bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint Pricing, Server Orchestration and Network Slice Deployment in Mobile Edge Computing Networks
Authors: Hou Yijian , Zhang Kaisa , Chuai Gang , Gao Weidong , Chen Xiangyu , Liu Siqi
Published: February 2025

The integration of mobile edge computing (MEC) and network slicing can provide low-latency and customized services. In such integrated wireless networks, we propose a pricing-driven joint MEC server orchestration and network slice deployment scheme (PD-JSOSD), jointly solving the pricing, MEC server orchestration and network slicing deployment issues. We divide the system into an infrastructure provider layer (IPL), network planning layer (NPL) and resource allocation layer (RAL), and a three-stage Stackelberg game is proposed to describe their relationships. To obtain the Stackelberg equalization, we propose a three-layer deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm. Specifically, the dueling double deep Q-network (D3QN) is used in the IPL, and the DRL with branching dueling Q-network (BDQ) is used in the NPL and the RAL to cope with the large-scale discrete action spaces. Moreover, we propose an innovative illegal action modification algorithm to improve the convergence of the BDQ. Simulations verify the convergence of the three-layer DRL and the superiority of modified-BDQ in dealing with large-scale action spaces, where modified-BDQ can improve the convergence by 21.9% and 28.3%. Furthermore, compared with the benchmark algorithms, JSOSD in the NPL and the RAL can improve system utility by up to 52.1%, proving the superiority of the server orchestration and slice deployment scheme.
Character Can Speak Directly: An End-to-End Character Region Excavation Network for Scene Text Spotting
Authors: Li Yan , Shu Yan , Li Binyang , Xu Ruifeng
Published: February 2025

End-to-end scene text spotting methods have garnered significant research attention due to their promising results. However, most existing approaches are not well suited for real-world applications because of their inherently complex pipelines. In this paper, we propose an end-to-end Character Region Excavation Network (CRENet) to streamline the text spotting pipeline. Our contributions are threefold: (i) Pipeline simplification: For the first time, we eliminate the text region retrieval step, allowing characters to be directly spotted from scene images. (ii) ROA layer: We introduce a novel RoI (Region of Interest) feature sampling layer for multi-oriented character region feature sampling, significantly enhancing the recognizer’s performance. (iii) Progressive learning strategy: We propose a progressive learning strategy to gradually bridge the gap between synthetic data and real-world images, addressing the challenge posed by the high cost of character-level annotations required during training. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our proposed method is robust and effective across horizontal, oriented, and curved text, achieving results comparable to state-of-the-art methods on ICDAR 2013, ICDAR 2015, Total-Text and ReCTS.
A Frequency-Domain Estimation Scheme for Frequency Offset with Large Range in OFDM Systems
Authors: Wang Tao , Kong Dejin , Jiang Hao , Chen Hongming
Published: February 2025

With the development of 5G new radio (NR) applications in high-speed scenarios, such as 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), the Doppler shift in the systems is significant. In this paper, an estimation scheme for frequency offset with large range in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems is proposed. The proposed scheme firstly takes advantage of the 2π-periodicity of the phase offset between two pilot OFDM symbols to estimate a set of candidate frequency offsets. It then uses the autocorrelation of the pilot sequence to determine the final estimated frequency offset. This method allows for a large estimation range, independent of the symbol gap between the two pilot OFDM symbols. Moreover, the low-complexity implementation of the scheme is provided. The simulation results based on 5G NR physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in both single-user and multi-user scenarios, where various Doppler shifts and numbers of configured resource blocks (RB) are considered. The simulation results also show that the proposed frequency-domain method outperforms the conventional time-domain method with additional computation complexity.
Research on Power Coordination Control Strategy of Microgrid Based on Reconfigurable Energy Storage
Authors: Liu Xiaoxi , Jiang Libo , Zheng Tianwen , Zhu Zhengwei
Published: February 2025

Reconfigurable new energy storage can effectively address the security and limitation issues associated with traditional battery energy storage. To enhance the reliability of the microgrid system and ensure power balance among generation units, this paper proposes a power coordination control strategy based on reconfigurable energy storage. First, a new microgrid system incorporating reconfigurable energy storage, photovoltaic power generation, and a supercapacitor is introduced. By leveraging the structural advantages of reconfigurable energy storage, the potential safety hazards of traditional battery energy storage can be mitigated and the reliability of the microgrid system can be improved. Second, a novel control strategy for reconfigurable energy storage, photovoltaic units, and supercapacitors is proposed. The reconfigurable energy storage achieves constant current charge/discharge control through a DC-DC converter, while the supercapacitor maintains DC bus voltage stability via another DC–DC converter. Next, the power flow relationship within the microgrid system is analyzed. The dynamic reconfiguration characteristics of the reconfigurable energy storage, combined with the high power density of the supercapacitor, enable dynamic compensation of the photovoltaic power generation unit to meet the load’s power demand. Finally, a simulation model is developed in the MATLAB/Simulink environment to compare and analyze the power compensation effects of traditional energy storage and reconfigurable energy storage. The results demonstrate that the proposed control strategy achieves constant current charge/discharge control for reconfigurable energy storage, addressing the issue of battery life degradation caused by the continuous variation in charge/discharge current when traditional energy storage compensates for photovoltaic fluctuations. Additionally, the proposed control strategy can effectively and rapidly adjust the system’s power output, mitigating power fluctuations caused by variations in photovoltaic generation and load changes in the microgrid system, thereby improving the system’s reliability and stability.
A WGAN-GP Approach for Data Imputation in Photovoltaic Power Prediction
Authors: Liu Zhu , Xuan Lingfeng , Gong Dehuang , Xie Xinlin , Liang Zhongwen , Zhou Dongguo
Published: February 2025

The increasing adoption of photovoltaic (PV) systems has introduced challenges for grid stability due to the intermittent nature of PV power generation. Accurate forecasting and data quality are critical for effective integration into power grids. However, PV power records often contain missing data due to system downtime, posing difficulties for pattern recognition and model accuracy. To address this, we propose a GAN-based data imputation method tailored for PV power generation. Unlike traditional GANs used in image generation, our method ensures smooth transitions with existing data by utilizing a data-guided GAN framework with quasi-convex properties. To stabilize training, we introduce a gradient penalty mechanism and a single-batch multi-iteration strategy. Our contributions include analyzing the necessity of data imputation, designing a novel conditional GAN-based network for PV data generation, and validating the generated data using frequency domain analysis, t-NSE, and prediction performance. This approach significantly enhances data continuity and reliability in PV forecasting tasks.
Is Bigger Better? Exploring Sustainable Delivery Models for Multi-Scale East African Smart Biogas Systems
Authors: Robinson Benjamin L. , Pemba Winfred , Ninsiima Viola , Muhindo Gideon , Chiumia Admore , Clifford Mike J. , Hewitt Joseph , Muvule Michel
Published: February 2025

With the deadline for the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the horizon, the global community is forging a pathway through the ever-more complex global ecosystem to 2030. Whilst household-scale AD systems have seen significant attention, the community and commercial scales remain significantly under-researched. This paper aims to explore the state-of-the-art in energy access, AD and smart metering, and presents three scales of AD system delivery models which can potentially unlock meaningful pathways to energy access and the completion of SDG7. We achieve this through a two-phase qualitative methodology: first, an in-person participatory market systems development workshop in Malawi, and second, by leveraging experts’ knowledge of the Uganda and Malawian biogas sector to develop the case studies that illustrate the three scales of the AD system delivery model. Our findings analyse these delivery models, exploring the disconnection between digester size and delivery model, overcoming delivery model weaknesses through blended approaches to energy access, the role of digitalisation, and the importance of tailoring the delivery models to specific contexts. Ultimately, by drawing on real-world examples of AD system delivery models, this paper concludes by proposing a novel entire ecosystems or systems approach to biogas implementation through the blending of different scales of implementation.
Automated Laboratory Stand for Determining the Cogging Torque of a Small Permanent Magnet Electric Machine Using the MATLAB Environment
Authors: Strączyński Paweł , Różowicz Sebastian , Baran Krzysztof
Published: February 2025

The phenomenon of the occurrence of cogging torque is one of the basic disadvantages of permanent magnet motors. An important aspect of designing a machine with magnetoelectric excitation is the formation of the magnetic circuit in such a way as to reduce this negative phenomenon. Due to the tolerances of the production of motor components, an important part of the design work is research into the properties of the designed machines on the built prototypes. This paper presents concepts and implementations for the construction of an automated laboratory station to determine the course of cogging torque. The measurement method, the concept, and implementations of the construction of the laboratory station are presented in this paper. The paper is summarized by a discussion of the results of laboratory tests on selected permanent magnet motors.
Solid State Transformer Controls for Mitigation of E3a High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse Insults
Authors: Lehman Connor A. , Robinett Rush D. , Weaver Wayne W. , Wilson David G.
Published: February 2025

This paper explores the use of a solid state transformer (SST) to mitigate the E3A component of a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) insult using external energy storage optimal control techniques. In lieu of conventional passive blocking devices or feedback-controlled energy storage devices, a novel implementation of Hamiltonian error tracking is utilized to develop a feedback control law for the variable converter ratio in an SST. The findings of the simulations performed in this paper suggest that additional energy storage is not necessary to protect an individual load from a HEMP insult. The simulations performed examine the response of a single-phase SST connected to a single voltage source on a long transmission line on the one side and a single linear resistor on the other. The control law is specifically developed for the late-time, low-frequency portion of a HEMP insult, namely the E3A components. The Hamiltonian error-based converter ratio control law is compared with nonlinear optimal feedforward controls to show that the HSSPFC is an external energy storage optimal controller.
Linear Stability Analysis on Flow-Induced Vibration of an Elastically Mounted Rotating Cylinder
Authors: Lu Jianfeng , Zhang Zhiyu , Zhang Xing
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we present a linear stability analysis on flow-induced vibration of an elastically mounted cylinder subjected to forced rotation. Four series of cases, with different combinations of degrees of freedoms in oscillation and Reynolds number are investigated. For each series of cases, a wide range of reduced velocity at various rotation rates are considered. The variations of growth and frequency with reduced velocity for the leading modes are presented. Some phenomena observed in previous numerical studies are interpreted by using the results of linear stability analysis. The supressing of vortex shedding at moderate rotation rate is explained by the absence of unstable fluid mode. The amplitude enhancement in high range of rotaton rate is explained by the emergence of unstable elastic mode. The stability properties of the leading modes provide some new insight into the influences of forced rotation on flow-induced vibration. The results of the current study have important implications in the design of offshore structures and energy-havesting devices.
Indole Content Profiling During Biological Ageing of Cava Sparkling Wine
Authors: Abarca-Rivas Clara , Martín-García Alba , Riu-Aumatell Montserrat , López-Tamames Elvira
Published: February 2025

Indoles are bioactive components found in wine products and are associated with yeast activity. Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine, is characterized by aging in contact with lees, making it a potential matrix for indoles. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the indole content in Cava produced at an industrial scale. Nine indoles were analysed by Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography—Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Cava samples with different ageing times (n = 74). Significant amounts of tryptophan (2.3–1680.4 μg/L), tryptophan ethyl ester (0.1–5.2 μg/L), 5-methoxytryptophol (0.3–29.2 µg/L) and n-acetyl serotonin (0.3–2.3 μg/L) were determined. Tryptophan and tryptophan ethyl ester were positively correlated and decreased with ageing time. In fact, a concentration of less than 0.56 μg of the latter indole can become a marker of the most aged Cavas. The ageing time in contact with lees seems to play a key role affecting the indole content, since base wines show high amount of tryptophan and tryptophan ethyl ester while aged sparkling wines have values around the lower 95% confidence limit. Notably, the identification of tryptophan ethyl ester as a potential marker for aging in Cava suggests a new avenue for further research and quality assessment in its production.
Stabilization and Preservation of Bioactive Compounds in Black Elderberry By-Product Extracts Using Maltodextrin and Gum Arabic via Spray Drying
Authors: Mutavski Zorana , Vidović Senka , Lazarević Zorica , Ambrus Rita , Motzwickler-Németh Anett , Aladić Krunoslav , Nastić Nataša
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the encapsulation efficiency and physicochemical properties of black elderberry pomace powders obtained by a spray-drying process employing maltodextrin and gum arabic as encapsulating agents. The formulations SD 1 to SD 6 were prepared in different ratios, from 100% maltodextrin (SD 1) to 100% gum arabic (SD 6). The encapsulation yield (EY) ranged from 75.36% to 83.84%, with SD 1 achieving the highest EY of 83.84%. Particle size analysis revealed average sizes between 1.73 μm and 2.20 μm, with SD 2 showing a uniform distribution. Flow and compressibility studies showed that SD 4 (40% maltodextrin, 60% gum arabic) had better flow properties (Carr index of 27.34) compared to SD 1 (Carr index of 39.91). The retention of bioactive compounds showed that SD 1 retained cyanidin 3-O-sambubioside at 17.55 mg/g and cyanidin 3-O-glucoside at 14.20 mg/g, while SD 4 showed high efficiency for kaempferol derivate 1 (97.86% in SD 5) and kaempferol derivate 2 (98.57% in SD 4). Overall, SD 4 proved to be the optimal formulation, significantly enhancing the stability and bioavailability of elderberry extract in food and nutraceutical applications. This is attributed to its high encapsulation efficiency and effective retention of bioactive compounds, making it an ideal candidate for incorporation into functional foods and dietary supplements aimed at promoting health benefits.
Spatiotemporal Patterns in Production and Consumption of Major Foods in Qinghai, China
Authors: Liu Yexuan , Zhen Lin , Shao Quanqin , Ye Junzhi , Xie Siliang
Published: February 2025

Food security is an important foundation of national security. Since China entered a new era in 2012, the supply of agricultural and animal husbandry products in Qinghai has continuously enhanced. However, the implementation of ecological policies such as Grain for Green and Grassland Ecological Compensation restricted the cultivation and grazing areas. At the same time, with the improvement in living standards and food consumption demand of local residents, the contradiction between human beings and land has become increasingly prominent. It is necessary to analyze the balance between food supply and demand to evaluate food security. This study used supply–demand analysis and spatial autocorrelation analysis based on county-level statistical data on production and consumption collected through random sampling surveys to reveal the characteristics of the production and consumption of the main food types in Qinghai during 2012–2022 as well as to analyze the food self-sufficiency changes and their spatial clustering features. The results showed that the regions with higher grain and meat production in Qinghai were concentrated in the northeast in the past decade, while the regions with higher consumption were mainly in the counties with larger populations. At the county level, grain could not achieve self-sufficiency, except in northeastern Qinghai; meat was self-sufficient in most counties. Through regional allocation, Qinghai had achieved grain and meat self-sufficiency at the provincial level. The self-sufficiency of grain and meat showed obvious clustering, with high-value clusters of grain self-sufficiency and low-value clusters of meat both distributed in the provincial capital and surrounding areas, which were related to the adjustment of urban residents’ dietary structure from staple foods to diversified foods. This study provides a scientific basis for decision makers when adjusting the agricultural and animal husbandry structure as well as the dietary structure of residents to ensure food security and the sustainable utilization of land resources.
Factor X Concentrate Treatment Schedule and Dosing in Acquired FX Deficiency
Authors: Ross Andrew , Shaw Rebecca J. , Garth Louise , Farrelly Cathy
Published: February 2025

Background: Acquired factor X (FX) deficiency is a rare condition that can cause life threatening bleeding. Here we outline a successful management strategy for gastrointestinal bleeding (GI) using human FX concentrate. Case description: A 61-year-old male presented with upper GI bleeding and a prolonged prothrombin time. Investigations demonstrated an acquired FX deficiency (determined to be secondary to AL amyloidosis). Results: Treatment with FX concentrate to maintain trough FX levels >20% resulted in successful cessation of bleeding symptoms, and levels >50% facilitated urgent invasive procedures. Conclusions: This case report adds valuable insight into the management of this rare condition, and how best to utilize FX concentrates in acquired FX deficiency.
Practical Dyeing and Technical Imaging: Replicating a Colonial Feather Insignia from Mexico
Authors: Riedler Renée , Zeindl Julia , Olvido Moreno Guzmán María , Barrera Reyes Carlos , Griesser Martina , Sárfi Nikoletta
Published: February 2025

A colonial feather insignia from New Spain dating to the late 16th century is one of a group of seven unique feather objects kept in museums in Austria, Germany, and Mexico. The insignia represents a highly skilled example of a featherworking tradition documented in historical sources such as the Florentine Codex. In order to make a replica for the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City (MNA), an interdisciplinary team carried out technical and material studies before preparing the necessary raw material. At the centre of this work are bird feathers dyed with organic dye and naturally coloured feathers that cover most of the insignia’s surface. By working with historical documents, artisans, reference collections of bird skin, and the application of multiband imaging (MBI) and fibre optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS), it was possible to identify both the bird species and the organic dye used or naturally presented in the feathers. Dyeing experiments to colour-match the different shades of red were conducted by applying traditional recipes and materials. The true value of this research is not necessarily in the finished product or outcome but in the journey itself—specifically in the methods developed and the practical experience gained along the way.
Multidisciplinary Approach of Proactive Preservation of the Religions Complex in Old Cairo—Part 2: Structural Challenges
Authors: Hassan Hany M. , Abdel Hafiez Hesham E. , Sallam Mariam A. , Bedon Chiara , Fasan Marco , Henaish Ahmed
Published: February 2025

Old Cairo, also known as Islamic Cairo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing a rich tapestry of history and culture. Today, among various significant aspects, its cultural heritage necessitates the elaboration of a proactive conservation strategy, which should take advantage of the intrinsic support provided by the efforts documented in the literature that have been made in several scientific fields, disciplines, and directions over the years. Most historic religious monumental buildings in Old Cairo, in particular, not only face the effects of local seismic hazards, which are emphasized by damage by past earthquakes, but also suffer the consequences of several influencing parameters that are unique to the Cairo city context. In this sense, it is known that the structural retrofitting of these monumental buildings requires sound knowledge of technical details and criticalities, based on inspections, numerical simulations, the in-field integration of technologies, and laboratory tests. Many other gaps should also be addressed, and a sound conservation strategy should be elaborated on the basis of a multi-target approach, which could account for the structural engineering perspective but also contextualize the retrofit within the state of the art and the evolution of past events. This is the target of the contemporary “Particular Relevance” bilateral Italy–Egypt “CoReng” project, seeking to define a multidisciplinary strategy for conserving Old Cairo’s cultural heritage and focusing primarily on the case study of the Religions Complex. To this end, a review analysis of major oversights and challenges relating to historic monuments in Old Cairo is presented in this paper. Learning from past accidents and experiences is, in fact, the primary supporting basis for elaborating new operational steps and efficient approaches to mitigating challenges and minimizing the consequences of emergency events. As such, this review contribution specifically focuses on the structural vulnerability of historic monumental buildings in Old Cairo, reporting on past efforts, past strategy proposals, research experiences, and trends.
Future Issues in Global Health: Challenges and Conundrums
Authors: Sharma Manoj , Akhter Md Sohail , Roy Sharmistha , Srejon Refat
Published: February 2025

This perspective lays out the challenges and conundrums facing global health and discusses possible solutions applicable in the future. The world is facing numerous challenges that include those associated with globalization, climate change, emerging diseases, continuation of non-communicable diseases, reemerging communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), wars, terrorism, and humanitarian crises, among others. The recent challenges exaggerated by the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed vulnerabilities within healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The solutions must be interprofessional and multifarious with collaborative efforts and partnerships. One world order seems to be a far-fetched ideal utopian goal, but it can be a remedy for ensuring health for all. In the meantime, strengthening the World Health Organization’s role in coordinating global health efforts and improving its capacity to respond to future health crises will be critical in ensuring that the vision of a unified, healthier world becomes a reality.
The Impact of Built-Up Area Dispersion on the Cultural Heritage of the Region of the South Aegean, Greece
Authors: Chatzi Efstratia , Derdemezi Evangelia-Theodora , Tsilimigkas Georgios
Published: February 2025

Cultural heritage serves as a repository of a place’s history and identity, integral to its landscape and central to all three sustainability goals. However, managing and protecting cultural heritage through regulatory planning often proves inadequate. This particularly applies to islands where infrastructure development pressures and urban sprawl lead to significant changes. This study quantifies the impact of uncontrolled built-up area dispersion on islands’ cultural heritage, focusing on the Southern Aegean region. By identifying and delineating the boundaries of archaeological areas and historic sites, we assess pressures through the mapping and quantitative analysis of built-up areas derived from the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) program. The results reveal spatial relations and potential conflicts, underscoring the insufficient protection of cultural heritage due to inadequate management and ineffective planning tools. Specifically, on islands like Mykonos and Naxos, over 80% of their archaeological areas are impacted by urban sprawl. Additionally, this study finds that six islands (Antiparos, Irakleia, Kea, Mykonos, Paros and Patmos) have over 60% of their built-up areas in exurban regions, exacerbating pressures on heritage sites. These findings highlight the need for an integrated spatial planning system that incorporates landscape and cultural heritage assets into strategic planning regulations, ensuring the preservation of these essential resources amidst ongoing development pressures.
Galangin’s Neuroprotective Role: Targeting Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Ischemic Stroke in a Rat Model of Permanent Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Palachai Nut , Supawat Araya , Kongsui Ratchaniporn , Klimaschewski Lars , Jittiwat Jinatta
Published: February 2025

The rising incidence of ischemic stroke poses significant health and healthcare burdens. Given the limitations of current therapeutic options, there is increasing interest in exploring the potential of galangin, a natural flavonoid compound, as a treatment for ischemic stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of galangin in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in a rat model of permanent cerebral ischemia. Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control; right middle cerebral artery occlusion (Rt.MCAO) with vehicle; Rt.MCAO with piracetam, a synthetic compound known as a cognitive enhancer; and Rt.MCAO with galangin administered at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight. Neurological deficit scores, brain edema, neuronal density, and microglial morphology were assessed along with the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), a marker of inflammation, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Additionally, the expression of key markers for inflammation and apoptosis, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-XL), and caspase-3, was analyzed to elucidate potential mechanisms. The results demonstrated that galangin treatment significantly improved neurological deficit scores, reduced brain edema, enhanced neuronal density, attenuated microglial activation, decreased MPO activity, and increased SOD activity in both the cortex and hippocampus, highlighting its neuroprotective potential. These effects were linked to the modulation of inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Specifically, galangin significantly reduced the expression of IL-6, COX-2, Bax, and caspase-3 while increasing the levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-XL. In conclusion, galangin demonstrates significant promise as a neuroprotective agent for ischemic stroke by suppressing inflammation and apoptosis, thereby improving neurological outcomes. However, clinical trials are required to validate these preclinical findings and confirm galangin’s therapeutic efficacy in humans.
Bulge-Derived Epithelial Cells Isolated from Human Hair Follicles Using Enzymatic Digestion or Explants Result in Comparable Tissue-Engineered Skin
Authors: Cattier Bettina , Guignard Rina , Martel Israël , Martel Christian , Simard-Bisson Carolyne , Larouche Danielle , Guiraud Béatrice , Bessou-Touya Sandrine , Germain Lucie
Published: February 2025

Hair follicle stem cells, located in the bulge region of the outer root sheath, are multipotent epithelial stem cells capable of differentiating into epidermal, sebaceous gland, and hair shaft cells. Efficient culturing of these cells is crucial for advancements in dermatology, regenerative medicine, and skin model development. This investigation aimed to develop a protocol for isolating enriched bulge-derived epithelial cells from scalp specimens to produce tissue-engineered substitutes. The epithelium, including hair follicles, was separated from the dermis using thermolysin, followed by microdissection of the bulge region. Epithelial stem cells were isolated using enzymatic dissociation to create a single-cell suspension and compared with the direct explant culture and a benchmark method which isolates cells from the epidermis and pilosebaceous units. After 8 days of culture, the enzymatic digestion of microdissected bulges yielded 5.3 times more epithelial cells compared to explant cultures and proliferated faster than the benchmark method. Cells cultured from all methods exhibited comparable morphology and growth rates. The fully stratified epidermis of tissue-engineered skin was similar, indicating comparable differentiation potential. This enzymatic digestion method improved early-stage cell recovery and expansion while maintaining keratinocyte functionality, offering an efficient hair bulge cell-extraction technique for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
Biased Opioid Receptor Agonists: Balancing Analgesic Efficacy and Side-Effect Profiles
Authors: Ju Jie , Li Zheng , Liu Jie , Peng Xiaoling , Gao Feng
Published: February 2025

Opioids are the most effective option for severe pain. However, it is well documented that the side effects associated with prolonged opioid use significantly constrain dosage in the clinical setting. Recently, researchers have concentrated on the development of biased opioid receptor agonists that preferentially activate the G protein signaling pathway over β-arrestin signaling. This approach is based on the hypothesis that G protein signaling mediates analgesic effects, whereas β-arrestin signaling is implicated in adverse side effects. Although certain studies have demonstrated that the absence or inhibition of β-arrestin signaling can mitigate the incidence of side effects, recent research appears to challenge these earlier findings. In-depth investigations into biased signal transduction of opioid receptor agonists have been conducted, potentially offering novel insights for the development of biased opioid receptors. Consequently, this review elucidates the contradictory roles of β-arrestin signaling in the adverse reactions associated with opioid receptor activation. Furthermore, a comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the classic G protein-biased agonists, TRV130 and PZM21, relative to the traditional non-biased agonist morphine. This review aims to inform the development of novel analgesic drugs that can optimize therapeutic efficacy and safety, while minimizing adverse reactions to the greatest extent possible.
Greedy Prefetch for Reducing Off-Chip Memory Accesses in Convolutional Neural Network Inference
Authors: Yang Dengtian , Chen Lan
Published: February 2025

The high parameter and memory access demands of CNNs highlight the need to reduce off-chip memory accesses. While recent approaches have improved data reuse to lessen these accesses, simple and efficient prefetching methods are still lacking. This paper introduces a greedy prefetch method that uses data repetition to optimize the prefetching route, thus decreasing off-chip memory accesses. The method is also implemented in a hardware simulator to organize an deployment strategy with additional optimizations. Our deployment strategy outperforms recent works, with a maximum data reuse improvement of 1.98×.
Technical Notes on Liver Elastography: A Guide for Use in Neonates in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Lancharro Zapata Ángel , Aguado del Hoyo Alejandra , Sánchez Gómez de Orgaz María del Carmen , Ortega Miguel A. , León Luís Juan Antonio
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Liver elastography is increasingly used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) as a non-invasive, radiation-free, reproducible technique for assessing liver stiffness. This technique demonstrates substantial advantages over conventional ultrasound in diagnosing diffuse liver diseases by providing quantitative measures of tissue elasticity. This article aims to describe the most critical milestones for performing liver elastography ultrasound point-of-care, a tool increasingly used to complement traditional ultrasound in the study of the liver in intensive care units where the population is very susceptible to manipulation. Methods: Techniques such as point-shear wave elastography (pSWE) and two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) have become key in evaluating conditions such as hypoxic-ischemic liver disease, cholestatic diseases, storage and metabolic disorders, or infectious liver conditions. However, despite its usefulness, performing elastography in neonates, particularly in those weighing less than 1000 g or in high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, presents notable challenges, including the extreme sensitivity of neonates to touch, noise, and temperature changes and the difficulty in obtaining accurate measurements due to limited hepatic depth. Results: Key factors for the success of sonoelastography in this population include minimizing contact time, adjusting mechanical and thermal indices to meet biosecurity guidelines, and ensuring patient comfort and stability during the procedure. Despite these challenges, elastography has proven helpful in routine clinical practice. Conclusions: The growing evidence on elastography has provided standardized reference values, further enhancing its clinical applicability in NICU settings.
Impact of Pulmonary Comorbidities on COVID-19: Acute and Long-Term Evaluations
Authors: Mara Gabriela , Nini Gheorghe , Cotoraci Coralia
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Pulmonary comorbidities, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), have emerged as critical factors influencing the severity and outcomes of COVID-19. This review aims to evaluate the interplay between these comorbidities and COVID-19, both during the acute phase and in long-term recovery, focusing on their impact on clinical management and outcomes. Methods: This systematic review examined studies sourced from major medical databases, including PubMed and Scopus, using keywords such as “COVID-19”, “pulmonary comorbidities”, “long COVID”, and “respiratory sequelae”. Peer-reviewed articles published from January 2020 to the present were included, with data extracted to evaluate both the acute and long-term effects of these comorbidities on COVID-19 patients. Results: Patients with COPD demonstrated significantly higher risks of severe COVID-19, including increased hospitalization and mortality. Asthma, while less consistently associated with severe outcomes, showed a variable risk based on disease control. ILDs were strongly correlated with poor outcomes, including higher rates of respiratory failure and mortality. Long-term complications, such as persistent dyspnea, impaired lung function, and structural changes like fibrosis, were prevalent in patients recovering from moderate to severe COVID-19. These complications adversely affected quality of life and increased healthcare dependency. Conclusions: Pulmonary comorbidities amplify both the acute severity and long-term respiratory consequences of COVID-19. Effective management necessitates tailored strategies addressing both phases, integrating rehabilitation and continuous monitoring to mitigate chronic impairments. Future research should prioritize understanding the mechanisms behind these interactions to inform public health interventions and improve patient outcomes.
The Role of Baseline Total Kidney Volume Growth Rate in Predicting Tolvaptan Efficacy for ADPKD Patients: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Dev Hreedi , Hu Zhongxiu , Blumenfeld Jon D. , Sharbatdaran Arman , Kim Yelynn , Zhu Chenglin , Shimonov Daniil , Chevalier James M. , Donahue Stephanie , Wu Alan , RoyChoudhury Arindam , He Xinzi , Prince Martin R.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Although tolvaptan efficacy in ADPKD has been demonstrated in randomized clinical trials, there is no definitive method for assessing its efficacy in the individual patient in the clinical setting. In this exploratory feasibility study, we report a method to quantify the change in total kidney volume (TKV) growth rate to retrospectively evaluate tolvaptan efficacy for individual patients. Treatment-related changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are also assessed. Methods: MRI scans covering at least 1 year prior to and during treatment with tolvaptan were performed, with deep learning facilitated kidney segmentation and fitting multiple imaging timepoints to exponential growth in 32 ADPKD patients. Clustering analysis differentiated tolvaptan treatment “responders” and “non-responders” based upon the magnitude of change in TKV growth rate. Differences in rate of eGFR decline, urine osmolality, and other parameters were compared between responders and non-responders. Results: Eighteen (56%) tolvaptan responders (mean age 42 ± 8 years) were identified by k-means clustering, with an absolute reduction in annual TKV growth rate of >2% (mean = −5.1% ± 2.5% per year). Thirteen (44%) non-responders were identified, with <1% absolute reduction in annual TKV growth rate (mean = +2.4% ± 2.7% per year) during tolvaptan treatment. Compared to non-responders, tolvaptan responders had significantly higher mean TKV growth rates prior to tolvaptan treatment (7.1% ± 3.6% per year vs. 3.7% ± 2.4% per year; p = 0.003) and higher median pretreatment spot urine osmolality (Uosm, 393 mOsm/kg vs. 194 mOsm/kg, p = 0.03), confirmed by multivariate analysis. Mean annual rate of eGFR decline was less in responders than in non-responders (−0.25 ± 0.04, CI: [−0.27, −0.23] mL/min/1.73 m2 per year vs. −0.40 ± 0.06, CI: [−0.43, −0.37] mL/min/1.73 m2 per year, p = 0.036). Conclusions: In this feasibility study designed to assess predictors of tolvaptan treatment efficacy in individual patients with ADPKD, we found that high pretreatment levels of annual TKV growth rate and higher pretreatment spot urine osmolality were associated with a responder phenotype.
Measures of Serum Markers HbA1c, HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, QUICKI and G/I Ratio as Predictors of Abnormal Glucose Tolerance Among Thai Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Wongwananuruk Thanyarat , Prasongvej Pichita , Chantrapanichkul Panicha , Indhavivadhana Suchada , Tanmahasamut Prasong , Rattanachaiyanont Manee , Techatraisak Kitirat , Angsuwathana Surasak
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is associated with glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is commonly employed to detect glucose intolerance, but it can be inconvenient and time-consuming. We aimed to evaluate the precision of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and other serum markers in predicting abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT). Methods: This diagnostic study involved 121 PCOS women who attended the Gynaecologic Endocrinology Unit at Siriraj Hospital. Patients underwent assessments for weight, height, waist circumference, modified Ferriman–Gallwey score and acanthosis nigricans. Blood samples were collected to measure fasting glucose and insulin levels after a 75-gram oral OGTT, fasting insulin level, HbA1c, lipid profile, androgen profile and complete blood count. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function (HOMA-β), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and fasting glucose-to-insulin ratio (G/I ratio) were calculated. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of these serum markers were compared. Results: The prevalence of AGT was 24.8%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for HbA1c in detecting AGT was 0.656, while HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, QUICKI and the G/I ratio had values of 0.817, 0.737, 0.817 and 0.77, respectively. The G/I ratio cut-off point of 6% demonstrated a sensitivity of 73.3%, specificity of 74.7%, positive predictive value of 48.9%, negative predictive value of 89.5% and accuracy of 74.4%. Conclusions: The G/I ratio is the most accurate compared to other serum markers in detecting AGT among Thai women with PCOS.
Arthroscopic Management of Femoroacetabular Impingement: Current Concepts
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Pilone Marco , Lucenti Ludovico , Bardazzi Tommaso , Pipino Gennaro , Vaishya Raju , Maffulli Nicola
Published: February 2025

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip pain and dysfunction, especially in young and active individuals, and it may require surgical management for associated labral tears and cartilage damage. The management of FAI has advanced radically over the last few years, and hip arthroscopy has gained a leading role. However, despite the increasing number of published research and technological advancements, a comprehensive systematic review summarising current evidence is still missing. Methods: All the clinical studies investigating the arthroscopic management of FAI were accessed. Only studies with a minimum of six months of follow-up were considered. The 2020 PRISMA guidelines were followed. In December 2024, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were accessed without time constraints. Results: The present systematic review included 258 clinical investigations (57,803 patients). The mean length of follow-up was 34.2 ± 22.7 months. The mean age was 34.7 ± 5.3, and the mean BMI was 25.1 ± 2.0 kg/m2. Conclusions: The present systematic review updates current evidence on patients who have undergone arthroscopic surgery for FAI, updating and discussing current progress in managing labral injuries and patient selection, emphasising outcomes and pitfalls. Progress in surgery and improvement in eligibility criteria, as well as current controversies and prospects, were also discussed.
Integrating Machine Learning into Additive Manufacturing of Metallic Biomaterials: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Zhao Shangyan , Shi Yixuan , Huang Chengcong , Li Xuan , Lu Yuchen , Wu Yuzhi , Li Yageng , Wang Luning
Published: February 2025

The global increase in osteomuscular diseases, particularly bone defects and fractures, has driven the growing demand for metallic implants. Additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a transformative technology for producing high-precision metallic biomaterials with customized properties, offering significant advantages over traditional manufacturing methods. The integration of machine learning (ML) with AM has shown great promise in optimizing the fabrication process, enhancing material performance, and predicting long-term behavior, particularly in the development of orthopedic implants and vascular stents. This review explores the application of ML in AM of metallic biomaterials, focusing on four key areas: (1) component design, where ML guides the optimization of multi-component alloys for improved mechanical and biological properties; (2) structural design, enabling the creation of intricate porous architectures tailored to specific functional requirements; (3) process control, facilitating real-time monitoring and adjustment of manufacturing parameters; and (4) parameter optimization, which reduces costs and enhances production efficiency. This review offers a comprehensive overview of four key aspects, presenting relevant research and providing an in-depth analysis of the current state of ML-guided AM techniques for metallic biomaterials. It enables readers to gain a thorough understanding of the latest advancements in this field. Additionally, the this review addresses the challenges in predicting in vivo performance, particularly degradation behavior, and how ML models can assist in bridging the gap between in vitro tests and clinical outcomes. The integration of ML in AM holds great potential to accelerate the design and production of advanced metallic biomaterials.
Machine Learning-Driven Radiomics Analysis for Distinguishing Mucinous and Non-Mucinous Pancreatic Cystic Lesions: A Multicentric Study
Authors: Torra-Ferrer Neus , Duh Maria Montserrat , Grau-Ortega Queralt , Cañadas-Gómez Daniel , Moreno-Vedia Juan , Riera-Marín Meritxell , Aliaga-Lavrijsen Melanie , Serra-Prat Mateu , García López Javier , González-Ballester Miguel Ángel , Fernández-Planas Maria Teresa , Rodríguez-Comas Júlia
Published: February 2025

The increasing use of high-resolution cross-sectional imaging has significantly enhanced the detection of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs), including pseudocysts and neoplastic entities such as IPMN, MCN, and SCN. However, accurate categorization of PCLs remains a challenge. This study aims to improve PCL evaluation by developing and validating a radiomics-based software tool leveraging machine learning (ML) for lesion classification. The model categorizes PCLs into mucinous and non-mucinous types using a custom dataset of 261 CT examinations, with 156 images for training and 105 for external validation. Three experienced radiologists manually delineated the images, extracting 38 radiological and 214 radiomic features using the Pyradiomics module in Python 3.13.2. Feature selection was performed using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, followed by classification with an Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) model trained on the optimized feature set. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 89.3% in the internal validation cohort and demonstrated robust performance in the external validation cohort, with 90.2% sensitivity, 80% specificity, and 88.2% overall accuracy. Comparative analysis with existing radiomics-based studies showed that the proposed model either outperforms or performs on par with the current state-of-the-art methods, particularly in external validation scenarios. These findings highlight the potential of radiomics-driven machine learning approaches in enhancing PCL diagnosis across diverse patient populations.