bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endophytes as Permanent or Temporal Inhabitants of Different Ecological Niches in Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Kuźniar Agnieszka , Kruczyńska Anna , Włodarczyk Kinga , Vangronsveld Jaco , Wolińska Agnieszka
Published: January 2025

Local adaptation of plants to environmental conditions is gaining attention, particularly in the context of climatic change and the microbiota that are associated with it. It should be noted that endophytes play a large role in shaping plants. These are microorganisms that reside within plant tissues without causing any apparent harm to their host. It should also be highlighted that endophytes play an essential role in ecosystems by contributing to plant health through multiple mechanisms. We suggest that endophytes affect some animals, as they are used in the ecological niche in which animals thrive. Thus, we analyzed this aspect of endophytes as persistent but impermanent inhabitants of various ecological niches. Therefore, the aim of the current review is to present the knowledge (from the last 10 years) on plant endophytes, their applicability in agriculture and endophytes affecting animals. We focused on bioproducts and biofertilizers containing endophytes, which are indirectly connected with agrobiotechnology, and the legal conditions associated with the marketing of these products, which also impact some animals, as they are used in the ecological niche in which animals thrive.
X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) Study of Layered Double Hydroxides with Different Exchangeable Anions
Authors: Kloprogge J. Theo
Published: January 2025

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) containing various exchangeable anions were studied to show how X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) can provide information on the local environments of the different elements within the interlayer anionic groups and their possible influence on the LDH interlayer hydroxide surfaces. As such, XPS can potentially provide additional information about these systems that cannot be obtained by other common spectroscopic methods, such as infrared and Raman spectroscopy. A Mg6Al2X(OH)16. 4H2O with X representing interlayer anions CO32−, PO43−, SO42−, MoO42−, CrO43−, Fe(CN)64−, and Fe(CN)63− was studied. The hydroxide layer structure is characterized by the Mg 2p and Al 2p with a binding energy of around 50.1 and 74.5 eV for the normal CO32− containing LDH. The O 1s contained three peaks related to the layer OH-groups at 531.6 eV, interlayer CO32− at 530.5 eV and interlayer water at 532.4 eV. Similar observations were made for the other interlayer anions showing characteristic P 2p, S 2p, and Mo 3d peaks. Intercalation with CrO43− shows that a significant amount of the Cr6+ has been reduced to Cr3+. Finally, the intercalation of hexacyanoferrate in hydrotalcite showed the potential of XPS in detecting changes in the oxidation state of Fe upon intercalation in the LDH with a change in the Fe 2p peaks with a shift in binding energy and the possibility of determining the amount of reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II). In general, the XPS high-resolution scans of P 2p, S 2p, Mo 3d, and Cr 2p show that slightly lower binding energies are observed compared to the binding energy values for the corresponding anionic groups as part of a rigid crystal structure, such as in minerals. Overall, the influence of the nature of the interlayer anion on the binding energy of the elements (Mg, Al, O) in the layered double hydroxide structure is minimal and considered to be within the experimental error of XPS. A detailed analysis of XPS data in combination with infrared and Raman spectroscopy shows how XPS can provide additional information that is not readily available via vibrational spectroscopy. XPS can simultaneously account for both surface and bulk properties of LDH that are not available through common vibrational spectroscopic methods.
Multi-Scenario Prediction of Dynamic Responses of the Carbon Sink Potential in Land Use/Land Cover Change in Areas with Steep Slopes
Authors: Wang Wanli , Zhang Zhen , Wang Yangyang , Ding Jing , Li Guolong , Sun Heling , Deng Chao
Published: January 2025

Terrestrial ecosystems are vital carbon sinks that can effectively restrain the rise in CO2 in the atmosphere. How ecosystem carbon storage (CS) in semi-arid watershed areas with slow urbanization is affected by comprehensive factors of the environment and land use, along with its temporal and spatial changes has still not been fully explored. Notably, there is a paucity of research on the temporal and spatial changes and development trends of CS in the rapid deformation belt of slopes from the eastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau to the Loess Plateau. Taking Bailong River Basin (BRB) as an example, this study combined GeoSOS-FLUS, the InVEST model, and localized “social–economic–nature” scenario to simulate the long-term dynamic evolution of CS. The aim was to study how topographic factors and land use change, and their interactions impact carbon sinks and gradient effects in steep-slope areas, and then find out the relationship between carbon sinks and topographic factors to explore strategies to improve regional carbon sink capacity. The results showed that the following: (1) CS in BRB increased year by year, with a total increase of 558 tons (3.19%), and showed significant spatial heterogeneity, mainly due to the conversion of woodland and arable land; (2) except for land use type, the relationship between CS and topographic gradient is inverted U-shaped, showing a complex spatial response; and (3) it is estimated that by 2050, under the arable land protection and natural development scenarios, CS will decrease by 0.07% and 0.005%, respectively, encroachment on undeveloped mountain areas, while the ecological protection scenario gives priority to protecting the carbon sinks of woodland and grassland, and CS will increase by 0.37%. This study supports the implementation of targeted ecological protection measures through topographic gradient zoning, provides a reference for policy makers in similar topographic regions to effectively manage the spatial heterogeneity of CS, and helps further strengthen global and regional climate change mitigation efforts.
RPM-ETC: A Risk Prediction Model for Elevators Based on Transformer and Self-Temporal Compression Mechanism
Authors: Yu Haoxiang , Wang Libin , Xu Weiquan , Mi Siya , Zhang Yu
Published: January 2025

Elevators play an indispensable role in modern urban life. Ensuring the safe operation of elevators is crucial due to the severe consequences of malfunctions. Traditional maintenance methods are costly and may not comprehensively capture potential faults. Leveraging deep learning technologies, this study proposes a Risk Prediction Model based on Elevator Transformer and Self-temporal Compression Mechanism (RPM-ETC). By analyzing rich operational data, the model predicts potential faults before significant issues arise. The model utilizes the Transformer architecture to effectively capture temporal relationships and employs a temporal compression mechanism to enhance prediction efficiency. Additionally, it uses Enhanced Positional Encoding to prevent the the loss of temporal information as network depth increases. Based on the obtained performance results, the model achieves an accuracy of 86.3% and a frame-per-second (FPS) rate of 388.7, accurately and rapidly predicting elevator faults. Additionally, this paper provides a comprehensive dataset for elevator operation prediction to facilitate further research.
Non-Negligible Factors Influence Tree-Ring-Based Temperature Reconstruction and Comparison over Mid-Latitude China
Authors: Zheng Zeyu , Wang Zhenqian , Zhang Yufang
Published: January 2025

Warm-season mean maximum temperature changes over mid-latitude regions have been attracting increasing attention amid the background of global warming. In this study, we present three tree-ring width chronologies: Tongbai Mountain (TBM; 1916–2014), Shimen Mountain (SMM; 1663–2014), and Xinlong (XL; 1541–2014), derived respectively from the eastern Qinling Mountains, north–central China, and the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Therein, TBM and SMM are newly developed, while XL is a reanalysis. Correlation analysis with climatic factors reveals that these three chronologies exhibit the highest correlation with the May–July mean maximum temperature. Based on these chronologies, we conducted reconstructions of the May–July mean maximum temperature. Spatial correlation analysis of each reconstruction with concurrent observed data, as well as comparisons with nearby temperature reconstructions, indicates their large-scale representativeness. However, during the common period of 1916–2014, the three chronologies show weak correlations with each other at the interannual timescale. Furthermore, the 11-year running correlation coefficients among the three reconstructions fluctuated during this common period. Additionally, fluctuations were observed between the reconstructions from SMM and XL during the overlapping period of 1668–2009, suggesting that tree-ring-based temperature reconstructions may be inconsistent when compared over mid-latitude China. These inconsistent changes can be attributed to the regional differences in the May–July mean maximum temperature change, the influence of different precipitation signals on the maximum temperature, and the El Niño–Southern Oscillations.
Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity of Precipitable Water Diurnal Variation over the Tibetan Plateau Based on a Refined 2D Water Vapor Reconstruction
Authors: Li Hongjun , Hou Zhengjun , Qin Zhuangen
Published: January 2025

Atmospheric water vapor is a critical factor influencing rainfall, snowfall, and avalanche occurrences, with its diurnal variations providing key insights into such phenomena. However, in high-altitude mountainous areas, the spatial and temporal resolution of water vapor products is insufficient to depict their diurnal variation characteristics. This study aimed to refine the understanding of diurnal Precipitable Water Vapor (PWV) variations using the ANUSPLIN to obtain a two-dimensional water vapor field with a resolution of 0.1° × 0.1° during the monsoon period from 2007 to 2015, which was verified based on ground-based GPS water vapor observations. The findings reveal that incorporating China Meteorological Forcing Data (CMFD) greatly enhances the diurnal variation patterns of PWV, resulting in the appearance of extreme values of PWV daily variation about three hours later than the MERRA reanalysis. In the southern Tibetan Plateau (TP), the diurnal variation of PWV is closer to GPS PWV in terms of amplitude and phase. Spatially, PWV variations are weaker in the central TP but stronger in other regions, particularly during the mid-monsoon period (July–August). Temporally, the central TP experiences maximum PWV from nighttime to early morning (18:00–4:00 UTC), while the surrounding southern and northern areas peak from afternoon to evening (8:00–12:00 UTC), approximately three hours earlier than precipitation peaks. Temporally, the central Tibetan Plateau experiences maximum PWV from nighttime to early morning (18:00–4:00 UTC), while the surrounding southern and northern areas peak from afternoon to evening (8:00–12:00 UTC), approximately three hours earlier than precipitation peaks.
Thermal Safety Research of Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Flame-Retardant Phase Change Materials
Authors: Zhang Jiaxin , Zhao Jiajun , Chen Yin , Chen Mingyi
Published: January 2025

Pure phase change materials (PCMs) have drawbacks such as low thermal conductivity and poor physical properties like flammability, which limit their further application in battery thermal management systems. This paper introduces an innovative flame-retardant composite phase change material (CPCM) made from paraffin, expanded graphite, chitosan (CS), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and aluminum hypophosphite (AHP). The physicochemical properties and flame-retardant performance of CPCMs with five different flame-retardant ratios of 9%, 12%, 15%, 18%, and 21% are studied, and their application effects in battery thermal safety are revealed. The results show that the combination of flame retardants CS, APP, and AHP exhibits effective synergistic effects, and the prepared CPCM exhibits good flame-retardant properties and thermal management effects. The CPCM exhibits outstanding thermal management performance when the flame-retardant content is 12%. At a maximum discharge rate of 3C, compared to natural air-cooling conditions, the maximum battery temperature and temperature difference are controlled within the safe range of 41 °C and below 5 °C, respectively. The CPCM can play an important role in the thermal safety of lithium-ion batteries.
Long-Term Forecasting of Solar Irradiation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: AlSharabi Khalil , Bin Salamah Yasser , Aljalal Majid , Abdurraqeeb Akram M. , Alturki Fahd A.
Published: January 2025

Forecasting of time series data presents some challenges because the data’s nature is complex and therefore difficult to accurately forecast. This study presents the design and development of a novel forecasting system that integrates efficient data processing techniques with advanced machine learning algorithms to improve time series forecasting across the sustainability domain. Specifically, this study focuses on solar irradiation forecasting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Efficient and accurate forecasts of solar irradiation are important for optimizing power production and its smooth integration into the utility grid. This advancement supports Saudi Arabia in Vision 2030, which aims to generate and utilize renewable energy sources to drive sustainable development. Therefore, the proposed forecasting system has been developed to the parameters characteristic of the Riyadh region environment, including high solar intensity, dust storms, and unpredictable weather conditions. After the cleaning and filtering process, the filtered dataset was pre-processed using the standardization method. Then, the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) technique has been applied to extract the features of the pre-processed data. Next, the extracted features of the solar dataset have been split into three subsets: train, test, and forecast. Finally, two different machine learning techniques have been utilized for the forecasting process: Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Gaussian Process (GP) techniques. The proposed forecasting system has been evaluated across different time horizons: one-day, five-day, ten-day, and fifteen-day ahead. Comprehensive evaluation metrics were calculated including accuracy, stability, and generalizability measures. The study outcomes present the proposed forecasting system which provides a more robust and adaptable solution for time-series long-term forecasting and complex patterns of solar irradiation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Storage and Query of Drug Knowledge Graphs Using Distributed Graph Databases: A Case Study
Authors: Han Xingjian , Tian Yu
Published: January 2025

Background: Distributed graph databases are a promising method for storing and conducting complex pathway queries on large-scale drug knowledge graphs to support drug research. However, there is a research gap in evaluating drug knowledge graphs’ storage and query performance based on distributed graph databases. This study evaluates the feasibility and performance of distributed graph databases in managing large-scale drug knowledge graphs. Methods: First, a drug knowledge graph storage and query system is designed based on the Nebula Graph database. Second, the system’s writing and query performance is evaluated. Finally, two drug repurposing benchmarks are used to provide a more extensive and reliable assessment. Results: The performance of distributed graph databases surpasses that of single-machine databases, including data writing, regular queries, constrained queries, and concurrent queries. Additionally, the advantages of distributed graph databases in writing performance become more pronounced as the data volume increases. The query performance benefits of distributed graph databases also improve with the complexity of query tasks. The drug repurposing evaluation results show that 78.54% of the pathways are consistent with currently approved drug treatments according to repoDB. Additionally, 12 potential pathways for new drug indications are found to have literature support according to DrugRepoBank. Conclusions: The proposed system is able to construct, store, and query a large graph of multisource drug knowledge and provides reliable and explainable drug–disease paths for drug repurposing.
Singlet Oxygen Energy for Enhancing Physiological Function and Athletic Performance
Authors: Hsieh Chia-Feng , Huang Chun-Ta , Chang Cheng-Chung , Hung Tun-Pin
Published: January 2025

A total of 75% of the oxygen humans inhale is exhaled without being utilized. To help organisms better utilize oxygen in exercise training, we designed the singlet oxygen energy generator (SOEG), a device that converts ambient air into energy-rich oxygen. The SOEG comprises an LED light source, a photosensitizer kit, and an air pump. Based on the principle of photosynthesis, the photosensitizer activates oxygen to produce excited-state singlet oxygen under the irradiation of light, which releases about 94 kJ/mol of singlet oxygen energy (SOE) after the relaxation process. After comparing data from 14 volunteers, we found that inhaling SOE during exercise significantly reduces energy consumption during running, decreases oxygen uptake, and improves running efficiency. At the same time, SOE effectively lowers blood lactate levels and improves oxygen utilization, indicating that SOE may enhance endurance and efficiency during exercise.
Superior Live Birth Rates, Reducing Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF), and Lowering Miscarriage Rates by Using Testicular Sperm Versus Ejaculates in Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Cycles from Couples with High SDF: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cano-Extremera Marina , Hervas Irene , Gisbert Iranzo Alma , Falquet Guillem Mar , Gil Juliá María , Navarro-Gomezlechon Ana , Pacheco-Rendón Rosa , Garrido Puchalt Nicolás
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to compare sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) levels between ejaculate and testicular sperm and evaluate clinical outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles using testicular sperm (T-ICSI) versus ejaculate sperm (E-ICSI) in males with high ejaculate SDF, prior ICSI failures, or severe male infertility. A systematic review of major databases and a subsequent meta-analysis were performed to compare clinical outcomes in men with high SDF, oligozoospermia, or prior ICSI failures undergoing T-ICSI or E-ICSI. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes analyzed included SDF levels, fertilization rate (FR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR) per embryo transfer (ET), and miscarriage rate (MR) per pregnancy. The mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR) were calculated for each outcome. Paired assessments of SDF showed significantly lower levels in testicular sperm compared to ejaculated sperm (MD = −25.42 [−31.47, −17.30], p < 0.00001). While no significant difference in FR was observed in T-ICSI cycles overall (OR = 0.94 [0.74, 1.20]), a subgroup analysis revealed significantly higher FR with E-ICSI in men with oligozoospermia and no prior ICSI failures (OR = 0.61 [0.52, 0.71], p < 0.00001). CPR was significantly higher in T-ICSI cycles (OR = 2.13 [1.35, 3.36], p < 0.001; n = 540 ET), along with a significantly lower MR (OR = 0.31 [0.14, 0.70], p = 0.004; n = 35) and increased LBR (OR = 2.40 [1.32, 4.36], p = 0.004; n = 446 ET). In conclusion, using testicular sperm in cases of elevated ejaculate SDF, oligozoospermia, or prior failed ICSI cycles enhances the selection of sperm with lower DNA damage, leading to improved pregnancy rates, reduced miscarriage rates, and higher live birth rates. However, the studies included were rated as having a moderate to serious risk of bias. Further well-designed randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings with stronger evidence.
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Provides Insight into Spatiotemporal Expression Patterns of Pivotal Genes During Critical Growth Stages in Min Pig Breed
Authors: Yu Miao , Wu Guandong , Chang Yang , Cai Jiancheng , Wang Chunan , Zhang Dongjie , Xu Chunzhu
Published: January 2025

The growth and development of animals are dynamic processes characterized by fluctuations. Min pigs, a local breed renowned for their superior meat quality, present an intriguing yet poorly understood relationship between this quality and their growth and development patterns. To elucidate this relationship, we employed a multi-faceted approach that included comparative transcriptomics, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), selection pressure analysis of key genes, and three-dimensional protein structure simulations. Our findings revealed that 150 days (150 d) of age represented a pivotal turning point in the growth and development of Min pigs. Thirteen key genes exhibiting significant differential expression between early and late growth stages were identified. Notably, the CDK2 gene demonstrated specific high expression in the hind limb muscles and adipose tissues during the later growth stages. Comparative analysis with the African warthog revealed that while the CDK2 protein structure remained conserved, base mutations in upstream and downstream non-coding regions resulted in strong positive selection pressure on the CDK2 gene. These results suggest that CDK2 plays a crucial role in defining the spatiotemporal characteristics of meat development during the domestication of Min pigs. This study provides critical insights into the growth and development patterns of domestic pigs and offers a robust scientific foundation for improving meat quality traits through domestication.
Novel BODIPY Dyes with a Meso-Benzoxadiazole Substituent: Synthesis, Photophysical Studies, and Cytotoxic Activity Under Normoxic and Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Porolnik Weronika , Karpinska Natalia , Murias Marek , Piskorz Jaroslaw , Kucinska Malgorzata
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Novel boron dipyrromethene derivatives with a heterocyclic, benzoxadiazole substituent were obtained as potential candidates for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancers. Photochemical properties (e.g., singlet oxygen generation quantum yields (ΦΔ), absorption, and emission spectra) and cytotoxic activity studies in normoxic and hypoxic conditions were performed to verify the potential of novel BODIPYs as photosensitizers for PDT. Methods: Obtained dyes were characterized using mass spectrometry and various NMR techniques. The relative method with Rose Bengal as a reference and 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran as a singlet oxygen quencher was used to determine ΦΔ values. The in vitro studies were conducted on human ovarian carcinoma (A2780) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231) cells. Results: Photochemical studies showed that the presence of benzoxadiazole moiety only slightly affected the localization of the absorption maxima but resulted in fluorescence quenching compared with meso-phenyl-substituted analogs. In addition, brominated and iodinated analogs revealed a high ability to generate singlet oxygen. Anticancer studies showed high light-induced cytotoxicity of BODIPYs containing heavy atoms with very low IC50 values in the 3.5–10.3 nM range. Further experiments revealed that both compounds also demonstrated phototoxic activity under hypoxic conditions. The most potent cytotoxic effect in these conditions was observed in the iodinated BODIPY analog with IC50 values of about 0.3 and 0.4 μM for A2780 and MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. Conclusions: The results of this study highlighted the advantages and some potential drawbacks of BODIPY compounds with heavy atoms and benzoxadiazole moiety as a useful scaffold in medicinal chemistry for designing new photosensitizers.
Urobilin Derived from Bilirubin Bioconversion Binds Albumin and May Interfere with Bilirubin Interacting with Albumin: Implications for Disease Pathology
Authors: Williams Kevin I. , Suryadevara Priyanka , Zhan Chang-Guo , Hinds Terry D. , Kipp Zachary A.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Bilirubin is a hydrophobic molecule that binds the carrier protein albumin for transport through systemic circulation. Bilirubin is cleared from the body through the liver and excreted into the intestines, where the microbiota modifies the chemical structure, forming urobilin, which can be reabsorbed into circulation by the hepatic portal vein. Urobilin has no known function. It is also unknown whether urobilin binds albumin for transport in circulation. We hypothesized that because of the likeness of their chemical structures, urobilin would also bind albumin like bilirubin does. Methods: First, we used in silico docking to predict if urobilin would bind to albumin and compared it to the bilirubin binding sites. To test this binding in vitro, we applied bilirubin’s fluorescent property, which occurs when it is bound to a protein, including albumin, and exposed to light. We also used this method to determine if urobilin could exhibit autofluorescence when protein bound. Results: We found that bilirubin was predicted to bind albumin at amino acids E208, K212, D237, and K240 through hydrogen bonds. However, urobilin was predicted to bind albumin using different hydrogen bonds at amino acids H67, K240, and E252. We found that urobilin has a fluorescent property that can be quantified when bound to albumin. We performed a concentration response for urobilin–albumin fluorescent binding and observed a direct relationship between the urobilin level and the fluorescence intensity. Conclusions: The in silico docking analysis and autofluorescence results demonstrate that urobilin binds to albumin and might compete with bilirubin. This is the first study to identify a urobilin-binding protein and the important aspects of its physiological function and transport in circulation.
Fate of External Carotid Artery Following Carotid Artery Stenting for Internal Carotid Artery near Occlusion
Authors: Łyko-Morawska Dorota , Serafin Michał , Szostek Julia , Mąka Magdalena , Kania Iga , Kuczmik Wacław
Published: January 2025

Background: The external carotid artery (ECA) plays a vital role in facial perfusion and acts as a collateral pathway for cerebral blood flow during internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. In cases of carotid near-occlusion (CNO), characterized by severe ICA stenosis with hemodynamic changes, carotid artery stenting (CAS) is rising as a potential new treatment. During CAS, the stent is deployed in ICA, covering the ECA orifice. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of CAS on ECA. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 159 patients diagnosed with CNO and treated with CAS between February 2018 and May 2023. Preoperative and postoperative ECA diameters were measured using angiography. Data on patient demographics, procedural details, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: The median preoperative ECA diameter was 4.34 mm, decreasing to 3.40 mm post-CAS (p < 0.001). ECA narrowing occurred in 76.39% of patients, while 4.17% experienced occlusion. A larger preoperative ECA diameter was predictive of narrowing (odds ratio (OR) = 1.35, p = 0.02) and protective against occlusion (OR = 0.1, p < 0.001). Weak correlations between ICA and ECA diameter changes were observed, indicating procedural influences on ECA dynamics. Conclusions: CAS for CNO significantly reduces ECA diameter, with a subset of patients developing occlusion. The preoperative ECA diameter is a key predictor of postoperative changes. These findings emphasize the need for further research on CAS-related ECA hemodynamic alterations to optimize patient outcomes and minimize complications.
Two Variants of the ANK1 Gene Associated with Hereditary Spherocytosis
Authors: Bogusławska Dżamila M. , Rybka Justyna , Koszela Paulina , Kuliczkowski Kazimierz , Sikorski Aleksander F.
Published: January 2025

Background Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is an erythrocytic membranopathy that belongs to a group of rare genetic disorders. Mutations in five genes, including ANK1, cause clinical manifestations of the disease. Identified variations in individual families provide a better understanding of the molecular basis of the disease. Methods In this study, we used two sequencing methods, whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing, analyzing gDNA and cDNA as templates, to detect and verify the variants putatively responsible for the clinical symptoms observed in a Polish family diagnosed with HS. Results We detected two variants that occur in cis in the ANK1 gene, a known missense mutation (NP_000028.3:p.V463I) and a novel frameshift mutation (NP_000028.3: p.V1626fs*64) that appears to be crucial for the probands. As shown by transcriptome studies, the mutant allele is not present at a detectable level. Conclusions We conclude that the molecular basis of this case is related to an unstable transcript of the mutant allele and that the direct cause of the HS is a deficiency of erythrocyte ankyrin leading to a disruption of the AE1-erythrocyte ankyrin-spectrin complex in the erythrocyte membrane.
Proof of Concept: Effects of an Immune-Enhancing Formula on Clinical Markers of Critical Coronavirus Disease 2019 Cases
Authors: Hou Yi-Cheng , Lin Su-Ting , Yang Chin-Hsuan , Tsai Kuo-Wang , Wu Jing-Huei , Huang Hsiang-Yu , Su Wen-Lin
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The rapid viral spread observed in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is capable of inducing the secretion of excessive inflammatory cytokines. The resulting multi-organ damage is a severe complication that can be attenuated through adequate nutrition. Formulae enhanced with either glutamine or arginine are conditionally essential amino acids that have been proven to improve the condition of hospitalized patients. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the effects of administering an immune-enhancing enteral formula enhanced with arginine and glutamine on the clinical signs and biomarkers of patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: After checking the data of 232 patients enrolled in the biobank for completeness and eligibility, 31 patients with severe COVID-19 in the intensive care unit at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital were grouped based on the type of enteral formula used: 16 patients received the control formula, and 15 patients received the immune-enhancing formula. Baseline characteristics, clinical signs, and inflammatory markers were analyzed for differences. Results: An increase in IL-10 levels in the intervention group was observed (p = 0.048). Changes in other inflammatory cytokine levels were insignificant. Conclusions: Providing an enteral formula enriched with glutamine and arginine to severe COVID-19 patients may help improve their anti-inflammatory marker levels. Further interventional study utilizing enteral formula enriched with glutamine and arginine is needed to confirm the findings of this study.
First Year to Future Career: Women’s Engagement in Technical Participation Is Associated with Long-Term Retention
Authors: Lewis Neil A. , Russell Pascual Nicole , Sekaquaptewa Denise , Meadows Lorelle A.
Published: January 2025

Societies realize the value of increasing the number of engineering and other STEM graduates, yet universities often struggle to enroll and retain STEM students, particularly women. To remedy this, many engineering programs have shifted their pedagogical approaches to include project-based learning in group settings. However, prior research on engineering teams revealed, for example, gender gaps in active participation, reflecting stereotypes of men as engineering experts and women as supporters. In the current study, we examined the long-term correlates of such gaps. Specifically, in a mixed-method study (behavioral observation, surveys, and longitudinal follow-up) we found gender differences in active technical participation during students’ first year in engineering project group presentations, such that men engaged in more active participation than women (N = 589). Longitudinal follow-ups in their final year revealed that first year technical participation was a predictor of feelings of belonging, and these feelings of belonging in turn predict retention in engineering majors and intentions to pursue graduate education in engineering. Together, these results suggest that the first year engineering team experience plays an important role in retaining students and highlight opportunities for early interventions.
Research on the Evaluation of Chinese Prefabricated Building Strategic Partners Based on Cloud Model and Improved Evidence Theory
Authors: Wang Sunmeng , Wang Chengjun , Li Wenlong
Published: January 2025

In recent years, prefabricated buildings have developed rapidly in China. Compared with traditional buildings, prefabricated buildings require higher capabilities from partners in various aspects. However, due to the early stage of development of prefabricated buildings in China, the level of various enterprises varies greatly. How to evaluate partners scientifically and objectively is a realistic problem that needs to be solved urgently. In order to achieve economies of scale and promote the sustainable development of prefabricated buildings, this study proposes a novel evaluation model for strategic partner selection based on the cloud model and improved Dempster–Shafer (D-S) evidence theory. First, using a literature review and field research method, a strategic partner selection index system is developed that can reflect the characteristics of prefabricated buildings. To address the fuzziness and randomness of the traditional membership function, the cloud model is applied to calculate the membership value between the test samples and the benchmark cloud, which is subsequently transformed into basic probability distribution in the evidence theory. Furthermore, to mitigate the paradox of evidence fusion often encountered in traditional evidence theory, this model combines both the subjective and objective weights of evidence by game theory, and the conflicting evidence is corrected and fused according to the combination weight. Additionally, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is used to further optimize the strategic partners of prefabricated buildings. Finally, the optimal order obtained from the case analysis is S1 > S2 > S4 > S3 > S5, and the evaluation results are consistent with the actual situation, which verifies the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed model in resolving the evidence conflict and selecting strategic partners. The research results have certain reference significance for optimizing the selection mechanism of prefabricated building strategic partners and guiding partners to establish long-term and stable cooperative relations.
Combined Impact of Nano-SiO2 and Superabsorbent Polymers on Early-Age Concrete Engineering Properties for Water-Related Structures
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Yang Guo , Yun Wenrong , Li Jinghao , Xie Jun , Wu Wenbo , Deng Zhixuan
Published: January 2025

High-performance concrete (HPC) is currently widely used in water-related structures. The incorporation of nano-silica (nano-SiO2, NS) can further refine its pore structure, thereby enhancing the compressive strength and durability of HPC without necessitating a reduction in the water-to-binder (w/b) ratio. However, the addition of nano-materials significantly increases the autogenous shrinkage (AS) of concrete, leading to elevated tensile stresses and making the concrete more susceptible to early-age cracking. To mitigate AS, superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) can be introduced to internally cure the concrete, thereby improving the internal relative humidity (IRH) and reducing the AS in NS-reinforced concrete. In this study, we experimentally investigate the setting behavior, pore structure, compressive strength, IRH, and AS properties of concrete with a w/b of 0.3, incorporating both NS and SAP. The results demonstrate that the addition of NS advances setting time, significantly densifies the pore structure, markedly enhances compressive strength, accelerates the decline in IRH, and increases AS strain. Conversely, the incorporation of SAP exhibits opposite effects on these properties, particularly in substantially mitigating AS strain. The combined incorporation of 1.5% NS and 0.15% (or 0.30%) SAP achieves both higher compressive strength and lower AS strain compared to plain concrete at 28 days. These findings suggest that the simultaneous introduction of NS and SAPs into concrete formulations is recommended to achieve an optimal balance between shrinkage and strength properties. Such advancements are particularly beneficial for applications in hydraulic and water-related structures, where enhanced durability and reduced cracking are critical for maintaining structural integrity and ensuring longevity.
A Deep Learning-Based Method for Measuring Apparent Disease Areas of Sling Sheaths
Authors: Du Jinsheng , Liu Haibin , Liu Yaoyang , Xu Zhiqiang , Liu Sen , Lu Shunquan
Published: January 2025

The sling sheath plays an important protective role in the sling of suspension bridges, effectively preventing accidental damage to the sling caused by wind, fatigue and other impacts. To conduct a quantitative analysis of the apparent disease of suspension bridge slings, a method for segmenting and quantifying the apparent disease of the sling sheath using deep learning and image processing was proposed. A total of 1408 disease images were obtained after image acquisition of a suspension bridge following sling replacement. MATLAB 2021a Image Labeler software was used to establish a disease dataset by manual labelling. Then, the MobileNetV2 model was trained and tested on the dataset to determine disease segmentation; additionally, an area measurement algorithm was proposed based on the images’ projection relationships. Finally, the measurement results were compared with the manually acquired crack area. The results show that the accuracy of background and sheath category pixels in the MobileNetV2 model is above 97%, indicating that the model achieves satisfactory results in these classifications. However, the accuracy of crack category pixels and the intersection over union ratio only reaches 80%, which needs to be improved by setting model correction coefficients. When measuring directly, it was found that the area measurement error of the test image mainly ranged between 8% and 30%, and the measurement error of the crack area after correction mainly ranged between −3% and 15%, indicating that the area measurement method can achieve a higher degree of measurement accuracy. The method for segmenting and quantifying the apparent disease of the sling sheath based on deep learning and image processing fills the research gap in the measurement of the surface damage area caused by apparent disease and has the advantages of high efficiency and high recognition accuracy. Reducing the maintenance costs of suspension bridge slings is crucial for promoting comprehensive intelligent detection of bridges and advancing the smart transformation of the civil engineering industry.
Research on Recycling and Utilization of Shredded Waste Mask Fibers to Prepare Sustainable Engineered Cementitious Composites
Authors: Li Yue , Yan Xinyu , Wan Man , Zhou Junyi , Liu Jun
Published: January 2025

The widespread disposal of single-use masks has led to significant environmental concerns. This study investigated the effects of incorporating shredded waste mask fibers (SWMFs) on the compressive and flexural properties of concrete. The experimental design included four fiber volume fractions, i.e., 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%, with three different sizes of mask fibers. The influences of these fibers on the load-bearing capacity, deformation behavior, and energy absorption of concrete under compression and flexure was examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the microstructure. The results show that the addition of 1% SWMFs enhances the mechanical performance, with the compressive and flexural strengths of 20.69 MPa and 6.95 MPa, respectively, for B-sized fibers. Furthermore, the incorporation of discarded mask fibers improved the toughness of the material. In the design with general strength requirements, a B-dimensional SWMFs of 1% volume can be incorporated, which can improve the bending toughness by 75% for the control group.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Decision Regret After Salvage Radical Prostatectomy for Recurrent Prostate Cancer Following Radiotherapy or Focal Therapy
Authors: Falkenbach Fabian , Hagemann Johanna , Ambrosini Francesca , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Tian Zhe , Nagaraj Yamini , Beyer Burkhard , Mandel Philipp , Preisser Felix , Tilki Derya , Maurer Tobias , Budäus Lars , Heinzer Hans , Haese Alexander , Steuber Thomas , Salomon Georg , Graefen Markus
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Radical prostatectomy (RP) may be considered for recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) following primary curative-intended local therapy. The effect of different prior therapies on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after RP is not well defined. Methods: Validated PROMs (SF-12, EPIC-26, Decision Regret Scale) were used to compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and functional status changes following salvage RP after radiotherapy (RT-sRP) or focal therapy (FT-sRP), relative to primary RP. Results: Among 26,515 RP patients who underwent RP between 2014 and 2024, 107 (0.4%) previously received radiotherapy (RT-sRP) and 98 (0.4%) previously received focal therapy (FT-sRP). Compared with primary patients before RP, only the sexual function of RT-sRP patients was lower (EPIC score, 51 vs. 75, p < 0.001). One year after RP, RT-sRP patients exhibited lower functional status in all EPIC-26 domains compared to primary RP patients, whereas FT-sRP patients did not differ significantly. For instance, the median 1 yr EPIC-26 urinary incontinence scores were 46 (RT-sRP), 86 (FT-sRP), and 92 (primary RP). In adjusted mixed model analyses, the detrimental effects of RT-sRP vs. primary RP were further validated. In contrast, no such association was observed for FT-sRP. Decision regret and severe complications were low. Conclusions: Prior FT had only a marginal effect on HRQOL and functional status following RP, while urinary continence and sexual function were lower for RT-sRP patients as compared to primary RP patients. However, from an overall PROM perspective, prior therapies did not exert a prohibitive effect that would preclude RP as a treatment option in those patients.
Comparison of PD-L1 Expression Between Preoperative Biopsy Specimens and Surgical Specimens in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sakaguchi Tadashi , Iketani Akemi , Ito Kentaro , Nishii Yoichi , Katsuta Koji , Hataji Osamu
Published: January 2025

Background: Recent advances in perioperative immunotherapies have led to a new era in the perioperative treatment of resectable, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although the choice of neoadjuvant, adjuvant or perioperative immunotherapy remains controversial, few reports have compared programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression as a biomarker between preoperative biopsy specimens and surgical specimens. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with NSCLC whose preoperative biopsy specimens and surgical specimens were tested for PD-L1 (22C3) and PD-L1 (SP263), respectively, from June 2022 to February 2024. The three categorical classifications of PD-L1 expression (negative [<1%], low [1–49%], and high [≥50%]) were compared between the two tests. Results: Of the 33 patients, 13 patients had negative PD-L1 expression, 9 patients had low PD-L1 expression and 11 patients had high PD-L1 expression with preoperative biopsy specimens, while 18 patients had negative PD-L1 expression, 10 patients had low PD-L1 expression and 5 patients had high PD-L1 expression with surgical specimens. The concordance rate for the three categorical classifications of PD-L1 expression between the preoperative biopsy specimens and surgical specimens was 57.6%. Conclusions: PD-L1 expression may differ between preoperative biopsy specimens and surgical specimens. PD-L1 expression evaluated using small biopsy specimens may be largely influenced by chance due to intra-tumoral heterogeneity.
Long-Term Safety and Survival Outcomes of [225Ac]Ac-PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) and [225Ac]Ac-/[177Lu]Lu-PSMA (TANDEM) Radioligand Therapy (PRLT) in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Perrone Elisabetta , Giordano Alessandro , Calcagni Maria Lucia , Leccisotti Lucia , Moretti Roberto , Eismant Aleksandr , Ghai Kriti , Parkar Tanay , Mishra Aditi , Heidenreich Axel , Wirtz Ralph M. , Müller Jörg , Greifenstein Lukas , Baum Richard P.
Published: January 2025

This study aims to retrospectively assess the safety of [225Ac]Ac-PSMA-PRLT, both as monotherapy and in combination (TANDEM) with Lutetium-177, concerning tolerance after the radiopharmaceutical administration and long-term safety, its impact on salivary glands’ function, overall survival (OS), and follow-up duration. Between December 2020 and September 2024, 89 patients received a total of 151 cycles of [225Ac]Ac-PSMA-PRLT. Patients with at least one follow-up (n = 71) were included in the analysis to evaluate xerostomia, as well as long-term hematological, renal, and hepatic toxicities, graded according to CTCAE v5.0. The most common adverse event after the radiopharmaceutical administration was flare pain (n = 16). As of the time of analysis, 68 patients had passed away (76.4%; range of survival 5 days to 39 months, median 7 months), while 21 patients were still alive (23.6%; follow-up duration: 1–33 months). Severe (G3/G4) long-term adverse events were rare, with 15 cases of G3 anemia (21.1%), 6 cases of G3 leukocytopenia (8.4%), and 14 cases of G3/G4 thrombocytopenia (19.7%). Hematological toxicity was primarily associated with severe bone marrow involvement or prior chemotherapy. Additionally, one case of G3 nephrotoxicity (1.4%) and six cases of G3 hepatotoxicity (8.4%) were observed. Only nine patients (12.7%) reported de novo xerostomia (G1/G2). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that [225Ac]Ac-PSMA PRLT, both as monotherapy and combined with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA as TANDEM PRLT, is generally safe in terms of both tolerance after the radiopharmaceutical administration and long-term toxicity.
Lymph Node Yield and Lymph Node Ratio for Prognosis of Long-Term Survival in Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Jannasch Olof , Schwanz Martin , Otto Ronny , Mik Michal , Lippert Hans , Mroczkowski Pawel
Published: January 2025

Background: Lymphadenectomy is a fundamental part of surgical strategy in patients with gastric cancer. Lymph node (LN) status is a key point in assessment of prognosis in gastric cancer. The LN ratio (LNR)—number of positive LNs/number of sampled LNs—offers a new approach for predicting survival. The aim of the study was to find factors affecting LN yield and the impact of LNR on 5-year survival. Methods: Prospective multicenter quality assurance study. Only LN-positive patients were included in the LNR calculations. Results: 4946 patients from 149 hospitals were enrolled. The inclusion criteria were met by 1884 patients. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (<16 LN), 456 patients and Group 2 (≥16 LN), 1428 patients. The multivariate analysis found G2 (OR 1.98; 95%CI 1.11–3.54), G3 (OR 2.15; 95%CI 1.212–3.829), UICC-stage II (OR 1.44; 95%CI 1.01–2.06) and III (OR 1.71; 95%CI 1.14–2.57), age < 70 (OR 1.818 95%CI 1.19–2.78) and female gender (OR 1.37; 95%CI 1.00–1.86) as independent factors of ≥16 LN yield. Patients with a LNR ≥ 0.4 have a lower probability of survival (p = 0.039 and <0.001) than patients with a LNR = 0.1. Patients with UICC-II have a lower probability of survival than UICC-I (p = 0.023). Age 70–80 (p = 0.045) and > 80 years (p = 0.003) were negative prognostic factors for long-term survival. Conclusion: Long-term survival is directly related to adequate lymphadenectomy. LNR could be superior to pN-stage for estimating survival and adds remarkable nuances in prognosis compared to UICC-stage. LNR also appears valid, even in the case of insufficient LN yield.