bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep Inspiration Breath Hold versus Free Breathing in Postoperative Radiotherapy Strategy for Patients with Left-sided Breast Cancer Treated with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Chiang Pin-Yi , Huang Pin-Jui , Hung Chao-Hsiung , Lin Ching-Po , Chang Chih-Chia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) compared with free breathing (FB) on dose to the organs at risk (OARs), such as the heart, left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, lungs, and contralateral breast, in patients with left-sided breast cancer treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).
Methods
Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched for studies until March 21, 2024. Cochrane RevMan version 5.4 statistical software was used to analyze 11 eligible studies. Standard mean difference (SMD), with 95% confidence interval for OAR dose reductions, was calculated.
Results
DIBH considerably resulted in lower mean doses (Dmean) to the heart (SMD =. −1.40 Gy), LAD (SMD = − 1.65 Gy), ipsilateral lung (SMD = − 0.57 Gy), contralateral lung (SMD = − 0.46 Gy), and contralateral breast (SMD = − 0.20 Gy). If VMAT was delivered with an arc of > 180%, the heart Dmean reduction was even more pronounced. Subgroup analysis revealed that DIBH efficiently reduced heart Dmean, especially in patients with tumor bed boost without nodal irradiation.
Conclusions
DIBH was effective in reducing dose to OARs in patients treated with VMAT in all subgroups, i.e., breast only, with/without tumor bed boost, and with/without nodal irradiation. Furthermore, the use of DIBH is strongly recommended for patients undergoing VMAT with a tumor bed boost or without nodal irradiation, as it is more effective in reducing heart Dmean than FB.
Solving a real large-scale waste collection problem using exact and heuristic methods
Authors: Aviles-González Jonnatan , Smith Neale R. , Mosquera-Gutierres Julio 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Waste collection is a complex optimization problem that has been extensively studied from various angles, yet real-world implementation of these methods presents significant challenges. Practical constraints, such as work limitations, vast geographical distances, and difficult terrains that hinder the entry of collection vehicles, often complicate the application of theoretical solutions. This study proposes an innovative approach to address these challenges by demonstrating the effectiveness of dividing zones and employing exact methods. By segmenting zones and applying precise algorithms, this method adapts to the complexities inherent in urban environments, facilitating more efficient decision-making processes. The proposed technique not only provides a viable solution to the challenges encountered in waste collection but also offers valuable insights into the optimization problem. It presents a practical and adaptable approach to overcoming the logistical difficulties associated with waste collection in diverse and complex settings, making it a promising strategy for improving waste management in urban areas.
Glycated ɑ1-Antitrypsin Involvement in Impaired Wound Healing: In- Vivo and In-Vitro Models
Authors: Farber Idan , Naumchik Alon , Istoyler Yosef , Zaknoun Melodie , Anav Yuval , Sheffer Lihie , Schuster Ronen , Halpern Dor , Fridman Vladimir , Cohen-Lahav Merav , Lewis Eli C , Silberstein Eldad 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Impaired wound healing causes considerable morbidity among patients with diabetes. Human ɑ1-antitrypsin (hAAT) directs inflammation in injured tissues toward resolution. Upon glycation, gly-hAAT loses anti-proteolytic activity, but whether it fails to modulate inflammation and to promote wound repair is unknown.
Objective: Explore the impact of clinical-grade hAAT on wound repair under hyperglycemic conditions, and the role of gly-hAAT in impaired wound healing pathophysiology.
Research Design and Methods: Mice were rendered hyperglycemic and excisional wounding was performed, treated with topical albumin or hAAT every three days from time of wounding. Wound area was followed and samples collected for histology and gene expression analysis. Gly-hAAT was generated from clinical-grade hAAT in laboratory settings. In-vitro, RAW 264.7 macrophage responses were assessed and re-epithelialization was tested using A549 and HaCaT cells in the presence of gly-hAAT, and in the presence of sera from individuals with poor glucose control, both supplemented with clinical-grade hAAT.
Results: Topical hAAT accelerated in-vivo and in-vitro wound closure. Vascular maturity appeared earlier in hAAT-rich conditions, and gene expression skewed towards anti-inflammatory IL-1β/IL-1Ra ratio. Gly-hAAT inhibited normoglycemic mouse wound closure and epithelial cell gap closure, both systems rescued by clinical-grade hAAT. Gly-hAAT evoked an inflammatory response in macrophages, and diabetic patient serum inhibited epithelial cell gap closure; both trends were reversed by clinical-grade hAAT.
Conclusions: Topical hAAT accelerates wound closure under hyperglycemic conditions, and gly-hAAT is inflammatory and fails to benefit wound repair. Considering its phenomenal safety profile, it is suggested that clinical-grade hAAT is primed for testing in clinical settings.
Collective quantum coherence and subband redistribution in artificially assembled nanotube arrays
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Deng Xiaosong , Li Weili , Cheng Xiaohan , Zhang Zixuan , Long Guanhua , Fan Chenwei , Jin Chuanhong , Zhang Yanning , Kang Ning 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Artificial assembly of one-dimensional ballistic conductors into a two-dimensional (2D) system can provide an ideal platform to study coherent electronic coupling and designable physical properties. However, systematic investigations of both the coupling and ballistics in such artificially assembled systems remain scare. Here, we report collective quantum coherence in a quasi-2D film consisting of well-aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with intertube coupling. The conductance plateau in the quasi-ballistic regime demonstrates subband occupation of hundreds of CNTs in a collective manner. The experimental observations agree with density functional theory simulations considering subband redistribution with intertube coupling. Finally, we summarize the quantum coherent transport for multichannel coupled systems in distinct regimes. These results open an avenue towards exploring engineered artificial systems for coherent electronic devices and hold promise for the development of next-generation high-performance and quantum nanoelectronics.
Best Group Random User Selection and Beamforming
Authors: Blostein Steven , Clarke Jordan , Saalou Omid 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In a densely deployed wireless downlink, user selection provides opportunities for higher spectral efficiency. By proper selection of a group of L users from a larger K-size pool, interference can be mitigated improving achievable rate. However, if the group is too large or selection criteria too strict, complexity may be high and performance may be reduced. Previously, greedy user selection methods have been proposed to avoid computationally prohibitive full search. Here, an alternative low-complexity random sequential user group selection scheme for a multi-user multi-input single-output (MU-MISO) downlink system is investigated that utilizes a proposed pairwise user orthogonality metric. The MU-MISO system under consideration contains single-antenna receivers.
The cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the proposed metric is shown to characterize system performance and can be computed numerically via Monte Carlo integration and applied to analyze performance-complexity trade-offs in densely deployed precoded MU-MISO systems. Performance and complexity of algorithms that select the best G user group out of the K choose L available in the selection pool are assessed and its merits are compared to current greedy user selection methods. Tradeoffs among achievable rate, group size, pool size, computation, and transmit beamforming for different channel models are presented that vary in numbers of antennas and spatial correlation.
Self-thinning of biodiverse plant communities follows the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis
Authors: Vieira Vasco , Jorgen Marjan , Lapa Katt , Guerra Luis , Leitão Francisco 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Biomass-density relations have been extensively studied for monospecific plant stands in forestry systems, leading to the self-thinning law, Interspecific Boundary Line and efficiency of space occupation. Later, came experiments with mixed-species stands testing the effects of biodiversity on productivity. Here, we test biomass-density relations in plant communities to better understand their dynamics and application as an ecological indicator. The biodiverse stands were subject to self-thinning and a local boundary line. A feedback loop was observed where biodiversity promoted efficient space occupations but, as these approached their maximum, fierce competition for space eliminated the weaker species. In the background, water availability mediated the strength of this interaction. Our results fit the ‘intermediate disturbance hypothesis’ and can unify seemingly contradicting past evidence and theories. The efficiency of space occupation used as an ecological indicator further helped understand the interaction between an invasive weed and the autochthonous community, as well as the benefit brought-about to a specific species assembly developing from within a mat of dead lawn. The latter denies Savory’s holistic management theory stating that the desertification of grasslands in Africa and elsewhere resulted from the accumulation of dead plant biomass occupying space otherwise available for the growth of new plants.
Research on Emotion Recognition Model Based on ConvTCN-LSTM-DCAN Model with Sparse EEG Channels
Authors: Xiong Fan , Fan MengZhao , Yang Xu , Li Yunfei , Yang Chaoran , Zheng Junjie , Wang Chenxiao , Zhou Jinli 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Emotion recognition holds significant importance in the fields of artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, which directly reflect brain activity, have become a vital tool in emotion recognition research. However, the low-dimensional data from sparse EEG channels presents a key challenge in extracting effective features. This paper proposes an emotion recognition model named ConvTCN-LSTM-DCAN, which integrates an improved Temporal Convolutional Network (ConvTCN), Long Short-Term Memory network (LSTM), and a custom Dynamic Convolutional Attention Network (DCAN) to enhance the accuracy of emotion recognition. The model extracts features and classifies emotions using only two EEG channels (Fp1 and Fp2) from the frontal region. Despite the reduction in the number of channels, the model still achieves classification performance comparable to that of multi-channel models. Experimental results show that on the DEAP dataset, the model achieves a classification accuracy of 96.14% for the arousal dimension, 96.47% for the valence dimension, and 95.23% for the combined arousal-valence classification; on the SEED dataset’s three-class classification task, the accuracy is 93.17%. These results not only surpass traditional emotion recognition models but also demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve performance comparable to multi-channel models even with sparse EEG channels.
Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness of an EHR-Embedded AI Screener for Identifying Hospitalized Adults at Risk for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Afshar Majid , Resnik Felice , Joyce Cara , Oguss Madeline , Dligach Dmitriy , Burnside Elizabeth , Sullivan Anne , Churpek Matthew , Patterson Brian , Salisbury-Afshar Elizabeth , Liao Frank , Brown Randall , Mundt Marlon 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Hospitalized adults with opioid use disorder (OUD) are at high risk for adverse events and rehospitalizations. This pre-post quasi-experimental study evaluated whether an AI-driven OUD screener embedded in the electronic health record (EHR) was non-inferior to usual care in identifying patients for Addiction Medicine consults, aiming to provide a similarly effective but more scalable alternative to human-led ad hoc consultations. The AI screener analyzed EHR notes in real-time with a convolutional neural network to identify patients at risk and recommend consultation. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving consults, comparing a 16-month pre-intervention period to an 8-month post-intervention period with the AI screener. Consults did not change between periods (1.35% vs 1.51%, p < 0.001 for non-inferiority). The AI screener was associated with a reduction in 30-day readmissions (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.30–0.91, p = 0.02) with an incremental cost of $6,801 per readmission avoided, demonstrating its potential as a scalable, cost-effective solution for OUD care. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05745480
Gene editing tool-loaded biomimetic cationic vesicles with highly efficient bacterial internalization for in vivo eradication of pathogens
Authors: Jia Xueli , Yuan Bochuan , Wang Wanmei , Wang Ke , Ling Dandan , Wei Meng , Hu Yadan , Guo Wanting , Chen Ziyuan , Du Lina , Jin Yiguang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In the post-COVID-19 era, drug-resistant bacterial infections emerge as one of major death causes, where multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MRAB) and drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (DRPA) represent primary pathogens. However, the classical antibiotic strategy currently faces the bottleneck of drug resistance. We develop an antimicrobial strategy that applies the selective delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids to pathogens by biomimetic cationic hybrid vesicles (BCVs), irrelevant to bacterial drug resistance. The CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids were constructed, replicating in MRAB or DRPA and expressing ribonucleic proteins, leading to irreparable chromosomal lesions; however, delivering the negatively charged plasmids with extremely large molecular weight to the pathogens at the infection site became a huge challenge. We found that the BCVs integrating the bacterial out membrane vesicles and cationic lipids efficiently delivered the plasmids in vitro/in vivo to the pathogens followed by internalization. The BCVs were used by intratracheal or topical application in hydrogels against MRAB pulmonary infection or DRPA wound infection, and both of the two pathogens were eradicated from the lung or the wound. CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid-loaded BCVs become a promising medication for drug-resistant bacteria infections.
Circadian Influence on Saliva Biochemical Composition: A Pilot Clinical Investigation
Authors: Lozano Carla , García-Manríquez Natalia , Gambetta-Tessini Karla , Echeverría Constanza , Fernández Constanza E. , Giacaman Rodrigo A. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective. Saliva is a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool, but the impact of circadian timing on its biochemical composition is not fully understood. We, therefore sought to investigate whether circadian fluctuations of unstimulated saliva affect biochemical parameters, including pH, total protein, glucose, and organic and inorganic ions.
Materials and Methods. Eight healthy, caries-free young adults donated whole unstimulated saliva at six time-points throughout the day, with each participant providing samples on three separate days, ensuring triplicate collections for each time-point. Before saliva collection, participants adhered to a standardized Mediterranean diet for three days and during collection day. Collected saliva samples were analyzed for pH by a pH-meter, protein by bicinchoninic acid test, and glucose and ions using a calibrated reflectometer. Statistical comparisons across the different time-points were conducted using ANOVA repeated measures test (p<0.05).
Results. The circadian rhythm did not result in statistical variations between-subjects on the measured time-points for calcium, phosphate, peroxide, salivary pH, or total proteins in unstimulated saliva (p>0.05). However, significant circadian variations were observed for lactate, nitrate, nitrite, glucose, and ammonium (p<0.05), with distinct peaks observed at specific times during the day.
Conclusions. Circadian rhythm appears to have a limited impact on the overall biochemical composition of unstimulated saliva in young, healthy adults. Significant fluctuations in specific analytes warrant further investigation.
Clinical Relevance: These findings may contribute to the standardization and refinement of research using saliva as a biomarker for oral and systemic conditions. The differences observed between volunteers highlight the individual diagnostics in the prevention of oral diseases.
Improved MMSE Channel Estimation Techniques for Correlated Channels in Multiuser Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Shaikh Muhammad Ahsan , Mustafa Halar , Rehman Sadiq ur , Ahmed Muhammad Faizan , Hanif Fozia , Jamal M. Asif 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The massive MIMO communication technology has been widely deployed in existing 5G communication, providing increased capacity, improved spectral efficiency, better signal quality, etc. Channel estimation is a complex task and most channel estimation techniques consider a channel as a white channel but practically channels are correlated. The MMSE estimation for massive MIMO channels has been developed for white channels and its performance degrades if the channels are correlated. In this paper, two techniques are proposed to overcome this problem. In the first technique, the regularization term is introduced in the standard MMSE technique to mitigate the problem. Whereas, in the second technique pre-whitening-based MMSE solution is proposed. More specifically, the knowledge of the channel correlation matrix is employed to pre-whiten the received data before applying the MMSE weight matrix. Simulation results show that both proposed algorithm performance is better than the existing MMSE technique but the pre-whitening MMSE solution is superior as compared to other algorithms.
Exploring the antiemetic potential of ascorbic acid: a combined animal behavior and in silico approach targeting 5-HT 3 and D2 receptors
Authors: Nasrul Md. , Shadin Md. , Hasan Md. Sakib Al , Chowdhury Raihan , Sheikh Salehin , Khatun Mst. Muslima , Alam Wahidul , Samani Safiullah , Ansari Siddique Akber , Ansari Irfan Aamer , Islam Muhammad Torequl 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Emesis, or vomiting, is a reflex involving the forceful expulsion of stomach contents, often triggered by various physiological and psychological factors. The current study was conducted to evaluate the antiemetic properties of ascorbic acid (AA) using both in vivo and in silico approaches. In this study, emesis was triggered in chicks by administering copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4⋅5H2O) orally. AA was given orally at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg and compared with reference drugs domperidone (7 mg/kg), ondansetron (5 mg/kg), and with a vehicle negative control. We also performed in silico study to investigate the potential interactions of AA with D2 and 5HT3 receptors and assess its toxicity. Results showed that AA, particularly at 100 mg/kg, significantly delayed the onset of retching (73.75 ± 8.13 seconds) and reduced retch frequency (15.00 ± 3.36 times) over a 10 min period, with enhanced efficacy when combined with standard antiemetics. Docking studies revealed favorable binding affinity (− 5.3 and − 5.4 kcal/mol, respectively) and greater hydrogen bond (HB) interactions between AA and both receptors, suggesting a dual antagonistic mechanism. Also displayed favorable toxicological profile. This study underscores the potential of AA as an effective and safe antiemetic agent, warranting further investigation into its therapeutic application.
The Impacts of Green Investment and Firm Value: Exploring from the Mediation Role of Sustainability Performance
Authors: Maharani Astrid , Agustia Dian , Qomariyah Alfiyatul 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study empirically analysed the role of sustainability performance in mediating the influence of green investment on firm value.The sample comprises 191 firm-years of energy and basic materials companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange from 2016 to 2022. The research used secondary data sourced from the OSIRIS database, as well as annual and sustainability reports. The direct effect analysis tool and analysis with mediator variables were used with Hayes PROCESS model 4, namely, simple mediation contained in SPSS. The results prove that green investment has a significantly positive effect on firm value and that sustainability performance mediates the effect of green investment on firm value. The practical implication of this study, first, this study provides new insights into the development of stakeholder and legitimacy theories. Second, it proves that stakeholders currently consider sustainability performance to be a mediator from the non-financial side of the company. Third, it is important for companies to focus on aspects that need to be considered while investing. Fourth, this research can provide advice on the importance of sustainability performance in companies as disclosed in their annual or sustainability reports. This study finds a new cycle in which a company’s green investment actions through sustainability performance which are reported in accordance with applicable regulations, produce output, thus increasing firm value.
Real-time water quality monitoring along the lower stretch of River Ganges and its connected drains using sensors and Water Quality Index
Authors: Sahoo Bishnu Prasad , Chandra Gour Kanti , Biswas Mrinal Kanti 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

In this study, water quality is measured using a Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring System for a total of 84 times at 14 locations, in which four drains discharged sewage directly to river Ganges at Bihar, five locations on river Ganges at West Bengal, two tributaries of river Ganges at West Bengal and three drains discharged wastewater directly to river Ganges at West Bengal. In Bihar, four major drains discharged 377.98 MLD wastewater into the river Ganges which in turn released 8985.17 kg of BOD per day. In West Bengal, three major drains had a total flow of 1630.88 MLD that discharged 11563.77 kg of BOD per day to the River Ganges. The average Water Quality Index of the river Ganges was observed as 64.55 and that of drains of West Bengal and Bihar were recorded as 309.78 and 775.56, respectively. The average BOD to COD ratio of less than 0.6 indicated wastewater from drains of Bihar and West Bengal was nonbiodegradable. DO and pH values were recorded compliant with the bathing water quality standard at all river locations, however, the average BOD value at five monitoring points of the river Ganges and its tributaries was slightly above the bathing water quality standard.
A Comprehensive Review on the Self-Nanoemulsifying System for the Delivery of Herbal Drugs
Authors: Harde Manoj , Mallya Rashmi 
Published: October 2024

:
Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SNEDDSs) are an isotropic mixture of
oils, co-surfactants, and surfactants and can form fine O/W nanoemulsions in aqueous media. These
components are advantageous in terms of improved solubility and bioavailability, as limited permeability,
solubility, and bioavailability remain a significant challenge in the development of herbal
drugs. This review explores the potential of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDSs)
as a promising strategy to overcome this problem. The SNEDDSs are considered to be a novel technique
for the delivery of low water-soluble drugs. They can bypass the first-pass metabolism, which
ultimately results in steady and sustained drug levels in the systemic circulation. The present article
provides a comprehensive overview of the SNEDDSs formulation of herbal drugs. It includes their
composition, characterization, in vitro and in vivo studies conducted on various disease conditions,
and their pharmacokinetic studies.