bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of Sudden Stratospheric Warming Events on Tropopause Based on GNSS Radio Occultation Data
Authors: Wang Yifan , Li Ying , Wang Guofang , Yuan Yunbin , Geng Hao
Published: October 2023

Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) events have a strong impact on the tropospheric weather and climate. Past researchers have carried out extensive studies investigating the theories of interactions between the stratosphere and the troposphere. However, detailed studies on the influences of the global tropopause are rarely shown. This study uses Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Radio Occultation (RO) data from the years 2007 to 2013 to investigate the influences of different types of SSW events on the tropopause over latitude bands from 30° S to 90° N. It was found that SSW events have strong influences on the tropopause over 60° N–90° N and over 20° N–30° N regions. In 60° N–90° N, SSW events cause a tropopause temperature increase and, therefore, a tropopause height decrease. The increment in the tropopause temperature are more than 10 K and the decrement in the tropopause height is about to 2 km during strong events. Such influences last for about 1.5 months for strong split events and about 10 days for weaker and/or displacement type events. The influences of SSW events on 20° N–30° N are weaker. Only the January 2009 SSW event shows a visible influence on the tropopause layer with a tropopause temperature decrease of about 4 K and a tropopause height increase of about 1 km. Other SSW events share no common characteristics on the tropical tropopause. This is mainly because SSW events are not strong enough to dominate the tropopause variations and other factors, especially the planetary waves in the troposphere, have stronger impacts on the tropopause layer.
Inertial Method for Solving Pseudomonotone Variational Inequality and Fixed Point Problems in Banach Spaces
Authors: Maluleka Rose , Ugwunnadi Godwin Chidi , Aphane Maggie
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we introduce a new iterative method that combines the inertial subgradient extragradient method and the modified Mann method for solving the pseudomonotone variational inequality problem and the fixed point of quasi-Bregman nonexpansive mapping in p-uniformly convex and uniformly smooth real Banach spaces. Under some standard assumptions imposed on cost operators, we prove a strong convergence theorem for our proposed method. Finally, we perform numerical experiments to validate the efficiency of our proposed method.
Modified Maximum Likelihood Estimation of the Inverse Weibull Model
Authors: Kayid Mohamed , Alshehri Mashael A.
Published: October 2023

The inverse Weibull model is a simple and flexible model used for survival analysis, reliability theory, and other scientific fields. The main problem in this context is the estimation of the model parameters. In this study, a modified version of the maximum likelihood estimator is presented. The idea behind it is that the likelihood equation for the shape parameters of the model is biased; therefore, an unbiased version was defined. The new estimator is based on the definition of an unbiased likelihood equation. Simulation results show that the new modified estimator for the shape parameter has a smaller mean square error. Finally, the proposed estimator and the maximum likelihood estimator were compared in the analysis of the three real data sets.
Equation of Finite Change and Structural Analysis of Mean Value
Authors: Lipovetsky Stan
Published: October 2023

This paper describes a problem of finding the contributions of multiple variables to a change in their function. Such a problem is well known in economics, for example, in the decomposition of a change in the mean price via the varying in time prices and volumes of multiple products. Commonly, it is considered by the tools of index analysis, the formulae of which present rather heuristic constructs. As shown in this work, the multivariate version of the Lagrange mean value theorem can be seen as an equation of the function’s finite change and solved with respect to an interior point whose value is used in the estimation of the contribution of the independent variables. Consideration is performed on the example of the weighted mean value function, which is the main characteristic of statistical estimation in various fields. The solution for this function can be obtained in the closed form, which helps in the analysis of results. Numerical examples include the cases of Simpson’s paradox, and practical applications are discussed.
New Majorized Fractional Simpson Estimates
Authors: Ding Xiaoye , Zuo Xuewu , Butt Saad Ihsan , Farooq Rafia , Tipurić-Spužević Sanja
Published: October 2023

Fractional calculus has been a concept used to acquire new variants of some well-known integral inequalities. In this study, our primary goal is to develop majorized fractional Simpson’s type estimates by employing a differentiable function. Practicing majorization theory, we formulate a new auxiliary identity by utilizing fractional integral operators. In order to obtain new bounds, we employ the idea of convex functions on the Niezgoda–Jensen–Mercer inequality for majorized tuples, along with some fundamental inequalities including the Hölder, power mean, and Young inequalities. Some applications to the quadrature rule and examples for special functions are provided as well. Interestingly, the main findings are the generalizations of many known results in the existing literature.
Co-Estimation of State-of-Charge and State-of-Health for High-Capacity Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Xiong Ran , Wang Shunli , Feng Fei , Yu Chunmei , Fan Yongcun , Cao Wen , Fernandez Carlos
Published: October 2023

To address the challenges of efficient state monitoring of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, a co-estimation algorithm of state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health (SOH) is developed. The algorithm integrates techniques of adaptive recursive least squares and dual adaptive extended Kalman filtering to enhance robustness, mitigate data saturation, and reduce the impact of colored noise. At 25 °C, the algorithm is tested and verified under dynamic stress test (DST) and Beijing bus DST conditions. Under the Beijing bus DST condition, the algorithm achieves a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.17% and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.19% for SOC estimation, with a convergence time of 4 s. Under the DST condition, the corresponding values are 0.05% for MAE, 0.07% for RMSE, and 5 s for convergence time. Moreover, in this research, the SOH is described as having internal resistance. Under the Beijing bus DST condition, the MAE and the RMSE of the estimated internal resistance of the proposed approach are 0.018% and 0.075%, with the corresponding values of 0.014% and 0.043% under the DST condition. The results of the experiments provide empirical evidence for the challenges associated with the efficacious estimation of SOC and SOH.
‘Kombucha’-like Beverage of Broccoli By-Products: A New Dietary Source of Bioactive Sulforaphane
Authors: Cánovas Berta María , García-Viguera Cristina , Medina Sonia , Domínguez-Perles Raúl
Published: October 2023

The objective of this work is the development of a new fermented beverage (‘kombucha’-like), enriched with broccoli by-products as an ingredient, a source of organosulfur compounds, which could be biotransformed into more bioaccessible, bioavailable, and bioactive metabolites. The new beverages have shown variations in the physicochemical (pH, 3.6–6.3; acidity, 0.65–1.39 g/L; °Brix, 4.63–8.20). Moreover, the phytochemical characterization has demonstrated different degrees of metabolization of the glucosinolates, leached during the infusion of the plant material into isothiocyanates (sulforaphane in concentrations up to 31.39 µg/100 mL) and its metabolic derivatives (sulforaphane-N-acetylcysteine in concentrations up to 5.37 µg/100 mL). Therefore, these results demonstrate that the increase in the concentration of the bioactive compounds concentration would provide higher bioavailability and health benefits. This is especially relevant with regard to anti-inflammatory activity. Reporting additional proof of enhanced biological benefits will boost the development of new functional beverages.
Capture Response and Long-Term Fate of White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) after Release from SMART Drumlines
Authors: Butcher Paul A. , Lee Kate A. , Brand Craig P. , Gallen Christopher R. , Green Marcel , Smoothey Amy F. , Peddemors Victor M.
Published: October 2023

Human-shark conflict has been managed through catch-and-kill policies in most parts of the world. More recently, there has been a greater demand for shark bite mitigation measures to improve protection for water users whilst minimizing harm to non-target and target species, particularly White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias), given their status as a Threatened, Endangered, or Protected (TEP) species. A new non-lethal shark bite mitigation method, known as the Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time (SMART) drumline, alerts responders when an animal takes the bait and thereby provides an opportunity for rapid response to the catch and potentially to relocate, tag, and release sharks. Thirty-six White Sharks were caught on SMART drumlines in New South Wales, Australia, and tagged with dorsal fin-mounted satellite-linked radio transmitters (SLRTs) and acoustic tags before release. Thirty-one sharks were located within 10 days, 22 of which provided high-quality locations (classes 1 to 3) suitable for analysis. Twenty-seven percent and 59% of these sharks were first detected within 10 and 50 h of release, respectively. For the first three days post-release, sharks moved and mostly remained offshore (>3.5 km from the coast), irrespective of shark sex and length. Thereafter, tagged sharks progressively moved inshore; however, 77% remained more than 1.9 km off the coast and an average of 5 km away from the tagging location, 10 days post-release. Sharks were acoustically detected for an average of 591 days post-release (ranging from 45 to 1075 days). Although five of the 36 sharks were not detected on acoustic receivers, SLRT detections for these five sharks ranged between 43 and 639 days post-release, indicating zero mortality associated with capture. These results highlight the suitability of SMART drumlines as a potential non-lethal shark bite mitigation tool for TEP species such as White Sharks, as they initially move away from the capture site, and thereby this bather protection tool diminishes the immediate risk of shark interactions at that site.
Evaluation of the Hierarchical Correspondence between the Human Brain and Artificial Neural Networks: A Review
Authors: Pham Trung Quang , Matsui Teppei , Chikazoe Junichi
Published: October 2023

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) that are heavily inspired by the human brain now achieve human-level performance across multiple task domains. ANNs have thus drawn attention in neuroscience, raising the possibility of providing a framework for understanding the information encoded in the human brain. However, the correspondence between ANNs and the brain cannot be measured directly. They differ in outputs and substrates, neurons vastly outnumber their ANN analogs (i.e., nodes), and the key algorithm responsible for most of modern ANN training (i.e., backpropagation) is likely absent from the brain. Neuroscientists have thus taken a variety of approaches to examine the similarity between the brain and ANNs at multiple levels of their information hierarchy. This review provides an overview of the currently available approaches and their limitations for evaluating brain–ANN correspondence.
SF-1 Induces Nuclear PIP2
Authors: Chi Ethan S. , Stivison Elizabeth A. , Blind Raymond D.
Published: October 2023

Metazoan cell nuclei contain non-membrane pools of the phosphoinositide lipid PI(4,5)P2 (PIP2), but how this hydrophobic lipid exists within the aqueous nucleoplasm remains unclear. Steroidogenic Factor-1 (NR5A1, SF-1) is a nuclear receptor that binds PIP2 in vitro, and a co-crystal structure of the complex suggests the acyl chains of PIP2 are hidden in the hydrophobic core of the SF-1 protein while the PIP2 headgroup is solvent-exposed. This binding mode explains how SF-1 can solubilize nuclear PIP2; however, cellular evidence that SF-1 expression associates with nuclear PIP2 has been lacking. Here, we examined if tetracycline induction of SF-1 expression would associate with nuclear accumulation of PIP2, using antibodies directed against the PIP2 headgroup. Indeed, tetracycline induction of wild-type SF-1 induced a signal in the nucleus of HEK cells that cross-reacts with PIP2 antibodies, but did not cross-react with antibodies against the lower abundance phosphoinositide PI(3,4,5)P3 (PIP3). The nuclear PIP2 signal co-localized with FLAG-tagged SF-1 in the nuclear compartment. To determine if the nuclear PIP2 signal was dependent on the ability of SF-1 to bind PIP2, we examined a “pocket mutant” of SF-1 (A270W, L345F) shown to be deficient in phospholipid binding by mass spectrometry. Tetracycline induction of this pocket mutant SF-1 in HEK cells failed to induce a detectable PIP2 antibody cross-reactive signal, despite similar Tet-induced expression levels of the wild-type and pocket mutant SF-1 proteins in these cells. Together, these data are the first to suggest that expression of SF-1 induces a PIP2 antibody cross-reactive signal in the nucleus, consistent with X-ray crystallographic and biochemical evidence suggesting SF-1 binds PIP2 in human cells.
“Molecular Biology”—Pleonasm or Denotation for a Discipline of Its Own? Reflections on the Origins of Molecular Biology and Its Situation Today
Authors: Greslehner Gregor P.
Published: October 2023

The disciplinary identity of molecular biology has frequently been called into question. Although the debates might sometimes have been more about creating or debunking myths, defending intellectual territory and the distribution of resources, there are interesting underlying questions about this area of biology and how it is conceptually organized. By looking at the history of molecular biology, its origins and development, I examine the possible criteria for its status as a scientific discipline. Doing so allows us to answer the title question in such a way that offers a reasonable middle ground, where molecular biology can be properly viewed as a viable interdisciplinary program that can very well be called a discipline in its own right, even if no strict boundaries can be established. In addition to this historical analysis, a couple of systematic issues from a philosophy of science perspective allow for some assessment of the current situation and the future of molecular biology.
The Hormesis Concept: Strengths and Shortcomings
Authors: Bondy Stephen C.
Published: October 2023

Hormesis implies that the effects of various materials or conditions that organisms are exposed to, may not have linear dose-response characteristics but rather, can be biphasic. Thus the response to a low dose of a stressor may be the opposite to that occurring at higher doses. Such a dual response is postulated for many toxicants and physical conditions and may involve a beneficial adaptive response. Such a non-linear effect is undoubtedly present in many useful pharmacological and nutraceutical agents with can be toxic at high concentrations. This somewhat divisive topic is an area of study that should be objectively studied and not clouded by political and policy considerations. The objective of this review is to examine claims concerning those exposures where hormesis seems to exist and also those where there is no good supporting evidence. The breadth of this phenomenon and potential mechanisms underlying hormetic events are discussed together with their limitations.
DAEMDA: A Method with Dual-Channel Attention Encoding for miRNA–Disease Association Prediction
Authors: Dong Benzhi , Sun Weidong , Xu Dali , Wang Guohua , Zhang Tianjiao
Published: October 2023

A growing number of studies have shown that aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression is closely associated with the evolution and development of various complex human diseases. These key biomarkers’ identification and observation are significant for gaining a deeper understanding of disease pathogenesis and therapeutic mechanisms. Consequently, pinpointing potential miRNA–disease associations (MDA) has become a prominent bioinformatics subject, encouraging several new computational methods given the advances in graph neural networks (GNN). Nevertheless, these existing methods commonly fail to exploit the network nodes’ global feature information, leaving the generation of high-quality embedding representations using graph properties as a critical unsolved issue. Addressing these challenges, we introduce the DAEMDA, a computational method designed to optimize the current models’ efficacy. First, we construct similarity and heterogeneous networks involving miRNAs and diseases, relying on experimentally corroborated miRNA–disease association data and analogous information. Then, a newly-fashioned parallel dual-channel feature encoder, designed to better comprehend the global information within the heterogeneous network and generate varying embedding representations, follows this. Ultimately, employing a neural network classifier, we merge the dual-channel embedding representations and undertake association predictions between miRNA and disease nodes. The experimental results of five-fold cross-validation and case studies of major diseases based on the HMDD v3.2 database show that this method can generate high-quality embedded representations and effectively improve the accuracy of MDA prediction.
Iturin: A Promising Cyclic Lipopeptide with Diverse Applications
Authors: Yaraguppi Deepak A. , Bagewadi Zabin K. , Patil Ninganagouda R. , Mantri Nitin
Published: October 2023

This comprehensive review examines iturin, a cyclic lipopeptide originating from Bacillus subtilis and related bacteria. These compounds are structurally diverse and possess potent inhibitory effects against plant disease-causing bacteria and fungi. Notably, Iturin A exhibits strong antifungal properties and low toxicity, making it valuable for bio-pesticides and mycosis treatment. Emerging research reveals additional capabilities, including anticancer and hemolytic features. Iturin finds applications across industries. In food, iturin as a biosurfactant serves beyond surface tension reduction, enhancing emulsions and texture. Biosurfactants are significant in soil remediation, agriculture, wound healing, and sustainability. They also show promise in Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) in the petroleum industry. The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries recognize iturin’s diverse properties, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-obesity effects. Cosmetic applications span emulsification, anti-wrinkle, and antibacterial use. Understanding iturin’s structure, synthesis, and applications gains importance as biosurfactant and lipopeptide research advances. This review focuses on emphasizing iturin’s structural characteristics, production methods, biological effects, and applications across industries. It probes iturin’s antibacterial, antifungal potential, antiviral efficacy, and cancer treatment capabilities. It explores diverse applications in food, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, considering recent developments, challenges, and prospects.
Using LLMs and Explainable ML to Analyze Biomarkers at Single-Cell Level for Improved Understanding of Diseases
Authors: Elsborg Jonas , Salvatore Marco
Published: October 2023

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology has significantly advanced our understanding of the diversity of cells and how this diversity is implicated in diseases. Yet, translating these findings across various scRNA-seq datasets poses challenges due to technical variability and dataset-specific biases. To overcome this, we present a novel approach that employs both an LLM-based framework and explainable machine learning to facilitate generalization across single-cell datasets and identify gene signatures to capture disease-driven transcriptional changes. Our approach uses scBERT, which harnesses shared transcriptomic features among cell types to establish consistent cell-type annotations across multiple scRNA-seq datasets. Additionally, we employed a symbolic regression algorithm to pinpoint highly relevant, yet minimally redundant models and features for inferring a cell type’s disease state based on its transcriptomic profile. We ascertained the versatility of these cell-specific gene signatures across datasets, showcasing their resilience as molecular markers to pinpoint and characterize disease-associated cell types. The validation was carried out using four publicly available scRNA-seq datasets from both healthy individuals and those suffering from ulcerative colitis (UC). This demonstrates our approach’s efficacy in bridging disparities specific to different datasets, fostering comparative analyses. Notably, the simplicity and symbolic nature of the retrieved gene signatures facilitate their interpretability, allowing us to elucidate underlying molecular disease mechanisms using these models.
Exploring the Multifaceted Nexus of Uric Acid and Health: A Review of Recent Studies on Diverse Diseases
Authors: Kuwabara Masanari , Fukuuchi Tomoko , Aoki Yuhei , Mizuta Einosuke , Ouchi Motoshi , Kurajoh Masafumi , Maruhashi Tatsuya , Tanaka Atsushi , Morikawa Nagisa , Nishimiya Kensuke , Akashi Naoyuki , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Otani Naoyuki , Morita Mihoko , Miyata Hiroshi , Takada Tappei , Tsutani Hiroshi , Ogino Kazuhide , Ichida Kimiyoshi , Hisatome Ichiro , Abe Kohtaro
Published: October 2023

The prevalence of patients with hyperuricemia or gout is increasing worldwide. Hyperuricemia and gout are primarily attributed to genetic factors, along with lifestyle factors like consuming a purine-rich diet, alcohol and/or fructose intake, and physical activity. While numerous studies have reported various comorbidities linked to hyperuricemia or gout, the range of these associations is extensive. This review article focuses on the relationship between uric acid and thirteen specific domains: transporters, genetic factors, diet, lifestyle, gout, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, hypertension, kidney diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, and malignancies. The present article provides a comprehensive review of recent developments in these areas, compiled by experts from the Young Committee of the Japanese Society of Gout and Uric and Nucleic Acids. The consolidated summary serves to enhance the global comprehension of uric acid-related matters.
Unravelling the Molecular Mechanisms of a Quercetin Nanocrystal for Treating Potential Parkinson’s Disease in a Rotenone Model: Supporting Evidence of Network Pharmacology and In Silico Data Analysis
Authors: Lakshmi Yeruva , Prasanth D. , Kumar Karumuri , Ahmad Sheikh , Ramanjaneyulu Seemaladinne , Rahul Nalluri , Pasala Praveen
Published: October 2023

The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease places a significant burden on society; therefore, there is an urgent need to develop more effective drugs. However, the development of these drugs is both expensive and risky. Quercetin (QUE) has potent pharmacological effects on neurodegenerative diseases, but its low solubility in water and poor bioavailability limit its use in pharmaceutical applications. In this study, Quercetin nanocrystals (QNC) were synthesized and compared to standard QUE. A network-pharmacology-based methodology was applied, including target prediction, network construction, a gene ontology (GO) analysis, a KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, and molecular docking. This study aimed to identify the targets of QUE relevant to the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and investigate the associated pharmacological mechanisms. Most of the predicted targets are involved in dopamine uptake during synaptic transmission. QUE regulates the key targets DRD2 and DRD4, which significantly affect dopaminergic synapses. The molecular docking results showed that QUE had a better binding affinity than the standard drug l-Dopa. From these experiments, it can be concluded that QNC effectively reduced the adverse effects caused by rotenone-induced oxidative stress in biochemical, neurochemical, and histopathological alterations. Therefore, QNC can potentially treat Parkinson’s disease, and its effectiveness should be assessed in future clinical trials.
The Expression of the Alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor and the Effect of Smoking in Curdlan-Administered SKG Mice
Authors: Kim Young-Eun , Lee Jae-Hyun , Lee Eun-Ju , Kim Do Hoon , Jeong Mi Ryeong , Hong Seokchan , Lee Chang-Keun , Yoo Bin , Youn Jeehee , Chang Eun-Ju , Kim Yong-Gil
Published: October 2023

Nicotine, an abundant molecule in tobacco, has immunomodulatory effects on inflammatory diseases, primarily due to the activation of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR). We aim to evaluate the expression of the α7 nAChR+ cells in joint tissue and the effect of smoking on immune cells and peripheral arthritis in curdlan-administered SKG mice, a murine model of spondyloarthropathy (SpA). The SKG mice were injected with curdlan two times at 2-week intervals and were divided into two groups; one exposed to cigarette smoke and the other not exposed. We found that the α7 nAChR+ cells increased in the joint tissue of curdlan-administered SKG mice compared to in the wild type. Furthermore, the peripheral arthritis scores and histological scores for synovial inflammation were lower in smoke-exposed curdlan-administered SKG mice than in mice not exposed to smoke. Immunofluorescence staining of the α7 nAChR+ and IL-17A+ cells was lower in the synovia of smoke-exposed mice than the control mice. The proportions of α7 nAChR+IL-17A+ and α7 nAChR+IL-17A+FOXP3+ cells also decreased in the synovia of smoke-exposed mice compared with the controls. We observed an increase in the α7 nAChR+ cells within the joint tissue of curdlan-administered SKG mice and that cigarette smoke had an influence on both peripheral arthritis and immune cell population, especially α7 nAChR+ cells. Thus, exposure to cigarette smoke after arthritogenic stimuli may have an anti-arthritogenic effect in curdlan-administered SKG mice.
A Current Landscape on Alport Syndrome Cases: Characterization, Therapy and Management Perspectives
Authors: Mahrous Nahed N. , Jamous Yahya F. , Almatrafi Ahmad M. , Fallatah Deema I. , Theyab Abdulrahman , Alanati Bayan H. , Alsagaby Suliman A. , Alenazi Munifa K. , Khan Mohammed I. , Hawsawi Yousef M.
Published: October 2023

Alport syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic disorder categorized by the progressive loss of kidney function, sensorineural hearing loss and eye abnormalities. It occurs due to mutations in three genes that encode for the alpha chains of type IV collagen. Globally, the disease is classified based on the pattern of inheritance into X-linked AS (XLAS), which is caused by pathogenic variants in COL4A5, representing 80% of AS. Autosomal recessive AS (ARAS), caused by mutations in either COL4A3 or COL4A4, represents 15% of AS. Autosomal dominant AS (ADAS) is rare and has been recorded in 5% of all cases due to mutations in COL4A3 or COL4A4. This review provides updated knowledge about AS including its clinical and genetic characteristics in addition to available therapies that only slow the progression of the disease. It also focuses on reported cases in Saudi Arabia and their prevalence. Moreover, we shed light on advances in genetic technologies like gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, the need for an early diagnosis of AS and managing the progression of the disease. Eventually, we provide a few recommendations for disease management, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia where consanguineous marriages increase the risk.
Biomimetic System Based on Reconstituted Macrophage Membranes for Analyzing and Selection of Higher-Affinity Ligands Specific to Mannose Receptor to Develop the Macrophage-Focused Medicines
Authors: Zlotnikov Igor D. , Kudryashova Elena V.
Published: October 2023

Progress in macrophage research is crucial for numerous applications in medicine, including cancer and infectious diseases. However, the existing methods to manipulate living macrophages are labor-intense and inconvenient. Here, we show that macrophage membranes can be reconstituted after storage for months at 4 °C, with their CD206 receptor selectivity and specificity being similar to those in the living cells. Then, we have developed a mannose ligand, specific to CD206, linked with PEG as an IR spectroscopy marker to detect binding with the macrophage receptor. PEG was selected due to its unique adsorption band of the C–O–C group at IR spectra, which does not overlap with other biomolecules’ spectroscopic feature. Next, competitive binding assay versus the PEG-bound ligand has enabled the selection of other higher-affinity ligands specific to CD206. Furthermore, those higher-affinity ligands were used to differentiate activated macrophages in a patient’s bronchoalveolar (BAL) or nasopharyngeal (NPL) lavage. CD206− control cells (HEK293T) showed only non-specific binding. Therefore, biochips based on reconstituted macrophage membranes as well as PEG-trimannoside as an IR spectroscopic marker can be used to develop new methods facilitating macrophage research and macrophage-focused drug discovery.
Bioglass and Vitamin D3 Coatings for Titanium Implants: Osseointegration and Corrosion Protection
Authors: Negut Irina , Gradisteanu-Pircalabioru Gratiela , Dinu Mihaela , Bita Bogdan , Parau Anca Constantina , Grumezescu Valentina , Ristoscu Carmen , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen
Published: October 2023

The use of MAPLE synthesized thin films based on BG and VD3 for improving the osseointegration and corrosion protection of Ti-like implant surfaces is reported. The distribution of chemical elements and functional groups was shown by FTIR spectrometry; the stoichiometry and chemical functional integrity of thin films after MAPLE deposition was preserved, optimal results being revealed especially for the BG+VD3_025 samples. The morphology and topography were examined by SEM and AFM, and revealed surfaces with many irregularities, favoring a good adhesion of cells. The thin films’ cytotoxicity and biocompatibility were evaluated in vitro at the morphological, biochemical, and molecular level. Following incubation with HDF cells, BG57+VD3_ 025 thin films showed the best degree of biocompatibility, as illustrated by the viability assay values. According to the LDH investigation, all tested samples had higher values compared to the unstimulated cells. The evaluation of cell morphology was performed by fluorescence microscopy following cultivation of HDF cells on the obtained thin films. The cultivation of HDF’s on the thin films did not induce major cellular changes. Cells cultured on the BG57+VD3_025 sample had similar morphology to that of unstimulated control cells. The inflammatory profile of human cells cultured on thin films obtained by MAPLE was analyzed by the ELISA technique. It was observed that the thin films did not change the pro- and anti-inflammatory profile of the HDF cells, the IL-6 and IL-10 levels being similar to those of the control sample. The wettability of the MAPLE thin films was investigated by the sessile drop method. A contact angle of 54.65° was measured for the sample coated with BG57+VD3_025. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy gave a valuable insight into the electrochemical reactions occurring on the surface.
A Fluorescent and Magnetic Hybrid Tracer for Improved Sentinel Lymphadenectomy in Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Engels Svenja , Michalik Bianca , Dirks Lena , van Oosterom Matthias N. , Wawroschek Friedhelm , Winter Alexander
Published: October 2023

In prostate cancer, sentinel lymph node dissection (sLND) offers a personalized procedure with staging ability which is at least equivalent to extended LND while inducing lower morbidity. A bimodal fluorescent–radioactive approach was introduced to improve sentinel LN (SLN) detection. We present the first in-human case series on exploring the use of a fluorescent–magnetic hybrid tracer in a radiation-free sLND procedure. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and indocyanine green were administered simultaneously in five prostate cancer patients scheduled for extended LND, sLND and radical prostatectomy. In situ and ex vivo fluorescence and magnetic signals were documented for each LN sample detected via a laparoscopic fluorescence imaging and magnetometer system. Fluorescence and magnetic activity could be detected in all patients. Overall, 19 lymph node spots could be detected in situ, 14 of which were fluorescently active and 18 of which were magnetically active. In two patients, no fluorescent LNs could be detected in situ. The separation of the LN samples resulted in a total number of 30 SLNs resected. Ex vivo measurements confirmed fluorescence in all but two magnetically active SLNs. One LN detected in situ with both modalities was subsequently shown to contain a metastasis. This study provides the first promising results of a bimodal, radiation-free sLND, combining the advantages of both the magnetic and fluorescence approaches.
Synergistic Antimicrobial Effect of Cold Atmospheric Plasma and Redox-Active Nanoparticles
Authors: Ermakov Artem M. , Afanasyeva Vera A. , Lazukin Alexander V. , Shlyapnikov Yuri M. , Zhdanova Elizaveta S. , Kolotova Anastasia A. , Blagodatski Artem S. , Ermakova Olga N. , Chukavin Nikita N. , Ivanov Vladimir K. , Popov Anton L.
Published: October 2023

Cold argon plasma (CAP) and metal oxide nanoparticles are well known antimicrobial agents. In the current study, on an example of Escherichia coli, a series of analyses was performed to assess the antibacterial action of the combination of these agents and to evaluate the possibility of using cerium oxide and cerium fluoride nanoparticles for a combined treatment of bacterial diseases. The joint effect of the combination of cold argon plasma and several metal oxide and fluoride nanoparticles (CeO2, CeF3, WO3) was investigated on a model of E. coli colony growth on agar plates. The mutagenic effect of different CAP and nanoparticle combinations on bacterial DNA was investigated, by means of a blue–white colony assay and RAPD-PCR. The effect on cell wall damage, using atomic force microscopy, was also studied. The results obtained demonstrate that the combination of CAP and redox-active metal oxide nanoparticles (RAMON) effectively inhibits bacterial growth, providing a synergistic antimicrobial effect exceeding that of any of the agents alone. The combination of CAP and CeF3 was shown to be the most effective mutagen against plasmid DNA, and the combination of CAP and WO3 was the most effective against bacterial genomic DNA. The analysis of direct cell wall damage by atomic force microscopy showed the combination of CAP and CeF3 to be the most effective antimicrobial agent. The combination of CAP and redox-active metal oxide or metal fluoride nanoparticles has a strong synergistic antimicrobial effect on bacterial growth, resulting in plasmid and genomic DNA damage and cell wall damage. For the first time, a strong antimicrobial and DNA-damaging effect of CeF3 nanoparticles has been demonstrated.
Histological and Immunohistochemical Characterization of Osteoimmunological Processes in Scaffold-Guided Bone Regeneration in an Ovine Large Segmental Defect Model
Authors: Finze Ronja , Laubach Markus , Russo Serafini Mairim , Kneser Ulrich , Medeiros Savi Flavia
Published: October 2023

Large-volume bone defect regeneration is complex and demands time to complete. Several regeneration phases with unique characteristics, including immune responses, follow, overlap, and interdepend on each other and, if successful, lead to the regeneration of the organ bone’s form and function. However, during traumatic, infectious, or neoplastic clinical cases, the intrinsic bone regeneration capacity may exceed, and surgical intervention is indicated. Scaffold-guided bone regeneration (SGBR) has recently shown efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies. To investigate different SGBR strategies over periods of up to three years, we have established a well-characterized ovine large segmental tibial bone defect model, for which we have developed and optimized immunohistochemistry (IHC) protocols. We present an overview of the immunohistochemical characterization of different experimental groups, in which all ovine segmental defects were treated with a bone grafting technique combined with an additively manufactured medical-grade polycaprolactone/tricalcium phosphate (mPCL-TCP) scaffold. The qualitative dataset was based on osteoimmunological findings gained from IHC analyses of over 350 sheep surgeries over the past two decades. Our systematic and standardized IHC protocols enabled us to gain further insight into the complex and long-drawn-out bone regeneration processes, which ultimately proved to be a critical element for successful translational research.
Intracranial Aneurysms and Genetics: An Extensive Overview of Genomic Variations, Underlying Molecular Dynamics, Inflammatory Indicators, and Forward-Looking Insights
Authors: Toader Corneliu , Eva Lucian , Bratu Bogdan-Gabriel , Covache-Busuioc Razvan-Adrian , Costin Horia Petre , Dumitrascu David-Ioan , Glavan Luca-Andrei , Corlatescu Antonio Daniel , Ciurea Alexandru Vlad
Published: October 2023

This review initiates by outlining the clinical relevance of IA, underlining the pressing need to comprehend its foundational elements. We delve into the assorted risk factors tied to IA, spotlighting both environmental and genetic influences. Additionally, we illuminate distinct genetic syndromes linked to a pronounced prevalence of intracranial aneurysms, underscoring the pivotal nature of genetics in this ailment’s susceptibility. A detailed scrutiny of genome-wide association studies allows us to identify key genomic changes and locations associated with IA risk. We further detail the molecular and physiopathological dynamics instrumental in IA’s evolution and escalation, with a focus on inflammation’s role in affecting the vascular landscape. Wrapping up, we offer a glimpse into upcoming research directions and the promising horizons of personalized therapeutic strategies in IA intervention, emphasizing the central role of genetic insights. This thorough review solidifies genetics’ cardinal role in IA, positioning it as a cornerstone resource for professionals in the realms of neurology and genomics.
Less Computer Access: Is It a Risk or a Protective Factor for Cyberbullying and Face-to-Face Bullying Victimization among Adolescents in the United States?
Authors: Hong Jun Sung , Wang Miao , Negi Rekha , Voisin Dexter R. , Takahashi Lois M. , Iadipaolo Andre
Published: October 2023

The present study investigates whether less computer access is associated with an increase or decrease in cyberbullying and face-to-face bullying victimization. Data were derived from the 2009–2010 Health Behavior in School-Aged Children U.S. Study, consisting of 12,642 adolescents aged 11, 13, and 15 years (Mage = 12.95). We found that less computer usage was negatively associated with cyberbullying victimization and face-to-face bullying victimization. The findings from the study have implications for research and practice.
Exploring Pre-Construction Activities in Infrastructure Projects That Can Benefit from Contractor Involvement
Authors: Memić Nadina , Tadayon Allen , Olsson Nils O. E. , Wondimu Paulos A. , Ishtiaque Tausif Ahmed , Lædre Ola
Published: October 2023

The pre-construction phase of public infrastructure projects is characterized by significant uncertainty as crucial decisions are made with limited information. This early stage of project development is influenced by a multitude of factors and input from various stakeholders. While early contractor involvement (ECI) offers potential benefits for both clients and projects, the timing and selection of tasks for involving the contractor are critical to achieving these benefits. This study seeks to identify key pre-construction activities in public infrastructure projects and pinpoint the activities that stand to gain the most from ECI. The research methodology involved conducting semi-structured interviews, organizing seven workshops, and conducting the literature and document studies. Through these efforts, the study identified a total of 20 pre-construction activities, among which 5 activities emerged as the most favorable candidates for ECI, while 5 others were deemed less suitable. The findings underscore a consensus that involving contractor expertise during the Brief Development sub-phase holds significant promise. Notably, activities associated with planning, environmental considerations, and technical aspects related to the scope clarification, were found to be highly amenable to ECI. Activities addressing uncertainty management received particular attention, with clients valuing contractors’ practical experience in risk assessment and mitigation. Additionally, contractors’ insights into planning, activity dependencies, and their contributions to health, safety, and environmental plans were highly regarded. However, activities, categorized under the more technical sub-phases of Concept Development and Detailed Engineering yielded mixed results, while those falling within the predominantly social and political domain and involving political processes and societal impact, were viewed as less suitable for early contractor involvement. These findings emphasize the need to adopt a systematic and consistent approach to pre-construction activities, highlighting that ECI should not be applied as a one-size-fits-all solution. The interview results somewhat contrast with the literature findings, which indicate that the early conceptual phase is most beneficial as the contractor impact is highest. To some extent, the client, contractor, and consultant still see their benefit and strategy before the good of the project.
Research on the Modulus Decay Model under a Three-Dimensional Stress State of Asphalt Mixture during Fatigue Damage
Authors: He Yonghai , Lv Songtao , Wang Ziyang , Ma Huabao , Lei Wei , Pu Changyu , Meng Huilin , Xie Nasi , Peng Xinghai
Published: October 2023

Fatigue damage can develop within asphalt pavement due to the continuous impact of driving loads and natural elements. Understanding the process of asphalt mixtures’ fatigue damage is crucial for guiding the design, maintenance, and repair of asphalt pavement. This research aims to establish a model that characterizes the mixtures’ modulus decay under a three-dimensional (3-D) stress state. Firstly, asphalt mixes were subjected to direct tensile (DT), indirect tensile (IDT), unconfined compressive (UC) strength and fatigue tests, and the resulting data were analyzed. Then, modulus decay models under DT, IDT, and UC conditions were established, and the modulus decay patterns under the three loading modes were compared and analyzed. Finally, using the fatigue stress strength ratio Δ (a fatigue resistance index for asphalt mixtures that takes into account the impacts of stress state and loading rate), a unified characterization model for asphalt mixes’ modulus decay under a 3-D stress state was created. According to the study’s findings, asphalt mixes’ modulus decay during fatigue damage exhibits obvious nonlinear characteristics. While the asphalt mixes’ modulus decay law with various loading modalities is similar under the same conditions, the decay rate may differ. Essentially, the speed of the modulus decay of a certain asphalt mixture primarily depends on the value of Δ during service. A larger Δ indicates a faster modulus decay. This study offers a theoretical foundation for the conversion from material fatigue damage to structural fatigue damage, which is vital for enhancing the asphalt pavements’ construction quality and longevity.
Assessing the Potential for Developing Innovation Districts at the City Scale by Adapting a New Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Method
Authors: Xu Congbao , Du Yujia , Qi Liyan , Li Ruiqian , Yang Zhen
Published: October 2023

Excellent previous case studies of innovation districts have provided a foundation for the integration of innovation and urban development. However, few researchers have evaluated the potential for developing innovation districts in inner city spaces. In this study, taking Qingdao as an example, the adaptive cycle theory was combined with entrepreneurial ecosystem theory to form a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem (SEE) framework, including the three criteria of conditions, outputs, and outcomes. This framework allows for the effective identification of key factors and areas within cities that influence the development of innovation districts. The results showed that the potential for developing innovation districts showed a concentric trend, i.e., higher in the downtown, highest in the suburbs, and lowest in the outer suburbs. Comparative analysis revealed that innovation sources were a key factor in the development of Qingdao’s innovation districts. In terms of cluster analysis, the northern and southwestern clusters in the suburbs were in the conservation (K) phase, and the eastern and downtown clusters were in the exploitation (r), suggesting that the former was the preferred location for innovation districts. This study facilitates the establishment of site-specific innovation districts at key locations to enhance the success of decision making.
Housing Transfer Inspection: What Are the Priorities?
Authors: Chen Jieh-Haur , Pan His-Hua , Wang Ting-Kwei , Wei Hsi-Hsien
Published: October 2023

This study aims to discern and assign significance to the crucial inspection items preceding housing transfers, subsequently unveiling their prioritized sequence. Initiating with a literature review, a robust groundwork was laid for expert interviews, which subsequently defined eight distinct facets encompassing a total of 38 items pertinent to housing transfer inspections. Employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the results of an expert survey are analyzed, incorporating 27 valid responses. The outcomes of this research encompass the following: (1) the delineation of eight distinct facets, (2) the compilation of a comprehensive list comprising 38 items, (3) a short list of the top 15 items easier for inspectors to complete for a quick transfer, and (4) the establishment of a priority sequence for housing transfer inspection items. This study effectively resolves the predicament faced by practitioners concerning the selection of appropriate inspection items for housing transfers, and offers clarity regarding their relative significance.
Buckling Analysis of a New Type of Double-Steering Prestressed Plate Column
Authors: Li Yanying , Li Bailong , Yin Xinsheng , Han Zhiying
Published: October 2023

A new type of dual-steering prestressed plate column is introduced. Compared to the previous prestressed strut column, this proposed column considers both bending and constraints at ends. The calculation results indicated that the support plate significantly improves the stable bearing capacity and buckling performance of the core steel column. When compared to the proposed column, the bearing capacity of the three-transverse prestressed beam column is 1.51 times smaller, the single-transverse prestressed beam column is 2.43 times lower, and the non-prestressed column is 4.51 times smaller. Moreover, this study examines the influences of effective length, buckling mode, stress nephogram detail, and prestress value. It explores the possibility of implementing this new type of dual-steering prestressed plate column in practical engineering. In addition, the variety and mechanical models of prestressed columns are expanded and refined.