bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chondrosarcoma: New Molecular Insights, Challenges in Near-Patient Preclinical Modeling, and Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Landuzzi Lorena , Ruzzi Francesca , Lollini Pier-Luigi , Scotlandi Katia
Published: February 2025

Chondrosarcoma (CS), the second most common malignant bone tumor after osteosarcoma, accounts for 20–30% of all malignant bone tumors. It mainly affects adults, middle-aged, and elderly people. The CS family includes various entities displaying peculiar biological, genetic, and epigenetic characteristics and clinical behaviors. Conventional CS is the most common subtype. High-grade, dedifferentiated, and mesenchymal CS, as well as unresectable and metastatic CS, exhibit poor prognoses due to their intrinsic resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, underscoring the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. CS research is dealing with several challenges. Experimental studies can rely on animal and patient-derived models, but the paucity of representative near-patient preclinical models has hampered predictive drug screening research. This review describes the main clinical and molecular features of CS subtypes, discussing recent data on the genetic alterations and molecular mechanisms involved in CS pathogenesis and progression. The review provides an overview of the current in vitro and in vivo CS models, discusses their advantages and limitations, and highlights the recent efforts in the development of new targeted therapies against CS dependencies, including IDH1/2 mutations, NAD+ dependency, and SIRT1-HIF-2α axis, or exploring DR5 targeting, antiangiogenic therapies, epigenetic drugs, and immunological approaches. All such strategies, in combination with advanced preclinical modeling and personalized multi-omic profiling, hold promise for improving the survival of patients with advanced CS.
Oral Transfer of Anti-Aging Substances: Key Chemical Found in Reproductive Caste of Termites
Authors: Peng Xin , Khan Zahid , Dong Yanan , Xing Lian-Xi
Published: February 2025

With the rapid increase in global population aging, the incidence and mortality rates of age-related diseases are rising, becoming a worldwide issue. Therefore, researching and discovering natural compounds with anti-aging properties is crucial. Social insects such as termites exhibit significant differences in lifespan between reproductive and non-reproductive castes. Reproductive castes are exclusively fed by worker termites through trophallaxis, providing a convenient model for the discovery of natural anti-aging compounds. This thesis systematically investigates the trophallactic fluid among different caste members of termite Reticulitermes labralis. A total of 1028 metabolites were identified in the trophallactic fluid, seven of which have been validated in the KEGG database to possess anti-aging functions. This indicates that the trophallactic fluid of termites indeed contains natural compounds that promote longevity. Using the “fishing method”, we successfully screened out potential life-extending compounds, including IDA (trans-3-indoleacrylic acid). Preliminary experimental results showed that IDA influences lifespan by modulating the IIS (insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling) pathway and the RAS pathway. Notably, the modulation of the IIS pathway by IDA does not require the involvement of foxoa. Our research findings suggest that the extended lifespan of reproductive termites is diet-related and that the lifespan-extending effects of these nutritionally regulated natural compounds are conserved across different taxa.
Trypanosomatid Extracellular Vesicles as Potential Immunogens for Chagas Disease
Authors: Aggio Juliana Bernardi , Vedam Verônica Vitória , Nisimura Líndice Mitie , da Silva Rosiane Valeriano , Lovo-Martins Maria Izabel , Borges Beatriz Santana , Mörking Patrícia Alves , Batista Michel , Marchini Fabricio Klerynton , Yamada-Ogatta Sueli Fumie , Pinge-Filho Phileno , Goldenberg Samuel , Eger Iriane , Wowk Pryscilla Fanini
Published: February 2025

Chagas disease remains a significant public health concern, with limited treatment options and an urgent need for novel preventive strategies. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from Trypanosoma cruzi have been shown to modulate host immune responses, often favoring parasite persistence. In this study, we characterized EVs derived from the non-pathogenic trypanosomatids Trypanosoma rangeli and Phytomonas serpens and evaluated their potential as immunogens capable of inducing cross-protection against T. cruzi infection. Isolated EVs were characterized by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) and electron microscopy. A comparative proteomic analysis of EVs was performed using Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomic Analysis (LC-MS/MS). The effects of EVs on immunomodulation and T. cruzi infection were assessed through in vitro and in vivo assays, using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and BALB/c mice. The proteomic analysis identified shared proteins between the EVs of T. rangeli, P. serpens, and T. cruzi, including immunogenic candidates such as calpain-like cysteine peptidase and elongation factor 2. In vitro, pre-stimulation with the T. rangeli EVs reduced infection rates of the host cells by T. cruzi. In vivo, immunization with the EVs from T. rangeli and P. serpens led to a significant reduction in parasitemia in the BALB/c mice challenged with T. cruzi, though this did not translate into improved survival compared to controls. Interestingly, the EVs from T. cruzi also reduced parasitemia but did not confer protection against mortality. These findings suggest that while non-pathogenic trypanosomatid EVs exhibit potential immunogenic properties and can reduce parasitic load, their efficacy in preventing disease progression remains limited. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying these effects and to optimize EV-based strategies for protective immunity against Chagas disease.
Integrating Transcriptomics and Metabolomics to Comprehensively Analyze Phytohormone Regulatory Mechanisms in Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall. Under UV-B Radiation
Authors: Yu Wang , Sun Qi , Xu Hongwei , Zhou Xiaofu
Published: February 2025

In order to fully elucidate the roles and systems of phytohormones in UV-B radiation (UV-B) leaves of the Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall. (R. chrysanthum), we conducted a comprehensive analysis of how R. chrysanthum protects itself against UV-B using transcriptomic and metabolomic data. Transcript and metabolite profiles were generated by a combination of deep sequencing and LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry), respectively. Combined with physiological and biochemical assays, we studied compound accumulation, biosynthesis and expression of signaling genes of seven hormones and the effects of hormones on plant photosynthesis. The findings indicate that during leaf defense against UV-B, photosynthesis declined, the photosynthetic system was impaired and the concentration of salicylic acid (SA) hormones increased, whereas the contents of cytokinin (CK), abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene, auxin, jasmonic acid (JA) and gibberellins (GAs) continued to decrease. Finally, correlation tests between hormone content and genes were analyzed, and genes closely related to leaf resistance to UV-B were identified in seven pathways. These results will expand our understanding of the hormonal regulatory mechanisms of plant resistance to UV-B and at the same time lay the foundation for plant resistance to adversity stress.
Multi-Omic Analysis of the Differences in Growth and Metabolic Mechanisms Between Chinese Domestic Cattle and Simmental Crossbred Cattle
Authors: Wang Jie , Ni Jiale , Jia Xianbo , Sun Wenqiang , Lai Songjia
Published: February 2025

In livestock production, deeply understanding the molecular mechanisms of growth and metabolic differences in different breeds of cattle is of great significance for optimizing breeding strategies, improving meat quality, and promoting sustainable development. This study aims to comprehensively reveal the molecular-level differences between Chinese domestic cattle and Simmental crossbred cattle through multi-omics analysis, and further provide a theoretical basis for the efficient development of the beef cattle industry. The domestic cattle in China are a unique genetic breed resource. They have characteristics like small size, strong adaptability, and distinctive meat quality. There are significant differences in the growth rate and meat production between these domestic cattle and Simmental hybrid cattle. However, the specific molecular-level differences between them are still unclear. This study conducted a comprehensive comparison between the domestic cattle in China and Simmental crossbred cattle, focusing on microbiology, short-chain fatty acids, blood metabolome, and transcriptome. The results revealed notable differences in the microbial Simpson index between the domestic and Simmental crossbred cattle. The differential strain Akkermansia was found to be highly negatively correlated with the differential short-chain fatty acid isocaproic acid, suggesting that Akkermansia may play a key role in the differences observed in isocaproic acid levels or phenotypes. Furthermore, the transcriptional metabolomics analysis indicated that the differentially expressed genes and metabolites were co-enriched in pathways related to insulin secretion, thyroid hormone synthesis, bile secretion, aldosterone synthesis and secretion, and Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathways. Key genes such as ADCY8 and 1-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine emerged as crucial regulators of growth and metabolism in beef cattle.
Enhancing Niacinamide Skin Penetration via Other Skin Brightening Agents: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Somboon Kamolrat , Chng Choon-Peng , Huang Changjin , Gupta Shikhar
Published: February 2025

Niacinamide, a derivative of vitamin B3, has been shown to reduce skin pigmentation (i.e., acting as a brightening agent) and inflammatory responses such as dermatitis and acne vulgaris. However, niacinamide is a hydrophilic compound and poor partitioning to the lipid matrix in the uppermost layer of the skin (the stratum corneum or SC) limits its delivery to the skin. This necessitates the use of penetration enhancers to increase its bio-availability. In this study, we used computer simulations to investigate the skin penetration of niacinamide alone and in combination with other brightening agents that are also shown to be skin penetration enhancers, namely undecylenoyl phenylalanine (Sepiwhite®), bisabolol, or sucrose dilaurate. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to reveal molecular interactions of these brightening agents with a lipid bilayer model that mimics the SC lipid matrix. We observed minimal penetration of niacinamide into the SC lipid bilayer when applied alone or in combination with any one of the three compounds. However, when all three compounds were combined, a notable increase in penetration was observed. We showed a 32% increase in the niacinamide diffusivity in the presence of three other brightening agents, which also work as penetration enhancers for niacinamide. These findings suggest that formulations containing multiple brightening agents, which work as penetration enhancers, may improve skin penetration of niacinamide and enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
Multi-Omics Analysis of the Gut-Brain Axis Elucidates Therapeutic Mechanisms of Guhong Injection in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Mao Pingting , Hu Jianhua , Mai Xi , Li Na , Liao Yijing , Feng Lihua , Long Qinghong
Published: February 2025

Guhong injection (GH) is a compound preparation widely utilized in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. Accumulating evidence indicates that the gut microbiota is implicated in the development of ischemic stroke (IS). However, although the therapeutic potential of GH in IS may be mediated through the gut microbiota, the intricate relationships among the gut–brain axis, biomarkers, and target proteins remain to be completely explained. A rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was utilized to investigate the impact of GH on IS. Our 16S rRNA sequence analysis revealed that GH markedly enhanced the α-diversity of the intestinal microbiome and rectified the imbalance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Metabolomic analysis indicated that GH reversed 45 biomarkers and 6 disordered metabolic pathways in MCAO rats. Among these, the metabolic pathways of arachidonic acid, α-linolenic acid, fructose, and mannose were closely associated with gut microbiota comprising Lactobacillus modulated by GH. Furthermore, IS-related signaling pathways, including inflammation, autophagy, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, were significantly associated with three gut microbial species influenced by GH. The potential efficacy of GH in the context of IS is mediated through multiple pathways, involving the gut microbiota, SCFAs, biomarkers, and target proteins. This process partly relies on the gut–brain axis.
Role of NT-proBNP and Myeloperoxidase as Predictors of Abnormal Stress Test Results and Revascularization in Intermediate-Risk NSTE-ACS: A Prospective Study
Authors: Soltero-Mariscal Enrique , Sengodan Prasanna , Siraj Aisha , Yousaf Adnan , Super Dennis , Penn Marc S. , Gandhi Sanjay , Aneja Ashish
Published: February 2025

Background: Biomarkers have emerged as a cost-effective tool to risk stratify patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain. The measurement of serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) may improve the identification of patients who are more likely to have abnormal stress test results and require revascularization. Methods: In this prospective observational study, we evaluated the use of NT-proBNP and MPO in predicting abnormal stress testing results and revascularization in patients presenting to the ED with chest pain and an intermediate TIMI risk score. The serum levels of NT-proBNP and MPO were obtained at enrollment. Stress testing or coronary angiography was performed at the discretion of the treating physician. Clinical outcomes were followed at index hospitalization, 6 months, and 1 year. Results: A total of 485 patients were enrolled. NT-proBNP had a fair ability to predict abnormal stress testing results (AUC 0.69, p < 0.001). Based on the Mann–Whitney U test, there was a detectable difference in the median serum levels of both biomarkers among patients who did not undergo revascularization compared to patients who did undergo revascularization (NT-proBNP 70.5 vs. 250, p < 0.001, MPO 341 vs. 471, p < 0.001). NT-proBNP and MPO revealed a meaningful ability to predict revascularization in all patients (NT-proBNP AUC = 0.725, p < 0.001, MPO AUC = 0.653 p < 0.001). Conclusion: Elevated serum NT-proBNP was a fair predictor of abnormal stress test results. Furthermore, higher serum NT-proBNP and MPO levels were associated with revascularization events up to 1-year follow-up and were found to be meaningful predictors of coronary revascularization.
A Survey on Multimodal Large Language Models in Radiology for Report Generation and Visual Question Answering
Authors: Yi Ziruo , Xiao Ting , Albert Mark V.
Published: February 2025

Large language models (LLMs) and large vision models (LVMs) have driven significant advancements in natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision (CV), establishing a foundation for multimodal large language models (MLLMs) to integrate diverse data types in real-world applications. This survey explores the evolution of MLLMs in radiology, focusing on radiology report generation (RRG) and radiology visual question answering (RVQA), where MLLMs leverage the combined capabilities of LLMs and LVMs to improve clinical efficiency. We begin by tracing the history of radiology and the development of MLLMs, followed by an overview of MLLM applications in RRG and RVQA, detailing core datasets, evaluation metrics, and leading MLLMs that demonstrate their potential in generating radiology reports and answering image-based questions. We then discuss the challenges MLLMs face in radiology, including dataset scarcity, data privacy and security, and issues within MLLMs such as bias, toxicity, hallucinations, catastrophic forgetting, and limitations in traditional evaluation metrics. Finally, this paper proposes future research directions to address these challenges, aiming to help AI researchers and radiologists overcome these obstacles and advance the study of MLLMs in radiology.
Research on the Expression of Immune-Related Genes at Different Stages in the Third-Instar Larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda Infected by Metarhizium rileyi
Authors: Xu Pengfei , He Zhan , Gao Xuyuan , Zeng Xianru , Wei Dewei , Long Xiuzhen , Yu Yonghao
Published: February 2025

Spodoptera frugiperda is a major migratory agricultural pest that poses a significant threat to global crop safety. Metarhizium rileyi has emerged as an effective biocontrol agent against lepidopteran pests. In this study, we examined the immune responses of third-instar S. frugiperda larvae at various stages of an M. rileyi infection. Using RNA-seq and microscopic observation, we identified the immune-related pathways enriched at different infection stages, which were further validated by a qRT-PCR. Our findings revealed the following immune responses during infection: During the stage when M. rileyi penetrated the host cuticle (0–48 h), the genes related to energy metabolism, detoxification, and melanization were upregulated. Meanwhile, the TOLL and IMD signaling pathways were activated to counter the infection. During the stage of M. rileyi’s internal infection (48–96 h), which was the peak expression period of the immune-related genes, cellular immunity predominated. Hemocytes encapsulated and phagocytosed the hyphal bodies. Phagocytosis was enhanced through the upregulation of the genes related to ROS and the melanization-related genes, as well as the genes involved in insect hormone biosynthesis. During the stage when M. rileyi grew from the inside to the outside of the host (96–120 h), immune system paralysis resulted in host mortality. These findings deepen our understanding of the immune interactions between M. rileyi and S. frugiperda, support the potential of M. rileyi as an effective biocontrol agent, and provide a theoretical foundation for the development of targeted biopesticides for pests using biotechnological approaches.
Acquired Deforming Hypertonia in Afro-Caribbeans: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Long-Term Care Units
Authors: Kerjean Nicolas , Banydeen Rishika , Glize Bertrand , Bonnet Michel , Rene-Corail Patrick , Tabue Teguo Maturín , Dramé Moustapha , Dehail Patrick , Barnay Jose-Luis
Published: February 2025

Background: Osteoarticular deformities or contractures in institutionalized elderly individuals, described as acquired deforming hypertonia (ADH), have a multifactorial origin. The reported prevalence of ADH in French Caucasian patients in long-term care units (LTCUs) is 25.6%. To date, ADH in the Caribbean population has never been studied. We aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of ADH in such a population. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study of a French Caribbean population in Martinique in which patients aged 75 years or older were institutionalized in LTCUs during the study period. Data extraction from the medical files of eligible LTCU patients was conducted to assess the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and impact of ADH on patients’ daily care. The assessments were performed collaboratively between the patients’ geriatric team and a PM&R physician. Results: In total, 81 patients were included, with an ADH prevalence of 77.8%. Reported ADH was bilateral (86%) or multiple (66% of patients had ≥5 ADH) and was responsible for major alterations in terms of hygiene, dressing, pain, and skin damage. ADH patients had a high level of dependence (GMP = 924), and this level of dependence was significantly associated with the presence of at least one ADH (p < 0.001) regardless of prior disease. Conclusions: The incidence of ADH in our Caribbean population seems twice as high as that in Caucasian patients, underlining the necessity for this nosological framework to be better recognized, particularly in an insular context. Local campaigns for the prevention and recognition of ADH must be considered, and targeted multidisciplinary protocols need to be established for adapted care in all institutions receiving elderly people.
Influence of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Wear Properties of TiC/FC250 Composites
Authors: Lim Yujin , Choi Jaeseong , Cho Seungchan , Kim Junghwan , Shin Sangmin , Jo Ilguk
Published: February 2025

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) produced through the unique liquid pressing infiltration (LPI) process exhibit significant industrial potential. In this study, TiC/FC250 metal matrix composites were fabricated using the liquid pressing infiltration process, and the effects of austempering and quenching–tempering heat treatments on the microstructure and wear characteristics were investigated in comparison to as-cast specimens of both the FC250 gray cast iron matrix material and the TiC/FC250 metal matrix composites without heat treatment. The results indicated that the quenching–tempering heat treatment effectively enhanced the dry sliding friction and wear characteristics compared to the as-cast condition. The heat-treated specimens, under optimal conditions, demonstrated superior properties compared to other heat treatments and the matrix material. Although the metal matrix composites were successfully produced via the liquid pressing infiltration process and optimal heat treatment, some graphite morphology transformed from a flake to a spherical shape due to the high temperature and slow cooling rate during the process. With the quenching–tempering heat treatment, the wear resistance increased by approximately 41.53% in the matrix material and by 53.38% in the metal matrix composites compared to the as-cast specimens. The TiC/FC250 metal matrix composite heat-treated under optimal conditions exhibited an approximate 58.28% reduction in the friction coefficient compared to the FC250 gray cast iron.
Experimental Assessment of the Strength and Microstructural Properties of Fly Ash-Containing Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Self-Compacting Sustainable Concrete
Authors: Abu Taqa Ala , Ebead Usama A. , Mohsen Mohamed O. , Aburumman Mervat O. , Senouci Ahmed , Maherzi Walid , Qtiashat Deya
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the influence of basalt fiber on the rheological, mechanical, and microstructural properties of sustainable self-compacting concrete (SCC) incorporating fly ash and microsilica as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Various SCC mixes were prepared, incorporating five different volume fractions of basalt fiber (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%), along with a control mix. The rheological properties of fresh SCC were evaluated using slump flow and V-funnel flow tests. Subsequently, the mechanical properties, including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength, were measured after 28 days of curing. Additionally, microstructural analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on fractured specimen surfaces. The results indicated that the inclusion of basalt fiber adversely affected the flowability of fresh SCC mixes, with increased fiber volume. However, the hardened concrete exhibited significant improvements in mechanical properties with the addition of basalt fibers. The optimal performance was observed in the SCC70-85/0.10 mix specimens, which demonstrated a 69.90% improvement in flexural strength and a 23.47% increase in splitting tensile strength compared with the control specimen. SEM analysis further revealed enhanced microstructural density in the concrete matrix containing basalt fiber. A two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repetitions was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying basalt fiber concentrations on the compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths of SCC mixes. The ANOVA results indicated significant effects for both SCC grade and basalt fiber concentration, demonstrating that each factor independently affected the compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths of SCC. These findings suggest that the incorporation of basalt fibers holds promise for extending building lifespans and enhancing concrete quality, representing a valuable advancement in structural engineering applications.
Biobased Hydrophobic Solutions for Natural Textiles—Moving Beyond PFAS
Authors: Jerič Petra , Likozar Blaž , Novak Uroš
Published: February 2025

In order to achieve hydrophobic properties in textiles, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are often used. These chemicals represent a class of synthetic compounds that have found wide application in numerous industries because of their advantageous properties, such as hydrophobicity, lipophobicity, chemical inertness, remarkable lubricity, non-stickiness, exceptional fire resistance, resistance to high temperatures, and high resistance to various weathering conditions. However, recent scientific research has demonstrated that these compounds possess persistent, accumulative, and highly mobile properties that make them an environmental hazard. Since the toxicity of PFAS is now recognized, ongoing research has been initiated to explore new substitutes. This comprehensive review focuses on the exploration of natural-based hydrophobic coatings for natural textiles, which include materials such as natural waxes, fatty acids, naturally occurring polymeric compounds (including proteins, carbohydrates, complex aromatic polymers, and polymers like natural rubber), and other naturally occurring substances. The role of each compound in the hydrophobic coating is also highlighted. This review aims to evaluate the potential of natural compounds as viable replacements for PFAS, focusing on their efficiency and durability.
Alterations in Causal Functional Brain Networks in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Resting-State fMRI Study
Authors: Biswas Rahul , Sripada SuryaNarayana
Published: February 2025

(1) Background: Alterations in brain functional connectivity (FC) precede clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by decades, presenting opportunities for early diagnosis. However, conventional FC analyses measure correlations between brain regions and do not provide insights into directional, causal interactions. Causal functional connectivity (CFC), which infers directed interactions between regions, addresses this limitation. This study aims to identify disrupted CFC networks in AD compared to cognitively normal (CN) individuals. (2) Methods: The recently developed Time-aware PC (TPC) algorithm was employed to infer directed CFC from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. These results were compared with traditional correlation-based FC obtained via sparse partial correlation. Network-based Statistics (NBS) for directed networks was used to identify altered CFC sub-networks, with corrections for multiple comparisons applied at the 5% significance level. (3) Results: Key causal networks, including the inferior frontal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, and cerebellum, showed significantly reduced strength in AD compared to CN (p = 0.0299; NBS corrected). Instead of detecting disruptions at the level of individual edges, this study identifies network-level alterations, revealing systemic disruptions in brain connectivity. (4) Conclusions: This study demonstrates the utility of CFC analysis in uncovering network-level disruptions in AD. The identified disrupted networks align with published medical literature and provide a framework for future studies with larger datasets.
Fabrication of PVA Coatings Applied to Electrospun PLGA Scaffolds to Prevent Postoperative Adhesions
Authors: Badaraev Arsalan D. , Plotnikov Evgenii V. , Bukal Vladislav R. , Dubinenko Gleb E. , Frueh Johannes , Rutkowski Sven , Tverdokhlebov Sergei I.
Published: February 2025

There is currently a demand for anti-adhesive materials that are capable of preventing the formation of intra-abdominal adhesions. In this study, electrospun poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds were dip-coated in aqueous solutions of polyvinyl alcohol with concentrations of 3 wt.%, 6 wt.% and 9 wt.% to obtain a nontoxic and anti-adhesive biomedical material. The viscosities of the applied 3 wt.%, 6 wt.% and 9 wt.% polyvinyl alcohol solutions were 7.7 mPa∙s, 38.2 mPa∙s and 180.8 mPa∙s, respectively, and increased exponentially. It is shown that increasing the viscosity of the polyvinyl alcohol solution from 6 wt.% to 9 wt.% increases the thickness of the polyvinyl alcohol layer from (3.32 ± 0.97) µm to (8.09 ± 1.43) µm. No pronounced polyvinyl alcohol layer can be observed on samples dip-coated in 3 wt.% PVA solution. Increasing the viscosity of the polyvinyl alcohol solution from 3 wt.% to 9 wt.% increases the mechanical properties of the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) samples by a factor of 1.16–1.45. Cytotoxicity analysis of all samples reveals that none is toxic to 3T3-L1 fibroblast cells. A cell adhesion assay indicates that the anti-adhesion properties increase with increasing viscosity of the polyvinyl alcohol solution and the thickness of the polyvinyl alcohol layer on the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds. Fluorescence images of the cells show that as the thickness of the polyvinyl alcohol coating increases, the number of cells decreases, and they do not cover the surface of the samples and form spherical three-dimensional agglomerates. The highest mechanical and anti-adhesion properties are obtained with the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffold sample dip-coated in the 9 wt.% polyvinyl alcohol solution. This is because this sample has the thickest polyvinyl alcohol coating.
Sex Differences in Gross Motor Competence in Italian Children Aged 3–11 Years: A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: D’Anna Cristiana , Carlevaro Fabio , Magno Francesca , Vagnetti Roberto , Limone Pierpaolo , Magistro Daniele
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in studies examining motor learning during preschool age and the early years of primary school. This study aimed to investigate sex differences in gross motor competence among Italian children aged 3–11 years. Methods: A convenience sample of 8500 children (mean age = 8.37 years, SD = 1.98; 50% female) was included in this cross-sectional study. Gross motor skills were assessed using the Italian version of the Test of Gross Motor Development–3, which evaluates locomotion and ball control skills. A Linear Mixed Model was applied to examine the interaction between sex and age, with school included as a random intercept and BMI as a covariate. Results: The results revealed a consistent trend of boys achieving significantly higher total scores for global motor competence (p < 0.001) across all age groups, except at age 11. Boys also demonstrated superior performance in ball control skills (p < 0.005) at all ages. In contrast, no significant differences were observed for locomotion skills overall. However, girls outperform boys in locomotor skills at ages 6, 7, and 8 (p < 0.001), with this trend disappearing by age 9. Conclusions: These findings highlight important sex-related differences in gross motor development during childhood, influenced by both biological and environmental factors. The results underscore the need for targeted interventions in educational settings to provide equitable opportunities for motor skill development, particularly for girls. Enhancing the quality of physical education and addressing gender disparities can support the acquisition of essential motor skills and promote lifelong physical activity.
The REGALE Library: A DDS Interoperability Layer for the HPC PowerStack
Authors: Madella Giacomo , Tesser Federico , Alonso Lluis , Corbalan Julita , Cesarini Daniele , Bartolini Andrea
Published: February 2025

Large-scale computing clusters have been the basis of scientific progress for several decades and have now become a commodity fuelling the AI revolution. Dark Silicon, energy efficiency, power consumption, and hot spots are no longer looming threats of an Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) niche but are today the limiting factor of the capability of the entire human society and a contributor to global carbon emissions. However, from the end user, system administrators, and system integrator perspective, handling and optimising the system for these constraints is not straightforward due to the elevated degree of fragmentation in the software tools and interfaces which handles the power management in high-performance computing (HPC) clusters. In this paper, we present the REGALE Library. It is the result of a collaborative effort in the EU EuroHPC JU REGALE project, which aims to effectively materialize the HPC PowerStack initiative, providing a single layer of communication among different power management tools, libraries, and software. The proposed framework is based on the data distribution service (DDS) and real-time publish–subscribe (RTPS) protocols and FastDDS as their implementation. This enables the various actors in the ecosystem to communicate and exchange messages without any further modification inside their implementation. In this paper, we present the blueprint, functionality tests, and performance and scalability evaluation of the DDS implementation currently used in the REGALE Library in the HPC context.
Healthcare Resource Utilization (HCRU) and Direct Medical Costs Associated with Long COVID or Post-COVID-19 Conditions: Findings from a Literature Review
Authors: Łukomska Elżbieta , Kloc Krzysztof , Kowalska Malwina , Matjaszek Aleksandra , Joshi Keya , Scholz Stefan , Van de Velde Nicolas , Beck Ekkehard
Published: February 2025

Approximately 10–20% of individuals suffering from COVID-19 develop prolonged symptoms known as long COVID or post-COVID condition (LC). This review aimed to assess healthcare resource use (HCRU) and healthcare costs associated with LC. Because LC is not clearly defined and often remains undiagnosed, studies reporting on long-term follow-up of individuals with a COVID-19 diagnosis were also included. Among the 41 publications included, 36 reported on HCRU and 16 on costs. Individuals with LC had significantly elevated HCRU and healthcare costs vs. controls without a COVID-19 diagnosis over ≥15 months, with a 7.6–13.1% increase in total healthcare costs per person per month as assessed by difference-in-difference analysis. Among studies that did not specifically refer to LC, having a COVID-19 diagnosis was associated with a significant 4–10% increase in long-term total HCRU over 6–8 months and a 1.3- to 2.9-fold relative increase in total healthcare costs over 6 months. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, high-quality evidence is needed to better understand the economic burden of LC. In the absence of effective treatments, prioritizing the prevention of acute COVID-19, e.g., through vaccination, may be crucial for preventing LC and the associated long-term HCRU and medical spending.
A Study on Laser-Assisted Cylindrical Grinding of Superhard Diamond Composite (DSiC) Materials: Surface Integrity and Efficiency
Authors: Paknejad Masih , Azarhoushang Bahman , Bösinger Robert , Zahrani Esmaeil Ghadiri
Published: February 2025

A novel laser-assisted cylindrical grinding process has been developed to enhance the machining of silicon-carbide-bonded diamond composites (DSiCs), critical for improving the performance and durability of components in subsea pump applications. DSiCs, containing approximately 50% diamond by volume, exhibit excellent mechanical and thermal properties. The conventional grinding of these superhard materials presents challenges such as high grinding forces, elevated temperatures, and significant tool wear. To overcome these difficulties, a laser-assisted cylindrical grinding process has been developed, utilizing ultra-short-pulse laser radiation to induce material ablation with controlled structural damages, thereby reducing grinding forces, temperatures, and tool wear. This research investigates the influence of grinding wheel specifications and grinding parameters on surface quality and tool life. The results indicate modest enhancements in surface integrity, achieving damage-free ground surfaces, and notable improvements in grinding ratio (G-ratio) by up to 247% and actual removal depth by up to 99% compared to conventional grinding. The laser-assisted cylindrical grinding process using vitrified-bonded diamond wheels holds significant promise for advancing subsea pump technology by enabling the use of DSiCs and achieving plateau ground surfaces.
CNN-GRU-ATT Method for Resistivity Logging Curve Reconstruction and Fluid Property Identification in Marine Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Guo Jianhong , Lv Hengyang , Zhao Qing , Yang Yuxin , Zhu Zuomin , Zhang Zhansong
Published: February 2025

Geophysical logging curves are crucial for oil and gas field exploration and development, and curve reconstruction techniques are a key focus of research in this field. This study proposes an inversion model for deep resistivity curves in marine carbonate reservoirs, specifically the Mishrif Formation of the Halfaya Field, by integrating a deep learning model called CNN-GRU-ATT, which combines Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Gated Recurrent Units (GRU), and the Attention Mechanism (ATT). Using logging data from the marine carbonate oil layers, the reconstructed deep resistivity curve is compared with actual measurements to determine reservoir fluid properties. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the CNN-GRU-ATT model in accurately reconstructing deep resistivity curves for carbonate reservoirs within the Mishrif Formation. Notably, the model outperforms alternative methods such as CNN-GRU, GRU, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Multiple Regression, and Random Forest in new wells, exhibiting high accuracy and robust generalization capabilities. In practical applications, the response of the inverted deep resistivity curve can be utilized to identify the reservoir water cut. Specifically, when the model-inverted curve exhibits a higher response compared to the measured curve, it indicates the presence of reservoir water. Additionally, a stable relative position between the two curves suggests the presence of a water layer. Utilizing this method, the oil–water transition zone can be accurately delineated, achieving a fluid property identification accuracy of 93.14%. This study not only introduces a novel curve reconstruction method but also presents a precise approach to identifying reservoir fluid properties. These findings establish a solid technical foundation for decision-making support in oilfield development.
Research on Ellipse-Based Transient Impact Source Localization Methodology for Ship Cabin Structure
Authors: Huang Xiufeng , Xu Rongwu , Yu Wenjing , Ming Xuan , Wu Shiji
Published: February 2025

This study explores the application of three localization methods in identifying transient impact sources in the ship cabin structure. These methods examined are based on energy curvature and cumulative error, time-reversed virtual focusing triangulation, and energy correlation localization. It presents an elliptical region-based transient impact source localization technique for the ship cabin structure. The center of the elliptical region is determined by calculating the arithmetic mean of the position coordinates obtained from three methods, and the long and short semi-axes of the ellipse are defined as three times the standard deviations in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively, to construct an elliptical localization area for precise positioning. Experimental results indicate that the average error distance of this impact localization technique is 0.10 m, with the predicted position error of 22 impact points being 0 m. Among 15 impact points, 14 impact points have error distances ranging from 0 m to 0.40 m, while 1 impact point has an error distance of 1.08 m, primarily due to the weak connection between sensors and the ship cabin structure. The overall localization error of the ship cabin structure is low, meeting the required localization accuracy.
Combinatorial-Testing-Based Multi-Ship Encounter Scenario Generation for Collision Avoidance Algorithm Evaluation
Authors: Chen Lijia , Wang Kai , Liu Kezhong , Zhou Yang , Hao Guozhu , Wang Yang , Li Shengwei
Published: February 2025

Collision avoidance algorithms play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of autonomous ships, which require comprehensive testing in realistic multi-ship encounter scenarios. However, existing scenario generation methods often inadequately represent the spatiotemporal complexity and dynamic risk interactions of real-world encounters, leading to biased evaluations. To bridge this gap, this paper proposes a combinatorial-testing-based scenario generation framework integrated with spatiotemporal complexity optimisation. First, a full-process scenario representation model is developed by abstracting real-world navigation features into a discretised parameter space. Subsequently, a combinatorial-testing-based scenario generation method is adopted to cover the parameter space, generating a high-coverage scenario set. Finally, spatiotemporal complexity is introduced to filter out oversimplified scenarios and extremely dangerous scenarios. Experiments demonstrated that 13.7% of generated scenarios were eliminated as unrealistic or trivial, while high-risk encounter scenarios and multi-ship interaction scenarios were amplified by 7.96 times and 5.84 times, respectively. Compared to conventional methods, the optimised scenario set exhibited superior alignment with real-world complexity, including dynamic risk escalation and multi-ship coordination challenges. The proposed framework not only advances scenario generation methodology through its integration of combinatorial testing and complexity-driven optimisation, but also provides a practical tool for rigorously validating autonomous ship safety systems.
In-Season Price Forecasting in Cotton Futures Markets Using ARIMA, Neural Network, and LSTM Machine Learning Models
Authors: Vitale Jeffrey , Robinson John
Published: February 2025

This study explores the efficacy of advanced machine learning models, including various Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) architectures and traditional time series approaches, for forecasting cotton futures prices. This analysis is motivated by the importance of accurate price forecasting to aid U.S. cotton producers in hedging and marketing decisions, particularly in the Texas Gulf region. The models evaluated included ARIMA, basic feedforward neural networks, basic LSTM, bidirectional LSTM, stacked LSTM, CNN LSTM, and 2D convolutional LSTM models. The forecasts were generated for five-, ten-, and fifteen-day periods using historical data spanning 2009 to 2023. The results demonstrated that advanced LSTM architectures outperformed other models across all forecast horizons, particularly during periods of significant price volatility, due to their enhanced ability to capture complex temporal and spatial dependencies. The findings suggest that incorporating advanced LSTM architectures can significantly improve forecasting accuracy, providing a robust tool for producers and market analysts to better navigate price risks. Future research could explore integrating additional contextual variables to enhance model performance further.
Spatiotemporal Distribution and Adaptive Reuse Results Assessment of Beijing Industrial Heritage Based on the Sustainable Renewal Perspective
Authors: Meng Fanlei , Xiao Xinyi
Published: February 2025

In the context of high-quality urban renewal, we recognize that heritage renewal must align with sustainable conservation. As an important part of cultural heritage, we find that the conservation value of industrial heritage is often undermined in the pre-decision-making and mid-development phases of adaptive reuse, resulting in an imbalance between sustainable conservation and renewal. The study aims to develop a comprehensive, concise, and objective post-development assessment system for the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage. We establish an assessment system based on the “conservation sustainability” and “added value sustainability” of industrial heritage and create a two-dimensional “conservation–reuse” assessment model. Using the geographic information system (GIS), we build a database of Beijing industrial heritage and assess 19 reused samples with the four-quadrant model. The results show that “added value sustainability” fluctuates between 53.3% and 86.7%, while “conservation sustainability” reaches a low of only 50%, with more than half of the heritage having a conservation degree below the average. This highlights the need for stronger conservation efforts. The findings and methodology of this study provide a database and guidelines for decision-makers to adjust reuse models in a timely manner, ensuring sustainable conservation. Compared to previous assessment models, this model is easier to operate and allows decision-makers to control the dynamic balance of “conservation–reuse” in sustainable renewal.
Cluster Development and the Veiled Rise in Sonority
Authors: Babatsouli Elena , Geronikou Eleftheria
Published: February 2025

Children’s consonant cluster productions in typical and atypical phonological development were investigated for different languages reporting developmental productions that are universal, language-specific, and/or child-specific. These patterns are often interpreted considering sonority hierarchy effects. Quantitative norms on developmental cluster productions are less prevalent in the literature cross-linguistically, as are investigations on the development of less frequent cluster types in the world’s languages, like those involving falling and level sonority two-member onsets. Our study contributes to these investigations, focusing on Greek-specific onsets: falling sonority obstruents [ft, xt], level sonority obstruents [fθ, fç, ðʝ, xθ, ɣð], and level sonority nasals [mɲ]. We present cross-sectional, longitudinal data from 90 monolingual children, aged 2;0–4;0, based on the word elicitation task, Phonological Assessment for Greek (PAel). As only [ft] 89%, [fç] 80%, [mɲ] 88% are acquired by 3;6–4;0, the data provide evidence that [ft, xt, fθ, xθ, ɣð] reduce to C2, [mɲ] reduces to C1, and [fç], [ðʝ] show the most variability in reduction/simplification patterns. Reduction patterns largely reflect individual cluster acquisition paths longitudinally; the relative reduction to a member changes with age, but the preference to the member does not, except for [ðʝ]. The data facilitate the establishment of quantitative markers for cluster development and qualitative interpretations in terms of featural and structural prominence, including a veiled sonority effect not previously reported in the literature.