bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel NFAT1-IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway related nomogram predicts overall survival in gliomas
Authors: Zhang Chao , Wang Yu , Shao Wei , Zhou Dongrui , Yu Dong , Hou Shiqiang , Lin Ning
Published: July 2023

The NFAT1-mediated IL6/JAK-STAT signaling pathway has been observed to contribute to malignant progression in glioma patients. To predict the overall survival (OS) rate of these patients, a prognostic model was developed based on this pathway. Two datasets, mRNAseq_325 and mRNAseq_693, were obtained from the China Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), excluding some patients with a lack of survival information, resulting in the inclusion of 684 glioma cases. The two groups were randomly divided into training and validation groups to analyze the differential expression of NFAT1 in pan-cancer and investigate the relationship between differential NFAT1 expression and glioma clinicopathological factors and Transcriptional subtypes. A prediction model based on the IL6/JAK/STAT signaling pathway was constructed using the LASSO-COX dimension reduction analysis to predict the OS of glioma patients. Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to identify gene sets associated with patient risk scores and to perform GO and KEGG analyses. NFAT1 is differentially expressed in a variety of cancers and is enriched in the more malignant potential glioma subtypes. It is an independent prognostic factor in glioma patients, and its expression is significantly positively correlated with the IL6/JAK/STAT signalling pathway in glioma patients. The final prediction model incorporating the seven candidate genes together with other prognostic factors showed strong predictive performance in both the training and validation groups. Risk scores of glioma patients were correlated with processes such as NF-κB and protein synthesis in glioma patients. This individualized prognostic model can be used to predict the OS rate of patients with glioma at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 years, providing a reference value for the treatment of glioma patients.
Fracture healing in a mouse model of Hajdu–Cheney-Syndrome with high turnover osteopenia results in decreased biomechanical stability
Authors: Ballhause Tobias Malte , Jiang Shan , Xie Weixin , Sevecke Jan , Dowling Christine , Dust Tobias , Brandt Sabine , Mertens Peter R. , Yorgan Timur Alexander , Schinke Thorsten , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Baranowsky Anke , Keller Johannes
Published: July 2023

Notch signaling regulates cell fate in multiple tissues including the skeleton. Hajdu–Cheney-Syndrome (HCS), caused by gain-of-function mutations in the Notch2 gene, is a rare inherited disease featuring early-onset osteoporosis and increased risk for fractures and non-union. As the impact of Notch2 overactivation on fracture healing is unknown, we studied bone regeneration in mice harboring a human HCS mutation. HCS mice, displaying high turnover osteopenia in the non-fractured skeleton, exhibited only minor morphologic alterations in the progression of bone regeneration, evidenced by static radiological and histological outcome measurements. Histomorphometry showed increased osteoclast parameters in the callus of HCS mice, which was accompanied by an increased expression of osteoclast and osteoblast markers. These observations were accompanied by inferior biomechanical stability of healed femora in HCS mice. Together, our data demonstrate that structural indices of bone regeneration are normal in HCS mice, which, however, exhibit signs of increased callus turnover and display impaired biomechanical stability of healed fractures.
Fabrication of impedimetric sensor based on metallic nanoparticle for the determination of mesna anticancer drug
Authors: Mehrban Maryam , Madrakian Tayyebeh , Afkhami Abbas , Jalal Nahid Rezvani
Published: July 2023

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a highly effective technique for studying the surface of electrodes in great detail. EIS-based electrochemical sensors have been widely reported, which measure the charge transfer resistance (Rct) of redox probes on electrode surfaces to monitor the binding of target molecules. One of the protective drugs against hemorrhagic cystitis caused by oxazaphosphorine chemotherapy drugs such as ifosfamide, cyclophosphamide and trophosphamide is Mesna (sodium salt of 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate). The increase in the use of Mesna due to the high consumption of anti-cancer drugs, the determination of this drug in biological samples is of particular importance. So far, no electrochemical method has been reported to measure Mesna. In this research, a novel impedimetric sensor based on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) (denoted as Au NPs/MWCNTs/GCE) for impedimetric determination of Mesna anticancer drug was developed. The modified electrode materials were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and EIS. The electrochemical behavior of Mesna at the surface of Au NPs/MWCNTs/GCE was studied by an impedimetric method. The detection mechanism of Mesna using the proposed impedimetric sensor relied on the increase in the Rct value of [Fe (CN)6]3−/4− as an electrochemical probe in the presence of Mesna compared to the absence of Mesna as the analyte. Under the optimum condition, which covered two linear dynamic ranges from 0.06 nmol L−1 to 1.0 nmol L−1 and 1.0 nmol L−1 to 130.0 µmol L−1, respectively. The detection limit was 0.02 nmol L−1. Finally, the performance of the proposed sensor was investigated for Mesna electrochemical detection in biological samples.
Surface characterization, electrochemical properties and in vitro biological properties of Zn-deposited TiO2 nanotube surfaces
Authors: Durdu Salih , Cihan Gizem , Yalcin Emine , Cavusoglu Kultigin , Altinkok Atilgan , Sagcan Hasan , Yurtsever İlknur , Usta Metin
Published: July 2023

In this work, to improve antibacterial, biocompatible and bioactive properties of commercial pure titanium (cp-Ti) for implant applications, the Zn-deposited nanotube surfaces were fabricated on cp-Ti by using combined anodic oxidation (AO) and physical vapor deposition (PVD-TE) methods. Homogenous elemental distributions were observed through all surfaces. Moreover, Zn-deposited surfaces exhibited hydrophobic character while bare Ti surfaces were hydrophilic. Due to the biodegradable behavior of Zn on the nanotube surface, Zn-deposited nanotube surfaces showed higher corrosion current density than bare cp-Ti surface in SBF conditions as expected. In vitro biological properties such as cell viability, ALP activity, protein adsorption, hemolytic activity and antibacterial activity for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria of all surfaces were investigated in detail. Cell viability, ALP activity and antibacterial properties of Zn-deposited nanotube surfaces were significantly improved with respect to bare cp-Ti. Moreover, hemolytic activity and protein adsorption of Zn-deposited nanotube surfaces were decreased. According to these results; a bioactive, biocompatible and antibacterial Zn-deposited nanotube surfaces produced on cp-Ti by using combined AO and PVD techniques can have potential for orthopedic and dental implant applications.
Climate change impact on hurricane storm surge hazards in New York/New Jersey Coastlines using machine-learning
Authors: Ayyad Mahmoud , Hajj Muhammad R. , Marsooli Reza
Published: July 2023

Recent hurricane losses in the New York Metropolitan area demonstrate its vulnerability to flood hazards. Long-term development and planning require predictions of low-probability high-consequence storm surge levels that account for climate change impacts. This requires simulating thousands of synthetic storms under a specific climate change scenario which requires high computational power. To alleviate this burden, we developed a machine learning-based predictive model. The training data set was generated using a high-fidelity hydrodynamic model including the effect of wind-generated waves. The machine learning model is then used to predict and compare storm surges over historical (1980–2000) and future (2080–2100) periods, considering the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 scenario. Our analysis encompassed 57 locations along the New York and New Jersey coastlines. The results show an increase along the southern coastline of New Jersey and inside Jamaica, Raritan, and Sandy Hook bays, while a decrease along the Long Island coastline and inland bays.
Minimal mechanistic component of HbYX-dependent proteasome activation that reverses impairment by neurodegenerative-associated oligomers
Authors: Chuah Janelle J. Y. , Thibaudeau Tiffany A. , Smith David M.
Published: July 2023

The implication of reduced proteasomal function in neurodegenerative diseases combined with studies showing the protective effects of increasing proteasome activity in animal models highlight the need to understand the capacity for proteasome activation by small molecules. The C-terminal HbYX motif is present on many proteasome binding proteins and functions to tether activators to the 20S core particle. Previous studies have shown that peptides with a HbYX motif can autonomously activate 20S gate-opening to allow protein degradation. In this study, through an iterative process of peptide synthesis, we design a HbYX-like dipeptide mimetic that represents only the fundamental components of the HbYX motif. The mimetic robustly induces gate-opening in archaeal, yeast, and mammalian proteasomes. We identify multiple proteasome α subunit residues in the archaeal proteasome involved in HbYX-dependent activation. When stimulated by the mimetic, the mammalian 20S can degrade unfolded proteins such as tau. Findings using our peptide mimetic suggest the HbYX-dependent mechanism requires cooperative binding in at least two intersubunit pockets of the α ring. Most significantly, our peptide mimetic reverses proteasome impairment by neurodegenerative disease-associated oligomers. Collectively, these results validate HbYX-like molecules as having robust potential to stimulate proteasome function, which are potentially useful for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) in disease diagnosis: an overview
Authors: Kumar Bharath Sampath
Published: July 2023

Illustration of critical keywords pertaining to ambient mass spectrometry imaging in disease diagnosis research.
Association of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with thyroid hormones in adolescents and adults, and the influence of the iodine status
Authors: Yang Siqi , Sun Junhao , Wang Shihao , E Limei , Zhang Shuai , Jiang Xiubo
Published: July 2023

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is associated with thyroid hormones (THs) among American adolescents and adults. There are age, sex and smoking status differences, and the iodine status has an influence on PAH–TH associations.
Alkaline earth metal stannate TSnO3 (T = Ca and Sr) entrapped functionalized carbon nanofiber composites: active electrocatalysts for the determination of hydroxychloroquine in environmental samples
Authors: V Abhikha Sherlin , Sriram Balasubramanian , Wang Sea-Fue , Stanley Megha Maria , George Mary
Published: July 2023

A novel aspect of the present study is that it attempts to reduce the negative environmental impacts caused by conventional toxic solvents.
Deconvoluting kinetics and transport effects of ionic liquid layers on FeN4-based oxygen reduction catalysts
Authors: Favero Silvia , Stephens Ifan E. L. , Titirici Maria-Magdalena
Published: July 2023

Here, we provide a systematic study of the impact of ionic liquids on a model FeN4 catalyst, deconvoluting effects on the kinetics of oxygen reduction and on the transport of oxygen.
Structural characteristics and in vitro fermentation patterns of polysaccharides from Boletus mushrooms
Authors: Chen Li , Wang Yuxin , Liu Jiaxin , Hong Zhiyuan , Wong Ka-Hing , Chiou Jia-Chi , Xu Baojun , Cespedes-Acuña Carlos L. , Bai Weibin , Tian Lingmin
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the structural characteristics and in vitro fermentation patterns of polysaccharides from Boletus mushrooms.
Correction: 6-Gingerol as an arginase inhibitor prevents urethane-induced lung carcinogenesis by reprogramming tumor supporting M2 macrophages to M1 phenotype
Authors: Yao Jingjing , Du Zhenhua , Li Zibo , Zhang Shuhui , Lin Yukun , Li Haiyun , Zhou Lin , Wang Yuehua , Yan Guixi , Wu Xianchuang , Duan Yongjian , Du Gangjun
Published: July 2023

Correction for ‘6-Gingerol as an arginase inhibitor prevents urethane-induced lung carcinogenesis by reprogramming tumor supporting M2 macrophages to M1 phenotype’ by Jingjing Yao et al., Food Funct., 2018, 9, 4611–4620, https://doi.org/10.1039/C8FO01147H.
Light and solvent-driven actuator of clay and vanadium pentoxide nanosheets
Authors: Saikia Partha Pratim , Garg Priyanku , Mayawad Kiran , Paul Tumpa , Neog Arindom Bikash , Sarmah Bhaskar Jyoti , Raidongia Kalyan , Gogoi Raj Kumar
Published: July 2023

As the demand for advanced technological materials continues to rise, the lookout for materials capable of responding to external stimuli, such as heat, light, and chemical vapor, by changing their own shape and size is becoming increasingly important.
High-performance Ruddlesden–Popper two-dimensional perovskite solar cells using integrated electron transport materials of tin oxide and indacenodithiophene
Authors: Liu Zhihai , Wang Lei , Zhao Hao , Wei Yibin , Xie Xiaoyin , Chen Ping
Published: July 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been rapidly developed and exhibit comparable power conversion efficiency (PCE) to silicon solar cells.
Preparation of an amphipathic polymer library in a mixture of water/ethanol by photoinduced polymerization and evaluation of the cryoprotective activity
Authors: Nagao Masanori , Tanaka Shuya , Miura Yoshiko
Published: July 2023

Impact of the polymer structures on the cryoprotective activity was investigated.
Dual FLT3/haspin kinase inhibitor based on 3H-pyrazolo[4,3-f]quinoline scaffold with activities against acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kempen Allison L. , Brauer Nickolas R. , Sintim Herman O.
Published: July 2023

The 3H-pyrazolo[4,3-f]quinoline core, a privileged fusion moiety from quinoline and indazole, facilely synthesized in a one flask multi-component Doebner–Povarov reaction, is a newly described kinase hinge binder.
Stable continuous-wave lasing from discrete cesium lead bromide quantum dots embedded in a microcavity
Authors: Zhang Hongbo , Wen Wen , Du Bowen , Zhou Lei , Chen Yu , Feng Shun , Zou Chenji , Wu Lishu , Fan Hong Jin , Gao Weibo , Sun Handong , Shang Jingzhi , Yu Ting
Published: July 2023

We have successfully fabricated a high-Q vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) using CsPbBr3 QDs, achieving room-temperature lasing with a low threshold of 8.8 W cm−2, demonstrating excellent stability even after a year.
Correction: Recent developments in the solvent-free synthesis of heterocycles
Authors: Dey Nilabrata , Mandal Arabinda , Jana Rathin , Bera Anirban , Azad Sk Abulkalam , Giri Soumen , Ikbal Mohammed , Samanta Shubhankar
Published: July 2023

Correction for ‘Recent developments in the solvent-free synthesis of heterocycles’ by Nilabrata Dey et al., New J. Chem., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/d3nj01991h.
Spectrotemporal characterization of photoluminescent silicon nanocrystals and their energy transfer to dyes
Authors: Tsai Hsin-Yun , Robidillo Christopher Jay T. , Matharu Gunwant K. , O'Connor Kevin , Cheong I. Teng , Ni Chuyi , Veinot Jonathan G. C. , Algar W. Russ
Published: July 2023

A study of energy transfer between silicon nanocrystals and dye acceptors revealed features consistent with a Förster mechanism, effects from polydispersity, and consequences for quantitative measurements.
Recent advances in the synthetic applications of Morita–Baylis–Hillman and Rauhut–Currier adducts of nitroalkenes
Authors: Sivanandan Sudheesh T. , Nair Divya K. , Namboothiri Irishi N. N.
Published: July 2023

This article reviews the recent applications of Morita–Baylis–Hillman and Rauhut–Currier adducts of nitroalkenes. It also covers the mechanistic aspects, including the key intermediates and the reaction pathways.
Gd-doped diamond synthesized using Gd@C82 under high pressure and high temperature
Authors: Liu Shuhang , Han Jun , Cui Rongli , Yang Xin , Fei Yunfan , Tang Xingyu , Wang Yida , Wang Yajie , Chen Yongjin , Feng Jiajia , Zheng Haiyan , Li Kuo , Liu Xiaoyang
Published: July 2023

Our work studied the structural changes of Gd@C82 under high pressure and successfully synthesized Gd-doped diamond which has the paramagnetic properties using Gd@C82 precursors under high pressure and high temperature.
Large in-plane anisotropic 2D perovskites toward highly linear polarized light responses
Authors: Liang Bei-Dou , Fan Chang-Chun , Liu Cheng-Dong , Ju Tong-Yu , Chai Chao-Yang , Han Xiang-Bin , Zhang Wen
Published: July 2023

A unique cationic assemblyviastrong H-bonding interacts intensely with perovskite inorganic sheets to bring about huge in-plane structural anisotropy that leads to high photocurrent anisotropy responses.
Comparative antisickling and antioxidant activities of Pseudobombax ellipticum cultivars in relation to their metabolite profiling using LC/MS
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed S. , Abd El Dayem Omnia Y. , El Shamy Ali M. , El Sakhawy Fatma S. , El Gedaily Rania A.
Published: July 2023

This study revealed the potential antisickling activity of Pseudobombax ellipticum cultivars with their metabolite profiling using LC-MS for the first time.
Analytical expressions for spreading resistance in lossy media and their application to the calibration of scanning microwave microscopy
Authors: Farina Marco , Joseph C. H. , Azman S. N. Afifa , Morini Antonio , Pierantoni Luca , Mencarelli Davide , di Donato Andrea , Pietrangelo Tiziana , Al Hadi Richard
Published: July 2023

We present a method for assessing the spreading resistance of electrodes immersed in a lossy medium, useful for the calibration of scanning microwave microscopy and also in other fields such as fluidic sensors.
Correction: Theoretical investigations of the electronic and optical properties of a GaGeTe monolayer
Authors: Thi Han Nguyen , Khuong Dien Vo , Chang Tay-Rong , Lin Ming-Fa
Published: July 2023

Correction for ‘Theoretical investigations of the electronic and optical properties of a GaGeTe monolayer’ by Nguyen Thi Han et al., RSC Adv., 2023, 13, 19464–19476, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA03160H.
Revealing the impact of the host-salt non-stoichiometry on the performance of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Kumar Amit , Dhamaniya Bhanu Pratap , Gupta Shailendra Kumar , Chhillar Priyanka , Chandratre Kartiki , Pathak Sandeep Kumar , Karak Supravat
Published: July 2023

In this study, we are able to fine tune I-rich (AX-rich, such as CH3NH3I) or I-poor (Pb-rich) growth conditions, which allowing us to deposit highly crystalline “phase-pure” 1.53eV bandgap α-FA0.95Cs0.05PbI3composition.
Interface connection of functionalized carbon nanotubes for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Shao Guang , Yu Hui-Juan , Wang Dian , Xiao Jing , Yu Zhi-Lan , Qu Jun-Feng , Chen Jian , Ain Qurat Ul , Khan Ammar Ahmed , Qiu Zeliang , Hu Ruiyuan , Xia Jianxing , Alamry Khalid A. , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: July 2023

Functionalized carbon nanotubes are utilized to establish a chemical link between the SnO2/perovskite interface, influencing both the trap states and energy levels. The efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSC) devices reaches 24.04%.
Regulating the size and assembled structure of graphene building blocks for high-performance silicon nanocomposite anodes
Authors: Nie Bo , Sanchez David , Alcoutlabi Mataz , Liu Tengxiao , Basu Saurabh , Kumara Soundar , Wang Gongkai , Sun Hongtao
Published: July 2023

By regulating the size of graphene building blocks and their assembled 3D hierarchical structures, we can improve the charge transport kinetics and mechanical stability of silicon composite electrodes for long cycling battery performance.
Mechanisms of bioleaching: iron and sulfur oxidation by acidophilic microorganisms
Authors: Jones Sarah , Santini Joanne M.
Published: July 2023

Bioleaching offers a low-input method of extracting valuable metals from sulfide minerals, which works by exploiting the sulfur and iron metabolisms of microorganisms to break down the ore. Bioleaching microbes generate energy by oxidising iron and/or sulfur, consequently generating oxidants that attack sulfide mineral surfaces, releasing target metals. As sulfuric acid is generated during the process, bioleaching organisms are typically acidophiles, and indeed the technique is based on natural processes that occur at acid mine drainage sites. While the overall concept of bioleaching appears straightforward, a series of enzymes is required to mediate the complex sulfur oxidation process. This review explores the mechanisms underlying bioleaching, summarising current knowledge on the enzymes driving microbial sulfur and iron oxidation in acidophiles. Up-to-date models are provided of the two mineral-defined pathways of sulfide mineral bioleaching: the thiosulfate and the polysulfide pathway.
Korean–English Bilingual Children's Productions of Korean and English /l/
Authors: Jackson Kyleigh , Chung Hyunju
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to examine acoustic characteristics of Korean–English (KE) bilingual children's productions of Korean and English /l/ sounds. Specifically, individual variability in KE bilingual children's productions of Korean and English /l/ was examined in relation to each child's initial age and duration of exposure to their first and second languages.

Method:

A total of five KE bilingual children, ranging in age between 5 and 8 years, were included in this study. Each KE child produced word-initial (WI) and -final (WF) English /l/ and WF Korean /l/ embedded in monosyllabic words, using a picture naming task. English /l/ productions of monolingual American English (AE)–speaking children were also included. Productions of AE children were from an existing large data set that includes English WI and WF /l/ productions. The AE group was included as a control group for the productions of English /l/ of the same dialect. First (F1) and second formant frequency (F2) values extracted at the /l/ midpoint and Euclidean distance (ED) between English WI and WF /l/ were analyzed and compared across the productions.

Results:

KE children produced Korean WF /l/ with significantly higher F2–F1 values than their English counterparts and AE children's WF /l/. Acoustic patterns of KE English WI /l/ were similar to those of AE WI /l/, but variations were seen by the initial age and duration of their exposure to English. Mean ED values between English WI and WF /l/ also differed by KE children's initial age and duration of exposure to English.

Conclusions:

These results showed that KE children produce Korean and English WF /l/ with acoustic distinctions, but their patterns vary by the initial age and duration of their exposure to English and Korean. These findings suggest that a more detailed language background should be considered when working with bi-/multilingual children to accurately assess and examine their articulation skills.
An optimisation for a two‐round good‐case latency protocol
Authors: Hu Kexin , Zhang Zhenfeng , Guo Kaiwen , Jiang Weiyu , Li Xiaoman , Han Jiang
Published: July 2023

Byzantine broadcast is a fundamental primitive in distributed computing. A highly efficient Byzantine broadcast protocol, motivated by the real‐world performance of practical state machine replication protocols, is increasingly needed. This article focuses on the state‐of‐the‐art partially synchronous Byzantine broadcast protocol proposed by Abraham et al. (PODC’21), which achieves optimal good‐case latency of two rounds and optimal resilience of n ≥ 5f − 1 in this setting. Each step of the protocol is analysed, and then improved by cutting down the number of messages required to be collected and transmitted in the heaviest step of the protocol by about half, without adding any extra cost. This benefits from a new property, named “spread”, that we identify and extract from the original protocol. It helps us to eliminate non‐essential work in its view‐change procedure. The authors also show that no further reduction is possible without violating security. A prototype is implemented and the performances of improved and original protocols are evaluated in the same environment. The results show that our improvement can achieve about 50% lower communication cost and 40% shorter latency at a scale of 100 replicas. The latency gap becomes wider as the scale further increases.
Performance evaluation of a mobile hotspot supporting quasi‐random traffic
Authors: Vlasakis Marinos , Moscholios Ioannis , Sarigiannidis Panagiotis , Logothetis Michael
Published: July 2023

The authors study and evaluate a mobility‐aware call admission control algorithm in a mobile hotspot. More specifically, a vehicle which has an access point of a fixed capacity and may alternate between stop and moving phases is considered. In the stop phase, the vehicle services new and handover calls. To prioritise handover calls a probabilistic bandwidth reservation policy is considered where a fraction of the capacity is reserved for handover calls. Based on this policy, new calls may enter the reservation space with a predefined probability. In addition, handover calls have the option to wait in a queue of finite size if there are no available resources at the time of their arrival. In the moving phase, the vehicle services only new calls under the classical complete sharing policy. In both phases, calls arrive in the system according to a quasi‐random process, require a single bandwidth unit for their acceptance in the system and have an exponentially distributed service time. To analytically determine the various performance measures, such as time congestion probabilities, call blocking probabilities and link utilisation, an accurate analytical method is presented based on three‐dimensional Markov chains.
Efficient unmanned aerial vehicle paths design for post‐disaster damage assessment of overhead transmission lines
Authors: Atat Rachad , Shaaban Mostafa F. , Ismail Muhammad , Serpedin Erchin
Published: July 2023

The widespread distribution of overhead transmission lines increases the vulnerability of power grids to failures. Thus, power lines need to be timely inspected, especially before or during emergency‐related situations to ensure stable operation of the power grid. Traditional methods of visual inspection (satellites and helicopters) are inconvenient, often cannot be deployed and if they are deployed present a slow response time and high cost, which is very critical for fast post‐disaster damage identification. On the other hand, employing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) offers a more efficient, reliable, and faster means for the assessment process. This article proposes a novel approach for the post‐disaster UAV‐based damage assessment of overhead power lines. In the proposed approach, the UAVs paths over the most critical loads are formulated as an optimisation problem with the objective of minimising the total inspection time while considering the recharging of the UAVs' batteries. To solve the problem, an efficient framework that optimises the UAVs flight paths is proposed to inspect the critical loads in an efficient order, while accounting for the UAV recharging. This guarantees that the UAVs complete the assessment tasks unlike existing benchmarks.
DREAM
Authors: Guilluy G. , Bourrier V. , Jaziri Y. , Dethier W. , Mounzer D. , Giacobbe P. , Attia M. , Allart R. , Bonomo A. S. , Dos Santos L. A. , Rainer M. , Sozzetti A.
Published: July 2023

Context. The population of close-in exoplanets features a desert of hot Neptunes whose origin remains uncertain. These planets may have lost their atmosphere, eroding into mini-Neptunes and rocky super-Earths below the desert. Direct observations of evaporating atmospheres are essential to derive mass-loss estimates and constrain this scenario. The metastable He I triplet at 1083.3 nm represents a powerful diagnostic of atmospheric evaporation because it traces the hot gas in extended exoplanet atmospheres while being observed from the ground. In addition, it is located at the bright near-infrared stellar continuum and is very weakly affected by interstellar medium (ISM) absorption.

Aims. We carried out a homogeneous He I transmission spectroscopy survey, targeting a selected sample of nine planets along the different edges of the desert, to interpret the absorption line profile with evaporation models and to better understand the role of photoevaporation in the desert formation.

Methods. We observed one transit per planet using the high-resolution, near-infrared spectrograph GIANO-B mounted on the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo telescope. We focused our analysis on the He I triplet, based on a comparison of the in-transit and out-of-transit observations, and we computed high-resolution transmission spectra. We then employed the 1D p-winds model to calculate the planetary thermospheric structures and to interpret the observed transmission spectra.

Results. We found no signatures of planetary absorption in the He I triplet in any of the investigated targets. We thus provided 3 σ upper-limit estimations on the thermosphere absorption, temperature and mass loss, and combined them with past measurements to search for correlations with parameters such as the stellar mass and XUV flux, which are thought to be key drivers in the formation of the He I triplet.

Conclusions. These results strengthen the importance of performing homogeneous surveys and analyses in bringing clarity to He I detections and (thereby) to plausible Neptunian desert origins. Our findings corroborate literature expectations that state the He I absorption signal is correlated with the stellar mass and the received XUV flux. However, when translated in terms of mass-loss rates, these trends seem to disappear. Thus, further studies are essential to shed light on this aspect and to better understand the photoevaporation process.
JWST CEERS probes the role of stellar mass and morphology in obscuring galaxies
Authors: Gómez-Guijarro Carlos , Magnelli Benjamin , Elbaz David , Wuyts Stijn , Daddi Emanuele , Le Bail Aurélien , Giavalisco Mauro , Dickinson Mark , Pérez-González Pablo G. , Arrabal Haro Pablo , Bagley Micaela B. , Bisigello Laura , Buat Véronique , Burgarella Denis , Calabrò Antonello , Casey Caitlin M. , Cheng Yingjie , Ciesla Laure , Dekel Avishai , Ferguson Henry C. , Finkelstein Steven L. , Franco Maximilien , Grogin Norman A. , Holwerda Benne W. , Jin Shuowen , Kartaltepe Jeyhan S. , Koekemoer Anton M. , Kokorev Vasily , Long Arianna S. , Lucas Ray A. , Magdis Georgios E. , Papovich Casey , Pirzkal Nor , Seillé Lise-Marie , Tacchella Sandro , Tarrasse Maxime , Valentino Francesco , de la Vega Alexander , Wilkins Stephen M. , Xiao Mengyuan , Yung L. Y. Aaron
Published: July 2023

In recent years, observations have uncovered a population of massive galaxies that are invisible or very faint in deep optical/near-infrared (near-IR) surveys but brighter at longer wavelengths. However, the nature of these optically dark or faint galaxies (OFGs; one of several names given to these objects) is highly uncertain. In this work, we investigate the drivers of dust attenuation in the JWST era. In particular, we study the role of stellar mass, size, and orientation in obscuring star-forming galaxies (SFGs) at 3 < z < 7.5, focusing on the question of why OFGs and similar galaxies are so faint at optical/near-IR wavelengths. We find that stellar mass is the primary proxy for dust attenuation, among the properties studied. Effective radius and axis ratio do not show a clear link with dust attenuation, with the effect of orientation being close to random. However, there is a subset of highly dust attenuated (AV > 1, typically) SFGs, of which OFGs are a specific case. For this subset, we find that the key distinctive feature is their compact size (for massive systems with log(M*/M⊙) > 10); OFGs exhibit a 30% smaller effective radius than the average SFG at the same stellar mass and redshift. On the contrary, OFGs do not exhibit a preference for low axis ratios (i.e., edge-on disks). The results in this work show that stellar mass is the primary proxy for dust attenuation and compact stellar light profiles behind the thick dust columns obscuring typical massive SFGs.
Relations entre structure des exploitations et gestion des effluents d’élevage sur les Hautes Terres de Madagascar
Authors: Ramarovahoaka Noelly , Vigne Mathieu , Fanjaniaina Marie Lucia , Randrianarisoa Anjaniaina Valérie , Nivonirina Nora Amédia , Andriamananjara Andry , Salgado Paulo , Stark Fabien , Rafolisy Tovonarivo , Becquer Thierry
Published: July 2023

La dégradation de la fertilité des sols est un problème majeur en Afrique subsaharienne. La forte croissance démographique, la demande locale de nourriture et la réduction des terres arables disponibles risquent d’accroître ce phénomène. Alors que les engrais minéraux sont peu utilisés, notamment à Madagascar, la gestion de la fertilité des sols est largement dépendante des matières organiques produites à la ferme. Afin d’augmenter l’efficacité du recyclage des nutriments à l’échelle de la ferme, il est nécessaire de comprendre les facteurs favorables à l’amélioration des pratiques de gestion des effluents d’élevage. Cette étude propose d’analyser les relations entre la structure d’exploitations agricoles intégrant agriculture et élevage dans la région de Vakinankaratra (Hautes Terres de Madagascar) et leurs pratiques de gestion des effluents. Des entretiens semi-directifs ont été réalisés auprès de 300 exploitations. Une typologie a été réalisée à l’aide d’une analyse en composantes principales (ACP). Sept types d’exploitation ont été retenus, permettant de distinguer des exploitations laitières d’autres exploitations d’agro-élevage (bovins de trait, porcs). Un test de Khi2 indique un effet significatif de la structure des exploitations sur le mode de gestion des effluents. En particulier, la présence d’un élevage laitier et de porcins semble favoriser des modes de gestion améliorés. L’analyse typologique contribue à la compréhension de l’adoption de pratiques améliorées de gestion des biomasses par les agro-éleveurs. L’adoption de telles pratiques est un prérequis pour améliorer le recyclage des nutriments vers les parcelles agricoles, et donc améliorer la durabilité des exploitations agricoles des Hautes Terres du Vakinankaratra.
Note on the exponential recursivek-ary trees
Authors: Ghasemi Mina , Javanian Mehri , Nabiyyi Ramin Imany
Published: July 2023

In the present paper, we consider exponential recursive trees with no node of outdegree greater thank, called exponential recursivek-ary trees (k≥ 2). At each step of growing of these trees, every external node (insertion position) is changed into a leaf with probabilityp, or fails to do so with probability 1 —p. We investigate limiting behavior of fundamental parameters such as size, leaves and distances in exponential recursivek-ary trees.
Anticoagulation strategies in COVID-19 infected patients receiving ECMO support
Authors: Diaz Dayne , Martinez Jenny , Bushman Grant , Wolowich William R.
Published: July 2023

Background: Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure may deteriorate despite invasive mechanical ventilation and thus require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is the antithrombotic of choice, however, bivalirudin may offer more predictable pharmacokinetics resulting in consistent anticoagulant effects with lower bleeding and thrombotic occurrences. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety outcomes in patients undergoing venovenous (VV) ECMO receiving bivalirudin or UFH-based anticoagulation. Methods: This retrospective, single-center, observational cohort study included patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection requiring VV ECMO support receiving anticoagulation with UFH or bivalirudin. Primary endpoints were time to reach therapeutic aPTT, percent time spent in aPTT range, and the occurrence of thrombotic events over the entire course of ECMO support. Secondary endpoints included the incidence of major/minor bleeding, the ability to wean off ECMO support, in-hospital mortality, and length of stay. Results: Twenty-two patients were included in the study (n = 10 UFH, n = 12 bivalirudin). Time to therapeutic aPTT was achieved faster with UFH (10 h vs. 20 h). The percentage time spent within the goal aPTT range was similar between UFH and bivalirudin (50% vs. 52%). Thrombotic events were significantly higher in the UFH group (40% DVT, 40% PE, 80% oxygenator thrombus in ECMO machine, 10% ischemic stroke) versus bivalirudin (8% DVT, 17% PE, 33% oxygenator thrombus, no ischemic strokes) (CI 95%, p = 0.04). The overall bleeding incidence was higher in the UFH arm (90% vs. 75%). The mortality rate was 90% in the UFH group and 58% in the bivalirudin group. The length of stay was similar between the two study arms. Conclusion: In hospitalized patients with COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on VV ECMO support, the use of bivalirudin showed to be a viable anticoagulation alternative in terms of efficacy compared to UFH and resulted in a favorable safety profile with lower rates of bleeding and thrombotic events.
Minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation an alternative to ECMO in ventricular tachycardia ablation
Authors: Condello Ignazio
Published: July 2023

Background: The advantages of mechanical assistance during ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation have not been clinically demonstrated. We propose and discuss a technique, set up by us, that makes use of minimally invasive extra-corporeal circulation (MiECC) type III associated with a venous reservoir system, which allows complete cardiac flow support and blood oxygenation as well as hemodynamic stability during long-lasting procedures. Methods: We present a retrospective case series of ten patients with valvular heart disease and unresponsive Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) who underwent VT ablation with MiECC support. The mean age of the patients was 72 ± 8 years and the left ventricular ejection fraction was 36 ± 12%. All patients underwent a clinical evaluation to identify the cause of VT unresponsiveness (e.g., ischemic heart disease). Results: A total of 140 min, the following parameters were evaluated and recorded for 140 min. Central venous pressure (CVP) was used to evaluate excess volume. During the first 5 min, the mean was 15 mmHg, with a pump flow of 1.5 L/min and a mean systemic arterial pressure of 100 mmHg while setting up the circulation support. Following drainage in a volumetric bag of 1 L of blood, CVP was reduced to a value of 5 mmHg with a flow rate of 5 L/min and a mean systemic arterial pressure of 65 mmHg. In the case of small and low-weight patients our “1 L protocol” can be modified. Conclusions: In this preliminary retrospective case series, the MiECC type III system may represent the ideal support system during VT ablation, and further studies are needed to support this preliminary report.
A new conservative treatment approach to vesicovaginal fistula cases: a case report and mini-review of the literature
Authors: Sen Selim Halime , Şengül Mustafa
Published: July 2023

Einleitung Eine vesikovaginale Fistel (VVF) ist ein anormaler Weg zwischen der Blase und der Vagina, der es ermöglicht, dass Urin kontinuierlich unbeabsichtigt in die Vagina abfließt. Die Operation ist die am häufigsten bevorzugte Methode zur Behandlung von Frauen, jedoch wird die chirurgische Option für einige Patienten aufgrund der Patientennachfrage und der Kostenanalyse nicht gewählt. Außerdem kann nach einer chirurgischen VVF-Reparatur eine Restharninkontinenz beobachtet werden. In diesem Zustand werden konservative Behandlungsmethoden versucht. Der Erfolg dieser Methoden bleibt jedoch begrenzt. In diesem Sinne ist die Notwendigkeit für ein neues Behandlungsmodell entstanden.

Fallbericht Wir haben einen neuen Ansatz getestet, einschließlich der Injektion von plättchenreichem Plasma in den Fistelgang, und es hat eine kürzere Erholungszeit von 10 Tagen bewirkt, wenn nur die Katheterisierung und die anticholinerge Anwendung berücksichtigt wurden.

Schlussfolgerung Plättchenreiches Plasma kann vesikovaginale Fisteln behandeln, es hätte die Schließzeit verkürzen können und die Erfolgsrate der Operation erhöhen können, wenn es vor der Operation angewendet wird.
Permanent Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: Helsinki Shoulder Protocol
Authors: Grahn Petra , Pöyhiä Tiina , Nietosvaara Yrjänä
Published: July 2023

Passive shoulder exercises from birth and ultrasound screening from 3 to 12 months. Botox is given to shoulder internal rotators and a bracing commenced, if alpha-angle exceeds 30°, or passive shoulder external rotation is below 70 degrees. Plexus reconstruction is recommended to children with root avulsion(s) on magnetic resonance imaging or 3-month Toronto Test Score < 3.5. Specific neurotization is recommended to children without avulsions, but lack of progress in healing. Shoulder dysplasia was diagnosed in 49% of 270 patients with permanent brachial plexus birth injury in our catchment area from 1995 to 2021. The age at detection of shoulder dysplasia dropped from mean 5.4 years in children born before 2000 to mean 3.9 months in children born after 2009. Botox was given to 57% of the patients born after 2009. Rate of shoulder relocation decreased from 28 to 7% while mean active shoulder external rotation in adduction increased from 2 to 46°.
Periostitis Ossificans: Largest Case Series with Review of Literature
Authors: Saad Ahmed , Iyengar Karthikeyan P. , Kurisunkal Vineet John , Nischal Neha , Davies A.M. , Botchu Rajesh
Published: July 2023

Background Periostitis ossificans (PO) are rare, benign ossifying surface lesions characterized by the centripetal ossification with osseous and soft-tissue edema. Their clinicoradiological appearances can easily mimic those of more sinister or infective surface lesion.

Objective This study aimed to explore the various anatomical locations and muscle attachment at the site of PO, and evaluate the role of complementary image findings in patients presenting at our tertiary orthopaedic referral center.

Patients and Methods A retrospective review of our oncology and radiology databases was undertaken to identify patients with PO reported on radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) over the past 13 years (2007–2020).

Patient demographics, sites of PO, muscle attachment at the site of PO, findings on complementary imaging, and clinical management outcome were documented.

Results We identified 38 patients with PO with a mean age of 24 years (range: 4–66 years). Muscle attachment was seen at the site of PO in the majority of cases (89%). The majority of PO were in the lower limb and commonly seen around the attachment of quadriceps. Deltoid attachment was commonly involved in the upper limb.

Conclusion Muscle attachment is commonly seen at the site of PO, which results in stripping of the periosteum resulting in soft-tissue and osseous edema and centripetal ossification.
BL-MOL-AR Project, Preliminary Results about Liquid Biopsy: Molecular Approach Experience and Research Activity in Oncological Settings
Authors: Pancrazzi Alessandro , Bloise Francesco , Moncada Alice , Perticucci Roberta , Vecchietti Stefania , Pompili Francesca , Ricciarini Francesca , Lenzi Silvia , Gatteschi Cristina , Giusti Sabrina , Rosito Maria Pia , Del Buono Sabrina , Belardi Paola , Bruni Alessandra , Borri Filippo , Campione Andrea , Laurini Lorella , Occhini Rossella , Presenti Loretta , Viticchi Viviana , Rossi Maja , Bardi Sara , D'Urso Antonio , Dei Simona , Venezia Duccio , Scala Raffaele , Bengala Carmelo , Decarli Nicola Libertà , Carnevali Andrea , Milandri Carlo , Ognibene Agostino
Published: July 2023

Background Liquid biopsy is mainly used to identify tumor cells in pulmonary neoplasms. It is more often used in research than in clinical practice. The BL-MOL-AR study aims to investigate the efficacy of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and clinical interpretation of the circulating free DNA (cfDNA) levels. This study reports the preliminary results from the first samples analyzed from patients affected by various neoplasms: lung, intestinal, mammary, gastric, biliary, and cutaneous.

Methods The Biopsia Liquida-Molecolare-Arezzo study aims to enroll cancer patients affected by various malignancies, including pulmonary, intestinal, advanced urothelial, biliary, breast, cutaneous, and gastric malignancies. Thirty-nine patients were included in this preliminary report.

At time zero, a liquid biopsy is executed, and two types of NGS panels are performed, comprising 17 genes in panel 1, which is already used in the routine tissue setting, and 52 genes in panel 2. From the 7th month after enrollment, 10 sequential liquid biopsies are performed up to the 17th month. The variant allele frequency (%) and cfDNA levels (ng/mL) are measured in every plasmatic sample.

Results The NGS results obtained by different panels are similar even though the number of mutations is more concordant for lung pathologies. There are no significant differences in the actionability levels of the identified variants. Most of the molecular profiles of liquid biopsies reflect tissue data.

Conclusions Preliminary data from this study confirm the need to clarify the limitations and potential of liquid biopsy beyond the lung setting. Overall, parameters related to cfDNA levels and variant allele frequency could provide important indications for prognosis and disease monitoring.
A miniature fiber optic ablation probe manufactured via ultrafast laser inscription and selective chemical etching
Authors: Ehrlich K. , Ross C. A. , Beck R. J. , Shephard J. D. , Thomson R. R.
Published: July 2023

Picosecond laser ablation has recently emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgical resection of early tumors, offering high precision and limited thermal damage to surrounding tissue. Potential clinical application routes include deployment through the working channels of endoscopes or needle bores, which require the delivery of ultrashort high energy pulses through flexible optical fibers with focusing optics at the distal end. The manufacture of distal end optical systems for fiber ablation is challenging, inhibiting translation toward clinical applications. Here, we present a miniature fiber-coupled ablation probe developed using ultrafast laser inscription and chemical etching, employing a hollow-core fiber for pulse delivery. Its design, fabrication, and characterization are detailed, along with a feasibility demonstration for the ablation of stainless steel and chicken tissue.