bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying Geostatistics to Understand Seismic Activity Patterns in the Northern Red Sea Boundary Zone
Authors: Moustafa Sayed S. R. , Yassien Mohamed H. , Metwaly Mohamed , Faried Ahmad M. , Elsaka Basem
Published: February 2024

A comprehensive geostatistical analysis was conducted on a dataset comprising 24,321 seismic events in the Red Sea region, spanning from 1997 to 2020. This analysis involved the creation of a new seismic activity database, incorporating data from both Egyptian and Saudi Seismic Networks. This enriched database provided a robust foundation for a detailed examination of the seismic patterns and activities in the region. Utilizing geographic information systems and various spatial analytic methods, it identifies seismic patterns and tectonic influences. The findings reveal significant seismic clustering along the Central Red Sea axis, indicative of active rifting between the Nubian and Arabian plates. The study demonstrates spatial autocorrelation in seismic activities, with high-high clusters marking zones of elevated seismicity. Kernel Density Estimator analyses highlight concentrated seismic activity in the Gulfs of Aqaba and Suez. Higher magnitude events are shown to localize in areas of greater tectonic stress, aligning with known geological features. This research provides critical insights into the seismic dynamics of the Red Sea, showcasing the effectiveness of geostatistical techniques in analyzing seismic data in tectonically active regions.
Verification of a Simplified Design Method for Timber–Concrete Composite Structures with Metal Web Timber Joists
Authors: Rogainis Agris , Serdjuks Dmitrijs , Buka-Vaivade Karina , Akishin Pavel , Sahmenko Genadijs , Briuka Elza , Lapkovskis Vjaceslavs
Published: February 2024

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of a simplified design methodology for timber–concrete composite roof and floor structures employing metal web beams, also known as posi-joisted beams, easi-joist, or open web joists, validated through both laboratory experiments and finite element (FE) method analyses. The proposed method integrates the transformed section method and the γ-method, as outlined in Annex B of EN1995-1-1 for mechanically jointed beams. The investigation focuses on roof and floor structures featuring posi-joisted beams, oriented strand board (OSB) sheets connected by screws, and a layer of concrete bonded to the OSB sheets using epoxy glue and granite chips. Two groups, each consisting of four specimens, were prepared for the laboratory experiments. Each specimen comprised two posi-joisted beams, 1390 mm long, connected by OSB/3 boards measuring 400 mm in width and 18 mm in thickness. The beams had a cross-sectional depth of 253 mm, corresponding to beams of grade PS10, with top and bottom chords made from solid timber (95 mm × 65 mm). Bracing members with cross-sections of 100 mm × 45 mm were used to join the bottom chords of the beams. A layer of self-levelling mass SakretBAM, 50 mm thick, was bonded to the OSB/3 boards using SicaDur 31 epoxy glue and granite chips (16–32 mm). The specimens underwent three-point bending tests under static loads, and FE modelling, conducted using Ansys R2 2022 software, was employed for both experimental groups. A comparative analysis of results obtained from the simplified design method, FE simulations, and experimental data revealed that the simplified method accurately predicted maximum vertical displacements of the roof fragment, including posi-joisted beams, with precision up to 11.6% and 23.10% in the presence and absence of a concrete layer, respectively. The deviation between normal stresses in the chords of the beams obtained through the simplified method and FE modelling was found to be 7.69%. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed design methodology for timber–concrete composite roofs with posi-joisted beams.
Systematic Analysis of Risks in Industry 5.0 Architecture
Authors: Hassan Muhammad Ali , Zardari Shehnila , Farooq Muhammad Umer , Alansari Marwah M. , Nagro Shimaa A.
Published: February 2024

Industry 4.0, which was proposed ten years ago to address both the industry’s strengths and faults, has finally been replaced by Industry 5.0. It seeks to put human welfare at the core of manufacturing systems, achieving societal goals beyond employment and growth to firmly provide wealth for the long-term advancement of all of humanity. The purpose of this research is to examine the risks involved in the adoption of Industry 5.0’s architecture. The paper discusses the significance of Industry 5.0 and the advanced technology needed for this industrial revolution, followed by a detailed discussion of Industry 5.0’s human-centric strategy. The comprehensive literature review has resulted in the identification of risks and their mitigation strategies in Industry 5.0 architecture. A taxonomy with respect to different categories of risks has also been proposed. This study classifies Industry 5.0 system assets, identifies platform-independent risks, and develops countermeasures to protect against potential threats, irrespective of the business or domain.
Computational Analysis for the Evaluation of Fire Resistance in Constructive Wooden Elements with Protection
Authors: Pereira Domingos , Fonseca Elza M. M. , Osório Miguel
Published: February 2024

Wood is a material whose properties vary depending on different conditions, being particularly vulnerable to changes induced by high temperatures. When exposed to a fire situation, the wood properties suffer degradation, causing a char layer formation. Despite ensuring the protection of the inner core of the wood, the char layer reduces its resistant section. The evaluation of wood behavior under fire conditions is possible through experimental tests, simplified analytical models, and numerical models. To overcome difficulties in the development of experimental tests and in the approximations made to analytical methods, numerical models allow the evaluation of the fire resistance in a parametric way. First, this study will present a numerical model validated with an experimental test, using the finite element method. The validation of the results is based on the evolution of the temperature field, the char layer formation on the wooden elements, and its residual section, as well as the application of the thermal insulation criterion. The second part of the study evaluates the influence of geometric parameters, associated with different wooden constructive models with gypsum board exposed to fire. Different numerical tests are presented to evaluate the thermal and transient analysis of different wooden constructive elements with gypsum board. This type of constructive element presents cavities, making the numerical analysis in the study complex when approaching real models. The methodology applied allowed us to conclude that, at the same time, a smaller distance between wooden centers, a greater dimension of the wooden beam in height and width, as well as a greater thickness of gypsum board guarantee a better performance of the constructive wooden model.
Adsorption of Coxsackievirus in Sediments: Influencing Factors, Kinetics, and Isotherm Modeling
Authors: Li Mengyu , Zhang Xiaoying , Su Weiheng , Cai Fangfei , Lan Tianshan , Dai Zhenxue
Published: February 2024

Drinking groundwater contamination by pathogenic viruses represents a serious risk to worldwide public health, particularly for enteric viruses, which exhibit high prevalence and occurrence during outbreaks. Understanding how enteric viruses adsorb in groundwater is essential to protecting human health and ensuring the sustainable use of water resources. The adsorption properties of Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16), a common gastrointestinal virus that spreads through groundwater, were investigated in this work. A typical batch equilibrium approach was used to investigate CA16 adsorption and factors that influence it. In a laboratory recognized nationally as a biosafety level 2 facility, stringent research protocols were followed to guarantee compliance with experimental standards. The variables that were investigated included the size of the sediment particles, the starting concentration of the virus, temperature, pH level, and humic acid content. The findings showed that the CA16 virus was more strongly attracted to finer sediment particles and that its adsorption increased as the size of the sediment particle decreased. Furthermore, it was discovered that higher temperatures improved the CA16 virus’s ability to bind to sediment particles. The pH of the aqueous environment has a significant effect on the effectiveness of virus adsorption; higher effectiveness was seen in acidic environments. Furthermore, it was found that the presence of humic acid decreased the ability of clay to adsorb CA16, suggesting that humic acid has a detrimental influence on clay’s ability to adsorb viruses. The examination of kinetic models demonstrated that, in every scenario examined, the adsorption process of CA16 adhered to the pseudo-second-order kinetics model. Additionally, the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to assess the equilibrium data that were collected in this investigation. The outcomes amply proved that the most accurate representation of the adsorption equilibrium was given by the Langmuir isotherm model. The study offered a solid scientific foundation for treating groundwater and creating plans to stop the spread of viruses.
A Multichannel-Based Deep Learning Framework for Ocean SAR Scene Classification
Authors: Bai Chengzu , Zhang Shuo , Wang Xinning , Wen Jiaqiang , Li Chong
Published: February 2024

High-resolution synthetic aperture radars (SARs) are becoming an indispensable environmental monitoring system to capture the important geophysical phenomena on the earth and sea surface. However, there is a lack of comprehensive models that can orchestrate such large-scale datasets from numerous satellite missions such as GaoFen-3 and Sentinel-1. In addition, these SAR images of different ocean scenes need to convey a variety of high-level classification features in oceanic and atmospheric phenomena. In this study, we propose a multichannel neural network (MCNN) that supports oceanic SAR scene classification for limited oceanic data samples according to multi-feature fusion, data augmentation, and multichannel feature extraction. To exploit the multichannel semantics of SAR scenes, the multi-feature fusion module effectively combines and reshapes the spatiotemporal SAR images to preserve their structural properties. This fine-grained feature augmentation policy is extended to improve the data quality so that the classification model is less vulnerable to both small- and large-scale data. The multichannel feature extraction also aggregates different oceanic features convolutionally extracted from ocean SAR scenes to improve the classification accuracy of oceanic phenomena with different scales. Through extensive experimental analysis, our MCNN framework has demonstrated a commendable classification performance, achieving an average precision rate of 96%, an average recall rate of 95%, and an average F-score of 95% across ten distinct oceanic phenomena. Notably, it surpasses two state-of-the-art classification techniques, namely, AlexNet and CMwv, by margins of 23.7% and 18.3%, respectively.
Combination Therapy of Autologous Protein Solution and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Severe Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Nakasato Shinya , Kumai Tsukasa , Mitsuoka Tomoki , Teramura Takeshi , Akagi Masao
Published: February 2024

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifaceted metabolic disorder influenced by biomechanical, inflammatory, and immune system factors. Although autologous protein solution (APS) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) have shown promise for treating mild-to-moderate knee OA, their efficacy for severe cases remains limited when administered individually. Thus, we examined the combination effects of APS and ESWT for severe knee OA. Twenty-four cases (33 knees) of Kellgren–Lawrence grade 4 knee OA with bone marrow lesions and synovitis detected via magnetic resonance imaging from December 2019 to November 2022 were included. All patients underwent an ESWT session before the APS injection. The study included 20 knees in the APS + ESWT group, which underwent an average of 4.5 ESWT sessions, and 13 in the APS-alone group. We evaluated both groups’ Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOSs) before the APS injection at 3 and 6 months. Additionally, we compared the mean KOOS changes between the APS + ESWT and APS-alone groups at 3 months (Pre-3M) and from 3 to 6 months (3–6M). Pre-3M showed no significant difference in the KOOSs between the two groups; however, there was a significant change in 3–6M (p < 0.05). Combining APS therapy with ESWT in severe knee OA was more effective and durable than APS alone.
A Case Study of Pc1 Waves Observed at the Polar Cap Associated with Proton Precipitation at Subauroral Latitudes
Authors: D’Angelo Giulia , Francia Patrizia , De Lauretis Marcello , Parmentier Alexandra , Raita Tero , Piersanti Mirko
Published: February 2024

The importance of ElectroMagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) ultra-low-frequency (ULF) waves (and their Pc1 counterparts) is connected to their critical role in triggering energetic particle precipitation from the magnetosphere to the conjugated ionosphere via pitch angle scattering. In addition, as a prominent element of the ULF zoo, EMIC/Pc1 waves can be considered a perfect tool for the remote diagnosis of the topologies and dynamic properties of near-Earth plasmas. Based on the availability of a comprehensive set of instruments, operating on the ground and in the top-side ionosphere, the present case study provides an interesting example of the evolution of EMIC propagation to both ionospheric hemispheres up to the polar cap. Specifically, we report observations of Pc1 waves detected on 30 March 2021 under low Kp, low Sym-H, and moderate AE conditions. The proposed investigation shows that high-latitude ground magnetometers in both hemispheres and the first China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES-01) at a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) detected in-synch Pc1 waves. In strict correspondence to this, energetic proton precipitation was observed at LEO with a simultaneous appearance of an isolated proton aurora at subauroral latitudes. This supports the idea of EMIC wave-induced proton precipitation contributing to energy transfer from the magnetosphere to the ionosphere.
Canna Starch Improves Intestinal Barrier Function, Inhibits Allergen Uptake, and Suppresses Anaphylactic Symptoms in Ovalbumin-Induced Food Allergy in Mice
Authors: Koida Ayaka , Tanaka Mamoru , Kosaka Rina , Okuda Shoei , Takei Shiro , Ota Suzuno , Yokoyama Sayaka , Miyake Kaho , Watanabe Hiroyuki
Published: February 2024

Edible canna rhizomes contain extremely high levels of resistant starch among cereals and potatoes. We previously showed that feeding canna rhizome starch to mice may increase intestinal barrier function and improve the intestinal environment. Here, we investigated the effects of canna starch intake in a murine food allergy model. Five-week-old female BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: Control and OVA groups fed on the control diet (AIN-93G) ad libitum and Canna and OVA-Canna groups fed on the canna diet (AIN-93G with 10% replaced with canna starch). The OVA and OVA-Canna groups were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA), and the anaphylactic response was assessed by measuring body temperature. Body temperature was significantly lower in the OVA group than in the non-sensitized group, but no decrease was observed in the OVA-Canna group. Fecal weight, fecal mucin content, and goblet cells of colorectal tissue were significantly increased in the Canna and OVA-Canna groups compared with those in the Control and OVA groups. Allergen uptake into the liver was also increased in the OVA group and decreased in the OVA-Canna group to the same level as in the non-sensitized group. These results indicate that canna starch supplementation in a murine food allergy model suppresses anaphylactic symptoms by improving the intestinal environment and reducing allergen uptake by increasing intestinal barrier function.
Plastic Zone Radius Criteria for Crack Propagation Angle Evaluated with Experimentally Obtained Displacement Fields
Authors: Díaz-Rodríguez Jorge Guillermo , Pertúz-Comas Alberto David , Bohórquez-Becerra Oscar Rodolfo , Braga Arthur Martins Barbosa , Prada-Parra Darío
Published: February 2024

The monitoring and maintenance of cracked structures are generally carried out using structural integrity assessments. The plastic zone (PZ) crack path (CP) criteria state that a crack grows in a specific direction when the radius of the plastic zone ahead of the crack tip reaches a minimum value. The PZ can be evaluated using stress intensity factors (SIFs). The SIFs under mixed-mode loading were extracted from the literature from three samples: two single edge notch tension (SENT) samples (E = 2.5 GPa, v = 0.38) made from polycarbonate and one modified compact test (C(T)) sample made from low-carbon steel (E = 200 GPa, v = 0.3). In addition, the CP angle was evaluated for the W and R criteria with experimental data, which included non-linear effects such as fatigue-induced plasticity, crack roughness, and debris. It was found that both can predict the CP for lateral cracks in both tested materials and monotonic and cyclic load when the mode mixity does not change considerably from one crack length to the next or goes beyond 0.2. Moreover, the R criterion exhibited an error as high as 1.7%, whereas the W criterion showed a 6% error on the last crack length for the low-carbon steel sample under cyclic load, which had a 100% increase in mode mixity. Finally, the applicability of LEFM was checked, while the CP was sought by finding the size of the PZ.
Application of the Guidelines for the Integration of Photovoltaics in Historic Buildings and Landscapes to Evaluate the Best Practices of the Historic Building Energy Retrofit Atlas
Authors: Di Rocco Alice Rene’ , Bottino-Leone Dario , Troi Alexandra , Herrera-Avellanosa Daniel
Published: February 2024

The challenge of transforming historic buildings and city centers into energy-self-sufficient environments requires innovative solutions. The research project “BiPV meets History” addressed this challenge by providing comprehensive guidelines for assessing the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in protected historic architectural contexts. To validate these guidelines, this study conducts a thorough examination of best practices through the mentioned guidelines, developing an application tool. Recognizing the power of well-communicated best practices in overcoming obstacles to integrated photovoltaic adoption, this tool is used to assess PV integration quality with respect to the best practice contained in the HiBERatlas database. The analysis of 17 successful refurbishment cases highlighted the robustness and reliability of the proposed methodology, considering aesthetic, technical, and energy aspects. This study emphasizes the potential of the guidelines for achieving a harmonious integration of renewable energy solutions with historic architectural heritage and landscape and improving usability through the developed tool.
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors for Urban Resilience in China: A Provincial Analysis
Authors: Zhang Beibei , Liu Yizhi , Liu Yan , Lyu Sainan
Published: February 2024

In the current era, as modern cities increasingly face environmental disasters and inherent challenges, the creation and enhancement of resilient cities have become critical. China’s urban resilience exhibits significant imbalances and inadequacies at the provincial level. This study delves into the evolution of urban resilience in various Chinese provinces, offering valuable insights for building and nurturing resilient cities. Initially, a comprehensive evaluation system for China’s urban resilience was established, incorporating 24 indicators across three key resilience aspects: resistance, adaptability, and recovery. The entropy weight method was used to develop an urban resilience evaluation model, and the Moran index and spatial cold–hot-spot analysis were applied to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of urban resilience across China’s 31 provinces from 2012 to 2021. Moreover, the geographically and temporally weighted regression model was employed to analyze the spatial distribution of factors affecting urban resilience. The results show a general upward trend in urban resilience across Chinese provinces, with notable regional differences and concentrations. A significant decrease in urban resilience is observed from southeastern coastal cities to inland regions. The regression model highlights spatial variations in the impact of different factors, with the same factor having varying effects in different provinces. This research provides a thorough understanding of the factors influencing urban resilience in China, contributing to both theoretical and practical discussions on the topic. It lays a strong scientific groundwork for the development and advancement of resilient cities in China.
Experimental Study on the Effects of Straight and Ring-Type Steel Fibres on the Bond Behaviour of Steel Bars in Rubber-Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Ma Honglong , Li Huawei , Zheng Jinhu , Wei Wei , He Shaohua , Tian Xiaopeng , Li Xiaohui , Liu Feng
Published: February 2024

The application range of rubber-recycled aggregate concrete (RRAC), a new type of green building material, is currently limited due to performance defects, including low hardness, high water absorption, and poor adhesion. To expand its application in reinforced concrete structures, it is crucial to enhance the bonding performance between RRAC and steel bars. In this study, the effects of adding straight steel fibres (SSFs) and ring-type steel fibres (RSFs) to RRAC were investigated, in order to enhance the bonding performance. To investigate the impact of steel fibres (SFs) on the bonding properties of RRAC and steel bars, a total of 51 specimens were subjected to pull-out tests to systematically examine the impact of SSF and RSF dosages on the bonding performance. The results demonstrated that incorporating the optimal amount of SSFs and RSFs can significantly improve the bond strength and bond stiffness. Moreover, the combined use of SSFs and RSFs yielded even better enhancement effects. The RRAC exhibited remarkable performance, when the total content of SFs was 1.2% and the proportion of RSFs 75%. In this case, the bond strength and bond stiffness were enhanced by 3.7% and 53.88%, respectively. Finally, a bond–slip constitutive model for RRAC and steel bar was established. The combined use of SSFs and RSFs minimizes the limitations of poor mechanical properties in traditional RRAC and holds significant value for the widespread adoption and application of RRAC.
Management of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A Narrative Review
Authors: Tsung Carolyn , Quinn Patrick L. , Ejaz Aslam
Published: February 2024

The management of resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma remains a challenge due to the high risk of recurrence. Numerous clinical trials have identified effective systemic therapies for advanced biliary tract cancer; however, fewer trials have evaluated systemic therapies in the perioperative period. The objective of this review is to summarize the current recommendations regarding the diagnosis, surgical resection, and systemic therapy for anatomically resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Our review demonstrates that surgical resection with microscopic negative margins and lymphadenectomy remains the cornerstone of treatment. High-level evidence regarding specific systemic therapies for use in resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma remains sparse, as most of the evidence is extrapolated from trials involving heterogeneous tumor populations. Targeted therapies are an evolving practice for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with most evidence coming from phase II trials. Future research is required to evaluate the use of neoadjuvant therapy for patients with resectable and borderline resectable disease.
Functional Homologous Recombination (HR) Screening Shows the Majority of BRCA1/2-Mutant Breast and Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines Are HR-Proficient
Authors: Meijer Titia G. , Martens John W. M. , Prager-van der Smissen Wendy J. C. , Verkaik Nicole S. , Beaufort Corine M. , van Herk Stanley , Robert-Finestra Teresa , Hoogenboezem Remco M. , Ruigrok-Ritstier Kirsten , Paul Maarten W. , Gribnau Joost , Bindels Eric M. J. , Kanaar Roland , Jager Agnes , van Gent Dik C. , Hollestelle Antoinette
Published: February 2024

Tumors with a pathogenic BRCA1/2 mutation are homologous recombination (HR)-deficient (HRD) and consequently sensitive to platinum-based chemotherapy and Poly-[ADP-Ribose]-Polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). We hypothesized that functional HR status better reflects real-time HR status than BRCA1/2 mutation status. Therefore, we determined the functional HR status of 53 breast cancer (BC) and 38 ovarian cancer (OC) cell lines by measuring the formation of RAD51 foci after irradiation. Discrepancies between functional HR and BRCA1/2 mutation status were investigated using exome sequencing, methylation and gene expression data from 50 HR-related genes. A pathogenic BRCA1/2 mutation was found in 10/53 (18.9%) of BC and 7/38 (18.4%) of OC cell lines. Among BRCA1/2-mutant cell lines, 14/17 (82.4%) were HR-proficient (HRP), while 1/74 (1.4%) wild-type cell lines was HRD. For most (80%) cell lines, we explained the discrepancy between functional HR and BRCA1/2 mutation status. Importantly, 12/14 (85.7%) BRCA1/2-mutant HRP cell lines were explained by mechanisms directly acting on BRCA1/2. Finally, functional HR status was strongly associated with COSMIC single base substitution signature 3, but not BRCA1/2 mutation status. Thus, the majority of BRCA1/2-mutant cell lines do not represent a suitable model for HRD. Moreover, exclusively determining BRCA1/2 mutation status may not suffice for platinum-based chemotherapy or PARPi patient selection.
Comparison of Liquid-Based Preparations with Conventional Smears in Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspirates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kang Yun Jin , Lee Hyeon Woo , Stybayeva Gulnaz , Hwang Se Hwan
Published: February 2024

Background: To compare conventional smears (CSs) and liquid-based preparations (LBPs) for diagnosing thyroid malignant or suspicious lesions. Methods: Studies in the PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane database published up to December 2023. We reviewed 17 studies, including 15,861 samples. Results: The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for CS was 23.6674. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.879, with sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of 0.8266, 0.8668, 0.8969, and 0.7841, respectively. The rate of inadequate specimens was 0.1280. For LBP, the DOR was 25.3587, with an AUC of 0.865. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were 0.8190, 0.8833, 0.8515, and 0.8562. The rate of inadequate specimens was 0.1729. For CS plus LBP, the AUC was 0.813, with a lower DOR of 9.4557 compared to individual methods. Diagnostic accuracy did not significantly differ among CS, LBP, and CS plus LBP. Subgroup analysis was used to compare ThinPrep and SurePath. The DORs were 29.1494 and 19.7734. SurePath had a significantly higher AUC. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy or proportion of inadequate smears between CS and LBP. SurePath demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy than ThinPrep. Recommendations for fine-needle aspiration cytology should consider cost, feasibility, and accuracy.
The Promise of Combination Therapies with FOXM1 Inhibitors for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Merjaneh Nawal , Hajjar Mona , Lan Ying-Wei , Kalinichenko Vladimir V. , Kalin Tanya V.
Published: February 2024

Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a transcription factor in the forkhead (FOX) family, which is required for cellular proliferation in normal and neoplastic cells. FOXM1 is highly expressed in many different cancers, and its expression is associated with a higher tumor stage and worse patient-related outcomes. Abnormally high expression of FOXM1 in cancers compared to normal tissue makes FOXM1 an attractive target for pharmacological inhibition. FOXM1-inhibiting agents and specific FOXM1-targeted small-molecule inhibitors have been developed in the lab and some of them have shown promising efficacy and safety profiles in mouse models. While the future goal is to translate FOXM1 inhibitors to clinical trials, potential synergistic drug combinations can maximize anti-tumor efficacy while minimizing off-target side effects. Hence, we discuss the rationale and efficacy of all previously studied drug combinations with FOXM1 inhibitors for cancer therapies.
Versatile Endogenous Editing of GluRIIA in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Beckers Constantin J. , Mrestani Achmed , Komma Fabian , Dannhäuser Sven
Published: February 2024

Glutamate receptors at the postsynaptic side translate neurotransmitter release from presynapses into postsynaptic excitation. They play a role in many forms of synaptic plasticity, e.g., homeostatic scaling of the receptor field, activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and the induction of presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP). The latter process has been extensively studied at Drosophila melanogaster neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). The genetic removal of the glutamate receptor subunit IIA (GluRIIA) leads to an induction of PHP at the synapse. So far, mostly imprecise knockouts of the GluRIIA gene have been utilized. Furthermore, mutated and tagged versions of GluRIIA have been examined in the past, but most of these constructs were not expressed under endogenous regulatory control or involved the mentioned imprecise GluRIIA knockouts. We performed CRISPR/Cas9-assisted gene editing at the endogenous locus of GluRIIA. This enabled the investigation of the endogenous expression pattern of GluRIIA using tagged constructs with an EGFP and an ALFA tag for super-resolution immunofluorescence imaging, including structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM). All GluRIIA constructs exhibited full functionality and PHP could be induced by philanthotoxin at control levels. By applying hierarchical clustering algorithms to analyze the dSTORM data, we detected postsynaptic receptor cluster areas of ~0.15 µm2. Consequently, our constructs are suitable for ultrastructural analyses of GluRIIA.
Combining a Drug and a Nutraceutical: A New Cocrystal of Praziquantel and Curcumin
Authors: Caro Garrido Camila , Vandooren Marie , Robeyns Koen , Debecker Damien P. , Luis Patricia , Leyssens Tom
Published: February 2024

This study explores the co-crystallization between the drug praziquantel (PZQ) and the nutraceutical curcumin (CU). The investigation revealed two novel solid forms: a cocrystal solvate with ethyl acetate and a non-solvated cocrystal. This novel drug–nutraceutical cocrystal is a praziquantel–curcumin (2:1) cocrystal. The cocrystal solvate has ethyl acetate molecules occupying the voids with minimal interactions within the crystal lattice. The application of heat treatment induces solvent removal and prompts the transition to the non-solvated cocrystal, as highlighted by variable-temperature X-ray powder diffraction (VT-XRPD). Thermal analyses demonstrate the stability of the cocrystal solvate up to approximately 100 °C, beyond which it transforms into the non-solvated phase, which eventually melts at 130 °C.
Crystal and Molecular Structures of Two Phthalocyanines, Chloro(phthalocyaninato)gallium(III) (ClGaPc) and µ-Oxobis(phthalocyaninato)gallium(III) (PcGaOGaPc)
Authors: Zugenmaier Peter
Published: February 2024

The structure of µ-oxobis(phthalocyaninato)gallium(III) (PcGaOGaPc) and the structure of a second modification of chloro(phthalocyaninato)gallium(III) (ClGaPc) has been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Sublimation of the respective compounds led to single crystals suitable for an X-ray study. Both compounds crystallize in the triclinic space group P1¯, with a unit cell for ClGaPc a = 13.770 Å, b = 13.770 Å, c = 14.039 Å, α = 98.32°, β = 108.64°, γ = 90.01°, containing four disordered molecules (Z = 4). The unit cell of the dimeric PcGaOGaPc contains one molecule, with half a molecule as an asymmetric moiety (Z = 2) and a = 7.848 Å, b = 12.529 Å, c = 12.720 Å, α = 91.03°, β = 94.94°, γ = 89.98°. The Ga atoms for the two ClGaPc molecules are placed 0.44 Å above the plane formed by the respective isoindole nitrogen N1 to N4. The two rings of the asymmetric unit (molecule 1 and 2) are arranged in parallel, with ca. 3.4 Å distance within the unit cell. The Ga-Cl bond distances are ca. 2.20 Å for the two molecules. The gallium of PcGaOGaPc is placed 0.49 Å above the respective isoindole nitrogen plane and the Ga-O bond amounts to 1.734 Å.
Artificial Intelligence in Kidney Disease: A Comprehensive Study and Directions for Future Research
Authors: Wu Chieh-Chen , Islam Md. Mohaimenul , Poly Tahmina Nasrin , Weng Yung-Ching
Published: February 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool in the field of healthcare, with an increasing number of research articles evaluating its applications in the domain of kidney disease. To comprehend the evolving landscape of AI research in kidney disease, a bibliometric analysis is essential. The purposes of this study are to systematically analyze and quantify the scientific output, research trends, and collaborative networks in the application of AI to kidney disease. This study collected AI-related articles published between 2012 and 20 November 2023 from the Web of Science. Descriptive analyses of research trends in the application of AI in kidney disease were used to determine the growth rate of publications by authors, journals, institutions, and countries. Visualization network maps of country collaborations and author-provided keyword co-occurrences were generated to show the hotspots and research trends in AI research on kidney disease. The initial search yielded 673 articles, of which 631 were included in the analyses. Our findings reveal a noteworthy exponential growth trend in the annual publications of AI applications in kidney disease. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation emerged as the leading publisher, accounting for 4.12% (26 out of 631 papers), followed by the American Journal of Transplantation at 3.01% (19/631) and Scientific Reports at 2.69% (17/631). The primary contributors were predominantly from the United States (n = 164, 25.99%), followed by China (n = 156, 24.72%) and India (n = 62, 9.83%). In terms of institutions, Mayo Clinic led with 27 contributions (4.27%), while Harvard University (n = 19, 3.01%) and Sun Yat-Sen University (n = 16, 2.53%) secured the second and third positions, respectively. This study summarized AI research trends in the field of kidney disease through statistical analysis and network visualization. The findings show that the field of AI in kidney disease is dynamic and rapidly progressing and provides valuable information for recognizing emerging patterns, technological shifts, and interdisciplinary collaborations that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this critical domain.
A Fast Algorithm for Estimating Two-Dimensional Sample Entropy Based on an Upper Confidence Bound and Monte Carlo Sampling
Authors: Zhou Zeheng , Jiang Ying , Liu Weifeng , Wu Ruifan , Li Zerong , Guan Wenchao
Published: February 2024

The two-dimensional sample entropy marks a significant advance in evaluating the regularity and predictability of images in the information domain. Unlike the direct computation of sample entropy, which incurs a time complexity of O(N2) for the series with N length, the Monte Carlo-based algorithm for computing one-dimensional sample entropy (MCSampEn) markedly reduces computational costs by minimizing the dependence on N. This paper extends MCSampEn to two dimensions, referred to as MCSampEn2D. This new approach substantially accelerates the estimation of two-dimensional sample entropy, outperforming the direct method by more than a thousand fold. Despite these advancements, MCSampEn2D encounters challenges with significant errors and slow convergence rates. To counter these issues, we have incorporated an upper confidence bound (UCB) strategy in MCSampEn2D. This strategy involves assigning varied upper confidence bounds in each Monte Carlo experiment iteration to enhance the algorithm’s speed and accuracy. Our evaluation of this enhanced approach, dubbed UCBMCSampEn2D, involved the use of medical and natural image data sets. The experiments demonstrate that UCBMCSampEn2D achieves a 40% reduction in computational time compared to MCSampEn2D. Furthermore, the errors with UCBMCSampEn2D are only 30% of those observed in MCSampEn2D, highlighting its improved accuracy and efficiency.
Culturally Relevant STEM (CReST): An Integrated Support Curriculum for High School Chemistry and World History
Authors: Ferri James K. , White Rachel Sparks
Published: February 2024

Convergence education, driven by compelling or complex socio-scientific problems, is an approach to bring cultural relevance into secondary STEM education. National trends show the need to increase the STEM workforce by leveraging educational research and innovative practices within the secondary level to increase student interest prior to graduating high school. We introduced CReST (Culturally Relevant STEM) in a US high school pilot study. Student participants included 276 Chemistry students and 19 World History I students. The study also engaged four (4) high school teachers in chemistry and social studies with the challenge of cultural heritage conservation through the lens of the (physicochemical) life cycle of mural paintings in Europe. Teachers were provided with (1) professional development; (2) a digital curriculum; and (3) modular kits for hands-on learning. The research focused qualitatively on the experiences from the teacher and students as well as quantitatively to assess whether there was an increase in student academic performance. We found a statistically significant gain with respect to Chemistry (4.0%) and World History (13.4%) content. Students and teachers responded with overwhelming positivity in individual and focus-group interviews. This amplifies the further need of convergent educational approaches in high school STEM education to enhance engagement and increase student learning.
A Weakly Supervised Hybrid Lightweight Network for Efficient Crowd Counting
Authors: Chen Yongqi , Zhao Huailin , Gao Ming , Deng Mingfang
Published: February 2024

Crowd-counting networks have become the mainstream method to deploy crowd-counting techniques on resource-constrained devices. Significant progress has been made in this field, with many outstanding lightweight models being proposed successively. However, challenges like scare-variation, global feature extraction, and fine-grained head annotation requirements still exist in relevant tasks, necessitating further improvement. In this article, we propose a weakly supervised hybrid lightweight crowd-counting network that integrates the initial layers of GhostNet as the backbone to efficiently extract local features and enrich intermediate features. The incorporation of a modified Swin-Transformer block addresses the need for effective global context information. A Pyramid Pooling Aggregation Module handles the inherent scale variation problem in crowd-counting tasks in a more computation-efficient way. This module, along with the cross-attention module, serves as bridges to promote the feature information flow between local features and global context information. Finally, a simplified regressor module is designed to allow the proposed model with weakly supervised guidance for training to avoid precise location-level annotations, noting that the omission of density map generation makes the proposed network more lightweight. Our results on the UCF-QNRF dataset indicate our model is 8.73% and 12.17% more accurate on MAE and MSE metrics, respectively, than the second-best ARNet, in which the parameters decrease by 4.52%. On the ShanghaiTech A dataset, MAE and MSE drop 1.5% and 3.2%, respectively, compared to the second-best PDDNet. The experimental results for accuracy and inference speed evaluation on some mainstream datasets validate the effective design principle of our model.
Nonlinear Dynamics in HfO2/SiO2-Based Interface Dipole Modulation Field-Effect Transistors for Synaptic Applications
Authors: Miyata Noriyuki
Published: February 2024

In the pursuit of energy-efficient spiking neural network (SNN) hardware, synaptic devices leveraging emerging memory technologies hold significant promise. This study investigates the application of the recently proposed HfO2/SiO2-based interface dipole modulation (IDM) memory for synaptic spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) learning. Firstly, through pulse measurements of IDM metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) capacitors, we demonstrate that IDM exhibits an inherently nonlinear and near-symmetric response. Secondly, we discuss the drain current response of a field-effect transistor (FET) incorporating a multi-stack IDM structure, revealing its nonlinear and asymmetric pulse response, and suggest that the degree of the asymmetry depends on the modulation current ratio. Thirdly, to emulate synaptic STDP behavior, we implement double-pulse-controlled drain current modulation of IDMFET using a simple bipolar rectangular pulse. Additionally, we propose a double-pulse-controlled synaptic depression that is valuable for optimizing STDP-based unsupervised learning. Integrating the pulse response characteristics of IDMFETs into a two-layer SNN system for synaptic weight updates, we assess training and classification performance on handwritten digits. Our results demonstrate that IDMFET-based synaptic devices can achieve classification accuracy comparable to previously reported simulation-based results.
Optimizing Seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) Thermal Pyrolysis for Environmental Sustainability: A Response Surface Methodology Approach and Analysis of Bio-Oil Properties
Authors: Rony Zahidul Islam , Rasul Mohammad Golam , Jahirul Md Islam , Hasan Mohammad Mehedi
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on optimizing the thermal pyrolysis process to maximize pyrolysis oil yield using marine biomass or seaweed. The process, conducted in a batch reactor, was optimized using response surface methodology and Box–Behnken design. Variables like temperature, residence time, and stirring speed were adjusted to maximize bio-oil yield. The optimal conditions yielded 42.94% bio-oil at 463.13 °C, with a residence time of 65.75 min and stirring speed of 9.74 rpm. The analysis showed that temperature is the most critical factor for maximizing yield. The bio-oil produced contains 11 functional groups, primarily phenol, aromatics, and alcohol. Its high viscosity and water content make it unsuitable for engines but suitable for other applications like boilers and chemical additives. It is recommended to explore the potential of refining the bio-oil to reduce its viscosity and water content, making it more suitable for broader applications, including in engine fuels. Further research could also investigate the environmental impact and economic feasibility of scaling up this process.
Unpacking Transdisciplinary Research Scenarios in Architecture and Urbanism
Authors: Salama Ashraf M. , Patil Madhavi P.
Published: February 2024

Research in architecture and urbanism is a complex undertaking. It involves a multitude of challenges, approaches, variables, diverse scales, and types of environments to examine. This entry dives into the complexities of architectural and urban research and explores the integration of diverse approaches into various research topics or domains. Recognizing the dynamic interplay of human, cultural, technological, and environmental factors in architecture and urbanism, it proposes a transdisciplinary approach to bridge existing disciplinary and methodological boundaries. This entry adopts and operationalizes a comprehensive approach that encompasses hybrid scenario development, integrated socio-spatial analysis, a revised experiential approach, and the integration of environmental psychology into architectural and urban studies. These components are envisioned to harmonize various methodologies and to depict a picture of what research in architecture and urbanism could be within an identified set of domains. This approach is grounded in a rigorous literature review, empirical evidence, and relevant validation through case studies. The application of this approach instigates a series of research scenarios which act as frameworks that provide new insights into design and practice-based research, building anatomy research, city dynamics research, housing dynamics research, and user perception studies. Each scenario demonstrates the applicability of combining theoretical insights with empirical investigations. The implications of these scenarios for architectural and urban research emphasize the significance of transdisciplinarity and highlights the importance of integrating diverse theoretical tenets and methodological insights to address the complex challenges of research in architecture and urbanism.
Multi-Year Monitoring of Asclepias syriaca L. Spread in the Deliblato Sands Protected Reserve in Serbia
Authors: Avramov Stevan , Miljković Danijela , Barišić Klisarić Nataša , Živković Uroš , Tarasjev Aleksej
Published: February 2024

The invasion of non-native plant species has a detrimental effect on native biodiversity. In a seven-year research project, we investigated the occurrence of the invasive species Asclepias syriaca L.in the Deliblato Sands protected area, located at a south-eastern part of the Pannonian Plain, and identified the factors that contribute significantly to its colonisation. The distribution of this invasive species was monitored on more than 300 km of the accessory, bordering and selected internal roads. A. syriaca occurs within the protected area but is much more widespread on accessory and bordering roads. The number of locations of A. syriaca increased every year of the study, even within the protected area, indicating a further spread of this species. A. syriaca is much more abundant on the north-eastern edge than in the south-west. The reason for this is most likely the much larger area of abandoned agricultural land in the north-east. Roads used for public transport are the main entry points for the further spread of A. syriaca. In contrast, recreational trail use does not enhance the spread in the Deliblato Sands natural reserve. This study can be used to further analyse the ecological dynamics of A. syriaca and to develop timely strategies by which to prevent or slow down its spread.