bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERNAL STRUCTURAL THERMAL STRESSES IN ASPHALT CONCRETE AND CEMENT CONCRETE MATERIALS REINFORCED WITH FIBERGLASS, FIBERCARBON, FIBERBASALT AND FIBERARAMID REINFORCEMENT
Authors:   National Transport University, Gulyayev Valery , Mozgovyi Volodymyr ,   National Transport University, Zaiets Yuliia ,   National Transport University
Published: January 2024

By the methods of mathematical modeling, the internal structural thermomechanical effects that are blamed on asphalt concrete and cement concrete materials, reinforced with the fiberglass, fibercarbon, fiberbasalt and fiberara-mide strands, are investigated under conditions of change the temperature of the system. The analysis of the thermome-chanical incompatibility of the phases of the composites with the aim of establishing its influence on the values of the internal structural thermal stresses, which are attributable to these changes, is performed. It is shown that for the as-phalt concrete material the incompatibility is small and so the system internal structural thermal stresses are also small and do not exceed the values of the limit strength of the fractions of the composite material. For composites with a cement concrete matrix, the thermomechanical incompatibility of their fractions is essential and for this reason the ther-mal stresses, which are due to the temperature change, significantly exceed the values of the limit strength of the cement concrete. The established features may be used during the design of reinforced road pavements and cement concrete structures, which work under conditions of changing temperatures. Keywords: composite materials, reinforced concrete, epoxy coating, corrosion damage, thermomechanical incompati-bility, thermal stress.
The Impact of Digital Technology Use on Farmers’ Land Transfer-In: Empirical Evidence from Jiangsu, China
Authors: Zeng Hengyuan , Chen Jingru , Gao Qiang
Published: January 2024

In China, characterized by its vast population and limited land, expanding the scale of agricultural operations through the transfer of land management rights is a crucial pathway to achieving agricultural modernization. Using data from the China Land Economic Survey (CLES), we empirically explored the influence of digital technology use on land transfer-in by farmers. Employing the Probit model and the KHB method, this study examined the mechanisms underlying this relationship and addressed the issue of endogeneity through the Conditional Mixed Process (CMP) model, grounded in the instrumental variable method. Key findings include: (1) both the accessibility and the depth of digital technology use significantly facilitated land transfer-in by farmers. For every one-unit increase in digital technology accessibility, the likelihood of land transfer-in escalated by 6.2%; similarly, a one-unit rise in the depth of digital technology use increased this probability by 2.6%. (2) An analysis of the mechanisms indicates that social networks and credit availability played partial mediating roles in the impact of digital technology accessibility and depth on land transfer-in, with social networks exhibiting a stronger mediation effect. (3) Heterogeneity analysis suggests that the impact of digital technology use on land transfer-in was more pronounced in peri-urban villages and among farmers with higher literacy levels. In light of these findings, we proposed policy recommendations to accelerate the development of rural digital infrastructure, enhance digital skill training for farm households, and vigorously promote rural digital inclusive finance.
Understanding the Potential to Increase Adoption of Orphan Crops: The Case of Lathyrus spp. Cultivation in Greece
Authors: Goufa Maria , Makeroufas Evaggelos , Gerakari Maria , Sarri Efi , Ragkos Athanasios , Bebeli Penelope J. , Balestrazzi Alma , Tani Eleni
Published: January 2024

Little progress has been made in translating the increased awareness of neglected and underutilized crops into a viable tool for advancing not just sustainable development in rural areas but also sustainable agricultural and secured food systems. This is caused, in part, by a lack of understanding the importance of several underutilized crops that are currently in cultivation. Among underutilized crops, grasspea (Lathyrus sativus) is an orphan legume crop with great agronomic potential due to its suitability for a variety of sustainable food and feed production systems throughout the world’s semi-arid and arid regions and its high protein content. The current study presents a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis to unravel the following: What are the strengths and weaknesses of Lathyrus spp. cultivation, what factors are opportunities or initiatives that encourage the adoption of the crop by growers, and what factors are disincentives or threats that prevent its adoption? What strategies could help expand cultivation? We use data from a questionnaire survey of farmers in Central Greece (Thessaly) to examine their attitudes and perceptions with regards to the above questions. The outcome of this study strongly suggests that farmers are willing to adopt the new Lathyrus spp. cultivation if they are assisted via contractualization, training, and new financial tools.
Analysis and Research on Production Effects of Full-Film Double Ridge-Furrow Mulching with Polyethylene Film and Biodegradable Film Based on AquaCrop
Authors: Pan Haifu , Zhao Wuyun , Shi Ruijie , Li Lu , Dai Fei , Deng Huan , Zhao Yiming
Published: January 2024

Water is an important factor limiting the development of arid rain-fed agriculture. Film mulching is an effective way to ensure yield in arid areas. However, whether biodegradable film can be used instead of polyethylene film for agricultural production in arid areas is a matter of contention. In this study, AquaCrop model simulation and field experiment were used to analyze the production effect of corn whole film double ridge furrow sowing technology covering polyethylene film (PM) and biodegradable film (BM) in Dingxi City from 2016 to 2020. The results showed that the AquaCrop simulation data have a high fitting with the field test data, and the model was suitable for simulating dry farming in Dingxi City. The best sowing time in Dingxi City is to select the average temperature to be stable at about 15 °C (around 15 April to 25 April each year), and the yield is the highest after sowing during this period. Although BM can achieve environmental protection and energy saving, it is weaker than PM in water storage and soil evaporation inhibition in arid areas. The average yield, aboveground biomass, water productivity, and harvest index of PM were 63.95%, 18.57%, 76.35%, and 38.22% higher than those of BM, respectively. In drought years, BM water stress on leaf expansion, induced stomatal closure, and premature senescence were 61%, 17%, and 9.5% higher than PM, respectively, and the stress time was 28.5 d, 5 d, and 26 d, respectively. The maximum canopy coverage and effective root zone water content were 24.5% and 30.49% lower, respectively. In the wet year, water stress under BM only had a certain effect on the leaf expansion of crops but had no effect on the induction of stomatal closure and premature senescence. The maximum canopy coverage and effective root zone water content were 13.56% and 31.35% lower, respectively. The above studies show that BM has a certain ability to store water and preserve moisture, but the parameters of PM are better than BM. Especially in dry years, the crop production efficiency of PM is more significant. It can be seen that in rain-fed agricultural areas with rainfall less than 500 mm, biodegradable film can not replace polyethylene film.
Implications of Exposure to Air Pollution on Male Reproduction: The Role of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Omolaoye Temidayo S. , Skosana Bongekile T. , Ferguson Lisa Marie , Ramsunder Yashthi , Ayad Bashir M. , Du Plessis Stefan S.
Published: January 2024

Air pollution, either from indoor (household) or outdoor (ambient) sources, occurs when there is presence of respirable particles in the form of chemical, physical, or biological agents that modify the natural features of the atmosphere or environment. Today, almost 2.4 billion people are exposed to hazardous levels of indoor pollution, while 99% of the global population breathes air pollutants that exceed the World Health Organization guideline limits. It is not surprising that air pollution is the world’s leading environmental cause of diseases and contributes greatly to the global burden of diseases. Upon entry, air pollutants can cause an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by undergoing oxidation to generate quinones, which further act as oxidizing agents to yield more ROS. Excessive production of ROS can cause oxidative stress, induce lipid peroxidation, enhance the binding of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to their receptors, or bind to PAH to cause DNA strand breaks. The continuous and prolonged exposure to air pollutants is associated with the development or exacerbation of pathologies such as acute or chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative and skin diseases, and even reduced fertility potential. Males and females contribute to infertility equally, and exposure to air pollutants can negatively affect reproduction. In this review, emphasis will be placed on the implications of exposure to air pollutants on male fertility potential, bringing to light its effects on semen parameters (basic and advanced) and male sexual health. This study will also touch on the clinical implications of air pollution on male reproduction while highlighting the role of oxidative stress.
Natural Products as Dietary Agents for the Prevention and Mitigation of Oxidative Damage and Inflammation in the Intestinal Barrier
Authors: Martins-Gomes Carlos , Nunes Fernando M. , Silva Amélia M.
Published: January 2024

Food intake is a basic need to sustain life, but foodborne pathogens and food-related xenobiotics are also the main health concerns regarding intestinal barrier homeostasis. With a predominant role in the well-being of the entire human body, intestinal barrier homeostasis is strictly regulated by epithelial and immune cells. These cells are also the main intervenients in oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases in the intestinal tract, triggered, for example, by genetic/epigenetic factors, food additives, pesticides, drugs, pathogens, and their metabolites. Nevertheless, the human diet can also be seen as a solution for the problem, mainly via the inclusion of functional foods or nutraceuticals that may act as antioxidant/anti-inflammatory agents to prevent and mitigate acute and chronic oxidative damage and inflammation. A literature analysis of recent advances in this topic highlights the significant role of Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) and NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) pathways in these biological processes, with many natural products and phytochemicals targeting endogenous antioxidant systems and cytokine production and balance. In this review, we summarized and discussed studies using in vitro and in vivo models of the intestinal tract used to reproduce oxidative damage and inflammatory events, as well as the role of natural products as modulators of Nrf2 and NK-kB pathways.
Advances in Machine Learning Techniques Used in Fatigue Life Prediction of Welded Structures
Authors: Gbagba Sadiq , Maccioni Lorenzo , Concli Franco
Published: January 2024

In the shipbuilding, construction, automotive, and aerospace industries, welding is still a crucial manufacturing process because it can be utilized to create massive, intricate structures with exact dimensional specifications. These kinds of structures are essential for urbanization considering they are used in applications such as tanks, ships, and bridges. However, one of the most important types of structural damage in welding continues to be fatigue. Therefore, it is necessary to take this phenomenon into account when designing and to assess it while a structure is in use. Although traditional methodologies including strain life, linear elastic fracture mechanics, and stress-based procedures are useful for diagnosing fatigue failures, these techniques are typically geometry restricted, require a lot of computing time, are not self-improving, and have limited automation capabilities. Meanwhile, following the conception of machine learning, which can swiftly discover failure trends, cut costs, and time while also paving the way for automation, many damage problems have shown promise in receiving exceptional solutions. This study seeks to provide a thorough overview of how algorithms of machine learning are utilized to forecast the life span of structures joined with welding. It will also go through their drawbacks and advantages. Specifically, the perspectives examined are from the views of the material type, application, welding method, input parameters, and output parameters. It is seen that input parameters such as arc voltage, welding speed, stress intensity factor range, crack growth parameters, stress histories, thickness, and nugget size influence output parameters in the manner of residual stress, number of cycles to failure, impact strength, and stress concentration factors, amongst others. Steel (including high strength steel and stainless steel) accounted for the highest frequency of material usage, while bridges were the most desired area of application. Meanwhile, the predominant taxonomy of machine learning was the random/hybrid-based type. Thus, the selection of the most appropriate and reliable algorithm for any requisite matter in this area could ultimately be determined, opening new research and development opportunities for automation, testing, structural integrity, structural health monitoring, and damage-tolerant design of welded structures.
Federated Learning-Based Service Caching in Multi-Access Edge Computing System
Authors: Tran Tuan Phong , Tran Anh Hung Ngoc , Nguyen Thuan Minh , Yoo Myungsik
Published: January 2024

Multi-access edge computing (MEC) brings computations closer to mobile users, thereby decreasing service latency and providing location-aware services. Nevertheless, given the constrained resources of the MEC server, it is crucial to provide a limited number of services that properly fulfill the demands of users. Several static service caching approaches have been proposed. However, the effectiveness of these strategies is constrained by the dynamic nature of the system states and user demand patterns. To mitigate this problem, several investigations have been conducted on dynamic service caching techniques that can be categorized as centralized and distributed. However, centralized approaches typically require gathering comprehensive data from the entire system. This increases the burden on resources and raises concerns regarding data security and privacy. By contrast, distributed strategies require the formulation of complicated optimization problems without leveraging the inherent characteristics of the data. This paper proposes a distributed service caching strategy based on federated learning (SCFL) that works efficiently in a distributed system with user mobility. An autoencoder model is utilized to extract features regarding the service request distribution of individual MEC servers. The global model is then generated using federated learning, which is utilized to make service-caching decisions. Extensive experiments are conducted to demonstrate that the performance of the proposed method is superior to that of other methods.
Study on the Damage Characteristics and Internal Variable Modeling of Single-Fracture Sandstone under the Coupling Effect of Freeze–Thaw and Fatigue Load
Authors: Zhang Kun , Chang Pengbo , Ren Jianxi , Liu Zheng , Wang Ke
Published: January 2024

The fractured rock mass in the western cold region is affected by freezing and thawing disasters and is prone to local damage and fracture along the fissures’ ends. The fatigue damage induced by repeated frost heave and traffic loads seriously endangers the stability of cold region roadbed. This paper selects sandstone as the research object. Firstly, 20 freeze–thaw cycles were performed on fractured sandstone samples with different inclination angles of 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. Subsequently, triaxial compression and triaxial fatigue loading tests were conducted to explore the mechanical properties and fracture morphology evolution mechanism during the compression process of freeze–thaw fractured sandstone. Nuclear magnetic resonance technology (NMR) was used to measure the H-containing fluid inside rock pores. The microscopic damage characteristics inside the rock were analyzed from the NMR T2 relaxation spectrum signal and pore size distribution characteristics. Based on the internal variable theory of continuum mechanics, a fatigue model of freeze–thaw fractured sandstone with different inclination angles was established. The results show that sandstone strength was negatively correlated with the fracture dip angle, and the axial deformation and shear failure angle were positively correlated with the fracture dip angle. The mechanical properties of the sandstone were deteriorated by fatigue loading. When the crack angle was 90°, the fatigue failure strength of the rock sample was the lowest. The T2 spectrum distribution of the fractured sandstone mainly had three peaks and the pore size was mainly medium and small pores. There was a small leftward shift after freeze–thaw cycles and fatigue loading. The T2 spectrum area was significantly affected by fatigue loading, with the highest rate of change at a crack angle of 30°. Through the fine correspondence between the axial residual deformation and the deformation modulus, a fatigue model with different crack inclination angles was established using the axial residual deformation as the internal variable, and the rationality of the model was verified by fatigue loading tests.
Construction and Application of Safety Management Scenarios at Construction Sites
Authors: Yang Qiang , Yan Xiaojie , Chen Wenkai , Fan Juncheng
Published: January 2024

With the rapid development of the construction industry, there have been an uncountable number of damages caused by safety accidents at construction sites. Traditional safety management methods are no longer able to meet the needs of production. This paper presents the concept of constructing safety management scenarios for construction engineering sites. Using a production base project as a research case, it analyzes the natural and human factors involved in constructing spatial–temporal scenarios at construction sites. By employing a spatial–temporal overlay method to analyze multiple safety assessment indicators, a spatial–temporal safety management scenario for the production base project is established. Subsequently, BIM and GIS technologies are applied to perform a spatial–temporal simulation of the construction site safety management scenario. This process delineates safety and hazard areas across different construction phases based on time and spatial dimensions, enabling a comprehensive safety assessment of the construction site of the production base project. The study offers a reference and guidance for improving the level of safety management at construction project sites.
Research on High-Performance Fourier Transform Algorithms Based on the NPU
Authors: Li Qing , Zuo Decheng , Feng Yi , Wen Dongxin
Published: January 2024

Backpack computers require powerful, intelligent computing capabilities for field wearables while taking energy consumption into careful consideration. A recommended solution for this demand is the CPU + NPU-based SoC. In many wearable intelligence applications, the Fourier Transform is an essential, computationally intensive preprocessing task. However, due to the unique structure of the NPU, the conventional Fourier Transform algorithms cannot be applied directly to it. This paper proposes two NPU-accelerated Fourier Transform algorithms that leverage the unique hardware structure of the NPU and provides three implementations of those algorithms, namely MM-2DFT, MV-2FFTm, and MV-2FFTv. Then, we benchmarked the speed and energy efficiency of our algorithms for the gray image edge filtering task on the Huawei Atlas200I-DK-A2 development kits against the Cooley-Tukey algorithm running on CPU and GPU platforms. The experiment results reveal MM-2DFT outperforms OpenCL-based FFT on NVIDIA Tegra X2 GPU for small input sizes, with a 4- to 8-time speedup. As the input image resolution exceeds 2048, MV-2FFTv approaches GPU computation speed. Additionally, two scenarios were tested and analyzed for energy efficiency, revealing that cube units of the NPU are more energy efficient. The vector and CPU units are better suited for sparse matrix multiplication and small-scale inputs, respectively.
Automated Reconstruction and Conforming Mesh Generation for Polycrystalline Microstructures from Imaging Data
Authors: Vemparala Balavignesh , Imseeh Wadi H. , Pai Salil , Nagarajan Anand , Truster Timothy , Soghrati Soheil
Published: January 2024

A new algorithm named PolyCISAMR is introduced to automatically generate high-fidelity conforming finite element (FE) meshes for two-dimensional polycrystalline microstructures. PolyCISAMR extends the capabilities of the Conforming to Interface Structured Adaptive Mesh Refinement (CISAMR) algorithm, which transforms a structured grid overlaid on the domain geometry into a high-quality conforming mesh. The PolyCISAMR approach uses a segregated meshing strategy, where CISAMR is used to discretize each grain independently and the resulting matching meshes are merged to form the final FE model. In addition, this article presents a set of integrated algorithms for processing low-resolution images of a polycrystal, reconstructed using DREAM.3D software (Version 6.5.121), to generate NURBS characterizations for each grain prior to mesh generation. Example problems demonstrate the effectiveness of PolyCISAMR in creating high-quality meshes for various polycrystalline metallic microstructures along with corresponding crystal plasticity finite element (CPFE) simulations.
Impact of the Eclipsed Sun on Terrestrial Atmospheric Parameters in Desert Locations: A Comprehensive Overview and Two Events Case Study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Elmhamdi Abouazza , Roman Michael T. , Peñaloza-Murillo Marcos A. , Pasachoff Jay M. , Liu Yu , Al-Mostafa Z. A. , Maghrabi A. H. , Oloketuyi Jacob , Al-Trabulsy H. A.
Published: January 2024

This paper is devoted to the analysis of air temperature and humidity changes during the two solar eclipses of 26 December 2019 and 21 June 2020 in Saudi Arabia based on data we collected from two different sites. We highlight the complexity of humidity’s response to a solar eclipse, which is quite different from temperature’s response. During the December event, the Sun rose already partially eclipsed, while for the June eclipse, it was only partial at Riyadh. This difference apparently affected the observed response on the recorded variables: temperature, relative humidity (RH), and vapor pressure (VP) in the two events. Changes in these variables went unnoticed for the first eclipse since they were within the natural variability of the day; yet for the other, they showed evident alterations in the slopes of the major parameters, which we analyze and discuss. A decrease in temperature of 3.2 °C was detected in Riyadh. However, RH and VP showed an oscillation that we explain taking into account a similar effect reported in other eclipses. We measured a time lag of about 15 min from the eclipse central phase in the city. Related fluctuations and dynamics from the computed rates of the temporal variation of temperature and RH are scrutinized. Furthermore, an overdue significant review of terrestrial atmospheric parameters is also offered in the context of the eclipse meteorology, particularly related to desert atmospheres. We also try to identify the influence of solar eclipses in similar environments doing a broad inter-comparison with other observations of these variables in the Near East, northern Africa, and in the United States. These inter-comparisons reveal how complex and dissimilar the response of the lower atmosphere to a solar eclipse can be within a desert environment and other similar environments.
Two-Step Synthesis of ZnS-NiS2 Composite with Rough Nanosphere Morphology for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Jiang Meng , Abdullah Muhammad , Chen Xin , E Yi , Tan Liyi , Yan Wei , Liu Yang , Jiang Wenrui
Published: January 2024

Transition metal sulfides have excellent electrochemical performance and show great potential for improving the energy density of asymmetric supercapacitors. This study demonstrates a two-step synthesis technique and highlights the enhanced energy storage efficiency of ZnS-NiS2 composite materials for asymmetric supercapacitors. The composite materials of ZnS nanosheets and NiS2 nanocrystals are characterized by a rough surface and spherical shape. The sample with the optimal ratio (ZnS-NiS2-1:7) exhibits a maximum specific capacitance of 1467.9 F g−1 (550.5 C g−1) at 1 A g−1. The specific capacitance of the ZnS-NiS2-1:7 sample is 26.1% higher compared to the pure NiS2 sample. Furthermore, the assembled ZnS-NiS2-1:7//AC device shows a high specific capacitance of 127.8 F g−1 (217.3 C g−1) at 1 A g−1 and an energy density of 51.3 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 820.8 W kg−1. The ZnS-NiS2-1:7 sample has exceptional energy storage capability on its own, but it can also be composited with graphene to further increase the specific capacitance (1681.0 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), suggesting promising prospects for the ZnS-NiS2-based composite material in the future.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Models and Molecular Mechanisms Informing Disease and Treatments
Authors: Nystuen Kaden L. , McNamee Shannon M. , Akula Monica , Holton Kristina M. , DeAngelis Margaret M. , Haider Neena B.
Published: January 2024

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease resulting in progressive loss of memory, language and motor abilities caused by cortical and hippocampal degeneration. This review captures the landscape of understanding of AD pathology, diagnostics, and current therapies. Two major mechanisms direct AD pathology: (1) accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) plaque and (2) tau-derived neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). The most common variants in the Aβ pathway in APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 are largely responsible for early-onset AD (EOAD), while MAPT, APOE, TREM2 and ABCA7 have a modifying effect on late-onset AD (LOAD). More recent studies implicate chaperone proteins and Aβ degrading proteins in AD. Several tests, such as cognitive function, brain imaging, and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and blood tests, are used for AD diagnosis. Additionally, several biomarkers seem to have a unique AD specific combination of expression and could potentially be used in improved, less invasive diagnostics. In addition to genetic perturbations, environmental influences, such as altered gut microbiome signatures, affect AD. Effective AD treatments have been challenging to develop. Currently, there are several FDA approved drugs (cholinesterase inhibitors, Aß-targeting antibodies and an NMDA antagonist) that could mitigate AD rate of decline and symptoms of distress.
Reduced Carbon Dioxide by Overexpressing EPSPS Transgene in Arabidopsis and Rice: Implications in Carbon Neutrality through Genetically Engineered Plants
Authors: Sun Li-Xue , Li Ning , Yuan Ye , Wang Ying , Lu Bao-Rong
Published: January 2024

With the increasing challenges of climate change caused by global warming, the effective reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) becomes an urgent environmental issue for the sustainable development of human society. Previous reports indicated increased biomass in genetically engineered (GE) Arabidopsis and rice overexpressing the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene, suggesting the possibility of consuming more carbon by GE plants. However, whether overexpressing the EPSPS gene in GE plants consumes more CO2 remains a question. To address this question, we measured expression of the EPSPS gene, intercellular CO2 concentration, photosynthetic ratios, and gene expression (RNA-seq and RT-qPCR) in GE (overexpression) and non-GE (normal expression) Arabidopsis and rice plants. Results showed substantially increased EPSPS expression accompanied with CO2 consumption in the GE Arabidopsis and rice plants. Furthermore, overexpressing the EPSPS gene affected carbon-fixation related biological pathways. We also confirmed significant upregulation of four key carbon-fixation associated genes, in addition to increased photosynthetic ratios, in all GE plants. Our finding of significantly enhanced carbon fixation in GE plants overexpressing the EPSPS transgene provides a novel strategy to reduce global CO2 for carbon neutrality by genetic engineering of plant species, in addition to increased plant production by enhanced photosynthesis.
Analysis of the Mechanical Characteristics of Human Pancreas through Indentation: Preliminary In Vitro Results on Surgical Samples
Authors: Pagnanelli Michele , De Gaetano Francesco , Callera Arianna , Nappo Gennaro , Capretti Giovanni , Carrara Silvia , Ferrari Alice Maria Renata , Cellesi Francesco , Costantino Maria Laura , Zerbi Alessandro
Published: January 2024

Pancreatic surgery is extremely challenging and demands an extended learning curve to be executed with a low incidence of post-operative complications. The soft consistency of the human pancreas poses a primary challenge for pancreatic surgeons. This study aimed to analyze the preliminary mechanical characteristics of the human pancreas to develop a realistic synthetic phantom for surgical simulations in the near future. Pancreatic specimens, comprehensive of the pancreatic parenchyma and main pancreatic duct, were collected during pancreatic resections and analyzed through nano-bio-indentation (BioindenterTM UNHT3 Bio, Anton Paar GmbH, Graz, Austria) to measure the elastic modulus. Comparisons were made between slow and fast loading rates, immediate and post-freezing analyses, and multipoint indentations. The results demonstrated that a slow loading rate (30 μN/min), immediate analysis, and multipoint measurements are crucial for obtaining accurate values of the elastic modulus of the human pancreas (1.40 ± 0.47 kPa). In particular, the study revealed that analysis after freezing could impact the outcomes of the indentation. Moreover, the study suggested that both the pancreatic parenchyma and the main pancreatic duct should be analyzed to achieve a more precise and comprehensive definition of the. mechanical features of the pancreas. These preliminary findings represent the initial steps toward defining the consistency and mechanical characteristics of human pancreatic tissue with the goal of creating a realistic synthetic phantom.
Expression of Basal Compartment and Superficial Markers in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Associated with Balkan Endemic Nephropathy, a Worldwide Disease
Authors: Jankovic Velickovic Ljubinka , Ristic Petrovic Ana , Dolicanin Zana , Stojnev Slavica , Velickovic Filip , Basic Dragoslav
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the association of basal compartment and superficial markers, comprising CK5/6, CD44, CK20, and the pathological characteristics of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) associated with Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN). Comparing the expression of the investigated markers in 54 tumors from the BEN region and 73 control UTUC, no significant difference between them was detected. In regression analysis, CK20 expression was not determined with expression of CK5/6, CD44, and the phenotypic characteristics of BEN and control UTUC. Parameters with predictive influence on the expression of CD44 in BEN UTUC included growth pattern (p = 0.010), necrosis (p = 0.019); differentiation (p = 0.001), and lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.021) in control UTUC. Divergent squamous differentiation in BEN tumors (p = 0.026) and stage in control tumors (p = 0.049) had a predictive influence on the expression of CK5/6. This investigation detected a predictive influence of the phenotypic characteristics of UTUC on the expression of basal compartment and superficial markers, with a significant influence of necrosis in BEN tumors (p = 0.006) and differentiation in control UTUC (p = 0.036).
Preparation of Natural Plant Polyphenol Catechin Film for Structural Coloration of Silk Fabrics
Authors: Yang Shuaikang , Sha Desheng , Li Yijiang , Wang Meiqi , Zhu Xiaowei , Wang Xiangrong , Chen Guoqiang , Li Yichen , Xing Tieling
Published: January 2024

Traditional textile dyeing uses chemical pigments and dyes, which consumes a large amount of water and causes serious environmental pollution. Structural color is an essential means of achieving green dyeing of textiles, and thin-film interference is one of the principles of structural coloring. In the assembly of structural color films, it is necessary to introduce dark materials to suppress light scattering and improve the brightness of the fabric. In this study, the conditions for the generation of nanofilms of catechin (CC) at the gas–liquid interface were successfully investigated. At the same time, environmentally friendly colored silk fabrics were novelly prepared using polycatechin (PCC) structural color films. In addition, it was found that various structural colors were obtained on the surface of silk fabrics by adjusting the time. Meanwhile, the color fastness of the structural colored fabrics was improved by introducing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to form a strong hydrogen bond between the fabric and catechin. PCC film is uniform and smooth, with a special double-layer structure, and can be attached to the surface of silk fabrics, giving the fabrics special structural colors. Through the thin-film interference formed between the visible light and the PCC film, the silk fabrics obtain bright, controllable, and uniform structural colors. This method is easy to operate and provides a new way of thinking for environmental-protection-oriented coloring of fabrics.
Intelligent Fish-Inspired Foraging of Swarm Robots with Sub-Group Behaviors Based on Neurodynamic Models
Authors: Li Junfei , Yang Simon X.
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes a novel intelligent approach to swarm robotics, drawing inspiration from the collective foraging behavior exhibited by fish schools. A bio-inspired neural network (BINN) and a self-organizing map (SOM) algorithm are used to enable the swarm to emulate fish-like behaviors such as collision-free navigation and dynamic sub-group formation. The swarm robots are designed to adaptively reconfigure their movements in response to environmental changes, mimicking the flexibility and robustness of fish foraging patterns. The simulation results show that the proposed approach demonstrates improved cooperation, efficiency, and adaptability in various scenarios. The proposed approach shows significant strides in the field of swarm robotics by successfully implementing fish-inspired foraging strategies. The integration of neurodynamic models with swarm intelligence not only enhances the autonomous capabilities of individual robots, but also improves the collective efficiency of the swarm robots.
Disrupted Effective Connectivity within the Fronto-Thalamic Circuit in Pontine Infarction: A Spectral Dynamic Causal Modeling Study
Authors: Chen Huiyou , Mao Qianqian , Zhang Yujie , Shi Mengye , Geng Wen , Ma Yuehu , Chen Yuchen , Yin Xindao
Published: January 2024

This study aims to investigate alterations in effective connectivity (EC) within the fronto-thalamic circuit and their associations with motor and cognitive declines in pontine infarction (PI). A total of 33 right PI patients (RPIs), 38 left PI patients (LPIs), and 67 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. The spectral dynamic causal modeling (spDCM) approach was used for EC analysis within the fronto-thalamic circuit, including the thalamus, caudate, supplementary motor area (SMA), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The EC differences between different sides of the patients and HCs were assessed, and their correlations with motor and cognitive dysfunctions were analyzed. The LPIs showed increased EC from the mPFC to the R-SMA and decreased EC from the L-thalamus to the ACC, the L-SMA to the R-SMA, the R-caudate to the R-thalamus, and the R-thalamus to the ACC. For RPIs, the EC of the R-caudate to the mPFC, the L-thalamus and L-caudate to the L-SMA, and the L-caudate to the ACC increased obviously, while a lower EC strength was shown from the L-thalamus to the mPFC, the LSMA to the R-caudate, and the R-SMA to the L-thalamus. The EC from the R-caudate to the mPFC was negatively correlated with the MoCA score for RPIs, and the EC from the R-caudate to the R-thalamus was negatively correlated with the FMA score for LPIs. The results demonstrated EC within the fronto-thalamic circuit in PI-related functional impairments and reveal its potential as a novel imaging marker.
From a Clustering of Adverse Symptoms after Colorectal Cancer Therapy to Chronic Fatigue and Low Ability to Work: A Cohort Study Analysis with 3 Months of Follow-Up
Authors: Vlaski Tomislav , Slavic Marija , Caspari Reiner , Bilsing Bettine , Fischer Harald , Brenner Hermann , Schöttker Ben
Published: January 2024

In colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, apart from fatigue, psychological and physical symptoms often converge, affecting their quality of life and ability to work. Our objective was to ascertain symptom clusters within a year following CRC treatment and their longitudinal association with persistent fatigue and reduced work ability at the 3-month follow-up. We used data from MIRANDA, a multicenter cohort study enrolling adult CRC patients who are starting a 3-week in-patient rehabilitation within a year post-curative CRC treatment. Participants completed questionnaires evaluating symptoms at the start of rehabilitation (baseline) and after three months. We performed an exploratory factor analysis to analyze the clustering of symptoms at baseline. Longitudinal analysis was performed using a multivariable linear regression model with dichotomized symptoms at baseline as independent variables, and the change in fatigue and ability to work from baseline to 3-month-follow-up as separate outcomes, adjusted for covariates. We identified six symptom clusters: fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, pain, psychosocial symptoms, urinary symptoms, and chemotherapy side effects. At least one symptom from each factor was associated with higher fatigue or reduced ability to work at the 3-month follow-up. This study highlights the interplay of multiple symptoms in influencing fatigue and work ability among CRC patients post-rehabilitation.
Outlook for 615 Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumor Patients: Recurrence Risk after Surgery and Disease-Specific Survival in Advanced Disease
Authors: Slott Cecilie , Langer Seppo W. , Møller Stine , Krogh Jesper , Klose Marianne , Hansen Carsten Palnæs , Kjaer Andreas , Holmager Pernille , Garbyal Rajendra Singh , Knigge Ulrich , Andreassen Mikkel
Published: January 2024

Background: Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (siNET) are one of the most common neuroendocrine neoplasms. Radical surgery is the only curative treatment. Method: We utilized a single-center study including consecutive patients diagnosed from 2000 to 2020 and followed them until death or the end of study. Disease-specific survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were investigated by Cox regression analyses with the inclusion of prognostic factors. Aims/primary outcomes: We identified three groups: (1) disease specific-survival in the total cohort (group1), (2) RFS and disease-specific survival after intended radical surgery (group2), (3) disease specific-survival in patients with unresectable disease or residual tumor after primary resection (group3). Results: In total, 615 patients, with a mean age (SD) 65 ± 11 years were included. Median (IQR) Ki-67 index was 4 (2–7)%. Median disease-specific survival in group1 was 130 months. Median RFS in group2 was 138 months with 5- and 10-year RFS rates of 72% and 59% with age, plasma chromogranin A (p-CgA) and Ki-67 index as prognostic factors. The ten year disease-specific survival rate in group2 was 86%. The median disease-specific survival in group3 was 85 months with age, Ki-67 index, p-CgA and primary tumor resection as prognostic factors. When proliferation was expressed by WHO grade, no difference was observed between G1 vs. G2 for any of the primary outcomes. Conclusions: Recurrence rates remained high 5–10 years after surgery (group2) supporting long-term follow-up. Median disease-specific survival in patient with unresectable disease (group3) was 7 years, with a favorable impact of primary tumor resection. Our data does not support the current grading system since no significant prognostic information was detected in G1 vs. G2 tumors.
The Value of Surveillance Imaging of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bissinger Oliver , Von den Hoff Anne , Maier Elisabeth , Obermeier Katharina Theresa , Stimmer Herbert , Kolk Andreas , Wolff Klaus-Dietrich , Götz Carolin
Published: January 2024

The evaluation of surveillance imaging of OSCC patients is a difficult task physicians have to face daily. Multiple patients experience a recurrence of this disease, which underlines the importance of regular patient monitoring programs. Our study analysed the value of surveillance imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI), as a patient monitoring programme and its effectiveness in achieving improvement in early recurrence detection. The study comprised 125 patients, out of which 56 (n = 56) showed radiological and 69 (n = 69) showed clinical and radiological conspicuous patterns in domestic follow-ups, respectively. The use of CT and NMRI showed a significant dependence on the histological result (p = 0.03). However, the different groups showed no significant dependence on the histological result (p = 0.96). The distribution of the histological biopsies, which were taken due to radiological changes, were prone to wrong positive diagnoses (false positives) in 71 percent. To conclude, imaging modalities should be chosen for each patient individually to reduce false positives, improve the early detection of recurrence, and increase the cure rate.
Evaluation of the Histone Deacetylase 2 (HDAC-2) Expression in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Damaskos Christos , Psilopatis Iason , Garmpi Anna , Dimitroulis Dimitrios , Nikolettos Konstantinos , Vrettou Kleio , Sarantis Panagiotis , Koustas Evangelos , Kouraklis Gregory , Antoniou Efstathios A. , Karamouzis Michail V. , Nikolettos Nikolaos , Tsikouras Panagiotis , Marinos Georgios , Kontomanolis Emmanouil , Kontzoglou Konstantinos , Garmpis Nikolaos
Published: January 2024

Background/Aim: Triple negative breast cancer belongs to the most aggressive breast cancer forms. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) constitute a class of enzymes that exhibit a significant role in breast cancer genesis and progression. In this study, we aimed at assessing the clinical importance of HDAC-2 in triple negative breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 138 breast cancer specimens were examined on an immunohistochemical basis. A statistical analysis was performed in order to examine the association between HDAC-2 and the survival and clinicopathological features of the patients. Results: Increased HDAC-2 expression was observed in every fourth case of triple negative breast cancer with positive HDAC-2 staining, whereas only 12 out of 98 non-triple negative breast cancer samples showed high HDAC-2 expression. HDAC-2 overexpression correlated with prolonged overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in triple negative breast cancer. Conclusions: High HDAC-2 levels in triple negative breast cancer seem to positively influence patient survival, disease stage and recurrence.
The Underlying Rab Network of MRGPRX2-Stimulated Secretion Unveils the Impact of Receptor Trafficking on Secretory Granule Biogenesis and Secretion
Authors: Lazki-Hagenbach Pia , Kleeblatt Elisabeth , Fukuda Mitsunori , Ali Hydar , Sagi-Eisenberg Ronit
Published: January 2024

MRGPRX2, the human member of the MAS-related G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), mediates the immunoglobulin E (IgE)-independent responses of a subset of mast cells (MCs) that are associated with itch, pain, neurogenic inflammation, and pseudoallergy to drugs. The mechanisms underlying the responses of MRGPRX2 to its multiple and diverse ligands are still not completely understood. Given the close association between GPCR location and function, and the key role played by Rab GTPases in controlling discrete steps along vesicular trafficking, we aimed to reveal the vesicular pathways that directly impact MRGPRX2-mediated exocytosis by identifying the Rabs that influence this process. For this purpose, we screened 43 Rabs for their functional and phenotypic impacts on MC degranulation in response to the synthetic MRGPRX2 ligand compound 48/80 (c48/80), which is often used as the gold standard of MRGPRX2 ligands, or to substance P (SP), an important trigger of neuroinflammatory MC responses. Results of this study highlight the important roles played by macropinocytosis and autophagy in controlling MRGPRX2-mediated exocytosis, demonstrating a close feedback control between the internalization and post-endocytic trafficking of MRGPRX2 and its triggered exocytosis.
Effect of Inserting Baffles on the Solid Particle Segregation Behavior in Fluidized Bed Reactor: A Computational Study
Authors: Kreesaeng Suchart , Chalermsinsuwan Benjapon , Piumsomboon Pornpote
Published: January 2024

In multi-solid, particle-size fluidized bed reactor systems, segregation is commonly observed. When segregation occurred, small solid particles were entrained to the top of the bed and escaped from the reactor. During the combustion process, the small solid particles that escaped from the boiler were burned and subjected to damage around the cyclone separator. This study then employed a computational fluid dynamics approach to investigate solid particle behavior in the reactor using three different sizes of solid particles. The effects of baffle insertion, baffle angle, stage number, and its arrangement were examined. The percentage of segregation was calculated to compare behavior among different reactor systems. The insertion of 45-degree baffles resulted in reduced segregation behavior compared to cases without baffles and with 90-degree baffles, attributed to solid hindering and collision phenomena. Additionally, a double-stage baffle with any arrangement could reduce segregation behavior. The best arrangement was “above-arrangement” due to particles hindering, swirling, and accumulating between the baffle stages. Therefore, to diminish segregation behavior and enhance combustion chemical reactions, the insertion of baffles in the reactor zone is recommended.