive physiologists developed ovulation synchronisation protocols such that after sequential treatment with exogenous hormones, cows could be inseminated at fixed time and without detection of oestrus and still achieve acceptable pregnancy per service. These genetic and reproductive management innovations, concurrently with improved husbandry and nutrition of periparturient cows, quickly started to move reproductive efficiency of lactating dairy cows to an upward trend that continues today. Automation has been adopted in Israel and European countries for decades, but only recently have these automated systems been more widely adopted in the USA. The selection of dairy cattle based on genetic indexes that result in positive fertility traits (e.g. daughter pregnancy rate) is positively associated with follicular growth, resumption of ovarian cycles postpartum, body condition score and insulin-like growth factor 1 concentration postpartum, and intensity of oestrus. Collectively, these positive physiological characteristics result in improved reproductive performance. Through the use of automated monitoring devices (AMD), it is possible to identify cows that resume cyclicity sooner after calving and have more intense oestrus postpartum, which are generally cows that have a more successful periparturient period. Recent experiments have demonstrated that it may be possible to adopt targeted reproductive management, utilising ovulation synchronisation protocols for cows that do not have intense oestrus postpartum and relying more heavily on insemination at AMD-detected oestrus for cows that display an intense oestrus postpartum. This strategy is likely to result in tailored hormonal therapy that will be better accepted by the public, will increase the reliance on oestrus for insemination, will improve comfort and reduce labour by reducing the number of injections cows receive in a lactation, and will allow for faster decisions about cows that should not be eligible for insemination.
Braid group action and quasi-split affine 𝚤quantum groups I
Authors: Lu Ming , Wang Weiqiang , Zhang Weinan
Published: October 2023

This is the first of our papers on quasi-split affine quantum symmetric pairs

(

U

~

(

g

^

)
,

U

~

ı

)

\big (\widetilde {\mathbf U}(\widehat {\mathfrak g}), \widetilde {{\mathbf U}}^\imath \big )

, focusing on the real rank one case, i.e.,

g

=

s
l

3

\mathfrak g = \mathfrak {sl}_3

equipped with a diagram involution. We construct explicitly a relative braid group action of type

A
2

(
2
)

A_2^{(2)}

on the affine

ı
\imath

quantum group

U

~

ı

\widetilde {{\mathbf U}}^\imath

. Real and imaginary root vectors for

U

~

ı

\widetilde {{\mathbf U}}^\imath

are constructed, and a Drinfeld type presentation of

U

~

ı

\widetilde {{\mathbf U}}^\imath

is then established. This provides a new basic ingredient for the Drinfeld type presentation of higher rank quasi-split affine

ı
\imath

quantum groups in the sequels.
Products of normal subsets
Authors: Larsen Michael , Shalev Aner , Tiep Pham
Published: October 2023

In this paper we consider which families of finite simple groups

G
G

have the property that for each

ϵ
>
0

\epsilon > 0

there exists

N
>
0

N > 0

such that, if

|

G

|

≥
N

|G| \ge N

and

S
,
T

S, T

are normal subsets of

G
G

with at least

ϵ

|

G

|

\epsilon |G|

elements each, then every non-trivial element of

G
G

is the product of an element of

S
S

and an element of

T
T

.

We show that this holds in a strong and effective sense for finite simple groups of Lie type of bounded rank, while it does not hold for alternating groups or groups of the form

P
S
L

n

(
q
)

\mathrm {PSL}_n(q)

where

q
q

is fixed and

n
→
∞

n\to \infty

. However, in the case

S
=
T

S=T

and

G
G

alternating this holds with an explicit bound on

N
N

in terms of

ϵ
\epsilon

.

Related problems and applications are also discussed. In particular we show that, if

w
1

,

w
2

w_1, w_2

are non-trivial words,

G
G

is a finite simple group of Lie type of bounded rank, and for

g
∈
G

g \in G

,

P

w
1

(
G
)
,

w
2

(
G
)

(
g
)

P_{w_1(G),w_2(G)}(g)

denotes the probability that

g
1

g
2

=
g

g_1g_2 = g

where

g
i

∈

w
i

(
G
)

g_i \in w_i(G)

are chosen uniformly and independently, then, as

|

G

|

→
∞

|G| \to \infty

, the distribution

P

w
1

(
G
)
,

w
2

(
G
)

P_{w_1(G),w_2(G)}

tends to the uniform distribution on

G
G

with respect to the

L

∞

L^{\infty }

norm.
From hyperbolic to parabolic parameters along internal rays
Authors: Chen Yi-Chiuan , Kawahira Tomoki
Published: October 2023

For the quadratic family

f

c

(
z
)
=

z
2

+
c

f_{c}(z) = z^2+c

with

c
c

in a hyperbolic component of the Mandelbrot set, it is known that every point in the Julia set moves holomorphically. In this paper we give a uniform derivative estimate of such a motion when the parameter

c
c

converges to a parabolic parameter

c
^

{\hat {c}}

radially; in other words, it stays within a bounded Poincaré distance from the internal ray that lands on

c
^

{\hat {c}}

. We also show that the motion of each point in the Julia set is uniformly one-sided Hölder continuous at

c
^

{\hat {c}}

with exponent depending only on the petal number.

This paper is a parabolic counterpart of the authors’ paper “From Cantor to semi-hyperbolic parameters along external rays” [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 372 (2019), pp. 7959–7992].
Does Aesthetic Osseous Genioplasty Impact Upper Airway Volume?
Authors: Valls-Ontañón Adaia , Arjooca Sebastian , Saavedra Oscar , Giralt-Hernando Maria , Asensio-Salazar Javier , Haas Orion Luiz , Hernández-Alfaro Federico
Published: October 2023

Background

Although maxillomandibular advancement is the treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in the presence of underlying maxillomandibular complex hypoplasia, there is still a gap in the literature regarding the impact of genioplasty upon upper airway volume (UAV).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of isolated osseous genioplasty upon UAV.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients subjected to isolated osseous genioplasty between July 2015 and July 2022 was conducted. Cone-beam computed tomography was performed preoperatively and postoperatively to assess the chin and hyoid 3-dimensional (3D) spatial position and UAV changes after surgery.

Results

A total of 44 patients were included in the study. Regarding surgical movements of the chin, almost all patients received a sagittal movement (n = 42; 39 forward and 3 backward), while in 8 patients a vertical movement (5 upward and 3 downward) was applied, and in 6 patients the chin was centered. Statistically significant increases in total UAV (P = .014) and at the level of the oropharynx (P = .004) were observed. Specifically, chin centering, upward and forward movements enlarged the oropharynx volume (P = .006, .043 and .065, respectively). Chin advancement enlarged the hypopharynx volume (P = .032), as did upward movement of the hyoid bone (P < .001).

Conclusions

Results of the study suggest that aesthetic osseous genioplasty impacts the UAV: each 3D spatial chin movement differently impacts the upper airway by enlarging or narrowing it. However, further studies addressing the apnea-hypopnea index are required to assess its effectiveness in treating OSAS.

Level of Evidence: 4
Tildrakizumab-induction therapy followed by as-needed dosing in patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis
Authors: Abbad-Jaime de Aragón* Carlota , Berna-Rico* Emilio , Goas Almudena , Pérez-Bootello Javier , Ballester-Martinez María Asunción , Jaén Pedro , Blauvelt Andrew , González-Cantero Álvaro
Published: October 2023

This retrospective real-world evidence study investigates the efficacy of as-needed dosing of tildrakizumab in patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis. Patients received the first three standard doses of tildrakizumab, and thereafter used as-needed dosing over the course of 2.5 years, rather than the approved interval of every 12 weeks. Adequate disease control was achieved, reaching a mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index at the end of follow-up of < 1.
Right ventricular free wall and four-chamber longitudinal strain in relation to incident heart failure in the general population
Authors: Espersen Caroline , Skaarup Kristoffer Grundtvig , Lassen Mats Christian Højbjerg , Johansen Niklas Dyrby , Hauser Raphael , Jensen Gorm Boje , Schnohr Peter , Møgelvang Rasmus , Biering-Sørensen Tor
Published: October 2023

Aims

Right ventricular free wall (RVFWLS) and four-chamber longitudinal strain (RV4CLS) are associated with adverse events in various patient populations including patients with heart failure (HF). We sought to investigate the prognostic value of RVFWLS and RV4CLS for the development of incident HF in participants from the general population.

Methods and results

Participants from the 5th Copenhagen City Heart Study (2011–2015) without known chronic ischaemic heart disease or HF at baseline were included. RVFWLS and RV4CLS were obtained using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography from the right ventricular (RV)-focused apical four-chamber view. The primary endpoint was incident HF. Among 2740 participants (mean age 54 ± 17 years, 42% male), 43 (1.6%) developed HF during a median follow-up of 5.5 years (IQR 4.5–6.3). Both RVFWLS and RV4CLS were associated with an increased risk of incident HF during follow-up independent of age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, body mass index and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), (HR 1.06, 95%CI 1.00–1.11, P = 0.034, per 1% absolute decrease and HR 1.14, 95%CI 1.05–1.23, P = 0.001, per 1% absolute decrease, respectively). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) modified the association between RV4CLS and incident HF (P for interaction = 0.016) such that RV4CLS was only of prognostic importance among those with LVEF < 55% (HR 1.21, 95%CI 1.11–1.33, P < 0.001 vs. HR 0.94, 95%CI 0.80–1.10, P = 0.43 in patients with LVEF ≥ 55%).

Conclusion

In participants from the general population, both RVFWLS and RV4CLS were associated with a greater risk of incident HF independent of important baseline characteristics and TAPSE, and LVEF modified the relationship between RV4CLS and incident HF.
Oscillatory shear stress is elevated in patients with bicuspid aortic valve and aortic regurgitation: a 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance cross-sectional study
Authors: Trenti Chiara , Fedak Paul W M , White James A , Garcia Julio , Dyverfeldt Petter
Published: October 2023

Aims

Patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and aortic regurgitation have higher rate of aortic complications compared with patients with BAV and stenosis, as well as BAV without valvular disease. Aortic regurgitation alters blood haemodynamics not only in systole but also during diastole. We therefore sought to investigate wall shear stress (WSS) during the whole cardiac cycle in BAV with aortic regurgitation.

Methods and results

Fifty-seven subjects that underwent 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging were included: 13 patients with BAVs without valve disease, 14 BAVs with aortic regurgitation, 15 BAVs with aortic stenosis, and 22 normal controls with tricuspid aortic valve. Peak and time averaged WSS in systole and diastole and the oscillatory shear index (OSI) in the ascending aorta were computed. Student’s t-tests were used to compare values between the four groups where the data were normally distributed, and the non-parametric Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used otherwise. BAVs with regurgitation had similar peak and time averaged WSS compared with the patients with BAV without valve disease and with stenosis, and no regions of elevated WSS were found. BAV with aortic regurgitation had twice as high OSI as the other groups (P ≤ 0.001), and mainly in the outer mid-to-distal ascending aorta.

Conclusion

OSI uniquely characterizes altered WSS patterns in BAVs with aortic regurgitation, and thus could be a haemodynamic marker specific for this specific group that is at higher risk of aortic complications. Future longitudinal studies are needed to verify this hypothesis.