bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bacteriophage Protein-Based Impedimetric Electrochemical Biosensor for the Detection of Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Suganthan Baviththira , Rogers Ashley M. , Crippen Clay S. , Asadi Hamid , Zolti Or , Szymanski Christine M. , Ramasamy Ramaraja P.
Published: August 2024

Campylobacter jejuni is a common foodborne pathogen found in poultry that can cause severe life-threatening illnesses in humans. It is important to detect this pathogen in food to manage foodborne outbreaks. This study reports a novel impedimetric phage protein-based biosensor to detect C. jejuni NCTC 11168 at 100 CFU/mL concentrations using a genetically engineered receptor-binding phage protein, FlaGrab, as a bioreceptor. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique was employed to measure changes in resistance upon interaction with C. jejuni. The sensitivity of the phage protein-immobilized electrode was assessed using the various concentrations of C. jejuni NCTC 11168 ranging from 102–109 colony forming units (CFU)/mL). The change transfer resistance of the biosensor increased with increasing numbers of C. jejuni NCTC 11168 cells. The detection limit was determined to be approximately 103 CFU/mL in the buffer and 102 CFU/mL in the ex vivo samples. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Typhimurium-291RH and Listeria monocytogenes Scott A were used as nontarget bacterial cells to assess the specificity of the developed biosensor. Results showed that the developed biosensor was highly specific toward the target C. jejuni NCTC 11168, as no signal was observed for the nontarget bacterial cells.
A Review of the Application of Synthetic and Natural Polymers as Construction and Building Materials for Achieving Sustainable Construction
Authors: Tamošaitienė Jolanta , Parham Shokoh , Sarvari Hadi , Chan Daniel W. M. , Edwards David J.
Published: August 2024

With the advancement of human society, more construction and building materials are required to produce sustainable construction. The advancement of polymer materials and their use in building construction has been improved. Compared to inorganic materials, polymer materials offer numerous superior qualities and may also be modified to increase their usefulness. Additionally, although bio-polymeric materials have effectively supplanted many conventional materials in various relevant disciplines, their applications in construction, including building façades and so on, have been quite limited up to now. Nowadays, most architects and engineers find it challenging to choose materials due to the proliferation of new materials and the market availability of various manufacturing techniques. This emphasizes the necessity of adopting a unique scientific strategy for the materials selection process to assist in picking the most suitable materials for the necessary civil application rather than following an obsolete traditional selection path that depends mostly on prior subjective personal experiences. This review article has identified critical concerns, inspired more study, and provided crucial insights into the prospective field of synthetic and natural construction and building polymeric materials towards sustainable construction.
A Study on the Influence of Anchor Rods’ Layout on the Uplift Resistance Characteristics of Inclined Anchor Short-Pile Foundations Based on FEA
Authors: Gao Yiran , Zhang Yiqing , Xie Qiang , Liu Quan , Liu Tinglei , You Ting , Fu Xiang , Duan Jun , Qin Peiyuan , Yang Tao , Chen Yucheng
Published: August 2024

In the steep terrain of southwestern China, there are numerous complex strata characterized by thin overburden layers and well-behaved underlying bedrock, yet excavation poses significant challenges. This situation is unfavorable for the construction of transmission towers’ foundations. To address this issue, inclined anchor short-pile foundations have been proposed as foundations for transmission towers. These foundations not only reduce the depth and construction difficulty of excavation but also make full use of the load-bearing capacity of the bedrock. To investigate the influence of the anchor rods’ layout on the uplift resistance characteristics of inclined anchor short-pile foundations, numerical models were established using FLAC3D. The effects of the anchor rods’ position and the length of the free segment on the uplift resistance characteristics of inclined anchor short-pile foundations were explored. The results indicated that variations in the anchor rods’ position and the length of the free segment had minimal impact on the uplift resistance characteristics of inclined anchor short-pile foundations. The pile head displacements of short piles with different anchor rod positions were similar under both loading conditions. Under pure uplift loads, the maximum displacement before failure was approximately 13 mm, while under combined uplift and horizontal loads, the maximum displacement before failure was around 15 mm. Placing the anchor rod too low increased the difficulty of construction, while positioning it too high resulted in a shorter embedment length of the anchor rod in the pile’s body, leading to potential failure at the pile–anchor node. Therefore, it is recommended to position the anchor rod near the center of the short pile’s body. As the length of the free segment of the anchor rod decreased, there was a slight reduction in the displacement under the same uplift loading conditions, with an overall difference of less than 5%. However, if full-length anchoring was adopted, the anchor rod was prone to tensile shear failure. Compared with short-pile foundations of the same size, inclined anchor short-pile foundations demonstrated enhanced ultimate bearing capacity under uplift and combined uplift and horizontal loading. The improvement was more significant when horizontal loads were present. Under horizontal loading, the ultimate uplift bearing capacity of inclined anchor short-pile foundations decreased by only 14%, whereas that of single-pile foundations decreased by 24%.
Adobe Blocks Reinforced with Vegetal Fibres: Mechanical and Thermal Characterisation
Authors: Rocco Angelica , Vicente Romeu , Rodrigues Hugo , Ferreira Victor
Published: August 2024

The present study is based on the characterisation of adobe blocks of the central region of Portugal. It is recognised that the safeguarding of the existing building stock of constructions in the traditional adobe construction technique, through different levels interventions, should also preserve the historical and cultural identity of the area as well as the traditional construction techniques, starting from the ground itself. Soil, as a repository of valuable information on the history of the site, underpins the conservation and preservation process. However, the soil is a local expression of the site, and a precise knowledge of its characteristics is necessary to hypothesise building recovery strategies. For this reason, the characteristics of adobe blocks from old buildings in the village of Torres in Anadia, in a rural area that has not yet been the subject of scientific research, were evaluated. These adobe blocks were taken from the buildings to be used in the laboratory to determine the similar mixing rates for the new adobe mixtures by analysing the material’s chemical, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties, as well as its particle size distribution. In the study area, a wetland was identified characterised by a notable presence of vegetation, namely bunho and junco (Schoenoplectus lacustris L.). These fibres, which can be assimilated to Typha, are wild aquatic plants that can impair the biodiversity of wetlands but which, used as reinforcement for the production of adobe bricks, can stimulate new, more sustainable forms of economy in in the area, which is classified as rural. The fibres were divided into two groups of 10–30 mm and 30–60 mm in length, and compositions with an additional 1 to 3% of fibres were formulated. This experimental approach was useful for understanding how the length and quantity of these fibres influence the performance of the material, thus contributing to improving knowledge about the behaviour of adobe blocks in relation to the incorporation of vegetable fibre reinforcement. The research findings reveal that the length of the fibres and percentage of incorporation have a significant impact on the mechanical behavior of the material, particularly in relation to its compressive strength up to 50%. The tested formulations were also assessed with respect to capillarity, for which most of the formulations were classified as weakly capillary, with a capillary index (Cb) of less than 20. With respect to thermal conductivity, the incorporation of fibres led to a reduction of up to 20%. The characterisations demonstrate that the optimisation of adobe is the initial stage in attaining comprehensive insight into the heritage of traditional construction in the central region of Portugal, with a particular focus on the village of Torres and the ancient adobe construction technique.
Open-Face Masks in Radiotherapy: Enhancing Therapeutic Strategies for Head and Neck and Brain Cancer Patients—A Comprehensive Scoping Review
Authors: Lastrucci Andrea , Morelli Ilaria , Votta Claudio , Maran Irene , Iosca Nicola , Monaco Ilaria Pia , Salvestrini Viola , Desideri Isacco , Marrazzo Livia , Wandael Yannick , Cornacchione Patrizia , Pallotta Stefania , Giansanti Daniele , Ricci Renzo , Livi Lorenzo , Bonomo Pierluigi
Published: August 2024

Introduction: The main goal of radiotherapy (RT) is to deliver a precise dose to the target while sparing the surrounding normal tissue and minimizing side effects. Appropriate patient immobilization is crucial, especially for head and neck cancer (HNC) and Brain Cancer (BC). Conventional closed-face masks (CFMs), while effective in minimizing head motion, can cause significant discomfort, anxiety, and claustrophobia. Open-face masks (OFMs) have been developed to increase patient comfort while providing precise immobilization. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews and the Arskey and O’Malley framework, an electronic search of EMBASE, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science was conducted to identify original studies reporting the use and description of OFMs in clinical practice up to April 2024. The inclusion criteria were English-language articles focusing on OFMs for HNC and BC patients undergoing RT. Results: Of 618 titles, 19 articles fulfilled the selection criteria. Most studies were comparative (n = 13) or observational (n = 6). The articles were categorized by treatment site, resulting in three groups: BC (n = 14, 68.4%), HNC (n = 4, 21.4%), and mixed (n = 2, 10.5%), which includes both BC and HNC. Of note, 82.4% (n = 16) of the included studies were published from 2020 onwards, emphasizing the recent adoption of OFM in clinical practice. Conclusions: The reviewed studies show that OFMs, in combination with SGRT, offer significant advantages in terms of patient comfort and positioning accuracy in HNC and BC treatments. Reproducibility in the sub-millimeter and sub-degree range can be achieved, which supports the use of OFMs in clinical practice. Future research should explore innovative combinations of immobilization and monitoring to further improve RT outcomes and ensure precise treatment while increasing patient comfort.
Radiographic Response Assessments and Standardized Imaging Interpretation Criteria in Head and Neck Cancer on FDG PET/CT: A Narrative Review
Authors: Schroeder Jennifer A. , Oldan Jorge D. , Jewells Valerie L. , Bunch Paul M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: There is growing interest in the development and application of standardized imaging criteria (SIC), to minimize variability and improve the reproducibility of image interpretation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: “Squamous cell carcinoma” AND “standardized interpretation criteria” OR “radiographic response assessment” were searched using PubMed and Google Scholar for articles published between 2009 and 2024, returning 56 publications. After abstract review, 18 were selected for further evaluation, and 6 different SICs (i.e., PERCIST, Porceddu, Hopkins, NI-RADS, modified Deauville, and Cuneo) were included in this review. Each SIC is evaluated in the context of 8 desired traits of a standardized reporting system. Results: Two SICs have societal endorsements (i.e., PERCIST, NI-RADS); four can be used in the evaluation of locoregional and systemic disease (i.e., PERCIST, Hopkins, NI-RADS, Cuneo), and four have specific categories for equivocal imaging results (i.e., Porceddu, NI-RADS, modified Deauville, and Cuneo). All demonstrated areas for future improvement in the context of the 8 desired traits. Conclusion: Multiple SICs have been developed for and demonstrated value in HNSCC post-treatment imaging; however, these systems remain underutilized. Selecting an SIC with features that best match the needs of one’s practice is expected to maximize the likelihood of successful implementation.
The Mutational and Microenvironmental Landscape of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review
Authors: Hosseini Tara M. , Park Soo J. , Guo Theresa
Published: August 2024

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) manifests through the complex interactions of UV-induced DNA damage, genetic mutations, and alterations in the tumor microenvironment. A high mutational burden is present in cSCC, as well as both cSCC precursors and normal skin, making driver genes difficult to differentiate. Despite this, several key driver genes have been identified, including TP53, the NOTCH family, CDKN2A, PIK3CA, and EGFR. In addition to mutations, the tumor microenvironment and the manipulation and evasion of the immune system play a critical role in cSCC progression. Novel therapeutic approaches, such as immunotherapy and EGFR inhibitors, have been used to target these dysregulations, and have shown promise in treating advanced cSCC cases, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions considering both genetic and microenvironmental factors for improved patient outcomes.
Computational Modeling of Drug Response Identifies Mutant-Specific Constraints for Dosing panRAF and MEK Inhibitors in Melanoma
Authors: Goetz Andrew , Shanahan Frances , Brooks Logan , Lin Eva , Mroue Rana , Dela Cruz Darlene , Hunsaker Thomas , Czech Bartosz , Dixit Purushottam , Segal Udi , Martin Scott , Foster Scott A. , Gerosa Luca
Published: August 2024

Purpose: This study explores the potential of pre-clinical in vitro cell line response data and computational modeling in identifying the optimal dosage requirements of pan-RAF (Belvarafenib) and MEK (Cobimetinib) inhibitors in melanoma treatment. Our research is motivated by the critical role of drug combinations in enhancing anti-cancer responses and the need to close the knowledge gap around selecting effective dosing strategies to maximize their potential. Results: In a drug combination screen of 43 melanoma cell lines, we identified specific dosage landscapes of panRAF and MEK inhibitors for NRAS vs. BRAF mutant melanomas. Both experienced benefits, but with a notably more synergistic and narrow dosage range for NRAS mutant melanoma (mean Bliss score of 0.27 in NRAS vs. 0.1 in BRAF mutants). Computational modeling and follow-up molecular experiments attributed the difference to a mechanism of adaptive resistance by negative feedback. We validated the in vivo translatability of in vitro dose–response maps by predicting tumor growth in xenografts with high accuracy in capturing cytostatic and cytotoxic responses. We analyzed the pharmacokinetic and tumor growth data from Phase 1 clinical trials of Belvarafenib with Cobimetinib to show that the synergy requirement imposes stricter precision dose constraints in NRAS mutant melanoma patients. Conclusion: Leveraging pre-clinical data and computational modeling, our approach proposes dosage strategies that can optimize synergy in drug combinations, while also bringing forth the real-world challenges of staying within a precise dose range. Overall, this work presents a framework to aid dose selection in drug combinations.
TLK1>Nek1 Axis Promotes Nuclear Retention and Activation of YAP with Implications for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Olatunde Damilola , De Benedetti Arrigo
Published: August 2024

Despite some advances in controlling the progression of prostate cancer (PCa) that is refractory to the use of ADT/ARSI, most patients eventually succumb to the disease, and there is a pressing need to understand the mechanisms that lead to the development of CRPC. A common mechanism is the ability to integrate AR signals from vanishing levels of testosterone, with the frequent participation of YAP as a co-activator, and pointing to the deregulation of the Hippo pathway as a major determinant. We have recently shown that YAP is post-transcriptionally activated via the TLK1>NEK1 axis by stabilizing phosphorylation at Y407. We are now solidifying this work by showing the following: (1) The phosphorylation of Y407 is critical for YAP retention/partition in the nuclei, and J54 (TLK1i) reverses this along with YAP-Y407 dephosphorylation. (2) The enhanced degradation of (cytoplasmic) YAP is increased by J54 counteracting its Enzalutamide-induced accumulation. (3) The basis for all these effects, including YAP nuclear retention, can be explained by the stronger association of pYAP-Y407 with its transcriptional co-activators, AR and TEAD1. (4) We demonstrate that ChIP for GFP-YAP-wt, but hardly for the GFP-YAP-Y407F mutant, at the promoters of typical ARE- and TEAD1-driven genes is readily detected but becomes displaced after treatment with J54. (5) While xenografts of LNCaP cells show rapid regression following treatment with ARSI+J54, in the VCaP model, driven by the TMPRSS2-ERG oncogenic translocation, tumors initially respond well to the combination but subsequently recur, despite the continuous suppression of pNek1-T141 and pYAP-Y407. This suggests an alternative parallel pathway for CRPC progression for VCaP tumors in the long term, which may be separate from the observed ENZ-driven YAP deregulation, although clearly some YAP gene targets like PD-L1, that are found to accumulate following prolonged ENZ treatment, are still suppressed by the concomitant addition of J54.
The Proapoptotic Action of Pyrrolidinedione–Thiazolidinone Hybrids towards Human Breast Carcinoma Cells Does Not Depend on Their Genotype
Authors: Finiuk Nataliya , Kozak Yuliia , Gornowicz Agnieszka , Czarnomysy Robert , Tynecka Marlena , Holota Serhii , Moniuszko Marcin , Stoika Rostyslav , Lesyk Roman , Bielawski Krzysztof , Bielawska Anna
Published: August 2024

The development of new, effective agents for the treatment of breast cancer remains a high-priority task in oncology. A strategy of treatment for this pathology depends significantly on the genotype and phenotype of human breast cancer cells. We aimed to investigate the antitumor activity of new pyrrolidinedione–thiazolidinone hybrid molecules Les-6287, Les-6294, and Les-6328 towards different types of human breast cancer cells of MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, T-47D, and HCC1954 lines and murine breast cancer 4T1 cells by using the MTT, clonogenic and [3H]-Thymidine incorporation assays, flow cytometry, ELISA, and qPCR. The studied hybrids possessed toxicity towards the mentioned tumor cells, with the IC50 ranging from 1.37 to 21.85 µM. Simultaneously, these derivatives showed low toxicity towards the pseudonormal human breast epithelial cells of the MCF-10A line (IC50 > 93.01 µM). Les-6287 at 1 µM fully inhibited the formation of colonies of the MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and HCC1954 cells, while Les-6294 and Les-6328 did that at 2.5 and 5 µM, respectively. Les-6287 suppressed DNA biosynthesis in the MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and HCC1954 cells. At the same time, such an effect on the MCF-10A cells was significantly lower. Les-6287 induces apoptosis using extrinsic and intrinsic pathways via a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, increasing the activity of caspases 3/7, 8, 9, and 10 in all immunohistochemically different human breast cancer cells. Les-6287 decreased the concentration of the metastasis- and invasion-related proteins MMP-2, MMP-9, and ICAM-1. It did not induce autophagy in treated cells. In conclusion, the results of our study suggest that the synthesized hybrid pyrrolidinedione–thiazolidinones might be promising agents for treating breast tumors of different types.
Common Driver Mutations in AML: Biological Impact, Clinical Considerations, and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Nong Tiffany , Mehra Shefali , Taylor Justin
Published: August 2024

Next-generation sequencing of samples from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has revealed several driver gene mutations in adult AML. However, unlike other cancers, AML is defined by relatively few mutations per patient, with a median of 4–5 depending on subtype. In this review, we will discuss the most common driver genes found in patients with AML and focus on the most clinically relevant ones that impact treatment strategies. The most common driver gene mutations in AML occur in NPM1 and FLT3, accounting for ~30% each. There are now targeted therapies being tested or already approved for these driver genes. Menin inhibitors, a novel targeted therapy that blocks the function of the menin protein, are in clinical trials for NPM1 driver gene mutant AML after relapse. A number of FLT3 inhibitors are now approved for FLT3 driver gene mutant AML in combination with chemotherapy in the frontline and also as single agent in relapse. Although mutations in IDH1/2 and TP53 only occur in around 10–20% of patients with AML each, they can affect the treatment strategy due to their association with prognosis and availability of targeted agents. While the impact of other driver gene mutations in AML is recognized, there is a lack of data on the actionable impact of those mutations.
IL-22 in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Laska Julia , Tota Maciej , Łacwik Julia , Sędek Łukasz , Gomułka Krzysztof
Published: August 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent and chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by a multifaceted pathophysiology that gives rise to diverse clinical manifestations. The management of AD remains challenging due to the suboptimal efficacy of existing treatment options. Nonetheless, recent progress in elucidating the underlying mechanisms of the disease has facilitated the identification of new potential therapeutic targets and promising drug candidates. In this review, we summarize the newest data, considering multiple connections between IL-22 and AD. The presence of circulating IL-22 has been found to correlate with the severity of AD and is identified as a critical factor driving the inflammatory response associated with the condition. Elevated levels of IL-22 in patients with AD are correlated with increased proliferation of keratinocytes, alterations in the skin microbiota, and impaired epidermal barrier function. Collectively, these factors contribute to the manifestation of the characteristic symptoms observed in AD.
Microstructures and Properties of Laser-Cladded FeCoCrNiAlTi High-Entropy Alloy with Intensive Repair Potential
Authors: Yu Hao , Liu Bo , Wang Debin , Han Guofeng , Han Dong , Yang Baijun
Published: August 2024

As a key step in intensive additive repair, the design of intensive repair materials immediately needs to be explored. In this work, an intensive additive repair study based on laser cladding technology was performed using a self-designed Fe20Co25Ni31Cr8Al9Ti7 high-entropy alloy (HEA) powder and three types of substrates widely used in field equipment (namely, Q235, 17CrNiMo6H, and 304 stainless steel). The results revealed that the HEA repair layer (HEA-RL) consists of a dominant FCC phase and a small amount of BCC phase, and the microstructure shows the columnar-to-equiaxed grain transition behavior. The metallurgical bonding between the HEA-RL and the three substrates has almost no defects. Compared with the three substrates, the HEA-RL has a much higher microhardness (~340 HV) and decent corrosion resistance. Therefore, the underlying mechanisms for the microstructure and performance of the HEA-RL were also discussed. This work provides a new idea for the design of intensive repair materials.
Effect of Aluminide Coating Thickness on High-Temperature Fatigue Response of MAR-M247 Nickel-Based Superalloy
Authors: Kopec Mateusz
Published: August 2024

In this paper, 20 µm and 40 µm thick aluminide coatings were deposited on MAR-M247 nickel-based superalloy through the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process in a hydrogen protective atmosphere for 4 h and 12 h, respectively, at a temperature of 1040 °C and an internal pressure of 150 mbar. The effect of aluminide coating thickness on the high-temperature performance of the MAR-M247 nickel-based superalloy was examined during a fatigue test at 900 °C. After high-temperature testing, the specimens were subjected to fractographic analysis to reveal the damage mechanisms. No significant effect of coating thickness was found since the material exhibited a similar service life throughout the fatigue test when subjected to the same stress amplitude. One should stress that the coating remained well adhered after specimen fracture, confirming its effectiveness in protecting the material against high-temperature oxidation.
Forensic Investigation, Challenges, and Issues of Cloud Data: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Alshabibi Munirah Maher , Bu dookhi Alanood Khaled , Hafizur Rahman M. M.
Published: August 2024

Cloud computing technology delivers services, resources, and computer systems over the internet, enabling the easy modification of resources. Each field has its challenges, and the challenges of data transfer in the cloud pose unique obstacles for forensic analysts, making it necessary for them to investigate and adjust the evolving landscape of cloud computing. This is where cloud forensics emerges as a critical component. Cloud forensics, a specialized field within digital forensics, focuses on uncovering evidence of exploitation, conducting thorough investigations, and presenting findings to law enforcement for legal action against perpetrators. This paper examines the primary challenges encountered in cloud forensics, reviews the relevant literature, and analyzes the strategies implemented to address these obstacles.
Exploring the Influence of IL-8, IL-10, Patient-Reported Pain, and Physical Activity on Endometriosis Severity
Authors: Nati Ionel Daniel , Malutan Andrei , Ciortea Razvan , Oancea Mihaela , Bucuri Carmen , Roman Maria , Ormindean Cristina , Milon Alexandra Gabriela , Mihu Dan
Published: August 2024

Endometriosis is known to be a chronic, debilitating disease. The pathophysiological mechanisms of endometriosis development include local chronic inflammation and a certain degree of local immune deficit. We investigated the relationship between the endometriosis severity, IL-8, IL-10, BDNF, VEGF-A serum and tissue levels, patient-related pain, and physical activity in a cohort of 46 patients diagnosed with endometriosis who underwent surgery. The same panel of biomarkers was investigated in a control group of 44 reproductive-aged patients with non-endometriotic gynecological pathology who underwent surgical intervention. Our data show a high statistical significance between tissue expression of IL-8, IL-10, patient-related pain, and the severity of endometriosis. No relationship was identified between serum or tissue levels of VEGF-A and BDNF and the severity of endometriosis. These results validate the presence of local chronic inflammation and immune deficit, thereby creating, alongside other studies in the field, an opportunity for the development of innovative and personalized treatment approaches in endometriosis.
Artefacts in Hysterectomies with a Special Focus on Vascular Pseudoinvasion
Authors: Dagher Sami , Mobarki Mousa , Chauleur Celine , Papoudou-Bai Alexandra , Péoc’h Michel , Karpathiou Georgia
Published: August 2024

Background: Since the advent of laparoscopic hysterectomy, several studies have described artefacts, such as vascular pseudoinvasion, constituting potential pitfalls in the histological evaluation of these specimens. The use of an intrauterine manipulator is often suggested as the factor creating these artefacts. Objectives: To describe possible artefacts, such as vascular pseudoinvasion, myometrial clefts, and tumor cells in the lumen of the cervix, on the serosa, and in the tubal lumen, and to correlate them with clinical and pathological characteristics. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective monocentric study of 60 patients having been treated for benign (n = 27, 45%) or malignant (n = 33, 55%) uterine pathologies. Results: Vascular pseudoinvasion was found in 13 (22%) adenocarcinomas and in one (2%) benign uterine pathology. Clefts within the myometrium were observed in 16 (27%) uteri. Cells in the tubal lumen were observed in six (10%) hysterectomies. True vascular emboli were not correlated with the use of an intrauterine manipulator (p = 0.47) or the type of surgery (p = 0.21). Vascular pseudoinvasion was correlated with the presence of tumor cells in the lumen of the cervix (p = 0.013) and the presence of clefts in the myometrium (p < 0.001), but not with the other factors studied. Conclusions: Overall, in our series, we did not observe any statistical association between the use of an intrauterine manipulator and the presence of true emboli or vascular pseudoinvasion during hysterectomy in women with malignant or benign uterine pathologies. Vascular pseudoinvasion was also associated with the presence of other artefacts.
Transient Synchronous Stability Modeling and Comparative Analysis of Grid-Following and Grid-Forming New Energy Power Sources
Authors: Tian Xin , Zhang Yuyue , Xu Yanhui , Zheng Le , Zhang Lina , Yuan Zhenhua
Published: August 2024

New energy power sources can be categorized into grid-following and grid-forming types based on their synchronization characteristics with the grid. Due to the different basic control operation principles of these two types of new energy power sources, they can lead to the instability of the grid-connected system through different paths. A mathematical model is established to describe the dynamic characteristics of the grid-following and the grid-forming new energy power resources, and the control block diagram of the nonlinear dynamic characteristic equation is compared and analyzed. The similarity between grid-following and grid-forming new energy power supply is revealed, and we preliminarily discuss the influencing factors of the stability of new energy sources. Using a single-machine infinite system model, the influence of key control parameters on transient stability is separately investigated for grid-following and grid-forming types. The influence of the converter synchronous loop control parameters on the system is verified, and the factors affecting the stability are discussed in combination with current limiting and frequency limiting. The research will provide reference for the design of a new energy power grid connection system.
Online Mechanical Resonance Frequency Identification Method Based on an Improved Second-Order Generalized Integrator—Frequency-Locked Loop
Authors: Wu Kelu , Zhang Yongchao , Lu Wenqi , Sun Lei , Wang Luojun , Shi Weimin
Published: August 2024

To address the issue of mechanical resonance frequency detection in dual-inertia servo systems, this paper proposes an online identification method for mechanical resonance frequency using a low-pass filter and cascaded second-order generalized integrator—frequency-locked loop (LPF-CSOGI-FLL). Initially, the cascaded second-order generalized integrator—frequency-locked loop (CSOGI-FLL) is employed to eliminate the interference of direct current (DC) bias in resonance frequency identification. From a dual-stage structural perspective, the first second-order generalized integrator (SOGI-FLL) acts as a band-pass pre-filter to extract the mechanical resonance signal from the signal to be tested. The second SOGI-FLL generates a signal with equal amplitude and frequency to the mechanical resonance and obtains the frequency of the resonance signal through the frequency-locked loop. Subsequently, a low-pass filter (LPF) is applied to the frequency feedback loop of the second-stage SOGI-FLL, effectively reducing the oscillation of the estimated frequency. Finally, combining the CSOGI-FLL with an LPF forms a novel structure, namely, LPF-CSOGI-FLL. The results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly improves the detection accuracy of mechanical resonance frequency under various conditions. Compared to traditional offline techniques, this method overcomes the impact of resonance frequency drift and enhances system stability.
Adaptive Clustering and Scheduling for UAV-Enabled Data Aggregation
Authors: Nguyen Tien-Dung , Pham Van Tien , Le Duc-Tai , Choo Hyunseung
Published: August 2024

Using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is an effective way to gather data from Internet of Things (IoT) devices. To reduce data gathering time and redundancy, thereby enabling the timely response of state-of-the-art systems, one can partition a network into clusters and perform aggregation within each cluster. Existing works solved the UAV trajectory planning problem, in which the energy consumption and/or flight time of the UAV is the minimization objective. The aggregation scheduling within each cluster was neglected, and they assumed that data must be ready when the UAV arrives at the cluster heads (CHs). This paper addresses the minimum time aggregation scheduling problem in duty-cycled networks with a single UAV. We propose an adaptive clustering method that takes into account the trajectory and speed of the UAV. The transmission schedule of IoT devices and the UAV departure times are jointly computed so that (1) the UAV flies continuously throughout the shortest path among the CHs to minimize the hovering time and energy consumption, and (2) data are aggregated at each CH right before the UAV arrival, to maximize the data freshness. Intensive simulation shows that the proposed scheme reduces up to 35% of the aggregation delay compared to other benchmarking methods.
IPLog: An Efficient Log Parsing Method Based on Few-Shot Learning
Authors: Liu Shuxian , Yun Libo , Nie Shuaiqi , Zhang Guiheng , Li Wei
Published: August 2024

Log messages from enterprise-level software systems contain crucial runtime details. Engineers can convert log messages into structured data through log parsing, laying the foundation for downstream tasks such as log anomaly detection. Existing log parsing schemes usually underperform in production environments for several reasons: first, they often ignore the semantics of log messages; second, they are often not adapted to different systems, and their performance varies greatly; and finally, they are difficult to adapt to the complexity and variety of log formats in the real environment. In response to the limitations of current approaches, we introduce IPLog (Intelligent Parse Log), a parsing method designed to address these issues. IPLog samples a limited set of log samples based on the distribution of templates in the system’s historical logs, and allows the model to make full use of the small number of log samples to recognize common patterns of keywords and parameters through few-shot learning, and thus can be easily adapted to different systems. In addition, IPLog can further improve the grouping accuracy of log templates through a novel manual feedback merge query strategy based on the longest common prefix, thus enhancing the model’s adaptability to handle complex log formats in production environments. We conducted experiments on four newly released public log datasets, and the experimental results show that IPLog can achieve an average grouping accuracy (GA) of 0.987 and parsing accuracy (PA) of 0.914 on the four public datasets, which are the best among the mainstream parsing schemes. These results demonstrate that IPLog is effective for log parsing tasks.
Real-Time Dense Visual SLAM with Neural Factor Representation
Authors: Wei Weifeng , Wang Jie , Xie Xiaolong , Liu Jie , Su Pengxiang
Published: August 2024

Developing a high-quality, real-time, dense visual SLAM system poses a significant challenge in the field of computer vision. NeRF introduces neural implicit representation, marking a notable advancement in visual SLAM research. However, existing neural implicit SLAM methods suffer from long runtimes and face challenges when modeling complex structures in scenes. In this paper, we propose a neural implicit dense visual SLAM method that enables high-quality real-time reconstruction even on a desktop PC. Firstly, we propose a novel neural scene representation, encoding the geometry and appearance information of the scene as a combination of the basis and coefficient factors. This representation allows for efficient memory usage and the accurate modeling of high-frequency detail regions. Secondly, we introduce feature integration rendering to significantly improve rendering speed while maintaining the quality of color rendering. Extensive experiments on synthetic and real-world datasets demonstrate that our method achieves an average improvement of more than 60% for Depth L1 and ATE RMSE compared to existing state-of-the-art methods when running at 9.8 Hz on a desktop PC with a 3.20 GHz Intel Core i9-12900K CPU and a single NVIDIA RTX 3090 GPU. This remarkable advancement highlights the crucial importance of our approach in the field of dense visual SLAM.
Improved Segmentation of Cellular Nuclei Using UNET Architectures for Enhanced Pathology Imaging
Authors: Castro Simão , Pereira Vitor , Silva Rui
Published: August 2024

Medical imaging is essential for pathology diagnosis and treatment, enhancing decision making and reducing costs, but despite various computational methodologies proposed to improve imaging modalities, further optimization is needed for broader acceptance. This study explores deep learning (DL) methodologies for classifying and segmenting pathological imaging data, optimizing models to accurately predict and generalize from training to new data. Different CNN and U-Net architectures are implemented for segmentation tasks, with their performance evaluated on histological image datasets using enhanced pre-processing techniques such as resizing, normalization, and data augmentation. These are trained, parameterized, and optimized using metrics such as accuracy, the DICE coefficient, and intersection over union (IoU). The experimental results show that the proposed method improves the efficiency of cell segmentation compared to networks, such as U-NET and W-UNET. The results show that the proposed pre-processing has improved the IoU from 0.9077 to 0.9675, about 7% better results; also, the values of the DICE coefficient obtained improved from 0.9215 to 0.9916, about 7% better results, surpassing the results reported in the literature.
Transient Synchronous Stability Analysis of Grid-Following Converter Considering Outer-Loop Control with Current Limiting
Authors: Chen Leke , Zhu Lin , Liu Yang , Ye Nan , Hu Yonghao , Guan Lin
Published: August 2024

With the evolution of modern power systems, inverter-based resources have become increasingly prevalent. As critical energy conversion interfaces, grid-following converters exhibit dynamic performances, presenting challenges for system security and stability. This paper focuses on the transient synchronization stability of converters after disturbances, highlighting differences in mechanisms compared to synchronous generators. Although previous studies on the transient synchronization stability of converters have been conducted, they primarily concentrate on the dynamics of the phase-locked loop, with limited consideration of the effects of outer-loop control. This has created a cognitive bottleneck in understanding the transient synchronization mechanisms of converters. To address these challenges, this paper models a grid-following voltage source converter system, incorporating detailed converter control strategies and current-limiting control. The stability regions of the stable equilibrium point under various fault severities are first analyzed. Then, the impacts of outer-loop control, including PI control and current-limiting control, on transient synchronization are examined. The study systematically elucidates the influence of outer-loop control on the transient synchronization stability of converters. Finally, the validity of the proposed theory is confirmed through simulations conducted in PSCAD/EMTDC.
PAN: Improved PointNet++ for Pavement Crack Information Extraction
Authors: Fan Jiakai , Song Weidong , Zhang Jinhe , Sun Shangyu , Jia Guohui , Jin Guang
Published: August 2024

Maintenance and repair of expressways are becoming increasingly important due to the growing frequency of their use. Accurate pavement crack information extraction helps with routine maintenance and reduces the risk of traffic accidents. The traditional 2D crack image detection method has limitations and cannot effectively obtain depth information. Three-dimensional crack extraction from 3D point cloud has become a new solution that can capture pavement crack information more comprehensively and accurately. However, the existing algorithms are not effective in the feature extraction of cracks due to the different and irregular shapes and sizes of pavement cracks and interference from the external environment. To solve this, a new method for detecting pavement cracks in point clouds, namely point attention net (PAN), is herein proposed. It uses a two-branch attention fusion module to focus on space and feature information in the cloud and capture features of crack points at different scales. It also uses the Poly Loss function to solve the imbalance of foreground and background points in pavement point cloud data. Experiments on the LNTU-RDD-LiDAR dataset were carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Compared with the traditional method and the latest point cloud segmentation technology, the performance indexes of mIoU, Acc, F1, and Rec achieved significant improvement, reaching 75.4%, 91.5%, 75.4%, and 67.1%, respectively.
A Hybrid Contrast and Texture Masking Model to Boost High Efficiency Video Coding Perceptual Rate-Distortion Performance
Authors: Atencia Javier Ruiz , López-Granado Otoniel , Pérez Malumbres Manuel , Martínez-Rach Miguel , Coll Damian Ruiz , Fernández Escribano Gerardo , Van Wallendael Glenn
Published: August 2024

As most of the videos are destined for human perception, many techniques have been designed to improve video coding based on how the human visual system perceives video quality. In this paper, we propose the use of two perceptual coding techniques, namely contrast masking and texture masking, jointly operating under the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard. These techniques aim to improve the subjective quality of the reconstructed video at the same bit rate. For contrast masking, we propose the use of a dedicated weighting matrix for each block size (from 4×4 up to 32×32), unlike the HEVC standard, which only defines an 8×8 weighting matrix which it is upscaled to build the 16×16 and 32×32 weighting matrices (a 4×4 weighting matrix is not supported). Our approach achieves average Bjøntegaard Delta-Rate (BD-rate) gains of between 2.5% and 4.48%, depending on the perceptual metric and coding mode used. On the other hand, we propose a novel texture masking scheme based on the classification of each coding unit to provide an over-quantization depending on the coding unit texture level. Thus, for each coding unit, its mean directional variance features are computed to feed a support vector machine model that properly predicts the texture type (plane, edge, or texture). According to this classification, the block’s energy, the type of coding unit, and its size, an over-quantization value is computed as a QP offset (DQP) to be applied to this coding unit. By applying both techniques in the HEVC reference software, an overall average of 5.79% BD-rate gain is achieved proving their complementarity.
Multi-Agent Collaborative Path Planning Algorithm with Multiple Meeting Points
Authors: Mao Jianlin , He Zhigang , Li Dayan , Li Ruiqi , Zhang Shufan , Wang Niya
Published: August 2024

Traditional multi-agent path planning algorithms often lead to path overlap and excessive energy consumption when dealing with cooperative tasks due to the single-agent-single-task configuration. For this reason, the “many-to-one” cooperative planning method has been proposed, which, although improved, still faces challenges in the vast search space for meeting points and unreasonable task handover locations. This paper proposes the Cooperative Dynamic Priority Safe Interval Path Planning with a multi-meeting-point and single-meeting-point solving mode switching (Co-DPSIPPms) algorithm to achieve multi-agent path planning with task handovers at multiple or single meeting points. First, the initial priority is set based on the positional relationships among agents within the cooperative group, and the improved Fermat point method is used to locate multiple meeting points quickly. Second, considering that agents must pick up sub-tasks or conduct task handovers midway, a segmented path planning strategy is proposed to ensure that cooperative agents can efficiently and accurately complete task handovers. Finally, an automatic switching strategy between multi-meeting-point and single-meeting-point solving modes is designed to ensure the algorithm’s success rate. Tests show that Co-DPSIPPms outperforms existing algorithms in 1-to-1 and m-to-1 cooperative tasks, demonstrating its efficiency and practicality.
Changes in Soil Total and Microbial Biomass Nitrogen in Deforested and Eroded Areas in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey
Authors: Bolat İlyas , Sensoy Huseyin
Published: August 2024

The microbial biomass in soil is an active and living constituent of organic matter. It is both a storage pool and a source of plant nutrients that can be used as required. In addition, each microbial indicator evaluates soil quality and health from different perspectives, which are not necessarily very different. This study was conducted to compare some physical, chemical, and biochemical characteristics of the soils of forest (SF) and deforested (SDE) areas located on the slopes of the Kirazlıköprü area, which was previously deforested due to dam construction in Bartın province in northwestern Turkey. Soil samples were taken from the topsoil surface (0–5 cm) to determine the microbial soil characteristics of the SF and SDE sites. The soil microbial biomass N (Nmic) was determined by chloroform fumigation extraction, and the Cmic/Nmic ratio and Nmic/Ntotal percentage were calculated using the original values. Total N, Nmic and Cmic/Nmic values are higher in the forest area. The lowest and highest total N (Ntotal) contents in the SF and SDE soils varied between 1.50 and 3.47 g kg−1 and 0.91 and 1.46 g kg−1, respectively. Similarly, the Nmic contents of the SF and SDE soils varied between 75.56 and 143.42 μg g−1 and 10.40 and 75.96 μg g−1, respectively. A statistical analysis revealed that the mean Ntotal and mean Nmic values differed (p < 0.05) in the SF and SDE soils. The mean Cmic/Nmic values in the SF and SDE soils were 8.79 (±1.65) and 5.64 (±1.09), respectively, and a statistical difference was found between the fields (p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that the soil microbial community structure varies according to the site. As a result, it can be concluded that deforestation and erosion due to dam construction in the area led to the removal of plant nutrients from the soil; deterioration in the amount and activity of microbial biomass; and, consequently, soil losses and degradation of soil quality.